CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53 LOVE SEPARATED BY MOUNTAINS AND SEAS

On the sandy beach, in a wooden hut, two figures were surrounded by books—one buried his head in books, the other made calculations with his fingers.

From time to time, the old man and the young man would occasionally huddle together and whisper:

"The Queen Mother of the West oversees the Dao of Punishment and Disasters, which has nothing to do with the soul."

"In the Heaven Palace, the Head Manager oversees the lifespans of all spirits and the fate of living beings, while the Young Master oversees lineage and heirs. It’s useless to capture them, and since they are the confidants of Emperor Shun, we must topple the Heaven Palace before taking action against them."

"There is a witch god named Nu Chou, with a great crab whose back was said to span a thousand miles. It guided the lost souls of the Four Seas into its shell."

"This was an evil god who had previously wrought havoc in the Human Domain. The so-called Divine Kingdom he built was no paradise; it was merely a means to gather believers for his own amusement."

"Senior, there’s a Ghost Country near the Northern Wilderness..."

"The Ghost Country isn’t a nation of souls. It’s the name of an ancient kingdom, its people closely related by blood to the Deep Eye Tribe of your Northern Wilderness..."

So on and so forth, in this manner and that.

After spending several days in the wooden hut, at Wu Wang’s suggestion, Shen Nong decided to recruit more helpers to utilize the rich collection of books in the Human Domain.

The Great Wilderness was too vast; even the Human Emperor, despite his vast experience and knowledge, wouldn’t dare claim omniscience.

Just as the Shennong Family was about to use his old trick of summoning the Divine Thoughts of his ministers, Wu Wang suddenly spoke up, "Senior, there’s a favor I wish to ask of you."

"Oh?"

Shen Nong looked at Wu Wang and said indifferently, "Just speak directly. Our bond is like that of a grandfather and grandson; why stand on ceremony?"

Wu Wang: ...

Trying to elevate Jingwei’s status is pointless.

"Senior," Wu Wang began with a sigh, his expression somewhat troubled, "Have you not noticed anything unusual about my body?"

"Oh?"

Shen Nong then scrutinized Wu Wang, his gaze gradually sharpening. Stroking his beard with a smile, he said:

"I only noticed your aura had changed slightly before. Remembering you possess the Praying Star Technique, I didn’t observe closely. Wu Wang, have you awakened some kind of bloodline? Why is there a trace of a Star God’s Divine Power within you? This Divine Power is quite pure. If your ancestors were indeed descendants of a Star God, I’d wager not many generations have passed, or perhaps you had some fortuitous encounter that purified this power?"

Wu Wang managed a strained smile but didn’t conceal the truth. He succinctly recounted what had happened after he ingested the Spirit Fruit.

The Spirit Fruit was hard to digest and threatened to overwhelm him. He resolutely tried to comprehend the Star Dao, hoping to advance to the Golden Core Realm and consume the Spiritual Power. However, he accidentally triggered a prohibition set by the Star God and was nearly destroyed by their divine law. His mother then helped him awaken the Star God’s bloodline.

Because his mother had warned him not to mention the Star God’s original Essence Blood, Wu Wang had made a simple modification. He was, in effect, admitting he was a descendant of the Star God.

After pondering for a while, the Shennong Family said, "For you, this is a blessing that could be a curse, and a curse that could be a blessing. The two are intertwined."

"What do you mean?"

"It depends on whether the Star God is awake," the Shennong Family explained. "Power obtained through Divine Power or bloodline will inevitably be influenced by the source of that Divine Power or bloodline. Now that you have awakened the Star God’s bloodline, you are equivalent to a Demigod. A mere thought from the Star God could bring you under her control."

Wu Wang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

That’s not a problem then.

His mother had openly extracted the Star God’s Essence Blood, so he didn’t need to worry about these things.

Wu Wang feigned a sorrowful expression and lamented, "Alas, my mother mentioned the Star God is likely... alas!"

Shen Nong couldn’t help but laugh lightly, stroking his beard, an unspoken understanding between them.

"Is that the matter you wanted to entrust to me?" Shen Nong asked warmly.

Wu Wang shook his head, directly unfastened his clothes, removed his robe, and then, using his Mana, erected two layers of Barriers.

Shen Nong said, "All this secrecy, what kind of demeanor is that?"

"It’s just embarrassing if she sees."

Thus, Shen Nong opened over a dozen barriers.

Wu Wang took a light breath. All over his body, more than a dozen spots of light shone brightly, specks of starlight converging out of thin air as the power of the Stars circulated through his meridians.

With a low growl that seemed to hover between reality and illusion, half his body became covered in golden scales.

Shen Nong’s eyes lit up. He moved closer, circling Wu Wang twice before taking out a small hammer and tapping on Wu Wang’s arms and legs, making crisp sounds.

"What sturdy scales; these are likely as tough as the primary scales of a Ten-Thousand-Year Ferocious Beast," he remarked.

Then, Shen Nong grabbed Wu Wang’s arm with one hand, seemingly squeezing it gently, and asked softly, "Do you feel that?"

"No... HISS! It hurts, it hurts! My apologies, Senior, I was wrong!"

Shen Nong shook his head and said, "Quite a bit of show, but not very practical. It’s probably because your own strength is too weak, though it should be enough to block the blades of an Immortal."

After speaking, Shen Nong wore a gentle smile and whispered, "Might you gift this old one a few scales?"

"Senior, what do you intend to do with them?" asked Wu Wang.

"To study if they can be used in medicine."

Wu Wang: ...

Moments later, Wu Wang silently retracted his transformation, lay down on the bed, and hugged himself quietly, a trace of tears in the corners of his eyes.

Shen Nong carefully studied those golden scales, occasionally commenting, "The purity is not bad," or "The hardness is very high," while grinding them into powder to analyze their structure, and then making an entry in his Hundred Herbs Scripture.

"By the way, Wu Wang, what was the matter you entrusted me with?" he inquired.

Wu Wang sighed wearily, "Senior... please spread a rumor in the Human Domain that a Golden Dragon will appear, a sign of auspiciousness... This way, if my transformation is exposed while I’m adventuring in the Human Domain, I’ll at least have a plausible explanation and a chance to survive."

"That’s a small matter," said Shen Nong, stroking his beard with a chuckle. "But don’t you dare use this as cover for any wrongdoing."

"I have a strange illness; I cannot touch other women."

"Indeed," Shen Nong’s smile grew wider. He stored away the powder of the golden scales and said warmly, "I’ll go outside and make sure to mention your request prominently when I talk to them."

As he left, he muttered to himself, something along the lines of, "Truly excellent... that Innate God who cast the curse certainly devised a peculiar curse method. Truly excellent."

Wu Wang covered himself with an exquisite beast hide.

The memory of Senior Shen Nong effortlessly plucking off his scales—scales he believed were as tough as those of a Ten-Thousand-Year Ferocious Beast—flashed through his mind...

Truly... it made him cry in pain.

「...」

Before the day came to meet Jingwei again, a definite reply had already arrived from the Human Domain.

An ancient scroll recorded that, in order to resurrect the deceased Emperor Suiren, Human race experts once secretly scoured the Great Wilderness and found three places in heaven and earth beneficial to the souls of the departed.

Unfortunately, Emperor Suiren ultimately sacrificed himself to ensure the Dao of Fire remained with the Human race, his own soul burning away completely in the process.

Among these three secret places, one was called the ’Netherworld Gate.’ It was a battlefield remaining from an ancient divine war, originally an incomplete treasure left behind by an ancient powerhouse. If this treasure could be activated, it could grant a departed soul another lifetime in the mortal realm.

When Wu Wang heard this news, he immediately used the necklace to ask his mother, who gave a similar account.

New problems ensued.

The first was how to activate such a treasure. If, after all the trouble, one reached the Netherworld Gate but didn’t have the means to open it, wouldn’t it be a wasted effort?

Second, the entrance to that ancient battlefield was somewhat perilous...

"The land where the sun sets—Yu Yuan."

Shennong Family’s expression turned slightly serious. After uttering these words, he fell into contemplation.

Wu Wang, of course, knew what the senior was worried about.

Yu Yuan, the extreme west of the Great Wilderness.

Every day, Goddess Xihe drove her chariot, carrying a sun. It rose from Tang Valley in the east, and she controlled the chariot’s speed to ensure it reached Yu Yuan punctually, where the sun would sink.

As for how Xihe returned to Tang Valley, one account claims she traveled from the backside of the Great Wilderness. Another suggests she drove her chariot through the starry sky, allowing the sun, which had shone all day, to rest.

"Xihe’s strength should not be underestimated, and she is also the wife of Emperor Shun," the Shennong Family lamented. "Furthermore, Yu Yuan’s gate only opens at sunset, making it quite difficult to avoid alarming Xihe."

Wu Wang said, "If it’s in the name of a Star God..."

"You must not intervene in this matter," the Shennong Family’s gaze held a trace of severity. "Later, when my daughter and I depart, you must go to the Human Domain immediately. No matter what methods you use, you must hide. Until you possess the strength to confront Innate Gods, do not draw their attention. Exercise restraint in all matters; remember, a little impatience can ruin great plans."

Wu Wang smiled and said, "Why has Senior suddenly become so concerned about me?"

"Haven’t you realized the path you’re currently on?"

The Shennong Family gazed at Wu Wang with an indescribable seriousness, compelling Wu Wang to shed his playful smile.

The old senior spoke slowly, "Do not recklessly seek danger, nor should you attract the attention of the Ten Evils Hall too soon. I previously told you to uproot the Ten Evils Hall, but there’s no need to dwell on that anymore. Go to the Human Domain, find an Immortal Sect, hide your identity, and cultivate peacefully."

Wu Wang was somewhat confused, simply assuming that Senior Shen Nong was protecting his prospective son-in-law.

It was within reason.

As he spoke, Shen Nong pointed a finger at Wu Wang. The Yan Emperor’s command medallion at Wu Wang’s Spirit Platform trembled lightly, its fiery glow becoming transparent.

In that instant, the aura around Wu Wang became neutral and tranquil, faint and ethereal.

"This should conceal your unique characteristics."

The Shennong Family said warmly, "I don’t wish to say more; further words would not benefit you. You must remember..."

"Senior, I wish to help in some way."

"Don’t forget that you are also the Young Master of the Northern Wilderness clan."

"But..."

"Rest assured."

The Shennong Family patted Wu Wang, speaking earnestly, "You can’t help much right now; you’re too weak. Just wait for news in the Human Domain."

Wu Wang forced an awkward smile.

Those words were both unsettling and irrefutable to him.

This old senior was clearly taking his revenge!

The Shennong Family said, "After this is done, I won’t seek you out deliberately. I will simply spread word in the Human Domain of my return from the Far Western Land. Upon hearing this news, you can wait in peace. I will handle the subsequent arrangements for her. It will also be an opportunity to make amends for my failings as a father."

"But..."

"Go and be with her," the Shennong Family said slowly. "It’s best not to delay this matter. I will go and discuss it with her, and if she agrees, I will take her away."

Wu Wang hurriedly said, "Wasn’t it said that her obsession is in the East Sea, and therefore she can’t leave the East Sea?"

"I have my ways," the Shennong Family took out a jade box from his sleeve and produced an Elixir. "This can house and nourish her soul within the Spirit Pill, granting us several months."

Several months.

Wu Wang felt a sense of melancholic loss, yet knew that his presence would indeed be a hindrance, so he nodded in agreement.

"I’ll adjust my state before I see her."

"Good."

With a wave of his wooden staff, the Shennong Family’s figure flashed, reappearing beneath the Divine Wood.

Wu Wang set up two layers of Barriers, changed into fresh clothes, smoothed his somewhat disheveled long hair, patted his cheeks, and forced a cheerful, lighthearted smile.

This departure was for a better reunion in the future after all.

Jingwei, in her current state, was merely a remnant soul, not truly alive. Though she never openly expressed it, Wu Wang had more than once seen the desolation and sorrow that flickered in her eyes when she was lost in thought.

What could he do?

’Before we meet again, I must overcome my strange illness! I’ll fall in love properly, live under the same roof, and share the same grave!’

「An hour later.」

The Shennong Family called Wu Wang over. Jingwei stood under the Divine Wood looking at Wu Wang, her eyes brimming with reluctance to part, yet she was still smiling.

"Father is going to take me to find a way to live another life..."

Wu Wang smiled and said, "It must be wonderful to have a father who’s a top expert in the Great Wilderness watching over you."

"Yeah," Jingwei replied softly, her gaze drifting to the side as she whispered, "Actually, I don’t really want to continue living."

Wu Wang was taken aback.

She continued speaking in a low voice, as if discussing something trivial.

"For a long, long time—I can’t recall exactly how long—I’ve just been flying about in a daze. It would have been better if I could have remained in that stupor, but to preserve my consciousness, I’d awaken periodically. I was trapped within this small grand array... Waking up was always agonizing. Every single time."

Nearby, beneath the tree, the Shennong Family’s face was ashen, his head bowed in silence.

Wu Wang looked at Jingwei’s trembling shoulders and asked quietly, "Then why did you...?"

"Because Father doesn’t want to see me die, and I don’t want to make him too sad."

Jingwei sighed softly. "Father has devoted his life to the Human Domain, and in the end, I’m the only kin he has left. If I also left, how lonely would he be? With that thought, I somehow managed to endure."

The Shennong Family lowered his eyes, tears streaming down his aged face.

Jingwei said, "But it won’t be like that in the future."

She raised her head, locking her eyes on Wu Wang, the brightness in her eyes growing clearer.

"Having met you, I find life so interesting. If I can come back to life, I will definitely find you, seek you out. Then we could see each other every day, no more waiting thirty-six days. Then..."

"I’ll wait for you."

Wu Wang smiled and said, "I will definitely wait for you."

"Father said the Netherworld Gate will allow me to live again in the Great Wilderness, but it’s uncertain where I’ll be reborn... I’m afraid..."

"Afraid of what? We will definitely meet," Wu Wang said firmly. "If I can’t find you, I’ll keep looking until I do."

Jingwei shook her head gently, tears glistening in her eyes, yet she covered her mouth and laughed, nodding vigorously.

Nearby, the Shennong Family took out the Elixir. A misty sphere materialized above it, slowly rotating like a gateway.

Jingwei took two steps back, her gaze lingering on Wu Wang, full of reluctance to part.

Wu Wang squinted, smiling, and gave a small wave. Jingwei nodded emphatically, bowed slightly to Wu Wang, then turned and walked towards the sphere enveloped in multicolored light.

She paused, turned to look at Wu Wang, and said softly,

"Thank you, Wu Wang. Thank you for being with me these years..."

Wu Wang smiled and took two steps forward, then stopped. He wanted to keep smiling as they parted for now. But as her figure dissolved into motes of light that gradually merged into the sphere, his composure broke, and he cried out:

"Wait for me! I will definitely find you!

Over mountains and seas, I will find you!

I’ll introduce you to my friends! I’ll take you to meet my parents!

Wherever you reincarnate, wait for me there!"

Wait for me...

The sphere slowly retracted into the Elixir. Shen Nong had already placed the Elixir into a jade box, swiftly sealing it with several strands of Immortal Light.

Wu Wang felt his strength leave him, and he collapsed beneath the Divine Tree, not even noticing when the Shennong Family led him out of the grand array.