"Greetings, Sect Master!"
"Hmm, carry on with your tasks. I’m just strolling around."
"Sect Master, would you like to try so tea eggs I just cooked?"
"A few, I definitely want a few."
"Sect Master, are you here to watch our dance rehearsal? We also want to perform on Guantao Tower and make those n swoon."
"Speak properly and cut the coquetry! What kind of behavior is this in public! We are a respectable Demonic Sect! You can co to my place later to rehearse the dance."
A couple of perpetually young ladies covered their faces and giggled, then scampered away with a stomp of their feet.
Wu Wang smiled calmly and leisurely made his way toward the Treasure Hall.
Annihilation Sect’s entrance was carved into a rift valley. The flat valley floor was filled with buildings like the Scripture Hall, Technique Teaching Hall, Treasure Hall, and Elder Hall. These ’functional buildings’ were excavated into the cliffs on each side, essentially ’carving’ several large halls out of the mountain wall.
The Treasure Hall was now managed by Elder Miao. This was Wu Wang’s way of compensating her for taking her position as Sect Master, giving her control over the sect’s finances.
Climbing up the narrow mountain path to the platform in front of the Treasure Hall, Wu Wang wasn’t in a rush to enter. He leaned on the railing, looking out and enjoying the serene mood.
He could see smoke curling up from the cooking areas where children who hadn’t yet begun cultivation lived. He also saw a group of body cultivators practicing their strength in a distant clearing, and a few young demonic cultivators, recently at the Golden Core Realm, practicing the art of flying.
Truth be told, I haven’t actually tried flying with immortal cultivation thods; I’ve grown accustod to flying with Star Wings from the Praying Star Technique.
"Sect Master, why won’t you co into my place?"
Elder Miao’s languid voice ca from behind him.
Stepping out from the shadows of the hall’s entrance, the beauty swayed over with a willowy waist.
Wu Wang noticed a small detail—the wooden clogs Elder Miao wore had heels that were low at the front and high at the back. While not as exaggerated as the high heels on Blue Star, they were deliberately designed to enhance her figure when standing.
Love of beauty is common to all.
"I’ve only just arrived and wanted to take in the view of our sect," Wu Wang said slowly, tapping the wooden railing with his hand and smiling. "What is Elder Miao busy with?"
Elder Miao walked to the statue of a mythical beast beside the hall’s entrance and yawned lazily. Leaning against the base, she spoke listlessly, "I’m preparing the gifts for your visit to the Xuan Nu Sect."
"Visit the Xuan Nu Sect?"
Wu Wang then rembered that on the day he returned to the sect, the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect had sent an invitation, inviting him to their disciple-acceptance ceremony in half a year.
Elder Miao suddenly thought of sothing and chuckled. "How about we give them so of our charm cultivation techniques as gifts?"
"No, let’s not," Wu Wang hurriedly said. "The war of words between Immortals and Demons has just died down. Elder, please don’t fan the flas."
Miao Cuijiao rolled her eyes in an exaggeratedly coquettish manner and humphed, "You’re the old one!"
Wu Wang was speechless.
For safety’s sake, it’s best not to respond to such remarks, to avoid being seen as flirting.
Her charm technique was truly potent. Even with the protection of the Yan Emperor’s command, Wu Wang felt sowhat uncertain.
"I haven’t decided whether to go to the Xuan Nu Sect yet." Wu Wang patted the railing in front of him and laughed. "As a Demonic Sect’s Sect Master, if I were to visit the Xuan Nu Sect, it might attract so criticism."
"You’ll have trouble if you *don’t* go." Elder Miao’s expression was full of disdain as she scoffed, "The Xuan Nu Sect, from top to bottom, is incredibly arrogant. They’re one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects of the Human Domain; every woman there acts as if she’s adorned with iridescent phoenix feathers. If they deign to glance down at a minor Sect Master from a small sect like ours, dare we not show them respect?"
"Hahaha! Phoenix feathers!" Wu Wang asked with a laugh, "Does Elder Miao have a grudge against the Xuan Nu Sect?"
"I’ve competed with their previous Saintess a few tis," Elder Miao said with a slight purse of her lips. "A pity. She couldn’t win against in front of n, so she got married in a fit of anger. She even mocked , saying I wouldn’t be able to marry the man I love. Hmph, in every competition, I was always the one who received the most gifts."
So there’s a history of them competing for attention.
Recalling the scene of Fairy Ling and Elder Miao sitting together at the Human Emperor’s banquet, Wu Wang couldn’t help but smirk.
He asked, "Speaking of marriage, have the cultivation techniques of the Black Desire Door always been like this?"
"Hmm? Why do you suddenly ask this?" Elder Miao sighed softly.
"Ever since these techniques were developed, they have been like this; indeed, they have so rather wicked aspects. It might not be a problem for those who don’t care about their reputation. But for those who do, and who happen to fall in love with a man, it’s truly a tornt. The first ti they engage in intimacy, the man essentially sacrifices his cultivation to help her achieve great success in this charm technique. Sect Master, what do you think? If a woman practicing this technique were to et a man she loved, should she give her chastity to him, or provide him with a ’better experience’ on their wedding night, thus causing him to sacrifice his cultivation for her technique’s completion?"
Wu Wang wondered, "Is there no solution?"
"Abandon the technique," Elder Miao replied, arms folded.
"The Black Desire Door, before rging with the Lin Feng and Tian Mie factions to form a larger sect, had a period of glory. It declined swiftly precisely because its Sect Master, several Elders, and a large number of elite disciples crippled their charm techniques to start their cultivation anew.
"There’s no need to delve too deeply into the nature of this technique; it has made nurous contributions to the protection of the Human Domain.
"The technique was created for a reason. Aside from the Black Desire Door, many Demon Path texts revolve around the idea of sacrificing one party to empower another.
"I suspect there must have been a ti when the Human Domain was driven to such desperation."
So there was such an inside story... Wu Wang blinked, trying to shift to a more ’professional’ topic.
"Ah, the techniques of the Yin-Yang Hehuan Sect, could they also have arisen during that period?"
"No, they purely cultivate by plundering others for the sake of getting stronger," Elder Miao said placidly.
"True charm techniques are not about plundering. They use one’s own charm as a starting point to control the enemy’s spiritual mind or influence them into making erroneous decisions. According to records, the creator of the Dark Desire cultivation technique once caused thousands of experts from the Hundred Races to slaughter each other in a massive border conflict."
"Do experts from the Hundred Races still appear on the borders of the Human Domain?" Wu Wang frowned slightly.
"They shouldn’t during this Beast Tide," Miao Cuijiao explained. "There’s a saying that the Beast Tide is deliberately used by the Heaven Palace to deplete the Human Domain’s precious resources. For the Heaven Palace, a new batch for a Beast Tide can be cultivated every few decades with no real loss to them. Experts of the Hundred Races, however, need ti to accumulate. Let say sothing rebellious: if His Majesty the Human Emperor’s lifespan were to end and he were to fall, what rushes over from the north would likely not be a Beast Tide, but the grand armies of the Hundred Races under the Heavenly Emperor. The Heavenly Emperor’s offspring are not to be underestimated."
"I have heard of these things," Wu Wang said, smiling.
"The Heavenly Emperor, Emperor Shun, has many children. With Xihe, he fathered ten suns, and with Chang Xi, twelve moons; they are considered the parents of the sun and moon. In the Eastern Wilderness lie the nations of dium Containnt, the White Kingdom, the Black Teeth Nation, and the Nation of Presiding Shadows. All were established by Emperor Shun’s offspring, whose people possess divine skills to command beasts."
Elder Miao shrugged her fragrant shoulders. "All have t their defeat at the borders of the Human Domain."
Wu Wang stroked his chin, pondering for a mont.
He suddenly realized that the Four Seas Pavilion’s keen interest in the mineral resources of the Northern Wilderness might be a move to stockpile resources.
The current Great Wilderness could essentially be divided into three forces: the Heavenly Emperor, the Human Domain, and the neutral powers.
The Northern Wilderness, the Northwestern Region, and the Northeastern Region—the northern areas of the Great Wilderness—belonged to the neutral forces.
Central Mountain, the Western Wilderness, the Eastern Wilderness, and the Southwestern Region were under the Heavenly Emperor’s influence.
The South Wilderness was the Human Domain.
The Southeastern Region, across the sea from the Human Domain, was largely populated by the Human race and could be seen as the Human Domain’s backyard.
The war between the Heavenly God divine faction and the Human Domain had lasted far too long, and both sides were now at the point of competing for resources and stamina.
In such circumstances, the succession of the Human Emperor was precisely the opportunity the Heavenly Emperor had been waiting for.
In other words, this Beast Tide would not last long. The Heavenly Emperor’s side would continue to endure and wait, biding another thousand years. During this ti, they would keep using Beast Tides to wear down the Human Domain’s strength.
By the sa logic, Senior Shen Nong must also be planning sothing within this millennium.
If one were to speculate further, the Queen Mother of the West, who prolonged Senior Shen Nong’s life, was probably another divine faction capable of threatening the Heavenly Emperor.
Back when Senior Shen Nong took to the gates of Mount Kunlun, several Innate Gods like Lu Wu appeared. These were likely the Queen Mother of the West’s subordinates...
Ah, the world of the Innate Gods is truly complex. Wu Wang inwardly lanted.
Elder Miao asked with a smile, "Sect Master, have you ever t people from the White Kingdom?"
"I have," said Wu Wang. "Back in my hotown, I once t envoys from the White Kingdom. They had fair skin, and their hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and even nose hairs were all a pale white. It was sowhat frightening to look at."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Elder Miao squinted and smiled. "Young Master ca from the East Sea. Could the clan you hail from be located in the Eastern Wilderness?"
"The scenery here is quite nice, isn’t it?" Wu Wang calmly looked to the side, completely ignoring Elder Miao’s eye-roll.
"Did the Sect Master co to my place just to enjoy the scenery?"
"These are for you." Wu Wang took out a Treasure Sack and tossed it over.
"Inside are so treasure mines. I expect to be in seclusion for a few years. If the sect runs short on spirit stones, just use the previous thod: go and procure so from a region ten thousand li away."
Elder Miao complained, "You’re certainly acting like a carefree boss. Don’t I need to cultivate?"
"Ahahaha!" Wu Wang gave a loud laugh, casually produced an ordinary Flying Sword, wrapped it in mana, and tossed it in front of him, then leaped onto it with a flourish.
Sword Control Flight!
Faster than words could describe, Wu Wang pointed his sword-fingers forward. The Flying Sword shot forward several dozen feet with Wu Wang aboard, then perfectly slipped out from under his feet, causing him to tumble head over heels.
PSST! Elder Miao burst out laughing.
Wu Wang pressed down with both hands, his figure hovering upside down in mid-air. He made a gesture with his sword-fingers, and the Flying Sword circled back, attaching itself to his feet, enveloped in layers of mana.
He, the esteed Young Master of North Wilderness, prospective son-in-law to the Human Emperor, Sect Master of the Demonic Sect, who had faced the Evil God of the Mingshe, saved the Won’s country of the Western Wilderness, plucked the Human Emperor’s beard, and almost kissed Little Jingwei’s cheek—would he really make a spectacle of himself with a simple attempt at Sword Control Flight? Doesn’t he care about his dignity? If word of this got back to the Northern Wilderness, Xing Tian would laugh his head off!
"Go!" Wu Wang’s sword-fingers slowly pushed forward. The Flying Sword carried him, accelerating smoothly and attracting nurous astonished gazes along the way.
The Demonic Cultivators exclaid in admiration:
"Our Sect Master’s inverted Sword Control technique is truly original and awe-inspiring!"
"Such a bizarre move! Others would surely be caught off guard. Impressive, truly impressive."
Suddenly, a child’s voice whispered, "Is the Sect Master practicing bat techniques?"
Instantly, the valley fell silent.
Wu Wang calmly righted himself in mid-air. The Flying Sword, like a stone skimming across water, glided towards Ji Mo and Lin Qi’s residence.
It was unclear who laughed first, but soon joyous laughter echoed from all corners of the valley.
Wu Wang was fuming. Believe it or not, he could take a Treasure Sword forged from the core of star ore and fly around the sect for a whole day and a night!
"Ji Mo! Lin Qi! Ti for drinks! Let’s discuss whether or not to go to the Xuan Nu Sect in half a year!"
The Sect Master’s mood was clearly sowhat irritable.
「...」
Regarding whether to observe the Xuan Nu Sect’s disciple recruitnt ceremony, Ji Mo and Lin Qi had completely opposite views.
Ji Mo clung to Wu Wang’s arm and refused to let go, insisting that Wu Wang must take him along, saying that his lifelong prospects might be settled in half a year.
Lin Qi, however, said, "Teacher, regarding the Xuan Nu Sect, it doesn’t matter whether we go or not, as long as the gifts arrive. Forgive my overstepping, but our cultivation levels are all too low. We would be better off focusing on our training."
"True," Wu Wang raised an eyebrow at Lin Qi. "You have a point. If I’m not in the mood when the ti cos, I’ll send Ji Mo to represent our Annihilation Sect with full authority."
Ji Mo imdiately puffed out his chest, looking at his storage magic treasure. "Then I’ll start thinking about what clothes to wear."
Lin Qi shook his head and said respectfully, "Teacher, I shall continue my seclusion. I’ve had many insights recently, likely benefits gained from withstanding the Mingshe, that Evil God. I should be able to forge my Foundation of Immortality within one or two years."
"Good." Wu Wang wasn’t sure why that word popped into his head, but he continued, "More cultivation is always good. Keep up the hard work!"
Lin Qi nodded solemnly and drained the wine cup before him. "Disciple, I take my leave!"
With that, he rose and walked to the adjacent pavilion to ditate in seclusion.
Ji Mo and Wu Wang exchanged glances. The forr frowned slightly and transmitted his voice, "Sigh, Brother Wuwang, the more familiar I beco with Lin Qi, the less I know how I should treat his father in the future."
Wu Wang glared at Ji Mo. "Are you two planning to spend your lives together? Already considering eting the parents?"
"What parents? That’s a matter for the Won’s country!" Ji Mo scratched his head and sighed. "Anyway, the definite news I received is that the death-sworn warrior was sent by the Lin Family. Lin Qi doesn’t seem like the type to co up with such a plan. It doesn’t offend our Ji Family too much, yet it prevents from smoothly passing the Human Emperor’s trial in the Four Seas Pavilion. General Lin Nuhao... he’s hidden himself quite deeply."
"If you’re friends with Lin Qi, why care about his father?" Wu Wang stretched lazily. "I’m going back to cultivate. If you plan to go out, rember to register it at the Elder Hall. It’s best not to wander around."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Brother Wuwang, Sect Master, I’ve made inquiries!" Ji Mo, his face full of pride, said, "Because of the Black Desire Door’s unique cultivation technique, the male cultivators from our Annihilation Sect and the nearby sects don’t dare approach their won. So, in the nearby market towns, the brothels are flourishing! Hahahaha! I’ve co to the right place!"
Wu Wang nodded indifferently, walked out of the pavilion, stretched lazily, and suddenly shouted, "A few Immortals, co and confiscate Young Master Ji’s storage magic treasure! Keep it in the Elder Hall. It is not to be returned to him without my permission."
No sooner had Wu Wang’s voice faded than several dark figures flew over from afar, the first among them being the ever-eager-to-please Yang Wudi.
Ji Mo’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He was about to rush out and argue with Wu Wang but was forcefully pushed back by Yang Wudi.
Several True Immortal Realm demonic cultivators cackled wickedly, pressing forward step by step, cutting off Ji Mo’s paths of advance and retreat.
Ji Mo shouted in outrage, "Brother Wuwang! Sect Master!
"Sect Master, you can’t do this to , Sect Master!
"I’ve made contributions to the sect! I’ve shed blood for the sect! I even acted coquettishly with the old seniors for the sect! Going to the brothels and not paying is against the rules, Sect Master!
"Sect Master! No—"
That mournful cry sent shivers down the spines of the experts from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion residing nearby.
「And so, not quite half a year later, but rely half a day later.」
Floating Jade City. The Annihilation Sect’s magic treasure shop was bustling with custors, its business thriving.
Elder Wang, dressed in a shopkeeper’s attire, was attending to guests in the high-class VIP area.
Suddenly, a noisy commotion erupted outside. More than ten shopkeepers from businesses on the sa street had gathered in front of the Annihilation Sect’s magic treasure shop, clamoring loudly.
Elder Wang apologized to his guests, then went out to greet them with a smile. "What brings my fellow cultivators here today?"
"Shopkeeper Wang, a child claiming to be an expert from the Annihilation Sect just took a lot of elixirs from our shops and told us to co to you to settle the bill."
"Sa here! That child’s cultivation was actually quite high, estimated to be at the True Immortal Realm. I didn’t suspect anything and gave him seven or eight magic treasures. Now that I think about it, sothing feels off."
"That’s right, that’s right, the sa thing happened to ."
Elder Wang’s forehead was covered in question marks. He turned to two mortals standing nearby, puzzled. "And you two are?"
"I’m from the stead bun shop two streets over. The cost of two stears of buns, if you please..."
"And , for over ten sugar figurines! We run small businesses, and tis haven’t been good lately."
Just as Elder Wang was about to ask for more details, a ruckus suddenly erupted from the Guantao Tower across the street.
CRASH! CRASH! Several attendants hired in Floating Jade City were sent flying out of a broken wooden window, landing heavily on the ground. Fortunately, they all had so cultivation and were not seriously injured.
Following them ca a distinctly childish shout, "We’re about to start working for your Annihilation Sect soon, so what’s wrong with eating a bit of your food? Bring out all your best dishes!"
"HUMPH!" Elder Wang was instantly furious. His figure shot into the sky and directly through the broken window.
"Let see who dares to be so bold! My Annihilation Sect isn’t a place you can just enter as you wish! You! Ah... It turns out to be a senior of the Heavenly Immortal Realm. My apologies for the disrespect, Senior. I am sowhat puzzled as to why you would make such a statent. Do you intend to join our Annihilation Sect?"
The crowd on the street stared, their eyes wide.
No wonder the Annihilation Sect’s shop did so well; the shopkeeper’s ability to change his tune was truly unparalleled.
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