After Yang Wudi was taken away from the Fourth Main Hall, he was brought to a hideout of the Ten Calamities Palace. Wu Wang, who had been tense, finally relaxed a little.

At least he managed to temporarily save Yang Wudi.

He heard:

"The Chief Elder has ordered that Yang Wudi will begin cultivating here today! He must not leave this cave even half a step, nor should he be mistreated."

"Yes!"

Following that was a chaotic sound of footsteps.

Yang Wudi secretly opened his eyes and glanced at the barrier that lit up at the entrance of the cave. He continued to pretend to be unconscious and focused on his inner self, communicating with his spiritual consciousness:

"Master, what should I do next? Why did Qiong Qi attack us directly?"

"Don't worry, everything is fine now. From now on, you should not get involved in the matters of the Ten Calamities Palace."

Wu Wang said:

"I have already determined the approximate location of the Fourth Main Hall. Now that you have caught Qiong Qi's attention, I will arrange for someone to rescue you from here as soon as possible. Don't do anything as an undercover agent anymore.

How much credit is enough?"

"Thank you, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Wudi's mind calmed down. His spiritual consciousness patted his chest and smiled, saying, "Just an Evil God, should I be afraid of him?"

"Hmm?"

"Well, he is a bit scary..."

Yang Wudi took a few breaths nervously.

Wu Wang's mouth twitched slightly, and he calmly said, "Do you know why Qiong Qi retreated so easily? Do you really think I scared him away?"

"No... isn't that the case?"

"Not at all."

Wu Wang said, "This kind of Evil God is the most cunning. He calculates value and risk. I only gave him a little threat, and in his eyes, you are obviously not worth taking on this small risk. That's why he directly kicked you out of the Ten Calamities Palace."

Yang Wudi's spiritual consciousness covered his chest silently, as if a small sword had pierced through it, making him feel a chill.

Wu Wang wondered, "It's strange. Your Dao Heart has no flaws. Normally, a True Immortal cultivator can resist the invasion of Qiong Qi's divine soul for several hours without any problem. After all, it's just a strand of Qiong Qi's divine soul, which doesn't have much power.

But you... you only had a moment to react!"

"Well... hehe... it's because of my body cultivation..."

Puchi! The second sword pierced through Yang Wudi's spiritual consciousness.

"Ah!"

Wu Wang sighed again:

"In this way, I have worked hard to have the entire Human Realm hunt you down, but it was a waste of manpower and resources. The undercover line has been completely cut off, and every move you make will be closely monitored by Qiong Qi. Maybe Qiong Qi will come back later to chat with you just to step on more boats. That's when the real trouble will come."

Yang Wudi's spiritual consciousness trembled, and one after another, small flying swords pierced through it.

"Master! I have shed blood for you, Master! What does it mean for the entire Human Realm to hunt me down?"

"Well, it's just a small strategy. Don't worry."

Wu Wang said, "If Qiong Qi comes to find you, I will help you deal with it. Just stay here and strengthen your Dao Heart."

Yang Wudi's spiritual consciousness hung its head dejectedly, "I will obey your orders, Master. I will not sacrifice the greater good for personal gain..."

"Well, you've worked hard."

Wu Wang laughed twice, and the gray aura disappeared.

Yang Wudi's spiritual consciousness let out a long sigh of relief and collapsed into a big character in the divine palace. He felt surrounded by a vast expanse of whiteness, as if his physical strength had been exhausted, leaving him feeling empty.

...

"Who is that god?"

In the Great Wasteland's Southwest Region, in the Qiong Qi's cave.

Qiong Qi, who had transformed into a middle-aged man, paced back and forth by the pool, his fierce face filled with contemplation.

Encountering such a strange incident, Qiong Qi had to be cautious.

The divine palace of that Yang Wudi unexpectedly contained the remnants of a Primordial God; that aura, that fluctuation of the Great Dao, undoubtedly belonged to an ancient god of the Great Wasteland.

Which ancient god who had survived until today was easy to provoke?

In the previous divine war, Qiong Qi was just a formidable beast. If he had gotten involved, he would have only served as a mount for powerful gods.

If it weren't for the rise of the Human Realm and the Heavenly Palace's interest in his abilities, he wouldn't have been promoted to a god.

"The Dao rhyme of that ancient god cannot be wrong. Although the aura is not strong, it must be just a strand of his consciousness."

Those two sentences seemed to remind him, the leader of the Evil Gods, but in reality, they were warning him not to meddle too much in the Heavenly Palace.

The Heavenly Palace...

Qiong Qi felt a slight conflict in his heart.

[Perhaps, that is the remnant soul of a reviving ancient god.

If I capture it and bring it to the Heavenly Palace, I should be able to gain many benefits.

If I do a favor for the other party, maybe I can have a way out in the future when there is a change of gods?

This time, when I went to the Heavenly Palace, I could sense that many gods there were uneasy.

It's a pity that I can't do anything to those incompetent minor gods. Otherwise, capturing a few beautiful goddesses with low abilities to serve me would be a wonderful thing.]

Thinking of such matters, a cold smile appeared on Qiong Qi's lips.

As for that human male... There were plenty of high-quality puppets everywhere, and Qiong Qi didn't feel the slightest regret. They were not worth taking any risks for.

But this ancient god...

"Father!"

Suddenly hearing this call, Qiong Qi stopped pacing, swung his robe, and returned to sitting cross-legged on the stone bed, focusing his attention on the female Heavenly Immortal named Qiong Qi.

The old lady from the Hua Mansion knelt in front of the female Heavenly Immortal Qiong Qi and whispered, "Yang Wudi has been properly arranged, and more than ten experts have been sent to guard him."

Qiong Qi said, "Very well, give him some benefits, let him enjoy fine wine and beautiful women. I will need him later."

"Yes, Father, you can rest assured."

"Are the sacrifices ready?"

"They are ready, Father. You can use them anytime."

Qiong Qi nodded in satisfaction, and a strange smile appeared on the face of the female Heavenly Immortal's body.After a while, in an underground hall wrapped in layers of formations, hundreds of figures were constantly crying and roaring in the blood pool, but their bodies were rapidly dissolving in the blood pool.

Strands of gray mist floated out of the blood pool and merged into the bead in front of the Heavenly Immortal Qiong Qi.

In a short while, dozens of cultivators flew over the blood pool, and hundreds of mortals were thrown down. Their bodies were dissolved in the blood pool, refining strands of gray aura.

This cycle continued endlessly.

The sound of miserable screams of living beings lasted for several days and nights.

...

Ji Mo was recuperating in the Renhuang Pavilion.

In a loft on the edge of a cliff, Wu Wang was surrounded by seven or eight figures, standing beside several maps and discussing continuously.

Because the matter being discussed was confidential, everyone here was someone Wu Wang could trust. There were Lin Suqing, Mu Daxian, the Great Elder, Celestial Sword Taoist, Ling Xiaolan, and two Transcendent realm experts from the Renhuang Pavilion.

The Great Elder said in a deep voice, "Master, this range is still too large. It is quite difficult to find the deliberately hidden underground entrance in an area of thousands of miles."

Wu Wang said, "What about the Qiankun Dao?"

The Great Elder said, "If the other party has experts proficient in Qiankun techniques, it is not difficult to conceal the anomalies of Qiankun."

Celestial Sword Taoist said, "If we want to besiege with a strong force, we would need to mobilize too many immortal soldiers. It is also impossible to tightly surround such a large area."

Ling Xiaolan said, "Then, what about their teleportation formations?"

The Great Elder shook his head, "During teleportation, if one side of the teleportation formation is destroyed, even a Transcendent realm expert would be seriously injured."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment and asked, "What if we find the outer teleportation formations and determine the location of the main formation based on the arrangement and structure of the formations?"

"You probably haven't studied formations in detail."

Celestial Sword Taoist smiled and said, "This idea is good, but because each cultivator has different habits in arranging formations, it is difficult for others to identify these information."

The Great Elder also said, "Master, this is indeed quite difficult."

"Since that's the case," Wu Wang stretched lazily, "let's analyze one place at a time. In these vast mountains and wilds, we need to find suspicious places that may be as small as a well."

"Master, you should rest," Celestial Sword Taoist looked at Wu Wang's tired face, "We can handle these matters."

Wu Wang waved his hand, "If we encounter a strong enemy, I still need you to fight. Looking at maps is not too tiring... Suqing, go prepare some refreshments for everyone."

Lin Suqing agreed and floated out of the warm pavilion. Mu Daxian hurriedly followed, apparently not wanting to do such boring work.

In a short while, the warm pavilion was filled with maps. Wu Wang and Celestial Sword Taoist walked around with pen in hand, discussing continuously which areas might hide the main formation.

Because he 'understood' the Yunjing technique, every time Wu Wang and the others determined a suspicious place, the Great Elder carefully examined it with the Yunjing mirror.

Ling Xiaolan stood by and listened and watched, gradually unable to interject.

Wu Wang's thoughts jumped quickly, and only Celestial Sword Taoist, who used the fast sword technique of Transcendent realm, could barely keep up.

After a while, the two Transcendent realm experts went to a corner to meditate, their eyes full of emotion as they looked at Wu Wang.

After a while, the Great Elder supported his forehead with one hand and sat aside to rest.

Celestial Sword Taoist and Wu Wang held teapots and discussed in front of the dozen or so maps that had just been delivered.

Ling Xiaolan and Lin Suqing came over to deliver tea. They left the warm pavilion together and let out a sigh of relief.

This Renhuang Pavilion branch was built on a steep mountain peak, and the warm pavilion where Wu Wang lived was the best place with a view. Outside the railing was a rolling sea of clouds.

If it was a cloudless sunny day, looking down from here, one could see rivers like silver ribbons and villages dotted with greenery.

At this moment, it was a misty night, with faint stars above and a hazy earth below. The lights in the various halls of the pavilion were bright, creating a unique scenery.

Lin Suqing stopped in front of the railing, put away the tray in her hand, and turned to look at Ling Xiaolan, smiling, "Are you tired too, Fairy?"

"I wanted to help Brother Wu Wang."

Ling Xiaolan's eyes couldn't help but show a hint of disappointment as she said softly, "But now I realize that my best skill is just fighting, and I'm only an ordinary Elemental Immortal."

"You don't have to call me Fairy, let's just call each other friends."

As she spoke, Ling Xiaolan had already walked to the front of the railing and turned to look inside the hall.

Unlike Lin Suqing, who leaned against the white jade railing with a somewhat lazy posture, Ling Xiaolan stood straight in front of the railing. Her skirt did not touch the ground, and her feet did not touch the wooden floor. The proud figure she usually hid was inadvertently revealed.

Lin Suqing first turned her head slightly, then couldn't help but take a few more glances, and then looked down at her own toes, silently straightening her chest.

Hmph, let's see who is more open-minded!

Ling Xiaolan gazed at Wu Wang's figure, her almond eyes shining with a faint light, just silently watching.

Lin Suqing struggled for a while and asked softly, "Fairy, can you reshape your immortal body in a partial range after becoming an Immortal?"

"Hmm?"

Ling Xiaolan blinked her eyes and said softly, "No, unless it is severely injured, one would choose to reshape the immortal body. Otherwise, it would have a significant impact on cultivation. To step into the Transcendent realm, one needs the simultaneous sublimation of essence, energy, and spirit. Reshaping the immortal body would inevitably deplete the source."

"Transcendent realm..."

Lin Suqing's gaze became somewhat vacant, and her soft body swayed like seaweed. "It's already good enough for me to become an Immortal."

Ling Xiaolan said, "Actually, your aptitude is already excellent, so there's no need to be so discouraged."

Lin Suqing pursed her lips, sighed softly, and then smiled, "I'm just happy to become an Immortal."

"I actually don't have much confidence in cultivation, and I'm not as good as you and Young Master. I have the top talent and comprehension in the Human Realm.

To be honest, I don't dare to think about these things usually. The realm of cultivation determines lifespan. How long can I accompany Young Master?"

Ling Xiaolan asked, "Why do you call him Young Master instead of Young..."

"I'm afraid of being associated with Young Master's identity."

"This way of addressing also adds a lot of fireworks."

Ling Xiaolan withdrew her gaze from Wu Wang and turned to look at the clouds and mist outside the mountain. She said softly, "Have you heard the story of Emperor Yan and Senior Tingyao?"

"Of course I have," Lin Suqing laughed, "It's a famous story in our Human Realm."

"Senior Tingyao is an ancestor of our Mysterious Female Sect."

Ling Xiaolan said, "My master once said that Senior Tingyao's biggest regret before his death was not being able to accompany Emperor Yan to the end.

You see, even Emperor Yan and Senior Tingyao couldn't solve such a difficult problem. Why should we worry?"

Lin Suqing turned around and leaned on the railing, smiling, "That's true..."

"So."

Ling Xiaolan looked at the equally outstanding woman and continued:

"Matters of cultivation and matters of companionship cannot be mixed together.

Companions can accompany each other for a while, there's no need to insist on going to the end.

If you can't accompany him throughout his life, there will be regrets in your heart; if he accompanies you through your life, there will only be nostalgia in his heart.

As long as we're together, that's enough. Why think too much about the future?"

As Ling Xiaolan said these words, her whole person shimmered with brightness.

Lin Suqing covered her mouth and laughed lightly, her laughter blending into the evening breeze and drifting into the hall.

She said, "Does the Mysterious Female Sect have any techniques that teach people how to get along with their companions?"

"We don't have techniques, but our elders will teach us these things."

Ling Xiaolan's eyes sparkled with starlight as she said softly,

"My master always told me to be a woman who dares to love and hate. Companions are hard to find, and a good partner is hard to come by. Even if an immortal's life is long, most of the time is spent in solitary cultivation."

"Then, Fairy," Lin Suqing asked, "what do you think companions seek?"

"It depends on the person."

Ling Xiaolan said, "Frivolous wanderers seek pleasure for a night, lonely and desolate individuals seek someone to accompany them, male cultivators value appearance, and female cultivators value talent and beauty."

Lin Suqing's face showed a sudden realization, and she casually asked, "What does Fairy think of our Young Master?"

"Of course, I see him..."

Ling Xiaolan's words abruptly stopped, and she turned to look at Lin Suqing. Her pretty face quickly turned red, and a blush spread across her neck. She scolded, "Why are you twisting my words! I don't have such thoughts about Brother Wu Wang!"

"Hehe, Fairy is also being hypocritical."

"How is this being hypocritical? I haven't experienced many hardships with Brother Wu Wang yet, how could there be... there be... You, Spiritual Tranquility, are really teasing this Elemental Immortal!"

"We're just chatting... Hahaha, don't come over!"

Lin Suqing laughed and frolicked, radiant like spring flowers.

Ling Xiaolan became more and more annoyed, extending her gloved hand and using her immortal power to create a few itchy scratches.

Seeing this, Lin Suqing quickly begged for mercy and dodged to the side. The two of them played around on the mountain path.

The beautiful scenery attracted countless curious gazes.

Inside the hall, Wu Wang's expression was a bit strange as he turned his head to look at the empty door.

Celestial Sword Taoist exclaimed, "They get along harmoniously."

"Brother, don't say that," Wu Wang said seriously, "I and Fairy Ling Xiaolan don't have anything."

Celestial Sword Taoist chuckled and deliberately teased, "Don't have anything... What is it? Hahaha, hahahaha!

Wu Wang, you are so outstanding, it's normal for people to like you. Don't let yourself be blinded by other distractions; Fairy Ling Xiaolan has a well-known reputation, you should cherish her."

Wu Wang:...

Brother, aren't you afraid of offending Emperor Yan?

"Let's focus on the task at hand."

Wu Wang called out and continued to discuss with Celestial Sword Taoist on the map. The Great Elder perked up, waiting for the next 'Mirror of Clouds Detection' point.

They were busy like this for three whole days, but they gained nothing.

Wu Wang and Celestial Sword Taoist both had tired expressions as they sat on the doorstep in front of the warm hall, feeling a bit frustrated.

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Celestial Sword Taoist slapped his thigh, "This Daoist will use sword qi to sweep through the entire area!"

Wu Wang said, "If there's movement here, then they must have escaped over there. We must strike with a fatal blow... If the Chief Elder of the Fourth Main Hall can be like the Second Elder and come out for a stroll, that would be great."

Celestial Sword Taoist asked, "By the way, how is Yang Wudi doing?"

"He's fine."

Wu Wang wrapped his divine sense around the treasure qi and glanced at Yang Wudi's location. He couldn't help but frown and purse his lips. In an instant, he retracted his divine sense, turned his head, and spat.

Celestial Sword Taoist asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

"Don't worry about him. Three women have moved into such a small cave and they're drinking and gambling together! They don't even have many clothes!"

Wu Wang cursed, "Once this matter is resolved, I will definitely settle this account with him!"

"Hahaha, there are benefits to having an insider?"

Celestial Sword Taoist laughed, "What should we do next?"

"We should arrange as many experts as possible in the outer circle of this area, but don't search immediately."

Wu Wang stood up and said seriously,

"The Sun Breaking Sect should be ready by now. Their life and death battle with the Heavenly Fire Sect is the place where we will directly confront Qiong Qi. Be prepared for the worst.

We will set off in the next few days and go together with Brother Ji and the others."

"What is the worst case scenario..."

"A chaotic battle between immortals and demons."Wu Wang folded his arms behind his back, gazing at the morning glow on the horizon, "In the Human Realm, any death or injury is our loss."

"Indeed," the Celestial Sword Taoist glanced at the mountain path beside him, patted the hem of his Taoist robe and stood up, "I'm going to muster the troops. Sect Master, you must be able to keep these sects in check on this trip."

Just as Wu Wang was about to advise him not to be too extravagant, the Celestial Sword Taoist's figure flashed and disappeared.

Not far away, Ling Xiaolan lightly tapped her toes, her long hair and skirt fluttering as she held a jade flute and floated in front of Wu Wang.

"Brother Wu Wang, I just heard something."

"What is it?"

"In the southwestern border of the Human Realm, over a hundred villages and hamlets were deserted overnight. The Ren Emperor Pavilion is investigating the cause."

Ling Xiaolan's eyes were filled with a hint of unease as she whispered:

"I always feel that this matter is somewhat... ominous."

"Over a hundred villages and hamlets? On the border?"

Wu Wang pondered for a moment, "Could it be that they were abducted... Let the Ren Emperor Pavilion investigate this matter."

"Mm," Ling Xiaolan bit her lower lip and added, "Don't take to heart the words I joked with Su Qing a few days ago."

Wu Wang folded his arms behind his back, looked at Ling Xiaolan, and laughed, "The you in my memory wouldn't let romantic feelings occupy too much of your energy. You're always valiant and your sword is sharp."

Ling Xiaolan sighed, "I'm afraid you might misunderstand. If you have such feelings, I don't know how to respond at this moment. I'm afraid of being too hasty, and I'm also afraid of... missing out..."

"Don't worry, I won't."

Let go!

Ling Xiaolan's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "I always feel that this sentence is somewhat hurtful."

"It's mainly because I don't allow myself," Wu Wang looked left and right, then at Ling Xiaolan. After thinking it over in his heart, he decided to tell Fairy Ling about this matter.

He wasn't afraid of anything else, just afraid of holding her back.

"Come, follow me into the house."

"Eh?" Ling Xiaolan was genuinely stunned.