"Xiaodeng—"

"Dengdeng, why did you leave like this!"

Inside the cave.

Several figures surrounded the stool, gazing at the miniature bed on the stool, where Xiaodeng, now with white hair, lay.

Xiaodeng had aged rapidly within half a year, as if a small black hole had appeared in her body, silently swallowing her once vibrant life force.

Now, all medicine and elixirs were ineffective.

A blue bird landed by the small window, its beak holding a palm-sized thin blanket, tucking Xiaodeng in.

Lin Suqing was very considerate, bringing a brazier and yellow paper, and feeling nervous as she picked up her notes from her early days of cultivation, reading aloud:

"The sky is high and endless, the earth is vast and full of life. Today, with heavy hearts..."

Wu Wang quietly watched Xiaodeng, feeling a deep sense of understanding in his heart.

The cycle of life, silently.

The lifespan of mortals is far inferior to that of immortals, but even immortals have their limits.

With folded hands, Wu Wang thought of the recent rebellion in the Lin family. Suddenly, he wondered, what could Lin Quhao do, even with all his scheming?

Even if Lin Qi was forcibly placed on the throne of the emperor, after countless years, wouldn't it all be like the endless desert of passing time?

"The Sleep God is right."

"The one who set the question."

Dongfang Mumu muttered softly, "Is there no way to save her? Is it unfair for her to have only a few years of life?"

"I don't know the specifics of a living being's lifespan."

Wu Wang said solemnly:

"This is the lifespan limit set by the Deputy Deity of Lifespan, and it is also part of the order of the heavens and earth.

If it were easily changed, how could the Deputy Deity of Lifespan enjoy such glory now?"

"Can't we make a withered tree bloom again?"

The Sleep God's eyes were full of hope as he whispered:

"I know it's not right to force it, but Xiaodeng and Suqing are my friends, oh, and the blue bird, and the big-eared one, of course, you too, and the master, and the little god of the big crab...

But, can the one who set the question let Xiaodeng live a few more years?"

"Alas."

Wu Wang sighed and squatted down, staring at the little figure in front of him.

He raised his sword finger and pointed it at Xiaodeng, sending strands of clear air into her body. However, the clear air quickly overflowed from Xiaodeng's nostrils and could not stay.

When the oil is exhausted, the lamp will naturally die out.

Wu Wang was forcibly appointed as the Spring God, and he was well aware of the limitations of this divine position.

It cannot be used on living creatures, otherwise, it will suffer a backlash from the divine position.

This backlash is quite severe.

After careful consideration, Wu Wang realized that not only would his weak divine power be sealed for some time, but he would also lose merit, be warned by the Heavenly Palace, and even face heavenly punishment in serious cases...

"Hmm?"

Wu Wang suddenly came to his senses.

He was not a genuine god of the Heavenly Palace, so why should he be afraid?

If an elderly human were in front of him, it might require a lot of divine power.

But the little guy in front of him was just a few pounds?

"Everyone, step back."

Wu Wang suddenly spoke and sat down on the ground.

Ling Xiaolan, Leyao, and Ji Mo looked on from behind, while the Great Elder, Yang Wudi, and others also curiously probed the area with their divine senses.

The Lord of the Sect muttered to himself and formed a seal with his hands, adding several layers of protection to himself.

Wu Wang suddenly opened his eyes, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes, scaring the already "aged" Xiaodeng almost breathless...

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Reaching out his right hand, Wu Wang said in a calm voice:

"The four seasons change, and winter meets spring, all things revive, and the spirit begins to move."

A faint green divine light surged from his palm, enveloping Xiaodeng, and lifted her small figure from the stool, suspending her in the air.

Xiaodeng's gray and withered hair quickly turned jet black, and her wrinkled face gradually became rosy and smooth.

The people around continued to whisper in amazement, and Dongfang Mumu's mouth opened wide, as if he wanted to swallow the blue bird next to him.

After a while.

Wu Wang retracted his palm, and behind the floating Xiaodeng, two colorful thin wings fluttered rapidly.

"Thank you, Lord God."

"Xiaodeng!"

The Sleep God cheered and pounced forward, repeatedly calling out "the one who set the question," making Wu Wang smile.

Boom—

The sound of thunder outside the door suddenly rang out.

Wu Wang frowned slightly and said to Hissing Snake, "Go and disperse the thunderclouds."

Hissing Snake obediently disappeared from sight.

In the next moment, thunder exploded in the sky, and the dark clouds scattered, as Hissing Snake's cold snort echoed for miles.

A gray aura appeared inexplicably around Wu Wang's body.

This gray aura was about to enter his body, but the necklace on his chest glowed faintly, and the gray aura turned into a ring of dust, falling to the ground at Wu Wang's feet.

Is this the punishment from the Heavenly Palace?

Is that all?

Wu Wang muttered a word of praise to his powerful mother in his heart, then raised his hand to gather the dust and carefully pondered it on his fingertips.

"Master," Hissing Snake appeared by his side and bowed, "the connection between the thunder pool and this place has been closed, and the divine power of the heavenly punishment is very weak."

"Well, after all, I only saved Xiaodeng."

Wu Wang nodded calmly, and the faint ripple emitted from the dust on his fingertips piqued his interest.

The Great Elder asked, "Master, what is this?""The heavenly punishment descended by the Great Dao of Order," Wu Wang spoke slowly, "is a punishment for my abuse of divine authority, which I have intercepted."

Everyone was suddenly...

Although they did not understand what had happened, they all felt it was quite impressive.

Wu Wang suddenly spoke up, "You all chat first, I'm going to meditate and comprehend for a while. Call me if there's an emergency."

Ling Xiaolan asked, "Shouldn't we make some gesture towards the Lin family?"

"Fairies are ultimately too naive about human hearts."

Wu Wang said with a smile:

"The best thing we can do now is nothing. The more we do, the more mistakes we make, and it's easy to give others something to exploit.

There are plenty of experts in the Human Realm, and we don't have the power to turn the tide, so there's no need to worry too much."

Everyone pondered and nodded in agreement.

Wu Wang gathered all the dust into his hand and took out a cloth bag, carefully packing it away.

He glanced at the small lamp and suddenly said, "Senior, would you like to come over and ponder together? It seems there is also surging divine power within you."

"Chirp!"

The azure bird agreed with a chirp, circling around Wu Wang but not daring to land on his shoulder.

He found an inner cave and sealed it with a barrier.

Wu Wang did not say much, divided the dust in half, placed it in front of the azure bird, and then began to meditate with closed eyes.

His mind returned to the divine mansion, to the Great Dao of the stars, faintly connecting with the body of the Star God.

Gradually, the dust laid out in front of him began to emit more complex fluctuations;

These fluctuations seemed to condense into strands of silk, the silk weaving into a net, these nets clinging to the heavens and earth.

The Great Dao of Order;

Heavenly punishment;

The backlash of abusing divine authority...

A painting about the principles of heaven and earth, obscured by the order named Emperor Di Shun; and now, Wu Wang, with the help of this faint candlelight, lifted a corner of the fog.

...

Wu Wang had indeed gone into seclusion.

At this moment, most of the people gathered here were somewhat astonished.

Xing Tian muttered, "Could it be that brother Wu doesn't take Lin Qi too seriously? This is making me worry for nothing."

Ji Mo retorted, "If brother Wu didn't care about brother Lin, why would he have braved the dragon's den and tiger's lair in the southeast region?"

Ling Xiaolan, who had been pondering Wu Wang's previous words about 'human hearts,' thought carefully for a while and spoke slowly:

"The closer the relationship, the more we must avoid suspicion now.

The Human Realm has already revealed many flaws, but because our emperor has successfully extended his lifespan and set the ambition for a northern expedition in a thousand years, these flaws have been temporarily suppressed.

Lin Nuhao's defection from the Human Realm is not only a substantial blow, but it may also stir up the unusual feelings in the hearts of various forces.

This is the most troublesome part."

Ji Mo nodded slowly, "Is brother Wu afraid that someone will point the finger at him?"

"But this," Lin Suqing was somewhat puzzled, "is the Human Realm so complicated?

Not to mention that our young master has no interest in the throne of the Human Emperor, which has been stated many times, just consider the merits our young master has made since coming to the Human Realm. Even if we really consider the candidates for the Human Emperor, there is nothing wrong with it.

Where is the unfairness in this?"

"Ah," Yang Wudi laughed, the bald strong man muttered, "If they really pursued fairness, why would those people from the big forces cling together so tightly?

What they want is not fairness at all."

Everyone fell silent.

Ling Xiaolan suddenly pursed her lips.

She suddenly realized why Wu Wang wanted to go into seclusion and why he had called Jing Wei alone.

'Is it because he doesn't want her to be exposed to these twists and turns?'

Following that, Ling Xiaolan sighed softly in her heart but did not think further.

Half a day later.

The Celestial Sword Taoist hurried back, his head previously clouded by anger, now calm.

His expression was somewhat ugly as he arrived at the destroyed sect to look for Wu Wang, but he breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Wu Wang had gone into seclusion.

The Great Elder and the Celestial Sword were somewhat acquainted, and the former came forward to talk with the latter.

"Fellow Daoist, what has happened?"

The Celestial Sword sighed, "Nothing much, just got scolded by my master, saying that at my age, I still can't keep my composure."

"Why is that?"

The Great Elder did not understand, and the people gathered here also surrounded the Celestial Sword Taoist, looking at him with concern.

The Celestial Sword sighed, sat on a wooden chair, and slightly tilted his head back.

He said, "I thought that as long as I comprehended the true meaning of the sword, one day I could break through the Heavenly Palace with a single sword, cross thousands of miles of rivers and mountains with my comrades from the Human Realm, and rescue the hundreds of races enslaved by the innate gods.

I even felt that although there are many chaotic human hearts in the Human Realm, they would suppress their private desires in the face of righteousness.

I never expected that in the end, it was just wishful thinking on my part."

Ji Mo asked, "Senior, what exactly happened?"

"Lin Nuhao defected from the Human Realm and allied with the Heavenly Palace, seeking to become the new Human Emperor of the Human Realm."

The Celestial Sword said, "Inside the Renhuang Pavilion, there was actually a group of respected elders who proposed to temporarily confine Wu Wang, claiming that Wu Wang's close ties with the Lin family meant that restricting him temporarily was for his own good.

At that time, my Dao heart was agitated, and I argued with them, but in the end, I was driven out.

The title of the successor to the Pavilion Master, I suppose, is also lost, but that doesn't matter.

What right do they have!

Ah—

How can they slander so freely, and how can they harbor such filthy thoughts against a young human who can stand tall and unyielding even before the Deputy Deity of Lifespan?

I really can't understand, I just can't."Sitting by the window, the Mysterious Elder spoke indifferently, "The summit is the seat of the Human Emperor. It's natural for the sect leader, who climbed the highest, to become the target of all. There's nothing hard to understand about that."

The Great Elder's figure was slightly desolate as he sighed, "When did our Human Realm start having so much scheming and infighting, especially when we have such a formidable enemy at our gates!"

"There's no need to worry about these," the Celestial Sword Taoist spoke softly, "All parties are ready, from border defenses to the frontal assault, plans have been laid out. They intend to exclude Wu Wang this time."

Ling Xiaolan suddenly said, "I will return to my sect."

"The fairy must not!"

Ji Mo quickly intervened, blocking Ling Xiaolan's path, and said, "Although the Mysterious Female Sect has extraordinary influence in the Human Realm, it's not suitable for them to intervene in this matter; moreover, you and Brother Wu Wang are now confidants and fellow Daoists. It would be difficult for the Mysterious Female Sect to stand up for Brother Wu Wang."

"His connection with the Mysterious Female Sect isn't just through me... Never mind. Brother Wu Wang would probably dislike us making decisions on his behalf."

Ling Xiaolan quickly regained her composure, returned to her seat, took a handkerchief, and began to meticulously wipe the armrest, saying no more.

It was only now that Xing Tian came back to his senses, stood up with a whoosh, and walked over to the Celestial Sword Taoist.

"Senior, are you saying that the Human Realm now looks down on my brother Xiong Ba?"

"Not looked down upon," the Celestial Sword Taoist said, "It's just that a small faction harbors some fear towards Brother Wu Wang."

"That's still okay."

Xing Tian nodded, crossed his arms, and pondered for a while before saying, "I think no matter what, the Human Realm shouldn't complicate matters too much. If my brother Xiong Ba wants the Human Emperor's seat, no one can outcompete him, his merits are clear for all to see. If my brother Xiong Ba doesn't want the Human Emperor's seat, and those people still fear him vying for it, resulting in schemes and traps, then I will have to have a word with them. What, do they think we from the North Wilderness can't mix in the Human Realm? Or do they think the men of the North Wilderness are all weaklings?"

Everyone naturally spoke up one after another, urging Xing Tian not to get angry.

The Celestial Sword Taoist perked up and assured them that there would be no further issues, then folded back to the main hall of Renhuang Pavilion.

Thus, more than ten hours passed.

News kept coming in; the Ji family, the Mysterious Female Sect, and the Alliance of Refining Masters all sent information from the northwest to this place.

Renhuang Pavilion dispatched an official to reprimand Lin Nuhao and gave him another chance to reform; Lin Nuhao sent the official away and, in front of many experts from the Human Realm, mixed a private army with a large group of Heavenly Palace divine guards, pulling open the defense line.

The condition of those Lin family private soldiers was somewhat off, with black light entwining most of their bodies, clearly under mind control.

News from inside the Lin family indicated that many experts from several martial families detained by the Lin family were being aggressively attacked by Poverty-stricken in their minds. Once they also fell, the Lin family's momentum would further increase.

As the sun rose and set, hour by hour passed.

The two major camps in the Great Wasteland, the Human Realm and the Heavenly Palace, had amassed heavy troops in the northwest direction of the Human Realm.

A large number of experts rushed to the area, and the Heavenly Palace even released the 'ancient clan powerhouses' who had not appeared before.

Within the Heavenly Palace, the great paths were continuously awakening.

Those innate Sky Gods who were originally sealed outside were also summoned back into the Heavenly Palace.

The Deputy Deity of Lifespan was in high spirits, his laughter echoing throughout the Heavenly Palace.

For the battle to establish the Heavenly Palace's authority over the Human Realm, he had waited far too long, and finally, there was this perfect opportunity.

In a certain palace, sitting by the jade pool, the Junior Deity of Lifespan traced her fingers through the water, her gaze slightly complex.

So much so that the princess of the Feathered Race kneeling not far away didn't dare to continue recounting her expulsion from the Human Realm.

Half a day later;

In the blessed land of the Human Realm, at the gate of the destroyed sect.

The noise outside the cave penetrated Wu Wang's barrier, startling him from his enlightenment.

He looked at the dust that had completely lost its spirituality, slightly disappointed, and couldn't help but frown and pout.

What's all the fuss about?

"Chirp!"

The azure bird fluttered its wings and flew in front of Wu Wang, enveloped in divine light, hovering in the air, and called out to Wu Wang a few times.

"Senior, are you reminding me that there are bad people outside?"

"Chirp chirp!"

The azure bird nodded its head like a rattle drum.

Wu Wang smiled, lifted the hem of his Daoist robe, and stood up calmly, saying, "Let's go out and see what kind of demons and ghosts have come."

The azure bird looked slightly worried.

"Senior, you don't have to worry about me."

Wu Wang spoke softly:

"Everything that's happening now is within my expectations. I've never underestimated the limits of the Human Realm, nor have I overestimated the lows of certain people in the Human Realm. All I seek is a clear conscience. If the Human Realm no longer needs my help, I can go anywhere in this world."

The azure bird nodded slightly, without any further expression, only pretending to hover on Wu Wang's shoulder, but not daring to touch lightly.

Wu Wang thickened the ice crystal film on his shoulder and said, "Senior, you can step down."

The azure bird tilted its head, tentatively landed on Wu Wang's shoulder, its claws feeling the delicate texture of Wu Wang's robe, but Wu Wang remained unphased.

"Just a little trick."

Wu Wang showed the ice crystal film on his arm to the azure bird, then stepped out of the barrier.

In front of the sect leader's sleeping chamber, a large number of immortal soldiers held weapons, and several old men with difficult expressions kept saying something to the few people blocking the way.Xing Tian was now unconscious, tucked under the ribs of his teacher.

Clearly, Xing Tian had been unable to restrain himself from joining the fray and had been forcibly knocked out.

Ji Mo's indignant voice thundered, "Is this how Renhuang Pavilion treats the Master of the Punishment Hall? To even suspect collusion with the Lin family? You people!"

Le Yao said indifferently, "The older they get, the less respectable they become."

A Renhuang Pavilion official said, "Young Master Ji, this is merely a precaution. We hold no disrespect towards Master Wu Wang."

Ling Xiaolan asked coolly, "Then why can't you produce any evidence?"

"The Vice Pavilion Master's personal seal is right here..."

"I don't recognize any Vice Pavilion Master," Ling Xiaolan's pretty face turned cold, "Bring out Pavilion Master Liu's token!"

The Great Elder said, "Everyone, if our Sect Master gets angry, do you think your Vice Pavilion Master can withstand it? If you take one more step forward, I will seek an audience with His Majesty and offer my blood in petition!"

"That's right! What right do you have to arrest people?"

"Our Sect Master has made so many contributions, and you suspect him just like that?"

"Are you bullying our Sect Master because he's young? Are you ganging up on him because he's kind-hearted?"

A group of True Immortals and Elemental Immortals from the annihilated sect stepped forward, each revealing a fierce countenance, displaying the audacity of a demonic sect, forcing the group of immortal soldiers to tighten their formation once more.

"I just want to ask one thing," said Ji Mo, "does Pavilion Master Liu know about this?"

An elder in a yellow robe whispered, "We will report back to Pavilion Master Liu after we return."

Inside the cave dwelling, separated by a formation.

Wu Wang watched the scene outside the formation, his heart could not be more annoyed, but that was obviously a lie.

He sighed softly, not wanting to cause more trouble with these people.

Just as Wu Wang was about to step forward and send these people away, the azure bird on his shoulder spread its wings and flew up.

Seeing its angry little eyes, it seemed ready to reveal its true form and question these old men from Renhuang Pavilion for their presence here.

Wu Wang hesitated for a moment, then quickly wrapped the azure bird in immortal light and pulled it back.

At this critical juncture, it wouldn't do to let out the 'news' that the princess of the Human Realm had a half-divine body, which could potentially cause great chaos.

Moreover, Wu Wang did not want a woman to stand up for him.

"Senior, there's no need for you to step in, I can handle this, I can handle it."

"Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp chirp!"

The azure bird hopped incessantly on Wu Wang's shoulder, eliciting a light chuckle from him.

Even in anger, it was still so adorable.

"Is Senior upset that they're seizing the opportunity to suppress me?"

"Mm! Cough, chirp!"

"That's simple," Wu Wang smiled, "Senior, just stand on my shoulder today, and I'll let you be arrogant with me; they're not qualified to suppress me."

With that, Wu Wang lifted the hem of his robe and strode out from the area covered by the formation.

The crowd at the door showed delight, parting to make way for him.

Wu Wang walked out unhurriedly, his expression inscrutable, his gaze sweeping over the people before him.

"Master Wu Wang."

Several elders immediately bowed and presented a scroll to Wu Wang.

This was a more formal decree from Renhuang Pavilion.

Wu Wang opened it, memorized the names signed on the scroll, and then a flame burst from his palm, incinerating the scroll.

"Master Wu Wang, this..."

"Do you not wish to follow the order?"

Wu Wang asked, "Is Brother Xiao Jian locked up by you?"

The men fell silent.

Wu Wang dusted off his hands, "Please go to my Punishment Hall later to receive your punishment. You may leave now."

"Master Wu Wang, what do you mean? We are only following orders!"

"No other meaning, I just find you displeasing."

Wu Wang said indifferently, "Where is Hissing Snake?"

"Master," Hissing Snake appeared in the air, standing above the group of immortal soldiers from Renhuang Pavilion.

"Strip them of their armor, bind them, and send them to Pavilion Master Liu, then come back for us.

Don't harm their cultivation base, just a few hits will do."

Wu Wang watched the urgency appear on the faces of the few elders, his lips curling slightly, and Hissing Snake's palm pressed down...

He knew well that there were no enemies of his in the Human Realm, only some petty figures who dared not show their faces.

"Brother Ji, Sister Ling, Fairy, Su Qing, Great Elder, Elder Miao, Mu Mu, Invincible."

Wu Wang called out a series of titles, and everyone stepped forward, watching Wu Wang's back, hearing his laughter, and receiving his invitation.

"Shall we all go for a ride?"