This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 481 - 479: The Eastern Emperor’s Ace Enforcer

Chapter 481: Chapter 479: The Eastern Emperor’s Ace Enforcer

"It’s really strange. Those spies just died like that?"

"Could they have been silenced?"

In the caravan heading to Liuli City, Dong Gao and Qiu Li murmured to themselves, pondering continuously, occasionally glancing at Wu Wang.

Wu Wang, on the other hand, was calmly flipping through the book in his hands, with Jin Wei sitting in his lap and looking on.

This book was a gift from the ’new’ big sister on the carriage.

The big sister, named Mu Han, was dressed in battle armor, with a tall and strong figure and a rather heroic face, although her skin was a bit rough; she held the position of captain of a defense camp in Liuli City and was actually the family guard of Dong Gao’s elder uncle.

Hearing Dong Gao and Qiu Li’s murmuring, Captain Muhan shook her head, her expression somewhat melancholy, and responded in a deep voice, "Our Luili Realm is now plagued with internal strife and external threats. Thankfully, the Divine Spirit stood up in time to guide us, restoring our confidence. Don’t worry, the chaos is only temporary. Under the guidance of the Divine Spirit, we are bound to achieve the final victory. This incident is actually an opportunity. The Elders of the Shrine Institute have already issued orders to thoroughly investigate, and we will surely be able to track down the mastermind behind the scenes."

By coincidence, Wu Wang’s book had flipped to the section about the Shrine Institute.

The Liuli Shrine Institute, the power hub of the Luili Realm, had a total of seventeen seats: nine belonged to various Generals, six were served in rotation by lords of different cities, and two were held by the Liuli God’s Priest Group. Among them, the Grand Elder of the Shrine Institute was also the Grand Elder of the Liuli God’s Priest Group, holding the highest veto power to show that the Luili Realm was always under the rule of the Liuli God. In fact, many Grand Elders didn’t involve themselves much in affairs, being only gentle old grandmothers. —Naturally, this wouldn’t be written in the book.

Wu Wang read aloud in a low voice, "The Shrine Institute governs the entire Luili Realm, and each Elder is a powerful being capable of communicating with the Great Divine Spirits; their existence is the firmest barrier of the Luili Realm."

"Yes, young man." Captain Muhan smiled. "You’re about to enter Liuli City next. It’s a sacred city with tall spires that serve as the holy land where the Divine Spirit descends each time. Don’t forget to bring your respect."

"I will," Wu Wang said with a ’genuine’ smile.

Senior Brother Dong Gao pondered for a moment and then asked, "Junior Brother, who do you think captured those spies?"

"It must have been some senior who happened to pass by," Wu Wang said earnestly. "I heard that among those people, there were even experts at the Martial Spirit level; if we had rashly taken this road yesterday, the consequences would probably have been unthinkable."

"Teacher is protecting us," Dong Gao said warmly.

Qiu Li sighed gently and nestled against Dong Gao’s shoulder, whispering, "No matter what, it’s good that we arrived safely."

Captain Muhan said warmly, "Don’t worry, this road is full of experts now. But Qing Shan, you’ve become famous."

"Famous?" Wu Wang was a bit puzzled.

"Now, everyone in the city is discussing the spies," Captain Muhan squinted and smiled. "According to the plans those fellows confessed, they intended to ambush you and use a pill that induces deep dependence to control you, making you their insider. As everyone talked about it, your name came up as well. Many people now know there’s a young man with decent qualifications and no significant background, who has a recommendation and is coming to Liuli City to participate in the big exam in three days."

"Is that so?" Wu Wang smiled noncommittally, a hint of indifference in his eyes. "That’s not such a big deal. If I can get into the Earth Class, that will be the real honor."

"Indeed," the sturdy captain looked at him with a hint of admiration. "May the grace of the Liuli God descend upon you, and may you roam freely on the path of Martial Arts."

"Thanks for the blessings."

"You can do it," Captain Muhan casually patted Wu Wang’s shoulder, while also probing the intensity of his aura.

This probe left her slightly surprised.

Martial Master Realm, seventh or eighth rank? No, that’s just the surface. Beneath the displayed Spiritual Power, there seems to be an even purer and denser Spiritual Power... perhaps the Martial Soul Realm? A Martial Soul Realm cultivator under twenty years old?

Captain Muhan was inwardly impressed and looked at Wu Wang with even more appreciation.

Wu Wang pretended to be unaware of this. What others saw was only what he allowed them to see; what was hidden beneath the surface could also be an illusion.

Although he had used stealthy tactics when dealing with those six spies, scattering Silver Needles everywhere and relying on potent poisons concocted from The Hundred Herb Manual, he had still dared to go alone after detecting Martial Spirits in ambush, confident he could retreat unharmed even against a Martial Spirit Realm Martial Artist.

Martial Arts ranks? Just some makeshift classification by a Martial God.

Horn sounds came from around the caravan, and Wu Wang’s Divine Thought had already perceived the grand city sprawling on the plains. But having experienced Emperor’s City, no other city in the Human Domain, however magnificent, could compare to even a tenth or twentieth of it, and Wu Wang found it hard to get excited.

While waiting in line to enter the city and have his identity verified, Wu Wang closed his eyes to meditate, adopting the posture of ’seizing every chance to cultivate.’ Yet half of his Spiritual Mind returned to his original body, using the Heavenly Dao to begin observing the entire Outer Sky.

The seed had taken root, the anchor point had been established, and the Heavenly Dao could forcibly manifest at any time. This was his confidence.

Given the chaotic situation in the Martial God’s Twelve Realms, the leader of the Heavenly Dao felt that if he continued to fight alone, he would inevitably be put on the defensive at some point, thereby affecting the overall situation.

But Wu Wang had an ace up his sleeve. He had never forgotten this ace and was constantly seeking how to make it reveal its true value.

Now, after summarizing the intelligence he had gathered, Wu Wang discovered that the Innate God at odds with the Liuli God and inflicting trials upon the Luili Realm was another Goddess under the Martial God—Ming Qing.

At this moment, Wu Wang was about to mobilize his ace and enter the Divine Realm of Ming Qing.

He took a deep breath. The leader of the Heavenly Dao knew that what he was about to open was not just some ’Seed of Heavenly Calamity,’ but very likely, he was on the verge of grasping... the bedsheets of the Goddess Mingqing.

Compelled by the situation, he could no longer afford to worry about such minor details.

Appear!

"Invincible? Are you there, Invincible?"

「In a large city in the Outer Sky, thousands of miles away from the Martial God’s Twelve Realms」

A bald, brawny man in a silk robe, standing alone on a brothel rooftop, suddenly trembled and burst into tears.

After three years, and another three, the Sect Master has finally remembered me! If he didn’t give me my next order soon, I was going to become a local tyrant here, doing nothing but eating, frequenting brothels, and enjoying a monotonous life!

Although he had grumbled a bit before, thinking the Sect Master might have forgotten him, when Yang Wudi heard Wu Wang’s voice... his heart was inexplicably touched.

"Sect Master, what’s next? Which brothel are we conquering? No... cough, I mean, which Divine Realm are we conquering?"

"You should have heard of the Martial God’s Twelve Realms."

The Sect Master is testing me! Yang Wudi cleared his throat inwardly, and his Primordial Spirit began to narrate endlessly:

"The Martial God’s Twelve Realms include eight stronger realms named after martial weapons: Sword, Saber, Spear, Axe, Bow, Lance, Shield, and Hammer. The four slightly lesser realms are the Ming Qing Realm, the Luili Realm, the Feiling Realm, and the Frost Veil Realm. Among them, the Spear God, the Bow God, and the Divine Spirits of these four lesser realms are Goddesses, while the other six realms have male Gods.

"The Martial God stands above the twelve gods, continuously cultivating Martial Artists. Their Martial Emperor Realm Martial Artists are comparable in strength to Heavenly Immortal Realm Cultivators. However, their Martial Techniques focus on physical strength and de-emphasize natural Spiritual Power, so their might is always inferior to true Heavenly Immortal Realm Cultivators. The Martial Artists cultivated by the Martial God draw inspiration to some extent from our Human Domain’s Body Cultivation system; or rather, the two should share the same origin.

"My current strength would allow me to pass as a Martial Emperor within the Martial God’s Twelve Realms. Furthermore, I’ve discovered that both the Liuli God and the Ming Qing God have a particular affection for the Martial God, but the Martial God only has Martial Arts in his heart and doesn’t respond to their advances. It’s said that the Luili Realm has repeatedly fallen into hardship, suffering tragedies in recent major competitions of the Twelve Realms, all because the Ming Qing God fought with the Liuli God hundreds of years ago and has been retaliating ever since.

"Uh, perhaps I’ve said too much. Various gossip about the Martial God’s Twelve Realms is relished by the nobles in big cities across the Outer Sky. I heard it from several noblewomen in bed. I’ve only been in this great city for half a year, so my inquiries are somewhat limited."

Wu Wang: ...

"Go to the Ming Qing Realm."

"Yes!" Yang Wudi’s Primordial Spirit bellowed, already sharpening his metaphorical knives. "Sect Master, just watch! Is my target the Ming Qing God?"

"Just play it by ear," Wu Wang said. "The principle is to prioritize self-preservation and act discreetly. I need information about the Ming Qing God, as well as various news concerning the Martial God’s Twelve Realms."

"Could it be that you’ve gone to the Martial God’s territory?"

"Hmm?"

"I’ve spoken out of turn!" Yang Wudi’s tiny Primordial Spirit figure hastily covered its mouth.

"Well," Wu Wang said indifferently, "the Divine Spirits of the Outer Sky are not quite the same as those within the heavens. Most of them maintain their fighting spirit, readying troops and horses only to fight their way back into the heavens. I’m not yet entirely sure of the gods’ attitude towards Candle Dragon, but from what I’ve sensed, the gods only submit to Candle Dragon to survive in the Outer Sky. Remember, don’t force anything. Your survival in the Outer Sky is your greatest contribution."

"Sect Master, are you showing concern for me? Hehehe."

"Go on, then." Wu Wang cursed irritably, "Moderate yourself. If you exhaust your body in the Outer Sky, there won’t be any great tonics for you!"

"Rest assured, my vigor is yet unspent, and I shall cut through all obstacles!"

Wu Wang’s forehead was furrowed with black lines as he cut off communication with Yang Wudi and began to monitor the reactions of the Outer Sky.

All was well; as the Heavenly Dao’s infiltration of the Outer Sky deepened, evading the Candle Dragon’s watchful eye had become effortless. Not to mention, Little Zhong was also keeping an eye on Candle Dragon.

Wu Wang had played this card. Now, it was time to wait for the results.

Yang Wudi, brimming with mischief, has probably already deduced some information. This fellow is quite crucial; the task of initial contact between the Heavenly Dao and the Martial God will fall on his shoulders.

「Atop the brothel in the Outer Sky」

Yang Wudi faced the direction of the Martial God’s Twelve Realms, sat down, and fell into deep thought.

It’s been some time since I left the charming widow’s kang... but that’s not the point. The Sect Master wants me to go to the Martial God’s Twelve Realms. The Martial God was a follower of the Ancient Emperor of the Suiren Clan. He’s most likely still loyal to the Ancient Emperor, which means he’s a potential ally our Celestial Court should try to win over. The Martial God’s ’backyard garden’ must not be disturbed, or there will be trouble. If this whole thing gets botched because I get into some unclear relationship with a Goddess, the Sect Master will definitely have my hide.

Yang Wudi patted his bald head, various concerns troubling him.

This conquest’s target must have a defined upper limit, mainly focusing on those high-ranking figures in the Divine Realm under the Ming Qing God, such as High Priests and Grand Elders. Ugh, are they all old, seasoned foxes?

Yang Wudi groaned inwardly. In truth, I’m still at an age fit for a dashing young man; I just happened to look a bit older than my years.

"Let’s move out!" Yang Wudi leaped up and, after a few flickers, disappeared into the alley below.

...

"Junior Brother, Junior Brother?"

"Brother, we’ve arrived."

Inside the splendid carriage, Wu Wang opened his eyes, a slight smile on his lips. After giving orders to Yang Wudi, he couldn’t resist experiencing the Great Dao newly unearthed by the Heavenly Dao and had almost forgotten to recall his Spiritual Mind.

"We’ve arrived?" Wu Wang peered through the carriage window at a high courtyard wall and a fairly spacious back door.

Captain Muhan had left at some point. Several guards clad in armor stood saluting at the door, where a kind-faced elderly grandmother in a long dress stood. Inside the gate, seven or eight beautifully dressed women were present, most of them of advanced age.

Dong Gao made a shushing gesture and whispered, "Uncle is waiting for us in his study. Let’s meet him first. Have Senior Sister Qiu Li take Little Wei to settle in the backyard. That’s my grandmother outside; don’t worry, she’s very gentle."

"Alright," Wu Wang responded. Jin Wei dutifully went to take Senior Sister Qiu Li’s arm.

On his own territory, Dong Gao stood much straighter. He stepped down from the carriage, and the old grandmother immediately came forward, her eyes slightly red. She clutched Dong Gao’s arm and sighed, "Little Third, you’ve finally come back."

"Grandmother," Dong Gao said, his face showing a touch of shame, "I..."

"Grandma knows, I know everything. I understand the hardships in your heart," the old woman said repeatedly, then her gaze shifted towards the back as she called out, "Qiu Li, come quickly... Oh, do you two have a daughter now? Why didn’t you send us a letter about such an important event? You live so far away with Mr. Qiu; I can’t even manage the bumpy journey to see you."

Senior Sister Qiu Li looked embarrassed and whispered, "This is a junior sister of mine."

"Oh, I see," the old woman’s eyes filled with apology. "I was mistaken. This young girl is very pretty. Qiu Li, don’t worry, the Liuli God will surely not forget you."

Senior Sister Qiu Li’s cheeks reddened slightly, while Jin Wei tactfully called out, "Grandmother," making the old woman beam with joy.

Wu Wang stepped forward and paid his respects, then followed Dong Gao through the back door. Led by guards, they headed toward a small building in the backyard.

Dong Gao’s uncle, Wang Mianjin, was one of the power brokers in the Luili Realm, a military heavyweight. His garden was built with great grandeur, featuring hills, water, and woodlands. Yet, the architectural style of the Luili Realm couldn’t compare to the sophistication of gardens in the Human Domain. The latter meticulously arranged every inch of land with three-layered vistas, while the courtyards of the Luili Realm’s dignitaries, though spacious, were only roughly sectioned and lacked refinement.

After walking for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Wu Wang and Senior Brother Dong Gao finally reached the small building, which was guarded by layers of sentries.

Dong Gao called out, "Uncle, I’m back."

The study door was pulled open by a pair of slender hands. A pretty-faced maiden stood at the entrance, bowing her head in invitation.

A faint, clear fragrance wafted over, causing Wu Wang to frown slightly. This scent seemed somewhat similar to the Clear Spirit Pill. When Wu Wang noticed an object resembling a dry tobacco pipe on the table, along with the smoke-filled small room to the left, a previous suspicion of his was further confirmed.

It appeared that in the Martial God’s Twelve Realms, a certain ’smoking’ type of indulgence might be popular.

"Is this your junior brother?" a gentle voice came through the smoke.

A middle-aged man in a long robe stepped out. He had short hair, a mix of gray and silver, and bore some resemblance to Senior Brother Dong Gao, but this man’s facial contours were as if chiseled by knife and axe, and a faint oppressive aura surrounded him.

Wu Wang sensed an extremely strong Spiritual Power. The strength of this man before me is probably equivalent to a high-ranking Divine General in Emperor’s City. This is somewhat beyond my previous expectations. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Wu Wang bowed and said, "This junior, Qing Shan, pays respects to General Wang!"

The man examined Wu Wang for a few moments, then smiled and nodded, walking over to sit in a wooden chair. He ignored other matters and first asked, "How old are you, and what realm have you reached?"

Dong Gao immediately said, "My junior brother just turned sixteen. He’s at the Seventh Rank of the Martial Master Realm."

"Hmm? Hiding your strength?" A glint flashed through Wang Mianjin’s eagle-like eyes as he chuckled. "It’s clear you’re already at the Martial Soul Realm. Your soul has begun to coalesce. You should be at least at the Second or Third Rank of the Martial Soul Realm, right?"

Wu Wang gave a shy smile.

Dong Gao, however, was utterly shocked and turned to stare at Wu Wang. "Junior Brother, you’ve... formed your Martial Soul?"

"I have."

"When did you reach the Martial Soul Realm?" Dong Gao asked, his voice trembling. "Does Teacher know? Why did you even hide your cultivation realm?"

Wu Wang thought for a moment, then said softly, "I was afraid of attracting attention, like what happened on our way here."

Senior Brother Dong Gao was speechless, then sighed. "If Teacher knew you had reached the Martial Soul Realm, he would truly be..."

"Interesting," Wang Mianjin said softly. "Sixteen years old, Third Rank Martial Soul, and possessing the three great treasured physiques?"

Dong Gao replied, "Yes. Teacher never told anyone; he only secretly cultivated my junior brother."

"Sigh, Old Qiu contributed so much to the Luili Realm in his lifetime, and even at the end, he didn’t forget to leave a great gift for the Luili Realm," Wang Mianjin sighed lightly. "Old Qiu was also my former teacher. It’s a great regret that his remains cannot be buried in Liuli City."

Dong Gao sighed, "Teacher did not wish to return."

"Let’s not talk about that for now. I’ll ensure the Shrine Institute prominently honors Old Qiu’s lifetime achievements. You’ve all had a long journey, so go and rest. I’ll host a banquet tonight to welcome you and wash away the dust of your travels."

Wang Mianjin rose and walked over to Wu Wang, studying his face. He raised his hand and patted Wu Wang’s shoulder. "From now on, you don’t need to worry. Here in Liuli City, I am your backer. You don’t need to hide your talents. Why should a young man be so cautious? At the very least, within Liuli City, unless another Divine Spirit appears, no one can threaten you."

"Thank you, General."

"Just call me Uncle, like Little Gao does. Martial cultivators don’t bother with so many formalities."

Wu Wang, taking the hint, said, "Thank you, Uncle."

"Good lad. Go and rest." Wang Mianjin showed a gentle smile.

Wu Wang and Dong Gao bowed and exited. Maidens were already waiting outside to lead them to reunite with Qiu Li and Jin Wei.

Third Rank Martial Soul. Wang Mianjin stood at the door, watching Wu Wang’s departing figure for a while, a smile playing on his lips. May the Martial God assist me, and the Liuli God protect us.

「Elsewhere in the residence」

Wu Wang and Dong Gao exchanged a look. Dong Gao’s expression was somewhat apologetic as he whispered, "Junior Brother, it seems we’ve been drawn into some factional struggles..."

"Senior Brother," Wu Wang smiled, "every situation has its pros and cons. For us, this is a good thing."

"You understand?"

"Just small matters."

They would soar with the help of a favorable wind, rising effortlessly to high places.