An Immediate Acquaintance, Little Ji Mo

Using Star Invocation Technique: Eye of Truth for the first time, Wu Wang marked Wang Lin and then took another look.

Most of the others were pale purple mixed with white, representing ordinary people with good hearts; the old aunt was white mixed with purple. As expected, what bad intentions could she have?

This Ji Mo... Huh, is there yellow smoke coming off him too?

My, my apologies.

Putting away the Crystal Ball and dispelling the Star Invocation Technique.

"Pass down the order for the women of the clan to withdraw," Wu Wang said calmly. "Select some strong guards to escort them to my tent. Everyone, perk up. Don't let our Northern Plains human race lose face in front of the people of the Human Domain."

Several guards behind him responded in unison and quickly ran off with their weapons.

Wu Wang glanced at his attire. It was still the slightly flamboyant, open-chested robe, but with a short undershirt beneath.

He wasn't like his brother Xing Tian, who liked to go shirtless and constantly flex his pecs. Of course, that might just be him practicing blinking in advance.

Turning back to the large tent, he sat on his beast-skin chair. Eighteen guards stood on each side, their surging blood qi subtly connected, like two walls erected on either side.

Inside the Royal Court, two rows of men, as strong as bears, stood silently, clearing a path for the visitors.

The female cultivator in the bamboo hat and plain skirt walked at the front. Her long sword had already been put away in a Storage Treasure, and her two slender hands, carved like jade, were placed in front of her.

If one looked closely, she didn't step firmly with each stride. A small white lotus bloomed beneath her feet, and her shoes remained unstained by any dust.

Paired with her clean long skirt, flawless waistline, and tightly fitting bodice, one might mistakenly believe that Nuwa had shown exceptional favor to her ancestors when creating humans. Even the most skilled artist of the present day would struggle to alter her figure even slightly.

Lin Suqing led her master to wait inside the Royal Court. Once the Young Master finished his important matters, she would introduce her master.

Behind this female cultivator, Ji Mo walked with his head held high, gazing up at the tent above. He didn't even spare the female cultivator another glance, seeming quite wary of her.

Strange, why aren't there any Northern Plains women here?

The other cultivators were currently uneasy, looking around at the burly men and whispering to each other from time to time.

"I've long heard that the Northern Plains clans have many strong warriors. The blood qi contained within these physiques is already comparable to Body Cultivators in the Return to Origin Realm."

"The powerful clans of the Northern Plains are truly impressive."

"If such clans can become strong reinforcements for the Human Domain, perhaps we can get some much-needed respite."

"The Northern Plains also have that rather mysterious Star Invocation Technique. It's said to draw power directly from Primordial Deities. Truly powerful users of the Star Invocation Technique are not inferior to Immortals."

"Is power granted by gods really better than power obtained by oneself? The Star Invocation Technique must have many limitations. Those gods wouldn't be defenseless against ordinary beings."

"Hush."

A reminder came from beneath the bamboo hat, and the discussing cultivators immediately fell silent.

Incidentally, Wang Lin was currently standing outside the Royal Court, surrounded by hundreds of burly men, circle after circle.

To show the hospitality of the Bear Hug Tribe, a General shouted, "Why the long faces? Give us a few laughs!"

The burly men: "Hehehe!"

Wang Lin shivered a few times, almost fleeing by Skyward Flight.

In front of the large tent, a carpet made of sewn beast hides was laid out far in advance. As the female cultivator approached the tent, a guard immediately signaled them to stop.

The guard said, "Esteemed guests from afar, the one inside is the future leader of our Bear Hug Tribe. Please state your purpose."

The bamboo hat obscured the female cultivator's expression, but she was clearly unsure how to respond. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke:

"We are here to forge an agreement."

"Ahem," Ji Mo quickly stepped forward, smiling. "Humanity was created by the Holy Mother, and all humans under heaven share the same origin.

This time, my fellow disciples and I have each brought many gifts to present to the leaders of the Northern Plains clans. It would be wonderful if we could forge friendships with the heroes and valiant warriors of the Northern Plains."

"Tch."

A light laugh came from inside the tent. The tent flap was pulled open by two guards on either side, and the Young Master, seated on a beast-skin chair on a raised platform, came into view of the cultivators.

Due to years of cultivation, the beauty inherited from his mother had been amplified. However, it did not diminish his masculine demeanor. His face was angular with a hint of sternness, and the impetuousness of seventeen years old and innate composure blended perfectly within him. Merely sitting there, he exuded an aura of his own.

Wu Wang chuckled, "Brother Ji, I've heard that women in the Human Domain often have slender waists. I also have some wealth I don't know where to put... Do you have any leads?"

"Whoa!"

Ji Mo's eyeballs nearly popped out. He then stared intently at Wu Wang for a while. First, his old face turned red, then he suddenly understood, and burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! It's you!

Brother Hou Di, how did you get from the Great Wave Tribe to the Bear Hug Tribe! You've truly caused me, this Daoist, so much trouble, so much trouble!"

The cultivators were all stunned, and the guards were also puzzled.

Wu Wang made a gesture of invitation and said:

"I happened to meet you all earlier, and on a whim, I played a joke on Brother Ji Mo. I hope Brother Ji Mo won't take offense.

Brother Ji Mo, honored guests from the Human Domain, please be seated!

I've already ordered a banquet to be prepared. Let's finish the wine from that day first, and then we can discuss important matters."

"Alright!"

Ji Mo laughed heartily twice. After entering, he cupped his hands in a Daoist salute and said loudly:

"Young Master Ji Mo of the Ji family, greetings to Young Master Bear."

The female cultivator wearing a bamboo hat removed it, holding it in front of her waist.

Her face was still hidden by a veil, but her delicate beauty could be vaguely discerned. Her somewhat cool almond eyes were currently appraising Wu Wang.

This Young Master was completely different from the strong and stout Young Master they had imagined.

She slightly bowed, holding her cloak, and said calmly, "Ling Xiaolan of the Heavenly Origin Mystic Maiden Sect from the Human Domain."

The other young cultivators entered one by one, some formal, some smiling, some with tense expressions, each stating their Daoist name and surname.

Wu Wang nodded to each of them but didn't engage in much small talk.

As they took their seats, Ling Xiaolan should have occupied the main seat closest to Wu Wang, but she voluntarily moved to the side, gesturing for Ji Mo to sit.

After the group was seated on both sides, Wu Wang said, "Go call Suqing over. I'm unfamiliar with the etiquette of the Human Domain and don't want to make any mistakes."

"Young Master Bear is too kind."

Ji Mo smiled, "We are already grateful for the opportunity to meet you amidst your busy schedule. Oh, and this is a small gift, a token of our appreciation."

As he spoke, Ji Mo twisted the thumb ring on his right hand, and a wooden chest appeared out of thin air on the low table. Ji Mo opened the chest, and the tent was instantly filled with the glow of treasure.

Wu Wang smiled and nodded, saying earnestly, "Thank you, Brother Ji. Please accept this. Prepare several carts of ore for Brother Ji to take with him when he leaves."

Ji Mo repeatedly said, "You're too kind," but Wu Wang's gaze swept past Ji Mo. He said calmly, "You all seemed quite happy cursing me back then, didn't you?"

Several cultivators immediately tensed up.

Wu Wang continued, "The Human Domain has rules, and so do we in the Northern Plains. The Human Domain respects education; we are not a barbaric land either."

Ji Mo quickly said, "Young Master Bear, please forgive us. We were too hasty and made assumptions. This cup of wine is my apology on behalf of all my companions."

He finished the wine in his goblet in one gulp.

"Brother Ji, there's no need for that," Wu Wang leaned back in his chair and smiled. "If I truly minded this matter, I would have debated with you all then, and you wouldn't have made it this far. I simply didn't want my clan's reputation to be slandered. Is the Ji family you mentioned the ruling family of the Human Domain?"

"Young Master Bear, you may not know, but the Human Domain doesn't really have powerful noble families; it's mostly cultivation sects."

Ji Mo sighed and said slowly, "It's just that our ancestors followed His Majesty the Human Emperor, fought fierce beasts on the frontier, and protected the human territory, earning them praise. Even with such praise, descendants like myself, who are a bit more leisurely, have been placed on a pedestal, making us want to seek more enjoyment before meeting a glorious end."

"To speak of seeking pleasure so righteously," Wu Wang raised his wine cup, "I'll have a drink with you, Brother Ji."

Ji Mo smiled and returned the toast. After a few drinks, their complexions remained unchanged.

Looking at the other cultivators, most were somewhat reserved. In such a situation, they couldn't even interject a word of greeting, only watching Wu Wang and Ji Mo engage in casual conversation.

Wu Wang found Ji Mo increasingly agreeable the more they talked. Putting aside his flamboyant nature, Ji Mo, who had been ostracized by his peers, didn't panic in the face of a major event and took charge. He was experienced and mature in his dealings, spoke appropriately without crossing lines, and possessed a rare sincerity deep down. Befriending him was quite comfortable.

Soon, Wu Wang, holding his wine cup, walked down from the high platform and sat at Ji Mo's table. The two quickly began addressing each other as 'brother' again.

"Brother Bear, allow me to introduce you."

Ji Mo turned sideways, making way for Ling Xiaolan's kneeling side profile. He continued, "This Fairy Ling is the most dazzling rising star in our Human Domain for the past hundred years. She hails from the Heavenly Origin Mystic Maiden Sect, one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects. At a young age, she has already formed a Golden Core and condensed a Nascent Soul, praised by elders as having the appearance of a celestial being. This trip to the Northern Plains is also led by the Fairy; I'm just here to help with the trivial matters and social obligations. Fairy Ling is not very talkative, so please bear with us, Brother Bear."

Wu Wang smiled and nodded, not looking at Ling Xiaolan much. He simply raised his wine cup in a toast to her from afar.

"I heard your purpose for coming to our Bear Hug Tribe at the restaurant," Wu Wang put down his wine cup, his smile fading as he spoke seriously, "Let's discuss business. What kind of agreement do you wish to establish with us? To continuously and stably supply the Human Domain with materials for refining?"

Ji Mo looked at Ling Xiaolan, who nodded slightly and said, "Young Master Bear, the Human Domain has a perennial shortage of refining materials. Border conflicts are likely to erupt again within the next thirty years, and we must stockpile more magic tools and artifacts. The Northern Plains are rich in precious ores, and we wish to buy out the mineral output of the Bear Hug Tribe and the Great Wave Tribe for the next three hundred years."

Wu Wang directly asked, "The price?"

Ji Mo added from the side, "Brother Bear, once we buy out the output, it will be a stable sales channel. Can we perhaps lower the price a bit?"

Wu Wang chuckled, "Doesn't an exclusive buyout require additional compensation?"

"Young Master Bear!"

A female cultivator interjected, "We are all of human descent; we should naturally help each other."

"It is precisely because we are of the same race that you have the opportunity to sit here."

Wu Wang glanced at the female cultivator and felt quite disgusted.

Was she trying to guilt-trip him into a business deal?

He said calmly, "The Human Domain is facing pressure from the east, west, and north. Although I'm in the Northern Plains, I know how difficult it is for the Human Domain.

But don't forget, this is the Northern Plains, and our every move is watched by the Star Gods.

If it were a normal trade, even if the Heavenly Emperor of Zhongshan sent someone to demand an explanation, our Bear Hug Tribe could stand tall and shout for Star God's protection.

If the issue becomes one of human support for humans... I apologize, but I must consider the survival of my clan.

We can't have you calling us barbarians and backward when you don't need us, only to wave the banner of shared humanity when you do.

Weren't the clans of the Southern Plains the original inhabitants of the Human Domain?"

The cultivators were instantly at a loss for words.

Ling Xiaolan suddenly asked, "Young Master Xiong, can you make the decision on this matter?"

"Our Young Master has been granted full authority by the Chieftain."

Lin Suqing's voice came from the side. She walked slowly behind Wu Wang and said, "Our Young Master's mother is the current Chieftain of the Seven-Day Sacrifice in the Northern Plains.

The heirs of the chieftains of the seven great tribes of the Northern Plains are all friends of our Young Master. The seats you are sitting in were recently occupied by the young masters of various clans.

Before coming to the Northern Plains, didn't you inquire about this?

In the Northern Plains, our Young Master's words carry significant weight."

Wu Wang turned to look at the older woman and said calmly, "Be low-key."

"Oh," Lin Suqing's aura instantly retracted, and she stood quietly behind Wu Wang.

Ji Mo chuckled, "I didn't expect Brother Xiong to be the truly powerful one."

"Brother Ji is joking," Wu Wang sneered. "There are no powerful figures in the Northern Plains. We are just ancient clans who live by hunting and gathering.

However, there's one thing: you can't make the decision on what we're about to discuss.

Please have your Human Domain seniors who are secretly protecting you step forward. Let's quickly finish these mundane matters, and I still want to get drunk with Brother Ji."

The cultivators couldn't help but exchange glances.

Ling Xiaolan said, "Young Master Xiong, we came here for training ourselves and do not have any elders from our sect accompanying us."

"Cough!" Ji Mo coughed loudly beside her.

Ling Xiaolan acted as if she hadn't heard him. Her almond eyes were filled with seriousness as she looked into Wu Wang's eyes and continued, "If we don't face true danger, how can we cultivate a perfect state of mind?

The word 'cultivation' doesn't just mean meditating in the mountains and comprehending the Way of Nature. It also means facing dangers that we cannot bear, only then can we make substantial progress..."

"Fairy!"

Ji Mo quickly said, "Let's stop talking about this for now."

Ling Xiaolan's eyes were full of confusion. Ji Mo sent a paper crane flying from his sleeve.

The paper crane flew about ten feet before exploding with a "poof" and emitting a puff of green smoke, transforming into an old woman leaning on a cane with a genial smile.

"Young Master Xiong, please excuse us."

Under the starry night, a giant sword slowly rose from the Royal Court of the Bear Hug Tribe.

Wu Wang stood in front of the large tent, waving affectionately and bidding a reluctant farewell to Ji Mo, who was dangling from the end of the giant sword.

"That Nascent Soul female cultivator from the Mystic Maiden Sect..."

"Did the Young Master take a liking to her?"

Lin Suqing asked softly from the side, "She's one of the top three beauties on the Human Domain's Fairy Ranking. She must be stunning beneath her veil."

"She's just a bit too naive."

Wu Wang chuckled, recalling the details of the group's previous interactions. This female cultivator seemed to have a bit of a purity complex.

In the distance, Wang Lin, who had been left outside, quickly ascended on a bronze gong, chasing after the giant sword that streaked across the sky like a comet.

Wu Wang laughed, "Brother Ji is quite a decent person. Despite his flirtatiousness, he has his principles."

Lin Suqing was puzzled, "What principles? He seems like a very upright person."

"Then you haven't seen him when he lets loose."

Wu Wang shook his head and smiled, "Didn't he say he has three things he won't provoke: women who are already taken, women who are married, and women whose cultivation is higher than his.

This guy is quite keen on saving his own life."

"Keen on saving his life?"

Lin Suqing chuckled, "I just feel like he's very smooth and experienced."

"Where is your master?" Wu Wang asked. "I'll go see him. If you want to go back with your master this time, you can. We can meet in the Human Domain."

"No, six years is six years!"

Lin Suqing tossed her head and snorted proudly, as if her face clearly read 'Someone important has arrived from my family.'

"Come on, I'll take you to meet my master."

"Huh?"

"Young Master, Xiao Ai's master wants to thank you in person."

"Mm."

Wu Wang smiled calmly and returned with Lin Suqing, his mind already planning the business dealings with the Human Domain.

He knew that a single meeting wouldn't settle everything, and Wu Wang had his own agenda. He didn't intend to finalize things immediately this time.

To protect his own clan and to prevent it from becoming too powerful and attracting unwanted blessings, he decided to establish the 'Northern Plains Mineral Association.' This would consolidate the mineral resources of the major clans in the Northern Plains, allowing for unified pricing and shared prosperity.

As for supporting the humans in the Human Domain, that certainly couldn't be done openly. He would provide support secretly, on the down low.

This Ji Mo was truly someone worth befriending; he had a very good character.

* 'It's a pity. I'll be cultivating discreetly in the Human Domain from now on, so there will be few opportunities to meet again.'

Wu Wang thought to himself.

And so, half a month later, at dusk.

A blood-soaked figure plummeted from the sky, crashing directly onto a tent on the outskirts of the Bear Hug Tribe's Royal Court. The young man and woman inside screamed in terror.

"Brother Bear... save... save me..."

(PS: I'll be taking a half-day break tonight to finish writing the side story my senior brother didn't complete~)