Lord Divine Envoy

W-why...

Ji Mo stared at the scene below the city gate. His loose hair slid down before his face; "nothing left to live for" was written on his right cheek, "nothing worth living for" on his left.

As the younger son of a prominent Lineage in the Human Domain, was he ultimately still no match for the young master of a Northern Plains clan?

Why was the gap between people so vast!

Before the city gate, wave after wave of beautiful figures surged forth carrying flower garlands, gathering around the carriage.

Bear Brother sat atop the magnificent carriage, smiling as he waved to those around him, accepting the respect and goodwill expressed by Women's Country.

What about him, Ji Mo?

He was still hanging here, his Nascent Soul sealed and his Golden Core restrained. Aside from throwing back his head in a long sigh, he could only choke back speechlessly.

The guards below had already begun sharpening their blades and shaking out their fishing nets!

"The National Preceptor has arrived!"

A burst of commotion rose from within the city gates. The drums and horns ceased at once, and the cheering crowd parted to either side, opening a path wide enough for two people to walk abreast before bowing in unison.

Wu Wang looked over at the sound and saw a group of more than ten people emerging from the city.

At the very front was an older sister who appeared to be in her thirties. She wore a short purple jacket and a long skirt trailing across the ground. A phoenix hairpin passed through her coiled hair, and above her snow-white neck was a gorgeous, alluring face.

What drew the eye most was still...

That neck was really huge. Cough, no—that expanse of bosom was really white.

Even a man like Wu Wang, who had grown up in the Royal Court of the Bear Hug Tribe, could not help offering a small measure of praise in his heart.

Could it be that she had used some secret art to steal all the nourishment Fengge ought to have received?

Praise was praise, but Wu Wang's eyes remained perfectly clear, his gaze fixed upon the National Preceptor's face. As he rose from the carriage, he also spotted a familiar acquaintance behind her.

Ling Xiaolan.

So Ling Xiaolan and Ji Mo had passed the previous round of trials in the Northern Plains and had been sent to Women's Country for another trial?

Could it be that those higher-ups in the Human Domain had ignored the old senior's words?

That was not right either. The old senior had only held that meeting yesterday. Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan should have arrived in Women's Country before him.

These tangled thoughts flashed swiftly through Wu Wang's mind. He flipped down from the carriage, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed slightly.

The National Preceptor smiled, pressed her palms together, and returned the bow.

Ji Mo, hanging on the wall nearby, could not help bursting into tears... They had actually started exchanging bows!

The National Preceptor of Women's Country examined Wu Wang a few times, then stepped forward another two paces, leaving less than a foot between them.

She smiled gently and spoke slowly.

"Divine Envoy from afar, we have confirmed your identity. We hope General Fengge did not behave too discourteously earlier. Her Majesty will reprimand her later as well."

Fengge's eyes widened, and she immediately shouted, "What does that have to do with me? This guy hid his own identity!"

"General Fengge." The National Preceptor turned her head, her expression immediately growing sterner. "Do not forget your manners before an honored guest!"

Fengge curled her lips, rolled her eyes, and clicked her tongue. The entire sequence of tiny expressions flowed as smoothly as drifting clouds and running water, completed in one go.

Wu Wang smiled. "General Fengge has treated me with courtesy throughout. I was the one who arrived too abruptly. Fairy Ling, we meet again."

Ling Xiaolan nodded lightly, removed her bamboo hat, and hung it at her side. With a veil over her face, she gave Wu Wang a slight bow and said in her cool voice,

"To encounter Bear Brother in a place like this truly comes as a surprise.

But meeting Bear Brother is not a bad thing either."

Wu Wang pointed at the person hanging from the city wall, puzzled. "What is going on with this one?"

Ling Xiaolan glanced in the opposite direction and softly asked, "Is there something over there? I do not see anything."

Ji Mo could not help crying out again.

"Bear Brother! It really was not me! I, Ji Mo, never deny what I have done, but I absolutely did not do this! I came to Women's Country on serious business!"

Wu Wang raised his head and smiled. "What serious business did Brother Ji come to handle?"

"I..." Ji Mo said anxiously. "Can I say that in public? Can I?"

The National Preceptor beside them frowned and asked, "Divine Envoy, could it be that you know this despicable wretch?"

"They traveled through the Northern Plains before, and I had a brief encounter with them," Wu Wang said with a smile. "Fairy Ling can also prove my identity."

The National Preceptor sighed. "Who would have thought that the envoy from the Human Domain would actually... Sigh, it truly leaves one speechless."

"However, National Preceptor, there are two things I do not understand." Wu Wang's expression turned serious. "How long have Brother Ji and Fairy Ling been in Women's Country?"

Ling Xiaolan said, "We arrived here three days ago with an invitation sent by the National Preceptor."

"Brother Ji committed so many evil deeds within two days." Wu Wang let out a long sigh. "What great fortune indeed—let song give voice to my will."

Ling Xiaolan tilted her head slightly. "What does that mean?"

"Just a homophone."

Wu Wang looked at the National Preceptor of Women's Country and asked warmly, "National Preceptor, may I ask one more question? Who captured this man of unrestrained conduct?"

The National Preceptor immediately said, "The imperial guards. Their leader should be..."

"National Preceptor, it was me!"

One person leaped out from among the golden-armored guards who had gone to receive Wu Wang. "I led the people who caught him."

Wu Wang looked at the guard and asked gently, "Could you describe what happened that night in detail? There is a point I truly cannot make sense of."

"That night, I was patrolling outside the palace gates when I suddenly heard someone crying for help, so I immediately led people over."

A trace of recollection passed through the female guard's eyes.

"After we arrived, we could not find the person calling for help. While searching the area, we found a courtyard and heard sobbing inside.

"The moment I entered, I saw this man lying naked on a bed, with a little blood beside him."

Wu Wang asked, puzzled, "There was no woman present?"

"We found none," the female guard immediately replied. "But we at once investigated and questioned people nearby, and found more than ten citizens who had fallen victim to this man's evil hands over the past two days!"

Fengge folded her arms, pondered for a moment, and said, "So you did not catch him in the act?"

A guard beside her softly reminded her, "General, your second aunt's younger sister also fell victim to him and lost her qualification to bear the next generation."

"What!"

Fengge's eyes went wide. Grabbing her spear, she was about to charge over, but the National Preceptor hurriedly called for guards to stop her, and the scene became quite chaotic for a time.

After a short while, Wu Wang finally got the chance to ask the female guard again.

"When you caught this fellow, which hand did you use?"

"This one!"

The female guard raised her right hand high and proudly looked at her companions. "I grabbed him by the collar and lifted him straight up! He even dared glare at me!"

The National Preceptor smiled. "Divine Envoy, what is the matter?"

"You caught a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator capable of flying through the sky and burrowing into the earth with your bare hands. That is a little too incredible."

Wu Wang turned to the National Preceptor. "National Preceptor, your Spiritual Sense is drawn inward and precious light shines in your eyes. You must also be an expert cultivator.

"Do you think this is reasonable?

"Unless, when he was captured, his Nascent Soul had been sealed, his Golden Core locked, and he had not the slightest chance to resist."

"Now that the Divine Envoy puts it that way, there are indeed many suspicious points."

The National Preceptor considered it briefly, then turned her head. "Take this person down. Forbid any citizen from approaching him, and escort him to the National Preceptor's residence for further questioning!"

Having said that, the female National Preceptor smiled and invited him.

"Divine Envoy, please also stay temporarily at my residence. Later, you and I can exchange our insights on prayer. Tomorrow, Her Majesty will hold a grand welcoming ceremony for you."

"Many thanks, National Preceptor."

Wu Wang and the National Preceptor exchanged another bow. He glanced at Ji Mo, then walked alongside the National Preceptor with three feet between them, discussing methods of prayer and speaking of Northern Plains customs all along the way.

After Ji Mo was lowered to the ground, he deeply performed a Daoist salute toward Wu Wang's retreating back. Then the hem of a white skirt suddenly appeared before his eyes.

The moment Ji Mo looked up, he saw Ling Xiaolan's utterly indifferent eyes.

"Fairy Ling, listen to my explanation. I really..."

Ling Xiaolan slowly put on her bamboo hat and softly said,

"Once, there was a village. In it lived an idler named Zhang, who often stole chickens and dogs and was chased and beaten by the villagers.

"One day, gold and silver were stolen from a wealthy household in the village. No one knew who had done it, so the villagers severely tortured Zhang, causing his death. Several days later, they caught a bandit, who confessed to stealing the gold and silver.

"How should the villagers be sentenced?"

Ji Mo froze for a moment. Rising to his feet, he thought it over, then hurriedly said, "Fairy, are you saying that my usual reputation is poor, which is why I suffered such an unexpected calamity?"

"No."

Ling Xiaolan calmly turned around and carried her sword after those ahead. She left behind only one sentence.

"The villagers were merely scolded a few times by a passing patrol and were not convicted. The fact that they did not take the chance to beat you to death means you are lucky."

"Ah, this..."

Ji Mo opened his mouth but had no words. Cold light flashed beside him as blade after blade and sword after sword crowded around his neck from every angle, leaving him instantly unable to move.

"Move aside!"

Fengge roared. A long spear shot toward Ji Mo from behind, and the guards hurriedly dodged aside.

Inside the city, Wu Wang was admiring a group dance performed by women together with the National Preceptor when he suddenly heard a scream from behind him. Turning his head, he saw a certain brother's body flung high into the air, soaring above the city wall and rushing into the clouds, scattering a trail of scorching blood.

The scene was exceedingly cruel, too horrible to look at.

The National Preceptor beside him quietly asked, "Divine Envoy, are you deeply acquainted with this envoy from the Human Domain?"

Wu Wang shook his head and said seriously, "We are ordinary friends, not very familiar. But his family should have some influence in the Human Domain. Before the matter is fully investigated, it would be best to spare his life."

The National Preceptor smiled. "Will you join us in questioning him later?"

Wu Wang declined. "I have no intention of interfering in Women's Country's affairs of state."

The National Preceptor's red lips moved as she transmitted her voice.

"Divine Envoy, this matter has become somewhat impossible to settle. The truth may involve a struggle between factions in the Human Domain.

"Women's Country is in a rather awkward position. We neither wish to offend any faction in the Human Domain nor appear too friendly toward it. You are the young master of a great Northern Plains clan, so you should understand our predicament.

"Please consider it a favor to us. Women's Country will certainly reward you generously afterward."

Wu Wang pondered briefly, then smiled and nodded, agreeing.

As long as this generous reward was not the entire country offering itself to him in marriage. He truly was not in a convenient position for that right now.

Thus, less than half a day later.

By nightfall, the front courtyard of the National Preceptor's residence was brilliantly lit, and figures filled the space outside its gates and along its front walls.

Guard after guard encircled the front courtyard, while long tables and wooden chairs had been arranged before the main hall. Two rows of female guards stood holding blades. Though they lacked masculine vigor, their killing intent was no less fierce.

The National Preceptor of Women's Country, now changed into a purple robe, sat in the seat of honor, elegant and intellectual, with a captivating bearing.

On the left sat Ling Xiaolan, changed into a plain white gown, like fresh orchid grass just coming into bloom, yet giving off a faint chill.

Even Fengge, who had only just returned to the royal capital from the border, had changed into a dark red inner dress and donned imposing golden armor. Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail atop her head, adding several degrees of heroic spirit.

Wu Wang felt somewhat powerless to complain. Women really were troublesome.

How long had it been? Why had they all changed clothes?

He secretly shook his head, lifted his brand-new black beast-hide cloak, and calmly sat beside Ling Xiaolan. Its smooth collar felt cool and soft, like a little beast sleeping soundly.

The National Preceptor lightly winked at Wu Wang. Pink eyeshadow now adorned her eyes, her lashes were half an inch longer than they had been that afternoon, and something seemed to be suggested in her shifting gaze. Her choice of neckline was also rather bold.

Wu Wang smiled politely, but did not look any further.

"Bring up everyone involved!"

At the National Preceptor's command, Ji Mo was escorted forward by several guards.

Another sixteen women were brought into the courtyard, weeping and sobbing. The female guards rebuked them for their lack of decorum, and only then did they quiet down, each curiously examining Ji Mo and Wu Wang.

Wu Wang pondered slightly at the sight.

The customs and views on gender in Women's Country differed from those of both the Human Domain and the Northern Plains. The main reason these women were weeping was that they had lost the opportunity to enter the Precious Pool and bear the next generation.

After several rounds of questioning, the truth of the matter was largely brought to light.

Three days earlier, Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan had arrived at the border of Women's Country. The National Preceptor personally received them, opened the barrier to admit them, and brought them directly through Skyward Flight to the National Preceptor's residence.

That night, the National Preceptor's residence held a grand banquet, and Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan drank a little wine.

During the feast, Ji Mo suddenly heard a thread of zither music. Before his eyes, it seemed as though a jade beauty was dancing with graceful movements. In a daze, he left his seat and saw a white figure dancing beneath the moon. Without thinking, he wanted to approach.

Ji Mo could no longer remember what happened afterward.

When Ji Mo awoke, he was already lying on a bed, all his Magic Power sealed and unable to move in the slightest.

Ling Xiaolan could testify to this. Ji Mo had indeed suddenly risen and left the banquet without saying much. When Ji Mo left, his expression...

"I did not notice," Ling Xiaolan said indifferently. "I do not pay much attention to him. I was merely acting alongside him under orders."

Ji Mo silently covered his heart.

Fortunately, the questioning of the victims that followed made Ji Mo let out a long breath of relief.

"Was it him? I only remember the back... The back was thinner and shorter than his, but it felt like a dream then, and I cannot remember clearly either."

"I do not think it was him. I remember the voice. It was deeper than his."

"That man had a scar on the left side of his chest. I even scratched his back raw. I wonder whether it still hurts now."

Ji Mo silently pulled open his collar, revealing the smooth skin beneath, causing many of the women present to cast flirtatious glances his way.

Ling Xiaolan shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath with effort.

It had almost become unclean again...

Wu Wang smiled. "National Preceptor, it seems there is a third man within your country."

"Seal the city at once! Report this matter to Her Majesty and send people to search every part of the royal capital!"

The National Preceptor issued several sharp commands, then glanced at Ji Mo again. Her expression was somewhat cold as she said, "The truth has come to light. Young Master Ji was not responsible.

"Someone, bring a chair for Young Master Ji, lest people say Women's Country lacks manners."

Ji Mo said, "National Preceptor, there is no need!"

"It is nothing," the National Preceptor of Women's Country said with a smile. "Since you are a friend of the Northern Plains Divine Envoy, we cannot let you suffer a grievance."

"There really is no need." Ji Mo glanced at Fengge. "I... I still cannot sit down."

Fengge slapped the table and stood up, glaring at Ji Mo. "What are you looking at? You have an objection? Believe it or not, this general will poke another hole in you!"

Ji Mo snorted coldly. A faint aura spread around him, transforming into several cyclones that circled his body as his long hair and Daoist robe fluttered together.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "Thanks to the general's spear, this Daoist broke free of the restraint on my Nascent Soul. I am only refraining from settling accounts with you now out of respect for Women's Country!"

Fengge's large eyes rounded as she jumped straight out from behind the table. "Fine. I'll give you the chance. We fight outside the city."

"Please!"

With a grand sweep of his hand, Ji Mo gestured. Fengge opened her palm in a hollow grasp, and streams of light gathered in her hand, condensing into a long spear.

Wu Wang watched from the side, dumbfounded. "Brother Ji..."

"I won't hurt her, Brother Xiong. No need to dissuade me," Ji Mo said, even his lips trembling. "But I must reclaim the dignity I lost here and wash away this humiliation!"

With that, he brought two fingers together like a sword and raised them high above his head, his body shooting into the sky!

A longsword flew from Ji Mo's sleeve, circled several times, then settled beneath his feet, carrying him swiftly beyond the city.

Fengge raised her spear high, bent her knees, and kicked off fiercely. The stone slabs beneath her instantly caved in as she shot into the night sky like an arrow loosed from the string!

Only then did Wu Wang finish the second half of his sentence: "...You don't seem to be a match for General Feng."

Thunderous booms rang out beyond the city, while figures crisscrossed atop the walls.

A short while later, two figures fell from the sky, crushing several more stone bricks in the National Preceptor's residence.

Fengge tossed the barely breathing Ji Mo onto the ground, loosened her armor, and said lightly:

"I gave you a chance, but you were still useless."

Ji Mo weakly pounded the ground, leaving behind two trails of humiliated tears.

Wu Wang paid no attention to this farce. He sat quietly in thought, his gaze sweeping across the scene.

For this tiny Women's Country to draw the Human Emperor's attention, matters here truly were not so simple.

The person who had framed Ji Mo appeared to have used a scheme, but in truth it had been an open plot. With Ji Mo hung from the walls of Women's Country, his reputation had been utterly ruined.

Should Ji Mo truly rise step by step into the clouds and soar to great heights one day, this incident would become damning dirt to attack his private character—and it would be difficult to clear away.

Judging from the motive, it looked very much like the work of a Human Domain force, likely one of Ji Mo's competitors.

Would the Human Emperor not lie?

On the contrary, one ability the Human Emperor had to possess was using lies to conceal certain cruel truths.

Thus, Senior Shennong's claim that the previous several hundred holders of the Flame Emperor Token were all gone was very likely a lie.

The most reasonable guess was that the upper echelons of the Human Domain had disagreed over how to seek the next Human Emperor. Besides Senior Shennong Shi personally searching far and wide, casting a broad net, someone else had adopted a cultivation method akin to "raising venomous insects in a jar."

He had not even gone to this Human Domain yet, and already he somewhat wished to keep it at arm's... length...

Hm?

Wu Wang's eyes narrowed, his gaze stopping on a guard in the corner of the front courtyard. He quietly transmitted his voice to Ling Xiaolan.

Ling Xiaolan raised a hand as though combing her lovely hair. A flash of silver suddenly appeared, and a sharp whistle of something tearing through the air rang through the National Preceptor's residence!

What flew out was an ordinary wooden hairpin wrapped in a pale white aura, aimed at the helmet of that guard in the corner.

The guard was somewhat caught off guard, but her reaction was extremely swift.

Her waist seemed boneless as she arched backward with astonishing speed, supporting herself on the ground with one hand. Her two slender legs swept through the air in succession, and her skirt fluttered along with them.

A backflip performed as an emergency response was unexpectedly elegant.

When the woman rose to her feet, her waterfall-like dark hair fell down at her side. Her jade-like face, no longer concealed by the helmet, carried a trace of puzzlement, and she even blinked softly at Ling Xiaolan.

How had she been exposed?

Ling Xiaolan looked toward Wu Wang. Her almond eyes seemed able to speak, as though asking him: Didn't you say that guard was suspicious?

Wu Wang pondered for a moment and was just about to make up a plausible explanation when he suddenly heard the National Preceptor cry out in a trembling voice:

"Your Majesty! Why are you here?"