Lord Divine Envoy

"Wh-why..."

Ji Mo watched the scene unfold below the city gates, his loose hair falling over his face. The words 'No Life' were written on his right cheek, and 'Worth Loving' on his left.

Was it true that the young son of a prominent family from the Human Domain ultimately couldn't compare to the young master of a Northern Plains clan?

How could the gap between people be so vast!

A stream of beautiful figures holding flower garlands surged out from the city gates, surrounding the ornate carriage.

Brother Bear sat in the magnificent carriage, smiling and waving to the crowd, accepting the respect and goodwill shown by the Women's Country.

And what about him, Ji Mo?

He was still hanging here, his Nascent Soul sealed and his Golden Core suppressed. All he could do was sigh to the heavens and choke back his tears.

The guards below were already sharpening their knives and unfurling their fishing nets!

"The National Teacher has arrived!"

A clamor erupted from within the city gates. The drumming and the sound of horns ceased simultaneously. The cheering crowd parted to the sides, clearing a path wide enough for two people to walk abreast. They then bowed in unison.

Wu Wang followed the sound and saw a procession of over a dozen people emerging from the city.

The first person, a woman who appeared to be in her thirties, wore a purple short jacket and a floor-length skirt. A phoenix hairpin adorned her coiled hair, and her beautiful face sat atop a snow-white neck.

What drew the most attention, however...

Such a large neck, cough, no, such a fair bosom.

Wu Wang, having grown up in the Royal Court of the Bear Hug Tribe, couldn't help but offer a silent sigh of admiration.

Could she have used some secret technique to steal all the nourishment meant for Fengge?

Despite his admiration, Wu Wang's eyes remained clear as he focused on the National Teacher's face. As he rose from the carriage, he also saw a familiar acquaintance who had come with the National Teacher.

Ling Xiaolan.

So, Ling Xiaolan and Ji Mo passed the previous trial in the Northern Plains and were sent to the Women's Country for another trial?

'Were the words of the elder respected by those higher-ups in the Human Domain?'

No, that couldn't be right. The elder senior had just had a meeting yesterday. Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan should have arrived at the Women's Country before him.

These jumbled thoughts flashed through his mind. Wu Wang jumped down from the carriage, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed slightly.

The National Teacher, with a smile, clasped her hands together and returned the bow.

Ji Mo, hanging on the wall nearby, couldn't help but weep. They're already bowing to each other!

The National Teacher of the Women's Country sized up Wu Wang for a moment, then took two steps forward, stopping less than a foot away from him.

She smiled gently and said in a soft voice:

"Divine Emissary from afar, we have confirmed your identity. We hope General Fengge did not act too rudely before. The Country Lord will reprimand her later."

Fengge's eyes widened, and she immediately shouted, "What does this have to do with me? He was the one hiding his identity!"

"General Fengge," the National Teacher turned her head, her expression instantly becoming stern, "Do not lose your manners in front of our esteemed guest!"

Fengge pouted and rolled her eyes with a dismissive "Tch." Her entire display of expressions was fluid and perfectly executed.

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

Ling Xiaolan nodded gently, took off her bamboo hat, and lowered her veil. She gave Wu Wang a slight bow and said in a cool, clear voice:

"It is truly unexpected to encounter Brother Bear here.

But it is also a good thing to encounter Brother Bear."

Wu Wang pointed at the person hanging on the city wall and asked, puzzled, "What's going on with this guy?"

Ling Xiaolan's gaze flickered in the opposite direction, and she asked softly, "Is there something over there? I don't see anything."

Ji Mo couldn't help but cry out loudly again:

"Brother Bear! It really wasn't me! I, Ji Mo, never deny what I've done, but I absolutely did not do this! I came to the Women's Country on official business!"

Wu Wang looked up and smiled, "Brother Ji, what official business are you here for?"

"Me!" Ji Mo said anxiously, "In front of everyone, can I say this!"

The National Teacher frowned and asked, "Divine Emissary, do you perhaps know this despicable fellow?"

"They ventured into the Northern Plains before, and I met them once," Wu Wang smiled. "Fairy Ling can also vouch for my identity."

The National Teacher sighed, "I never expected an envoy from the Human Domain to... Alas, it is truly speechless."

"However, National Teacher, I have two points of confusion," Wu Wang said seriously. "How long have Brother Ji and Fairy Ling been in the Women's Country?"

Ling Xiaolan replied, "We arrived here three days ago, with an invitation from the National Teacher."

"Brother Ji has committed so many wicked deeds in just two days," Wu Wang sighed deeply. "Fortunately, I can sing to express my aspirations."

Ling Xiaolan tilted her head slightly, "What do you mean?"

"It's just a pun."

Wu Wang looked at the National Teacher of the Women's Country and said gently, "National Teacher, may I ask one more thing: who captured this person of debauched behavior?"

The National Teacher immediately said, "It's the Imperial Guard. The leader should be..."

"National Teacher, it's me!"

One person jumped out from the golden armored guards who went to meet Wu Wang. "It was me who brought people to catch him."

Wu Wang looked at the guard and said gently, "Could you explain the situation that night in detail? There's a doubt I really can't figure out."

"That night, I was patrolling outside the palace gate when I suddenly heard a cry, and I immediately took my men and rushed over."

A hint of recollection flashed in the female guard's eyes.

"When we arrived, we couldn't find the person crying for help. While searching nearby, we found a courtyard and heard sobbing coming from inside.

As soon as I went in, I saw this man lying naked on the bed, with a little bloodstain beside him."

Wu Wang asked in confusion, "Was there no woman present?"

"We didn't find any," the female guard immediately replied. "But we immediately investigated and questioned people nearby and found more than ten citizens who had been poisoned by this man in the last two days!"

Fengge crossed her arms and pondered for a moment. "So, you didn't catch him in the act?"

A guard whispered, "Great General, your second aunt's sister was also a victim and lost the ability to have children."

"What!"

Fengge's eyes widened, and she grabbed her spear, about to charge forward. The National Teacher called out to the guards, who quickly stopped her. The scene became quite chaotic.

A short while later, Wu Wang finally had a chance to ask the female guard again:

"Which hand did you use when you caught this guy?"

"This one!"

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

The National Teacher chuckled, "Divine Envoy, what's the matter?"

"Catching a Nascent Soul stage cultivator who can fly and burrow with bare hands is a bit unbelievable."

Wu Wang turned to the National Teacher. "National Teacher, your spiritual sense is restrained, and your eyes gleam with treasure. You should also be a master cultivator.

National Teacher, do you think this is reasonable?

Unless, when this person was captured, his Nascent Soul was suppressed and his Golden Core was locked, leaving him no chance to resist."

"As the Divine Envoy says, there are indeed many doubts."

The National Teacher pondered for a moment, then turned and said, "Let this person down, prohibit any citizen from approaching, and escort him to the National Teacher's mansion for further interrogation!"

After speaking, the female National Teacher smiled and invited, "Please also stay at my mansion, Divine Envoy. Later tonight, we can exchange insights on prayer. Tomorrow, the National Lord will hold a grand welcoming ceremony for the Divine Envoy."

"Thank you, National Teacher."

Wu Wang bowed again to the National Teacher. He glanced at Ji Mo, then walked side-by-side with the National Teacher, three feet apart. Along the way, they discussed prayer methods and talked about the customs and traditions of the Northern Plains.

After Ji Mo was put on the ground, he deeply bowed towards Wu Wang's retreating back. Suddenly, the white hem of a skirt appeared before his eyes.

As Ji Mo looked up, he saw Ling Xiaolan's eyes, full of indifference.

"Fairy Ling, let me explain, I really..."

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

"Once upon a time, there was a village with a vagrant named Zhang, who often stole chickens and dogs and was chased by the villagers.

One day, the village's wealthy family's gold and silver were stolen. No one knew who did it, so the villagers tortured Zhang severely, leading to his death. A few days later, they caught a thief who confessed to stealing the gold and silver.

How should the villagers be judged?"

Ji Mo was stunned for a moment. He got up and thought for a moment before quickly saying, "Fairy, are you saying that because my reputation is usually bad, I've suffered this misfortune?"

"No."

Ling Xiaolan calmly turned around, carrying her long sword, and chased after the figures ahead, only leaving behind a sentence:

"The villagers were scolded by a passing patrol team and were not punished. They didn't take the opportunity to beat you to death, so you're lucky."

"Ah, this..."

Ji Mo opened his mouth, speechless. Cold light flashed around him, and swords and sabers were pressed against his neck from all angles, instantly immobilizing him.

"Everyone, get out of the way!"

Fengge roared, and a spear shot out from behind Ji Mo. The guards quickly dodged.

In the city, Wu Wang, who was admiring a group dance of women with the National Teacher, suddenly heard a scream from behind him. He turned his head and saw his companion's body being thrown high into the air, soaring over the city walls and into the clouds, scattering a trail of hot blood.

The scene was brutal and hard to watch.

The National Teacher quietly asked, "Divine Envoy, do you have a deep friendship with this envoy from the Human Domain?"

Wu Wang shook his head and said solemnly, "We are ordinary friends, not very close. However, his family should have some influence in the Human Domain. It's best to keep him alive until the matter is clarified."

The National Teacher smiled. "Will you join me in interrogating him later?"

Wu Wang refused, "I have no intention of interfering in the Women's Country's political affairs."

The National Teacher's red lips moved slightly as she transmitted her voice:

"Divine Envoy, this matter has escalated beyond our control. The internal affairs likely involve a power struggle within the Human Domain.

Our Women's Country is in an awkward position. We don't wish to offend any faction in the Human Domain, nor do we want to appear overly friendly. As the Young Master of a Great Clan from the Northern Plains, you should understand our predicament.

Consider it a favor, and our Women's Country will surely reward you handsomely later."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded, agreeing.

As long as the handsome reward wasn't a national effort to offer themselves to him, he was currently in a rather inconvenient situation.

Thus, about half a day later.

As night fell, the front courtyard of the National Teacher's mansion was brightly lit. Figures crowded the area outside the main gate and along the courtyard walls.

Numerous guards surrounded the front courtyard, and a long table with wooden chairs was set up in front of the main hall. Two rows of female guards stood with drawn swords. Though lacking masculine energy, their killing intent was palpable.

The National Teacher of the Women's Country, now in a purple robe, sat at the head seat, exuding elegance and charm.

To her left sat Ling Xiaolan, now in a plain white dress, resembling a newly bloomed orchid, radiating a faint chill.

Even Fengge, who had just returned to the capital from the border, had changed into a dark red inner skirt and donned imposing golden armor. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, adding a touch of heroism.

This made Wu Wang feel a bit helpless. Women are so troublesome. How long has it been, and they've already changed clothes?

He shook his head inwardly, adjusted his brand-new black beast-hide cloak, and calmly sat down beside Ling Xiaolan. The smooth collar felt cool against his skin, like a sleeping little beast.

The National Teacher gave Wu Wang a subtle wink. Her eyelids were adorned with pink eyeshadow, and her lashes seemed longer than they were that afternoon. Her gaze shifted, hinting at something, and her neckline was quite daring.

Wu Wang offered a polite smile but didn't linger on the sight.

"Bring in all relevant parties!"

The National Teacher gave the order, and Ji Mo was escorted in by several guards.

Sixteen more women were brought into the hall, weeping. The female guards scolded them to behave, and they quieted down, curiously observing Ji Mo and Wu Wang.

Wu Wang pondered the situation.

The customs, traditions, and gender concepts of the Women's Country differed from those of the Human Domain and the Northern Plains. The reason these women were weeping was primarily due to losing the opportunity to enter the Treasure Pool to conceive the next generation.

After several inquiries, the matter was largely clarified.

Three days prior, Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan arrived at the border of the Women's Country and were personally welcomed by the National Teacher. A barrier was activated to allow them entry, and they landed directly at the National Teacher's mansion via Skyward Flight.

That night, a grand banquet was held at the National Teacher's mansion, where Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan had some drinks.

During the feast, Ji Mo suddenly heard a melody of a zither. He seemed to see a graceful dancing beauty before his eyes and, in a daze, left his seat. He saw a white figure dancing under the moon and instinctively wanted to approach.

Ji Mo couldn't recall the events that followed.

When Ji Mo woke up, he was lying on a bed, his Magic Power sealed, rendering him completely immobile.

Ling Xiaolan could attest to this; Ji Mo had suddenly stood up and left the banquet without saying much. Ji Mo's expression when he left…

"I didn't pay much attention," Ling Xiaolan said calmly. "I wasn't particularly focused on him; I was merely following orders to act together."

Ji Mo silently clutched his chest.

Fortunately, the subsequent questioning of the victims made Ji Mo breathe a sigh of relief.

"Was it him? I only remember the back… his back was thinner and shorter than his, but it was like a dream at the time, and I can't recall clearly."

"It doesn't seem like him. I remember the voice; it was deeper than his."

"That person had a scar on his left chest, and I even scratched his back open. I wonder if it still hurts now."

Ji Mo silently pulled open his robe, revealing smooth skin underneath, which drew the admiring glances of many women present.

Ling Xiaolan closed her eyes tightly, taking a deep breath. Close one, and things could have gotten messy again…

Wu Wang chuckled, "National Teacher, it appears there is a third man within your country."

"Seal the city immediately, report this matter to Your Majesty, and dispatch people to search all parts of the capital!"

The National Teacher commanded sternly. She then looked at Ji Mo with a cold expression and said, "The matter is clear now; it was not Young Master Ji's doing.

Guards, bring a chair for Young Master Ji, lest it be said that our Women's Country is impolite."

Ji Mo said, "National Teacher, there's no need!"

"It's alright," the National Teacher of the Women's Country smiled. "Since you are a friend of the Divine Envoy from the Northern Plains, we cannot let you be wronged."

"I really don't need it," Ji Mo glanced at Fengge. "I still… I still can't sit down."

Fengge slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Ji Mo. "What are you looking at? Do you have a problem? Believe it or not, I'll poke another hole in you!"

Ji Mo let out a cold snort. A faint aura emanated from him, forming several swirling vortexes around his body. His long hair and Taoist robe fluttered in unison.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Thanks to the General's spear, this humble Taoist was freed from the restraint at my Nascent Soul. I am only showing respect to the Women's Country by not settling the score with you now!"

Fengge's large eyes widened, and she leaped directly from behind the table. "Fine, I'll give you a chance. A battle outside the city."

"Have at it!"

Ji Mo waved his hand grandly. Fengge cupped her hand in the air, and streams of light converged in her palm, forming a long spear.

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

"I won't hurt her, Brother Bear, no need to persuade me further," Ji Mo's lips trembled. "But I must reclaim the dignity I lost here and wash away this disgrace!"

With that, he brought his sword fingers together, raised them above his head, and shot into the sky!

A long sword flew out of Ji Mo's sleeve, circled a few times, and landed at his feet, carrying him rapidly out of the city.

Fengge raised her spear, bent her knees, and stomped down. The stone slabs on the ground instantly caved in, and she shot towards the night sky like an arrow loosed from a bow!

Only then did Wu Wang spit out the latter half of his sentence: "...It seems you're no match for this General Feng."

Outside the city, roars echoed, and figures crisscrossed the city walls.

A moment later, two figures descended from the sky, crushing a few more stone bricks in the National Teacher's mansion.

Fengge tossed the half-dead Ji Mo to the ground, loosened her armor, and said with a casual air:

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

Ji Mo weakly pounded the ground, tears of humiliation streaming down his face.

Wu Wang, however, paid no attention to the farcical display. He sat quietly, lost in thought, his gaze sweeping across the scene.

This small Women's Country could attract the attention of the Human Emperor; things here were indeed not as simple as they seemed.

The person who framed Ji Mo, while appearing to use a scheme, had in fact employed an open ploy. With Ji Mo hung on the city walls of the Women's Country, his reputation was thoroughly ruined.

If Ji Mo were to rise through the ranks and achieve great success in the future, this incident would become a black mark against his personal character, and it would be very difficult to clear his name.

Judging by the motive, it seemed like the work of forces within the Human Domain, specifically Ji Mo's rivals.

Didn't the Human Emperor lie?

On the contrary, a necessary ability for the Human Emperor was to conceal certain cruel truths with lies.

Therefore, it was highly possible that Senior Shennong's statement about the previous hundreds of Flame Emperor Token holders being gone was a falsehood.

The most plausible speculation was that there was a disagreement among the high-ranking officials of the Human Domain regarding the method of finding the next Human Emperor. Besides Senior Shennong Shi personally searching and casting a wide net, some were adopting a cultivation method akin to 'raising gu' (a metaphor for a brutal competition where only the strongest survive).

This Human Domain, before even arriving, was already making him feel a sense of awe and...

Hmm?

Wu Wang's eyes narrowed, and his gaze fixed on a guard in the corner of the front courtyard. He subtly transmitted a message to Ling Xiaolan.

Ling Xiaolan raised her hand as if to adjust her hair, and a flash of silver light appeared. A sharp whistling sound echoed through the National Teacher's mansion!

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

The guard was caught somewhat off guard but reacted with incredible speed.

His waist bent backward as if boneless, he supported himself with one hand on the ground, and his slender legs swept out one after another, his skirt fluttering.

The emergency backflip he executed was surprisingly elegant.

As the woman stood up, her waterfall-like black hair cascaded down her side. Her jade-like face, no longer obscured by a helmet, held a hint of confusion. She even gave Ling Xiaolan a slight wink.

How did I get exposed?

Ling Xiaolan looked at Wu Wang, her almond-shaped eyes seeming to speak, as if asking him, 'You said that guard was suspicious, didn't you?'

Wu Wang pondered for a moment, about to concoct a plausible explanation, when he suddenly heard the National Teacher exclaim with a trembling voice:

"Your Majesty! What are you doing here?"