The Royal Palace Is Strange

Wu Wang couldn't figure it out even after thinking all night.

What was that assassin thinking?

The timing of their appearance outside his door was so perfectly dramatic.

While this person's Ascend to Immortality realm wasn't as impressive as the Leaping God Realm achieved by a top disciple like Ling Xiaolan from a major sect, based on the skills they displayed, if he'd faced them one-on-one, he definitely... would have had to expend a batch of Star Thunder Technique crystal balls.

It was a shame that the other party had completely burned their Nascent Soul in the end, making it impossible to get more information. He could only vaguely judge that this person was likely the one who framed Brother Ji.

How many more cultivators like this were hidden in the Women's Country?

That barrier, which was rumored to be impenetrable, couldn't withstand the provocation of a Human Domain expert after all...

'I'll say goodbye to the Queen at dawn, pretend to leave, and go underground,' Wu Wang secretly decided.

The pavilion he had been staying in was demolished. After the National Teacher saw the Queen off, he arranged new accommodation for Wu Wang, and then calmly led his people away, not mentioning what had happened before.

Pity, he didn't know if the National Teacher and the Queen had a good time in the wardrobe.

That scene must have been quite amusing.

As dawn broke, Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan found Wu Wang one after another, both with grim expressions.

"Brother Xiong, I've identified him! That guy is the flower thief who set me up!"

Ji Mo slammed the table, but the table remained unharmed. He cursed:

"This guy self-immolated his Nascent Soul too quickly, leaving no clues about his identity. However, the sixteen victims have identified him!

This scoundrel! He's an absolute scoundrel! Simply an unconscionable scoundrel!"

Fairy Ling said from the side, "I've already reported this to the Human Domain. As you instructed, Brother Xiong, I did not mention your presence here.

However, your actions in the Women's Country likely won't be hidden from the Pavilion."

Wu Wang chuckled, "If it can't be hidden, so be it."

After venting his anger, Ji Mo sat down in front of Wu Wang, then pulled a stool closer, his eyes fixed on Wu Wang.

He asked, "Brother Xiong, would you like to join the Four Seas Pavilion?"

Wu Wang retorted, "And then be assigned all sorts of missions beyond my capabilities, all under the guise of trials?"

"This is different."

Ji Mo glanced at Ling Xiaolan, raised his hand to draw several talismans, and enveloped the room with Magic Power, saying mysteriously:

"Brother Xiong, I can let you in on a secret.

Not many people in the Four Seas Pavilion can participate in these high-difficulty trials like Fairy Ling and I can."

Fairy Ling snorted, "Don't overestimate yourself. There are some of us who undergo trials like this."

Wu Wang asked, "What are the casualties?"

"That," Ji Mo sighed, "can only be said that one in ten survives."

Ling Xiaolan's expression dimmed slightly. She stood to the side with her arms crossed and said softly, "The Northern Plains trip was my mistake. There were hints before we left that Granny Yin was problematic, yet I didn't suspect anything."

"Fairy Ling, don't blame yourself," Ji Mo said earnestly. "This is fate."

Ling Xiaolan glanced aside, unwilling to discuss it further.

Wu Wang calmly changed the subject, "Brother Ji, why don't you give me a detailed introduction to the Four Seas Pavilion?"

Ji Mo cleared his throat, moved closer to Wu Wang, and then revealed a lot of... common knowledge to Wu Wang.

The Four Seas Pavilion actually only existed outside the Human Domain. Human Domain cultivators rarely had direct contact with it, yet the Four Seas Pavilion held a significant position within the Human Domain.

This pavilion was founded by the current Human Emperor. Initially, it traded pills and magic tools for minerals, spirit herbs, beast cores, and various other items scarce in the Human Domain from the Nine Wilds.

Now, the Four Seas Pavilion's influence had spread throughout the Great Wilderness. Except for the Zhongshan region where they couldn't venture too deeply, they had established close ties with all the human races in various regions through trade and bartering.

In the Human Domain, every Immortal Sect and Demonic Sect had to send a certain number of disciples to the border every fifty or hundred years.

Only a small portion of the most talented disciples from each sect were selected to work for the Four Seas Pavilion.

Wu Wang asked a few more questions, such as how the various sects traded with the Four Seas Pavilion and how much power the Four Seas Pavilion possessed.

Ji Mo was quite open and honest, revealing everything he could and hinting at a little more.

"The Four Seas Pavilion is full of talented individuals. If Brother Xiong is willing to join, I will ask my elders to provide a recommendation!"

Wu Wang said seriously, "Brother Ji still hasn't explained how joining the Four Seas Pavilion would be different for me compared to you."

Ji Mo carefully chose his words, "These trials aren't something you can just take on. Although dangerous, they are of great significance to the Human Domain..."

Wu Wang thought: Your pavilion master was just reprimanded; you might not get the next round of trials when you go back.

Ji Mo pondered for a moment, then hesitated slightly before whispering, "Brother Xiong, are there any rumors of the Flame Emperor Token in the Northern Plains?"

"There are no such rumors in the Northern Plains," Wu Wang didn't lie. "But I know about the Flame Emperor Token."

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Brother Xiong."

Ji Mo squinted and smiled, straightened his clothes, and put on a gentle smile.

"The ultimate goal of the trials we participate in is to gain the recognition of the Four Seas Pavilion.

If we succeed, we will be recommended by the Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, giving us a chance to receive the Flame Emperor Token bestowed by His Majesty the Human Emperor."

Ling Xiaolan retorted, "You always say I speak without restraint, but aren't you the same?"

"These are all common understandings in the Human Domain," Ji Mo defended. "Given Brother Xiong's aptitude and background, he would naturally be cultivated in the same way."

Wu Wang picked up the cooled tea beside him and took a sip, a faint glint in his eyes.

He asked, "I have another question. After joining the Four Seas Pavilion, are the trials we participate in our own decision, or are they directly assigned by the Four Seas Pavilion?"

Ji Mo was immediately at a loss for words.

Ling Xiaolan said, "Most cultivators who die in the first round of trials don't know the answer."

"Then I won't go," Wu Wang chuckled. "I am the Young Master of the Northern Plains and will likely shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the Bear Hug Tribe in the future. From any perspective, it's not suitable for me to join the Four Seas Pavilion."

Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan exchanged a glance.

Ling Xiaolan said triumphantly, "See? I understand Brother Xiong better than you do."

"Alas," Ji Mo sighed. "I owe Brother Xiong too much. I truly don't know how I can repay you. I had hoped to bring Brother Xiong to the Human Domain and live a carefree life for a few years… Never mind, it's entirely up to Brother Xiong's decision."

"If you two have time, why don't you tell me about the main powers in the Human Domain? I might go to the Human Domain in the future to find the True Scripture that can save the Northern Plains from suffering. I wouldn't want to offend any seniors or powerful figures."

Wu Wang said gently, then gestured for Ling Xiaolan to take a seat. She took out a soft cushion, spread it on the chair, and sat down.

Ji Mo also became animated, and he began to tell Wu Wang about the current situation in the Human Domain.

There were many rumors, sect gossip, fairy anecdotes, and stories of couples splitting up, all of which Wu Wang recounted with considerable flair.

Ling Xiaolan, sitting nearby, tried to interject, but Ji Mo would effortlessly steer the conversation back to himself.

In terms of eloquence, Ji Mo was far superior to Ling Xiaolan.

As Wu Wang listened, he suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, similar to when he was a volunteer at an orphanage and several children would surround him, all eager to speak…

Before they knew it, the eastern sky was turning a pale white. The National Teacher sent someone to inform them of the time they were to enter the palace. Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan returned to their rooms to freshen up.

The Flame Emperor Token.

Wu Wang looked inward at his spiritual platform, observing the ball of fire hovering outside his ethereal soul, his thoughts in a jumble.

If Senior Shennong valued him, this Flame Emperor Token wouldn't be the only one; he would just be one of many.

But if Senior Shennong didn't value him, why would he give him the Flame Emperor Token, something that Human Domain prodigies had to endure immense hardship to obtain? Not only did Shennong give it to him, but he also helped him repair the first three stages, making the Flame Emperor Token hidden within his body.

'From now on, do not use this token unless it is a matter of life and death.'

Wu Wang glanced at the ring on his hand again and, after a moment of thought, replaced the outer storage treasure.

He couldn't forget for a moment that Ji Mo might be accompanied by that True Immortal.

Rubbing his temples, Wu Wang was already starting to get a headache.

His ideal was so simple and beautiful: he just wanted to gain more lifespan, but he hadn't expected to bear the pressure that shouldn't befall someone his age…

"Divine Envoy, the National Teacher requests your presence for a meal."

And coveting.

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Wu Wang thought for a moment, then put his small knife in his pocket, not daring to be careless in this matter.

Two hours later.

Wu Wang, bathed in the bright sunlight, sat on the flower-strewn carriage, receiving the praise and blessings of the surrounding younger sisters, older sisters, aunts, and grandmothers.

And as Wu Wang's carriage passed, Fairy Ling, in the carriage behind him, would also receive a lot of praise and admiration from the women.

Then, the carriage after that passed…

On both sides, a group of women raised their hands and flicked their sleeves in unison, quickly dispersing.

Ji Mo, however, smiled calmly.

This treatment was far better than what he had received before.

Ji Mo had also realized that people couldn't always be compared. At an age where he could be Brother Xiong's uncle, he didn't even have a fifty percent chance of defeating Brother Xiong in a direct confrontation, which in itself indicated something.

And Wu Wang, while appearing serious at the moment, was actually pondering the National Teacher's words from earlier…

"Divine Envoy, it was a misunderstanding, everything before was a misunderstanding. Last night, I had some insights from my prayers and wanted to discuss them with the Divine Envoy.

As for discussing, holding wine is perfectly reasonable, right?

The weather was too hot last night, and I momentarily forgot that the Divine Envoy was a man. I went over in casual attire, and if I caused any offense, please bear with me.

Um, could you explain to His Majesty on my behalf today? If I had known His Majesty was with you, I absolutely would not have gone over!"

The National Teacher seemed quite wary of the Queen.

From the National Teacher's previous behavior, the probability of her being the source of the rebellion was not very high.

Wu Wang's spiritual consciousness swept across various parts of the Women's Country's capital at regular intervals.

The nation is prosperous and the people are well-fed. Everyone is harmonious and amiable. How could this possibly look like a rebellion is about to break out?

However, one shouldn't speak too definitively.

Wu Wang looked up towards the front. A continuous stretch of palaces towered in the center of the great city. Sunlight shone on the golden roofs of the palace complex, and an aura of sanctity, not to mention expense, washed over him.

Women's Country, Royal Palace.

The area around the royal palace was shrouded in an invisible array, blocking the detection of spirit stones and spiritual senses. This was not unusual; Wu Wang hadn't paid much attention to the royal palace before.

But now, as they drew closer and closer to the royal palace, a sliver of unease began to stir in Wu Wang's heart…

"Brother Bear."

A voice transmission reached his ear. It was Ling Xiaolan, reminding him, "The royal palace is a bit strange. My heart feels a little unsettled."

Wu Wang turned his head and gave a slight nod towards the carriage behind him. He happened to see Brother Ji's utterly bewildered expression…

Ah, this.

Compared to him, Fairy Ling was far more reliable!

Before arriving at the royal palace, Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan were on full alert, constantly probing the array formations on the outskirts of the palace.

Wu Wang saw nothing; his understanding of arrays was like having six of the seven apertures of his mind open – completely clueless.

Ling Xiaolan transmitted a few words of advice to Wu Wang, telling him to retreat with her if they encountered trouble later. She had already found a weakness in the royal palace's array.

The carriage stopped, and the palace gates swung open.

Four rows of beautifully dressed women emerged, dancing gracefully around the carriage.

Wu Wang thickened the ice crystal film around himself and signaled to those nearby not to approach him, lest they lose their decorum. Only then did he jump down from the carriage.

Suddenly!

As his feet touched the ground, Wu Wang's spiritual platform trembled slightly, the necklace on his chest grew warm, and his whole body stiffened for a moment.

What the heck?

Why did he suddenly have the feeling of being stared at by that benevolent giant beast when it looked up at him back then!

It felt as if a fierce beast was gazing at him from the depths of the earth; and the palace gate ahead seemed to have become the gaping maw of a fierce beast, ready to devour him!

"Divine Envoy… Divine Envoy Sir?"

The National Teacher's voice came from beside his ear. Wu Wang took a breath, and the sense of dread quickly receded.

"Divine Envoy, what's wrong?"

The National Teacher asked with concern.

Wu Wang smiled and shook his head. He glanced at Ling Xiaolan and Ji Mo beside him, finding Ling Xiaolan's gaze to be quite sharp, while Ji Mo…

Let's just say that his attention was definitely focused more on the song and dance than on his own safety.

"Did Divine Envoy Sir sense something?"

The National Teacher chuckled, "No need to worry, no need to overthink. Our Women's Country also has its own reliance and protection. Otherwise, how could we have existed in the Western Plains for so many years?"

Wu Wang immediately understood. The dangerous presence he sensed was likely the Women's Country's guardian beast or something similar.

At that moment, the unease within him lessened by more than half.

Wu Wang looked forward. He could see that inside the palace gates, the ministers of the Women's Country were lined up on either side. Numerous majestic female guards stood at regular intervals, filling the space from the palace gate to the great hall.

Fengge was not carrying her spear today. Instead, she stood rather proudly in the great hall, hand on the long saber at her waist, waiting for them to approach.

Inside the hall, the Queen, adorned in magnificent attire, sat quietly on her throne on the high platform.

After the song and dance performance, there was another song and dance performance. Wu Wang and the other two could truly be said to be 'unable to move an inch.'

Finally, after an hour of to-ing and fro-ing, the three of them stood before the ruler of the Women's Country and paid their respects according to their respective customs.

"Divine Envoy Bear~"

The Queen called out softly, with unconcealed joy.

The National Teacher coughed beside her and whispered, "Your Majesty, please recite the address and present the gifts first. We can chat later during the banquet."

"En!" The ruler of the Women's Country cleared her throat, her demeanor instantly returning to its dignified state. It was clear she was gearing up for business.

Let's fast forward to the end of the private banquet with the Queen, attended only by Fengge, the National Teacher, and the three of them.

"Come, I'll take you to a good place!"

A jade-like hand, seemingly formed from white jade, was extended towards Wu Wang.

Wu Wang looked up and saw her luminous jade arm, her gorgeous attire, and her intoxicating smiling face.

"Your Majesty," Wu Wang said calmly, shaking his head with a smile, "holding hands is a rather intimate gesture between a man and a woman."

The Queen blinked gently, put her hands behind her back, and whispered:

"Then, follow me. Let's go to the sleeping quarters and have some fun."

The National Teacher, who was holding a glazed cup at the side, turned and spat out a mouthful of wine, directly onto Ji Mo.

"Your Majesty! Absolutely not, absolutely not, Your Majesty! I shall accompany you!"

Ji Mo's mouth twitched a few times. Just as he was about to take out a handkerchief to wipe his face, a fist flew from the side and struck his shoulder with the speed of lightning, causing him to grimace in pain.

"Damn it!"

Fengge gritted her teeth and cursed, "His Majesty's sleeping quarters, I really want to go!"

Ling Xiaolan stood up coolly and calmly followed in the direction Wu Wang had left, leaving behind a sentence:

"I'll go check on Brother Bear and make sure he doesn't get into trouble."

"This?"

Ji Mo and Fengge tilted their heads simultaneously. They exchanged a glance, then quickly averted their gazes. The entire grand hall was suddenly left with just the two of them.

For some reason, Ji Mo's gaze deepened slightly, and his lips moved.

"I didn't get to finish last night, when do you plan to make your move?"

"Let's wait a bit longer."

Fengge murmured in a low voice, looking at the sumptuous lunch spread before her, and pursed her lips.