roccoschili Chapter 539 537: No More Worries in the World!
Chapter 539 537: No More Worries in the World!
Jingwei went to the Celestial Court troubled by such suspicions, but upon arrival, her attention was diverted by numerous matters.Just as they left the borders of the Human Domain, ranks of the Celestial Court's ceremonious reception were awaiting them. Within half an hour, a large group of Goddesses and Fairy Immortals flew in from the direction of the Celestial Court, accompanied by the Young Master and Ling Xiaolan, both addressing her warmly as "sister," almost overwhelming the normally reserved Jingwei.
In such circumstances, Wu Wang naturally did not need to make an appearance, for doing so might instead embarrass Jingwei.
All he needed to do was, once everything had settled down and Jingwei was well-established in the Celestial Court, to discuss the finer things in life and explore existence.
Another palace was added to the sleeping quarters of the Eastern Emperor within the Celestial Court.
The Head Manager brought up past events and asked Wu Wang when he would have his grand wedding, to which Wu Wang, after slight consideration, agreed right away.
The grand wedding was not just to provide proper status for the three of them, but also an excellent opportunity to unite the hearts of the myriad spirits of the Great Wilderness.
Thus, Jingwei busied herself with the marriage preparations for a good half-year.
The Young Master and Ling Xiaolan both became familiar with the Celestial Court's environment and handled the wedding ceremony adeptly. Jingwei, however, was both nervous and shy, always trying to behave with grace and poise, fearing she might disgrace her brother.
At this point, Wu Wang could not possibly sit idly by.
He delegated the many tasks at hand to his profoundly trusted ministers, devoting his time to accompany his three brides-to-be, enjoying leisurely days out in the hills and waters.
Word also began to spread between Heaven and Earth that the Young Master, the Tianyan Saintess Fairy Ling, and the Yan Emperor's daughter Jingwei were jointly aiding Eastern Emperor Taiyi in governing the Heavenly Dao.
Jingwei was initially lost in the tenderness and sweetness of her beloved, spending over a year in a daze. Only after the wedding, having experienced the intimate joys of the marital chamber, did she suddenly recall her previous doubts.
Reflecting on her year in the Celestial Court, she realized that Suqing had only met her twice, seemingly avoiding her on purpose…
The more Jingwei thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
The Heavenly Emperor's grand wedding became a major event throughout the Great Wilderness, with various tribes presenting gifts and all Gods racking their brains to offer presents to the Heavenly Emperor.
The Heavenly Dao continually bestowed numerous auspicious signs, ensuring a decade of favorable weather and fewer diseases and disasters throughout the lands of the Great Wilderness.
The story of the Heavenly Emperor and his three wives spread in many versions, widely circulating between Heaven and Earth and providing much delight to the people.
For a time, many beings formed couples and busied themselves with all aspects of the Dao of Reproduction.
In this grand wedding, Wu Wang, the groom, ironically became the most leisurely one, needing only to appear at certain times and places and accept the adoration of his three brides to complete the ceremony.
On this point, the Heavenly Emperor himself was somewhat dissatisfied.
The ceremony made it seem as though he had a significant status in the household!
Officially, in the Temple atop the Three Realms, three beauties lined up, dressed in glorious phoenix robes and splendid attire, bowed gracefully before him, each calling him "Your Majesty."
It was the epitome of captivating beauty.
In reality, back in the sleeping quarters, the three wives lined up on their thrones, with Wu Wang presenting hot tea, respectfully offering a cup to each in turn.
Domestic harmony was a prime focus for the Heavenly Emperor's subsequent work!
「That night.」
A hot spring washed the creamy skin, shrouded by clouds and an emerging mist.
The curtains hung low, while twin shadows hesitated in their glances.
Wu Wang's palms greedily savored the translucent softness of the jade beauty in his arms, emptying his mind to evade the pressure that was growing increasingly weighty.
Having eliminated Emperor Shun and Candle Dragon, he could no longer ignore the impending great calamity and found no excuse to escape.
TSK. The pressure surged suddenly.
Jingwei, tracing the contours of Wu Wang's pectoral muscles with her fingers, asked softly, "Brother, have you noticed anything?"
"What?"
"About Zhong Ling," whispered Jingwei, "I've interacted with it several times. It has been quite attentive to me and gives me a feeling… it's very much like…"
Wu Wang replied with a smile, "Like Suqing?"
"Yes, very much like Sister Suqing."
"I've already asked about this before."
Wu Wang spoke slowly, "Zhong Ling is merely the spirit of a treasure I will possess in the future. This treasure is in charge of the Dao of Taiyi and has a variety of profound uses.
"Its spirit felt that Suqing and I have a good relationship, and since Suqing is also my maiden, it hence emulated her."
"Is that so?"
"Perhaps... I suppose."
Wu Wang smiled and said, "Why don't you go ask Suqing?"
"Sister Suqing has been avoiding me recently," Jingwei lightly covered her mouth and yawned, snuggling into Wu Wang's embrace. "When I've rested well, I'll go ask Sister Suqing."
Wu Wang gently patted her back, as he had done in the Outer Sky world when she was a child, lulling her into a deep dream.
Beyond the layers of curtains and multiple Formations, the sky was dotted with twinkling stars.
In a distant Temple, the Celestial Court's Immortals had yet to conclude the Heavenly Emperor's wedding feast.
Wu Wang's mind wandered briefly before he started to meditate with his eyes closed.
It's rarely relaxing like this. Best to wait for the sun to rise before worrying about the troublesome matters ahead.
「Outside Wu Wang's bedchamber.」
Before a jade platform where the starlight was sparse, a figure leaned against a White Jade Column, elegantly sipping tea from a cup held in her hand, taking small, graceful sips.
Humming a melodious tune, she gazed at the tranquil stars, but to the patrolling Heavenly Soldiers and Celestial Court maidens passing by at a distance, her graceful figure seemed to be wrapped in a shade of loneliness.
"Ah, the excitement belongs to them."
Lin Suqing sighed softly, continuing to savor the Enlightenment Tea, a rare treat that only came once every ten thousand years.
All she had now were some trivial treasures—referring to half of Wu Wang's storages—and meager cultivation—implying that at any moment, with the Heavenly Dao's blessings, her cultivation could rise.
Life is just that uninteresting.
"Auntie Suqing?"
"Eh?"
Lin Suqing turned around and saw the girl in the black gauze miniskirt approaching with a smile. It was Xiong Ming herself.
"Why are you here? Aren't you going to watch the performance over there?"
"They seem pretty boring. What's so fun about watching a few dancers go around in circles?"
Xiong Ming pouted. Without any hesitation, she took the teacup from Lin Suqing's hand and tilted her head back for a few big gulps.
Lin Suqing watched her with a smile. Flipping her right hand, she procured another cup of fruit brew.
Stretching her body luxuriously, Xiong Ming hopped up, sat on the railing, and gently swung her legs.
"Auntie Suqing, why do I feel like Father doesn't seem very happy? He looks quite burdened with thoughts," said Xiong Ming.
"Nonsense," Lin Suqing laughed. "Your father is the Heavenly Emperor, the leader of the Heavenly Dao. He is the mightiest in this world. What worries could he possibly have?"
"I thought that too," Xiong Ming pressed her lips together. "I heard people say how incredibly powerful Candle Dragon was... Candle Dragon is powerful, and when we surrounded and attacked the Candle Dragon, I was inexplicably terrified, afraid that if I got hit by it, I would be severely injured.
"But after facing the Candle Dragon and then looking at my father, I feel like the Candle Dragon is nothing special.
"The strength of Candle Dragon is palpable, something I can understand.
"But when Father showed up, his strength was beyond my comprehension."
"It's like that," Lin Suqing chuckled. "Just think about how many Great Dao the Heavenly Dao controls now. The goal of the Heavenly Dao is to master the Three Thousand Dao and establish perfect order. The Young Master is the helmsman of the Heavenly Dao. It's normal for him to be a bit stronger."
HEE HEE.
Xiong Ming winked at Lin Suqing. "When will Auntie Suqing marry my father?"
"I, I..."
Lin Suqing blushed furiously, stammering out something about 'just a maiden,' 'I don't have that kind of intention,' and 'I came here first,' which made Xiong Ming laugh out loud.
Perhaps their laughter was too loud. It startled passersby and attracted many curious Immortal Consciousness and Divine Thoughts.
The girl sitting on the railing, the beautiful Fairy Immortal leaning against it—the two of them made a simple but exquisite picture that was irresistibly alluring.
Only half a month after the grand wedding, Wu Wang began to get busy again.
He traveled with Yun Zhongjun and the Head Manager through the heavens and earth, setting goals for the next hundred years, and soon after entered seclusion to help the Heavenly Dao organize the Great Dao offered by the Gods from the Outer Sky.
One seclusion followed another.
Wu Wang needed to comprehend the Dao of transcendence within a millennium; that was his best chance for successfully navigating the Final Tribulation.
Responsibilities such as the reorganization of the Eastern Wilderness after the great war, the further division of the Three Realms, and the disputes among the Hundred Races of living beings all pressed down upon the shoulders of Yun Zhongjun and the other Gods, keeping them so busy that they could hardly extricate themselves.
To transcend, how easy could it be?
Throughout ancient and modern times, only the great goddess Nuwa had accomplished such a feat. Nuwa possessed the highly supreme Dao of Creation, plus had ample years to slowly grasp its essence.
What Wu Wang had was only the reminder from the Eastern Emperor's Bell, reducing the cost of trial and error, yet he ultimately had to comprehend these on his own.
If he could be given ten thousand years, no, perhaps three to five thousand years, then he would undoubtedly be a lot more composed, not so pressed for time.
In the sleeping palace, Wu Wang changed into a loose robe, sat cross-legged on a cushion, and a complete plan flowed through his mind.
"First, let's incorporate the Dao of Chaos. The interplay of Yin and Yang, chaos and order, could indeed bring immense benefits to the Heavenly Dao."
Wu Wang muttered to himself and then slowly closed his eyes.
The light and shadow streaming in from the windows of the sleeping chamber cast over Wu Wang's figure, making him resemble the gnomon of a sundial, moving cyclically.
The world henceforth settled into peace, and the long river of time was without any fierce waves.
When Wu Wang opened his eyes and awoke, including the Dao of Chaos, all the Great Daos of the Gods from the Outer Sky had been fully incorporated by the Heavenly Dao.
He pondered for a moment, observed the world for a while, and then stood up to go to the Temple where the Young Master was handling official affairs.
Wu Wang rarely set foot there.
As soon as he appeared, the busy figures in the great hall seemed to have been hit by a pause button, pairs of eyes widened at the figure at the entrance.
"Your Majesty!"
"The Emperor has arrived! Quick, tidy up!"
"Paying respects to Your Majesty!"
The entire Temple of Life was thrown into disarray.
Wu Wang watched this scene with a smile until the Young Master sprinted over. Then he spoke softly, "Continue with your tasks. I've only come to have a chat with my wife."
The Young Master let out a chuckle, proactively stepped forward to link arms with Wu Wang, and accompanied him away from the place.
The two found a secluded spot, walked and talked leisurely, sharing an intimate moment or two, and then Wu Wang began to inquire about some serious matters, assigning a small task to the Young Master.
"The Blood Sea, the Asura Tribe?"
The Young Master hummed thoughtfully, asking with some confusion, "There are already so many races in this world. Why must we stimulate the creation of the Asura Tribe through karmic obstacles?"
Wu Wang explained, "To increase the upper limit of the Power of Living Beings."
"But, why must the Heavenly Dao become so powerful," the Young Master's words carried a slight worry. "The present Heavenly Dao, if it desires to destroy this world, it would be the greatest calamity to the world, more devastating than that of ten strongest beings combined…"
"Trust me."
Wu Wang spoke softly, "Making the Heavenly Dao stronger is only a process, not the goal. The Heavenly Dao will always be under my control."
"Mm," The Young Master didn't say much more, just nodded softly, then tiptoed to plant a kiss on Wu Wang's cheek. "If there's trouble, you should share your worries with me."
Just as she was about to turn away, she was held by a large hand at her waist, pinned against that broad chest.
After the Young Master hurried to the Blood Sea, Wu Wang strolled around the Celestial Court for a bit and then rushed off to Ling Xiaolan's sleeping palace.
Wu Wang was straightforward, revealing… an egg-shaped stone enshrouded by the essence of the Great Dao.
"What is this?"
"The Fortune Dao."
Wu Wang said, his eyes showing a hint of regret, "This Great Dao can govern the fortunes of living beings, and to a certain extent, it can alter cause and effect. Owing to its uniqueness, I dare not let the Heavenly Dao incorporate it. I wish to keep it detached from the Heavenly Dao.
"Xiaolan, could I entrust it to you?"
"If that's what you want me to do, I certainly can," Xiaolan replied softly, accepting the stone, then asked in a low voice, "How do we go about it?"
"Like this, remove your clothes, and we will comprehend this Great Dao together during dual cultivation."
"You!"
Ling Xiaolan's charming face turned crimson. Seeing Wu Wang speak so seriously, how could she not know he was purposely teasing her.
But Ling Xiaolan didn't call him out, just followed his instructions. After all, they were already a married couple. There was no need to be too shy about such things.
「Six days and nights later.」
Wu Wang, with deep eye sockets, stayed with Jingwei for several days, and then returned to his own sleeping chamber to continue overseeing the multiple affairs of the Heavenly Dao, seeking out the Three Thousand Dao.
He was like an engineer of the cosmos working behind the scenes, yet also a Guardian who, though situated within the world, oversaw it from beyond, witnessing the changes this lush and prosperous Great Wilderness went through.
How would the great calamity erupt?
Wu Wang did not know, nor did the Eastern Emperor's Bell.
Because the Eastern Emperor's Bell had calculated thousands of possibilities or, to put it more precisely, had witnessed thousands of timelines on which the great calamity varied wildly, with myriad causes.
The only certainty was that time node.
[End of Days Calamity: The Great Wilderness World is destined to be destroyed at a fixed point in the future.]
It was quite abstract.
Wu Wang had lost count of how many times he had sighed when alone, and how many times he had collected his emotions to face the cold and complex sea of Dao rules once more.
The pursuit of the Great Dao does not concern itself with fortunes or disasters.
Give it your all and have no regrets in this life.
That was all he could do.
As he submerged himself in the Great Dao, the passage of years lost their meaning, yet he kept track of the time until the great calamity would arrive, pushing one event after another according to his own timetable.
After the Heavenly Dao integrated the Great Daos of the Gods from the Outer Sky, the Eastern Wilderness and the Land Beyond the Skies quickly returned to peace.
The Divine Spirits proclaimed the majesty of the Heavenly Dao in their Divine Realms and, guided by the Heavenly Dao, gradually transformed their own domains to allow living beings to live freely and prosperously on earth.
Gradually, conflicts began to arise on the land.
Without the oppression of Divine Spirits, strong beings emerged, powerful tribes and nations formed, and they began to bully the weak, flaunting their power.
The Heavenly Dao did not interfere, only keeping the conflicts among living beings to a low level, which allowed the accumulation of the Power of Merit necessary to face the great calamity while ensuring the steady growth of the Power of Living Beings.
Shen Nong began to take a semi-concealed role, while conflicts between Sects and competition between noble families emerged throughout the Human Domain.
But the Human race set an iron law: matters of the Cultivators must not harm mortals.
The Heavenly Dao would also bring down severe Heavenly Punishments upon those who killed the innocent without cause.
Besides that, Wu Wang's long-deliberated "New Rules of the Great Wilderness Heavenly Tribulation" and "Cultivation Standards for the Hundred Races of the Great Wilderness" were successively introduced, relaxing the restrictions on Cultivators' ascensions to some extent, but significantly increasing the consideration given to one's temperament, and introducing a 'karmic obstacle detection system' into the Heavenly Tribulation.
Those troubled by the karma of their killings wished to Cross Tribulation?
They would face hell mode directly.
Accordingly, the Great Wilderness saw the emergence of a series of unofficial rankings, such as the "Heavenly Tribulation Rankings" and the "Living Beings Talent Rankings".
Joining the Celestial Court as Heavenly Soldiers also became a very popular career path for Immortals in the Human Domain.
Incidentally, the Kunlun Mystic Realm has been integrated into the Nine Heavens, significantly expanding the capacity of the Celestial Court's Nine Heavens and finally giving it the appearance of an Immortal Realm.
In this way, both the Human Realm and the Immortal Realm had become relatively mature.
Yet Wu Wang did not cease his forward march.
On this day, the Strong Gods in the Celestial Court felt the impulse of the Heavenly Dao, halting their current affairs and setting down their cups. Following the guidance of the Heavenly Dao, they turned into Liu Guang and shot across the edge of the Great Wilderness World, entering deep beneath the Great Wilderness.
There they saw, atop the tranquil Blood Sea, several figures standing together.
Adorned in a blood-red robe, with blood-red hair, the Blood Sea's ruler, 'Miao Someone', greeted the approaching Gods with a fist-and-palm salute; the Gods naturally returned the gesture in turn, sensing the strong Dao rhyme emanating from the Lord of the Blood Sea.
The Martial God and the Water God exchanged glances, with the former remarking, "Who would have thought that the Heavenly Dao had such a master hidden up its sleeve."
The Water God just smiled and signaled to the Martial God not to speak casually if it wasn't necessary.
Standing behind the Lord of the Blood Sea were Wu Wang and the Young Master, one handsome and dignified, the other peerlessly graceful and poised.
The Young Master bowed slightly to Wu Wang, who then stepped half a pace forward.
"Today! The Six Paths of Reincarnation stand upon the Blood Sea!
"Henceforth, there shall be no worries in the world, and the Power of Living Beings will be bolstered by the Six Paths of Reincarnation. The Great Wilderness will usher in its most prosperous era within a millennium!"
The Gods couldn't help but show joy on their faces.
Wouldn't they be able to benefit from the Power of Merit again... COUGH, no, that's not it.
Wouldn't they once again witness an event crucial to the destiny of the world!
Only a few Gods, such as Yun Zhongjun and the Head Manager, who were amongst the top of the Heavenly Dao rankings, wore grim expressions.
Only they knew the immense pressure of the future that was behind Wu Wang's hurried arrangements.
Wu Wang raised his left hand high, and the Blood Sea instantly churned with waves.
The Great Wilderness World trembled for it.