This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

Chapter 537 535 The Heaven and Earth Merge, the Eastern Emperor Unifies!

The Candle Dragon was an ancient God; its eyes could turn day into night, its breath could summon wind and clouds. When it spread its body wide, it could blot out the sun, and when lying down, it resembled a mountain range.This deity once held dominion over the age of gods, commanding them all. However, due to its violent nature and reckless devouring of Divine Spirits, it was forsaken by the gods of heaven and earth. Cast out to the fringes of the world, it was left to languish in the wilds. It devoured its spouse, obliterated its own nature, and attracted the Dao of Chaos to itself. It coveted a return to the heavens, but to no avail. Ultimately, it lost its sense of self, fell prey to the Dao, and wandered in confusion and chaos, bringing endless calamity.

Subsequently, it was cornered and slain by the gods of the Heavenly Dao within the Liuli Realm. Its body died but did not collapse, instead transforming into Black Luminous Mountain.

...

The 'shared fate' the Goddess of Fortune spoke of meant she shared her life's threads with her father.

Simply put, if the Goddess of Fortune met with disaster while the Candle Dragon lived, she could revive herself using the Candle Dragon's Divine Power.

Similarly, if the Candle Dragon neared death while the Goddess of Fortune was unharmed, the Candle Dragon could resurrect using the Goddess of Fortune's power.

Because of this, when the Goddess of Fortune confronted the Candle Dragon directly, he was immediately at an absolute disadvantage.

She only needed to repeatedly suffer mortal wounds, and she could continuously draw Divine Power from the Candle Dragon to heal herself.

It was as though a knife had been plunged into the Candle Dragon's main artery.

The Candle Dragon, now devoid of clear consciousness, was merely instinctively repelling the attacking gods and living beings, making no effort to avoid the Goddess of Fortune...

Even so, the great battle to surround and kill the Candle Dragon lasted for three days and nights.

In the end, had Wu Wang not sensed the Candle Dragon's potential to reverse the situation and personally intervened—wielding the power of heaven and earth to sever the monstrous dragon's head with a single sword stroke—the battle might have dragged on for another four or five days.

The combined might of the Dao of Chaos and the Dao of Yin Invasion was truly chilling.

If Emperor Shun hadn't abandoned the Candle Dragon but had instead chosen to merge with it at the last moment to challenge the Heavenly Dao, the casualties among the Outer Sky beings would surely have spiraled out of control, and the Heavenly Dao's Blood Sea would have expanded significantly.

Naturally, if Emperor Shun and the Candle Dragon had not separated, Wu Wang would have had to act immediately to minimize casualties.

But...

Emperor Shun is still Emperor Shun, after all, capable of turning a good hand into a losing one. Wu Wang mused to himself.

Whenever he felt a situation was becoming thorny, Emperor Shun would invariably make a decision he thought clever, yet was in reality utterly spineless, ultimately only benefiting his opponent, Wu Wang.

Was it because the Eastern Emperor's Bell had greater control over the Dao of Time than Emperor Shun?

Or perhaps, after countless confrontations with Emperor Shun, the Eastern Emperor's Bell had come to understand him completely?

Both factors likely played a part.

With two successive generations of Heavenly Emperors fallen, Wu Wang felt no relief, only increased pressure.

Dealing with just these two malignant remnants of a bygone era had cost them so much effort.

How could the current Heavenly Dao, along with its gods and all living beings, possibly face the impending final catastrophe?

Difficult.

Standing atop the Candle Dragon's rapidly petrifying corpse, Wu Wang gazed down at the body of the Goddess of Fortune. His silhouette, in the eyes of the other gods, seemed somewhat bleak and solitary.

Little Nu. That was the Goddess of Fortune's name, given to her by her mother.

At that moment, Little Nu resembled a white lotus blooming in the dark night, sitting cross-legged on the Candle Dragon's back, her own spirit already completely extinguished.

The Martial God and Water God stood quietly to one side. A few Divine Spirits familiar with the Goddess of Fortune also stood behind the two strong gods, watching over her.

In the distance, Senior Shen Nong had fashioned a wooden chair and sat resting and recuperating, holding a cup of Daoist liquor.

The Earth God and the other deities of the Celestial Court stood silently in the sky, awaiting the Eastern Emperor's address.

Wu Wang, dressed in a black robe, his long hair dancing in the night breeze, called out to the Martial God's back,

"Teacher."

The Martial God, who had been lost in thought before the Goddess of Fortune's body, was momentarily stunned.

He turned to look at the somewhat unfamiliar young Heavenly Emperor behind him, yet he saw a pair of familiar eyes. He muttered hoarsely,

"Is... is that you, Qing Shan?"

Wu Wang offered a slight smile and bowed to the Martial God.

"Teacher Martial God, please don't take offense. Previously, as Qing Shan, I learned many techniques of Duel from you and received much of your care. Today, my true self has come, so it is only right that I formally acknowledge you."

The Martial God still looked somewhat bewildered. The Water God promptly intervened, pressing the Martial God's head down to return the salute.

"Old Water, why are you pushing my head down!"

"Hurry and address His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor!"

The Water God chided him through voice transmission, then set an example himself, sighing as he addressed Wu Wang,

"The Water God of the Five Elements' Origin pays respects to His Majesty, Eastern Emperor Taiyi!"

Following the Martial God and the Sleep God, the more than one hundred and sixty gods from the Outer Sky all bowed in unison.

At that moment, many of the Outer Sky gods felt a sense of unease.

They truly didn't know what their future held.

But they recalled their conversations with the martial artist Qing Shan. At the time, the warrior had said many things that sounded dubious to them, but now, they suddenly understood.

Many Innate Gods deeply regretted acting against the Candle Dragon too late; now, they had no merit to speak of.

"Grandpa, there's no need for such ceremony. Teacher, please rise. Everyone, please rise."

Wu Wang's gentle voice drifted far on the night wind.

The previously anxious deities now felt their hearts settle completely.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty Eastern Emperor!"

"Many thanks, Your Majesty."

"Candle Dragon," Wu Wang said softly, his toe tapping the crystalline scale beneath him.

It was indestructible, yet imbued with a supreme Dao rhythm.

The power of the Dao of Chaos seemed ready to awaken at any moment.

The gods' gazes converged on Wu Wang. He had already shed the awkwardness of a new Heavenly Emperor and now moved with ease and confidence. He looked at the Candle Dragon's largely shattered head and continued,

"You have all toiled hard in this battle beyond the heavens.

The ruler of the Fourth Divine Era, the Candle Dragon, has been vanquished by your combined efforts. Truth be told, before arriving here, I had already obliterated Emperor Shun's remnant soul.

Please, observe."

Wu Wang remained still. The power of the Heavenly Dao coalesced into a gray cloud above, which projected the scene of him obliterating Emperor Shun's remnant soul with a single touch.

Many Divine Spirits' eyelids twitched.

Although the Emperor Shun in the projection was only a Divine Soul, not at his peak strength, he was still a paramount expert.

They had expended so much effort to slay the Candle Dragon.

Yet the Eastern Emperor had annihilated Emperor Shun with a mere lift of his finger...

"Henceforth, there will be no more hidden dangers in the world."

Wu Wang spoke slowly,

"The demise of the Candle Dragon and Emperor Shun merely marks the beginning of the era to come.

From this day forward, the Heavenly Dao shall govern the Great Wilderness, and the Outer Sky world will be integrated into the Great Wilderness's order.

The Heaven and Earth Seal no longer needs to exist."

As his words faded, Wu Wang waved his sleeve. A Yin Yang Tai Chi Chart materialized deep in the night sky. Around it, rings of light appeared one after another, quickly filling the space between heaven and earth.

The deities of the Celestial Court were not very familiar with this seal, having seen it only twice: once during its construction, and again now.

But the Outer Sky gods had an indelible impression of it.

After all, on that fateful day, the Candle Dragon had desperately tried to breach this seal, only to be repelled by the seal itself and the figure behind it.

Now, the Candle Dragon had turned to stone, but the Heaven and Earth Seal remained.

And the figure from behind that seal stood before them, his voice ringing out to the heavens.

"The Heaven and Earth Seal shall henceforth unfurl! The Heavenly Dao will assume control of the Outer Sky, complete its Dao rules, and shelter all its living beings!"

The seal abruptly expanded.

Golden light shimmered simultaneously from the Celestial Court deities present. Pillars of light, one after another, appeared between heaven and earth, descending from the sky and erupting from the ground, connecting heaven to earth and "propping up" the entire Outer Sky world.

The pillars of light began to flash in a steady rhythm.

The sky ascended, growing ever higher, and the heavens themselves grew thicker.

The earth deepened. Vegetation flourished, the vital essence of living beings consolidated, and their injuries healed rapidly.

Gradually, the Heaven and Earth Seal began to recede, and waves of pure Spiritual Energy rippled through the Great Wilderness World and the Outer Sky.

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

The Outer Sky world seemed to be shifting.

Heaven and Earth trembled slightly. The deities widened their eyes, their Divine Thoughts fully extended, sensing the boundless profundities and Mysterious Dao revealed at this moment.

Causing utter chaos in a world was something the likes of Emperor Shun could accomplish.

Shattering a world, given enough time, was not overly difficult for a fully unleashed Candle Dragon.

But now, two worlds were merging, like two bubbles slowly connecting in the void.

Look—the eastern sky filled with endless lightning! Thunder rolled across the eastern sea's surface, creating an electric curtain, behind which seemed to lie a vast, misty ocean.

A similar scene was visible west of the West Sea in the Great Wilderness World.

The aquatic clans in the sea barely felt any disturbance, only noticing that their ocean seemed to have grown much vaster.

Atop Black Luminous Mountain, formed from the Candle Dragon's corpse, Wu Wang waved his hand again.

A rain of flower petals descended upon the entire Outer Sky world, and countless insights nourished the minds of the beings there.

The nascent Demon clan now understood that this world was primarily for the Hundred Races and the Human race; they would have to learn to integrate themselves among the Hundred Races.

The Hundred Races, scattered across the lands, learned of the connection between the Outer Sky and the Great Wilderness World, and knew that their world now had a far more distant horizon.

Although, for the beings living their daily lives, these were not monumental events.

They cared more for favorable weather, for Divine Spirits free from anger, for the ability to raise their children, and to live out their lives in peace and safety.

A ray of moonlight descended from the heavens.

Countless starlights illuminated the sky of the Outer Sky world.

The rules established by the Candle Dragon and the gods of old had been dismantled and dispersed; the order led by the Heavenly Dao had taken complete control of this world.

It was so seamless, without any hindrance.

Henceforth, the Outer Sky merged with the Great Wilderness, sharing its sun and moon.

Atop Black Luminous Mountain, Wu Wang's voice sounded once more.

"Everyone, why not join the Heavenly Dao?"

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, turning his head slightly to give the assembled Outer Sky gods a somewhat aloof profile.

The Water God declared loudly, "The Five Elements should all return!"

With that, he stepped forward. A water-blue Treasure Bead flew from his forehead and instantly shattered, a splash of azure spreading through heaven and earth, accepted by the Heavenly Dao.

In the next moment, a beam of golden light descended. The Water God's figure slowly rose, several new treasures appearing around him.

Thus, the Source Dao of the Five Elements returned to the Heavenly Dao. Once the new Gold God matured, the Gods of the Five Elements would jointly guard the Heaven Palace.

"That—Ahem!"

The Martial God cleared his throat and stepped forward, bare-chested. Behind him, his eleven Subordinate Gods each offered up their Daos.

"The Martial Dao and the Blade Dao, return to the Heavenly Dao!"

Twelve radiances flashed simultaneously, and twelve pillars of light, varying in thickness, descended from the heavens.

Wu Wang suddenly said, "Elder Brother?"

"Your Majesty," Yun Zhongjun's incarnation bowed from a distance in response.

"Later, remember to arrange a position with ample merit and few duties for my teacher's wife, the Goddess of Liuli."

"Yes!"

Yun Zhongjun agreed with a smile, "Your servant obeys!"

This was something that should have been discussed in private. How could it be...? Innumerable gazes instantly turned to the Goddess of Liuli. She pursed her lips slightly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with such direct and special attention from His Majesty, the Eastern Emperor.

The Water God cast an appreciative glance at Wu Wang, having understood the deeper meaning behind his actions.

The Heavenly Dao was not cold-hearted, nor was the Celestial Court unreasonably harsh. The rules set by the Heavenly Dao formed their baseline for action, allowing many matters to be handled flexibly.

The Martial God raised an eyebrow at Wu Wang and said nonchalantly, "I don't need any of that. Just give me the dirty and tiring jobs."

"The Candle Dragon is dead, Emperor Shun is gone, and the world is without worries," Wu Wang said with a smile. "Teacher, you can retire peacefully in the Celestial Court. Perhaps you can also visit the Human Domain. There are many legends there about the Ancient Emperor of the Suiren Clan."

"That sounds great!"

The Martial God grinned broadly, his eyes shining.

He was, without a doubt, Emperor Suiren's number one admirer.

Wu Wang looked at the assembled gods and directly conferred titles upon the Innate Gods who had first sided with the Water God and Martial God. Those with past sins received fewer benefits, while those with prior merits were promoted to important positions.

As for the other Innate Gods...

As the gods presented their Great Dao one by one, the golden light descending from the Heavenly Dao began to be interspersed with strikes of black lightning.

Those struck by this black lightning were either severely injured or had their Divine Power halved.

At first, one Innate God roared in anger, "Your Majesty, Eastern Emperor! Why... why is this?! I have already offered my Great Dao, and I contributed in the great battle..."

Before he could finish, a series of images appeared before him.

They depicted him seated on high platforms, thrones, and altars, wantonly bullying living beings.

There were also scenes of him secretly conspiring with other gods to launch a sneak attack on the Martial God World.

The Innate God's face turned deathly pale, his eyes fixed on Wu Wang in horror.

Wu Wang said calmly, "The Heavenly Dao is omnipresent, spanning Heaven and Earth and searching through time. Since you offered your Great Dao voluntarily, I will grant you a chance to live. However, you should no longer aspire to divine positions, divine duties, or eternal life."

The hearts of the gods sank.

But Wu Wang added, "There are only about twenty gods here who will be punished like you. The others were dealt with previously."

The gods felt as if a great weight had been lifted. Those who had generally acted less cruelly felt a surge of confidence.

Deep down, none of these Divine Spirits had even considered the word 'rebellion.'

Incorporating the Great Dao of the gods, arranging their future places, and meting out punishment to those with grievous sins—this entire process unfolded, and before they knew it, dawn had broken.

A new sun ascended in the eastern sky. Within it, there was no longer any trace of a Golden Crow. It was a sun created entirely by the power of the Heavenly Dao, intrinsically linked to the primordial source of heaven and earth, nourishing all things.

This was the Sun Star.

As the light of the Sun Star warmed the Outer Sky world, the Nine Wildernesses of the Great Wilderness gained an additional wilderness to the west of the West Sea, which retained the name Outer Sky.

Incidentally, Wu Wang also moved Yu Yuan, the abyss of sunset, to the west of the Outer Sky.

Over a dozen minor gods from the Outer Sky had fled into the void. Wu Wang had already dispatched pursuers.

These lesser gods had departed one by one before the Candle Dragon launched its full-scale assault on the Martial God World. Perhaps they foresaw the inevitable decline of the Outer Sky, or perhaps they had other motives.

Among them was Ming Qing, the god who had been expelled from the Martial God World.

Wu Wang was not concerned about this.

They had fled into the void, their Great Dao having also departed the Great Wilderness. The Heavenly Dao could completely strip them of their dominion over their respective Daos.

After all, a Great Dao only held meaning within the Great Wilderness World.

The resonance of Great Daos produced rules, and these rules governed the birth of heaven, earth, and all beings.

Beings separated from the Great Dao would collapse. The Great Dao, without beings to manifest it, is like a musical score without instruments—as meaningless as blank paper.

At this moment, the various gods of the Outer Sky had each returned to their own Divine Realms. They were to gather their followers and issue decrees of self-reproach.

For the next hundred years, these Divine Spirits must remain in their Divine Realms. They are to bless the living beings and, under the Heavenly Dao's guidance, enlighten them, promote the fairness and justice advocated by the Heavenly Dao, and disseminate cultivation methods for self-improvement and physical health.

After a hundred years, these gods must leave their Divine Realms and return to the Celestial Court, either to take up official posts or to live in idle leisure as carefree Immortals and gods.

The Heavenly Dao's rules set boundaries even on the leisure of Divine Spirits.

The Immortal gods of the Celestial Court had also returned. Yun Zhongjun's true body descended, directly shattering and reabsorbing the 'Sister Yun' incarnation.

「On the Walls of Liuli City」

Wu Wang, hands tucked in his sleeves, chuckled and joked with the Martial God. Meanwhile, the Earth God, Water God, and Yun Zhongjun followed behind, discussing how to build the Great Wilderness in the future.

"Eastern Emperor Taiyi is my disciple? Wahahahaha!"

The Martial God couldn't help but place a hand on his hip and laugh heartily.

Wu Wang nodded with a smile.

Nearby, the Water God couldn't resist stepping forward and kicking the Martial God. "Dignity! Mind the Heavenly Emperor's dignity!"

"Ah, Grandpa, no need to worry," Wu Wang said with a smile. "Dignity isn't something I can achieve just by putting on a stern face."

"Exactly, exactly!"

The Martial God raised his eyebrows, rubbing his large hands together, filled with myriad emotions.

Ahead, the Sword God, Blade God, Shield God, and Spear God approached, carrying a crystal coffin.

The Martial God's expression immediately sobered. He lowered his head with a sigh and walked to the crystal coffin, looking at the Goddess of Fortune within, who appeared merely asleep.

"Little Nu, why were you so foolish," the Martial God murmured. "Clearly..."

Wu Wang said, "Teacher, she said she wished to be buried in a place with gentle breezes and beautiful scenery."

"Mm," the Martial God replied. "I'll go bury her. She had a hard life, saddled with a father like the Candle Dragon... Qing Shan, tell me, what's so good about being unrivaled in the world, revered above all gods?"

"What's good about it..."

Wu Wang's thoughts drifted to the path ahead.

That uncertain, mist-shrouded path, and the fixed, inevitable apocalypse.

"Actually, there's nothing good about it," Wu Wang said with a wry smile. "There's so much to do, so many responsibilities to bear, countless situations to calculate, and one can't just act on impulse.

Even when one's own mother is taken away, one has to consider the future and can't immediately rescue her."

The Martial God asked, "How is Sister Cang Xue?"

Wu Wang calmly tucked his hands deeper into his sleeves and said, "I'm about to take Mother back to reunite with Father."

"No idea what kind of luck your father has," the Martial God said with a teasing smile and a raised eyebrow.

Wu Wang didn't quite know how to respond. He glanced towards the city, then cupped his hands in salute to his teacher and the strong gods behind him. With a leap, his figure descended into the city.

A pale green light flew from his sleeve, transforming into a verdant divine bird. It collided with a woman walking along the street, creating a brilliant halo of light.

Amidst the light, a girl in green, her hands clasped behind her back, had skin as fair as snow that glowed with a delicate softness. Her sprightly figure exemplified exquisite beauty.

Her pink lips parted with a hint of shyness and a touch of anticipation. She blended the tenderness in her eyes and the relaxed smile at the corners of her mouth into a soft call:

"Brother."

Wu Wang chuckled softly and stopped in front of her.

Gazing into each other's clear eyes, they saw their own reflections, saw the shifting winds and clouds, and the vast changes of time.

"Let's go back."

"Mm."