It was a rare occasion to use the Praying Star Technique—True Eye. After marking Wang Lin, Wu Wang took another couple of looks.
Most other people's auras were light purple mixed with white, representing the kindness in the hearts of common folk; the older aunty's aura was white with touches of purple. Indeed, what ill thoughts could she harbor?
This Ji Mo... huh, there's yellow smoke?
My apologies.
He put away the Crystal Ball and dispersed the Praying Star Technique.
"Send the order down for the women in the clan to avoid sight," Wu Wang said calmly. "Select some robust guards to greet them and bring them to my tent. Tell everyone to be spirited and not lose the face of our Northern Wilderness Human race in front of the visitors from the Human Domain."
The guards behind him responded in unison, brandishing their weapons and quickly ran off.
Wu Wang glanced at his attire; it was still the same slightly flirtatious open-chest robe, except now there was an additional layer of a short shirt underneath.
He wasn't like Brother Xing Tian, who loved to go shirtless and continuously flex his pecs—though that might have been early practice for blinking.
He turned and returned to the main tent, sitting in his beast-hide chair. Eighteen guards stood on each side, their surging blood qi faintly connecting, forming veritable walls to his left and right.
Inside the Royal Court, rows of men, strong as bears, stood quietly, marking the path for the Court's guests.
The woman in the wide-brimmed hat and plain skirt walked at the forefront, her Longsword already returned to her Storage magic treasure, her slender hands, like jade carvings, resting demurely before her.
If one were to look closely, with every step she took, she never fully pressed down. A tiny white lotus would always appear under her feet, her shoes untouched by any dust.
Combined with her pristine long skirt, flawless waistline, and the tight bodice of her dress, one might mistake her ancestors for having been Nuwa's favored creations. Indeed, not even a divine painter from this world could add or subtract a single line to improve her figure.
Lin Suqing took her master inside the Royal Court to wait. After the Young Master dealt with official matters, she would introduce her master.
Following behind the female cultivator, Ji Mo walked with his head held high, his eyes fixed on the tent above. He didn't spare the female cultivator even a glance, as if he held some wariness towards her.
Strange, why can't I see even one Northern Wilderness woman?
The rest of the cultivators were mostly uneasy, looking left and right at these robust men and sometimes whispering to each other.
"I've long heard of the prominent men of the Northern Wilderness clans. The vitality their physiques contain is comparable to that of a body cultivator in the Returning Origin Realm."
"The strong clans of the Northern Wilderness are indeed formidable."
"If such clans could become a strong ally to the Human Domain, perhaps they could provide a significant respite."
"The Northern Wilderness also has that mysterious Praying Star Technique. It is said to draw power directly from Innate Deities, and true masters of the Praying Star Technique are no weaker than Immortals."
"What Divine Spirits bestow can never be as good as what one attains on their own. The Praying Star Technique must have many restrictions. It's inconceivable that these Divine Spirits would not take precautions against ordinary beings."
"Silence."
From beneath the hat came the female cultivator's reminder, and the discussing cultivators immediately fell silent.
By the way, Wang Lin was currently standing just outside the Royal Court, encircled by several hundred strong men in ring after ring.
To showcase the warm hospitality of the Bear Hug Clan, a General shouted, "Why the long face? Give us a smile!"
The robust men: "HEH HEH!"
Wang Lin shuddered all over and nearly took to the skies to flee.
In front of the main tent, a long carpet made of beast hide was already rolled out to a distance. As the female cultivator approached the tent, a guard immediately signaled for them to stop.
The guard said, "Visitors from afar, the one seated inside is the future chief of our Bear Hug Clan. Please state your purpose."
The female cultivator's expression, hidden by the hat, was unclear, but she seemed at a loss for how to respond. After remaining silent for a while, she said, "We have come to form an agreement."
"AHEM," Ji Mo quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "The Human race was created by the Holy Mother; all humans under heaven share the same origin. This time, our respective Sects have tasked us with bringing many gifts to present to the leader of the Northern Wilderness Human clan. If we can befriend some of the heroes and bold spirits of the Northern Wilderness, that would be even better."
"TCH."
A light laugh came from inside the tent. Two guards pulled the tent flaps open from both sides, and the Young Master, seated on the beast-hide chair on a high platform, came into the cultivators' view.
Due to years of cultivation, he had amplified the beauty inherited from his mother, yet it did not detract from his masculinity. His face had sharp features and a slightly stern look. At just seventeen, he perfectly fused youthful exuberance with innate composure, exuding an effortless dignity just by sitting there.
Wu Wang smiled and said, "Brother Ji, I've heard that the women of the Human Domain have slender waists, and I have some funds with nowhere to spend them… Got any connections?"
"EH!"
Ji Mo's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He then stared at Wu Wang for a long moment, first blushing, then a light of realization dawned on him, and he burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahaha! So it's you! Brother Hou Di, how did you run from the Big Wave Tribe to the Bear Hug Clan! You truly have caused me great trouble, great trouble indeed!"
All the cultivators were taken aback, and even the guards were puzzled.
Wu Wang made a welcoming gesture and said, "When I encountered you all previously, I whimsically played a joke on Brother Ji Mo. Please, Brother Ji Mo, don't take it to heart. Brother Ji Mo, esteemed guests from the Human Domain, please take your seats! I have ordered a feast to be prepared. Let's continue the drinks from the other day before discussing serious matters."
"Great!"
Ji Mo laughed heartily twice before entering. Inside, he performed a Daoist salute with clasped hands and said in a clear voice, "Ji Mo of the Ji Family pays his respects to the Young Master of the Bear Clan."
The female cultivator wearing the hat raised her hands and removed it, holding it just in front of her waist. Although her face was still hidden by a veil, one could vaguely make out her exquisite features. Those somewhat cold apricot eyes were now sizing up Wu Wang.
This Young Master was nothing like the stout and portly Young Master they had previously imagined.
She held her hat and bowed slightly, saying indifferently, "Ling Xiaolan, of the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect from the Human Domain."
The other young cultivators entered one by one, each announcing their Daoist names and surnames—some with proper demeanor, some with smiles in their eyes, some with tense expressions.
Wu Wang nodded in acknowledgment to each one but did not engage in much small talk.
As they took their seats, Ling Xiaolan, who should have been sitting in the seat of honor closest to Wu Wang, took the initiative to move to the side, gesturing for Ji Mo to take that spot.
Once this group was seated on both sides, Wu Wang said, "Go call Suqing over. I don't understand the etiquette of the Human Domain, lest I show any disrespect."
"Young Master Xiong, you are too kind," Ji Mo chuckled. "For you to spare time to see us amidst your busy schedule, we are already deeply grateful. By the way, this is a small gift, merely a token of our respect."
As he spoke, Ji Mo twisted the ring on his right thumb. A wooden box appeared out of thin air beside the low table. Ji Mo opened the box, and the tent was instantly flooded with the light of treasures.
Wu Wang nodded with a smile and said solemnly, "Many thanks, Brother Ji. Someone, accept it. Prepare a few carts of ore to give to Brother Ji when he leaves."
Ji Mo repeatedly said he was being too kind, but Wu Wang's gaze swept past Ji Mo's side as he said indifferently, "Back then, you all seemed to enjoy cursing me quite a bit, didn't you?"
Several cultivators instantly tensed up.
Wu Wang said, "The Human Domain has its rules, and my Northern Wilderness also has its rules. The Human Domain values culture and edification; my Northern Wilderness is not a barbaric land."
Ji Mo quickly said, "Young Master Xiong, please forgive us. That was our rash judgment and baseless conjecture. Consider this cup of wine my apology on behalf of my fellow Daoists."
With that, he drained the wine in his cup in one gulp.
"Brother Ji, there's no need for that," Wu Wang leaned back in his chair and said with a laugh. "If I had truly taken the matter to heart, I would have argued with you all on the spot. None of you would have made it here. I simply didn't want my clan's reputation to be unfairly tarnished. The Ji Family you mentioned, Brother Ji, is it one of the ruling families in the Human Domain?"
"Young Master Xiong, you may not be aware, but there are no such powerful and privileged families in the Human Domain, mostly just cultivation Sects," Ji Mo sighed and continued slowly. "It's just that our ancestors followed His Majesty the Human Emperor, fought against ferocious beasts on the frontier, and protected the Human race's territory, thus earning some praise. Even with such praise, we rather idle descendants are placed on a high pedestal. Therefore, we can't help but seek some joy before our potentially heroic end."
"To speak of seeking pleasure so righteously," Wu Wang raised his cup. "I toast you, Brother Ji."
Ji Mo smiled and returned the toast. After a few cups of wine, their expressions remained unchanged.
Looking at the other cultivators, most seemed somewhat constrained. In such a setting, they could hardly interject a word or two of small talk and could only watch Wu Wang and Ji Mo chat and banter.
The more Wu Wang talked with this Ji Mo, the more he found him to be a kindred spirit.
Setting aside his flirtatious nature, despite being previously ostracized by his peers, Ji Mo showed no panic in the face of a major situation and took charge. His conduct was mature and sophisticated, his conversation measured and never crossing boundaries, and at his core, he possessed a rare sincerity.
Befriending him was indeed quite comfortable.
Soon, Wu Wang carried his cup down from the high platform and drank with Ji Mo at the same table. The two quickly resumed addressing each other as 'Brother'.
"Brother Bear, let me introduce you."
Ji Mo turned slightly to the side, perfectly revealing Ling Xiaolan's kneeling silhouette.
He said, "This Fairy Ling is the most dazzling new star in the Human Domain in nearly a hundred years. She hails from the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect, one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects. Despite her young age, she has already formed her Golden Core and condensed her Nascent Soul. She is praised by our seniors as possessing the grace of a Heavenly Immortal. This trip to the Northern Wilderness is also led by Fairy Ling; I am merely following behind to handle miscellaneous tasks and social engagements. Fairy Ling is not one for many words, so I ask for your understanding, Brother Bear."
Wu Wang smiled and nodded, not looking at Ling Xiaolan for long, merely raising his wine cup in a distant toast to her.
"I already heard about your purpose for coming to our Bear Hug Clan back at the tavern."
Wu Wang set down his wine cup, his smile fading as he said solemnly, "Let's discuss serious matters. What kind of agreement do you wish to establish with us? A stable, long-term supply of refining materials to the Human Domain?"
Ji Mo looked towards Ling Xiaolan. She nodded slightly and then spoke, "Young Master Xiong, the Human Domain is in constant need of refining materials. We fear that border conflicts will erupt again within the next thirty years, so we must stockpile more magic treasures and magical implements. The Northern Wilderness is rich in treasure mines. We wish to buy out the entire ore production of the Bear Hug Clan and the Big Wave Tribe for the next three hundred years."
Wu Wang asked directly, "The price?"
Ji Mo interjected from the side, "Brother Xiong, if we buy out the production, it means a stable market for you. Perhaps the price could be lowered a bit?"
Wu Wang smiled, "Doesn't an exclusive buyout warrant some additional compensation?"
"Young Master Xiong!" a female cultivator spoke up from the side. "We are all of the Human race; we should naturally help each other."
"It is precisely because we are of the same race that you have the opportunity to sit here."
Wu Wang glanced at this female cultivator, feeling quite repulsed.
Trying to turn a business deal into moral blackmail?
He said indifferently, "The Human Domain faces pressure from the east, west, and north. Though I reside in the Northern Wilderness, I am aware of the hardships the Human Domain endures. But none of you should forget, this is the Northern Wilderness. Our every move is under the gaze of the Star God. If this were a normal exchange of goods, even if the Central Mountain's Heavenly Emperor sent envoys to condemn us, my Bear Hug Clan could stand tall and invoke the Star God's protection. If the issue becomes the Human race supporting the Human race… I apologize, but I must consider things from the perspective of my clan's survival. It cannot be that when you have no use for our Northern Wilderness clans, you dismiss us as barbarians and backward, but when you need us, you suddenly raise the banner of shared Human race ancestry. Were the first people of the Human Domain not also clans from the South Wilderness?"
The cultivators were suddenly at a loss for words.
Ling Xiaolan suddenly asked, "Young Master Xiong, can you make the decision on this matter?"
"Our Young Master has been granted full authority by the Chieftain to make decisions," Lin Suqing's voice came from the side as she slowly walked to stand behind Wu Wang. "Our Young Master's mother is the head of the contemporary Seven-Day Sun Ritual in the Northern Wilderness. The heirs to the leadership of the seven major clans of the Northern Wilderness are all friends of our Young Master. The very seats you now occupy were, just a short time ago, filled by the young masters of those clans. Before coming to the Northern Wilderness, did you Daoist friends not make any inquiries? In the Northern Wilderness, our Young Master's words carry considerable weight, you know."
Wu Wang turned his head to glance at the older woman and said indifferently, "Keep a low profile."
"Oh." Lin Suqing's aura instantly retracted, and she stood quietly behind Wu Wang.
Ji Mo laughed. "I hadn't realized, Brother Xiong, that you are the true dignitary here."
"Brother Ji, you jest," Wu Wang said with a slight smile. "What dignitaries are there in the Northern Wilderness? We are merely ancient clans surviving by hunting and gathering. However, there is one point: for the matters we are about to discuss, you actually cannot make the decision. Please ask the Human Domain senior who is secretly protecting you to show themselves. Let's quickly conclude these mundane affairs; I still want to drink with Brother Ji until we're both thoroughly drunk."
The cultivators couldn't help but look at each other.
Ling Xiaolan said, "Young Master Xiong, we are on this journey for self-cultivation and experience; no elders from our Sects are accompanying us."
"COUGH!" Ji Mo coughed forcefully from the side.
As if she hadn't heard, Ling Xiaolan, her almond eyes filled with earnestness, gazed into Wu Wang's eyes and continued, "If one does not truly face danger, how can one cultivate a perfect state of mind? Cultivation is not just about sitting idly in the mountains, comprehending the Dao of nature. One must also face dangers that seem unbearable; only then can one make significant progress…"
"Fairy Immortal!" Ji Mo hurriedly interjected. "Let's not talk about this for now."
Ling Xiaolan's eyes were full of puzzlement. A paper crane flew out from Ji Mo's sleeve.
The paper crane drifted about thirty feet away before it exploded with a POOF! into a puff of blue smoke, transforming into a smiling old woman leaning on a cane.
"Young Master Xiong," the old woman said, "my apologies for this display."
「 」
In the starry night, a giant sword slowly ascended from the Royal Court of the Bear Hug Clan.
Wu Wang stood before the main tent, waving cordially, bidding a reluctant farewell to Ji Mo, who was dangling from the tail of the giant sword.
"That Nascent Soul female cultivator from the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect…"
"Has the Young Master taken a fancy to her?" Lin Suqing whispered at his side. "She's one of the top three beauties on the Human Domain's Fairy Immortal List. The face under her veil is definitely not lacking."
"She's just a bit too naive."
Wu Wang chuckled softly, recalling various details about this group. That female cultivator seemed to have a bit of an obsession with cleanliness.
In the distance, Wang Lin, who had been left outside all this time, stepped onto a bronze gong and rapidly ascended, chasing after the giant sword that streaked across the sky like a comet.
Wu Wang smiled. "Brother Ji is quite a decent fellow. Flirtatious as he may be, he has his own principles."
Lin Suqing was puzzled. "What principles? He seems quite serious."
"That's because you haven't seen him when he's in a playful mood."
Wu Wang shook his head and chuckled. "Didn't you hear him? He has three 'don'ts': he won't pursue women who already have someone in their heart, he won't pursue women who are already married, and he won't pursue women whose cultivation is higher than his. This fellow certainly treasures his life."
"Treasures his life?" Lin Suqing smiled. "I just feel he's very slick and quite worldly-wise."
"Where is your master?" Wu Wang asked. "I'll go see him. If you want to return with your master this time, feel free to do so. We can meet up in the Human Domain."
"No way! Six years means six years!" Lin Suqing tossed her head and snorted proudly, her face practically screaming, 'My people are here now!'
"Come on, sis will take you to see my master."
"Hm?"
"Young Master," Lin Suqing said, "my master wishes to thank you in person."
"Alright."
Wu Wang smiled calmly and walked back with Lin Suqing, his mind already working on plans for doing business with the Human Domain.
A deal certainly wouldn't be struck in a single discussion. Wu Wang had his own intentions and didn't finalize anything this time.
To protect his own clan and to prevent it from becoming singularly powerful—thus attracting unprepared-for blessings—he decided to establish a 'Northern Wilderness Mineral Consortium.' This would pool the mineral resources of the major Northern Wilderness clans, allowing for unified pricing and shared prosperity.
As for supporting the Human race of the Human Domain, that definitely couldn't be done openly. Secret aid would suffice.
This Ji Mo was truly someone worth befriending; he had an excellent disposition.
It's a pity. When I go to the Human Domain in the future, I'll also be cultivating in a low-key manner. It's unlikely we'll have a chance to meet again.
Wu Wang thought to himself.
「Half a month later, at dusk.」
A blood-soaked figure crashed down from the sky, landing directly on a tent at the periphery of the Bear Hug Clan's Royal Court, causing the young couple inside to scream in terror.
"Brother Bear… save… save me…"
(PS: I'm taking half the evening off to finish the side story my brother didn't complete.)