Otherworldly Desert Dust

Inside Hundred Lakes Mansion, nine Martial Gods sat in the hall, including Fei Que Martial God, who still bore a few bruises on her face.

Seeing Chang Chou Martial God so furious, she immediately added fuel to the fire and said, "That brat, like a doe in heat, completely trusted whatever that Nuwa Lineage Human said the moment she saw him. I said it before—how can the fate of our True Martial Continent be entrusted to a naive girl like her!"

"Ruan Muhuan's actions this time were indeed too reckless. Despite her contributions to maintaining peace across the various territories of our Super Continent over the years, she cannot abandon the protection of the Immortal Clan!"

"Her vision is still too narrow; she doesn't understand the strength of the Immortals."

"Exactly. Those seven Immortals in the private meeting were merely juniors of the Immortal Clan, assisting them in Crossing Tribulation over a mere decade-long calamity. Though they might not directly benefit us on the True Martial Continent, their elder Immortal masters, with their profound experience, are the ones we need to forge connections with. Their joys and sorrows directly impact the rise and fall of our True Martial Super Continent. Over the years, haven't we failed to rival Holy Sect and Da Xuan because we lack the guidance of True Immortals?"

"Ahem, actually, steering off the beaten path isn't necessarily bad. Our True Martial Super Continent is in an awkward position—Upper-class People don't include us in their alliances, and we disdain forming ties with the Low-class Human Clan. As for that Black Immortal, say what you will about him, his martial prowess is beyond reproach. Publicly humiliating that Immortal apprentice Shang Hu and suppressing Immortal Peng Feng—well, there's still half a month before the deadline. Everyone, let's not act impulsively." A Martial God in a grey martial robe remarked.

"Where is Du Wushen? Shouldn't he have exited seclusion by now? Let's have Du Mao persuade her first. If Ruan Muhuan doesn't change her mind, our Martial God Institute will have no choice but to strip her decision-making authority," the White-faced Martial God said.

"Exactly. For any major issue, let's ensure we meet and talk first—no need to overreact right away. Furthermore, stripping Ruan Muhuan's authority will cost us public confidence in the Institute. There's nothing that can't be discussed over a meeting. Once Du Mao arrives, the eleven of us Martial Gods should convene a private meeting. Normally, our internal rivalries and suspicions can be tolerated, but here in Infinite City, if we can't unite, it'll be a joke in the eyes of outsiders and will greatly hinder our future development." The Grey-robed Martial God concluded.

...

Infinite City, Eight Diagram Martial Arena.

Du Mao wiped the blood off his nose and stepped one foot onto the face of the young Immortal apprentice lying below him.

"Hmph, you think only you can make progress? You think I can't?"

"Last time, you used your cloth shoe to stomp on my head and felt all smug about it, huh? Well, this time I made sure to wear the shoes I haven't changed during my three-month closed-door cultivation. I heard you Immortals have sensitive smells—then experience my efforts and sweat from these past three months to your heart's content!"

Du Mao grinned widely, his smile radiantly bright.

The fair-skinned young man under his feet was already fuming with rage, yet the stench of those sweat-soaked, three-month unwashed shoes pressed against his face made him retch uncontrollably. It was as if his immortal energy and meridians were being corroded—he had no strength left to resist.

"Just you wait… not even half a month, I'll certainly make you… ah, pfft, this Immortal would never wear such stinky shoes!" The youth cursed as he dry-heaved.

"Brat, relying on your Immortal spells to show off in front of me, you really think I can't handle you? Crawl back to the mountains and train another hundred years. Right now, the only way you can defeat me, Du Mao, is by relying on your turtle-like lifespan to outlast me in old age. But while I'm still in my prime, you can forget about winning!" Du Mao finally lifted his smelly foot off him.

The youth was already retching uncontrollably.

Losing was one thing, but inhaling the stench of sweat-soaked shoes for three months had made him wish he could destroy and rebuild his filthy mortal body.

"Du Wushen is incredible! Dominating an Immortal Clan genius!"

"No wonder he's among the strongest men on the True Martial Continent!"

"That's exactly how a deity should behave—fearlessly striking down even Immortals!"

The watching Human Clan heroes and junior deities began clapping and praising loudly.

It initially seemed that Immortal Clan geniuses possessed limitless potential and could easily outmatch Humans. Yet, Du Mao was evidently a martial arts prodigy himself. After three months of cultivation, his strength had soared, likely now placing him among the brightest stars of the True Martial Continent, and potentially even ranking in the top tier of the entire Cang Chu Divine Realm.

"Senior Brother… I don't want to live anymore!" The Immortal apprentice flew up into the clouds, his eyes so irritated by the stench that he could barely open them.

"It's alright, it's alright. Human Clan deities are once-in-a-million geniuses; it's only natural for some of them to surpass our Immortal Clan experts." Within the glowing clouds sat Bai Yue, the socially anxious Immortal, consoling his junior apprentice. "Look at Shang Hu—didn't he also suffer recently? A Human Clan deity even used him like a soccer ball, and he's still too embarrassed to show his face."

"He can't compare to me! I could beat him a hundred times over!" The Immortal youth retorted indignantly.

"Go back and train hard. Stop wasting time raising those idle Immortal Herbs and Immortal Pets. They're just distractions at the end of the day…" Bai Yue advised.

"You deal with him, Senior Brother Bai. You could crush him with one hand—I can't swallow this humiliation!" The youth argued.

"Ah, there are so many people watching—I wouldn't dare…"

"...." The Immortal youth was speechless, realizing his senior brother genuinely radiated an aura of cowardice. Despite being a dignified True Immortal, Bai Yue was exceedingly fearful of social interaction.

"I'll go find Senior Sister." The youth thought for a moment, deciding his Senior Brother was hopeless. Though a True Immortal, Bai Yue had an unmistakable aura of incompetence that was hard to ignore.

"Senior Sister isn't doing so well—you shouldn't disturb her."

"Then what should I do about this grudge?"

"Just swallow it down."

"I can't swallow it! Fine, I'll go ask my Holy Sect uncle for help!"

...

Hundred Lakes Mansion—Du Mao swaggered into the Martial God Hall with overwhelming confidence.

Along his way, even the Upper-class Human Clan deities gave him approving glances, while those seeking to build ties with him were innumerable.

His secluded study of the supreme martial arts had paid off. His strength had surged exponentially.

"Du Shen, we heard that you just earned great prestige for our True Martial Continent across all Infinite City. Truly, you are a once-in-a-millennium martial arts genius!" Fei Que exclaimed, raising her voice to praise the moment Du Mao stepped inside.

Du Mao's smile never faded as he sat at the prime seat. None of the others dared to object, and some even appeared to seek his approval.

"What's the matter?" Du Mao asked, noticing the Martial Gods collectively looking his way with hesitation, their faces full of conflicted expressions.

Du Mao wasn't interested in the matter of the True Martial Continent assisting the Immortals in Crossing Tribulation; he had come to Infinite City for one reason—to challenge the so-called most powerful of the Immortal Clan. He relished duels with Immortal Clan experts. In the Scroll Realm, he couldn't beat Fairy Gong Qin, but against these younger Immortal Clan novices? He wouldn't lose.

"Your protégé, Ruan Wushen, has done something exceptionally inappropriate. While you normally disregard mundane matters, this involves the fate of our True Martial Continent for the next decade. Even though you cherish her, you must sternly rebuke her for this reckless act—otherwise, the entire True Martial Continent will become a laughingstock among the Human Clan." The White-faced Martial God stated.

Chang Chou was seated at equal rank with Du Mao but remained silent, allowing Martial Gods from his faction to speak.

Du Mao listened attentively to the details, his expression gradually growing angry.

"Summon her back. I admit I've delegated too much authority to her in recent years—she's now unable to make wise judgments in matters of great importance. Rest assured, though I've publicly endorsed her as my representative in the Institute, I will handle this matter impartially without favoritism!" Du Mao declared.

There was a clear dividing line for Du Mao. Publicly challenging Immortals was one thing—many battle-focused Immortals welcomed such contests. But Immortals assisting Cross Tribulation genuinely intended to aid the Human Clan's prosperity. If Ruan Muhuan failed in her responsibilities here, punishment was certainly merited.

"Since Du Shen stated this stance, I won't interfere further. Du Wushen, you've just brought such immense respect to our True Martial Continent—it's already a reason to celebrate. To ensure unity within our Martial God Institute, there's no need to chastise her excessively. Stripping her of decision-making authority should suffice," Chang Chou said, adopting a magnanimous demeanor.

The fire had already been lit, and he wouldn't provoke Du Mao further. By pleading for leniency for Ruan Muhuan now, Du Mao might overcompensate by being even harsher to prove his impartiality.

"Ruan Wushen has already been summoned back. She'll be here shortly."

...

The ten Martial Gods waited in the hall, each visibly stern-faced, clearly displeased with Ruan Muhuan's decision.

Yet, due to Ruan Muhuan's current strength and reputation, combined with Du Mao's unwavering support, none dared act excessively.

"Du Wushen, Chang Wushen." Ruan Muhuan entered the hall, bowing respectfully to the two senior Martial Gods before standing still, waiting for criticism from the pair.

She knew well that the other Martial Gods would not dare reprimand her outright, but these two certainly had the authority to do so.

"Ruan Muhuan, you bear the fate of the entire True Martial Super Continent with its countless billions of citizens. We trusted you for this Human Clan meeting to represent us, interact with the Immortals, and make decisions on behalf of the entire Martial God Institute. Why did you believe someone so dubious and choose an imposter pretending to be of the Immortal Clan? I've worked closely with an Immortal genius before and know their immense divine skills. They genuinely possess the power to single-handedly alter the destiny of the Human Clan. Your actions this time have deeply disappointed me—how am I supposed to explain this to our countless concerned elders who care for the entire realm? I must punish you!" Du Mao declared.

"He knew about this." Ruan Muhuan replied calmly.

"Who? My Brother Wu? Is he also here in Infinite City?"

"Black Immortal is him." Ruan Muhuan stated bluntly, cutting the conversation short.

Upon hearing this, Du Mao immediately stood up from his chair.

Moments ago, he had seemed deeply disappointed and righteous, ready to enforce punishment. Now, Du Mao quickly switched gears, his face lighting up with joy. "Wonderful! Truly worthy of being my protégé! I always knew you could shoulder the great burden for our clan. Ruan Muhuan, I wasn't wrong about you—brilliant choice, wise and decisive…"

"Du… Du Shen, what's gotten into you?" Chang Chou asked, utterly baffled.

The other Martial Gods looked at each other, thoroughly confused. What had happened to Du Wushen's stern righteousness and insistence on impartiality?

"You all know nothing!" Rough by nature, Du Mao cursed directly. "I fully support her. From now on, her decisions are my decisions. If any of you have objections, beat me first!"

The Martial God Institute's members were dumbfounded.

Having just stomped on an Immortal Clan's genius, Du Mao's reputation had spread across Infinite City like wildfire. Who among them could stand against him now?

This was no impartiality—it was a direct declaration to the other Martial Gods: follow her, prosper; oppose her, perish!