Is this what Master meant by “calling a couple of helpers”?

In the Chaos Sea, the Golden-Winged Great Peng watched dozens of figures appear within his sensory range, his forehead covered in black lines.

This place still retained the influence of complete Primordial Laws. The Golden Peng could roughly sense the passage of time – it had only been several dozen days and nights since Master not only arrived here in person but also brought…

Six of the Eight Great Disciples of the Severing Sect, familiar faces from the Enlightenment Sect including True Lord Taiyi, True Lord Yuding, True Lord Huanglong, Marshal Quantong from the Heavenly Court, nineteen survivors from the Ancient Human Magic Soldiers, Yang Jian – disciple of True Lord Yuding from the Enlightenment Sect, and several Grand Luo experts from the Severing Sect.

Truly just “a few helpers.”

Could it be that Master suspected Kun Peng was hiding here?

Earlier, the Golden Peng had accidentally discovered this secret location ahead, sensing the presence of living beings and detecting powerful experts within, though their Dao resonance differed from Kun Peng’s.

Li Changshou made a swift decision, having Golden Peng keep watch from the furthest possible distance while he went to summon the core members of the fishing team who weren’t supposed to appear for another dozen or so years.

Better safe than sorry.

Though the probability was low, Li Changshou had to consider that this might be a trap set by Kun Peng.

Incidentally, this could also serve as a rehearsal for future battles.

While Golden Peng was still puzzling over this, Li Changshou, maintaining his elderly immortal appearance, sat atop Baize and quietly arrived with a group of experts.

“Master!” Golden Peng resumed human form and saluted Li Changshou with clasped hands.

“Mm,” Li Changshou nodded slowly. “Any movement?”

“Two black shadows went in, but no beings have come out,” Golden Peng responded via thought transmission. “Disciple has been watching the changes in the local Laws continuously. There hasn’t been any complete Heaven and Earth Dao, nor any Dao conflicts. It seems to be a group of Primordial experts hiding in the Chaos Sea, gradually gathering here.”

—In the Chaos Sea, all communication took the form of thought transmission.

“Very well done,” Li Changshou said warmly. Golden Peng’s eyes lit up, and he straightened his back even more.

Figures concealed themselves in the chaotic energy, arriving in twos and threes. Even in the Chaos Sea, the female immortals of the Severing Sect remained the “center of attention.”

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother wouldn’t miss such an opportunity for battle. Her unchanging golden gauze dress had grown increasingly alluring over the recent years.

Along with her, Lord Zhao, who favored wearing armor, appeared increasingly valiant and strong.

Beside Golden Spirit stood Turtle Spirit Supreme Mother and Wudang Supreme Mother. Turtle Spirit maintained her fresh style of dress – a light green short skirt, holding a white jade short flute. Previously when reinforcing Xuandu City, her divine abilities had directly suppressed the Outer Demons, proving to be the perfect counter.

Wudang Supreme Mother’s temperament leaned toward dignity and steadiness. She rarely appeared in public, maintaining an air of mystery.

In fact, if not for Patriarch Tonguan’s order stating [When you’re free, follow Changgen out more often to eliminate some foreign demons for the world, it can also increase our sect’s fortune], Wudang Supreme Mother might not have ventured out.

Among the three sects, which one didn’t have characters who preferred tranquility over action?

Li Changshou’s divine consciousness, however, never strayed from his beloved fairy.

Yunxiao followed beside Golden Spirit Supreme Mother. Today she wasn’t wearing her favorite white dress, but instead wore a light blue open robe with cloud-embroidered silk inner garments and a short skirt underneath. Her hair was bound up with a Dao band, and her waist was concealed within the long robe.

Without the long dress covering them, her jade feet and slender legs were quite eye-catching. However, the choice of shoes wasn’t quite right – the cloth boots’ upper edge was a bit too long. If replaced with high-heeled shoes wrapped with silk ribbons around the ankles, it would have been more perfect.

—This was an immature suggestion from a certain Shou.

But that wasn’t right either – the Primordial World didn’t have high-heeled shoes yet. Senior Lang had only focused on playing cards and causing mischief, without enriching the aesthetic elements of the Primordial World.

This raised the question – who had Senior Lang been playing cards with all this time?

“Junior Brother Changgen,” Duobao Daoist came forward. “Wasn’t this supposed to be about eliminating foreign demons? Are there any foreign demons gathered here?”

Li Changshou glanced at Golden Peng. Without needing to say more, Golden Peng formed a hand seal resembling spreading wings in flight. A streak of firelight passed through, and an identical image appeared in everyone’s minds:

In the neither bright nor dark, neither up nor down Chaos Sea, a not particularly tall black immortal mountain floated quietly, surrounded by glowing circular formations, with strands of incomplete Laws interwoven around it.

This was a place where Laws gathered, where Laws were relatively stable, and those formations…

Yunxiao asked softly: “This place is identical to the Kun Peng’s old shell cave dwelling we discovered last time.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and said gently: “Not just that, this place’s distance from the Primordial World is also consistent with the previous Kun Peng cave-dwelling, both at the boundary of Heaven’s Law’s influence.

This should be Kun Peng’s bridgehead for observing the Primordial World.”

“Then what are we waiting for?”

Zhao Gongming laughed: “Let’s smash it! If Kun Peng is here, we’ll face him together, we won’t fear him.”

True Lord Taiyi: “This shows we’re already afraid.”

“Hm?” Lord Zhao glared at True Lord Taiyi, who smiled and pulled Yang Jian, who was beside him, to the front.

The nephew of the Jade Emperor.

To the side, Quantong, who had come to watch the excitement, said: “Star-Lord, time is of the essence – delay breeds change. Please arrange how to attack, I sense there are quite a few foreign demons here, we must catch them all in one net.”

“Marshal, don’t rush,” Li Changshou looked around, puzzled: “Where did Senior Brother Duobao go?”

“Right here!”

A shout echoed in their minds as a large hole mysteriously appeared in the Chaos Sea, its walls formed by interweaving streams of seven-colored flowing light – they were actually strands of Laws.

Li Changshou: …

Could one even burrow through the Chaos Sea?

Duobao Daoist emerged from within, gave Li Changshou a calm smile, holding a golden basin in his hands, maintaining the bearing of a senior brother, and gave those around him a proud smile.

“This poor Daoist just placed some small items around that cave dwelling, the situation inside has been explored.

Fellow junior brothers and sisters, look here.”

Duobao Daoist pointed with his finger, and streams of clear spring water emerged spontaneously in the golden basin. After filling the basin, blurry images appeared on the water’s surface.

Inside a cave-dwelling, one or two figures sat or stood in various corners, about a dozen in total, each concealing their aura and form.

Baize suddenly transmitted to Li Changshou’s mind: “Nine-Headed Bird? He’s not dead?”

Well, mixed among them were the Ten Great Beasts, Commanders of ancient times – indeed none were good characters.

Li Changshou asked: “Can any senior brothers and sisters recognize the forms within?”

The immortals gathered around to carefully discern for a while, each shaking their heads.

Quantong closed his eyes in concentration, seeming to investigate something, and quickly opened them to say: “They are all vicious beings who fled from the world, Heaven’s Law has some sense of them.

Their gathering here obviously means they intend to return to the Primordial World to cause trouble.”

“Junior Brother Changgen can just give the orders,” Golden Spirit Supreme Mother frowned and said, “Don’t dither anymore, who here today doesn’t trust you?”

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, his gaze falling on Yunxiao’s face, giving her a gentle wink.

“Senior Sister, this time I’ll lead the attack.”

The immortals were stunned. Even Yang Jian, who was on his first “group mission,” now looked at Li Changshou with confusion.

True Lord Taiyi snorted with laughter, “Did I hear something wrong?”

Zhao Gongming also said: “Changgen, you just need to command from the center and direct the overall situation. Leave the fighting and killing to us.”

Li Changshou showed a serious expression, stepped back twice, and made a Daoist salute to everyone.

“I trouble all senior brothers and sisters to patrol the surroundings, surround and block off this place. I’ll force my way in once, to improve my battle skills somewhat,” Li Changshou said, “For this command matter, please let Senior Brother Duobao take full charge.”

“What’s wrong?”

Fairy Yunxiao asked softly, “Why suddenly want to hone your battle skills?”

“I’ve been too comfortable for too long.”

Li Changshou smiled, staring in the direction of the cave dwelling. His silver-white hair gradually dyed black as he spoke, and the wrinkles on his face were smoothed away by immortal light.

He said: “The Primordial World is ultimately about strength above all.

I truly have too few opportunities to take action in daily life. Now that I’ve achieved some results in cultivation, I should focus on improving my battle strength. This is a rare opportunity, and my hands are itching for action.

If one day, when senior brothers and sisters aren’t by my side to protect me, what if I become useless?”

“Junior Brother Changgen is joking,” Duobao Daoist laughed, “This poor Daoist knows your divine abilities. Among those present, those who could surpass you probably number no more than one hand’s count.

Your desire to temper yourself isn’t a bad thing. You can first attract their attention, which will also allow us to successfully surround them.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Li Changshou cupped his hands, opened his left hand, and Golden Peng came forward holding the small Soul-Reaving Spear with both hands. Li Changshou gripped the spear shaft tightly and casually twirled it in a flourish.

Yunxiao said: “May I join you?”

“Wait for me outside.”

“Mm,” she didn’t insist, nodding gently without further persuasion.

Li Changshou looked at the nineteen Magic Soldiers, ordered them to follow Duobao Daoist’s commands, and then advanced with his spear. Streams of golden light circled his body, condensing into a half-mask and a golden chainmail armor.

Quantong transmitted: “Why does Changgen insist on going alone? Is there some explanation?”

“Your Majesty need not worry,” Li Changshou turned his head to look at Quantong, a trace of a smile flashing in his eyes, and transmitted back: “No one can guarantee they won’t find themselves in a situation where they must proceed alone.

Taking this opportunity to practice battle and combat skills, I can also get a measure of my strength.”

Quantong seemed to want to say more but held back, as Li Changshou’s form flashed and disappeared into the boundless chaos energy.

Duobao Daoist’s thoughts arrived, and the immortals immediately advanced, circling around from different directions in groups of three or two, watching each other’s backs.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng transformed into his true form. Baize, in his auspicious beast form, stood atop the Golden Peng’s head, while Golden Spirit Supreme Mother and Fairy Yunxiao stood on the Golden Peng’s back, being the first to reach an intercept position.

Fairy Yunxiao’s eyes carried a hint of gravity. While concealing her form, she focused entirely on preparing for battle, her divine consciousness fixed on Li Changshou’s unhurried form as he approached that secret cave dwelling.

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother asked puzzledly: “What’s gotten into Changgen today? Has something provoked him?”

She had quite an opinion about not being allowed to strike first.

Fairy Yunxiao shook her head gently, and the Golden Peng also reported via thought transmission that he didn’t know. However, Baize laughed and muttered:

“Do you all think the Water God has suddenly changed from his usual style? Becoming somewhat reckless?”

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother replied: “I wouldn’t say that. Changgen acts with his reasoning. Among the disciples of the three sects, in terms of strategy, he’s the only one I truly respect.

Moreover, inviting so many immortals here, sealing off all positions to ensure no foreign demons escape from this place – this aligns with his usual style.”

Yunxiao asked: “Does Master Bai know the reason?”

“The Water God is simply honing his battle skills,” Baize smiled and said. “On the way here, the Water God had this poor Daoist check for fortune and misfortune over sixty times, all showing minor fortune or no misfortune.

This poor Daoist also discussed with the Water God along the way, and we believe this should be one of Kun Peng’s nests.

If Kun Peng could subjugate Primordial Divine Demons, then those Primordial experts who fled into the Chaos Sea probably couldn’t escape Kun Peng’s extreme speed either.

Kun Peng is an ambitious person.

The dozen or so ancient and prehistoric experts here are indeed excellent whetstones. On the way here, the Water God had already vaguely revealed such thoughts.”

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother asked: “Master Bai, is Changgen naturally combative at his core?”

“The Water God is not combative,” Baize slowly lay down on the Golden Peng’s head. “But the Water God looks at things by preparing for the worst.

Perhaps in some matters, the worst-case scenario is him entering the fray and engaging in close combat with powerful enemies, hence his desire to hone his battle skills.

Look, the Water God is about to make his move.”

The Golden Peng’s back immediately fell silent, as four divine consciousnesses penetrated the chaotic disorder, locking onto Li Changshou’s form.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng further adjusted his position, aimed at that cave-dwelling, ready to provide support at any moment.

For the Golden Peng, the foreign demons were secondary; the Master’s safety was most important.

Just thinking about Master’s frail elderly immortal appearance made the Golden Peng anxious at this moment, his eyes filled with worry.

In the Chaos Sea, Li Changshou’s continuously advancing form suddenly accelerated.

If the previous moment was like a snail, now the Dao resonance around him exploded, a streak of water-blue flowing light appeared beneath Li Changshou’s feet, and he was like riding the wind and breaking waves, swift as a flood dragon soaring through space!

At this moment, Li Changshou’s figure standing on that water-blue flowing light greatly resembled Pangu battling Primordial Divine Demons, riding the waves of the True Spirit River sweeping through primordial chaos.

In that cave dwelling, the experts who had been observing to determine Li Changshou’s identity immediately concluded he was a foe, not a friend, and all stood up together.

They drew weapons, magical treasures appeared behind them, and divine abilities gathered in their palms!

But before they could exchange many thoughts, the desolate mountain floating in the Chaos Sea suddenly trembled, and the dozens of incomplete Laws gathered here were almost shattered!

In the eyes of the various Dao immortals who had successfully taken their positions, Li Changshou was like an arrow leaving its string, directly crashing into the desolate mountain.

In the next instant, the phantom of a treasure pagoda stretched open endless chaos, transforming into who knows how many tens of thousands of zhang or li high, as streaks of primal yellow essence scattered forth, completely enveloping the desolate mountain.

The Heaven and Earth Primal Yellow Spiritual Pagoda wasn’t solely for defense!

Now the primal yellow essence stretched open chaos, instantly transforming this desolate mountain into a prison. Without the power to break through the Spiritual Pagoda, one couldn’t break out of this place.

But one cannot have both fish and bear’s paw – using the Primal Yellow Pagoda to trap enemies meant losing its self-protective effect.

At another intercept position.

“Is this a fake Changgen?”

True Lord Taiyi couldn’t help muttering thus. Yang Jian beside him was full of confusion, while True Lord Yuding slightly shook his head.

Yang Jian asked: “Why does Uncle Master say this?”

“Nephew doesn’t know,” True Lord Taiyi was rarely serious as he explained, “Star-Lord Li Changgen of Taibai has always been known for being steady. Previously, he wouldn’t take action if he could avoid it, and would use his lips rather than his hands if possible.

Now it’s somewhat better. In earlier years, his true body would hide away, only letting his paper Dao-body avatar move about.

Every time his true body appeared, he was either accompanied by Senior Brother Xuandu or protected by major treasures like the Taiji Diagram or Primal Yellow Pagoda. At the slightest scratch, he would look up and cry out ‘Master save me~’

Except for bullying the beast clan, when have we ever seen him charge into battle?”

Yuding said: “One can’t say it like that. Changgen… is indeed a bit unusual today.”

Just as Yang Jian was about to speak, a ‘resonance’ suddenly transmitted through the Chaos Sea.

It was Laws violently colliding, causing fragments of Law throughout the Chaos Sea to vibrate in unison!

Look at the area covered by the Primal Yellow Pagoda!

The Chaos Sea churned up waves, and dozens of Great Laws manifested successively as chain-like forms, then directly shattered in these waves.

That desolate mountain burst forth brilliant light, countless cracks appeared in the mountain body, and then in the next instant, it broke apart. Over ten black shadows flew rapidly in various directions, but crashed into the primal yellow essence, being steadily blocked.

Li Changshou stood on a large rock, broken sword fragments floating before him, his feet stepping on a corpse, the small Soul-Reaving Spear in his hand already bloodstained.

“Join forces to finish this person! Otherwise, none of us can leave!”

The dozen or so demons each responded, their eyes full of fierce light. Some revealed their true forms, some brought out life-saving divine abilities, some raised vicious magical treasures, streams of light pressing down toward Li Changshou.

Li Changshou held his spear horizontally, his gaze locked onto one person, his form pouncing fiercely upward. Though several streams of light struck his body, they only slightly slowed his speed, not affecting his forward momentum at all.

Great Completion · Eight-Nine Mystic Art!

In the area covered by primal yellow essence, Li Changshou flew up and down with over ten ancient and prehistoric experts, battling for supremacy.

Yunxiao watched with both furrowed brows and shining eyes, worried for Li Changshou’s safety yet wanting to see more of his unstoppable combat bearing.

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother also frowned in various ways, but she frowned only at that Primal Yellow Pagoda, muttering despite herself:

“He could handle it alone, why call us to make this trip?”

Just then, Duobao Daoist’s thoughts rang in all the immortals’ minds, and the immortals positioned at various locations immediately pressed closer around the Primal Yellow Pagoda, gradually tightening the encirclement.

Li Changshou had now fallen into bitter combat, yet the reason for falling into bitter combat was that he hadn’t deployed his Balanced Great Dao, purely opposing enemies with the Eight-Nine Mystic Art.

As he had said, he was indeed honing his battle skills.

Before long, another two fierce beasts lost their lives under the small Soul-Reaving Spear. Li Changshou also appeared somewhat more disheveled, but his strikes came from increasingly tricky angles, his movements when dodging attacks became more fluid, and his small-scale movements were smooth as flowing water – silky smooth.

Conversely, those demons battling him felt immense pressure one after another, not daring to hold back any moves.

Gradually, Li Changshou also suppressed that impulse in his heart, that impulse… to call out to the Primordial Treasure Taiji Diagram beside his Primordial Spirit.

He had truly stood up!

No need for Master’s support, he could even jog along and occasionally make big jumps.

The strength testing of the Eight-Nine Mystic Art was about done, and he had a good grasp of how many attacks he could withstand.

His taking action today was half spontaneous, half careful consideration.

On the way here, he had been considering: if it wasn’t Kun Peng here but Kun Peng’s subordinates, should he take the opportunity to reveal sixty to seventy percent of his true strength?

Doing this wasn’t of course to show off in front of Yunxiao – that had no meaning, and Yunxiao didn’t like him fighting and killing.

Besides testing himself, he had three objectives.

First was to let these familiar immortals know his strength level, so Lord Zhao and others could consider matters related to him more comprehensively and fully during the great tribulation.

The Second was to adapt early to battling in the Chaos Sea.

Third was to demonstrate for the Jade Emperor to see.

Although the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation was still several hundred years away, matters for after the great tribulation should also be planned and arranged in advance.