Three months later, atop the city walls of Xuandu City.

Grand Magus suddenly awoke from his slumber, a trace of Taiqing’s dao essence slowly dissipating around him.

He stood up, his brows slightly furrowed, as if pondering something.

“What’s wrong?”

Three feet away, Kong Xuan put down her book and asked softly.

“Master just sent a message through dao essence, forming two characters: Southern Continent.”

Grand Magus stood up hurriedly and said: “There must be some problem with the Human Race’s Emperor. Otherwise, why would it disturb Master?

Junior Brother should be busy arranging the God-Making Tribulation matters now, so Master wants me to go.”

“I’ll accompany you.”

“Mm…”

Grand Magus hesitated.

Kong Xuan sighed: “The Demonic Venerable has already been captured. What other demons could come?”

“Alright then.”

Grand Magus agreed with a smile, looking at Kong Xuan somewhat hesitantly, but only offering a slight smile.

He wasn’t foolish—Kong Xuan had given up her innate precious form for him and watched over his sleep here for so many years. Using his Junior Brother’s favorite method of elimination, he could reach a simple conclusion.

Kong Xuan’s feelings for him were not brotherly!

But.

Grand Magus looked at his companion beside him—one who could topple nations with her beauty, cause fish to sink and wild geese to fall, possessing a unique beauty that quietly expressed ethereal meaning, with bearing and manner showing the authority of the Phoenix Clan’s leader…

For a moment, his dao heart felt somewhat lost.

The strange stirring growing deep in his dao heart became increasingly obvious.

Grand Magus sighed inwardly. Taking advantage of this return trip, he might as well consult with Changshou about whether to suppress this stirring or let it slowly grow.

If he chose the latter, he feared that after another ten thousand years, he would truly be moved and unable to maintain control.

Grand Magus felt deeply worried about this.

At present, Grand Magus and Kong Xuan packed up the soft couch, meditation cushions, chairs, and other items from the city wall, activated the compound formation here, and instructed the dao soldiers to guard the checkpoint well.

After Grand Magus had settled everything and was just about to pass through the vortex, space-time rippled slightly as black and white Qi opened a doorway.

It was the Taiji Diagram coming personally to receive them.

“Has the situation already become this serious?”

Grand Magus frowned slightly, muttering as he immediately stepped forward.

Kong Xuan’s lips twitched slightly, calmly following behind him as they both transformed into streams of light and flew into the space-time doorway opened by the Taiji Diagram.

When they reappeared, they were already outside the Five Continents.

Without delay, Grand Magus and Kong Xuan flew past the ends of the earth, their forms rapidly gliding across the horizon, hurrying to the Southern Jambudvipa Continent, straight toward the capital of the Shang Kingdom.

However, when Grand Magus extended his immortal awareness…

Nothing was wrong?

Unlike the current situation in the Central Divine Continent where immortal sects were crushing each other and immortal blood flowed freely, the Southern Continent was very peaceful. The Shang Kingdom was operating quietly, with various mortal affairs too trivial to mention.

“This?”

Grand Magus fell into slight confusion. He was about to search various parts of the Southern Continent, thinking he had misunderstood his Master’s meaning…

“Eh? Senior Brother, why have you returned? Could it be you’ve already received the news?”

A slightly surprised call came forth as Li Changshou’s paper avatar appeared from the Shang Kingdom’s capital, bowing to the Grand Magus from afar.

Before Grand Magus and Kong Xuan could descend, Li Changshou’s paper avatar had already used the wind escape technique to fly close, making another Daoist salute.

This salute fully demonstrated Li Changshou’s current inner guilt and slight remorse.

It was all just Master’s orders after all.

“Senior Brother, Fellow Daoist Kong Xuan!”

According to the plan, Li Changshou actively teased: “After many years unseen, you two have become inseparable. Not bad, not bad, congratulations!”

Grand Magus frowned and said: “Chang-Geng, don’t speak nonsense. Fellow Daoist Kong Xuan and I are not inseparable at all.”

He had originally wanted to call him Changshou but remembered Li Changshou’s habit and changed his mid-word to call him Changgeng.

Li Changshou pretended to be surprised as he looked at Kong Xuan, then at Grand Magus, his expression somewhat awkward, with a hint of apology mixed in the awkwardness.

Kong Xuan, who had received advance notice, let out a soft sigh at this moment, her whole being somewhat dejected.

Grand Magus pretended not to notice, calmly changing the subject:

“Changgeng, you just mentioned receiving news—what news did you receive?”

“Well…”

Li Changshou chuckled and said: “Why doesn’t Senior Brother first go to Anshui City? You’ll understand when you get there. I’ll head over with my true form right away.”

Grand Magus was slightly puzzled as he stood in the sky above the Shang Kingdom looking south, seeing tens of thousands of miles in one glance, his expression suddenly becoming somewhat strange.

“Did you arrange this, Changgeng?”

“What does Senior Brother think?”

“Showy but impractical, wasting people’s efforts and resources, completely unnecessary,” Grand Magus shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back. “Oh well, since Master asked me to return, he must want me to manifest before mortals.

I’ll go wait for you there then.”

“This Daoist won’t go over.”

Kong Xuan, continuing her dejected manner, seemed to be sulking.

She said: “This Daoist will walk around the Shang Kingdom for a while. The kingdom’s destiny is connected to my Phoenix Clan’s fate—we cannot be careless.”

“As you wish, Fellow Daoist.”

Grand Magus smiled and made a Daoist salute.

Kong Xuan bowed slightly in return, directly hiding her presence and turning to head toward a corner of the Shang Kingdom’s capital.

Subsequently, Grand Magus temporarily bid farewell to Li Changshou’s paper avatar and rode a cloud toward the Southern Sea coast, flying not too quickly, with a slight smile at the corners of his mouth.

Finally, he could temporarily separate from Fellow Daoist Kong Xuan for a while…

Though there was still a bit of loss and worry, wondering if she was truly angry.

When Grand Magus arrived at Anshui City, Li Changshou had also ‘just happened’ to arrive. After greeting Grand Magus, he led him down to the southwestern corner of Anshui City.

There, numerous mortals were gathered before a new grand temple; dozens of Sea God Sect divine envoys were beating clappers and performing opera.

They spoke of how the Human Race’s Ancient Worthy, Grand Magus of Xuandu, was invincible and heroic;

They sang of how Taiqing’s Senior Disciple protected humanity’s spark of life, unextinguished in darkness.

Grand Magus and Li Changshou stayed invisibly to the side for a while. Although these were things Grand Magus had done in the past, it was truly…

A bit embarrassing.

“Changshou, why would I need merits from incense smoke?”

Grand Magus smiled and sighed: “Why did you suddenly think of building a temple for me?”

Li Changshou said seriously: “Building a temple isn’t just for merits from incense smoke, but also to ensure Senior Brother’s contributions to the Human Race continue to be passed down among mortals.

Otherwise, as years pass, no one would know of Senior Brother’s heroic bearing when fighting the Demon Emperor. Wouldn’t that be an enormous pity?”

Grand Magus raised his hand and knocked Li Changshou’s shoulder, smiling as he asked:

“Is there something you need me to do? Deliberately arranging this superficial activity?

If you just ask, how could I refuse?”

Li Changshou: …

It wasn’t fear of your refusal, purely concern that you wouldn’t be able to save face.

Estimating that Master, Uncle Master, the Jade Emperor, Ancestral Master, and other great powers were watching this place, Li Changshou didn’t say much, only smiled and said:

“Ah, Senior Brother has seen through it.”

“You! Why have you become so formal?”

Grand Magus shook his head, somewhat dissatisfied with this.

Li Changshou made a gesture of invitation, leading the Grand Magus to a private garden that had already been prepared in the city.

Moments later.

Li Changshou and Grand Magus were soaking in the hot spring in the back garden, multiple layers of formations activated, each with a steaming white towel stuck to their foreheads as they leaned back against the jade stone-piled pool edge.

“Ahh…”

Grand Magus let out a comfortable sigh: “This thing that Third Uncle Master likes is quite nice indeed, able to relax the dao body and let spiritual qi freely enter and exit, achieving the same effect as medicinal baths through different means.

Comfortable, very comfortable indeed.

Tell me, what’s your request?”

“No rush,” Li Changshou smiled and said, “This bath is just the first round. Junior Brother has prepared a full range of services for Senior Brother.

Senior Brother has long been stationed at Xuandu City’s borders. I, purely personally, wish to express my appreciation!

You can indulge yourself occasionally.”

“Hmm?”

Grand Magus’s nose twitched, “Why do I smell a hint of scheming?”

“How dare I scheme against Senior Brother?”

Li Changshou sighed: “My current success is all thanks to Senior Brother’s guidance back then. Senior Brother, you are the noble person in my destiny.

If not for Senior Brother’s summons in that valley at that time, I’m afraid I would only be a small Golden Immortal of the Immortal-Making Sect now.”

‘Speaking from the Heart’ First Move: Talk about the past.

Grand Magus’s eyes carried a reminiscent look as he smiled and said: “That’s different, you were bound to achieve something…”

Meanwhile, in the Shang Kingdom’s capital, in the small courtyard where Li Changshou’s paper avatar had appeared earlier.

This place contained another world, with the back garden having an elaborate space-folding formation.

In the warm pavilion within the formation, Kong Xuan sat bathing in a spirit pool filled with floating flower petals, while Princess Long Ji and more than ten Jade Pool fairy maidens bustled about, bringing sets of gorgeous clothes and jewelry. Many were precious items personally selected by the Queen Mother!

Kong Xuan frowned slightly as she looked at the detailed plan recorded in the jade talisman in her hand. Although she wanted to maintain her aloof demeanor of [being a Phoenix Clan boss who doesn’t care about anyone], her face kept flushing red.

To have her do such things, this Li Changgeng truly was…

Understanding of her feelings.

Why hesitate anymore?

Grand Magus—she had set her sights on him, her heart was already decided. If she could take action, she naturally would. If she hadn’t been unable to defeat the Grand Magus of Xuandu, would she, Kong Xuan, have waited until today?

If they needed to follow human customs and hold a wedding ceremony, that would be fine too.

But since Junior Brother Changgeng had made arrangements and Master Taiqing had given his approval, what was wrong with her being proactive, suppressing Grand Magus’s dao nature and increasing his ‘human nature’?

Long Ji said from the side: “Senior Kong Xuan, have you read through my master’s plan? My master will try to delay things so you can make more preparations.”

“I’ve read it all,”

Kong Xuan said: “But what can I do if Grand Magus is unwilling?”

“What you’ve seen is only the part of the plan concerning you,” Long Ji said softly. “Master has already started using scheming methods—um, following certain approaches.

Master will do his best to open Grand Magus’s heart’s door, but whether we can truly breakthrough depends on your performance.”

“Very well…”

Kong Xuan hummed softly. Hesitation flashed through her eyes, but she suppressed the inappropriate shyness and said calmly:

“But I’m not very familiar with such matters.

Beings like me are closer to the Dao. Although my immortal awareness can now sweep past and see many instances of mortal yin-yang union, my dao heart doesn’t ripple at all from such things.

What should I do about this?”

Long Ji smiled and said: “My master has prepared for this.”

With these words, Long Ji gently clapped her delicate hands.

The side door opened, and two elderly women stepped in, both bowing to Kong Xuan.

One elderly woman smiled and said: “This junior is an elder of affairs at the World’s End Pavilion, specifically responsible for training newly entered women.”

The other elderly woman said: “Please don’t misunderstand—our World’s End Pavilion never forces anyone to join. This reputation has long spread outside; you can verify it with a slight calculation.”

Kong Xuan’s mouth twitched slightly.

She was the dignified…

Never mind, for the sake of her long-cherished wish.

After all, it was also to help prevent him from dissolving into the Dao.

…

One hour later.

At dusk, in a bamboo cottage within a manor in Anshui City of the Southern Continent.

Some curtains danced in the breeze as immortal maidens played zither and flute in the grove;

The mysterious formations hidden around the courtyard isolated the mortal clamor and worldly noise outside, transforming this place into an immortal realm.

A gentle breeze passed by, carrying flower fragrance and bird songs.

Two young Daoists with loose hair, wearing loose robes, sat drinking and chatting in the cottage.

Li Changshou sat cross-legged while Grand Magus sat casually at an angle.

“Changgeng, you’re saying you invited the South Pole Immortal to the Heavenly Court to become the Deity of Changshou and Blessing?”

“Yes,” Li Changshou said gently. “This move was also to balance the Heavenly Court’s relationship with the Orthodox and Severing Schools, increasing the Orthodox School’s influence in the Heavenly Court.

Currently, many deities in the Heavenly Court view the Orthodox School as evil and the Severing School as righteous.

Both schools are great schools of the Dao, not much different from each other.

Ultimately, it’s because of my emotional issues affecting the entire Heavenly Court.”

“Don’t think that way,” Grand Magus said softly. “How can one avoid causing ripples when in the water?

Your matter with Junior Sister Yun Xiao—I was the matchmaker.

At that time, I hadn’t considered there would be such a great tribulation later. I just thought Junior Sister Yun Xiao had a very gentle nature while also being formidable in ability. If you could marry her, wouldn’t our Human School gain another expert?

Hahaha!”

Li Changshou chuckled lightly, watching Grand Magus drain his wine in one gulp before refilling his cup with Jade Pool’s immortal wine.

They had already entered the Third Move—[Drinking].

The Second Move was speaking of sorrowful matters; they had already discussed several, generating profound resonance.

Li Changshou smiled and asked: “Actually, Senior Brother, I’ve always had some questions.

Back then, you requested the Old Man Under the Moon to establish the custom of dao companions for the Human School. So you must be quite experienced in matters between men and women?”

Grand Magus smiled calmly: “Of course… I know a thing or two.

Aren’t you the expert in this field, Changgeng?

I’ve heard about those treasure maps you prepared for Junior Brother Gongming. They say they’re quite good.”

“Ah, Senior Brother jests, jests.”

Li Changshou accordingly took out a scroll from his sleeve. “This is a painting of a beauty under moonlight that Junior Brother recently completed. Would Senior Brother like to appreciate it?”

“Let me see,” Grand Magus took the treasure map, “Let me see if your painting skill has improved… These clothes are too sparse, lacking some sense of haziness.”

“I just said it’s a painting of beauty under moonlight,” Li Changshou smiled awkwardly.

Grand Magus’s reaction…

Ah, it won’t work without strong medicine!

Grand Magus somewhat disinterestedly returned the treasure map, moving away from such topics to ask about matters concerning the God-Making Tribulation.

Regarding the great tribulation, Li Changshou naturally didn’t want the Grand Magus too deeply involved.

Under Li Changshou’s operations, the Human School had already separated from the tribulation. Unless necessary, he didn’t want Grand Magus to take action with any tiny possibility of falling into the tribulation.

His words about Grand Magus being the noble person in his destiny weren’t mere courtesy—he truly believed this.

Soon, they finished a pot of wine, and Li Changshou took out a small jar of fine wine he had long prepared.

“Senior Brother, would you like to taste this wine?

This isn’t Jade Pool’s immortal wine, but the wine I brewed myself.

It contains three hundred and sixty precious materials and even used roots from extremely rare innate spirit roots that are now hard to find. There’s only this one jar in all of Heaven and Earth!”

Grand Magus smiled and said: “Such good wine—wouldn’t it be better to save it for your wedding with Yun Xiao and Ling E?”

“No, this wine I offer only to Senior Brother.”

Li Changshou’s eyes flickered with light, their corners even slightly red. “Senior Brother, this is my heartfelt gesture.

Senior Brother, you are without desire or pursuit, quiet and inactive, unrestrained yet natural and unbound. I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude to you.

Today, you must drink this wine. I don’t know how to say it, but…”

“Alright, alright, why say such things? You’re being less unrestrained now.”

Grand Magus waved his hand, drawing over the palm-sized wine jar, casually breaking the immortal restrictions on it and smelling an intoxicating fragrance.

Head back, pour wine, down the throat.

Glug glug glug, thunk thunk thunk!

“Senior Brother,” Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Just use three-tenths…”

Clang!

Grand Magus put the empty wine jar on the table, showing Li Changshou a gentle smile.

“In the future, don’t—hit!

In the future, don’t say such unnecessary things. We of the Human School don’t go for this.

Keep it simple, and more direct…

Changshou, why does your wine seem to go to the head?”

Grand Magus frowned slightly, shaking his head and somewhat awkwardly shifting his body, his gaze becoming somewhat unfocused.

Just then!

A golden light fell in the courtyard, transforming into a heavenly general who knelt on one knee before Li Changshou: “Reporting to Star-Lord! Wood Lord requests your immediate return to the Heavenly Court!”

Li Changshou frowned deeply and said to Grand Magus: “Senior Brother, I…”

“Go quickly, important matters first!”

Grand Magus held his forehead with his left hand and waved his right, “I’m feeling light-headed now, perfect time for a rest. We’ll continue drinking when you return.”

Li Changshou stood and made a Daoist salute, then hurriedly left with the heavenly general, activating the multiple layers of formations here in the process.

Grand Magus breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the empty wine jar with a calm smile.

This little Changshou, today wasn’t he just setting up a situation with Master? Did he think he was drunk?

This bit of wine… the aftereffect was truly strong, almost impossible to suppress.

What’s next?

Dong~

Suddenly spring water tinkled in the garden, followed by ethereal zither sounds. Two rows of graceful figures began dancing before the distant pavilion, unconsciously drawing Grand Magus’s gaze.

Hmm? Why was he feeling some strange stirring?

Just then, a soft sigh sounded beside him. Before Grand Magus could turn his head, that familiar dao essence, familiar aura, and slightly unfamiliar fragrance all wafted over as he was embraced by a pair of jade arms.

“Fellow Dao- Daoist Kong Xuan? What are you…”

“The Dao gives birth to yin and yang, the Dao has you and me. I don’t want to be your fellow Daoist, I want to be your dao companion… You have no surname, I want to give you mine.”

Grand Magus’s dao heart immediately trembled. A wave of wine’s effect came over him—though his eyes were still clear, the thoughts in his heart became extremely complex.

Soon after, layer upon layer of formations activated around the pavilion as the Taiji Diagram appeared directly above, sealing off the space-time here.

On a cloud, Li Changshou watched this scene below and calmly smiled.

The anchor to keep Senior Brother in the mortal world and prevent him from being drawn away by the Dao was finally secure.