“Sect Master Brother! Sect Master Brother!”

In the main temple of Anshui City, divine consciousness bridged between two statues, once again entering a hazy dream state.

As soon as Ao Yi saw Li Changshou standing at the statue’s feet, he became emotionally uncontrollable, unable to contain himself;

His calls carried several parts urgency, dejection, and helplessness, mixed with a touch of novelty, joy, and shame’s complex emotions.

Li Changshou stood there smiling, carefully analyzing these, already roughly understanding what had happened.

At this time, Li Changshou had already returned with Elder Brother Jiuwu to the Three Teachings Origin Assembly venue, as if nothing had happened before, maintaining the ordinary bearing appropriate for a regular Crossing Immortal Gate disciple vice-leader.

That Ao Yi would seek him through divine consciousness communication was something Li Changshou had anticipated;

But what Li Changshou hadn’t expected was that Ao Yi’s first words weren’t about being ambushed in the deep sea, but rather…

“Sect Master, teach me, what should I do about this?”

“What happened?”

“I! Ah, I! This matter is truly embarrassing to speak of… indeed…”

Ao Yi’s youthful face was full of awkwardness, awkwardness yet showing slight reminiscence, reminiscence carrying several parts of shyness…

Li Changshou frowned and said: “Could it be that your actions couldn’t keep up with your thoughts, and you made some physical mistake?”

“Mm!”

Ao Yi closed his mouth, his nasal sounds somewhat curved, his face carrying several parts of grievance.

Li Changshou: …

Could it be that the Dragon Tribe experts who arrived later didn’t help Ao Yi disperse his yang energy, but rather let the mistake continue?

Hiss!

Those Dragon Tribe experts might do such a thing!

In the Dragon Tribe’s view, perhaps the Merfolk Tribe were just their subjects, and the Merfolk princess was barely worthy of their Second Prince, and though the Second Prince’s human form was frozen in youth, he was actually old enough in real age?

Calculating the time…

Not bad little dragon, though appearing youthful in form, your combat power is quite good.

At that time Li Changshou had also seen that Merfolk princess Ao Yi had been protecting;

When Great Master Xuandu and he left together, both of them had already, ahem, and the other party had also transformed…

In this matter, roughly, possibly, probably, his Heart Fire Burn poison pill could only take fifty percent of the responsibility… right…

Ao Yi asked in some confusion: “Sect Master, what should I do now?”

At this time looking at Ao Yi, Li Changshou quickly pondered stable countermeasures in his heart.

At this moment, Li Changshou was also somewhat speechless, he actually had somewhat similar subtle feelings to his previous life in school, when hearing his male dormmate had gotten together with someone and hadn’t returned all night…

The mistake was already made, if not acknowledged there would be endless troubles later, Li Changshou patiently asked:

“Brother Yi, tell me in detail, what exactly happened?”

Ao Yi immediately became somewhat embarrassed, but due to trust in this elder brother before him, as well as the worries of a youth’s overnight growth, he bashfully explained what he had just experienced in detail.

Like this and that, thus and so.

Li Changshou already had some understanding in his heart, feigning sudden realization, repeatedly asking:

“You went to suppress the rebellion, and comfort the Merfolk Tribe, but unexpectedly fell into a scheme?

At the critical moment, an expert called Little Master Xuandu appeared, along with his four guardians, rescuing you in time.

But when things settled, somehow you suddenly became confused in mind and emotion, and that Merfolk princess you were protecting was also like you, then you two…

Mm mm?”

“Mm! Mm!”

“This,” Li Changshou lightly frowned, “this matter shouldn’t be too bad for you.

As Dragon Palace Prince, you more than match that Merfolk princess.

Moreover, with the current sea crisis, if you use this to stabilize the Merfolk Tribe, you can naturally ease your Royal Father’s worries.”

Ao Yi blinked, saying ashamed: “Sect Master speaks true, I just woke up, my heart was anxious, still pretending to sleep, so I came to find brother first.”

Li Changshou: …

So, Your Highness is currently holding soft jade in arms, not even dressed, and came to show off to him, a two-hundred-year-old pure yang?

Naturally, this joking comment couldn’t be spoken aloud.

Li Changshou said gently: “Regardless of how things happened, given the current situation, Brother Yi, what do you plan to do?”

Ao Yi pondered for two sounds, sighing:

“I naturally won’t fail her, previously Sect Master advised me to forget Niece Hanzhi, and I no longer have such thoughts for Niece Hanzhi.

Since this has happened, I will immediately report to Royal Father, and grandly welcome this princess back to our East Sea Dragon Palace!

Ah, thank you brother for clearing my confusion!”

‘Brother clearly didn’t say anything! You little dragon with mouth not matching heart!’

“Then this elder brother here will congratulate you first,” Li Changshou smiled and nodded, lightly steering the topic away, “This ambush you suffered must be someone plotting behind the scenes.”

“Those western people truly go too far against me!”

Ao Yi said firmly, then continued, “Sect Master, there’s another rather strange matter.

Those experts who helped me escape trouble today claimed to be acting on some of His Majesty’s command, this truly makes one confused, could it be the current Human Sovereign?

But where is there a human leader in South Jambudvipa now? After Emperor Yu, there were nine more human sovereigns, then humans have long been in a state of tribal and small country division…

After thinking back and forth, could this His Majesty possibly be the current Jade Emperor in Heaven?”

Li Changshou sighed, saying: “Since things have come to this, I won’t hide it from you anymore.

Regarding this matter of the Dragon Tribe being schemed against, I had previously mentioned it to this Heavenly Dao-acknowledged Three Realms Sovereign through connections above, originally wanting this Emperor to bestow an edict protecting the Dragon Tribe.

Though Heaven’s power is light now, it carries the great righteousness of managing the Three Realms;

Moreover, this Jade Emperor’s background is extremely profound, with existences that even the West fears standing behind him, his golden words would certainly ease much pressure on the Dragon Tribe.

Unfortunately, this Emperor, considering Heaven’s wings are not yet full, is unwilling to go against the Sage Lords…

This elder brother is ashamed, unable to obtain the edict…

But since someone went to help you today, Brother Yi, perhaps this Emperor is hesitating.”

Ao Yi’s eyes first brightened, then he lowered his head in thought, hearing Li Changshou say the edict wasn’t obtained, he couldn’t help feeling some disappointment…

Li Changshou observed Ao Yi’s constantly changing subtle expressions, finally, Ao Yi’s face was full of emotion, and his heart was also slightly embarrassed.

But there was no help for it, Li Changshou had to scheme thus.

He had to consider both the Dragon Tribe’s emotions and maintain the Jade Emperor’s dignity;

Though the Jade Emperor and their side wanted the Dragon Tribe to enter Heaven, the optimal solution to this matter was the Dragon Tribe to take the initiative to request.

—This line of thinking must be clear.

Li Changshou’s exhaustive efforts in the underground secret chamber those few years weren’t wasted, this situation was within his complex ‘story tree’.

Ao Yi deeply made a Daoist bow, saying firmly:

“I know Sect Master Brother cares for our Dragon Tribe, but never imagined Sect Master Brother could do so much for our Dragon Tribe!

Brother!

Please accept Ao Yi’s bow!”

Every time hearing Ao Yi excitedly called this “Sect Master Brother”, Li Changshou’s heart involuntarily conjured a classic suona tune, from a classic TV series in his previous life—”Mount Liang’s Godfather and His Partners”.

“Why such a ceremony Brother Yi? Quickly rise!”

Li Changshou hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, then instructed: “Please don’t spread this matter Brother Yi, best not mention it within Dragon Palace either, after all, it’s something I failed to accomplish.”

—Stabilize first, this matter can’t be rushed, this time first plant the seed, and observe what follows.

“Sect Master Brother you speak too seriously, Ao Yi will obey!”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, then lightly sighed, instructing:

“Go comfort the Merfolk princess first.

This must be her most awkward and helpless time, you should take the initiative to comfort her.

If there’s nothing else, I’ll continue listening to immortals’ lecture on the Dao, if Dragon Tribe has any changes, remember, to contact me immediately.

Dragon Tribe helps the South Sea God Sect so much, though our Human Dao Sect doesn’t have many experts, I can still request one to come to assist.”

Ao Yi’s spirit shook, and he bowed deeply again, looking back three times with each step as he went toward the dream’s distance.

Before he left the dream, he heard his Sect Master Brother’s low murmur…

“Ah, where can I get treasure materials for refining mountain-protecting formation…”

Ao Yi’s heart moved, his eyes immediately brightening, remembering this in his heart.

At the Three Teachings Origin Assembly venue, in a corner of Crossing Immortal Gate’s seating area.

Li Changshou opened his eyes, slight helplessness flashing in his eyes, also felt some guilt toward Ao Yi.

But there was no help for it, Ao Yi was indeed a key figure in the Dragon Tribe’s ascension to Heaven; that his life and safety could alarm the Great Master indirectly proved this point.

His Second Master…

Better remind him more in the future, to avoid meeting others who would sell him out and make him count money for them.

At this time, Ao Yi must be counting treasure materials for his ‘Sect Master Brother’…

Meanwhile, in the deep sea city, that hidden sleeping palace.

‘Formation treasure materials, later ask Mother to send several dozen boxes to Sect Master Brother.’

Ao Yi planned thus, breaking free from the dream, his thoughts returning to this bed, this palace…

His left arm was still draped with several strands of ocean-blue hair flowing straight down.

Thinking of Li Changshou’s instructions, Ao Yi made up his mind, and opened his eyes, making his voice as gentle as possible, taking the initiative to say: “Don’t be afraid, I…”

“Eep!”

That Merfolk princess was also pretending to sleep at this time, immediately pulling up the covers not daring to show her head, leaving Ao Yi somewhat at a loss.

…

Hanzhi?

Smelling the roasted meat fragrance coming from nearby, Li Changshou carefully savored this name.

—He hadn’t broken his promise when returning, bringing back some game for Xiong Lingli, processing it well, now Xiong Lingli was secret, nibble by nibble, gnawing away.

Li Changshou had noticed this name Hanzhi before but recently felt more and more that it was somewhat similar to another rather famous Investiture of the Gods character.

[Hanzhixian].

Just now when bridging divine consciousness with Ao Yi, hearing Ao Yi mention the name ‘Hanzhi’, this thought arose in Li Changshou’s heart.

Could Hanzhi be that ‘Hanzhixian’?

Li Changshou frowned in thought for a while, he had considered this possibility before, but Hanzhi’s current cultivation was too low, only at the Real Immortal realm, how could she be close to the Three Xiao sisters?

Li Changshou naturally remembered this famous Hanzhixian, who was also considered a poisonous immortal lady…

But conversely, if he could confirm Hanzhi was Hanzhixian, then secretly observing Hanzhi’s growth trajectory would allow a rough prediction of when the Investiture of the Gods calamity would come.

Of course, Li Changshou had long considered this issue, the most accurate prediction method was to watch the mortal world of the South Continent, seeing when the ‘Great Shang Dynasty’ appeared.

Shang was overthrown by Zhou at its end, anyway, the Investiture of the Gods calamity corresponded to ‘King Wu Attacking Shou’—ahem, ‘King Wu Campaigning Against King Zhou’.

King Zhou was a black name given by later generations, this final Shang king who solely favored Daji was named Zi Shou, styled Xin, during his reign naturally called Emperor Xin.

Back to the main point.

If Hanzhi truly was Hanzhixian, this time Ao Yi completely giving up on Hanzhi because of the Merfolk princess’s coincidence was also good.

However, regarding this Heart Fire Burn divine consciousness poison pill matter, Li Changshou also felt he had used Ao Yi too much…

Later, think of other ways to compensate for this straightforward Second Master.

South Sea God Sect’s incense merit was now considered flourishing, just unfortunately couldn’t share more with Dragon Tribe.

Turning these thoughts in his heart, Li Changshou continued organizing the possibilities for this matter’s subsequent development, analyzing what moves Western Religion might make next.

Based on the ‘dragon-taming approach’ Western Religion had revealed now, it should be inciting relations between sea tribes and Dragon Tribe.

Though Dragon Tribe were ancient powerhouses, they truly had no small number of hidden dangers.

The biggest hidden danger might be able to deliver a fatal blow to the Dragon Tribe;

Unfortunately, he couldn’t remind Dragon Tribe now, also couldn’t go remind Dragon Tribe.

[Let Dragon Tribe contend with the West, Heaven fish in troubled waters, temporarily weakening Western Religion’s power, suppressing Western ambitions]

This was what Li Changshou needed to do.

Moreover, he couldn’t exactly tell Ao Yi—beware your Dragon Tribe’s celestial dragon soldiers carefully cultivated for countless years.

That would only backfire, making people think this Sea God had ulterior motives.

Though, he did have some small motives…

This dragon-kind were considered half-true dragons, already had some grievances with the Dragon Tribe, and had been used as main battle elites by the Dragon Tribe for countless years.

Dragon Tribe’s treatment of this race of ‘tool people’ wasn’t considered favorable, even rather harsh, suffering backlash was also the bitter fruit of Dragon Tribe’s arrogance and complacency.

To use tool people, one must first treat tool people well.

Of course, poisonous junior sister types were exceptions…

Just as Li Changshou was thinking this, Youqin Xuanya who had been comprehending the barrier suddenly stood up, turning to look at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou immediately raised twelve parts of vigilance!

Was the ascension finished?

So fast?

In front, Void Sect Master Wuyou Daoren coughed several times, lightly waving his hand, the barrier around Youqin Xuanya immediately dispersing.

She turned around, looking at Li Changshou first, that frost-covered beautiful face showing several parts of uncontrollable joy, “Chang…”

“Niece Xuanya, truly good fortune!”

“Niece Xuanya directly broke through to the early-stage Real Immortal realm!”

“The ascension opportunity, truly enviable!”

Surrounding Crossing Immortal Gate immortals and disciples immediately gathered around, but Li Changshou imperceptibly began pretending to have some insight, using this to prevent Youqin Xuanya from approaching.

By the way, preparing to break through his cultivation to Return to Dao Realm stage six…

However, Li Changshou had just begun ‘breaking through’ for not even two days when his heart suddenly felt a strand of strangeness;

As if a touch of mysterious Dao resonance wanted to pull him into a dream state.

This feeling was quite familiar…