As they say, if evil rises a foot, the dao rises… one foot and two inches.

After a round of mosquito-versus-longevity battles and intricate scheming, taking advantage of Wen Jing Daoist’s unstable dao heart, Li Changshou employed a mix of truth and deception to maneuver her into the mortal realm.

This Wen Jing Daoist was a listed great divine ability user on the Primordial Chaos fierce ones’ rankings, yet now she couldn’t see through this white-haired elderly immortal before her.

Ordinary calculations yielded no results, and if she tried to forcefully divine, she would get…

A Taiji Diagram warning.

Thus, Wen Jing Daoist became more convinced of her original thought—the person before her must be a hidden expert in Human Teaching!

Previously, the Human Teaching’s Grand Master had stood up for the Sea God Sect, and since then, Wen Jing Daoist had kept a respectful distance from the South Sea God Sect.

She just hadn’t expected that this South Sea God was also a key figure in the Human Teaching…

Today’s proactive scheme against her showed deeply hidden, unfathomable intentions.

At a minimum, being able to borrow Zhao Gongming and Qiong Xiao’s hands meant this person’s background in Human Teaching was likely second only to… that man.

Half an incense time later, in a large city six thousand li northeast of Anshui City in the southwestern Nanshengbu Continent.

Here, a Sea God Sect temple was being built, and ‘messengers’ spreading the Sea God Sect’s teachings were everywhere on the streets.

Li Changshou hadn’t randomly chosen this place but rather had carefully selected it through searching with his divine statues, meticulously considering it as the best location for deceiving the mosquito.

At this time, a paper avatar and a fierce mosquito’s transformed body walked one after another along the mortal streets.

Wen Jing Daoist used divine abilities to conceal her and Li Changshou’s paper avatar’s auras, constantly pondering ways to save herself.

Having her background known was like having her vital point grasped.

Moreover, it was a vital point that could end her life.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou was also pondering…

Whether he should next use an ’emotional’ approach or a ‘benefit-based’ strategy.

However, one thing was certain—a physical approach was impossible, as he had no interest in crossing species barriers.

According to the core thesis of the stable teaching masterpiece “Theory of Strategies,” to deceive such an expert, one must first maintain one’s profound and unfathomable image, start with details, bring them into one’s rhythm, then speak empty, vague, grand words to let them generate rich associations.

Easier said than done, the difficulty was quite high.

Suddenly, from a street corner came the dong-dong-dong of gongs, drums, and clappers, with many mortals gathered there, transmitting a Sea God Sect promotional… clapper tune.

Dong, dong, dong dong…

“Dear sirs, please stop, let’s speak heart-to-heart words.

Fellow villagers, all stop, let’s chat casually.

This Sea God protects the whole family, with no fear of going to sea or mountain.

The unmarried girl from East Street, the bachelor warrior from West City;

Young miss, good warrior, young miss oh good warrior!

The day before yesterday worshipped our Sea God, yesterday already brought the betrothal gifts…”

Li Changshou listened with a smile, while Wen Jing Daoist beside him slightly frowned, but also gazed at these ignorant and weak mortals.

This person making her listen to these must-have deep meanings…

A moment later, Li Changshou said: “Let’s go.”

Wen Jing Daoist slowly nodded, her heart’s doubts growing stronger, also not giving Li Changshou a good expression.

Though there were many mortals on the street, not a single gaze came their way—Wen Jing Daoist’s divine ability was quite extraordinary.

And this kind of ‘presence reduction’ method that was almost standard equipment for powerful beings, Li Changshou… quite envied.

“Fellow Daoist,” Li Changshou held his fly whisk, smiling while making an inviting gesture, indicating for Wen Jing Daoist to walk beside him.

Li Changshou secretly thought, that if she attacked, he would immediately destroy this avatar.

Wen Jing Daoist also thought internally, though she came from the blood sea’s fierce demons, she wasn’t someone anyone could easily humiliate—if the other party made a move, at worst it would be mutual destruction, and she could temporarily escape.

Then, Li Changshou slowly spoke…

“Fellow Daoist, what do you think of my Sea God Sect?”

Wen Jing Daoist slightly frowned, saying: “Why doesn’t your respected self speak directly?”

“Some things, speaking too quickly makes them less beautiful.

You and I were originally opponents, yet now walk on mortal streets, isn’t this also a wonderful thing?”

Li Changshou said leisurely, “Though Fellow Daoist has targeted me several times, I currently don’t harbor much ill will toward you.

If you hadn’t almost ruined my great matter this time, I wouldn’t have forced you to this extent.

Fellow Daoist, look—this place’s mortal troubles, mortals living a hundred years, experiencing birth, aging, sickness, and death, yet they are the protagonists of this world, and through their worship, one can obtain divine essence merit.

What does Fellow Daoist think is the reason?”

Wen Jing Daoist’s mouth twitched, not answering.

Li Changshou smiled, knowing this approach had minimal effect, immediately changing tactics.

He continued: “In the Primordial Chaos, very few know Fellow Daoist’s background—aren’t you curious how I learned of it?”

“Oh?” Wen Jing Daoist, still unwilling to give up, asked, “Then do tell me, what exactly is my background.”

She didn’t even bother using terms like ‘poor Daoist’ or ‘Fellow Daoist’ anymore.

Li Changshou smiled: “Would Fellow Daoists please add a few more isolation barriers, as I’m truly about to speak.”

“Hmph,” Wen Jing Daoist coldly snorted, raising her hand to arrange two layers of dao essence around them, being quite thorough out of caution.

Just then, a mysterious dao essence surged around Li Changshou;

Wen Jing Daoist saw with her own eyes a small Taiji Diagram gently flickering behind Li Changshou before disappearing.

In her heart, she no longer had any doubts about Li Changshou’s identity…

At this moment, Li Changshou said leisurely: “Fellow Daoist comes from the netherworld underground, originally being the leader of the primordial fierce beast Black-Winged Blood Mosquito tribe, currently working for two unspeakable lords.

What you’re currently planning is the matter of absorbing the Dragon Clan.

Is there any error?”

Wen Jing Daoist’s face turned somewhat pale, no longer having thoughts of struggle, yet instinctively arising with crazy killing intent, her gaze constantly changing, her aura sometimes becoming extremely cold.

Li Changshou lightly said: “Humans have a saying, ‘Heaven watches what people do.'”

Wen Jing Daoist instantly awakened, letting out a light sigh, showing a charming smile, saying softly:

“Since Fellow Daoist has investigated me so thoroughly, yet arranged such a scheme without killing me, you must have plans for me.

Fellow Daoist just speak—as long as you don’t reveal my background, I’ll do whatever you say.”

“Fellow Daoist…”

Li Changshou pondered briefly, suddenly asking: “Aren’t you tired?”

First move: “Touch the Heart.”

Wen Jing Daoist was stunned;

Li Changshou sighed: “People have clever hearts, thus have hundreds of faces, other beings are the same.

Look at these streets, mortals rushing about for survival, worrying about food and clothing, having to put on false faces, and letting others not see through their hearts.

We are cultivators outside the mortal realm, with endless lifespans, yet aren’t we the same?

Fellow Daoist, like this, aren’t you tired?”

Hearing this, Wen Jing Daoist’s smile mostly withdrew as she watched the mortals on these prosperous streets.

Li Changshou continued forward, Wen Jing Daoist unconsciously following, her phoenix eyes showing some contemplation, yet also drawing out some sense of fatigue.

She said softly: “It’s just survival.”

Li Changshou smiled, at this moment happening to pass a flower house.

On the red pillar before this flower house hung a wooden sign, clearly written:

[Sea God believers only pay 70% for flowers and wine]

Tsk, the Sea God Sect’s propaganda work was indeed effective.

Li Changshou looked at the figures resting in the flower house during the daytime, saying: “Speaking of forcing smiles, how are we any different from them?”

Second move: “Empathy.”

Wen Jing Daoist lightly sighed: “Fellow Daoists and I are naturally different.”

“No, actually we’re the same,” Li Changshou said calmly, “The Primordial Chaos is like a chess game, sages move the pieces, and you and I are merely pieces.”

Wen Jing Daoist said: “Fellow Daoist sees through things.”

“It’s just survival.”

Li Changshou calmly returned the phrase, and Wen Jing Daoist’s gaze slightly moved.

She asked again: “Fellow Daoist surely didn’t just want to tell me these things?”

“Of course not,” Li Changshou smiled, “To be honest, I’ve crossed paths with Fellow Daoist several times, and somewhat understand you.”

“Oh?” Wen Jing Daoist slightly frowned, “I only calculated against the Sea God Sect that one time.”

Third move: “Break Down Defenses.”

Li Changshou said: “Does a Fellow Daoist remember Du Xian Gate? Your puppet was destroyed by my arranged avatar.”

“It was you?”

“It was me, and before that, you should have also seen that little law master from Xuandu.”

“That was also you?”

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, swishing his fly whisk, continuing forward.

Wen Jing Daoist unconsciously followed, looking at this paper avatar’s elderly face, “Then why didn’t you let Zhao Gongming and the others kill me?”

“If I wanted to kill Fellow Daoist, why would I need to ask Zhao Gongming and Lady Qiong Xiao?” Li Changshou said calmly, “The Dragon Clan also has several old dragons, as Fellow Daoist should know.”

Wen Jing Daoist looked at Li Changshou, suddenly saying somewhat powerlessly:

“So, from beginning to end, I was under your calculations.”

“Fellow Daoist overpraises me,” Li Changshou smiled, “I’m not the chess player, I’m also just a piece.”

Wen Jing Daoist lightly nodded, looking up toward the nine heavens.

“The Human Teaching is usually pure and non-acting, but when calculating, none can compare to you all.

Tell me, what do you want me to do.”

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, happening to pass a wine house, making an inviting gesture.

Wen Jing Daoist didn’t understand why, but at this point, the rhythm was completely controlled by Li Changshou—she just nodded and followed behind him, going to a private room on the top floor of this wine house without disturbing any mortals.

Fourth move: “Have Some Wine.”

Li Changshou took out his Immortal Intoxication concentrate, smiling: “Today why don’t we follow mortal ways, drowning a thousand worries in one drink.”

After all, this avatar was a paper avatar, so he wasn’t afraid of anything.

Wen Jing Daoist lightly laughed, not refusing.

Soon, two luminous cups were filled and quickly emptied, and after several rounds, Wen Jing Daoist’s gaze became somewhat misty.

Probably also a case of the person wanting to be drunk rather than the wine causing intoxication.

Li Changshou pondered for a long time, finally finding words that might touch this fierce one’s heart.

“Has Fellow Daoist ever asked yourself, running east and west, being so busy, what is it all for?”

Hearing this, Wen Jing Daoist stared at the cup in her hand, “You should know why I take orders from them.”

Li Changshou: …

This he truly didn’t know.

However, this didn’t prevent Li Changshou from continuing his strategy.

“Fellow Daoist, have those who have been using you ever truly looked at you?”

Many scenes floated in Wen Jing Daoist’s heart as she turned to look out the private room’s window, saying calmly:

“Why do I need them to look at me with open eyes?

I am a tribe’s queen, commanding the blood sea if not for those two using my tribespeople’s lives to threaten me…”

“Fellow Daoist,” Li Changshou interrupted Wen Jing Daoist’s words, saying seriously, “One may deceive others but not oneself—is this truly what you think in your heart?”

Wen Jing Daoist slightly frowned, looking at Li Changshou, then throwing back another cup of Immortal Intoxication concentrate, suddenly clenching her fist, then slowly releasing it, sighing:

“Indeed, back then I could have returned to the blood sea, leaving it all behind, but with reincarnation established and the underworld founded, I had nowhere to belong, so I took the opportunity of my tribespeople being held hostage to completely join the Western Teaching.

These words, I’ve never told anyone.

Fellow Daoist, are you satisfied?”

“Since that’s the case, let’s speak openly,” Li Changshou said, “Fellow Daoists should also know, currently the West needs you, so you yourself are safe and can gain some benefits.

But if the West greatly rises, what will your situation be?”

Wen Jing Daoist said softly: “Naturally soul-scattered, ashes dispersed, when dealt with, probably no one would even know…

But, I can hide in the Chaos Sea.”

Li Changshou’s gaze was full of sincerity as he asked softly: “Can you hide? When the cunning rabbit dies, hunting dogs are cooked; when birds are gone, good bows are stored—when the time comes and the West shines brilliantly, how could they allow you to exist in the shadows?”

Wen Jing Daoist immediately fell silent, only coldly laughing, pouring wine for herself, and throwing back another cup.

“Tell me, what do you want me to do, what benefits can you give me?

If you have a way to protect me from death under the sages, I can naturally join you, it’s just that simple.”

“I don’t want you to do anything, nor do I have use for you,” Li Changshou smiled, imperceptibly beginning his next step.

Fifth move: “Paint a Picture.”

“But today I can point out a clear path for you.”

Li Changshou dipped his finger in wine, writing two large characters on the table.

[Heavenly Court].

Li Changshou said: “How much does Fellow Daoist know about this place?”

“Ha,” Wen Jing Daoist laughed dumbly, her laugh full of mockery, “You think it can protect me?”

Li Changshou smiled, adding a [Human] character beside Heavenly Court.

Wen Jing Daoist’s smile withdrew as she said coldly: “What use do they have for me?”

“All things have yin and yang, heaven and earth have day and night,” Li Changshou wiped away these three characters, smiling, “For this place to rise, it needs both overt dignity and hidden sharpness.

Do you know why among the many vacant divine positions in the current Heavenly Court, there are righteous gods who benefit mortals, and also righteous gods who spread plagues?

This is precisely the principle.”

Li Changshou took out a piece of cloth from his sleeve and handed it to Wen Jing Daoist, saying calmly: “Today you only need to swear this great dao oath, and when the time is right, listen for my summons. I can then help you escape your predicament.

Then, you will merely be a minister, handling dark matters on Heaven’s behalf, and except for His Majesty, you won’t need to watch anyone’s face when acting.”

Wen Jing Daoist’s gaze was quite complex as she took the cloth and slowly unfolded it.

She raised her head to look at Li Changshou…

Did this oath come from his hand?

Wen Jing Daoist slowly nodded, saying: “I can swear, but you must agree to one condition.”

Li Changshou said: “Just speak.”

“I want to meet Grand Master Xuandu in the future.”

Li Changshou slightly frowned, not daring to casually agree for a moment, but suddenly a slight enlightenment appeared in his heart, condensing into one character:

[Allowed]

Uh, had the Sage Lord been watching the whole time? He hoped he hadn’t said anything improper earlier, having considered each word at least dozens of times…

“Alright,” Li Changshou immediately nodded, “Make the oath.”

Wen Jing Daoist gently exhaled, not expecting to have to swear such complex great dao oaths twice in one day, and this current version was even more complete and thorough than the previous one, even considering circumstances like Heavenly Dao intervention.

Indeed, her defeat was not unjust.