This time, it should work, right?

Li Changshou watched Senior Wangqing land by the lake and Ancestral Master Jiang Lin’er come out from the thatched cottage to welcome him, then looked down at the Heart Fire Brew in his hand…

‘Never mind, this won’t be needed for now. Doing too much would spoil things.’

Putting away the medicine pouch, Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back in front of the pill room.

By the lake, those two sat under the familiar willow tree.

Li Changshou thought for a moment and transmitted some instructions to Ling’e.

Shortly after, Ling’e flew on a cloud toward the lake, landing in front of Master’s thatched cottage, waking up Daoist Qi Yuan who was probably cultivating inside, and saying a few words to Master…

Old Daoist Qi Yuan looked at the tree and was stunned:

“Things progressed so quickly?”

Li Changshou and Ling’e: …

Then, Qi Yuan smiled gently, his eyes carrying some emotion and nostalgia.

He looked at his master Jiang Lin’er as if looking at… an old maiden who had guarded an empty chamber for thousands of years and was finally getting married.

Extremely gratified, slightly reluctant to part.

“Master, let’s go quickly,” Ling’e made a face, and Qi Yuan immediately stroked his beard with a light laugh, nodding in agreement.

Then, this master and disciple pair went toward the willow tree by the lake, and after paying respects to the Ancestral Master and Senior Wangqing, Old Daoist Qi Yuan said:

“Master, Senior Uncle, disciple recently wanted to study pill refinement, so I’ll stay near the pill room.”

Jiang Lin’er immediately understood something and tried to maintain composure as she responded, though her ears had already turned completely red.

Ling’e took out a jade talisman and respectfully handed it to Jiang Lin’er, saying softly:

“Ancestral Master, this is for the isolation formation around your cottage, made jointly by Senior Brother and Uncle Master Jiujiu.”

“Mm, good, I understand,” Jiang Lin’er’s small hands were trembling slightly as she took the jade talisman.

Nearby, Senior Wangqing said gently: “Little Yuan, I have some pill refining methods, do you need them?”

“No need, no need,” Qi Yuan hurriedly said, “Disciple just wants to try something new, I’ll go now.”

With these words, Qi Yuan and Ling’e bowed again and flew on clouds toward the pill room.

Within ten miles of the lake, only Jiang Lin’er and Senior Wangqing remained…

They gazed at each other affectionately;

Words reached their lips but remained unspoken.

Senior Wangqing said softly: “Lin’er, I recently studied a set of techniques.”

“Mm,” Jiang Lin’er lowered her head and said, “What techniques?”

“Let’s go inside, it’s not convenient to show them outside.”

“Al-alright…”

Jiang Lin’er’s voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. She dazedly stood up and took the lead, going to her thatched cottage.

As soon as Senior Wangqing’s foot stepped into the cottage, Jiang Lin’er instantly activated all the formations around it and used her immortal power to set up several layers of barriers.

She was somewhat flustered and hurried.

Li Changshou smiled calmly;

How could these small barriers stop him?

After all, he had severed his dao realm several times and was just one step away from peak Celestial Immortal realm.

His divine sense probed over but found an even stronger barrier had appeared within the barriers, seemingly set up by Senior Wangqing.

Li Changshou: …

Well, he hadn’t intended to peek at private matters anyway, just wanted to see how things developed, hmm, in case they went off track.

Since they didn’t want to be watched, then he wouldn’t watch.

Seeing Master and Ling’e fly over on clouds, Li Changshou turned and began making arrangements.

Li Changshou took out a specially made table with a hollow middle section containing an iron pot divided into four sections by two metal plates.

Self-developed magical device — Automatic Hot Pot Table!

The iron pot itself had temperature-maintaining magical restrictions that could control the heat level through the amount of magical power input.

Besides this, there were anti-splash mini-barriers, flavor separation restrictions, and various other small designs.

After arranging the table and chairs, Li Changshou transmitted a message to Bear Lingli to slaughter several spirit beasts suitable for hot pot;

Then he took out some immortal herbs and vegetables he had prepared earlier, poured immortal spring water into the pot, and began preparing the soup base.

While happy events were occurring over there, this side should also become lively.

Though far from matching the dragon palace’s grandeur, and without the mortal world’s crowd of well-wishers, there should still be some sense of a celebratory feast…

By the time Master and Ling’e came over, the hot pot was mostly ready.

Ling’e said happily: “Senior Brother, what new thing have you made now?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “This is called… hot pot, I still need to prepare some sauces.

Ling’e, go to Breaking Sky Peak and invite Uncle Master Jiujiu over, she’s been bored these days.

Today let’s have a proper celebration for Ancestral Master and Senior Ancestral Uncle.”

“Ah, I’ll go right away!”

Ling’e turned and flew away on a cloud, while Old Daoist Qi Yuan shook his sleeves and smiled: “Changshou, how can I help?”

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Master, just sit and watch, how could we let you help?”

Old Daoist Qi Yuan smiled and shook his head, going to rest on the rocking chair outside.

Soon after, Bear Lingli deftly slaughtered, sliced, and plated several spirit beasts, carrying dozens of jin of fresh spirit beast meat excitedly to the pill room.

A moment later, Ling’e and Jiujiu came together sitting on a large gourd;

However, following Jiujiu were several of her senior brothers and sisters…

Several Wine immortals had come to Small Qiong Peak to freeload food and drinks again and practice the art of gossip along the way.

Like a magician, Li Changshou produced another hot pot table and after exchanging greetings, arranged Jiu Wu, Jiu Shi, Jiu Lu’er, and the other six at the neighboring table.

The pill room suddenly became somewhat crowded but truly lively.

The relatives and friends of both old newlyweds gathered here, making this a witness to this historic moment…

Jiu Wu pulled Li Changshou’s arm and asked quietly with meaningful glances:

“Has this matter succeeded? Or is it in progress?”

Li Changshou smiled without speaking.

To be honest, he didn’t dare make assumptions about what those two were doing behind closed doors…

Though logically speaking, they should now be engaging in some indescribable activities;

However given that Senior Wangqing could treat an enlightenment manual as an immortal technique to cultivate, the current situation might… develop in unexpected ways.

Making her first appearance at Small Qiong Peak was Jiu San — Senior Wangqing’s third disciple, a beautiful female cultivator with some heroic spirit, at the peak of the True Immortal realm, not far from breaking through to Celestial Immortal.

Jiu San smiled and said: “Old Five, stop asking randomly, Master has activated the great formation over there, it must have succeeded.”

Jiu Wu sighed and said: “You know our Master’s personality… Third Senior Sister.”

However, Jiu Shi frowned slightly and said softly: “I’m truly worried whether Master understands such matters.

Ah, if only we could hear what’s happening inside.”

Jiu Lu’er blinked, “But we can’t… go eavesdrop, right…”

Everyone’s eyes suddenly brightened.

“Ahem,” Li Changshou reminded, “Fellow Elder Uncles, Senior Ancestral Uncle Wangqing’s cultivation is unfathomably deep, we probably can’t sneak over without disturbing them…

That would only startle them.”

“I have a way!”

Jiujiu suddenly stood up with hands on her hips, “I left a sound-transmitting conch in Master Jiang Lin’er’s cottage!

Originally I wanted to find some weakness of this master that we could use for counter-control, but unexpectedly, hehe… it’s come in handy!”

As she spoke, Jiujiu pulled out another fist-sized white jade conch from her sleeve.

Without waiting for others to speak, she had already raised her hand to touch the conch in her hand, activating the restrictions.

The pill room instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, everyone holding their breath as they heard some weak, intermittent dialogue from the conch…

“This isn’t a technique?” Senior Wangqing asked.

“Of course not,” Jiang Lin’er sighed, “Fine, I’ll tell you the truth.

This is your disciple teaching you about matters between men and women in the bedroom, if you and I want to have offspring, follow this method!

Don’t, don’t think too much, I just… saw a lot of this when wandering in mortal cities…”

In the pill room, a group of figures gathered around the conch looked at each other, each holding back their laughter.

Then they heard Senior Wangqing say:

“So, so that’s what it is, it was Little Five being considerate… Then, shall we…”

Pak!

This should be the sound of Jiang Lin’er slamming the table as she stood up.

“Really! Hemming and hawing! This lord can’t take it anymore! Say it! Do you want offspring or not? Answer quickly!”

“I, I… Lin’er, I’m about to face my Golden Immortal tribulation now, and have no confidence in my heart, naturally I want to leave behind my bloodline…”

“Come here, lie down, take off your clothes!”

Senior Wangqing hurriedly asked: “Good, what should I do?”

“Ah… do you want to embarrass me to death, at this point still asking what to do!”

Jiang Lin’er couldn’t help but laugh and scold, then stammered…

“You just, just… I heard people say, actually just… follow, follow your heart.”

“I think I understand…”

Suddenly, in the pill room, a slender hand reached out from the side and pressed down on that magical conch.

Those who were listening intently looked up angrily, but seeing the owner of that snow-white floating sleeve, they all shuddered.

Cold beautiful face, Jiu Yiyi!

“You lot!”

Jiu Yiyi shouted angrily, directly crushing that conch, “How dare you eavesdrop on Master and Mistress, truly itching for punishment!

Really! Aren’t you afraid of Qi Yuan’s brother laughing at you!”

Jiu Wu and the others all shuddered, while nearby Qi Yuan lowered his head in shame.

Just now, he had also been listening intently.

As Jiu Yiyi was about to scold more, Li Changshou had already stepped forward to explain a few things, displaying his art of language.

Jiu Yiyi’s expression softened slightly as she asked: “You were truly worried Master misunderstood?”

“Yes, yes,” the group of immortals in the pill room hurriedly nodded.

“Then, let this matter rest,” Jiu Yiyi shook her head slightly, looked at the steaming hot pot, and said, “Drink less wine, don’t interfere with cultivation.”

With these words, she turned and left, not staying long.

Jiujiu looked at the scattered conch pieces on the ground, immediately looking pitiful and wronged.

She was already poor now and had invested heavily to get this pair of eavesdropping treasures…

However…

Jiu Wu muttered: “What did Big Senior Sister come for?”

The six Wine immortals looked at each other, suddenly realizing, and their faces lit up with smiles.

Perhaps because Senior Wangqing was too reserved, to the point that some stories needed Jiang Lin’er to take the initiative for them to happen, his disciples also felt somewhat embarrassed.

During the subsequent hot pot feast, Jiu Wu and the others kept toasting Qi Yuan, calling him ‘Brother’ repeatedly, almost changing Qi Yuan to ‘Jiu Shi’ on the spot.

And when they addressed Jiang Lin’er, they changed from ‘Master Uncle’ to ‘Master’s Wife.’

Li Changshou, Ling’e, and Bear Lingli sat in the corner, with Bear Lingli just focused on eating and drinking, while this pair of senior brothers and sisters looked at each other, each showing some smiles.

Taking advantage of the noisy drinking in the room, Ling’e muttered softly:

“Senior Brother, do you want… to have offspring…”

“Karma, trouble, thanks for the thought, copy a thousand times.”

“Hmph!”

Ling’e made a face, turning her head with red cheeks, burying herself in a hot pot, “I was just asking casually, hmph…”

Li Changshou’s eyes immediately curved into a smile.

Cups were exchanged amidst wine fragrance, white steamrolled as meat turned.

In Small Qiong Peak’s pill room, people at the two tables gradually mixed, with Jiu Wu finding Qi Yuan to taste wine, Jiujiu running over to compete with Bear Lingli for meat;

Ling’e was busy going back and forth, continuously replenishing dishes and wine, and preparing various condiments.

Looking at this scene before him, Li Changshou wondered if it was because he was approaching his great tribulation, but he felt somewhat moved.

Just like in his previous life, sometimes seeing many people gathered together would inexplicably touch him…

‘Sect Leader Brother? Sect Leader Brother?’

Hearing a faint call in his mind, Li Changshou, who was holding a wine cup, frowned slightly, gave a few instructions to Ling’e beside him, and quietly left the pill room.

Jiujiu blinked and asked curiously: “Where did Little Changshou go?”

Ling’e hurriedly said: “Senior Brother went to prepare some new dishes.”

“New dishes?” Jiujiu giggled, patting her slightly bulging belly, causing a wave of rumbling, “Following Little Changshou is the best, never lacking good food, drinks, and fun.

I get so bored cultivating by myself!”

Ling’e smiled and said: “Perhaps, after today, my Ancestral Master will move to Breaking Sky Peak.”

Hearing this, Jiujiu’s eyes brightened, and she ran over to hug Ling’e and cheer, confusing the others.

…

As for Li Changshou, feeling Ao Yi’s divine thought transmission, he immediately divided some attention to the main deity statue in Anshui City.

Shouldn’t this Second Sect Leader, according to dragon clan customs, stay indoors for three months?

Surely he wasn’t now embracing soft jade and coming to show off to him, this old pure yang cultivator…

This time, it wasn’t that.

Ao Yi showed an urgent expression, and after meeting Li Changshou in the dream, he didn’t beat around the bush, directly saying:

“Sect Leader Brother, I just took Sisi back to Golden Turtle Island, and everyone there is spreading rumors that you bewitched Uncle Master Zhao Gongming, intending to provoke conflict between the West and the Severing Sect!”

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow.

The Western Teaching’s move this time showed some technical skill.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “These are just rumors, the wise need not worry.”

“Several senior brothers wanted to come to the Sea God Temple to question you, but I stopped them,” Ao Yi said softly, “Sect Leader Brother, your reputation has been damaged, this might be their… secret move.

What should we do?”

“Don’t worry,” Li Changshou said gently, “Let me think of a countermeasure for this matter, you need not worry”

If there are truly unfavorable influences, at most we’ll just ask Senior Gongming to come clarify things.”

Ao Yi was immediately stunned…

“Can this senior be invited so easily?”

“Why not?” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Why do you think those fierce ones retreated that day?

At the time, several disciples from that side wanted to go play bad cop at the dragon palace but were just stopped by my request to Senior Gongming.

Probably because of this, they’ve calculated this move against us.”

Ao Yi’s eyes flickered, showing shame as he lowered his head and said: “Brother… Please accept Ao Yi’s bow for the Sect Leader’s great kindness!”

“Don’t bow,” Li Changshou raised his hand to stop him virtually, his heart already having a countermeasure, then said, “You need not manage this matter. If  Severing Sect immortals want to come asking, let them come to Anshui City, I’ll welcome them anytime.”

Ao Yi immediately nodded, agreed once, and then hurriedly left.

After breaking the divine thought communication, Li Changshou pondered slightly in his mind.

Actually, he wasn’t as calm as he had appeared before Ao Yi, and while selecting new herbs in the herb garden, his mind was constantly thinking about how to deal with this matter.

Had the West changed operators?

This soft blow had put him in an extremely passive position.

Half a day later, six  Severing Sect immortals truly came to Anshui City, heading straight for the Sea God Temple, led by a female Golden Immortal.

By now the hot pot feast on Small Qiong Peak had dispersed, with Ling’e, Jiujiu, and Bear Lingli having gone to play in the chess room, while his master was meditating in the pill room.

By the lakeside cottage…

Still no movement, the barriers strictly guarded.

Li Changshou shook his head, closed his eyes to focus, and placed his consciousness at the Sea God Temple, activating a paper avatar.

Looking at the landscape painting hanging in the center of his back hall… he already had a well-thought-out plan.