“Senior Sister Jiu, what was that golden light?”

In the card room of Little Jade Peak, when that merit descended, the young girl Yushi, dressed in training clothes, asked softly.

By the window, Jiu Jiu sat lazily curled up on the windowsill, turned her head to look outside, gently swaying the jade wine gourd in her hand.

This wine gourd was a congratulatory gift from her nephew-disciple Li Changshou after she attained the Celestial Immortal realm. It could hold several vats of fine wine and even enhance its flavor.

Jiu Yushi blinked and hurriedly said: “It was there just now, how did it disappear?”

“That direction… hey!”

Jiu Jiu waved her hand, explaining somewhat dismissively: “That’s the alchemy room on Little Jade Peak, considered your Senior Uncle Changshou’s exclusive cultivation place. He must have created some pill again.

Little sister, don’t worry too much about that side. This senior uncle of yours is quite mysterious. Though he’s just a junior disciple, yet…

Tsk tsk tsk, hehe.”

“What about my senior brother?”

Ling’e, who was meditating on the bed in the corner, opened her bright eyes upon hearing this, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly as she asked softly.

Jiu Jiu smiled: “Just now there was a golden light… uh, why did the Sect Leader come over?”

Hearing the words “Sect Leader,” both Ling’e and Jiu Yushi also gathered by the window, looking toward the sky above Little Jade Peak.

Ji Wuyou came quickly and left quickly, muttering something in the air before floating away with his hands behind his back.

He was only responsible for covering things up. As for what exactly happened here, as long as the Immortal’s Gate wasn’t blown up, it didn’t matter.

“Does the Sect Leader have formations arranged here?”

Jiu Jiu tilted her head, muttering: “Why do I feel like the Sect Leader seems to be covering for someone? Strange.”

“Uncle Master is overthinking it.”

Ling’e said softly. Wearing a light green tasseled dress, she looked increasingly beautiful and charming, “How could Senior Brother have such capability to make the Sect Leader cover for him?”

“Who can understand the ways of the world?”

Jiu Jiu spread her hands, “Just like that year, before taking your senior brother to the Northern Continent, who would have thought that today, this master would end up being supported by your senior brother, an ordinary disciple from Little Jade Peak?

Look at me now, drinking your senior brother’s wine, using his pills, feeding his spirit beasts, and even sleeping in his place.

If your senior brother made some unreasonable demands of this master, I wouldn’t even have the heart to refuse.”

Ling’e immediately held her forehead with her hand, feeling that Little Master was just making excuses, wanting to take the initiative to pursue Senior Brother… or so she thought.

Yushi asked puzzledly: “Senior Sister, aren’t you his elder?”

“Silly child,” Jiu Jiu raised her hand to pat the young girl Yushi’s head, saying softly, “When you grow up and gain cultivation, you’ll understand the goodness of this senior uncle.

What does being an elder matter? Don’t those spirit-grade hunger-suppressing pills smell good?”

“They smell good!

But is this Senior Uncle Changshou so… amazing?”

Just then, a definitive answer came from outside the door: “Of course.”

Jiu Jiu laughed lightly, teasing: “I knew it, whenever there’s any movement at Little Jade Peak, you can’t wait to run over!”

Outside the tower, a graceful figure approached along with Jiu Jiu’s teasing.

She wore an ice-blue dress, jade feet in light white cloth boots, ankles tied with ice-blue ribbons, and her dark hair simply tied in a ponytail as she floated over with light steps.

No need to describe her slender legs and wasp waist—her autumn eyes cut through autumn waters, three parts heroic spirit accompanied by tenderness. She was naturally the ice-pure jade-clean cold immortal that many Immortal’s Gate disciples yearned for in their hearts…

You Qin Xuanya.

“Xuanya greets the two Uncle Masters,” You Qin Xuanya gave a graceful curtsy, Jiu Yushi hurriedly returned the greeting, while Jiu Jiu just smiled gleefully.

Beside them, Ling’e said softly: “Senior Sister was startled by that golden light?”

“Mm,” You Qin Xuanya nodded gently, then looked toward Jiu Yushi, saying quite seriously: “Just now Uncle Master Yushi was asking about Senior Brother Changshou.

There’s no need for doubt. How could Senior Brother Changshou just be amazing? In Xuanya’s eyes, he is an unmatched cultivator in this world.

He is learned and knowledgeable, not only understanding cultivation methods and having deep comprehension of the Great Way of Non-Action, but also skilled in formations, alchemy, writing, and music. Moreover, he understands human nature and can handle all matters thoroughly.

And Senior Brother Changshou is most…”

“Senior Sister!”

Ling’e hurriedly walked up and grabbed You Qin Xuanya’s delicate hand, “Let’s go upstairs to talk about these things, don’t say this in front of Uncle Master Yushi.”

You Qin Xuanya was somewhat confused, “But was there anything incorrect in what I said?”

“Well, no,” Ling’e blinked.

How should she put this?

She couldn’t just directly say they needed to prevent Uncle Master Yushi from falling for her senior brother…

“Oh come on, let’s go!”

Ling’e didn’t care anymore and directly used her spoiled act, pulling You Qin Xuanya toward the stairs on one side.

Although You Qin Xuanya didn’t understand and still had more to say, she allowed Ling’e to pull her away to whisper on the second floor.

By the window, Jiu Yushi’s small face was full of confusion as she looked toward Jiu Jiu for help.

Jiu Jiu’s eyes curved in a smile as she said: “Did you see? That’s the terrifying part about that Senior Uncle Changshou.”

Jiu Yushi became even more confused: “This… can Senior Sister explain in more detail?”

“Look at Ling’e and Xuanya, they’re both rare talented cultivators in our Immortal’s Gate, their looks and figures need no mention—even I as a woman find them extremely beautiful.”

As she spoke, Jiu Jiu looked down at her assets and sighed, “This is my only advantage.”

Jiu Yushi was even more bewildered, “What does this have to do with Senior Uncle Changshou?”

Jiu Jiu smiled: “Haven’t you noticed that both Ling’e and Xuanya are in love with Changshou?”

“That I did notice…”

“Cultivators are different from the mortal world where men can have multiple concubines. Cultivator dao companions are mostly one man and one woman.”

Jiu Jiu sighed: “Look, two such beautiful women are both in love with Changshou. Do you understand how desirable Changshou is?”

Understanding dawned on Jiu Yushi’s face as she nodded seriously.

Jiu Jiu sighed again: “The key is, that Ling’e and Xuanya get along so well, without any jealousy or fighting. Your Senior Sister has been unable to watch any drama unfold all these years.”

“Oh right,” Jiu Yushi said softly, “Thinking carefully, this is quite remarkable.”

“Here comes the more amazing part,” Jiu Jiu spread her hands, “As far as I know, both have expressed their feelings to Changshou. Ling’e even made pouncing on her senior brother her cultivation goal, while Xuanya constantly talks about Senior Brother Changshou.

Even if Changshou were to chase both of them, they would probably agree without hesitation.

But Changshou… rejected them both.”

“Ah?”

Jiu Yushi’s beautiful eyes widened, “These two sisters… uh, these two nieces are already top-tier women, Senior Uncle Changshou still isn’t satisfied?”

“See? Now you don’t understand?”

“Please enlighten me, Senior Sister.”

Jiu Jiu smiled calmly, shrugged her fragrant shoulders, and sighed dejectedly, “Actually, I don’t understand why either, but I feel it’s quite normal and indeed something little Changshou would do.

Perhaps Changshou thinks dao companions are too troublesome, bringing more karmic connections.”

Jiu Yushi asked puzzledly: “How would there be more karmic connections? Aren’t they already senior brother and junior sister?”

“It’s like this—look at Xuanya. Right now, she’s just Changshou’s fellow disciple sister. If she encounters danger outside, Changshou would probably fly over leisurely, make proper plans, and rescue her steadily.

If Xuanya became Changshou’s dao companion, then he would have to whoosh over immediately, rushing to save her without thinking.

There’s still quite a difference there.”

Jiu Jiu pulled out the wine stopper and took a swig.

Jiu Yushi lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: “What about you, Senior Sister? Senior Sister must also have feelings for Senior Uncle Changshou, right?”

“Pfft—cough cough cough! Don’t talk nonsense!”

Just then, light footsteps sounded nearby as Ling’e and You Qin Xuanya returned together, their skirts flowing, and began asking about Jiu Yushi’s cultivation progress over the past half month, steering the topic away from their senior brother.

Soon, the tower was filled with the chirping of birds and continuous laughter.

A white-haired old Daoist who happened to be passing by paused, made a turn, and went to the spirit beast enclosure next door with his hands behind his back to check on the spirit beasts’ health.

This was a rare occurrence on Little Jade Peak—the Peak Master’s inspection.

…

‘Lu Ya.’

In the alchemy room, Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back, observing the situation inside while pondering the task just assigned by His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

How had he already started doing dirty work for His Majesty so soon after ascending to heaven?

Hmm…

In his original plans, these tasks should have been done by Master Wenjing.

Unfortunately, Master Wenjing couldn’t be exposed yet…

The Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife and Master Lu Ya weren’t so easy to deal with.

Because of the existence of the “Book of Seven Nailing Arrows,” he now had another reason why his true identity couldn’t be exposed.

Eliminating Master Lu Ya, though difficult, wasn’t impossible.

But firstly, the risk was too great—one mistake and he would become Lu Ya’s mortal enemy;

Secondly, the karmic consequences were truly too significant.

According to Dao School classics, of the fifty ways of the Great Dao, Heaven manifests forty-nine, and all things yet to occur are already within the Heavenly Dao’s evolution.

If he eliminated Lu Ya, the script of the Great Investiture would certainly change, producing massive “chain reactions” leading to countless unknown events.

Li Changshou didn’t want to scheme about the Great Investiture; he couldn’t get away from it fast enough.

In the Great Investiture, aside from divine positions, merit, and some opportunities to obtain spiritual treasures, there wasn’t much worth scheming for.

Of course, according to Li Changshou’s understanding, the Great Investiture was just one future possibility for the primordial world at this point.

If Lu Ya were accidentally eliminated, this possibility would change;

But simultaneously, the Heavenly Dao had a converging force that would reconverge the various world lines, returning to the original possibility at some future point, keeping the tribulation largely unchanged…

Yes, everything is the Jade Tablet of Creation’s choice!

“This matter can’t be rushed, it needs step-by-step planning, with many complications…”

Li Changshou stretched lazily, various complex thoughts flowing through his mind. Seeing his master wandering near the spirit beast enclosure, he thought for a moment, left the alchemy room, and floated over on a cloud.

Xiong Lingli was enthusiastically following behind Old Daoist Qi Yuan, detailing the story of each spirit beast, from breeding and delivery to raising and slaughtering, then cooking and handling kitchen waste…

“Cousin is here!”

Xiong Lingli spotted Li Changshou first and excitedly waved with force.

Li Changshou approached with a smile, bowed to greet his master, and joined his master in “wandering” around.

Soon, Li Changshou led his master to Little Jade Peak’s Royal Card Room.

Jiu Jiu, Ling’e, and You Qin Xuanya were jointly instructing Jiu Yushi in meditation, teaching her how to circulate qi and sense natural dao rhythms.

The three of them were among the top talents of the younger generation—and the former younger generation—in terms of comprehension and aptitude, more than capable of instructing Jiu Yushi.

“Senior Brother Changshou!”

Upon seeing Li Changshou, You Qin Xuanya’s whole being radiated light as she called out and actively stepped forward to welcome him.

“Senior Brother… ah, Master!”

Ling’e was about to brighten up but quickly wilted upon seeing her master, hurriedly bowing.

Beside them, Jiu Jiu smiled mischievously: “Senior Brother Qi Yuan, what wind blew you here?”

Old Daoist Qi Yuan coughed lightly and smiled:

“Just came to visit my two junior sisters.

Well, my Little Jade Peak doesn’t have many treasures, just peace. If my two junior sisters need anything while cultivating here, feel free to tell me.”

Jiu Yushi hid behind Jiu Jiu and quickly bowed, saying softly: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Though Old Daoist Qi Yuan’s expression remained composed, his arms trembled slightly within his wide sleeves.

Li Changshou stepped forward half a step, just in time to cover his master’s loss of composure.

Li Changshou smiled: “Master needn’t worry, the disciple has arranged everything properly.”

“Oh my my,” Jiu Jiu calmly looked at the sky, “Senior Brother Qi Yuan, your two junior sisters are running low on wine lately.”

Qi Yuan hurriedly said: “Yushi hasn’t yet stepped on the path of cultivation and is still young—she absolutely cannot drink wine! Especially immortal spirit wine!”

Jiu Jiu blinked. She had been planning to extort Li Changshou, but now felt a bit guilty and hurriedly explained that she hadn’t given Jiu Yushi any wine…

Beside them, Li Changshou laughed lightly and took out a treasure pouch containing fine wine and spirit pills, which he had prepared for Jiu Jiu earlier.

After staying with his master for a while, Li Changshou left with him.

His master was quite satisfied, constantly muttering on the way back:

“She called me Senior Brother, truly wonderful, wonderful.”

Li Changshou tactfully reminded: “Master, you should keep your mindset younger, as appearance follows the heart.”

Qi Yuan put on a stern face and scolded: “What do you mean by that, is your master that kind of person?

Your master is already over a thousand years old, how old is she!”

“Well, Master, you should take a long-term view of this matter,” Li Changshou smiled, “It may be like this now, but what about in a thousand years? Two thousand years? Three thousand years?

Master, doesn’t it feel more acceptable now?”

Qi Yuan was stunned, but still sighed dejectedly, waved his hand, and departed on a cloud.

Li Changshou laughed lightly and returned to the alchemy room.

Let his master be.

Li Changshou continued pondering the matter of Lu Ya.

This was like his tribulation—if he didn’t have ninety-eight percent certainty, it was better not to take the initiative.

But his inaction didn’t mean Lu Ya wouldn’t act against him…

Li Changshou returned to the underground secret chamber, looked at the character for “Stability” hanging on the wall for a while, then turned to the spiritual treasure diagram that had been newly hung nearby.

Ultimately, it was still a matter of strength.

Currently, his dao realm was improving very slowly, with enlightenment coming only about once every half month. Spiritual treasures were indeed a convenient path to improve and enrich oneself.

Sitting behind his desk, Li Changshou took out stacks of paper figures and began making the newest version of paper avatars, writing the character for “Treasure” on the back of each one.

Half a month later, over twenty new paper avatars with strength comparable to the late-stage Celestial Immortal realm stood neatly on the desk, saluting Li Changshou in unison.

Li Changshou snapped his fingers, and these paper avatars simultaneously turned and jumped into the backpack of the “Vehicle” paper avatar;

The Vehicle paper avatar transformed into a young maiden and disappeared using earth traversing.

Time to work!