In the peach blossom grove, Li Changshou took the initiative to ask a question. Immortal Yunxiao responded gently:

“In my eyes, you are…

Skilled in strategy and planning, measured in advances and retreats, cautious in your actions, untouched by karma – sharing many similarities with me.

Though you are a Posterior Heaven being with merely a few hundred years of cultivation, you already stand firm between Heaven and Earth. Even without mentioning your Dao lineage, you possess many unique qualities.”

Li Changshou felt a wave of uncertainty in his heart, feeling that Ling’e’s complaints about him were closer to his true self.

This was the common case of [first impressions being beautiful, while the rest of life turns chaotic].

Yunxiao asked softly, “Speaking thus, is there anything unfitting?”

“Fellow Daoist Yunxiao, we must be realistic,” Li Changshou said seriously. “For one who is not a sage, how can there be no faults?”

Yunxiao’s smile deepened, her steps becoming more graceful as she said softly, “Then at times you are overly cautious, always constrained by rules. Your strategies and calculations can be excessive, making you appear somewhat inscrutable.

Speaking this way, have I made you angry?”

“Well, being described so does make me somewhat dejected,” Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes, then continued, “Now let me speak of how I see you…

Neither mundane nor lost in the clouds.

When I first saw you on Three Immortals Island, I suddenly thought, ‘This Immortal seems familiar.’

Later, hearing you reprimand Immortals Qiong and Bi, I felt you were measured in handling matters, steady in your actions, quite like an elder sister. Being near you brings peace to one’s heart…”

“Enough,” Yunxiao interrupted, a slight blush appearing on her fair cheeks. “Your words are ordinary, yet why do they make one’s heart race so?

Well then, you may also speak of my shortcomings.”

In the earthen tunnel, a group of male and female immortals from the Jie Sect immediately pricked up their ears.

Li Changshou responded almost without thought:

“Utterly flawless, without deficiency.”

To be honest, this was truly the case – if one ignored the several ‘karmic black holes’ surrounding her.

Yunxiao turned away, saying coquettishly, “You are something!”

Li Changshou hastily apologized, and before long had coaxed Yunxiao to turn back around, her smile deeper and tenderness greater than before.

In the earthen tunnel, Treasure Master Duo pondered for a moment before asking quietly, “Isn’t this contradictory?

You just said anyone who isn’t a sage has faults, but then you say such things…”

“Elder Brother, you just don’t understand,” Golden Light Holy Mother snorted. “This is precisely where this Human Dao disciple’s skill lies. No wonder even Senior Sister Yunxiao has been fooled by him.”

“Indeed,” Golden Spirit Holy Mother said calmly. “If the Sea God had listed a few flaws just now, it would likely have displeased Yunxiao. This is where his brilliance lies.”

Li Changshou: …

Here I am having a sincere romantic conversation above, and not only are you taking notes below, but you’re even providing live commentary!

However, the first step had been completed – he now firmly held control of the conversation’s direction.

Not only was he conversing with Yunxiao, but he also held the Jie Sect immortals’ attention between his fingers.

Moving to the second step: advancing by retreating, establishing standards.

In the peach blossom grove, Li Changshou plucked a peach blossom branch and placed it in the jade flute, gently swaying it.

“Yunxiao, have you considered what it would be like if we became Dao companions?”

Immortal Yunxiao was momentarily stunned, showing clear signs of reproach for the first time.

She said softly, “Why speak of such things suddenly? We are merely well-acquainted now. Though we have mutual feelings, this path is long – it’s too early to speak of this.”

Li Changshou first breathed a sigh of relief, marveling that she truly was the immortal he thought highly of, remaining completely composed with such clear thinking.

But then, Li Changshou felt somewhat helpless…

If he got together with Immortal Yunxiao, wouldn’t it be like running a marathon for eight kalpas? Eight kalpas of pre-marriage preparation? Eight kalpas of engagement…

*Cough*, think of peaches, think of peaches.

Following his previous plan, Li Changshou continued his gentle guidance.

Seeing Li Changshou’s somewhat dejected expression, Yunxiao pondered briefly before saying softly, “But if we meet and talk more often, naturally it will… progress faster…”

Li Changshou was about to respond when he suddenly felt two more blades against his paper avatar’s neck.

He said warmly, “I too wish to see you more often.”

Those lovely blades immediately moved slightly away from his paper avatar’s neck.

“Then,” Yunxiao asked, “shall we meet once every five hundred years?”

Li Changshou: …

Five hundred years? The monkey would be out of prison by then!

It seemed one major obstacle between Prior Heaven and Posterior Heaven beings in romance was this asymmetrical perception of time.

Though Li Changshou had no objections to this, and even wanted to raise both feet in approval.

However, those few blades…

“We need not be so rigid,” Li Changshou smiled. “When you wish to see me, come find me. When I wish to see you, I’ll seek you out.

It’s just that you often enter closed cultivation, and I don’t know if I would be disturbing you.”

“At this level of cultivation, closed cultivation is merely to avoid idleness,” Yunxiao said. “You may come to the island anytime, and I’ll seek you out once every five hundred years, how’s that?”

“Whatever you say is fine.

I have some thoughts, would you like to hear them, Yunxiao?”

Yunxiao nodded slightly, her eyes gleaming.

Li Changshou smiled, “Between us, this is also a form of cultivation, with becoming Dao companions as the fruit. Going forward on this path, we should also distinguish some realms.”

— Establishing standards.

“Oh?” Yunxiao’s interest was piqued. “What realms are there?”

“There are indeed some,” Li Changshou pondered for a moment. “I divide them into the Realm of Good Feelings, the Realm of Heart Movement, the Realm of Warming, the Realm of Heat Waves, and the Realm of Destiny. When the Realm of Destiny reaches great completion, we naturally become Dao companions.”

Yunxiao asked, “How are these realms distinguished?”

Li Changshou cleared his throat, his divine sense sweeping over the earthen tunnel, naturally detecting nothing.

[Jie Sect, take care.]

He smiled and said:

“It’s quite simple.

Seeing each other, hearing of each other, feeling the other is good, matching in appearance and temperament, willing to converse – this is the Realm of Good Feelings.”

In the peach blossom grove, Yunxiao nodded slowly, quite approving.

In the earthen tunnel, the male and female immortals of the Jie Sect exchanged glances, each lost in thought, most showing sudden understanding. Those holding jade talismans recorded these words without missing a single character.

They heard Li Changshou continue:

“When both parties have good feelings, realm advancement is fastest. If only one has good feelings, it requires more effort.

After several or dozens of conversations, discovering the other’s shining points, when your heart stirs, wanting more time together, wanting more conversation – this is the Realm of Heart Movement.”

A certain fox girl from Qingqiu who wished to remain anonymous quietly spat in contempt.

Yunxiao said softly, “Then, are we in the Realm of Warming?”

Li Changshou said, “Yes, the Realm of Warming refers to when both parties’ relationship grows increasingly harmonious, communication is unobstructed, and their Dao hearts are close.

This realm can progress extremely quickly or very slowly – it varies for each case.”

“Then, what constitutes the Realm of Heat Waves?”

“It’s when the heart burns hot, willing to do things for each other, unable to tolerate others slandering the one in your heart, unable to bear seeing your beloved suffer – this is when the heart is like heat waves.

On this foundation, being willing to risk everything for the other, disregarding karma – this is the breakthrough into the Realm of Destiny.”

Yunxiao showed sudden understanding, carefully pondering before saying quite seriously, “Then we must continue cultivating, as I cannot yet disregard karma for you.”

Li Changshou: …

Well, that didn’t need to be said out loud.

“This cannot be rushed,” Li Changshou smiled. “Yunxiao, you and Brother Zhao Gongming, along with the two immortals, though not romantic love, share a friendship worth risking everything for.

This is what I most envy.”

Heaven above, he truly couldn’t bring himself to say the word ‘sister’!

Yunxiao said, “May I ask one more question?”

“Please do.”

“Have you and your junior sister reached the Realm of Destiny?” Yunxiao blinked gently.

Almost instantly, swords and blades flashed in the earthen tunnel, and numerous weapons pressed against Li Changshou’s neck, including even the aura of a certain Prior Heaven Precious Treasure…

A… a fatal question?

But how could Li Changshou dare speak carelessly about this?

Every word spoken now might be verified in the future, especially regarding this matter!

Under immense pressure, Li Changshou could only say:

“Not quite yet.

She has only cultivated for such a short time, and I raised her myself. Having spent day and night together, I naturally have some fondness for her in my heart, but her temperament is still too unrestrained, far from mature enough.”

What to do?

The next fatal question would probably be “Choose between her and me,” right?

How did Immortal Yunxiao suddenly…

Indeed, women can never avoid this question…

“That’s good then,” Yunxiao breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Here it comes!

Li Changshou’s heart wailed inwardly, already preparing to cry out “I have bled for the Human Dao, I have been beaten for the Human Dao”!

But!

Yunxiao said, “If there’s a chance, I should meet her as well.”

Li Changshou’s forehead sprouted several question marks – what did Immortal Yunxiao mean by these words?

“My junior sister and I are childhood companions. Could you be concerned about this?”

“Of course I am concerned,” Yunxiao’s eyes held starlight. “But between us, you did not intentionally pursue this – I was the one who first developed feelings for you. Having lost to you in this regard, I can only swallow this bitter fruit.

There’s nothing to compete over here – Dao companions are ultimately just cultivation partners who support each other.

Your waiting here today must be under your teacher’s guidance and Elder Brother Duo Bao’s arrangement. Though my private feelings are at work, I’m unwilling to reject the kind intentions of my teacher and Elder Brother Duo Bao.

But everything must follow reason – I cannot let my private desires cause you to break your original bonds. That would be too overbearing.”

Li Changshou heaved a long sigh, looking up at the clouds in the sky, saying wistfully, “Say no more. If you continue speaking this way, I truly…

will enter the Realm of Heat Waves.”

Yunxiao broke into light laughter, appearing to Li Changshou as if surrounded by soft light.

“Let’s exchange keepsakes,” Yunxiao said. “This way we can think of each other often.

Oh yes, I have a portrait of you, which Elder Brother Xuandu brought me.”

Li Changshou smiled, “May I also go back and paint your portrait to hang in my cultivation chamber?”

Yunxiao gazed tenderly to the side, saying softly, “Of course you may.”

Speaking thus, she took out a sachet from her sleeve, embroidered with a cloud pattern. Her left hand reached behind her shoulder, cutting a strand of black hair, which she placed in the sachet, sealing it with restrictions before handing it over.

Li Changshou accepted it with both hands. After some thought, he took out a copper coin from his sleeve – one of the Treasure-Falling Copper Coins – and handed it to Yunxiao.

Yunxiao hurriedly said, “How can you gift me a spirit treasure?

Our relationship should be pure and without material gain.”

“Having this with you puts my mind most at ease,” Li Changshou took out another copper coin, his eyes showing tenderness as he smiled and said, “They come in yin and yang pairs – most fitting for the occasion.”

Only then did Yunxiao accept without further protest, putting away the Treasure-Falling Copper Coin.

She gifts a strand of black hair, I return a thread of karma.

However, Yunxiao didn’t know the deep meaning contained in these copper coins, and Li Changshou wouldn’t explain it further.

“Oh yes,” Yunxiao said, “This item is for you to pass on to your junior sister.”

As she spoke, she removed her hairpin and handed it to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou suddenly didn’t know what to say, and could only accept the hairpin.

His education wouldn’t allow him to engage in such two-timing behavior!

The inconspicuous Four Swords of Extermination trembled slightly.

Indeed, Lord Patriarch Tongtin had excellent judgment…

Li Changshou asked himself – setting aside the Four Swords of Extermination hanging overhead and the numerous blades lurking below – how could one refuse such a woman?

When Yunxiao suggested he paint right there in front of her, to let her see his skill, Li Changshou smiled in agreement. Just as he took out a blank scroll…

“Oh?”

A slightly surprised cry suddenly came from high in the sky, followed by the sight of a white cloud hurriedly approaching from the west. From the cloud jumped down a dignified-looking Daoist with a beautiful beard, wearing armor.

“Second Sister, little brother, what are you two doing here? Going to paint something?”

Step three: requesting reinforcements to break the situation, landing steadily.

With dozens of Jie Sect immortals gathered here, if exposed, today would become incredibly awkward. Neither side could save face, and they might be forced into a rushed situation!

This called for a timely appearance of an interrupter!

Li Changshou had already secretly used his paper avatar to request Elder Zhao’s help, briefly explaining the situation and asking him to come.

Zhao Gongming, being righteous and quick to help, immediately rushed over upon hearing about the matter.

“Elder Brother,” Yunxiao bowed slightly.

Li Changshou made a Daoist salute: “Senior.”

“Hahaha,” Zhao Gongming stroked his beard laughing, his gaze full of meaning. “How is it, did I interrupt you? Hahaha!”

Yunxiao said “I should return to the island,” and exchanged a glance with Li Changshou who spoke thousands of words.

But no matter how composed she was, how ethereal her silhouette was, or how quickly she left, it couldn’t hide the slight blush on her cheeks as she departed…

Li Changshou gazed at the East Sea, his heart filled with worry.

Watching helplessly as his entanglement with the Jie Sect grew deeper, as his karmic bond with Yunxiao was tied in a death knot, yet unable to refuse, and even more impossible to speak plainly…

This was truly a sage’s calculation.

Patriarch Tongtian must have deep intentions with this move!

The most Li Changshou could do now was use the ‘layering’ method to make Yunxiao clearly understand the nature of their relationship, while also delaying the matter.

The great karma of destiny was truly hard to calculate.

A large hand suddenly pressed down on Li Changshou’s shoulder.

Zhao Gongming leaned in with a smile, throwing a light punch at Li Changshou’s ribs, naturally not using much force.

“Well done, you rascal! Without a sound, my second sister has… hmm?”

Li Changshou’s forehead broke out in sweat as he hurriedly smiled apologetically.

Just then, waves of killing intent suddenly appeared behind him. Li Changshou turned to look, and his forehead immediately filled with black lines…

A large group of Jie Sect immortals appeared in the peach blossom grove, each cracking their knuckles and holding swords.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother picked up the Dragon-Tiger Ruyi, while Treasure Master Duo took out a bag…

“Everyone!” Li Changshou kept backing away.

Treasure Master Duo clicked his tongue and smiled, “Though you’re following Master’s instructions, why do I feel you’re just asking to be beaten?”

The group of figures let out sinister laughs, and even Zhao Gongming, who hadn’t known the details before, sensibly stepped back a few paces, drawing a clear line.

“Wait!”

Li Changshou raised his hand and called out seriously: “Don’t you all want to know what realms come after the Realm of Destiny?”

The Jie Sect crowd was momentarily stunned.

But Li Changshou just smiled calmly and said no more.

His left hand formed a simple seal, and a flame ignited from his chest. With a ‘whoosh’, his form was instantly engulfed in flames, turning to ashes in the blink of an eye, scattering in the wind.

A Jie Sect immortal exclaimed in surprise: “When did he switch bodies?!”

The Jie Sect crowd looked at each other in confusion, except for Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Turtle Spirit Holy Mother, Treasure Master Duo, and Zhao Gongming at the back of the crowd, who either smiled lightly or pursed their lips.

Li Changshou’s actual body had been present, and what appeared to be a ‘Sea God’s paper avatar self-immolation’ was an advanced escape technique.

Thousands of miles away, in an underground rock cave, a small flame flickered, and Li Changshou’s form emerged from it.

He was about to leave immediately, but a trace of Dao energy appeared out of nowhere, gathering around him.

Li Changshou looked down to see a Taiji diagram the size of a large bowl appearing as an illusion on his chest, which gently rotated and entered his body…

Double power!

Li Changshou immediately made a Daoist salute, though inwardly he gave a bitter laugh.

Sure enough, his own Sage Lord had participated in today’s events, having temporarily removed the Taiji diagram’s power earlier, and now returned it doubled.

Yunxiao…

Feng Shen…

Confronting the Sages…

“Enough,” Li Changshou sighed lightly. He couldn’t let an immortal maiden’s tenderness cloud his judgment – this matter still required careful long-term planning.

…

In the peach blossom grove, the atmosphere had become somewhat strange.

In a corner, a female immortal looked at the male immortal before her and asked quietly: “Junior Brother, which realm are we in?”

Under a peach tree, Golden Light Holy Mother pinched her skirt, her lovely face showing slight timidity as she looked at Senior Brother Gongming whom she had called over, stuttering incomplete sentences.

“I- I might, might… Senior Brother, I… m-might already be… in Heat Waves… for you…”

Senior Gongming’s forehead was full of question marks, truly not understanding why.

There was also an old Daoist who looked at the old Daoist beside him, with whom he had cultivated for half a kalpa, and smiled: “Fellow Daoist, are we in the Realm of Warming?”

The other old Daoist’s gaze instantly became incredibly sharp.