Li Changshou understood this principle from his previous life—

[Behind every glamorous performance, there is the tireless dedication of numerous backstage workers.]

As Ox Head and Horse Face made their stylish and slightly embarrassed entrance in their peculiar yet impressive manner, Li Changshou was frantically busy behind the scenes.

First, he used micro-formations to amplify sound and enhance the atmosphere. He kept adjusting his position around the main hall’s perimeter while scraping two chains together to create sound effects…

The Grand Sorcerer, hidden in the shadows, watched this scene with a knowing smile, long accustomed to such displays.

At this moment, Fairy Yunxiao’s expression was rather intriguing, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she intently watched Li Changshou’s moving silhouette.

Li Changshou’s way of handling matters was completely different from her familiar methods of [verbal negotiation, background discussion, quick disagreements, and brick-throwing confrontations].

Hmm…

It was filled with wisdom.

To give the Grand Sorcerer and Fairy Yunxiao a sense of participation, Li Changshou actively shared his voice transmissions to Ox Head and Horse Face with them both…

“Hold your heads high, show presence, you must have a presence. You now represent the Primordial Tribe.

The Primordial Tribe, ancient kings of the earth, formed from the blood of Great Deity Pangu—how can you show weakness before the Dragon Tribe?

What we need to do now is stall for time. Intimidating them is our primary task. Imagine these dragons as mere wooden or clay sculptures…”

Under such encouragement, Ox Head and Horse Face straightened their backs even more, their blood essence growing increasingly dense.

Looking at the main hall of the Dragon Palace, this grand Western Sea palace coup scene had its rhythm completely disrupted by Ox Head and Horse Face’s flashy entrance.

“The Netherworld Officials?”

“Primordial Tribe? When did the Primordial Tribe arrive at the Dragon Palace?”

“Your Highness, these two Primordials possess considerable strength. Could this be some scheme?”

Ao Shi signaled to a Dragon Tribe Elder with his eyes, who immediately stepped forward, his aura surging as his palm formed a claw with a purple-red vortex slowly rotating in its center.

The Elder spoke coldly: “Does the Netherworld Court intend to interfere in Dragon Tribe affairs?”

Ox Head and Horse Face merely smiled coldly without speaking, standing there with folded arms like two demon-masked deities!

The Dragon Elder furrowed his brow and took two steps forward, immediately followed by three dragon-headed elders, subtly forming an encircling position around Ox Head and Horse Face.

Behind Ox Head and Horse Face, the group of Dragon Tribe experts and celestial dragon soldiers protecting the Western Sea Dragon King were also bewildered.

If today’s reinforcements had been Heaven’s generals or experts from the other three sea dragon palaces, it would have been within reason and expectation.

But the sudden appearance of Primordial Tribe warriors, who had little connection to the Dragon Tribe…

The dragons were confused and greatly puzzled.

At this moment, a thread of voice transmission entered the Western Sea Dragon King’s ear, naturally from Li Changshou…

“Dragon King, it’s me, the Heaven’s Water God.

These two Primordial experts were recruited by me temporarily for assistance. The rebel forces are strong, so we’re using delaying tactics. Please cooperate, Dragon King, and appear composed…

Yes, maintain calm and confidence, keep control of the situation.”

On the throne, the Western Sea Dragon King’s previously hunched form immediately straightened. His eyes flashed with divine light before returning to their usual composure.

This subtle detail made Ao Shi and the rebel faction instantly more wary.

Ao Shi narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice: “Whoever stands in the way of the Dragon Tribe’s revival today shall be executed without mercy!”

At once, the four Dragon Tribe experts in front surged with energy and lunged forward simultaneously!

“Wait!”

Horse Face’s eyes widened as he suddenly shouted, causing the four dragon-formed elders to barely halt their movement!

In an instant, hundreds of gazes in the hall converged on Horse Face, who calmly took out a stone comb… and arranged his flowing, smooth mane.

“There, much better.”

The four Dragon Tribe experts were burning with rage and were about to attack again when Ox Head cleared his throat.

Following the voice of Li Changshou in his heart, Ox Head opened with:

“Consider carefully before acting whether the Dragon Tribe is part of the cycle of reincarnation or not.

We can’t guarantee that your Western Sea dragon eggs won’t hatch some… strange things in the future.

Moo~”

Hearing this, the four old dragons frowned deeply and turned to look at Ao Shi.

Ao Shi stepped forward quickly with his treasure sword, cursing: “I have no connection with the Netherworld Court, what is your intention today? The cycle of reincarnation is a matter of Heaven’s Way, how dare you use it as a threat!”

Ox Head shrugged: “Then go complain to the Jade Emperor in Heaven.”

Ao Shi’s eyes bulged as he cursed: “You Netherworld Officers, relying on matters of reincarnation, dare to act so arbitrarily!”

Horse Face calmly added from the side:

“Friend, your words are mistaken, neigh~

We two originally came to the Western Sea following our Netherworld duties to collect souls for reincarnation, but seeing your actions being too extreme, we stood up to speak some words of justice.”

Ox Head nodded: “To be honest, we’re truly just bystanders, whatever happens here has nothing to do with us.”

Horse Face continued: “But before everyone acts, could you consider what wrongdoings the Western Sea Dragon King has committed?”

Ao Shi: “You!”

“Crown Prince, don’t be hasty, we’re merely standing up to speak some words of justice.”

“If such a tragedy of ethics occurs in the Western Sea Dragon Palace, we can only suggest to the Lords of Hell to give quality dragon soul reincarnations to the other three seas’ Dragon Tribes.”

“Of course, we’re just making suggestions, as minor Netherworld generals we don’t have much authority.”

The pair continued one sentence after another, joking yet somehow serious, leaving the gathered dragons thoroughly exasperated.

Finally, when Ao Shi couldn’t help but shout: “Kill them!”

The four dragon-headed elders prepared to attack for the fourth time, but a vast pressure suddenly emerged from behind Ox Head and Horse Face.

The Western Sea Dragon King had now stood up, coldly observing the scene.

The four treacherous dragons instantly fell silent, while Ao Shi unconsciously took half a step back.

Just as the Western Sea Dragon King was about to angrily rebuke them, Li Changshou’s voice transmission appeared in his mind;

The Dragon King made an instant decision and repeated Li Changshou’s transmission:

“Leave now and depart from my Western Sea, and I may consider past relations and spare your lives.”

Ao Shi coldly smiled: “Father King, do you think two Netherworld Officers can reverse today’s situation?

Your child has petitioned dozens of times, but Father King turned a blind eye, our tribe unexpectedly bowing and scraping to such a weak Heaven…

Father King, do you know what you look like standing before the Jade Emperor, bowing your head, and declaring yourself a subject?

Like an old dog wagging its tail and begging for mercy, haha, hahaha!”

The Western Sea Dragon King fell silent for a moment.

Li Changshou transmitted: “Dragon King, don’t be provoked by him. The greater situation must take precedence now. If you and the Dragon Mother are safe, the Western Sea Dragon Palace won’t fall just like this.

What needs to be done now is to delay them. Please respond according to my prompts, Dragon King.”

“Sigh,” the Western Sea Dragon King slowly sighed, his eyes showing a hint of pity as his gaze swept over those familiar faces behind Ao Shi.

The Western Sea Dragon King continued: “Ao Shi, let those behind you come forward.

Since we’ve already torn away pretenses today, why still skulk in the shadows? Since you’re so confident, why not stand forth openly?”

“Father King, you’re afraid.”

Ao Shi suddenly laughed and said calmly: “Father King, you resort to delaying tactics, hoping to wait for the three uncles to come to your rescue.

Don’t think too much about it, they’ll soon have their hands full as well.

Father King, why not abdicate now and hand over a strand of dragon soul? I won’t make things difficult for you then.

But if Father King continues to be obstinate!”

Ao Shi took a light breath, raising the treasure sword in his hand as golden light burst forth from his body, “For the Dragon Tribe’s revival, this child can only send Father King on his way.

Everyone, if we don’t act now, when shall we!”

Behind Ao Shi, all the Dragon Tribe experts responded in unison, their auras gathering together.

The Western Sea Dragon King’s face showed a trace of melancholy as thousands of figures inside and outside the hall stirred restlessly.

Ao Shi stepped forward, and the army of traitors was about to strike again!

“Wait!”

Ox Head shouted again, forcefully cutting off their momentum, angering several old dragons to the point where they wanted to rush up and tear them apart.

But this time, Ox Head calmly said: “You can fight your own battle, just don’t harm us brothers.”

“Neigh~”

Horse Face said indifferently: “We’re just here to collect souls, and if you don’t strike hard enough in your battle, we still have to handle the souls.”

Ox Head added: “The Netherworld Court never interferes with living beings’ battles, we only handle souls and reincarnation, moo~”

After speaking, Ox Head and Horse Face turned around in front of hundreds of people and calmly walked towards the corner of the main hall.

The entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop…

When the two reached the corner and turned around, they simultaneously raised their hooves and made a ‘please proceed’ gesture.

“Begin your slaughter, moo~”

“Netherworld Court, Soul Collectors, at your service to provide quality post-battle services, neigh~”

After speaking, Ox Head pulled out two coconuts from his chest, and Horse Face took out two reed straws from his sleeve. They exchanged one item each, skillfully broke open the coconut shells, inserted the reeds, and leaned their mighty figures against the main hall wall.

This time, not only the rebel faction but also the Dragon Tribe experts in front of the Western Sea Dragon King had black lines hanging on their foreheads.

Were all Netherworld Court Soul Collectors this… provocative?

Ox Head and Horse Face exchanged glances, both brothers’ eyes full of emotion…

This experience, this feeling of swaggering back and forth in front of a group of experts, who were nearly exploding with anger yet couldn’t directly move against them…

It was simply the peak of Primordial life!

But the rebel faction had lost patience, and Ao Shi roared: “Kill them!”

A Dragon Tribe Elder asked in a low voice: “Your Highness, kill the Netherworld Officers, or…”

“Ignore the Netherworld Court, today is for our Dragon Tribe’s revival!”

With a hint of venom in his eyes, Ao Shi charged forward with his sword. Hundreds of Dragon Tribe experts followed in unison behind him, while the dozens of Dragon Tribe experts in front of the Western Sea Dragon King also erupted with their imposing might, ready to fight to the death.

But…

A deep voice resounded throughout the main hall, shaking the surrounding clouds and mist.

Sutra-chanting sounds arose from all directions. Within the seawater, rhythms of the Dao circulated, as strands of profound dao patterns spread outward. In the center of the main hall, a beam of golden light appeared.

This strange phenomenon caused both sides to halt their movements once again…

Within this golden light, streams of water essence circulated, condensing into a lush, vibrant…

Gourd vine.

And on this gourd vine hung seven gourds, each containing different dao patterns that swayed gently.

At this moment, beneath the gourd vine, a figure materialized out of thin air.

The gathered dragons focused their gaze and saw a man with white eyebrows and hair, a thin face, wearing light-colored wide-sleeved robes, holding a whisk in hand—who else could it be but Heaven’s Water God Li Changgeng?

Ao Shi’s expression changed, and the Dragon Tribe experts showed shock on their faces, not understanding how Heaven’s Water God could appear here.

They had made thoroughly impenetrable preparations and had even carefully searched every corner of the Western Sea Dragon Palace beforehand.

Li Changshou stood composed with his whisk, his gaze sweeping inside and outside the hall as he smiled: “Dragon King, please rest for now. I will handle this situation.”

The Western Sea Dragon King sighed, clasped his hands in respect to Li Changshou, then returned to his throne.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air as a purple arrow shot from outside the hall, aimed straight at Li Changshou’s vital points!

The arrow was like a scorpion’s sting, emanating an obscure dao pattern!

Poison?

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow. A golden light flashed and disappeared around him, but he neither moved nor dodged, simply standing still to face the arrow head-on!

With a light ‘ding’, the purple arrow was deflected.

Li Changshou’s robes remained unwrinkled, while a trace of primordial yellow energy circled his body before disappearing within.

The purple arrow broke in half, completely consumed by a flame of Samadhi True Fire that Li Changshou casually tossed.

The Heaven Earth Primordial Mysterious Tower!

Impervious to all techniques, only Primordial Treasures could breach it!

Li Changshou had always been puzzled about why such defensive treasures had to be worn on top of one’s head, letting others know exactly what defensive treasure one possessed.

Wasn’t that needlessly revealing one’s trump card?

In Li Changshou’s view, the only thing worth displaying externally was the Merit Golden Body, as it served as a deterrent, making even Sage Lords exercise caution when moving against oneself.

Like now, with the Primordial Tower hidden and concealed within his primordial spirit, these treacherous dragons below were all dumbfounded, not knowing how he had deflected that sneak attack arrow, thus becoming even more fearful of him.

The effect was different.

Li Changshou chuckled lightly: “Friend, why hide outside the hall shooting arrows? Why not come in for a chat?

No need to keep hiding—could it be you think this poor Daoist doesn’t know your background?”

As Li Changshou’s words fell, several cold snorts came from outside the hall. A group of cloaked figures emanating fierce auras surged into the hall, mixing among the Dragon Tribe experts.

Just then, a series of ‘huh’ ‘huh’ sounds came from the side.

Li Changshou turned to look, putting on an expression of pleasant surprise as he smiled: “Oh, the two Netherworld envoys are also here.”

Ox Head and Horse Face chuckled.

Ox Head, with the reed straw in his mouth, said: “We’re just here to collect some souls, Water God need not mind us, moo~”

Horse Face flicked his smooth mane and calmly said: “When Water God makes his move later, please leave some intact souls. We need to return and complete our duties.

We have some quotas to meet, and dragon souls are quite rare, neigh~”

“No problem, no problem,” Li Changshou smiled, “To deal with these petty troublemakers, this poor Daoist need not act personally.

Please watch this treasure!”

With that, Li Changshou swept his whisk, and the gourd vine above his head slowly descended, landing directly before the gathered dragons and Western beasts.

Seven distinctly different dao patterns circulated on the gourds, with five being the power of the Five Elements.

Li Changshou’s identity, his previously accumulated prestige, and his recent display of physical prowess in blocking the arrow…

When this treasure appeared, even Ao Shi’s throat bobbed nervously.

What treasure was this?

An expert hidden under a cloak coldly said: “Water God, do you perhaps think this is the immortal vine from ancient times, that it can stop us?”

“What you all don’t know is that this immortal vine of mine has quite an extraordinary origin.”

With these words, Li Changshou swept his whisk.

When stalling for time, why resort to fighting? Might as well play up the mystery to its fullest.

Lightning flashed under the whisk, a thin bolt striking the leftmost gourd on the vine. The gourd burst open, golden light surging from within as a young boy wearing short clothes and pants tumbled out.

This boy wore a red small gourd on his head, his whole body surging with Golden Immortal realm energy, carrying a sharp metal essence.

After landing, he immediately performed over ten consecutive backflips, struck a simple pose, and shouted in a low voice:

“I am First Brother! Possessing limitless strength!”

The rebel faction of the Dragon Palace collectively frowned, and one dragon immediately stepped forward, about to say he would face this opponent.

Suddenly thunder crashed, and another lightning bolt struck the second gourd on the vine. This gourd burst open, and another young boy jumped out…

After a deliberately time-wasting display, this boy struck a pose beside First Brother.

“I am Second Brother! Swift as the wind!”

Then followed…

“I am Third Brother! Iron-boned and steel-bodied!”

“I am Fourth Brother! Master of heavenly fire!”

“I am Fifth Brother! Drainer of the four seas!”

“I am Sixth Brother!”

The Dragon Tribe members strained to look, but they only heard the voice without seeing anyone. They instinctively looked up at the gourd vine and confirmed that the sixth gourd had indeed split open.

From where the voice had come, another announcement rang out: “Master of stealth!”

So, most of the dragons turned their attention to the seventh gourd, as Li Changshou deliberately built suspense by holding back his whisk.

The atmosphere in the great hall grew increasingly tense, while the six gourd children who had appeared earlier, except for the somewhat puzzling sixth one, had their energies interconnected, subtly forming some kind of formation…

But how could just this be enough to resist an attack from so many of their experts?

Ao Shi narrowed his eyes and said coldly: “Water God, is this all you’ve got?”

Li Changshou smiled slightly, mentally calculating the positions of the three groups of experts, finding he had completed most of his task.

Swinging his whisk again, another lightning bolt struck the seventh gourd. As it split open, unexpectedly… a graceful figure flew out.

This was a young maiden who stood beside Sixth Brother, blushing as she fluttered her handkerchief, speaking in a coy voice:

“I am Seventh Sister, how annoying~”

Many of the younger Dragon Tribe experts stumbled, collapsing into a heap.