The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother descended to the mortal realm,

Leaving the powerful gods of Heaven idle in their wake.

Recruiting soldiers and buying horses to fill divine positions,

Taking turns to preside in the Hall of Clarity.

With the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother having descended to experience mortal tribulations and observe the sufferings of living beings, all authority in the Heavenly Court fell to Li Changshou and East Wood Lord.

These two old brothers had a proper discussion, during which East Wood Lord proposed that they take turns presiding over the Hall of Clarity.

Li Changshou readily agreed and voluntarily suggested that they divide the duties by century – East Wood Lord, being of higher divine rank, would preside over the first fifty years, while Li Changshou, of lower rank, would take the latter fifty.

As a small side note, Li Changshou forgot to mention to Wood Lord that the lifespan recorded in the Book of Life and Death for the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother’s mortal incarnations seemed to be sixty-six years…

But no matter, such a minor detail probably wouldn’t concern Wood Lord.

Li Changshou wasn’t purely trying to slack off – he still had to handle security for the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother’s mortal incarnations, monitor demon tribe movements, and guard against any demon opportunists…

With multiple roles, he was quite busy.

Besides him and the Ten Kings of Hell, no one knew where the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother had reincarnated.

If anyone tried to plot against the Queen Mother and Jade Emperor, Li Changshou only needed to ‘awaken’ them, and the two powerhouses would be safe and sound.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother could then go hand in hand to the Purple Subtlety Palace to complain to the Dao Ancestor, giving their opponents double the happiness…

Worth mentioning was an interesting phenomenon occurring outside the Heavenly Court.

When the Heavenly Dao Lord bestowed auspicious signs, they were scattered throughout the mortal world of the Southern Continent, witnessed by countless human immortal dynasties, kingdoms, and tribes.

Because of these auspicious omens appearing everywhere, warfare erupted across the Southern Continent.

Many ambitious ministers and military commanders who sought to reach life’s peak were inspired to bold ideas by these signs.

Claims like “the old king has lost virtue, a new king should arise” and “heaven shows favorable omens, suitable for launching campaigns” emerged in endless variations…

Though the mortal realm of the Southern Continent had existed for some time and humanity had risen through several great cycles since ancient times, mortals remained largely ignorant, most fearful of “heavenly omens” combined with “stirring rhetoric.”

Thus, the appearance of such auspicious signs, rather than heralding peace and tranquility, kept the Underworld busy for several decades…

But back to the main matter.

After Queen Mother’s divine soul successfully entered the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation, Li Changshou and East Wood Lord arranged their shifts at the Hall of Clarity, then hurried to arrange security for His Majesty the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother’s half-day.

In reality, this meant placing a few paper avatars to watch from afar, not daring to do anything extra.

If they set up formations or stationed heavenly soldiers, wouldn’t that be like drawing attention to what they were trying to hide?

Besides, he wasn’t interested in the dramatic mortal lives of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.

Rather than caring about their second spring of immortal life, he’d better think about how to console the emotionally wounded leader of the Heavenly Court when the Jade Emperor learned the truth…

“Hmm?”

Why has that fox woman come again?

Li Changshou slightly furrowed his brow, glanced at the two pregnant ‘noble ladies’ in some great city of the Southern Continent, and then shifted his attention back to Small Jade Peak.

Master’s romance…

It truly was a troublesome matter that couldn’t be cut clean or reasoned through.

At the entrance to the Crossing to Immortality Sect, the fox woman, now wearing a light blue dress, was speaking with the guard immortals.

Today she wore light makeup, deliberately concealing her demon aura, radiating an indescribable pure and ethereal charm.

The guard immortals naturally couldn’t let her enter freely but sent a patrolling disciple to Small Jade Peak to ask if Qi Yuan wished to meet her.

Old Daoist Qi Yuan thought carefully, then with some concerns in his heart, rode a cloud to the mountain gate.

Had Master truly developed feelings?

Li Changshou originally didn’t want to spy on others’ private conversations and romantic affairs, but this was too stimulating…

*Ahem*, purely out of concern for Master’s safety!

For some unknown reason, that fox woman’s power had already reached the mid-Heaven Immortal realm, and such rapid advancement even surprised Li Changshou.

This talent almost rivaled You Qin’s.

What if she tried to force herself on Master? As a disciple, he naturally had to protect the Master’s pure Daoist body!

Watching Qi Yuan ride his cloud to the mountain gate, under the kind, gentle, and slightly teasing gazes of the elderly guard immortals, he lowered his head and left the gate.

The fox woman immediately bowed gracefully and called out with a gentle smile: “Daoist Qi Yuan!”

“Fellow Daoist Lan,” Qi Yuan made a Daoist salute and proactively said, “Let us speak elsewhere, as this is an important location at the mountain gate.”

“Mm,” the fox woman softly agreed, taking the initiative to summon a cloud and inviting Old Daoist Qi Yuan to ride together.

Qi Yuan, being only a mundane immortal, felt no embarrassment and stood naturally beside the fox woman, deliberately maintaining a distance of over four feet. His graying brows revealed traces of contemplation.

The fox woman’s cheeks carried a slight blush as she secretly glanced at him from time to time.

Li Changshou’s paper avatar leisurely swam underground, carefully observing the situation…

Eh, why did he suddenly feel that besides himself, someone else was watching this place?

Little Lan inquired: “Daoist, where shall we go?”

“Let’s find a place with beautiful scenery,” Qi Yuan said warmly. “There are some things that, after much consideration, this poor Daoist feels must be made clear to Fellow Daoist, or else my dao heart remains unsettled.”

Little Lan grew somewhat anxious and hurriedly said: “Daoist, do you still think Little Lan’s demon background…”

“No, it’s not about human versus demon origins,” Qi Yuan smiled. “As that Water God from our Human Dao sect said, in this world, the true opposition shouldn’t be between humans and demons, but between good and evil.

To be honest, this poor Daoist is often stubborn, but after taking two disciples, I’ve gradually come to see some things differently.”

Fox woman Little Lan listened carefully, her eyes carrying a trace of infatuation as she committed every word to heart…

Underground, Li Changshou also smiled slightly upon hearing this, his mind drifting to scenes from his first hundred years of cultivation on ‘Small Poor Peak.’

Master’s change in temperament was earned through beating after beating that he had given!

Though when he first met Master, despite clearly not understanding certain scripture passages, Master’s serious lecturing appearance was indeed memorable…

Qi Yuan and the fox woman rode their cloud to a hillside covered in light white spirit trees, home to many harmless spirit beasts and insects.

The fox woman had again made careful preparations for this visit.

She busied herself setting up a low table and immortal cushions, laying out several snacks she had made herself, and bringing out famous fruit wine from the Black Hill…

Even her posture as she sat with feet together had likely been practiced many times – though slightly deliberate, it was overall quite graceful.

Perhaps the Black Hill clan had relevant training courses?

Old Daoist Qi Yuan sat honestly at the low table, not daring to look up directly; this time he sealed his nostrils with immortal power to avoid embarrassment.

Then, the old Daoist and fox woman engaged in casual conversation under the shade.

The fox woman was skilled at dance, and today she performed a carefully prepared dance – less alluring and more pure and fresh, clearly tailored to Qi Yuan’s tastes.

Before they knew it, an hour had passed.

One could see that compared to their last private meeting, Old Daoist Qi Yuan was much more composed and calm, his eyes constantly carrying traces of contemplation rather than being lost in her beauty again.

— This was also related to fox woman Little Lan deliberately suppressing her charm attributes today.

As the dance ended and the fox woman gracefully returned to the low table, about to speak timidly, Old Daoist Qi Yuan seemed to have made up his mind and looked up to speak.

“Daoist…”

“Fellow Daoist?”

The fox woman quickly said: “Daoist, please speak first.”

“Fellow Daoist, please sit,” Qi Yuan showed a slight smile.

This smile was just like his expression when facing other peak masters at the mountain gate – no matter how natural he tried to appear, it always revealed traces of restraint.

Little Lan adjusted a strand of hair by her ear and said softly: “Daoist, are you going to try to persuade me again?”

“Mm,” Old Daoist Qi Yuan honestly agreed.

“Daoist, why…”

Seeing Little Lan growing anxious to explain, Qi Yuan hurriedly said: “Fellow Daoist, don’t be anxious. Last time we already became acquainted as good friends, which is why today this poor Daoist wanted to speak these things to Fellow Daoists.

“Fellow Daoist, this poor Daoist wishes to speak of two matters today. The first is that I am but a mundane immortal, and my path of immortality has reached its end.

If not for my disciple’s constant persuasion, this poor Daoist would have already experienced reincarnation to cultivate anew.”

Little Lan gently bit her lip, then spoke with deep affection:

“Whether Earth Immortal or Heaven Immortal, living beings are merely taking a journey through heaven and earth.

Little Lan is willing to serve Daoist for the rest of your life.”

“Fellow Daoist,” Qi Yuan’s old face reddened, “please don’t speak such words, lest others overhear and misunderstand.

As for the second matter…”

“Please speak, Daoist.”

Underground, Li Changshou smiled slightly with level brows, already knowing what Master would say.

From somewhere on the horizon came several clouds, bringing a drizzle, creating soft ‘rustling’ sounds throughout the forest.

Old Daoist Qi Yuan’s expression turned serious, his eyes carrying utmost sincerity as he gazed into Little Lan’s light brown eyes and said gently:

“Fellow Daoist has been mistaking someone else for me all along.”

Little Lan was stunned.

Qi Yuan seemed to have shed a heavy burden as he slowly exhaled.

“Indeed, speaking it aloud brings much relief.

When you were trapped underground, the one who went to see you wasn’t this poor Daoist, but rather… a great person who borrowed my appearance.

This great person didn’t wish to be known, so they borrowed the appearance of this poor Daoist, a mundane immortal who rarely travels about. Of course, this was with my permission.

When Fellow Daoist came to my Small Jade Peak after escaping, that great person felt they had brought trouble to this poor Daoist, so they appeared in my form to provoke you, hoping you would abandon these thoughts…

Alas, unexpectedly…

Fellow Daoist, that’s how things are – the one you seek is not this poor Daoist, but that person who wore my appearance.”

The fox woman stood completely stunned;

First, she frowned in confusion, then lowered her head in deep thought, her expression changing from pale to disbelief, from disbelief to unwillingness to believe…

“Daoist, you’re deceiving Little Lan, aren’t you?”

“I am not deceiving you,” Old Daoist Qi Yuan showed a bitter smile, “Fellow Daoist, look into my eyes and see if they match those of the Daoist you hold in your heart.

This cannot be faked.”

The fox woman couldn’t help but look carefully, subsequently falling into confusion.

“But Daoist, I… the name I hold in my heart is Qi Yuan; the image in my heart is of you, Daoist.”

“Falsehood remains falsehood, Fellow Daoist, you’ve merely been caught up in appearances.”

Qi Yuan said seriously: “These past days, this poor Daoist searched through scriptures and found a line that says ‘Though there be impurity without, if the heart remains unblemished, one may still attain the supreme fruit.’

The meaning of these words is that our cultivating spirits should not be judged by outer appearance, but by heart and soul.

Illusions, transformation arts, and even a woman’s rouge, and powder can make one person appear extremely similar to another, but their dao heart and temperament cannot be changed.

Fellow Daoist, you have indeed sought the wrong person.

As for who that great person is, this poor Daoist would rather die than tell you. Why not let go of these thoughts and focus on the path of longevity…”

“Daoist, please… please say no more.”

Little Lan slowly stepped back half a pace, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion, “Little Lan’s heart is in chaos and needs time to settle.”

Qi Yuan stood up and made a deep Daoist salute to the fox woman.

“This matter will surely bring Fellow Daoist much confusion, and this poor Daoist bears inescapable responsibility in this,” Qi Yuan said, “If Fellow Daoist doesn’t mind, this poor Daoist can still be your friend in the future.

However, regarding matters of romance and dao companionship, please abandon such thoughts.

Firstly because it’s unsuitable, secondly because there’s no heart for it, and thirdly because it was false to begin with – how can one build upon such foundations…

Fellow Daoist, if there have been any offenses here, please be forgiving.”

Little Lan’s eyes reddened slightly as she said softly: “Little Lan will take her leave today. When my thoughts are clear, I will… will give Daoist an answer.”

Qi Yuan stood up showing a gentle smile and slowly nodded.

But Little Lan lowered her head and turned away, walking forward two steps in confusion, then stopped, and turned to look at Qi Yuan once more, before finally riding her cloud into the drizzling rain, letting her clothes be soaked as she flew further and further away.

Old Daoist Qi Yuan packed up the low table before him, took out a new treasure pouch, collected all these items inside, and hung it on a nearby tree branch.

Then, as if remembering something, this old Daoist looked around and put on a stern face, saying:

“Come out.”

Li Changshou’s form squeezed out of a tree trunk ten zhang away, smiled twice at his master, and gave a thumbs up.

“Master truly makes this disciple admire you – facing such beauty, you could remain so forthright!”

“So you were peeping!”

Old Daoist Qi Yuan wanted to maintain a stern face and scold him a few times, but was now also amused by Li Changshou, laughing as he scolded:

“You… never mind, walk with your master here.”

“Yes, indeed,” Li Changshou agreed, jumping two steps to his master’s side, then seeing his master take out his horsetail whisk, slipped back half a step.

In the misty rain, the barrier formed by immortal power flickered with faint light; following beside his master, Li Changshou felt an inexplicable sense of being in another world.

“Changshou.”

“Yes, a disciple is here,” Li Changshou pulled back his scattered thoughts and lowered his head in response.

Qi Yuan seemed to want to speak but hesitated, and after several moments of uncertainty, finally said slowly: “I know that now you have powerful magical abilities and vast supernatural powers, and work for our Human Dao’s Sage Lord, holding sway over Heaven’s Court.”

Li Changshou: …

Was that a compliment?

Was this praising his dear disciple!?

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Master, remember to wear that jade first.”

“I’m wearing it,” Qi Yuan opened his sleeve, showing the jade talisman that blocked mental probing tied to his arm.

Qi Yuan smiled: “Such an important matter concerning your safety, how could your master forget?

But Changshou, there’s something…

Never mind, perhaps your master’s feeling was wrong.”

Li Changshou smiled: “Master, if you want to teach this disciple a lesson, just do so. This disciple will listen to it all.”

“Ah,” Qi Yuan sighed, “Your master only feels that with cultivation and realm far inferior to yours, I fear saying something wrong might affect your dao heart and cultivation.

Disciple.”

“Present.”

Qi Yuan said slowly: “Now that your cultivation grows ever deeper and your authority ever greater, able to change the fate of most living beings at will, have you perhaps gradually lost some respect for others because of this?”

Li Changshou was stunned upon hearing this.

Qi Yuan continued:

“Regarding Fellow Daoist Lan’s matter, if you had explained clearly to her at the start, it would have spared her these years of yearning and suffering, wouldn’t that have been much better than now?

Your master isn’t trying to lecture you about anything, perhaps it’s because my realm is too low that I feel this way…

Changshou, have you unknowingly begun deciding others’ fates of life and death, while feeling yourself that these are no longer significant matters?

Cause and effect, karma and reincarnation – every sip and peck has its consequence.

If you ignore such karma, I fear it may plant some hidden dangers in your future path.

Your master once heard a lecture from a now-deceased Heaven Immortal in our sect, and this senior uncle taught – ‘Neither bully the weak nor fear the strong, such is the way of human immortals.'”

“Master… I haven’t…”

“Changshou,” Qi Yuan looked at Li Changshou, raised his hand to pat Li Changshou’s shoulder, and smiled:

“Your master can no longer teach you cultivation, nor do I understand principles as well as you, I just had some feelings about Little Lan’s matter.

Previously, your master’s greatest worry was that you would stray from the right path, but your master always felt there was righteousness in your heart, only that you dared not express it, being accustomed to caution.

Do you know why your master took Ling’e back to the mountain back then?”

Li Changshou lowered his head and said: “Disciple does not know.”

“It was because I felt Ling’e’s lively nature might influence you more, unexpected that her aptitude would be so outstanding…

But looking at things now, your master indeed worried too much back then.

Think carefully about Fellow Daoist Lan’s matter – if it can benefit you in the future, that would be best.”

Qi Yuan swung his horsetail whisk, striking Li Changshou’s arm.

“This is your punishment for this matter.

Ah, in the future, you’ll be a big shot in Heaven’s Court, your master won’t be able to teach you lessons at will anymore.”

Old Daoist Qi Yuan put on a rather regretful expression, then laughed heartily before condensing a cloud and heading toward the mountain gate.

His mood was quite content.

“Respect in the heart… cause and effect of karma…”

Li Changshou muttered, standing motionless in the fine rain for a long while.

At some point, the dark clouds in the sky dispersed, the drizzle gradually stopped, bird songs arose in the forest accompanied by fragrant winds, and beams of sunlight shone through gaps to illuminate various spots in the forest.

Suddenly there came a light laugh, drifting along with the cool breeze.

“What’s wrong? Could it be you were scolded by your respected master?”

Li Changshou turned abruptly, looking toward a tree not far away, seeing that foot-long brilliant light, seeing that immortal beauty standing beneath the tree with hands clasped behind her back.