Having just been educated by his master, then turning to see that immortal lady who loved wearing white robes and floated like a feather, Li Changshou’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.

It wasn’t that being lectured by his master and seen by others made him feel he’d lost face;

Mainly…

If people saw this, wouldn’t the Crossing to Immortality Sect be exposed?

Although during the last ambush against the demon tribe at the Crossing to Immortality Sect, Li Changshou had put all his effort into creating the appearance of ‘Heaven’s Court’s advance ambush,’ it was still very difficult to deceive those powerful figures skilled in divination and calculation.

Yunxiao stepped forward slowly, and though walking on muddy ground, not a speck of dust touched her embroidered shoes.

“Ahem,” Li Changshou cleared his throat, stepped forward to meet her, and made a Daoist salute.

Yunxiao bowed slightly at half a zhang’s distance and said softly: “Can you tell me what happened just now?”

Li Changshou asked: “About Master’s mundane immortal realm, or what just happened?”

Yunxiao’s smile grew warmer as she said softly: “If you’re willing to tell, I’m willing to listen to both, as it would help me understand you better.”

Li Changshou couldn’t help but laugh lightly and said: “Wait a moment, I’ll have my true body come here.”

Yunxiao nodded in agreement, and Li Changshou’s paper avatar swayed, transformed into a paper figure, and sank into the ground.

Soon after, Li Changshou left the mountain gate and rode a cloud to this place;

He had wanted to tell a few jokes to make Yunxiao smile gently, just like their previous meetings.

But today, for some unknown reason, Li Changshou sighed inexplicably…

“I apologize, my state of mind is somewhat unstable today.”

“Mm, mm,” Yunxiao shook her head gently and said softly, “Do you plan to only meet me when you’re in a good mood?”

“It’s not like that, it’s just…”

“Tell me about this matter. If your respected master was somewhat unreasonable in scolding you, I can go argue with him a bit.”

Li Changshou laughed lightly upon hearing this, knowing Immortal Lady Yunxiao was joking.

Right?

At present, the two walked and talked casually on this hillside, with Li Changshou explaining the cause and effect of the fox woman’s matter, and also explaining the change in the red string of fate between the fox woman and his master.

Li Changshou frankly said: “In my two encounters with this fox woman, my attitude indeed changed somewhat, showing less consideration and more indifference.

Master’s lecture hit the mark, and I will reflect on it.”

Yunxiao thought carefully for a while, then said:

“Some of what your respected master lectured you about makes sense, but some overlook your situation.

You rose from weakness, cultivating from a mortal body to Golden Immortal, yet became involved too early in the struggles between great sects, where one wrong step meant death and destruction of your dao.

At that time, to conceal yourself, you naturally couldn’t reveal that you were operating under another’s appearance. When dealing with the fox woman, you faced a dilemma either way.

Just on this point alone, your respected master was somewhat presumptuous and self-righteous, speaking incorrectly.”

Li Changshou: …

Why did it feel like the immortal lady was slightly dissatisfied with the master lecturing him?

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Is the immortal lady speaking up for my grievances?”

“Mm,” Yunxiao gazed at Li Changshou, their eyes met, and they both turned away simultaneously.

Li Changshou said warmly: “My handling of the matter was indeed somewhat crude, and also…

Well, a master lecturing his disciple is proper and natural – respecting teachers and valuing the dao is the manner of we sect disciples.”

“Why did your respected master become a mundane immortal?”

“That’s a long story,” Li Changshou made a gesture of invitation, found a pavilion with Yunxiao to rest in, and began telling the story of his master’s tale of love and hatred.

Childhood sweethearts, dao path companions, destroyed foundation, senior uncle’s tragic death…

Thanks to the “First Manga Training” at the Holy Mother Palace, Li Changshou’s storytelling ability improved by several levels;

Yunxiao listened with great interest, and upon hearing of Wan River Rain Fragrance’s death in the Northern Continent’s poisonous miasma, she repeatedly expressed regret.

“It’s truly not easy for posterior heaven beings to cultivate, facing numerous tribulations while dealing with human malice.”

Li Changshou: It’s not that difficult…

At least personally speaking.

“I feel Master had it worse,” Li Changshou sighed deeply, “He was originally a promising immortal seedling, but was schemed against by villains, had his dao foundation destroyed, almost had his soul scattered under the heavenly tribulation, and then suffered for a thousand years in the sect.

When Master was facing his tribulation, I hadn’t yet become an immortal and could only resort to using poison pills to have Master undergo apotheosis and become a mundane immortal.

Looking back, it’s quite regrettable. If Master hadn’t been in such a hurry to break through, I could have persuaded him to wait another hundred years…

There’s rarely anything perfect in this world, I shouldn’t think too much or ask for too much.”

Yunxiao asked again: “Why was your respected master in such a hurry to break through?”

“First was external pressure, as Master had fallen far, far behind his peer disciples;

Second was that Master had given up on himself for a thousand years, having long abandoned his chance at immortality – death was liberation for him.”

Li Changshou stared at his fingertips and said: “I am not Master, I don’t know what torment he felt in his heart, so I didn’t dare persuade him to wait another hundred years.

Though we often say to put ourselves in others’ shoes, it’s truly difficult to truly empathize.”

“That’s exactly why,” Yunxiao said softly, “Some things need to be said, not kept buried in your heart.

I originally came looking for you because I heard the Queen Mother of the Western Heaven had punished you with lightning, unexpectedly finding you being lectured by your respected master…

If you have troubles in your heart, you can speak of them to me.”

‘This hardly counts as a setback…’

Li Changshou had wanted to answer thus, as these matters truly weren’t significant, not even qualifying as minor adjustments on the path of cultivation.

But he smiled inwardly, seeing Yunxiao’s serious expression carrying a hint of expectation, and strangely developed a bit of…

Craftiness.

He nodded solemnly and said:

“Perhaps because things have been too smooth, being lectured like this by Master who doesn’t know the truth…

Ah, that matter in Heaven’s Court couldn’t be helped either. Having promised His Majesty the Jade Emperor to keep the secret, I naturally couldn’t tell Queen Mother, so being punished was proper.

Recently indeed, the pressure has been too great.”

“How can I help you relieve it?”

Yunxiao paused, and pressed her thin lips together as her cheeks reddened slightly, “I’m not good at dancing.”

Li Changshou looked at this white-robed immortal lady before him, transcendent and peerless yet forcibly pulled back to the mortal realm by him. Her black hair flowed like a waterfall, her eyes contained stars, like the world’s most fragrant immortal wine – merely catching its scent was enough to intoxicate the spirit.

Li Changshou, who had originally intended to tease and joke, inexplicably felt several parts of guilt in his heart.

Such a powerful primordial being, rarely taking the initiative to care for him like this, and most importantly, trusting him so much!

And he was thinking of tricking her into ‘dancing in clear shadows’!

Li Changshou, are you even human anymore?

“It’s nothing,” Li Changshou said with a smile, his eyes full of sincerity, “These aren’t big matters at all.”

Yunxiao… didn’t believe him.

She looked at the long bench under the pavilion railing, voluntarily floated over, sat at one end, and said softly:

“Previously when Third Sister was troubled by bottlenecks, unable to break through for several great kalpas, she was also anxious and worried for a long time. I would comfort her and help her relax her spirit like this, would you like to try?”

“Mm…”

Might as well try!

“Come lie down…”

Lie down!

Li Changshou’s spirit jolted as he looked at the long bench that Yunxiao’s delicate hand was lightly patting, then at her slightly reddened face trying to maintain composure.

Yunxiao lowered her head slightly to look aside and said softly: “Don’t be so shy…”

Li Changshou was also somewhat confused but followed her words, walked over, sat down first, and then lay down on his side next to her, his hair band pressing against her skirt hem.

“Like this?”

Is this how innate beings comfort others? Sitting beside them humming tunes and telling stories?

“Come closer.”

Oh?

Before Li Changshou could react, he felt Yunxiao’s finger tap his head, and he instinctively raised his head and leaned back. When that finger pressed down again, he was already pillowed on her lap.

Those delicate hands gently massaged his temples, streams of cool energy infusing his entire body, while also carefully combing through his hair, her mouth truly humming some ballads.

This…

Could this be the legendary killing move – the lap pillow?

Although this was a world of primordial chaos, Li Changshou was something of a minor figure, with some small divine authority in Heaven’s Court and some small influence in the Dao sects.

But at this moment, he wanted to shout out that phrase of praise carried from his previous life.

Yunxiao!

Supreme!

…

As evening approached, Li Changshou rode his cloud back to Small Jade Peak from the mountain gate, refreshed and with eyes full of divine light.

He strolled half a circle around the mountain, went to the card room to check on his grand-master and uncle masters who were drinking and playing, then went to the thatched cottage to visit his junior sister who was comprehending the great dao, and his master who had already begun closed-door cultivation.

Finally, humming the tune of “Lovesickness,” he went to the spirit beast enclosure, deciding to slaughter a spirit beast for drinking, to celebrate not having to manage Heaven Court’s trivial matters for the next fifty years.

“Cousin, you’ve come!”

Bear Lingli threw aside the zhang-long fierce beast on his shoulder and walked forward, clapping his large hands in welcome.

“Mm,” Li Changshou responded with a smile, walking along the small path in the spirit beast enclosure with hands clasped behind his back, humming that faint tune through his nose.

Bear Lingli blinked as if seeing a ghost;

Why did he suddenly feel that the great Sea God was slightly… flirtatious?

“Lingli.”

“Yes, Cousin?”

“Is that dada-duck suffering from heatstroke?”

“Understood!”

Bear Lingli snapped his fingers, turned, and pounced, stunning it with one punch, slaughtering it, plucking its feathers, and skillfully cutting up the most essence-rich and crispy parts of the spirit beast to offer to his Sea God.

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, took out a bottle of pills from his sleeve, patted Bear Lingli’s shoulder, and said meaningfully:

“You’ve been performing well on Small Jade Peak, it’s time to improve your strength and give you a bigger stage.

These pills were specifically refined for your constitution. Take one each year, and in ten years you’ll surpass ordinary tribal people in strength, in a hundred years you’ll rival war shamans.”

Bear Lingli blinked: “What’s a war shaman?”

“Just know that they’re very strong,” Li Changshou instructed, “Don’t misuse these pills, taking even one extra could damage your bloodline.”

“Yes! Thank you, Cousin!”

Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes and floated back to the pill room with the meat.

Sitting back in his recliner, setting up the grill, and taking out a pot of Peach Wine, Li Changshou drank alone, completely content.

Until the crescent moon hung in the sky and stars filled the night dome, Li Changshou’s joyful mood finally passed, and he slowly frowned.

Were there any other plans that could more securely protect Old Man Zhao and the Three Immortal Islands?

He had calculated all kinds of situations clearly, with countermeasures for different degrees of variables…

What he could do now was to increase his strength as much as possible, to have more subjective initiative during the Investiture of the Gods.

Condensing a Merit Golden Body was undoubtedly the fastest path!

His current Merit Golden Body was still missing about two legs worth, but the merit from the Underworld and demon tribes, after careful planning for a hundred years, must be obtained.

The demon tribe side was simpler – removing karmic obstacles would give merit;

The Underworld side involved how to complete the Six Paths of Reincarnation and supplement what the Heavenly Dao lacked, which would undoubtedly require great mental effort to explore…

Li Changshou vaguely sensed that the great virtuous Houtu, who had stabbed him several times with swords and pierced him twice, would be the crux of the Underworld’s problem.

Could transforming into the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation have some drawbacks unknown to the world?

Or perhaps the Heavenly Dao didn’t allow Lady Houtu to retain her independent consciousness?

Li Changshou carefully pondered this matter in his heart, feeling quite troubled, as paper avatars couldn’t enter the Six Paths Wheel to investigate.

If he could request Tower Lord to protect him, and ask the Taiji Diagram to allow him to borrow more power, ensuring he could move freely within the Six Paths Wheel…

Perhaps he could muster the courage to go in and see what was happening.

Should he try visiting the Sage Lord?

Li Changshou put down his wine cup, considering how to speak to the Sage Lord about this matter.

Directly saying he wanted merit obviously wouldn’t work;

Even though the Sage Lord knew he wanted to condense a Merit Golden Body and that earning merit was his primary drive, he couldn’t state it so plainly.

He needed to be tactful and elegant.

How could he borrow Tower Lord and Big Picture solely on the grounds of concern for the Six Paths Wheel and Lady Houtu’s situation?

Could he go to the Great Master and say ‘Can you help me’? That wasn’t entirely impossible…

Just then!

Dong—

Suddenly the bell at the Crossing to Immortality Hall rang out, immortal light wavered throughout the mountain gate, and the various peak masters rushed to the hall.

Old Daoist Qi Yuan, who had just entered closed cultivation half a day ago, hurriedly left his thatched cottage, carrying his horsetail whisk as he jumped onto a white cloud, rushing to attend the peak masters’ meeting.

What suddenly happened?

Such bell tones were only used for urgent matters.

Li Changshou’s divine consciousness probed over, easily seeing through the hall’s formation arrangements to observe the situation inside.

The Crossing to Immortality Sect’s sect master, several supreme elders, dozens of sect elders, and various peak masters had gathered, but they weren’t discussing internal sect matters, rather…

The mortal immortal dynasty under the Crossing to Immortality Sect’s protection, the Hong Lin Nation.

The Crossing to Immortality Sect protected three small nations in total, providing protection where sect members would be dispatched to eliminate monsters or dangerous people when they appeared within these nations’ borders.

These three small nations annually offered large amounts of ‘wealth’, serving as the sect’s main source of income.

This sect model was extremely prevalent in the Central Divine Continent, and the Crossing to Immortality Sect had adopted it from others.

The Hong Lin Nation was the fastest expanding and developing of the three small nations, providing the most ‘filial respect’ to the Crossing to Immortality Sect, and True Immortal stewards regularly patrolled within its borders.

This wasn’t about heavenly omens…

Yesterday, two powerful tribes from the Eastern Victory Divine Continent joined forces to break through Hong Lin Nation’s border fortress, their armies advancing directly, their immortal cultivators already killing dozens of Hong Lin Nation’s generals.

— When immortal cultivators participated in mortal wars, in the vast majority of cases they performed ‘decapitation’ tasks, as killing mortals increased karmic obstacles, and they were unwilling to directly create killing karma.

Hong Lin Nation was in danger and sought aid from the Crossing to Immortality Sect, which had dispatched several True Immortal stewards yesterday.

However, these stewards were captured as soon as they went, though fortunately not killed outright.

It was because of these True Immortal stewards that Sect Master Ji Wuyou gathered the sect’s experts, planning to select three hundred immortals and twenty Heaven Immortals to rush to Hong Lin Nation tonight.

You Qin Xuanya, being a princess of Hong Lin Nation, naturally couldn’t be absent.

Due to Li Changshou’s previous guidance, You Qin Xuanya had broken through to late-stage True Immortal, not too far from Heaven Immortal, and was a Golden Immortal seedling that the sect paid special attention to.

The Hong Lin Nation’s situation was somewhat urgent, and fearing You Qin might be rash, the sect specially arranged for two supreme elders to accompany her…

“Hong Lin Nation…”

Li Changshou pondered briefly, with the sect deploying so many ‘experts,’ You Qin should be safe from trouble.

To be safe, he’d send a Golden Immortal paper avatar to secretly follow and watch.

However, just as Li Changshou made up his mind, that familiar dao rhythm suddenly appeared in his heart, condensing into those characters he had seen several times before:

[Go]

Alright then, the Hong Lin Nation matter was ninety-five percent likely related to the ‘Commerce Nation.’

Li Changshou looked up at the sky, sat in his rocking chair waiting for a while, then quickly pressed his lips together and lowered his brows, standing to make a Daoist salute toward the sky.

Without Tower Lord… the joy had diminished considerably.