The battle against this group of True Immortals, several Celestial Immortals, and a mass of cultivators below the True Immortal realm could be summarized in one sentence:

‘Before I could exert any real effort, you all had already fallen.’

As the golden formation contracted, Li Changshou stood quietly before You Qin Xuanya and her mother, sister-in-law, and numerous aunts, calculating his next steps in his mind.

He had spent so long wandering outside under various identities – Sea God, Water God, Minor Law Master of the Human Sect, and various anonymous personas!

Finally, his true self’s identity as ‘Li Changshou, an ordinary disciple from Small Jade Peak of the Dao Attainment Sect,’ had the opportunity to make his formal debut on the grand stage of the primordial world!

This seemingly risky move was Li Changshou’s most prudent response to the situation.

If someone was truly testing the Dao Attainment Sect through the invasion of the Hong Lin Kingdom by two major tribes, the most likely reason was that his background was close to being exposed, and they were trying every means to make a final confirmation…

At this point, he could only make this dangerous move to try and separate the ‘Heavenly Court’s Water God’ identity from the Human Sect.

If successful, it would be fortunate, and he could continue cultivating peacefully in the sect;

If unsuccessful, the situation wouldn’t be worse than now – he would simply confirm his background was exposed and promptly flee to the Heavenly Court to hide…

Thus, success or failure didn’t matter.

Of course, it would be best to avoid movement if possible, as being too close to the Sage Lords might not be advantageous.

To complete this upcoming performance, the Li Changshou standing before You Qin Xuanya right now was his true self, who had just rushed here using teleportation techniques.

Incidentally, while his true self was traveling here, he had even overtaken a group of experts from the Dao Attainment Sect on the way.

Having his true self-play this role was the most foolproof strategy!

Although this matter itself carried some risk, as he felt quite uncomfortable going out without Master Tower…

Later, he would only need the mastermind to appear, or find a suitable opportunity for the Water God paper clone to manifest. Then, by multitasking, he could differentiate the Water God from the Dao Attainment Sect disciple Li Changshou through their auras, personalities, and dao rhythms, thus establishing his alibi.

Of course, he couldn’t deliberately make his true self and paper clone converse – that would be counterproductive. Each identity needed to maintain its proper position.

It was common knowledge that the Water God always acted through avatars.

However, this plan still had some hidden dangers.

The biggest concern was that his opponents in the city were simply too weak!

Even though his previous attack only relied on massive numbers of talismans and secretly arranged formations to seal several hundred unremarkable immortal officials of the mortal dynasty, which was quite reasonable when carefully analyzed;

But this scene, this visual effect…

This could easily lead people to mistake him, Li Changshou of Small Jade Peak, as a hidden expert.

The cultivation realm Li Changshou wanted to display now was that of an ordinary Celestial Immortal who had concealed part of his strength;

After all, for the primordial world, Celestial Immortal cultivators were still cannon fodder level, unlikely to attract the attention of powerhouses…

After careful consideration, Li Changshou put on an act of being weakened from depleted immortal power.

How could he force the mastermind behind all this to reveal themselves?

Li Changshou looked toward the masked woman not far to the side, who had been wrapped up like a rice dumpling with talismans.

Earlier, he had wrapped a Celestial Immortal poison pill in immortal power and shot it into her wound, while also placing several precious instant-kill talismans on her, ensuring he could take her life whenever he wished.

But he couldn’t kill her directly now, as she would still be useful later.

Such an excellent ‘scapegoat’ could certainly tarnish the reputation of this ‘Dao Wei Immortal Sect’…

“Senior Brother?”

You Qin Xuanya, having already absorbed those spirit pills, had stood up beside him. Her complexion was no longer pale, and her immortal power was rapidly replenishing.

She immediately asked: “What should we do?”

“Wait,” Li Changshou smiled, “Later, you should cultivate here in your heavily injured state, and act according to my whispered instructions.”

“Mm…”

“Don’t worry,” Li Changshou coughed, “Brother will keep your crying incident a secret.”

You Qin Xuanya’s fingers unconsciously gripped her clothes tighter, a flash of blush passing across her face as she turned away…

“Thank… thank you for your help, Senior Brother. I will certainly repay this favor.”

“Very well, I have something to discuss with you later,” Li Changshou smiled in agreement, unconsciously looking You Qin Xuanya up and down.

Tsk tsk, her figure, those curves, that beautiful face, especially now with her clothes somewhat torn, displaying a unique charm after battlefield combat, and that sense of justice that absolutely couldn’t be faked!

Feeling Li Changshou’s ‘unrestrained’ gaze, You Qin Xuanya’s body trembled slightly as she said softly: “Senior Brother when we return…”

Perfect!

Li Changshou let out a long sigh.

This was absolutely!

The number one seed candidate is tailor-made for his [Super Celestial Soldier Plan]!

Before today’s events, he truly hadn’t realized that Du (Poison) had such potential!

As long as he continued cultivating Du’s strength, enhanced her combat power, improved her charisma, and gave her some impressive signature moves…

What would she be?

She would be the best image ambassador for the Heavenly Court’s recruitment!

Tonight was an unexpected harvest!

“Sister You Qin, comfort your family first,” Li Changshou looked at the weeping women over there, “Leave the following matters to me.”

“Mm,” You Qin Xuanya lowered her head in acknowledgment before hurriedly fleeing to her mother’s side, grasping her sister-in-law’s wrist.

Li Changshou naturally understood and could empathize with You Qin Xuanya’s earlier breakdown…

When she learned that the Dao Wei Immortal Sect of the Enlightenment Sect lineage was behind the attack on the Hong Lin Kingdom, and felt the pressure from two Golden Immortals, she had already been pushed into a dead end.

With her family in the Hong Lin Kingdom’s royal palace, You Qin Xuanya wanted to save her parents and relatives. Appearing in her identity as the Hong Lin Kingdom’s princess, she naturally wouldn’t want to bring trouble to her sect…

You Qin Xuanya’s rejection of his initial offer of help was firstly to avoid causing him trouble, secondly, because she wasn’t confident in his strength, and thirdly because she feared triggering sect conflicts that would cause more Dao Attainment Sect fellow disciples to die or be injured.

This willingness to face death rather than implicate her sect was indeed something Sister Du would do…

As for You Qin Xuanya finally breaking down and seeking Li Changshou’s help after discovering her sister-in-law was pregnant, it probably wasn’t to preserve some royal bloodline, but purely because she felt the unborn child was innocent…

Was all this arranged by the Heavenly Dao as well?

Saying it was the Heavenly Dao wasn’t quite accurate, as the Heavenly Dao was just a convergence of rules, an ‘immune system’ that appeared in the primordial world after the Dragon Phoenix Initial Tribulation;

The one who could actively influence everything while standing within the Heavenly Dao was that old man standing at the peak of the Dao!

Master’s Master, the Dao Ancestor!

Li Changshou closed his eyes in contemplation, carefully experiencing this, and seemed to gain some new insights.

“Xuanya! Your Master Uncle has come to save… Oh my, is it already over?”

A large gourd flew through the void from afar, and Jiu Yiyi who was riding on it immediately rushed into the air, but like Jiu Jiu, she was somewhat puzzled at this moment.

—Li Changshou had earlier set up some illusion formations around the city when he took action.

What they saw was that only the edges of the city still had battles ongoing, while the mortals who had been fighting earlier were all lying scattered on the ground, with talismans attached to their bodies…

And among these mortal soldiers, some cultivators had dozens or hundreds of talismans attached to them…

These talismans of Li Changshou’s were all drawn by several [Logistics] paper clones;

They were all basic talismans, simple and easy to understand, which wouldn’t occupy much of Li Changshou’s mental energy during normal times, could be steadily produced, and had abundant accumulation.

Jiu Yiyi stared at Li Changshou, while Jiu Jiu had already called out “Wow!” and flown over sitting on the large gourd, shouting:

“Changshou, why are you here!”

Just as Li Changshou was about to answer, several imposing auras simultaneously appeared in the sky!

Everyone didn’t dare to joke around anymore, immediately taking defensive positions before looking up…

Under the starry sky, several figures were shooting over from the north and northwest directions, simultaneously stopping in the air this mortal city, facing off against each other.

Dao Attainment Sect’s Sect Master Ji Wuyou and Golden Immortal Elder Wang Fugui stood directly above Li Changshou and You Qin Xuanya, subtly protecting their sect members.

Opposite them, an elderly man wearing a tall crown and with a reddish complexion lightly brushed his horsetail whisk…

Two more figures pursued from the north – a middle-aged man and an elderly man, who were the two Golden Immortals from the Dao Wei Immortal Sect who had earlier attempted to ambush and intimidate the Dao Attainment Sect group on the road.

These two quickly arrived behind the crowned elderly Daoist, bowing together and calling out: “Sect Master.”

Li Changshou transmitted a message to Jiu Yiyi and Jiu Jiu, and the three of them bowed together toward the sky, shouting in unison:

“Greetings, Sect Master!”

They couldn’t lose face even if outmatched – the momentum absolutely couldn’t be weak.

Ji Wuyou nodded with a smile, but when he looked down and saw the devastation in the city, saw You Qin Xuanya covered in wounds, and saw Li Changshou’s helpless expression, he immediately became furious!

Ji Wuyou said coldly: “Immortal Master Dao Yu, your Dao Wei Immortal Sect has gone too far today!”

“Why does Sect Master Ji say this?”

This elderly Daoist, the Dao Wei Immortal Sect’s Sect Master Dao Yu, frowned and said:

“Our Dao Wei Immortal Sect has done everything according to the rules this time and hasn’t harmed any of your True or Celestial Immortals who came to assist. How can you say we’ve gone too far?”

“Cough, cough cough… Hmph!

This place was under our Dao Attainment Sect’s protection, yet you launch a surprise attack without any warning and still claim to follow the rules?”

Ji Wuyou narrowed his eyes and said coldly:

“What, you think you can bully us at will because our Human Sect has fewer immortals and mountains?

Your Enlightenment Sect is truly taking advantage of your position to bully others!”

The Dao Wei Immortal Sect’s Sect Master frowned upon hearing this.

Wang Fugui, the Forgetting Emotions Elder beside Ji Wuyou, couldn’t help but transmit a reminder:

“Sect Master, why bring up the two major sects? Won’t this escalate things?”

“Don’t worry!”

Ji Wuyou was full of vigor at this moment. He smiled calmly and glanced at Li Changshou below, transmitting back:

“This round is a sure win.”

After all, the message he had just received from the Minor Law Master of the Human Sect was just four words:

[Elevate the matter’s significance]

As an old combat unit- ahem, an ordinary Golden Immortal, how could Ji Wuyou not understand such things?

That was absolutely like Mother Stability opening the door for Little Stability – completely secure!

The Dao Wei Immortal Sect’s Sect Master frowned in thought for a moment before saying:

“Sect Master Ji, why don’t we wait a moment for all our sect members to arrive?

Then we can discuss right and wrong.”

“Hmph!” Ji Wuyou swept his sleeve, “If your Dao Wei Immortal Sect doesn’t give us an explanation today, this poor Daoist won’t let this matter rest!”

Immortal Master Dao Yu showed some anger in his eyes but said no more, closing his eyes and standing silently.

Ji Wuyou descended with the Forgetting Emotions Elder, expressing concern and comfort to You Qin Xuanya, while privately transmitting a few inquiries to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou briefly explained his planned approach to the Sect Master, mainly emphasizing that the Sect Master should grasp the core concepts and then adapt as needed;

Giving the Sect Master preset lines might affect his performance.

Both sides waited a while longer as streams of light arrived from the northern sky.

The Dao Attainment Sect had sent back the large group of immortals below the late True Immortal realm, while more Peak Masters and Elders from the sect had arrived, presenting an imposing momentum. Their strength below the Golden Immortal realm was only stronger, not weaker than the opposition!

This didn’t count their hidden strength.

The Dao Wei Immortal Sect was also urgently summoning people, clearly not expecting the Dao Attainment Sect to mobilize so many experts.

Especially when Elder Wan Linyun from the Dan Ding Peak, who had been in closed cultivation attempting to break through to the Golden Immortal realm, appeared…

This old master leaned on his cane and swept an expressionless gaze across the Dao Wei Immortal Sect’s immortals. Over ninety percent of their cultivators experienced varying degrees of dao heart disturbance.

Li Changshou habitually wanted to retreat into the crowd in the sky, but remembering his planned strategy for today, he forced himself to stay.

Sometimes when there’s nowhere to retreat, one must advance to retreat…

When both sides’ immortals had gathered, over seven hundred immortals from the two sects stood in the sky, each releasing their pressure, facing off against each other.

Dao Attainment Sect’s Sect Master Ji Wuyou stepped forward two paces, his tall figure emanating an air of pride… and a hint of mysterious confidence.

In contrast, the Dao Wei immortals were slightly frowning, their expressions showing much calculation.

Ji Wuyou spoke: “Now that most people have arrived, if you want to reason, first return our Dao Attainment Sect immortals who were ambushed and captured.

If you want to fight directly, this poor Daoist and the entire Dao Attainment Sect will accompany you to the end tonight!”

When these words were spoken, immortals on both sides were somewhat stunned.

[Is the Sect Master (the opposite Sect Master) this aggressive, with such abundant confidence?]

Immortal Master Dao Yu frowned in thought, shook his horsetail whisk, and an elderly Celestial Immortal stepped forward from his side, offering up a treasure pagoda that released eighteen captives, allowing them to fly back to the Dao Attainment Sect.

These were indeed the previously captured Dao Attainment Sect members.

These members showed shame on their faces as they bowed, and several Supreme Elders gently encouraged them before letting them return to the ranks.

Immortal Master Dao Yu said in a deep voice: “Now that the captured immortals have been returned and the Dao Attainment Sect members are unharmed, why don’t we discuss this matter here properly?

Sect Master Ji, can you concede the Hong Lin Kingdom?”

“No need for further discussion, this poor Daoist will not concede,” Ji Wuyou said calmly, “The three major sects were originally one family, and we’ve met at the Three Sects Origin Conference.

Now your Enlightenment Sect deliberately causes trouble, intending to destroy the harmonious situation between the three sects, how should this be handled?”

“Sect Master Ji, how can you twist words like this!”

Immortal Master Dao Yu also showed some anger, saying loudly: “Mortal world conflicts should not harm mountain gates – this has been a rule in the primordial world for ages!

Our Dao Wei Immortal Sect has already shown great restraint, your Dao Attainment Sect shouldn’t go too far!”

“Oh?”

Ji Wuyou frowned and said: “Did you set this rule?

Do you know that this poor Daoist has a grand disciple who is the daughter of the Hong Lin Kingdom’s ruler, who has cultivated this poor Daoist sect for many years?

Does this not count as harm reaching the mountain gate?

If my sect members are bullied and this poor Daoist doesn’t stand up, then in the future, when you great sects use your power to bully this poor Daoist, who will protect this poor Daoist’s position as Sect Master!”

“Good!”

Elder Wan Linyun shouted, about to step forward while leaning on his cane, his body emanating an extremely dangerous aura!

“Let’s fight them!”

Ji Wuyou almost lost his composure – how had this old master become excited so suddenly?

Elder Wan Linyun’s two shouts made immortals on both sides tense up, each taking out different types and shapes of brick-like weapons, circulating various immortal powers.

Just then, loud laughter came from the horizon as an elderly Daoist in purple robes with a slightly plump face came riding on a cloud, flying extremely fast.

However, his pressure… was rather ordinary.

This plump elderly Daoist called out: “How did it come to fighting tonight?

This poor Daoist is Dao Weixi, the founding ancestor of the Dao Wei Immortal Sect, a cultivator in the Jade Void Palace. I hope the Daoist friends from the Human Sect can give this poor Daoist some face! Hahaha!”

A Sage’s recorded disciple?

Ji Wuyou frowned, and the various elders of the Dao Attainment Sect also treated this as a major threat.

He hadn’t notified his own master to come to support them earlier, so how should they handle this…

Just then, a transmitted message entered his ear, and Ji Wuyou immediately regained his composure, calmly saying: “With so many mortal kingdoms in the primordial world, why has friend Dao fixed upon this Hong Lin Kingdom?”

The newly arrived plump elderly Daoist frowned, not expecting Ji Wuyou to change his tone so quickly.

“Nephew Ji,” Dao Weixi smiled, “I am on good terms with your master, why don’t we…”

“Is Senior trying to use seniority to pressure us?”

Ji Wuyou cut off the other’s words, “Is it because you think our Dao Attainment Sect’s founder is not here? Or do you think our Human Sect has no experts?”

Dao Weixi said seriously: “Regarding today’s matter, why don’t you let this poor Daoist discuss it with your respected master?

To avoid conflict between our two sects and other unpleasant matters, Nephew Ji, you should take your people back.”

Ji Wuyou lowered his head and coughed twice, his eyes showing some resentment, while the Dao Attainment Sect immortals were both angry and helpless.

However, Ji Wuyou’s next action was somewhat unexpected, yet reasonable upon careful consideration.

He showed a sorrowful expression and looked up with a long sigh:

“Do we of the Human Sect have any experts who will appear? Seniors of the Human Sect, see how the Dao Wei Immortal Sect bullies us!”

Two lights suddenly appeared in the starry sky…

They were water-blue and fire-red meteors, slowly circling and chasing each other, instantly transforming into a water-fire taiji diagram.

Below the taiji diagram, an elderly Daoist’s figure materialized from virtual to real;

He wore white robes and held a horsetail whisk, his thin face showing a slight smile, naturally emanating a casual and comfortable dao rhythm.

A Dao Attainment Sect immortal called out: “Water God! The Heavenly Court’s Water God!”

Indeed, it was Li Changshou.

Li Changshou smiled calmly, looking down at the Dao Attainment Sect crowd below, nodding in acknowledgment;

He glanced at his true self standing on the ground, looking up at the sky with ‘full admiration,’ feeling quite remarkable at the moment.

It’s just…

This kind of performance couldn’t be done too often, as it could lead to mental illness.

Li Changshou said slowly: “May this poor Daoist represent the Dao Attainment Sect in discussing with friend Dao?”

Dao Weixi’s expression immediately became extremely solemn. He lowered his head in a Daoist bow, saying: “So it is Senior Brother Water God, please excuse my rudeness.”

—A Sage’s recorded disciple naturally had to lower his position when meeting a Sage’s formal disciple.

Dao Weixi smiled: “Today’s matter is just a small issue, I didn’t expect it to trouble the Water God’s presence.”

“Can’t be helped,” Li Changshou smiled amiably, “The Grand Law Master ordered me to manage Human Sect affairs, and counting all the Human Sect’s immortal sects, there are only six in total, so naturally we must protect them carefully.”

Li Changshou paused in his speech, looking toward the northwest direction.

There, golden light filled the sky as a figure sitting on a cloud rapidly approached.

Although still tens of thousands of miles from this place, the other’s aura and pressure transmitted here without any hindrance.

The immortals in the clouds were somewhat stunned now, completely unaware of what situation this night had become…

Li Changshou said loudly:

“Could it be that friend Dao fears some mistake? Why did you call the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch as soon as I appeared?”

Dao Weixi naturally heard the deeper meaning in Li Changshou’s words. He shook his head imperceptibly and said:

“Senior Brother Water God holds a high position and authority in the Heavenly Court and is moreover a top expert in the Human Sect. This poor Daoist considers his cultivation shallow and knowledge limited, fearing to offend Senior Brother Water God, thus invited Master Burning Lamp to discuss this matter.”

Burning Lamp!

Li Changshou smiled slightly inside – his speculation had been correct, it was indeed this old fellow causing trouble behind the scenes!

Regarding the Enlightenment Sect, it could only be him at this time.

The Dao Attainment Sect immortals all looked toward the Heavenly Court’s Water God, most people expecting, hoping that man would appear tonight.

After all, the Human Sect had few experts, and above the Water God, the only help he could call upon was the Grand Law Master…

However, the Dao Attainment Sect immortals were soon disappointed.

As Burning Lamp flew closer, no more than hundreds of miles away, a taiji diagram vortex suddenly appeared above Li Changshou’s [Water God] paper clone’s head.

A small pagoda and a bronze ruler fell from it, steadily caught by the Water God.

Thus, the Water God held the pagoda and ruler, calmly looking toward the approaching Burning Lamp Daoist, who immediately slowed his approach.

This was the Human Sect’s support!

On the ground, Li Changshou first felt warmth in his heart, because when the Sage Lord or Grand Law Master sent him treasures, they descended directly above his paper clone’s head, not his true self.

This was tacit approval of his strategy tonight regarding his background.

But one point…

Li Changshou looked at the broken jade talisman in his sleeve, unsure whether it was good or bad that the big shot who had given him the jade talisman would come directly to this place.

Meanwhile, above the South Sea;

A five-colored divine light flashed past, shooting toward the southeast of the Eastern Victory Divine Continent!