“Manifestations of the Seven Emotions?”

On their way back to the Five Continents from the Divine Mother’s Palace, the Grand Archmage listened to Li Changshou’s account and couldn’t help but sigh with emotion:

“To transform into the Six Paths of Reincarnation for all living beings, yet still bear their lingering attachments… Lady Houtu truly… Brother, if you have any means to help Lady Houtu, please do so. You’ve always been full of ideas. If you could help Lady Houtu resolve this suffering, it would be a great merit indeed.”

“Elder Brother…”

Li Changshou was momentarily speechless.

If he simply wanted to do something for the Netherworld and living beings, would he refuse to help just because the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t grant merit?

Of course, his enthusiasm would certainly be somewhat dampened.

After careful consideration, Li Changshou said: “Elder Brother, I fear this isn’t something I can accomplish alone. According to the Divine Mother, Lady Houtu’s manifested forms are one of hatred. With my shallow cultivation, I fear I would be destroyed before I could even approach it.”

Grand Archmage Xuandu pondered this. “You speak truly.”

Li Changshou immediately felt relieved. With the Grand Archmage’s protection, even entering the Six Paths of Reincarnation would be manageable.

Surely their Master wouldn’t allow both of them to become trapped in the Six Paths without intervention.

However, Grand Archmage Xuandu flipped his left hand, manifesting both the Xuanhuang Tower and the Taiji Diagram. They spun gently in his palm before he passed them to Li Changshou…

“Do your best!”

The Grand Archmage patted Li Changshou’s shoulder. “How could I, as your elder brother, take away from your merits? Our Master and I will always support you from behind. Go forth boldly!”

“Thank you, Elder Brother!”

Li Changshou was deeply moved. Holding the two defensive supreme treasures with both hands, he bowed deeply to the Grand Archmage.

Then he muttered softly: “If so, though the interval is rather short, I could have Fellow Daoist Kong Xuan repay the favor he owes me. Hmm, then I would owe him a favor in return. That wouldn’t be hard to repay—he wanted to visit the Doushuai Palace, though I’m not sure if the Lord of Supreme Clarity would permit it…”

The Grand Archmage, who had already raised his left hand to break through space and leave, paused mid-motion.

Li Changshou looked at the two treasures before him, feeling almost overwhelmed with security.

“Ahem, on second thought,” Grand Archmage Xuandu turned back, wearing a gentle smile, “it would indeed be inappropriate to let you go alone, considering no one knows the exact conditions within the Six Paths of Reincarnation.”

As he spoke, a large hand reached out and quietly retrieved the Taiji Diagram.

“Thank you, Elder Brother! Hehe.”

“You rascal,” the Grand Archmage gritted his teeth, “Daoist Wenjing was one thing—I know it wasn’t easy for you to win her over, but now… Hmph! Don’t go making such arrangements for me. What need is there for companionship in a life of freedom? The red thread of fate brings nothing but trouble.”

Li Changshou tucked away the Xuanhuang Tower and smiled with narrowed eyes. He hopped to the Grand Archmage’s side and cupped his hands: “Elder Brother, why don’t we first visit Golden Turtle Island? Something is interesting there. It will also give me time to think about how to help Lady Houtu.”

“What could be interesting there? Has someone formed a Dao partnership?”

“Quite the opposite.”

“Oh?” The Grand Archmage’s eyes lit up as he conjured a white cloud beneath their feet and carried them toward the Five Continents.

Li Changshou closed his eyes in concentration, seeking a solution to Houtu’s situation.

This was perhaps the most thorny and difficult problem he had faced since beginning his cultivation in the primordial world. Calculations and schemes were utterly useless, and he wasn’t even sure to what extent he should intervene.

In Lady Nuwa’s words, Lady Houtu’s condition stemmed from bearing the emotional burden of countless living beings, bringing herself to the brink of collapse and manifesting seven forms, each born from one of her seven emotions…

As Li Changshou understood it, Lady Houtu had split her complete “personality” into “seven personalities” based on the seven emotions.

Indeed, this was a case of multiple personality disorder.

Li Changshou had read about many cases of cultivators developing split personalities in ancient texts—many cultivators’ heart demons arose from constantly suppressing and avoiding certain emotions, leading to distorted personalities.

This type of personality split was entirely different from the mainstream practice of manifesting forms in the primordial world; the former was uncontrollable, while the latter remained under the cultivator’s conscious control.

The first three emotional manifestations to emerge were Grief, Desire, and Hatred, which made sense:

The souls arriving at the Six Paths mostly carried the grief of death;

Desire was something living beings couldn’t avoid, even being considered their fundamental driving force, and hatred was often connected to it…

Would resolving all seven emotions free Lady Houtu from this suffering?

Li Changshou devoted half his attention to organizing his thoughts on paper in his Small Jade Peak secret chamber, using his usual method.

Lady Nuwa’s reminder seemed crucial to Li Changshou.

His real advantage lay in his “strange ideas” that native beings of the primordial world lacked.

In terms of divine abilities and magical power, who in the current primordial world could surpass a Sage?

If divine abilities and magic could help Lady Houtu… Li Changshou dared not presume what other Sages would do, but Lady Nuwa had indicated that she would not stand idly by if she could help.

After all, Houtu had been both her opponent and friend.

“Ah…”

As they approached Golden Turtle Island, Li Changshou suddenly sighed.

Grand Archmage Xuandu asked gently: “What’s wrong?”

“I was just thinking,” Li Changshou said, looking down, “People often say good deeds bring good fortune. Yet Lady Houtu sacrificed herself for all living beings, becoming the Six Paths of Reincarnation, only to continuously bear the pain they return to her. This seemingly beautiful Three Realms, the happiness of the majority, requires a few beings to bear such suffering… Truly, I don’t know what to make of it.”

The Grand Archmage smiled: “Why so profound suddenly? Changshou—ahem, Changgeng.”

“Yes?”

“This is the Dao.”

Li Changshou was stunned, standing lost in thought beside the Grand Archmage for a long while before chuckling ruefully.

He transformed into his white-haired, white-robed appearance as the Heavenly Water God and smiled: “Elder Brother, I have a question.”

“Speak.”

“Does the manifest Dao have right and wrong, forward and reverse, good and evil?”

“Of course not,” the Grand Archmage said gently. “The Dao is separate from you and me. We merely walk alongside it, seeking its beginning and end.”

“But Elder Brother, living beings have right and wrong, and good and evil,” Li Changshou said softly. “Can living beings be considered a Dao?”

This time it was the Grand Archmage’s turn to be stunned. He pondered in silence for a long while before chuckling and continuing gently:

“If we consider the myriad living beings, birth, aging, sickness, death, and the seven emotions and six desires are indeed the Great Dao. But considering a single being, it is the resonance between the Great Dao and the true spirit—it cannot be judged by the Dao alone. Therefore, though we pursue freedom and ease, we cannot transgress the Dao. As is often said—follow your heart’s desires but do not cross the boundaries. Only then can living beings accompany the Dao, with light hearts and free spirits, finding endless joy.”

Li Changshou contemplated this for a moment before bowing to the Grand Archmage. “Thank you for the guidance, Elder Brother.”

“Good.”

The Grand Archmage nodded with a smile, secretly wiping away cold sweat.

Goodness, what level of understanding had this little fellow reached?

In just a few hundred years?

If he cultivated for a few hundred more years, the next questions he asked would be…

The Grand Archmage turned to look at Li Changshou, who had fallen back into contemplation, and his mouth twitched several times.

It was time to retire to Xuandu City.

When Li Changshou and the Grand Archmage arrived at Golden Turtle Island, immortals were coming and going in streams of light.

The cultivators with free time on Golden Turtle Island were all helping Zhao Gongming deliver messages.

Zhao Gongming had explained beforehand that he had invited his friends to Golden Turtle Island to witness his announcement regarding his and Golden Light Holy Mother’s attempts and efforts on the path of Dao partnership, and to formally declare that they were…

Returning to the status of ordinary fellow disciples.

When Li Changshou told the Grand Archmage about this, he couldn’t help but laugh—such a novel event was indeed unprecedented since the beginning of the primordial world.

However, it certainly wouldn’t bring any Heavenly Dao merit.

Neither the Grand Archmage nor Li Changshou appeared directly, instead hiding in a corner of Golden Turtle Island. The former watched with interest as the Severing Sect immortals made various preparations, while the latter concentrated on figuring out how to claim the great merit from the Netherworld.

Though the Merit Golden Body was within reach, Li Changshou felt no excitement;

To Li Changshou, helping Lady Houtu resolve her seven emotional manifestations was a hundred times more difficult than slaying enough ancient karmic demon beasts.

This was, after all, a problem that even Sages found difficult to solve.

Treating it as an illness, Li Changshou felt his first step should be to prevent the “condition” from worsening.

But how could he prevent it? By stopping the Six Paths? The Heavenly Dao wouldn’t allow it, and Lady Houtu herself probably wouldn’t agree.

Several hours later, over a thousand Severing Sect immortals had gathered on Golden Turtle Island…

Seeing Li Changshou still deep in thought, the Grand Archmage advised from beside him: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you can’t help much, no one will blame you. After all, this isn’t your responsibility—you’re merely lending a helping hand.”

Li Changshou deliberately showed a determined look and said softly: “I have to give it my all, for the merit!”

The Grand Archmage let out two laughs and pointed ahead.

“Look who’s coming.”

Li Changshou looked up to see clouds rippling on the horizon. Three graceful figures emerged from the mist—it was the Three Princesses of San Xian Island, all invited by Zhao Gongming.

The Grand Archmage asked: “Shall we make our presence known? Though the social pleasantries might be troublesome.”

“No need, I’ll just send a greeting.”

Today was Elder Zhao’s occasion—we shouldn’t steal his thunder.

Li Changshou sent a voice transmission: “Fairy, Elder Brother Xuandu and I are watching from hiding here. We have urgent matters to attend to later, so we won’t appear in person today.”

Yunxiao looked up, immediately spotting Li Changshou and the Grand Archmage’s hiding place. A slight smile touched her lips as she nodded gently to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou: …

His cultivation still wasn’t sufficient—even with the Taiji Diagram concealing his voice transmission, they were still exposed!

Beside her, Qiongxiao’s eyes twinkled as she sniffed lightly and muttered: “How strange.”

“What is it?” Bixiao blinked and asked.

“There’s an old musty smell, like a white-haired elder,” Qiongxiao smacked her lips.

Yunxiao gave Qiongxiao a helpless look and said softly: “Don’t tease him so. He has his difficulties.”

Qiongxiao and Bixiao exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

“Hahaha,” the Grand Archmage clapped and laughed lightly, saying: “Sister Yunxiao’s temperament is indeed gentle.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck his mind—but it passed so quickly he couldn’t quite grasp it.

When Lady Houtu transformed into the Six Paths of Reincarnation back then, what did she experience? And how did she accomplish it?

Could the answer to the problem lie within this?

Li Changshou closed his eyes in contemplation again, remaining undisturbed by the bustling noise around him.

At dusk, the separation celebration officially began.

Over a thousand Severing Sect immortals gathered around the treasure pool, surrounding it from top to bottom. Several direct disciples of the Sages who came to show support hovered in the clouds.

Zhao Gongming stepped forward into the clearing formed by the crowd, cupped his hands in salute to all directions, and spoke loudly:

“I’ve boldly invited all fellow disciples here today merely to bear witness. If I’ve disturbed anyone’s cultivation, please forgive me. This matter concerns only myself and Sister Golden Light, but since it has drawn the attention of our fellow disciples, I’ve invited everyone here today to clarify everything. There are no unfortunate matters today—I feel light and free. When Sister Golden Light and I traveled together…”

Zhao Gongming began telling the story of himself and Golden Light Holy Mother, while the Severing Sect immortals listened quietly.

Golden Light Holy Mother soon stepped forward as well, explaining that she had come to understand her true heart—she had too much reverence for Elder Brother Gongming, leading her to want to form a Dao partnership, but after spending time together, they discovered they weren’t compatible…

“Elder Brother, let’s go handle matters in the Netherworld.”

“Have you figured something out?” the Grand Archmage asked from beside him.

Li Changshou shook his head: “We can only try to make contact with Lady Houtu’s Seven Emotion manifestations first, preferably communicate with Lady Houtu herself, to see if we can find some clues.”

“Good.”

Dao patterns flowed around the Grand Archmage as the two quietly departed on their cloud.

At that moment, Fairy Yunxiao looked up from the distance.

Li Changshou waved with a smile, and Yunxiao also showed a faint smile, nodding in acknowledgment before Li Changshou’s form disappeared.

On the way, the Grand Archmage suddenly thought of something and pressed his hand on Li Changshou’s shoulder, asking:

“How are things between you and Yunxiao? You haven’t found yourselves incompatible like Brother Gongming and Sister Golden Light, have you?”

Why was everyone worried about this?

Li Changshou redirected the conversation to Lady Houtu’s matter, discussing it with the Grand Archmage until they reached the outskirts of Fengdu City.

Traveling with the Grand Archmage was indeed much more convenient.

After some discussion, they decided to be direct with the Ancient Witch tribe about this matter and get the full support of the Netherworld’s Yin officials.

The Grand Archmage released his pressure as they both revealed themselves in the low sky outside Fengdu City.

The Ten Kings of Hell were all startled. The howling of ghosts inside and outside Fengdu City instantly fell silent, and Ox-Head and Horse-Face, who were feasting on the mountaintop, trembled.

“Ox, did we use too much seasoning? Neigh…”

“It- it can’t be that! Just a bit of seasoning, why would the Grand Archmage come personally!”

Fortunately, Li Changshou’s next words were: “Ten Kings of Hell, do you know your crimes?”

Ox-Head and Horse-Face both sighed in relief, hugging their spice jars tightly.

Thus, half an hour later.

Li Changshou employed both severity and gentleness, compelling the Ten Kings to reveal the Netherworld’s troubles and Lady Houtu’s true situation, then proposed that he and the Grand Archmage would intervene to see if they could help Lady Houtu escape this ‘affliction.’

In terms of strategy, the Kings were no match for the Heavenly Water God.

The Ten Kings not only revealed every detail of the Netherworld’s secrets but were also moved to tears of gratitude toward Li Changshou as if entrusting their very lives to him.

Li Changshou proposed first seeking the ‘Grief Manifestation’ below the Eighteen Levels of Hell. The Kings dared not refuse—King Qinguang and King Chujiang personally led Li Changshou and the Grand Archmage into the Eighteen Levels of Hell.

The gruesome sights along the way need not be described. They went straight to the bottommost level of the Eighteen Hells.

The two Kings undid forty-nine layers of restrictions and entered an illusion realm thick with Heavenly Dao power, arriving at the lake Li Changshou had seen before.

“Grand Archmage, Water God… you’ll understand when you see.”

King Qinguang sighed, his expression rather complex. He made a hand seal, and their four figures flew forward into a thick white mist.

After traveling an unknown distance, Li Changshou again saw that woman curled up on the lake’s surface.

Kings Qinguang and Chujiang announced in unison:

“Ancestor, the Grand Archmage and Water…”

“Alas~~~”

The woman crouched on the water’s surface and let out a long sigh. A wave of dense Dao patterns spread out, nearly destabilizing Li Changshou’s dao heart.

The woman remained motionless, her ethereal voice tinged with faint sorrow:

“Why come to see me? What’s the point of seeing me? Everything is futile, existence has no meaning. Hehe, all my brothers and sisters are dead, why should I continue to exist…”

The two Kings immediately lowered their tear-filled eyes, lost in emotions of grief they couldn’t escape.

The Grand Archmage and Li Changshou landed ten zhang away from the woman and both made respectful bows.

The Grand Archmage spoke clearly: “My Lady, might we have a conversation with you?”

The woman remained motionless, her ethereal voice now listless:

“It’s useless, don’t bother, go back. While the world hasn’t been destroyed yet, eat if you want to eat, drink if you want to drink.”

As she spoke, that mysterious Dao pattern continuously emanated from her, so powerful that even the Grand Archmage had to actively resist it.

Li Changshou asked from the side: “My Lady, is there anything we can do to help you?”

The woman spoke softly: “Help me? Release me from here? The outside is just a larger prison. The world is but an illusion. I’m fine here, slowly withering away, fading…”

Li Changshou and the Grand Archmage exchanged glances, both nodding as they tacitly stepped forward.

The crouching woman didn’t even look at them, continuing to silently weep, her fair skin appearing even more fragile, her black gauze dress seeming to symbolize some kind of ill omen.

Li Changshou stored the Xuanhuang Tower in his primordial spirit, sat cross-legged before the woman, and showed a gentle smile as he launched his offensive:

“But weren’t you the one who asked me to save you?”

The woman opened her eyes, those pale blue orbs radiating intense sorrow that frantically assaulted Li Changshou’s mental defenses.

Li Changshou quickly tried to think of happy things…

“It’s useless,” the woman mumbled, “no one can save me. I can only sink here. My heart is already dead. Who are you… never mind who you are. Why do you think we live?”

“To…”

“It’s tiring, isn’t it? The grief is so vast.”

The woman spoke quietly, slowly raising a hand bound with silver chains to grasp the hem of Li Changshou’s robe.

“Spirits exist only to suffer in this world, that’s why they long for liberation at the end. What do your experiences, and your thoughts, have to do with others? The world in a spirit’s eyes is merely constructed by their mind. Why should such a world exist?”

“Well…”

“Alas,” the woman sighed faintly, “if you can’t even answer such questions, how can you save me? Can’t you even try to deceive me? In this dreary world, my tears will ultimately…”

“Could we sit up and talk?”

Li Changshou tried to take control, however…

“What’s the point? Will sitting up change my mind? You still don’t understand, young one. The world is false, all is meaningless, and in the end, all is void. Who can truly save another? It’s all a joke. If you have nothing else, please leave. Let me lie here quietly, alright? I’m already trying my best not to let my pain affect others—what more do you want from me? The grief, it’s so vast. This lake’s water, they’re my tears.”

Li Changshou stood up, his figure flickering several times as he quickly retreated from the woman’s side.

Incurable, hopeless, farewell!