After careful consideration for several days, Li Changshou felt Baize’s theory had some merit.

The key was Baize’s absolute certainty. Li Changshou didn’t fully understand how Baize’s divine abilities worked, and it wasn’t appropriate to directly inquire about Baize’s background…

But their debates needed to continue; the collision of ideas couldn’t stop.

To be safe, they should at least complete the remaining debate topics.

Thus, after another three months, Li Changshou finally felt somewhat at ease about Baize… about ten percent at ease.

He changed their debate frequency from once every three days to once every half month, reducing his visits to Black Pool Peak to avoid Ling E suspecting things she shouldn’t.

Regarding You Qin Xuanya’s matter, Li Changshou briefly explained it to Baize, who agreed without hesitation.

According to Baize, since he had already become the Orthodox Dao School’s charioteer, he should naturally follow Li Changshou’s commands. Moreover, this would enhance his reputation.

Though Baize had always lived in seclusion, he still cared greatly about his reputation.

Thus, Li Changshou confidently handed this task to… Ao Yi.

The Heavenly Court and Dragon Palace secretly dispatched people to spread the word throughout the Five Continents, promoting “Auspicious Beast Baize” as a “symbol of purity and justice,” while counteracting some of the ingrained impressions of the “Ten Great Demon Commanders.”

Li Changshou personally painted “Baize Drinking Water” and “Baize Treading Waves,” which greatly surprised Baize.

“This humble one’s true form looks so… pleasing to the eye?”

Li Changshou could only maintain his smile, naturally unable to mention his brush-tip retouching technique.

The composition and lighting effects were what mattered!

Additionally, Li Changshou and Baize collaborated on their first project—crafting You Qin Xuanya’s image as the Heavenly Court’s female war god and planning the details of her ascension to heaven.

You Qin Xuanya, currently in closed cultivation breaking through and consolidating her cultivation, had no idea that the team behind her promotion to Primordial Chaos idol had “doubled” in size.

Next came waiting for Baize’s reputation to gradually rise…

To increase Baize’s exposure, besides the two circulating paintings, Li Changshou also considered finding an appropriate opportunity to let Baize take a few walks outside.

Once these arrangements were mostly complete, Li Changshou actively inquired about Daoist Lu Ya’s matter.

After some hesitation, Baize revealed a “major matter” to Li Changshou.

“Water God, please don’t push Lu Ya to desperation. He possesses a secret treasure called the Seven Nail Arrow Book.”

Li Changshou’s heart stirred, but he smiled and asked, “Could this treasure be more formidable than his ‘Treasure Please Turn Around’?”

“Indeed,” Baize’s expression turned serious as he nodded slowly. “Besides the Venerable Saints, less than ten beings in the Primordial Chaos know this treasure’s origins.

The Seven Nail Arrow Book can kill Golden Immortals imperceptibly. Its creation cost is enormous, and it’s incredibly vicious, harming both the target and the user.

But one need only bind a Golden Immortal’s strand of primordial spirit to a straw effigy, worship it daily, and shoot arrows at the effigy to render the Golden Immortal helpless, dissolving them into blood…”

Baize paused, noting Li Changshou’s consistently calm smile. He started, then showed understanding.

“Water God already knew?”

“How could I know such secrets?”

Li Changshou’s smile gradually faded as he spoke calmly, “It seems Lu Ya must indeed be eliminated first.

Master Baize, since this Seven Nail Arrow Book is so formidable, are there any methods to avoid it?”

“As far as I know, there are no avoidance methods, except finding the user’s ritual site during the curse and destroying the effigy.”

Baize hummed thoughtfully before continuing:

“However, activating the Seven Nail Arrow Book consumes both fate and merit. With Water God’s current merit accumulation, whether the Book could take effect remains unknown.

In any case, Water God should still exercise caution.

Also, though this humble one knows these words are inappropriate, Lu Ya is still considered this humble one’s nephew, and I wish to plead for mercy on his behalf.”

Li Changshou pondered briefly before slowly shaking his head and speaking gently:

“This matter isn’t mine to decide. If Lu Ya destroys the Seven Nail Arrow Book and refrains from further extreme actions, I can consider Master Baize’s face and plead for him before His Majesty the Jade Emperor, giving him a path to survival.

However, if he refuses this path…”

“Thank you, Water God,” Baize smiled bitterly, “Lu Ya’s temperament falls far short of even one-hundredth his father’s. I fear he ultimately won’t survive.”

‘Let us hope so.’

Li Changshou answered internally, moving past this topic.

No matter how powerful Baize was, he couldn’t predict the Great Tribulation of Investiture now, much less Lu Ya’s active role in it.

Li Changshou had no certainty about taking Lu Ya’s life, and could only wait for opportunities, expecting Lu Ya to make mistakes during this “Heaven-Demon Standoff.”

—Every move the Heavenly Court made against the Demon Race contained this deeper meaning.

“Master Baize,” Li Changshou looked at the radiant middle-aged cultivator before him, “Why not display your culinary skills today? I’ll invite the Sect Leader and an elder who has shown me much care to join us for drinks and conversation.”

Baize exclaimed happily: “Excellent! This humble one must truly show his skills this time!”

After speaking, he turned and strode toward the increasingly expansive kitchen, his entire auspicious beast form brimming with enthusiasm.

Li Changshou rode clouds to Dan Ding Peak to invite Elder Wan Linyun to the feast at Black Pool Peak.

Elder Wan Linyun wasn’t far from his Golden Immortal tribulation now, likely able to steadily reach it in one or two hundred years. Basking in an auspicious beast’s fortune would be excellent…

The Sect Leader naturally couldn’t be invited personally. Li Changshou was, after all, officially just an ordinary Crossing Immortal Gate disciple—a message jade token would suffice.

Half an hour later, everyone gathered on Black Pool Peak.

Baize hosted the feast, Ling E performed music, while Li Changshou discussed the Dao of pills and poisons with Elder Wan Linyun.

Sect Leader Ji Wuyou volunteered to wear the apron Li Changshou had given Baize, helping in the kitchen, only to be criticized by Baize for his clumsiness…

If Crossing Immortal Gate disciples saw this scene, their jaws would likely drop.

And if the demon experts currently searching desperately for Baize’s whereabouts saw this scene, who knows how many would be driven mad with rage…

In a hidden palace among the mountains at the Northern Uttarakuru Continent’s border.

Daoist Lu Ya paced back and forth before a high platform throne, his hands clasped behind his back. Over ten demon elders sat on the platform, most wearing unfriendly expressions.

Below the platform, several demon kings knelt trembling in the hall…

“Useless!”

At the platform’s end, a snake-like male demon raised his sharp, grating voice to berate the young demon kings:

“We sent you to find the source of Commander Baize’s rumors, dispatched tens of thousands of lesser demons, and all you brought back were two words—

Don’t know?

It seems you’ve grown too accustomed to laziness. Some discipline is needed!”

The demon kings hurriedly cried out: “Mercy! Ancestor, have mercy!”

“The rumors’ source needn’t be investigated too deeply,” an old demon with a goat’s head stroked his beard and smiled, “In this humble one’s opinion, someone surely wants to lure Commander Baize out, rather than having seen Commander Baize.”

Lu Ya frowned as he returned to his throne, raising his hand to dismiss the demon kings below.

Several old demons simultaneously cast techniques to isolate the great hall from the outside world.

Lu Ya spoke in a deep voice: “Commander Baize has most likely left the Five Continents. He has no intention of managing affairs here; giving us one strategy was already quite generous.”

“Your Highness!”

The demon elder Master Lu sat in his chair and asked with cupped hands: “Last time you sought out Commander Baize, he advised seizing the opportunity while the Heavenly Court was weak to challenge heaven, then using the chance of repelling heaven’s army to negotiate…

Did Commander Baize mention how to handle the current situation?

Not only has the Heavenly Court not deployed troops, but they also keep using sunset writings to destroy our army’s morale. We’ve clenched our fists but can’t strike!”

“I suspect that old matchmaker from the Heavenly Court is also causing trouble!”

A white bear spirit snorted and said in a deep voice: “In the past half year, three couples among my grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s generation have split up due to other demons interfering with their relationships!

I just can’t understand—with my great-granddaughter’s bear-like figure of ten zhang tall and wide, how could a male fox demon fall for her?

And so devotedly, to death do them part…”

“Perhaps they truly matched.”

“No, no, this is highly unusual. Many couples of both younger and older generations have split up.”

An old demon with a crocodile head finally reacted: “Hahaha! Ten zhang tall and wide!”

“Hmm?” The old white bear’s brows furrowed.

“Ahem, this king just recalled something happy.”

“You were laughing at our bear clan’s appearance!”

The white bear stood up, his mountain-like form emanating rolling waves of demon qi!

“Today I’ll let you little fish know what bear power means!”

“Who are you calling a fish? Your whole family is fish! I’m much more solid than a fish, think I’m afraid of you?”

“Enough!”

Lu Ya barked lowly, a purple-white gourd appearing in his hand.

The two old demons who were about to fight instantly quieted down, each snorting before returning to their seats.

Lu Ya’s mouth twitched slightly as he spoke calmly:

“Continue dispatching people to search for the source of Commander Baize’s rumors. Our side must not fall into chaos.”

“The Heavenly Court has Saints backing them—this we both know well. As long as we don’t actively attack Heaven’s Gate, eliminating some heavenly soldiers is no matter.

Everyone, these are extraordinary times. Please exercise restraint and patience.

What we seek is the Heavenly Court’s recognition of the Demon Race’s position in the Primordial Chaos. Fighting the Heavenly Court to the death leads only to destruction.

Also, continue recruiting marginal demon kings unrelated to ancient bloodlines—the more the better. We’ll need them later to appease the Heavenly Court’s wrath.”

The dozen or so old demons stood simultaneously, bowing to Lu Ya and saying in unison:

“We obey!”

“Ah,” Lu Ya sighed. Now showing his true appearance, his handsome features carried a hint of resignation.

“If only Commander Baize would aid us…

Never mind. Commander Baize has lived in seclusion for many years, enjoying his freedom. Surely he roams the clouds carefree now.”

Master Lu hurriedly said: “We will do our utmost to serve Your Highness!”

“Having Master Lu and everyone here puts my heart at ease.”

Lu Ya spoke with a smile, keeping those demon-cursing words in his heart, his eyes still showing traces of worry.

Meanwhile, on Small Jade Peak.

“Master Baize, no more dishes! We’re all too full!”

“Hahaha, no matter, no matter! Rare to see fellow Daoists so happy—watch this humble one demonstrate one more skill!”

Li Changshou shook his head at these words.

Had the Orthodox Dao School gained a strategist, or acquired a chef?

Though looking at the Orthodox Dao School’s family daily life, a chef was indeed more useful than a strategist.

…

Mountain cultivation primarily emphasized tranquility—clamor would always return to silence, and feasts must eventually end.

Only brief partings could lead to future gatherings.

Under the starry night, Ji Wuyou and Elder Wan Linyun, Li Changshou, and Ling E each left Black Pool Peak, leaving only Baize humming a little tune as he returned to his residence to read by night.

Three days later, while Li Changshou was contemplating the Eight-Nine Mysteries Technique on Small Jade Peak, his consciousness was suddenly disturbed.

After a brief divination, Li Changshou immediately shifted his consciousness to the paper avatar in the Water God Palace of the Heavenly Court, adjusted his hair and robes, and walked out of the study holding his whisk.

Outside, Bian Zhuang held a jade token, reporting with a lowered head:

“Water God, a young servant from Mount Qianyuan delivered this message token, saying the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Enlightened Immortal School’s Master Taiji requests your presence for drinks and feast at the Golden Light Cave on Mount Qianyuan!”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou drew the jade token into his hand, carefully reading its contents and sensing the remaining Dao rhythm upon it.

It was indeed Master Taiji who had considerable achievements in the Dao of Yin and Yang.

What did the Great Yin-Yang Master want with him?

Looking for an argument out of boredom?

Li Changshou pondered briefly before nodding and saying: “I understand this matter. Don’t spread the word of it.”

“Yes! This commander takes leave!”

Bian Zhuang answered with clasped hands, turning to depart.

A flash of inspiration struck Li Changshou’s mind…

“Wait.”

[If I deliberately led a troop of heavenly soldiers out of Heaven’s Gate, openly going to Mount Qianyuan, it would likely provoke the Demon Race to attack, thus providing grounds to list Lu Ya’s crimes and giving the Enlightened Immortal School’s experts legitimate reason to move against the Demon Race.]

Just as this thought arose, Li Changshou considered it further and immediately dismissed it.

Indeed, it was a decent strategy, but the heavenly soldiers he’d bring would likely suffer nine deaths out of ten.

Such sacrifice was unnecessary—there were many other ways to defeat the Demon Race, and the timing wasn’t quite right…

Bian Zhuang asked with clasped hands: “Water God? This commander awaits, please give any instructions.”

Li Changshou’s thoughts turned as he spoke gently: “Vice Commander Bian has done well helping the Marriage Hall lately. I have a task here, wondering if Vice Commander Bian is interested.”

“Even if torn to pieces, I won’t refuse even ten thousand deaths!”

“No need for such extremes, no need,” Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes. “It’s merely having Vice Commander Bian display some personal charm, putting into practice those theories Vice Commander Bian discussed with the Old Man Under the Moon.”

Eh?

Bian Zhuang blinked, left completely bewildered.

…

Mount Qianyuan lay southwest of Kunlun Mountain, not far from it, hidden at the intersection of several major immortal sect territories—truly embodying the concept of hiding in plain sight.

Any well-informed cultivator knew Mount Qianyuan was Master Taiji’s domain; those major immortal sects had designated several hundred li around Mount Qianyuan as forbidden ground, with none daring to disturb it ordinarily.

Naturally, the protective formation on Mount Qianyuan couldn’t be broken by ordinary Golden Immortals.

A white cloud descended from high above, unhurriedly flying toward Mount Qianyuan. The white-haired, white-robed immortal standing upon it was none other than the renowned Water God of the Heavenly Court.

—Li Changshou’s high-quality Golden Immortal paper avatar.

Since Master Taiji’s invitation hadn’t specifically required his original body to come, Li Changshou’s paper avatar with projected consciousness wouldn’t be considered discourteous.

Li Changshou mainly feared his original body coming would result in Master Taiji’s manner provoking him into fighting.

Hmm, it certainly wasn’t fear of death keeping him from going in person!

Holding Master Taiji’s jade token, Li Changshou flew to three hundred li from Mount Qianyuan when the seemingly unremarkable barren mountain suddenly burst with golden light, revealing the bell-shaped outline of the protective formation!

A crack opened in the formation, and two familiar figures flew out, waiting on clouds.

The thin Daoist in red robes on the left was Master Taiji.

With sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes, a high bridge of nose, and clearly defined features, he was quite handsome—among the male immortals of the Three Schools, he ranked among the top few in both looks and physique.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t mute.

Beside Master Taiji stood Master Yuding, whose ordinary features gave an impression of solid reliability.

Upon seeing Master Yuding, Li Changshou’s heart eased.

At least when he and Master Taiji started fighting today, there would be an Enlightened Immortal School elder to break them up.

Several hundred zhang away, Li Changshou made a Daoist bow, which Master Taiji and Master Yuding returned together.

But as soon as Master Taiji opened his mouth, it was with slight disdain:

“Hehe, this humble one indeed can’t compare to the senior and junior sisters of the Severing School. You use your original body to visit Three Immortal Island, but casually send an avatar to my Mount Qianyuan, tsk.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “With the Demon Race causing trouble now, the roads are unstable. My cultivation is shallow—without experts accompanying, my original body naturally dares not move about much.”

“Haha, in the end, you’re blaming me for not coming to escort you!”

Master Taiji made a welcoming gesture, “Please, Water God. This humble one has a matter to request today—let’s discuss it inside.”

Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries, rode his cloud forward, and properly stood beside Master Yuding, entering together with the two Enlightened Immortal School experts.

The protective formation closed, also blocking out all immortal awareness trying to probe this place.

Just after entering the formation, Li Changshou’s gaze was drawn to the cave-dwelling on the cliff ahead.

Before the cave-dwelling, several young servants stood in a row, holding fruits and wine.

Beside these young servants stood a “young immortal” in Daoist robes with hair in buns, dressed much more elegantly than the servants and positioned more forward, apparently Master Taiji’s… disci…ple?

Wait!

Wasn’t Master Taiji’s disciple the previous life of Nezha, that Spirit Zhenzhu Child?

Although Li Changshou hadn’t yet heard anyone in the Primordial Chaos mention the Spirit Zhenzhu Child, how could he not know Nezha’s story?

How could Nezha be female? Wasn’t he Li Jing’s third son?

This beautiful young immortal must be… Spirit Zhenzhu Child’s senior or junior sister?

Master Taiji descended from his cloud and spoke in an extremely gentle tone:

“Good disciple, greet our guest.

This is Orthodox Dao School’s Immortal Changsheng, the Heavenly Court’s Water God. Your master invited him today—he’s the great immortal who will treat your condition.”

The “young immortal” immediately held their breath, small hands gripping their robe corners, large eyes wavering, lips pursing several times to gather strength before softly calling out:

“Disciple Spirit Zhenzhu… pays… pays respects to… Uncle Master… Changsheng…”

Several question marks appeared above Li Changshou’s head. If his hearing wasn’t excellent, he truly wouldn’t have caught those mosquito-like words.

Then, this “young immortal” said softly: “Master, disciple isn’t ill.”

“If you’re not ill, then speak up,” Master Taiji said gently. “Show your master and uncle master what a male immortal should be like!”

“Yes.”

The “young immortal” agreed, then took a gentle breath, took a horse stance, clenched their fists, and punched forward, waves of qi surging from their fist!

Then added in a tender voice:

“Ha!”

Li Changshou: …

Master Yuding silently raised both hands beside them, gently clapping twice, and forced an awkward smile at Spirit Zhenzhu Child, saying deeply: “Good.”

“Ah~”

Spirit Zhenzhu Child covered their face with both hands, turned, and ran back into the cave-dwelling, leaving a trail of dust and the words:

“Uncle Master Yuding, you’re mean… Master, Spirit Zhenzhu isn’t ill!”

Li Changshou’s eyes instantly lost focus.

Dear heavens, this future Three Platform Sea Assembly God, a future famous general of the Heavenly Court…

Beside him, Master Taiji couldn’t help raising his head in a long sigh:

“What sin did this humble one commit?

Changsheng, help this humble one. Find a way to give him more masculine energy or this humble one truly won’t know how to answer the teacher!”