This…

How could they attack without any preparation?

At the mountain gate, Li Changshou made an unprecedented “high-speed cloud ride” from Little Qiong Peak, hurrying over to bow respectfully to the handsome young master outside the gate, smiling as he said, “What brings Young Master here today?”

The handsome young master’s eyes sparkled with mirth as they replied softly, “Have I come at an inconvenient time?”

“How could it be inconvenient?”

Li Changshou made a welcoming gesture while turning to bow to the elder immortal guarding the gate.

“This is Young Master Xiao, my good friend. Would it be possible to first bring her inside? I will go to the Hundred Mortal Hall later to get a proper entry token.”

Today’s gate guard elder looked troubled: “Although this poor Daoist trusts Nephew Changshou, the rules are rules. We cannot arbitrarily bring people inside…”

Well done! The elders were truly dedicated to their duties!

Given this situation, considering the visitor’s gentle nature, they surely wouldn’t put him in a difficult position.

Indeed, the ‘handsome young master’ was about to speak up, planning to invite Li Changshou for a walk near the mountain gate instead of insisting on entering.

But!

Whoosh—

A breaking sound cut through the air as a streak of green light shot down from Breaking Sky Peak, transforming into a wooden tablet that landed before Li Changshou.

The Empty- ahem, the Worry-Free Sect Leader’s Token!

Season Wuyou’s voice transmitted from the wooden tablet:

“Changshou, for solving the Five Elements Formation’s spirit power conversion issue that has troubled this poor Daoist for tens of thousands of years, you are awarded this token. With it, you may freely bring guests through the mountain gate and to the Immortal Ascension Hall.”

Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes as he accepted the tablet, saying: “Many thanks for Sect Leader’s generosity.”

The elderly immortals guarding the gate hurriedly let them pass, though they wondered why such a small matter required the rarely-seen sect leader’s token. Couldn’t the sect leader have just sent a message?

The ‘handsome young master’ blinked, clearly not expecting such a development. They stood smiling on their cloud, waiting for Li Changshou’s invitation before gliding forward to alight on Li Changshou’s white cloud.

They whispered: “Am I causing you trouble?”

Li Changshou replied gently: “Your sudden visit only caught me off guard. How could it be trouble?”

With that, Li Changshou guided his cloud, bringing the ‘handsome young master’ toward Little Qiong Peak.

In the small building beside the Immortal Ascension Hall, Sect Leader Season Wuyou smiled with narrowed eyes.

Though unaware of who had come to see Changshou, even a toe could figure out it must be an esteemed figure from the Three Schools. How could they let sect rules displease such a guest?

The respect due to the young master must be given in full!

This move has widened this poor Daoist’s path once again!

…

Upon reaching Little Qiong Peak, the handsome young master sensed the layers of grand formations around Little Qiong Peak and confidently dismissed their disguise technique. As the light mist dispersed, their true appearance was revealed.

Moth-wing eyebrows frame autumn-water eyes, thin lips hold unspoken meaning.

Clouds form her dress, mist gathers in her sleeves, which immortal beauty stands proud against the winter branch?

Who else could it be but Immortal Lady Yunxiao?

Li Changshou guided Immortal Lady Yunxiao toward the spirit lake of Little Qiong Peak. Yunxiao maintained her composed demeanor, merely looking around with curiosity.

The immortal lady asked: “Were you injured in your battle with the demon prince?”

“It was fine,” Li Changshou smiled, “Just depleted quite a bit of immortal power. I wouldn’t call it a battle—I merely tested him using the treasures Master gave me.”

Yunxiao continued: “I came today because two matters were weighing on my mind, and I wanted to advise you about them. Is that the ancient demon general Baize on the neighboring peak? Should I visit him to instill some wariness?”

“No, no, White Sir is quite dejected right now,” Li Changshou smiled, “For now… I should treat him better. He’s already been tormented enough by the Grand Master and me.”

“Tormented?”

Yunxiao blinked, asking curiously: “Did you use some kind of cruel torture?”

Li Changshou guided Yunxiao to land beneath a willow tree. “That’s a long story, I’ll tell you about it later. Since you’re here, let’s first pay our respects to my master and junior sister.”

“Mm,” Yunxiao nodded in agreement.

She showed none of the bashfulness typical of young women, no nervousness or awkwardness. Even when visiting the Supreme Clarity Temple, her dao heart remained pure and undisturbed like still water—let alone here on Little Qiong Peak.

Li Changshou led Yunxiao to several thatched cottages and sent a message inside.

The window of Ling’e’s cottage opened first, a small head poking out. Upon seeing Yunxiao, she was startled, and then quickly withdrew.

Ling’e: !!

What’s going on?!

This is too much!

Immortal Lady Yunxiao has come to our door?!

Has it finally come to this—the home being breached, the city gates ablaze, the old homestead being stolen?!

Ling’e bit her lip and hurried to sit at her dressing table, her eyes burning with fighting spirit, but in an instant, it was doused like cold water had been poured over her…

It’s Yunxiao, Immortal Lady Yunxiao!

One of the Three Schools’ highest cultivators recorded in the classics, one of the few great masters below the Sages in heaven and earth. Just one glance earlier had shown her that incomparably elegant and transcendent bearing…

This wasn’t something that could be matched just by having a pretty face or a graceful figure. That quality of being close to the Dao, unlike common spirits—was something others couldn’t imitate even if they tried!

Thud!

Ling’e sat at her dressing table with legs pressed together, eyes vacant and breath stopped, frozen as she had crashed.

‘Lan Ling’e, are you going to hand over Senior Brother just like this?’

‘This is the Senior Brother you decided to follow for life!’

Just then, laughter drifted over from the neighboring cottage…

“Master, this is Immortal Lady Yun, my close friend whom I’ve mentioned to you before. She’s come to visit our sect.”

“Oh yes, yes, Changshou has mentioned you many times! Immortal Lady Yun, please make yourself at home, make yourself at home. Consider this like your own mountain! Ah, my Changshou has finally become a mature immortal. This poor Daoist was most worried that he wouldn’t make any close friends, but I truly worried too much! Hahahahaha…”

Ling’e immediately frowned and bit her lip, clenching her little fists as tears streamed down her face. Master had betrayed her so quickly!

What happened to unconditionally supporting his two direct disciples becoming dao companions?!

Taking a soft breath, Ling’e’s dao heart blazed with fighting spirit.

Mother was right—a woman must be fierce to establish her place. What she was fighting for was her position in Senior Brother’s heart. She had the advantage of years spent as Senior Brother’s little supporter. Now she just needed to maintain a solid defense, advance step by step. She wouldn’t necessarily lose to the renowned Immortal Lady Yunxiao!

So what if she was a Sage’s senior disciple with supreme cultivation?

She was still…!

“Is this your junior sister?”

A gentle voice suddenly reached her ears. Ling’e suddenly felt a cool breeze brush past her ear, and all her chaotic thoughts disappeared as her dao heart grew peaceful.

She turned to look and saw her Senior Brother standing with hands clasped behind his back at the cottage door.

Right beside Senior Brother, that immortal lady was smiling as she gazed at her.

At that moment, the door frame seemed to vanish, Senior Brother seemed to vanish, leaving only this immortal lady’s slightly apologetic gaze and the gentle smile at her lips as if saying ‘excuse the intrusion’—she bore no hostility…

Li Changshou said gently: “Ling’e, don’t forget your manners.”

“Yes,” Ling’e hurriedly stood and curtseyed to Yunxiao, “This disciple greets Senior Yunxiao.”

Yunxiao stepped forward, saying softly: “We need not stand on ceremony regarding Daoist seniority. I am many great cycles your elder, just like my two sisters. You may call me Elder Sister.”

As she finished speaking, Yunxiao quickly added: “Don’t overthink it, the term ‘Elder Sister’ is just due to age.”

“Elder Sister…”

Ling’e’s cheeks flushed red as she called out softly, her forehead threatening to steam.

Li Changshou looked at Yunxiao, then at his junior sister, suddenly realizing that Immortal Lady Yunxiao…

Understood quite a lot!

She had paid attention to matters of romance in the mortal realm!

“Ling’e, change your clothes first,” Li Changshou said, “I’ll show the immortal lady around the peak.”

“Yes, Senior Brother,” Ling’e obediently agreed, feeling the friendliness conveyed in Yunxiao’s gaze, her heart trembling.

After Li Changshou closed the wooden door and went with Immortal Lady Yunxiao to stroll by the lake, Ling’e let out a long breath and sat down, immediately becoming busy.

How to fight this battle?

Even she, a woman, felt her heart flutter at encountering someone as gentle as water as Immortal Lady Yunxiao!

With Senior Brother’s troublesome personality, even if he initially didn’t want to have a dao companion relationship with Immortal Lady Yunxiao, he would never be able to harshly reject someone of such profound power. Given enough time, feelings would naturally develop…

When other women first appeared around Senior Brother, Ling’e felt threatened but also saw hope. At that time, she believed that with her Senior Brother’s personality, she alone could never manage him—it would be better to have others help open his heart…

Back then, she had considered Master Jiujiu and Senior Sister Youqin both rivals and allies.

But Master Jiujiu was too focused on pleasure, and her fondness for Senior Brother had been redirected toward fine wine. She was the first to show interest in Senior Brother but ended up joining Little Qiong Peak’s retirement group early on.

As for Senior Sister Youqin, Senior Brother always felt she wasn’t mature enough, and their views severely clashed. In the end, she went further and further down the path of treasure spirits.

Now, just as she had ascended to immortality, when Senior Brother had finally opened his heart to her… an immortal lady who perfectly matched Senior Brother’s criteria for a dao companion had appeared in the world beyond Little Qiong Peak.

“Ah,” Ling’e looked in the mirror at her cloud-like hair, which she had unconsciously finished styling while lost in thought.

After some consideration, she took out a jade hairpin from her storage treasure and inserted it into her cloud-styled hair, examining herself from different angles in the crystal mirror.

She couldn’t give up easily—at worst, she could cry in front of Senior Brother tonight!

Mm, first to choose a pretty dress…

…

By the lakeside, Li Changshou smiled as he introduced the various spirit fish in the lake and their flavors.

Immortal Lady Yunxiao listened with great interest, her eyes showing anticipation when she heard Li Changshou would personally prepare a delicious meal later.

After some casual conversation, Li Changshou steered the topic toward important matters.

“What are the two matters you mentioned?”

Yunxiao smiled, “You’re the wisdom star of the Dao sect now, why not guess?”

Li Changshou shook his head, saying seriously, “Without any benefit, I’m too lazy to waste mental energy.”

“Then, what benefit would you like?”

“Hmm…”

Li Changshou pondered, and though he wanted to suggest something like a lap pillow, his face wasn’t quite thick enough for that yet.

Moderate restraint was an excellent quality that all children of the human race should possess.

Li Changshou sighed, “Never mind, I dare not tease you.”

Yunxiao looked at the sparkling lake surface beside them, saying softly, “I wouldn’t hit you with the golden dipper.”

“Not just hitting, but with the Primordial Golden Dipper!”

Li Changshou deliberately frowned, making Yunxiao press her lips together in a smile, her eyes showing a trace of tender blame.

“No more jokes,” Li Changshou said seriously, “You came because of Baize and Lu Ya’s matter, worried that I might fall for a demon tribe scheme, correct?”

“Mm,” Yunxiao nodded slightly, “Can Baize be trusted?”

Li Changshou said, “Still observing, but at present, White Sir has earned thirty percent of my trust.”

“He was a demon general in those years and a figure of unmatched wisdom who once battled Demon Master Kunpeng. His divine ability to sense disaster is also quite formidable,” Yunxiao said softly, “He certainly wouldn’t seek refuge with you without reason.”

“About that, let me explain slowly—it’s a long story.”

Li Changshou clasped his hands behind his back and told her everything from Lu Ya issuing the Heaven-Challenging Proclamation to how he and his senior brother caught Baize, and then about Baize’s belated ‘seeking fortune and avoiding calamity’ theory.

Yunxiao calculated carefully and pondered thoroughly, “This seems seventy to eighty percent credible.”

Li Changshou smiled, “Whether Baize is seeking shelter in the Human Dao to avoid disaster or has sensed a great catastrophe in heaven and earth, his primordial spirit is now under Senior Brother Xuandu’s control.

We can’t use human thinking to judge Baize’s relationship with the demon tribe. Baize may stand on an even higher level. I can sense that he has a kind of compassion for all living beings—perhaps this is why the Heavenly Dao listed him as an auspicious beast.”

“If you understand all this, then I won’t worry too much,” Yunxiao said gently. “After hearing your explanation, I rather feel that this Baize is quite pitiful, being tormented by you.”

Li Changshou shrugged and said seriously, “I don’t consider myself capable of directing affairs from behind the curtain yet. If I don’t prevent problems before they arise, how can I live long enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you?”

Yunxiao tilted her head slightly, gazing at Li Changshou’s face, and said earnestly, “Aren’t we standing shoulder to shoulder right now?”

“Well…

Just a bit of male arrogance, don’t mind it.”

Li Changshou made a gesture of invitation, “The first matter was concern about Baize’s schemes against me. As for the second matter, is it because Lu Ya has some powerful treasures left by the Demon Court?”

“Oh? What powerful treasures?”

Yunxiao shook her head, saying, “I just heard you fought with the demon prince and was worried you might be injured but putting on a brave face for the Human Dao’s reputation. I came to check on you so my heart could be at ease.”

“We truly have entered the warming stage,” Li Changshou’s eyes showed some emotion.

But Yunxiao changed the subject: “I also came to see if you’re the same inside and out. Third Sister often says human men are most fickle, with few trustworthy ones, influenced by their innate procreation instincts. After seeing Ling’e, I feel relieved.”

Li Changshou’s forehead was covered in black lines as he called out softly: “Yunxiao.”

“Mm?”

Two hands pressed on Yunxiao’s shoulders from both sides. Yunxiao was somewhat startled, but seeing Li Changshou’s serious expression, she didn’t struggle for a moment.

Li Changshou sighed, “These matters aren’t suitable for you to think about. Otherwise, I’ll feel guilty—wondering if my mundane heart has tainted your pure dao heart.”

“Is… is that so?”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao blinked, her gaze somewhat uncertain as she said softly, “These are all part of the great Dao. My dao heart isn’t completely untouched by mortal dust either, otherwise…”

Li Changshou calmly withdrew his hands and let out a light sigh.

“I won’t wash these hands!”

Yunxiao finally realized what had happened, a blush flashing across her beautiful face.

“Hmph! You’re truly quite dishonest! I’m leaving!”

“Just joking, just joking. Since you’re here, you should at least stay for a meal before leaving,” Li Changshou hurriedly said. “Also, what does the immortal lady think of Little Qiong Peak’s layout?”

“Hmm? I haven’t looked carefully…

Nine Heavens Spirit Soil? Five Elements Heaven-Changing Formation? Chaotic Thunder Killing Formation?

This…”

Yunxiao frowned as she looked at Li Changshou’s slightly proud expression beside her, and couldn’t help but press her slender fingers to her forehead.

“You really… the formations on this peak are several times more numerous than those on my Three Immortal Island.

What are you afraid of?

If there are any strong enemies you can’t handle, I can help you fight them.”

Li Changshou shook his head and smiled, “It’s just being prepared for the unexpected.”

He paused in his speech and turned to look at the thatched cottage, where Ling’e was already approaching on a cloud.

Li Changshou said, “Without these arrangements here, I would have to worry about matters at home whenever my true body goes out.”

Home…

Understanding flashed through Yun Xiao’s beautiful eyes as she said softly:

“Ling’e is truly lovely and spirited. If she has time, I would like to bring her to stay at Three Immortal Island for a while.”

Hearing this, Li Changshou was suddenly at a loss, unable to grasp the meaning behind these words.

There seemed to be some psychological maneuvering here, and the layers kept increasing…