“Elder Sister Yun, would you like some wine? My Senior Brother brewed it himself!”

“Mm, just a small amount will do…”

“Elder Sister Yun, try this dish! My Senior Brother’s culinary skills are exceptional!”

“Indeed, it is a rare delicacy. I rarely partook in food before, but I fear I shall be blessed with many more such delights from now on.”

What… what was happening?

Standing at the window of the kitchen that resembled a majestic golden palace, Water God Li leaned back while holding his iron wok, bewildered as he observed the scene before him.

Even his Immortal Sense could not detect Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s presence—he had to rely on his mortal eyes.

All those carefully prepared matchmaking strategies had become utterly useless!

Without any intervention from him, Immortal Lady Yunxiao and Junior Sister Ling’e had become this close.

Observing Ling’e’s clear gaze and vibrant Divine Spirit, there appeared no irregularities compared to before. Moreover, based on Water God Li’s understanding of his Junior Sister, she had even shed her previous nervousness, and the way she kept addressing Yunxiao as “Elder Sister”…

He, as her Senior Brother, had never received such sweet appellations!

Immortal Lady Yunxiao typically maintained a faint ethereal aura and kept her distance from others—only Immortal Ladies Qiong and Bi could approach her side.

Yet now Ling’e sat shoulder-to-shoulder with her. When Ling’e knelt, her posture even pressed against Yunxiao’s robes, yet not only did the Immortal Lady not mind, she gazed at Ling’e with gentle eyes…

The Immortal Lady had made her move!

Heavens preserve us, Immortal Lady Yunxiao was even braiding Ling’e’s hair!

Water God Li found himself caught in a spiral of confusion, descending deeper and deeper, unable to extricate himself!

Could he have misunderstood something about the nature of the Great Wilderness?

His neck craned forward, brows furrowing deeper, eyes growing wider.

Why had he been so “soft-hearted” earlier and refrained from deploying his [Swimming Fish] Paper Dao Clone?

Had he known, he would have steeled his heart and eavesdropped on their conversation!

At the time, he had thought to respect their privacy, prepared to accept and remedy whatever thorny situation might arise…

How had they become so harmonious?

A glint flashed in Water God Li’s eyes…

There must be some scheme! Undoubtedly!

“Water God, allow me! You’re about to scorch it! This Azure Silk Jade Radish is an exceptionally rare ingredient!”

Ancient Beast Baize rushed over with a shout, taking the wok and giving it several expert tosses. First sighing in relief, he then began clicking his tongue in amazement:

“Impressive, truly impressive. Junior Sister Ling’e, merely at the Heaven Immortal Realm, can achieve such harmony with Immortal Lady Yunxiao of the Quasi-Sage Realm. Water God, might you possess some secret art? Perhaps one day when this humble one develops mortal attachments, I too might attempt to cultivate relationships with some Immortal Ladies.”

Water God Li crossed his arms, his apron a rare tribute to his previous life, and contemplated:

“Master Bai, such thinking is somewhat improper. In matters of the heart, one should harbor no ulterior motives, lest one lose all purity and sincerity.”

While harmonizing the flavors in the wok, Ancient Beast Baize habitually countered:

“This humble one believes Water God’s statement is not entirely accurate. The attraction between man and woman naturally follows the principle of Yin and Yang’s mutual completion. Without that initial spark of attraction, how could subsequent stories unfold? This humble one has dwelled among mortal humans for no less than ten thousand years, and such matters have become commonplace to witness. When a young master displays his refined bearing, or a young lady shows her graceful demeanor, if not for that initial spark of mutual attraction and desire to pursue, how would they draw closer to one another?”

Ancient Beast Baize—the argumentative spirit of ancient times had emerged.

Water God Li responded: “Such matters cannot be generalized. Different beings hold different perspectives—some emphasize the external, others the internal. Neither can be faulted.”

Baize smiled and asked: “Then does Water God focus on Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s external or internal qualities?”

“Why do I sense Master Bai is setting a trap?”

Water God Li’s mouth twitched as he calmly replied: “When I first encountered Immortal Lady Yunxiao, I was struck by her gentle and affecting nature. Most Immortal Ladies in the Great Wilderness possess great beauty—if that were all, I would truly be nothing more than a fickle admirer of beauty. In truth, what left an impression upon me was how formidable this gentle Immortal Lady was—with but a single word ‘kneel,’ Brother Gongming immediately prostrated himself.”

Baize smiled dismissively: “Is that so?”

“Indeed,” Water God Li smiled and continued, “My admiration for Immortal Lady Yunxiao stems three parts from her decisiveness in critical moments, three parts from her precise and merciless execution when taking action, and four parts from her gentleness. Such a woman is truly a remarkable existence.”

Baize plated the dish from the wok, squinting as he smiled, “Why does Water God refuse to admit… well, as long as you’re content.”

Water God Li shook his head and said: “I shall prepare a few more dishes. I trouble Master Bai to ready more ingredients.”

Meanwhile…

He activated his Supreme Wind Whisper Spell at full power, catching Ling’e and Yunxiao’s clear voices on the breeze!

Yet puzzlingly, the two spoke not a single word concerning matters related to Li—instead, they discussed methods of cultivation.

Rather than a discussion, it was more accurately Immortal Lady Yunxiao guiding Ling’e about cultivation…

Thus, Water God Li grew increasingly cautious.

Moments later, Water God Li and Ancient Beast Baize each carried two exquisite dishes as they floated to the pond’s edge, arranged the plates, and set out the bowls and chopsticks. Just as Water God Li was about to speak, Baize rose and said:

“Well then, masters and servants have their proper places. This humble one is but a mount and cook of the Human Dao, so I shall rest off to the side.”

As Baize finished speaking and attempted to extract himself from the situation, an unfeeling hand pressed down on his shoulder from the side.

Water God Li said seriously: “Though there are no outsiders present today if others were to witness such behavior in passing, they might think our Human Dao mistreats divine beasts.”

Baize’s mouth twitched, his goatee trembling: “Water God, haven’t you already mistreated me enough…”

“Master Bai, please join us.”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s gentle voice carried over: “Taking advantage of my visit here today, I also have some matters I wish to discuss with Master Bai.”

Baize shuddered violently, his Dao heart inexplicably tense. He first stood, then formally knelt and sat straight-backed, smiling with narrowed eyes as he lowered his head and said:

“Please instruct me, Immortal Lady Yunxiao.”

“Master Bai speaks too heavily. You are an ancient strategist of wisdom—how could I presume to instruct you?”

Yunxiao gazed at Water God Li, her eyes revealing a touch of tenderness. Seeing Li smile and wink, she then turned to Baize.

“I know Master Bai’s decision to join the Human Dao must have its considerations, but please remember—Water God is not limited to involvement with the Human Dao alone, but assists all three schools of the Dao Path.”

“Rest assured, Immortal Lady,” Baize bowed his head, “This humble one shall endeavor to assist Water God to the utmost in the future, harboring no other thoughts!”

Yunxiao winked at Water God Li once more before continuing her quiet conversation with Ling’e.

Baize released a long internal sigh of relief. His left hand trembling, and his neck seemed to lock up, requiring several attempts to turn toward Water God Li. Just as he was about to speak, a breeze passed by, revealing his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Water God Li secretly frowned…

How strange—why did everyone feel such immense pressure when facing Immortal Lady Yunxiao? Moreover, what exactly had those two discussed?

Bearing these two massive questions, Water God Li joined the conversation between Yunxiao and Ling’e, drawing upon knowledge reserves he had never before revealed, speaking eloquently.

They discussed everything from clothing coordination to various hairstyles, then proceeded to the relationship between the Dao and one’s nature…

Water God Li gently took control of the conversation’s direction, ensuring neither Ling’e nor Yunxiao felt awkward or neglected.

Unfortunately, despite his indirect probing, Water God Li failed to extract any useful information, and the confusion in his heart nearly became a black hole…

Only when the sun set and night fell did Yunxiao remember she shouldn’t linger too long and take her leave.

Just as Water God Li stood to escort Yunxiao from the mountain gate, Ling’e unexpectedly advised:

“Senior Brother, even if using an avatar, remember to escort Elder Sister Yunxiao back to Three Immortals Island.”

Water God Li smiled and agreed, choosing not to use an avatar as he summoned a cloud to escort “Young Master Xiao” away from Mount Duty Fulfillment.

Flying several thousand li beyond the immortal gate, Yunxiao halted her cloud and turned to face the Water God before her. A thousand words seemed written in her gaze at that moment.

“There’s no need to truly escort me—otherwise I’ll worry for you.”

Water God Li coughed lightly and asked directly: “Though it may be ungentlemanly to ask, I truly wonder—what did you and Ling’e discuss?”

“You can ask Ling’e yourself later, so I needn’t say more.”

Yun Xiao’s gaze grew distant as she lowered her head and smoothed her eyebrows, speaking softly:

“In the future… if you need anything of me, simply say so directly. Don’t make things too difficult for yourself. If you cannot even trust me, why should we maintain such a relationship?”

Water God Li frowned and asked: “Have you divined something?”

“I have not,” Yunxiao looked to the side.

Water God Li said: “Would the Immortal Lady please look at me directly?”

Yunxiao raised her head to meet his gaze. As their eyes met, the clouds, moon, and stars seemed to vanish in that instant.

After a moment, just as Water God Li was about to repeat his earlier question, Yunxiao spoke first: “I shall treasure that copper coin well.”

So she had indeed divined something, though certainly not much.

“Mm,” Water God Li smiled, “Don’t worry, I always prioritize self-preservation in all matters…”

Yunxiao suddenly asked: “If I can break through the tribulation of emotions and overcome the tribulation destined in my fate, shall we travel the Three Realms together and seek out all the stars?”

Water God Li slightly furrowed his brows as he gazed into her eyes which seemed to contain entire star fields, and sighed:

“I thought you were worried about something, suddenly coming to visit the mountain gate, and then appearing to have your spirit healed by Ling’e. I never expected you to be experiencing such anxiety.

Junior Sister Ling’e’s nature indeed serves as an excellent remedy for such heart ailments, no wonder…”

“Oh?” Yunxiao blinked.

“Ahem, such anxiety is common in the Warming Stage of relationships, comparable to a heart demon in matters between man and woman.”

Water God Li smiled and extended his right hand, speaking gently: “It stems from mutual care, when the other’s presence grows increasingly weighty in one’s heart, leading to an imbalance in one’s mindset.

Its main manifestation is overthinking, harboring unease in one’s heart, though in truth there’s nothing to worry about.

May I borrow your hand for a moment?”

“Mm,” Yunxiao extended her jade-like right hand, and following Water God Li’s guidance, her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly as they pressed against his palm.

Li caught her delicate hand in reverse, yet applied no pressure.

A faint blush appeared on Yunxiao’s cheeks, her eyes showing a trace of confusion.

Water God Li asked: “Are you worried that once your Dao Heart reaches perfection, there will be no place for me within it?”

“How did you know…”

“I too have worried about such matters,” Water God Li’s right hand applied slight pressure, “But later I found peace.”

Yunxiao hurriedly asked: “Why did you find peace?”

“I’ve always been one to seek stability in all matters,” Water God Li smiled, “When I contemplated these things before, my thoughts were far more complex than what you imagine, otherwise I couldn’t have convinced myself to acknowledge my feelings.

Let me share all of it with you today.

If we could cultivate a perfect marriage dao, yet this caused you to pass through your emotional tribulation, leaving your heart devoid of me… then I would simply melt your Dao Heart again and burrow my way in.

I’ve even considered what would happen if you were injured and lost your memories in the future—in that case, I would write our story into a tale, let you read it from the beginning, and accompany you in reenacting it once more.

I’ve thoroughly considered various scenarios before deciding to let things develop naturally between us.

These scenarios aren’t even the most troublesome. What troubled me most was my insufficient cultivation, unable to protect you in the tribulations you might face in the future. But then I understood…

If I couldn’t protect you even with my utmost effort, I wouldn’t be worthy of forming a marriage dao with you.

What did you ask me earlier?”

Yunxiao’s finger gently poked Water God Li’s palm. Understanding her intent, he loosened his grip, his heart inevitably feeling some loss.

But then he felt several soft jade-like fingers slip between his own. Instinctively closing his hand, their fingers became interlocked.

Yunxiao gazed into his eyes and spoke softly:

“If my emotional tribulation leaves my Dao Heart without you, I shall destroy my Dao Heart and increase my attachment to you.

What I asked earlier was:

Can we make the tribulations our promise? When I am free from tribulation and disaster, would you be willing to travel the Three Realms with me and seek out all the stars?”

“I would.”

“Today’s promise, made without hesitation.”

Yunxiao’s delicate hand slowly slipped away. “Remember to prioritize self-preservation, act within your means, and do not forcefully defy Heaven’s will.”

Water God Li said seriously: “Rest assured, I am most stable.”

They exchanged formal Dao bows, she returning a slight bow in response.

The Immortal Lady stepped onto her cloud and departed, looking back every step and a half.

But ultimately, she dispersed into clouds and mist between heaven and earth. Water God Li stood silently for a long while, his thoughts gradually returning to tranquility.

The Great Tribulation of Deity Investiture…

He would need to put in more effort to gain authority.

Mm, he still needed to have a mature conversation between Senior and Junior disciples with Ling’e, to properly discuss today’s events…

Rewards would certainly be given—after all, Ling’e would soon depart for training, and writing more scriptures would only benefit, not harm.

Thinking carefully, one faced a life-and-death tribulation, while the other faced an immortality tribulation…

It gave Water God Li a headache, difficult to set his mind at ease.

…

Moments ago, among the misty clouds, beyond the Three Realms.

On the steps of a certain palace, over ten figures gathered, watching…

Watching a cloud mirror framed by four supreme treasure swords, formed by great magical power.

The Four Heaven-Executing Swords demonstrated exceptional effects at this moment, not only providing crystal-clear images from four different angles but also perfectly reproducing the original sound, recreating the speakers’ tones and breaths without the slightest deviation, allowing viewers to feel as if they were present—truly worthy of their status as Primordial Supreme Treasures!

In the image, a man and woman’s fingers were interlocked as his voice rang out:

[I am most stable.]

The various immortals seated on the steps showed different expressions. They had just arrived when their Master gestured for them to watch this scene in the cloud mirror…

Several female immortals’ eyes were full of emotion, while several male immortals showed looks of satisfaction. Only one or two beings were taking notes with jade tablets, recording the practical teachings of the Three Schools’ Grand Master of Romance.

“Ah,” sighed the young Daoist seated at the highest position, popping a light golden grape into his mouth, “If you all had even three-tenths of Little Changgeng’s skill in developing relationships…

All day it’s cultivation this, cultivation that, resulting in our Severing Sect disciples generally having higher strength than the Enlightenment Sect!

When the tribulation of the Dao Path’s rise and fall comes, if it doesn’t fall on our Severing Sect’s head, who else could it fall on?”

Grandmaster Duobao, Patriarch Zhao Gongming, Golden Spirit Supreme Mother, Great Immortal Wuyun, and over ten other immortals all lowered their heads in agreement.

Supreme Mother Guiling softly said: “Master, it’s because you accepted too many disciples back then, we don’t dare to accept disciples ourselves…”

“That’s not important,” the young Daoist waved his hand dismissively, “Who can analyze what’s most important about this farewell scene in the clouds?”

Everyone fell into contemplation, then Grandmaster Duobao smiled and said: “This disciple awaits Master’s teachings.”

“Look, did Changgeng make any promises to Yunxiao just now?

Think carefully—actually, he didn’t.

All his words had one premise: after they form their marriage dao. In other words, their current relationship isn’t that intimate yet.

But why did Yunxiao feel so moved?

It’s because for a disciple as intelligent as Yunxiao, you absolutely cannot use flowery words and clever speech, or Yunxiao would see through it immediately.

Only by taking the most sincere thoughts from one’s heart and laying them bare before Yunxiao could her concerns be dispelled.

Take Gongming—you went out a couple of times with Jinguang, and all you did was look at the scenery. Couldn’t you try to get in the mood and speak some words of love?”

Zhao Gongming sighed: “Ah, Master’s teachings are correct.

Master, did you summon us just to watch Second Sister’s farewell with Changgeng?

Master, what did they do before this?”

“They drank some wine, chatted, and discussed matters of the heart. Ahem, let’s discuss important matters.”

The young Daoist assumed a serious demeanor and said calmly: “The Great Dao does not increase, Heaven and Earth do not grow.

Recently the heavenly mechanisms have been chaotic, and the Great Tribulation is likely not far off—perhaps within one or two thousand years. You must all have had some sensing of this.

Our Severing Sect’s strength cannot increase further now. Each of you think of ways to promote the dao of marriage, and let everyone focus less on cultivation. If there are any uncertainties, prepare some gifts and seek Changgeng’s guidance.

I’ll go take a stroll in the Chaos Sea soon, and see if I can find some treasures to suppress our sect’s fate…

Gongming? Send a painting to Changgeng later, say it was personally created by your Master, to lift his spirits.”

Having spoken, the young Daoist swept his sleeve, and his figure instantly vanished without a trace, as if he had been completely erased from the scene, leaving not the slightest mark.

Just as Zhao Gongming was about to accept the command, he froze, then hurriedly said:

“Master, you haven’t given me the painting!”

A light snort came from the void outside the palace: “Just find some canvas and use the Four Heaven-Executing Swords to make an impression. Remember to preserve some of the original Heaven-Executing Sword energy for him.”

The Severing Sect’s senior disciples and attending immortals looked at each other in dismay as the four treasure swords trembled slightly, automatically floating in mid-air, waiting for Zhao Gongming to fetch canvas to wrap them.

Thus, half a day later…

In the rear hall of the Sea God Temple, Water God Li looked at the treasure painting before him, his forehead covered in black lines.

What did Master Tongtian mean by this?

After carefully examining the four treasure swords, Water God Li suddenly felt a chill at his neck, and all his hair stood on end.