Who would have thought that Master Yuding, seemingly so honest, was the most perceptive one?

Standing at the entrance of the back hall in the Sea God Temple of Anshui City, Senior Li Changshou’s paper Dao clone drew a gentle breath as he watched several immortals depart on their clouds. The fragrance of immortal wine mingled with the clamor of the mortal world, giving Li Changshou a sense of otherworldliness.

Looking ahead now, reflecting on everything since he first stepped onto the path of cultivation, he felt that it still wasn’t… stable enough.

How many times had he nearly been erased by the Heavenly Dao? How many times had he almost become ash in the Great Tribulation?

Things like the “Tongyan Multi-Access Space-Time Mailbox” were impractical luxuries. From now on, he would spend less time pondering such things. What was most urgent now was developing a small device that could monitor his state.

— To constantly observe himself, checking whether he had been influenced by the Great Tribulation and whether his actions differed from before.

Earlier, he had realized that Tribulation Clouds could affect cultivators’ emotions and interfere with their judgment, so he created the Void-Bright Dao Heart as a precaution. Yet somehow he hadn’t thought about needing a self-inspection device!

His stability wasn’t comprehensive enough!

From now until the signing of the Investiture of the Gods at Purple Threshold Palace, besides suppressing the heaven-defying demons at North Continent’s borders and handling some recruitment activities for the Celestial Court, the rest of his time would be spent perfecting his own Dao. This would become his greatest trump card going forward!

One of them, at least.

Turning around with a sweep of his sleeve, the tables and chairs in the back hall dissolved into powder. Li Changshou’s paper clone burrowed into the ground as his consciousness began simultaneously contemplating several interconnected problems.

How could he further enhance Little Jade Peak’s defenses? How could he prevent enemies from targeting Ling’e and the others?

Join the Celestial Court?

Though it seemed simple, this matter concealed enormous hidden dangers – the Celestial Court was the place most deeply influenced by the Heavenly Dao.

In this primordial world, there was no truly safe house. Everything was relative, and he could only push his chances to ninety-eight percent at best.

The matter of the one hundred and eight demon soldier seniors in Anshui City also needed to be arranged.

If after they broke free from their demonic state, some were willing to be hired by him as well-paid “security personnel” for their retirement, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Life and death were no small matters – being alive was the most basic right of all living beings.

To protect the safety of those around him, he could only try his best to persuade these veteran human warriors.

For this, even if it meant bearing some self-reproach, Li Changshou had to accept it.

His consciousness returned to the underground chamber of Little Jade Peak. After stretching lazily, Li Changshou casually waved his hand to the side, and eight jade talismans flew over, arranging themselves in the pattern of the Eight Trigrams, releasing streams of light.

Dense three-dimensional diagrams appeared before Li Changshou – these were the structural diagrams of Little Jade Peak’s defensive formation system.

“Hmm, next is the [Satellite Fire Platform].”

There was no need to worry about precious materials – he had already promised Holy Mother five hundred after all. He could just draw more later, and continue making some Primordial Earth and such.

Right, that five hundred referred to five hundred pages, right?

Right…

Smack!

Li Changshou slapped his forehead, feeling quite unwell.

He seemed to see the Goddess by the pool secretly laughing, to see his own miserable state in some future time.

He hadn’t clarified it at the time!

If she confined him for five hundred years…

With Holy Mother’s divine abilities, it would be beneficial – he could relatively speed up his cultivation and comprehend his own Dao while drawing.

Since it had come to this, he would accept it.

Li Changshou found paper and brush, writing down a couplet to demonstrate his now extraordinary “poetic prowess.”

Upper line: Stable in hundreds of matters, stable in thousands of matters, stable in all matters.

Lower line: Urgent in small things, rippling in subtle things, hanging on the wall sooner or later.

Header: Hard to get to the top.

After writing, Li Changshou savored it carefully, nodded with satisfaction, and mounted the couplet with immortal power, hanging it next to his large character for “Stable.”

The literary atmosphere in the underground chamber grew even richer.

Walking to the portrait of Taishang Laozi, Li Changshou lit three sticks of high-quality incense, then bowed deeply, placing the Heaven-Earth Ruler, the Primordial-Yellow Pagoda, and the Ground-Leaving Flame Banner before the incense altar.

Tower Lord said: “Remember to shout fighting.”

The three treasures flickered with light briefly, then vanished.

Li Changshou felt the Saint Lord’s technique – though very faint and quick, the principles contained within were so profound.

This was a realm that could only be accumulated over countless years. He… could only take some shortcuts through sudden enlightenment.

This made Li Changshou feel quite ashamed.

As he contemplated the detailed plans for his next step, four words suddenly arose in Li Changshou’s heart.

Follow nature’s course.

This wasn’t someone’s reminder, but rather Li Changshou somewhat suddenly understanding a bit of the true meaning of these four words after experiencing so much. Unconsciously, he closed his eyes and concentrated.

Daily enlightenment, complete.

A moment later, Li Changshou smiled slightly, fully absorbed his insights, and his steps became lighter as he walked.

His spiritual sense jumped as if something good had happened.

Li Changshou’s constantly spread immortal consciousness directly captured a fleeting graceful figure thirty thousand miles away!

Before he could confirm the identity of this white figure, a whispered message entered his heart, directly ignoring the layers of formation barriers…

“Can I bring Big Brother and Third Sister to visit Degree Immortal Gate? I will remind them not to reveal your background.”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao!

Li Changshou chuckled and nodded without hesitation.

Without sincerity towards friends, how could friends be sincere to me?

The disguise of being a “Degree Immortal Gate disciple” was far from enough, severely mismatched with his current position. There was no need to make Yunxiao unhappy because of this.

However, it would be better not to expose Little Jade Peak’s situation, to avoid making Elder Zhao and Qiongjiao concerned.

After sending a message to notify Ling’e, Li Changshou personally went to Black Pool Peak to arrange a grand feast with the Personal Chef of the Human Dao Saint’s disciples, the ancient handsome demon White Marsh.

In the thatched cottage, Ling’e gave a somewhat guilty grin.

Operation Save the Unhappy Plan Phase Two: Great Power Edition!

…

When Li Changshou saw White Marsh, the previous peculiar attire of this senior expert immediately came to mind.

White Marsh raised an eyebrow, smiled slightly at Li Changshou, and deliberately struck a coquettish pose.

“Oh my, what a handsome brother~”

With a bang, a circular stone five feet in diameter flew out, sending White Marsh flying.

Using the same joke twice in a row!

Ahem, no.

“Master White, I’ve tolerated you for a long time!”

“Hahaha!”

White Marsh returned laughing heartily. Li Changshou hadn’t used much force, so naturally, he wasn’t hurt.

“Just joking, all in jest, hahaha!

Isn’t this just keeping the young ones company, getting some exercise? The Water God’s Dao heart has long been fine, how could this poor Daoist not know?”

“Let’s cook,” Li Changshou walked with his hands behind his back to the expanded ‘Kitchen Palace’ in the distance. “I shouldn’t have taught you such playful music.”

White Marsh walked forward smiling, stroking his goatee as he said: “Could it be that distinguished guests are coming to visit?”

“Ling’e invited Immortal Lady Yunxiao to the peak earlier,” Li Changshou smiled, “Just now Immortal Lady Yunxiao asked if she could bring Senior Gongming and Immortal Lady Qiongjiao along, and I agreed.”

“Oh?”

White Marsh exclaimed in surprise: “You’re not hiding anymore?”

“It’s long past the point of hiding,” Li Changshou shook his head, skillfully putting on an apron. “Eight dishes per person, do we have enough ingredients?”

White Marsh smiled: “This poor Daoist will send word, having Ling’e select a few spirit beasts from Little Jade Peak. This time this poor Daoist will handle the meat dishes, and Water God the vegetable dishes, how about that?”

“Good.”

Li Changshou agreed with a word, already starting to skillfully clean the knives and utensils.

Soon after, Ling’e flew over carrying several carefully selected spirit beasts with immortal power, including… a long-necked sheep that was depressed after being tormented once by Bear Lingli.

With clinks and clatters, the three became busy inside and outside the Kitchen Palace.

Since White Marsh came to Degree Immortal Gate, Ling’e no longer had to cook. Now she only assisted the two competing master chefs.

The path of conquering her senior brother through delicacies – Ling’e had completely given up on that many years ago.

She was the one who had been conquered!

After half an hour of busy work here, Ling’e arranged four low tables by the water pond and laid out carpets.

She hurried back and forth, lit two palace lamps by the lake, set out exquisite jade tableware, and began preparing the paper clone orchestra’s musical program for the evening.

A true master of atmosphere.

At dusk, a light laugh sounded by the pond, and a white mist appeared on the water’s surface.

A certain smooth and slick protective mountain formation: felt quite undignified.

As the white mist thickened, space-time rippled slightly, and a graceful figure walked across the waves from the lake’s surface. Ling’e looked up, her eyes immediately brightening.

The arrival was naturally Yunxiao.

Even though she had seen her last time, it still shook one’s Dao heart now.

Her graceful figure added no coquetry, and her slender curves showed no seduction. She wore a white rainbow gauze dress with a shawl condensed from clouds and mist, her three thousand dark locks cascading behind her like a waterfall, simply bound in cloud-like coils.

“Sister Yunxiao!”

Ling’e called out softly, immediately rising from where she had been kneeling by the zither to welcome her.

Suddenly, a light laugh came from behind Yunxiao – it was a young woman wearing a light purple dress, with a beautiful face sharing five or six parts similarity with Yunxiao, but with lively spiritual light in her eyes. This was naturally Immortal Lady Qiongjiao.

Qiongjiao smiled: “Sister, have we taken another sworn sister?”

Before Yunxiao could answer and before Ling’e could make introductions, another hearty laugh came from within the clouds. Zhao Gongming, wearing battle armor, walked across the water, and the space-time ripples finally settled.

Gongming laughed: “Eating in the morning and eating in the evening, dining with Changsheng twice in one day – wonderful, wonderful!”

Yunxiao’s jade feet lightly touched down as she floated to the shore with the breeze. She gave Ling’e a slight bow, which Ling’e hurriedly returned.

Yunxiao said softly: “E, let me introduce you – this is my Big Brother Gongming, the first pure wind between heaven and earth, who has been close with us three sisters since ancient times.

This is my Third Sister Qiongjiao, who most enjoys teasing others – you should be quite careful.”

Qiongjiao couldn’t help but grumble: “Sister, you really… yes yes, your husband’s junior sister is the dearest.”

“Hahaha!”

Gongming laughed heartily and added: “She’s not just Changsheng’s junior sister, she’ll likely be his Dao companion in the future!”

“What!?”

Qiongjiao’s beautiful eyes widened as she pulled out the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors: “I’ll go snip that fickle radish!”

Yunxiao frowned slightly, looking helplessly at Gongming and Qiongjiao.

Gongming immediately stopped laughing, and Qiongjiao hid the scissors behind her back, her rage transforming into a bit of submission: “Of course, that would require your approval, right sister…”

Ling’e blinked. Though Immortal Lady Yunxiao was so gentle, why did she feel so… imposing?

However, Ling’e was soon shocked by this situation.

Three of the Eight Great Disciple Saints of the Severing Sect had arrived!

Her senior brother’s social circle was truly unmatched.

“Senior Gongming, Senior Qiongjiao, please be seated here,” Ling’e hurriedly said, “My senior brother and Master White are busy in the kitchen. They should be cooking now and couldn’t come out to welcome you in time.”

Yunxiao said gently: “It’s fine, Ling’e, no need to be nervous.”

Gongming smiled with narrowed eyes: “Just call me Old Brother. Your senior brother and I are friends despite our age difference, and I’m also the first spirit in the Severing Sect to befriend your senior brother!”

Ling’e thought: I’ve often heard senior brother complain that you were the one who dragged him into the Severing Sect mess.

“Old Brother Gongming…”

“Hahaha!”

Gongming pulled out a white jade flute from his sleeve: “Second Sister said you love music most – this is for you. So your senior brother won’t scold me for being stingy.”

Not refusing gifts was a fine tradition of their Little Jade Peak!

Ling’e accepted the jade flute with both hands and bowed in thanks.

Qiongjiao beside her said: “I haven’t prepared any gift in advance, but if you encounter trouble in the future, just mention my name. I’ll help you once, how about that?”

Ling’e smiled: “Thank you, Immortal Lady.”

From the Kitchen Palace, Li Changshou and White Marsh were each using immortal power to carry seven or eight steaming jade plates, slowly approaching as they invited everyone to be seated.

Immortal Lady Yunxiao bowed slightly to Li Changshou. After removing his apron, Li Changshou made a Daoist salute and then greeted Old Brother Gongming and Immortal Lady Qiongjiao.

As two paper clones played music and White Marsh used divine abilities to make the pond emit a gentle glow, Li Changshou, as host, raised his cup in a toast…

Thus began the immortal feast.

Li Changshou, White Marsh, and Gongming sat on one side, while Yunxiao, Ling’e, and Qiongjiao sat on the other.

Before long, White Marsh and Gongming were chatting enthusiastically, showing signs of friendship at first sight. Qiongjiao and Ling’e also quickly became familiar – Qiongjiao, who had originally wanted to give Ling’e a show of authority, now truly couldn’t bring herself to do so.

And when Qiongjiao tasted the dishes Li Changshou had made…

“Second Sister, marry him!”

Qiongjiao gave a thumbs up, her eyes twinkling with a ‘ding’ sound: “What a catch!”

Yunxiao frowned slightly, and Qiongjiao quickly lowered her head to eat.

Yunxiao scolded: “Everything needs to progress naturally. If you have such idle thoughts, why not listen more to what they’re discussing? That’s what’s most crucial right now.”

Qiongjiao turned her ear to listen and heard her Big Brother Gongming saying:

“Every Great Tribulation must have its killing karma. Master White, where do you think this Tribulation’s killing karma should fall?”

“That’s hard to say,” White Marsh raised his wine cup and took a sip, “The Great Tribulation is meant to weaken the power of living beings. Who faces the tribulation is determined by their fortune, destiny, and connection to the Great Tribulation, and there are countless variables.”

Li Changshou also said: “Master White speaks truly. Old Brother, whatever you do later, remember to discuss it with me first.

Not only can I give you advice now, but Master White, as a wise powerhouse of the ancient demon court, naturally has brilliant strategies.”

“Ah~”

White Marsh waved his hand, “Nothing worth mentioning, nothing worth mentioning. I just know a little, a little.”

Li Changshou winked at Gongming, who immediately understood.

White Marsh: good at strategy, fears being praised.

Qiongjiao suddenly asked: “Master White, how does the ancient Demon Master Kunpeng compare to you in terms of strategy?”

“Kunpeng, that spirit is extremely cunning, skilled in intrigue, and quick-witted, but not good at grand strategy. In terms of wisdom alone, he can only be called above average, hardly top-tier.”

White Marsh’s eyes carried a reminiscent look, “I crossed paths with him countless times… of course, in the demon court.

Kunpeng was somewhat obstinate, but because of this, he had no attachment to the demon court and viewed demons as worthless grass. He had no sense of good or evil, only what benefited or didn’t benefit himself.

Such masters are the most difficult to deal with.”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao watched Li Changshou and advised: “If you encounter Kunpeng, you must prioritize self-preservation. Call more people before confronting him.”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, saying gently: “The same goes for all of you – when facing strong enemies, don’t let the tribulation’s fate affect you.”

“Alright, alright,” Qiongjiao waved her scallion-white small hand, beginning today’s mischief, “Why discuss such heavy matters while we drink and make merry?

Come, Sister, I’ll toast you.”

Yunxiao was puzzled: “Why toast me?”

But she still picked up the jade goblet and drank with her sworn sister.

Li Changshou and Gongming exchanged glances, Li Changshou’s eyes carrying a questioning look, while Gongming nodded imperceptibly.

And so began the prelude to a drinking party targeting Yunxiao.

But today, Li Changshou also witnessed a ‘terrifying’ side of Immortal Lady Yunxiao.

Though they had agreed not to use immortal power, Dao resonance, or primordial spirit to neutralize the wine’s effects, Immortal Lady Yunxiao remained sober despite drinking heavily, completely different from the intelligence Qiongjiao had provided years ago.

Perhaps innate beings truly had some conceptual differences from acquired beings.

Before long, Qiongjiao was lying on the carpet, her cheeks rosy red as she hiccupped;

White Marsh’s eyes were dizzy as he lay confused on the table;

Gongming’s old face soon flushed red as well and he went to hug a large tree in the distance, singing songs of the wind.

Ling’e also couldn’t handle her alcohol, supporting her forehead as she murmured.

At this time, Yunxiao’s beautiful face was flushed as she exchanged glances with Li Changshou, suddenly covering her mouth in a light laugh.

This laugh truly bloomed like a flower of love, so brilliant that in the moonlight and the pond’s gentle glow, it was intoxicating.

Yunxiao said: “All of you, still trying to get me drunk?”

“Well…”

Li Changshou couldn’t help but laugh helplessly.

“But I won, didn’t I?”

Yunxiao raised her chin slightly, her beautiful eyes carrying a hint of pride, “I used to make a fool of myself when drunk, and was often teased by Second and Third Sister, so I specifically practiced holding my liquor.

Mm, the wine you brew tastes so good.”

As she spoke, she placed the jade goblet against her cheek, looking at Li Changshou with a gentle smile on her lips and bright light in her beautiful eyes.

Li Changshou raised his wine cup and asked softly: “Would you like more?”

“No, I’ll get drunk if I drink more,” Yunxiao shook her head gently, “When I’m drunk, I always like to dance. It’s unbecoming – after all, I need to set an example for Qiongjiao and Bijiao.”

Li Changshou smiled: “I’d like to see that.”

“Well then,” Yunxiao thought for a moment, casually waved her hand to restrain White Marsh, Gongming, and Qiongjiao in a cloud of mist, then rose gracefully and said to Li Changshou: “Just this once.”

As she spoke, the immortal lady hummed a few verses of the song as she floated to the side of the pond, not causing even a ripple on the water’s surface as she walked beneath the moonlight to the center of the pond.

Flowing water played music, gentle wind accompanied the heart’s rippling.

She first turned once, then began dancing beneath the moon, her jade arms swaying gently, her shoulder wrap floating up as misty clouds arose above the pond.

Expressing emotion with a solitary wave of her hand, her double sleeves scattered in succession.

Yunxiao’s eyes were somewhat dreamy as her movements flowed smoothly and gently. Her skirt rose and fell like a divine bird wheeling, her figure swaying as she demonstrated the ultimate in what it meant to be an immortal lady, the peak of feminine grace.

Li Changshou watched entranced, sitting there without distracting thoughts, his gaze clear.

The sound of light footsteps came from the side, and Li Changshou realized this was an arrangement Ling’e and Yunxiao had made earlier.

Ling’e came to the pond’s edge holding a jade zither. She closed her eyes in concentration, carefully feeling the moment, her pretty face still carrying one or two parts of cuteness now full of rapture as her fingertips gently plucked, the music seeming to merge with Yunxiao’s movements.

Li Changshou leaned back, supporting himself with both hands on the carpet as he appreciated this rare beautiful scene, his lips showing a peaceful smile.

In the future, he must steadily protect them through the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods.

Even if it meant fighting against Heaven.

Ahem, just like with Luya’s death this time – balance things with the Heavenly Dao, negotiate a bit, and do some more things himself to protect the four great outer disciples of the Severing Sect from the Investiture of the God Tribulation.

Going head-to-head with the post-Ancient Tribulation Heavenly Dao in the primordial world…

He might as well think about how to leave the primordial world and go be neighbors with those octopuses in the Chaos Sea!

Li Changshou suppressed these chaotic thoughts in his heart and continued watching the beautiful scene before him, becoming entranced once again.

This isn’t… she’s dancing quite well.

This kind of normal range ‘dance’ was beautiful indeed, and heart-moving too, but vaguely… there was a tiny bit of disappointment.

He had thought there might be an immortal lady raving – now that would have been a once-in-ten-thousand-years spectacle, truly.