“How miserable I am.

I already have to share a grass ring with six others, and now I’m being dragged out to do this kind of thing and told I can’t stay too long.

Mmm…”

A grass ring gently revolved on the gentle slope covered in emerald grass within the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. Little Ai, her form somewhat translucent, appeared beneath the grass ring. Too heartbroken to stand, she hugged herself in distress.

As soon as she spoke, pale blue ripples spread in all directions. The female commander of the demon soldier and the other seven demon soldiers sitting cross-legged on the slope quickly developed reddened eyes…

Li Changshou sat ten zhang away, recording these demon soldiers’ reactions in his book.

As he had expected, these veteran soldiers from ancient times were most susceptible to emotions of ‘sorrow.’

But too much sorrow wasn’t good – it could lead to negative thoughts.

Behind Li Changshou, slightly higher up, Houtu sat with her skirts arranged neatly, curiously watching Li Changshou write and sketch. When Li Changshou requested to switch to the next one, she called Little Ai back and released the Seven Emotions’ Anger.

“Hey! You over there!

Go call that red-clothed bastard in here! I’ll kill him!”

Waves of red ripples emanated from around her toward the surroundings. The eight demon soldiers were enveloped in killing intent, each grinding their teeth as if ready to tear someone apart!

Without Li Changshou having to say anything, Lady Houtu had already lightly raised her delicate hand, forcefully returning the Seven Emotions’ Anger to the grass ring. She released the incarnation of ‘Fear’ to counteract that anger.

Next, the Seven Emotions’ incarnations took turns appearing, stirring the dormant dao hearts of these demon soldiers.

After the final incarnation of ‘Joy’ returned to the grass ring, the eight demon soldiers stared blankly into the distance.

Blood-red chains appeared on two of them, but these chains soon shattered. The two strong men clutched their heads and curled up in place, their bodies constantly trembling, whimpering continuously.

Their internal immortal power began surging outward, mixed with streams of demon energy. However, this demon energy had long been tamed and controlled by them, not harming a single blade of grass or tree in the vicinity…

Li Changshou nervously stood up, but Lady Houtu beside him gestured for him to remain calm.

Soon, two more people experienced the same condition.

They had broken the shackles in their hearts and were reawakened to the Seven Emotions. Fortunately, the emotions that affected them most were love and joy. After enduring the pain of their spirits being torn, they fell into tranquility…

These were all fierce warriors who had fought their way through ancient times. Their dao hearts were as solid as rock. Now they were merely recovering their thoughts and individual ideas, without any fundamental changes to their nature.

The first four to recover bowed to Li Changshou. A woman spoke with a somewhat disjointed voice:

“Thank… you…”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, unsure what to say, so he remained silent.

[Though survived a hundred battles, spring rain, and wind make the body wither.]

Li Changshou led these four recovered individuals out of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. He sensed the conditions in various places, checking on the movements at Little Qiong Peak.

Still worried, he once again transmitted a voice message to remind Baize to keep watch over Little Qiong Peak, then brought the next batch of twenty demon soldiers into the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk.

And so it continued, with the Seven Emotions’ incarnations repeatedly appearing, breaking the shackles on the demon soldiers’ dao hearts one after another.

Lady Houtu’s Seven Emotions Dao Fruit was perfectly suited for this purpose, not differing much from Li Changshou’s previous expectations…

Three days and nights later, one hundred and eight demon soldiers stood beside the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. The two commanders brought Li Changshou to the front, and all one hundred and eight people knelt on one knee with clasped hands.

The two commanders who could speak smoothly called out in unison:

“Thank you, Lord Changeng!”

Li Changshou turned sideways, accepting half the courtesy, with the other half going to Lady Houtu.

At this moment, the two Yama Kings, over ten judges, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and many ghost officials gathered around. They were purely curious and were here to witness this occasion.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly…

Once, there were one hundred and eight expert killers before him, but he hadn’t treasured them. Until later when he might lack people, he would probably regret it deeply.

If heaven gave him another chance to choose, he would probably…

Still do the same thing.

It was like being a merchant – some money shouldn’t be earned.

These ancient human heroes, he didn’t want to use them as tools; using them would weigh on his conscience.

“Respected seniors!” Li Changshou cupped his hands and spoke loudly: “In today’s world, we humans have become the protagonists of heaven and earth. Countless humans multiply and thrive throughout the wilderness, the Five Continents, and the Three Thousand Worlds.

The demon race is no longer a threat, and the demon court’s destiny has been completely severed!

Humanity coexists with all beings, and all beings can now live together with humanity. The few devastating wars in today’s world are all conflicts between human forces.

The Heavenly Court established by the various sages operates according to the Heavenly Dao, and the Jade Emperor values mortals even more. I also serve as an advisor on the Jade Emperor’s side.

In ancient times, you seniors had no choice.

The demon race was aggressive and wanted to exterminate our human race. Humanity’s foundation was weak, without enough experts to protect ourselves. We could only let you seniors fall into demonhood and become demon soldiers.

But today, you have all become human heroes and can choose your future paths.”

As Li Changshou finished speaking, all one hundred and eight demon soldiers looked somewhat…

Bewildered.

“Please, everyone sit.”

Li Changshou made a gesture, and the one hundred and eight demon soldiers sat down cross-legged in unison, watching him.

Li Changshou carefully chose his words and said with a smile:

“What I mean is, in today’s world, you can all do what you want to do.

For example, you can learn to play an instrument, find a companion, or travel around to see the sights – see the prosperity of the mortal world, look at the immortal mountains in the clouds. All of these are the realm that you seniors fought to establish.”

Someone sighed softly:

“Like… a wandering ghost… better to return…”

The demon soldiers’ expressions were calm as they nodded.

“That’s also possible,” Li Changshou sighed and said gently, “If you seniors feel too tired, you can completely choose your own life and death, but speaking from my personal feelings, I don’t want to see you seniors like this.

You’ve missed one era, why not start a new life in this era?

I will help you all, all of humanity will help you adapt. There will be a place for you in this world.

This is the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. I am well-acquainted with the netherworld officials and consider the Yama Kings close friends. If you wish to start a new life and no longer want to carry the burdens of the past, Mother Meng’s soup is available today in unlimited quantities.

If you still have unfulfilled wishes, as long as it’s within my power, I will help you achieve them.

If you want to continue walking and seeing the world…”

“My Lord,” the female commander interrupted Li Changshou’s rambling and asked with a lowered head, “Do you still need our service?”

Li Changshou paused and stood silently for a long time.

He could feel that if he just said one word – no – these one hundred and eight demon soldiers would all leave together.

After a while, Li Changshou finally spoke:

“Humanity no longer needs you to continue sacrificing yourselves, and the world has established a new order.

I need your strength, but it’s only for my personal needs, for my private interests, which may not have much significance for humanity or the world.

That’s why I brought you here, to give you all the chance to choose again. Whatever choice you make, I won’t forcefully intervene.

But if anyone is temporarily undecided and lacks a purpose, then I can say…

Stay, and fight for me.

However, I should tell you upfront – I don’t have any grand ambitions. If you stay to work for me, there probably won’t be many waves.”

After speaking, Li Changshou stood up, made a Daoist bow to the one hundred and eight demon soldiers, and turned to walk away.

He had barely walked ten zhang when there was a slight disturbance behind him. A dao rhythm rose and dispersed – one demon soldier had dissolved their soul on the spot.

Not even willing to enter reincarnation.

One after another, continuously, demon soldiers destroyed their souls, turning into puffs of black sand, disappearing on the Reincarnation Island.

The wind seemed to carry faint murmurs. Li Changshou’s primordial spirit heard their confessions one by one.

‘Lord Changeng, thank you for your kindness.’

‘Our comrades have gone, we shall follow.’

‘We didn’t fail His Majesty’s trust, nor the General’s orders!’

‘My Lord, please take good care of the brothers who stay behind, we’re leaving first…’

Li Changshou tilted his head back slightly, clasped his hands behind him, and sighed softly. Behind him, black sand floated, and the netherworld’s winds began to blow in gentle gusts.

Ghost officials of human origin knelt on one knee holding their weapons, while Ox-Head, Horse-Face, and the few officials of demon origin also had reddened eyes.

Even demons have their emotional side.

After an unknown time, Li Changshou heard footsteps. He turned to look and saw eighteen or nineteen men and women standing behind him, all kneeling on one knee.

“Willing to serve at my Lord’s command!”

“Please, all of you rise quickly,” Li Changshou raised both hands, then gave a bitter smile, “Not a single person wanted to enter reincarnation.”

The female commander revealed a slight smile, and the scars on her cheeks seemed to fade somewhat.

She smiled and said: “Without obsession, one cannot become a demon; without demon nature, one cannot live.

My Lord understands us too little.”

Her words were notably more than before, and her tone had gained some lightness.

Li Changshou cupped his hands: “My dao is exactly the opposite of obsession. Please wait a moment while I thank Lady Houtu, then I’ll take you all back to the mortal world.

First, I’ll give you all your first tasks…

Each of you should think of a name for yourself, or name each other.”

As he finished speaking, a beam of light shone on Li Changshou, drawing him back into the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk.

…

The more Li Changshou pondered, the more he felt that this Little Ai…

Was truly fascinating.

Her logic was complete – no matter what problem she faced, she could arrive at a negative conclusion.

Regarding this, even Lady Houtu was somewhat troubled. She and Li Changshou contemplated for a long while but couldn’t think of a solution. In the end, Little Ai discovered them and wept that they were secretly plotting how to deal with her…

At least she didn’t threaten to run away from home.

Li Changshou took the opportunity to present several suggestions for reforming the netherworld to Lady Houtu for review. Lady Houtu agreed with a smile, without a single objection.

This merit was already beckoning to Li Changshou – the Golden Merit Body wasn’t far off!

When leaving the netherworld with nineteen Golden Immortal realm experts, the great ship borrowed from the Dragon Palace felt noticeably emptier.

Li Changshou planned to organize a “Sunset Red” primordial world tour group, taking them around to see various sights before formally assuming their positions at Anshui City and Little Qiong Peak.

These nineteen experts were all genuine Golden Immortal realm demon soldiers who had fought since ancient times, defeated the Demon Court, and repelled the Outer Heavenly Demons. Their cultivation realms plus their formidable combat experience, combined with the numerous treasures they had accumulated, made them absolutely a force not to be underestimated!

Xiong Lingli, that unqualified Little Qiong Peak security team captain, could now honorably retire.

The demon soldiers brought back by the hundred and eight Great Masters had finally found their place, and Li Changshou had resolved one of his concerns.

Perhaps others might have better ways of handling it, but Li Changshou felt his approach was the most stable.

Returning to Anshui City, he had the reborn demon soldiers stay in the Sea God Temple. After telling these nineteen ‘ancient heroes’ they could move about freely, Li Changshou shifted his attention back to Little Qiong Peak.

Ling’e was playing in the card room, while Youqin Xuanya was cultivating in that giant wood forest…

She truly treated Little Qiong Peak as if it were her own home.

Li Changshou transmitted a message or two, telling Youqin Xuanya to begin preparing for her ascension to heaven, as the Heavenly Court would soon begin promotional campaigns throughout the primordial world.

Youqin Xuanya firmly agreed; having prepared for a long time, her eyes now held a touch of anticipation.

A jade talisman was floating in the pill room.

Li Changshou sent a paper avatar to take the jade talisman in hand – it was a special communication talisman sent by Master Bai…

Face-to-face voice transmission, neighboring peak talisman communication – an old Humanity Dao tradition.

Holding the jade talisman, Li Changshou flew on a cloud to Black Pool Peak. Before his form had steadied, Baize and Zhao Gongming approached from left and right, each stroking their beards with smiles that were somewhat…

Roguish.

Li Changshou stepped back half a step and said righteously:

“You two, don’t involve this poor Daoist in strange games!

This poor Daoist is different from you solitary beings.”

Baize and Zhao Gongming were stunned at first, then charged forward together with their weapons.

Fortunately, Li Changshou wasn’t only skilled in escape techniques; his close combat movement techniques hadn’t fallen behind either. Riding the wind to dodge, he played around with the two powerful beings for a while…

Until finally being caught and given a good beating.

Since it was just an avatar, playing around with Zhao Gongming and Baize was fine – it couldn’t harm his true self.

Li Changshou took the opportunity to silently record this scene with his recording sphere, keeping it for future threats…

“What’s the matter?” Li Changshou asked about the real business with a smile.

“Here, a letter from my second sister for you,” Zhao Gongming said with a wink, patting a letter into Li Changshou’s chest.

He urged: “Quick, open it and see. Do you know how many hours your big brother has been waiting!”

Li Changshou: …

“This seems to be a letter for me alone.”

Zhao Gongming and Baize nodded quite seriously, standing to Li Changshou’s left and right.

“Shouldn’t you two step aside?”

Hum—

Blue light burst forth, and Li Changshou’s paper avatar was instantly frozen in place as twenty-four Sea-Calming Zhenzhus descended from the sky!

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard with a light laugh, using immortal power to bind Li Changshou’s fingers, carefully tearing open the envelope; then following the same method, opened the letter in front of Li Changshou…

Afterward, Zhao Gongming and Baize pretended to pass by behind him, accidentally looking up at the letter.

Baize praised: “Fairy Yunxiao truly understands righteousness! We admire her!”

Zhao Gongming said: “Second sister is indeed the smartest among us four sworn siblings. The words in her letter are very similar to what Master Baize said.”

The two chatted and joked for a few sentences, tacitly walking away. Only when they had maintained sufficient distance did Zhao Gongming retrieve the Sea-Calming Zhenzhus…

With several loud laughs, Zhao Gongming and Baize hid on the other side of Black Pool Peak to continue drinking and making merry.

‘They’ve started playing together.’

Li Changshou shook his head, shook the letter paper, and carefully read it.

The letter mentioned matters concerning Fairy Yunhua. No matter how many times Li Changshou read it, he only felt Fairy Yunxiao’s gentleness and care. He couldn’t put the letter down and read it carefully for a while, only then seeing between the lines that throughout the letter were written the three words ‘I understand you’.

With a light laugh, Li Changshou put away the letter into his sleeve and shifted his attention to the Heavenly Court.

In Moon Laurel Palace.

The paper avatar trembled twice, and Li Changshou returned to normal, stretching lazily.

As his immortal consciousness spread out, he suddenly felt the atmosphere in the palace was somewhat… strange.

There were over thirty Chang’e fairies in Moon Laurel Palace, half practicing dance, half sitting at the side chatting, but outside the palace were over a hundred people gathering in various places, seemingly plotting something.

Li Changshou keenly caught the unusual aspects of various places.

Many Chang’e fairies were wearing light makeup, their immortal dresses completely different from their usual uniform practice attire, competing in colorful splendor!

His immortal consciousness could hear what they were saying…

“Hey, if we can just get Water God to raise his head and look at us once, wouldn’t that be a victory?”

“Water God looks down on us Moon Immortals!

Even when Sister Heng’e came personally, Water God wouldn’t raise his head to look once…”

“Perhaps that Fairy Yunxiao is unique in the world, incomparable.”

“I just don’t believe it!”

What’s going on?

Heng’e had come?

Li Changshou silently pulled back his sleeves and began checking the recording sphere hidden on his body, indeed finding…

A pair of jade feet in embroidered shoes.

The Great Yin Star Lord, Heng’e?

Whether it was due to the psychological effect of being the ‘Number One Beauty of the Three Realms’, Li Changshou thought these feet looked quite nice, neither too big nor too small.

But not as powerful as the Jade Rabbit’s pair of feet…

Li Changshou pondered for a while.

What did Heng’e want with him? His term was almost over, and he could soon quietly leave Moon Laurel Palace.

During this period, Li Changshou had used ‘livestreaming’ here as cover to investigate Western Teaching’s background in the Three Thousand Worlds several times, and successfully initiated Yang Jian’s story – he had made full use of these ten years.

Could there be some scheme in this?

At present, Li Changshou showed a worried expression, deliberately putting on a serious thinking face as he strolled toward the palace doors.

As he moved, Moon Laurel Palace became lively inside and out.

The music stopped, the dance poses stopped, and a group of Chang’e fairies came at the sound, like orioles and swallows, some plump some slim, with light and heavy makeup – beauties like clouds.

They dared not speak, only gathering on Li Changshou’s path forward, each showing six or seven parts dignity, two or three parts reserve, and one or two parts restless anticipation.

Li Changshou was almost drowned in amorous glances, and his paper avatar’s nostrils were nearly stuffed with fragrance.

Women’s competitive spirit was truly frightening!

Finally, a fairy couldn’t help but call out softly: “Water God~”

Li Changshou looked up, nodded with lifeless eyes, and then continued strolling forward, muttering about the problem of tactical conversion failures that often occurred when the celestial soldiers transformed from the Nine-Times-Nine-Equals-Eighty-One Return to Origin Formation into nine Nine Palace Formations…

After walking out of Moon Laurel Palace, Li Changshou put on an expression of sudden enlightenment, lightly clapping his palm against the back of his hand.

“Ah, so that’s how it is.”

A gentle breeze blew past, and Li Changshou’s figure vanished with a swoosh, too fast for the Chang’e fairies to react.

The Chang’e fairies: …

Someone laughed first, and then the group of Chang’e fairies either covered their mouths to laugh lightly, smiled slightly with pursed lips, or exchanged smiles with close friends.

“Water God is quite interesting, how did he… just run away.”

“Sigh, we finally had a chance to compete with Star-Lord.”

A female immortal in charge urged: “Don’t just stand there, cultivation and dance practice – at least do one of them, don’t just idle about here!”

The Chang’e fairies responded softly in agreement, their gentle laughter lingering as they dispersed.

Having escaped disaster, Li Changshou wiped some sweat and carefully pondered.

What did this Heng’e want with him?

Could it be there was some important matter to discuss?

If he kept avoiding her like this, he would needlessly make an enemy of a proper deity of the Heavenly Court. Moreover, Heng’e was the master of the Vast Cold Palace and the daughter of the Human Sovereign. If she was looking for him about some human race matter, wouldn’t he be…

But visiting the Vast Cold Palace would go against his intentions.

Li Changshou pondered for a while, and then his eyes lit up as he remembered the bronze mirror he had left in Moon Laurel Palace.

Couldn’t he just bring more eyes to the Vast Cold Palace? This was also a good approach – he could establish the image of the Number One Beauty of the Three Realms, coordinating with the Super Celestial Soldier plan!

Yes, there are always ways to achieve both goals, not failing either his body or his… no, not failing either his pure reputation!