Reverse thinking – a method Li Shou employs when conventional reasoning fails to yield results – involves completely inverting one’s thought process. This is one of Li’s frequent analytical techniques.

When methods previously deemed correct fail to generate positive feedback, Li Longshou activates reverse thinking, making bold hypotheses while taking measured steps to probe the core of the matter.

Thus…

“Senior Uncle, why have you brought me here?” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy asked softly, holding up the bronze mirror before Guanghan Palace.

Li Longshou smiled faintly, naturally keeping his true thoughts unspoken:

[First, to prove my innocence as Water God;

Second, by bringing you here, even if you, with your delicate features, become flustered upon seeing Chang’e, none will fault you;

Third, it’s convenient to set up the broadcasting equipment.]

Li Longshou cleared his throat and spoke quietly: “Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, have you forgotten the cultivation task before you?”

Clad in blue-white robes, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy froze momentarily before his eyes lit up with understanding, and he nodded solemnly.

To become a proper man in Master’s eyes!

Li Longshou gazed at the formation-shrouded walls ahead and addressed Spirit Zhenzhu Boy: “Before us lies Guanghan Palace, home to Chang’e, renowned as the Three Realms’ foremost beauty.

As is said, yin and yang exist in mutual harmony – this is Heaven’s fundamental truth.

To transform into who you wish to become, you must overcome this trial!”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy responded firmly: “I understand, Senior Uncle!”

His delicate features bore complete seriousness and gravity, like a primordial warrior preparing to slay a dragon, resembling a youth determined to reach the endpoint and uncover the world’s truth, regardless of cost.

Li Longshou patted Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s shoulder and smiled:

“Wait here while I test the waters. Remember, do not open the bronze mirror now under any circumstances.”

With that, Li Longshou rode his cloud forward, bowed respectfully before Guanghan Palace’s gate, and pointed forward.

The great formation of Guanghan Palace trembled slightly, leaving Spirit Zhenzhu Boy utterly bewildered.

Li Longshou waited quietly for a moment, calculating that regardless of circumstance, Chang’e could not possibly ignore his visit.

Indeed;

Moments later, Guanghan Palace’s gate opened, and a small head peered out nervously – it was little Jade Rabbit.

From afar, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy observed ‘Senior Uncle Changeng’ use a barrier to conceal himself while exchanging words with that young woman, after which ‘Senior Uncle Changeng’ presented her with a jade talisman.

The conversation seemed to be:

“…I shall enter Guanghan Palace in this manner shortly. Please have Lady Taixin prepare. Within are several questions and suggestions.

Currently, many have gathered before the Water God Manor, with numerous immortals and deities probing with divine sense – it’s drawing significant attention…”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy tilted his head but immediately recalled his ‘Code of Manhood’, straightening his posture, pushing out his chest, lifting his head, and maintaining utmost seriousness.

Just like the Heavenly General brothers.

Li Longshou floated back, smiling as he waited.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, still holding the bronze mirror, couldn’t help but ask quietly: “Senior Uncle, why must we announce ourselves rather than entering directly?”

“Naturally,” Li Longshou smiled, “such matters must be arranged beforehand. One cannot simply launch a surprise attack.”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy nodded thoughtfully.

Before the Water God Manor, the single bronze mirror had multiplied to three, and the three hundred meditation cushions arranged in advance were packed with off-duty immortals and Heavenly Generals, with even more standing around the periphery.

“Oh, General Li has come as well?”

“This humble general comes to bolster Water God’s male dignity!”

“Venerable Elder, not drinking at home today but joining the excitement?”

“Haha, with Water God undertaking such a feat, how could this old one remain seated in his immortal tower? This is truly a grand occasion in the Heavenly Court – I’m most curious indeed!”

The excitement continued in various forms.

Beyond the Water God Manor, bronze mirrors were also present in the Jasper Pool and Osmanthus Palace, where female immortals had gathered.

Yet these formed only a fraction of the ‘audience.’

What cultivator didn’t possess divine sense? Countless streams of divine consciousness are now locked onto the bronze mirrors before the Water God Manor.

More remarkably, some immortals in the Heavenly Court had directed cloud mirror techniques at the bronze mirrors, hiding in various corners and immortal positions, broadcasting these images.

For instance, at Eastern Lord Wood’s mansion, and even in…

The Crystal Palace.

The Jade Emperor held a memorial, within which was concealed a thin cloud mirror showing the bronze mirror’s images;

Having waited long with still no movement, the Jade Emperor couldn’t help but grumble.

Why was Changeng dawdling so? Yesterday he announced his intention to enter Guanghan Palace, yet at this hour today, still no action!

Just then, a female immortal rode a cloud from outside the hall, bowing at the base of the high platform and calling out:

“Your Majesty, the Empress requests your presence for a meal.”

The Jade Emperor calmly set down the memorial, discreetly crushing the cloud mirror, and feigned fatigue as he stretched.

“Very well.

I shall head to the Jasper Pool now. You may return first.”

The female immortal bowed again, “Your Majesty’s pardon, but the Empress commanded this humble one to follow behind you.”

The Jade Emperor’s lip twitched slightly, but he maintained composure as he stood, adjusted his robes, clasped his hands behind his back, and rode his cloud, allowing the female immortal to follow.

Shortly after, in a corner of the Heavenly Court, the newly arrived General Qin Tianzhu rode his cloud to the Water God Manor, finding a spot at the edge of the viewing area.

“Why hasn’t the Water God moved yet?”

“Could the bronze mirrors be broken?”

“Ah, there’s movement, there’s movement!”

As they spoke, divine light flowed across the three bronze mirrors, gradually revealing clear human figures. Spirit Zhenzhu Boy peeked once before quickly withdrawing his head.

Then they heard the Water God’s voice from the side:

“Yes, the restrictions are activated. Remember to keep it at chest level later, and don’t randomly reflect things – we are entering Guanghan Palace, after all, a female immortal’s residence…”

The bronze mirrors’ images shifted, revealing the white-haired, white-browed visage of the Heavenly Court’s Water God.

Li Longshou bowed to the mirrors and said warmly:

“Greetings, fellow immortals. Today I shall enter Guanghan Palace.

As words can harm and I am thin-skinned with many concerns, I invite you all as witnesses to accompany me in exploring Guanghan Palace.

This venture has received permission from Guanghan Palace’s mistress. To maintain Guanghan Palace’s tranquility, the bronze mirror treasure held by my nephew Spirit Zhenzhu Boy will transmit no sound – I ask for your understanding.”

With these words, Li Longshou made a Daoist salute, and the immortals and Heavenly Generals before all mirrors returned the gesture.

Thus demonstrated the etiquette of primordial livestreaming.

The image then began to turn, showing Li Longshou’s back as he slowly approached Guanghan Palace’s gates.

Guanghan Palace’s gates were slightly ajar. Li Longshou raised his hand to knock gently and called out:

“Is Immortal Chang’e present?

When you previously visited Osmanthus Palace, I was wandering in the Great Void and couldn’t rouse myself in time. I come specially to Guanghan Palace today to make amends for that previous matter.”

A voice from within replied:

“Water God, please wait a moment. My mistress is bathing and changing – it’s not convenient for you to enter now.”

In that instant, all the immortals before the Water God Manor became energized as if anticipating some extraordinary scene!

Li Longshou smiled and said: “In that case, I shall stroll around outside.”

With that, Li Longshou rode his cloud with Spirit Zhenzhu Boy to the osmanthus tree’s shade, beginning to introduce this Primordial Spirit Root while using the resonant sound of wood-chopping to draw everyone’s attention…

Many immortals knew of a human expert in the Moon Palace who daily quarreled with the osmanthus tree, existing since the ancient times when the Heavenly Court was first established, but they knew little else about this expert.

Now, Li Longshou guided the immortals’ gazes to find ‘Enthusiastic Cultivator Master Wu,’ who had been devoted to chopping wood for tens of thousands of years.

Clang!

Wu Gang planted his great axe before him, his body wrapped in a faint divine light, that inexplicable majesty transmitting through the bronze mirrors.

Below is Wu Gang’s public declaration:

“I am Wu Gang, Ancient Human Emperor’s Guard Captain, protecting Lady Chang’e’s safety here. My cultivation is modest – just a Great Luo Golden Immortal for tens of thousands of years. I follow the path of battle techniques, though lately, I haven’t been slaying demons, so my skills have grown somewhat rusty.

Why do I chop the osmanthus tree?

My Lady swore an oath – until the osmanthus tree falls, she won’t leave Guanghan Palace… What? Did she go out before? The oath seems to have been about not leaving the Tayin Star, my mistake, my mistake.

Water God, you go ahead, I’ll continue chopping. Please help persuade my Lady more.”

With that, Wu Gang grabbed his axe and, before the bronze mirrors, demonstrated his specialty of targeting the osmanthus tree with an ordinary axe, deliberately emanating his mighty Dao charm to prove his words true.

Half the male immortals of the Heavenly Court couldn’t help but cover their faces, while the other half smiled with squinting eyes.

Li Longshou led Spirit Zhenzhu Boy to continue circling, guiding the immortals and deities on a tour around Guanghan Palace, capturing the moon palace’s cold, clear scenery.

When they returned to the Moon Palace gates, the great doors opened, and an elegant young woman gracefully emerged.

She had changed from her usual attire, now wearing a blue-white gradient tube top dress paired with a gauze shawl, her hair styled in double loops, her face lightly made up, appearing somewhat more coquettish.

It was the Jade Rabbit maiden.

“W-Water God.”

She dared not raise her head to look directly at Li Longshou, bowing as she softly said: “My mistress invites you to rest inside first. She isn’t quite ready – please don’t fault her.”

Li Longshou smiled and nodded, saying: “Much obliged.”

With that, he rode his cloud into Guanghan Palace, walking forward with hands clasped behind his back.

Before the Water God Manor, many immortals exchanged whispered messages with their acquaintances:

“Is this Chang’e’s raised Jade Rabbit?

Who would have thought that even a mere Jade Rabbit could grow to be so elegant – one can hardly imagine Chang’e’s bearing.”

“Pity she stutters, can’t even speak smoothly.”

“Indeed, what a shame.”

The focus seemed somewhat misplaced.

Meanwhile, the immortals, Heavenly Generals, and immortal maidens carefully watched the content displayed in the images.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, responsible for holding the bronze mirror, showed considerable spiritual sense, slowly adjusting the angle to capture Guanghan Palace’s decor.

Rather than a palace, it more resembled a villa.

Nearby, hundreds of flowers competed in splendor, but among them stood a proud winter plum, its beauty overwhelming all others;

In the distance lay the standard immortal mansion configuration – fake mountains, flowing waters lotus ponds, towers, and immortal platforms encircling immortal birds.

Guanghan Palace’s initial impression was one of coldness and clarity. Though the palace grounds were vast, only spots of immortal light existed in the dustless great halls, which had long lacked human presence and voices.

Li Longshou was led to a pavilion beside the lotus pond, guided to a three-sided water-surrounded platform, and seated for tea.

The Jade Rabbit maiden said tremblingly:

“My-my mistress will be here shortly.”

“Much appreciated,” Li Longshou said warmly, and the Jade Rabbit managed a forced smile before lowering her head and hurrying away.

Li Longshou invited Spirit Zhenzhu Boy to sit together, but Spirit Zhenzhu Boy quietly declined, still holding the bronze mirror as he went to a corner to capture a panoramic view.

As if to repay Li Longshou’s previous ‘oversight,’ Chang’e took half an hour before finally arriving unhurriedly.

Li Longshou felt nothing about this, understanding from his previous life that women have no concept of time when preparing themselves; but the gathered immortals, especially Qin Tianzhu, felt Chang’e was too arrogant, actually keeping a regular authority god of the Heavenly Court waiting so long!

But then…

Suddenly, a faint sigh was heard, and the entire image presented in the bronze mirror suddenly overflowed with gentle radiance.

The immortals and deities instinctively widened their eyes at the bronze mirror’s center. Many vigorous Heavenly Generals held their breath, while those who had visited the Marriage Palace forgot even to blink.

At the mirror’s edge, a pale blue immortal light invaded the scene.

This figure’s mere appearance caused elderly immortals’ cheeks to flush red and young celestial soldiers to stare unblinking. The immortal maidens paled in comparison, while the proper deities were secretly shocked!

Her face bore cold elegance and charm – willow eyebrows, captivating eyes, jade nose, and cherry lips. Whether in facial structure or contours, any alteration by the slightest degree would diminish its perfection by three-tenths.

Her willow-slender waist could hardly be grasped, her neck long and alluringly fair, her skin crystalline and translucent, every proportion the pinnacle of perfection.

With one step forward, she seemed to embody feminine beauty across time and the virtue of the Great Yin…

She spoke:

“I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

That soft voice, melting one’s spirit, transformed the previous impatience of waiting into worthwhile anticipation.

Led by Qin Tianzhu, the Heavenly Court collectively experienced a moment of truth.

A peaceful silence fell before the Water God Manor until someone released a gentle sigh, followed by sighs from the gathered immortals, their eyes still fixed unblinkingly on the mirror’s image.

Such a woman – in the Heavenly Court, perhaps only Queen Mother of the West could sit as her equal without being overshadowed.

Yet the Queen Mother was a first-rank proper deity of the Heavenly Court, leader of female immortals, high above all with natural authority – none dared make casual comparisons.

By the Celestial River, the group of Heavenly Generals gathered before Li Longshou’s specially arranged bronze mirror collectively sighed in appreciation.

Bian Zhuang stared in a daze, muttering: “This time, I may truly have fallen into marriage destiny.”

“Hmph,” Ao Yi sneered, “You say that three hundred sixty-five times a year.”

“No! This time is different!”

Bian Zhuang clenched his fists, declaring firmly: “I must become a male immortal worthy of Immortal Chang’e!

Eh, Ao Yi, what are you doing?

Put away the immortal binding rope, we can talk this out, we’re all broth- mmph! Mmph!”

With several swishes, two treasure ropes bound Bian Zhuang like a rice dumpling.

Ao Yi kicked out, sending Bian Zhuang flying, creating a modest splash in the Celestial River.

“Let’s continue watching, ignore him.”

Ao Yi spoke calmly, and the Celestial River Navy generals chuckled, watching Bian Zhuang float away.

Polite exchanges came through the mirror, mostly insubstantial, as everyone’s attention remained fixed on Chang’e.

Soon, before the Water God Manor, more immortals praised:

“Water God truly has remarkable composure, facing the Tayin Star Lord yet remaining so calm, maintaining proper gaze and measured speech.”

“We are far inferior to Water God.”

“Look at what you’re saying – how can Water God’s realm be compared to ours?”

Indeed, Li Longshou remained very composed and hadn’t even used his “Hundred Beauties’ Old Lord” series of magical items for suppression.

In his direct perception, Chang’e was beautiful indeed – her figure, appearance, bearing, and temperament all reached the peak, yet seemed to lack something…

Had he seen a few beautiful women?

Not to mention Cloud Maiden formed from the most beautiful clouds at heaven’s edge, but even Ling’e who underwent subtle transformations daily, and Xuanya who walked a different path of charm, might not necessarily lose to Chang’e in the future.

Wine Master Uncle specialized differently and wasn’t part of this discussion.

Li Longshou now sat not far from Chang’e, separated only by about five feet and an exquisite round table.

Chang’e’s eyes were clear and moving, but behind that clarity, Li Longshou could not see spirit…

The woman before him seemed like an empty shell.

“When Star-Lord previously visited Osmanthus Palace, I was wandering in the Great Void contemplating the Dao, unable to respond promptly to Star-Lord, causing some disturbance in the Heavenly Court. Thus I come to visit, and hope Star-Lord will forgive any presumption.”

Chang’e smiled somewhat shyly, nodding slightly to Li Longshou, saying: “That Water God would come personally is truly…”

As Chang’e’s gentle, refined voice echoed in his ears, Li Longshou secretly frowned.

Strange, truly too strange.

Li Longshou pondered internally – why did this Chang’e give him such a familiar feeling?

There seemed no danger here, but Li Longshou felt something was odd.

“Star-Lord,” Li Longshou went straight to the point, “What matter brought you to seek me before?”

“It concerns only old matters,” Chang’e sighed softly, “I’ve heard Water God is wise and resourceful, a pillar of the Heavenly Court and the current wisdom star most trusted by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, thus I have a matter to entrust to Water God.”

Li Longshou frowned and said: “By reason, as we are both immortals of the Heavenly Court, I should not refuse any request.

But Star-Lord, we have had no prior acquaintance – such sudden entrustment seems somewhat inappropriate…”

Change sighed softly, appearing somewhat pitiful as she said quietly:

“Whatever benefit Water God desires, as long as I have it, I can give.”

Li Longshou’s lip twitched slightly, already sensing something was amiss.

Surely, at this moment, ‘oh’ sounds erupted throughout the Heavenly Court.

“Star-Lord, please don’t jest.”

Li Longshou said seriously: “You may tell me what matter you wish to entrust. If it’s a simple task, as we are both Heavenly Court immortals, I will naturally help.

If there are difficulties, please forgive my inability to comply.”

“Water God truly…”

Chang’e’s gaze grew distant, her tone shifting as she said: “Please allow me to explain this matter slowly. Rabbit, go fetch some tea and snacks.”

The Jade Rabbit maiden responded sweetly and turned to leave.

Li Longshou stood up, smiling: “No need to trouble yourself. I have many matters to attend to. Perhaps later Star-Lord could write your request in a letter, and I will surely reply to Star-Lord.”

“Why is Water God in such a hurry?”

Chang’e quickly rose and blocked Li Longshou’s path, nearly colliding with him.

To the side, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy blinked, somewhat unclear about the current situation.

Chang’e sighed softly again, clearing the path as she said quietly:

“My Guanghan is cold and lonely, no wonder Water God wishes to leave quickly. Water God may go then.

I am but a remnant of the ancient human race, but a ghost in this Moon Palace, ultimately unable to keep Water God for even half a step.”

Li Longshou: …

What a formidable woman.

He now felt as if sitting on pins and needles, surely from the Jade Emperor down to the gate-guarding celestial soldiers, all were shouting for him to ‘stay’ and hear what Chang’e wished to request.

Li Longshou didn’t care about this, his only concern being that Chang’e had brought up her identity as an ancient human race princess.

Having just accepted nineteen ancient human race warriors, he might have been ‘contemporary humans’ with Chang’e, so he couldn’t be too rigid with her now.

Moreover…

By now Li Longshou had determined that this Chang’e conversing with him was merely an avatar!

To play such tricks before him and expect him not to recognize it was truly –

Like wielding an ax before Pangu, or playing with mud before Nüwa’s temple.

Speaking of non-action in the Supreme Clarity Temple, or of loneliness in the Crystal Palace.

Li Longshou sighed and said solemnly:

“Very well, considering our shared human heritage, if Immortal has any difficulties, I will help where I can without compromising myself.”

‘Chang’e’ smiled gently, bowing again as she invited Li Longshou to be seated once more.

At this moment, from Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s sleeve, a gentle breeze blew past, silently drilling into the pavilion’s floorboards and disappearing…

The Jade Rabbit brought immortal fruits, fine wine, and several plates of refreshments before quickly bowing and withdrawing.

Yet ‘Chang’e’ never mentioned what favor she wished to ask, only engaging Li Longshou in a wide-ranging conversation.

The immortals before the Water God Manor watched with great interest, many elderly immortals beaming with smiles.

But Li Longshou remained cautious in speech, considering each word several times before speaking, maintaining his composure throughout.

Meanwhile, one of Li Longshou’s avatars had already located a certain pavilion wrapped in immortal light beneath Guanghan Palace.

Dark-faced, Li Longshou summoned some Taiji Chart dao charm, silently dissolved dozens of formation layers around the pavilion, concealed his tracks, and entered to investigate.

However, Li Longshou unexpectedly stumbled into a somewhat messy room.

The floor was piled with light garments, while dozens of large wooden wardrobes lined the sides, hung full with various dresses, along with rows of embroidered shoes, cloth boots, straw sandals…

Between the wardrobes stood an elegant full-length crystal mirror, and behind these wardrobes were numerous furnishings – bed, screen, pool, wooden tub, dressing table, chairs and tables, everything one could want.

Wooden dolls floated in the pool.

Li Longshou heard a pleased humming and followed the sound to find… a woman, at least presumed to be one, lying prone on a soft couch, eating fruits and drinking immortal wine.

Her figure was graceful from behind, her face unseen, her long hair somewhat disheveled and casually spread out. She now lay on cushions with legs raised, looking at a palm-sized crystal mirror while occasionally muttering.

“What Heavenly Court Water God, Heavenly Court noble, man above Lord Wood.

Hmph hmph~

Become my servant, and do anything for me in the future, this Princess is truly the Three Realms’ most beautiful immortal maiden!

Ah hahaha!”

Li Longshou: …

Silently turning around, he summoned the Taiji Chart dao charm and soundlessly exited the formation, gently closing the formation’s ‘door’ behind him.

Pardon the intrusion, farewell!

The jianghu road is long, better not to have met!

Was this a case of isolation-induced split personality?

He suddenly felt sympathy for the great shaman Yi who died miserably at the monster’s hands and was tortured into becoming the ‘core technology’ of the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife…

Just leave like this?

Li Longshou pondered briefly and quickly formed a perfect plan, holding a broken recording orb as he reopened the formation and entered once more.