In the waterside pavilion of Guanghan Palace, Chang’e’s words suddenly halted, the previous luster in her eyes instantly fading to dullness.

Li Changshou maintained his composure as he continued: “Is this how Immortal Fairy spends her days? Guanghan Palace seems rather desolate. Why not invite some female immortals to the company?”

A faint light flickered in Chang’e’s eyes – a detail that only Li Changshou noticed, even escaping Spirit Zhenzhu’s detection.

Chang’e released a soft sigh and spoke in a low voice: “Who would willingly stay in this cold Guanghan Palace?”

Li Changshou smiled: “Immortal Fairy speaks too modestly.”

The assembled immortals before the bronze mirror nodded in unison.

At this moment, these immortals had yet to realize that within Guanghan Palace, Li Changshou had taken control of the conversation, establishing a pattern where he would ask and Chang’e would answer.

Chang’e began displaying traces of helplessness and melancholy in her expression. Even these subtle changes made many male immortals’ hearts clench.

Chang’e’s beauty, in truth, did not surpass that of the realm’s supreme female powerhouses. Women who had reached the Great Luo Realm’s perfection and stepped halfway toward the Sacred Realm had their appearance, countenance, and bearing influenced by their own Dao, having long approached their perfection.

But Chang’e naturally emanated an air of vulnerability.

Being of mortal origin rather than a powerhouse, she became someone all male immortals instinctively wished to protect.

Of course, these were merely the ‘established impressions’ circulating throughout Hongmeng and the Celestial Court.

Chang’e’s cultivation realm, as Li Changshou had just verified…

Was terrifyingly high.

And her combat prowess was equally formidable!

Beneath Guanghan Palace, in a deeply hidden chamber protected by more than ten layers of formations, Li Changshou’s paper avatar looked down at his severed left wrist and the shattered recording sphere, feeling rather speechless.

Her strike had been exceptionally fierce!

Though Li Changshou could understand – putting himself in her position if someone had secretly crept up behind him in his pill room, anyone below the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm would likely be reduced to ash in an instant.

The underground chamber lay in complete disarray – clothes racks toppled, shoes and socks scattered about, inner formations shattered.

Intense combat had occurred here in that brief moment.

At this moment, Li Changshou found himself unable to describe in words the female immortal kneeling before him…

She possessed extraordinary beauty, identical to the ‘wooden puppet’ avatar above in true appearance. Now in light robes with slightly disheveled long hair, she exuded an even more devastating allure.

If not for the Hundred Beauties Painting stabilizing Dao’s heart, he truly would have lost composure.

However, this Chang’e differed entirely from the Chang’e of legend.

Li Changshou closed his eyes, still seeing the fierce glare that had flashed through her beautiful eyes when she had whirled around at his first sound…

That look confirmed she was a ‘ruthless’ person.

If he hadn’t reacted swiftly enough to blurt out, “This is merely one of my avatars, I’ve only been here for a moment,” Chang’e would likely have destroyed his late-stage Celestial Immortal paper avatar outright.

At his words, Chang’e’s expression changed six times in an instant!

First came fury, rapidly transforming to shock, then in a flash her eyes welled with tears like a tragic heroine, followed by appearing pitiful and delicate, then suddenly putting on a brave face, and finally lowering her head with a sigh and kneeling down powerlessly, as if heaven and earth had collapsed…

Amidst these changes, Chang’e had even rolled her eyes.

This was truly a veteran actress of Hongmeng!

Li Changshou shook his head, retrieving a paper avatar from his sleeve and assuming the same elderly immortal appearance before putting away the damaged paper form.

“Immortal Fairy’s cultivation is impressive.”

“Hmph,” Chang’e responded with delicate anger, turning her head aside.

Without employing any charm techniques, purely through her natural allure, she caused even Li Changshou’s steadfast Dao heart to waver by approximately three thousandths.

Quite formidable indeed.

But then Chang’e turned back, her eyes reddened, biting her lip gently, and spoke in a tone of ‘resignation’:

“As expected of the Celestial Court’s Water God, able to see through my carefully laid plans so quickly and even locate my true form.”

Li Changshou clasped his hands and turned sideways, smiling: “After Immortal Fairy’s words, I begin to suspect whether letting me find this place was also part of your calculations.”

Chang’e gave a light laugh and said calmly: “Why does Water God dare not look at me?”

“Immortal Fairy’s attire is inappropriate.”

Li Changshou spoke plainly: “I now know Immortal Fairy is no ordinary female immortal, and I wish to avoid excessive entanglements. If Immortal Fairy wishes to have an honest discussion, please make yourself presentable first.”

Chang’e smiled: “You brought so many eyes into my Guanghan Palace, how can we have an honest discussion? Let me first withdraw the puppet above – maintaining two conversations simultaneously is quite taxing… You truly are a strange one, could you perhaps possess two primordial spirits? How can you converse with me simultaneously?”

Li Changshou merely smiled, not explaining.

He turned his back as Chang’e rose and went behind the screen, soon followed by the rustle of clothing.

In the pavilion of Guanghan Palace, the ‘Chang’e’ avatar spoke:

“I shall fetch some immortal wine and prepare some dishes for Water God, lest our conversation grow too tedious.”

With these words, she excused herself with a slight bow.

Li Changshou glanced at Spirit Zhenzhu in the corner, who was now absorbed in studying the lotus flowers in the pool…

Without needing to see the scene before the Water God Manor, he knew numerous elder immortals and minor celestial generals were practically pressing their faces against the bronze mirror.

Yet ironically, among all the male immortals of the Celestial Court, excluding the Jade Emperor and those in Doulu Palace, likely none could match this daughter of the Human Emperor in combat.

Preconceptions were truly unreliable.

“Water God, please.”

A call came from behind, and Li Changshou turned to find Chang’e had changed into loose robes, her three thousand ebony strands cascading like a waterfall, simply arranged in a cloud-like bun.

Well, now she had suddenly taken on the air of a warrior maiden.

Ignoring the chaos around them, she invited Li Changshou behind the screen to sit at a jade table.

Chang’e’s eyes fixed on Li Changshou as she suddenly asked: “What did you hear?”

“The man above Wood Lord.”

Chang’e’s forehead filled with black lines as she held her head in her delicate hand, now perfectly resembling a beautiful elder sister unwilling to face last night’s mistakes after sobering up.

She asked softly: “What conditions would keep you from speaking of this?”

Li Changshou replied frankly: “I naturally wouldn’t speak of this to others. It would bring me no benefit.”

Chang’e’s lips curved in a sneer as she retorted: “Hmph, I’d best not fully trust a man capable of deceiving an Innate Powerhouse.”

“Trust or distrust lies with Immortal Fairy’s judgment,” Li Changshou clasped his hands. “I apologize for intruding upon Immortal Fairy’s private chambers. You mentioned having a matter to entrust to me – what might this be? If you merely called me to Guanghan Palace to play games, that was unnecessary.”

Chang’e spoke softly: “State your demands first.”

Li Changshou frowned: “How can one ask for demands before stating the request? If there isn’t even basic trust between us, why would Immortal Fairy entrust me with this matter?”

Hesitation filled Chang’e’s eyes. “Let me consider for a moment.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou closed his eyes in meditation, secretly observing Chang’e’s reactions.

The current Chang’e gave him an odd feeling…

This wasn’t the artificiality of the avatar above, but rather, Chang’e felt too genuine.

Several details stood out:

When sitting on the square stool, she sat as far back as possible for stability, unlike most immortal fairies who perched lightly to better display their grace.

Her hands also seemed ‘restless’, occasionally playing with her hair or threading fingers through the dark strands, suggesting anxiety.

Until her eyes began to redden and she suddenly collapsed onto the table, crying…

Li Changshou opened his eyes with furrowed brows, suddenly feeling he wasn’t facing an immortal fairy of Hongmeng at all.

Of course, Li Changshou wouldn’t be swayed by this. Whether her emotional breakdown was genuine or an act, his three principles remained: ‘Minor favors only’, ‘Self-preservation first’, and ‘Triple consideration’.

Moments later…

The immortals waiting anxiously before the Water God Manor could only watch Li Changshou’s paper avatar slowly drinking tea.

In the formations beneath Guanghan Palace, Chang’e hugged her knees in her chair, eyes vacant as she murmured:

“I hope you can help me find someone. I’ll agree to all your conditions.”

“Houyi?” Li Changshou asked in response.

The words caught in Chang’e’s throat. She smiled helplessly, “If I say no, how would Water God view me?”

Before Li Changshou could speak, Chang’e had already uttered several harsh words of self-mockery.

“Tell me briefly of your story with Houyi,” Li Changshou said. “I need this to weigh whether I can help you.”

Chang’e asked: “What do you know of my story?”

Li Changshou recalled the tales he’d read in ancient texts…

[Chang’e and Houyi knew and loved each other, becoming husband and wife. After Houyi shot down nine suns, the Demon Queen, seeking revenge against Houyi, tempted Chang’e with an immortality elixir, causing Chang’e to fly to Guanghan Palace, forever separated from Houyi of the Shaman Tribe who could not fly.]

Li Changshou paused, then said calmly: “This story, in my view, actually contains many inconsistencies.”

Chang’e sighed softly: “Those were merely explanations crafted by ministers for later generations, attempting to beautify the matter.”

“Oh?”

“Let me tell you of this period. When I awakened after sleeping for ten thousand years…”

“Ten thousand years of sleep?”

“Yes, listen to my tale.”

“My apologies,” Li Changshou nodded, becoming an attentive listener.

[After Chang’e awakened, the allied armies of humans and shamans had gained an absolute advantage over the demon race, preparing for the final battle against the Demon Court.

At that time, rumors spread through both armies, claiming that on the day of the demons’ defeat, humans would ambush the shamans; others said the shamans would ambush the humans.

In truth, both sides had such plans.

To stabilize army morale, the Human Emperor and the remaining Ancestor Shamans arranged a marriage alliance to appease all ranks.

Yi, a highly respected Great Shaman, married Chang’e, the daughter of the Human Emperor.

After the Demon Court’s fall, the two armies clashed, with humans emerging victorious.]

“My position among humans had become extremely awkward then.”

Chang’e’s lips curved as if speaking of someone else’s tale, explaining calmly:

“To avoid offending their sensibilities, I came to Guanghan Palace, swearing not to step foot outside the Lunar Star until the osmanthus tree fell.

I considered following the shaman way and marrying into their tribe, but Yi had already died at the demon’s hands, and he already had wives and children among the shamans.

When they crafted this story, they completely ignored shaman preferences – they favored women with arms thicker than their legs, while we human women were mostly slender.

Even Demon Queen Xihe was the most admirable woman of that era, noble in character, never interfering in Demon Court affairs, and secretly sparing many mortals…”

Li Changshou calmly moved past this topic: “Then who are you seeking? Which ancient human?”

“I…” Chang’e’s beautiful eyes filled with bewilderment as she spoke softly: “I don’t know.”

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow, already suspecting something, but didn’t reveal it, only asking:

“Why don’t you know?”

Chang’e pointed a delicate finger at her heart, her reddened eyes making her as beautiful as a painting or poem.

“It’s like a puzzle piece was taken from here;

I don’t know why it’s missing, nor what was lost.

I only remember someone once whispered in my ear:

Go forth and fight, break free from your destined fate. Will you remain locked in this cold palace alone for countless years, or roam the world as a carefree immortal…”

Li Changshou carefully sensed the changes in Heaven’s Will, asking softly: “And then?”

“It vanished.”

Chang’e took a gentle breath, “When I awoke, everything was gone.”

Li Changshou sighed internally, understanding why Chang’e’s current behavior felt so familiar.

In his mind, he noted a potentially useful piece of information…

[Senior Wave’s erasure likely occurred ten thousand years before the Demon Court’s fall.]

Li Changshou asked: “In your feelings, what relation might this person have been to you?”

“A master, or perhaps an elder brother,” Chang’e murmured, “More likely a master.”

Li Changshou: …

This senior was quite something, choosing disciples of realm-first beauty caliber!

If there weren’t other motives, he, as a ‘stability seeker,’ wouldn’t believe it!

Li Changshou sighed, unable to share these thoughts with Chang’e, only saying: “With just this information, I fear I can’t help much.”

Chang’e frowned: “But I can’t remember anything else.”

“Are there any keepsakes?”

“None…”

Li Changshou frowned and stood, pacing beside the square table.

He pondered whether his meeting with Chang’e was a coincidence or if some greater hand was at work in the shadows.

The person Chang’e sought was ninety percent likely to be the Senior Wave mentioned by Holy Mother – a search that would yield no results…

Looking at the immortal fairy before him, Li Changshou felt slightly helpless.

Li Changshou said:

“I can help you. If I learn who this person is, find traces of them, or hear their story, I’ll come to Guanghan Palace to inform you.”

“Really!?”

Chang’e stood instinctively, watching Li Changshou.

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, saying: “This is but a small favor. As the Celestial Court’s Water God, I often travel throughout Hongmeng. If I cannot uncover news of this person, others you might ask would fare no better.”

“Yes, yes!”

Chang’e circled the round table, now inexplicably excited, rushing forward in two steps.

Li Changshou raised his hand to stop her approach, smiling: “Men and women must maintain propriety, as is human custom. Please, Your Highness, mind the boundaries.”

Chang’e hurriedly said: “Thank you, Water God. What can I do for you?”

“No need to dwell on small matters. Consider us friends.”

Li Changshou made a ceremonial bow, saying: “Please complete the performance above. The Celestial Court’s immortals are watching – don’t disappoint your title as the first beauty of the three realms.”

“Yes!”

Chang’e nodded solemnly, but before she could say more, Li Changshou smiled slightly, and both his form and the paper avatar in his sleeve were consumed by gentle flames, instantly vanishing.

In the pavilion of Guanghan Palace, Li Changshou stood and walked to the lotus pool with hands behind his back, somewhat lost in thought.

The Celestial Court’s immortals and generals assumed Li Changshou, like them, had grown impatient with waiting.

Spirit Zhenzhu blinked gently, feeling that Uncle Changsheng seemed particularly profound at this moment as if contemplating something significant.

Li Changshou suddenly felt…

His visit to Guanghan Palace wasn’t merely about giving Chang’e an ethereal hope…

The more he understood Heaven’s Will, the more he grasped its intricacies.

“I’ve kept Water God waiting.”

A gentle call came from behind. Li Changshou turned to look, and like the immortals before the bronze mirror, his eyes brightened.

Chang’e had changed clothes, appearing transformed, even more radiant.

Her cold, matchless beauty was almost impossible to look at directly.

Before the Water God Manor;

“Why does Fairy Chang’e seem different from before?”

“Such a beauty, dwelling in Guanghan, every smile and frown makes one’s heart yearn.”

Qin Tianzhu frowned, silently noting her formidable cultivation.

What followed could truly be called a blessing for the Celestial Court’s male immortals.

After conversing with the Water God for a while and his expressing intention to leave, Chang’e offered to dance, asking the Water God, as chief instructor of the Moon Palace, to judge if she was worthy to lead the Chang’e dancers.

Li Changshou naturally dared not refuse – if he did, he would face the criticism of all male immortals.

He agreed and remained seated.

Chang’e moved to the side and began dancing lightly to the flute melody played by the Jade Rabbit.

Indeed, her dance was beautiful, unmatched in the current age. Even Fairy Yunxiao, despite years of secret practice, could only say “each to their art” in this regard.

But as Li Changshou watched, strange thoughts kept surfacing.

‘Still, it lacks the anticipation of watching the fairy dance modern styles.’

…

When leaving Guanghan Palace, Li Changshou turned to look at the desolate, nearly uninhabited palace, sighing internally.

He wouldn’t be coming here again.

How could he possibly find news of Senior Wave? One erased by Heaven’s Will, completely removed from all beings’ memories.

Was Heaven’s Will arranging this visit as a warning against future mischief? Or face the same fate?

Li Changshou shook his head and laughed softly.

His path differed entirely from Senior Wave’s.

His pursuit of stability and balance wasn’t cowardice. Any path, anyway, one must walk it to know whether knife mountains and fire seas or birdsong and flowers await ahead.

Rather than affecting his Dao’s heart, this visit strengthened his resolve.

He didn’t want Spirit Fairy to become like Chang’e.

[Fate itself is a false proposition; we believe in dialectical development.]

Meanwhile, in Guanghan Palace’s pavilion, Chang’e held the curtain, gazing far in the direction Li Changshou and Spirit Zhenzhu had departed.

“Ah…”

All the mortal attachments could only be expressed in such a light sigh.

“He’s a good person.”

The young Jade Rabbit behind her trembled, nearly crying in distress.