The term “Plague God” was quite a vague description.

Among Heaven’s Court’s deities, just as there were Gods of Fortune, there were naturally Plague Gods—where there was fullness in the celestial numbers, there was also emptiness.

However, when Li Changshou heard the name Lu Yue, his first thought was of that great poison master from the God Investiture period who had claimed to be the foremost in killing prowess below the Sage Realm, the one who had toppled the Zhou Kingdom’s great army with a single dose of strange poison.

Nine Dragon Island was like Golden Toad Island, both being rather famous Daoist grounds, though its reputation was somewhat weaker than Golden Toad Island.

Now staring at this old Daoist, Li Changshou’s thoughts turned in his mind as he smiled and transmitted:

“Please don’t make a scene, Brother Dao. I’m here on important business. Let’s meet and discuss this in detail later.”

The old Daoist’s eyes flashed coldly, seemingly still angry, as he transmitted a scolding:

“What kind of place is this?

This is the Three Realms’ famous place of pleasure-seeking and romantic dalliances!

This poor Daoist truly never imagined that you, Junior Brother Changgeng, would be of such character!

How heartbreaking! How tragic indeed!”

Just as the old Daoist’s transmission ended, a young woman emerged from the curtains behind him, calling out softly: “Senior, what are you looking at? Everyone’s waiting for you to come over.”

“Coming, coming.”

Lu Yue answered gently, embracing the woman’s waist as he prepared to return inside the pavilion.

At the last moment, he didn’t forget to turn his head and glare at Li Changshou, continuing to transmit his scolding:

“This poor Daoist never thought you were this kind of person! To come to such a place!

If you don’t give this poor Daoist an explanation later, this poor Daoist will surely report this matter to the several Senior Sisters at Three Immortal Island!

Hmph!”

With that, he swept his sleeves and left with the woman, activating the grand formation around the pavilion.

Li Changshou: …

What was this situation?

He had truly come here to discuss proper business, while Lu Yue was here for ‘entertainment’!

How could you be so righteously indignant!

With such ‘famous double standards,’ one truly had to suspect whether you, old sir, might be from the Western Sect!

Human Teaching expletive!

Li Changshou raised his hand to support his head, while Bian Zhuang asked concernedly beside him: “Second Brother, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Li Changshou waved his hand, then looked toward the Jade Emperor’s avatar beside him.

Fortunately, this avatar wasn’t ‘Hua Ritian,’ so it wasn’t too eye-catching;

If it had been the Hua Ritian of years past, that merit-filled golden body that wandered freely through Heaven and Earth, it would have been strange if someone hadn’t recognized him.

Qin Tianzhu muttered puzzledly: “A Severing Teaching immortal?”

“Big Brother need not worry,” Li Changshou gave Qin Tianzhu a reassuring look, then immediately joined Bian Zhuang in greeting the large group of Sky’s Edge Pavilion experts approaching.

Bian Zhuang told his family that these two were good brothers he had met in Heaven’s Court, kindred spirits, and since he was coming home for a visit, they had come along with him.

A group of Bian Zhuang’s great-aunts and uncles came forward to pay their respects, and Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu returned the greetings familiarly before entering this small world.

As his divine sense swept across, he saw that arrays surrounded all the towers and palaces, and there were at least over a hundred experts whose backgrounds couldn’t be discerned, seeking pleasure here.

Li Changshou also discovered that his previous inability to see through Lu Yue’s cultivation wasn’t because Lu Yue’s cultivation was too high, but because various concealment arrays had been arranged in this place…

The ‘guests’ his divine sense could detect were either hidden within arrays or could only be seen as blurred figures.

In two words: Professional!

His visit here today wasn’t any secret; Li Changshou hadn’t thought about keeping it confidential before, as there were many considerations at play.

—Mainly to spread the news that [Heaven’s Court wants to absorb forces from the Three Thousand Worlds], diverting others’ attention; later create some momentum, gather a force, and use this to cover the Temporary Heaven Palace.

Originally, both Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu had thought that once they arrived here, Sky’s Edge Pavilion would surely entertain them with their local specialties;

But the subsequent developments made Li Changshou breathe a sigh of relief while leaving Qin Tianzhu feeling somewhat disappointed.

They were led to a secluded palace, where immortal music swirled and elegant tranquility prevailed.

Looking around, there were no scenes that ‘couldn’t be broadcast on bronze mirrors’;

Gazing left and right, beautiful young women had wrapped themselves up completely, without any trace of improper atmosphere.

Li Changshou passively maintained the Wind Speech Spell, yet couldn’t hear any chaotic sounds in this place, only the melodious music carried by the wind…

It was like a celestial realm within a painting.

Just as Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu followed Bian Zhuang into the rear hall, an elderly woman in magnificent robes, leading a group of elderly ladies, came out to greet them.

The elderly woman’s first words were:

“My precious grandson! Grandmother has missed you so much!

Come quickly and let Grandmother see if you’ve suffered in Heaven’s Court. Why have you gotten thinner? Has anyone bullied you in Heaven’s Court?”

Bian Zhuang immediately became somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly said: “Grandmother, my two brothers are here, please don’t call me ‘precious grandson’…”

“Just because your brothers are here, grandmother can’t worry about you?”

Elder Madam Bian frowned and complained, holding Bian Zhuang’s hand while smiling as she looked at Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu.

It was only now that Li Changshou realized he truly couldn’t see through this elderly woman’s aura…

She was an expert.

Elder Madam Bian carefully examined Li Changshou for several moments before smiling and saying:

“Unexpected that such distinguished guests would visit. Someone come, open the Phoenix-Attracting Tower, and escort these two distinguished guests there. Without my command, no one is to approach.”

Two middle-aged women in luxurious dresses behind her immediately bowed and acknowledged.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Please forgive our unannounced visit, Elder Madam.”

“You’re too kind,” Elder Madam Bian sighed, “Our humble abode is crude. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality, please don’t take offense.”

Li Changshou cupped his hands and said softly to Qin Tianzhu: “Let’s not forget our manners.”

—Concealing Qin Tianzhu’s identity.

Afterward, Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu followed several immortal maidens toward the so-called Phoenix-Attracting Tower.

One could see that Bian Zhuang’s family was truly among Honghuang’s wealthy.

Looking around, the entire small world had been transformed into various landscapes, with strange mountains visible everywhere, streams and jade pools scattered about, and jade statues placed here and there as if the cost was no object.

Soon, Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu were brought before a magnificent tower. Two immortal maidens pushed open the light red main doors, revealing two rows of immortal maidens who bowed in unison.

Qin Tianzhu smiled and said: “Truly grand.”

Li Changshou said from beside him: “After all, this Sky’s Edge Realm is quite a rare place in the world.”

In the center of the tower was a high platform with a treasure pool, where spiritual light flickered and immortal qi gathered;

Sitting by this treasure pool and looking around, one could see distant mountains rising and falling, water gleaming, as well as auspicious cranes soaring and propitious clouds drifting by.

In this scene, Li Changshou truly wanted to say one word:

[Decadent].

On each side, two gentle and charming immortal maidens came forward, intending to help the two change clothes.

Before Li Changshou could refuse, Qin Tianzhu said:

“No need to trouble yourselves, we’re just here visiting friends. If convenient, please withdraw.”

Li Changshou was inwardly surprised—had he misunderstood His Majesty the Jade Emperor?

These several serving girls bowed in acknowledgment and withdrew with lowered heads.

Soon, only Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu remained in this magnificent tower. They looked at each other and smiled, then went to a corner and casually found some cushions to sit on.

More serving girls came forward, bringing hot tea and snacks, and asking what music the two would like to hear.

Li Changshou said: “Something normal will do.”

“Yes,” that serving girl bowed and withdrew with her tray.

Before long, several female musicians came to the tower and began playing light, pleasant tunes; several beautiful dancing maidens came gracefully forward, gently swaying their flowing cloud sleeves, their dance moves quite pleasing to the eye.

Fortunately, it all remained within the bounds of elegance.

Qin Tianzhu leaned closer to Li Changshou and transmitted: “What does Changgeng think of this place?”

“A top-tier place of pleasure,” Li Changshou praised, “Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s development to this level is truly remarkable.”

Qin Tianzhu sighed: “Bian Zhuang’s grandmother must have recognized you. What a pity, we can’t do anything interesting.”

Li Changshou: So that was the reason!

Qin Tianzhu frowned and said: “That old Daoist who transmitted to you earlier must have also recognized you. Changgeng, was this move of yours perhaps somewhat ill-considered?”

Li Changshou transmitted back: “Your humble god has one or two schemes in mind. This trip is also meant to mislead those who are watching your humble god’s movements.”

“But if Immortal Yunxiao asks about this, how will you explain?”

“That…”

“Ah, Changgeng.”

Qin Tianzhu’s eyes revealed some helplessness as he said softly:

“Women are different from us men. We say what we mean, and once it’s said, it’s over. But some women love to nitpick—if you make even a small mistake, they can remember it for several grand kalpas, bringing it up repeatedly.

If Immortal Yunxiao gets hold of this handle on you… tsk.

Don’t overthink it, I’m not talking about my junior sister.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Your humble god understands, your humble god understands.

Men and women occupy different positions in yin and yang, naturally, they’re not entirely the same. Most women being more detail-oriented than men is only natural.”

Qin Tianzhu sighed and raised his tea for a drink.

Li Changshou wanted to remind Qin Tianzhu to be careful, as this was unfamiliar territory; but considering they were both using avatars and were in Bian Zhuang’s home, he held his tongue.

He still needed to give his Second Senior Brother some face.

A moment later, Bian Zhuang arrived supporting his grandmother on a cloud. Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu rose to welcome them, and after exchanging pleasantries, the conversation flowed pleasantly.

Elder Madam Bian got straight to the point, asking directly:

“May I ask what specific matter brought Water God to bring my grandson home today?”

Li Changshou played coy, using this to probe Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s foundation.

“Why don’t Elder Madam try to guess?”

Beside them, Qin Tianzhu couldn’t help laughing, as this was the first time he had seen his Water God being so ‘playful.’

Elder Madam Bian hummed thoughtfully, sitting there in silent contemplation;

Bian Zhuang stood to the side continuously worrying, still concerned about the powerful immortal maidens behind Li Changshou causing him trouble…

After a while, Elder Madam Bian sighed and said:

“Water God is resourceful and clever, a disciple of a Sage, second only to the Jade Emperor in Heaven’s Court…”

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Elder Madam shouldn’t praise me so, I merely have His Majesty’s trust.”

The elderly woman smiled and said: “I truly cannot guess.”

Li Changshou carefully chose his words and said slowly:

“On the way here, I heard Bian Zhuang speak of many things about Elder Madam’s establishment of Sky’s Edge Pavilion, and I greatly admire Elder Madam.

Let me ask Elder Madam directly, would Sky’s Edge Pavilion be willing to work for Heaven’s Court?”

“This…”

Elder Madam Bian frowned slightly and said in a low voice: “With Water God asking so suddenly, it’s difficult for me to answer.

Though I am Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s Master, we have so many people. If my single decision were to place them in danger, I truly couldn’t face death even ten thousand times over.”

Li Changshou said: “How could working for Heaven’s Court lead to danger?”

Elder Madam Bian sighed:

“Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s intelligence network is fairly comprehensive, and because my grandson serves as a general in Heaven’s Court, I’ve paid special attention to Heaven’s affairs in recent years.

Previously, in Heaven’s Court’s fortune struggle with the West, Heaven’s Court won repeatedly with Water God’s help;

Now with this Great Calamity descending, Heaven’s Court has gained the initiative. According to outside sources, this calamity is called God Investiture, meant to strengthen Heaven’s Court.

But how can a Great Calamity be without killing karma?

The Western Great Teaching has managed the Three Thousand Worlds for many years. Water God wants to raise a force to contend with the West’s influence in the Three Thousand Worlds, using this to continue competing for fortune for Heaven’s Court…

Will there be great battles in this?

If there are great battles, even if Sky’s Edge Pavilion had ten times as many immortals, we would be nothing but calamity ash.”

Qin Tianzhu and Bian Zhuang exchanged glances beside them…

Confirming with their eyes that they were both people who wouldn’t think so much; thus they remained content to listen quietly.

Li Changshou cupped his hands and smiled: “Elder Madam sees through things truly clearly.”

Elder Madam Bian hurriedly said: “Water God overstates it, I’ve merely lived a long time, seeing through and becoming detached from all matters.”

“But Elder Madam is wrong about one point.”

“I would like to hear the details.”

Li Changshou wrote the character ‘dao’ on the low table by the cushions, remained silent for a while, then said:

“Currently I cannot make any promises to Elder Madam, nor dare I say what glorious future awaits Sky’s Edge Pavilion working for Heaven’s Court.

These would all be empty words, no one would believe them, and Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s current situation is already extremely comfortable.

I only ask Elder Madam to carefully consider: if Heaven’s Court doesn’t intervene in Three Thousand Worlds matters, how will the situation there develop?

Elder Madam should know what Western Teaching has done.

To be frank, in eighty-some years, I will go with my master to Purple Void Palace to discuss the God Investiture Calamity. I just visited my master at Supreme Clarity Observatory, and I can confirm that the Dao Sect absolutely will not let the West profit in this matter.

If the West’s plans are thwarted in the Five Regions, what will they do under the crisis of the Great Calamity?”

Elder Madam Bian’s wrinkled forehead immediately twisted…

Li Changshou continued asking: “Does Sky’s Edge Pavilion have confidence it can remain uninvolved in this great calamity?”

“Difficult,” Elder Madam Bian shook her head gently, “Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s scope is too broad, we’ll inevitably be affected, and once war breaks out, Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s wealth will surely attract powerful enemies’ covetous eyes.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Since I’ve come here, Elder Madam should understand that Heaven’s Court won’t allow the Western Teaching to devour the Three Thousand Worlds.

There must be a battle in the Three Thousand Great Worlds, one in which the Sage’s Great Teachings won’t directly participate.

If you want to preserve Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s hard-won current situation, Sky’s Edge Pavilion only has two paths—

Trust me, or turn to the Western Teaching.”

Elder Madam Bian frowned in deep thought, then asked: “Did Water God come directly to our Sky’s Edge Pavilion because you confirmed through other channels that we have no connection to the West?”

“I didn’t investigate these matters.”

Li Changshou’s smile was full of confidence: “If Sky’s Edge Pavilion were secretly controlled by the Western Teaching, then my visit would both strengthen our forces and weaken Western forces—achieving two goals at once. What’s not to like?

After all…”

Li Changshou looked at Bian Zhuang, inwardly saying: ‘Apologies to Second Senior Brother.’

“Deputy Commander Bian is someone I trust, and I’m willing to give Deputy Commander Bian’s family some benefits.

Sky’s Edge Pavilion would be the first immortal force from the Three Thousand Worlds that Heaven’s Court recruits.”

The Elder Madam contemplated for a long time, thinking carefully, not speaking hastily.

“This matter is of great importance. Might I ask Water God to stay at Sky’s Edge Pavilion for two days,” Elder Madam Bian rose and said, “I will discuss this carefully with several elders of the pavilion before giving Water God a definite answer.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou agreed and rose to see Elder Madam Bian off;

He also winked at Bian Zhuang, who understood and hurriedly followed.

After Bian Zhuang ran off, Qin Tianzhu slowly let out a breath and transmitted:

“Changgeng, weren’t you going to establish the Temporary Heaven Palace? Why are you also recruiting forces from the Three Thousand Worlds?”

Li Changshou smiled and asked in return: “If all eggs are placed in one basket, what happens if the basket breaks?”

Qin Tianzhu laughed helplessly: “You truly deserve your reputation for caution!

Come, let me toast you with tea instead of wine!”

“Your Majesty overstates it,” Li Changshou drank from his teacup, inwardly sighing softly.

If time weren’t so pressing, if he had several thousand more years to plan, he would have developed seven or eight independently operating hidden major forces before confronting the West.

Now, he could only openly form one alliance while secretly cultivating the Temporary Heaven Palace…

Before long, Bian Zhuang came skulking back, saying Elder Madam Bian had entered the great hall with several great-aunts, presumably to discuss this matter thoroughly.

Li Changshou thought of Nine Dragon Island’s Lu Yue and smiled: “Might I ask the Young Pavilion Master to use some private authority?”

“What Young Pavilion Master nonsense,” Bian Zhuang chuckled, “Just tell me what you need if you’ve taken a liking to… ahem if you wish to discuss the Dao with any immortal maiden, I’ll arrange it immediately!”

Qin Tianzhu raised an eyebrow, and Li Changshou quickly changed the subject:

“There’s a guest here, a Severing Teaching Sage’s disciple, Nine Dragon Island’s cultivator Lu Yue. Could you invite Lu Yue here for a chat?

By the way…”

Thus and so, this and that.

Li Changshou transmitted some instructions, and Bian Zhuang nodded repeatedly, saying it was a small matter before turning and hurrying away.

Soon after, Bian Zhuang sent someone to invite Lu Yue and slipped two jade tokens to Li Changshou, containing Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s records of Lu Yue’s preferences and frequency of visits.

Li Changshou looked at them and felt quite emotional.

This Lu Yue came once every thousand years, and stayed for a hundred years each time, spending massive amounts of spirit stones each visit…

This brother’s poison-refining skills were exceptionally brilliant—surely he hadn’t developed them just to earn spirit stones to spend here?

Just as he was thinking this, Lu Yue arrived on a cloud, entering the tower with his head held high and chest puffed out.

Li Changshou deliberately put away the two jade tokens in front of Lu Yue, then transmitted instructions to Qin Tianzhu not to rise, while he himself stood to welcome the guest.

Li Changshou didn’t bow or salute, but simply smiled and said:

“Are you truly Senior Brother Lu Yue of Nine Dragon Island?”

“Of course!”

Lu Yue held his head high, his eyes carrying some pride, “Junior Brother Changgeng, have you thought about how to explain yourself?

As long as you convince this poor Daoist, this poor Daoist naturally won’t tell our fellow disciples about your visit here today.”

“Explain me?”

Li Changshou asked in return: “Why should I explain myself? Rather, how can Brother Dao prove his identity?”

“What need has this poor Daoist to prove himself?”

Lu Yue cupped his hands toward the sky and declared loudly: “My master is Teaching Master Tongtian. If these words are false, the Sage will naturally sense it.”

Li Changshou shook his head gently: “With the Great Calamity approaching, the heavenly mechanisms are obscured. I’m afraid this method won’t work.”

Lu Yue asked in return: “Then how do you prove you are Heaven’s Court’s Water God, Human Teaching’s Changgeng?”

“With this treasure,” Li Changshou’s finger lightly tapped, and strands of mysterious yellow qi appeared in his palm, condensing into the shadow of the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda.

Lu Yue started, standing there lost in thought.

Li Changshou seized the opportunity and smiled: “Brother Dao seems particularly fond of Sky’s Edge Pavilion.”

“Indeed, since this poor Daoist made a mistake in pill refining in ancient times, I began to favor beauty, and often come here. I don’t steal, rob, or bully the weak—it’s no secret.”

Lu Yue answered calmly, then continued pondering how to prove his identity.

Li Changshou hadn’t expected Lu Yue to admit this so frankly and now found himself somewhat troubled about how to grasp the other’s weakness.

Li Changshou was skilled with poisons, so he better understood Lu Yue’s formidable aspects.

Such a master of poisons would be a trump card that could turn the tide of a great battle. If he could be recruited for Heaven’s Court in advance…

The picture couldn’t be too beautiful.

Lu Yue hummed thoughtfully, then spoke: “How about this—though this poor Daoist wasn’t present when you met Immortal Yunxiao in the peach blossom forest, this poor Daoist can recite every word you both spoke.”

As he spoke, Lu Yue took out a book made of cloth from his bosom, cleared his throat, and calmly read aloud:

“Senior Sister Yunxiao said:

Mm, in my eyes, you are… good at planning and scheming, measured in advance and retreat, cautious in action, untouched by karma…”

“Ah, that’s quite unnecessary!”

Li Changshou hurriedly interrupted, stepped forward two paces, and made a Daoist salute to Lu Yue:

“Senior Brother Lu Yue, I was too suspicious. I apologize here.”

“Ah,” Lu Yue instead revealed a slight smile, “Everyone knows Junior Brother Changgeng is cautious in his actions. These are small matters, this poor Daoist naturally won’t mind.

But you…

Sigh, how would Senior Sister Yunxiao view you if she truly knew of this matter?

This marriage fate didn’t come easily, Junior Brother should cherish it well!

This poor Daoist will cover for you later, saying you came seeking this poor Daoist with important matters to discuss, but this poor Daoist can only help you this once.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Senior Brother, I do have important matters here, I didn’t come seeking pleasure.

Please sit, Senior Brother, let me explain in detail.”

“Oh?” Lu Yue glanced at Qin Tianzhu, calmly nodded, and sat in Elder Madam Bian’s previous seat.

That Qin Tianzhu smiled and said: “Friend, might I take a look at that book in your hand?”

“Hmph!”

Lu Yue put away the cloth book and said indifferently: “Who are you? These are Severing Teaching secrets, how could I embarrass Junior Brother Changgeng?”

Li Changshou pondered inwardly, finding Lu Yue’s personality quite interesting, and next would need to find a way to probe whether he had any connection to the West…