During this outing, the Third Avatar of the Jade Emperor gave Li Changshou a somewhat different impression.

He seemed much more peaceful than before…

Whether it was Bian Zhuang speaking out of turn or Lu Yue showing disrespect, Qin Tianzhu just smiled and shook his head;

Though he was likely keeping mental notes, he was indeed much more composed and at ease than before.

Could this truly be a more magnanimous Qin Tianzhu?

Li Changshou pondered silently, but couldn’t directly ask through voice transmission. The urgent matter at hand was still to investigate Lu Yue’s background.

He recalled that in the original Investiture of the Gods story, Lu Yue met quite a tragic end – brutally beaten by the third generation of the Enlightenment Sect. On his first descent from the mountain, he lost four disciples. On his second descent, he was reduced to ashes by Yang Ren, who despite having little cultivation, wielded the Five Fires Seven Birds Fan.

Two of Lu Yue’s junior fellow disciples were also eliminated by the Five Fires Seven Birds Fan alongside him.

And so, one master, two martial uncles, and four disciples formed the foundation of the Plague Department among the Eight Departments of the Heavenly Court…

From this perspective, the probability of Lu Yue having connections to the Western Teachings should be quite low;

But one must prepare for every possibility. Now that the Great Tribulation had changed so much, Li Changshou dared not jump to conclusions.

Previously, Li Changshou had heard about Lu Yue’s reputation from Elder Wan Linyun.

Elder Wan had read half of Lu Yue’s Poison Scripture and deeply admired the poison cultivation achievements of Lu Yue, the Severing Sect cultivator. Elder Wan’s conceived Golden Immortal Poison Pills and “Way of Poison” had already been successfully refined by Lu Yue, with finished products circulating in Hongmeng, though extremely rare.

After careful consideration, Li Changshou deliberately chose a topic that would certainly interest Lu Yue and asked:

“Senior Brother Lu Yue, you mentioned earlier about a pill refinement error – what happened?”

“Ah,” Lu Yue’s somewhat aged face showed traces of melancholy, “That’s ancient history! Better not mention it, better not mention it.”

His desire to speak was overwhelming.

Li Changshou said earnestly: “Senior Brother Lu Yue, to be frank, I too am quite fond of pill refinement and have studied many poison pills. Please take a look, Senior Brother…”

As he spoke, Li Changshou took out two bottles of pills, first handing one to Qin Tianzhu, and then using spiritual power to push the other toward Lu Yue’s hand.

Lu Yue opened the bottle for a look, sniffed it near his nose, and smiled:

“Not bad, this poison pill is refined solidly, capable of killing a few Celestial Immortals, more or less.

Here, Junior Brother, look at mine.”

As he spoke, Lu Yue took out two bottles of pills from his sleeve, glanced at Qin Tianzhu, and used spiritual power to push one bottle over.

Before Li Changshou could warn him, Qin Tianzhu’s hand was quick and had already opened the jade bottle;

Immediately, this avatar of the Jade Emperor’s vision darkened and his form swayed. Spiritual power quickly bloomed around him, sealing the jade bottle tightly.

“Cough, cough cough!”

Qin Tianzhu coughed several times to cover his embarrassment and praised: “Such potent poison pills, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal would suffer spiritual damage if affected.”

Lu Yue smiled calmly, his finger lightly tapping to gather the dispersing poison mist into his fingertip, saying nonchalantly:

“We mustn’t harm the beauties here, their cultivation isn’t very high.”

Playing it safe, Li Changshou didn’t open the jade bottle in his hand. Just as he was about to return it, Lu Yue waved his hand proudly.

“Keep it for self-defense. You didn’t call me Senior Brother for nothing, and there’s no reason to take back what’s been given, is there?”

“Then many thanks, Senior Brother.”

Li Changshou smiled as he put away the jade bottle, carefully placing it in a treasure pouch close to his body.

Seeing this, Lu Yue’s eyes crinkled in a smile, and he sighed lightly, advising:

“Poison pills are but a branch of the pill dao, capable of both harm and healing, though worldly opinion is quite divided on them.

Remember, Long Geng Junior Brother, you are the Water God of the Heavenly Court and one of only two second-generation disciples of the Human Teaching. Unless facing an insurmountable enemy or trapped in dire circumstances, never reveal these pills.

Avoid letting people say we rely on underhanded methods to harm others, which would damage Great Senior Brother’s reputation.”

Qin Tianzhu beside them handed his jade bottle to Li Changshou, smiling: “Give this one to Water God as well. When encountering strong enemies, it provides another method of response.”

Lu Yue smiled: “Your subordinate is quite sensible.”

Li Changshou: …

Please stop talking, Senior. Looking at your temperament, you probably won’t escape serving in the Heavenly Court under this ‘subordinate’ in this version of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation either, truly becoming this ‘subordinate’s’ subordinate…

“Mm, thanks for the reminder, Senior Brother.”

Li Changshou smiled in response, casually accepting the jade bottle without revealing any tells.

Then, Li Changshou smoothly brought the topic back:

“Senior Brother Lu Yue’s poison mastery far surpasses mine, I’m truly humbled. Among the Three Teachings of the Dao, in the way of poison, Senior Brother truly stands unique.

Was Senior Brother’s previous pill refinement error related to poison pills?”

“Ah…”

Lu Yue heaved a long sigh, glancing at the teacup left by Lady Bian. Beside them, Bian Zhuang immediately called for fresh tea.

As expected of the young master of the leading cultivation realm entertainment industry, his quick wit was well applied here.

Lu Yue spoke slowly:

“That was in ancient times. There was a dao couple in our sect who were transformed ancient beasts cultivating the way, both having achieved Long Life Immortal status. Their only wish was to have offspring.

But one’s true form was a three-legged golden toad, and the other’s was a spirit-feathered celestial bird. Having both already cultivated to Golden Immortal status, having offspring was truly a difficult matter…”

Li Changshou smiled: “But that shouldn’t have troubled Senior Brother, right?”

“Don’t mention it, my legs go weak just hearing about it,” Lu Yue laughed and scolded. “I’m most afraid of being put on a pedestal – once that happens, I become somewhat lost.

At that time, I thoughtlessly agreed, then went back and kept pondering, collected many primordial treasured materials, and started refining pills with great confidence. But at the final moment when the pill was about to complete…”

Li Changshou asked with concern: “What happened?”

“The furnace exploded,” Lu Yue covered his face with his hand, “Since then, an evil qi has tainted my primordial spirit…

Thankfully there are places like Tianya Pavilion, otherwise, I truly would have stepped onto an evil path, and who knows how many mistakes I would have made!”

Qin Tianzhu smiled and added from the side:

“Even so, friends should exercise more restraint. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve already damaged your foundation.

For even a Great Luo Golden Immortal’s cultivation to damage their foundation like this is truly rare in this world.”

“No matter,” Lu Yue waved his hand casually, “Combat isn’t just about cultivation level. When it comes to killing hundreds or thousands of Long Life Immortals in an instant, even Senior Sister Yuanxiao and Senior Brother Duobao might not match my swift strikes.”

Li Changshou smiled and steadied the conversation back: “Setting aside matters of romance, I truly admire Senior Brother’s poison mastery.”

Lu Yue shook his head, looking at Li Changshou with a smile:

“However, this also led me to discover the pleasures here, so there were both losses and gains. It has quite similar principles to that Yin-Yang Dao you cultivate.”

Li Changshou: Sorry, our Taiqing Sect practices the proper Yin-Yang Great Dao!

“Just chatting like this seems somewhat lacking.”

Li Changshou looked toward Bian Zhuang standing nearby and smiled: “Little Zhuang, have someone set up a feast, I’ll drink a few cups with Senior Brother Lu Yue.”

Bian Zhuang quickly responded: “It’s already prepared, I’ll have it brought in now.”

“Ah, wait,” Lu Yue raised his hand, casually tossing out his “Great Power Jade Token,” “Put it on my account.”

“This…”

Bian Zhuang looked somewhat troubled, involuntarily glancing toward Li Changshou.

He had just heard Li Changshou’s many praises for Lu Yue’s poison pills, and his heart was somewhat fearful.

Li Changshou smiled: “How could I let Senior Brother pay?

Today Senior Brother has treated me with sincerity, just your intention to help conceal my visit here moves me deeply.

Little Zhuang, return the jade token to Senior Brother Lu Yue. As for what follows, you understand?”

“Understand, understand,” Bian Zhuang cupped his hands to return the jade token, smiling, “From now on, Senior Lu Yue is an honored guest of our Tianya Pavilion, and the sisters who are close to Senior Lu Yue will never suffer the slightest grievance.

All of Senior Lu Yue’s future expenses at our Tianya Pavilion will be covered by Tianya Pavilion.”

With these words, Bian Zhuang was about to turn away with a bow.

“Hmm? Hmph!”

With a bang, Lu Yue slammed the table, glaring as he shouted:

“Who do you think you’re looking down on? Do you think I’m impoverished?”

Bian Zhuang was stunned…

Lu Yue was truly angry, scolding:

“Are the spirit stones and treasures I give meant for your Tianya Pavilion? They’re for those beauties!

They already live under others’ roofs, accommodate others’ wishes, and still have to face an unkempt old Daoist like me – it’s already incredibly difficult. How could you cut off their source of wealth?

This is what they deserve!”

Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu exchanged glances, finding it somehow…

Just so reasonable.

This wasn’t a good thing, it was behavior that shouldn’t be encouraged, with no benefit to Hongmeng’s moral atmosphere.

But to speak of it with such righteous conviction was truly unprecedented.

Li Changshou smiled: “Senior Brother, don’t frighten Little Zhuang, that wasn’t his intention…

How about this: from now on, those immortal maidens close to Senior Brother Lu Yue may only be close to Senior Brother, and may not meet with others.

Whether Senior Brother Lu Yue is here or not, these immortal maidens will receive spirit stones and treasures while cultivating in leisure, provided by Tianya Pavilion.

Senior Brother, how does this arrangement sound?”

This time Lu Yue didn’t object, appearing to carefully consider; Li Changshou waved his hand, and Bian Zhuang bowed his head in acceptance and left.

Watching Bian Zhuang’s retreating figure, Lu Yue asked curiously:

“Who is this subordinate of yours? Earlier when you entered the formation, it seemed he was called Young Pavilion Master…”

Li Changshou smiled: “He is the only grandson of Tianya Pavilion’s Master, and currently holds a position in the Heavenly Court. To be frank, I came to Tianya Pavilion this time to inquire whether they would be interested in working for the Heavenly Court.”

Lu Yue asked curiously: “Is the Heavenly Court short on female immortals?”

“Ahem!” Qin Tianzhu explained from the side, “Not at all. Water God merely wants to build a force based on Tianya Pavilion across the Three Thousand Worlds to resist Western Teaching. How could the Heavenly Court be short on female immortals? Even if we were, we wouldn’t come here to recruit.”

Li Changshou opened his mouth, looking at Qin Tianzhu with a mixture of amusement and exasperation… Your Majesty, we haven’t yet figured out Lu Yue’s background, how could you directly reveal our surface plans? If we drink a bit more, will the secrets of the Imperial Palace also be compromised?

Qin Tianzhu realized he had said a bit too much, smiled at Li Changshou, and quietly lowered his head to drink tea.

Li Changshou: … This Heavenly Emperor was truly too difficult to manage!

Shortly after Bian Zhuang left, immortal maidens dressed in colorful clothes came gracefully through the white mist, carrying trays of exquisite dishes balanced at their willow-thin waists. Soon, a round table was set with thirty or forty delicacies. On the side, there were still immortal maidens holding jade chopsticks and serving wine, responsible for serving dishes and filling cups, but Lu Yue waved them away.

Lu Yue said: “My Junior Brother Long Geng isn’t suited for such fanfare. You may all leave – can’t we serve ourselves?”

Qin Tianzhu also invited Bian Zhuang to sit together. After a few polite refusals, Bian Zhuang caught Li Changshou’s glance and quickly sat down, pouring wine for Lu Yue beside him.

Lu Yue also made his appearance younger, transforming into middle age, and actively drawing closer to Li Changshou. Li Changshou hosted, inviting everyone to raise their wine cups three times, then came the time for individual toasts…

After several cups of wine, Lu Yue proactively asked: “Junior Brother Long Geng, you mentioned dealing with the Western Teaching earlier? Would you like Senior Brother to prepare more poison pills for you?”

Li Changshou’s heart stirred, but he still smiled and shook his head: “It’s just a subtle game with the Western Teaching across the Three Thousand Worlds. If I get involved, things would become troublesome.”

“Indeed, with the Great Tribulation descending, one must be cautious.”

Lu Yue sighed: “Those two Martial Uncles of the Western Teaching are completely different from our Dao Sect’s Sage Lords. They strike ruthlessly and act without bottom lines. I heard Senior Brother Duobao say that in ancient times, these two schemed against many powerful beings. Take Elder Red Cloud for example – why did he give up his seat in the Purple Void Palace? Wasn’t it because these two fellows deceived him? Red Cloud originally sat next to Kun Peng. If Red Cloud hadn’t stood up, Kun Peng could have also refused to give up his seat to those two. But once Red Cloud rose, Kun Peng couldn’t withstand their threats – how could he not be angry at Red Cloud? At the root, it was still these two from the West who stole Kun Peng’s opportunity. Kun Peng feared the Western Great Sages and dared not seek revenge, so he could only take out his anger on Red Cloud.”

Qin Tianzhu nodded deeply in agreement beside them: “That’s exactly what happened.”

Lu Yue smiled: “You speak as if you were there?”

Li Changshou: … This one was there, in the most honored seat at the very front of the Purple Void Palace, right beside the Dao Ancestor’s left hand.

Lu Yue spoke seriously: “Junior Brother Long Geng, I tell you all this just to warn you to be careful of those two from the West. The Western Teaching also has many hidden methods. They seem to have a technique that can create Golden Immortals through merit alone – I heard about it from a fellow practitioner before.”

Li Changshou followed along: “Let’s not discuss the Sage Lords at the drinking table, only their disciples. Senior Brother, in your opinion, who among the Western Teaching’s Sage disciples is the most troublesome? Just consider this advice for your Junior Brother. Senior Brother, let me toast you first…”

“Of course, of course, just chatting with Junior Brother, no need to talk of advice.”

Lu Yue raised his wine cup, lightly clinked with Li Changshou, took a delighted sip, and smiled: “The Western Sage’s disciples must be discussed in two categories. The West doesn’t distinguish between registered and formal disciples. They differentiate between disciples taken before the Sages achieved Sagehood and disciples taken later to entice powerful experts to join the Western Teaching – these two groups of Sage disciples differ in level. As far as I know, most of these early disciples aren’t well-known, but their strength is extraordinary. You must be careful in dealing with them. Like Xu Puti, Dizang, Duomuneng, and others – I’ve only heard others mention them, I don’t know their specific titles. But there’s no need to worry too much. After all, their strength still falls short compared to our Dao Sect’s Three Teachings’ senior disciples.”

By this point, Li Changshou was largely certain in his heart that Lu Yue likely had no connection to Western Teaching.

However, to be thorough, Li Changshou continued toasting, and when the wine’s effect was stronger, he continued asking: “Then what does Senior Brother think of the various Senior Brothers and Sisters in the Enlightenment Teaching?”

“They’ve had constant friction with our Severing Sect these tens of thousands of years,” Lu Yue sighed, “In the end, it’s because Second Senior Uncle and Master’s paths differ. However, there are several in the Enlightenment Teaching who are truly annoying. Take that Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp – insidious and treacherous, stirring up trouble, relying on his senior status to bite people everywhere. He’s angered me into throwing poison pills at him several times. This Enlightenment Teaching… heh heh, they’re completely disunited.”

Li Changshou smiled and asked: “Among the Senior Brothers and Sisters of the Enlightenment Teaching, who does the Senior Brother most admire?”

“Tch, that’s hard to say,” Lu Yue shook his head, “In this world, though there are many Sage disciples, those who can be called heroes of Hongmeng are very few.”

Qin Tianzhu said: “Within the Enlightenment Teaching are the famous Twelve Golden Immortals. Can Guangcheng Zi, the leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals, be called a hero?”

Lu Yue said: “Senior Brother Guangcheng Zi has profound cultivation and many treasures. His Heaven-Turning Seal is renowned, but unfortunately, his thoughts run deep – scheming much but lacking responsibility. Several times he’s pushed his responsibilities onto others – he’s no hero.”

Li Changshou glanced at the surrounding formation, quietly crushed the recording orb in his sleeve, and asked with a smile: “Then does Senior Brother think Cloud-Dweller Zi, the Golden Immortal of Fortune from the Enlightenment Teaching, can be called a hero?”

“Though Cloud-Dweller Zi is skilled in artifact refining with excellent methods, all his refined treasures imitate existing primordial spiritual treasures. He’s truly the ancestor of fake treasures – no hero of Hongmeng.”

Qin Tianzhu asked again: “Then how about True Person Taiyi?”

“Taiyi always speaks with strange insinuations. The two sides nearly fought several times because of him. He disregards others’ faces, doesn’t know when to advance or retreat, only caring that his own words are satisfying – he’s no hero of Hongmeng.”

Qin Tianzhu asked: “What about True Person Yellow Dragon?”

“Ah,” Lu Yue sighed, “Senior Brother Yellow Dragon’s temperament is too honest, believing whatever others say, having no opinions of his own – he’s no hero of Hongmeng.”

Li Changshou felt increasingly that these words would too easily stir up trouble if leaked, and quickly shifted the topic: “What does Senior Brother Lu Yue think of our various Senior Brothers and Sisters in the Severing Teaching?”

“Well…”

Lu Yue smiled: “I feel that within our Severing Teaching, there are truly many who value righteousness above all. Of course, forget about me – I don’t care about reputation anymore. Speaking of the heroes of Hongmeng, that would be Senior Brother Gongming and Senior Sister Jinling. The other fellow disciples fall somewhat short.”

Qin Tianzhu glanced at Li Changshou and smiled: “What about Immortal Lady Yunxiao?”

Lu Yue smiled: “Senior Sister Yunxiao has a gentle temperament and doesn’t contend with the world, but her cultivation is deep and her pressure strong. She’s somewhat stubborn, and in ancient times made Master speechless several times with her questions. Whenever Senior Sister Yunxiao gives a light shout, dozens of disciples in our teaching who regularly listen to Master’s lectures can’t help but have their dao hearts tremble. Her dignity is too overwhelming – she’s no hero.”

Qin Tianzhu immediately cast a benevolent gaze at Li Changshou, who… pretended he hadn’t seen or heard anything.

For a time, laughter and conversation flowed continuously in the Phoenix-Drawing Pavilion; the group chatted about everything under the sun, talking quite freely.

However, they had been drinking for only half a day when a middle-aged female immortal hurriedly arrived. She entered the formation, stood outside the door, and transmitted some words to Bian Zhuang, then turned and left.

Bian Zhuang’s brows furrowed tightly as he said softly: “Water God, there’s some trouble with my grandmother.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou smiled: “Could it be that some expert from the Western Teaching sent a letter, threatening Tianya Pavilion not to meddle in affairs, promising that if Tianya Pavilion remains neutral and motionless, they can avoid disaster?”

“This…”

Bian Zhuang asked in surprise: “How did you know?”

Li Changshou took a sip from his wine cup: “Old opponents – naturally I understand some things. By now, forces controlled by the West should be starting to deploy troops and apply pressure on Tianya Pavilion.”

Qin Tianzhu’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, his expression cold. Just as he was about to calmly speak some harsh words…

Bang!

A strong and vigorous palm slammed onto the table. The slightly drunk Daoist Lu Yue coldly snorted and said nonchalantly: “Send them a reply, tell them to come with their forces, and better send more people. Less than a million troops isn’t worth me raising my sleeve. Little Zhuang, tell them clearly – if they frighten the beauties here, even if all the Western Sage’s disciples come together, I’ll make them leave half their lives behind!”

Li Changshou advised: “Senior Brother, don’t be hasty to act, after all this concerns the Severing Teaching’s position…”

“I am not here merely as a Severing Teaching disciple,” Lu Yue’s eyes sparkled with starlight as he declared passionately: “I am but a weary bird who has found its nest, a regular guest of this Tianya Pavilion. They disturb my cultivation and tribulation experience – how could I indulge them? Reply just like that.”

Bian Zhuang lowered his head in acknowledgment and hurriedly left.

Li Changshou raised his wine cup and smiled: “Setting aside matters of romance, Senior Brother truly counts as a hero.”

“Ah, Junior Brother flatters me, flatters me.”

“But Senior Brother,” Li Changshou’s tone shifted as he leaned forward, “when using poison we should employ some techniques. If we’re direct, they’ll always find ways to dodge, and harming ordinary immortal soldiers would just waste precious materials.”

Lu Yue’s eyes lit up: “Does Long Geng have any guidance?”

“How could I call it guidance,” Li Changshou pulled out several treasure pouches from his chest, “Just some little trinkets for misdirection and surprise.”