Setting flags, a popular phrase from Li Changshou’s previous life was essentially a jinx.

[When expressing confidence in completing something, simply saying it out loud would inevitably result in reversals, setbacks, and face-slapping outcomes, making people laugh]

But this was a subjective feeling. When something resulted in face-slapping, the impression was particularly deep, while other events without plot twists left shallower impressions, similar to “survivor bias” in logic.

Li Changshou wasn’t superstitious about this, so…

This time he would form his Merit Golden Body!

The Water God said so! Even if the Dao Ancestor came personally or Pangu revived! Well… they would have to show some consideration and he could just form it another day.

Reasonably speaking, since being forced to take over the Sea God Sect, counting the Dragon Tribe matters, ascending to the Heavenly Court, and eliminating demon disasters, he had accumulated merit step by step and done some small good deeds.

Of course, in the process of accumulating merit, he had been upright and honest, neither stealing nor robbing, just a bit calculating.

Playing tactics was unavoidable.

Finally! Today he had finally reached this step!

Li Changshou had calculated that as long as he facilitated the Underworld reforms, incorporating the Underworld’s Yin Officials into the Heavenly Court system, there would certainly be a surplus when forming his Merit Golden Body, allowing him to omit some impure incense merit.

Li Changshou was naturally confident… to an extent.

On the foundation of helping the Underworld integrate into the Heavenly Court system, he also provided reform suggestions for each of the Underworld’s current corrupt policies and outdated regulations, perfecting the Underworld’s own operations.

With more merit, he could be prepared for contingencies—worst case, he could just make the Merit Golden Body bigger!

Bringing the currently expectant-faced Spirit Zhenzhu Boy along, Li Changshou floated on a cloud to the east side of Ghost City.

Before his cloud could descend, two sturdy men roasting spirit beast meat on the peak belatedly discovered Li Changshou’s figure…

With that white hair, white eyebrows, and kind benevolent appearance, plus that unique innate spirit tree essence scent, who else could it be but the Heavenly Court’s Water God?

“Horse! Quick! Water God has arrived!”

One of the sturdy men called out, and these two fellows hurriedly put on their true form masks, finding their true selves, and leaped down from the cliff, summoning a group of warrior shamans of the Shaman Tribe forward.

A moment later…

Ox Head called out: “Paying respects to Water God!”

The warrior shamans behind him roared in unison: “Paying respects to Water God!”

Li Changshou revealed a slight smile, just about to speak…

Horse Face shouted again: “Long live Water God!”

The warrior shamans behind roared in unison again: “Long live Water God!”

Ox Head seamlessly connected, shouting again: “Water God’s one—”

Whap! A whisk struck his ox nose, forcibly suppressing the word “mies.”

Li Changshou’s figure appeared before Ox Head, his gaze downcast. Due to the insufficient light in the Netherworld, the upper half of Li Changshou’s face was cast in shadow, making the smile on his lips appear full of coldness.

“Words should not be spoken carelessly.”

Ox Head swallowed and hurriedly said: “Yes, yes, this humble general understands.”

Li Changshou floated back to his white cloud, his smile unchanged, but the feeling it gave had transformed from cold to warm.

“Two Marshals, let me introduce you—this is my nephew disciple,” Li Changshou brought Spirit Zhenzhu Boy forward, “disciple of the Pure Yang True Person of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Enlightenment School, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy.”

Ox Head and Horse Face exchanged glances, not knowing Water God’s intention, and immediately came forward to pay respects, bowing and nodding repeatedly.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy curiously observed Ox Head and Horse Face, stepping forward… to make a graceful Daoist bow.

“Greetings to the two Marshals, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy pays respects.”

Ox Head smiled and said: “What a delicate young lady, moo.”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy immediately became somewhat embarrassed.

Horse Face bumped Ox Head’s shoulder and hurriedly tried to remedy: “Immortal Lady please don’t take offense, my brother’s way of speaking…”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Spirit Zhenzhu Boy is male.”

“Eh?”

Ox Head and Horse Face were both stunned, and the straightforward nature of the Shaman Tribe was thus revealed as they simultaneously looked toward Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s waist area.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s face turned almost completely red, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.

“Ahem,” Li Changshou cleared his throat, “I brought Spirit Zhenzhu Boy here this time also because of this matter. Spirit Zhenzhu Boy has a pure nature, and I want him to interact with you to gain some masculine spirit.

You two are good sons of the Shaman Tribe, the beings with the most masculine spirit between heaven and earth. He will certainly learn much from you.”

Horse Face hurriedly said: “Water God, you praise us too much…”

Before Old Horse could finish speaking, a deep masculine voice like an ancient horn suddenly came from the side:

“It’s a small matter, Water God can rest assured, moo~”

Ox Head leveled his shoulders and flexed his massive chest muscles, his mask seeming to shine with a unique radiance as if it had been washed with water.

“Just leave it to us.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Very well, you chat for a while first. I’ll go to Ghost City to find several Kings of Hell. After I handle the matters at hand, I still need to do some construction in the Underworld.”

Ox Head and Horse Face didn’t understand what “construction” meant, but agreed immediately, staying here with Spirit Zhenzhu Boy while having their subordinates quickly go report to the city that Water God had come for an inspection.

Thus, Ghost City soon became lively.

Several Kings of Hell came out to welcome him, entering the Hell King Palace together with Li Changshou to discuss jointly submitting a memorial to Heaven.

As for Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s situation…

A group of tall and sturdy warrior shamans of the Shaman Tribe surrounded him, leaving no gaps, each curiously observing him.

Ox Head first chuckled, then began to ponder Water God’s instructions.

Horse Face glared at Ox Head, first inviting Spirit Zhenzhu Boy to the side, then discussing in detail with Ox Head and several warrior shamans…

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy was also curiously observing his surroundings at this time.

Were these the good friends that Uncle Master Changgen had mentioned he would introduce?

They did seem much stronger than the Heavenly General brothers.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy extended his immortal consciousness and heard the group of simple-minded shamans who were either unaccustomed to or unable to transmit thoughts muttering various things:

“Water God rarely arranges tasks for us, we must handle it well, moo.

Masculine spirit must be related to muscle, right?”

“How shallow! How can you be so shallow?

Do half the women in our tribe have masculine spirits then?

Water God is human, masculine spirit should be about character, having responsibility and accountability, neigh.”

Ox Head’s ox eyes glared: “Are you saying you want to argue with me?”

“I insist,” Horse Face flicked his flowing silky hair, “neigh.”

Bzzt—

Ox Head and Horse Face’s eyes met, sparks appearing in the air between them.

A burly shaman beside them whispered: “Why don’t the two lords fight it out, and we’ll listen to whoever wins.”

“Hmm?”

Ox Head and Horse Face turned their heads simultaneously to look over, each revealing gentle smiles;

That burly man instinctively tried to retreat but was pinned by shoulders by a horse hoof and an ox hoof, dragged to a corner between rocks…

In this corner of the Netherworld, the wails of wronged souls harmonized perfectly with the screams of the shaman warrior.

Seeing this, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s not-so-obvious Adam’s apple bobbed, and he sat obediently, vaguely worried about his fate…

Just then!

A thread of voice transmission entered Ox Head and Horse Face’s ears. The two soul-collecting marshals who were stretching their fists and feet looked at each other and immediately felt relieved.

It was fine as long as Water God had arrangements. They had thought they really needed to use their brains and think of solutions this time…

Three days later, in front of the Hell King Palace.

The ten Kings of Hell had finally temporarily arranged their various palace affairs and obtained Lady Houtu’s permission, gathering together with Li Changshou, riding clouds and mists with joyous voices, slowly flying out of Ghost City.

This was true:

Water God laughing in the Yin Palace halls,

Ten Hell Kings bowing to Upper Clarity.

They had just flown to the east of Ghost City, arriving before the Single Thread Sky Pass, when black lines appeared on all ten Hell Kings’ foreheads…

At the other end of Single Thread Sky, dust was flying and shouts were chaotic.

Several dozen warrior shamans of the Shaman Tribe acting as Underworld officials had split into two groups, taken off their upper clothes, and were having a group fight, delivering solid punches and kicks, leaving most of the shamans with bruised faces.

Around the group fight were several dozen beautiful female wronged souls wearing light dresses;

They were either holding wooden signs saying “Brother Spirit Zhenzhu is the strongest” and “Brother Spirit Zhenzhu is the most handsome,” or shouting in unison with soul-piercing screams…

Many cultivators who had come to the Underworld for business had gathered outside Single Thread Sky, not daring to approach and request passage.

The quick-tempered King Chujiang immediately scolded:

“What are they doing? Fighting while holding back, what kind of discipline is this!”

King Qinguang hurriedly said: “Water God please don’t misunderstand, this is our ancient tradition, proof of friendship between men of the Shaman Tribe, definitely not officials fighting and causing trouble.”

Another Hell King couldn’t help but wonder aloud: “Seems like there’s a strange being mixed in there.”

The ten Hell Kings looked carefully as Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

They saw among the chaotic fighting shamans, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy—his robe either torn or removed—wielding small iron fists wrapped in immortal light, trading punches and knee strikes with two burly shamans;

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s delicate face was either swollen or bruised, missing a small chip from his front teeth, his eyes carrying anger.

Though normally not skilled in physical combat, he could now handle the deliberately slowed, undisciplined punches of ordinary shamans…

Ox Head and Horse Face sat in a corner drinking tea, watching over Spirit Zhenzhu Boy to ensure their subordinates didn’t beat Water God’s nephew half to death.

Li Changshou hurriedly said:

“Kings of Hell, don’t be anxious, I entrusted this matter to the two soul-collecting marshals.

This being is my nephew’s disciple Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, who is somewhat too delicate and troubled by this.

I specifically brought him here to witness the bearing of Shaman Tribe men, to learn and observe more.”

Hearing these words, the Hell King’s eyes immediately lit up.

“So that’s it, Water God truly found the right place!

Our Shaman Tribe men worship Ancestor God Pangu, each one a true man of great stature!”

“Back then, Great Shaman Kuafu chased the sun, preferring to die of exhaustion rather than stop—that was a man’s persistence.”

“In ancient times, our Shaman Tribe also had an ancestor called Water God, that Gonggong, who also had new companions every few decades, quite similar to you Water God, both true men… uh…”

The Hell King who spoke shrank his neck, while the other nine Hell Kings’ eyes widened, almost rushing up together to suppress this fellow.

The thought process was quite problematic!

As slight awkwardness permeated the surrounding air, Li Changshou was about to change the subject when Spirit Zhenzhu Boy suddenly erupted, drawing their attention…

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy let out a roar, headbutting the burly man before him until he saw stars, nimbly dodging the grab of another burly man from the side, then countering with a punch to the latter’s abdomen, making him curl up like a shrimp and fall at his feet.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s forehead radiated spiritual light, his primordial spirit now like jade, his whole body reinforced with immortal power!

The warrior shamans fighting excitedly nearby were immediately attracted over, throwing punches and kicks…

Before Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes suddenly appeared scenes of close combat with the Heavenly General brothers during his time at the Water God Manor. His body became increasingly agile, his strikes more precise and fierce;

This group of ordinary warrior shamans acting as Underworld officials were no match for Spirit Zhenzhu Boy in hand-to-hand combat, being taken down one by one and thrown at his feet…

Moments later, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy stood on a small hill, hair disheveled and body covered in sweat, throwing his head back with a roar as he tore open his thin undershirt…

“Who… else… dares!”

From the side, Ox Head made a gesture, and several stronger Shaman Tribe warriors took off their battle armor and pounced, catching Spirit Zhenzhu Boy for a fierce beating.

If Pure Yang True Person saw this scene, he would probably rest in peace.

A certain Yin-Yang Master felt somewhat offended.

Li Changshou asked the Hell Kings: “Does the Shaman Tribe have weapon fighting techniques?”

King Qinguang smiled and said: “Water God can rest assured, this humble god will have Ox Head and Horse Face fetch such techniques from the tribe, and find some proper training partners to help this Dao sect disciple… increase his masculine spirit.”

“Thank you, Hell King.”

“Water God is too polite.”

At that moment, the ten Hell Kings and Li Changshou rode clouds forward together, and the chaos at Single Thread Sky finally stopped.

King Qinguang descended to instruct Ox Head and Horse Face, while Li Changshou took the opportunity to hand over the blueprints for the ‘Netherworld Courage House’ to the Underworld—naturally, he didn’t need to handle this personally.

Afterward, Li Changshou looked at Spirit Zhenzhu Boy before him, covered in bruises yet showing a shy smile, and handed over a pouch containing paper avatars.

“Seeing your good progress, stay with the Shaman Tribe for a while.

Remember not to wander off, you can contact me anytime.

These exercises are just preliminary preparation—the main event comes later.”

“Yes!”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy clasped his hands in salute, then winced as it pulled at his shoulder injuries.

Li Changshou smiled, took out several bottles of spirit pills, patted Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s shoulder, and then rode his cloud to join the Hell Kings, heading together toward the edge of the Netherworld.

Li Changshou also felt somewhat moved…

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy and Yang Jian truly lived up to being children of the Great Tribulation—their cultivation progress and combat abilities could truly be called advancing by leaps and bounds.

Of course, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy still needed to reincarnate.

But considering Nezha’s innate divine powers and abilities, the reincarnation should only seal Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s memories while preserving his strength.

How powerful would Yang Jian and Spirit Zhenzhu Boy be during the Investiture of the Gods?

Li Changshou chatted with the Hell Kings while carefully considering this in his heart.

Regardless, he still needed to put more thought into these two young generals, not just for having more say during the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, but also because…

“Water God, how exactly will this Great Tribulation work? Do you have any news?”

King Chujiang’s question interrupted Li Changshou’s thoughts.

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head: “The heavenly mechanisms are confused, I fear no one knows the specifics.”

The topic then expanded to the Great Tribulation. The ten Hell Kings, having experienced the ancient tribulation, were quite worried about whether the Underworld would face the same pressure as in ancient times.

—The entire Netherworld was full of wronged souls, the Six Paths of Reincarnation were constantly congested, and half the souls couldn’t reincarnate in time and directly dispersed, returning to their true spirit state.

“If it becomes like that, the Lady will be heartbroken again.”

“Let’s hope it won’t be so.”

Li Changshou said gently, steering the topic to the current Underworld reforms, making the atmosphere more lively.

This matter had been entirely arranged by Li Changshou, with seven or eight backup plans prepared.

Approaching the East Heaven Gate, the ten Hell Kings lined up in a row, each adopting an immortal bearing, concealing the yin energy they had absorbed in the Underworld, riding clouds forward together with Li Changshou.

At the Heaven Gate, the three divine swords atop it emitted dazzling divine light, while the Heavenly Generals guarding the gate led the celestial soldiers in an orderly salute.

Li Changshou flicked his whisk, and golden light flashed ahead as large numbers of celestial soldiers lined up on both sides, from the East Heaven Gate into the deep clouds.

[Quite the display].

Arriving before the Upper Clarity Palace, Li Changshou said:

“Kings of Hell, please.”

The various Heavenly Court immortals and gods inside the palace turned to welcome the ten Hell Kings; atop the high platform, the white-robed Jade Emperor maintained a faint smile.

The ten Hell Kings kowtowed together, and the Jade Emperor said gently:

“Rise, beloved ministers. Henceforth when entering the palace, a Daoist bow will suffice, no need for grand ceremony.”

King Qinguang said: “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Li Changshou presented the memorial from the side, stating that the Underworld would henceforth be fully under Heavenly Court command.

He also presented Lady Houtu’s personally written ‘Letter of Imperial Persuasion,’ requesting the Jade Emperor to love all beings equally and make good use of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.

The Jade Emperor was greatly pleased, summoning the Imperial Seal of Heaven to stamp the memorial with Heaven’s Waymark, as auspicious clouds drifted outside the palace.

Suddenly lightning flashed and thunder roared deafeningly!

Golden light burst forth in the Heavenly Court’s seventh layer of heaven, spontaneously condensing into a golden palace with a plaque reading [Five Sacred Mountains Palace], containing five empty divine positions!

As the golden light faded, this palace was wrapped in Heaven’s Way power and vanished into the Heavenly Court, leaving only a patch of mist where it had been.

The Jade Emperor said: “Heaven’s Way has responded and divine positions have appeared. Henceforth the God of the Eastern Sacred Mountain shall manage the affairs of the Netherworld, specifically overseeing communication between Heaven and Earth.”

The ten Hell Kings, the immortals and gods in the palace, and even the Jade Emperor all turned their gazes toward Li Changshou at the side.

Li Changshou: …

What did this have to do with him? Wasn’t this originally Huang Feihu’s divine position after the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods?

He just wanted to earn some merit, not work permanently in the Heavenly Court.

Just then, streams of golden light emerged from the top of the Upper Clarity Palace, flowing into the ten Hell Kings, with one stream also falling toward the Five Sacred Mountains Palace.

The divine positions were still empty, but merit was being stored first.

Merit!

Li Changshou left a bit of consciousness in the Upper Clarity Palace, standing at the side holding his whisk in silence, maintaining the appearance of a superior person who viewed fame and fortune as floating clouds.

In reality, his main body in a corner of Little Qiong Peak’s underground secret chamber was eagerly anticipating!

Merit Golden Body!

The life-saving talisman of Primordial Chaos!

A full thirty percent increase in a sense of security!

He just needed to wrap the Merit Golden Body around his main body for another layer of protection during the Great Tribulation!

This was a historic moment, this was—!

Crack—

A thin purple lightning bolt, without any warning, illuminated this dark corner, ignoring Little Qiong Peak’s layers of grand formations and countless arrangements within the mountain, striking before Li Changshou!

In this purple lightning, Li Changshou sensed a dao rhythm he had never directly perceived before, actually so…

Obscure, auspicious, perfect, profound!

This dao rhythm then condensed into three characters in his heart:

[Credit First]

Li Changshou sat there dumbfounded, his mouth half-forming an “ah?” before he quickly reacted, jumping out from his hiding place and immediately making a Daoist bow upward!

This scared Spirit Maiden E, who happened to be passing by this vase, nearly crying out.

“Disciple obeys!

Whenever you have surplus merit, give it to disciple then, disciple is not in a hurry!”

That dao rhythm silently dissipated from his spirit platform, and Li Changshou sighed in relief, not realizing his back was covered in cold sweat.

Tsk, getting something for nothing was still something Ancestral Master’s generation played best.

Spirit Maiden E asked softly: “Senior Brother, who were you talking to?”

“Hmm, an elder who cares for heaven and earth, has a noble character, and understands the origin of the Dao.”

Spirit Maiden E tilted her head, while Li Changshou silently added in his heart—if it weren’t for your Golden Immortal tribulation still being held in this big shot’s hands, how could your elder brother bow so easily?

Otherwise… I’d have to put a sword to my neck and cry out “Give me a written guarantee” first!