Oh heavens, save us all!

Great Master, are you truly not afraid of setting your own house on fire? How could you invite Kong Xuan without any discussion?!

An invitation is one thing, but you could have at least given him some time to prepare!

And now here we are – using the Taiji Diagram to split open space and time, setting up two Void Gates, taking us directly to the rear courtyard of the Sea God Temple…

He had just promised this upcoming period to an important undercover agent of the Human Sect!

In the rear hall of the Sea God Temple, Li Changshou held a small calico cat in his left hand.

The cat’s fur stood on end, its four paws constantly flailing, its adorable cat eyes narrowed into inverted triangles, meowing incessantly.

It was only thanks to Li Changshou’s quick reactions that he had caught the cat mid-pounce as soon as they emerged from the spatial rift.

Unable to say much in Kong Xuan’s presence, Li Changshou tapped the cat’s head twice and scolded:

“Don’t be rude – this is an honored guest of our Human Sect!”

The cat blinked and immediately calmed down, actively nuzzling Li Changshou’s palm.

This statement both gave Kong Xuan a face by using the term ‘honored guest’ and gave Dao Master Wenjing a sense of belonging with the words ‘our Human Sect.’

It was truly a demonstration of Li Changshou’s quick wit.

Li Changshou breathed an internal sigh of relief. His thoughts moved quickly as he prepared to take control of the situation and guide the atmosphere, hoping to dissolve what could become his senior brother’s ‘love triangle’ before it even formed!

But the Great Master’s increasingly handsome face showed a gentle smile…

“Wenjing is here too? Do you have some important business?”

“Meow~”

Her Majesty obediently responded, while at the side, Kong Xuan curiously examined the small cat, quickly furrowing his brow.

“A spirit possession? And it seems to be a fierce spirit.”

“Meow meow!”

[You’re the fierce one!]

Li Changshou: …

At this moment, the expression of this Heavenly Court authority could only be described as ‘dead inside.’

If time could go back half a step, back to when he and the Great Master had just left the Holy Mother’s Palace, Li Changshou would have reminded Old Tu to send the Great Master to the border patrol earlier.

‘Wenjing is here too…’

This was the Human Sect’s highest secret!

The Holy Teacher planned to use Dao Master Wenjing to destroy the Twelve Golden Lotus!

This related to the Western Sect’s fate, to the great calculation of converting barbarians to Buddhism, to whether they could undermine the Western Sect before their imminent rise!

The Great Master had just casually revealed Dao Master Wenjing’s identity!

Although Kong Xuan was present and the Taiji Diagram suppressed any possible surveillance,…

It was truly unstable!

Li Changshou naturally knew that this was the Great Master’s personality – casual and unrestrained, free from constraints.

He had received so many favors from the Great Master, and his current position was due to the Great Master’s support. Helping the Great Master clean up some messes and put out some fires…

It was only proper.

Quick as lightning, Li Changshou smiled slightly and said:

“Let’s discuss this inside. This isn’t the place for such conversation.”

The Great Master had also realized his slip of the tongue, maintaining his composure with a smile as he looked at Kong Xuan.

“What’s wrong?” Kong Xuan seemed confused.

“Please keep what you’ve seen and heard today to yourself,” the Great Master said seriously. “This is Changshou’s core secret location, and this small cat is part of Changshou’s careful planning.”

Kong Xuan smiled and said: “Rest assured, I’m not a rash person, and I have no desire to associate with others.”

The Great Master made a welcoming gesture and entered with Kong Xuan, their exchanged glances were surprisingly harmonious.

Behind them, Li Changshou placed the small cat on his shoulder, his gaze complex and his mood heavy.

After some thought, he placed the cat on the chair beside the Great Master and said:

“Senior Brother, I’ll go prepare some dishes in the kitchen.”

And with that, he made his swift escape.

At this point, the Great Master, still unaware of what was about to unfold, was happily introducing Kong Xuan to Dao Master Wenjing.

Kong Xuan was being polite to Dao Master Wenjing, but generally maintained an attitude of ‘indifference.’

In contrast, Dao Master Wenjing had already sensed a huge threat and was currently brewing ‘hostility.’

Li Changshou silently wished them well, summoned spirit servants to close the temple, arranged for mortals to bring tea and snacks, and headed straight to the kitchen to prepare some of his specialty dishes.

Meanwhile, he activated a paper puppet hidden in the Sage’s landscape painting to observe the situation in the rear hall up close.

Silence…

The scene remained quiet for a while, with the Great Master seated in the main position, Kong Xuan at his side, and the small cat on his other side.

An undercurrent surged, and the atmosphere gradually stiffened.

“Ahem!”

The Great Master finally found a topic and asked: “Friend Kong Xuan, how has your recent work protecting the Shang tribe in the mortal realm been going?”

“Fairly smooth,” Kong Xuan replied. “The Shang tribe’s destiny runs deep. This tribe will surely produce a ruler of humanity for the Southern Continent.

I must thank Changshou for giving my Phoenix Clan this opportunity.”

The Great Master smiled and said: “Changshou is indeed thorough in his work, though his cultivation years are short, and he now finds himself in the whirlpool of great world events.

When I’m not in the world, I must trouble you to look after him.”

“Mm,” Kong Xuan’s lips curved in a slight smile. “I will protect him well, you need not worry.”

After speaking, Kong Xuan’s eyes flickered with a faint light as he reached back to undo his hair band, letting his long hair fall loose.

The Great Master blinked, somewhat puzzled.

Kong Xuan gathered his hair behind him, gripping it and tying it into a ponytail like You Qin Xuanya often wore, and asked:

“Elder Brother, do you find me more appealing like this, or as I was before?”

The Great Master thought seriously and said: “You certainly stand out more now, but that’s just my opinion. Friend, you should style yourself according to your preferences.”

Li Changshou: …

How direct, Great Master.

Kong Xuan blinked gently, condensing a five-colored divine light into a hair tie to bind his hair.

His long neck and cold, sacred countenance showed none of a woman’s charm, instead displaying something uniquely different…

It is said that among all beings born after creation, even those who claim to be free of emotion and nature cannot escape desire.

But Kong Xuan, neither yin nor yang, truly retained a ‘sacred nature’ rare in this world, which was a major reason for his current level of cultivation.

The Great Master smiled and said: “Since when did you start caring about appearances?

Thinking back to when we first met in ancient times, when your bloodline power was out of control and you were devouring creatures everywhere, I subdued you on my teacher’s orders. Back then, you took the form of a youth.

At that time, you truly feared nothing, not even daring to curse at the Sage Lords.

Today you’ve matured greatly and have taken on some responsibility as the head of the Phoenix Clan.”

Kong Xuan’s face showed a slight blush, his voice clear but light, unable to hide a touch of shyness.

He said: “I was young and inexperienced then, always thinking there were no strong ones besides my mother. Only later did I learn there are always higher mountains and stronger people, so naturally I had to become more restrained.”

Li Changshou’s eyes lit up as he noticed Kong Xuan’s reactions becoming somewhat feminine.

Was the yin-yang beginning to settle?

The Great Master asked again: “How is Ancestor Phoenix doing these days?”

“After Mother fell into the Undying Volcano, only remnant spiritual consciousness remains,” Kong Xuan’s face darkened. “Now in this world, the Phoenix Clan is nearly extinct. The purpose of my journey is to enlighten spirit birds and bring them into our Phoenix Clan.”

Great Master Xuandu pondered for a moment before saying: “Leave this matter to Changshou.”

Li Changshou, who was cutting vegetables, smirked and shrugged, predicting that Kong Xuan’s next words would surely be expressing gratitude to his senior brother.

“Thank you, Elder Brother.”

Kong Xuan sighed: “You saved me and helped me, yet I don’t know how to repay you.”

The Great Master smiled and waved his hand, “It’s just something within Changshou’s capabilities, no need for thanks.”

“Meow~”

The small calico cat possessed by Dao Master Wenjing finally couldn’t help but roll its eyes.

Great Master Xuandu turned to look, and the small cat immediately sat properly in its chair, its jewel-like eyes gleaming with a slight sparkle.

“Friend, are you unable to speak at the moment?” the Great Master asked gently.

“I… I can,” the small cat spoke in human language, voice timid and hesitant, unable to resist covering its mouth with its paw. “Great Master, please continue chatting with your guest. This humble one will just listen from the side.”

The Great Master nodded with a smile, but Kong Xuan became somewhat restless.

Guest?

Kong Xuan said coolly: “I see your true form appears to be a blood mosquito. How did you enter the Human Sect?”

The Great Master was about to explain: “Actually, this is…”

Dao Master Wenjing had already replied: “As it happens, this humble one was born somewhat beautiful when taking human form. When Lord Water God saw I had some charm, he thought to let this humble one enter the Human Sect to serve the Great Master in the future.”

The Great Master was puzzled.

Is that how it was?

“Oh?”

Kong Xuan’s face instantly turned cold, divine light blooming in his eyes as if seeing Dao Master Wenjing’s human form. He snorted:

“If this is true, I really must have a word with Changshou.

Outer appearance stems from the heart. Taiqing is one of the few Sage inheritances in heaven and earth, a wonderful realm of cultivation. How can you let an overly coquettish woman of unclear origins enter Taiqing’s domain? Wouldn’t this ruin Taiqing’s reputation?”

“My my,” the small cat’s voice grew coy, “Ruining Taiqing’s reputation, you say.

Lord Water God is the Second Disciple of the Sage Lord, one of the greatest strategists in heaven and earth, and the most trusted deity of His Majesty the Jade Emperor in Heaven. There are powerful beings supporting him in all three schools.

Although you are the Phoenix Clan’s leader and a formidable being in heaven and earth, isn’t it a bit presumptuous to speak of teaching lessons?”

Kong Xuan frowned in concentration, finding himself unable to out-argue Wenjing.

This was only natural, after all, when Kong Xuan fought others, it never went beyond three lines:

‘Five-colored Divine Light!

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!’

Dao Master Wenjing originated from the Blood Sea and joined the Western Sect as a blade in the darkness – what scenes hadn’t she witnessed?

Her current verbal jabs were merely showing a hint of her skill.

If not for Kong Xuan’s overwhelming strength, Dao Master Wenjing could have returned even more biting remarks.

Kong Xuan snorted and directly said: “I am Changshou’s elder peer, how can I not teach him?”

Dao Master Wenjing laughed lightly: “But from what I hear, Water God is the Second Disciple of the Sage Lord – where does this ‘elder peer’ status come from?

Didn’t you just say yourself that you’re merely the Great Master’s good… friend?”

Kong Xuan’s thin eyebrows furrowed tightly, momentarily unable to retort.

Round one: victory to Dao Master Wenjing.

But the Great Master pondered beside them and said seriously: “Kong Xuan is indeed one of my few good friends.

Though not a disciple of the Dao School, as the descendant of the Ancestor Phoenix, he does have the qualifications to teach Changshou.”

Hearing this, Kong Xuan immediately raised his chin, sitting much straighter.

Round two ended quickly with Kong Xuan claiming victory through the referee’s biased whistle!

The small cat’s eyes showed unwillingness as it clenched its tiny paws, preparing to continue the fierce attack…

In Li Changshou’s heart, Tower Lord, Ruler Brother, and Old Tu were thoroughly enjoying the show, also discussing who would be more suitable for the Great Master.

If the treasures could take human form, they would surely bring small stools and melon seeds to debate the qualifications for being the great master’s wife of the Dao School.

The ordinary Heavenly Court authority who was currently tossing food in the wok chuckled internally, deciding to make several… ten more dishes to avoid that whirlpool.

Better to fight a hundred Earth-Storage Bodhisattvas of the Western Sect than enter this door of tragedy.

In the rear hall, Kong Xuan’s mention of “I wonder when I might visit the Sage at Doushuai Palace” sparked the third round of debate.

The Great Master either truly had no interest in such matters or hadn’t thought in that direction at all. Though he noticed the ‘sharp exchanges’ between Dao Master Wenjing and Kong Xuan, he didn’t realize the reason why.

Thus, the Great Master just smiled and listened, making no attempt to put out the fire, treating it all as entertainment.

Back and forth it went until Li Changshou couldn’t help but ask the Taiji Diagram in his heart:

“Is Senior Brother truly ignorant of such matters, or is he deliberately playing some grand strategy?”

Tower Lord’s spiritual sense carried a hint of mockery as he laughed: “Grand strategy? Before the eldest disciple arranged the Human Sect’s inheritance, he didn’t even know how men and women conceived children. He only knew cultivation, cultivation, cultivation, and several times nearly merged with the Great Dao before being pulled back by the Lord.”

Li Changshou, who was tasting the hot soup, almost spat it out.

Tower Lord continued dropping gossip: “The Lord told the eldest disciple to expand the Human Sect’s influence but couldn’t take disciples – clearly wanting him to find a Dao partner.

The eldest disciple was impressive – he directly threatened the Old Man of the Moon, interfering with the marriages of the Human Sect’s six family inheritances. Even the Lord was amused by his anger.

The eldest disciple has first-rate talent in all other aspects, but in this matter alone… he’s completely clueless.”

Tower Lord continued: “We can’t say he’s completely clueless. The eldest disciple is quite skilled at arranging matters for others. That time he went to Three Immortal Island to deliver the young disciple’s portrait was quite a brilliant calculation.

Otherwise, how would there be your today, young disciple!”

Li Changshou nodded repeatedly.

Grateful, truly grateful to Senior Brother!

The Ruler asked: “Why don’t you help him?”

“How should I intervene?”

Li Changshou stroked his chin in deep thought, glancing at Kong Xuan and Dao Master Wenjing who were still exchanging verbal blows in the rear hall, continuously pondering in his heart.

There was no need to say much about Dao Master Wenjing – she greatly admired the Great Master, the type who would be ready to marry tonight if the Great Master just nodded his approval.

However, Dao Master Wenjing had important matters to attend to later, so she couldn’t be allowed to succeed too quickly, this had to be suppressed…

If he wanted to facilitate the Great Master’s romance, then under the premise of Dao Master Wenjing’s acceptance, he needed to persuade- ahem, encourage Kong Xuan to settle his yin-yang nature and express his feelings for Senior Brother…

At this moment, the small cat possessed by Dao Master Wenjing jumped to the Great Master’s side, docilely leaning against his arm.

Kong Xuan, unwilling to be outdone, moved his chair to the Great Master’s side, armrest touching armrest, and sat down with dignity and composure.

The Great Master: …

“Why hasn’t Changshou returned yet?”

Li Changshou thought for a moment, smiled calmly, and arranged for people to start serving dishes while shifting his consciousness to Little Qiong Peak, activating a paper puppet.

As they say, different trades have different specialties, and everyone has their shortcomings.

Fortunately, there was an expert in such matters at home – it would be wise to consult them discreetly.

[Main Body] The paper puppet flew out from the bookshelf corner, taking Li Changshou’s form and walking to the study in the underground secret chamber.

Ling’e was currently sitting in meditation, with an incense burner before her holding three sticks of incense, seemingly paying respects to a wooden box…

Around the wooden box coiled a strand of obscure but familiar Dao charm to Li Changshou.

The Dao charm of Patriarch Tongtian?

Li Changshou was startled and quickly stepped forward. Before entering the study, he heard Ling’e’s sigh:

“Senior Brother, you’re back.”

“Yes,” Li Changshou responded, entering the study, “but it’s just a paper puppet. My main body still has some unfinished business. What’s this?”

“Ying!”

Ling’e turned to look, her small mouth pouting and eyes reddening as she muttered: “The… the Sage Lord earlier…”

“What happened?”

“Came to deliver Sister Yunxiao’s dowry!”

Ling’e threw back her head in a bout of fake crying, instantly giving Li Changshou a headache.

The Human Sect’s style was truly something else.

…

On the reverse side of the Blood Sea, near the mustard seed miniature universe that Li Changshou had destroyed with the Taiji Diagram, a figure wrapped in a black robe slowly appeared.

Under the cloak, a fair large hand reached out, creating a vortex in space with a point, then casually flicked a lotus seed wrapped in red-black flames into the vortex.

“Heh.”

With half a laugh, this black figure silently vanished, as if nothing had ever happened, leaving not even half a trace in space.