“Senior Brother, when did you return? Why didn’t you call for me?”
In the pill-refining chamber of Little Jade Peak, Spirit Moth transformed into a streak of azure smoke and flew out from the corner. Before even returning to her true form, she called out with delight.
Li Changshou, who was sitting before the pill furnace contemplating whether to acquire a spiritual treasure furnace, was startled by her words and asked curiously:
“You can tell at a glance that this is my true form?”
Spirit Moth blinked, her eyes carrying a hint of nervousness. With her hands behind her back and pinky slightly raised, she asked softly:
“Um… can’t others tell?”
“That’s not quite it…”
Li Changshou stroked his chin and pondered.
He had currently employed a reverse strategy, arranging several paper avatars around while openly displaying his true form, yet disguising it to appear as if it were one of the paper avatars.
If he encountered enemies or came under attack, his true form could instantly crumble like a paper avatar, or he could hide his true self in the ashes of burned paper figures.
Although he had only returned for a few days and hadn’t yet returned to Master Diagram and Elder Tower, having an extra layer of precaution would always provide additional security.
After all, this was the air of the Primordial World!
Li Changshou asked: “Spirit Moth, how did you recognize me?”
“Well…”
Spirit Moth blinked.
Could she say it?
If she revealed her techniques and methods, wouldn’t she be unable to distinguish between paper avatars and Senior Brother’s true form in the future?
Then how would she execute some of her more ambitious plans for emotional advancement if she mistook the wrong form?
“Just a feeling, a general sense.”
“Perhaps we’re simply too familiar with each other,” Li Changshou carefully sniffed the air and smiled, shaking his head. “Never mind, it’s good that you can recognize me. At least you won’t be easily deceived by others.”
With that, he lowered his head to continue contemplating new strategies.
Spirit Moth patted her chest with her delicate hand and slowly drew closer.
She wore a light pink dress that faded to spring onion white, her fair and smooth neck emanating a gentle radiance. Her beautiful face, which had grown increasingly elegant and animated as her cultivation realm increased, seemed so delicate it could yield water at a touch.
Spirit Moth hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage to ask softly: “Senior Brother, there’s something… could I discuss it with you?”
Li Changshou smiled: “Just speak your mind, why the need to ask permission?”
“Well,” Spirit Moth rose slightly on her toes, but the words wouldn’t come out.
Li Changshou deliberately asked: “Perhaps you want to go out for a while? While Master hasn’t recalled several treasures, I could escort you wherever you wish to go, but you must not cause any trouble.”
One word of agreement would have earned her three thousand recitations of the Scripture of Stability!
Spirit Moth quickly replied: “Not at all! With the Great Tribulation approaching, it’s too dangerous to go out.”
Indeed, very characteristic of Shou.
Li Changshou felt relieved and asked with a smile: “Then what is it?”
“Well…”
Spirit Moth sighed softly and decided to make a clean confession.
Before Master brought her to the Path to Immortality Gate, she had been the child of a powerful mortal family in the Three Thousand Worlds. After entering the mountain to cultivate, like most disciples of the Path to Immortality Gate, she had severed ties with her family.
She had many brothers and sisters, and countless concubines in the family, with complex relationship networks.
Because of this, her parents didn’t require her to return for filial duties or their passing, so Spirit Moth never returned home.
But a few years ago, Spirit Moth received a family letter, learning that a cousin of hers had also entered an immortal sect and, due to outstanding talent, had achieved True Immortal status…
Hearing this, Li Changshou smiled and said:
“That’s wonderful news. Having a relative and friend achieve immortality gives you another confidant on the path.”
Spirit Moth’s face darkened as she muttered: “Don’t mention it. This cousin of mine has some… issues.
Since childhood, she never stopped bullying me, stealing my food, splashing water on my new dresses, and gathering other children to exclude me from their games!
Hmph!”
Li Changshou’s mouth twitched slightly.
The shadows of childhood truly cannot be underestimated.
Spirit Moth sighed again:
“According to our sect’s rules, the supervisors visit disciples’ families periodically to meet with their parents, so my family knows about my cultivation here.
The reason my cousin contacted me several years ago was likely because she was riding high on success, having become the Dao companion of a young master from a powerful faction in the Three Thousand Worlds, and accepting a position as a registered disciple under a Severing Sect immortal.
I never replied to her messages, but last month she sent another jade token, saying she wanted to visit the Path to Immortality Gate.”
At this point, Spirit Moth’s cheeks puffed up in frustration: “I think she just wants to come show off and see me living less well than her.”
“Don’t make such assumptions about others, especially a cousin who shares your blood.”
Li Changshou said seriously: “With Master gone, we rely on each other, and you are the mistress of Little Jade Peak. You don’t need to consult me about these matters.
Family visits are precious opportunities. When are they coming?”
“Probably in the next three to five days,” Spirit Moth said anxiously in a low voice. “Senior Brother, I don’t want them disturbing you…”
Li Changshou replied gently: “It’s fine, you can make these decisions entirely on your own.
If you want to see them, let them come; if not, speak with the Sect Leader and have them quietly sent away.
Don’t forget, you’re now a registered disciple of Lord Supreme Clarity.”
Spirit Moth fell into deep contemplation before finally saying: “Perhaps I should receive them at Black Pool Peak instead.”
This girl, despite her complaints, must be quite happy deep down.
Although her cousin was a childhood antagonist, they still shared a blood connection. If they could interact more in the future, it would be fortunate.
Li Changshou had always worried that Spirit Moth’s lively nature would be stifled by staying confined to the mountain.
Initially, when they had little power as junior disciples, having fewer friends meant fewer disasters;
But now, while Li Changshou would continue to constrain himself with the Scripture of Stability, Spirit Moth need not do the same.
The upper limit of any disturbance she might cause was now well within Li Changshou’s control.
Thus, for Spirit Moth, making more friends would be beneficial.
Li Changshou advised: “To be safe, receive them at Black Pool Peak.
I’ll seal off various areas of Little Jade Peak soon, and I’ll ask Elder Diagram and the others to stay a few more days.
Remember to have Clever prepare some rare spirit beasts in advance. You can also ask the Wine Generation uncles to help with arrangements or gather with Senior Sister Liu Yan’er and the others.
Also, don’t forget to invite Uncle Wine Rain Poem to join the festivities. She’s always in seclusion and rarely goes out.”
“Mm-hmm, I understand!”
Spirit Moth’s hands pressed against her sides, fluttering like little wings as she happily said: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”
“Go ahead and prepare,” Li Changshou smiled and shook his head.
Any more reminders and he would become a nagging old cultivator.
Spirit Moth said: “I’ll make some snacks and sweet soup to bring over later.”
With that, she hummed a tune and flew away on a cloud.
…
Li Changshou casually refined a furnace of sixth-grade spirit pills for recovering vital energy, maintaining his pill-refining technique.
After extinguishing the furnace fire, he extended his immortal consciousness within the gate, observing the various activities on Immortal Rain Peak before letting his consciousness fall on Pill Cauldron Peak.
Elder Wan had been in seclusion since passing his tribulation, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to offer congratulations now.
Li Changshou asked inwardly: “Elder Tower, when do you wish to return to Master’s side?”
Two spiritual responses came simultaneously.
“The master doesn’t summon us, so staying by your side wouldn’t be an issue,” Elder Tower replied calmly.
But the Taiji Diagram said: “Your current cultivation isn’t complete, and your dao realm isn’t full. You shouldn’t rely too much on us.”
“Indeed,” Li Changshou agreed. “I’ve inspected everything. After Spirit Moth’s relatives leave, I’ll send you all back to the Supreme Clarity Temple.”
The several treasures fell silent together.
They knew their junior disciple’s nature well – thorough in his actions, valuing life above all, never straying from the principle of… ahem, stability!
But they hadn’t expected such extreme levels of caution.
Spirit Moth’s cousin, a daughter-in-law of an immortal cultivation faction in the Three Thousand Worlds, clearly bought her way into becoming a registered disciple of the Severing Sect…
Did this situation require the Taiji Diagram, Primordial Tower, Heaven-Earth Ruler, and Flame Light Banner to stand guard together?
Elder Tower muttered: “Going back means getting sealed away by Master without a second thought. It’s more comfortable following the junior disciple.
Little disciple, how did you do it before?
Even that girl Cloud Dawn was completely smitten with you, just a bit more and you would have… hehe, teach us a few tricks? Let me get closer to Sister Golden Fight too.”
The Heaven-Earth Ruler criticized: “Old lecher!”
The Taiji Diagram also added: “Improper!”
Li Changshou: …
When it came to spiritual treasure relationships, he really wasn’t very experienced, after all, he had no knowledge in this area in his previous life.
Moreover, based on his understanding of Cloud Dawn’s personality, after missing such a good opportunity for further development, she would certainly avoid meeting for decades or even centuries!
That troublesome worrywart!
With a soft sigh, Li Changshou listened to the various treasures criticizing Elder Tower for his ‘undignified behavior,’ then went to the rocking chair outside, leisurely closing his eyes to concentrate.
Taking a tour through the Heavenly Court, he noticed the Golden-Winged Great Peng was drilling the celestial soldiers at the Water God Manor. Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction.
This was what a mature magical treasure should be – taking initiative.
He had someone arrange another small courtyard, preparing it as a residence for when Spirit Zhenzhu returned.
As for…
Those ‘Three Immortal Guests of the Heavenly Court,’ whether they went to celebrate at the Dragon Palace or went shopping at Sky’s End Pavilion, Li Changshou truly couldn’t be bothered to manage.
With Ao Yi watching over them, Spirit Zhenzhu wouldn’t be allowed to cause trouble.
As for Bian Zhuang… let him be. After all, he was destined to become Second Senior Brother’s partner; it wouldn’t be right to always suppress his nature.
Hmm, if he dared cause trouble in the Heavenly Court, he’d be neutered!
As a glint flashed several times in Li Changshou’s half-opened eyes, Bian Zhuang, who was chanting in the Netherworld, suddenly shivered twice and timidly looked around…
The Water God Manor was gradually becoming more populated, from Spirit Zhenzhu and Golden Peng to You Qin Xuan Ya, taking on the appearance of a ‘Second Little Jade Peak.’
Recently, Li Changshou had wanted to chat with the ‘Super Celestial Soldier’ You Qin Xuan Ya, for no other reason than to check on a fellow disciple sister.
But You Qin Xuan Ya was either in seclusion or on her way to slay demons and eliminate evil.
Her reputation grew increasingly prominent, with other celestial generals recording her demon-slaying exploits using recording orbs, continuously projecting them across the Five Continents, and appearing on the great bronze mirrors erected by the Heavenly Court in various locations…
This was the enhancement of the Heavenly Court’s soft power.
Long Ji had rarely been seen lately. According to her, she seemed to be entering seclusion to try growing up a bit, moving past her young maiden appearance.
This left several boxes of ‘strategy homework’ that Li Changshou had casually prepared continuing to gather dust.
The Heavenly Court had now entered its proper course, with rapid development in all areas.
The previously desolate celestial mountains and seas now added many immortal shadows, showing a thriving prosperity.
On Little Jade Peak, Spirit Moth suddenly transmitted:
“Senior Brother, my cousin, and her group have arrived. If you’re busy, there’s no need to come over. I’ll handle them myself.”
Li Changshou’s consciousness returned to its true form. His immortal awareness had already observed the dozen or so figures at the mountain gate, though he hadn’t paid much attention before.
An elegant carriage hung suspended on the cloud path, within which sat a fairly handsome young cultivator of the early Celestial Immortal realm. His foundation seemed somewhat unstable as he gazed lovingly at the woman beside him.
Next to the young cultivator sat a beautiful immortal lady wearing a veil, presumably Spirit Moth’s relative.
Were they coming to ask Spirit Moth for something?
It didn’t seem so, otherwise, they wouldn’t remain in their carriage, and judging by that woman’s somewhat arrogant expression…
Li Changshou roughly understood.
After some thought, he kept part of his consciousness watching over Spirit Moth, asked Elder Tower and Lady Banner to help keep a close watch, and didn’t interfere further.
Subsequently, Li Changshou’s consciousness returned to the Heavenly Court, with his paper avatar flying toward the Jade Imperial Palace.
According to the original plan, to report to the Jade Emperor about the developments regarding the Red Lotus.
When the Jade Emperor heard about the Red Lotus’s destruction, he couldn’t help but frown and ask: “Is the Severing Sect truly so corrupt?”
The Jade Emperor pondered for a moment before continuing: “Long Geng, you still need to be careful about this matter. I know you don’t want the Dao Sect to lose too much power, but the Heavenly Court’s selection of proper deities is no small matter.”
“Your Majesty need not worry.”
Li Changshou made a Daoist salute and said seriously: “Besides a few minor deities who don’t wish harm upon those senior Severing Sect disciples, others won’t interfere with the operation of the Heavenly Dao due to personal feelings.”
“I certainly trust Long Geng,” the white-robed Jade Emperor said gently. “When we convene at the Purple Void Palace, matters concerning the Great Tribulation should become clearer.
By the way, Long Geng, would you like to accompany me to the Purple Void Palace then?”
“This minor deity would be honored,” Li Changshou pondered briefly, “but… Master asked me to accompany him.”
The Jade Emperor smiled: “That’s fine, we’re all going to the Purple Void Palace anyway. Could I possibly steal someone from Supreme Clarity Senior Brother?”
Li Changshou bowed his head: “Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not like I could win anyway,” the Jade Emperor sighed, then asked Li Changshou if there were any interesting events during his assistance to the Severing Sect in claiming the Red Lotus from the Blood Sea.
Li Changshou organized his thoughts and selected some events unknown to the Jade Emperor that occurred in the Ancient City of Asuras, slowly relating them:
The Cycle Tower temporarily ceased fighting,
Three sect’s senior brothers jointly sought the lotus.
Unexpectedly, Mirage Qi made it hard to find,
Their dao hearts entered dreams facing danger.
The Asura Princess struck with one sword,
The Old Lord’s Blue Ox contemplated mortality.
The Red Lotus returned to the Azure Tour,
The Sect Leader’s test left none complete.
After hearing this, the Jade Emperor repeatedly sighed with emotion, commenting that the Ancient River Old Ancestor didn’t know what was good for him, while the Asura Princess showed true feelings and righteousness.
This ruler of the Three Realms then asked Li Changshou if he should show some appreciation for the Ox of the Tusita Palace having thoughts of mortality, perhaps bestowing a reward or erecting a memorial arch for ‘The Chastity of the Blue Ox.’
Li Changshou hastily discouraged this, repeatedly saying it wasn’t necessary.
The Blue Ox matter should still be kept low-key, after all, it was still uncertain how things would develop in the future.
Just thinking about how the One-Horned King and the Bull Demon King might not be the same ox made Li Changshou… slightly anticipate the future development of Ox and Fan’s story.
In the Jade Imperial Palace, after chatting idly with Li Changshou for a while, the Jade Emperor assigned him a task…
“Long Geng, Cloud Flower seems somewhat dejected recently. Please help me check on her.”
Li Changshou naturally agreed, thinking that Cloud Flower Immortal might be missing Yang Jian and Yang Chan. After leaving the Jade Imperial Palace, he flew towards the Jasper Pool.
Unlike the legend of ‘Erlang Splitting the Mountain’ that Li Changshou originally knew, Cloud Flower Immortal wasn’t imprisoned under Peach Mountain.
At the edge of the Jasper Pool were eight mountains, seven of which were arranged in the pattern of the Big Dipper stars, forming a great formation that protected the immortal mountain imprisoning Cloud Flower Immortal.
To prevent the spread of ‘statements unfavorable to Yang Jian’s growth,’ Li Changshou usually avoided meeting her.
This time, with the Jade Emperor’s decree, Li Changshou took the opportunity to visit Cloud Flower Immortal, to get a better understanding of the situation.
This was his trump card in the matter of Yang Jian.
Flying near the Jasper Pool on cloudy paths, there were many more immortal maidens than twenty or thirty years ago.
Everyone in the Heavenly Court naturally recognized the Water God’s presence. Whenever they saw Li Changshou’s figure, they would bow in greeting from near and far, with meaningful glances.
Arriving at Cloud Flower Immortal’s place of confinement, Li Changshou didn’t enter but merely looked at the arrangements inside from the entrance.
This…
The mountain’s interior had been hollowed out and arranged into a small paradise, with jade trees and golden platforms, warm chambers filled with fragrance. Cloud Flower Immortal, who was ‘mercilessly’ imprisoned here, could move freely within the area though she couldn’t step outside at all and had no restrictions on her person.
Even six maids were attending to her, and she could play the zither and flute when idle.
Speaking of ‘imprisonment’…
Li Changshou transmitted a message to Cloud Flower Immortal about Yang Jian and Yang Chan’s recent situation, then waved his horsetail whisk and seriously instructed the celestial soldiers guarding the entrance:
“You must maintain strict vigilance and never be careless!”
“Yes, sir!”
The celestial soldiers immediately bowed and agreed.
Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction and, without waiting for Cloud Flower Immortal to rush out from her chamber, flew away on his cloud back to the Water God Manor.
Halfway there, Li Changshou’s spiritual sense flickered as he suddenly heard an interesting term.
[Stone Roost Goddess]
Li Changshou organized the information his immortal consciousness had captured, as scenes arose in his mind of what had just happened on Black Pool Peak…
By the water pond stood several low tables, with small channels carved nearby for floating wine cups, and several musical instruments placed not far away.
Spirit Moth was the host, with Wine Rain Poem accompanying her, while opposite them, the visiting Dao couple sat arm in arm, completely absorbed in each other.
—Spirit Moth had disguised her appearance to look more ordinary and had also used the ‘Turtle Breath Qi Settling Scripture’ to create several layers of disguise for her cultivation realm, revealing only True Immortal level, equal to her cousin.
The veiled immortal lady spoke softly:
“…I was fortunate to take Stone Roost Goddess as my master. Although I’m just a registered disciple who learned some dao techniques, it still gives me some backing.
Moth, why don’t you come back with me? We’re sisters and the only close relatives we have. We should walk the path of cultivation together. I’ll ensure you never lack pills or spirit stones, and I can even find you a good Dao companion to support each other in cultivation.
Staying here as a mere disciple, sigh, it’s truly difficult to make any progress.”
Wine Rain Poem lowered her head, holding back her laughter, while Spirit Moth’s pretty face could only be described as extremely awkward.
In front of the pill-refining chamber, Li Changshou thought carefully and slowly stood up.
First, maintain stability and minimize the possibility of exposure, bringing out his ‘treasure’ that he had never used before and was actually optional — his appearance.
As a senior brother, he should not only stand up for his junior sister but also back her up!
And they still wanted to lure away our Spirit Moth?
Li Changshou’s mouth twitched as he turned toward the corner of the pill-refining chamber, removed his Daoist robe, and took out a wooden box that had been sealed away for many years.
Activate battle robe!
What robe? A white brocade robe with gold-threaded crane patterns and a standing collar!
What boots? Warm jade-woven black cloud-treading boots!
Jade pendants at the waist were essential, cloud pattern hair ribbons couldn’t be missing, a spiritual treasure jade gourd hung at his waist for decoration, and the tied sleeves were perfectly symmetrical.
Taking a Lesser Spiritual Treasure jade ring for storage, he casually infused some merit, transforming it into a Lesser Merit Spiritual Treasure;
The slight treasure light constantly emanating from it was merely to indicate that this was just an ordinary storage treasure from home.
Removing three layers of disguise from his appearance, Li Changshou stepped out of the pill-refining chamber, adjusted his outwardly displayed cultivation realm to the late Celestial Immortal stage, and calmly floated toward Black Pool Peak.
The Water God was coming to back up Moth!