Time flows endlessly through heaven and earth,

A cave completely pierced through.

In the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, near a prosperous township by the Eastern Sea, immortals and mortals came and went as usual.

Famous mountains and great rivers concealed countless cultivators. Even renowned immortal sects needed to trade and barter. Spirit stones, medicinal pills, and precious materials formed the three pillars supporting most townships in the primordial world.

Of course, in places where the Heavenly Horizon Pavilion had branch locations, the service industry also occupied a significant portion of the economy.

Master Duobao arrived half an hour earlier than his appointed time with Li Changshou.

Concealing his imposing aura and presence, Master Duobao kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, naturally acquiring the bearing of…

a wealthy landowner.

*Ahem*, beware the treasury of mice!

‘Changgen mentioned there is an important matter today that could reveal who has been dragging down our Severing Sect’s fortunes. Could it be related to the independent cultivators?’

As Master Duobao pondered this while taking just two steps on the township street, he heard Li Changshou’s voice transmission:

“Senior Brother Duobao, there’s a medicine shop ahead. Enter through the small alley beside it, walk a hundred paces through several simple illusion formations.”

Though somewhat puzzled, Duobao looked in the direction Li Changshou mentioned, calmly nodded, and strode forward.

There lay a somewhat messy alleyway with many carpets spread out, permeating with an eerie and horrifying atmosphere.

Master Duobao paid it no mind – he could flatten this township with a wave of his hand, so he felt little concern.

Calmly entering the alley and passing through the illusion formations, he reached the hidden street. Li Changshou’s voice transmission came again, guiding Master Duobao to a corner.

After several twists and turns, Duobao finally tucked a paper avatar into his sleeve and met up with Li Changshou.

As soon as they met, Master Duobao fired off three Senior Brother questions:

“What’s going on? What’s the situation? Who’s plotting here?”

Li Changshou’s paper avatar sighed and transmitted to Master Duobao: “Let’s get to the location and prepare first. I’ll explain everything to Senior Brother slowly.”

Master Duobao deeply trusted Li Changshou – after all, he had watched Li Changshou’s livestream with Junior Sister Yunxiao… *ahem*!

After all, he was the Orthodox Teaching’s junior brother who had bathed with their master.

That was the kind of life-and-death friendship they shared with the Severing Sect!

This time, Li Changshou wasn’t seeking any benefits, purely helping the Severing Sect eliminate some stubborn ailments and clear away some karmic obstacles, planning for the stability of the Dao School.

Perhaps this operation could only recover a portion of the Severing Sect’s fortune and add a slight chance of survival for Yunxiao and Master Zhao;

But it was still better than doing nothing.

Before Elder Sister Caiyao and her Dao companion arrived, Li Changshou conversed with Master Duobao for a while, understanding Master Duobao’s grasp of “acting,” and began giving Master Duobao comprehensive training.

Master Duobao truly hadn’t anticipated…

That he, the Severing Sect’s head disciple, Great Disciple of Tongtian, number one treasure hunter of the primordial world…

Would have such a day!

Half an hour later.

Master Duobao wore a light yellow robe, surrounded by a hint of alcohol, his slightly chubby face no longer had its original “fair and tender” look, instead bearing traces of vicissitudes.

He calmly sat cross-legged on a carpet spread by the street, with over ten bottles of medicinal pills displayed before him, his face showing three parts dejection.

In his sleeve, a paper avatar continuously transmitted:

“Senior Brother Duobao, whether this succeeds depends entirely on our grasp of details. Please add a bit more arrogance to your expression. When looking around, use your peripheral vision. When someone greets you, the first response should be a ‘Hmph’…”

Master Duobao’s mouth twitched slightly as he transmitted back:

“Changgen, what formidable enemy requires such disguise and plotting? Let’s just fight directly. If we’re not their match, we can ask junior brothers and sisters for help. At worst, we’ll call out ‘Master save me,’ and Teacher won’t stand idly by. Why make things so complicated?”

“Senior Brother, this time we’re not here to kill enemies but to investigate a matter. If we can’t follow the vine carefully and pull gently, we might snap the melon. Moreover, the cultivator who serves as our vine this time has some connection to me – they just passed through where my true body is hidden. If we directly move against them, I’ll have to hide in the Heavenly Court from now on…”

Duobao laughed: “I was being too short-sighted. Don’t blame me, Changgen. Let’s proceed as you said.”

“The treasure bag I just gave Senior Brother contains many specially made recording spheres,” Li Changshou reminded him. “We must record everything this time. Senior Brother, I believe we’re not here to eliminate a few people or dozens of people but to prevent such situations from happening again.”

“Correct,” Master Duobao transmitted in agreement. “Changgen speaks well – we’re here to solve internal sect problems, not to kill living beings. Eliminating a few so-called experts is simple, but thoroughly resolving hidden dangers is the real task. However… can Changgen now tell me what exactly is going on?”

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, continuing to transmit through the paper avatar: “Before this, please agree to three things, Senior Brother.”

“What things?”

“First, never act on impulse;

Second, think thrice before deciding;

Third, don’t alert our quarry.”

“Very well,” Master Duobao agreed quite solemnly. Li Changshou pondered briefly, then simply told Master Duobao the information he had obtained.

Gradually, Duobao’s expression darkened, and he sat there cursing loudly: “These!”

“Senior Brother! Senior Brother!”

“These medicine-wasting trash! They’re truly going to anger this poor Daoist to death! They can’t even refine pills, wasting precious medicines!”

Master Duobao gnashed his teeth in rage, drawing more than ten gazes from around, but causing no other impact.

Then, Master Duobao transmitted angrily to Li Changshou’s paper avatar:

“These thieves are ruining my Severing Sect! In this matter! For one, this poor Daoist will kill one; for two, this poor Daoist will eliminate both! Those bastards who sell themselves for spirit stones and precious materials! They’re unworthy of being our Severing Sect disciples! I wondered why the Red Lotus shattered directly – turns out it was dragged down by these dregs! This is infuriating!”

Li Changshou: …

This was genuine anger – he even forgot to refer to himself as “this poor Daoist.”

“Senior Brother truly knew nothing of this? Did Master Uncle never inquire about it?” Li Changshou was also puzzled about this.

Master Duobao thought carefully, made some calculations, and quickly realized something.

“Previously, Junior Sister Jinling’s disciple Yuyuan once mentioned to this poor Daoist that in the Three Thousand Worlds, some disciples would periodically set up platforms to lecture on the Dao, which seemed somewhat strange.”

“And then?”

Master Duobao’s face showed shame as he said quietly: “This poor Daoist thought these fellow disciples revered Master and were emulating Master’s island lectures, bringing glory to the Severing Sect! How could I know their lectures were for such reasons, teaching indiscriminately without distinguishing good from evil? Alas! It’s all because I was too confident and overlooked things.”

Li Changshou said: “It’s not too late to remedy this. Please endure some hardship this time, Senior Brother, and let’s eliminate these hidden dangers early. Moreover, we can’t treat everyone the same way in this matter. There must be immortals who went out to lecture without knowing the inside story, only unable to refuse due to relationships – a slight reprimand will suffice for them. But for those who knowingly committed wrong or acted as intermediaries for private gain, we must punish them severely.”

“Correct, please help more later, Changgen.”

A flash of killing intent gleamed in Master Duobao’s eyes, instantly turning the entire alley as dark and cold as an ice cave.

Fortunately, Master Duobao quickly suppressed his aura, continuing to play the role of a “stubborn but frustrated pill refiner”…

The stall owners to Master Duobao’s left, right, and opposite all looked toward the depths of the alley, drawing others’ attention there as well, providing cover for Master Duobao.

To be safe, Li Changshou had previously arranged three paper avatars, originally meant to create atmosphere.

Meanwhile, that young master of a certain immortal sect from the Three Thousand Worlds and Lingee’s cousin Caiyao had already left Crossing Immortal Gate, hurrying toward this township in a carriage with guards.

Li Changshou didn’t repeatedly remind Master Duobao – after all, he was the Severing Sect’s Senior Brother with rich primordial world experience, so there was no need for too much worry.

The respect due to the Three Schools’ Senior Brother should still be given.

At this moment, Li Changshou suddenly felt a slight confusion in his heart…

Who was the Western Teaching’s Senior Brother?

That was something he truly hadn’t heard of.

Two hours later, a man and woman entered this hidden alley. Their somewhat luxurious robes and the “wealthy with spirit stones” aura they emanated made the cultivators setting up stalls here perk up a bit.

Several weak calls immediately rose in the alley…

“Confusion powder, confusion powder, enhanced without extra charge, can confuse True Immortals and muddle Heaven Immortals.”

“Blood Burst Eye-Breaking Zhenzhu, a magical weapon that can kill True Immortals, three for one dou of stones.”

“Spirit beasts, cheap sale! Cubs, cheap sale!”

However, this couple merely glanced around as they walked forward, causing the calls before and behind them to quickly fade.

They had come prepared and wouldn’t be easily fooled.

“Husband,” Caiyao suddenly said, “could that be him up ahead?”

The male immortal looked up and indeed saw Master Duobao’s figure. Upon careful observation, it matched exactly what Lingee’s senior brother had described!

Two words: prosperous looking.

At once, the male immortal stepped forward, cupped his hands in a Daoist salute, and took out a jade token from his sleeve.

The slightly chubby Daoist, who had been about to chase people away, frowned and muttered: “What’s your relationship with the token’s owner?”

This male immortal smiled slightly and calmly said: “We’re brothers-in-law, and friends who hit it off at first sight.”

Hearing these words through the paper avatar, Li Changshou’s mouth twitched slightly.

Indeed, they were brothers-in-law, but of the ‘cousin’ variety.

…

This male immortal took the bait very smoothly, without any struggle, thoroughly manipulated by Master Duobao.

Li Changshou’s previous worries were proven to be like putting two fish on one plate—unnecessary.

Who was Master Duobao?

Before becoming Tongtian Jiaozhu’s disciple, he was the first treasure-hunting mouse to roam freely on the ancient primordial earth without perishing, his outstanding courage honing his sharp reactions.

Truly—he had dug more holes than others had walked paths.

Looking at the jade tablet Li Changshou had given the male immortal, he first clarified this male immortal’s background. Then he feigned reluctance, making excuses, saying he was used to being carefree and didn’t want to become any “Chief Pill Refiner.”

The male immortal repeatedly invited him, putting on a full show of respecting the worthy and humbling himself. Only then did Master Duobao seem to waver, but still refused.

Until…

The veiled Caiyao said: “Husband, why don’t you buy all this elder’s pills?”

The male immortal followed her suggestion and was thoroughly fleeced by Master Duobao. Only after receiving the spirit stones did Master Duobao ‘reluctantly’ nod in agreement.

He portrayed a somewhat mercenary pill refiner to perfection.

Master Duobao even added his improvisation, fabricating a daughter to fill in a gap in Li Changshou’s original script.

On a cloud ship flying beyond the Five Continents, dozens of guards patrolled various locations while song and dance continued in the cabin.

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, Master Duobao sighed several times, saying he had already received Li Changshou’s message earlier and agreed to develop with them in the Three Thousand Worlds, firstly to seek some spirit stones and treasures, and secondly to secure a future for his only daughter.

The male immortal’s face showed sudden understanding. Looking at Master Duobao’s somewhat complex eyes, he sighed: “Friend’s single-minded concern for his child is admirable. Come, I, Bu Zhongyao, toast you.”

“Young Sect Master flatters me, flatters me,” Duobao held his wine cup, deliberately lowering its rim slightly.

A few details, a few words, and Caiyao’s husband thought he had gained absolute initiative.

Soon, Bu Zhongyao repeated what he had previously told Li Changshou to Master Duobao in more detail.

To reassure Master Duobao, he intentionally explained very thoroughly, making the light in Master Duobao’s eyes grow increasingly intense.

Observing this scene from the shadows, Li Changshou truly gained several more measures of admiration for Master Duobao.

The grand Senior Brother of the greatest sect, for the sake of his sect’s fortune and his fellow disciples’ slim chance of survival, acting to deceive this Lesser Heaven Immortal with no real ability…

If the Severing Sect immortals knew of this, they would likely weep and sigh deeply.

When the timing was right, Master Duobao took out a treasure pouch from his sleeve and said softly: “I have some savings here, could Young Sect Master provide some guidance? Or perhaps, converted to pills, could it buy this poor Daoist two chances to attend lectures? For the first time, Young Sect Master can arrange as you see fit, let this poor Daoist experience set my mind at ease. Please don’t blame me, this poor Daoist has just this one daughter…”

“Ah,” the male immortal pushed the treasure pouch back, smiling, “How could we let a friend spend money?”

Master Duobao hurriedly said: “Young Sect Master, please don’t be like this. We’re not yet well acquainted, but once we become familiar, this poor Daoist naturally won’t fuss over such things. Here, I have spirit pills I refined, several hundred in total, mostly of equivalent value.”

Master Duobao again took several large gourds from his sleeve and opened their mouths.

Suddenly, streams of golden light flashed from one gourd’s mouth, as if there were tinkling immortal music echoing and waves of multicolored light rushing forth.

Eighth-grade spirit pills!

Master Duobao’s expression changed as he stuffed the gourd closed and returned it to his sleeve, giving the male immortal an embarrassed smile.

“Wrong one, wrong one, that was bestowed by my master, not refined by this poor Daoist.”

By now, Bu Zhongyao was no longer calm, his eyes like lightning as he stared at Master Duobao. First, he laughed heartily, then immediately patted his chest and agreed to the matter.

Right then, Bu Zhongyao sent out two jade tokens, contacting two groups of experts involved in the ‘selling of Severing Sect registered disciple positions.’

Perhaps through Master Duobao and Li Changshou’s good fortune, or perhaps through the misfortune of those troublemaking Severing Sect immortals and independent cultivators, Bu Zhongyao quickly received a reply.

Just a few million miles off their current course, there would be a grand lecture in half a month.

However, one seat cost five hundred cubic spirit stones, guaranteeing that a Severing Sect expert would be present…

Bu Zhongyao gritted his teeth, gathered some immortal treasures to make up the difference, squeezed out a temporary seat, and handed the jade token to Master Duobao.

Half a month later, the cloud ship hurried to reach a Great Thousand World, arriving before a hidden valley.

As they were about to disembark from the cloud ship, Master Duobao cupped his hands and said: “This poor Daoist will surely repay generously!”

“Sir is too kind.”

Bu Zhongyao revealed a calm and composed smile, watching Master Duobao fly into the clouds ahead, then quietly let out a breath.

Caiyao said somewhat worriedly: “Husband, why do I feel something isn’t quite right?”

“What do you know?”

Bu Zhongyao smiled calmly, “These cultivators with no hope for immortality pour all their heart’s blood into their children, vainly hoping their children can achieve what they could not. For this, some would even give up their lives. Eighth-grade spirit pills… the expert behind him must be extraordinary.”

Caiyao seemed to want to say something but held back. Bu Zhongyao had already made a gesture, and the cloud ship slowly moved forward to wait outside this Great Thousand World.

…

In the valley, clouds and mist pervaded.

This kind of mist was merely a simple confusion formation, naturally unable to block Master Duobao’s vision or Li Changshou’s investigation.

The dozens of meditation cushions arranged in the center of the valley were already fully occupied.

Before the meditation cushions stood a thatched cottage with a single meditation cushion inside.

—This too was carefully arranged; according to the rules of the primordial world, the more profound an immortal’s cultivation when giving lectures, the simpler the setting should be, thereby highlighting this immortal’s noble and elegant temperament.

“Hold.”

A light shout came from the side as two tall, thin Daoists blocked the path.

Master Duobao stopped, presented the jade token from Bu Zhongyao, and showed a friendly smile on his lips, appearing slightly nervous.

Additionally, as discussed with Li Changshou, Master Duobao secretly released two treasure insects that stuck to these two men’s ankles without attracting their attention.

One of the Daoists threw over a meditation cushion and said firmly:

“This is your cushion. Remember not to make any sound inside, just listen to the lecture, and don’t ask any questions.”

“Ah, understood.”

“Go in then, you came late, remember to sit in the back.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

Master Duobao cupped his hands and carried the meditation cushion to the center of the valley, sitting behind the dozens of men and women.

As soon as he sat down, Master Duobao transmitted a cold snort to Li Changshou.

“Those two are both Severing Sect immortals!”

Li Changshou reminded him: “Senior Brother, we’ve come this far, don’t startle the snake in the grass.”

Master Duobao nodded with a smile, outwardly peaceful but his heart raging like a storm.

Li Changshou’s paper avatar quietly spread the wind-speaking spell but gained nothing, the surroundings silent.

Soon after, Master Duobao kept his hands in his sleeves and attached a small jade slice to Li Changshou’s paper avatar. Li Changshou immediately heard the conversation being transmitted from somewhere unknown.

It should be people using voice transmission.

First came an anxious male voice:

“Senior Sister, I beg you this time. Senior Brother Lin Liang who was originally arranged suddenly had something come up and couldn’t make it. All those independent cultivators who came to hear the lecture have gathered. We can’t just let them disperse.”

Then came a rather gentle female voice: “Why can’t they disperse?”

“Wouldn’t that damage our Severing Sect’s reputation?”

“Sigh, I know about those things you do behind the scenes, but I only agreed to help you a few times because I owed Senior Brother Ma Yuan a favor. After this time, I won’t owe Senior Brother Ma Yuan any favors anymore.”

“Thank you, Senior Sister, thank you, Senior Sister, these are all minor matters, minor matters. The time is about right…”

Another light sigh and the female voice fell silent.

Shortly after, the clouds in the deep valley parted to both sides, and a graceful female immortal wearing a black form-fitting dress rode a white cloud slowly forward, landing before the thatched cottage and sitting on that meditation cushion.

Her face was partially obscured by water mist, emanating her Dao charm. She could indeed be considered an expert. She now spoke softly:

“This poor Daoist is a Severing Sect cultivator, Daoist title Stone Demon. Today I come specially to explain the Golden Immortal Dao to everyone.”

Master Duobao slowly lowered his head, brilliant light flashing in his eyes before quickly being concealed.

Although Li Changshou only had a paper avatar here at this time, with Master Duobao’s help, his immortal consciousness could see this famous most unfortunate immortal of the Investiture of the Gods.

Speaking honestly, Immortal Lady Stone Demon was outstandingly beautiful, with fair skin, and delicate features, truly enough to sink fish and drop wild geese.

However, at this moment, these qualities could not reduce Master Duobao’s killing intent in the slightest.

Master Duobao transmitted to Li Changshou: “This Stone Demon knowingly commits wrong, she cannot be spared!”

Li Changshou, however, muttered in his heart…

Immortal Lady Stone Demon seemed to also be named on the original Investiture of the Gods list. Should they do a temporary experiment this time, to see if they could take advantage of the situation to kill an immortal who was originally on the list before the Investiture of the Gods list had emerged?

Thinking carefully, Li Changshou still dismissed this idea.

Today was about helping the Severing Sect clear out old ailments, there was no need to create additional complications.

It was better to remain steady, and in principle not interfere with Severing Sect’s internal affairs.

He should just offer suggestions and some solutions, not make any decisions for the Severing Sect—that would be the wisest course of action.

Suddenly, Stone Demon seemed to sense something and raised her head to look toward where Master Duobao was sitting. Her originally gentle voice paused:

“That fat Daoist, why don’t you look at this poor Daoist? Could it be that what this poor Daoist lectures is too shallow?”