On a clear day, the winds above the South Sea were particularly boisterous.

Atop an immortal cloud drifting from east to west, Elder Zhao Gongming’s divine consciousness watched over Anshui City. He deliberately slowed the cloud’s pace and asked softly, “Second Sister, why must we go to the Sea God Temple? Wouldn’t it be better to go directly to Long Geng’s residence?”

“He is under much scrutiny now. Every word and action of ours could easily put him in a passive position,” Yunxiao said softly. “Let’s meet him at the Sea God Temple. If he agrees to this matter, we can then join the others beyond the heavens together.”

“Although that’s true…” Zhao Gongming turned his head to look at the space behind him, as if seeing the void hole created by Duobao, and smiled bitterly. “What a crowd this affair has drawn.”

Yunxiao gently pursed her lips, momentarily speechless. Then she suddenly frowned slightly and looked toward the Western Heaven.

There, a white cloud carried three figures, chatting and laughing as they headed toward a mortal city on the shores of the South Sea…

The other party seemed to discover Yunxiao and Zhao Gongming’s figures simultaneously. Neither side concealed themselves, but the others’ laughter suddenly stopped as they faced the two Severing Sect immortals across the void.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Immortal Lady Yunxiao lightly waved her white cloud sleeve, using a wisp of white cloud to conceal her form—a gesture befitting her status as the Sea God Sect’s mistress.

The three immortals from the Enlightenment Sect exchanged glances, each hesitating. True Lord Taiyi shrugged his shoulders and took the lead, riding his cloud toward the Sea God Temple in Anshui City.

As they flew within three hundred li of Anshui City, Li Longshou’s paper avatar was immediately alerted.

He, who had been preaching under a tree, turned his head to look at Ling’e and found her surrounded by cyan lotuses, her small face as peaceful as when she slept, carrying both serenity and innocence.

Not bad.

‘With just this level of cultivation, better digest it slowly first.’

Li Longshou smiled lightly, closed his eyes, and sent his consciousness to the paper avatar repository beneath Anshui City. He chose a late-stage Heavenly Immortal paper avatar with a youthful appearance and hurried to the back hall to wait.

After the Purple Palace incident, Li Longshou had subconsciously begun choosing young paper avatars with completely different appearances from his true form.

In his subconscious, he wanted to use this to confuse others, concealing his true appearance revealed that day, achieving an effect of blending truth and illusion.

Steady.

Before True Lord Taiyi’s figure appeared, his clear, mellow voice was heard: “Where is the main protagonist of the tribulation personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor?”

Li Longshou, with his hands tucked in his sleeves, walked to the back hall entrance and replied with a smile, “Has Senior Brother come to my humble temple for a stroll?”

“How could that be?” True Lord Taiyi materialized from the void, wearing a red robe and stepping down with his hands behind his back. He smiled, “I’m here on Big Senior Brother’s behalf to get familiar with you.”

Li Longshou was rendered speechless.

This True Lord Taiyi was indeed frank, speaking his mind directly.

Yu Ding and Yellow Dragon descended from behind. True Lord Yellow Dragon, following the immortal realm’s tradition, first laughed heartily to cover some awkwardness, while Yu Ding directly spoke:

“We just saw Senior Sister Yunxiao seemed to have arrived as well.”

Li Longshou raised an eyebrow and looked around. Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s figure appeared at the seaside a hundred li away, approaching together with Zhao Gongming on their clouds.

Indeed, both sects’ senior brothers had ‘made their move’…

Seeing Immortal Lady Yunxiao at this moment, Li Longshou actually felt slightly disappointed, but he could understand her difficulties and gently brushed aside this disappointment.

So he waited quietly until Yunxiao and Zhao Gongming arrived, then invited both parties inside, seating them on the left and right in the back hall.

Li Longshou sat in the center seat, arranged for divine servants to serve tea, and glanced to the side, meeting Yunxiao’s gaze.

Seeing the slight apology written in her eyes that resembled pure jade pools, the gloom in Li Longshou’s heart completely dispersed, and his consciousness was unconsciously drawn to her countenance again.

The immortal lady was like a poem in the clouds, always unintentionally taking one’s breath away with her beauty.

Yunxiao seemed to have taken extra care with her dress today. At first glance, it appeared to be a plain white gown, but upon closer inspection, one could see it was embroidered with subtle patterns of shore irises and riverside orchids, perfectly complementing her figure. It neither diminished a woman’s natural grace nor descended into vulgarity.

Her long hair was arranged in cloud-like buns, jade hairpins emanating immortal light, and two flowing cloud ribbons mixed among her black tresses, creating an indescribably ethereal and graceful effect.

‘She must indeed be in a difficult position.’

“Ahem! Ahem ahem!”

Coughing sounds came from the side. Li Longshou turned his head to look—True Lord Taiyi, the source of the noise, was looking up at the shadowy Taiji diagram on the back hall’s ceiling.

“Autumn moon’s splendor never rests, yet private gazing knows no bounds.”

Yunxiao slightly furrowed her brows, her gaze sweeping past, causing True Lord Taiyi to shudder involuntarily.

Li Longshou smiled, “Senior Brother Taiyi is also versed in poetry?”

“Just a little, just a little,” True Lord Taiyi sat up straight, lowered his head, and coughed, “Well, what shall we discuss?”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled, “The great tribulation was just determined at the Purple Palace, naturally we should discuss this tribulation.”

Yu Ding said, “It seems the various Saints parted on unfriendly terms at the Purple Palace.”

“It can’t be called parting on unfriendly terms,” Li Longshou said slowly. “There were just some differences of opinion, and neither side wanted to concede much.”

Pausing briefly, Li Longshou sighed softly and smiled, “Both Uncle-Masters are worried about their disciples, which is quite understandable.

In my view, although this tribulation must damage the Dao Sect to benefit the Heavenly Court, how this damage occurs is also quite particular.”

True Lord Yellow Dragon’s eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, “Does Long Geng have any good strategies to resolve this tribulation?”

“I don’t,” Li Longshou showed regret on his face. “After Master and both Uncle-Masters left, Master Ancestor kept me at the Purple Palace and spoke to me about this tribulation.

The tribulation is destined to happen, and the power of living beings in the world must be weakened, otherwise it will trigger an even greater tribulation in the future.

For this Canonization tribulation, the Western Sect, Enlightenment Sect, and Severing Sect entering the tribulation can no longer be changed. The three sects and their affiliated immortal forces must suffer damage.

But this damage has a total amount. As long as the power of living beings is reduced to a safe level, the arrival of the true tribulation can be indefinitely delayed.”

Yu Ding said in a deep voice, “The true tribulation, you mean the Nine Pollution Springs?”

“Correct,” Li Longshou nodded. “The situation is more serious than we imagined. The karma of living beings is too heavy for Heaven and Earth to bear. If things reach the point where only one between living beings and Heaven and Earth can exist, that would be the greatest tribulation.”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and sighed, “The great tribulation.”

“Ah,” True Lord Yellow Dragon also sighed, “I wonder if there will come a day when Brother Gongming and I face each other in battle.”

“Why don’t we actively avoid battle?” Zhao Gongming said, “If both of us must take the field and walk through the tribulation, how many people from our two sects can avoid the tribulation’s fate? In such circumstances, the deaths and injuries would be beyond counting.”

“Indeed,” True Lord Yellow Dragon fell into deep thought.

True Lord Taiyi smiled, “We needn’t be too pessimistic, isn’t Long Geng here?”

Li Longshou: …

Was this flattery meant to kill?

No, this master of yin and yang still didn’t understand the power of the great tribulation.

However, Li Longshou said, “I can’t do too much either, I can only try my best within my capabilities to protect the disciples beloved by both Uncle-Masters.

Let me reveal something to you all—even Master Ancestor can no longer prevent the great tribulation from descending.”

Everyone’s expressions immediately became much more solemn.

Yunxiao asked softly, “Then for the Canonization List, were names signed in the end?”

“No,” Li Longshou shook his head. “It’s still blank. Once one enters the list, they’ll be entangled by tribulation fate. Both Uncle-Masters naturally don’t want to sign this list.

The two Saints from the Western Sect wanted to sign but were blocked by His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

After all, the Western Sect and the Heavenly Court are at odds everywhere, and the Jade Emperor doesn’t want subjects who would only scheme and plot.”

These words were already quite clearly hinting.

True Lord Taiyi muttered, “Then if we join the Heavenly Court first, wouldn’t we avoid the Canonization List?”

With these words, the various Dao experts fell into contemplation again, and then their gazes one by one fell on Li Longshou.

Zhao Gongming sighed, “Little Brother, you truly… plan far ahead and calculate without omission.”

Li Longshou smiled calmly, everything was understood without words.

He couldn’t very well say that he had been worried about the Canonization tribulation since he had just started cultivating a few years ago. These words couldn’t be said directly even to Yunxiao and Ling’e.

It wasn’t that he was afraid of exposing his background, after all, he had already received the Heavenly Dao’s acknowledgment. He simply didn’t want to make them feel strange.

True Lord Taiyi’s mouth twitched slightly, “Surely no one thinks our Big Senior Brother couldn’t calculate this tribulation? No way, right?”

The Taiji diagram on the beam suddenly trembled. True Lord Taiyi instantly stiffened, his hair standing on end, sitting there not daring to move.

Li Longshou smiled calmly and directed the topic to how to avoid this tribulation.

True Lord Taiyi’s mouth really could potentially trigger a bloodbath among the Dao Sect.

Hmm, later when visiting the Doulu Palace, he would have to ask the Old Lord to refine a few more ‘Silencing Pills’, specifically targeting Taiyi.

After chatting for half a day;

The three immortals from the Enlightenment Sect bid farewell and left, and Zhao Gongming from the Severing Sect also made an excuse to leave.

Seeing that Yunxiao seemed to have something she wanted to say but held back, Li Longshou took the initiative to speak:

“Could you stay and keep me company a while longer? Master Ancestor has placed such a heavy responsibility directly on my shoulders, I’ve been under too much pressure lately.”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao nodded gently, her gaze lingering with affection.

After Zhao Gongming left, Li Longshou winked at Yunxiao and pointed downward. Yunxiao quite helplessly responded with an “Mm.”

And so, Li Longshou actively invited Yunxiao to walk through the mortal city. Yunxiao agreed with a soft sound, and they left the Sea God Temple together, stepping into the bustling streets and alleys.

Winding through several small alleys and passing by teahouses and taverns, Li Longshou took the initiative to speak throughout, while Immortal Lady Yunxiao listened quietly, occasionally taking interest in the masterworks of mortal craftsmen.

Until a gentle breeze passed by, and their figures suddenly dissipated into two wisps of cloud at an alley entrance. The several senior disciples of the Severing Sect who had been following in an earthen tunnel looked at each other in bewilderment.

Duobao puzzled, “Was that just now Sister Yunxiao’s illusion technique? Truly remarkable.”

“From the Dao resonance, it wasn’t Sister,” Qiongxiao mumbled. “We’ve watched for so long, Big Senior Brother, can’t you just be at ease and let Sister have some private time with my Brother-in-law?”

“That’s right, that’s right!”

Immortal Lady Bixiao said, “Big Senior Brother, are you distrusting our Sister, or are you suspicious of our Brother-in-law?”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother also said, “It’s not proper for us to keep following. Let’s head back—Sister Yunxiao can certainly handle this matter well.”

“No, that’s not…” Duobao was caught between laughter and tears.

Weren’t you three the ones who insisted on following just now?

Qiongxiao and Bixiao were one thing, having always been mischievous since ancient times, but how could the usually upright Sister Golden Spirit also…!

“Ah, fine.”

Duobao waved his hand, “Let’s return to the island and think about how to restrain our fellow disciples and avoid the great tribulation.

Sigh, who knows how many will die this time? In ancient times, watching the battle between Immortals and Demons was quite exciting, but now it’s our turn.”

Qiongxiao smiled, “Don’t worry, Big Senior Brother. Putting aside everything else, how many brothers from the Enlightenment Sect can match us?”

“That’s true, but we still can’t let our guard down. A great tribulation is still a great tribulation—not easy to deal with.”

Duobao sighed softly as he drove the earthen tunnel gradually farther away.

…

On a secluded beach by the South Sea.

Two figures walked side by side in the shade of trees. After Yunxiao spoke of the treasure in the Chaos Sea, Li Longshou fell into deep thought.

What was… Uncle-Master Tongzian’s intention?

Why arrange for him to temporarily leave the primordial world?

Was he trying to win him over with treasures?

Was there even any need for that?

He already had some inclination toward the Severing Sect, and even if they won him over further, he still wouldn’t dare forcibly change the matters of the great tribulation.

Uncle-Master Tongzian must have a deeper meaning in this move. It couldn’t possibly be arranging for him and Yunxiao to travel together to deepen their relationship, much less arranging for them to create an irreversible situation.

How could Yunxiao be so forward?

There was only one truth!

The Severing Sect must be planning something big, so they wanted him to step aside for a while!

So, what exactly was Uncle-Master Tongzian planning to do?

Had he changed his tactical approach? While the Severing Sect was at its peak, would he gather all disciples, take up the Four Swords of Demon Slaying, and regardless of consequences, directly push toward Spirit Mountain and pressure Mount Yuxu?

Hiss—

That was quite possible.

Li Longshou pondered for a moment. He had wanted to ask for more details, but seeing Yunxiao’s cheeks flushed red, her delicate face showing anticipation, her thin lips alternately pursed and relaxed, he couldn’t help but look a few more times.

Yunxiao shifted her gaze to the side and said softly, “Why are you looking at me? You haven’t yet said if you’ll go.”

“Well…”

Suddenly feeling a breeze on his face, his Dao’s heart rippled with slight Supreme Clarity Dao resonance, his spirit platform shook, his primordial spirit trembled, and a huge word was about to form…

“Go, of course, I’ll go!”

Li Longshou hastily agreed, and the Supreme Clarity Dao resonance in his heart receded like the tide.

Yunxiao blinked gently and asked softly, “Really?”

“Really!”

Li Longshou smiled, “Let’s each make some preparations. The Chaos Sea is unfathomably dangerous—we mustn’t fall into any schemes.

Let’s set a date for our departure. When are you free?”

“I am, I am…”

She somehow suddenly became flustered and said softly, “Always free.”

Li Longshou’s eyes were full of starlight as he smiled, “Then shall we meet at World’s End in the East Sea in half a month?”

“Alright.”

Yunxiao gently bit her lip and asked softly, “What clothes would you like me to wear? What hair ornaments should I use?”

Li Longshou said slowly, “Naturally… every kind.”

The standard answer is a classic approach.

“Teasing,” Yunxiao lightly scolded, her form transforming into a wisp of cloud and quickly dispersing, leaving Li Longshou’s paper avatar scratching his head and grinning foolishly.

This paper avatar entered the ground, returning to the paper avatar repository beneath Anshui City;

Li Longshou’s true body opened his eyes beside the spirit lake at Small Jade Peak, his brows tightly furrowed in contemplation.

There were two major issues here.

First, what exactly was the Severing Sect’s grand plan?

Second, how could safety be guaranteed in the Chaos Sea?

Master had just given him instructions, telling him to go to the Chaos Sea, indicating that Master had acquiesced to the Severing Sect’s calculations this time and that the treasure would indeed benefit him.

Should he just ignore the Severing Sect? Temporarily withdraw?

As Li Longshou fell into deep thought, just as he was about to go to the secret chamber to pay respects to Master’s portrait, he sensed slight movement on the lake’s surface. The number one message-transmitting treasure in the primordial world—the Xuanhuang Tower—and the true-strong Heaven and Earth Ruler slowly rose from the water’s surface.

Master hadn’t given the Taiji Diagram, indicating that his path ahead shouldn’t have too many troubles.

Though the Chaos Sea was dangerous, the portion near the primordial world was influenced by the primordial world and was generally stable. With the Six Saints’ deterrence, those powerful divine demons had all retreated.

Yunxiao’s Dao realm was already extremely profound, and he had recently made some breakthroughs. Working together, even if they encountered fierce beings like Kunpeng, they could retreat safely with the Xuanhuang Tower’s protection.

However, it still wasn’t quite secure enough.

Li Longshou quickly made a decision. He glanced at Ling’e, who was cultivating nearby, and just as he was about to wake her, the lake surface before him rippled again, and the Ground Flame Banner reappeared, directly enveloping Ling’e.

Thank you, Master!

Li Longshou closed his eyes and began controlling paper avatars to run various errands.

First, he went to request leave from the Jade Emperor, saying he wanted to take advantage of the calm before the great tribulation to explore for some treasures in the Chaos Sea.

The Jade Emperor didn’t make things difficult and specifically reminded Li Longshou to make many preparations, as anything could happen in the Chaos Sea, full of all kinds of risks.

Things like heaven and earth tremors, remnants of creation, descendants of primordial divine demons…

Li Longshou agreed with a solemn expression, placing the safety issues of this expedition as the top priority.

Outside the world, divine authority would be like mere decoration;

Beyond the reach of the Heavenly Dao, merit and fate would lose their effect.

Everything would depend solely on one’s strength!

Thus, Li Longshou prepared hundreds of bottles of spirit pills, taking out almost eighty percent of his stock!

He also carried various small gadgets he had devised, with not a single trump card missing from his arsenal;

He went to the Doulu Palace to retrieve the Small Demon-Slaying Spear, which had been reforged by the Old Lord to reach a whole new level and took the opportunity to request the Old Lord to forge armor for Lingli, a divine spear for Yang Jian, and a silencing pill for True Lord Taiyi.

Looking at the stone tablet given to him by Dao Ancestor Hongmeng, Li Longshou decided to carry it with him as well.

It recorded the method of severing the three corpses, but he was still a few steps away from being able to truly use it.

After much consideration, Li Longshou still decided to bring along the remaining six drops of Ancestral God’s blood.

—Previously, he had given Yang Jian one drop of Gonggong’s essence blood, used half a drop of Houtu’s essence blood for Lingli, and Li Longshou himself had merged with one drop of Gonggong’s blood and half a drop of Houtu’s blood.

Making his Dao body slightly more powerful.

And most crucially!

Half a month later, at World’s End.

Immortal Lady Yunxiao, who had carefully adorned herself, hid in the thin mist.

She had truly never spent nearly half a month on matters outside of cultivation before. Though her Dao body was originally unblemished, she specifically bathed in flower petals, carefully selected jade hairpins, and arranged her hair in a simple yet elegant style.

The specially crafted dress gradually transitioned from light blue at the bottom to pure white, with cloud embroidery on the waist perfect to the last stitch.

She had arrived two days early, concealing her whereabouts, quietly waiting, her divine technique impenetrable to passing immortals.

Still, half a day remained until the appointed time;

This moment was precisely calculated from when Li Longshou had spoken of the “half-month period.”

Immortal Lady Yunxiao thought of her two sisters’ uninhibited words before departure, of Golden Spirit Holy Mother pulling her aside to secretly share certain phrases, and couldn’t help but become lost in thought.

She, truly…

Hm? His aura? He was already nearby.

Yunxiao’s spirit stirred, and she quickly looked up, only to see a tall, graceful figure slowly materializing from blue smoke before the stone monument at World’s End.

It was Li Longshou’s true self.

Her heart leaped with joy, her eyes bright, and she was about to dispel her divine technique to appear before him.

But she saw the blue smoke had not yet dispersed, and… two more figures materialized…

“Master, Golden Peng will transform into his true form now.”

“Water God, are you certain that Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s invitation to the Chaos Sea is for treasure hunting or other matters?”

Li Longshou calmly nodded and sighed, “I’m not sure, but I’ll have to trouble Golden Peng and Master White afterward.”

The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and Baize both agreed, the former immediately transforming into his true Golden Peng form and flying into the sky to patrol, while Baize transformed into his auspicious beast form, quickly shrinking to the size of a house cat.

Li Longshou was quite satisfied with this in his heart.

In the Chaos Sea where the five elements were undifferentiated, his escape techniques would be limited, so having a fast mount was extremely important. Golden Peng was the best choice, and if they encountered Kunpeng, they might even be able to compete in speed.

Master White’s divine techniques were also quite formidable, and Baize had said his techniques would work in the Chaos Sea as well, which put Li Longshou much more at ease.

The danger warning system was in place;

Mobility in the Chaos Sea was guaranteed;

Now, they just waited for Immortal Lady Yunxiao to arrive at this place, to begin an exciting adventure in the Chaos Sea!

As a man, one must take care of one’s female companion, especially when going to such dangerous environments.

Li Longshou’s mouth revealed a composed and steady smile, while Yunxiao, hiding to the side, couldn’t help but rest her delicate hand on her forehead, unsure whether she should appear and agree.