What is meant by “Departing quietly after the deed, concealing both self and name”?

In Youqin Xuanya’s eyes, this was exactly what Li Changshou had done this time.

Senior Brother Changshou had exhausted himself mentally, endured countless hardships, and faced extreme dangers to barely force a victory against the Jie Dao disciple and East Sea Dragon Palace’s Second Prince Ao Yi…

Yet he remained extremely humble, not seeking fame, and quietly departed…

However;

In reality…

Li Changshou first helped Ao Yi up personally, expressing his apologies for any offense;

— This was to eliminate potential hostility and reduce the ill feelings towards himself from both the Jie Dao group and Ao Yi.

Then Li Changshou apologized before the hall, saying his victory was unworthy, that he had merely used the sect’s taught escape techniques and talisman methods to gain an advantage, damaging the sect’s prestigious reputation, and was willing to accept punishment;

— This further reduced ill feelings while bringing glory to the sect, and subtly hinted to Senior Uncle Jiuwu that he wished to return to Little Qiong Peak.

Afterward, Li Changshou made a respectful bow to the Golden Tortoise Island group, showing an ashamed expression…

With just a few simple words and two or three gestures, Li Changshou imperceptibly gave all parties sufficient room to back down gracefully.

Among the Du Xian Sect elders were reasonable people who saw that Li Changshou didn’t want to make enemies with Golden Tortoise Island and the Dragon Palace. They deliberately put on stern faces and rebuked him a few times, telling him to return to Little Qiong Peak for solitary reflection…

This elder was actually just putting on a show, with the implicit meaning being to let Li Changshou return to Little Qiong Peak and wait to receive rewards later.

But Youqin Xuanya kept frowning at the side. If she hadn’t been constantly restrained by her master, she definitely would have stood up to argue a few words for her “not-quite-close-friend” Senior Brother Changshou…

Watching Li Changshou’s silhouette disappear beneath the starry sky, Youqin Xuanya let out a soft sigh.

“When will I be able to become as excellent as Senior Brother?”

After riding his cloud away from Breaking Sky Peak, Li Changshou also sighed inwardly.

‘Finally dealt with that situation, it was truly quite troublesome.’

But regardless of how it was handled, the fact remained that Little Qiong Peak had caught the attention of the entire sect, top to bottom.

After this paper avatar returns, he would just keep his head down and continue refining pills, staying peaceful for eight or ten years before continuing his wealth accumulation plan.

No, eight or ten years wasn’t enough, he needed to stay peaceful for at least…

Twenty years minimum!

‘This little dragon, judging by his expression and demeanor, might come to Little Qiong Peak later to apologize.’

Li Changshou thought for a moment and hid all the Beauty’s Charm in his treasure pouch, to avoid accidentally taking it out if he became careless later.

Moreover, Beauty’s Charm wasn’t something only he could refine – countless cultivation practitioners in the primordial world enjoyed drinking.

Based on this point alone, the East Sea dragon washing case couldn’t be traced back to him.

Breaking Sky Peak was very lively at this time, with various Celestial Immortals beginning to lecture and discuss the Dao. Those who had watched the battle earlier also stayed to listen to both sides’ Celestial Immortals discuss the Dao.

However, Li Changshou saw that the Golden Tortoise Island group had been holding back their anger earlier, and estimated that later, they would still want to clash with our side’s Celestial Immortals…

This had nothing to do with him though, he had simply perfectly completed the task given by the sect.

Returning to Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou first walked several circles around the pill refining room;

Thinking about whether he had made any oversights, and if there were oversights, how to remedy them.

If his master’s enemy had been watching today…

What thoughts would they have?

If he could provoke this enemy to make a move against him, that would be even better. He could give this enemy an opportunity, deliberately go out, and find a place to defeat them…

Before taking action he could use the sound and image ball to leave evidence that it was the other party who attacked first trying to harm him as a disciple, and fortunately, he had Elder Wan Linyun’s bestowed poison for protection…

Even if he was punished according to sect rules afterward to stay in closed cultivation on Little Qiong Peak for several hundred years, it wouldn’t be a problem at all, since his true body didn’t want to go anywhere anyway.

Li Changshou chuckled softly, knowing this was just his wishful thinking.

A Return to Void Realm seventh stage quasi-immortal seedling was after all still just a young disciple, the other party probably wouldn’t feel any threat yet…

He would have to wait and see what happened.

Although Li Changshou also wanted to ask his master who exactly this enemy was;

Firstly he feared reminding his master of past events, and secondly, he was mindful of his master’s face.

Asking others would mean that when that enemy met with misfortune later, he might also fall under suspicion…

This matter still needed careful planning.

This time being “exposed” wasn’t due to his inadequacies…

On this point there was no need for excessive modesty – Li Changshou had already done his utmost in all aspects of self-preservation.

But who could have imagined…

While he was happily strolling through Coastal Town, buying herbs and selling pills, his consciousness returned to his true body to find Jiuwu and Ao Yi, two completely unrelated people, wandering around in the maze formation near his pill refining room…

What in the world?

Although there had been signs beforehand – he had encountered the Golden Tortoise Island group in Coastal Town.

But he truly couldn’t have anticipated things would develop this way.

‘Later I’ll tell Master that Little Qiong Peak should refuse all guests.’

Li Changshou sighed, actively sensing the divine soul power of his paper avatar, instantly switching his consciousness over, and finding the surroundings peaceful with no threats, instantly switching back to his true body.

That “inn” was set up by the Coastal Sword Sect, and even the rent for a small suite wasn’t cheap;

But it was relatively safe there, with Celestial Immortal experts from the Coastal Sword Sect residing nearby and patrolling immortal soldiers paying close attention.

Now, he would have to wait for the sect to completely quiet down before speaking of wealth accumulation matters again.

Li Changshou was still somewhat uneasy and walked two circles around the mountain, checking the concealment of the underground formation bases in various places;

After busying himself for quite a while, his immortal awareness suddenly detected a figure flying over from Pill Cauldron Peak, quickly landing by the lakeside cottage…

Li Changshou hurriedly rode his cloud back, and from far away saw a figure standing by the lake;

Ling’e poked her head out from his cottage and also pointed to the lakeside for Li Changshou, where an old person was leaning on a copper-skinned cane…

The Elder, Wan Linyun.

…”Elder, why are you here?”

Li Changshou hurriedly came forward and bowed.

Wan Linyun turned his head to look at Li Changshou, his eyes carrying a hint of approval, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly to reveal a trace of an emotionless cold smile…

“I used my immortal awareness to see you defeat that dragon son, yet suffer harsh criticism from other elders, so I thought to come take a look.

This time…

You did well.

The escape technique was your ability, your skill, you needn’t mind others’ opinions too much.

Later if anyone in the sect criticizes you, just show them this.”

As he spoke, Elder Wan Linyun’s somewhat withered hand pushed forward, using immortal power to send over a black jade;

Li Changshou received it with both hands, lowered his head to look, and saw that this jade contained a strand of essence, with a flowing “Yun” character in the center.

“Just say I said so,” Elder Wan Linyun said ‘fiercely’, “From now on, your Little Qiong Peak lineage will be protected by me, not just anyone can rebuke and criticize!”

Li Changshou felt warmth in his heart and hurriedly expressed thanks.

He knew this elder wasn’t plotting anything – there was nothing worth plotting for on Little Poor Peak.

Elder Wan Linyun had truly sealed himself off for many years, not understanding worldly affairs.

— Earlier, when Li Changshou was giving face and putting on a show with several elders, Elder Wan Linyun had taken it as Li Changshou being harshly criticized by the sect.

Escape techniques were looked down upon by sect members;

Poison was also looked down upon by sect members…

Li Changshou pondered in his heart that Elder Wan Linyun had probably recalled past events, which was why he was so ‘agitated’…

Elder Wan Linyun’s leg injury was inflicted by his own master; because Wan Linyun studied poison scriptures, he was scolded by his master for betraying the classics and departing from the Way, bringing shame to the Pill Dao;

For tens of thousands of years after that, Elder Wan Linyun painstakingly studied the Way of Poison, just wanting to prove before his master that “Poison is Medicine” — these words were written at the end of every poison scripture authored by Elder Wan Linyun.

However, when Elder Wan Linyun relied on his poison pills to save the Du Xian Sect from a group of demons ten thousand years ago, Elder Wan Linyun’s master had already passed away…

Li Changshou gripped this jade pendant and made a deep bow.

“This disciple thanks the Elder for his care.”

Wan Linyun showed that stiff smile again and said: “You rest now, I need to return to refine pills.”

“This disciple will visit the peak another day.”

“Mm, come anytime.”

Wan Linyun put away his smile that could stop infants from crying and tapped his cane, clouds arose from level ground, and he headed towards Pill Cauldron Peak.

This old man had come here just to encourage Li Changshou.

Other elders wouldn’t commend Li Changshou, but he would;

Other sect seniors wouldn’t protect Li Changshou, but he would;

It was that simple…

Holding the jade pendant in his hands, Li Changshou stood by the lake, gazing into the distance for a while, his heart taking a long time to find peace.

Though the primordial world was treacherous, not all people in it were evil.

“Senior Brother!”

Ling’e poked her head out the window again and called out softly: “More visitors are coming!”

“I see them.”

Li Changshou put away the jade pendant and sighed with his hands behind his back – today really was full of guests…

“Sister, you’ve been very well-behaved today,” Li Changshou turned his head to praise.

Ling’e, sprawled on the windowsill, made a face, “That’s only because I’m afraid of causing trouble and getting scolded by you again!

By the way, Senior Brother, did you… concede earlier?”

“I won,” Li Changshou transmitted his voice: “At our sect gates, we still need to mind these things.

Oh right, tidy yourself up later and come to my room to serve tea.

That Dragon Palace Second Prince Ao Yi brought a female companion, our Little Qiong Peak also needs to send out someone to match in appearance.”

Ling’e blinked, then pursed her lips and giggled quietly;

She hurriedly activated the isolation formation outside her room that had recently been improved by her Senior Brother, and efficiently began changing clothes and making herself up…

Soon, Ao Yi, Hanzhi, and Senior Uncle Jiuwu who was guiding them, slowly descended on clouds.

Li Changshou went forward to welcome them and exchanged a glance with Jiuwu, and the two immediately understood each other…

Li Changshou had guessed earlier that they would come, and had also guessed that Ao Yi would apologize, but hadn’t expected this little prince to immediately bow deeply upon meeting.

“Second Prince Your Highness need not be so courteous, please come inside, my humble dwelling is crude, causing Your Highness to laugh.”

At that point, Li Changshou led Ao Yi and Hanzhi into his cottage.

Before Ao Yi could bring up today’s events, Li Changshou opened with: “Does Your Highness understand the way of painting?”

Shifting the topic to an unrelated matter.

Ao Yi and Hanzhi’s attention was quickly diverted by Li Changshou;

Li Changshou also took out many paintings he had collected and created in his spare time for them to appreciate.

The direction of the conversation was completely controlled by Li Changshou, with Ao Yi and Hanzhi, one dragon and one human, constantly nodding on the side, finding it extremely interesting;

Jiuwu had originally worried the atmosphere would be awkward, but very quickly, this short Daoist was also attracted by the topic and joined in the appreciation and evaluation, even taking out his private collection…

Half an hour later, Ling’e who had specially dressed up arrived serving tea, causing the three ‘guests’ eyes to brighten.

Just look at this little sister of Li Changshou—

Plain silk dress, delicate cloud-like hair, jade hairpin tilted, white pearls hanging.

Beautiful eyes, jade nose, rouge-touched lips, pretty ears, long lashes, and honey-sweet teeth.

Eyebrows like the graceful new moon, jade neck elegant and fragrant.

Skin that puts frost to shame and challenges snow, slender waist wonderfully graceful beyond compare.

At first glance, one would feel she truly belonged among those playing qin and dancing in the heavenly palaces;

Looking a second time, one would feel she was a beauty who had stepped out of those beautiful paintings…

Ling’e’s temperament and appearance slightly overshadowed the Jie Dao fairy Hanzhi in all aspects;

And when Ling’e sat properly beside her Senior Brother, her clear eyes flashing with light, it made Jiuwu ponder…

‘Little Jiu, she shouldn’t have feelings for Changshou, right?

If she has those kinds of feelings, then regarding this sister beside Changshou…

I should warn Little Jiu.’

— The keen sense of crisis from someone with experience.

Just one topic of painting was discussed from midnight until dawn, and Ao Yi and Hanzhi both felt that Li Changshou was someone who was “refined without being vulgar.”

Host and guests were all enjoying themselves, and seeing they still didn’t want to leave, Li Changshou could only shift the topic to music…

But Hanzhi suddenly received a voice transmission from her master and whispered a few words in Ao Yi’s ear;

This young dragon frowned and muttered a few times, showing a regretful expression, then stood up to bid farewell to Li Changshou.

There had been some changes at Breaking Sky Peak, and Ao Yi’s two courtesy senior brothers also wanted to spar with two Du Xian Sect elders in magical combat, so they had to hurry over to watch…

Li Changshou saw them out of his cottage, all the way to the lakeside, before finally showing ‘reluctance to part.’

Finally got rid of them…

This youth-looking Dragon Palace Second Prince smiled and said: “If Brother Changshou has free time, please do come visit Golden Tortoise Island, Yi will certainly prepare the best hospitality, and we can have long talks together.”

“Of course, of course.”

Ao Yi and Hanzhi hurriedly rushed towards Breaking Sky Peak, while Jiuwu secretly gave Li Changshou a thumbs up before riding his cloud to chase after them.

Li Changshou raised his hand to wave, saying in his heart:

‘Until we meet again…

Though preferably never.’

After sending off this trouble, Li Changshou stretched lazily, his immortal awareness watching Breaking Sky Peak.

Wangqing Upper Immortal was about to make a move again;

Although Li Changshou also very much wanted to go watch, he ultimately felt today had already had enough trouble, so he only observed this Celestial Immortal ‘sparring’ from afar.

In the cottage, Ling’e was in a good mood and had already started diligently tidying up various places, collecting cups and plates, organizing the scattered paintings…

Her gaze was drawn to a partially exposed painting scroll, she tilted her head to look and saw written at the top…

“My Beloved”

The handwriting was her Senior Brother’s – Senior Brother’s beloved?

‘Hmph hmph, I want to see what kind of woman you like.’

Ling’e secretly glanced at Li Changshou’s silhouette standing by the lake, pulled out the scroll, and slowly opened it.

This thing was actually… a retired secret treasure;

It was precisely Li Changshou’s early discarded first version of the manufactured Heart-Calming Secret Treasure…

Named “The Hundred Beauties Aged Painting”!

Because the craftsmanship was exquisite and the painting skill exceeded his average level, Li Changshou kept it as an emergency backup secret treasure.

It had been thrown into the treasure pouch storing completed painting scrolls for several decades and had just been mistakenly taken out by Li Changshou earlier but hadn’t been displayed.

As Ling’e continuously unrolled the scroll, she quickly saw those [“beauties”], her small hands began trembling non-stop, her slender legs went weak, and she collapsed sitting by the writing desk.

This…

What should she do?