Chapter 137: South Continent Initiates Small Battle, Longevity Worships Saint Statue

Li Changshou watched his idol being smashed, feeling a profound calm, devoid of any superfluous emotions. He did, however, feel a pang of sympathy for Ao Yi. Ao Yi's idol, made of expensive materials, was dismantled on the spot by mortals, leaving it utterly destroyed. This exact scenario was why Li Changshou had previously considered dismantling his own divine cult.

The dragon ambush was now set, and all divisions were in position. Li Changshou had made every possible arrangement, yet his heart remained suspended, unable to find peace. Concepts like "sitting atop Qiongfeng, observing thousands of miles, and orchestrating a deadly trap with a divine seal" were far from Li Changshou's true aspirations. What was the point of grandeur? Survival was paramount; true longevity was the ultimate lifelong pursuit!

Thus, even as trouble brewed for the Sea God Cult, before full-scale conflict erupted, Li Changshou was already contemplating the aftermath. Every step taken required foresight for several, or even dozens of steps ahead. If this conflict escalated too much and inflicted significant pain on Western Buddhism, the South Sea God Cult would undoubtedly attract even more scrutiny from them. While the chances of this incident prompting a Saint to investigate the South Sea God Cult's origins were low, it was a possibility that couldn't be entirely dismissed. Western Buddhism comprised more than just its two Saints; their disciples were numerous as well. While the renown of these Saint disciples naturally couldn't rival the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect or the Eight Great Disciples of the Jie Sect, their actual power might not be significantly inferior. And then there was the Mosquito Daoist, in particular. Upon reflection, Li Changshou, who had yet to achieve the rank of Immortal Golden Immortal, was already engaged in a clandestine struggle, contending from a distance with these "seniors." Li Changshou suspected that engaging in such activities too often would genuinely leave him with psychological scars.

His consciousness, channeled through the eyes of his Paper Daoists, surveyed various locations: The Dragon forces had set up an ambush underground. Ao Yi, accompanied by several Dragon masters, led three thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers, gathering in the South Sea. Dozens of Dragon masters were converging on the site where the idol had been smashed, expected to arrive at the temple momentarily. If his predictions were accurate, they would likely fall victim to a Western Buddhist ambush. These Dragon masters had already received Ao Yi's pre-arranged orders on how to break through and defend themselves if attacked. Such was the self-cultivation of decoys. Only when Ao Yi's three thousand soldiers moved would the opponent's true intentions be revealed. What happened next depended entirely on the performance of his "young" Second Cult Master. Li Changshou had already provided Ao Yi with the precise strategies and detailed combat tactics for every single step.

The Bear Village Witch-Human Divine Envoys had now gathered over three hundred individuals. Li Changshou's two Paper Daoists, disguised as robust men, were interspersed among these divine envoys, hidden within a valley near the Dragon ambush site. They too would join the battle later, but were instructed to retreat immediately after a single decisive strike. Though the enemy's presence had not yet been fully revealed, Li Changshou already held a general assessment of the battle's probable trajectory. Currently, Li Changshou's primary concern remained Western Buddhism's thorough investigation into his South Sea God Cult.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Changshou ascended a cloud, heading towards Baifan Hall on Potian Peak. As he approached Baifan Hall, a clear realization dawned upon him: The battle had begun.

Li Changshou changed direction, standing with his hands clasped behind his back before the sculpture of the "Three Valiant Heroes of Chivalry and Righteousness." His consciousness, channeled through his Paper Daoists, conjured a series of unfolding scenes in his mind, observing the unfolding conflict:

The Sea God Temple was smashed. Dragon Protectors swiftly arrived, several Azure Dragons revealing their true forms, roaring furiously in the air. The mortal adherents of the neighboring Lima Divine Cult immediately panicked, scattering like startled birds and beasts, while a small contingent prostrated themselves, converting on the spot to the Sea God Cult. This process, notably, did not accrue any negative karma. As the crowds dispersed, a sudden, unexpected turn of events unfolded! Several shadowy figures, previously mingled among the Lima cultists, shot skyward, launching a sudden assault on the Dragon Protectors! The moment Li Changshou's "sight" shifted to this location, he witnessed a flurry of dragon claws, hundreds of shimmering treasures lighting up the sky. The Dragon Protectors of the Sea God Cult, with each dragon unleashing over a dozen radiant treasures in a furious barrage, instantly tore the shadowy figures to shreds! Li Changshou was speechless. Truly deserving of their status as a dominant power in the Primordial World; they acted with absolute impunity.

However, a flicker of suspicion then arose in Li Changshou's mind. Those shadowy figures — two True Immortals and three Heavenly Immortals — what was the point of them rushing out so overtly? No, this scenario... Li Changshou felt as though he had seen it somewhere before... The Blood Mosquito! No sooner had those two words formed in Li Changshou's mind than a gleaming golden Azure Dragon in the sky suddenly threw its head back and roared. Its eyes turned blood-red, and it lunged, snarling, at a fellow Dragon beside it! Three Azure Dragons consecutively exhibited strange behavior, plunging the Dragon Protectors into disarray. At that very moment, among the "mortal cultists" who had initially scattered, another hundred figures surged into the sky; many of them were mid to late-stage Heavenly Immortals, their auras a chaotic mix of human, demonic, and spiritual energies.

Witnessing this spectacle from over a hundred thousand li away, Li Changshou couldn't help but offer a faint, wry smile. "What animosity could possibly warrant this? Was the Mosquito Daoist deliberately trying to provoke him? Such karmic entanglement! If he ever gained the power to protect himself in the Primordial World, he would surely have to eradicate this Mosquito Daoist. Incidentally, where did the Mosquito Daoist acquire the 'materials' for these puppets? If Li Changshou's deduction was correct, they were likely plundered from the Three Thousand Worlds and repurposed for her use."

Consumed by fury, yet with the Second Crown Prince's orders still echoing in their ears, one Dragon master bellowed: "Retreat!" Consequently, these dozens of Dragon masters, not lingering in combat, immediately broke free, leaving behind a few Dragon corpses and three mind-controlled Dragons, and fled far to the southeast. The pursuing swarm of blood mosquito puppets gave chase, but the Dragons, being swift flyers, quickly widened the distance. The Dragon Protectors had not flown far when ambushers suddenly appeared ahead; after being intercepted, the Dragon Protectors immediately turned northeast, making a rather undignified escape. These dozens of Dragon Protectors felt genuinely stifled and aggrieved at that moment; had it not been for the Second Crown Prince's strict orders, which they were bound to obey, they would have certainly fought these adversaries to the bitter end, upholding the Dragon race's honor!

A thousand li to the south, the Dragon race's three thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers were already advancing in a formidable tide. Concurrently, from a valley several hundred li away, shadowy figures numbering three to four thousand rose into the air. These dozens of Dragon Protectors had effectively become double-sided bait. "Everything is indeed as Brother Changshou—or rather, the expert behind him—predicted!" Ao Yi, being swiftly carried through the air by two Dragon masters, couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. However, upon closer reflection, Ao Yi realized that sentiment wasn't entirely accurate. True divine foresight meant being able to predict the enemy's first move and instantly foil it with a single command; the Human Sect expert behind Li Changshou had merely outlined several potential scenarios and provided corresponding countermeasures for each. Thus, Ao Yi's thoughts shifted to a new realization: "The Human Sect's experts truly operate with unparalleled prudence!"

The ensuing development of the battle largely aligned with one of the scenarios outlined in the "Twenty-Six Steps." The dozens of Dragon Protectors barely managed to escape to the stretch of desolate mountains where the main Dragon army lay in ambush, just as thousands of enemy shadows surged in for the kill. Ao Yi, leading three thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers and dozens of Dragon masters, arrived just in time to provide timely reinforcement. They directly engaged the enemy, sparking a full-scale battle. As the two sides clashed in close combat, with the aftershocks of their spells shaking thousands of li around, another three thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers suddenly burst forth from the mountains surrounding the battlefield, cutting off the retreat of the thousands of enemy shadows. In an instant, Azure Dragons filled the sky, and Flood Dragons roared in fury. Six thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers and over a hundred Dragon masters encircled the three to four thousand blood mosquito puppets, subjecting them to a relentless beating. Figures rained down from the sky like dumplings from a pot.

Before the major battle commenced, the Dragon race had already recognized that their adversaries possessed mind-controlling divine abilities. Having navigated the Primordial World for so many years, how could they not have devised countermeasures? The tide of battle immediately turned decisively in their favor; however, a key characteristic of the blood mosquito puppets was their fearlessness of death. They fought back fiercely, nonetheless causing considerable trouble for the Dragon forces.

Precisely at this moment, deep within a hidden cave in the wilderness, on the border between the Southern Jambudvipa and Western Niuhe Continent, the Daoist Wen Jing was currently frowning faintly. "These Dragons... why do they seem somewhat... unlike Dragons? They can even set up ambushes now," she muttered. The Daoist Wen Jing sneered. She felt no remorse for the thousands of fallen puppets; she could control another batch whenever she wished. "But if this is all you amount to, then you will still undoubtedly meet your end today. As for trump cards, how could you possibly compare to me?" A captivating smile played on the Daoist Wen Jing's lips as she raised her hand and produced a blood-red jade disc. As her fingertip brushed its surface, a low hum emanated from the jade disc. The Daoist Wen Jing spoke slowly: "Children, go annihilate these insignificant little dragons." The humming from the jade disc instantly grew louder.

Southwest of the Southern Jambudvipa, above the Dragon army's ambush perimeter, over half of the thousands of blood mosquito puppets had already been eliminated or wounded. From a desolate mountain over a thousand li away, black "giant mosquitoes" emerged from the wilderness, swarming into the sky. As these mosquitoes ascended, they transformed into armored figures, clad in black and bearing remarkably similar faces. In mere moments, their numbers swelled to over ten thousand; they formed a silent, oppressive black phalanx in the sky. The ancient ferocious beasts—the Blood-winged Black Mosquito Swarm! In terms of individual cultivation, a single Blood-winged Black Mosquito was comparable to a Human True Immortal Qi Refiner, with many experts among their ranks! However, their most terrifying aspect lay in their ability to fight as a cohesive unit! Now, this black cloud exuded an overwhelming aura of bloodlust, swarming towards the site of the Dragon battle.

The Dragon race was on the verge of a "resounding victory" when powerful new enemies suddenly appeared. Yet, the Dragons maintained their composure, not falling into disarray. Ao Yi made a swift decision, ordering all divisions to unleash their full power, first to eliminate the present adversaries, and then immediately assume a formation ready for the new engagement. As the ten thousand mosquitoes surged forward formidably, over five thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers swiftly arrayed themselves in a defensive formation. Ao Yi, unseen, broke out in a cold sweat. In mere moments, the ten-thousand-strong mosquito army swept in, and the two forces were on the verge of engagement; suddenly, from the forest below, a myriad of immortal lights erupted, and a grand formation, like an inverted sea bowl, directly enveloped the desolate mountains and wilderness within a hundred-li radius! Then, a rumbling of drums echoed from deep within the earth, as waves of Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers burst forth from underground, soaring into the sky! From all four cardinal directions, and the eight intermediary ones! From the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths! The five thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers on the front line abandoned their previous defensive posture, suddenly revealing their ferocious flood dragon claws and launching a fierce forward assault. Having endured since ancient times, the Dragon race was still the overlord of antiquity. How could they possibly fear these vile mosquitoes? A combined force of twenty thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers and over three hundred Dragon masters initiated the second wave of counter-encirclement.

As the aerial battle raged, another three hundred robust figures burst forth from a nearby mountain forest; half of them transformed their arms to normal thickness, energy surging to form longbows and arrows, which they drew back to shoot at the mosquitoes! The other half were loudly cheering and chanting continuously; additionally, two of the strong men carried spirit beast pouches, from which they released numerous jade-like small frogs into the fray, adding a touch of unexpected, vibrant chaos to the grand battle. The overall situation was now decided!

Standing beneath the commander's banner, Ao Yi, who had been intently observing the battle, suddenly recalled something. He retrieved a bamboo slip from his robes, on which was distinctly written: "Twenty-Six Steps to Retreating the Enemy, Step Twenty-Seven: The Ash-Scattering Chapter." It was time to unfurl this scroll.

At Duxian Gate, East Victory Divine Continent, in front of Baifan Hall on Potian Peak. "Why are there so many mosquitoes?" Li Changshou rubbed his brow, pondering slightly to himself. If the Mosquito Daoist truly intended to destroy his South Sea God Cult, a surprise attack with a few thousand blood mosquito puppets would have sufficed. So why would over ten thousand black-robed Daoists then directly charge out? It was fortunate that he had previously, out of caution, allowed the Dragon race to maintain a cautious stance. Although some thoughts remained unresolved in his mind, Li Changshou, seeing that the battle had stabilized and a decisive Dragon victory was assured, no longer concerned himself with it.

He stepped into Baifan Hall, heading towards a quiet corner; he greeted several familiar elders, offering them fine wine and spirit fish. Only after receiving their assent did he proceed towards the Saint's portrait at the front of Baifan Hall. Li Changshou fumbled in his sleeve for a moment, then pulled out three "tall incense sticks," each as thick as a thumb and three feet long. After lighting them from a nearby candle holder, he respectfully placed them into the incense burner. The nearby Foreign Affairs Elders exchanged silent glances. Li Changshou stepped back three paces, lifted the hem of his Daoist robe, and knelt down in earnest. "To the Human Sect Master above, your disciple Li Changshou sincerely... seeks your protection."

Initially, Li Changshou had only come here to find some peace of mind. He had neither recited any prayers of gratitude nor consciously stirred up any emotions. He was merely offering incense here as was customary. However, to Li Changshou's surprise, today... a corner of the portrait gently swayed, and a wisp of Daoist charm flowed forth, settling upon him.