Chapter 164: Reverse Teaching of Longevity

Li Changshou's feeling grew stronger. From the moment he received instructions while bowing to the Saint's Image, until arriving here, being directed into the treasure map by a single word 'Go', and now receiving a precise command... It wasn't the Saint Master giving orders!

The *Daoist Canon of Great Purity* states: 'Not my thoughts, not my actions, not my good or evil, not my coming and going.' From this alone, Li Changshou could fully suspect that he was currently being manipulated by the Archmage!

And most importantly, Li Changshou looked at the supreme-grade sensing stone tied to his wrist. This sensing stone had been faintly glowing since he first entered this place. A supremely powerful yet hidden immortal sense had been observing him all along. Unlike the immortal senses that occasionally swept over him through the inherent functions of the Miniature Landscape of Rivers and Mountains Scroll, this particular immortal sense was directly locked onto him.

Unfortunately, even if the Archmage was pulling the strings, he couldn't disobey the Archmage's command, and there was no way to verify it. The Archmage was also his powerful backing; he could only consider this as a protection fee he had to pay.

Actually, another reason Li Changshou suspected the Archmage was behind this stemmed from the recent directive. 'To enhance the prestige of the Human School?' Why would the Human School need to enhance its prestige? No one dared provoke Grand Pure One, Laozi, and Archmage Xuandu was exempt from tribulation. In the Primordial World, most cultivators knew the Human School was mysterious; this was already sufficient 'prestige'.

Li Changshou continued to ponder, hidden in the water.

Not far away, Xiong Lingli was running towards him, carrying an immortal hammer and dragging two demon beast corpses behind her. Her rapid movement kicked up a trail of dust.

Li Changshou watched her from the water for a moment, and an idea quickly formed.

Those four words, 'enhance Human School prestige', offered much scope. It would be enough to make the Human School appear magnificent and dazzling at this Three Sects Origin Conference. To achieve this goal, he didn't need to personally intervene.

Li Changshou fully extended his immortal sense, searching for the 'poisonous junior sister' he had noticed a few times before but always deliberately avoided. Next, one animated dharma artifact would clearly not be enough.

In almost an instant, Li Changshou located Youqin Xuanya, who was battling demon beasts six hundred *li* away. Near Youqin Xuanya were several male disciples of the Human School lineage, cooperating with her to fight the two demon beasts. It's worth noting that these male disciples of the Human School lineage were not from the Immortal Du Sect.

Li Changshou's eyes lit up. He affixed several newly drawn Swiftness Talismans and Lightness Talismans onto Xiong Lingli, to reduce her physical exertion while traveling. Then he used a movement technique to rush towards Youqin Xuanya's location.

For showing off, it's safer to find a professional.

Not long after...

“Junior Sister Youqin?”

“Senior Brother Changshou!”

Youqin Xuanya, who was currently controlling her sword to fight a demon, immediately turned towards the direction of the voice. She saw that the senior brother she had been worried about was now standing on the treetop a hundred *zhang* away, his long hair and the hem of his Daoist robe gently swaying in the wind, a faint smile gracing his lips as he looked at her. In that instant, Youqin Xuanya's heart was filled with that smile. A joyful, restrained, yet ultimately irrepressible smile bloomed on her pretty face, which had a hint of perspiration. Her heart blossomed slightly; at that moment, only they existed.

Suddenly, she heard, “Junior Sister Youqin, quickly! We can't hold on here!” “That Daoist friend over there, please come and help, these two demon beasts are very powerful!” Without Youqin Xuanya's flying sword assistance, those male disciples were instantly retreating step by step, only able to shout loudly. Youqin Xuanya quickly turned back, her sixteen flying swords burning with profound green true flames once again whizzed through the air, barely suppressing the two demon beasts again.

Li Changshou's lips moved slightly, naturally transmitting a message to Xiong Lingli. The tower-like girl, who had now circled behind the two demon beasts, raised her immortal hammer in her left hand and gripped a long fork in her right. She suddenly burst out from the woods, shouting loudly: “Xiong Lingli, disciple of the Human School, truly mighty in slaying demons and eradicating evil!”

Outside the treasure map, Archmage Xuandu, who was 'admiring himself' while sitting on a cloud, nearly burst out laughing upon hearing Xiong Lingli's shout. 'Ahem, dignified, aloof, master's demeanor...' Inside the treasure map, Xiong Lingli, having finished her slogan, leaped up with her massive body. Her left hand's immortal hammer gathered bolts of thunder, while her right hand violently hurled the long fork, piercing the back of a three-headed demon leopard! In the blink of an eye, with a few shouts and two leaps from the witch-human girl, two demon beasts, comparable in combat power to ordinary Human Race True Immortals, quickly lay dead.

Those few male disciples of the Human School stared blankly at Xiong Lingli, who stood covered in blood, then quickly bowed in thanks. Xiong Lingli didn't even glance at them. The dirt fork in her hand disintegrated into flowing sand. Carrying her immortal hammer, she ran back to her Sea God, a happy smile on her face.

“Senior Brother Changshou!”

Youqin Xuanya, with flying swords circling around her, ignored her fatigue and quickly approached Li Changshou.

Upon seeing this, those few male disciples frowned.

How could Li Changshou not see through their petty thoughts? But at the moment, he indeed needed Youqin Xuanya's help, so he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said, “Thank you, Daoist friends, for looking after my junior sister earlier.” Those male disciples were sensible enough. They returned the salute and departed.

Youqin Xuanya, however, said, “Senior Brother, I was helping them just now. There's no need to thank me for that.”

Li Changshou: ...

“Junior Sister Youqin, understanding the ways of the world is knowledge, and being adept in human relations is wisdom. Even when cultivating the immortal Dao, these aspects of human interaction should not be overlooked, for after all, our companions on the immortal path are also people and living beings.”

Youqin Xuanya and a certain unnamed Archmage, both inside and outside the map, slowly nodded simultaneously. What Youqin Xuanya thought in her heart was: 'Every word Senior Brother says is worth savoring. I should engrave them in my memory.' Archmage Xuandu was one of the Dao Sect's most formidable masters, so his thoughts were naturally different from Youqin Xuanya's: 'Little Changshou's words are quite good. Upon closer reflection, they hold some truth.'

Inside the treasure map, Li Changshou said, “Junior Sister, follow me first. This is not a place for talking.”

“Mhm,” Youqin Xuanya nodded lightly, then performed a Daoist bow to Xiong Lingli, calling out, “Disciple greets Senior Aunt.” Xiong Lingli blinked, immediately flustered, her small face filled with bewilderment. How did she become a senior relative? The relationships around Lord Sea God are so confusing.

Li Changshou led Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli to a bamboo grove, took out three prayer mats, and the three of them sat down.

“Junior Sister,” Li Changshou glanced at the sensing stone on his wrist, refined his words, and smiled, “Having entered this treasure map today, I have an idea to boost the prestige of our Immortal Du Sect.”

Youqin Xuanya immediately nodded, “Whatever Senior Brother Changshou commands.”

Li Changshou said, “You are currently at the Eighth Stage of Returning to Dao, but not the most powerful cultivator in this treasure map. I've already sensed the aura of True Immortals before. However, with Lingli here, the effect you two can achieve together will be no less than that of such masters.”

Youqin Xuanya frowned and asked, “Senior Brother Changshou, what do we need to do?”

“Become famous.”

“Famous? What for?”

Li Changshou sighed, “Junior Sister, why does our Immortal Du Sect rank at the bottom among the Human School's immortal sects? It's simply because we are located in the East Continent, and our reputation is insufficient. Those talented individuals seeking to become disciples and cultivate the Dao haven't even heard of our Immortal Du Sect. To enhance the strength of our Immortal Du Sect and even the Human School lineage, the best way is to increase our visibility, build our sect's image, attract more immortal seedlings seeking to become disciples, and then select the best among them, those with the finest character, for cultivation. In this way, we wouldn't need tens of thousands of years; results would be visible in just a few millennia.” After speaking, Li Changshou couldn't help but add a comment: “Of course, the trend of Daoist partners also needs to be moderately suppressed.”

Youqin Xuanya pondered, then slowly nodded, “Senior Brother, I understand.” Outside the treasure map, a certain Archmage, upon hearing these words, also fell into thought and soon couldn't help but nod in approval. What was said was very reasonable and something he had previously overlooked.

Inside the treasure map, Li Changshou effortlessly persuaded Youqin Xuanya, and then began to unveil his 'star-making plan'. “First, the quickest way to gain fame is to form a group. By leveraging the strengths of other members in the group, you can complement and promote each other, attracting attention. At this moment, Lingli's advantage lies in quickly slaying demon beasts; Junior Sister Youqin, your advantage is your good looks... and your combined virtue and talent! The two of you will form a group, sweeping through the demon beasts within this treasure map's realm, slaying demons and eradicating evil. This is the first step to becoming famous!” Youqin Xuanya immediately nodded in agreement, and Xiong Lingli, beside her, also nodded vigorously.

“Senior Brother Changshou, why can't the three of us form a group?” Li Changshou thought: *Have you ever seen a girl group with a man?* “I need to escort you,” Li Changshou said seriously, “I'll plan the best routes for demon extermination, prepare everything, and provide you with elixirs and talismans.”

Youqin Xuanya's eyes showed a hint of dissatisfaction, and she softly said, “Senior Brother, you're doing this again. You always do everything yourself and then let us take all the credit.” Li Changshou stood up and smiled: “Empty fame is like a fleeting cloud to me; my heart only longs for the path of eternal life. Come on, time is short. We'll get used to each other on the way. I'll use earth evasion underground to scout the path for you. The two of you must cooperate with each other, complement each other's weaknesses, and leverage your own strengths. Junior Sister Youqin, refine this poison powder onto one of your flying swords and use this sword as a trump card. Lingli, these are Lightness Talismans and Swiftness Talismans. They can increase your running speed severalfold. Get used to them first, and then we can set off.”

Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli immediately stood up and assented. With a flick of his sleeve, Li Changshou swiftly... burrowed into the earth.

A moment later, this temporarily formed duo made a dazzling debut within the treasure map's realm!

Xiong Lingli sprinted rapidly across the ground, while Youqin Xuanya flew on her sword above her, guided by Li Changshou, to the first location where demon beasts and cultivators were battling. Xiong Lingli leaped up, shouting in mid-air: “Disciples of the Human School have come to assist!” The immortal hammer crashed down, and flying swords crisscrossed. Before the demon beast could react, its head was flattened by Xiong Lingli's hammer, and its vital points were pierced and its demon soul shattered by the Fire Qilin Immortal Sword. After swiftly accomplishing this, Xiong Lingli loudly declared: “Helping others and defending the righteous path, the Human School acts through non-action to skillfully eradicate demons!”

Then, Youqin Xuanya slowly descended, standing on Xiong Lingli's raised arm, her black hair fluttering, immortal swords circling her. She said nothing, yet she astonished all around her. After making their entrance, slaying the demon, shouting their slogan, and striking their pose, Youqin Xuanya coolly said: “Let's go.” The two of them, one flying and one sprinting, then rushed towards their next 'stage'.

Leaving behind several bewildered disciples, who had no idea what they had just witnessed.

Just like that, under Li Changshou's secret guidance, the two swept through the area, appearing everywhere. After slaying demon beasts, they didn't seize treasures, merely passing by and striking a pose. In just two or three hours, they had slain over a hundred demon beasts, leaving a deep impression on hundreds of cultivators.

Inside and outside the treasure map, discussions about the Human School disciples gradually increased. Of the two, the one who gained fame fastest was not the 'Demon Beast Bane' Xiong Lingli, but rather the mostly silent 'Frost Fairy' Youqin Xuanya. This sufficiently proved that the Primordial World didn't just judge by looks... It also judged by physique.

'Did Master send me here to tell me this through Changshou's words?' High in the sky, on a cloud, the solitary Archmage Xuandu's expression was slightly solemn at this moment. The words Li Changshou had spoken to Youqin Xuanya echoed in his mind, and the Archmage's heart was surprisingly filled with epiphanies. 'Forcing action is inferior to non-action; forceful contention is inferior to non-contention. Purity leads to naturalness, and all laws ultimately return to a wondrous state. Master, is this what you wanted your disciple to understand?' Xuandu gently exhaled, and his own Dao realm even experienced a slight elevation. His insistence on little Changshou entering the Tushita Palace was far inferior to quietly observing his development and waiting for him to enter the Tushita Palace of his own accord.

At this moment, looking at Li Changshou again, Archmage Xuandu didn't know what to say, only letting out a slight sigh. Today, from Li Changshou's words and actions, Archmage Xuandu had already recognized this future junior brother, but ultimately he couldn't force Li Changshou into the Tushita Palace. 'Never mind,' he thought, 'let him be. Everything is arranged by Master.'

Archmage Xuandu stood up, transmitted a farewell message to Guangchengzi and Duobao Daoist, took a step, and silently vanished from the spot. However, before leaving, the Archmage left behind a trace of Dao charm and transmitted it to Li Changshou using the 'Insight into Heart' method taught to him by Grand Pure One, Laozi.

Inside the treasure map, Li Changshou, who was tunneling underground, heard a sigh in his heart and immediately felt this Dao charm. Li Changshou quickly leaped out of the earth, bowed distantly towards the sky. Before he could even straighten up, Archmage Xuandu's words slowly spread in his mind:

“Changshou, I was the one who arranged for you to come to this conference. I originally intended for you to gain fame early so you could enter the Tushita Palace sooner and help me manage the Human School's affairs. However, during this trial with you today, observing your words and actions, I instead saw and learned much from you. I feel ashamed in my heart, so I will no longer pressure you. I have returned to continue my seclusion. Continue your cultivation in the Primordial World. Do not force anything; let everything follow its natural course, and you will achieve what your heart desires. I hope you remember your words from today: wholeheartedly pursue eternal life and do not be tainted by worldly fame. With you in the Human School, my heart is greatly comforted.”

Li Changshou: ...

A light northern breeze blew past his back, carrying away a few yellowed leaves.

Carefully savoring the words left by the Archmage, Li Changshou's mouth began to twitch uncontrollably. As if all his strength had left him, he knelt down.

“By the heavens!”

What had he... what had he done before! What an opportunity! The greatest opportunity he had ever encountered in his life! If only he had known earlier that gaining fame at this Three Sects Conference would allow him to cultivate in the Tushita Palace, why would he have gone through so many convoluted schemes?! He could have just displayed his true cultivation upon entering and swept aside the disciples of the three immortal sects—wouldn't that have been it?! Archmage, oh Archmage, why did you go through so many twists and turns? If you had just asked him directly, he would have surely nodded and said 'I'm willing!' ten thousand times! If he had to put a time limit on that promise, he would have surely said—billions of years! Could he please do it all over again? He would definitely... take the most straightforward path to fame!

Could this be because his fate was insufficient? Li Changshou knelt there, his face filled with despair, his heart desolate. He exhaled a breath of turbid air, and his entire being was gradually enveloped by dark lines...

Why were his eyes filled with hot tears? Because of his deep love for the Human School of the Primordial World...

“Senior Brother Changshou?”

Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli were approaching from behind. Seeing Li Changshou squatting there, his expression utterly forlorn, Youqin Xuanya quickly flew down.

Just then, the subtle Dao charm around Li Changshou slowly dissipated, and a wisp of it happened to pass by Youqin Xuanya. Youqin Xuanya's delicate brows slightly furrowed, and insights surged within her. She simply took one step forward, stood her ground, and then entered a rare moment of enlightenment in her cultivation journey.