Chapter 166: Act According to My Gaze

"The path ahead waits for you, for you, you..."

"Wait for what?!"

In Li Changshou’s view, the rampant lightning, erratic electric arcs, and shockwaves filling the sky were nothing short of a poison gas explosion!

In response, Li Changshou cupped his hands, turned, and performed an earth escape.

Goodbye, farewell, and may we never meet again!

Giving the Elder Mage’s Birdcage to Youqin Xuanya for her heavenly tribulation was Li Changshou’s small reward, as her senior brother, for her attracting a Saint’s Dao resonance in front of the Saint’s statue that day.

Li Changshou felt that his gaining the Saint’s recognition was directly related to this incident.

Now, with a good portion of the Three Sects’ magnates present and hundreds of immortal sects gathered here, Youqin Xuanya using the Elder Mage’s Birdcage to withstand a heavenly tribulation already exposed him to enormous risk.

However, Li Changshou didn't mind this.

This was due to his prior oversight; when he gave the Elder Mage’s Birdcage to Youqin Xuanya, he hadn't fully considered the current circumstances. This was his own miscalculation, and he couldn't blame Youqin Xuanya.

The main point was, why did this girl have to mention 'Changshou' during her tribulation? What was the point?!

Was he brothers with the Heavenly Dao? Would the heavenly tribulation's power weaken just because of his name?

Li Changshou felt a pang of conflict. His earth escape was neither fast nor slow, and halfway through, he secretly made his way back.

There was something else he needed to instruct Youqin Xuanya about; otherwise, he might genuinely invite trouble.

The logic was a bit convoluted:

The Elder Mage’s Birdcage could withstand a heavenly tribulation, and Youqin Xuanya had already demonstrated this today, with the Heavenly Dao seemingly allowing it.

If the Elder Mage’s Birdcage were to spread throughout the Great Wilderness, the success rate of surviving tribulations might significantly increase. Over time, the number of immortals would grow substantially, and the variables in heaven and earth would also multiply.

This might lead to the Tribulation of the Ages arriving earlier and with greater intensity.

In that case, Li Changshou, the creator of this tribulation-cheating artifact, the 'Elder Mage’s Birdcage,' would inevitably be entangled in karma!

This item could only be used within his immediate circle.

Li Changshou carefully deliberated, trying to deduce Youqin Xuanya's thought process, and preparing his words of persuasion for later.

Meanwhile, he had secretly sent a message to Xiong Lingli, telling her to hide in a distant corner, and that he would meet her there later...

At this moment, a large number of immortal senses were surely observing Youqin Xuanya. Li Changshou did not approach, instead emerging from a bamboo forest twenty *li* away.

Like many fellow Qi Refiners, Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back, watching Youqin Xuanya in the air, who had just passed her lightning tribulation, was now bathed in immortal light, and transforming from a mortal body into an immortal spirit.

At this moment, Youqin Xuanya seemed to have entered a profound state, immediately closing her eyes to focus her mind...

Ascending?

Li Changshou frowned, patiently waiting for a moment. Only when Youqin Xuanya opened her eyes to search for him did he use his immortal sense to transmit a message, instructing her:

"Junior Sister, if you have any insights, immediately meditate and cultivate here. The immortals outside will usher you out.

If anyone asks about the birdcage, just say I gave it to you.

I found this item in ancient texts within the sect. Originally, there were only a few, and now only two remain. It carries too much karmic entanglement; the consequences of it spreading would be unimaginable.

Of course, don't overthink it. This senior brother merely considered our fellow sect member affection, not having any ulterior motives towards you, which is why I gave you this magic artifact.

Hurry and absorb your insights; this should be a great opportunity for you."

Upon hearing this, Youqin Xuanya's eyes immediately flickered, and her newly formed immortal sense swiftly located Li Changshou's presence...

Li Changshou subtly nodded to her, then turned and walked out of the bamboo forest.

This time, the four characters 'fellow sect member affection' directly conveyed his stance;

He didn't believe Youqin Xuanya could still misunderstand anything!

In the air, Youqin Xuanya, radiating a crystalline shimmer and having advanced further on the path of beauty, watched Li Changshou's retreating figure with her immortal sense, sighing softly in her heart...

'My Senior Brother's back is so carefree. He gave me such a precious item to use, yet he asks for nothing in return.

And here I am still thinking about how I can repay Senior Brother for the kindness of giving me this birdcage to avoid the heavenly tribulation.

From now on, I can only repay him with my life.'

Youqin Xuanya performed a Daoist bow in the direction Li Changshou had departed, then closed her eyes and sat cross-legged on the auspicious cloud, entering a state of enlightenment accompanied by the melodious immortal music.

Ascension.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou's mind was already racing.

Outside, immortals might already be approaching his sect leader and the others...

An item capable of withstanding a heavenly tribulation was indeed enough to make major immortal sects put aside their dignity to trade for or request it from the Immortal Ascension Sect.

Currently, he was inside this treasured map, unable to go out and deal with it...

When his master underwent tribulation, he used the Elder Mage's Birdcage under the gaze of so many people. Surely some deacons and elders within the sect knew about this.

The current plan was to use a paper effigy to inform Ling'e, have Ling'e request an audience with Jiu Shi, and then through Jiu Shi, contact Martial Uncle Jiu Wu...

No sooner said than done, Li Changshou's mind stirred, and he used his attention for two purposes. The paper effigy hidden beside his junior sister was instantly activated.

However, as soon as the paper effigy was activated, Li Changshou heard the splashing sound of water and the little tune Ling'e often hummed while bathing...

Given the urgency, Li Changshou no longer bothered with avoiding suspicion.

"Junior Sister!"

The paper effigy transmitted the shout, and Ling'e immediately shivered, her head retreating into the water bucket, letting out a series of gurgling bubbles.

Moments later, Ling'e, now neatly dressed, hurriedly deactivated the multiple array formations around her thatched hut, used her magic power to dry her long hair, and swiftly flew to Potian Peak.

On the other side...

After the unusual phenomena around Youqin Xuanya dissipated, a beam of golden light descended from beyond the heavens, striking her.

This golden light did not disturb her; it directly transported her from the treasured map's cosmos and placed her in the Immortal Ascension Sect's designated seating area...

Immediately, the Immortal Ascension Sect disciples gathered around her;

But Sect Leader Ji Wuyou swiftly conjured a barrier, protecting Youqin Xuanya within it.

"Do not disturb her. She is currently obtaining her own fortuitous encounter."

An elder chuckled, "This is ascension. Xuanya might even break through the Primal Immortal realm in one go and enter the ranks of True Immortals."

"Martial Niece Youqin is truly formidable."

"She deserves a good reward after we return."

"Speaking of Martial Niece Youqin and Martial Nephew Changshou... tsk."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk..."

While excited, everyone also recalled Youqin Xuanya's 'declaration' shouted in front of everyone when facing the eighth heavenly tribulation.

Whether the immortal sects from the other two major sects understood it, they did not know.

However, among the Human Sect's immortal sects, where the trend of Daoist companions was prevalent, how could they not tell that this was Youqin Xuanya's declaration of a Daoist companion to her beloved, made in the face of life and death?

Meanwhile, Empyrean Master Wangqing and several elders approached Ji Wuyou, speaking with worried expressions...

"How wonderful."

Jiu Jiu, holding a large gourd, her cheeks slightly flushed, looked at Youqin Xuanya inside the barrier and murmured with emotion.

Their Little Qiong Peak's three foodies—ahem, Little Qiong Peak's three fairies—finally had another one ascend to immortality. Now, only little Ling'e remained!

Jiu Wu, however, walked over from the side with his hands behind his back and secretly transmitted to Jiu Jiu, "Wonderful, what?! Think about yourself, my dear Junior Sister!"

Jiu Jiu blinked, and secretly replied to her Fifth Senior Brother, "What's so bad about it? Xuanya has become an immortal and even ascended."

"Did you hear what she shouted?"

"Shouted... huh?"

Jiu Jiu finally realized, blinking her large eyes, and immediately her smile curved like a crescent moon...

"Hehehe, could it be that Xuanya is interested in little Changshou?

This is interesting. Little Ling'e likes little Changshou, and now Xuanya has publicly declared it too. Wow...

Are Little Ling'e and Xuanya going to fight?"

Jiu Wu couldn't help but palm his forehead, continuing to transmit with a wry smile:

"I say, Little Jiu, have you perhaps not noticed that your feelings for Martial Nephew Changshou are also... a bit unusual?"

"Oh, Fifth Senior Brother, you've misunderstood," Jiu Jiu waved her hand, transmitting, "Fourth Senior Sister mentioned this to me before, and I even made a fool of myself in front of little Changshou.

Later, I finally understood. You and Fourth Senior Sister are together all day, always thinking about romantic things. It would be strange if your thoughts weren't biased!

I go to Little Qiong Peak to get wine, meat, and cultivate spirit beans. A Daoist companion isn't a necessity for me. And my reliance on little Changshou is more like... well... a drunkard's affection for a winemaker.

Cultivating immortality is so lonely. Having someone to keep me company and relieve boredom is enough."

Jiu Wu was speechless, looking at his junior sister;

Jiu Jiu's gaze, however, was exceptionally clear, and the smile on her lips was quite relaxed.

"Is that truly so?"

Jiu Wu asked with a frown. Just as he was about to continue questioning Jiu Jiu, he suddenly felt his communication jade slip vibrating continuously.

It was his wife's exclusive line—how could he dare not check it!

Jiu Wu held the communication jade slip in his hand, and a wisp of immortal sense drilled into his mind, transforming into a few words.

The short Daoist couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

Seeing this, Jiu Jiu rolled her eyes, but didn't pay much attention to her Fifth Senior Brother. She continued to watch the increasingly spiritual and graceful Youqin Xuanya, and a three-person drama had already begun to unfold in her mind.

The kind with clothes on.

Not long after, several Human Sect Golden Immortals arrived together to seek out Immortal Ascension Sect Leader Ji Wuyou, discussing the 'birdcage' Youqin Xuanya used during her tribulation.

Ji Wuyou coughed for a long time, but couldn't articulate anything coherent;

Empyrean Master Wangqing, who was nearby, immediately transmitted inquiries to the sect's elders and deacons. Many tried to divine its origin, but none could determine who had made the birdcage that could only withstand heavenly tribulations.

However, the Elder Mage's Birdcage had once appeared during Qi Yuan's tribulation. A True Immortal deacon from the sect, who had accompanied them, recalled this and went to inform Empyrean Master Wangqing of the matter.

"Little Qiong Peak?"

Empyrean Master Wangqing frowned slightly. Lately, the unusual occurrences on Little Qiong Peak were truly increasing.

Just then, Jiu Wu rushed over from the side, shouting, "Master! Your disciple knows the origin of that birdcage!"

"Speak."

Jiu Wu quickly transmitted, "That birdcage was left behind by a True Immortal elder of the sect before his demise. Back then, this elder had reached the end of his lifespan, but had no disciples. His immortal power was severely weakened, like an old mortal man.

For several months before his passing, he was attended to by Li Changshou, a disciple from Little Qiong Peak assigned by the Hall of Hundred Mortals. Before the elder departed, he left Martial Nephew Changshou a divine ability of paper-cut effigies and this treasure named the Elder Mage's Birdcage.

However, how this treasure was made, we truly do not know.

Only two of these items remain; they were kept by Martial Nephew Changshou for himself and his junior sister..."

Empyrean Master Wangqing's face showed enlightenment.

What Jiu Wu said was naturally half-truth and half-false.

Li Changshou's paper-cut effigy divine ability indeed came from that elder who passed away due to his lifespan reaching its limit. At this moment, he was merely shifting the 'blame' for the Elder Mage's Birdcage onto him as well.

Incidentally, this also laid the groundwork for transmitting the paper-cut effigy divine ability to Ling'e in the future.

Empyrean Master Wangqing performed a quick finger divination, nodded shortly after, and headed towards the Golden Immortals who were exchanging pleasantries, whispering a few words to the sect leader.

Sect Leader Ji Wuyou quickly announced externally that their sect had no method for crafting the Elder Mage's Birdcage, as it was an ancient item left behind by a deceased elder, and they possessed no manufacturing technique for it...

Thus, the situation was barely stabilized.

However, the troubles concerning this matter were not over.

After a total of seven days since the disciples entered the treasured map, most of the monstrous beasts and ferocious creatures within the map had been cleared out, and most of the treasures had been taken. This 'disciple combat' segment thus came to an end.

The Three Sects, being amicable, found it inconvenient to rank or compare achievements. This way of handling things was quite brilliant.

In the following days, Li Changshou and Xiong Lingli remained hidden.

Grandmaster Xuandu had already left. Youqin Xuanya's demon-slaying, tribulation-passing, and ascension had already brought enough prestige to the Immortal Ascension Sect and the Human Sect's lineage. The 'Human Sect's display of might' instructed by his Master could be considered a passing answer.

They really didn't need to do much more.

In these past few days, Li Changshou continuously analyzed within the treasured map what impact the unexpected exposure of the Elder Mage's Birdcage would have on him.

After much deliberation and calculation, Li Changshou found no significant danger. At most, some people would cause difficulties, but he could resolve them by adapting to the situation.

With his Master's presence behind the Immortal Ascension Sect, not just anyone dared to make a move.

On the seventh day, Chan Sect's Golden Immortal of Fortune and Virtue, Yun Zhongzi, acted again, extracting the disciples from the treasured map and sending them back to their original positions.

As soon as Li Changshou and Xiong Lingli stood firm, Jiu Wu walked over and led him to Sect Leader Wuyou Daoist...

Sect Leader Ji Wuyou coughed a few times, gazed at Li Changshou, and transmitted his question:

"That birdcage, are you afraid of karmic entanglement?"

"Yes," Li Changshou's mind raced, and he quickly nodded in agreement.

Ji Wuyou pondered for a few moments, then transmitted, "Later, you must insist that you only have two of those items left, and that they are not to be used by anyone other than yourself and your junior sister."

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, murmuring, "Thank you, Sect Leader, for your protection."

Ji Wuyou calmly said, "You are a disciple of this humble Daoist's sect; it is merely my duty.

Once the immortals of the Three Sects depart, there will certainly be those who come to cause trouble and entangle you with unreasonable demands. At that time... act according to this humble Daoist's signal."

"This disciple understands."