Chapter 167: You Think I Might Have Lost, But…

"Cousin, all those seniors have vanished."Xiong Lingli looked up at the sky and whispered softly.

Li Changshou, who was meditating in the shadows beside her, slowly nodded. He didn't look up, but instead kept his head down in thought.

Glancing at Youqin Xuanya, who was cultivating within the barrier, Li Changshou's heart twitched slightly.

He was contemplating an immortal elixir called the 'Reverse Ambition Pill,' intending to use it later to counteract his 'poisonous' junior sister's venomous techniques.

Now that the 'Mage's Cage' had helped the 'Poisonous One' survive her heavenly tribulation, Li Changshou no longer felt indebted for having used her a few times previously.

'Later, if she comes to Little Qiong Peak again, I'll avoid seeing her, and there's no need for a farewell.'

This way, he could gradually reduce their entanglement and prevent further karmic ties from forming.

The *Scripture of Stability* states: "Many friends, no escape from troubles; few friends, avoid unexpected calamities."

'Indeed, it does not deceive me!'

Li Changshou subtly shook his head, wishing for a long and peaceful immortal path, and for safe longevity.

As for the 'Mage's Cage'...

The departure of the 'Source' Grand Immortals signaled the conclusion of the main event of this Three Sects' Origin Conference; however, for the immortal sects of the three teachings on the ground, there would still be various complicated aftereffects.

Sect Master Kongxu's concern that someone would stir up trouble was likely not far off.

Sure enough, no sooner had the immortals of the Three Teachings dispersed than the sect masters of the Carefree Immortal Sect and four other immortal sects from the Human Teaching arrived together to find Ji Wuyou.

After exchanging a few polite greetings, Ji Wuyou summoned Li Changshou.

"Changshou," Ji Wuyou smiled, giving Li Changshou a meaningful look, "come and meet these seniors."

"As per your command, Sect Master."

Li Changshou stepped forward and performed a standard Taoist bow towards the five old immortals before him—three men and two women. With a slight bead of sweat on his forehead and a hint of nervousness, he said:"Disciple Li Changshou of the Duxian Sect... offers greetings to the five sect masters."

An old woman, her face full of smiles, spoke gently first: "You certainly have good fortune."

She was, of course, referring to Youqin Xuanya's recent declaration.

As expected, these five did not directly touch his Taoist body, nor could they see through his Sixth Edition of the 'Tortoise Art' even at close range... Li Changshou quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

The old woman then continued softly: "Changshou, do you know how many Human Teaching disciples, who might otherwise perish in their heavenly tribulations, could use your birdcage to transcend and become immortals?I know you don't possess the method to refine it, but could you perhaps bring it out for us to study?Perhaps we could discover the refining method, and then you would have performed a great service. This humble Taoist will certainly present you with a generous gift."

A generous gift...Li Changshou glanced at his sect master, and Daoist Wuyou subtly winked at him...What did that mean?

Li Changshou frowned slightly, more cold sweat appearing on his forehead. "Please... please forgive this junior, but I'm afraid I cannot present this item."

The old woman frowned and asked, "Why can't you bring it out? Do you intend to keep it to yourself? Or do you only wish for it to be used within the Duxian Sect?"

Another elder murmured, "Our six immortal sects of the Human Teaching are like one family. To keep something like this hidden... might be a bit inappropriate, wouldn't you say?"

Li Changshou looked again at his own sect master, but Daoist Wuyou only showed a troubled expression.

Forget it, the sect master was a bit unreliable, and his signals were too slow. Fortunately, he had already devised a counter-strategy.

Li Changshou quickly performed a Taoist bow, speaking more and more softly, his voice tinged with helplessness:"This junior naturally wouldn't dare to hoard it.However, helping others transcend heavenly tribulations inherently involves karmic entanglement.Although this item is extremely difficult to refine, I'm sure there are many grandmaster refiners within your esteemed sects. Replicating it should not be difficult.All of you seniors are sect masters of great sects, but can you guarantee... that this item will not circulate outside of the Human Teaching?This junior believes that once this item spreads, if it helps a benevolent immortal attain enlightenment, it will naturally bring blessings. But if it helps a malevolent immortal attain enlightenment, it will inevitably lead to dire consequences.The upper volume of the Duxian Sect's *Scripture of Non-Action*, which this junior cultivates, warns that...We should adhere to the principle of active non-action and follow the way of natural spontaneity..."

The five sect masters from those immortal sects each furrowed their brows, rendered speechless for a moment.

When the Duxian Sect immortals heard this, the disciples seemed a bit confused, but the elders all nodded in approval.

Especially Elder Wangqing, who gazed at Li Changshou's back with a hint of emotion in his eyes.

Ji Wuyou stepped forward two paces with a smile, positioning himself precisely between Li Changshou and the five Human Teaching sect masters.

Li Changshou's mind settled slightly, knowing that his sect master was supporting him, which alleviated a good portion of his worries.Later, if there's an opportunity, he should try to introduce the sect master to the Grandmaster. After all, the sect master was also a Golden Immortal, capable of running errands for the Tushita Palace...Hmm, this definitely wasn't an attempt to find a new 'treasure-person' for the Grandmaster!

A white-haired elder chuckled:"In these Primordial Three Realms, between heaven and earth, who can truly avoid karmic ties?Changshou, you are actually overthinking this."

"This junior is not..."Li Changshou paused slightly, a hint of surprise in his heart.His immortal sense had detected that among the Immortals of the Jade Void Palace, who had already departed, a thin old immortal carrying a flower basket was returning.Judging by the direction of his cloud, he seemed to be heading right for this spot.Yun Zhongzi!Could this Primordial master refiner... also be interested in the 'Mage's Cage'?

At that moment, Li Changshou's thoughts raced, and he continued speaking:"This junior is not overthinking; I merely believe that this item was entrusted to me by an elder on his deathbed. If, because of this item, I were to bring karmic hindrances upon that elder's reincarnated self, wouldn't that be..."

"It won't be as serious as you say," another old woman sighed with a smile. "Surely there's no harm in just letting us have a look at it?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, deliberately stalling for Yun Zhongzi.

When Yun Zhongzi was still a hundred li away and seemed to be listening, Li Changshou finally said, hesitantly:"It's fine to let you all see it, but there must be a grandmaster refiner present here.If he examines it and declares that this item cannot be replicated, then I implore you, esteemed sect masters, not to trouble this junior further later.This junior has only been on the path of cultivation for barely two hundred years, and frankly... I cannot bear such a burden."

Ji Wuyou laughed: "Rest assured, all you sect masters are pillars of our Human Teaching. How could you possibly trouble this young disciple?"

The two of them, playing off each other, rendered the others speechless.

The five Human Teaching sect masters immediately began to confer. Before they could reach a conclusion, a laughing voice drifted from the air:"May this humble Taoist also have a look?"

As he spoke, Yun Zhongzi's figure flashed into existence from a hundred li away, having used the Qiankun Evasion technique, leaving several afterimages in the air and clearly demonstrating his cultivation.

The moment Yun Zhongzi appeared, Ji Wuyou and the other five sect masters, along with the disciples of the Duxian Sect and the two surrounding immortal sects, all performed a Taoist bow in unison, proclaiming:"Greetings, Senior (Auspicious Golden Immortal, Martial Uncle)."

In Li Changshou's heart, there was genuine apprehension at that moment. He worried that this powerful figure might see through his disguise, which would only create more trouble.

However, to Li Changshou's surprise, Yun Zhongzi directly transmitted a message to him:"Do not worry, this humble Taoist will help you resolve this situation.Earlier, when Senior Brother Xuandu left, he instructed me not to reveal your identity.This humble Taoist owes Senior Brother Xuandu many favors, so rest assured today."

Li Changshou sighed inwardly...Indeed, with a powerful backer, he could truly save a lot of effort.

Yun Zhongzi, holding his flower basket, chuckled softly and said, "There's no need for such formality, fellow Taoists. Young friend Changshou, might this humble Taoist feast his eyes upon that birdcage of yours, which can withstand heavenly tribulations?"

Li Changshou continued to display a hesitant expression, naturally ensuring he played his part fully.

Ji Wuyou coughed twice and glared at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou whispered, "May I ask Senior to set up a barrier? I will show the item to Senior there.If Senior says it cannot be replicated, then I believe all seniors will trust that."

A Human Teaching sect master cursed, "You young disciple, why do you guard against us as if we were thieves?"

Li Changshou looked troubled, but Yun Zhongzi stepped forward and smiled, "What, do you fellow Taoists not trust this humble Taoist?"

The Golden Immortals quickly declared they wouldn't dare.

Immediately, Yun Zhongzi took out a treasured vase and placed it aside, then floated before Li Changshou, took his arm, and together they transformed into streams of light, entering the vase.

A group of Qi Refiners immediately gathered around; but no matter how they tried to probe, they couldn't discern anything inside the treasured vase.

A moment later, a stream of light flew out, forming into the figures of Li Changshou and Yun Zhongzi beside it.

Yun Zhongzi frowned in deep thought, constantly performing calculations with his fingers, then let out a long sigh:"This magical treasure, this humble Taoist cannot refine."

The surrounding crowd immediately exchanged bewildered glances.

Yun Zhongzi murmured, "This doesn't conform to the principles of artifact refining, nor does it align with the essence of Taoist magic. This item shouldn't exist in the world at all.Since I began refining artifacts, I've created tens of thousands of treasures, yet I've never encountered anything so profound.The Great Dao is simple, yet simplicity inherently contains complexity... I don't know whether to call it wondrous or strange."

The six Human Teaching sect masters present, the Duxian Sect elders and disciples, and all those from the Three Teachings' immortal sects observing with their immortal senses, all showed expressions of astonishment.Even Yun Zhongzi, the Auspicious Golden Immortal of the Jade Void Palace, couldn't replicate it?

Yun Zhongzi sighed, took a jade talisman from his flower basket, and handed it to Li Changshou, saying, "Today, this humble Taoist owes you a favor, young friend. If you ever need anything later, you may use this item to find me."

Li Changshou held the jade talisman in his palm, knowing that Yun Zhongzi was temporarily supporting him out of respect for the Grandmaster.He recalled that during the Investiture of the Gods calamity, Yun Zhongzi was one of the few experts from the Three Teachings who genuinely considered the lives and deaths of mortals;As a Golden Immortal of the Chan Teaching, knowing that their destiny was to support the Zhou Kingdom, he still went to Zhaoge City to offer King Zhou a wooden sword to eliminate Daji, solely to prevent widespread suffering.This Auspicious Golden Immortal ultimately avoided being listed on the Investiture of the Gods, purely due to his profound fortune.He wondered if it was a bit... underhanded... to make this old immortal doubt his own refining skills by using the principle of electrostatic shielding.However, Li Changshou couldn't explain it either. He only knew a bit about the surface; he wasn't the reincarnation of Faraday the Great Immortal or the rebirth of Schrödinger the Golden Immortal.

"Never mind!"Yun Zhongzi chuckled softly, his face showing a hint of disappointment. He turned, holding his flower basket, and flew towards the clouds, constantly shaking his head and sighing as he departed directly.

In truth, by this point, with Yun Zhongzi vouching for the item's unreplicable nature, stating its principles were unfathomable, and openly admitting he owed Li Changshou a favor, directly protecting him, the various immortals would no longer press the matter.But for Li Changshou, it was far from enough.

The moment Yun Zhongzi left, Li Changshou let out a soft sigh. He casually summoned the two 'Mage's Cages,' holding one in each hand, and sighed deeply:"Everything began because of you, and you've caused disappointment to all these seniors. This junior is at fault."

As he spoke, spiritual power surged in his hands, and both birdcages simultaneously shattered into pieces.The surrounding immortals had not anticipated he would do such a thing, but Li Changshou acted too quickly; even with their high cultivation, they had no time to stop him.

Ji Wuyou cried out, "Ah! You mustn't! Just use it yourself!""Changshou, don't destroy such a wondrous treasure!""This!""Changshou!"

Li Changshou's face showed determination. He then casually threw out dozens of talismans, unleashing a sky full of magical flames that instantly engulfed the scattered parts of the birdcages.A moment later, only a few ashes remained on the ground.These two 'Mage's Cages,' originally costing less than a hundred spirit stones, were shattered by a casual flick from Li Changshou, their ashes scattering with the wind, leaving no trace behind.

Li Changshou performed a Taoist bow to the seniors and said, "This junior has offended you all just now; please do not take offense. My mind is unsettled, so I will meditate to calm myself."Having said that, he sat back down beside Xiong Lingli, closed his eyes, and focused, fully reining in his aura to counter the surrounding probes of immortal sense.

On the other side, the five Human Teaching sect masters wore rather awkward expressions. They wanted to step forward but couldn't, so they went to Ji Wuyou's side instead.

"Junior Brother Wuyou, we have been quite offensive this time," the old woman said, taking out two storage magical artifacts and handing them over with immortal power. "Consider these an apology to this young disciple.""We merely wished to observe, not intending to cause the destruction of young friend Changshou's tribulation-aiding item. These few treasures serve as our atonement to him.""Junior Brother Wuyou, please bring Martial Nephew Changshou to visit our Carefree Immortal Sect later.""Here are two items that can protect the primordial spirit during heavenly tribulations. Although they cannot compare to that cage, consider them compensation."

Ji Wuyou, however, did not decline. Frowning and with a hint of disdain, he accepted all of them on Li Changshou's behalf.

The five Human Teaching sect masters did not linger. After offering their apologies, they hastily took their leave.

Li Changshou felt the immortal senses observing him rapidly withdraw, and he slightly relaxed inwardly.Thus, the 'Mage's Cage' no longer posed many hidden dangers, though he still couldn't let his guard down entirely.

When Senior Uncle Jiuwu brought over the reparations from the five sect masters, Li Changshou frowned as he accepted them, then lowered his head and sighed.Acting required consistency, and at this moment, he had to maintain an expression of great loss.

In reality...His family's wealth had suddenly grown substantial. Just now, within the treasured vase, Senior Yun Zhongzi had already given him over a dozen small Spirit Treasure-grade items, as well as some Post-Natal Spirit Treasure-grade trinkets.These were all items Yun Zhongzi had refined and casually given away.Compared to the treasures refined by Senior Yun Zhongzi, these reparations from the sect masters were naturally inferior; however, the two magical artifacts that could protect the primordial spirit during heavenly tribulations were quite rare.Ling'e's grand tribulation gift package suddenly became much more robust.

A sudden surge arose in his heart, as if from the Sea God Temple in the South Sea.

Li Changshou detached a portion of his consciousness, focusing it on the responsive main statues within the Sea God Temple. He immediately saw a familiar, burly figure striding through the temple gates.

Why was Old Master Zhao here again?

And it wasn't just Old Master Zhao; he was also pulling a young girl along, continuously saying:"Little sister, listen to me. This Sea God is incredibly wise. If he agrees, your elder brother will teach you a wonderful method to hit someone without them daring to say a word!"