Chapter 171: Ordinary Duel Mode

Four streams of water threaded through this chaotic deep-sea city, passing the Seahorse Residence and darting through Starfish Avenue, heading straight for the area where Ao Yi was besieged.

The entire city had already devolved into a chaotic mess. Experts from both sides were entangled in separate conflicts. The strongest elder on Ao Yi's side, a dragon-headed elder, was currently being besieged by over a dozen sea-race experts.

The Merfolk clan continuously sent out calls for help, but at this moment, the city was completely cut off, losing all contact with the outside world.

However, it didn't matter.

Two rather steady 'experts' from the Way of Stability—*ahem*—from the Human Way (Renjiao), were already present. They would not allow anything to happen to Ao Yi.

Archmaster Xuandu was a true powerhouse in the heavens and earth, one of the very few beings below the Sages. He could also summon treasures like the Taiji Diagram and the Xuanhuang Pagoda at any time. Not to mention suppressing this area, even subduing the entire Merfolk race would be effortless for him.

Li Changshou, currently roped in by the Archmaster as a laborer, also had his own calculations in mind. Although this was merely a temporary improvisation, he had already devised a relatively comprehensive countermeasure. This plan could achieve three or four objectives with one stone, and would take a small step towards the dragons ascending to the heavens.

At this moment, Li Changshou stood in the courtyard. With eyes closed and mind focused, he controlled four paper effigies.

Archmaster Xuandu watched from the side with great interest, curious to see how Li Changshou would eliminate the enemies. However, as he watched, Archmaster Xuandu chuckled.

The four paper effigies used a water escape technique to approach Ao Yi's vicinity, without alarming anyone from either side. At this time, Ao Yi was surrounded by thirty to forty guards. Because Golden Immortal level experts were battling near the palace, the highest cultivation level among Ao Yi's sea-race guards was only mid-Heavenly Immortal. The small contingent of sea-race rebels surrounding Ao Yi consisted of over a dozen Heavenly Immortals and more than fifty True Immortals.

Li Changshou detected that the aura of several Heavenly Immortals among these rebels was unusual, somewhat similar to the blood mosquito puppets from back then. That Mosquito Daoist was likely hiding in the shadows, secretly observing this scene from behind.

How could he make her realize the Archmaster was here? He also wondered if the Archmaster could locate the Mosquito Daoist's traces. It would be safer to simply obliterate this fiend directly.

To relieve Ao Yi didn't require much effort from Li Changshou; a simple paper effigy tactic would suffice.

The four paper effigies appeared on the periphery of the besieged area. Their sleeves fluttered, and they released... another batch of sixteen paper figures in total...

Upon seeing this, Archmaster Xuandu couldn't help but burst into laughter. He jokingly scolded: "Paper figures releasing paper figures, how numerous these paper figures are! You fellow are truly interesting."

Li Changshou turned back with a 'shy' smile. He tentatively took this as the Archmaster's praise for his paper effigy combat system.

The sixteen original paper figures created by divine abilities directly charged into the rear of the rebel forces. With lightning speed, they instantly latched onto the enemy Heavenly Immortal experts. Before the enemies could react, they self-destructed, releasing plumes of poisonous mist!

In an instant, dense, murky mist billowed through the seawater!

The remaining four paper effigies darted left and right. The objects they held—what appeared to be swords, flutes, tobacco pouches, and even a 'melon-ripeness-checking' knife—were not what they seemed; they were all magic tools for spreading poison!

The poison pills Li Changshou had refined over two years—whose total value equaled six high-grade immortal treasures—were scattered in an instant! All the four paper effigies had to do was to fully control the direction in which the poisonous mist and powder spread.

Shortly after, the more than one hundred rebels besieging Ao Yi and his companions successively collapsed. Most of them didn't even have time to turn around and see who their attackers were; their primordial spirits and souls were already tainted by the potent poison.

The paper effigy resembling an old woman shouted: "Those protecting Prince Ao Yi, do not move recklessly! The poison will harm you! This old woman has no antidote!"

The group of sea-race experts protecting Ao Yi became completely silenced, huddling together around Ao Yi.

The four paper effigies' movements were slightly synchronized—a method Li Changshou used to conserve mental effort. They each released storage artifacts, collecting the seawater mixed with poison powder, which could be used again later. Afterward, the four paper effigies released eight Soul-Devouring Beads, swiftly absorbing lingering souls throughout the battlefield. They also scattered seeds of Samadhi True Fire.

The seawater here only slightly weakened the power of the Samadhi True Fire, but burning these corpses was still very easy. As flames surged, the four paper effigies each released three more paper figures, which transformed into twelve benevolent-looking Daoists. They held wooden fish drums, soul-calming bells, and wooden clappers, respectively, tapping them around the area while chanting scriptures for salvation, rebirth incantations, and disaster-averting and blessing spells.

A group of sea-race experts exchanged bewildered glances, and Ao Yi was also completely dumbfounded. Seeing such a scene for the first time, they clearly felt how shallow their knowledge was, like fish in a well gazing at the sky. Today, they had seen a new world...

"Who are these four Daoist friends?""Why are they helping us?""These must be humans. They... are so particular! After killing the enemies, they even directly dealt with the corpses, chanted those incantations, and performed a spiritual liberation ritual along with it!""We can't learn this, we really can't."

The corpses were rapidly consumed by the Samadhi True Fire. The remaining ashes of the bodies were swept away by the four paper effigies simultaneously, dissolving into the seawater. In their next life, may they be good fish.

Then, the four paper effigies turned and retreated. The entire process happened very quickly. Not only were the sea-race soldiers and generals around Ao Yi bewildered, but Archmaster Xuandu, watching from the side, also let out a soft sigh.

"Could the Daoist sect's Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Transformations, specifically the 'Paper-cut into Human' ability, be used in such a way?"

Ao Yi, embracing the little merfolk princess, shouted at the four paper effigies: "Seniors, please wait, allow me to express my gratitude!"

The old woman effigy turned and smiled, leaving a message: "We came by His Majesty's command, simply to help the Second Prince escape danger. No thanks are needed." Having said that, they turned and used the water escape technique to leave. They did not linger.

The four paper effigies did not go far, transforming into four streams of water. They found a sea-race residence in the chaotic battle area, hid inside it, to await further use.

Large numbers of rebels continued to besiege Ao Yi's location from all sides. Sea-race soldiers were sniping in various places, and Ao Yi and his party also began to move...

If the paper effigies were to constantly protect Ao Yi, they would also be caught in the siege, losing their initiative. Continuing to hide and counter-encircle was the effective way to inflict casualties on powerful enemies.

Li Changshou quickly assessed the paper effigies' losses: Twenty percent of the poison pills were consumed, immortal power consumption was two-thousandths, and the four magical tools were temporarily unusable, needing to be refilled with poison. Overall, the results were quite good.

In the courtyard, Li Changshou opened his eyes, bowed in a Daoist manner to the Archmaster, and stood back behind him.

Archmaster Xuandu was still savoring the moment. The Archmaster understood the actions Li Changshou had his paper effigies perform; they were merely methods for dealing with lingering souls.

It's just that...

"Changshou," the Archmaster mused, "you perform these tasks so smoothly. Do you often engage in combat with others?"

Li Changshou quickly replied: "This disciple cultivates in the mountains year-round, does not often travel, and has never actively sought enmity with anyone. However, the Great Desolation is perilous. When this disciple travels outside, for instance, to market towns to procure herbs, he can also be targeted by powerful individuals. This disciple deeply feels that a century of effort can turn to dust in an instant. To quickly resolve an enemy ambush and leave no future troubles, this disciple repeatedly practices the steps of combat on a daily basis. Just now, due to the urgency of the situation, I actually omitted a few steps."

Archmaster Xuandu chuckled: "If you say that, then I'm quite interested. What were those omitted steps?"

"Archmaster, please see," Li Changshou said, "a little trinket this disciple has pondered over."

Li Changshou took out a miniature array disk, and several paper figures playing mournful music and wailing for the dead.

Archmaster Xuandu: ...

This junior brother, he was definitely taking him!

Then, Archmaster Xuandu asked gently: "So, why did you have the paper figures say 'by His Majesty's command' instead of directly naming 'His Majesty the Jade Emperor'?"

"Thank you, Archmaster, for the question. This disciple believes that if the Jade Emperor were directly named, it might make the Dragon race wary. It's better to use the words 'His Majesty,' leaving some room for the Dragon race to speculate. These four paper effigies of this disciple all have human forms and faces, possessing the aura of living beings. There is no peerless grand power like you, Archmaster, in this place, thus it's hard for them to be recognized as paper figure incarnations. The term 'His Majesty,' apart from the Dragon race, is rarely used in the Great Desolation. This allows them to make sufficient connections while also reducing their vigilance towards His Majesty the Jade Emperor."

"Hmm, a good answer," Archmaster Xuandu squinted and smiled gently. "It is perfectly in line with my thoughts."

Li Changshou: ...

Just a routine for a Human Way disciple, nothing special.

At this moment, the group of sea-race experts escorted Ao Yi towards the array barrier at the edge of the city. But by now, this great Merfolk city was enveloped by multiple formidable arrays. Heaven and Earth were completely cut off, and with their strength, they couldn't possibly break open the array's defensive barrier.

Li Changshou understood that the Archmaster was not in a hurry to act. In fact, if this place could hold out until the Dragon race experts arrived, the Archmaster would not even reveal himself.

Most of the sea-race beings generally had slightly lower intelligence than terrestrial creatures. And the personalities of these sea-race beings were mostly... they were often prone to panic when faced with difficulties, and a simple smile wouldn't solve anything.

They continuously charged forward, but the number of guards around Ao Yi had instead decreased by more than ten. This made Li Changshou shake his head... The sea-race beings were difficult to rely on for major tasks.

When a second wave of rebels once again surrounded Ao Yi and his companions, Ao Yi, protecting the little merfolk princess, looked up and glared angrily at his surroundings. Ao Yi was not coveting the little princess's beauty. As the responsible Second Prince of the Dragon Palace, Ao Yi was afraid that any harm to the merfolk princess would affect the relationship between the Merfolk and Dragon races. With many troubles occurring in the Four Seas currently, and the Merfolk race being an important subject and ally of the Dragon race, even if it meant Ao Yi entering a political marriage with this little princess to gain the Merfolk's full support in suppressing the sea-race rebellion, Ao Yi would not hesitate in the slightest.

Seeing Ao Yi in trouble again, Li Changshou's four paper effigies reappeared. After yet another display of the paper effigy combat system, this small group of rebels was once again reduced to dust...

However, the trouble didn't stop there. Ao Yi was the rebels' primary target. After two consecutive waves of attacks failed to capture him, the individual secretly directing the troops immediately adjusted their strategy. At the palace, the dragon-headed elder fought with all his might. At times transforming into his dragon form, at times reverting to human form, he was not only besieged but also managed to tie down several Golden Immortals from the rebels. If this dragon-headed elder could just continue to delay until the Dragon race experts arrived as reinforcements, they would have won this battle.

However, one of those rebel Golden Immortals suddenly broke away, turning and lunging towards Ao Yi's direction. The dragon-headed elder was instantly enraged, transforming into a thousand-zhang azure dragon and directly collapsing the opulent palace! This old dragon immediately tried to pursue the rebel Golden Immortal, but was firmly blocked by several other rebel experts who unleashed their divine abilities.

Ao Yi felt the immense pressure of the Golden Immortal rapidly approaching. He softly exhaled, a look of determination in his eyes, pushed the merfolk maiden he was embracing away, and directly ascended into the air! He activated his magic and concentrated his spirit! Ao Yi immediately intended to confront this Golden Immortal in a life-or-death struggle!

In the courtyard, Li Changshou, though wanting to inwardly comment on his Second Sect Master's youthful impetuosity, truly acknowledged his rare courage in stepping forward to face a Golden Immortal. He was a pickled vegetable... *cough*, a general of talent.

"Changshou," the Archmaster chuckled, "This Golden Immortal's foundation is unstable, their realm unsteady, seemingly borrowed cultivation. You can try to see if you can handle it."

This kind of Golden Immortal seemed similar to the three Jie School qi refiners who attacked their Immortal Du Sect back then...

'The Archmaster must be testing my strength limits.'

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then said seriously: "This disciple is willing to try, but I ask the Archmaster to pay close attention to this disciple."

"Good," Archmaster Xuandu nodded with a smile and casually pointed a finger at Li Changshou. A streak of immortal light condensed into the faint image of a pagoda on Li Changshou's back. A mysterious Dao charm directly protected Li Changshou's primordial spirit and physical body, and quickly concealed itself within him...

The Archmaster chuckled: "This is the power of the ultimate defensive treasure, the Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda. I'm lending it to you for half an hour. Unless they possess an innate spirit treasure, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal cannot harm you."

Thoughts raced through Li Changshou's mind. His gaze became slightly complex, and he let out a soft sigh inwardly. Why only half an hour! A true "locked health" cheat, trial version!

But back to serious matters. Li Changshou controlled the four paper effigies as they rushed towards Ao Yi. The old woman effigy instantly restrained Ao Yi, while the three other paper effigies charged forward, each pulling out a chessboard-sized miniature array formation and directly unleashing them towards the front.

In the courtyard, Archmaster Xuandu curiously walked to the side, tilting his head as he watched Li Changshou's series of actions...

Li Changshou rubbed his face with both hands, slightly altering his appearance. He then took out a thin mask, transforming himself into the likeness of a middle-aged man. The transformation technique further adjusted his build and facial features. A few illusion spells were naturally better to have more of.

All of this was completed in an instant. Li Changshou gripped a fake Judge's Brush in his left hand, a magical pouch containing two spirit-grade immortal consciousness poison pills, "Heart Fire Burn," hung at his waist, and two golden talismans were clutched in his right hand. The twelve treasure pouches sewn into his sleeves had all simultaneously opened a small slit...

Dealing with this kind of 'fake Golden Immortal' would be extremely difficult, even with his 'locked health' cheat. After all, the opponent was still at that realm, and it was highly probable that the Mosquito Daoist was controlling them remotely.

Alas, it seemed this time... he would have to reveal more than one-fifth of his combat trump cards.

(End of chapter)