Chapter 179: Most Afraid of Strangers’ Sudden Concern

As the saying goes, when evil grows by a foot, good grows by a foot and two inches.

After a fierce battle of wits and cunning schemes, Li Changshou seized the opportunity when Wenjing Daoist's Dao heart was unsettled. He used a series of feints and truths to lure her into the mortal world. Wenjing Daoist was a powerful figure, ranked among the most ruthless in the Primordial World, yet at this moment, she couldn't see through the elderly, white-haired immortal standing before her. Ordinary divinations yielded no results, and any attempt to forcefully deduce his identity would trigger a Taiji Diagram warning.

This confirmed Wenjing Daoist's initial suspicion: the person before her must be a hidden master from the Human Path. Previously, the Grand Master of the Human Path had publicly endorsed the Sea God Sect, and since then, Wenjing Daoist had wisely kept her distance from the South Sea Sea God Sect. However, Wenjing Daoist hadn't expected that this South Sea Sea God was also a crucial figure within the Human Path. His deliberate plotting against her today only revealed his sinister intentions and well-hidden power. At the very least, judging by his ability to use Zhao Gongming and Qiongxiao, this person's background in the Human Path was likely second only to... that man.

Half an hour later, in a large city six thousand li northeast of Anshui City, located in the southwestern part of the Southern Continent. A Sea God Sect temple was currently under construction there, and the streets were filled with 'messengers' spreading the sect's doctrines. Li Changshou hadn't chosen this location randomly; he had carefully considered and selected it, after using his divine statues to scout various places, deeming it the ideal spot to trick Wenjing Daoist.

At this moment, the two walked one after another down a mortal street. Wenjing Daoist used her divine abilities to conceal her aura and that of Li Changshou's paper avatar. She followed three feet behind the white-bearded old immortal, constantly pondering a way to save herself. For her, having her true origin known meant her vital weakness had been seized—a weakness that could ultimately lead to her demise.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou was also pondering whether he should proceed with a 'heart-to-heart' strategy or a 'profit-driven' approach. One thing was certain: a 'physical' approach was out of the question; he had no interest in crossing racial boundaries. According to the core tenets of the esteemed classic 'The Art of the Scheme,' to deceive such a powerful expert, one must first maintain an unfathomable image, starting with subtle details to draw them into one's rhythm, then employing grand, abstract, and vague language to encourage them to make rich associations. Easier said than done, however.

Suddenly, from a nearby street corner, came the clanging of gongs and clacking of bamboo clappers. Many mortals had gathered there, listening to a Sea God Sect promotion—a clapper tune.

Clang, clang, clang-clang...

"Gentlemen, please stop, let's speak from the heart. Folks, everyone stop, let's just chat a bit. The Sea God protects the whole family; no need to fear when going to sea or up the mountains. Young women in the east street struggling to marry, fine bachelors in the west city unable to find a spouse; Young women, fine bachelors, oh, young women and fine bachelors! Worshipped our Sea God the day before yesterday, and yesterday, the betrothal gifts were already received..."

Li Changshou listened with a smile for a while, while Wenjing Daoist, beside him, frowned slightly but also gazed intently at these ignorant and weak mortals. He must have a profound reason for making her listen to this...

A moment later, Li Changshou said, "Let's go." Wenjing Daoist slowly nodded, her bewilderment growing, but she showed no displeasure to Li Changshou. No one on the street cast any glances their way; Wenjing Daoist's divine ability was indeed extraordinary. Li Changshou, for his part, was quite envious of this 'presence-reducing' technique, which was almost essential for powerful immortals.

"Fellow Daoist," Li Changshou said, holding his whisk and smiling as he gestured for Wenjing Daoist to walk beside him. Li Changshou thought to himself that if she launched an attack, he would simply discard this avatar. Wenjing Daoist also thought to herself that although she originated from the Blood Sea demons, she was not someone to be easily insulted. If her opponent attacked, it would, at worst, be a mutually destructive outcome.

Then, Li Changshou slowly began to speak...

"Fellow Daoist, what do you think of my Sea God Sect?"

Wenjing Daoist frowned slightly and said, "Why don't you get straight to the point?"

"Some matters lose their charm when spoken of too quickly. You and I were opponents, yet now we're strolling through a mortal street. Isn't this a delightful turn of events?" Li Changshou smiled, "Although you have targeted me several times, at this moment, I bear no great ill will towards you. Had you not nearly ruined my important plans this time, I wouldn't have pushed you to such an extent. Look, Fellow Daoist, amidst the worldly troubles here, mortals live for a hundred years, experiencing birth, old age, sickness, and death, yet they are the protagonists between heaven and earth. Through their offerings, one can gain incense merit. Why do you think that is?"

Wenjing Daoist pursed her lips, offering no reply. Li Changshou smiled and immediately changed his approach.

"In the Primordial World, very few know your true origin. Aren't you curious how I came to know it?"

"Oh?" Wenjing Daoist, still unwilling to give up, asked, "Then tell me, what exactly is my origin?" She couldn't even be bothered to use polite terms like 'this humble Daoist' or 'Fellow Daoist' anymore.

Li Changshou chuckled, "Please add a few more layers of isolation barriers, Fellow Daoist. I'm truly about to tell you."

"Hmph," Wenjing Daoist snorted coldly, but she did indeed raise her hand and set up two layers of Dao charm around them. At that very moment, a subtle and profound Dao charm emanated from Li Changshou. Wenjing Daoist saw with her own eyes a small Taiji Diagram gently flicker behind Li Changshou before vanishing. In her heart, she no longer had the slightest doubt about Li Changshou's identity...

Just then, Li Changshou calmly stated, "Fellow Daoist, you originate from the depths of the Netherworld, your true form is the leader of the Blood-Winged Black Mosquito clan, a primordial fierce beast, and you are currently working for two unspeakable masters. What you are doing right now is plotting to annex the Dragon Clan. Is there any inaccuracy in what I've said?"

Wenjing Daoist's face turned somewhat pale. She had lost the will to struggle, yet instinctively, a surge of mad murderous intent welled up within her. Her gaze constantly shifted, and her aura occasionally turned incredibly chilling. Li Changshou lightly remarked, "There's a human saying: 'What man does, Heaven sees.' "

Wenjing Daoist instantly sobered up. She let out a soft sigh, revealing a somewhat alluring smile, and gently said, "Since you have investigated me so thoroughly, and set up such a scheme, yet haven't killed me, you must surely have some design concerning me. Fellow Daoist, please speak freely. As long as my origin is not revealed, I will comply with whatever you ask."

"Fellow Daoist..." Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Aren't you tired?"

The first move: 'Appealing to the Heart.'

Wenjing Daoist was clearly startled. Li Changshou sighed, "Humans have intricate hearts, and thus present a thousand different faces. Other beings are no different. Look at the mortals on this street; they rush about for survival, troubled by food and clothing, forced to put on false faces, preventing others from seeing their true thoughts. We are cultivators beyond the mortal world, with endless lifespans, yet how are we any different? Fellow Daoist, are you not weary from living like this?"

Hearing this, Wenjing Daoist's smile largely faded, and she gazed at the mortals on the bustling street. Li Changshou continued forward, and Wenjing Daoist subconsciously followed, her phoenix-like eyes reflecting a hint of thought, mingled with a touch of weariness. She murmured, "It's simply about survival."

Li Changshou smiled. At that moment, they were passing by a pleasure house. On a red pillar by the entrance of the pleasure house, a wooden plaque clearly read: "Believers of the Sea God pay only seventy percent for courtesans and wine." Tsk, the Sea God Sect's promotional work was certainly effective.

Li Changshou looked at the resting figures within the pleasure house in broad daylight and remarked, "If we speak of forcing a smile, how are we any different from them?"

The second move: 'Empathy.'

Wenjing Daoist sighed softly, "You and I are naturally different."

"No, we are actually the same," Li Changshou said calmly. "The Primordial World is like a chessboard, with saints as the players. You and I are merely pawns."

Wenjing Daoist said, "You certainly see things clearly, Fellow Daoist."

"It's simply about survival." Li Changshou calmly echoed her earlier words, and Wenjing Daoist's gaze shifted slightly.

She then asked, "You aren't just trying to tell me this, are you?"

"Of course not," Li Changshou chuckled. "To be frank, you and I have actually exchanged moves a few times, so I have some understanding of you."

"Oh?" Wenjing Daoist frowned slightly. "I only schemed against the South Sea Sea God Sect that one time."

The third move: 'Breaking Psychological Defenses.'

Li Changshou said, "Do you recall the Immortal Ascension Gate? One of your puppets was destroyed by an avatar I arranged."

"That was you?"

"It was me. And earlier, you must have also seen that young Daoist priest who came from Xuandu."

"That was also you?"

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, flicked his whisk, and continued forward. Wenjing Daoist involuntarily followed, looking at the aged face of Li Changshou's paper avatar. "Then why didn't you let Zhao Gongming and the others kill me?" she asked.

"If I wanted to kill you, Fellow Daoist, why would I need to ask Zhao Gongming and Fairy Qiongxiao to do it?" Li Changshou said calmly. "The Dragon Clan also has a few old dragons, as you should know."

Wenjing Daoist looked at Li Changshou and suddenly said, somewhat dejectedly, "So, from beginning to end, I was under your schemes."

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist," Li Changshou chuckled. "I am not the one playing the game; I am merely a pawn myself."

Wenjing Daoist gently nodded and looked up towards the Nine Heavens. "The Human Path has always been quiet and non-interfering, but when it comes to scheming, no one can compare to you. Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Li Changshou smiled without speaking. As they passed a restaurant, he made a gesture to invite her in. Wenjing Daoist didn't understand why, but Li Changshou had completely seized control of the situation. She simply nodded and followed him. Without alerting any mortals, they proceeded to a private room on the top floor of the restaurant.

The fourth move: 'A Drink.'

Li Changshou produced his original Immortal's Drunkenness liquor and chuckled, "Today, let's emulate mortals and drown our sorrows in drink." Since his current avatar was a paper Daoist, he had nothing to fear.

Wenjing Daoist let out a soft laugh and did not refuse. Soon, two luminous cups were filled and quickly emptied. After a few rounds, Wenjing Daoist's eyes became somewhat hazy. Perhaps it wasn't the wine that intoxicated her, but she herself was already intoxicated.

Li Changshou pondered and deliberated for a long time, finally finding a phrase that might pierce the heart of this ruthless individual. "Fellow Daoist, have you ever asked yourself, what is all this ceaseless rushing about, all this busy work, truly for?"

Hearing this, Wenjing Daoist gazed at the cup in her hand. "You should know why I obey them," she said.

Li Changshou: ...

He actually didn't know that part. However, this didn't prevent Li Changshou from continuing his strategy.

"Fellow Daoist, have those who have been exploiting you ever truly looked at you with respect?"

Many scenes flashed through Wenjing Daoist's mind, but she turned her head to look out the private room's window, saying calmly, "Why do I need them to look at me? I am the king of my clan, a dominant force in the Blood Sea. If not for those two threatening the lives of my kin..."

"Fellow Daoist," Li Changshou interrupted Wenjing Daoist, saying earnestly, "You can deceive others, but don't deceive yourself. Do you truly believe that in your heart?"

Wenjing Daoist frowned slightly, looked at Li Changshou, then tilted her head back and poured a cup of Immortal's Drunkenness original liquid down her throat. She suddenly clenched her fist, then slowly loosened it, sighing, "You're right. Back then, I could have returned to the Blood Sea and simply left. But with the establishment of reincarnation and the founding of the Underworld, I had no place to hide. So, I seized the opportunity of my kin being detained to completely pledge allegiance to the West. I've never told anyone these words before. Fellow Daoist, are you satisfied now?"

"Since that's the case, let's speak openly," Li Changshou said. "You should know that the West needs you now, so you are safe and can even gain some benefits. But if the West truly flourishes, what will become of your own situation?"

Wenjing Daoist murmured, "I will naturally be scattered, reduced to ashes, and when I'm disposed of, probably no one will know... However, I can hide in the Chaos Sea."

Li Changshou's gaze was full of sincerity as he softly asked, "Can you truly escape?"

Wenjing Daoist immediately fell silent. She merely let out a cold laugh, poured herself another drink, and tilted her head back to finish it. "Tell me, what do you want me to do, and what benefits can you offer me? If you have a way to protect me from a saint's wrath, I will naturally pledge allegiance to you."

"I don't want you to do anything, nor do I have any use for you," Li Changshou chuckled, subtly moving to the next step.

The fifth move: 'Drawing a Pie in the Sky.'

"But today, I can point out a clear path for you." Li Changshou dipped his finger in some liquor and wrote two large characters on the table: Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou said, "How much do you know about this place, Fellow Daoist?"

"Heh," Wenjing Daoist burst into laughter, her mirth full of mockery. "Do you really think it can protect me?"

Li Changshou smiled and added the character 'Human' next to 'Heavenly Court'. Wenjing Daoist's smile faded, and she said coldly, "What use would they have for me?"

"All things have yin and yang, and Heaven and Earth have both day and night," Li Changshou said, wiping away the characters. "For this place to rise, it needs both overt majesty and covert sharpness. Do you know why, among the many vacant divine positions in the Heavenly Court, there are both benevolent gods who bring blessings to mortals and plague gods who spread epidemics? That is precisely the reason."

Li Changshou took out a piece of cloth from his sleeve and handed it to Wenjing Daoist, saying calmly, "Today, you only need to make this Grand Dao oath. When the time is right, heed my call, and I will naturally help you escape this sea of suffering. At that time, you will merely be a minister, carrying out covert affairs on behalf of Heaven. Aside from His Majesty, you won't need to defer to anyone else."

Wenjing Daoist's gaze was quite complex as she took the piece of cloth and slowly unfolded it. She looked up at Li Changshou... This oath came from his hand?

Wenjing Daoist slowly nodded and said, "I can make the oath, but you must also agree to one condition."

Li Changshou said, "Speak freely."

"In the future, I want to meet Grand Master Xuandu."

Li Changshou frowned slightly, not daring to agree casually for a moment. A slight realization formed in his heart, condensing into a single thought: Uh, the Saint Lord has been watching? I hope I didn't say anything out of line just now; every word I spoke was carefully considered at least a dozen times...

"Very well," Li Changshou immediately nodded. "Make the oath."

Wenjing Daoist let out a soft breath. She had never expected to have to make such a complex Grand Dao oath twice in one day, and this version was even more complete and thorough than the previous one, even accounting for situations like Heavenly Dao interference. Indeed, her defeat was justified.