Chapter 207: This Matter Will Definitely Be Settled by Gongming

The two Western Cult experts departed, their faces drawn and withered. Had they not been concerned with maintaining the decorum of high-ranking experts, and if they hadn't feared another beating from Zhao Gongming, they would likely have been cursing and muttering obscenities. Anyone in their shoes would have felt indignant.

But they could only accept their loss, bow their heads, and slink away, returning to their mountains for five centuries of secluded cultivation, no longer roaming the Great Desolation.

Once the two were out of sight, Zhao Gongming stroked his beard, his gaze intent as he savored the recent events. A moment later, Zhao Gongming suddenly threw his head back and laughed heartily, his laughter echoing for a thousand miles.

“Hahahaha!”

Although the Yellow Dragon True Man beside him didn't understand the reason, he joined in with a few laughs. For a moment, the sea was filled with the jovial laughter of old men.

Li Changshou's paper effigy remained unseen, still concealed within the sleeve of the Yellow Dragon True Man. The other party might still launch a surprise counterattack, so it would naturally be ideal if his involvement in the matter remained undisclosed.

When the Yellow Dragon True Man initially sought him out, Li Changshou had indeed considered the possibility of it being a scheme against him. However, after careful deliberation, Li Changshou ultimately couldn't afford to ignore the situation, lest it lead to even greater trouble for himself. With his now masterful paper effigy technique, even if he were schemed against, the most he would lose was a single paper effigy and a bit of tree sap.

Thus, he came to this place, and secretly manipulated events... Ahem, can matters concerning Daoist disciples truly be called "manipulation"? Li Changshou merely offered the two Daoist seniors a bit of advice, assisting them in escaping their current predicament and averting future complications. That was all.

As an aside, he used an oath to bind the two Western Cult experts, restricting them from leaving their seclusion for five hundred years. This was also part of Li Changshou's plan before he arrived. To experts of Zhao Gongming's and the Yellow Dragon True Man's caliber, five hundred years is hardly a long time—perhaps no more than a nap. The opponents would easily overlook this restriction and readily agree. However, in Li Changshou's calculations, the next century would be critically important for the Dragon Clan's ascension to the Heavenly Court. A temporary reduction in the Western Cult's combat power, even if not hugely impactful overall, would make future situations easier to manage.

The Yellow Dragon True Man, having laughed along a few times, couldn't help but ask, “Gongming, why such loud laughter?”

“Hahaha, I'm laughing at those I had dealings with!” Zhao Gongming proudly stroked his beard, exuding a heroic aura, and leisurely stated: “Brother Yellow Dragon, you might not know this, but previously, my third sister Qiongxiao and I were in Xi Niu He Zhou, where we taught a lesson to many Western disciples whose conduct we found intolerable. Today, the method these two used to extort you, Senior Brother, is precisely what they learned from us! It's a pity, though, that they only picked up a trivial trick!”

Li Changshou: ... What is there to be proud of in this? Why did he detect a sense of ‘earning wealth through hard work’ in the words of an old man who specialized in feigning accidents?

Zhao Gongming continued to laugh, saying: “Hahaha, had my second sister Yunxiao not stopped my third sister and me in time, perhaps the Western Cult would now be relentlessly pursuing me, shouting for my death, hahaha! Who would have thought that the method to counter this tactic would be so simple! Hahahaha! It delights me to no end!”

The Yellow Dragon True Man's lips twitched involuntarily. Are the Daoist companions of the Jie Cult... all so uninhibited and disregardful of formalities?

Suddenly, the Yellow Dragon True Man recalled something, lifting his sleeve and softly calling into it: “Fellow Daoist Sea God? Would you like to emerge now?”

“Brother Sea God!” Zhao Gongming immediately approached with enthusiasm, peering into the sleeve opening of the Yellow Dragon True Man, and praised: “I owe you yet another favor. I truly don't know how to repay you!”

Li Changshou: A photobook of Lady Yunxiao!

Of course, Li Changshou would never voice such a jest; he would only entertain it in his mind.

Li Changshou transmitted his voice, saying: “Senior, please find a secluded spot. I have something to tell you. My cultivation is far from as profound as yours. If the Western Cult were to discover that I orchestrated this, I fear they would truly dismantle my humble Sea God Temple.”

“They dare!?” Zhao Gongming's eyes widened, appearing majestic and imposing.

The Yellow Dragon True Man beside him nodded with a smile, also saying: “Today, this poor Daoist truly owes you a favor, and I must carefully consider how to repay it to sever this karmic tie. Perhaps we should go to Fellow Daoist Sea God's temple?”

“Let's go, let's go enjoy some tea at the Sea God's temple.” Zhao Gongming called out, thoroughly cleansing the area of all bloodstains and lingering aura, then hastened with Yellow Dragon towards Nanzhanbuzhou.

Subsequently, these two prominent Daoist figures, disciples of Saints, altered their course to the main temple in Anshui City, as suggested by Li Changshou.

After some travel, Li Changshou, multitasking, glanced at his junior master ancestor and Venerable Wangqing strolling in the back mountain, then activated another paper effigy hidden beneath Anshui City, making preparations in the back hall of the Sea God Temple. Before the two powerful figures arrived, tea was prepared, and the Sea God Temple was temporarily sealed off. As for how to befriend the Yellow Dragon True Man, discern his stance on the Dragon Clan, persuade him to assist in the Dragon Clan's ascension to the Heavenly Court, and other related matters, Li Changshou already had a detailed plan.

When the Yellow Dragon True Man and Zhao Gongming arrived, this mundane Sea God Temple became a gathering place for both genuine and 'pseudo' grand figures from the three Daoist sects. After exchanging greetings of 'fellow Daoist' and 'senior,' each performing a Daoist bow, they took their seats and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Zhao Gongming, full of enthusiasm, recounted his past 'glorious achievements' to the Yellow Dragon True Man, while Li Changshou listened with a wry smile. Fortunately, Zhao Gongming now understood that this 'feigned accident' tactic was easily thwarted, and he would likely not employ it frequently in the future.

Looking at this scene before him... Zhao Gongming and the Yellow Dragon True Man, in a Human Cult disciple's territory, sitting beneath a portrait of the Grandmaster of Heaven, chatted and joked, laughing heartily. Li Changshou felt a slight unease within his heart. Ever since he grasped the nature of his environment, he had harbored a persistent sense of anxiety and tension regarding the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation. To see these two grand figures from the Chan and Jie sects, who would later fiercely contend in the great Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, now so amiably chatting and joking, discussing everything under the sun...

‘Perhaps, this is the true terror of the tribulation.’

Li Changshou suppressed his inner thoughts, smiled, and joined the conversation, actively steering the topic towards the Yellow Dragon True Man. Soon, Li Changshou appeared hesitant to speak, prompting inquiries from both the Yellow Dragon True Man and Zhao Gongming.

Old Zhao waved his hand, laughing: “Brother Sea God, just speak your mind. There are no outsiders here! You are a Human Cult disciple, and the Yellow Dragon True Man is one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Jade Void Palace. We are all one Daoist family; why are you so hesitant? Are you not treating us as friends?”

Li Changshou let out a soft sigh, seemingly addressing Zhao Gongming but in fact speaking to the Yellow Dragon True Man: “To be honest, I've recently encountered a thorny issue. It's not convenient to discuss openly, and it was also... an assignment.” Li Changshou cupped his hands upwards in a respectful gesture.

Zhao Gongming and the Yellow Dragon True Man's faces showed understanding. They straightened up, signaling Li Changshou to elaborate.

Li Changshou said: “Senior Yellow Dragon, I've heard rumors in the Great Desolation that you are also of Dragon Clan origin. I wonder if this is true or false.”

The Yellow Dragon True Man smiled somewhat awkwardly, sighing: “This poor Daoist is indeed of Dragon Clan origin. However, the Dragon Clan currently shows no desire to acknowledge this poor Daoist. By seniority, this poor Daoist is of the same generation as the current Four Sea Dragon Kings; I should address them as elder brothers.”

Zhao Gongming beside him was somewhat puzzled, “Brother Sea God, why did you suddenly ask about this?”

Li Changshou dipped his finger in a little tea, wrote 'Heaven' on the table, and then wrote 'Dragon' next to it. Facing a Saint's disciple and one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Cult, Li Changshou had no desire to conceal anything. He directly explained the matter to the Yellow Dragon True Man, allowing him to make his own decision. However, when explaining the matter, Li Changshou paid careful attention to his choice of words.

Let's just say Li Changshou spoke with eloquent yet veiled words, clearly outlining the benefits and risks. The Yellow Dragon True Man listened, his brow furrowed. The Western Cult's plot to subjugate the Dragon Clan; the Dragon Clan itself was already in a dire state of deep trouble, their grand edifice on the verge of collapse, the Four Seas in peril; the Human Cult, guided by the Heavenly Dao's decree, intended to integrate the Dragon Clan into the Heavenly Court's ranks. Grandmaster Xuandu was the primary person in charge, and Li Changshou, as the Sea God of the South Sea, was merely running errands for the Grandmaster.

“This matter, for the Dragon Clan, is indeed a good thing.” The Yellow Dragon True Man pondered for a few moments, then looked at Li Changshou with a wry smile and said, “It's just that this poor Daoist has very few ties left with the Dragon Clan. I fear they won't listen to anything I say.”

Li Changshou earnestly asked, “Senior, do you still hold any concern for the Dragon Clan?” This was a common tactic in the Great Desolation – appealing to the heart.

“That is my very origin,” the Yellow Dragon True Man sighed softly, a distant, divine light in his eyes. “No matter what, this poor Daoist will never abandon them. It's just... Alas, it's a long story, these are all ancient matters.”

Li Changshou said, “I also have dealings with the Dragon Clan, and this Sea God Cult receives a share of incense merit from them. What you lament, Senior, I believe I understand. I humbly dare to offer a piece of advice here.”

The Yellow Dragon True Man offered a gentle smile and earnestly said, “Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such modesty. Please, enlighten me.”

Li Changshou slowly sighed, then began: “Since ancient times, the Dragon Clan has borne the karma of shattering heaven and earth, their luck dwindling. They struggle for survival, yet are unwilling to fade from prominence, constantly making absurd moves that tarnish their reputation. Senior, having observed from afar, you must be most clear about this. How has it come to this? The heroic spirits of the Dragon Clan's most ambitious sigh and wander within the sea eyes, yearning for the Dragon Clan to once again stand tall in the Great Desolation, no longer needing to worry if their offspring will successfully hatch. Senior, spring blossoms return to the soil, and fallen leaves return to their roots. The sins committed by the Dragon Clan in ancient times must be borne for countless years, but their current predicament can also be improved through this matter. At the very least, once the Heavenly Court is fully established and blessed by the Heavenly Dao, a single word from His Majesty could spare the Dragon Clan much of the suffering of filling the sea eyes. And the key to this matter lies within these hundred years...”

“Fallen leaves return to their roots, spring blossoms return to the soil,” the Yellow Dragon True Man's eyes held a slight bewilderment as he sat in his armchair, lost in thought for a long time.

Suddenly...

“I'll help!”

Li Changshou stared sideways at the suddenly excited Zhao Gongming, not understanding why. Daoist Gongming immediately rose to his feet, his eyes shining brightly as he gazed intently at Li Changshou, declaring firmly: “I, Zhao Gongming, am determined to help with this Dragon Clan matter!”

Uh... wait?

Zhao Gongming continued to shout: “Brother Sea God, had I not heard your words, I wouldn't have realized how truly miserable the Dragon Clan is! Indeed, while the Dragon Clan bears boundless karma, integrating them into the Heavenly Court's ranks would be immensely beneficial for the Heavenly Court, the Three Realms, the Dragon Clan, and our Daoist sect! Brother, tell us, what should we do?!”

Li Changshou: ???

What on earth? This involves major karma, and besides a little merit, there are no other benefits. Old Zhao, why are you like this?! No! Reasonably speaking, shouldn't you, Master, have remained calm and observed from the sidelines upon hearing this matter? Anyone else, faced with such significant karma and the Dragon Clan's boundless misdeeds, wouldn't easily get involved; at most, they'd offer advice. He was trying to persuade the Yellow Dragon True Man, and even the Yellow Dragon True Man, a Chan Cult expert of Dragon Clan origin, hadn't spoken up. Old Zhao, why are you so excited?

Li Changshou had originally intended for Zhao Gongming to be aware of this matter, essentially creating a record for the Jie Cult, thereby also preserving the prestige of the Jie Cult's Saintly Grandmaster. As for Zhao Gongming secretly relaying information to the Western Cult, Li Changshou was 99.9% certain he wouldn't. To his surprise, however, the heartfelt words he had just spoken to the Yellow Dragon True Man were exceptionally well-received by Old Zhao.

Just then, Daoist Yellow Dragon slapped the armrest of his armchair, sighing: “Fallen leaves return to their roots. How can this poor Daoist stand by and watch the Dragon Clan be schemed against by the Western Cult in such a manner! Thank you for enlightening me, Fellow Daoist. This poor Daoist will now go find the ruling Dragon Kings of the Dragon Clan and persuade them to pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Court!”

“Senior, wait, senior, wait!” Li Changshou, momentarily disregarding Zhao Gongming, quickly interceded with the Yellow Dragon True Man, meticulously explaining how they should plan.

Zhao Gongming, however, made himself at home. With his hands tucked into his sleeves, he leaned in close to Li Changshou and the Yellow Dragon True Man, nodding continuously and interjecting with 'Hmm,' 'Not bad,' and 'That's exactly what I was thinking.'

Li Changshou was truly torn between laughter and tears. Zhao Gongming's forceful involvement naturally brought benefits; their side gained another significant ally. There were also disadvantages... It seemed he was becoming more and more deeply entangled with Old Zhao.

Since matters had progressed this far, Li Changshou could only repeatedly caution the two prominent figures to maintain absolute secrecy and not to reveal anything to anyone, to prevent the matter from being exposed. The Yellow Dragon True Man initially felt it was somewhat improper for him, as a member of the Dragon Clan, to scheme against them in such a way. However, Yellow Dragon also realized that what Li Changshou proposed was indeed the most effective and logical arrangement. Thus, this one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Cult was gradually led astray by Li Changshou, willingly walking forward and dutifully settling into the bottom of the 'ditch.'

The entire process of persuading the Yellow Dragon True Man proceeded with unusual smoothness—so smoothly, in fact, that Li Changshou felt a touch of guilt.

However, Old Zhao jumped out again. “Brother Yellow Dragon, today, why don't we make an oath right here!”

Zhao Gongming twirled his beard, then stated solemnly, “First, this matter must not be revealed. Second, should Brother Sea God summon us another day, we shall immediately meet here. How does that sound?”

“Excellent!” At once, the two prominent figures made a simple oath and agreement in front of Li Changshou.

Then, Zhao Gongming took out three jade talismans and handed them to Li Changshou and the Yellow Dragon True Man. “We'll use these talismans as signals. If Brother Sea God crushes this talisman, Brother Yellow Dragon and I will immediately sense it!”

The Yellow Dragon True Man declared firmly, “Good! This matter is settled!”

Zhao Gongming rolled up his sleeves and proclaimed loudly, “Brother Yellow Dragon, let's not disturb Brother Sea God any further! Let him handle the strategizing. We'll simply prepare our divine abilities and magical treasures to directly confront those Western experts!”

The Yellow Dragon True Man's face showed some excitement, and he continually nodded in agreement.

Li Changshou: ... Old Zhao's 'enthusiasm' was no longer a passive skill; it was practically a legion-wide aura!

“Brother, Senior Brother, I'll take my leave now! I'll head back now to refine my divine abilities and prepare my magical treasures, awaiting Brother Sea God's summons. No need to see me off, both of you!”

With that, Zhao Gongming strode away, taking two steps out of the back hall before transforming into a streak of light and vanishing.

The Yellow Dragon True Man exclaimed admiringly, “Brother Gongming's reputation for supreme righteousness is indeed well-deserved! This poor Daoist is truly impressed! Fellow Daoist Sea God, farewell!”

The True Man sighed softly, then chuckled twice before ascending on a cloud and flying north, leaving only Li Changshou's old immortal paper effigy standing before the back hall door, feeling slightly bewildered.