Chapter 247: New Forms of Entertainment in the Primordial Era

What was happening? Ao Yi was utterly bewildered when Li Changshou steadied him. Seated right in the center of the back hall was none other than Grand Master Xuandu of the Human School, who had once appeared in the South Sea! To his left was Zhao Gongming, to his right Chi Jingzi, then True Person Huang Long, Heavenly Lord Qin Wan, Heavenly Lord Bai Li… powerful figures from all Three Religions were present! There were no ordinary people coming and going; all were esteemed guests. Although not many masters from the Three Religions were there, and strictly speaking, only four or five were disciples of Saints, their collective presence was truly immense! For a moment, Ao Yi felt unworthy of being his "Sect Leader Brother's" younger sibling. As the Second Prince of the Dragon Palace and a minor True Immortal of the Jie School, he truly felt a bit like he was embarrassing his elder brother!

However, Ao Yi then heard a slightly chiding voice: "Brother Yi, what took you so long?" Ao Yi looked up at Li Changshou's paper effigy, and just as he was about to speak, Li Changshou's voice transmission reached him. "Calm down. Go forward to pay your respects, then invite a few Dragon Race elders to come for tea." Ao Yi quickly nodded, first bowing to Zhao Gongming, then saluting Grand Master Xuandu, and then turning to greet the powerful figures from the Jie and Chan Schools. The handsome youth with horns on his head bowed left and right, continuously calling out "Martial Uncle" and "Martial Senior," making everyone feel like giving him a few red envelopes. Heavenly Lord Qin Wan chuckled, "This is a cultivator from my Golden Ao Island, a disciple of Great Immortal Wuyun, and also the Second Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace, Ao Yi." Immediately, the Chan School immortals praised Ao Yi for his courtesy and likable nature, while the Jie School immortals lauded his handsome appearance and stable foundation, making Ao Yi blush with embarrassment.

Grand Master Xuandu said, "Ao Yi, come forward." "Yes," Ao Yi promptly stepped forward, performing a disciple's bow. Grand Master Xuandu took a jade bottle from his sleeve and placed it in Ao Yi's hand, smiling, "I know your Dragon Race isn't short on treasures, but this is a spiritual elixir for strengthening one's foundation and enhancing cultivation, refined by Lord Laozi himself. It's quite rare. You are Chang Geng's 'Second Sect Master' and the Guardian of the Sea God Sect; you must not neglect your cultivation." Ao Yi suppressed his inner excitement and thanked Grand Master Xuandu for the gift. Li Changshou cast a faint gaze from the side, while Grand Master Xuandu squinted and chuckled, pretending not to notice. The immortals on both sides were not foolish. Even those unaware of the Sea God Sect's affairs, upon seeing Ao Yi and the Dragon Race and understanding Ao Yi's connection to the Sea God Sect, largely understood why the Sea God Daoist Chang Geng had invited immortals from the Three Religions to observe the ceremony. It was likely to subdue the arrogant Dragon Race.

Before long, Ao Yi invited several Dragon Race elders to rest in a corner of the back hall. These Dragon Race elders were quite calm, having weathered many storms. They maintained the Dragon Race's dignified pride, engaging in no communication with the Three Religions' immortals. Before the second wave of invited guests from the Chan and Jie Schools arrived, most of the attendees were already present. Li Changshou timed it perfectly. As dawn broke in the east, he guided six Cloud-Ascending Platforms to hover above the Sea God Temple. Grand Master Xuandu stood up and smiled, "Everyone, please, let's see what Chang Geng has prepared." The immortals from both schools rose in unison, following Grand Master Xuandu, and floated out of the hall to take their seats on the Cloud-Ascending Platforms. Grand Master Xuandu, Zhao Gongming, Chi Jingzi, True Person Huang Long, several of the Ten Heavenly Lords, and Holy Mother Hooling were all arranged by Li Changshou on a single Cloud-Ascending Platform. Other immortals sat according to their lineage, and the Dragon Race elders also occupied a separate Cloud-Ascending Platform. Although what the Sea God Sect had prepared seemed a bit modest compared to the grandeur of a Dragon Race assembly or wedding, the spectacle of the vast crowds below was quite magnificent as the six Cloud-Ascending Platforms flew out of Anshui City. Now, six white clouds flew in, adorned with shimmering immortal light and indistinct figures. The mortals below cheered "Sea God!" and "Immortals!" with shouts like a mountain tsunami! Soon, the six white clouds settled in front of the tall platform, at what Li Changshou had calculated to be the optimal 'viewing' position.

Soon after, hundreds of Dragon Race masters arrived, sitting on clouds beside the Cloud-Ascending Platforms, mostly observing Grand Master Xuandu, Zhao Gongming, and other Daoist masters with curiosity. They wanted to be defiant, but dared not. Li Changshou had erected a tall platform, ten zhang high, built from earth and stone. On top was a square platform, twenty zhang long and wide, with wide steps on three sides for ascent. On the south side of the platform stood a massive bronze mirror, etched with complex magical arrays, its purpose unknown. What was the Sea God Sect planning? The immortals from both schools were somewhat puzzled, and the Dragon Race also found it novel. "Chang... Geng?" Grand Master Xuandu called out. Li Changshou, who was on the back side of the platform instructing some female musicians, quickly flew up on a cloud. "Disciple is here." "What is being prepared here?" Grand Master Xuandu smiled, "Are you going to preach here, or spread the doctrines of your Sea God Sect to mortals?" Li Changshou hurriedly said, "Grand Master, how dare this disciple preach or expound scriptures before so many venerable figures? The doctrines of the Sea God Sect merely advocate for mortals to act righteously. Today is a joyous occasion, so this disciple has specially prepared some dance dramas to entertain all you seniors and fellow Daoists, to be enjoyed alongside the Sea God Sect's followers." Grand Master Xuandu's interest was piqued. "You know about such things?" "Just a little," Li Changshou chuckled. "This disciple will go and prepare now." Grand Master Xuandu said, "Go on and busy yourself. I'll help you entertain here." The immortals on the surrounding Cloud-Ascending Platforms quickly spoke up, all saying there was no need to trouble him, they were fine on their own. Have Grand Master Xuandu serve tea and water? That would be a level of hospitality only seen in the Zixiao Palace! Li Changshou flew down to continue his work. As the 'on-site director,' he still needed to provide live guidance.

Soon, dozens of strong men carried large drums, guqins, pipas, and other musical instruments, setting them up in the two corners on the south side of the platform. Following this, the group of strong men stood in the center of the platform, crossing their fists in front of their chests, striking a pose. Although outwardly calm, Li Changshou's voice transmissions never ceased. "Watch your expressions! You must smile later, smile, think of happy things!" "The one in the very back corner, your position is off; move three inches to the left!" "Remember, just like in practice, your force must be moderate, absolutely moderate. You are dancing, not fighting with the next village!" One by one, musicians, all mortal men and women, ascended the platform and sat by their instruments in various corners. At this point, Li Changshou flicked his whisk. The large bronze mirror gradually began to glow, its enchantments and talismans fully activated, casting projections over various parts of the crowd. The sky was growing brighter. Forty-nine strong men arrayed themselves, while the musicians on either side had their hands poised on strings or held their flutes and xiao. As a streak of gold appeared in the eastern sky, the Sun Star rising from the East Sea, a beam of golden light illuminated the platform! Li Changshou patted Ao Yi's shoulder. Ao Yi took a deep breath, leaped straight up, landing in the center-rear of the platform, raised his drumstick, and struck it hard. Forty-nine strong men in red short-sleeved shirts stomped their feet and punched in unison. Though mortals, they exuded a vigorous, masculine power! The first strong man stepped half a pace forward, shouting: "Ai hei! Ai hei hei! Ya—" Suona horns blared, strings played in unison, and dozens of strong men began to dance in sync with the drumbeats, their movements precise and their formations constantly shifting. Cheers immediately erupted from the sea of people below, and the immortals on the clouds also had their eyes light up. In the current Great Wilderness, the conventional image of music and dance was of enchanting women gracefully performing, emphasizing softness and delicacy, creating a hazy aesthetic. When Li Changshou orchestrated this, he did so with a touch of playful mischief; this opening piece was an adaptation of a segment from "Workers Are the Most Beautiful." Originally, he had removed these performances, thinking they weren't necessary; but who knew so many immortals from the Three Religions would come today? To properly entertain them, Li Changshou added these performances back. After the dance, dozens of strong men gasped for breath, wearing sincere and enthusiastic smiles. Cheers from the mortals below rose again, and the immortals on the clouds were filled with wonder and surprise. Li Changshou breathed a sigh of relief; the effect was quite good.

Ao Yi stopped drumming, turned, and leaped, transforming into a green dragon. Starting from the platform, he circled the vast venue once before transforming back into human form and landing on the platform. Immediately, shouts of "Great Protector!" and "Great Protector!" erupted from below. Ao Yi bowed forward, his image projected over the sea of people. He declared in a clear voice: "Friends over there, how are you all doing! Friends from the mountains and the sea, how are you all doing!" Countless waves of sound swept forth, forming an echoing chorus of "Good!" Ao Yi raised his hand and brought it down, and the cheers quickly subsided. Then, the Second Prince of the Dragon Race shouted clearly and loudly: "The Sea God Sect celebrates a great joyous occasion! Immortal friends gather, followers converge! All of you are gathered to celebrate the Grand Sea God Ceremony. The Sea God watches from the ocean and has sent me to celebrate with you all! Do not crowd, do not cause disturbances. If you are hungry or thirsty, you can find the pre-prepared food and water in your respective areas. If anyone scrambles for things or causes trouble, the Sea God will mete out punishment! Have you heard clearly?" The countless mortals below collectively cheered. "Yes!" Ao Yi responded with a smile, secretly glancing at the text written on his palm, and proclaimed loudly: "Next up is a grand performance, 'The Vicissitudes of the Human Race,' rehearsed by the Bear Village God Envoy of our Sea God Sect and the soldiers from Anshui City Lord's Manor! This is the path of struggle of the human ancestors, and it also embodies their hopes for the present generation of humanity!" After introducing the performance, Ao Yi jumped off the platform, let out a long sigh of relief, and showed a joyful smile to his "Sect Leader Brother."

Li Changshou raised his right fist, and with a "ding," gave a thumbs-up. At this moment, seventeen or eighteen strong men, clad in animal skin skirts and wearing grass rings on their heads, rushed onto the platform, each calling out "Owo owo owo." This represented the state of humanity when they were first created by Great God Nuwa, naive and ignorant on the land, living by gathering and hunting. The accompanying music and choreography were also ready-made, from "Tarzan next door." Instantly, laughter erupted from the immortals and immortal dragons above, and the mortals below. Grand Master Xuandu, however, watched with great emotion, his eyes filled with distant memories. These were the living conditions of his brothers and sisters from back then. Ah, Changshou truly put thought into this. Following this set of dances were nineteen more segments, including "Drilling Wood for Fire," "Ice and Fire Battle Song," "Tai Chi," "World-Ending Flood," and "The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors," all adapted from the many significant events experienced by humanity since ancient times. In the early stages of humanity, the focus was primarily comedic; during times of hardship, the melodies became profound and stirring; and as humanity rose, the music instantly turned glorious and majestic. Before long, Grand Master Xuandu called Li Changshou over. Zhao Gongming, True Person Huang Long, and other immortals from the Three Religions gathered around, eagerly asking Li Changshou how he came up with these ideas, saying they were truly interesting to watch. Li Changshou couldn't exactly say he copied them from his previous life, so he explained that his effigy had traveled among mortals, incorporating various performance forms of the human race to create these storytelling dance dramas, which were not his original creations. If the revered figures were interested, he could even produce some operas. The immortals immediately showered him with praise. A third of the way into the first dance set, two immortal clouds flew in from the north and south. Guangchengzi and True Person Yuding of the Chan School, along with Holy Mother Guiling and Holy Mother Wudang of the Jie School, each brought over a hundred Qi Refiners to join the fun. This, of course, was due to Grand Master Xuandu's presence. Grand Master Xuandu, accompanied by Li Changshou, welcomed them, arranging seats for the immortals. The Dragon Race's position was again pushed a little further away. A moment later, a gray cloud flew in from the west. Several muscular men stood at the front, followed by over a hundred robust figures. It was a delegation from the Underworld who had just arrived. When they saw several witch-people performing a war dance on the platform, their brows furrowed. The Soul-Reaping Emissary Ox Head frowned and said, "Why are my descendants of the Witch Race dancing on stage?!" A general from the Underworld next to him poked Ox Head's arm and subtly pointed his chin towards the large group of figures on the platform. Ox Head looked closely, immediately recognized a few individuals among them, and then carefully sensed the Daoist rhymes these masters were concealing, breaking into an awkward chuckle. "They're dancing quite well, bringing us honor!" The Underworld envoys of Witch Race origin immediately burst into laughter. Li Changshou flew over to greet them, introducing himself as the Sea God of the South Sea and mentioning 'Li Changshou, a friend from the Duxian Gate.' Ox Head and the other witch-people were also very polite, continuously praising the Sea God and expressing gratitude for the Sea God Sect's care of the witch-human tribe. This marked the formal beginning of their friendly relations with the Underworld.

On the shores of the South Sea, music echoed for a hundred miles; the Grand Sea God Ceremony was filled with cheers and laughter. After "The Vicissitudes of the Human Race" dance set concluded, the atmosphere of the ceremony had reached its peak. Some Jie School and Chan School immortals also sought out Li Changshou, asking how such dance sets could be staged. Li Changshou couldn't explain it clearly at the moment, only saying he would discuss it with them after the celebration. After the dance set, two strong men leaped onto the platform, picked up clappers, and began playing gongs and drums, performing a traditional Sea God Sect piece, "Praise to the Sea God." The next dance set, "The Sea God, Dragons, and the Sea," had already begun preparations. It's worth noting that this set included dance elements like "drawing a dragon together on the left side" and "if I go fishing, will you still love me?" From early morning until late morning, the South Sea coast was bustling, and the Grand Sea God Ceremony was indeed a unique event. Meanwhile, at the South Heaven Gate, the immortals and heavenly generals, startled by the clamor from the mortal realm, could only suppress their curiosity and quietly await noon.