Chapter 256: Routine On-Site Teaching

Golden Cicada's visit at this moment certainly wasn't to congratulate Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion on successfully overcoming his tribulation.

"He's probably here to discuss how to divide the Dragon Race," Li Changshou thought.

Li Changshou couldn't help but mutter a few words to himself.

Both being primordial fierce beasts, how could the difference in their circumstances be so vast?

For instance, Daoist Wen Jing, who had already sought refuge with him, had been in an incredibly awkward position within the Western Sect, on the verge of being cast aside at any moment.

She dared not move openly in the Great Desolation, only buzzing in the shadows.

Yet Golden Cicada, at this very moment, swaggered into the Southern Continent with no inhibitions, practically yelling:

"Little Sea God, I'm here to negotiate!"

Clearly, Golden Cicada had transitioned from obscurity to prominence, his origins "whitewashed" by the Western Sect.

He was certainly a winner among fierce beasts.

Li Changshou's wisp of divine consciousness quietly resided within the idol, observing the figure standing before the temple gate and the confident smile on the other's face.

Perhaps, this previous incarnation of Tang Sanzang believed that, as the "knife wielders" behind the chaos in the Four Seas, they shared an understanding, and it was time for a "knife wielder's" discussion.

Unfortunately…

Li Changshou was destined to disappoint Golden Cicada today.

Based on the fundamental principles he had long established concerning the Western Sect, even if Golden Cicada were to dance and shout "officer" in his Sea God Temple, Li Changshou wouldn't utter a word in response, nor would he reveal the slightest trace of himself.

In short, any direct communication with the Western Sect was to be avoided!

Li Changshou chuckled quietly, most of his attention returning to the location outside the Duxian Sect where Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion had undergone his tribulation, observing the dissipating lightning sphere.

A charred, shapeless "cinder" slipped from the sky, landing in the magma lake below and quietly floating on its surface.

Yet, at this moment, those present felt only joy, not worry.

This was because the charred piece contained an extraordinary surge of vitality!

The Golden Immortal tribulation had passed.

The tribulation clouds in the sky quietly dissipated, transforming into streams of dense spiritual energy that poured downwards.

On that shapeless "cinder," three mystical flowers slowly manifested on the forehead, chest, and abdomen, then gradually moved, converging at the crown of the head, blooming rapidly.

One concealed life essence;

One nurtured the birth of the Dao;

And one, indistinct, signified change and potential.

The "cinder" then slowly floated upwards, levitating in a cross-legged position, shedding its outer layer on the spot to reveal Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion's true form.

A beam of green light descended from beyond the heavens, enveloping Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion. A celebratory cloud drifted near, and various auspicious phenomena appeared in the sky, accompanied by the melodious chimes of the Heavenly Dao.

"Master made it! Master made it!"

At this moment, Jiu Wu finally dared to shout aloud.

The nine "Jiu" immortals all cheered with excitement!

Li Changshou's paper effigy, in particular, was seized by the arm by the overly excited Jiu Jiu and shaken vigorously, almost throwing him directly off the cloud...

*Cough*, such minor incidents are hardly worth mentioning.

Jiang Lin'er, with her slender hands, wiped her eyes and coughed a few times, adopting the composed demeanor of a master's wife. She stood quietly by, exuding dignity and serenity.

However, due to her exceptionally youthful figure, she inevitably lacked a certain degree of authority and intimidation.

From this day forward, the Duxian Sect gained another Golden Immortal, and the safety of its disciples ascended to a new level.

As everyone cheered and celebrated, Li Changshou diverted some of his attention to secretly observe Elder Wan Linjun's expression.

Although Elder Wan frequently "sneered," there was undeniably a hint of longing in his expression, and a subtle touch of disappointment unintentionally flickered in his eyes.

Before long, Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion, now clad in a long robe and exuding a faint fragrance with petals fluttering around him, flew towards the nine "Jiu" immortals.

Sect Master Ji Wuyou and Elder Qi Ling, accompanied by other elders, came to offer congratulations, and many immortals from within the sect also flew out to greet them.

Cheers filled every corner of the Duxian Sect, and its disciples were greatly encouraged.

Many older Heavenly Immortals were deeply moved, and several of Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion's fellow disciples felt their Dao hearts tremble with intense excitement.

While the sect was abuzz with celebration, Li Changshou quietly returned to Little Qiong Peak to inform his master and junior sister of Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion's successful tribulation.

Due to his ancestral master Jiang Lin'er's connection, his master and junior sister also needed to attend the celebration. As Li Changshou had just returned, he naturally didn't need to make another trip.

Just as Li Changshou was looking forward to a few days of leisure, his paper effigy, with a portion of his consciousness, reclined in a rocking chair, continuing to organize the alchemy teachings imparted by Laozi. Deep in his heart, he heard a somewhat indistinct voice once more...

"Sea God, why not send an avatar to meet me?"

This Golden Cicada seemed to have rather limited patience.

It had only been an hour or two, and he was already unable to restrain himself, having entered the small Sea God Temple.

Li Changshou, through the idol, cast a brief glance at the Six-Winged Golden Cicada, then continued to organize his own alchemy notes, completely disregarding the visitor.

Golden Cicada, now standing before the idol, spoke again:

"Given the Sea God's strategic acumen, you should know why I, a humble Daoist, have come. Why do you avoid meeting me?"

The small Sea God Temple remained silent, with only a temple priest trembling under a table, his mind blank with fear.

A moment later...

Golden Cicada's smile gradually faded, and he stated coldly, "Could it be that the Sea God truly disregards us?"

Li Changshou subtly raised an eyebrow.

This Golden Cicada was indeed meticulous, using the Western Sect's influence to apply pressure, yet deliberately only saying "us" and carefully avoiding the word "Western."

No wonder he was held in high regard by the Western Sect's upper echelons.

Yet, Li Changshou continued to ignore him, quietly watching Golden Cicada's solo performance. He even imagined, in his mind, what the fellow would look like in a kasaya and a monk's hat...

Tsk, he was indeed quite handsome, with a hint of roguishness—worthy of the title "Royal Brother."

Li Changshou first took out his previously compiled "Golden Immortal Tribulation Observation Notes," meticulously reviewing them to further refine his tribulation-crossing strategy.

Next, he retrieved over a dozen blank jade talismans and began to organize his alchemy insights, translating them into "Alchemy Scriptures" based on his own understanding.

During this process, the indistinct voice within Li Changshou's mind resonated periodically.

"Is the Sea God afraid?"

"Sea God, if you're uneasy, I can make some vows first, according to your rules. How does that sound?"

"Hmph! Today I shall see how you can avoid meeting me!"

Within an hour, Golden Cicada directly sat before the idols of Li Changshou and Ao Yi, adopting a posture that suggested he wouldn't leave until he achieved his goal.

Li Changshou could only shake his head slightly at this, continuing to focus on his own tasks.

Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion's successful tribulation and ascension to Golden Immortal status had indeed caused some restlessness in Li Changshou's own Dao heart.

In Li Changshou's estimation, Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion had only a 60 to 70 percent chance of success overall, narrowly escaping death on multiple occasions before barely pulling through.

This was a gamble with his life that he won, but what if he had lost?

Jiang Lin'er might have been widowed by now, the nine "Jiu" immortals would be weeping bitterly, and the name Wang Fugui would have topped the Duxian Sect's list of "Departed Immortals."

It was crucial to do everything he should and could, to the fullest extent, before fully committing to facing the Golden Immortal tribulation.

That way, even if he didn't survive, he would have no regrets.

Play it safe, no rush.

The Duxian Sect had been remarkably lively for the past two weeks.

The Sect Master personally ordered all disciples not in seclusion to celebrate on Potian Peak. Immortal banquets were set up before the Hall of Hundred Mortals, and Grandmaster Forgetting Emotion, now a Golden Immortal, delivered lectures for days on end.

Li Changshou also took two weeks off, during which he organized twelve alchemy scriptures and over thirty elixirs, though this was only a small portion of the alchemy teachings passed down by Laozi.

Concurrently, Li Changshou had been annoyed for the past two weeks.

Golden Cicada continued to sit in that small temple in the South Sea, shouting, "Sea God, why don't you come out and meet me?" every half hour.

Li Changshou simply decided to treat the fellow as an "alarm clock," a constant reminder of time's swift passage.

All the elixir recipes he had compiled at this time were ones he believed could be put to good use.

Among them were a few recipes specifically intended for Elder Wan Linjun; once Li Changshou became a Golden Immortal and acquired some rare spiritual herbs, he could attempt to refine them.

"Sect Master Brother! Sect Master Brother!"

In the Heavenly Court Sea God Residence, Ao Yi urgently sought out Li Changshou's paper effigy, eager to share his "astonishing discovery"!

"Sect Master Brother, there's a young Daoist sitting in a small temple, calling for you to meet him every half hour. I don't know who he is."

Li Changshou: "..."

"Is that so?"

Ao Yi stared, his eyes wide, and replied earnestly, "Truly!"

"Hmm, he's been there for two weeks," Li Changshou said, shaking his head. "He's from the Western Sect and showed himself from the East Sea during your wedding."

Ao Yi couldn't help but blink, feeling a slight embarrassment.

Li Changshou murmured thoughtfully for a moment, his mind swiftly weighing the pros and cons of the situation before making a decision.

"Ao Yi, why don't you go now and invite a few Dragon experts, ideally those your father fully trusts, to investigate this small temple?

If they can remain undetected, I'll try to extract information from him, to see if I can discern what the Western Sect plans to do next.

If he is startled and leaves, there's no loss for us."

"Yes, I'll go inform Father King right away!"

Ao Yi quickly agreed and hurried out of Li Changshou's main dwelling.

In the eyes of the Dragon Race at this time, Ao Yi, the Second Crown Prince, was already overly close to Li Changshou, the Sea God, which could easily lead them to believe that Li Changshou had misled Ao Yi...

Although, it had to be admitted, there was indeed an element of manipulation involved.

Therefore, merely having Ao Yi "testify" nearby was no longer sufficient; a few more "witnesses" were needed for greater persuasiveness.

Another half hour later, Ao Yi returned to report that everything had been arranged.

Two ancient dragons from the East Sea Dragon Palace took action, using Ao Yi's idol to reveal the situation within the small temple to the East Sea Dragon King and his high-ranking dragon officials.

Golden Cicada remained unaware.

One of Li Changshou's paper effigies, disguised as an elderly immortal, also hurried from Anshui City to the small temple, emerging from its backyard in front of the Dragon Race.

Golden Cicada, sitting before the idol, his eyes lit up. He sneered faintly and said calmly, "The Sea God is truly busy with many matters, making this humble Daoist wait a long time."

Li Changshou, entering with a whisk in hand, frowned slightly. "Who are you, fellow Daoist? Why are you disturbing my cultivation?"

"Oh?" Golden Cicada stood up, a hint of realization dawning on his refined face. "So the Sea God was in cultivation. Then I, a humble Daoist, have disturbed you."

Li Changshou, using retreat as a means to advance, smiled and said, "If you have nothing further, fellow Daoist, please return."

"Does the Sea God know my origin?"

The words "Great Tang of the East" almost escaped his lips!

Li Changshou shook his head slightly and said, "I don't know."

"I, a humble Daoist, have come today under orders to discuss a matter with the Sea God," Golden Cicada said with a slight smile, raising a hand to produce a purple-gold precious pearl.

With a flash of light from the pearl, both their figures were enveloped within a barrier.

Seeing this, Li Changshou voluntarily took two steps back, stepping out of the barrier.

Golden Cicada frowned. "What is the meaning of this, fellow Daoist? The matter we are to discuss is of great importance, and we must guard against eavesdroppers."

"Please return, fellow Daoist," Li Changshou said with a solemn expression. "Our Human Sect always acts openly and honorably. Such covert behavior does not align with my Great Dao."

Golden Cicada fixed his gaze on Li Changshou, whose eyes were open and direct, entirely devoid of any "shyness."

This was a battle of wits and brazenness.

Golden Cicada, still possessing an undeniable hint of arrogance today, quickly conceded defeat...

"Very well," Golden Cicada said calmly. "This is no longer a secret; all parties are already well aware.

Sea God, let's get straight to the point.

I, a humble Daoist, have come here, firstly, to offer an apology. We have offended you many times in the past, not knowing the profoundness of your origins.

Secondly, I am here to discuss matters concerning the Dragon Race."

Li Changshou suddenly interjected, "Is it a Western custom to offer apologies empty-handed?"

Golden Cicada hadn't anticipated Li Changshou's sudden remark and was momentarily thrown off his rhythm.

This was Li Changshou's on-the-spot tactical lesson: misdirect the focus and create confusion.

"Of course not," Golden Cicada replied with a smile. "As soon as we reach an agreement today, a generous gift will be sent tomorrow."

Li Changshou chuckled a few times. "So, according to you, if we don't reach an agreement today, the apology is also off?"

"That's not it. We don't wish to be enemies with you, fellow Daoist..."

"Enough. Let's move on to the second matter. How do you wish to discuss it with me, and what is the subject of discussion?"

Golden Cicada did not realize that, imperceptibly, he had already lost control of the conversation.

*Take the initiative, probe for information.*

Golden Cicada smiled. "The Dragon Race has the Four Sea Dragon Palaces. We'll take the West and South, and you can take the East and North. How about that?"

Li Changshou was amused; Golden Cicada had actually spoken so directly.

It was time to transition directly to the third step: feigning ignorance, subtly shifting positions, and using retreat as a means to advance.

"Fellow Daoist, you seem to be mistaken," Li Changshou said. "What would I want with the Dragon Palaces?"

Golden Cicada mused for a moment, his voice slightly softer.

He explained, "What I, a humble Daoist, meant was not the Sea God himself, but the Heavenly Court behind you.

The Human Sect desires to see the Heavenly Court prosper, and we, too, wish to see Western Continent flourish. The Dragon Race is aging and declining, yet unwilling to fade into obscurity; their foundations are incredibly deep. Our two factions can naturally divide and conquer them."

"Enough!"

Li Changshou suddenly roared, his face contorted in anger. "Fellow Daoist, who exactly are you? Why are you spouting such nonsensical ravings here?"

"I am..."

"Someone from the Western Sect?" Li Changshou scoffed. "I knew you'd say that!

Fellow Daoist, this scapegoating trick of yours is far too superficial!

Both the Western Sect and my Daoist Three Sects are major schools, with transcendent beings. Even if the Western Sect were to scheme, they would do so indirectly, out of concern for the reputations of their respective Sect Masters!

Why would they send someone to directly discuss this matter with me? And even talk about dividing them up?

I advise you to be wise, fellow Daoist, and do not provoke a dispute between my Daoist sect and the Western Sect!"

Golden Cicada quickly reacted, stating firmly, "Sea God, why would I deceive you about this?"

"The world is treacherous, and hearts are unfathomable! Who can truly say for sure how things are in this world?"

Li Changshou shook his head. "If you cannot convince me that you are truly from the Western Sect and can fully represent them, then don't blame me for being rude today.

You may leave!"

Golden Cicada was utterly bewildered, staring at Li Changshou's elderly immortal's face. He whispered, "Then, in the Sea God's opinion, how should I prove it?"

"It's simple: let the Heavenly Dao verify it. Make a Great Dao oath to prove you can represent the Western Sect."

"It's just an oath. Sea God, please wait.

'Heavenly Dao above, if I, Golden Cicada, am not entrusted by the Deputy Sect Master of the Western Sect today to come here and discuss matters of the Dragon Race with the Sea God—

if anything I, Golden Cicada, have said is even half-false, may I be punished by the divine thunder of the Heavenly Dao!'"

As Golden Cicada finished speaking, a slight unease stirred within him—something felt off...

Meanwhile, a muffled thunder rumbled in the sky. The power of the Heavenly Dao swiftly arrived and departed, having accepted the oath.

Li Changshou slowly exhaled, inwardly giving Golden Cicada a "like." "You are indeed from the Western Sect," he thought.

Golden Cicada smiled. "Now that you believe me, fellow Daoist, we should talk properly. You may state your conditions."

"I have no conditions," Li Changshou said with a smile. "There's no need to discuss this matter; I am entirely different from you, fellow Daoist.

My involvement with the Dragon Race is simply because the Sea God Sect receives a portion of the Dragon Race's incense and merit, and I am the Sect Master of the Sea God Sect.

Fellow Daoist, please leave."

Golden Cicada was stunned, feeling a pang of discomfort, as if struck by the sudden shift.