Chapter 277: Unexpectedly Struck the Big Fish

Inside the Forgetful Hermitage, under the gaze of over thirty immortal cultivators from the Immortal Ascension Sect, the young girl Jiu Yushi knelt before Immortal Forgetful.

Three kowtows before the immortal, signifying her departure from the mortal world.

Immortal Forgetful then raised her right hand, wisps of immortal light gathering in her palm. She gently tapped Jiu Yushi's head three times, opening her root of wisdom and enhancing her comprehension.

Immortal Forgetful maintained a solemn expression and said:

"From today forward, you are my tenth disciple. May you cultivate with a tranquil heart, achieve immortality and enlightenment swiftly, traverse the immortal path peacefully, and anticipate longevity. Henceforth, you must abide by the Immortal Ascension Sect's rules, understand your foundation as a Human Dao immortal sect disciple, and never engage in acts that disgrace our sect."

Jiu Yushi, who had practiced this moment many times, kowtowed again and said clearly, "Disciple humbly obeys Master's teachings!"

"Good."

Immortal Forgetful gently beckoned, and Jiu Yiyi immediately stepped forward.

Jiu Yiyi held an immortal-thread treasure robe, two immortal treasure short swords, three storage pouches, the introductory cultivation methods for Immortal Ascension Sect disciples, and a jade talisman inscribed with the sect's rules.

After Jiu Yushi received her initiation gift package, her nine senior brothers and sisters came forward to greet her, each with a prepared gift.

Li Changshou felt a wave of emotion at the sight. With so many senior siblings, receiving initiation gifts could lead to a small fortune!

Sensing Ling'e's faint gaze from the side, Li Changshou twitched his lips and turned to observe his master's expression.

Master currently... was deeply moved, purely moved. Master stood in another corner, behind Jiang Lin'er, and, seizing the moment when no one was looking, raised a hand to wipe the corner of his eye before smiling and observing the lively scene.

Li Changshou pondered briefly but felt it was not appropriate to make decisions for his master on such matters. As he had told his master, the matter between him and his senior martial brother's reincarnated self could only be left to nature. By now, for his master, there were no longer many regrets.

Earth Immortal...

Li Changshou mused for a moment, suddenly missing the taste of 'Di San Xian' (Stir-fried Potato, Pepper and Eggplant). He then sent a voice transmission to Ling'e, ordering the dish. Once the ceremonies concluded, the ten disciples of the Jiu family were to celebrate on Little Qiong Peak, with Ling'e and Xiong Lingli as today's head chefs.

With Jiu Yushi's apprenticeship ceremony complete, the Sect Master, accompanied by the elders, stepped forward to congratulate Immortal Forgetful.

Li Changshou, still occupied with the Heavenly Courts and Dragon Race's impending expedition, gave Ling'e a few instructions and quietly departed from the Forgetful Hermitage.

However, no sooner had he flown out of Potian Peak on his cloud than Jiu Wu caught up from behind.

"Changshou! Wait a moment!"

Li Changshou stopped his cloud, turned to bow, and smiled, "Senior Martial Uncle is rushing here so quickly, is it... that you're out of pills again?"

"I have enough pills, enough pills!" Jiu Wu smiled awkwardly, hopped onto Li Changshou's cloud, and whispered, "There's something I need to discuss with you. Do you remember? That fox demon we captured in the mortal realm, the one who caused us a lot of trouble with her enchantment skills?"

"Of course I remember," Li Changshou said. "Isn't she still suppressed beneath the earth veins?"

Jiu Wu continued, "Then do you recall that she possessed some karmic merit power?"

Li Changshou nodded honestly. This time, he didn't interrupt Jiu Wu, signaling him to finish speaking.

Jiu Wu mused for a moment and said, "Over the past few months, a certain demonic force has been searching for this fox demon throughout the East Victory Divine Continent and the Central Divine Continent. According to reports brought back by several patrolling deacons, the fox demon this force is searching for—her appearance and the location of her disappearance—perfectly match the one we captured."

Li Changshou frowned slightly at the news and asked, "Is this force Senior Martial Uncle mentioned very powerful?"

"It's not a matter of whether they are powerful or not," Jiu Wu said with a wry smile. "The background of this force is highly complex, and they are somewhat renowned in the Central Divine Continent. Behind this force are handmaidens who serve the Saint Master in the Wa Palace, as well as powerful demon experts who kindly sheltered the sparks of humanity when the ancient human race was almost annihilated. And... hmm... among our human ancestors, there was an Emperor who had three thousand concubines, and behind this clan stand two beloved consorts of those human ancestors. It seems the demon fox you and I captured last time is also related to that ancient worthy. Moreover, this force has never participated in the conflicts between demons and humans; they have always cultivated in seclusion, and most immortal sects give them some deference."

Ancestor... three thousand concubines... Xuanyuan Huangdi?

Hearing Jiu Wu's explanation, Li Changshou felt a slight headache. Come to think of it, why was Senior Xuanyuan's harem of three thousand so diverse in its composition? Could it be that gathering beauties from all races offers some cultivation bonus or affinity? Unknown territory, unknown territory.

Li Changshou asked, "Why has no one looked for her all these years?"

Jiu Wu replied, "It seems that clan thought she was cultivating somewhere, and only recently discovered her disappearance, then deduced she had been captured by an immortal cultivator. Fortunately, we didn't kill her outright back then; otherwise, this situation would be a real mess now."

Li Changshou asked, "Were we previously unaware of this force?"

Jiu Wu sighed softly and explained: "Our Immortal Ascension Sect is quite far from the Central Divine Continent, so we truly hadn't considered this aspect before. Several elders within the sect are aware of this matter and are now in a dilemma. If we simply release that fox demon, it would unjustly diminish the reputation of our Human Dao lineage and make it seem as though our Immortal Ascension Sect fears this demonic force. However, if we don't release her, judging by their demeanor, it seems this fox demon holds a significant position within their clan, and it could very well spark another catastrophe. Changshou, you're always full of ideas. Do you have a good solution for this?"

Li Changshou nodded slowly, a plan already forming in his mind. He smiled and said, "Senior Martial Uncle, I do have a strategy that should allow this matter to pass smoothly. You can present it to the sect elders, and let them decide whether to proceed this way."

"Oh! Tell me quickly!"

"Senior Martial Uncle, lean closer..."

And so, he explained the plan.

Li Changshou whispered for a while into Jiu Wu's ear, and the large eyes beneath Jiu Wu's thick brows gradually lit up.

"Excellent, excellent! I'll go report to the elders right away!"

"Don't rush, Senior Martial Uncle. As long as we are in the right, there's nothing else to worry about," Li Changshou chuckled. "While their clan's background is complex, our Immortal Ascension Sect is also a Human Dao lineage."

Jiu Wu nodded repeatedly and hurried towards the Hall of Rewards and Punishments.

Li Changshou flew back to Little Qiong Peak at a moderate altitude, inwardly re-evaluating the strategy he had just proposed several times. There shouldn't be any major issues; after all, they hadn't done anything to the fox demon, just kept her imprisoned there... Back then, to research the 'Heart-Fire Burning Immortal Consciousness Poison Pill', Li Changshou did make the fox demon exert some effort, using her enchantment skills a few times. On second thought, this shouldn't cause any problems. Moreover, the Immortal Ascension Sect of today was no longer the one that could be easily bullied by Daoist Wen Jing with a few puppets. Not to mention other things, Li Changshou's recently researched Spirit-Exploding Paper Daoists could already be used in actual combat. He could inject his Golden Immortal realm's magic power into the latest type of semi-finished Paper Daoists, bringing them to a near-full capacity. Then, using ordinary Paper Daoists to carry the Spirit-Exploding Paper Daoists, he could infiltrate enemy strongholds and use the ordinary Paper Daoists to continue infusing immortal power into the Spirit-Exploding Paper Daoists, pushing them to the 'Golden Immortal realm critical point' and triggering an explosion comparable to a half-step Golden Immortal cultivator's self-detonation. This was the art of immortal cultivation. Li Changshou didn't truly wish to use this move, as these Paper Daoists were, after all, the painstaking output of the spiritual trees on Little Qiong Peak. Most of his preparations were merely for contingencies.

"Fox demon, demon force with a complex background..." A name suddenly popped into Li Changshou's mind—Daji? More accurately, it should be the Nine-Tailed Demonic Fox; Daji was merely a mortal woman possessed by the fox demon. 'Daji should be unrelated to the suppressed fox demon, but this force might be Daji's origin. After all, to be chosen by a Saint Master, a Nine-Tailed Demonic Fox shouldn't be as simple as an ordinary demon.' Forget it, thinking about this was useless; the Investiture of the Gods had no bearing on him anymore. It was better to focus on tomorrow night's great battle and identify any gaps he might have left that others could exploit.

Back in the alchemy room, he lay down in his rocking chair, and two nights and one day quickly passed. As Li Changshou's Paper Daoists flew out of the South Heaven Gate alongside the vast Heavenly Army, Li Changshou also split his attention, using his immortal sense to observe the situation by the spiritual lake on Little Qiong Peak. There, the nine disciples of the Jiu family, Ling'e, Youqin, Lingli, Liu Yan'er, and Wang Qi were gathered, drinking and celebrating. The newly apprenticed Jiu Yushi was very shy, but at Jiu Jiu's urging, she blushingly took her sword and began to dance to the music played by Ling'e's Paper Human Orchestra. At the edge of the merriment, Old Daoist Qiyuan had returned to his usual demeanor, sitting cross-legged in the lakeside thatched hut, meditating peacefully. Daoist charm surrounded him, and a slight smile played on his lips.

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile, then lay back in his rocking chair, focusing his mind and dedicating his full attention to the Heavenly Courts' military affairs.

Then, half a day later.

If one were to ask what His Majesty the Jade Emperor's state of mind was at that moment, the answer would likely be... profound regret. The Jade Emperor's imagined expedition: Wielding a celestial sword, clad in golden armor, astride a pure white Pegasus, facing countless demons shrouded in demonic energy, loudly shouting "For the Heavenly Courts!" with his celestial sword, leading wave after wave of heavenly soldiers and generals to charge into battle, fighting valiantly, and upholding the righteousness of heaven and earth!

However, the actual expedition...

"Report—Reporting to the Marshal, all units have entered their ambush positions!""Report—Over three thousand five hundred deep-sea demons have been provoked; investigations show ninety percent of them are tainted with karmic sin!""Report—The enemy has entered the ambush, and all Dragon Race units are ready! Awaiting the Marshal's command!"

High above, where layers of white clouds gathered, thousands of heavenly soldiers surrounded several seats. Heavenly Courts Demon-Slaying Marshal Hua Ritian, together with Supervising General Dongmugong, Chief Coordinator Li Changshou, and a powerful Dragon Race Elder, sat there. Orderlies constantly galloped in, loudly relaying received messages.

Li Changshou smiled and said, "Marshal, there's no time to lose. Please give the order."

The Jade Emperor's avatar looked at Li Changshou, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if asking: 'Is this all a Marshal does?'

Li Changshou smiled and winked, giving the Jade Emperor's avatar an affirmative signal.

The Jade Emperor's avatar twitched his lips, coughed, and spoke: "All units, attack and annihilate the demons." His voice sounded slightly weak.

"Yes!" The orderly responded, turned and leaped ten feet away, rapidly waving a treasured command flag in his hand. The military orders transformed into streaks of light, descending upon various locations in the South Sea.

A moment later, spiritual power surged within the South Sea, and the surface of the sea churned with waves! The roars of demonic beasts, the furious bellows of azure dragons, and the battle cries of heavenly soldiers and generals shot straight to the sky!

Dongmugong, Li Changshou, and the Dragon Race Elder remained composed, each waiting quietly. Meanwhile, the Jade Emperor's avatar, serving as the main general, couldn't help but stand up, clutching his sword, and declared firmly: "A chief general should fight alongside all soldiers! How can I cower here?"

"Marshal," Li Changshou advised, "A general and a marshal are different. As the Marshal of the three armies, you must oversee the entire situation. If you charge into battle, the army would be leaderless, and it could be dangerous."

Dongmugong also said, "Indeed, Marshal Ritian, do not be impatient! Charging into battle is for the generals; the Marshal must focus on the overall situation!"

Hua Ritian nodded at this, sat back in his seat, and continued to wait quietly. In other words, if he hadn't conferred a title on his avatar, he would now be leading a contingent of soldiers in the sea, battling fiercely with the sea demons, just as he had imagined.

The Jade Emperor's avatar glanced at Li Changshou and transmitted, "Sea God, Sea God... Esteemed Minister Chang Geng!"

Li Changshou turned his head to look, asking via voice transmission, "Your Majesty, what is it?"

The Jade Emperor's avatar said, "You take charge of the overall situation. I will go down and fight alongside the soldiers. From troop deployment and marching to setting up ambushes, you and Dongmugong have handled everything. Is my role merely to issue an order?"

Li Changshou transmitted, "Your Majesty, you are the Sovereign of the Three Realms..."

"Esteemed Minister, do you know how monotonous my days have been since I became the Jade Emperor! I've finally waited for a battle like this!"

Li Changshou: ...

Seeing that the Jade Emperor was about to complain, Li Changshou pondered for a moment and transmitted: "Your Majesty, once the South Sea conflict has somewhat subsided, when we go to sweep out the demons in the West Sea, I will restrain Dongmugong, and you can personally lead the grand army to eradicate the demons. However, Your Majesty must also look out for yourself. By the time we move to the West Sea, the Western Sect will likely have reacted and might interfere."

"Excellent!" The Jade Emperor's avatar immediately perked up, sitting upright in his seat, awaiting news of victory.

Before long, massive, scarred corpses appeared on the sea surface below. A grand formation, supported by tens of thousands of heavenly soldiers, covered a three-thousand-mile radius of the sea, ensuring the turmoil here would not affect too many marine creatures.

Two hours later, the great battle in the South Sea concluded. The Heavenly Courts' forces and the Dragon Race's forces merged and then advanced to sweep through the areas where powerful sea demons had gathered. According to the rules Li Changshou and Dongmugong had discussed before the battle, any demons tainted with karmic sin would have their demonic souls directly destroyed, leaving no future troubles. Demons without karmic sin would be imprisoned in the Heavenly Courts' Demon-Locking Tower, awaiting their lifespan's end for natural reincarnation.

The fighting lasted half the night until dawn. The Heavenly Courts and Dragon Race forces gathered at the edge of the South Sea and marched mightily towards the West Sea, pressing on without rest to the next battlefield.

While the South Sea demons were being subdued, the deep-sea demons in the West Sea attempted to withdraw overnight, planning to leave the Five Continents from the far reaches of the West Sea. However, they were intercepted midway by Dragon Race troops, and most were blocked at the West Sea's edge. This time, Li Changshou also followed his agreement with the Jade Emperor's avatar, restraining Dongmugong and proposing that Heavenly Courts Demon-Slaying Marshal Hua Ritian personally lead a contingent of soldiers on a thousand-mile raid against the West Sea demons.

Watching Hua Ritian's back as he charged at the forefront, Dongmugong frowned and said: "Why is this young man so impetuous? Alas, after we return, I truly must submit a report to His Majesty about him! Sea God, why don't you and I submit a joint memorial?"

"There's no need for that; you can do it yourself, Dongmugong." Li Changshou smiled, "Since General Hua has already led the troops forward, the overall situation still needs to be controlled by you, Dongmugong."

Dongmugong shook his head slightly, looking at Hua Ritian's back with a feeling of exasperation. Just then, a white cloud flew swiftly from the depths of the West Sea, intercepting the Heavenly Courts' army. Li Changshou extended his immortal sense to investigate, but due to the distance, he could only vaguely discern an old Daoist in brown robes carrying a large gourd, standing alone on the cloud path, blocking the advancing Heavenly Courts and Dragon Race armies. He emanated a powerful aura of coercion.

The old Daoist spoke coldly, taking down the large, purplish-white gourd from his back and holding it in his palm. His gaze was fixed on the Heavenly Courts general charging at the very front—Hua Ritian.

"What is the meaning of this, Heavenly Courts? Must you truly exterminate all the remnants of the Demon Court?"

(End of chapter)