Chapter 286: Not Taking It Means No Respect for Me

"Hey, go easy... Fellow Daoist, go easy."

On the immortal mountain, floating in a corner of the great marsh, two figures were stealthily and furtively making their way towards the peak.

The burly man in front had already removed his coir raincoat; his short shirt and long pants were quite plain, yet the majesty he inadvertently exuded made no one dare to underestimate him.

This was a formidable figure, one who had received a wisp of Grandmist Purple Qi!

Behind the burly man, Li Changshou's paper effigy, in the form of an old immortal, was slowly following, having already prepared the gift for Dayu.

When Duke Dongmu prepared the gifts, he naturally prepared eight portions. Even if the Heavenly Court was poor at the moment, it still needed to maintain its dignity; it was impossible for the Sea God to bring just one gift to pay respects to eight human ancestors.

It's just that the current situation far exceeded Li Changshou's expectations...

He truly wanted to ask Senior Dayu:

Why bother?

Why insist on dragging him to your home for a visit?

Everyone understands such matters implicitly, giving a slight smile and letting them pass. Why insist on maintaining appearances?

After passing several pavilions with trepidation, Li Changshou followed Emperor Dayu through several layers of formations, arriving at a mountain-top villa. Both of them collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

They exchanged a glance, then each let out two hearty laughs, pretending as if nothing had just happened.

"Please!" Dayu, with every gesture, displayed the domineering aura of an emperor. With a wave of his hand, he said, "My humble abode is simple, don't disdain it. Today, you and I have shared hardship, we shall be true friends!"

Li Changshou: ...

Was this an attempt to seal his lips?

Li Changshou immediately gave a bitter smile. Even if he went out and shouted to everyone that the human Emperor Dayu was henpecked and scolded to tears by his wife, Lady Tushan, every day, no one would believe it, would they?

Moreover, compared to gossip about Emperor Dayu, human Qi cultivators were more concerned about... *cough*, they should be more concerned about how to achieve longevity and seek the Dao!

"Senior, rest assured," Li Changshou whispered, "this junior has seen nothing and heard nothing on this trip. I only know that senior possesses vast divine powers and cherishes his spouse, truly a model for men of our generation!"

Dayu immediately squinted and smiled, sighing, "Being afraid is being afraid, no need to be so subtle.

I owe her, and this is all as it should be."

After speaking, Dayu put down his fishing rod and basket, hung his coir raincoat aside, and told Li Changshou to wait a moment at the stone table under the tree.

"No need to be formal," he said, "there are no rules in this small courtyard."

"Many thanks for your hospitality, Senior," Li Changshou said, cupping his hands. He obediently sat on a wooden chair nearby, waiting for Emperor Dayu to join him for tea.

For Li Changshou, building a good relationship with Emperor Dayu was naturally entirely beneficial and brought no harm.

Incidentally, Li Changshou began to examine the various piles of miscellaneous items around the small courtyard.

In a corner nearby, a stone tablet leaned against something, beside which lay a rusty iron rod. A stone axe was also nearby.

Li Changshou wasn't particularly interested at first, having just happened to see them, but after taking an extra glance, he found he couldn't take his eyes off them...

What a strong power of merit!

In fact, any single item possessed several times the amount of merit he had accumulated through incense offerings!

And it was pure Heavenly Dao merit.

Could these be Emperor Dayu's acquired merit-bestowed spirit treasures, the mountain-clearing set he used during the Great Flood control?

Just left in a corner to gather dust?

"Hmm?"

Dayu, having changed into a long robe, came from inside the house. Following Li Changshou's gaze, he immediately smiled.

With a wave of his hand, the iron rod flew into Dayu's hand, and Dayu walked forward holding it.

"Here!" Dayu laughed heartily. "It's for sealing your lips.

This item is the ruler I used back then to measure water levels. It's not of much use, but it can expand or shrink, is sturdy and hard to destroy, and has a portion of merit on it.

Keeping this item at home, for propping up a roof beam or holding up a tent, is quite good."

Li Changshou: ...

The, the Ocean-Stabilizing Divine Needle?

What would he do with this thing?

As the esteemed Heavenly Court Sea God, he couldn't possibly use this old immortal's appearance and fight others with a mere stick, could he?

Could he take this item, extract its merit, refine it, engrave the characters "Ruyi Jingu Bang" on it, and send it to the Dragon Palace as an ornament for a certain monkey that might not emerge for tens of thousands of years?

Furthermore, the Calamity of Journey to the West was most likely a scheme by Saints and a struggle between great sects, so he truly dared not casually meddle with the Ocean-Stabilizing Divine Needle!

It was true that he lacked treasures, but he didn't want to take just any treasure.

For items with such significant karma, Li Changshou would absolutely firmly refuse to accept them.

"I can't, I can't, how could this junior accept such a heavy gift!"

"Hahaha!" Dayu laughed. "Don't mock me. When I came to Huoyun Cave, I left everything I could for my fellow humans, only bringing these few merit-laden treasures with me.

Now that I have achieved success in cultivation, merit is not of much use to me anymore.

Take it!

What, do you want my mountain-splitting axe instead? That's my weapon; treasures used for slaying shouldn't be given away casually.

What's more, this iron rod and the mountain-splitting axe were both gifts from Senior Grand Pure One back then. Returning them to a disciple of the Human Path today is also a matter of destiny."

How is this stick not a weapon for slaying?

Is he looking down on monkeys?

Li Changshou smiled. "Senior, this junior has come on behalf of the Jade Emperor this time, so it is not convenient to accept a treasure bestowed by you."

"Ah, there's no Human Emperor or Heavenly Court Minister here," Dayu said, tossing the rusty iron rod in front of Li Changshou. "If you fancy it, take it. If you disdain it, then don't."

After speaking, Dayu looked at Li Changshou with a smile.

It seemed as if the matter wouldn't be over today if he didn't accept this "hush money"...

But this iron rod, he truly...

"Senior, could you exchange it for another item?"

Li Changshou's mind raced, and he immediately came up with a countermeasure.

Dayu was genuinely stunned for a moment when he heard Li Changshou's question. He lowered his head to look at the iron rod in his hand and wondered, "Is there something else about this item?"

Li Changshou said, "Senior, if you wish to give this junior a gift, this junior should not decline. However, please let it not be a treasure refined by the Grand Pure One.

When this junior visited the Grand Pure One at Tushita Palace, he bestowed upon me the Dao of Alchemy, not a treasure.

If the Grand Pure One were to see this, he would surely think this junior was dissatisfied..."

Although this reason was far-fetched, it barely managed to make sense.

Dayu thought for a moment, put the iron rod aside, and seemed slightly troubled.

Then, Dayu slapped his thigh. "How could I forget this treasure? You are the Sea God; this item should be of great benefit to you too! Just wait, I'll go inside and look!"

Li Changshou agreed with a smile, but his heart twitched.

While Emperor Dayu hurried into the main house, Li Changshou also glanced at the iron rod at his feet.

He raised his hand and grasped the iron rod, finding it quite heavy.

Fortunately, the immortal power within this paper effigy was genuine Golden Immortal power. Before becoming a Golden Immortal, Li Changshou's paper effigy would likely have needed to exert all its strength just to pick this thing up.

He lifted the iron rod, wiped off some rust, and saw dense markings of measurements engraved on it, gaining some understanding in his heart.

The reason this rod hadn't gone to the East Sea was likely because it hadn't yet transformed into the Ruyi Jingu Bang.

Such strong power of merit...

For Li Changshou to say he wasn't tempted was impossible.

Moreover, he also considered that if he simply took this item, extracted its merit, re-refined it, sent it to the East Sea, and entrusted it to the East Sea Dragon Palace for safekeeping, he would actually be fulfilling the item's destiny.

However, adhering to the principle of avoiding karma whenever possible, Li Changshou still dismissed this idea.

To play it safe, it was better not to take it.

At that moment, Li Changshou stood up and placed the iron rod back in the corner.

The ground of the small courtyard was also enveloped by a great formation; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to withstand the weight of this iron rod.

Li Changshou looked at the rusty mountain-splitting axe and the nearly faded merit tablet, quietly praising in his heart:

*In the past, he controlled the floods as a Human Emperor,**Establishing the Nine Cauldrons and setting the national framework.**Now he retires with his wife,**His weapons rusted, his achievements hidden.*

Such human ancestors are indeed worthy of praise.

After exchanging poetry with Daoist Lu Ya earlier, his poetic ability had greatly improved!

"Come, look at this item!"

Dayu shouted with full vitality, holding a scroll and slowly opening it. With a forceful blow, dust flew everywhere from it.

"This is a hydrological map of the mundane Southern Continent," Dayu said. "It's different from the innate treasures, the River Diagram and the Luo River Book. This records the water veins of the land that I drew when I controlled the floods.

The hydrology in many areas is quite complex, and the Heavenly Court still doesn't know much about the Southern Jambu Continent. Today, I will give this item to you; in the future, it might also benefit the common people.

This item only needs a slight refinement to be used for protection."

As he spoke, Dayu pushed with both hands, and the scroll slowly unfurled, from which emerged streams of aquamarine radiance, emitting faint ripples like water patterns.

On it were images of rushing rivers, and a roaring sound of water could be heard in his ears!

This is...

An acquired supreme merit spirit treasure!

Li Changshou raised his hands. The precious map, appearing quite spiritual, rolled itself up in front of him and landed in his hands.

Far away in the Immortal Du Sect in Eastern Continent, his main body suddenly felt an abnormality. His primordial spirit sensed the joy emanating from the precious map, and the Sea God's divine authority treasure next to his primordial spirit, the Runtuch fork... *cough*, the three-pronged steel fork, also trembled slightly.

"Many thanks to senior for bestowing this treasure!"

Li Changshou bowed to Dayu, and Dayu finally felt relieved.

"Come, let's drink tea," Dayu said. "Rest here for half a day, then I'll take you to meet the other seniors!"

So, Dayu and Li Changshou sat and drank tea, chatting about the current state of humanity.

Li Changshou took out the gift that the Heavenly Court had prepared for Emperor Dayu. Inside was a brocade box, which contained three large Flat Peaches, a book, two finely crafted phoenix hairpins, and a few small items to be held and played with.

The Flat Peaches were borne from innate spiritual roots, thus guaranteeing the value of this gift.

And seeing that Dayu also quite liked the small items to play with, this gift was naturally considered perfect.

At that moment, Dayu held two jade pills in his palm and gently 'played' with them. Threads of peculiar immortal power flowed from them into Emperor Dayu's palm, making his expression quite relaxed.

"Have you prepared gifts for the other seniors?"

"I have," Li Changshou replied with a smile.

Dayu said, "Senior Fuxi had already divined your visit today and knows why you have come.

Promoting the worship of Heaven and Earth among humans doesn't actually require the consent of us who are no longer in the position of Human Emperor.

Alas, the Southern Jambu Continent has been without a common ruler for a long time. Chaos reigns everywhere, kingdoms stand everywhere, and the order I established back then has long since vanished.

Although humanity prospers, many humans still suffer from the ravages of war. If, through the worship of Heaven and Earth, the Heavenly Emperor could intervene and allow the Southern Jambu Continent to be reunified soon, humanity could also find peace."

Li Changshou's heart stirred.

Could it be that the rise of the Shang dynasty originated from today, from Heaven and Earth?

Uh, he came to seek the Fallen Treasure Copper Coin, and incidentally also participated in the Heaven and Earth Tribulation, a major event for humanity?

Has he become a tool for the Heavenly Dao, pushing certain events to advance in the direction of the Heavenly Dao's deductions?

Without becoming a Saint, one can never truly transcend this realm. A significant part of the perils in the Primordial World lies in this, doesn't it?

These thoughts flashed through Li Changshou's mind, but he didn't let them hinder his casual chat with Dayu; the two of them indeed had a pleasant conversation.

Dayu was learned and experienced, having dabbled in all matters of cultivation, and possessed a demeanor rarely seen in ordinary Qi cultivator masters. From time to time, a simple remark would bring much understanding to Li Changshou's heart.

What they talked about most was, naturally, human affairs.

Just as the two were conversing pleasantly, Dayu suddenly paused his words, stood up somewhat nervously, and repeatedly gestured to Li Changshou.

"Quick, hide!"

Li Changshou blinked; a beautiful woman had already walked in through the courtyard gate.

She possessed peerless beauty, her skin as flawless as frost and snow. Even though she was only wearing a simple coarse dress with her hair tied up in a simple cloud bun, she was still so graceful and elegant.

It's just that her expression... was somewhat cold.

Lady Tushan?

Seeing Emperor Dayu's tense state, it must be her.

She came holding a tray, on which were several steaming, exquisite dishes, a pot of fine wine, and two wine cups.

Lady Tushan set these down without a word. Li Changshou bowed to her from the side and said, "Many thanks, Senior."

"Mhm," she finally responded, but without even looking at Dayu, she gracefully carried the tray away.

Dayu gave an awkward smile, and only after Lady Tushan had left did he finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Li Changshou whispered, "Senior, this junior shouldn't inquire about your family matters, but having received the treasure you bestowed today, this junior would like to do something to help you, after all.

Your esteemed wife, this is..."

"We had a quarrel," Dayu said, sitting back in his chair. He looked at the few small dishes, cautiously picked up a piece of spirit fish meat, and slowly chewed it in his mouth. "We quarrel constantly; I don't know what's really wrong."

Li Changshou said, "Relationships are like this. Why doesn't senior explain it in detail? Even if this junior can't offer advice, I can at least help you unburden yourself."

"You understand this?"

Li Changshou nodded with a smile. "The Old Man Under the Moon, a brother of this junior."

"Oh?" Dayu's eyes lit up. After thinking for a moment, he began to recount the everyday trivial matters in detail.

Dayu at this moment was no Human Emperor, but merely a man who couldn't understand what his wife truly thought in her heart.

Before long, Li Changshou understood what was going on.

"Senior, please lean closer," Li Changshou said. "I have a method, a strategy, and a set of incantations, which might be of some help to you."

"Really?" Dayu's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward.

Li Changshou chose his words carefully and began to slowly explain, detailing 'this way and that way, that way and this way.' Soon, Dayu's face showed enlightenment, and then he fell into deep thought.

Two hours later, inside a pavilion.

Dayu, having changed into golden battle armor, slowly walked over to the pavilion window, looking at the graceful figure grooming herself before a mirror.

"Madam..."

"Thirteen Strategies to Appease One's Wife" (Authored by the Heavenly Court Sea God, recommended for use with "Treasury of Sweet Nothings to Appease One's Wife") Strategy Two:

*You are truly beautiful, I was wrong.**What principles can there be in small matters?**Don't argue about logic, use more sweet words,**Observe her mood, then hug her first.*

Dayu said gently, "Looking back on my entire life, my wife is still the most beautiful. Even if there are hundreds more Yuanhui, I would never tire of looking at her."

"Hmph!" The woman who was combing her hair paused and glanced at her husband behind her in the mirror.

"Madam, I indeed acted improperly before, getting into a dispute with you over a small matter... I truly made a mistake."

The woman combing her hair reddened around her eyes and whispered, "You were once the Human Emperor, why apologize to a mere woman like me?"

"At home, there is no Human Emperor or not Human Emperor. There is only my devoted wife, with whom I've shared hardships."

Dayu sighed softly, took two steps forward, and tentatively raised his hand to place it on his wife's fragrant shoulder. "Madam, it was I who couldn't let go of my pride before..."

"Why are you today..."

"Madam, meeting you in this life is truly my good fortune. And being able to stay together with you here is truly the proudest achievement of my life.

In the long years to come, I only wish to stay with you forever. If I have wronged you in any way before, the rest of my life will be dedicated to making amends.

Madam, please don't be angry anymore."

"Husband, I also have some fault."

"Madam, you are truly beautiful..."

Inside the pavilion, two figures slowly embraced, whispering warm words.

Li Changshou, waiting at the foot of the mountain, flicked his whisk, silently withdrew his immortal sense, looked at the vast misty expanse, and quietly waited.

Creatures in the Primordial World are generally quite simple; the difficulty of appeasing a partner is far lower than in his previous life...

However...

They had agreed to go together to meet the formidable Fuxi, but Senior Dayu seemed to have forgotten about this matter, and layer after layer of formations had been activated!

Never mind, Senior Dayu isn't having an easy time either. Just wait.