Chapter 294: Cloud Chiao's Three Questions Drive Away the Burning Lamp

In the earthen cave, Duobao Daoist first blinked upon hearing Randeng's words. Then, he burst into silent laughter, continuously patting Li Changshou's back.

"Hahaha, Chang Geng, you really are something! Quick, what will he say next?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, his paper effigy feeling a slight disruption in its immortal power from the pats. He transmitted, "It's difficult to predict what this senior will say next, but it should be one of two scenarios: either he appeals to emotions, or he resorts to threats and inducements. Most likely, it will be the former. This Vice-Leader will probably discuss the relationship between the Three Sects and talk about them being one big family."

Duobao Daoist immediately tilted his head, listening intently.

Above the valley, Randeng's gaze swept everywhere, and his Glazed Lamp explored all directions, still yielding nothing. This time, he paused for a moment longer. Seeing the panic in the valley, Randeng again tried to bluff.

When he spoke this time, Randeng's voice rumbled like muffled thunder, making the ox demons dizzy. Those below the Golden Immortal realm couldn't understand what Randeng was saying at all.

Li Changshou, of course, understood clearly. Randeng Daoist's tactics were indeed quite similar to what he had anticipated.

Randeng said: "Junior Disciple-Nephew Duobao, if I have offended you in the past, please bear with me. However, the heavenly mysteries indicate that this treasure has a great karmic connection with me, and it must not be lost today. The Three Sects are fundamentally one, and the Dao Sect's fortunes are currently flourishing. I humbly serve as the Vice-Leader of the Chan Sect and have a deep acquaintance with you, Junior Disciple-Nephew. Why must you make things difficult for me today?"

Inside the earthen cave, Duobao Daoist turned to look at Li Changshou. After his smile, he couldn't help but feel a little puzzled, asking with a laugh, "Chang Geng, do you have some divine ability to calculate people's minds? You guessed right again!"

"Actually, this junior is just familiar with these kinds of tactics," Li Changshou replied.

"Tactics?" Duobao Daoist echoed.

"Yes, just some common methods. In this situation, the Vice-Leader only has a few tactics he can use. At this moment, he isn't even sure if we've left. If he had discovered our traces, he would have first forced us to reveal ourselves before making threats..."

Li Changshou chuckled a few times, transmitting his voice to explain to Duobao Daoist for a while.

Duobao Daoist nodded continuously as he listened. Recalling his previous dozen encounters with Randeng, the slightly plump face of the Jie Sect's Senior Disciple grew slightly annoyed. He transmitted a curse to Li Changshou, "I've truly gotten used to his tactics! No wonder I always suffer hidden losses! This Randeng is truly cunning! To scheme against me to such an extent, and he still has the audacity to call me 'Junior Disciple-Nephew' now!"

Hearing this, Li Changshou felt a little awkward.

Duobao Daoist immediately thought of something and chuckled softly. He said with a wink, "Chang Geng, don't overthink it. A junior with such excellent character as you is... as intelligent as ice and snow, completely unlike this Randeng Daoist. Quick, come up with another 'tactic.' What will he say next?"

Li Changshou smiled and continued to ponder.

One who is skilled in tactics can naturally discern tactics.

Li Changshou merely put himself in Randeng's shoes, listing a few tactics that could be used at this moment and analyzing the probability of him employing each.

Randeng bluffed another three or five sentences, and Li Changshou also started to become uncertain about what Randeng would do next. After all, tactics sometimes run out, and he was not Randeng, so their strategic thinking was different.

But Duobao Daoist was already laughing, bending over backward. "So refreshing, so refreshing! This is even more satisfying than stuffing this Vice-Leader into a sack and giving him a good beating!"

Li Changshou chuckled at this, then frowned in thought. He said, "Senior, hiding here like this won't resolve the matter. Since he recognizes your alms bowl and is quite interested in this treasure, he might very well go to the Jie Sect's domain next."

Duobao leaned closer and whispered, "Chang Geng, you're good at planning and calculating. Just come up with any idea to send him away!"

Li Changshou: ...

Did he really think he was the wisest strategist of the Great Desolation, Zhuge Shou of the Three Sects? That he could just come up with any random idea to get rid of Randeng...

Li Changshou had previously engaged with Randeng Daoist and knew well how formidable this old senior was. Under the convergence of conditions like the 'Fuxi Divine Hexagram' and 'Duobao's Chance Encounter,' he had seized the Treasure-Dropping Copper Coin first. What Randeng was truly looking for at this moment was actually him.

Duobao Daoist naturally understood this. After all, what he and Li Changshou had obtained earlier in the Ox Demon Valley were just those two copper coins of 'unknown power.' But Duobao Daoist, whether out of righteousness or dissatisfaction with Randeng, had, after his magic treasure, the 'Purple Gold Alms Bowl,' was exposed to Randeng, taken on this karmic responsibility for Li Changshou.

For this reason, Li Changshou naturally couldn't just walk away.

He was meticulously planning, neither wanting the Jie Sect to suffer losses due to this incident and incurring karmic ties with them, nor wanting to expose himself to Randeng and thus be resented even more by him. It would be best if he could use the Jie Sect's influence to ward off Randeng today. Otherwise, to be safe, he would have to make another trip to Doushuai Palace and leave the Treasure-Dropping Copper Coin with his master for safekeeping.

With these calculations in mind, Li Changshou already had a countermeasure.

He transmitted his voice to Duobao Daoist: "In this junior's opinion, it's best to wait and see what happens now. Let's see if this Vice-Leader can figure out what treasure he's looking for, and then see if he heads to the Jie Sect's training ground. If he doesn't even know what treasure he's seeking, then let him stir up trouble as he pleases. Senior, this junior dares to present a small tactic."

Duobao's sleeve trembled. "Heh, speak quickly!"

Li Changshou transmitted his voice, explaining how to flatly deny everything, turn the tables, and emphasize facts and evidence. He elaborated on the strategy.

Duobao Daoist nodded repeatedly, his thick eyebrows and large eyes filled with 'goodness.'

A moment later, Li Changshou slightly relaxed, his mind settling.

For no other reason than that the three Golden Immortal realm ox demons flew before Randeng Daoist to report on their previous inventory. They reported that not a single item was missing from the valley, nor were any treasures missing from the treasury; only the placement of many treasures was slightly off.

Randeng frowned slightly and let out a soft snort. A ripple of Daoist rhyme flowed, and the three Golden Immortal realm ox demons simultaneously vomited blood, plummeting from the air, severely wounded by the shock.

Randeng's eyes slowly narrowed, revealing a hint of hesitation and a touch of contemplation. Soon, Randeng continued on... the path Li Changshou had predicted.

"Since Junior Disciple-Nephew is unwilling to show himself," Randeng said calmly, "then I shall go find other disciples of the Jie Sect's Saintly Grandmaster and have a thorough discussion about today's events!"

Having spoken, Randeng mounted his cloud and sped directly southeast, disappearing in an instant.

In the earthen cave, Duobao Daoist gave Li Changshou a thumbs-up, then pulled Li Changshou to dig a tunnel and leave, secretly following Randeng.

It must be said that Duobao Daoist's tunnel-digging divine ability was quite extraordinary. It was not an escape technique or a spatial manipulation art, but rather the art of 'digging tunnels' taken to its absolute extreme. These earthen tunnels didn't exist independently in the world but rather clung to it, much like how his master used the Taiji Diagram to move outside the Five Elements and then leap back into them, displaying a similar ingenious effect.

Perhaps, this was the grandmaster of tunnel digging... Truly unmatched.

After Randeng, Duobao, and Li Changshou's Golden Immortal realm paper effigy had departed, in the inconspicuous wooden hut within the ox demon valley, a hand slowly extended from the ground, flicked a finger, and tossed two ordinary copper coins from the mortal world of the Southern Jambu Continent into the child's cloth bag. Then, the hand was enveloped by firelight, instantly turning into ash and melting into the earth, leaving no trace of aura.

"Where is he going?"

Just moments after leaving the ox demon valley, deep beneath the sea, Duobao, still tunneling, watched a bronze mirror in his hand and asked, somewhat puzzled.

Li Changshou smiled, "Looking at this direction, he should be heading to Jin'ao Island."

"It appears so," Duobao said with a slight frown. "On Jin'ao Island today, two fellow disciples are hosting a banquet for guests, officially becoming Daoist companions. Uh, I think they even invited me to be a witness. When I left, I sensed a treasure was about to be born, and I completely forgot about this."

Li Changshou: ...

Duobao Daoist chuckled, "It can't be helped that their happy occasion will be disturbed today. I'll just give them more gifts later."

Li Changshou felt a strong sense of emotion about this. It was probably the case that whenever Jie Sect Qi Refiners became Daoist companions, they would actively invite this Jie Sect Senior Disciple to be a witness. Gifts would certainly be indispensable!

Along the way, they tunneled beneath the sea, closely pursuing Randeng. Before long, Jin'ao Island appeared in the distance. Randeng was still aggressive, as if someone had stolen his Glazed Lamp or taken his vital coffin.

Before reaching Jin'ao Island, Randeng, however, reined in most of his oppressive aura. He then called out loudly to the island, "Are there any disciples of the Saintly Grandmasters here? Please come out and meet me!"

The Jie Sect immortals on the island were immediately startled. From a lively grand hall, figures surged forth, and hundreds of silhouettes flew out in an instant, with many more watching from their original positions.

"Isn't that Randeng, the Vice-Leader of the Chan Sect?"

"What is he doing here? I don't recall inviting such a senior to witness the ceremony."

"Well, one would have to be able to invite him first. His presence here must mean something unusual!"

In the earthen cave, Li Changshou and Duobao exchanged glances.

The latter said, "Chang Geng, you've predicted it accurately again. You wait here for a moment. I'll go to the island from a different direction and confront him!"

The former cupped his hands and said, "May your banner open in victory, Senior!"

"Wah ha ha ha ha!"

Duobao Daoist let out several hearty laughs. With a shift of his body and a flicker of his thought, a deep earthen tunnel appeared before him. Digging as he pleased, moving with the hole! Such a divine ability was something others simply couldn't cultivate; it was purely an extraordinary innate talent.

A moment later, Duobao arrived a thousand li southeast of Jin'ao Island. He changed into a Daoist robe, tidied his hair, and, holding a whisk, was about to activate his divine ability, ready to appear high in the sky.

Just then, before Duobao could leap, his immortal perception suddenly caught two familiar yet somewhat strange Daoist rhymes appearing on Jin'ao Island. And Li Changshou's transmitted voice, carried along the earthen tunnel, reached Duobao's ears—

"Senior, wait! Look at the island!"

Without Li Changshou's reminder, Duobao Daoist had already noticed the unusual situation on the island. On Jin'ao Island, mists suddenly rose. The hundreds of Jie Sect immortals who had flown into the sky now had a pure white cloud beneath their feet, faintly protecting them. The mists slowly dispersed, and a graceful figure flew out from the grand hall. The Jie Sect immortals all stepped back to either side, continuously bowing.

Randeng's old face showed a hint of benevolence. He fixed his gaze on the approaching figure, but his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

The approaching figure's stunning beauty needed no further description; her slender, exquisite physique was utterly perfect. If one had to describe it, her waterfall-like dark hair, beautifully coiffed temples, plain white dress, and simple cloth shoes were all so fitting, exuding elegance, beauty, grace, and gentleness.

Li Changshou couldn't help but murmur, "Why is the Immortal Maiden here?"

And Duobao Daoist, a thousand li away, also pondered for a few moments, frowning as he said, "Why are Junior Sisters Yunxiao and Qiongxiao, who rarely leave their island, here?"

"Chang Geng," Duobao Daoist transmitted his voice, "Should I appear now?"

"No rush, Senior," Li Changshou transmitted back. "Let Senior Yunxiao handle it. When the critical moment arrives, your appearance will likely have a better effect."

Duobao Daoist immediately nodded. Looking at Yunxiao's back, he couldn't help but show a wry smile and transmitted two complaints to Li Changshou: "Why isn't Junior Brother Zhao here... When Junior Sister Yunxiao starts lecturing people later, I can't handle it..."

Li Changshou recalled the power of that single command 'Kneel!' on Three Immortals Island and couldn't help but smile.

Now, Immortal Maiden Yunxiao arrived before the Jie Sect immortals, three to four hundred zhang from Randeng. She first made a shallow Daoist bow, then spoke directly. Her voice was neither cold nor indifferent, neither light nor heavy, ethereal and melodious, yet warm and moving: "Vice-Leader Randeng, you have come unexpectedly. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"

Randeng said coldly, "Your Senior Disciple-Brother's good deeds!"

"Senior Disciple-Brother?" Yunxiao asked calmly, "Has Senior Brother Duobao offended you in some way?"

"Hmph!" Randeng cursed, "He relied on his treasure-hunting divine ability and forcibly seized a fated treasure of great importance from me! If I had arrived even half a step later, I fear I wouldn't have even seen his shadow!"

"Oh?" Yunxiao's delicate brows slightly furrowed upon hearing this.

Had it been any of the other eight great disciples of the Jie Sect, seeing Randeng speak with such righteousness, they would truly have believed that Senior Brother Duobao had indeed stolen Randeng's fated encounter, leading to the Vice-Leader's fury. But Yunxiao merely hummed a few times and calmly posed three questions.

"I do not know the specifics of this matter, but words should not be spoken so lightly. May I ask, Vice-Leader Randeng, was that treasure seized by Senior Brother Duobao directly from your hands?"

Randeng frowned slightly, while Yunxiao, right before him, gently moved her slender fingers, performing a quick divination.

Randeng said, "Though it did not pass through my hands, that treasure indeed has a karmic connection with me!"

Yunxiao then asked, "If that is the case, did you, Vice-Leader, know the location of that treasure beforehand but simply chose not to retrieve it?"

"Precisely!" Randeng replied calmly. "I knew its location long ago; it just hadn't reached the opportune moment to emerge, so I've been quietly waiting."

"If you knew its location so early, Vice-Leader Randeng, why did you not go and guard the spot? Why wait for Senior Brother Duobao to retrieve it before coming here to accuse him?"

Yunxiao asked softly, her words unhurried and her demeanor composed. Without waiting for Randeng to reply, Yunxiao lightly added, "Vice-Leader Randeng, these are not the ancient times anymore. One cannot simply claim a treasure has a karmic connection with them and then seize it just because it looks good. If we speak of karmic connections, then if the treasure has already fallen into Senior Brother Duobao's hands, his connection to it is naturally deeper. Why must you, Vice-Leader Randeng, be so aggressive?"

Randeng was about to retort when Li Changshou, still in the earthen cave, transmitted a reminder to Duobao Daoist: "It's time for your entrance, Senior! Senior Yunxiao is truly formidable. Now, Senior, you just need one word to settle the situation!"

"Hahahaha!"

Duobao Daoist let out several hearty laughs. With a flash of his figure, he appeared on the clouds high above, and in an instant, he was over Jin'ao Island, landing in front of Yunxiao.

"Many thanks, Junior Sister Yunxiao, for explaining a bit. I have been listening from the side for a while. Vice-Leader Randeng, I have one more question. If you can answer it, then we can discuss the matter of today's treasure!"

Randeng's eyes immediately showed a hint of apprehension, yet he still asked calmly, "What is the question?"

Duobao chuckled, "Vice-Leader Randeng, what exactly is this treasure you're talking about?"

Randeng said, "Naturally, it is something with a karmic connection to me!"

"Hmph!" A soft laugh came from behind Yunxiao; it was Qiongxiao who had stepped forward.

Qiongxiao laughed, "Vice-Leader Randeng, if you don't even know what it is, how can you know its location? I'm afraid you just happened to pass by, saw Senior Brother Duobao searching for treasure, and got greedy, didn't you? Oh dear, my elder brother's ingenious 'falls over at a touch' method is truly far inferior to your thick skin, Vice-Leader Randeng."

Randeng Daoist's face instantly turned as black as a pot's bottom. He slowly nodded, knowing that his efforts today would be fruitless. He showed no anger but merely said, "In that case, I will remember this matter. I will report it to the Sect Leader later and then come back to seek an explanation from all of you!"

Having spoken, Randeng Daoist turned on his cloud and retreated directly, leaving behind a harsh threat.

Duobao Daoist watched Randeng Daoist's receding figure, unable to help but beam with joy. He stood with his hands behind his back, feeling utterly pleased.

Once Randeng was far away, a wisp of cloud enveloped Jin'ao Island, temporarily isolating it.

"Senior Disciple-Brother?" Yunxiao's voice came from behind. Duobao instinctively shivered, his smile immediately turning slightly bitter. He slowly turned his head to look.

Just as Yunxiao was about to speak, Duobao Daoist was quick-witted. With a flick of his sleeve and a gesture of his left hand, the light and shadows before Li Changshou in the earthen tunnel swayed. Amidst the shifting cosmos, Li Changshou instantly appeared beside Duobao Daoist, whose arm he held.

Duobao Daoist laughed, "Junior Sister Yunxiao, quick, look! This time, your Senior Disciple-Brother, heh, has truly picked up a treasure!"