Chapter 306: Irritable Tower Master, Online…

What strategy should be employed to scheme against Jinchanzi?

The strategy involves first luring the cicada away from the mountain, then enticing it into a formation and restricting its divine abilities. Following that, one must feign weakness, attack it off guard, launch a sudden assault, and ultimately scatter its ashes.

Li Changshou understood that this was a crucial battle in his advance towards the Tushita Palace!

However, to be frank, if Li Changshou were to ‘accidentally’ encounter Jinchanzi at this moment and engage in a direct confrontation, he would certainly not be Jinchanzi's match.

The simple truth is the vast difference in their accumulated cultivation across all aspects.

In terms of combat spells and reaction speed, there is a considerable gap between today's Li Changshou and Jinchanzi.

But Li Changshou deeply understood the importance of ‘flexibility’ and would never stubbornly insist on a head-on confrontation with the Six-winged Golden Cicada.

If fighting prowess is lacking, strategy will compensate.

Employ a few formations and an abundance of stratagems.

With the Daoist Sect's Senior Brother providing protection and a Primal Chaos Supreme Treasure personally guarding him, Li Changshou was essentially in an invincible position.

What he needed to consider was how to ‘trap the cicada’ and ‘breach its defenses.’

The Grandmaster also worried that Li Changshou might be counter-killed by Jinchanzi if he wasn't careful, so this time, he was not stingy.

As they went to the West Sea to set up the ambush, the Grandmaster, specifically targeting Jinchanzi's divine abilities, provided Li Changshou with three crucial aids for victory:

The Water-Fire Reversion Array — for sealing the cosmos;The Nine Spirits Profound Qi Array — for trapping Jinchanzi and nullifying his extreme speed;And two Nine-Reversal Golden Elixirs.

The Grandmaster himself didn't possess many spiritual treasures, as he could readily borrow numerous important Human Sect treasures like the Taiji Diagram, the Heaven and Earth Linglong Exquisite Pagoda, the Wind-Fire Cushion, and the Off-Ground Flame Banner.

However, as Li Changshou was not yet a formal member, he could only make use of the 'trial cards' provided by the formal members.

After the Grandmaster waved his sleeve in mid-air and personally set up the two grand formations, hiding them as Li Changshou requested, in a desolate mountain forest at the junction of the West Sea and Western Ox-Hezhou...

“Changshou, catch the pagoda!”

Grandmaster Xuandu lightly exclaimed, holding the Heaven and Earth Linglong Exquisite Pagoda in his palm. With a gentle push, he sent the treasure pagoda above Li Changshou's head.

The three-inch-tall small pagoda radiated profound yellow energy, scattering it around, and also shone with seven-colored divine light, enveloping Li Changshou completely.

A supreme defensive spiritual treasure, one of the strongest artifacts in existence, the Heaven and Earth Linglong Exquisite Pagoda!

Just like that, it landed above his head!

At this moment!

Li Changshou felt a sense of warmth, security, and an inexpressible... emotion!

As a disciple, Li Changshou was willing to toil for the Human Sect, even shedding blood, albeit within reason!

The pagoda vibrated softly, and a slight insight emerged in Li Changshou's heart.

It was as if the pagoda was conversing with him, encouraging him, comforting him, telling him to straighten his chest and bravely face the un...

‘What are you thinking? Hurry up! Open your mind, let this pagoda protect your primordial spirit as well.’

Huh? Who’s speaking?

Li Changshou's eyes widened, and he looked up at the small pagoda above his head.

The light around the pagoda seemed to flicker rhythmically, and wisps of warm energy circulated within Li Changshou, making his immortal power slightly clearer.

Grandmaster Xuandu stood nearby with his hands behind his back, smiling but silent.

Then, that voice, gender-neutral yet somewhat gruff, continued to echo incessantly in Li Changshou's mind...

The voice, surprisingly, used a regional accent that Li Changshou was quite familiar with from his previous life.

‘Why is your state of mind so agitated? I'm only lent to you temporarily by the Master; don't think you can control me with such little cultivation. As a Human Sect disciple, you should act like one. What kind of behavior is this, with your mental state fluctuating so much? Where did you even come from? With me protecting you today, what could possibly go wrong? Unless the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation appears or the Pangu Banner is unfurled, if anyone can harm you, I'll write my name backward, believe it or not? Look at you, you've received such care from the Master, almost becoming his direct disciple, yet you still don't have the demeanor of a Human Sect expert. You've completely disgraced the Human Sect's reputation! Seriously, can you just straighten your back?’

Li Changshou's forehead was covered in black lines, and he turned to glance at the Grandmaster.

The Grandmaster turned away and shrugged, but didn't actually laugh aloud.

The Grandmaster said, “Changshou, you should be respectful towards seniors.”

“Yes,” Li Changshou replied respectfully, bowing deeply to the Heaven and Earth Linglong Exquisite Pagoda above his head, and then relaxed his mind.

The small pagoda slowly descended from above Li Changshou's head, sinking into his Dao body.

At this point, the Heaven and Earth Exquisite Pagoda was still 'outputting' wildly:

‘That's right, this pagoda is a spiritual treasure. Do you know what a spiritual treasure is? Do you know what Profound Yellow energy is? No, right? Come, let this pagoda tell you slowly. We'll have to start before the creation of heaven and earth...’

Li Changshou: ...

The Grandmaster laughed, “If a spiritual treasure is sufficiently sentient, it can naturally communicate with its wielder. These treasures of Master's often get bored staying by his side, and Master refuses to communicate with them, so they tend to be a bit verbose.”

“Grandmaster,” Li Changshou asked, slightly flustered, “Why did this disciple hear some... strange accents?”

Li Changshou found the answer to this question in his heart.

‘Strange accents? Do you really think this pagoda can talk? Does this pagoda have a mouth or something? This is just this pagoda channeling spiritual communication to your primordial spirit, and your primordial spirit understands it and forms the voice itself. You don't even understand this? How did you cultivate to be a Golden Immortal? How old are you, still so naive and innocent... Oh, wait, you're not even three hundred years old yet. Then it's fine, you're just a kid! Don't worry, Grandpa Pagoda's got your back. Do whatever you want!’

The voice suddenly became much more affectionate and caring, far gentler than before.

Li Changshou pursed his lips and frowned. Today, he had truly gained some new insights.

“Grandmaster,” Li Changshou said, “Perhaps we should rehearse our withdrawal a few times.”

The Grandmaster smiled, “Isn't your strategy already complete?”

“No matter how much is written on paper, it's better to practice it a few times,” Li Changshou bowed in salutation, “Please Grandmaster, grant my request.”

“Good,” the Grandmaster shook his sleeve, “Tell me, how do you want to rehearse?”

Li Changshou took out several paper figures from his sleeve...

Thus, two days later.

At noon, the warm sun shone upon the emerald sea.

Above the West Sea, near Western Ox-Hezhou, several figures arrived by cloud from high altitude.

The first figure, with white hair and white robes, smiling eyes and brows, carried a horsetail whisk. His immortal body exuded a faint Golden Immortal realm pressure. This was naturally Li Changshou's Sea God paper effigy.

Behind him were three silver-armored heavenly generals, whose auras were similar and subtly connected, seemingly also at the Golden Immortal realm.

These four figures flew by cloud to above the West Sea Dragon Palace, then directly descended into the sea, heading towards the palace.

As soon as they entered the water, dragon roars echoed incessantly.

Numerous azure dragons and flood dragons emerged from the magnificent crystal palace, transforming into human forms in front of Li Changshou and the three others, bowing respectfully from a distance.

A dragon-headed elder led the crowd out, exclaiming, “Greetings, Sea God! Please come in quickly!”

Li Changshou knew that this dragon-headed elder was the West Sea Dragon King's younger brother and held significant power within the West Sea Dragon Palace.

After a few pleasantries, Li Changshou and the three ‘heavenly generals’ were led into the West Sea Dragon Palace.

“Our Dragon King is already waiting in the main hall. Please, Sea God, proceed inside.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou kept his hands in his sleeves, the horsetail whisk tucked in his embrace, and followed the dragon-headed elder with a smile to the main hall where the West Sea Dragon King resided.

The three heavenly generals did not enter the Dragon Palace.

Upon meeting the West Sea Dragon King, Li Changshou directly stated his purpose:

“Dragon King, this minor deity has come today to inquire about a matter. Has the West Sea Dragon Palace found any trace of the primordial fierce beast that tried to harm the dragon princes that day and even attacked this humble Daoist's effigy?”

This was the first step of the Cicada Eradication Plan — Fishing for the Cicada in the Dragon Palace.

Hearing this question, the West Sea Dragon King sighed, “To be honest, Sea God, we have found nothing.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou frowned slightly, “At the very least, you should have investigated when he infiltrated the Dragon Palace and how he became acquainted with the princes.”

“Well...”

The West Sea Dragon King stroked his beard and said:

“Indeed, I did send people to investigate this matter and personally questioned my son Aoshi, but we genuinely found nothing. We only know that this fierce beast is a Six-winged Golden Cicada. This beast has attributes of metal and water, is skilled in cosmic divine abilities, and once wreaked havoc in ancient times before being driven out into the Chaos Sea. Furthermore, there is someone behind this Six-winged Golden Cicada concealing its heavenly secrets...”

The implication was clear: Jinchanzi had a Western background.

Li Changshou asked again, “Is there truly no clue regarding this Jinchan's whereabouts?”

The West Sea Dragon King slowly shook his head and said, “I shall immediately order a full-scale search.”

“Never mind, no need to trouble yourself.”

Li Changshou stood up, cupped his hands at the West Sea Dragon King, with an expression of displeasure, and turned to walk out of the hall.

The West Sea Dragon King rose, wanting to persuade him to stay, but the words caught in his throat...

How could the Dragon King not know the situation in the West Sea? He was simply willing but unable.

Remaining still could maintain the current state of subtle contention, but if he made a move, the West Sea Dragon Palace would collapse from then on...

When Li Changshou reached outside the hall, his anger seemed to have subsided somewhat. He turned and performed a Daoist salute to the West Sea Dragon King, saying indifferently:

“Dragon King, I will personally settle the score with Jinchan for harming my effigy. I have troubled you greatly today; please do not take offense. This humble deity bids you farewell.”

After speaking, he turned and departed, his displeasure clearly etched on his face.

“This...”

The West Sea Dragon King could only sit on his throne and sigh softly, unable to do anything more.

At the same time, in a corner of the West Sea Dragon Palace, an Immortal Flood Dragon soldier watched Li Changshou's retreating back, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes...

Upon exiting the crystal palace, Li Changshou reunited with the three heavenly generals. One of them stepped forward and inquired:

“Sea God, have you found any trace of that fierce beast?”

“The West Sea Dragon Palace found nothing,” Li Changshou sighed. “I apologize for troubling the three of you to come along. I had expected the Dragon Palace to attach more importance to this matter, but this is the result.”

Another heavenly general said, “Sea God, the Marshal wounded this fierce beast that day, now is a good time to go find trouble for him!”

“What kind of ability is it to bully our Sea God's effigy? That day, the Marshal severely wounded him with just a glance. Today, with us three brothers here, we will certainly make this fierce beast suffer!”

“Indeed, this cunning and cowardly beast, who preys on the weak, truly deserves to be killed!”

“Very well,” Li Changshou said, “How about this: the three of you accompany me to the place where we previously encountered that fierce beast to search for any clues.”

All three heavenly generals agreed. The four of them left the West Sea Dragon Palace and traveled tens of thousands of miles by cloud.

Did he take the bait?

In a certain dark corner, Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, observing his surroundings with his immortal sense.

Suddenly, the voice of Grandpa Pagoda echoed in his mind:

‘Little fellow, you're being watched. Is that the fierce beast you're looking for? It has three pairs of wings, shines golden all over, and is following behind. It even looks quite handsome in its human form.’

Li Changshou's spirit was invigorated.

Although he couldn't detect Jinchanzi's traces, the words spoken by the Sage Master's spiritual treasure certainly couldn't be false.

This Jinchanzi truly had no fear, and his immunity to 'provocation' was almost zero...

Li Changshou proceeded calmly, following the plan.

He and the three heavenly generals soon arrived at the sea area where they had previously encountered Jinchanzi, and searched thoroughly there...

This search, naturally, yielded no results.

As Li Changshou had expected, Jinchanzi did not appear directly but continued to lurk in the shadows, seemingly still hesitating.

In that case, add more fuel to the fire.

Li Changshou said, “Gentlemen, searching like this is truly like looking for a needle in a haystack. He bled quite a bit here before, but now, it's difficult to trace his aura.”

A heavenly general asked, “Sea God, what should we do then?”

“This humble Daoist intends to go to Spirit Mountain in Western Ox-Hezhou and directly question the Western Sect about this matter,” Li Changshou said. “The Western Sect is vying with our Heavenly Court for the dragon clan's destiny, and this Jinchan dared to directly attack this humble Daoist. That is simply too aggressive. This humble Daoist at least has the identity of a Human Sect disciple. I must ask the people of the West: does this fierce beast they raised have any rules left?!”

A raised fierce beast?

Beneath the sea, in a spatial rift, the refined young Daoist's veins bulged on the back of his hand, his mouth twitched incessantly, and the fierce glint in his eyes grew sharper!

Above the sea, Li Changshou and the three heavenly generals rode their clouds, heading straight for Western Ox-Hezhou.

In the spatial rift, Jinchanzi's expression changed several times in succession. Although enraged, he was still weighing his options.

—What impact it would have on him if the Sea God and his party went to Spirit Mountain to cause a ruckus.

However, while Jinchanzi pondered, he subconsciously followed secretly, not at all worried about being exposed.

Jinchanzi naturally could see that this Sea God was still an effigy, not his true body. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated so much and would have already moved to kill him...

Jinchanzi paid no attention to the three heavenly generals.

Before long, Jinchanzi made a decision.

‘They cannot be allowed to go to Spirit Mountain. Even if it doesn't directly affect this humble Daoist, I fear it might cause the Deputy Sect Leaders to blame me for incompetence, affecting my apprenticeship.’

A fierce glint flared brightly in Jinchanzi's eyes.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou was getting a headache...

Grandpa Pagoda, currently hidden within his Dao body, was demonstrating the traditional skill of Human Sect spiritual treasures...

Nagging.

‘Why are you hiding? Turn around and fight! With this pagoda here, what are you afraid of? This is just a Daluo realm fierce beast, not even a Quasi-Saint. Can he harm a single hair on you? Think about it, even the former Demon Emperor was someone significant, and when I protected the Grandmaster, didn't I make the Demon Emperor lose his temper several times? You're of the Human Sect, do you understand the Human Sect? Then...’

In the shadows, Li Changshou tried hard to maintain a smile, doing his best not to be affected by the Heaven and Earth Exquisite Pagoda.

After all, being lectured like this by the Heaven and Earth Exquisite Pagoda was something others would envy and never experience...

Li Changshou couldn't help but imagine such a scene:

During the ancient great war, Grandmaster Xuandu, with the Heaven and Earth Exquisite Pagoda above his head, the Taiji Diagram behind him, wielding the Qiankun Ruler, and standing on the Wind-Fire Cushion, battled the Demon Emperor between heaven and earth, creating immense commotion and causing the heavens and earth to tremble.

But in reality, in the Grandmaster's mind...

Heaven and Earth Exquisite Pagoda: ‘Kill him! Kill him dead! Yin-Yang reversal! Use your ultimate! Use your ultimate! Big disciple, can you do it or not?!’

Taiji Diagram: ‘Don't mind my dignity! Ram his Eastern Emperor Bell! This little broken bell, not hanging out with its big brothers, does it really think it'll amount to anything helping a Demon Emperor?’

Qiankun Ruler: ‘What's he showing off for? Even if I'm not a supreme treasure, I can still hit him, ha.’

Wind-Fire Cushion: ‘Hanging out with the big brothers, comfortable, very comfortable indeed.’

Li Changshou's Adam's apple twitched. For a moment, he couldn't bear to look, and quickly erased these images from his mind, lest they cause him any mental hindrance.

Suddenly, he heard Grandpa Pagoda call out again:

‘He's coming, he's about to make a move! Turn around, get him!’