Chapter 313: Grandmaster Returns to the Sect, Three Immortal Island Sending Peaches

No sooner had Duke Dongmu finished speaking than a Heavenly Soldier detached from the ranks outside the Sea God's Residence and quickly stepped through the door.

The Heavenly Soldier walked quickly with bowed head, wearing a silver helmet and chainmail battle skirt. From a distance, she looked no different from a man, only slightly shorter. As she came closer, she clasped her hands in greeting to Li Changshou and Duke Dongmu. Only then did she slowly raise her lowered head, revealing a delicate, proper, yet slightly unrefined young face.

She looked like a maiden in the prime of youth, appearing to be merely thirteen or fourteen years old if she were a mortal.

When she spoke, her voice was remarkably clear:

“Longji pays respects to Duke Mu, and to the Sea God!”

“Your Highness is too courteous,” Li Changshou replied with a smiling daoist salute.

Though Longji was the daughter of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, and a Heavenly Princess, she did not hold a corresponding divine position in the Heavenly Courts. She was considered one of His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s ‘family members,’ so her formal greeting was quite appropriate.

However, Li Changshou felt a wave of emotions.

Longji, the future Red Luan Star Lord after the Great God-Conferring Tribulation, was yet another person connected to the Great God-Conferring Tribulation.

His own ties to the Great God-Conferring Tribulation were truly tangled and inextricable.

As Li Changshou’s thoughts swirled, a few memories related to Longji flooded his mind. With a brief calculation, he organized all the information he knew.

During the God-Conferring Tribulation, Longji was a minor expert with considerable magical power. She stood with the Chan School faction and actively went to assist King Wu of Zhou.

Longji was originally the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor. It was said she was banished to the mortal realm for cultivation due to a transgression. Li Changshou couldn't quite recall her specific achievements in battle, but he remembered she was persuaded by a certain Immortal Elder and the Matchmaker to marry one of her defeated opponents.

Her defeated opponent was a rather useless pretty boy, named Hong Jin or something similar.

Based on Li Changshou’s understanding of his old friend the Matchmaker, for the Matchmaker to arrange such a heartless affair, there must have been someone or some force scheming behind the scenes.

As for Longji’s general situation, that was all Li Changshou knew.

Duke Dongmu said from the side, “Your Highness Longji, why not reveal your true form and formally acknowledge the Sea God as your teacher?”

“Yes,” Princess Longji quietly assented, and a faint immortal mist rose around her.

As the immortal mist dissipated, her armor vanished, transforming into a light white immortal gown. Her long, flowing dark hair, like a waterfall, cascaded down.

At this moment, Longji was a few inches shorter than before, and her figure was much more delicate. She could now be entirely described as ‘adorable.’

Li Changshou took a closer look, and indeed, she was a young girl, one who had just begun puberty.

But then again, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were both primordial beings. Was their daughter’s growth cycle measured in years, or in kalpas?

Princess Longji must be at least a few thousand years old, right?

If she still looked like such a young girl during the Great God-Conferring Tribulation, then wouldn’t his old friend the Matchmaker, that Immortal Elder, and Hong Jin... be committing a crime?

Hmm, as a trusted, ordinary high-ranking official of His Majesty the Jade Emperor, he should quickly propose a complete set of Heavenly Rules and Regulations.

The young Longji stepped forward, performed a graceful bow to Li Changshou, and respectfully called out, “Longji pays respects to Teacher.”

“Oh, please don’t call me Teacher. Such karma is not easily borne.”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Since Your Royal Highness wishes to learn the art of strategy from this humble deity, then this humble deity will boldly accept this task. But Your Royal Highness can simply call this humble deity ‘Sea God.’ Please don’t keep calling me ‘Teacher, Teacher.’ ”

Longji involuntarily looked towards Duke Dongmu, who nodded with a smile, thinking Li Changshou was merely being modest.

In truth, he was genuinely afraid.

Duke Mu chuckled, “Whatever the Sea God says, Your Highness should simply do.”

Princess Longji immediately called out clearly, “Sea God!”

Only then did Li Changshou smile with satisfaction, and take out a few bottles of elixirs from his sleeve as a welcoming gift.

He had originally thought that Princess Longji’s visit today was merely to greet him and go through the motions. However, he had not expected that after Duke Dongmu left with his retinue...

This Princess would remain standing in a corner of the Sea God’s Residence, looking around curiously, her entire being radiating a certain spirituality.

“Your Highness, you...?” Li Changshou’s eyes showed a hint of confusion.

“Mother told me to stay by your side, Sea God, to learn and observe more,” the young girl said, smiling and blinking with a hint of slyness. “Sea God, may I stay here with you?”

“Your Highness, to be frank.”

Li Changshou said earnestly, “This humble deity’s presence here is merely an incarnation. Most of the time, this incarnation is simply cultivating, which is quite dull.”

“Don’t worry, Sea God, I also need to cultivate!”

Longji chuckled, “Since Mother said I should stay by the Sea God’s side, I naturally must obey her command. If the Sea God needs to go out, or do anything else, please bring Longji along if it’s convenient. If not, then simply pretend Longji isn’t here. Longji is here to serve as your attendant, Sea God. Running errands or doing odd jobs is fine. I definitely won’t cause any karma or trouble for the Sea God, nor will I bring shame upon our Heavenly Courts.”

Li Changshou couldn't help but praise her inwardly.

Every word and action of this Princess showed considerable courtesy. Her demeanor and conduct had a natural grace, being poised and unpretentious. She was indeed a promising individual.

Truly worthy of being the bloodline of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Since that is the case, Your Highness might as well return to the Jade Pool and prepare. Come to see me again tomorrow morning. I will depart tomorrow to visit esteemed figures from the Three Religions and the Dragon Kings of the Dragon Race. If Your Highness accompanies me on this tour, it can also be considered forging some positive connections.”

“Thank you, Sea God!”

Longji was overjoyed to hear this, and did not insist on staying at the Sea God’s Residence.

After seeing Longji off, Li Changshou couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

‘What does His Majesty… mean by this?’

If he used the method of elimination, the most absurd option to be excluded first would be a honey trap.

How could the dignified Jade Emperor, ruler of the Three Realms, and with the backing of the Zixiao Palace, arrange for his precious daughter to be a honey trap for a mere Sea God like himself?

Next, the option of an overseer should also be excluded. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother should not act in such a manner.

Instead, Duke Dongmu’s stated reason was the most credible. This Highness was indeed here to learn strategy and scheming.

But how was he to teach these strategies and schemes?

Li Changshou merely conducted matters with a bit more stability, considered things a bit more thoroughly, and prepared a bit more comprehensively. He didn’t possess any particular strengths worthy of teaching others.

He couldn't possibly teach Princess Longji the great art of mind mapping or cultivate her divergent thinking…

Sitting in his rocking chair, Li Changshou found himself in a bit of a dilemma. In the end, he could only shift his perspective.

‘Perhaps it’s better to treat this Highness as an overseer.’

This way, Li Changshou found it easier to accept. Besides, as the Sea God, he didn’t have much to hide in his daily activities.

Thus, early the next morning…

As Li Changshou’s consciousness settled onto his paper effigy at the Sea God’s Residence, he noticed a slender figure standing outside the residence’s gate. It was, naturally, Longji.

She had tied her hair into a cloth bun, concealing her beautiful locks, and changed into a light white daoist robe and cloth boots. She looked somewhat like a daoist attendant.

Li Changshou rose and headed out of the residence, and the young girl outside the gate promptly turned around.

“Your Highness, have you been waiting long?”

“Longji greets the Sea God!”

Longji bowed gracefully and added, “Please call me Longji, Sea God. You said yesterday that from today onwards, I would be your attendant daoist boy.”

“In that case, this humble deity shall take the liberty.”

Li Changshou chuckled lightly, and handed over the horsetail whisk he held.

Longji immediately stepped forward, took the whisk with both hands, and held it properly in her arms, following behind Li Changshou.

Li Changshou waved his sleeve, summoning a white cloud. He then immediately took Longji towards the Tushita Palace.

Li Changshou had thought for a long time yesterday, and still decided to give the Human School’s share of the flat peaches to the Grandmaster, letting him ‘distribute’ them.

Though a small matter, it could not be treated casually.

However, what Li Changshou hadn't expected was that…

The Grandmaster was actually not sleeping—ahem—cultivating in Tushita Palace!

In the front courtyard of Tushita Palace, Xiao Jin said with a grin, “The Grandmaster has returned to the Grand Purity Temple. He said he had something to report to our Sage Lord.”

Xiao Yin also chimed in, “Old Lord was out riding his ox a few days ago, and isn’t in the palace either. Brother Chang Geng, do you have any difficulties? The two of us can help you too!”

Li Changshou: …

Help with what?

Take a few of the Old Lord’s treasures, and go down to shout ‘Sun Wukong,’ ‘Wukong Sun’ at the monkey?

“It’s nothing difficult,” Li Changshou said with a smile, taking out a brocade box from his sleeve and chuckling, “The Queen Mother bestowed some flat peaches to the Three Daoist Schools, and I specifically came to deliver them. There are thirty-six flat peaches in here. You two mustn’t secretly eat any. The Grandmaster will reward you when he returns.”

“Oh!”

Xiao Jin and Xiao Yin nodded in agreement, not thinking much of it.

As for flat peaches, in the first few millennia after the Heavenly Courts were established and Tushita Palace was built, immortal sisters would bring them over every now and then.

Later, they got tired of eating peaches, and quite a few were given to the green ox.

Afterward, Li Changshou bid farewell to the place with Longji, and rode a cloud towards the East Heavenly Gate.

Princess Longji pondered for a moment, then took out a jade slip, and inscribed a passage within it.

Li Changshou smiled and asked, “What did you write?”

“Sea God, please see.”

Princess Longji handed over the jade slip. Li Changshou glanced at it and couldn’t help but chuckle a few times.

This Princess Longji had actually recorded everything he had just said to Xiao Jin and Xiao Yin, and added a short commentary afterwards.

The commentary read:

Today, the Sea God entered Tushita Palace to find the Grandmaster, intending to hand over the flat peaches bestowed by his mother for the Grandmaster to manage. Though a small matter, it shows the Sea God’s cautious and measured conduct. The three words ‘not overstepping boundaries’ are easy to say, but difficult to practice.

Li Changshou handed the jade slip back, praising her, “It is easy to observe and learn, but difficult to ponder and reflect. I hope you maintain this habit. In the future, you will certainly be able to uphold a great banner for the Heavenly Courts by yourself.”

Longji shyly stuck out her tongue, her cheeks slightly flushed, and quietly assented.

Li Changshou added, “Let’s go. We’ll head to Jinao Island next. After exiting the Heavenly Gate, the Primordial World still holds many dangers. If we encounter peril, self-preservation should be paramount. This humble deity will also protect Your Highness to ensure your escape.”

“Rest assured, Sea God, Longji will certainly not cause any trouble.”

“Good.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, took Longji out of Jinao Island, and headed towards the East Sea.

Although he also very much wanted to start a tutoring class for Longji, to give her a crash course in the 'Scripture of Steadiness' and the 'Theory of Routines', these were all the secret teachings of his Little Qiong Peak, not suitable for external disclosure.

Moreover, Princess Longji’s identity was rather sensitive, and differed greatly from Ao Yi. One could not generalize.

The Grandmaster went to meet the Sage Lord?

Li Changshou pondered for a moment or two. In that case, he would quietly keep the remaining sixty-four flat peaches, and find an opportunity to bring a dozen or so back to the Immortal Du Sect, for his master and others to taste.

Half a day later, in front of Jinao Island, Li Changshou slowly rode his cloud, and several immortals from Jinao Island proactively came out to welcome him.

Longji followed behind Li Changshou, disguised as a daoist attendant, and no one paid much attention to her.

As for Longji, from her initial composure, she gradually grew somewhat surprised, and then inexplicably shocked. The way she looked at the Sea God constantly changed.

‘What kind of person is this, who has served the Heavenly Courts and assisted Father?’

Though Longji appeared young, she had already cultivated for a considerable number of years. Moreover, she had perused numerous scriptures in the Jade Pool since childhood, and was aware of various secret rumors and legends.

Jinao Island was a famous daoist training ground of the Jie School. It housed the path to Biyou Palace, and many disciples of the Sage resided there. Normally, they paid no heed to the Heavenly Courts.

But today, when the Sea God arrived at Jinao Island, he was first greeted by Golden Immortals, and then the Ten Heavenly Monarchs invited him to a banquet.

If he hadn’t just come from Tushita Palace, one might have thought the Sea God was a member of the Jie School.

And when Li Changshou suggested that he wished to meet the Jie School’s Eldest Senior Brother, the Grand Disciple of the Sage Lord Tongtian Daoist, before the Ten Heavenly Monarchs could even reply, that senior, Daoist Duobao, directly appeared on Jinao Island, and enthusiastically walked forward, calling out ‘Brother Sea God,’ to converse with Li Changshou.

Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries for a while, explained his purpose, and presented the Heavenly Courts’ gifts.

Daoist Duobao blinked, took out a flat peach and peeled it, then bit into the translucent peach flesh. Immediately, his mouth was filled with a refreshing coolness, and he hummed softly twice in comfort.

“These flat peaches are quite good. I’ll save some to offer to Teacher for a taste. As for the rest, you fellow disciples present here can share them. Don’t let down the good intentions of the Sea God and the Heavenly Courts, alright?’”

All the Jie School immortals assented.

But no sooner had Daoist Duobao finished speaking than he suddenly remembered something.

As Immortal Mother Golden Light excitedly jumped over, ready to divide the peaches, Daoist Duobao added:

“Set aside nine more to give to Brother Sea God.”

“Yes, Eldest Senior Brother,” Immortal Mother Golden Light blinked, and couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle, “Eldest Senior Brother, do we need to give a return gift?”

Li Changshou quickly said, “Senior, this is not appropriate.”

“What’s appropriate or not appropriate!”

Duobao personally acted, taking out a spirit treasure-grade jade box from his sleeve. He selected nine of the best-looking and oldest flat peaches, and placed them into the jade box.

Then Daoist Duobao waved his hand, “How can such delicious peaches not be sent to Three Immortals Island? Our Junior Sisters Sanxiao are the mainstays of our Jie School! Sea God, let’s go. I’ll trouble you to accompany this poor daoist on another trip.”

Li Changshou hesitated for a long while, but eventually just smiled and agreed. He took the jade box, and along with a somewhat bewildered Longji, followed Daoist Duobao towards Three Immortals Island.

On the way, Longji only saw…

The legendary Eldest Senior Brother of the Jie School, huddling with the Sea God, constantly whispering something, and occasionally letting out strange 'hehe' chuckles.

At this point, Longji was merely surprised, primarily by the Sea God’s extensive network.

Another half an hour later, when they arrived at Three Immortals Island and met the renowned Sanxiao Immortal Maidens of the Jie School, only profound shock remained in Longji’s eyes.

Was this Immortal Maiden Yunxiao truly a being that should exist in this world?

But that wasn’t the main point.

The Sea God was strolling alone in the woods with Immortal Maiden Yunxiao, chatting and laughing. What kind of situation was this?

Immortal Maiden Yunxiao even personally peeled a flat peach and offered it to her Sea God…

Though the Sea God claimed it was merely an incarnation and eating it wouldn’t offer much taste, his body honestly reached out and accepted it.

The Sea God and Daoist Duobao…

The Sea God and Immortal Maiden Yunxiao…

Longji pursed her lips, stood in a corner, listening to the other two immortal maidens nearby laughing and playing. Silently, she took out her jade slip and recorded her current state of mind.

Meanwhile, in the Ninth Heaven, Great Crimson Heaven.

Clouds and mist were hazy and ethereal, immortal light swirled everywhere. There was no object, no god, no immortal, no spirit. Only profound mystery remained.

And deep within these clouds and mist, in a small daoist temple, the Grandmaster sat upright at the entrance of the temple’s small hall, a smile on his face. He exuded a sense of… unfeigned obedience.

Not long after, the Grandmaster whispered into the hall:

“Teacher, what do you think of your disciple’s proposal just now?”