Chapter 314: Three Teachings and One Sea God

"'The right moment? What moment is Teacher waiting for?'"

Before the gates of Tushita Palace, the Grand Master stood silently on the steps, pondering his brief conversation with his Teacher at the Grand Purity Temple.

He had gone to seek his Teacher's permission to formally accept Li Changshou as a disciple.

But his Teacher had only said...

"The time is not yet ripe."

In other words, his Teacher had already decided to take Changshou as a disciple but was waiting for a specific moment?

What kind of moment could it be?

Wouldn't a direct decree from a Saint suffice?

Why did it feel like there were complex machinations behind it?

The Grand Master frowned slightly, pushed open the doors of Tushita Palace, and returned to his usual spot—

Under the old tree, amidst the cool grass.

As the eldest disciple of the Human Teaching and the senior brother of the Dao Sect, how could he not be capable of planning and strategizing? He simply rarely bothered, being too lazy to scheme.

The Grand Master adjusted his sleeve, a flicker of interest appearing in his eyes.

Today, he decided to thoroughly deduce and calculate what moment his Teacher was waiting for, and when Changshou would finally be able to enter Tushita Palace!

So, the Grand Master sat under the tree, continuously pinching his fingers in calculation, deep in thought, nodding and shaking his head intermittently, his expression quite serious.

It wasn't until his brows furrowed into the character '川' (river/stream) that the Grand Master slowly exhaled...

He gave up.

He truly couldn't fathom what his Teacher was planning.

"Sigh, let it be. It's enough to know that Teacher intends to take him as a disciple.

It's best not to tell Changshou about this, lest it unsettle his mind. We'll wait for Teacher's decree and then congratulate Changshou."

The Grand Master yawned. Just as he was about to let his form return to nature and his mind merge with the heavens and earth, Little Jin and Little Yin came pattering from afar.

"Grand Master! Senior Brother Changshou came earlier and brought some immortal peaches!"

"Immortal peaches?"

The Grand Master raised an eyebrow, a slight smile appearing as he looked at the six neatly arranged immortal peaches in the jade box Little Jin and Little Yin had opened.

"Changshou truly has a good heart, not forgetting to send some over even after benefiting himself."

The Grand Master sighed softly, "You two take them and share them. Don't let Changshou's kindness go to waste."

Little Jin and Little Yin nodded eagerly, carrying the jade box back into the hall, burping a few times along the way.

"These two little rascals, they don't even wipe their mouths when they sneak a snack."

Immortal peaches... Sea God...

The Grand Master murmured, "Could it be that Teacher is waiting for Changshou to achieve some great merit?

If that's the case, there's no need to rush. But I always feel that Teacher isn't concerned with the Dragon race's affairs; there must be other considerations.

The word 'moment' truly is too vague."

Never mind.

Thinking so much is ultimately useless.

The Grand Master stretched, leaning back slowly as the shallow green grass on the ground rapidly grew and intertwined, forming a comfortable bed of grass.

By the way, what is Changshou doing now?

The Grand Master rested his left hand behind his head and lightly tapped the air with his right hand. The Taiji Diagram slowly appeared, and as the yin and yang fish revolved, a scroll-like image materialized.

Oh, he actually went to Three Immortals Island!

At this sight, the Grand Master's spirits immediately lifted. The scene slowly advanced, and soon he saw two figures strolling and chatting in the forest.

The Grand Master praised a few times in his heart and quickly waved his hand to disperse the ethereal image of the Taiji Diagram.

But even though the Grand Master's movements were swift enough, Fairy Yunxiao still sensed something and glanced up at the sky...

The Grand Master carefully calculated and, finding that his Dao charm had not been captured by Yunxiao, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

'You've really got something, little Changshou.

You don't miss any opportunity. You actually dared to go to Three Immortals Island with immortal peaches, even though they're not some rare spiritual roots, and you're not afraid that Junior Sister Yunxiao might look down on them.'

With that, he turned onto his side and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

On Three Immortals Island.

Yunxiao frowned slightly, slowly withdrawing her gaze from the sky above.

"What's wrong? Was someone prying here?"

Yunxiao couldn't help but ask, "Did you also sense that aura just now, fellow Daoist?"

"My cultivation is shallow, so I naturally wouldn't detect it," Li Changshou said. "I merely inferred it from your expression, Fairy."

"It must have been Senior Brother watching," Yunxiao sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in her voice. "Please forgive his impropriety, fellow Daoist."

—After escorting Li Changshou to Three Immortals Island, Daoist Duobao found an excuse to return to offer peaches to his Teacher, heading back to Biyou Palace beyond the misty reaches.

"Senior Duobao is truly unconventional and fond of playful antics, a rare individual in all the heavens and earth.

Within the Jie Teaching, there are many people of strong character, and it has much more human warmth than other parts of the Primordial World.

The path of cultivation is long; having friends accompany you is the greatest fortune."

Yunxiao couldn't help but stop, turning slightly, and chuckled softly, "How is it that everything you say always finds a way to be beneficial, and somehow, it always sounds so reasonable?"

Light and shadow dappled through the forest, a few specks of light falling on her long skirt, adding a touch of lively cheer.

"Fairy, please don't flatter me," Li Changshou said with a smile, not daring to look too long. "It's simply that there can be different perspectives when looking at the same matter.

Furthermore, the human warmth of the Jie Teaching, while good, can also be a bad thing."

Yunxiao asked, "Is it perhaps detrimental due to the concept of karma?"

"Yes, it is the concept of karma," Li Changshou replied slowly, a profound look in his eyes. "The more deeply intertwined relationships one has, the harder it is to untangle from such karma.

Karma is like a net, already enveloping the entire Jie Teaching."

Yunxiao looked thoughtful.

For prudence, Li Changshou did not elaborate further, stopping at that point, and continued strolling with Yunxiao through the area.

Clouds rose and vanished, tides swelled and receded.

The scenery on Three Immortals Island was quite pleasant, though Li Changshou didn't remember much of it.

Yunxiao also asked him why he had come to Jin'ao Island this time. Li Changshou spoke of the Dragon race's affairs and a handwritten letter he had received from Daoist Duobao on the way.

That letter contained two ancient characters: 'Dragon' and 'Heaven'.

Next, after leaving Three Immortals Island, Li Changshou planned to visit Jade Purity Palace, hoping to find Guangchengzi and request the characters 'Restrain' and 'Ascend'.

"Restrain Dragon, Ascend to Heaven?"

Yunxiao murmured softly, "What effect would such handwriting have on the Dragon race?"

"If it were merely the handwritten letters from the two seniors, it might even have a counterproductive effect, making the Dragon race feel that the Dao Sect is meddling in their affairs.

However, if this matter is handled carefully and combined with the promises made by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, it can create significant pressure.

Although the Primordial World is vast and the three thousand worlds are expansive, with the three Dao Sect teachings expressing their stance, the Dragon race will have nowhere to hide.

At present, His Majesty the Jade Emperor has lost patience with the Dragon race's situation and desires a swift resolution. At this point, the Dragon race cannot be allowed to resolve their internal issues first; instead, they must first establish their nominal allegiance, then cooperate internally and externally for gradual rectification..."

In the forest, Li Changshou spoke eloquently.

Fairy Yunxiao mostly listened quietly, occasionally nodding gently or asking questions proactively.

Their conversation was very pleasant, with ample leisure on both sides.

It felt as if only a moment had passed, yet they had been on the island for one or two hours.

Li Changshou expressed his intention to leave, and Yunxiao naturally escorted him off Three Immortals Island. Qiongxiao and Bixiao also came out to join the commotion, their eyes holding a hint of mischief, though they refrained from teasing. They knelt, offering a warning.

"Let's go," Li Changshou called out to Princess Long Ji, who had inexplicably become somewhat reserved beside him.

Long Ji flew forward, following behind Li Changshou, holding her horsetail whisk, a little lost in thought.

They took the path towards Southern Continent, heading for Kunlun Mountain.

Halfway there, Long Ji finally whispered, "Sea God..."

"Hmm?"

"Were the peaches good?"

"They were alright. Why do you suddenly ask?"

"Hehe," Long Ji giggled, sticking out her tongue, then timidly asked, "Sea God, may Long Ji ask you something? With your... hmm, why did you come to the Heavenly Court to help my father?"

Li Changshou countered, "Then tell me, why does Old Master Laozi assist His Majesty in the Heavenly Court?"

Long Ji paused, vaguely feeling as though she had received an answer, yet she was also in a haze, unsure of what exactly she had understood.

Li Changshou chuckled softly and continued flying on his cloud, offering no further explanation.

Instead, Long Ji pondered for a moment, then took out her jade talisman and lowered her head to write:

'The Sea God's visit to the Jie Teaching, his vast network and numerous acquaintances, are astonishing. Especially Senior Daoist Duobao actively seeking him out and treating him like a brother—it's truly remarkable...

The Sea God is even intimately acquainted with Fairy Yunxiao, like a bosom friend and confidant, strolling through the mountains and forests, laughing and enjoying their time...

Simply incredible, absolutely incredible.'

"Long Ji?"

"Here!" Long Ji quickly responded, tucking the jade talisman back into her Daoist robe sleeve. "Sea God, your command!"

"Do not let what you witnessed today circulate in the Heavenly Court."

"If Father and Mother ask..."

"Then it's naturally fine to tell them."

Li Changshou said, "Next, we'll first visit a senior, and then we'll go to Jade Purity Palace. You must remember, no matter what situation you encounter in Jade Purity Palace, do not utter a sound. Just follow behind me."

"Yes," Long Ji replied with a solemn expression.

She naturally knew that the Chan and Jie Teachings often clashed due to differing doctrines and philosophies.

Long Ji saw how popular Li Changshou was within the Jie Teaching, even being the renowned Fairy Yunxiao's 'bosom friend,' so she presumed that with the Chan Teaching...

Surely, he wouldn't be thrown out, would he?

After all, Long Ji still possessed a maiden's heart, and she was now starting to feel uneasy.

However, what happened next left Long Ji somewhat overwhelmed.

They first went to Two Immortals Mountain in Central Divine Continent, found Magu Cave, and met a kind and gentle elder with a clean-shaven face—

True Person Huanglong.

Li Changshou didn't hide anything, directly stating that he had come for the Dragon race's affairs and requested True Person Huanglong to intercede and obtain a handwritten letter from Senior Guangchengzi. He also presented Daoist Duobao's letter.

True Person Huanglong asked, "You only need Senior Brother Guangchengzi to write two characters?"

"Precisely. It would be best if Senior Guangchengzi also left a trace of his aura, as that would represent the Chan Teaching's stance."

"That's easy!"

True Person Huanglong readily agreed and immediately took Li Changshou and Long Ji to Kunlun Mountain.

Upon finding Jade Purity Palace and paying respects to Guangchengzi, True Person Huanglong did not mention Li Changshou's purpose but took the matter upon himself, presenting the two characters written by Daoist Duobao to Guangchengzi.

Guangchengzi smiled as he took up his brush and wrote the characters 'Restrain' and 'Ascend'.

"Is this sufficient?"

"Many thanks, Senior Brother!"

"Thank you, Senior."

"It's a small matter," Guangchengzi said, folding the letter and using his immortal power to return it to Li Changshou's hand. He smiled, "The Heavenly Court was established by the Dao Ancestor himself, so it's only right that we contribute our strength."

Li Changshou thanked him repeatedly, while Long Ji, standing beside him, was at a loss for words.

Did the Chan and Jie Teachings truly hold such great goodwill towards the Heavenly Court?

Long Ji, of course, knew the truth—all of this was merely out of respect for the Sea God.

After they left Jade Purity Palace without incident, taking the route back to the East Sea, Long Ji took out her jade talisman and silently wrote a line.

'The Sea God, a master of all three teachings, greatly astonishes Ji.'

As Li Changshou arrived in the East Sea with Long Ji;

In a deep valley array at the foot of Spirit Mountain in Western Niu He Continent.

Several figures stood beside a treasured pond, simultaneously acting to slowly submerge a golden cicada, which had not yet shed its skin, into the pond's depths.

These individuals all appeared as old Daoists, each wearing somewhat tattered long robes;

According to Spirit Mountain's rules, the more tattered one's robe, the higher their status within the teaching. This served as a constant reminder to themselves, never forgetting the 'Western barrenness' of their land.

Not far behind these old Daoists, one or two figures stood in various corners.

Daoist Wenjing was also there, watching the golden cicada in the treasured pond;

Feeling a pang of sympathetic sorrow, she was just about to burst out laughing right there...

Then she heard those old Daoists speak:

"Jinchazi is crippled."

"That Sea God actually possesses the power to eliminate Jinchazi. Tell Wenjing and the others to be careful and not directly attack the Sea God. This person conceals his strength deeply."

"A disciple of the Human Teaching, concealing his abilities. His intentions are unknown."

The several individuals spoke up, then fell silent after a few words.

Daoist Wenjing was truly astonished.

"The Sea God?"

"He personally severely injured Jinchazi, to the extent that Jinchazi is effectively undergoing reincarnation?"

"How is that possible? The Sea God's cultivation shouldn't have reached the Grand Unity realm, and Jinchazi is a fierce beast who fought since ancient times; in a fight at the same level, he's practically unbeatable..."

"How did Jinchazi almost perish? Daoist Wenjing was utterly perplexed."

"And furthermore, Lord Sea God..."

"Isn't he a civil official?"

Daoist Wenjing blinked rapidly.

Then she heard an old Daoist clench his teeth and curse, "Are we just going to swallow this humiliation?

Teacher said that Jinchazi is connected to the great prosperity of our Western Sect. The Sea God has cut off our Western Sect's great fortune!"

"Even if we wanted to attack the Sea God, we can't find his true body. What's the use of killing his paper-effigy incarnation?"

Another old Daoist spoke up, "If we can't touch the Sea God, can we not touch those around him?"

"Touch whom?"

"One who is intimately acquainted with the Sea God and has significant karmic ties with our Western Sect is..."

"Jie Teaching's Zhao Gongming."

Hearing that name, the old Daoists by the treasured pond fell silent once more.

This silence lasted for a full moment until one old Daoist sighed softly, looking up:

"Cannot defeat him, choose another."

Daoist Wenjing couldn't help but roll her eyes, leaning against the stone wall, waiting for these Saint disciples to reach a decision.

She then heard them murmur for a long time, yet they couldn't find a suitable target for retaliation. Daoist Wenjing couldn't help but inwardly snort...

'Don't even mention you all. As Lord Sea God's right-hand woman, this queen doesn't know a single one of his relatives or close friends right now.

Instead of bickering here, why don't you dare to attack Tushita Palace and cause trouble for this queen's beloved consort?'

At the thought of the words 'beloved consort,' Daoist Wenjing's phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, and a hint of a smile played at the corners of her lips...

These Saint disciples of the Western Sect discussed for a long time before finally settling on a plan to retaliate against the Sea God.

However, Daoist Wenjing relayed this entire plan to Li Changshou's paper effigy in just a moment, not missing a single word.