Chapter 320: Now That I Have Come, What Are You Thinking? Now That You Have Come, You Understand What I Think.

Duxian Gate, Little Qiong Peak.

Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back in the forest, his mind racing.

*The Four Immortal-Slaying Swords hung overhead, asking me of dreams from countless springs and autumns.**Fairies like clouds, how can their inner thoughts borrow a sage's name?*

"Hmm, this sentiment is a bit too subtle," he thought. "If I were to express it more directly—"

Li Changshou was utterly speechless, his hands clenched into claws, unable to find a place for them. His body twitched as he gnashed his teeth.

"Good heavens!"

A Saint personally intervened to bring him into Jie School?

The Investiture of the Gods Tribulation specifically targeted Jie School, resulting in countless casualties among its disciples. The Ten Ultimate Arrays spiraled out of control, Zhao Gongming met a tragic end, the Three Xiao sisters perished fighting Saints in the Nine-Bend Yellow River Array, and in the Myriad Immortals Array, most Jie School immortals were either killed, betrayed, fled, or abandoned the school!

How many of the eight main disciples and seven attending immortals remained intact at the end?

Grandmaster of Heaven was so enraged that he wanted to destroy the world and remake the elements of wind, fire, water, and earth, only to be ultimately confined by Dao Ancestor.

Joining Jie School now would be like actively sending himself to the Investiture of the Gods Tablet!

Although he had already "walked ahead" of the Investiture of the Gods Tablet by becoming a fourth-rank righteous god in the Heavenly Courts—and was about to be promoted to third-rank—theoretically, he should no longer be affected by the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation.

Still, this matter was truly unreliable.

And today, Li Changshou finally understood why Elder Zhao was so righteous and loyal, why Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao were so fond of mischief, and why Daoist Duobao was so free-spirited...

Why were all Jie School disciples so 'off-kilter'? It was because of the 'upper beam'!

"Ahem, steady."

What was this even called?

Li Changshou looked up and sighed deeply. The Saint from the neighboring sect had given him a task, and it seemed his own Saint had tacitly approved of 'lending out his tool-person'.

"Calm down, calm down! Especially at a time like this, I must not panic!"

He silently recited the "Stability Scripture" in his heart, and images from his "Hundred Beauties" series slowly enveloped him. Li Changshou's nascent soul sat cross-legged, and his Dao heart quickly calmed down.

At this moment, what Li Changshou first considered was not how absurd the situation was, but rather his own predicament.

He was a Ren School disciple, an immortal official in the Heavenly Courts, and now considered an unknown hidden Golden Immortal in the Primordial World. However, compared to Fairy Yun Xiao, he was like a dim star next to a brilliant full moon.

From the five questions posed by the Jie School Saint, Li Changshou realized...

The Saint might be a tiny bit 'overly theoretical' when it came to 'matters of the heart', interpreting them through the lens of the Great Dao.

But can matters of emotion be explained by logic?

Dao-nature and human-nature are inherently in a relationship where one waxes as the other wanes, one strengthens as the other weakens.

Dao-nature refers to a Qi Refiner's congruence with the Great Dao. It's often said that the longer one cultivates the Dao, the more emotionless and detached one becomes. This can actually be understood as merging with the Dao, increasing Dao-nature, to the extent that one views everything through the lens of the Dao.

Human-nature, on the other hand, can be understood as the spirituality of all beings, referring to a Qi Refiner's inherent character and personal desires.

Li Changshou had read a classic text by the esteemed Fuxi, which explored the impact of 'Dao-nature' and 'human-nature' on Qi Refiners. Li Changshou revered it as a classic.

It stated:

Innate beings possess more Dao-nature, while acquired beings are primarily governed by human-nature (spirituality).

Therefore, for Fairy Yun Xiao, an innate being, to develop 'romantic feelings' primarily governed by human-nature, was inherently an extremely difficult matter.

Li Changshou could perceive a process of 'decreasing Dao-nature and increasing human-nature' within Fairy Yun Xiao, but this process was very slow and the change wasn't significant...

So, from any perspective, his current relationship with Fairy Yun Xiao was, simply put, one of mutual admiration—at best, they could be considered close confidants.

Of course, Li Changshou had to admit that because Fairy Yun Xiao was entangled with too much karma and the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation was imminent, he had been deliberately suppressing and avoiding his feelings for her.

But to say that Fairy Yun Xiao was already deeply in love with him now was absolutely impossible.

Someone must have given hints to Fairy Yun Xiao, who didn't understand such matters, guiding her vague feelings for him towards a romantic inclination.

This person... was most likely the Grandmaster.

But whether it was Grandmaster of Heaven or the Grandmaster, who had truly tried to understand Fairy Yun Xiao? And who would think that Fairy Yun Xiao didn't understand matters between men and women?

But Li Changshou knew, Li Changshou understood.

She really didn't understand much.

Although Fairy Yun Xiao was powerful and had cultivated for a long time, in this particular area, she was merely a clumsy novice.

Fairy Yun Xiao had subtly shown him favor several times, causing his Dao heart to waver, but each time she would lightly smile it off, inadvertently revealing that there was still a significant distance between them...

Li Changshou summarized simply: if he were to follow Grandmaster of Heaven's arrangement and answer these five questions today, then three problems would arise for him.

Firstly, Fairy Yun Xiao would most likely fall into her own internal conflict.Secondly, he would be firmly bound by Jie School's karma and would have to fully scheme for the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation.Thirdly, once he and Fairy Yun Xiao interacted to a certain extent, they would find themselves in an awkward situation with nothing to talk about, as Li Changshou's understanding of the Great Dao was too shallow compared to hers.

How could he break free from this situation while saving the Saint's face, making Fairy Yun Xiao happy, and not disrupting his current cultivation rhythm?

Li Changshou meticulously replayed the five questions and standard answers relayed by Daoist Duobao in his mind. He could even imagine the scene in Biyou Palace at that time...

Grandmaster of Heaven sat amidst swirling clouds, his clear voice drifting vaguely, reaching the ears of the troubled Fairy Yun Xiao.

"'Yun Xiao, go find that person and ask him these five questions:Where does the Great Dao lead, and what are Yin and Yang?Between favorable and adverse, where is life intercepted?All beings are alike; what distinguishes earlier and later?Heaven and Earth have an end; what remains eternal?I come to you now; what are your thoughts?'

If he answers:'Where the Great Dao leads, all things are Yin and Yang.Between favorable and adverse, let the heart guide desires.All beings are alike; earlier and later are inherently one.Heaven and Earth have an end; only will is eternal.You come to me now to unravel my thoughts.'

Then, this person is your fated Dao companion, with whom you can journey on the Great Dao and enjoy the fruits of love."

From these five questions and answers, it was clear that Grandmaster of Heaven's Dao cultivation was indeed unfathomably profound, capable of directly interpreting the Great Dao.

"What if I change the answers?"

A sudden image flashed in Li Changshou's mind: a formation diagram with four immortal swords chasing him, screaming for his death. He immediately shivered several times.

At this very moment, his paper-effigy was still being held by Duobao, who repeatedly emphasized the five answers, telling him to match them one by one and under no circumstances to simply memorize them, in case Fairy Yun Xiao changed the order.

Li Changshou sighed softly; a solution had already formed in his mind.

His main body directly left the sect through the underground relocation array beneath the pill chamber, under Little Qiong Peak, heading towards the East Sea coast.

He calculated the direct path from Three Immortals Island to Duxian Gate, found a picturesque coastal town, and stood quietly in a peach blossom forest, awaiting Fairy Yun Xiao's arrival from the west.

—His proactive departure was to avoid directly revealing the location of Duxian Gate to Daoist Duobao.

As for why he used his main body...

The Saint was watching!

If he kept trying to fool them with a paper-effigy, the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords wouldn't just be a warning!

Inside the earthen cave, Daoist Duobao had already taken out a familiar treasure mirror, breathed on it, and used his divine ability to reveal Li Changshou's main body's location.

Daoist Duobao's eyes lit up. He glanced at the white-haired old immortal beside him, then looked at the young Daoist on the mirror, chuckling incessantly.

Immediately, Daoist Duobao, dragging Li Changshou's paper-effigy, headed towards the East Sea and hid near Li Changshou's location.

Li Changshou's main body hadn't yet waited for Fairy Yun Xiao, but on the paper-effigy's side...

"Senior Brother?"

A gentle call drifted from the distance outside the earthen cave. Two streams of light shot forth, transforming into two graceful figures.

The one on the left wore a golden gauze dress, a simple phoenix crown, and jade pendants accentuating her waist. She was graceful and slightly alluring, tall with an imposing aura. Several golden ribbons fluttered around her, giving her an ethereal and breathtaking presence.

This was the leader of Jie School's female immortals, one of the Four Inner Disciples, Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

The one on the right wore a grass-green long dress, with a flowing cloud hairpin and two strands of long hair falling in front of her. She had a girlish figure, slender and delicate, and held a whisk in her hand, exuding a sense of detachment and indifference, as if she didn't much care for worldly affairs.

Li Changshou had met this esteemed figure before; it was Turtle Spirit Holy Mother, another of Jie School's Four Inner Disciples.

Well, three of the four inner disciples had arrived here, all hiding inside Daoist Duobao's 'void earthen cave'.

What were they doing?

A blind date?

Li Changshou immediately felt immense pressure, genuinely wishing he could ask Grandmaster Xuandu to come with Pagoda Elder.

He waited and waited, but still no sign of Yun Xiao. Instead, Daoist Duobao brought in another group of... Jie School's finest into the earthen cave.

First came cries of "Master," as Fire Spirit Holy Mother and Golden Light Holy Mother arrived with dozens of Jie School immortals from Jin'ao Island.

Then came several shouts of "Senior Brother," as people arrived from Penglai Island, Fire Dragon Island, and Nine Dragon Island.

Li Changshou tactfully suggested that Senior Yun Xiao might not be pleased. Daoist Duobao calmly smiled and made the earthen cave...

...several layers thicker.

Subsequently, numerous gazes turned towards Li Changshou, filled with kind concern.

Li Changshou could only sigh slightly. Fortunately, he had prepared beforehand, using 'physical means' to hide his true appearance and casting several layers of illusion spells on his main body...

Most critically, Li Changshou faintly sensed fluctuations in the Dao charm of the Taiji Diagram.

Eight chances out of ten, Grandmaster of Heaven was also observing this place.

It couldn't be that his own Saint also...

"Impossible, absolutely impossible."

"They're coming, they're coming!" Golden Light Holy Mother whispered loudly, "Sister Qiong Xiao sent word, Sister Yun Xiao has left her island!"

The earthen cave immediately erupted in excitement. Several Jie School immortals familiar with Li Changshou secretly sent encouraging messages to his paper-effigy in the cave.

Already, some curious Jie School immortals—those whose names were recorded during the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation—began discussing where to put the auspicious characters and couplets...

Li Changshou: "Are they all really this idle?"

Since things had come to this, and Jie School had made the first move, he shouldn't be blamed for Ren School making the second!

Li Changshou had made up his mind. Soon, he would unleash ninety percent of his persuasive skill to give these Jie School immortals a 'Ren School Dao Companion Style Experience Report'!

Whether it would lead to a surge in Jie School Dao companions afterward was irrelevant to him, a humble Ren School disciple.

Solutions are always born out of necessity!

In the earthen cave, Li Changshou's paper-effigy said, "Fellow Daoists, I will first return my mind to my main body."

With that, his paper-effigy closed its eyes and concentrated. The dozens of immortals around him all expressed approval.

In the peach blossom forest, Li Changshou collected himself, took out a jade flute, and began playing a melodious tune.

*Freely soaring upon your heart~*

In the distance, a white cloud stopped high in the sky, then quickly descended towards his location.

Yun Xiao...

Had arrived.

As the cloud descended, it carried a fairy dressed in white. Li Changshou turned his head, and the flute music ceased.

There was no need to describe her bright eyes, delicate lips, or peerless beauty; no need to praise her flawless jade-like complexion and refined demeanor. She simply stood there, revealing a gentle, comfortable smile, and one would forget the flow of the river of time, wishing only to be frozen in that instant.

The sea breeze blew, gently fluttering her long hair and skirt towards him.

Fairy Yun Xiao parted her delicate lips and immediately said, "Why did your true body come here?"

Just as Li Changshou was about to say, "Isn't it because the Saint specifically named me?", he felt two knives pressed against the neck of his paper-effigy.

At this moment, the Jie School immortals in the earthen cave secretly thought, "This is bad!" Yun Xiao was incredibly intelligent; just one detail would be enough for her to deduce many things.

However, Li Changshou sighed lightly with a smile and said:

"My heart felt a bit restless, so I wanted to go out for a stroll. Only now do I realize this restlessness was to bring me here to serendipitously meet you, Fairy."

In the earthen cave, a group of male immortals looked shocked, while many female immortals' eyes lit up.

"Heh..."

Yun Xiao chuckled, drifting down from the cloud. Li Changshou gestured for her to join him, and the two walked leisurely in the area with surprising tacit understanding.

Li Changshou chuckled, "You and I both dislike going out, yet today we both came. I fear something is about to happen."

"Perhaps I influenced you," Yun Xiao said with a hint of apology. "Earlier, I went to seek answers from Master, and Master divined your situation. It must have unsettled your heart."

Li Changshou: "..."

Indeed, Fairy Yun Xiao's frankness made him feel a bit ashamed of himself.

But Li Changshou could only smile and say, "Oh? The Grandmaster actually divined my situation personally? That truly flatters me."

Yun Xiao giggled at Li Changshou's slightly exaggerated tone. "I've secretly used the Hunyuan Golden Dou to obscure the heavenly secrets here. Even if you say that, Master won't hear it."

Li Changshou: "They're right beneath our feet! Right beneath us!"

Speaking of which, Li Changshou would call Senior Duobao's divine ability an absolute masterpiece.

"Whether the Saint hears us or not, we must always show respect," Li Changshou said solemnly. "One remains an ant until becoming a Saint; only then can one truly transcend. In this world, the Six Saints are like six towering mountains, and you and I are both within their shadows."

Fairy Yun Xiao gently nodded, speaking softly, "I, however, have never heard what your Dao heart truly seeks."

"We Qi Refiners naturally seek to transcend Heaven and Earth, to transcend the Great Dao, and find our true selves," Li Changshou said, hands behind his back, the jade flute gently swaying. "I, of course, am no exception to this 'mundane' aspiration."

Yun Xiao chuckled, "If you say so, then I am merely a mundane person too."

Just then, another knife was pressed against the paper-effigy's neck. A certain unnamed Jie School Senior Brother sinisterly whispered, "Don't try to change the subject. Hurry up and talk about that matter, and let us broaden our horizons while you're at it."

The group of male Jie School immortals in the earthen cave unanimously approved.

At the edge of the peach forest, Li Changshou blinked.

Fairy Yun Xiao asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

What else could be wrong? He was being held hostage!

"Fairy, your smile is truly beautiful," Li Changshou sighed. "I racked my brains, wanting to compose a poem to fit the occasion, but I found that all the poetry I know couldn't capture even half your beauty. I can only use such a simple phrase to praise you."

Inside the earthen cave, many Jie School immortals silently took out their jade slips for note-taking...

Fairy Yun Xiao couldn't help but look away, her eyes still full of tenderness. "Why are you so eloquent today?"

Li Changshou said, "Fairy, do you know what peach blossoms symbolize among our human race?"

Yun Xiao lightly pinched her fingers to calculate, and soon understood, smiling. Then she too clasped her soft hands behind her back and said, "Since your heart also feels a tremor, then...

May I ask you a few questions?"

"Please, Fairy."

"Where does the Great Dao lead, and what are Yin and Yang? Between favorable and adverse, where is life intercepted? All beings are alike; what distinguishes earlier and later?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, then gave the standard answers.

An open-book test, full marks.

However, for the crucial last two questions, Fairy Yun Xiao hesitated, her gaze fixed on Li Changshou, as if pondering, yet also as if confiding.

Li Changshou met her gaze openly, a hint of peace in his eyes, which were filled with warmth.

Yun Xiao said thoughtfully, "Your answers... are quite good..."

"Does Fairy have any other questions?"

Li Changshou subtly hinted, but Yun Xiao seemed not to pick up on the signal, gently shaking her head.

Yun Xiao said, "Actually, these questions were given by Master, and your answers align with what Master said. I probably already understand that I've entered the tribulation myself. In fact, after I returned to the island, I decided to come find you again, already knowing what the answers were."

Li Changshou smiled, "Fairy... May I call you Yun Xiao a few times today?"

"Mm," Yun Xiao gently nodded, her eyes soft with affection. She raised a hand to brush a wisp of hair from her ear and softly said, "You may only call me that here. Before my brothers and sisters, you still need to be careful."

Li Changshou made a gesture for her to proceed. The two continued to stroll through the forest, but Li Changshou had now sounded the horn of counter-attack against Jie School.

"Yun Xiao, why don't we describe how we see each other?"