Chapter 333: Reassurance, Keeping a Secret

"The wind in West Kunlun is a little restless today."

In a secluded valley nestled within the majestic mountains, an old Daoist, meticulously dressed with white hair and a youthful face, slowly rose from his seat inside a cave dwelling marked by a plaque reading "Eight Treasures Cloud Radiance Cave."

He seemed to sense that something was about to happen.

However, he couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of the event. His calculations only revealed it was connected to the Immortal Ascension Sect, his established Dao lineage outside.

"It seems to be the day of the Immortal Ascension Sect's open-door ceremony and disciple recruitment."

True Immortal Du'e pondered for a moment, then decided to secretly observe the Immortal Ascension Sect.

For the True Immortal, the previous attack on the Immortal Ascension Sect by demonic puppets, which necessitated the Grand Master's intervention, had been quite embarrassing.

There must be no more mishaps that would cause the Grand Master to descend.

— The old Daoist mused.

Humming a scripture chant, the old Daoist paced back and forth in the spacious cave dwelling.

He first entered a tidy chamber.

Opening a wooden cabinet, he selected a silver velvet gray Daoist robe. Then, he turned to admire the various styles of Daoist whisks hanging on the adjacent wall.

True Immortal Du'e chose one that complemented his robe and held it.

Next, he proceeded to the adjacent 'Cloud Chamber,' selected a cloud with white and gray hues, stepped onto it, and gracefully floated out of his cave dwelling.

Not every whisk could capture True Immortal Du'e's attention.

Similarly, not every rogue cultivator was fortunate enough to be accepted as a registered disciple by the Grand Pure Saint.

It was a matter of exquisite taste.

He journeyed eastward on his cloud, unhurriedly admiring the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Central Divine Continent, and soon arrived near the Immortal Ascension Sect.

The Immortal Ascension Sect was bustling; crowds gathered outside its mountain gate, while multiple trials were being prepared within.

Observing the scene, True Immortal Du'e stroked his beard and nodded. He then concealed himself within the clouds, moving around to survey everything, quite pleased with the grand occasion.

Soon after, two Immortal Ascension Sect elders flew out from the mountain gate and announced the commencement of disciple selection.

"Today marks the open-door ceremony. Those wishing to become disciples should enter through the mountain gate and proceed towards the main peak, undergoing eighteen trials along the way.

Candidates chosen by an immortal within the sect may decide for themselves whether to stay or leave.

Those not chosen by an immortal but possessing exceptional talent may remain on the mountain as service disciples, and the sect will arrange their cultivation schedules accordingly.

For this ceremony, by the Sect Master's order, a 'Stone of Fortune' has been introduced. Those whose fortune is measured as long-lasting may also be admitted for cultivation within the sect."

Fortune?

True Immortal Du'e raised an eyebrow slightly, finding the addition somewhat reasonable.

The True Immortal continued to observe from the clouds, effortlessly seeing through the Immortal Ascension Sect's mountain-protecting array and clearly discerning what was about to unfold.

This went unnoticed by the three Golden Immortals ostensibly present within the sect.

However...

'Has True Immortal Du'e really arrived?'

Li Changshou stood by the lake on Little Qiong Peak, hands behind his back, deep in thought.

He had initially planned to use fortune as a catalyst for the Sect Master to accept Li Jing on behalf of his master. However, it now seemed many of his arrangements might be unnecessary.

It was better to be prepared.

True Immortal Du'e's presence further corroborated that this Li Jing was indeed the same Li Jing.

After a brief contemplation, Li Changshou turned and returned to his thatched hut.

The fortune artifact had already been entrusted to the Sect Master. For added prudence, Li Changshou had made two arrangements.

First, he hinted to the Sect Master that one of the new disciples possessed astonishing fortune.

— This was, of course, done in the Grand Master's name.

Second, Li Changshou would closely monitor young Li Jing's induction into the sect.

Should Li Jing's fortune prove insufficient, Li Changshou would activate the 'backup plan' he had left on the fortune artifact.

Currently mingling among the other youths and children, Li Jing was entirely unaware of what awaited him.

Thus, half a day later,

In front of Potian Peak, a beam of deep purple light shot into the sky.

True Immortal Du'e, who had been about to depart from the clouds, was startled, while the elders gathered in the Immortal Ascension Hall poured out of its doors.

Even Sect Master Ji Wuyou, who had received prior instructions from Li Changshou, was now shaken by this surge of fortune. He covered his mouth with his elbow, coughed a few times, and hurried on his cloud towards the Fortune Measurement Stone.

In an instant, the somewhat bewildered young Li Jing found himself surrounded by numerous figures.

Li Changshou, still in his thatched hut, chuckled softly. He kept a wisp of his immortal consciousness focused on Li Jing's vicinity, while the majority of his attention shifted back to matters outside the mountain gate.

Even an ordinary influential official had mundane matters to attend to.

The paper-avatars deployed near the West Sea Dragon Palace had observed large numbers of immortal蛟 troops being constantly mobilized around the palace over the past two days, which was quite unusual.

The Western Cult had likely accumulated considerable 'rage points' by now and was probably about to use the West Sea Dragon Palace as an outlet.

The West Sea Dragon King...

For better command and unified management, after his promotion to Water God, Li Changshou categorized and upgraded his paper-avatars, establishing a Water Paper-Avatar Legion specifically for river, lake, and sea affairs.

Thanks to Uncle-Master Jiu's diligent collection of sap from old spiritual trees within the sect over the past few years, Li Changshou's reserves of paper-avatars and spiritual-explosion paper-avatar trump cards had rapidly grown.

Li Changshou had previously deployed half of his water paper-avatars to the West Sea to anticipate any potential changes.

Based on the Western Cult's typical approach, it was estimated they would heavily target the West Sea Dragon Palace, exploiting it thoroughly.

He decided to do what he could.

However, just as Li Changshou had settled several paper-avatar legions, his divine sense picked up the little dragon's call...

"Brother Cult Master! Something has happened!"

'The Dragon Clan's reaction is more prompt than my own this time.'

As he thought this, Li Changshou projected his divine sense through an idol, pulling Ao Yi into a dream.

The two Cult Masters of the Sea God Cult met, and with a remarkable tacit understanding, they both spoke at once.

Li Changshou said, "The situation around the West Sea Dragon Palace is not optimistic. I've already discovered traces of many primordial fierce beasts."

But Ao Yi said, "Uncle-Master Jinguang has brought a group of female immortals from the island to our Sea God Temple in Anshui City!"

Both paused, surprised.

"Holy Mother Jinguang?"

"Brother, what's happening in the West Sea?"

Li Changshou quickly replied:

"There's something unusual about the West Sea Dragon Palace. I suspect the Western Cult is planning something. Go and inform your father.

I'll handle things here at the Sea God Temple.

As for the immortals you mentioned... when they arrived, were they happy or angry? Were they filled with righteous indignation, or were they simply worried?"

"They were... it seemed they didn't show much emotion. They were initially comforting Uncle-Master Jinguang, and then decided to come and find you, brother."

Li Changshou slowly nodded, genuinely relieved.

Without needing a prompt, Ao Yi bowed and quickly excused himself.

Li Changshou concealed his paper-avatars in the West Sea even more deeply. He kept a small portion of his consciousness on the West Sea and had already dispatched a Golden Immortal-level paper-avatar to await them at the Sea God Temple.

Soon after, two white clouds drifted from the South Sea, carrying seventeen or eighteen beautiful female immortals.

On closer inspection, most of them were familiar faces.

He had either seen them during the Sea God Grand Ceremony or encountered them in the earth cave.

The foremost immortal, clad in a red gown and wearing a phoenix coronet, was Holy Mother Huoling, Daoist Duobao's beloved disciple.

Beside Holy Mother Huoling stood the slightly shorter Holy Mother Jinguang.

Holy Mother Jinguang appeared distraught and dispirited; her pretty face was haggard, and even her golden-threaded short skirt seemed to have lost some of its luster.

Li Changshou proactively flew out on his cloud to greet them, bowing from a distance.

Holy Mother Huoling frowned slightly, glancing at the mortals standing on rooftops and streets throughout Anshui City, watching them. She then whispered:

"Uncle-Master, let's converse inside your temple."

"Very well."

Li Changshou gestured for them to enter, leading the group of immortals into the Sea God Temple.

Consequently, the circulating tales of the 'Sea God's Romantic Affairs' in the town rapidly expanded into dozens of new versions.

At present, Li Changshou hadn't had time for the sixth reform of the Sea God Temple, and the mortals were naturally unaware that the Sea God had been replaced by the Dragon King. However, this didn't prevent Li Changshou from collecting incense merit.

In the inner hall, hosts and guests took their seats. The hall was filled with the chattering of the many female immortals, shimmering with their colorful auras.

Li Changshou skipped the pleasantries and said earnestly:

"Sisters, you have come from Jin'ao Island. Do you have something important to discuss?"

Immediately, the immortals hesitated to speak, and Holy Mother Jinguang lowered her head in silence.

"Uncle-Master," Holy Mother Huoling softly murmured, then offered Li Changshou a somewhat strained smile. "We've come seeking your help with something..."

"Let me speak," Holy Mother Jinguang interjected, her voice carrying a fragile tone.

She looked up, her beautiful eyes betraying a hint of trepidation, and whispered, "Has Brother Gongming... been here before?"

Li Changshou was speechless.

After his last meeting with Immortal Yunxiao on the East Sea coast, his status and influence within the Jie School seemed to have significantly increased.

Though it wasn't particularly useful...

And he certainly didn't want more karmic ties.

"Of course he has," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "Brother Gongming seemed quite troubled, so to help him relax, I even invited him to the Heavenly Court's Peach Banquet."

Holy Mother Jinguang couldn't help but ask again, "Was he very troubled?"

Li Changshou suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He dared not add any subjective feelings, only objective observations.

He replied, "Not excessively so...

One might say there was a hint of confusion, a feeling of 'not knowing where one truly belongs,' and a touch of vexation, wondering 'what is the greatest waste of time in this world.'"

Holy Mother Jinguang sighed softly upon hearing this, her eyes revealing a hint of bitterness. She murmured:

"I truly deserve this. I've only added to Brother Gongming's troubles.

If I had known, I wouldn't have spoken those words, nor should I have pestered him so relentlessly."

Immediately, several other immortals offered words of comfort, urging Holy Mother Jinguang not to blame herself, suggesting that perhaps Brother Gongming was merely too embarrassed to directly refuse her.

Li Changshou was speechless.

But that wasn't it at all.

Elder Zhao simply wasn't fond of her cute, round-faced, adorable style!

Watching Holy Mother Jinguang gradually rekindle her 'fighting spirit' amidst the encouraging words of the surrounding immortals, Li Changshou felt a touch of helplessness.

In such matters, comfort from others is often the worst; it's better to suffer a swift pain than a prolonged one.

However, Li Changshou was not a Jie School immortal, and dared not interject, merely listening quietly from the side.

Given the significant karmic ties of romantic relationships, and with the words he had imparted to Ling'e still fresh in his mind, he naturally chose not to get involved.

Once Holy Mother Jinguang had regained her spirit, with renewed light in her eyes, she whispered:

"Brother Chang Geng...

My heart is truly confused, and I don't know how to compose myself. You are most familiar with Brother Gongming; could you please help me understand what this letter truly means?"

Holy Mother Jinguang extended the letter using her immortal power.

Li Changshou coughed, then said, "Actually, I was present when Brother Gongming wrote this letter.

It's a long story. At the time, Brother Gongming told me what had happened and was troubled about being unable to speak to you directly.

It was then that I suggested he put what he wanted to say, but couldn't articulate, into a letter..."

Holy Mother Jinguang paused, murmuring, "So, that means he truly is annoyed by me."

"How could that be!"

Holy Mother Huoling stood up, snatched the letter, then quickly walked to Li Changshou and opened it.

"Uncle-Master, please look closely!"

Li Changshou then read it carefully, his heart filled with doubt.

Was there something wrong with the way it was expressed?

Between the lines, it was a gentle refusal, just short of outright stating it.

But Holy Mother Huoling pointed with a slender finger. "Uncle-Master, starting from the third line, read the first character of each line together, and you'll understand its meaning."

Li Changshou focused his gaze, murmuring, "Jin, Mei, Mo, Ji, Wu, Xin, Jiu, Yi... This?"

This seemed like a rather forced interpretation...

If it truly were an acrostic poem, why wouldn't it begin from the first line?

However, just as Li Changshou was about to object, the surrounding immortals instantly stood up, all eyes fixed on him.

Meanwhile, Holy Mother Jinguang lightly pursed her lips, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.

A whispered message then entered his ear; it was Holy Mother Huoling speaking from the side.

Huoling said:

"Uncle-Master, we all know what Brother Gongming truly means, but Uncle-Master Jinguang has suffered from this unrequited love for a long time, and we truly cannot bear to see her so dejected.

Even if Brother Gongming could spend half a day with Uncle-Master Jinguang, it would fulfill years of her dreams.

We have always admired your strategies and wisdom. This time, we secretly conspired and coaxed Uncle-Master Jinguang to come here to you.

We implore you, Uncle-Master, to help her. We will bear all karmic consequences.

If you find it unsuitable, please do not directly expose the truth. Just give her some ideas; allowing her to slowly forget would also be beneficial."

Li Changshou looked up at the tall, graceful figure standing beside him.

Holy Mother Huoling's eyes held a hint of plea. Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, then sighed:

"I'm a bit confused myself now. What exactly does Old Brother Zhao mean by this?"

Holy Mother Jinguang's eyes instantly brightened.

Holy Mother Huoling couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, but a whispered message from Li Changshou had already returned to her.

"First, make an oath. I will later give you three brocade bags to help Jinguang.

However, not a single detail of this matter must be leaked, nor should it be linked to me in any way. All actions taken will be solely the result of your discussions with the other immortals."

Holy Mother Huoling's mouth twitched involuntarily.

She had called him "Uncle-Master" for so long, yet it seemed to have no effect at all.

The personality of Uncle-Master Yunxiao's prospective Dao companion was indeed rather troublesome.

Meanwhile, inside the Immortal Ascension Hall of the Immortal Ascension Sect.

Young Li Jing knelt on a meditation cushion, head bowed, not daring to look around. Numerous elders sat on either side, still marveling at the youth's fortune.

Purple qi arrived from the east, imbuing him with immense fortune!

Without comparison, there was no disappointment.

Sect Master Ji Wuyou had just tested his own fortune and found that, despite being a formidable Golden Immortal, his was merely a faint red. This gave the elders a clear, intuitive sense of the youth's 'rarity.'

However, this also demonstrated that fortune was not directly related to one's cultivation level.

In the side hall, True Immortal Du'e sat in a chair, with Ji Wuyou standing beside him.

True Immortal Du'e had already decided to accept Li Jing as a disciple. However, due to Li Jing's less-than-stellar aptitude, he would only be a registered disciple.

But when True Immortal Du'e expressed his desire to take Li Jing to West Kunlun for cultivation, Ji Wuyou paused thoughtfully and said:

"Master, perhaps it would be better for Li Jing to cultivate here in the Immortal Ascension Sect."

"Oh?"

True Immortal Du'e asked, surprised, "Are you suggesting that my personal tutelage would be inferior to his cultivation within the sect?"

Ji Wuyou said solemnly, "Master, you may not be aware, but if his fortune is truly high, he might encounter more opportunities within the sect.

Master, times have changed.

We now have a formidable individual within our Immortal Ascension Sect."

True Immortal Du'e grew even more perplexed. "What formidable individual?"

"Master, please do not reveal this matter to anyone," Ji Wuyou leaned closer and whispered a few words.

"What?"

True Immortal Du'e stood up, his old eyes wide, and demanded in a hushed voice, "Don't you dare deceive this old Daoist!"

"How could I dare deceive you, Master? There have been continuous auspicious phenomena and endless opportunities..."

Ji Wuyou said earnestly, "Master, you absolutely must not tell anyone about this."

"Rest assured," True Immortal Du'e's initial excitement quickly subsided, and he chuckled, "Would your master truly lose such propriety?

Come, tell me in detail, what kind of auspicious signs has this... this virtuous nephew displayed?"

Ji Wuyou nodded and began to whisper softly.