Chapter 337: No One Understands Better Than Me (Delaying Time)

Li Changshou understood this truth in his previous life: behind every spectacular performance lies the hard work and dedication of countless individuals working behind the scenes.

While Ox-Head and Horse-Face made their stylish, slightly embarrassing entrance in an unusual, showy manner, Li Changshou was working frantically backstage. He used miniature formations for amplification and to set the atmosphere, constantly adjusting his position around the main hall's perimeter, and even rubbing two chains together to create sound effects. The Grandmaster, hidden in the shadows, watched this scene with a smile, long accustomed to such antics.

Immortal Yun Xiao's expression, however, was quite subtle; her beautiful eyes sparkled as she watched Li Changshou's movements intently. Li Changshou's way of handling things was completely different from her familiar methods of verbal negotiation, revealing one's origins, disagreeing, or even resorting to physical brawls.

Hmm... it felt incredibly clever.

To give the Grandmaster and Immortal Yun Xiao a sense of involvement, Li Changshou also proactively shared his whispered instructions to Ox-Head and Horse-Face with them.

"Chin up, chest out, maintain your momentum! You now represent the Wu Clan. The Wu Clan, ancient kings of the land, formed from the blood of Great God Pangu—how can your reputation be diminished before the Dragon Clan? Our immediate goal is to stall for time. Intimidating them is the top priority. Imagine these dragons are mere wooden carvings or clay figures..."

With such encouragement, Ox-Head and Horse-Face straightened their backs even further, and their blood aura grew denser.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Dragon Palace, the large-scale forced abdication scene in the West Sea was completely disrupted by the flamboyant entrance of Ox-Head and Horse-Face.

"The Underworld?"

"The Wu Clan? When did the Dragon Palace get involved with the Wu Clan?"

"Your Highness, these two Wu Clan members are quite strong. Could there be some scheme at play?"

Ao Shi gave a nearby Dragon Elder a look, who immediately stepped forward, his aura surging. His hand formed a claw, and a purplish-red vortex slowly spun in his palm. The Elder said coldly, "Is the Underworld attempting to interfere with the affairs of my Dragon Clan?"

Ox-Head and Horse-Face simply smirked, remaining silent. They stood there with folded arms, resembling two imposing, masked demons. The Dragon Elder frowned deeply and took two steps forward, immediately followed by three elderly dragon-headed figures, subtly forming a pincer movement around Ox-Head and Horse-Face. Behind Ox-Head and Horse-Face, the group of Dragon experts and Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers guarding the West Sea Dragon King were also bewildered. If the reinforcements today had been Heavenly Court generals or experts from the other three Dragon Palaces, it would have been logical and expected. But the sudden appearance of Wu Clan battle-wizards, who had no apparent connection to the Dragon Clan, was completely unexpected.

The dragons were perplexed and utterly bewildered.

Just then, a whispered message reached the West Sea Dragon King's ear; it was Li Changshou.

"Dragon King, it's me, the Heavenly Court Water God. I brought these two Wu Clan experts to assist temporarily. The rebel forces are strong, so we're employing a delaying tactic. Please cooperate, Dragon King, and appear calm... Yes, composed and in control of the situation."

On his throne, the West Sea Dragon King, who had been slightly hunched, immediately sat straighter. A divine glint flashed in his eyes, then returned to his usual serene expression. This subtle detail instantly made Ao Shi and the rebel faction more wary.

Ao Shi narrowed his eyes and growled, "Whoever obstructs the revival of my Dragon Clan today shall be executed without mercy!"

At once, the four Dragon experts in front inflated their auras and lunged forward simultaneously!

"Hold it!"

Horse-Face's eyes widened, and he suddenly bellowed, causing the four elderly humanoid dragons to halt just in time! For a moment, hundreds of gazes converged on Horse-Face, who calmly produced a stone comb... and meticulously groomed his flowing, smooth mane.

"There."

The four Dragon experts were fuming with rage. Just as they were about to attack again, Ox-Head lightly cleared his throat. Following the voice of Changshou in his mind, Ox-Head immediately spoke:

"Before you act, consider carefully: Are the dragons subject to reincarnation? We can't guarantee that some... strange things won't pop out of your West Sea dragon eggs in the future, you know."

Upon hearing this, the four old dragons frowned deeply and turned to look at Ao Shi. Ao Shi strode forward with his treasured sword, scolding, "I've always had nothing to do with the Underworld. What is the meaning of your interference today? Reincarnation is a major Heavenly Dao matter; how dare you use it to threaten us!"

Ox-Head spread his hands, "Then go complain to the Heavenly Emperor in the Heavenly Court."

Ao Shi glared, cursing, "You Underworld officers, relying on the matter of reincarnation, are truly acting with impunity!"

Horse-Face calmly interjected: "You've got it wrong, fellow Daoist, *neigh*. We were originally here to carry out our Underworld duties, coming to the West Sea to capture souls for reincarnation in the Underworld. But seeing your outrageous behavior, we just had to step in and speak a word of fairness."

Ox-Head nodded, "To be frank, we're just innocent bystanders. Whatever's happening here has nothing to do with us."

Horse-Face added, "But before you act, could you perhaps consider what exactly the West Sea Dragon King has done wrong or improperly?"

Ao Shi: "You!"

"Don't be so hasty, Crown Prince. We're merely stepping forward to say a few fair words."

"If such a human tragedy truly unfolds in the West Sea Dragon Palace, then we can only suggest to the esteemed Yama Kings that quality dragon souls for reincarnation be allocated to the dragons of the other three seas."

"Of course, we're just making a suggestion. Minor Underworld generals don't have much authority."

At this, the two brothers continued their banter, one after another, both joking and yet quite serious, leaving the dragons in the palace utterly exasperated.

Until Ao Shi couldn't help but roar, "Kill them!"

The four elderly dragon-headed figures prepared to strike for the fourth time, but a vast pressure emanated from behind Ox-Head and Horse-Face. The West Sea Dragon King had now risen, his cold gaze fixed on the scene. The four traitorous dragons immediately fell silent, and Ao Shi unconsciously took half a step back.

Just as the West Sea Dragon King was about to angrily reprimand them, Li Changshou's whispered message reappeared in his mind. The Dragon King made a split-second decision and repeated Li Changshou's message:

"You may withdraw now and leave my West Sea. I will spare your lives out of consideration for past ties."

Ao Shi sneered, "Does Father truly believe that two Underworld officers can reverse today's situation? I've made dozens of appeals, yet Father turned a blind eye. Our clan has been bowing and scraping to this weak Heavenly Court... Does Father know what you look like, bowing down before the Heavenly Emperor in the Heavenly Court? Like an old dog wagging its tail and begging for scraps, haha, hahahaha!"

The West Sea Dragon King fell silent for a moment.

Li Changshou's message came through: "Dragon King, do not let him provoke you. The overall situation takes precedence now. As long as you and the Dragon Queen are unharmed, the West Sea Dragon Palace will not fall. What we need to do now is delay them. Please reply according to my prompts."

"Alas," the West Sea Dragon King sighed slowly, a hint of pity in his eyes as his gaze swept over the familiar faces behind Ao Shi. The West Sea Dragon King continued, "Ao Shi, let those behind you step forward. Since we've already torn off the facade today, why cower? If you are so fearless, why not step out into the open?"

"Father, you're scared." Ao Shi suddenly chuckled, saying calmly, "Father, you're actually resorting to delaying tactics, hoping for your three uncles to come to your rescue. No need to overthink it; they'll soon be preoccupied themselves. Father, why not abdicate now and surrender a wisp of your dragon soul? Your son will not trouble you further. But if Father continues to cling to delusion!"

Ao Shi took a shallow breath, raised the treasured sword in his hand, and his body shone with golden light. "For the revival of the Dragon Clan, your son will have to see Father off. Everyone, if not now, when will you act!"

Behind Ao Shi, the various Dragon experts answered in unison, their auras converging. The West Sea Dragon King's face revealed a touch of sorrow. Inside and outside the hall, thousands of figures were stirring. Ao Shi took a step forward, and the army of traitors was about to launch their attack once more!

"Hold it!"

Ox-Head roared again, forcefully cutting off the opponent's momentum, infuriating several old dragons who looked ready to pounce and tear them apart. But this time, Ox-Head calmly stated, "You can fight your battles, just don't harm us brothers."

"*Neigh*."

Horse-Face calmly said, "We're just here to collect souls. If you don't fight fiercely enough during your clashes, their souls will still be handled by us."

Ox-Head added, "Our Underworld never interferes with living beings' battles; we are only responsible for guiding souls to reincarnation, *moo*."

Having spoken, Ox-Head and Horse-Face calmly turned around in front of hundreds of people and walked towards a corner at the back of the main hall. The entire hall became so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Once the two Wu Clan members reached the corner, they turned around and simultaneously raised their hooves in a 'please' gesture.

"Begin your fight, *moo*."

"The Underworld, Soul Reapers, wholeheartedly provide excellent post-battle services to all, *neigh*."

After saying this, Ox-Head pulled two coconuts from his chest, and Horse-Face produced two reed straws from his sleeve. They exchanged items, expertly cracked open the coconuts, inserted the reeds, and leaned their imposing bodies against the main hall wall.

This time, it wasn't just the rebel faction; even the Dragon experts standing before the West Sea Dragon King were utterly exasperated. Are the Soul Reapers from the Underworld always this provocative?

Ox-Head and Horse-Face exchanged glances, their eyes filled with emotion... This experience—strutting around nonchalantly in front of a group of experts who were clearly on the verge of exploding with rage but couldn't directly attack them—was incredibly satisfying... It was practically the peak of a Wu Clan life!

The rebel faction had run out of patience. Ao Shi roared, "Kill them!"

A Dragon Elder quietly asked, "Your Highness, should we kill the Underworld officers, or..."

"Ignore the Underworld! Today is for the revival of my Dragon Clan!"

With a hint of malice in his eyes, Ao Shi charged forward with his sword. Hundreds of Dragon experts followed closely behind him, while the dozens of Dragon experts before the West Sea Dragon King also erupted with power, ready for a desperate fight.

But...

A deep voice resonated throughout the main hall, shaking the surrounding clouds and mist. Chanting sounds filled the air, and Dao rhythms flowed within the seawater. Wisps of mysterious Dao essence emanated, and a beam of golden light appeared in the center of the main hall. This strange phenomenon made both sides halt their movements once more.

Within this golden light, wisps of water essence circulated, condensing into a vibrant, verdant... Gourd Vine. Seven gourds hung from the vine, each pulsating slowly with a different Dao rhythm. At that moment, a figure materialized out of thin air beneath the gourd vine.

The dragons stared intently, seeing a man with white eyebrows and hair, a slender face, dressed in a light white, wide-sleeved robe, holding a horsetail whisk. Who else could it be but Li Chang Geng, the Heavenly Court Water God?

Ao Shi's expression changed, and the other Dragon experts were even more shocked, wondering why the Heavenly Court Water God would appear here. They had taken extremely strict precautions and had meticulously searched every corner of the West Sea Dragon Palace beforehand.

Li Changshou, composed and holding his horsetail whisk, swept his gaze across the hall and outside, smiling, "Dragon King, please rest for now. I will handle this situation."

The West Sea Dragon King sighed, bowed to Li Changshou, and then returned to his throne.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air as a purple arrow flew in from outside the hall, shooting directly for Li Changshou's heart. The arrow, like a scorpion's sting, emanated an obscure Dao rhythm! Li Changshou raised an eyebrow. A golden light flashed around him and disappeared. He made no movement to dodge, simply stood still, and bore the arrow head-on! With a soft 'clink,' the purple arrow was directly repelled. There wasn't even a wrinkle on Li Changshou's robe. A wisp of profound yellow aura lingered around him, then receded into his body. The purple arrow, however, snapped immediately and was utterly incinerated by a breath of Samadhi True Flame Li Changshou casually flung out.

The Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda! Invulnerable to all methods, unbreakable by anything less than an innate spirit treasure!

Li Changshou had always wondered why such a defensive supreme treasure had to be worn on one's head, letting others know precisely what defensive artifact it was. Wouldn't that simply reveal one's trump card? In Li Changshou's view, the only thing worth displaying externally was the Golden Body of Merit, as it served as a deterrent, making even Sages hesitant to act against him. As it was now, the Xuanhuang Pagoda remained hidden, concealed within his primordial spirit. The traitorous dragons below were all dumbfounded, unsure how he had repelled the surprise arrow, and thus grew even more fearful of him. The effect was clearly different.

Li Changshou chuckled softly, "Fellow Daoist, you hide outside the hall, attacking from the shadows. Why not come in for a chat? Don't hide any longer. Do you think this humble Daoist doesn't know your true identities?"

As Li Changshou's words fell, several cold snorts came from outside the hall. A group of cloaked figures, exuding fierce auras, streamed into the hall and blended in with the Dragon Clan experts.

Just then, a 'hoo' 'hoo' sound came from nearby. Li Changshou turned his head, feigned a surprised expression, and smiled, "Oh, the two Underworld envoys are here too."

Ox-Head and Horse-Face chuckled. Ox-Head, chewing on his reed straw, said, "We're just here to collect a soul. Water God, you don't need to mind us, *moo*."

Horse-Face tossed his smooth mane and calmly added, "When Water God makes his move later, please leave some complete souls. We're waiting to take them back for our report. There are some quotas to meet, and dragon souls are quite rare, *neigh*."

"Easily done, easily done," Li Changshou chuckled. "Dealing with these petty villains doesn't necessarily require this humble Daoist to act personally. Gentlemen, behold this treasure!"

With a sweep of his horsetail whisk, the gourd vine above Li Changshou's head slowly descended, landing directly in front of the Dragon Clan members and the Western ferocious beasts. Seven distinct Dao rhythms circulated upon the gourds, five of which clearly represented the power of the Five Elements.

Li Changshou's identity, his previously accumulated prestige, and his recent raw power demonstrated by blocking the arrow with his body... The appearance of this treasure made even Ao Shi's Adam's apple tremble. What kind of treasure was this?

An expert hidden beneath a cloak said coldly, "Water God, do you perhaps believe this is that ancient immortal vine, capable of stopping us?"

"Gentlemen, you may not know, but this immortal vine of mine has a rather extraordinary origin." With that, Li Changshou swept his horsetail whisk. It's just stalling for time, so why resort to fighting? It's simply about maximizing the art of misdirection.

Thunderous light flashed beneath the whisk, and a thin bolt of lightning struck the leftmost gourd on the vine. The gourd burst open, golden light surged forth, and a boy in a short shirt and shorts tumbled out. This boy, wearing a small red gourd on his head, exuded a Golden Immortal realm aura, with a sharp metallic essence. After landing, he immediately performed a dozen backflips, then struck a simple pose and bellowed:

"I am First Brother! Infinitely strong!"

The Dragon Palace rebels all frowned. One dragon immediately stepped forward, just about to say he would face him. Suddenly, thunder cracked, and another bolt of lightning struck the second gourd on the vine. This gourd burst open, and another boy leaped out from within... After a display deliberately wasting time, this boy struck a pose next to First Brother.

"I am Second Brother! Clairaudient!"

Following that...

"I am Third Brother! Iron bones!"

"I am Fourth Brother! Master of Heavenly Fire!"

"I am Fifth Brother! Drains the Four Seas!"

"I am Sixth Brother!"

The dragons stared intently but only heard the voice and saw no one. They subconsciously looked up at the gourd vine, confirming that the sixth gourd was indeed cracked. From where the voice had just come, another voice said, "Stealth and invisibility!"

Thus, most of the dragons looked towards the seventh gourd. Li Changshou deliberately drew out the suspense, not sweeping his whisk for a while. The atmosphere in the main hall grew increasingly tense. The six gourd children that had appeared earlier, aside from the sixth one being somewhat perplexing, had their auras linked, subtly forming some kind of formation... But how could these alone withstand an attack from so many experts?

Ao Shi narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Water God, is this your method?"

Li Changshou smiled slightly, mentally calculating the whereabouts of the three groups of experts, realizing he had completed most of his task. He swung his horsetail whisk again, and another lightning bolt struck the seventh gourd. The gourd split open, and from within... a graceful figure flew out.

It was a young maiden, standing beside Sixth Brother. She blushed, flicked the handkerchief in her hand, and said in a sweet, slightly coquettish voice:

"I'm Seventh Sister, so annoying~"

Quite a few younger Dragon experts stumbled, instantly collapsing into a heap.