Chapter 37: Big Scenes, Small Tricks

"Senior Brother Changshou, today we bear the responsibility of team leaders. We must work together to uphold the reputation of our Immortal Ascension Sect."

"Mmm, Junior Sister Youqin is right."

"Senior Brother Changshou, before they left, the elders instructed that later, several Heavenly Immortal seniors from our sect will go to the main stage, while we are to go to the viewing platform. It's easy for trouble to arise during this time, so we must keep a close watch."

"Mmm, Junior Sister Youqin speaks well."

"Senior Brother Changshou, has your cultivation gone smoothly these past few years?"

"Mmm, Junior Sister Youqin speaks very... my cultivation is alright, quite smooth, actually."

Li Changshou replied with a smile, silently adding in his heart: 'It's also largely thanks to you, Junior Sister Youqin, always being confined for self-reflection.'

Youqin Xuanya pressed her thin lips together. She couldn't find a new topic for a moment, yet she tried hard to keep the conversation going... Unfortunately, most of her life experience revolved around cultivation; she couldn't possibly recite a passage from a Daoist scripture on the spot.

Perhaps seeing her struggle so much to think, Li Changshou took the initiative to speak: "Let's conserve our energy for now. Later, Junior Sister Youqin, you'll have to shoulder a heavy responsibility."

"Mmm," Youqin Xuanya nodded in agreement. Following his suggestion, she closed her eyes to rest. Her pursed lips relaxed, and she regained her usual aloof composure. Consequently, because of Li Changshou's words, the young disciples who had been secretly observing them both felt quite relieved by Li Changshou's 'self-awareness'.

After flying for two hours, still a considerable distance from the East Sea coast, the Immortal Ascension Sect's group encountered seven or eight 'immortal sect delegations'.

To prepare for the East Sea Dragon Palace's conference invitation, the various immortal sects that received invitations secretly discussed many arrangements. For instance, the size of each sect's delegation was set at around ten disciples and ten True Immortals, totaling approximately thirty people. This was to make it seem as though human cultivators did not attach much importance to the Demon Purging Conference, participating only begrudgingly to save face for the Dragon Palace. Another example was that all sparring during the conference should stop before causing injury, to avoid bloodshed as much as possible. Any existing grudges between immortal sects should also be temporarily suppressed, so as not to let the Dragon Race mock them. There were many similar agreements.

The primary purpose of these agreements for the immortal sects was to ensure human cultivators did not lose face in front of the Dragon Race, showcasing the demeanor of the current protagonists of Heaven and Earth. Among these, there was a slightly peculiar agreement: all young disciples dispatched by the various immortal sects had to be under one hundred and fifty years old.

Why was this the case? Most of the accompanying young disciples were puzzled by this but dared not ask. Li Changshou, however, knew a little about it. Dragon eggs typically take at least one hundred and fifty years to hatch, meaning young dragons cultivate within their eggs during this time. Young dragons from the Dragon Palace possess extraordinary strength immediately after hatching. They can become immortals after a hundred years of cultivation, and if they possess royal Dragon King blood, they will have powerful innate divine abilities. Based on experience from previous similar conferences, the Dragon Palace would always let young dragons out to show off their might and mock human cultivators. If young disciples from various sects were under one hundred and fifty years old and faced these young dragons, winning would naturally demonstrate superior skill and bring joy to their sect, while losing would not be considered a significant loss of face. Human fortune converged in Southern Jambudvipa, while the masters of human cultivators gathered in Central Divine Continent. If the immortal sects of Eastern Victoriabridge Continent couldn't hold their heads high in front of the Dragon Palace, they would also face criticism from the major sects in Central Divine Continent. That's why the immortal sects of Eastern Continent cared so much about 'face'.

As they approached the East Sea coast, the sky was filled with white clouds swirling with immortal light. Although there were countless immortal sects in Eastern Victoriabridge Continent, fewer than a hundred were qualified to receive an invitation from the Dragon Palace. However, this time, to demarcate the boundaries of the East Sea, the Dragon Palace not only invited profound Three Sect immortal schools like the Immortal Ascension Sect but also numerous large and small immortal sects from the long, narrow region along the East Sea's edge. This meant that even if each immortal sect only sent thirty people, the attendees were still numerous. The sky near the conference venue was a bit... cloud-jammed.

The disciples of the Immortal Ascension Sect had stood up by now. Youqin Xuanya had also returned to her original position, ready to receive instructions from the senior uncles and aunts ahead. Li Changshou didn't pay much attention to his surroundings. He simply stood quietly in the corner, his gaze fixed on his nose, his ears attentive to his heart.

A disciple ahead exclaimed: "As expected of the Demon Purging Conference hosted by the Dragon Palace, truly tens of thousands of immortals are gathering, it's incredibly magnificent."

"After all, everyone has to give the Dragon Palace this much face. They are one of the ancient Three Great Clans, after all."

A male immortal turned around and admonished, "Watch your words, and observe more! Don't try to discern others' origins on their home turf; it's easy to commit a taboo!"

"Yes, I misspoke, Senior Uncle. Please forgive me."

Another female disciple suddenly asked, "Is that where the conference will be held?"

Everyone followed her gaze, and immediately exclamations of awe arose once more. Li Changshou also glanced towards the horizon, unable to resist raising an eyebrow. How magnificent. What an excellent formation!

To the southeast, on the sea surface an unknown distance away, stood an enormous waterspout. This waterspout was like a long lotus stem, lifting a massive amount of seawater into the air, spreading it out into a huge water lotus platform. The waterspout was held steady by immortal power, unmoving. The water lotus platform above was stable and vast, surrounded by mist, resembling an immortal realm upon the sea. That was the main venue for the Demon Purging Conference.

A True Immortal within the sect chuckled teasingly, "The Dragon Palace truly never disappoints when it comes to organizing grand events like this." Li Changshou also chuckled softly upon hearing this, glancing at Senior Aunt Jiu Jiu, who was standing beside several female immortals... Throughout the journey, Senior Aunt Jiu Jiu seemed like a changed person, incredibly demure. Not only did she not touch the small gourd at her waist, but she barely dared to speak. After all, her esteemed master was right above them. It must be said, this version of the junior aunt was truly well-behaved and pleasing. Having 'cooperated' with Senior Aunt Jiu for several years in refining pills and setting up formations, the longer he interacted with her, the more he felt this senior aunt could only be described in five words: A pity she can talk.

*Cough*, just kidding, just kidding.

The closer they got to the waterspout and the lotus platform, the more directly they could feel the grandeur of the scene. Those traveling with them continuously marveled at the Dragon Palace's extravagance. On the sea surface stood a dense crowd of shrimp soldiers and crab generals. These soldiers were incomparable to the minor demons Lan Ling'e had killed earlier; each one had solid auras. Even the weakest shrimp soldier's aura fluctuation was comparable to a Return to Dao realm cultivator. Clearly, those arrayed here were the elite of the Dragon Palace's navy. At this time, the Heavenly Court was impoverished and lacked troops and generals in the Heavenly River, with the position of Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Court Navy being a mere formality. The strongest naval force in heaven and earth was the Four Seas Dragon Palace.

As white clouds approached the water lotus, bursts of dragon roars emanated from the ten-li-diameter waterspout. Dozens of ancient dragons of various colors burst forth from the waterspout, soaring up and down around it! Layers of water curtains fell from the edge of the water lotus platform above. Under the sunlight, rainbows hung in various parts of the sky... Looking at the water lotus platform again, figures soared into the sky, numbering as many as three thousand. These were Dragon Race Immortal Jiao soldiers, clad in gleaming silver-white armor. Most had human-like appearances with dark skin and dragon horns on their heads. Their true forms were immortal Jiaos, closely related to the Dragon Race by blood. They were also a primary fighting force in the Dragon Palace, renowned even in ancient times. These three thousand immortal Jiaos were evenly distributed around the water lotus platform, responsible for maintaining order during the Demon Purging Conference. Once the immortal Jiao soldiers stood suspended in the air, they each unleashed their auras. They were uniformly of the True Immortal realm, making the scene even more magnificent and greatly impacting the human cultivators.

The Dragon Race, even in decline, was still formidable... It was best not to make enemies of them, nor to forge too close a friendship. Ideally, one should avoid incurring any karma with them... Li Changshou mused thus.

A senior sister ahead asked, "Does the Dragon Palace attach such importance to this conference?" A female True Immortal from the sect ahead chuckled softly and whispered in return, "The Dragon Palace just loves putting on these grand displays to show off their prestige. Who doesn't know the Dragon Race's current predicament?"

Upon hearing the word 'predicament', Li Changshou thought more deeply. Judging by the Dragon Race's current display, this former ruler of heaven and earth was still quite unwilling to remain obscure. Look at this Dragon Race, so powerful now, still considered strong... Then think of them after the Investiture of the Gods, merely cautious rain-making tools for the Heavenly Court... After the Heavenly Court became powerful, if the Dragon Race slightly violated heavenly decrees, making even a slight error in rainfall, they would be executed. Dragon liver and phoenix marrow became common delicacies for the Jade Emperor... What kind of tragedies did these ancient three giants truly experience before and after the Investiture of the Gods? A wave of emotion surged in Li Changshou's heart, reinforcing his Dao heart to not venture out until he reached the Grand Unity realm! Although the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods was still far away, he had to start preparing early now.

Li Changshou stood quietly on the cloud, deep in thought. The Immortal Ascension Sect's white cloud, along with dozens of others, was among the first to float near the water lotus platform... Immediately, a glistening golden turtle flew out from the water lotus platform. On the golden turtle's back stood two 'Turtle Prime Ministers', both dressed in grand red brocade robes with turtle shells on their backs, and tiny heads at the end of their necks, looking quite comical.

The turtle-man on the left cleared his throat, fanning himself with a small folding fan, and spoke in a warm, mellow, masculine low-pitched voice: "All Heavenly Immortals and Elders from the various immortal sects, please proceed to the Tasting Immortal Platform above."

This was the legendary... Dragon Palace's Good Voice?

Then, the turtle-man on the right shouted in a sharp, grating voice: "All disciples from the various immortal sects, please enter the venue! Tables, chairs, fruits, delicacies, and fine wines have been prepared on the surrounding viewing platforms. Immortal sects ranked higher in Eastern Divine Continent have signs, so look carefully! If you can't read, you can ask the serving maids! Lower-ranked immortal sects, those without standing signs, just find any empty spot in the back and sit!"

It was remarkably similar to how common folk manage a bustling, slightly chaotic business.

"Pfft..." Jiu Jiu, who had been quiet the entire way, couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh out loud. The Immortal Ascension Sect members were all amused by the two turtle immortals. Such antics from the turtles.

The Immortal Ascension Sect members naturally didn't need to worry about not having seats. Moreover, their seats were in the foremost circle. Immediately, Elder Wusheng and several Heavenly Immortal elders flew to the elevated platform in the air. The sixteen True Immortals within the sect automatically formed a protective cordon around the disciples. They abandoned their white cloud and flew towards the Immortal Ascension Sect's designated seating area. There was absolutely nothing for Li Changshou and Youqin Xuanya, the two team leaders, to do...

The various immortal sects had previously discussed sending thirty people each. The Dragon Palace had evidently learned of this, as they had only prepared twenty-five cushions and twenty-five low tables in each sect's seating area. The fruits and refreshments were also prepared in twenty-five portions. However, this was a minor issue. A few female disciples took out their own cushions, arranged two tables, and simply made do. In contrast, the smaller immortal sects were treated quite shabbily, with only rows of stone cushions, no low tables, let alone fine wine or fresh fruits.

Li Changshou sat in a corner of the Immortal Ascension Sect's seating area. Beside him stood one of the clam maidens serving the Immortal Ascension Sect's members. His gaze swept over the fruits and fine wine in front of him. He let out a soft "hmm" in his heart, picked up a crystal grape, examined it for a couple of seconds, and casually popped it into his mouth. The attractive clam maiden beside him immediately covered her mouth and chuckled softly, but said nothing more, secretly observing Li Changshou. Soon, Li Changshou let out a burp, having already confirmed in his mind what the item was.

This Dragon Palace was truly extravagant when playing pranks, directly serving each member of the Immortal Ascension Sect a portion of Ice Condensation Immortal Grapes, known as 'post-natal minor spirit roots'. A closer look at the areas of other sects revealed a different variety of immortal-grade grapes. Ice Condensation Immortal Grapes were indeed good things. Consumed in small amounts, they could nourish a cultivator's nascent soul, regulate their aura, provide good restorative effects for the injured, and tasted excellent, fetching a high price. However, they had a drawback: consuming too much could easily lead to... 'passing gas'... that is, losing control of one's rear orifice, resulting in an outward surge of bodily gases. Moreover, the after-effects were persistent and difficult to endure; even immortals couldn't prevent them.

Li Changshou thought for a moment and still gave Youqin Xuanya a heads-up...

"Junior Sister Youqin, before eating these things, go ask a few of the senior uncles and aunts if there's anything unusual. I see some fellow disciples have already started eating. Don't say I warned you, just say you feel something is off."

Youqin Xuanya blinked, turned her head to look at Li Changshou, her slender immortal finger just bringing a peeled, perfectly round grape to her mouth, and she tilted her head slightly.

Li Changshou: ...

Alright, let's just pretend I didn't mention it.