Chapter 371: Fairy Bestows Longevity

Alas, where can true friendship be found in times of adversity?

At that moment, the hundreds of immortals from Jie Jiao on Jin'ao Island watched with great interest, their grateful immortal senses focused on the white-haired, white-bearded old deity who had stepped forward to face the other end of the earth tunnel.

Although everyone knew that this seemingly ordinary official of the Heavenly Court was a disguise – a false appearance, a false form, a false voice, even a false beard…

His courageous and fearless act in this moment of crisis was undeniably real!

Li Changgeng, the Water God of the Heavenly Court, truly lived up to being a loyal brother to Jie Jiao!

A little while earlier…

Yunxiao Xianzi appeared at the other end of the earth tunnel, wearing a green jacket over a plain white long skirt. Her exquisite and graceful figure was perfection itself, with not a single detail to add or subtract. Her three thousand strands of hair were elegantly pinned, evoking a soft tenderness like flowing water, while her gentle eyes held the profound truths of the Great Dao, along with a faint aura of majesty that inspired awe from afar but discouraged close approach…

She stood apart from the world, unmatched and unique, cherished alone through endless ages.

Naturally detached from worldly affairs, yet alas, her emotions had taken root in her heart.

If not for Yunxiao, who else could possess such charm to cause Li Changgeng, whose Dao heart had been sealed by the "Steel Hundred Beauties in Old Age Diagram," to show such clear fluctuations in his state of mind?

If not for Yunxiao, how many could, upon merely appearing, make the earth tunnel formed by Duobao Daoist’s divine powers fall so silent you could hear a pin drop?

Almost all the Jie Jiao immortals gathered here to enjoy the gossip suddenly thought of the same question…

The last time they had all gathered like this was to feast on the gossip about Yunxiao and Water God Changgeng!

Now that the main characters had arrived, what would happen next?

Duobao Daoist shifted back a bit, positioning himself behind Holy Mother Jinling.

Holy Mother Jinling calmly averted her gaze and began studying the mysterious patterns in the arrangement of the soil particles inside the earth tunnel.

Holy Mother Guiling pouted slightly, already preparing her usual tactic for dealing with their master’s scoldings…

Qiongxiao went straight to it, starting to weep pitifully while tugging at her ear, casting a pitiable glance at Li Changgeng’s paper effigy standing nearby.

Li Changgeng sighed inwardly. If he didn't step forward now, who would?

“You’re here too.”

A light laugh broke the silence in the earth tunnel. Li Changgeng held his dust whisk and advanced, employing a certain footwork technique under his feet, his form drifting forward like a gentle breeze until he reached Yunxiao Xianzi.

The entire movement was seamless and fluid, quite pleasing to watch.

Li Changgeng swung his dust whisk with a flourish and said, “Since there are reasons for this, it won’t count toward the five-hundred-year tally.”

Yunxiao’s face, which had shown a touch of displeasure, softened into a slight smile.

“How can everyone be eavesdropping and peeping like this?”

Yunxiao said softly, “This is rather disrespectful to the two of them.”

Li Changgeng chuckled. “My fellow Daoists are simply too concerned about this matter, which is only natural for living beings.

On the contrary, the relaxed and lively atmosphere of Jie Jiao, with such unity among its members, is quite rare in the eyes of someone like me, a disciple of Ren Jiao.

By the way, let me change my appearance.”

As he spoke, Li Changgeng took a paper effigy from his sleeve and transformed it into the face of a young Daoist, putting away the old deity’s paper effigy.

A smile tugged at the corners of Yunxiao’s mouth as she added, “Still, your original appearance is more pleasing to look at.”

Li Changgeng showed a hint of guilt and whispered, “That would reveal secrets of Ren Jiao, which I can’t easily show.”

He then made a gesture of invitation, and together with Yunxiao, they walked back to the spot in the earth tunnel where he had been earlier.

Along this short distance of just a few dozen zhang, every time Yunxiao passed a “viewing cave,” her gaze swept over it, and the immortals inside, regardless of gender or seniority, dared not meet her eyes. They all felt varying degrees of…

Guilt.

Many immortals even pretended to chat casually or change the subject, some talking about treasures and cultivation:

“Shizhi Yuyuan, that Blood Transformation Divine Knife you refined recently seems quite powerful. Let’s discuss it with your shishu sometime.”

“Sure, sure.”

“Shixiong Luoxuan, have you severed your benevolent corpse yet? Weren’t you in seclusion for tens of thousands of years, still unable to grasp the key?”

“It’s really tough, such a hassle…”

Others mentioned recent events:

“Those demon clans are truly at the end of their luck, still talking about going to war with the Heavenly Court—who knows where they get the nerve.”

“Alas, thinking back, a relative from the cave mansion next to mine had a close friendship with the great demon king of Beijulu Continent now. I wonder if this karma will involve us.”

“The Heavenly Court has Ren Jiao backing it, so whatever the demon clans do is futile. They might as well just behave themselves…”

Upon hearing this, Yunxiao turned to Li Changgeng with concern and asked softly, “I divined earlier that you were summoned to Shengmu Palace because of the demon clan matters. Did you run into any trouble?”

Li Changgeng’s face took on a somewhat complex expression.

Shengmu Palace… that was not a particularly fond memory…

Yunxiao quickly asked, “What happened? Were you injured?”

“Not at all, just got scolded by the Saintly Mother.”

Li Changgeng said with a bitter smile, “Thinking about it now, when I lift my robe, my whole body is full of guts—I even dared to scheme in front of a Saint, but the Saintly Mother saw right through it.

I was so confident there were no flaws, yet it turned out to be one slip in a hundred precautions.

Alas…”

Only then did Yunxiao relax her brows, her earlier urgency and concern entirely genuine.

She said, “The gap between a Saint and a quasi-Saint may seem a thin line, but in reality, it’s as vast as heaven and earth.”

Li Changgeng nodded vigorously in agreement.

This kind of “warning” about the powers of Saints had become a staple topic every time they met.

In the midst of their lighthearted chat, the two had already reached the pit where Li Changgeng had been standing earlier.

Yunxiao Xianzi bowed forward in salute, addressing them as shixiong, shijie, and shimei, but then frowned at Qiongxiao nearby…

Just as she was about to speak, Li Changgeng raised his hand and gently tugged at Yunxiao Xianzi’s sleeve, transmitting a message:

“It’s not appropriate to scold Qiongxiao in front of everyone.”

Yunxiao dispelled the aura she had been about to unleash and sighed:

“Come back to the island with me later to cultivate. Don’t run around outside anymore. Your cultivation level is already close to being surpassed by your little sister.”

“Yes, sister.”

Qiongxiao said reluctantly, secretly cupping her fists in thanks to Li Changgeng.

At that moment, Yunxiao couldn’t help but glance toward the outside of the earth tunnel…

Looking over by the treasure pool, Zhao Gongming had trimmed his beard and changed into a long robe, fully embodying his handsome and imposing features.

And today’s Holy Mother Jinguang had styled her long hair with a mature elegance, her delicate features and palm-sized face complemented by a long skirt that hugged her figure…

This style of dress naturally came from a brocade pouch, a sincere suggestion from a certain Heavenly Court Water God who preferred not to reveal his name, after carefully studying Zhao Gongming’s preferences.

At that time, Elder Zhao and Holy Mother Jinguang were standing about nine chi apart, having just finished one topic and building up their emotions.

Elder Zhao hemmed and hawed with “eh” and “this” for a while, while Holy Mother Jinguang responded with “um” and “good,” but their conversation kept stalling.

So, Elder Zhao whispered, “Shimei, forgive me for this.”

“Hmm?”

Holy Mother Jinguang was slightly startled, and suddenly a flash of water-blue light appeared before her eyes. Several Dinghai Divine Pearls materialized around her, sealing her immortal senses and fixing her in place, leaving her temporarily unaware of her surroundings.

The Jie Jiao immortals in the earth tunnel were all taken aback.

Qiongxiao couldn’t help but exclaim, “Is Big Brother being this direct?”

Duobao Daoist frowned slightly: “Is this really okay? After all, it’s broad daylight under the clear sky, with so many shidi and shimei watching…

Though Holy Mother Jinguang is willing, still…”

“Indeed,” Holy Mother Guiling said, covering her eyes with her hand but leaving a gap between her fingers to peek.

Then they saw Zhao Gongming step forward…

Yunxiao’s brows furrowed lightly, and she was about to appear and stop him.

Many Jie Jiao immortals held their breath, thinking “who would have thought” and “how thrilling.”

However, Elder Zhao smoothly slid into position behind Holy Mother Jinguang, looked around, pulled out a scroll, unrolled it, and read it carefully, nodding repeatedly as he regained his confidence!

Then he turned back to his original spot, swiftly retracted the Dinghai Divine Pearls, and smiled slightly:

“Shimei, do you like poetry and painting?”

Holy Mother Jinguang blinked, a bit dazed, but still managed a shy smile and nodded in agreement.

Li Changgeng: …

The Jie Jiao immortals: …

In a certain immortal hall that had escaped the Three Realms and Five Elements, hidden within the Great Dao, a young Daoist in a xiáyún robe, holding the Qingping Sword, was about to rush out, but was held back by several attending Seven Immortals.

“Master, please don’t get angry.”

“Lord Gongming didn’t really offend anyone; please don’t worry, master.”

“This ungrateful disciple! Am I angry because he didn’t offend? Did I give him the Dinghai Divine Pearls for this? Bah! I’m furious!”

Of course, this scene was not visible to outsiders.

Half a shichen later.

The gathering on Jin’ao Island dispersed, and by the East Sea’s shore, two figures met again.

They rode clouds through the blue sky and white clouds, found a secluded beach, strolled, chatted, and finally settled in a shady spot, spreading a cloth blanket over the white sand.

The man bowed with fists clasped, the woman curtsied, and they sat down, separated by about six chi.

This was at Li Changgeng’s invitation, with Yunxiao coming to meet his true self.

Matters like killing and arson could be handled by paper effigies, even adding a bit of sensation for such tasks.

But discussing poetry, songs, winds, and flowers with Yunxiao Xianzi was better done in person.

This place wasn’t far from Duxian Sect, so if trouble arose, he could quickly retreat to Xiaoqiong Peak…

Ahem, let’s not dwell on improper thoughts.

Li Changgeng realized that the longer he stayed in the Great Desolation, the less resistance he had to flowing immortal skirts.

Especially when Yunxiao sat down, her skirt spread like a blooming peony flower, each fold like the imprint of petals overlapping—endlessly fascinating.

Naturally, the two hadn’t yet reached the point of mutual affection, so saying something absolute like “you look truly beautiful” wouldn’t have the best effect…

They talked for a while about Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Jinguang. Yunxiao felt that Elder Zhao’s marriage prospects were still a bit forced, and Li Changgeng nodded in agreement.

At that moment, Elder Zhao and Holy Mother Jinguang had made a date to roam the outer heavens, agreeing to spend some time together and, if it didn’t feel right, to drop the idea of becoming Dao companions…

Yunxiao sighed lightly and said, “How can such a matter be negotiated? If it’s not mutual affection, it will always feel a bit contrived.”

“It’s not quite right to think that way.”

Li Changgeng took out two jade goblets from his sleeve, filled them with immortal brew, and used his immortal power to push one toward Yunxiao, saying:

“Not every deep emotion gets a response, and not every relationship starts with mutual affection. Sometimes, one person’s persistence can change another.

But the prerequisite is that they have common ground, can interact naturally, and share topics.”

Yunxiao Xianzi pondered this carefully, took the goblet, sniffed it lightly, and smiled. “Were those words from Big Brother inspired by you?”

“This… heh-heh.”

“How do you know so many ways to charm women?” Yunxiao chided gently, though without any real reproach.

Li Changgeng laughed freely. He couldn’t very well say it was due to his “information advantage.”

So he said seriously:

“Having grown accustomed to scheming in all things, I’ve probably just thought about it more.

As for matters of the heart, they shouldn’t involve so much scheming. Like now, being by your side, I can set aside all those worldly worries and feel quite at ease.

By the way, how is the wine?”

“It’s much smoother than the fruit wine my little sister brews,” Yunxiao critiqued earnestly, “and it has a bit more of the essence of innate spiritual objects, which even intoxicates the primordial spirit. It’s a rare fine vintage.”

“As long as you like it,” Li Changgeng said with a smile, taking out two jade pots and wrapping them in immortal power, placing them beside Yunxiao.

“This is the Five Elements Brew I’ve been experimenting with lately, made by gathering Five Elements spiritual energy into morning dew for fermentation. The rest was taken by the wine immortals in our sect.

If you enjoy it, I’ll brew more for you later.”

A hint of amusement appeared in Yunxiao’s eyes as she sipped a little from her cup, her bright eyes gradually taking on a slight haze…

“Being with you like this is when my heart is most at peace.”

“Hmm?” Li Changgeng was slightly startled.

Looking up, he saw her adjusting the hair by her ear, a faint blush crossing her cheeks as she turned to gaze at the tranquil sea.

A sea breeze blew, carrying faint spiritual energy, and Li Changgeng imprinted this scene in his heart…

But then, he sighed softly.

He simply lay down on the blanket, hands pillowing his head, watching the clouds above, his arm brushing against Yunxiao Xianzi’s skirt hem.

“What’s wrong?”

Yunxiao asked softly, turning slightly toward him, her aura releasing wisps of profound Dao rhymes to conceal the heavenly secrets of this place.

She asked with concern, “Is there something troubling you? If you can tell me, I might help you think of a solution.”

“The things I’m busy with now are mainly helping the Heavenly Court rise, and there aren’t any major issues.

But recently, with a breakthrough in my realm and after hearing some things from the Saintly Mother in Shengmu Palace, I’ve had a persistent question in my mind.”

Yunxiao thought for a moment and smiled. “Is it related to the great calamity?”

“Calamity?” Li Changgeng was a bit surprised.

“Yes, a few years ago, I divined that the Dao Sect faces a great calamity, but the heavenly secrets related to it are all obscured,” Yunxiao said gently. “That’s why I’ve kept my two sisters on the island and don’t want them wandering outside.”

“I see…”

Li Changgeng had thought Yunxiao might have foreseen the Fengshen calamity. Given her high cultivation, such a premonition was reasonable.

Li Changgeng smiled and said, “What troubles me is the Heavenly Dao.”

“The Heavenly Dao?”

“Yes, the Heavenly Dao,” Li Changgeng explained. “I’ve fallen into a strange loop.

Take the Heavenly Court as an example. I’m involved in major affairs of heaven and earth, and the results of my actions always align with what the heavenly secrets predict.

For instance, when the Heavenly Court was to subdue the Dragon Clan, I became a pawn in it, helping both sides a lot.

But then I think, now I’m going with the flow in my heart. If I wanted to go against it for something, would this very idea of ‘going against’ actually lead to the result that heavenly secrets foretell?

Under the Heavenly Dao, do living beings truly have any choice?”

Yunxiao tilted her head slightly upon hearing this and fell into thought.

Li Changgeng slowly closed his eyes and sighed with a smile, “Don’t overthink it. It’s just a random notion. Probably, being born in heaven and earth means we can’t escape the Heavenly Dao’s control.”

“You forgot about the one who escaped,” Yunxiao said softly.

Li Changgeng replied, “Of course I remember, but who can guarantee that in every matter, they can be the variable that breaks through the heavenly secrets’ limits?”

Yunxiao smiled warmly and said gently:

“I’ve witnessed the Heavenly Dao’s formation, with countless Great Daos converging in heaven and earth, intertwining and weaving to form the will of heaven and earth.

I’ve also seen the Dao Ancestor merge with the Creation Jade Disc to complete the Heavenly Dao’s imperfections.

What you feel as being bound by the Heavenly Dao is actually the Dao Ancestor arranging things for you. The Heavenly Dao itself has no will.

Does thinking of it this way make you feel lighter?”

“This perspective… I hadn’t considered it before…”

Light brightened in Li Changgeng’s eyes.

Yunxiao continued, “Do you know the teachings of our Jie Jiao?”

Li Changgeng murmured, “To intercept a thread of life for all spirits.”

“Yes,” Yunxiao said with a smile. “Your nature is always cautious, to the point where it’s hard for you to fully trust others.

But sometimes, that thread of life won’t apply to yourself.

Mutual help, facing hardships together—that’s what our teacher taught us disciples.”

Li Changgeng’s brows furrowed slightly as he pondered these words deeply. Though he didn’t feel suddenly enlightened, it was like grasping a rope…

“Hahaha!”

Li Changgeng laughed heartily. “Chatting with a senior expert like you is truly beneficial for my cultivation!”

“Now you remember I’m a senior,” Yunxiao lightly huffed, though a hint of amusement played at her brows.

The white clouds drifted lazily, the sea waves rolled gently, and the two sat quietly in the seaside shade, occasionally sharing amusing stories, playing the qin and flute, letting time turn into fleeting shadows, unaware as the sun set in the west and the stars emerged late at night.

Meanwhile,

In a great world near the Five Parts Continent, several figures had successfully met…