Chapter 398: Luxurious Formation

So, at least seven masters are needed to suppress or hold back the fully manifested Seven Emotions avatars. These seven masters must possess sufficient strength, and their Dao hearts must be without significant flaws, enabling them to withstand the resonant power of the Seven Emotions within the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk.

Grand Master Xuan Du lowered his head in thought for a moment, then looked up and said, "How about you, junior brother, go to the Tushita Palace and speak to our master? With your eloquent tongue, perhaps you can persuade him to act!"

Directly asking a Saint to intervene... Though Li Changshou was quite tempted by this suggestion, he knew it was merely an impractical fantasy. The Saints might indeed intervene, but that would surely be after he and his senior brother had failed, appearing to clean up their mess. Otherwise, what would be the purpose of the Saints cultivating disciples like them? By then, the 'reward' awaiting them would likely be a certain kind of disciplinary action, one Ling'e was particularly fond of.

"Senior brother, if our master wished to act personally, why would he arrange for us to come here?"

"Just kidding," Grand Master Xuan Du replied. "Junior brother, you go to the Jie Sect, and I will go to the Chan Sect."

Grand Master Xuan Du considered carefully and instructed: "Even if their cultivation realm, magical power, or spirit treasures are somewhat lacking, it's sufficient as long as their mind and Dao heart can resist the resonance of the Seven Emotions. Their mind, in particular, must not have any obvious flaws or obsessions, otherwise, they will surely be exploited by the Seven Emotions avatars."

Li Changshou said, "I would like to ask Senior Brother Duobao, Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, and Immortal Yunxiao to come and help. If all goes well, perhaps I can even invite a fourth... To your knowledge, senior brother, which other masters from the Jie Sect would be suitable for this task?"

"Junior Sister Wudang and Junior Sister Jin Ling, perhaps." Grand Master Xuan Du pondered for a moment. "Immortal Wuyun could also work, but the attendant immortals of the third uncle generally do not participate in external affairs. Since this is to assist Empress Houtu and is beneficial to all sentient beings, it would be more appropriate to invite the direct disciples of the two uncles."

"Understood," Li Changshou agreed, lowering his head. He watched as Grand Master Xuan Du tore open the void and departed from the Tear Lake. His true body, however, did not need to move about. With the Grandmaster Pagoda hovering above his head, he sat cross-legged by the lake, holding the grass ring in his left hand, and calmly organized the detailed steps for what was to come.

He had about 91-92% confidence in the success of this matter. Because it required multiple masters to act simultaneously, there were too many uncontrollable factors on both sides. However, with over 90% confidence, it was worth taking the risk.

Why had the crying stopped? Li Changshou turned his head to look at the two Yama Kings about thirty meters away...

"Brother, how could I have dared, how could I have dared to attack you earlier! I deserve to die; I am powerless, frail, and cowardly. Living is just a waste of our clan's rations. Our ancestor is in such pain now, yet I can't help at all!"

"Second brother, don't say that. This is all my responsibility. The one who deserves to die, the true shaman, is me, it's me."

Why had the mood shifted again? Worried that the two Wu Clan masters might genuinely head down a path of no return, Li Changshou intervened promptly, sending King Chu Jiang and King Qin Guang out of the Tear Lake to calm down outside first. Later, the two Yama Kings would still be needed for their effort, which was a crucial part of the plan.

"Let's begin." Putting away the grass ring and forming a hand seal, Li Changshou emitted faint glows around his body. Arranged images reappeared in his mind, as his paper effigies across the Five Continents awakened and flew out from their hidden locations.

They ascended to the heavens and descended to the seas, searching for immortals and spirits. In the secret chamber within Mount Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou bent over his desk, pen in hand, quickly completing a comprehensive plan. He set a precise time for it to begin: three days later, at approximately 7:45 AM.

This was the most crucial time point, because communication between the inside and outside of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk was not instantaneous. All subsequent steps had to be arranged according to a unified time scale. Having set this critical moment, Li Changshou immediately began to summon divine envoys within the sphere of influence of the Sea God Sect, using the divine statues.

At the Heavenly Court's Water God Residence, a Water God paper effigy emerged on a cloud, rushing towards the Tongming Palace. In the East Sea Dragon Palace, Li Changshou met with the East Sea Dragon King in that hall filled with a monotonous atmosphere. Within the Immortal Du Sect, Li Changshou also went to the Immortal Du Hall, found his sect master, and whispered something...

Meanwhile, one of Li Changshou's Water God paper effigies ascended to Golden Ao Island on a cloud. Zhao Gongming's 'breakup celebration' had already concluded. After all, it had been hastily arranged, so no grand banquet was held. However, Zhao Gongming had not yet left Golden Ao Island. He was still drinking with a few close friends and several direct disciples of the Jie Sect, in Great Immortal Wuyun's cave dwelling. Even more fortunately, Daoist Duobao and Holy Mother Jin Ling were also present, saving Li Changshou the trouble of rushing around.

Li Changshou was brought there via an earthen tunnel. He first bowed to the more than ten immortals present. Without taking a seat, he immediately showed a serious expression and bowed his head, saying: "I must apologize for disturbing your pleasant gathering, senior brothers and sisters. The Netherworld is in crisis; there is an abnormality with the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk. The great virtuous Empress Houtu is trapped by the Seven Emotions of all sentient beings. I was dispatched by our master to remedy this situation alongside Grand Master Xuan Du. However, after entering the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk, we found ourselves unable to resist the power of the Seven Emotions, and had to withdraw in disarray. We now require the assistance of masters capable of resisting the Seven Emotions' resonance. Therefore, as Li Chang Geng, a disciple of the Human Sect, I humbly request that Senior Brother Duobao, Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, and Senior Sister Jin Ling lend your aid to Empress Houtu in overcoming this difficult period."

"What's going on?" Zhao Gongming immediately stood up, tossing his chopsticks aside, and urgently asked, "How is Empress Houtu doing?"

"She can still barely hold on for now," Li Changshou paused, then looked up with a bitter smile. "But the Seven Emotions are tormenting her, forcefully transforming into Seven Emotions avatars. Each avatar is gradually eroding Empress Houtu's mind and spirit. To ensure the stability of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk, Empress Houtu has willingly endured the sorrows of all sentient beings..."

"Are the three of us enough?" Daoist Duobao stood up, a hint of authority on his slightly plump face. "I will immediately summon all our junior brothers and sisters to the Netherworld to help!"

"Senior brother, you must not!" Li Changshou quickly said. "Firstly, this matter must not be publicized to the outside world, to avoid causing panic among sentient beings or being exploited by others. Secondly, the resonance of the Seven Emotions is extremely tricky. When Grand Master Xuan Du and I entered the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk, we only faced the emotions of Malice and Desire. It was only with the protection of the Taiji Diagram and the Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda that we managed to escape unharmed. If anyone who enters the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk shows even the slightest abnormality in their Dao heart, they will be immediately exploited by the Seven Emotions avatars!"

"This matter can only involve a few of us," Holy Mother Jin Ling stood up, her golden gauze skirt tinkling softly. "We can discuss the rest on the way. Let's go to the Netherworld first."

Li Changshou bowed again, and added, "There is one more matter I wish to facilitate with the help of the Jie Sect, Senior Brother Duobao. Please read this message." As he spoke, Li Changshou pushed a jade talisman with immortal power towards him. Daoist Duobao raised his hand to receive it, read it carefully, and smiled. "A small matter, that's all. I'll leave this to... Jin Guang?"

"I am here!" Holy Mother Jin Guang, who was also at the 'breakup celebration', immediately stood up and responded, taking the jade talisman that Daoist Duobao had pushed to her. Duobao instructed, "You are to spread this message throughout the Three Realms within three days, exactly as Chang Geng has requested, reaching all immortal sects affiliated with our Jie Sect. If any Jie Sect-affiliated immortal sect fails to perform the requested rituals on time, their Jie Sect cultivation techniques and scriptures within their sect shall be reclaimed! Chang Geng rarely makes requests; this matter is surely of great importance. You must not be negligent."

Li Changshou said, "The three of you, please head directly to the Netherworld. Two or three senior brothers from the Chan Sect will arrive to meet you shortly. Our aim in doing this is simply to ensure absolute certainty."

"Finally, there's a matter that requires the combined strength of all three sects," Zhao Gongming sighed softly. He then bowed to Holy Mother Jin Guang, who returned the gesture, thus concluding their emotional entanglement. Daoist Duobao opened a nearby portal, said "Let's go," and leaped stylishly into the void's earthen tunnel.

After Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Jin Ling entered the portal in succession, Li Changshou's paper effigy bowed to the other Jie Sect immortals. He then hastily departed from Great Immortal Wuyun's cave dwelling, and rushed to Three Immortals Island.

He was, of course, going to invite Immortal Yunxiao. In terms of spiritual cultivation, Immortal Yunxiao might not be unparalleled among the Jie Sect immortals, but she was certainly the most suitable candidate Li Changshou could think of to counter the power of the Seven Emotions. Furthermore, Immortal Yunxiao's Primordial Golden Dipper was also a powerful treasure that might produce miraculous effects.

Upon arriving once again at the sea of clouds, Li Changshou felt a strange emptiness in his heart. He truly rarely came to Three Immortals Island on his own initiative. This time, he was here to request assistance... Indeed, he felt a bit too passive.

However, before Li Changshou even entered the cloud mist surrounding Three Immortals Island, a soft exclamation rang out, and a wisp of cloud drifted past him. The familiar gentle voice entered his ears, mind, and soul, alleviating most of the worry in Li Changshou's heart.

"What's wrong? You look troubled. Have you encountered some difficulty?" The wisp of cloud quickly dissipated, revealing Immortal Yunxiao's figure, standing quietly about three meters away.

Clouds billowed and settled, soft and yielding; in blue robes, her warm words brought peace to his heart. Immortal Yunxiao must have noticed Li Changshou's presence. Seeing his hesitant expression, she immediately left Three Immortals Island and hurried to meet him. Though she was as ethereal and beautiful as ever, there was an unusual, rarely seen languid charm about her. She wore a long gown, unbelted, and her long hair seemed casually coiled, simply secured with a wooden hairpin...

Li Changshou sighed softly and smiled. "This time I indeed need your assistance, but there will be no karmic entanglement. It's merely about dealing with some difficult individuals."

Immortal Yunxiao softly asked, "Is it very urgent?"

"It can wait."

"Then, please wait for me for a moment," Immortal Yunxiao replied. Her graceful figure was enveloped by mist, and a moment later, she reappeared, her long hair neatly bound, her jade belt fastened, and her green gown replaced with a light blue long dress.

Her dark hair swayed gently in the breeze, and her delicate lips were slightly pursed and moist. It was only then that Li Changshou noticed...

"You actually apply light makeup? I thought you wouldn't care for such things, and whether you wore makeup or not, you are equally beautiful."

"If I am to meet you, of course I must make some effort to dress up," Immortal Yunxiao said softly, with a delicate hand pointing out a white cloud. "This is something my third sister taught me."

Li Changshou could only grin foolishly, unsure how to respond. Immortal Yunxiao asked, "Where are we going, and what is this matter about?"

"Oh, right, I almost forgot the important matter." Li Changshou's paper effigy directly transformed into a paper figurine. "Please take this avatar of mine and hurry to the Netherworld. Senior Brother Duobao and the others have already gone ahead. The Reincarnation Disk is in trouble. I will explain the specifics to you in detail on the way. Grand Master Xuan Du has already gone to the Chan Sect to invite people."

Upon hearing this, Immortal Yunxiao's beautiful face immediately turned much more serious. She transformed into a wisp of cloud smoke and hurried towards the Netherworld.

Half an hour later, above Reincarnation Immortal Island, Immortal Yunxiao arrived on a cloud, and met with Daoist Duobao, Zhao Gongming, and Holy Mother Jin Ling, who had been waiting there for some time.

Immortal Yunxiao stepped forward to greet them, being the latest to join among these four disciples of the Grandmaster of Heaven, two inner and two outer. However, as Yunxiao bowed, her three senior brothers and sister responded with a slightly constrained demeanor, either cupping their hands or bowing slightly. Only Zhao Gongming, as the eldest brother, was more casual, his legs slightly buckling... He stepped forward to greet her.

"Second sister, you've really come!" Yunxiao solemnly asked, "Should we wait here for Grand Master Xuan Du and the others, or go down first?"

No sooner had she spoken than a faint black and white Taiji Diagram appeared behind her, and Grand Master Xuan Du's voice emanated from it: "We're here. It took a bit more effort to pick up the others."

From the Taiji Diagram, Grand Master Xuan Du stepped out first, followed by a middle-aged Daoist wearing a golden crown and Daoist robes — Guangchengzi, the immortal who struck the golden bell in Yu Xu Palace. Behind Guangchengzi, however, it was not Immortal Nanji or Chijingzi who emerged, but rather a handsome young Daoist in red robes — Taiyi Zhenren, and the upright-faced Daoist in gray robes, Yuding Zhenren.

Guangchengzi's cultivation realm was comparable to Duobao's and Zhao Gongming's. Yuding Zhenren rarely engaged in combat, so the depth of his cultivation was unknown. However, Taiyi Zhenren, who had been quite active since ancient times, was clearly still far from the 'Great Senior Brother' level of cultivation...

Taiyi Zhenren also looked slightly awkward at this moment. He bowed to all the senior brothers and sisters, then chuckled. "I don't know the specifics myself, I just heard the two Great Senior Brothers call me and Yuding to make up the numbers— *cough*, to help with an important matter, so we immediately followed." The implication was that he and Yuding Zhenren hadn't volunteered to come, and if they ended up being a hindrance later, the blame would still fall on Guangchengzi and Grand Master Xuan Du...

Guangchengzi chuckled. "Inviting the two junior brothers over was naturally because of their exceptional qualities."

"Let's go down," Grand Master Xuan Du said gently. "First, we'll meet with Chang Geng, and he can explain everything in detail to you."

Duobao looked at the somewhat bewildered Netherworld beings below and asked, "Should we go say hello to them?" From Yunxiao's sleeve, a voice emerged: "I'll go."

Li Changshou's paper figurine flew out, transforming into the Water God's appearance. He bowed to the eight great figures and said, "I was just about to go instruct a few Yama Kings on the next steps. Please, senior brothers and sisters, proceed to the eighteenth layer of hell first. Yama Kings Qin Guang and Chu Jiang are already waiting below."

With that, Li Changshou descended on a cloud, while Grand Master Xuan Du led the masters from both the Chan and Jie Sects down into the abyss.

When they arrived at the lowest layer of the eighteenth hell and met Yama Kings Qin Guang and Chu Jiang who were waiting there, all seven Daoist masters, except for Grand Master Xuan Du, began to feel nervous. For no other reason than that the two Yama Kings at this moment were truly... too miserable.

Their robes were tattered, their faces bruised and swollen, their bodies covered in wounds, their eyes red-rimmed and brimming with hot tears, and their gazes somewhat dim.

Daoist Duobao said, filled with concern, "Has it gotten this serious?"

"The two Yama Kings were affected by the Seven Emotions avatars," Grand Master Xuan Du said. "Soon, you will all experience the power of the Seven Emotions of sentient beings for yourselves."

The seven masters each became vigilant. Immortal Yunxiao, who had the most information at this point, was ironically the calmest. After unlocking the forty-nine layers of restrictions and stepping onto the edge of the Tear Lake, and walking through layers of mist, they saw Li Changshou's back, sitting cross-legged in the center of the lake.

Grand Master Xuan Du instructed, "Let's go over. Lying there is one of the Seven Emotions, Sorrow." The masters' expressions became extremely solemn, and they arrived behind Li Changshou on their clouds.

Li Changshou at this moment also intended to test how well the seven masters could withstand the Seven Emotions. As they were about to arrive, he spoke proactively to the "Little Sorrow" avatar lying before him: "Empress, do you truly not wish to rise? I have already invited all the senior brothers and sisters here. Even if we have to carry you, we will carry you today..."

"What good would rising do? What good would carrying me do? Everything is ultimately just emptiness. Why persist in futile struggles? It's true, sometimes you don't try hard enough, and you never truly understand the feeling of messing things up... But please, I beg you, don't torment me. Don't give me hope only to continuously let me despair."

Little Sorrow sighed softly, tears streaming down like a breaking dam. "What you care about, in the end, is only that version of me. Who truly cares about *this* me? All I have are my tears."

This... A vein pulsed on Li Changshou's forehead. He forcefully endured the impact of the sorrow on his Dao heart, and quickly thought of things that made him happy.

He could even clearly feel that when Little Sorrow spoke, waves of 'sorrow attacks' like storms erupted throughout the Tear Lake.

"Alas—" Hearing a long sigh from behind him, Grand Master Xuan Du landed beside Li Changshou. He looked up at the distant mist, lost in thought.

Sobs began to rise. Li Changshou turned his head to look, only to see Holy Mother Jin Ling, usually so solemn-faced, raise a hand to wipe the corner of her eye, before quickly turning away.

Immortal Yunxiao's lips were slightly pursed. Her eyes held a touch of melancholy, as she gazed at Little Sorrow with a hint of sympathy.

Zhao Gongming and Guangchengzi were much the same, both showing a degree of sadness, as if recalling bothersome matters. These were relatively calm reactions...

The calmest at this moment, surprisingly, was Yuding Zhenren. This master of Yang Jian, whom Li Changshou had always considered a hidden powerhouse, was now gazing at Little Sorrow, a faint melancholic glint in his eyes.

And then... Thump! Taiyi Zhenren suddenly dropped to his knees, his eyes brimming with tears. He tilted his head back and took a long, shaky breath. "Although I desperately wanted to hold back, my cultivation is ultimately insufficient... Great Senior Brother, why did you have to bring me here to embarrass myself!"

"Alas," Daoist Duobao sighed softly from beside him, his slightly plump face filled with wistful memories. "My dear, how did our happiness vanish?"

Li Changshou blinked upon hearing this... Vanish? Wasn't that quite happy? When you, old sir, cast aside your Daoist robes and undergarments to 'dry swim' in the pile of treasures.