Chapter 401: Eight Nine Profound Skill

Empress Houtu…

Even the Seven Emotions avatars, which had troubled her for so long, were directly preserved?

Others might not know how important that grass ring was to Empress Houtu, but Li Changshou had previously conversed with her and held the ring for three days, thus understanding its origin. Empress Houtu's body had transformed into the Six Paths of Reincarnation. The grass ring was where Houtu's primordial spirit resided, serving as a second body that allowed her the possibility of separating from the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Although the recent situation seemed simple, Empress Houtu had used the collective power of sentient beings' thoughts to fully merge her own primordial spirit with the Six Paths of Reincarnation, thereby relinquishing the grass ring to Little Ai and the others.

'Empress Houtu is the kindest ancestor of our Witch Clan.'

Li Changshou couldn't help but chuckle. Perhaps, this was the truly virtuous Houtu.

"But doesn't this mean I've overdone it?" Li Changshou murmured, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Fairy Yunxiao chuckled, covering her mouth, then subtly released Li Changshou's arm and moved aside, her eyes full of amusement. Earlier, when Li Changshou bid farewell to Little Ai, it was actually a slight fluctuation in Fairy Yunxiao's emotional state that led to her "active comfort" just now. Li Changshou naturally wouldn't point this out; if he was comforted, then he was comforted. Although his cultivation was far inferior to Fairy Yunxiao's, a man should always act like a man. Incidentally, strong-willed fairies are quite charming.

*Cough*, speaking of that proactive farewell just now...

When Little Ai was recalled, Li Changshou believed she was about to disappear, which is why he spoke those words, intending to comfort her. Even a friendship that lasted only a moment could warm Little Ai's heart. But Empress Houtu chose to handle it this way...

Although the Seven Emotions avatars were greatly weakened, Empress Houtu protected them, as if raising seven twin sisters of the same origin. The warmth Li Changshou offered inadvertently created karma!

This whole situation was quite complex.

However, it was ultimately a good thing. After all, Little Ai and the others were preserved, which, while leaving a hidden risk for Empress Houtu, also created other opportunities. For instance, if someone tried to cause trouble in the Underworld, Empress Houtu could summon the Seven Emotions avatars to fight alongside her at critical moments. When Little Ai appeared, all the demons and devils across the sky would silently draw their blades and commit suicide... The imagery was quite vivid, making Li Changshou feel a faint sense of anticipation.

Furthermore, Empress Houtu's handling of the Seven Emotions avatars alleviated some burden from the hearts of those involved.

Li Changshou made a Daoist bow towards the sky, as several streaks of light flew towards him and Fairy Yunxiao.

The first to arrive was Daoist Taiyi. He rushed over, grabbed Li Changshou, and glared, whispering, "What are we going to do now?"

"Senior Brother? What's wrong?" Li Changshou blinked, his eyes full of curiosity and innocence.

"What's wrong, you ask!" Daoist Taiyi's handsome face still bore bruises, and he whispered, "Didn't you say to provoke the Incarnation of Wrath freely and continuously? My mouth didn't stop even when I was being beaten! Now that avatar has stayed behind. What if she comes out again later to cause trouble, using the virtuous Houtu's cultivation and divine powers to strike my Qianyuan Cave... I'd be doomed!"

Li Changshou took a sharp breath, a look of lingering fear and unease on his face, and quickly said, "Senior Brother Taiyi, you've truly reminded me; I didn't consider this properly."

"How can we remedy this?" Daoist Taiyi anxiously asked, "How can we fix this?"

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Taiyi," Li Changshou said earnestly, "If such a thing truly happens, Senior Brother, just come find me in the Tushita Palace in the Heavenly Court, or send me a message jade slip, and I'll immediately rush over to explain for you. Even if it's the avatar of the virtuous Houtu, she is still the virtuous Houtu; how could she be unreasonable?"

Daoist Taiyi pondered carefully, then sighed, "It seems I won't be able to come to the Underworld anymore."

"Don't worry, Junior Brother Taiyi, hahahaha!"

A few chuckles were heard as Guangchengzi and Daoist Yuding arrived together on clouds. The Eldest Disciple of the Chan School smiled, "The virtuous Houtu is now fine, her Seven Emotions are balanced. Later, Junior Brother Chang Geng will help the Underworld resolve the issue of residual Seven Emotions in reincarnated spirits, so the virtuous Houtu will certainly not lose control again."

Hearing this, Li Changshou chuckled, "Senior Brother Guangchengzi is absolutely right. Assisting the Underworld with this matter isn't something I can do alone; it requires the concerted efforts of all Daoist schools."

Just as Guangchengzi was about to reply, another voice came from the side. "Chang Geng." Grandmaster Xuandu walked over casually, frowning, "Your move, 'Chaos of Emotions'..."

"Senior Brother is truly impressive!" Li Changshou gave a thumbs-up, praising, "Originally, we only wanted to restrain the Incarnation of Evil, but I didn't expect Senior Brother to have such a brilliant plan to weaken her aversion. That was truly beyond our expectations." Grandmaster Xuandu immediately squinted his eyes with a smile, calmly stood behind Li Changshou, and lightly poked him in the lower back. The two brothers then shared a few hearty laughs. A traditional skill of the Human School.

When Daoist Duobao, Zhao Gongming, and Golden Spirit Mother, the three great disciples of the Jie School, arrived, the Nine Immortals of Daoism were all assembled.

Empress Houtu slowly drifted down from high in the sky, stopping a hundred *zhang* away. She bowed gracefully to the Nine Immortals, and they each returned the gesture. Houtu's lips parted slightly, golden light surrounded her, her long hair flowed behind her, and her simple white dress appeared utterly sacred. "Thank you, fellow Daoists, for your assistance."

Grandmaster Xuandu smiled, "You're too kind, Senior."

"Residing in this realm, I've long been unable to leave, and I have no suitable gift to offer you all." Empress Houtu gently waved her right hand, a faint light blooming at her fingertips. A section of golden, glowing scripture condensed into a scroll, which she pushed forward. "This cultivation method was compiled by me, combining the secret practices of the Witch Clan with the Way of Heaven and Earth's cycles. It was originally intended to be the 'Nine-Nine Unification Profound Art,' but unfortunately, the Heavenly Dao did not permit the ninth layer to form, disrupting my insights." Nine-Nine Unification, missing one layer... A Profound Art!?

Li Changshou's eyes lit up, but he didn't show anything at the moment. This Profound Art was for the Daoist schools. He had also done his part this time, so he would naturally be able to get a copy later!

Grandmaster Xuandu accepted the scroll, smiling, "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing this Profound Art. Senior Houtu, you really don't need to be so polite. You've presided over this place, safeguarding the Six Paths of Reincarnation for endless ages. When Senior was troubled, we came to assist; what we did was merely a small effort, and we dare not take credit for it. Senior has just gone through a tribulation, and your vital energy has not yet recovered. We dare not disturb you further; please rest and recover peacefully. Should you have any instructions, please let the Underworld's officials... inform my Junior Brother. My Junior Brother Chang Geng serves in the Heavenly Court and is highly favored by our teacher and trusted by the Jade Emperor." After Grandmaster Xuandu finished speaking, the Nine Immortals of Daoism bowed once more.

Houtu said nothing more, merely nodded with a smile, and opened a water-curtain-like portal for the Nine Immortals. The other side of the water curtain led outside the Six Paths of Reincarnation. The Nine Immortals did not linger; their task was complete, and they each turned and departed.

But just as Li Changshou was about to step forward, Empress Houtu spoke, "Fellow Daoist Chang Geng, could you stay for a moment longer?"

Li Changshou glanced at his Senior Brother Xuandu, then at Fairy Yunxiao. The former smiled and patted Li Changshou's shoulder, while the latter slightly bowed and left with Golden Spirit Mother. A short while later, the eight Daoist masters left the realm.

Li Changshou looked at the peaceful and tranquil small world; for some reason, he felt a little apprehensive.

Houtu stood on a gentle slope a hundred *zhang* away, bowing slightly to Li Changshou, and sighed, "Fellow Daoist, you truly accomplished it."

"Fortunately, I didn't fail the mission," Li Changshou replied, suddenly feeling the dense power of Heavenly Dao merits from beyond the water curtain! The eight Daoist masters had all received a significant reward of merit.

Li Changshou chuckled, "Moreover, it was mainly the Eldest Disciples of the Three Schools who acted; I merely did some communicating."

Empress Houtu calculated with her fingers, then slowly said, "Fellow Daoist, do not be modest. The Underworld and the Witch Clan have received countless favors from you. Regarding the Human-Slaying Sword incident, it was thanks to your timely discovery that the Witch Clan was spared a catastrophic disaster. As one of the Twelve Ancestral Witches, you deserve a bow from me."

On the hillside, covered in white wildflowers and shimmering with scattered rays of light, Empress Houtu clasped her hands in front of her and bowed gracefully to Li Changshou.

"This won't do!" Li Changshou quickly jumped aside, then returned a Daoist bow to Empress Houtu, sighing, "Empress, please don't overwhelm me with such honor! Everything I've done has been motivated by seeking benefits for myself. Eradicating demons involved multiple considerations, and protecting the Witch Clan was also to help the Underworld join the Heavenly Court sooner. I truly dare not accept such a great gift from you!"

Houtu chuckled, "Then, for your efforts this time, is there any benefit you wish to take from me?"

"No, no," Li Changshou shook his head repeatedly, "Being able to help you, Empress, is already something I can boast about to my fellow disciples in the future. I truly didn't think beyond that before... However, *cough*... I've actually always been quite interested in the secret runes of the Witch Clan. Empress, please see."

Li Changshou lightly traced with his finger, casually writing down a Witch Clan rune used for concealing heavenly secrets.

Houtu gently said, "In that case, I will compile the Witch Clan's rune techniques into a volume and have them sent to you later."

"Thank you, Empress, for bestowing the technique!" Li Changshou was already satisfied, but seeing that Empress Houtu seemed still inclined to talk, he felt awkward directly taking his leave.

Houtu asked again, "Are you truly sure you don't want any other benefits?"

"I truly don't need any."

Houtu immediately said regretfully, "I was planning to give you some Pangu true blood, which can be used to cultivate profound body techniques and refine supreme elixirs. Since you firmly refuse it, then so be it."

Li Changshou: ... Which is more important, face or treasure? Of course, treasure! Especially Pangu true blood, combined with the Profound Art just bestowed by the Empress, it would practically supercharge his physical body! If he cultivated the Profound Art and then strengthened himself with Pangu true blood, wouldn't that be another life-saving trump card? But at this moment, Li Changshou pondered slightly... Sometimes, too many opportunities are not good. Treasures are easy to acquire, but karma is difficult to shed. Furthermore, he cultivated the primordial spirit path, so a powerful physical body wasn't that important to him. He decided to play it safe. If he truly cultivated it in the future and succeeded in mastering the Profound Art, it wouldn't be too late to ask the Empress for Pangu true blood then. With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Li Changshou smiled, "Empress, if you have no further instructions, I'll take my leave now."

Empress Houtu blinked, then gently said, "I was just joking with you earlier. These were all intended as gifts of gratitude for you."

"Let me do a few more things for the Witch Clan first," Li Changshou said. "I'm a person who doesn't get up early without profit; it gives me more motivation this way."

"Fellow Daoist, you jest... Please wait a moment, someone else wants to see you."

Houtu held her hands forward, and a grass ring slowly materialized in a celestial light, which Houtu gently placed on her head. Seven-colored light flashed within the grass ring, then the other colors receded, leaving only a silvery-white gleam. The smile on Empress Houtu's lips gradually faded. Although her appearance and figure hadn't changed, she gave off the impression of being a completely different person. On the hillside beneath her feet, the green grass began to lean unevenly, and the white wildflowers slowly withered. A gentle breeze blew through, carrying with it an immense sense of desolation.

"Sigh." 'Empress Houtu' let out a melancholic sigh: "You were just comforting me, weren't you? You must have been comforting me. After all, I'm just a piece of runaway emotion, a burden, the biggest one, given to the Empress by sentient beings... I'm very pleased that you could say that just now, even though the sorrow is still so immense..."

"Fellow Daoist," Li Changshou said with a smile, "Once you can freely control this power of sorrow from the Seven Emotions and find a way to travel outside, I can take you to explore the world and introduce you to more friends. How does that sound?"

"Re-really?" She took half a step forward, a light previously unseen glowing in her eyes, but it immediately dimmed a moment later, and she dejectedly said, "Or perhaps you're still just comforting me."

"I am the Water God of the Heavenly Court, a third-rank righteous deity," Li Changshou stated earnestly. "Unless absolutely necessary, I generally don't lie to people."

"Then, it's a promise?"

"Keep this as a souvenir." Li Changshou took a precious pearl from his pocket, infused it with a segment of laughter, and bent down to place it on the ground. Saying "Friend, take care of yourself," Li Changshou lightly flicked his whisk, as if sweeping away the dust of the place, then turned and walked towards the water curtain, exiting the Six Paths of Reincarnation without obstruction.

As soon as he stepped out, a golden light descended from the sky, engulfing his figure. Heavenly descent, great merit! Before Li Changshou could even tally this immense merit, Grandmaster Xuandu, Zhao Gongming, Daoist Duobao, and Daoist Taiyi had already gathered around him.

Zhao Gongming sniffed dramatically, his gaze full of playful amusement. Grandmaster Xuandu chuckled, "Junior Brother, what did the Empress teach you when she kept you behind alone?"

"It was about the Human-Slaying Sword incident before, and the matters concerning the Northern Continent Witch Clan, as well as various affairs between the Heavenly Court and the Underworld," Li Changshou replied earnestly. "Empress Houtu simply thanked me for these things."

The eyes of the others immediately filled with disappointment. Daoist Duobao waved his hand, "Disperse, disperse. Let's go say hello to the Underworld Yama Kings and then find a place to drink." Zhao Gongming exclaimed, "This trip was indeed fruitful!" "Hmm," Daoist Taiyi said, playing with a scroll in his hand, "That the Sea-Calming Divine Pearls can spray water, now *that* was truly eye-opening."

Zhao Gongming squinted his eyes with a smile, lightly snapped his fingers, and twenty-four Sea-Calming Divine Pearls appeared around Daoist Taiyi. The latter's figure was instantly immobilized. "Is that how it is, Junior Brother Taiyi?" *Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!* The twenty-four pearls simultaneously shot out streams of water, like twenty-four powerful fists, striking Daoist Taiyi and making him tremble all over.

Guangchengzi shook his head at the sight, and Daoist Yuding also showed a faint smile. Seeing this scene, Li Changshou couldn't help but fall into thought. Noticing Fairy Yunxiao standing "alone and detached from the world" nearby, he stepped forward and actively walked towards her. He would still need to have a deeper conversation with Daoist Taiyi later; his master-level sarcasm shouldn't really become the fuse for a great war between the three Daoist schools.

Not far away, Grandmaster Xuandu was discussing with Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao how to handle the Profound Art bestowed by Empress Houtu. It was clear that the three schools were not very interested in this Profound Art. The cultivation methods practiced by the disciples of Saints were all authored by Saints, and Empress Houtu was still somewhat inferior to Saints in terms of cultivation. But they couldn't possibly disrespect Empress Houtu. Therefore, Grandmaster Xuandu proposed that this divine ability be treated as a guardian Profound Art for Daoism, not to be easily taught to disciples. Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao naturally had no objections.

Inside the Six Paths of Reincarnation, the silvery light on the grass ring atop Empress Houtu's head was gradually fading, leaving only a long sigh: "Sigh, what was I hoping for? I definitely can't leave. Now I can only spend my days mingling with the other six avatars. Maybe I'll even be bullied. The Empress certainly doesn't like me either, and the other six will probably soon find me depressing... What 'sisters from the same root and origin'? It's all as illusory as reflections in a mirror or the moon in water. The sorrow is so immense..."