Chapter 413: Such a Spiritual Pearl

Li Changshou pondered for several days and found Bai Ze's theory quite plausible.

The key was Bai Ze's absolute certainty. Li Changshou didn't fully understand Bai Ze's divine abilities, nor was it convenient to directly inquire about his origins or background. However, the debates had to continue; the clash of ideas could not cease. To be safe, they might as well use up the remaining debate topics.

Thus, another three months passed, and Li Changshou finally felt... about ten percent reassured about Bai Ze. He changed his debates with Bai Ze from every three days to once every half-month, reducing his visits to Black Pool Peak to avoid Ling'e's unnecessary suspicions.

Regarding Youqin Xuan'ya, Li Changshou briefly explained the situation to Bai Ze, who readily agreed without hesitation. According to Bai Ze, since he had become the Human Sect's "charioteer," he naturally had to obey Li Changshou's commands. Moreover, this matter could enhance his reputation. Despite Bai Ze's long years of reclusion, he was quite particular about his reputation.

With that, Li Changshou confidently entrusted this task to... Ao Yi. The Heavenly Court and the Dragon Palace would secretly dispatch people to spread news in various towns and markets across the Five Continents, promoting "Auspicious Beast Bai Ze" as a "symbol of purity and justice," while simultaneously dispelling some of the inherent negative impressions of the "Ten Demon Marshals."

Li Changshou personally painted "Bai Ze Drinking Water" and "Bai Ze Treading Waves" for Bai Ze, who was quite surprised upon seeing them."My true form actually looks... this pleasing?" Bai Ze exclaimed.Li Changshou could only smile at the time, naturally unable to admit that he had digitally enhanced the images. What mattered were the composition and lighting!

Incidentally, Li Changshou and Bai Ze also collaborated on their first task: custom-designing Youqin Xuan'ya's persona as the Heavenly Court's Goddess of War and meticulously planning all the details for her ascension to Heaven. Youqin Xuan'ya, who had been in secluded cultivation recently to break through and consolidate her cultivation, was unaware that the behind-the-scenes team promoting her as an idol in the Primordial Era had just "doubled" in size.

Next, they just had to wait for Bai Ze's reputation to gradually grow. To increase Bai Ze's public presence, besides the two scrolls already circulated, Li Changshou was also considering finding a suitable opportunity for Bai Ze to take a stroll outside.

Once these arrangements were nearly complete, Li Changshou proactively inquired about Daoist Lu Ya. After some hesitation, Bai Ze revealed a "major secret" to Li Changshou.

"Water God, by no means should you push Lu Ya to desperation. He possesses a secret treasure called the 'Nail Head Seven Arrows Book'."Li Changshou's heart stirred, and he smiled, "Is this secret treasure perhaps even more potent than his 'My Treasure, please turn around'?"

"Indeed," Bai Ze replied with a serious expression, nodding slowly. "Excluding the Sages, there are definitely no more than ten living beings in the Primordial Era who know the origin of this treasure. The Nail Head Seven Arrows Book can kill a Grand Unity Golden Immortal invisibly. Its creation is extremely costly, and the item itself is incredibly malicious, harming both the user and the victim. However, by simply trapping a wisp of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal's primordial spirit in a straw effigy, worshipping it daily and shooting arrows at it, that Grand Unity Golden Immortal will become powerless to resist, turning into a puddle of blood..."

Bai Ze's words trailed off as he noticed Li Changshou's consistently calm smile. He paused, then his expression shifted to one of sudden realization. "The Water God already knew?""How could I know such a secret?"

Li Changshou's smile gradually faded, and he said calmly, "It seems, then, that this Lu Ya truly must be eliminated first. Mr. Bai, if this Nail Head Seven Arrows Book is so powerful, is there any way to avoid it?"

"To my knowledge, there is no way to avoid it, unless one finds the caster's location during the spell's activation and destroys the straw effigy." Bai Ze pondered for a moment, then added: "However, activating the Nail Head Seven Arrows Book requires consuming luck and merit. Given the Water God's current accumulation of merit, it's uncertain whether the Nail Head Seven Arrows Book would even be effective. In any case, Water God, it is best to be cautious. And, although I know this shouldn't be said, Lu Ya is, after all, akin to my nephew, and I wish to plead on his behalf."

Li Changshou mused for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said gently: "This matter is not mine to decide. If Lu Ya can destroy the Nail Head Seven Arrows Book and refrains from any further extreme actions, then, for your sake, Mr. Bai, I can intercede for him before His Majesty the Jade Emperor and offer him a path to survival. However, if he doesn't choose that path..."

"Thank you, Water God," Bai Ze said with a bitter smile. "Lu Ya's temperament is far less than one-hundredth of his father's. I fear he will ultimately struggle to survive."

'One can only hope so,' Li Changshou thought to himself, moving past the topic. No matter how powerful Bai Ze was, he couldn't foresee the Investiture of the Gods calamity, nor could he predict how active Lu Ya would be during it. Li Changshou had no certainty about being able to take Lu Ya's life. He could only bide his time, waiting for Lu Ya to make a mistake during this "Heavenly Demon Confrontation." In fact, every measure the Heavenly Court was currently taking against the demon race implicitly held this deeper meaning.

"Mr. Bai," Li Changshou said, looking at the radiant middle-aged Daoist before him, "how about you show off your culinary skills today? I'll invite the sect master and an elder who has shown me much care within the sect, to join us for drinks and conversation."

"Excellent!" Bai Ze exclaimed with delight. "This time, I shall certainly showcase my finest!" Having spoken, he turned and strode briskly towards the increasingly spacious kitchen, the entire auspicious beast brimming with high spirits.

Li Changshou flew on a cloud to Alchemy Peak, inviting Elder Wan Linyun to the banquet at Black Pool Peak. Elder Wan Linyun was now not far from his Golden Immortal tribulation; he should steadily reach it within one or two hundred years. Imbibing more of the auspicious beast's benevolent aura would be excellent for him. Naturally, he couldn't personally invite the sect master; on the surface, Li Changshou was merely an ordinary disciple of the Duxian Sect, so a communication jade slip would suffice.

Half an hour later, the group gathered on Black Pool Peak. Bai Ze hosted the banquet, Ling'e performed music, and Li Changshou discussed the Dao of alchemy and poisons with Elder Wan Linyun. Sect Master Ji Wuyou volunteered to help, donning the apron Li Changshou had given Bai Ze, and assisting in the kitchen, though he was deemed clumsy by Bai Ze. If any Duxian Sect disciples had witnessed this scene, their jaws would likely have dropped in astonishment. And if the demon experts, who were currently desperately searching for Bai Ze's whereabouts, had seen this, who knew how many would have gone mad with rage?

***

In a hidden palace within the border mountains of North Continent.

Daoist Lu Ya paced back and forth before the elevated throne, hands clasped behind his back. On the platform sat over a dozen renowned demon elders, most of whom had displeased expressions. Below the platform, several demon kings knelt trembling in the hall.

"Useless!" At the end of the elevated platform, a snake-like male demon, with a shrill and piercing voice, furiously berated the young demon kings: "We sent you to find out where the rumors about Marshal Bai Ze originated. Tens of thousands of lesser demons were dispatched, and the news you brought back is just two words— 'Don't know'? It seems you're accustomed to negligence. It's time for some discipline!"

The demon kings hastily cried out, "Mercy! Ancestor, mercy!"

"There's no need to inquire much about the rumors' source," an old goat-headed demon said, stroking his beard and smiling. "In my humble opinion, someone definitely wants to lure Marshal Bai Ze out, rather than having actually seen him."

Lu Ya frowned, sat back on his throne, and waved his hand, dismissing the demon kings below. Several old demons simultaneously acted, isolating the hall from the outside world.

Lu Ya said in a deep voice, "Marshal Bai Ze has most likely left the Five Continents. He has no intention of meddling in these affairs; it was already quite difficult for him to give us one strategy."

"Your Highness!" The renowned demon elder, Duke Lu, seated in his chair, cupped his hands and asked, "Last time you sought out Marshal Bai Ze, he advised us to attack the Heavenly Court while it was weak, and then use the opportunity of repelling the Heavenly soldiers to negotiate with the Heavenly Court... Well, did Marshal Bai Ze say how to deal with the current situation? Not only has the Heavenly Court not sent troops, but they keep using sunset messages to demoralize us. We've clenched our fists, but we can't strike."

"I suspect that old matchmaker from the Heavenly Court is also causing trouble!" A white bear demon grunted, saying in a booming voice, "In the past six months, three couples among my grandchildren and great-grandchildren have broken up because other demons interfered with their marriages! I just don't understand how a fox demon male could fall for my great-granddaughter, given her bear-like appearance, a full zhang tall and a zhang wide? And be so utterly devoted, loyal unto death..."

"Perhaps they just clicked.""No, no, this is quite unusual. Many couples, both young and old, have already broken up."An old demon with a crocodile head finally reacted, bursting into laughter: "Hahahaha! A zhang tall and a zhang wide!"

"Hmm?" The old white bear furrowed his brow."Cough, this king just remembered something amusing.""You're clearly laughing at my bear tribe's appearance!" The white bear stood up, his mountain-like physique exuding surging demonic energy! "Today, I'll show you, little fish, what the hell bear power is!""You're the fish! Your whole family are fish! I'm much more substantial than a fish, do you think I'm afraid of you?!"

"Enough!" Lu Ya growled, and a large, purplish-white gourd appeared in his hand. The two old demons, who had been on the verge of fighting, instantly fell silent, each grunting before returning to their seats.

Lu Ya's lips twitched slightly, and he said calmly: "Continue to send people to investigate the source of the rumors about Marshal Bai Ze. Do not cause internal strife among yourselves. The Heavenly Court has Sages backing them; this is something we all know. As long as we don't actively attack the Heavenly Gate, killing a few Heavenly soldiers is harmless. Everyone, during these extraordinary times, please exercise restraint and patience. What we want is for the Heavenly Court to recognize the demon race's status in the Primordial Era. Fighting the Heavenly Court to the death will only lead to ruin. Also, continue to recruit peripheral demon kings unrelated to ancient bloodlines, the more the better. We will need them later to appease the Heavenly Court's wrath."

The dozen-plus old demons simultaneously rose, bowed to Lu Ya, and collectively declared: "Your subordinates obey!"

"Alas," Lu Ya sighed. In his true form, his handsome face held a hint of helplessness. "If Marshal Bai Ze could assist us, why would we worry... Never mind. Marshal Bai Ze has been in seclusion for many years, living a carefree life. He is probably enjoying himself among the clouds right now."

Duke Lu hastily said, "We will naturally do our utmost to serve Your Highness!""With Duke Lu and all of you, my heart is greatly comforted." Lu Ya spoke with a smile, keeping his true thoughts about the demons to himself, yet a trace of worry still flickered in his eyes.

***

Meanwhile, on Little Qiong Peak.

"Mr. Bai, please stop adding dishes! Everyone is about to burst!""Hahaha, no matter, no matter! It's rare for fellow Daoists to be so joyous. Watch as I demonstrate another skill!"

Li Changshou shook his head upon hearing this. Had the Human Sect gained an advisor, or a chef? However, judging by the daily life of the Human Sect's family, a chef was indeed more useful than an advisor.

Cultivation in the mountains prioritizes tranquility. All commotion eventually subsides, and banquets must eventually end. Only through brief partings can there be future joyful reunions. As night fell, Ji Wuyou and Elder Wan Linyun, along with Li Changshou and Ling'e, each departed Black Pool Peak, leaving only Bai Ze humming a little tune as he returned to his residence to read scrolls late into the night.

***

Three days later, while Li Changshou was contemplating profound cultivation techniques on Little Qiong Peak, his mind was suddenly disturbed. After a quick divination, Li Changshou's consciousness instantly returned to his paper effigy in the Heavenly Court's Water God Residence. He tidied his hair and robes, then, holding a whisk, walked out of the study.

Outside the door, Bian Zhuang stood holding a jade slip, reporting respectfully: "Water God, a Daoist child from Qianyuan Mountain delivered this communication talisman. It says Taiyi Zhenren, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, invites you to Qianyuan Mountain's Jinguang Cave for a banquet and drinks!"

"Oh?" Li Changshou conjured the jade slip into his hand, carefully read its contents, and sensed the lingering Dao charm upon it. It was indeed Taiyi Zhenren, who had significant achievements in the Dao of Yin and Yang. Why would the Grand Master of Yin-Yang seek him out? Was he bored and looking for an argument? Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then quickly nodded and said, "I am aware of this matter. Do not spread it externally."

"Understood! This subordinate takes his leave!" Bian Zhuang cupped his fist in acknowledgment and turned to leave.

A thought flashed through Li Changshou's mind... "Wait." If he were to deliberately lead a detachment of Heavenly soldiers out of the Heavenly Gate and ostentatiously travel to Qianyuan Mountain, it would likely provoke an encirclement by the demon race. This would allow him to smoothly compile charges against Lu Ya and give the Chan Sect experts a legitimate reason to act against the demons.

As soon as this thought arose, Li Changshou considered it briefly, then immediately dismissed it. Certainly, it was a good strategy, but in doing so, perhaps only one in ten of the Heavenly soldiers he brought would survive. Such a sacrifice was unnecessary. There were many other ways to defeat the demon race, and the current timing wasn't ideal either.

Bian Zhuang cupped his fist and asked, "Water God? I am here. Please command if you have any orders."

Li Changshou's thoughts turned, and he said gently, "Deputy Commander Bian has recently rendered meritorious service to the Hall of Marriage. I have a task here; I wonder if Deputy Commander Bian would be interested?"

"Even if it means being torn to pieces or dying ten thousand deaths, I shall not shrink!""No need for such extremes, no need at all," Li Changshou chuckled, narrowing his eyes. "It's merely to allow Deputy Commander Bian to display his personal charm and put into practice the various theories he previously shared with the Old Man Under the Moon."

Bian Zhuang blinked, completely bewildered.

***

Qianyuan Mountain was southwest of Kunlun Mountain, not too far from it, hidden at the intersection of several major immortal sects' mountain gates, giving it the feeling of a great hermit residing in a bustling city. Any well-informed Qi Refiner knew that Qianyuan Mountain was Taiyi Zhenren's Daoist temple. Those major immortal sects also listed the area hundreds of miles around Qianyuan Mountain as forbidden territory, with no one daring to disturb it on ordinary days. Naturally, the protective grand formation on Qianyuan Mountain was not something an ordinary Golden Immortal could break.

A white cloud drifted down from high in the sky, leisurely approaching Qianyuan Mountain. Standing atop it was the famous white-haired, white-robed old immortal, none other than the renowned Heavenly Court Water God — Li Changshou's high-quality Golden Immortal paper effigy. When Taiyi Zhenren extended the invitation, he hadn't specifically required Li Changshou's true body to come. As Li Changshou's paper effigy was a type of avatar imbued with his consciousness, attending the banquet with it was not considered disrespectful. Li Changshou was primarily concerned that if his true body came, Taiyi Zhenren would exasperate him to the point of a fight. (And definitely not because he was afraid of dying and dared not leave!)

Holding Taiyi Zhenren's jade slip, Li Changshou flew to a point three hundred li outside Qianyuan Mountain. That seemingly unremarkable barren mountain suddenly erupted in golden light, revealing the bell-shaped outline of its protective grand formation! A fissure opened in the grand formation, and two familiar figures flew out, waiting on a cloud.

The slender Daoist in red robes on the left was, naturally, Taiyi Zhenren. He had sword-like brows, starry eyes, a high nose bridge, and a chiseled, rather handsome face, placing him among the top echelon of male immortals from the three sects in terms of both looks and physique. Unfortunately, he wasn't mute. Beside Taiyi Zhenren stood Yu Ding Zhenren, whose face was ordinary but conveyed a sense of solidity and integrity. Upon seeing Yu Ding Zhenren, Li Changshou felt a sense of relief. At the very least, if he got into a fight with Taiyi today, there would still be a Chan Sect elder to mediate.

From several hundred zhang away, Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow, and Taiyi Zhenren and Yu Ding Zhenren reciprocated in unison. But the moment Taiyi Zhenren opened his mouth, it was with a hint of disdain: "Heh heh, this humble Daoist truly cannot compare to the senior and junior sisters of the Jie Sect. When you went to Three Immortals Island, Water God, you used your true body, but you casually use an avatar when visiting my Qianyuan Mountain, tsk."

Li Changshou smiled, "With the demon race causing trouble these days, the roads are unsafe. My cultivation is shallow; without a powerful expert accompanying me, my true body naturally wouldn't dare to travel much."

"Haha, so in the end, you're blaming me for not coming to greet you!" Taiyi Zhenren made a welcoming gesture, "Please, Water God. This humble Daoist has a favor to ask today; let us discuss it inside."

Li Changshou exchanged a few pleasantries, then flew forward on his cloud, dutifully standing beside Yu Ding Zhenren as he entered with the two Chan Sect experts. The protective grand formation closed, completely sealing off all divine senses that were probing the area.

Immediately upon entering the formation, Li Changshou's gaze was drawn to the cave dwelling on the cliff ahead. In front of the cave, several young attendants stood in a row, holding platters of fruits, melons, and wine. Beside these attendants was a "little immortal maiden" dressed in a Daoist robe with a bun hairstyle. Her attire was much more refined than the attendants', and her position was more prominent, suggesting she was Taiyi Zhenren's... disci... ple?

Wait a minute! Taiyi Zhenren's disciple, wasn't that Nezha's previous incarnation, the Spiritual Pearl? Although Li Changshou hadn't heard anyone mention the Spiritual Pearl in the Primordial Era so far, how could he not know the story of Nezha? How could Nezha be a girl? Wasn't he Li Jing's third son? Could this handsome little immortal maiden be... the Spiritual Pearl's senior or junior sister?

Taiyi Zhenren descended on his cloud, speaking in a very gentle tone: "My dear disciple, aren't you going to pay your respects? This is Immortal Chang Geng of the Human Sect, the Heavenly Court's Water God. Your master invited him here today, a great immortal, to cure your illness."

The "little immortal maiden" immediately held her breath, clutching the corner of her robe with both small hands. Her large eyes darted around, and she pressed her lips together several times to gather strength before softly calling out: "Disciple Lingzhuzi... pays... respects... to... Uncle-Master Chang Geng..."

Several question marks appeared above Li Changshou's head. If not for his keen hearing, he truly wouldn't have caught those words, as faint as a mosquito's buzz. Then, the "little immortal maiden" whispered, "Master, your disciple is not ill."

"If you're not ill, then speak up," Taiyi Zhenren said gently. "Show some proper demeanor for a male immortal, let your master and uncle-master see!""Yes." The "little immortal maiden" agreed, then lightly inhaled, adopted a horse stance, clenched her fist, and threw a punch forward, airwaves rippling from her fist! She then added in a childish voice: "Hmph!"

Li Changshou: ...

Yu Ding Zhenren, standing by, quietly raised his hands and clapped twice lightly. He forced an awkward smile at Lingzhuzi and said in a deep voice, "Good.""Oh dear~" Lingzhuzi covered her face with both hands, turned, and ran back into the cave dwelling, leaving a trail of dust and her voice: "Uncle-Master Yu Ding, you're mean... Master, Lingzhu truly isn't ill!"

Li Changshou's eyes instantly lost their focus. By the heavens, this Great God of the Three Altars, the future renowned general of the Heavenly Court...

Taiyi Zhenren, standing beside him, couldn't help but sigh, looking up: "What karma has this humble Daoist incurred! Chang Geng, lend this humble Daoist a hand. Find a way to make him more masculine, otherwise, I truly don't know how I'll report back to my master."