Chapter 415: White Marsh First Displays Power, The West Calculates Again

From Mount Qianyuan, a white cloud emerged from the Golden Light Formation, slowly ascending towards the starry sky.

On the cloud, Li Changshou looked down at his grand-nephew, who was sitting cross-legged beside him. He observed the pitiful expression on his face, the red rim around his eyes despite his efforts to endure, his constantly trembling shoulders, and his gently swaying Daoist headpiece.

Suddenly, Li Changshou felt a twinge of guilt, as if he had done something wrong.

What a remarkable Ling Zhuzi.

"Grand-nephew," Li Changshou called out softly.

Ling Zhuzi weakly raised his head, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. "Uncle Chang Geng, I'm fine."

Li Changshou's Dao heart nearly melted on the spot. He quickly said, "Don't worry, I'm taking you to the Heavenly Courts. All the beings there are very interesting and gentle. How about we make a bet?"

Ling Zhuzi spoke clearly, "Uncle, what kind of bet? Master says gambling is a bad habit, and one should have a firm Dao heart and certainty in handling matters."

Li Changshou was speechless.

He was actually lectured by Ling Zhuzi in return!

"Then let's rephrase it," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Later, when we get to the Heavenly Courts, everyone you meet will show you a kind smile. If that's truly the case, will you promise me, your uncle, to make a friend in the Heavenly Courts?"

"Understood," Ling Zhuzi nodded, "This disciple will follow Uncle's arrangements."

Li Changshou smiled gently and said no more, guiding the cloud towards the Central Heavenly Gate.

On the way here, Li Changshou had intentionally flown halfway around the edge of the demon-controlled territory. However, fearing an ambush by demon experts on the way back, he deliberately rerouted to the Western Heavenly Gate above West Ox Continent. After all, Spirit Mountain wouldn't dare openly make things difficult for him, a Human School disciple, nor would they let anything happen to him near Spirit Mountain.

There wasn't much conversation along the way. Li Changshou secretly observed Ling Zhuzi's reactions, wanting to understand his full personality as quickly as possible. Ling Zhuzi's emotions at the moment were mostly trepidation. After all, he hadn't left Mount Qianyuan since his transformation, and this was his first long journey.

"Uncle Chang Geng..."

"Hmm?" Li Changshou lowered his head at the sound.

Ling Zhuzi was looking up at him, a hint of helplessness in his large, spirit-filled eyes.

"Is there something abnormal about me? Master seems very troubled and keeps telling me to be more manly. And Uncle Yuding often looks at me with pity."

"Hahahaha," Li Changshou was amused by Ling Zhuzi.

Ling Zhuzi frowned, looking at Li Changshou with confusion. "Uncle Chang Geng, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," Li Changshou waved his hand and sat down cross-legged on the cloud as well. His benevolent appearance, with white hair and eyebrows, made Ling Zhuzi feel quite close to him.

Li Changshou chuckled, "Your master keeps telling you to be more masculine because he thinks your personality is too soft. And Uncle Yuding isn't pitying you; he also feels your nature is too gentle. Generally, men represent masculinity and women symbolize femininity, but this isn't absolute; it's just how most people are. Senior Brother Taiyi is a bit rough in this regard and didn't tell you these things in time, just constantly pushed you to be a 'man.' The yin and yang of heaven and earth are not absolutely opposite, nor are they absolutely distinct."

Ling Zhuzi pursed his lips in thought.

Li Changshou added, "To make your master happy, you just need to change a few small habits."

Ling Zhuzi hastily said, "Please enlighten me, Uncle!"

"I can't tell you too much today," Li Changshou chuckled. "Later, when we arrive at the Heavenly Courts, I'll introduce you to a friend or two. Spend some time with them and discover for yourself the kind of person your master wants you to become."

Ling Zhuzi immediately looked as if he wanted to speak but held back.

Li Changshou didn't elaborate further. He handed Ling Zhuzi a scripture to read on the way and pass the time.

Ling Zhuzi, an ancient spirit pearl from Jade Void Palace, began his cultivation at the True Immortal realm. He was now in the late-stage Heaven Immortal realm, still some distance from the Golden Immortal realm. However, Ling Zhuzi had a deep foundation. His greatest reliance was his Pure Blessing Primordial Spirit. If he cultivated to Golden Immortal and underwent a few kalpas of experience, he would become another Pure Blessing Golden Immortal like Yun Zhongzi, capable of increasing the luck of the Chan School.

Li Changshou's mind wandered...

In the original story of the Investiture of the Gods calamity, the Jie School was famous for the prowess of its second-generation disciples, while the Chan School gained renown for its third-generation disciples bravely confronting the Jie School's second-generation disciples. Examples include Yang Jian, the True Monarch of Pure Origin and Miraculous Dao, who cultivated the Eight-Nine Arcane Art and already held a Heavenly Court deity position before the calamity; and Nezha, the Great God of Three Altars and Sea Association, who was the former Ling Zhuzi and entered the calamity with his Primordial Spirit combined with a lotus body; and Yin Jiao and Yin Hong, who obtained treasures from Guang Chengzi and Chi Jingzi but were influenced by Shen Gongbao's "Fellow Daoist, please stay," causing them to waver and almost turn against their master. These were all rising stars of the Dao Sect.

Admittedly, there were quite a few rising stars on the Jie School's side too, but figures like Holy Mother of Fire Spirit, Wen Zhong, and Yu Yuan were far less known than Yang Jian, Nezha, and Lei Zhenzi. Perhaps his own Saint Lord's decision to side with the Chan School during the Investiture of the Gods calamity also involved these considerations?

Li Changshou pondered carefully, feeling a sense of helplessness in his heart. Why had he already tacitly accepted that the Chan and Jie Schools would inevitably fight to the death during the Investiture of the Gods calamity...

The Ten Absolute Formations, the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation, the Ten Thousand Immortal Formation – three iconic grand formations marking the escalation of the great war...

Li Changshou suddenly thought of something else. In recent years, he had been focusing on the romantic relationships within the Jie School. He wondered how Holy Mother of Golden Light and Qin Wan, the Heavenly Lord, were progressing with their research on the Ten Absolute Linked Formations. Could this become a minor foreshadowing for the Investiture of the Gods calamity?

Li Changshou thought for a moment, then burst into a wry smile. He, as a butterfly, had flapped his wings so many times, yet at this point, all developments were still progressing towards the Investiture of the Gods calamity. The corrective power of the Heavenly Dao, or rather, the convergence power of this timeline, was indeed not to be underestimated. The previous Senior Lang, who tried to change mythological history, had already become a small patch on the wheel of history; as for himself, survival remained the top priority. After all, if one died, everything would be lost...

"Uncle Chang Geng," Ling Zhuzi suddenly asked softly, "Are there many beings like me in this world?"

Li Changshou thought for a moment, then gently said, "Every being is a unique individual. You don't need to change yourself to fit in; instead, aim to improve yourself to become more perfect. Beings don't need to have too many sharp edges, but they also shouldn't be too smooth. After all, being worldly and shrewd is a matter for us older folks."

Ling Zhuzi blinked, "Ling Zhuzi doesn't understand."

"From now on, refer to yourself as 'I' instead of using your name. Using your name directly exposes your origin," Li Changshou said seriously. "This is the first small habit you need to correct."

"Yes, Ling Zhuzi understands."

"Hmm?"

"I understand..."

"That's better," Li Changshou said, his eyes crinkling in a smile, as he saw the Western Heavenly Gate in the distance. "Do you remember our agreement earlier? You can observe along the way if everyone is smiling at you."

Immediately, Ling Zhuzi perked up. Though usually a bit shy, he now actively observed the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.

The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals: ...

Honestly, when Lord Water God brought back a delicate little immortal maiden, and she looked at them with clear, curious eyes, what kind of expression could they possibly return? Nothing but various kinds of smiles!

Halfway there, Ling Zhuzi couldn't help but tug on Li Changshou's Daoist robe, his large eyes filled with stars.

"Uncle, Uncle, it's true! Everyone is smiling at me!"

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, holding his horsetail whisk, and led Ling Zhuzi towards his Water God's Residence. After competing with Bai Ze for so long, suddenly playing a trick on a child brought a sense of joy and relaxation.

Upon returning to the Water God's Residence, Li Changshou instructed the Heavenly Soldiers to prepare a dwelling, and Ling Zhuzi moved in.

"Ling Zhuzi, you can stay here. Feel free to mention anything you need to the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals in the courtyard. As your uncle, I'm considered a minor official in the Heavenly Courts, and everyone will give me some face, so you can go out and explore if you wish. In a few days, I'll arrange for some Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to spar with you in magic and divine abilities. Make some preparations beforehand, and remember to use discretion when fighting, so as not to injure anyone."

"Yes!"

Ling Zhuzi's spirits were soaring now, almost a completely different person from when he was on Mount Qianyuan. She, cough. He bowed to Li Changshou. "This disciple understands. For this path of cultivation, please feel free to discipline your disciple, Uncle!"

Li Changshou's old face almost blushed... What on earth had Taiyi Zhenren, that old charlatan, taught Ling Zhuzi?! Uh, perhaps his own thoughts were just too complex...

Now everything was settled. Li Jing was at the Immortal Du Sect, and Nezha was at the Water God's Residence. If Lady Yin could be found now, the main cast for the play "Chentang Pass" would be complete. Nezha was essentially "bringing his own investment" to the production, the fated protagonist of this play. Ao Bing wasn't even a dragon egg yet, and Mu Zha and Jin Zha had no part in this particular drama. As for Lady Shi Ji, should he discreetly investigate her beforehand?

In the alchemy room, Li Changshou gazed at the simplified map of the Five Continents before him, lost in thought. He was multitasking, simultaneously considering how to direct this grand play. At the same time, he was looking among the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals guarding the Water God's Residence for a few who exuded strong masculinity and a valiant aura in their actions, intending to have them interact more with Ling Zhuzi later.

Li Changshou gradually realized that in planning for the Investiture of the Gods calamity, the most crucial thing was to clearly assess the Heavenly Dao's trends. Taking Nezha as an example: in the Heavenly Dao's decreed script for the Investiture of the Gods calamity, how much impact would Nezha's trials and their subsequent consequences have on the calamity itself and on the Heavenly Dao? Clearly analyzing this would allow him to act with purpose. Overall, it was about ensuring Nezha's combat power and ensuring he became one of the main regular forces in the Chan School's camp; and the conflict between Taiyi and Shi Ji might also become the spark that ignites the great war between the two Schools. Based on his few interactions with Taiyi Zhenren, Li Changshou no longer doubted Taiyi Zhenren's strategic awareness of "striking first" or the mastery of his "verbal assault" and "taunting" skills.

Unfortunately, he couldn't deliberately target Taiyi Zhenren. Li Changshou knew he couldn't take a stance for either the Chan School or the Jie School. As a Human School disciple, he had to stand where his Teacher Taiqing wanted him to be: the Dao Sect.

"The bigger picture..."

After a while, Li Changshou stood up, a hint of worry in his expression, and quietly paced the alchemy room. His mind stirred slightly; Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang had arrived at the Water God's Residence in the Heavenly Courts. At that moment, Ao Yi had a broad smile on his face, while Bian Zhuang was crestfallen, his eyes bloodshot, yet he tried hard to appear cheerful.

As the two approached the study, about to bow, Li Changshou gently wiggled his finger. The room door opened wide, and the formation closed.

"Come in."

Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang replied in unison, lowering their heads as they entered the study and bowed to Li Changshou, who was seated behind the table and chairs.

"Brother Hierarch, we've found a suitable demoness," Ao Yi said with a smile. "Should Bian Zhuang act now?"

Li Changshou asked, "Which woman did you find?"

"The Matchmaker found her," Ao Yi explained. "She's a powerful karmic demon from the border between the Southern Jambu Continent and West Ox Continent, with Heaven Immortal cultivation. We've already checked her origins in the Hall of Ten Thousand Spirits; her bloodline traces back to ancient great demons, and she now holds considerable influence among demons. This demoness's clay figure often wanders around, dragging red strings, having no fixed residence and a penchant for romance. If a romantic rumor were to spread involving a Heavenly General, it wouldn't arouse suspicion. The rest depends on Vice Commander Bian Zhuang's skill."

Bian Zhuang's legs trembled, and he forced a bitter smile. "This humble general is willing to be torn to pieces and die ten thousand deaths, but Lord Water God... this humble general is still pure..."

Li Changshou chuckled, "I'm only asking you to show affection in dreams, not to sacrifice yourself. What are you so afraid of?"

"Ah, this humble general obeys."

Ao Yi feigned surprise, "Vice Commander Bian is so upright?"

Bian Zhuang immediately wore a face of utter despair.

"Alright," Li Changshou said, "Have the Hall of Matrimony assist you fully with this. It's fine if it doesn't succeed. Besides, I'm not asking you to descend to the mortal realm, only to meet the demoness in dreams through the Divine Might Hall... Remember, we aim to use this incident to declare to the outside world that the Heavenly Courts are not puppets controlled by the Heavenly Dao, that Heavenly Generals also have true feelings and are living beings of flesh and blood. You are not actually to become romantically involved with a demoness, especially not a powerful karmic demon."

"This humble general understands!" Bian Zhuang answered loudly, then his face crumpled into a frown again. Was his first experience with romance going to be like this...?

Li Changshou suddenly frowned. "Wait a moment, I have something elsewhere." With that, he closed his eyes and focused, remaining motionless.

On Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou stepped out of his alchemy room and saw a faint "aurora" floating above Black Pool Peak. He immediately used this paper avatar, his main body, to ride a cloud and hurried over. Arriving at Black Pool Peak and entering the formation, he saw Bai Ze in his true form, lying beside the pool. The three colorful long feathers on his forehead shone brightly, and wisps of seven-colored immortal light encircled him.

"Lord Water God," Bai Ze said, his surrounding immortal light intensifying as he transformed into human form and bowed.

Li Changshou asked, "Mr. Bai, did you call me here for something important?"

Bai Ze replied solemnly, "It's not a major matter for Lord Water God, but just now, as this humble Daoist was sensing the Heavenly Secrets, I suddenly had a premonition. A great misfortune has appeared in the northern part of North Continent. I fear the demons are about to attack the North Continent's Witch tribe, forcing the Heavenly Courts to send troops for aid, thereby engaging the Heavenly Courts in a direct confrontation."

Li Changshou bowed and said seriously, "Thank you for the warning, Mr."

Bai Ze smiled, "Did Lord Water God already have such a prediction? If so, then this humble Daoist has worried unnecessarily."

"No, I didn't have such a prediction," Li Changshou replied. "And to be honest, my cultivation is still shallow, and my realm hasn't reached yours, Mr. As for divination methods, I've only just begun to learn, and I can't deduce much about external matters. In the future, if such circumstances arise, please inform me promptly."

Bai Ze frowned and asked, "Then, how did Lord Water God previously intervene in major Heavenly Dao affairs, and how did you contend with the Western Sect and make so many decisions?"

Li Changshou sighed, saying with a touch of helplessness: "Nothing special, just making more preparations and considering all kinds of situations clearly. For this matter, Mr., you needn't worry too much. When the demon race issued their proclamation against the heavens, I had already secretly informed the North Continent's Witch tribe, and they are prepared to respond; they won't be caught off guard by the demons."

Bai Ze bowed to Li Changshou and praised: "The more I learn about Lord Water God, the more I admire you. Lord Water God, with the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother currently absent from the Heavenly Courts, Daoist masters might not interfere in the conflict between the Witch and Demon tribes. If Lord Water God needs assistance, please consult this humble Daoist promptly!"

Li Changshou nodded in agreement, bowed to Bai Ze, said, "I'll go back and arrange for the North Continent conflict first," and then departed Black Pool on a cloud.

His consciousness returned to the Heavenly Courts. Li Changshou instructed Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang to put aside their minor task for now and prepare the Heavenly River Naval Forces, replenishing resources like immortal beans. Bian Zhuang almost cried tears of joy.

Afterwards, Li Changshou maximized his mental power, and windows appeared in his mind, showing the gathering places of the North Continent Witch tribe and the assembly points of the demon race at the northern border, all enveloped within his paper avatar's immortal sense network. Just as Li Changshou had said, the Witch tribe had already hidden in their refuges; he had also instructed some battle witches to harass the demon race earlier. Li Changshou naturally sought to prevent the tragedy of the East Sea Eye from reoccurring.

But those demon territories... were surprisingly quiet. There was no sign of any movement from experts or demon soldiers anywhere. However, Bai Ze had given a warning, and attacking the northern Witch tribe was a good move for the demon race, making the probability of this event extremely high.

Li Changshou waited quietly, but for several days in a row, the demon race showed no reaction whatsoever. Li Changshou felt puzzled, but still kept most of his mental power focused on monitoring the demon territories, while using a smaller portion to handle various daily affairs. Although his mental power was insufficient, it only lowered his efficiency. Li Changshou approached everything steadily, so no major problems arose.

However, what Li Changshou didn't expect was that he would wait for a full six months! During those six months, Ling Zhuzi met with the Heavenly Generals of the Water God's Residence several times, but each time, due to Ling Zhuzi's excessive shyness, he only watched the generals' playful antics and couldn't integrate, apart from sparring in magic. This matter indeed could not be rushed and should be pursued gradually. The Heavenly Courts also made sufficient preparations for battle. Hundreds of thousands of elite Heavenly Soldiers, carrying millions of immortal beans, were ready to support North Continent at any time.

Just as Li Changshou began to wonder if Bai Ze's definition of calamity was somewhat flawed, a familiar aura appeared in the demon territories. Wen Jing! Li Changshou's immortal sense spread like a net. He immediately followed the aura and soon saw three somewhat blurred figures entering several layers of demon formations underground. Wen Jing deliberately revealing this wisp of aura was actually a "secret signal" they had agreed upon beforehand. To protect their own undercover agent, Daoist Wen Jing could not directly contact him at this time, but this wisp of aura was enough to prove that Daoist Wen Jing's stance had not changed.

Of the three figures, Daoist Wen Jing was on the left, a silver-haired girl carrying a long sword was on the right, and in the middle was a tall, slender figure wearing a cloak. Li Changshou performed a quick divination, confirming he had never seen this Daoist. Was the Western Sect causing trouble again? Uh, could it be that the Western Sect came to offer advice and help to Daoist Lu Ya, pointing out a clear path for him and the demon race—attacking the Witch tribe to force the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals into a battle in the mortal realm? If that were truly the case, then... Bai Ze's divine ability of "avoiding misfortune and seeking auspiciousness" was simply too formidable!