Chapter 420: This Battle, How to Fight

This...

Without any preparation, how did they just arrive at our doorstep?

Before the mountain gate, Li Changshou, traveling at an unprecedented speed by cloud, rushed from Little Qiong Peak. He clasped his hands and bowed in a Taoist salute to the charming young man outside the gate, smiling, "How did you find the time, young master?"

With a smile in his eyes, the charming young man gently asked, "Was my arrival too abrupt?"

"How could it be abrupt?"

Li Changshou smiled and gestured for him to enter, then turned to the old immortal guarding the mountain gate and paid his respects.

"This young man is a friend of your disciple. I wonder if I may bring him into the mountain gate first, and I will go to the Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs later to obtain an entry-exit token."

The elder on duty guarding the mountain gate today looked a bit troubled. "Although this humble Taoist trusts Nephew Changshou, the sect rules are clear: one cannot arbitrarily lead people inside..."

Excellent! The elders are indeed scrupulously performing their duties!

This way, given the visitor's gentle nature, they surely wouldn't want to cause me any trouble.

Indeed, the 'charming young man' was already preparing to speak, to invite Li Changshou to stroll around the mountain gate area, indicating there was no need to insist on entering.

Suddenly, a sound of tearing air resounded as a streak of green light shot from Potian Peak, transforming into a wooden plaque that landed before Li Changshou.

Void... ahem, it was the Carefree Sect Leader's Token!

Ji Wuyou's voice emanated from the wooden plaque:

"A while ago, Changshou solved a problem for the sect concerning the continuous transformation of spiritual energy in the Five Elements Formation—a problem that has troubled this humble Taoist for tens of thousands of years. For this, I specially bestow this token."

"With this token, you may freely bring people in and out of the mountain gate and the Hall of Immortal Ascent."

Li Changshou, eyes narrowed in a smile, took the wooden plaque and said, "Thank you for your great favor, Sect Leader."

The several old Taoist immortals guarding the gate quickly allowed them to enter. The old immortals were still puzzled why such a minor matter required the sect leader's token, which typically didn't appear for a century.

Couldn't the sect leader just send a voice message?

The 'charming young man' blinked, clearly not having anticipated such a situation. Standing on their cloud, they watched with a smile, and once Li Changshou invited them in, they rode their cloud forward and stepped onto the white cloud beneath Li Changshou's feet.

She whispered, "Have I disturbed you too much?"

Li Changshou gently replied, "Your sudden arrival merely left me a little flustered. How could I call that a disturbance?"

With that, Li Changshou rode his cloud, taking the 'charming young man' towards Little Qiong Peak.

In the small hut beside the Hall of Immortal Ascent, Sect Leader Ji Wuyou's eyes were narrowed in a smile.

Although he didn't know who had come to see Changshou, it was obvious that it must be a high-ranking immortal from the Three Teachings or some important figure. How could he allow a guest to be displeased by the rules of the Immortal Ascent Sect?

The respect due to the young cultivator must be fully given!

This time, this humble Taoist's path has broadened even further!

As they descended upon Little Qiong Peak, the 'charming young man' sensed the layers of grand formations surrounding it and, feeling at ease, dispelled her illusion. As a faint mist dissipated, she restored her original appearance.

With brows like crescent moons and eyes like autumn waters, her thin lips held unspoken thoughts. Her gown of clouds and sleeves of mist, who was this immortal, aloof like winter branches?

Who else could it be but Immortal Yun Xiao?

Li Changshou guided Immortal Yun Xiao towards the spiritual lake on Little Qiong Peak. Yun Xiao remained calm and composed, not overthinking anything, merely observing her surroundings with curiosity.

The immortal asked, "Were you injured in your duel with the Demon Prince?"

"I'm alright," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "My spiritual energy consumption was a bit high, but I wouldn't call that a proper duel with him. I merely tested him with some treasures given by my teacher."

Yun Xiao then said, "I came today because there are two matters that I couldn't rest assured about, and I wished to give you some advice."

"Is the one on the adjacent peak the ancient demon commander Bai Ze?"

"Should I go and pay him a visit, to make him a bit more wary?"

"No, no, Master Bai is feeling quite down right now," Li Changshou chuckled. "For the time being... I should be kinder to him. His morale has already been damaged by the torment he endured from my master and me."

"Torment?"

Yun Xiao blinked and asked curiously, "What kind of torture did you inflict?"

Li Changshou led Yun Xiao to sit under a willow tree. "It's a long story, I'll tell you all about it later. Since you're here, let's first go greet my master and junior sister."

"Alright," Yun Xiao nodded in assent.

She showed no girlish shyness, nor any nervousness or embarrassment. Even if she were to visit Taiqing Temple to offer greetings, her Taoist heart would remain clear and pure, without a ripple, let alone here on Little Qiong Peak.

Li Changshou led Yun Xiao to the front of a few thatched huts and transmitted a few words inside.

Ling'e's thatched hut was the first to have a window pushed open. A small head poked out, and upon seeing Yun Xiao's figure, Ling'e was clearly startled, then stunned, before quickly pulling her head back inside.

Ling'e: !!

Wh-What's happening?!

This is unbelievable!

Immortal Yun Xiao has come to claim him?

Has it finally come to this scene, where our home is breached, the city gates are burning, and our stronghold is invaded?!

Ling'e pursed her lips and quickly sat down before her dressing table, bundles of fighting spirit igniting in her eyes. But in an instant, it was as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water...

Oh, it's Yun Xiao! That's Immortal Yun Xiao!

A high-ranking expert from the Three Teachings, recorded in ancient texts, one of the few great masters below the Sages in the world! Just one glance, and I saw her refined, extraordinary, transcendent, and peerless demeanor...

This wasn't something that could be matched simply by having a beautiful face or an exquisite, well-proportioned figure. That kind of temperament, so close to the Great Dao and unlike any mundane spirit, was something others could never imitate, no matter how hard they tried!

Ling'e sat at her dressing table with her legs pressed together, her eyes vacant, her breathing halted. Her entire being seemed to have crashed.

'Lan Ling'e, are you just going to hand over your senior brother like this?'

'This is the senior brother you long ago decided to spend your life with!'

Just then, a few laughs and voices drifted from the adjacent thatched hut...

"Master, this Immortal Yun is a close friend of your disciple. I've mentioned her to you before. She's here to visit our sect this time."

"Oh, yes, yes, Changshou has mentioned you many times! Immortal Yun, please make yourself at home, make yourself at home. Once you're here, it's just like being on your own mountain! Ah, my Changshou is finally considered a mature immortal! Before, this humble Taoist's biggest worry was that he wouldn't make any close friends. This humble Taoist truly worried too much, far too much. Hahahahahahaha..."

Ling'e immediately frowned and pursed her lips, clenching her small fists as tears streamed down her face. Her master had actually betrayed her so quickly!

He promised to unconditionally support his two direct disciples in becoming Taoist companions!

Taking a deep breath, Ling'e's Taoist heart ignited with fighting spirit.

Her mother was right: 'A woman who isn't resolute won't have a stable home.' What she needed to fight for was a place in her senior brother's heart. With the advantage of so many years as his close companion, she just needed to solidify her defenses and advance step by step. She might not necessarily lose to this renowned Immortal Yun Xiao!

So what if she's a Sage's eldest disciple, with transcendent cultivation?

She's also someone to be reckoned with!

"Is this your junior sister?"

A gentle voice suddenly reached her ear, and Ling'e felt a cool breeze brush past her. All her chaotic thoughts dissipated, and her Taoist heart became much calmer.

She turned her head to look, only to see her senior brother standing with his hands clasped behind his back in front of the thatched hut door;

And right beside him, the immortal gazed at her with a smile.

In that instant, the doorframe seemed to vanish, and her senior brother too. All that remained was the immortal's slightly apologetic gaze and the gentle smile on her lips, as if she were saying 'I'm sorry to intrude.' She held no hostility...

Li Changshou gently said, "Ling'e, don't forget your manners."

"Yes," Ling'e quickly stood up and bowed slightly to Yun Xiao, "Your disciple greets Immortal Yun Xiao... senior."

Yun Xiao stepped forward two paces and softly said, "When we interact, there's no need to consider Taoist seniority. I am merely many eons older than you, so you may simply call me 'Elder Sister,' just as my two younger sisters do."

At the end of her words, Yun Xiao quickly added, "Don't overthink it; this 'Elder Sister' is merely due to age."

"Elder Sister..."

Two blushes appeared on Ling'e's cheeks as she softly called out, and her forehead seemed to be on the verge of smoking.

Li Changshou looked at Yun Xiao, then at his junior sister, and suddenly realized that Immortal Yun Xiao...

She understood quite a lot.

Clearly, she had paid attention to matters of mundane romantic relationships!

"Ling'e, go change your clothes first," Li Changshou said. "I'll take the immortal for a stroll around the peak."

"Yes, Senior Brother," Ling'e obediently replied, feeling a sense of closeness conveyed in Yun Xiao's eyes, which made her let out a soft groan in her heart.

After Li Changshou closed the wooden door and went for a stroll by the lake with Immortal Yun Xiao, Ling'e let out a long sigh of relief and immediately got busy where she sat.

How was she going to fight this battle?

Immortal Yun Xiao was a woman as gentle as water; even as a woman herself, Ling'e's heart fluttered upon seeing her!

Given her senior brother's troublesome nature, even if he initially had no romantic intentions with Immortal Yun Xiao, it would be absolutely impossible for him to use harsh words to reject someone of such profound strength. Given enough time, feelings would naturally develop...

When other women first appeared around her senior brother, Ling'e felt threatened, but she also saw hope.

At the time, Ling'e felt that with her senior brother's personality, she absolutely couldn't handle him alone. It would be best if someone could assist her in opening his heart...

The ones Ling'e considered both rivals and allies then were Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu and Senior Sister Youqin.

However, Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu was too fond of play, and her good feelings for her senior brother were subtly redirected by him towards fine wine. She was the first to show affection for him, but ended up joining the Little Qiong Peak retirement group early.

As for Senior Sister Youqin, her senior brother always felt she wasn't mature enough, and their views were seriously incompatible. In the end, she went further and further down the path of becoming a 'magical artifact person.'

It was at this moment that an immortal, perfectly matching her senior brother's criteria for a Taoist companion, appeared in the world beyond Little Qiong Peak;

And it was also after she had achieved immortality and ascended that her senior brother finally opened his heart to her...

"Sigh," Ling'e murmured, looking in the mirror at her cloud-like hair, which she had already styled while lost in thought.

After a moment's thought, Ling'e took out a jade hairpin from her storage artifact, placed it in her cloud-like hair, and examined herself from side to side in the glazed mirror.

She couldn't just give up easily. At worst, she'd cry to her senior brother tonight!

Hmm, first, I'll pick a pretty little dress...

Strolling by the lake, Li Changshou smilingly introduced the various spiritual fish he raised in the lake, as well as their flavors.

Immortal Yun Xiao listened quite engrossed. Upon hearing that Li Changshou would personally prepare a delicious meal later, a hint of anticipation showed in her eyes.

After chatting idly for a while, Li Changshou steered the conversation to serious matters.

"What are the two matters you mentioned, Immortal?"

Yun Xiao smiled and said, "You are the current wisdom star of the Taoist sect; why don't you try to guess?"

Li Changshou shook his head and said earnestly, "Without any benefit, I'm too lazy to expend mental effort."

"Then, what kind of benefit do you want?"

"Hmm..."

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments. Although he very much wanted to suggest things like a lap pillow or knee pillow, his nerve was ultimately not yet thick enough for that.

Appropriate restraint is an excellent quality that all human disciples should possess.

Li Changshou sighed, "Forget it, I still wouldn't dare tease you."

Yun Xiao looked at the sparkling lake surface nearby and softly said, "I wouldn't hit you with my Golden Dou."

"Hitting me is one thing, but with the Primordial Golden Dou!"

Li Changshou deliberately frowned, and Yun Xiao, amused, pursed her lips and chuckled, a hint of playful reproach in her eyes.

"No more jokes," Li Changshou said seriously. "You came because of Bai Ze and Lu Ya, worried that I was being plotted against by the demon race, is that right?"

"Yes," Yun Xiao nodded lightly. "Can Bai Ze be trusted?"

Li Changshou said, "Still observing, but Master Bai currently has about thirty percent of my trust."

"He was the former Demon Commander, unmatched in wisdom and strategy, and someone who contended with Demon Master Kunpeng. His divine ability to foresee calamities is also quite powerful," Yun Xiao said softly. "He certainly wouldn't take refuge with you without reason."

"That, I'll tell you slowly; it's a long story."

With his hands behind his back, Li Changshou recounted the events, from Lu Ya issuing his declaration against Heaven, to him and his senior brother capturing Bai Ze, and then Bai Ze's belated 'seeking fortune, avoiding misfortune' theory.

Yun Xiao carefully calculated and pondered deeply. "In that case, there's seventy to eighty percent credibility to it."

Li Changshou chuckled, "Whether Bai Ze joined the Human Sect to avoid disaster or foresaw a great calamity in the heavens and earth, his primordial spirit is currently restrained by Senior Brother Xuandu. Bai Ze, as an auspicious beast, cannot be judged by human thinking regarding his relationship with the demon race. Perhaps his perspective stands on an even higher level. I can sense that he possesses a compassion for all living beings. Perhaps this is why he was listed as an auspicious beast by the Heavenly Dao."

"If you understand all of this, then I won't worry too much," Yun Xiao said softly. "Hearing what you just said, I actually feel that Bai Ze is quite pitiful for being tormented by you."

Li Changshou shrugged and said seriously, "I admit I don't yet possess the ability to be a master strategist. If I don't nip problems in the bud, how can I live long enough to stand side by side with you?"

Yun Xiao tilted her head slightly, gazed at Li Changshou's face, and seriously asked, "Aren't you and I walking side by side right now?"

"Well..."

"Just a bit of typical male arrogance; don't mind it."

Li Changshou made a gesture to invite her to speak. "The first matter was your concern about Bai Ze plotting against me. As for the second matter, is it because Lu Ya possesses some powerful magical artifacts left by the Demon Court?"

"Hmm? What powerful magical artifacts?"

Yun Xiao gently shook her head and said, "I merely heard that you engaged with the Demon Prince and worried that you might be injured but would still endure for the sake of the Human Sect's reputation. I came to see you to put my mind at ease."

"You and I have truly entered the 'warming up' stage of our relationship," Li Changshou said, a hint of emotion in his eyes.

Yun Xiao, however, changed the subject. "And also, I came to see if you were consistent in your words and actions. My third sister often says that human men are the most fickle, and few can be trusted, being influenced by the path of post-natal reproduction. After seeing Ling'e, I am relieved."

Li Changshou's forehead was covered in black lines. He lightly called out, "Yun Xiao."

"Hmm?"

Li Changshou placed both hands on Yun Xiao's shoulders. Yun Xiao was slightly startled, but seeing Li Changshou's serious expression, she didn't try to break free for a moment.

Li Changshou sighed, "Such matters are not suitable for you to ponder. Otherwise, I would feel guilty, wondering if my mundane heart has defiled your pure Taoist heart."

"Has it, has it?"

Immortal Yun Xiao blinked, her gaze a little uneasy. She whispered, "These are inherently part of the Great Dao, and my Taoist heart isn't entirely untainted by the mundane world. Otherwise..."

Li Changshou calmly withdrew his hands and sighed softly.

"These hands, I won't wash them!"

Yun Xiao finally understood, and a blush flashed across her pretty face.

"Hmph! You are indeed very naughty! I'm leaving!"

"Just kidding, just kidding! Since you're already here, you must at least have a meal before you leave," Li Changshou hurriedly said. "Also, Immortal, what do you think of the layout of Little Qiong Peak?"

"Hmm? I haven't looked closely..."

"Nine Heavens Breathing Earth? Five Elements Heaven-Changing Formation? Chaotic Thunder Malice Formation?"

"This..."

Yun Xiao frowned, looking at Li Changshou's slightly smug expression beside her, and couldn't help but press her slender fingers to her forehead.

"You really are... the grand formations on this peak are several times more numerous than those on my Three Immortal Islands. What are you afraid of? If there's any powerful enemy you can't deal with, I can also help you."

Li Changshou shook his head and chuckled, "It's nothing more than being prepared for the unexpected."

He paused, then turned to look at the thatched hut. Ling'e had already arrived by cloud.

Li Changshou said, "If it weren't for the arrangements here, when my main body went out, I would inevitably be distracted by worries about matters at home."

"Home..."

A hint of understanding flashed in Yun Xiao's beautiful eyes, and she softly said, "Ling'e is indeed very spiritual, delicate, and lovely. If she has time, I truly wish to bring her to stay for a while on the Three Immortal Islands."

Hearing this, Li Changshou suddenly couldn't make heads or tails of it, unable to fathom the true meaning of her words for a moment.

It seemed there was a subtle psychological game at play here, and its layers were constantly escalating...