Chapter 423: Time Management

“Heh heh, Chang Geng, how do you like this painting? Isn't it divinely inspired, quite extraordinary?”

A playful, teasing voice pulled Li Changshou out of his thoughts.

He looked up to see old Zhao stroking his beard, leaning forward, his aged face almost pressing against his, eyes glinting with a strange light.

Li Changshou: ...

“Thank you for the brush and ink, honored sir,” Li Changshou replied with a smile, rising to bow towards Golden Ao Island, then carefully put away the canvas.

“I will certainly display this work in my home and pay respects whenever I have a moment.”

Zhao Gongming was visibly taken aback, then chuckled, “This treasure map isn't meant to boost your courage... Never mind, there's no harm in thinking that way.”

Li Changshou sighed softly, motioned for old Zhao to sit down, and frowned, “When did you start watching, honored sir?”

“That I don't know,” Zhao Gongming flicked his sleeve and cleared his throat. “When Master summoned us, I arrived relatively early and happened to see you there: ‘Oh, Yunyun, please give me your hand.’”

Li Changshou's mouth twitched uncontrollably, and his old face felt hot, but thankfully, he was just a paper effigy here, and his expressions were regulated by immortal power.

Alas! Is there no privacy left in the Primordial World?! Do the Sages of the Primordial World not respect their disciples' privacy? If Grandmaster Tongtian were in my previous life, he'd be strung up and reviled by countless righteous individuals! Even a speck of dust from a Sage is an unbearable mountain for any living being!

Old Zhao chuckled, “Did you know, Master refers to you as ‘Little Chang Geng,’ quite affectionately.”

“Oh?” Li Changshou's eyes lit up.

In that case, it's fine.

“What else did honored sir say?”

“He told us to connect with you more,” Zhao Gongming said, picking up common fruits from the fruit plate and eating them with relish. “Master said there will be a great calamity for the Dao Sect, but the heavenly secrets are chaotic, and even Sages cannot glimpse the truth of this calamity. Master has gone to the Chaos Sea again to search for treasures. He's probably looking for the Chaos Bell. Of the three treasures of creation, only the Chaos Bell has not been acquired by Master, which has always been a knot in his heart. After Master became a Saint back then, he almost went to destroy the Demon Court, thankfully, First Senior Uncle stopped him.”

Grandmaster Tongtian... truly has a genuine character and boundless heroic spirit.

Li Changshou asked curiously, “Brother, aren't you nervous hearing about the great calamity?”

“Calamities come and go; I'm long used to them.” Zhao Gongming sighed slowly and chuckled:

“From ancient times until now, if not for the successive calamities brought forth by the Heavenly Dao, how many beings would have to sit idly cultivating until they merged with the Dao? Now, our Dao Sect's Three Religions have three Sages, so a calamity won't cause too much trouble. Chang Geng, you are still young and haven't experienced a great calamity yet. When a great calamity arrives, the five continents of the Primordial World will be shrouded by invisible karmic fate, divination methods will all be suppressed, and beings in seclusion will be awakened by the vibrations of the Great Dao. No one will know if the thoughts arising in their hearts are just the machinations of karmic fate trying to pull them into the calamity.

“During the Lich War, most of our Dao Sect disciples were warned by the Heavenly Dao not to recklessly interfere. Only Senior Brother Xuandu, the oldest pure Yang human of ancient times, was inherently caught in the calamity. At a critical moment, he directly jumped in front of Mount Wuzhuang, armed with several Human Sect treasures, and without a word to the Eastern Emperor Taiyi, immediately started fighting. Tsk tsk, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, wielding the Chaos Bell, was a ruthless character who could directly contend with Sages. Yet, he was repelled by the Grandmaster in his debut battle...”

Zhao Gongming spoke animatedly and with great relish, then changed the subject and asked: “During the last calamity, it was the Grandmaster who stepped forward from the Human Sect. For this calamity, might it be you, Chang Geng, who will step forward?”

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, asking, “Brother, have you ever considered why calamities arise?”

Zhao Gongming said, “From ancient times until now, there have been various theories about why great calamities arise. Master has also revealed one or two pieces of information. There's a commonly accepted theory that the world has a limit to what it can accommodate. As the number of living beings grows and their strength increases, it can destabilize the Primordial World, concerning things like spiritual energy. The birth of spiritual energy is a relatively long process; this isn't referring to spirit ore, which is just jade where spiritual energy is stored. As more and more spiritual energy transforms into magical power and cultivation, used by cultivators to enhance themselves, the spiritual energy between heaven and earth gradually fades, leading to changes in the world. To prevent this situation, the Heavenly Dao sends down great calamities to curb the power of living beings.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, pondering for a moment. He had naturally heard these principles before, but connecting them with the Grandmaster's account of the battle in Xuandu City gave him a different understanding.

If the power of living beings is too low, it will attract the coveting of external demons; if the power of living beings is too strong, the heavens and earth will be unable to bear it, leading to the bitter fruit of the world's decline. Therefore, the human race, which can survive without cultivation and become masters to protect the world through cultivation, indeed best fits the Primordial World. The way of balance for all things might lie here.

Li Changshou closed his eyes, almost entering enlightenment unintentionally, but then remembered he had matters to discuss. He reluctantly sealed his insights for now, intending to slowly savor them later.

Li Changshou said seriously, “Brother, although the Three Religions are strong, we still cannot be careless.”

“Don't worry,” Zhao Gongming waved his hand. “Younger brother, just rest assured and assist the Heavenly Court. Focus on romance—ahem, focus on improving the relations between the Three Religions. On the Jie Sect's side, I'll inform you promptly if anything comes up. Oh, by the way, when are you going to visit Three Immortals Island?”

Li Changshou sighed, “Everything takes time. I've just parted ways with the fairy, and visiting too soon might disturb our respective Dao hearts. Brother, will you be free in the coming decades?”

Zhao Gongming leaned sideways and whispered, “Do you need me to take action against that Demon Prince?”

“To 'take action' sounds a bit too harsh,” Li Changshou leaned closer with a smile. “I just think if he isn't eliminated, he'll definitely become a major threat in the future. I plan to immediately petition His Majesty the Jade Emperor upon his return to the Heavenly Court after his trial, to launch a full-scale military campaign against the demons at the northern continent's border. Now that the Demon Prince has allied with the Western Sect again, it's possible that a Western Saint's disciple might secretly intervene. At that time, there must be sufficiently powerful grand beings to stabilize the situation for the Heavenly Court.”

“Since you've asked, how could I not help you, my brother?” Zhao Gongming whispered, “It might not be prudent for me to act alone. How about calling on Senior Brother Duobao and Jin Ling as well? If the three of us act together, we can handle any situation, unless a Western Sage intervenes. However...”

“Brother, please speak your mind if you have any needs.”

“Well, do you think you could compile something like a 'Compendium of Sweet Nothings'? Master wants us to promote the custom of Daoist partners within the sect. While a small portion of our fellow disciples are quite clever, most are skilled in cultivation but not in this regard.” Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and chuckled, “If you, Chang Geng, can lend a hand, we're all family, so there's no need to talk about helping or not; just give a shout if something comes up.”

Li Changshou: ...

How did this old brother become so much more cunning than before! Love truly makes one grow, especially the failed kind.

“What's there to question?” Li Changshou said seriously. “I'll make sure to compile one as quickly as possible, putting all my effort into refining it. Brother, I plan to advise His Majesty the Jade Emperor to establish the position of Heavenly Court Guest Minister, and then formally invite you, Senior Brother Duobao, and Senior Sister Jin Ling to stand with the Heavenly Court. What do you think?”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and said, “I'll naturally follow your arrangements. As for the other two, I'll sound them out for you later. Senior Brother Duobao should not refuse, but Jin Ling isn't fond of these things... We'll also need to notify the Chan Sect to avoid any further disputes.”

“Rest assured, brother.”

Li Changshou glanced sideways. Twice now, old Zhao had called Golden Spirit Holy Mother by her name directly, without any suffix! There was an eighty percent chance something was amiss here, but Li Changshou didn't pay it any mind and continued discussing the Heavenly Court's battle with the demon race in the Northern Continent with old Zhao.

Sunlight spilled onto the edge of the inner hall, gradually brightening the room, and the laughter echoing within the thick array became increasingly cheerful.

Li Changshou planned to keep the Sage's calligraphy sent by old Zhao in the secret chamber of Lesser Qiong Peak, as a personal reminder. Li Changshou didn't dare claim he fully understood the profound meaning contained within Grandmaster Tongtian's calligraphy, but he always felt a sense of... having the Four Immortal Slaying Swords held to his neck.

Alas, what's it like to have a romance in the Primordial World that Sages are paying attention to?

After seeing old Zhao off, Li Changshou's attention returned to the Water God's Residence in the Heavenly Court, where he dealt with the numerous follow-up matters from the war with the demon race. Celebrating victory was not worthwhile; this was merely a head-on clash with the demon race, and greater friction might still occur later. Grandmaster Tongtian had already divined the great calamity of the Dao Sect, and it was likely that the Grand Masters of the Western Sect had also divined it. At this time, the Western Sect should be reining in its power and waiting for the calamity to descend. Of course, if the information they deduced was sufficient, they might continue their old ways, exacerbating the conflict between the Chan and Jie Sects. Lantern and other moles became important chess pieces...

What did he need to do now?

Li Changshou tapped his finger on the desk, spread out a memorial, and carefully reviewed the "Twelve Great Sins of the Demon Court Remnants" written on it. It was enough, in the name of righteousness, to condemn Daoist Lu Ya to death. As one of the 'three major observation experiments,' if Daoist Lu Ya were truly eliminated before the great calamity, then a major alteration to the Investiture of the Gods script would become inevitable. The fear was that the Heavenly Dao might choose another person or several people to fill Daoist Lu Ya's role...

Putting away the memorial, Li Changshou was about to take a stroll in the courtyard when his immortal sense caught sight of a young fairy arriving on a cloud outside the Water God's Residence. It was Long Ji, who had been 'stationed' in the Jade Pond. Judging by the smile at the corners of her eyes, she must have come to congratulate him on the victory. Just then, in the annex of the Water God's Residence, several Heavenly Generals 'called out' Ling Zhuzi, to spar with him every few days, as per the rules set by Li Changshou. Ling Zhuzi's changes... could be described as very subtle. He was now wearing a long robe, his delicate young face showing a hint of anticipation, and he was at least a little less shy.

Uh... A scene of Long Ji and Ling Zhuzi standing together appeared in Li Changshou's mind. He pondered it carefully, then shook his head again. They truly didn't match.

“Teacher!”

As he was idly thinking, the girl in the short skirt lightly landed in front of Li Changshou, bowing charmingly with cupped fists. “Disciple has come to congratulate you!” Her short skirt today was quite unique, appearing like an approaching sunset from bottom to top, with a gradient effect.

Li Changshou looked at her for a couple more seconds. Long Ji's cheeks flushed slightly, but she happily stood on her tiptoes slightly and said, “Teacher, you were truly amazing this time, annihilating so many elites of the demon race! When Father returns, I wonder how he will reward you, Teacher!”

Li Changshou said seriously, “This merit belongs to the Heavenly Court soldiers who fought valiantly. Don't speak carelessly.”

“Oh,” Long Ji stuck out her tongue. “Teacher, what are you looking at... Uh, that younger sister is so pretty and delicate. Is she a disciple cultivating with you?”

Li Changshou almost laughed aloud, saying, “He is Ling Zhuzi, a disciple of the Chan Sect's master, Immortal Taiyi. He's staying with me for a while, but you shouldn't get too close to him.”

“Yes, disciple obeys teacher's instructions,” Long Ji gently frowned, pondered carefully, and mentally added several hundred words of analysis, speculating why Li Changshou would tell her not to get too close to Ling Zhuzi. Could it be that Teacher is worried I might develop feelings for Ling Zhuzi...?

Long Ji's face reddened, and she looked eagerly at Li Changshou. Li Changshou, for once, misunderstood. He said seriously, “Don't overthink it. Ling Zhuzi is here to complete his cultivation path to become more masculine. At this stage, he cannot have too much contact with women. When he reaches the next stage, and needs a delicate woman to inspire his protective instincts and sense of responsibility, I will certainly ask for your help.”

Long Ji was baffled, but she nodded in a daze, agreeing.

Li Changshou smiled gently and led Long Ji indoors, beginning to check the assignments he had given her earlier. This gave Long Ji a headache, and she started complaining incessantly. With the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother away, Li Changshou dared not slacken in teaching Long Ji. Incidentally, Li Changshou also had to keep a close eye on Long Ji to prevent her from being schemed against, otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to His Majesty the Jade Emperor. For an ordinary influential minister of the Heavenly Court, worrying a bit about the Jade Emperor's family affairs was well within his scope of duties.

After a careful tally, Li Changshou realized he was indeed managing too many things now. The agitation caused by Daoist Lu Ya's 'Proclamation to the Heavenly Court' had completely stripped away the leisure and comfort he had at the start of his vacation. He didn't have to worry about the Heavenly Court's minor affairs; Duke Mu handled those. But for major matters concerning the demon race, Duke Mu would come to discuss them with him. At the same time, he always had to dedicate some of his attention to the Northern Continent, constantly monitoring the demon race's movements and, incidentally, recording any hidden demon masters. In addition, Li Changshou was also responsible for maintaining relations with the Dragon Clan and the Underworld, keeping an eye on a certain black panther's solitary life 'after his breakup', and giving extra lessons to his junior sister who was about to embark on an outdoor training... Cultivation was also a top priority. No matter how busy he was, he still had to seek enlightenment when due, otherwise, how could he surpass the older generation? Time is not about how much you possess, but how you allocate it.

Li Changshou managed to find time amidst his busy schedule to refine pills, drink tea, cook, write letters to Fairy Yun Xiao, tease Ling'e when idle, and occasionally relax and entertain himself at the card room, losing some spirit stones and spirit wine.

In a blink of an eye, another ten years had swiftly passed. The demon race made no major moves, and Li Changshou hadn't noticed the passage of time. The day he had agreed to descend the mountain with Ling'e arrived with a flurry of activity.

On this day, Li Changshou walked leisurely, hands behind his back, to Ling'e's thatched hut. To show respect for his junior sister, he had specially deployed his true body this time, and changed into a brand new Daoist robe.

“Ahem! The time has come. Pack up and get ready to go!”

Uh, why did that sound a bit ominous?

Just then, a splashing sound suddenly came from inside the hut, and Ling'e cried out, as if something had happened. The hut instantly fell silent. Li Changshou waited calmly, not extending his immortal sense into the great array. But after a while, he saw a few drops of water dripping from the wooden boards, mixed with traces of blood...

Li Changshou: ...

“If you don't come out, I'm coming in,” Li Changshou took two steps forward.

“Senior Brother, don't! I'm not wearing any clothes... Senior Brother, I think I've suffered a cultivation deviation... *cough cough*, gone astray... Oh, my chest hurts so much...”

Li Changshou shook his head with some disappointment, turned, and walked away, leaving behind a phrase: “Suit yourself.”

The hut fell silent again. The owner of the hut blinked; this script seemed a bit different from what she had anticipated. Was he really not coming in? Li Changshou silently counted in his heart, from one to thirty-six. Just as he reached the willow tree, the hut's window was pulled open, and Ling'e poked her head out, hastily calling, “Senior Brother! I'm ready!”

Li Changshou turned around, his face dark, and reprimanded, “No more cultivation deviation?”

“Hehe,” Ling'e made a face. “I was mistaken; it was just a cramp, a cramp...”

Li Changshou sighed inwardly. This girl, ever since Fairy Yun Xiao visited, has been acting as if she's found a powerful backer, and her senior brother's authority has greatly diminished. Taking advantage of this training trip, he also needed to curb this budding insolence, otherwise, in the future... wouldn't she turn everything upside down?