Chapter 432: You Chase Me, You Chase Me to Me…

On the horizon, the vast black smoke was dispersed by golden light.

Immortal Taiyi sighed, "Why does it feel like this Sky Demon isn't resting in peace?"

Several figures flew from afar. Daoist Duobao held the boy, who had been enveloped by the Sky Demon, in his palm. With a gentle shake of his hand, the boy's body turned into a handful of dust, scattering across this land.

Zhao Gongming said, "That boy couldn't be saved. His soul had already been completely devoured by the Sky Demon. It seems this particular Sky Demon didn't arrive here recently."

Li Changshou nodded slowly, gazing at the faintly shimmering golden dust, a little lost in thought.

Although the most deeply hidden Outer Realm Sky Demon had been forced to reveal itself, at Li Changshou's insistence, the chanting continued for a while longer.

When the immortals gathered again, Daoist Duobao mumbled in an uncertain tone:

"This time, it should be over, right?"

All eyes turned to Li Changshou. Li Changshou mused for a moment, "It's hard to say. Nothing is absolutely certain."

Immortal Taiyi chuckled, scolding, "Are you trying to re-refine this small world? We've already used multiple methods; what more could go wrong?"

Li Changshou smiled faintly at Immortal Taiyi.

The pursuit of caution knows no end.

"Chang Geng, you can arrange what happens next," Daoist Duobao said with a smile, relinquishing command, which naturally gave Li Changshou a choice.

Now that the matter was resolved, the millstone could be unburdened, and the donkey that had served its purpose...

"Thank you, Senior Brother Duobao," Li Changshou bowed slightly, then looked at the Western Sect's person and beast nearby.

Kṣitigarbha's Dao heart tightened, and Di Ting clamped his hind legs together. Both looked at Li Changshou simultaneously.

Li Changshou, however, smiled and bowed to Kṣitigarbha:

"In eliminating the Sky Demon threat this time, Di Ting's contribution was indispensable. As the saying goes, 'the capable work harder,' so why not ask Di Ting to stay here for a while longer?"

Kṣitigarbha smiled faintly and said, "The Water God's words are reasonable."

Immortal Taiyi put his hands into his sleeves, glanced at Di Ting, and leisurely said, "The main person hasn't spoken yet; why are you agreeing so readily?"

Although Kṣitigarbha had fully prepared himself to deal with Immortal Taiyi's sarcastic remarks, he couldn't help but darken in complexion and his breathing became labored at this moment. Beside them, Zhao Gongming and Daoist Duobao both narrowed their eyes in amusement.

This time, it was Li Changshou who saved Kṣitigarbha from embarrassment.

Li Changshou immediately changed the subject: "Senior Brothers, should we go and check on Xuandu City? I wonder if the situation there has stabilized."

"No."

Daoist Duobao flatly refused, saying solemnly, "Unless Senior Brother Xuandu asks for assistance, we must not enter rashly. This is a rule established for Xuandu City in ancient times. The Outer Realm Sky Demons possess unpredictable and strange abilities. If we rush in, we might give them an opportunity."

Hearing this, Li Changshou couldn't help but feel a little confused.

Fairy Yunxiao said softly, "There was a similar situation before, where experts who rashly went to aid Xuandu City were exploited by Sky Demons, triggering a major battle within the city and nearly causing Xuandu City's defenses to fall. That's also why most of the soldiers in Xuandu City now are Dao soldiers formed by divine powers."

Dao soldiers? I've heard Master mention them, but I didn't expect these inside details.

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, dispelling the idea of letting Youqin Xuanya 'gain prestige' here. He then asked Fairy Yunxiao a few more questions about the matter.

Presently, Daoist Duobao opened an earthen tunnel, and the immortals flew into it one by one, returning to the Five Continents.

Once the earthen tunnel closed, Kṣitigarbha lowered his head, looking at Di Ting beneath him, and veins gradually bulged on his forehead in a cross shape.

Di Ting's mighty body trembled, and he quickly transmitted a message mentally:

"Master, we are under the Water God's influence; we have no choice but to comply."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Kṣitigarbha silently jumped off Di Ting's back, took out a demon-subduing staff and a handkerchief from his sleeve, and gently wiped them.

Di Ting took half a step back.

"Master, don't you think it's because of our outstanding performance this time that the Water God let us off the hook..."

Buzz! The demon-subduing staff lightly vibrated.

"Are you questioning my unwavering loyalty to you? In Senior Bai Ze's paintings of spirits, I am the symbol of loyalty! Master, let's talk this out calmly!"

"If you're loyal, then stop!"

"Master, put away your staff, then we can talk!"

"You rascal, why did I take you in back then!"

"Master, you can't just turn your back on your beast!"

"Stop!"

"Master, you just can't win against the Water God; it's pointless to resist, hahahaha!"

In the glow of the morning sun, a large, blue-furred dog galloped through the air, while a young Daoist, dressed in a wide robe with a refined countenance, pursued closely behind him, holding a demon-subduing staff.

In the human tribes that had just experienced the Sky Demon disturbance, many figures watched this scene from afar, a hint of a smile appearing on their faces.

Outside Xuandu City's grand formation, Master Xuandu stood amidst piles of black mud, watching the black figures scattering and fleeing in the chaotic sea before him, and slightly exhaled in relief.

"Changshou's side should be handled now, right?"

Master Xuandu mused for a moment, but still felt a bit uneasy. After all, Sky Demons were quite cunning, and although his Junior Brother handled things thoroughly, he was ultimately quite naive.

Yes, naive.

In the mundane world of South Continent, in the bustling grand city that had recently become exceptionally lively due to a certain 'Great Sage'.

In front of the academy, seven young boys and girls had been standing for an hour, since sunrise.

Originally, they had some complaints, feeling that Mister Mu had broken his promise.

But when Hua Youming said, "This must be the Master's test for us!"

The group of young boys and girls immediately perked up, standing quietly by the gate and waiting. Before long, the faces of the three girls who weren't wearing veils that day began to show sweat.

Hua Youming also suddenly realized:

'This annoying Xia Ningshuang is actually quite pretty.'

Although still in her maiden form, and not as alluring or captivating at first glance as Yingying who played instruments, or Tingting and Shuangshuang from the pleasure houses, her face was delicate and lovely, and the more he looked, the more he felt...

"What are you looking at!"

Xia Ningshuang's slender eyebrows shot up, and she huffed, "If it weren't for the Master not allowing us to wear veils, I certainly wouldn't want a frivolous rascal like you to see my face!"

Hua Youming's mouth twitched slightly.

What was he thinking? This was a fierce woman! Whoever married her would surely be bullied for life!

Better not provoke her. Better to just honestly learn skills from the Master.

Creak—

The wooden door of the academy creaked open, and Li Changshou, disguised as a middle-aged scholar, appeared before them, yawning as he said:

"Come in."

Hua Youming's eyes widened as he asked, "Master, did you just wake up?"

"Last night, there was a violent storm, and I went out to slay demons and banish evil spirits," Li Changshou said calmly. "After returning, I felt a bit tired and took a short nap."

At his words, the eyes of Hua Youming and the other three boys instantly lit up, and the three girls also showed some curiosity.

Hua Youming quickly asked, "Are there really demons?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Li Changshou laughed heartily. Once the seven of them entered, he closed the wooden gate of the courtyard, walked along the stone path with his hands behind his back, and said gently:

"In this world, humans are the main inhabitants, but all things that gain sentience are called 'Myriad Spirits'. As the saying goes, 'humans, spirits, immortals, demons, monsters, and ghosts' are all present in the world; it's just that here in the Southern Jambu Continent, in areas where humans gather, others are relatively rare. As for 'demons,' a spirit whose heart is corrupted by evil becomes a demon, and a human who loses all conscience becomes a demon. That's all."

Hua Youming blinked, carefully pondering these words. A peculiar feeling arose in his heart, and he committed all these words to memory.

Entering the bamboo house, Li Changshou yawned, "The seven of you can first discuss which subjects you want to study specifically. I, your Master, will rest for a while longer. I will give you lessons in the afternoon."

After speaking, Li Changshou lay on the rocking chair, and before long, he closed his eyes and began to snore.

In reality, this was merely a pretense. His consciousness had shifted to his main body, where he strolled and chatted with Fairy Yunxiao on Three Immortals Island, enjoying tea. He only departed at noon.

Such companionship with the fairy was truly quite comfortable.

Her beauty was captivating, her soft voice delightful, her gentle fragrance pleasing to the nose. Combined with the scenery of the sea and mountains, it was truly a unique wonder of the Primordial World.

Li Changshou's main body quietly returned to Little Qiong Peak at Duxian Gate, and found a comfortable corner to hide in.

This time, however, he did not proactively return Grandfather Pagoda or the Qiankun Ruler.

Ling'e was still out gaining experience, so Li Changshou could use this as a precaution, sufficient to handle most unexpected situations.

Ling'e, on the other hand, was quite stable and relaxed. She strolled through market towns, drank tea, and did some shopping. Although she was also thinking about how to ascend Mount Wanshou, she was generally quite leisurely.

On Black Pool Peak, Li Changshou's paper effigy opened its eyes, and Bai Ze came over, smiling.

"Are all the Outer Realm Sky Demons dealt with?"

"Yes," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "Di Ting's divine ability is truly effective."

"This is the bane of Outer Realm Sky Demons," Bai Ze began to say, about to give an example, but then suddenly thought of himself and how he seemed to be restrained by the Water God before him. His smile gradually faded, and he sat down beside him, sighing dejectedly.

Li Changshou was truly perplexed this time, and asked, "Mister Bai, what's wrong?"

"Alas—Water God, please allow this humble Daoist to calm his mind."

"Mister Bai, please feel free to do as you wish," Li Changshou said, observing Bai Ze with concern for a moment. When he saw that Bai Ze was not acting unusually, he then began to attend to other matters.

Leaving Kṣitigarbha and Di Ting in that small world was merely part of Li Changshou's calculations.

Why should the Western Sect be the only one to sow discord among their three Daoist sects, while they couldn't mess with the Western Sect's state of mind?

At the Water God's Residence in the Heavenly Court, Li Changshou changed to another paper effigy, and walked out of the residence, holding a whisk, heading towards Tongming Hall.

Half an hour later, the Heavenly Court issued a proclamation. This proclamation was sent by Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to the major market towns in Central Divine Continent, to Spirit Mountain in Western Niuhe Continent, and scattered across the gathering places of the demon tribes in Northern Continent.

It was a letter of commendation.

The letter stated that Outer Realm Sky Demons from beyond the heavens had caused mischief, infiltrating the Three Realms with the intention of harming living beings. Fortunately, under the guidance of the Heavenly Dao and with the permission of the Sages, experts from the three Daoist sects were dispatched. With Kṣitigarbha's profound righteousness and Di Ting's divine ability, the Outer Realm Sky Demons that had infiltrated the Three Realms were completely eliminated.

The Heavenly Court's proclamation did not mention the words 'Western Sect' at all, but it highly praised Kṣitigarbha's profound righteousness and the mysterious efficacy of Di Ting's divine ability.

Although there were no substantial rewards, it granted Kṣitigarbha considerable renown.

Next, they just had to wait for Kṣitigarbha and Di Ting to return from afar. By then, they should be particularly touched. Kṣitigarbha's expression, in particular, would likely be amusing.

It was a pity Li Changshou couldn't go to Spirit Mountain to witness it personally.

Would the old Daoists within the Western Sect become jealous of Kṣitigarbha because of this?

Impossible. Everyone is either a Saint's disciple or a registered disciple of a Saint. They couldn't possibly be so narrow-minded as to be unable to tolerate others' excellence...

Before noon, in the academy of a certain large city in the mundane world of South Continent, Li Changshou opened his eyes with a smile.

The seven young boys and girls had already eaten lunch, and were now packing away their lunchboxes.

Hua Youming clearly hadn't done such tasks before, and awkwardly packed the wooden box, then picked his teeth with a toothpick, his eyes occasionally darting sideways.

Xia Ningshuang was drinking tea, her posture dignified, her movements graceful, exuding the air of a refined young lady in every aspect.

"Ahem!"

Li Changshou cleared his throat and called out, "Have you decided on your subjects?"

The seven nodded in unison. However, Hua Youming asked with concern, "Master, aren't you having lunch?"

"No need," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "I am not a mortal; I don't need to eat."

Sheets of white paper flew out from Li Changshou's sleeve, floating in front of the seven. "Write down the subjects you each wish to learn."

The seven, dressed in long robes of the same style, quickly took out their brushes and ink, and carefully wrote a few characters. Li Changshou then retrieved the papers, holding them in his hand, and softly recited:

"Poetry, essays, immortal arts, arithmetic, military strategy?"

Li Changshou paused, looking at the two crooked characters. He smiled and asked, "Youming, why do you want to learn military strategy?"

Hua Youming stood up, cupped his fists towards Li Changshou, a hint of pride on his face, and declared loudly:

"I thought about it all night at home and realized what I lack. Martial arts, Daoist spells, and immortal arts are all taught by people in my household, but there aren't many capable people in my residence for military strategy. Master is a wise and great talent, surely knowing everything. I must seize this opportunity."

Li Changshou smiled, "Do you know how much the immortal arts taught by the cultivators in your residence, who are not much different from mortals, differ from my immortal arts?"

Hua Youming was startled, and quietly asked, "Is there a big difference?"

"Hahaha," Li Changshou laughed heartily, and Hua Youming scratched his head awkwardly.

Xia Ningshuang, seated next to him, muttered under her breath, "Idiot, Master said yesterday that he would teach us all the subjects we proposed. What are you regretting now?"

Hua Youming glared at Xia Ningshuang. When she swept her gaze over him, the young general instinctively shrank his neck.

Li Changshou said, "Then let's tentatively set these five subjects. This afternoon, we'll start with essays and immortal arts. Remember, I will not teach you techniques to extend your lifespan; that would disrupt the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death. I will only teach you some simple methods for trapping enemies. Like this, for example: Rope Manipulation Art."

Li Changshou lightly flicked his finger, and Hua Youming's belt suddenly turned into a rope, tying him up completely.

Hua Youming stumbled, unable to regain his balance, and with a soft cry, he toppled towards Xia Ningshuang.

Xia Ningshuang was but a delicate girl; how could she dodge at that moment?

One heard two cries of 'Oh no!' The low table clattered, Xia Ningshuang closed her eyes and let out a soft gasp. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Hua Youming's somewhat dazed face right before her.

Then their eyes met, and they subconsciously heard the thumping of heartbeats.

The wooden house immediately fell silent. The pairs of young boys and girls sitting in front turned their heads to look, each with a hint of concern.

A certain boy, who felt like he was just making up the numbers, silently lowered his head in the corner, feeling that being chosen by the Great Sage might not necessarily be a good thing.

In the rocking chair, Li Changshou smiled with narrowed eyes, content and at ease.

Although the karmic tribulation bodies of these two powerful figures were merely experiencing their first stirrings of romance at this moment, their feelings could be established and then slowly cultivated. For stability, it was good to have more shared memories.

At this moment, Xia Ningshuang had recovered her senses. Her face flushed, she glared at Hua Youming, "You—you're not getting up!"

The ropes binding Hua Youming instantly loosened. He forced himself to stay calm, quickly jumped up, and then cleared his throat with a clenched fist: "Sorry I bumped into you, please—please don't be angry..."

"Hmph!" Xia Ningshuang snorted coldly, sat back down, adjusted her hair ornaments, and pretended as if nothing had happened.

Then Hua Youming was heard muttering softly beside her, "She's quite pretty... ah, don't misunderstand, I meant the two hairs in your nostrils."

The entire bamboo house fell silent once more.

Li Changshou, who had originally been smiling, felt his vision go dark at this moment, and nearly caused this paper effigy to self-combust.

"Hua! You! Ming!"

With an angry shout, Xia Ningshuang grabbed a writing brush and rushed forward. Hua Youming got up and ran, and the two chased and playfully fought within the bamboo house.

The two pairs of young boys and girls, either already betrothed or destined to be together, watched with smiles. Li Changshou did not stop them either, recalling the fleeting moments of his own youth.

In the corner, a certain 'filler' boy, for whom even the playful fighting seemed irrelevant, silently slumped onto the table.

It's all fate...

No, we cannot believe in fate!

He, Yang Tianyou, would surely achieve a comeback in the future!