Chapter 434: Youming and Ningshuang

After only half a year, Li Changshou distinctly felt that these seven teenagers were becoming increasingly difficult to teach.

In the afternoon, when Li Changshou explained some well-known secular essays, he was almost stumped by their questions. Fortunately, for safety, he had already prepared lessons in detail with Bai Ze, anticipating every possible question these youngsters might ask.

As the sun began to set, Li Changshou left Hua Youming and Xia Ningshuang to clean the academy and gracefully returned to his own dwelling.

This playful pair had been squabbling for the past six months, but their relationship had significantly improved. At least during their fights, Xia Ningshuang no longer aimed for Hua Youming's weak points.

Shifting his consciousness back to Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou followed the voices he detected with his immortal sense and rode a cloud toward the lakeside thatched cottage.

"...Master, please don't ask where this fruit came from; just eat it.""Could this be something refined by dark magic? It looks so much like a baby! Ling'e, where did you find such an evil thing?"Ling'e quickly replied, "This isn't an evil thing, Master. If you sense it carefully, it's a Ginseng Fruit. It's naturally shaped like this and can extend your lifespan by nearly fifty thousand years!""Then I don't need it. You can use it yourself!""Master!""No, no," Qi Yuan waved his hands repeatedly, ushering Ling'e out from the doorway. "I truly don't want such an evil thing!""Oh, Master!"

The wooden door was forcefully shut, even shaking loose a bit of dust.

Ling'e held the Ginseng Fruit with immortal power, looking slightly helpless.

Inside the thatched cottage, Old Daoist Qi Yuan set up several layers of barriers with immortal power before sighing softly and muttering, "A turbid immortal like me... is not worthy..."

Li Changshou's brows furrowed slightly. His master's Dao heart was indeed a bit troublesome.

Ling'e pouted, holding the Ginseng Fruit and lost in thought for a moment. Upon noticing Li Changshou's presence, she returned to her usual lively self and turned to fly towards her senior brother.

"Master says it's an evil thing and won't use it. What should we do?"

"It's fine," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Master still has plenty of lifespan left, and he's currently serving in the Heavenly Courts. He's also used Peaches of Immortality. Let's seal the Ginseng Fruit in a jade flask and store it."

"Okay," Ling'e obediently replied, then whispered, "Or, should we knock Master out and force him to take it?"

"That would go against Master's wishes, and he'd find it hard to accept," Li Changshou whispered. "Let's keep that option in reserve and discuss it again later."

"Yes! As Lord Water God commands!"

Ling'e bowed prettily with cupped hands, then immediately recalled the recent situation, her ear tips feeling a little warm.

Li Changshou cleared his throat and said seriously, "We haven't formally discussed this before. Can you tell your senior brother today what expectations you have for your future cultivation path? Or what kind of plan you have?"

Ling'e thought carefully and said softly, "Cultivating in the mountains is... if I could achieve immortality, that would be wonderful. Just please don't kick me out, Senior Brother."

"You're already familiar with the outside world after this training. If you want to go out, just let me know in advance."

Li Changshou took a paper effigy from his sleeve and handed it to Ling'e. "Human hearts are treacherous and complex. I've also brought some danger to Little Qiong Peak, so you must be extra careful."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Ling'e happily took the paper effigy. She wanted to express something more, but only hummed twice.

"What's wrong?" Li Changshou asked gently, a rare tone for him.

"Nothing. I'm going back to cultivate."

Ling'e hugged the paper effigy to her chest, lowered her head, turned, and went around Li Changshou towards the thatched cottage.

Li Changshou almost said something but hesitated. He had intended to mention the 'Scripture of Stability,' but then laughed to himself. Never mind, he'd write it himself this time; it could also serve as a warning.

After Ling'e's successful return to the mountain, Li Changshou's worries were immediately halved, and his days became increasingly leisurely.

He handled Heavenly Court affairs in the Heavenly Courts and overseen the tribulation-experiencing bodies of two Heavenly Court bigwigs "courting" at the academy.

Several more months passed peacefully until Duke Dongmu, burdened with worries, sought out the Water God's Residence.

When the Heavenly General reported his arrival, Li Changshou's consciousness immediately shifted to his paper effigy there and welcomed Duke Dongmu into the study.

However, once in the study, Duke Dongmu hesitated to speak several times, his expression troubled.

Li Changshou smiled and asked, "What troubles you, Duke Dongmu?"

"Well," Duke Dongmu shifted his posture, looked at Li Changshou, and forced an awkward smile on his face, which had become increasingly benevolent in recent years.

Duke Dongmu whispered, "Lord Water God, have you heard any rumors these past few days?"

Li Changshou said solemnly, "I haven't heard anything... Are there rumors slandering you circulating in the Heavenly Courts, Duke Dongmu?"

"Alas, it's not exactly slander," Duke Dongmu said with a bitter smile. "What they say is true, after all. I'm just an ordinary human by birth, and my high position in the Heavenly Courts is only because I joined early. It was you, Chang Geng, who helped me come up with an idea that earned His Majesty's trust in me. Chang Geng, I came here just to tell you, and I can even make a Dao oath, that I will never secretly harm or undermine you..."

Li Changshou frowned and asked, "What exactly are these words? And where are they coming from?"

Duke Dongmu said, "Well, they're saying that you, Chang Geng, will replace me sooner or later, and that the divine positions will change when His Majesty returns to Heaven..."

"These fellows, after being silent for so long, have finally made their move."

Li Changshou first offered a few words of comfort to Duke Dongmu, then stood up and paced back and forth. Duke Dongmu was indeed the high-ranking deity most easily targeted in the Heavenly Courts at this time, especially since he had no backing, his own influence was quite limited, and his cultivation...

"We must not be hasty about this."

Li Changshou said, "Duke Dongmu, just focus on handling Heavenly Court affairs. Later, you and I will go on several inspections together. His Majesty and the empress have only been in the mortal realm for a little over a decade, and there's still a long time ahead. Heavenly Court affairs require you to preside over them, so you shouldn't be distracted by such minor matters."

"Rest assured, Chang Geng, I was just afraid you might harbor resentment," Duke Dongmu sighed softly.

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head again. "You and I have known each other for many years and are already close friends. It's just that because we serve His Majesty, we cannot be overly intimate. Duke Dongmu, if there's anything that troubles you, and it's within my ability to help, please speak openly."

Duke Dongmu's aged eyes almost reddened. He sighed, "Thank you for your understanding, Chang Geng! If not for your help, I wouldn't be where I am today!"

Immediately, Li Changshou offered a few more words of reassurance to Duke Dongmu, providing some psychological guidance.

Duke Dongmu had arrived looking worried, but left with a rosy complexion and his head held high, as if he had regained his confidence as an immortal man in the Water God's Residence.

"Demons or Western Buddhism?"

After returning to his desk, Li Changshou quietly pondered a countermeasure.

There really wasn't a good way to handle this; since the other party was playing with Duke Dongmu's state of mind, Li Changshou could only try his best to comfort him.

It was understandable that Duke Dongmu lacked confidence. Li Changshou couldn't exactly take him to the Tushita Palace to pay respects to the Grand Pure One and secure a powerful backer. If he did, the Jade Emperor might become wary of both Duke Dongmu and himself.

In fact, more than this, Li Changshou was more concerned about which immortals and gods were initially spreading such news in the Heavenly Courts.

He thought of the 'rumor destruction machine,' the Heavenly Might Stone, but after careful consideration, he decided it was not appropriate to escalate the matter before His Majesty returned to Heaven. Otherwise, instability in the Heavenly Courts would lead to more trouble.

Tsk, the worries of a powerful minister.

Shortly after Duke Dongmu left, Li Changshou summoned Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang, instructing them to secretly investigate the origin of the rumors slandering Duke Dongmu and offering them some strategies.

A few days later, a jade talisman and several Daoist titles appeared before Li Changshou. Among them, four characters particularly caught Li Changshou's eye: Fu Yuan Immortal Elder, the master of the Fu Yuan Divine Temple.

"Brother," Ao Yi whispered, "should we dispatch some Dragon Palace experts to the Heavenly Courts?" The implication was that these experts would only obey Li Changshou's orders and could take action against problematic immortals at any time.

"No," Li Changshou said. "Only His Majesty can decide this matter. Neither Duke Dongmu nor I can overstep our authority. Deputy Commander Bian, take this jade talisman to Duke Dongmu."

As he spoke, Li Changshou had already written eight large characters inside, serving as advice for Duke Dongmu: "Seek stability in all things, await thoroughness."

After doing all this, Li Changshou quietly pondered for a while. Several ideas arose in his mind, which he then dismissed one by one.

He indeed couldn't easily move against such upright gods. Even if he had the authority to act first and report later, he would still need the Jade Emperor to make the final decision... Moreover, he didn't even have that authority yet.

What gave Li Changshou some peace of mind was that after he advised Duke Dongmu, the Duke immediately dispatched an additional team of guards to the Fu Yuan Divine Temple.

This move was clever, and upon closer inspection, it carried many implications.

After this, the rumors in the Heavenly Courts continued unabated, as if Duke Dongmu was about to fall out with the Water God.

Li Changshou simply smiled and continued his work as a 'little matchmaker.'

The story of Xia Ningshuang and Hua Youming gradually became more interesting as the years passed.

Especially after the academy had been open for over a year, Xia Ningshuang had blossomed into a graceful young woman, and Hua Youming would often lose focus in class, secretly stealing glances at her.

Xia Ningshuang's attitude towards Hua Youming also shifted from constant teasing to being a little gentler.

At this stage, the young man and woman were still naive and only half-understood things. The Jade Emperor, being proud by nature, often said astonishing things, which would provoke Xia Ningshuang to launch a "pen and ink attack" on him.

A significant development in their relationship occurred when Hua Youming's sister, Hua Yun, was born, and the Hua Residence hosted a grand banquet.

That day, Xia Ningshuang arrived in formal attire, captivating Hua Youming's gaze. It was also on that day that the General's Residence and the City Lord's Residence discussed a marriage alliance. Hua Youming subconsciously wanted to refute it, but his mind was filled with Xia Ningshuang's image, and he forgot to speak.

However, Xia Ningshuang calmly agreed and actively sat with Hua Youming, establishing a marriage contract between families of equal standing.

Yet, the very next day in class, Xia Ningshuang coldly told Hua Youming, "The engagement was just their decision; I had already agreed to it, regardless of who I was marrying."

Hua Youming, who had been too excited to sleep the previous night and was still contemplating how to speak to Xia Ningshuang that morning, was instantly doused with a bucket of cold water.

Following this, there was a three-month cold war.

Li Changshou observed this, feeling... not particularly anxious.

He subtly guided Hua Youming several times, telling him that the most delicate treasure in the world was a 'maiden's reserve'; unfortunately, Hua Youming only half-understood and didn't grasp its essence.

Until one day...

After class, Hua Youming deliberately stayed behind, standing before Li Changshou bathed in the setting sun's afterglow.

"Teacher, I want to break off my engagement with Xia Ningshuang."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou, who was soaking his feet in the stream, heard this and asked with a smile, "Why?"

"I just feel," Hua Youming scratched his head, "that it's not as comfortable as it was before, when we weren't engaged..."

"An engagement is not a trifle," Li Changshou said with a smile. "This matter cannot be broken off just like that. Your relationship has already transitioned from classmates and friends to individuals who will spend their future together. It's normal not to adapt immediately. Just talk to her more each day, or write her a letter. A man must show his responsibility; she might be feeling somewhat uneasy about the future."

Hua Youming pondered for a few moments, sighed, and said no more.

However, that very night, a shocking change occurred at the Hua Residence.

Hua Youming's father fell gravely ill and died while campaigning, passing away prematurely. The Hua family's world collapsed overnight, their military authority was seized by other generals, and the General's Residence was on the verge of ruin.

This was the Jade Emperor's tribulation body's first experience of a family's decline.

When Li Changshou saw Hua Youming again, it was two months later. Hua Youming appeared in class with deeply sunken eyes and disheveled hair, his gaze having lost much of its luster.

On that day, Xia Ningshuang, as if it were any other day, placed the essays and arithmetical methods Li Changshou had explained over the past two months beside Hua Youming.

The lunch, which she had prepared over sixty times and waited two months for, was finally placed before Hua Youming.

"I made it," Xia Ningshuang said softly.

Hua Youming's hands trembled, but he remained cross-legged and unmoving.

Xia Ningshuang calmly picked up a piece of crispy meat and directly brought it to Hua Youming's mouth.

Hua Youming's eyes reddened. He raised his hands, pushed Xia Ningshuang's hands away, stood up, and left the study.

"Brother Hua!"

Yang Tianyou immediately chased after him, and the other two young men also ran out to stop Hua Youming.

Li Changshou watched this scene, sighed faintly in his heart, but did not interfere further...

As soon as the three-year period arrived, Li Changshou voluntarily withdrew from the story of Xia Ningshuang and Hua Youming.

When they were sixteen, Hua Youming, following the instructions in the brocade pouch Li Changshou left behind, shed his identity as the young master of the General's Residence, left a letter, and joined the military in a large neighboring city.

He was brave and skilled in battle, adept at military strategy, and profoundly righteous, constantly rising in military renown. By the age of eighteen, he had become a renowned young general.

However, soon after, Hua Youming was targeted by mortal powers unwilling to see the Hua family rise again. He was forced to leave the military and returned home disheartened.

When Hua Youming returned home, his household was in disarray, most of the servants and slaves had scattered, and the General's Residence was practically deserted.

Just as he dismounted and was about to step into the residence, a somewhat unfamiliar voice called out from the side.

Xia Ningshuang, wearing a veil, walked leisurely towards him. She seemed unchanged from two years ago, and simply said to Hua Youming, "You're back?"

Hua Youming nodded with a smile, "Yes, thank you for your concern, Miss Xia."

Xia Ningshuang adjusted a strand of hair and softly asked, "When do you plan to marry me?"

"Our engagement..."

"Of course it stands. I agreed to it back then."

"There's no need," Hua Youming shook his head, turned, and walked away. No longer the youth he once was, he did not look back this time. "Today, I, Hua Youming, am no longer worthy of you."

Xia Ningshuang said nothing more, standing before the General's Residence for a long time. The fragrant grass grew thick, her graceful figure was faint, and finally, night fell, leaving only a lingering subtle scent.

Perhaps Hua Youming's destiny was too strong, capable of influencing the fates of countless beings. Just as Li Changshou was pondering how to let Hua Youming know of Xia Ningshuang's yearning, disaster struck again...

Tribal cavalry rampaged, breaking through dozens of cities and threatening 'Quezhou City,' where Hua Youming and Xia Ningshuang resided.

Panic spread within the city, powerful families fled with their households, and the military defenses crumbled before battle even began.

Hua Youming settled his mother and younger sister, changed into his father's battle robes, and rode into the city's military camp. With a rope art in one hand and a light, sharp sword in the other, he consecutively slew several generals who intended to flee without fighting or were passively negligent.

With a rallying cry, his father's former subordinates responded, and Quezhou City fully prepared for battle.

On the day the great army arrived at the city, Hua Youming suddenly devised a brilliant strategy. Taking advantage of the enemy's instability, he led a small force out of the city for a bloody battle.

That day, Xia Ningshuang, dressed in a vibrant red dress, rushed to the city wall with hundreds of guards from the City Lord's Residence, but she was a step too late. Hua Youming had already charged out of the city gates, leading his troops to attack.

The general fought a hundred battles yet survived; on the city wall, a red-clad woman beat a drum.

The city was not breached, the enemy army was defeated, and Hua Youming, covered in wounds, collapsed in front of the city gate and was carried back to the City Lord's Residence.

Later, there was a night of burning passion...

Thus, the Jade Emperor's reincarnated body became a son-in-law living in his wife's family home.

That year, both were nineteen years old. Li Changshou had completed his task and withdrew, his paper effigy hiding in the shadows to provide protection, no longer intervening.

It was actually quite good that the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother had this life, as it compensated for the original emotional deficiencies of the two primordial beings.

Li Changshou now re-examined the script arranged by the Queen Mother back then... It seemed she, too, wanted to compensate for those deficiencies with the Jade Emperor.

So, what about Fairy Yunxiao?

Li Changshou couldn't help but fall into a slight reverie...

Without any warning, his eyelids twitched lightly twice.

Li Changshou performed a quick divination, then habitually gave up... He carefully sensed for half a day, and his primordial spirit indeed felt a slight anomaly. At his level of cultivation, though not considered a great power, such a sensation was certainly not "groundless"; something must be happening.

Was a great tribulation approaching?

For this, Li Changshou immediately sought out Bai Ze. Holding Bai Ze's long feather, he had Bai Ze sense for a while. The conclusion, however, was: Everything is normal, and the Water God himself faces no calamity.

Li Changshou asked, "Can you divine if there are any signs of a great tribulation?"

"Very well," Bai Ze agreed with a smile, slowly closing his eyes.

Not long after, Bai Ze's brows furrowed. A strand of purple lightning, as thin as a hair, appeared out of thin air and struck before Bai Ze.

Bai Ze's forehead immediately became covered in cold sweat. He opened his eyes and looked at Li Changshou.

"What happened?"

"The Heavenly Mystery... it suddenly went chaotic."