Chapter 461: Initial Meeting with Lu Yue

The term 'Plague God' is actually a rather vague one. Among the gods of the Heavenly Court, where there are Gods of Fortune, there are naturally Plague Gods, for cosmic destiny dictates that where there is gain, there is also loss.

However, upon hearing the name Lu Yue, Li Changshou's first thought was of the great poison master from the Investiture of the Gods, who claimed to be unparalleled in combat below the Saints and single-handedly decimated the Zhou army with his potent toxins.

Jiu Long Island, like Jin Ao Island, is a well-known Taoist sacred ground, though its renown is slightly less than that of Jin Ao Island.

Gazing at the old Taoist priest at that moment, thoughts swirled in Li Changshou's mind, and he sent a message with a smile:

"Please, senior Taoist, don't make a fuss. I am also here on important business. Let's meet later to discuss it in detail."

The old Taoist's eyes narrowed, and he seemed rather indignant, scolding him through a message:

"What kind of place is this?

This is a famous place for pleasure and dalliance in the Three Realms!

I truly never imagined that you, Junior Brother Chang Geng, would be of such character!

Oh, what sorrow and indignation! How tragic!"

No sooner had the old Taoist's message ended than a beautiful young woman emerged from behind the window curtains, softly calling out: "Senior, what are you looking at? Everyone is waiting for you."

"Coming, coming."

Lu Yue replied warmly, and embracing the woman's waist, was about to re-enter the pavilion.

Finally, he didn't forget to turn and glare at Li Changshou, and continued to scold him via message:

"I truly never thought you were this kind of person! To actually come to a place like this!

If you don't give me an explanation later, I will definitely tell your senior sisters from Three Immortals Island about this!

Hmph!"

With that, he flicked his sleeve, embraced the woman, and departed, activating the grand array around the pavilion.

Li Changshou: ...

What kind of situation is this?

He was genuinely here for serious business, but this Lu Yue was clearly here 'to spend money'!

How can you be so righteous?

With such a 'notoriously double-standard' mouth, one might truly suspect that you, venerable one, are from the Western Sect!

What audacity from the Human School!

Li Changshou raised a hand to rub his forehead, while Bian Zhuang, beside him, asked worriedly: "What's wrong, Second Brother?"

"Nothing, nothing," Li Changshou waved his hand, then looked at the Jade Emperor's avatar beside him.

Fortunately, this avatar wasn't 'Hua Ritain', so it wasn't too conspicuous; if it had been Hua Ritain from back then, that golden body of merit that wandered throughout the heavens and earth, it would have been strange if he hadn't been recognized.

Qin Tianzhu muttered in bewilderment: "An Immortal from the Jie Sect?"

"No need to worry, Big Brother," Li Changshou gave Qin Tianzhu a reassuring look, and then, together with Bian Zhuang, they went to greet the large group of experts from Tianya Pavilion.

Bian Zhuang explained to his family that these two were good brothers he had met in the Heavenly Court, and they considered each other close confidants. This time, he had come home to visit, and they had returned with him.

A group of Bian Zhuang's aunts and uncles stepped forward to bow, and Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu returned their greetings with practiced ease, entering this small realm.

His immortal sense swept across the area, revealing that all the towers, terraces, and palaces were protected by layers of grand arrays. At least a hundred masters whose origins he couldn't discern were here indulging in revelry.

Li Changshou also realized that the reason he couldn't discern Lu Yue's cultivation level earlier was not because Lu Yue's cultivation was too profound, but because various concealment arrays were set up here...

The 'guests' his immortal sense could detect were either hidden within grand arrays or only their blurry figures could be seen.

In two words: professional!

His purpose for coming here today was not a secret, nor had Li Changshou intended to keep it confidential before, as there were many considerations involved.

—To spread the news that the Heavenly Court intended to absorb forces from the Three Thousand Worlds, thereby diverting their attention; and later, to create some momentum and rally a force to cover the Lin Tian Hall.

Originally, both Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu thought that upon their arrival, Tianya Pavilion would offer them local specialties as entertainment; however, the subsequent developments relieved Li Changshou and slightly bored Qin Tianzhu.

They were led into a secluded hall, where immortal music swirled, and the atmosphere was pure and elegant.

Looking around, there were no scenes unsuitable for broadcast.

Glancing left and right, beautiful young women were clad in modest attire, with no hint of impropriety.

Li Changshou passively maintained his Wind Whisper Incantation, yet he heard no boisterous sounds here, only the melodious music carried on the wind...

It was like an immortal realm from a painting.

As soon as Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu followed Bian Zhuang into the back hall, an old woman in luxurious robes, accompanied by a group of elderly women, came out to greet them.

The old woman immediately exclaimed:

"My dear grandson! Grandmother has missed you terribly!

Come quickly, let Grandmother see, have you suffered in the Heavenly Court? Why have you gotten so thin? Has anyone bullied you in the Heavenly Court?"

Bian Zhuang immediately felt a bit awkward, and quickly said: "Grandmother, my two brothers are here, please don't call me 'dear grandson' like that..."

"Just because your brothers are here, Grandmother can't feel sorry for you?"

Old Madam Bian frowned and complained playfully, then took Bian Zhuang's hand, and smiled as she looked at Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu.

Only then did Li Changshou realize that he truly couldn't discern the aura of this old woman...

She was a master.

Old Madam Bian scrutinized Li Changshou for a few moments, and then smiled:

"I never expected such distinguished guests to grace our doors. Someone, open the Phoenix Luring Pavilion, and invite these two esteemed guests inside. No one is to approach without my explicit command."

Immediately, two middle-aged women in luxurious dresses bowed from behind and assented.

Li Changshou smiled and said: "We apologize for our unannounced visit, please do not take offense, Old Madam."

"You are too kind, sir," Old Madam Bian sighed, "My humble abode is crude, and if our hospitality is lacking in any way, I beg your forgiveness, sir."

Li Changshou cupped his hands in a salute, and gently told Qin Tianzhu: "Do not forget your manners."

—This was to conceal Qin Tianzhu's true identity.

Then, together with Qin Tianzhu, he followed a few fairies, heading towards the so-called Phoenix Luring Pavilion.

It was evident that Bian Zhuang's family was indeed a prominent household in the Primordial Era.

As far as the eye could see, the entire small world had been transformed into various landscapes, with wondrous mountains everywhere, streams and ornate ponds found throughout, and jade statues, appearing as if created without any cost.

Soon, Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu were led to a magnificent pavilion, where two fairies pushed open its light red doors, revealing two rows of fairies bowing in unison.

Qin Tianzhu smiled: "Truly magnificent."

Li Changshou remarked: "After all, this secret realm is quite rare in the world."

At the center of the pavilion was a raised platform, on which was a treasure pond, its waters shimmering with spiritual light and imbued with immortal aura; if one sat in this treasure pond and looked around, one could see distant rolling mountains and sparkling waters, as well as auspicious cranes and wisps of propitious clouds.

Li Changshou genuinely wanted to utter one phrase:

Decadent.

On each side, two gentle and charming fairies stepped forward, intending to help the two men change their clothes.

Before Li Changshou could even open his mouth to refuse, Qin Tianzhu spoke first:

"Please don't trouble yourselves, we are merely visiting friends. If it's convenient, please withdraw."

Li Changshou blinked, had he perhaps misunderstood His Majesty the Jade Emperor?

The maids bowed in assent, and retreated with lowered heads.

Soon, only Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu remained in the splendid pavilion. They exchanged smiles, and went to a corner, casually taking seats on a soft couch.

Another maid came forward, bringing hot tea and pastries, and asked what kind of music they preferred.

Li Changshou said: "Just something normal."

"Yes, sir," the maid bowed in assent, and withdrew with the tray.

Before long, several female musicians entered the pavilion, playing cheerful tunes; and several beautiful dancers gracefully approached, gently swaying their flowing cloud sleeves, their dance moves quite pleasing to the eye.

Fortunately, everything remained within the bounds of elegance and refinement.

Qin Tianzhu leaned closer to Li Changshou, and sent a message: "Chang Geng, what do you think of this place?"

"A superb pleasure ground," Li Changshou praised, "it's truly not easy for Tianya Pavilion to have developed to such an extent."

Qin Tianzhu sighed: "Bian Zhuang's grandmother must have recognized you, what a pity, we can't do anything fun."

Li Changshou: So that was why!

Qin Tianzhu frowned and said: "That old Taoist who sent you a message earlier must have also recognized you. Chang Geng, was your action a bit thoughtless?"

Li Changshou messaged back: "I have a few calculations, and this trip is also intended to mislead those who are tracking my movements."

"But if Fairy Yunxiao asks, how will you explain this?"

"Well..."

"Chang Geng."

A hint of helplessness appeared in Qin Tianzhu's eyes, and he whispered:

"Women are different from us. We say what we mean, but some women love to nitpick. If you make even a tiny mistake, she can remember it for several kalpas and repeatedly bring it up.

If Fairy Yunxiao were to get a hold of this little handle... tsk.

Don't overthink it, I'm definitely not talking about my junior sister."

Li Changshou smiled: "I understand, I understand. Men and women, separated into yin and yang, are inherently different. It's only natural that most women are more meticulous than men."

Qin Tianzhu sighed, and took a sip of tea.

Li Changshou wanted to remind Qin Tianzhu to be careful, as this was, after all, an unfamiliar place; but then he remembered that both of them were avatars here, and they were at Bian Zhuang's home, so he held back his words.

He still needed to give his Second Senior Brother some face.

A moment later, Bian Zhuang arrived, supporting his grandmother as they rode on a cloud. Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu rose to greet them, and after polite exchanges, host and guests conversed joyfully.

Old Madam Bian went straight to the point, asking directly:

"May I ask, Water God, for what specific purpose have you brought my grandson back today?"

Li Changshou, however, kept them in suspense, using the opportunity to probe Tianya Pavilion's foundations.

"Perhaps Old Madam would like to guess?"

Beside him, Qin Tianzhu couldn't help but laugh out loud, it was the first time he had seen his Water God so 'mischievous'.

Old Madam Bian pondered for a few moments, sitting there in silent thought; Bian Zhuang stood by, continually fretting, still worried that the powerful immortal ladies behind Li Changshou would cause him trouble...

A moment later, Old Madam Bian sighed, saying:

"The Water God is resourceful and wise, and a disciple of a Saint, second only to His Majesty the Jade Emperor in the Heavenly Court..."

Li Changshou quickly said: "Old Madam, please don't flatter me so. I am merely trusted by His Majesty."

The old woman smiled: "This old one truly cannot guess."

Li Changshou weighed his words, and spoke slowly:

"On the way here, I heard Bian Zhuang speak of Old Madam's many achievements in establishing Tianya Pavilion, and I am quite impressed by Old Madam. Let me ask Old Madam directly: 'Is Tianya Pavilion willing to serve the Heavenly Court?'"

"This..."

Old Madam Bian frowned slightly, and whispered: "Water God, your sudden question puts this old one in a difficult position to answer. Although I am the Pavilion Master of Tianya Pavilion, there are so many people under Tianya Pavilion. If they were to be put in danger because of one decision by this old one, I would truly be unable to escape myriad deaths."

Li Changshou said: "How could serving the Heavenly Court put you in danger?"

Old Madam Bian sighed:

"Tianya Pavilion's intelligence is quite keen. Because my grandson serves as a general in the Heavenly Court, I have paid particular attention to Heavenly Court matters in recent years. Previously, the Heavenly Court contended with the Western Sect for destiny, and the Heavenly Court repeatedly won due to the Water God's assistance; now that the Great Tribulation has descended, the Heavenly Court has already gained a dominant position. According to rumors, this tribulation is called Investiture of the Gods, intended to strengthen the Heavenly Court. But how can a Great Tribulation be without carnage? The Great Western Sect has operated in the Three Thousand Worlds for many years, and the Water God intends to raise a force to contend with the Western Sect's power in the Three Thousand Worlds, thereby continuing to strive for destiny for the Heavenly Court... Will there be a major war here? If there is a major war, even if Tianya Pavilion had ten times more immortals, we would merely be tribulation ashes of the Great Tribulation."

Qin Tianzhu and Bian Zhuang exchanged glances... Confirming with a look, neither of them would think so deeply; so they remained calm and listened quietly.

Li Changshou cupped his hands and smiled: "Old Madam truly sees things clearly."

Old Madam Bian quickly said: "Water God, you flatter me. This old one has merely lived longer, and has seen through everything and taken everything lightly."

"However, Old Madam is mistaken about one point."

"I would like to hear the details."

Li Changshou used his index finger to write the character 'Dao' (Tao) on the low table of the soft couch, remained silent for a moment, and then said:

"Currently, I cannot give Old Madam any promises, nor dare I say what a glorious future Tianya Pavilion will have if it serves the Heavenly Court. These are empty words, and no one would believe them. Tianya Pavilion's current situation is already incredibly comfortable. I only ask Old Madam to consider carefully: if the Heavenly Court does not intervene in the affairs of the Three Thousand Worlds, how will the situation in the Three Thousand Worlds develop? Old Madam should know what the Western Sect has done. To be frank, in over eighty years, I will accompany my teacher to the Purple Heavens Palace to discuss the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation. I had just visited my teacher in the Grand Purity Temple before this, and I can confirm that the Taoist sects will absolutely not allow the Western Sect to profit from this matter. If the Western Sect's plans are frustrated in the Five Continents, what will they do under the crisis of the Great Tribulation?"

Old Madam Bian's wrinkled brow immediately furrowed in a knot...

Li Changshou continued to ask: "Does Tianya Pavilion have the confidence to remain unscathed in this great catastrophe?"

"Difficult," Old Madam Bian gently shook her head. "Tianya Pavilion's scope is too vast; it will inevitably be affected. Moreover, once war breaks out, Tianya Pavilion's wealth will certainly be coveted by powerful enemies."

Li Changshou smiled: "Since I have come here, Old Madam must already know that the Heavenly Court will not allow the Western Sect to gradually swallow up the Three Thousand Worlds. There will definitely be a battle in the Three Thousand Great Worlds, and it will be a battle in which the Saint sects do not directly participate. If Tianya Pavilion wishes to preserve its hard-won current situation, it essentially has only two paths to choose from—trust me, or side with the Western Sect."

Old Madam Bian frowned in deep thought, and then asked: "Water God, by coming directly to my Tianya Pavilion, have you confirmed through other means that my Tianya Pavilion has no connection with the Western Sect?"

"I did not investigate that."

Li Changshou's smile was full of confidence: "If Tianya Pavilion were secretly controlled by the Western Sect, then this trip would both strengthen our forces and weaken the Western Sect's power, killing two birds with one stone, why not? After all..."

Li Changshou looked at Bian Zhuang, and thought to himself: 'Apologies, Second Senior Brother.'

"Deputy Commander Bian is someone I trust, and I am willing to offer some benefits to Deputy Commander Bian's family. Tianya Pavilion is the first immortal force within the Three Thousand Worlds that the Heavenly Court is trying to win over."

"This matter is of great importance, may I ask the Water God to stay in Tianya Pavilion for two days?"

Old Madam Bian rose and said: "This old one needs to discuss thoroughly with several elders of the pavilion, before I can give the Water God a definite answer."

"Very well."

Li Changshou assented, and rose to see Old Madam Bian off; he then winked at Bian Zhuang, who understood and quickly followed.

Once Bian Zhuang had gone far, Qin Tianzhu slowly let out a breath, and messaged, asking:

"Chang Geng, aren't you establishing the Lin Tian Hall? Why are you also trying to win over forces from the Three Thousand Worlds?"

Li Changshou smiled and retorted: "If all the eggs are placed in one basket, what happens if the basket falls?"

Qin Tianzhu burst into laughter: "Ah, you truly live up to your reputation for prudence! Come, I'll toast you with tea instead of wine!"

"Your Majesty exaggerates," Li Changshou took a sip from his teacup, and sighed softly to himself.

If only time weren't so pressing, and he had a few thousand more years to strategize, he would certainly develop seven or eight independent, hidden major forces before engaging with the Western Sect.

For now, he could only openly form an alliance, while secretly cultivating the Lin Tian Hall...

Before long, Bian Zhuang sheepishly returned, saying that Old Madam Bian and several aunts had gone into the main hall together, presumably to discuss this matter thoroughly.

Li Changshou remembered Lu Yue from Jiu Long Island, and smiled: "May I ask the Young Pavilion Master to use a bit of his private authority?"

"What 'Young Pavilion Master,' don't mention 'Pavilion Master' to me," Bian Zhuang chuckled, "just command me if you need anything. Which one caught your eye... *cough*, which fairy would you like to discuss the Dao with? I'll arrange it for you right away!"

Qin Tianzhu raised an eyebrow, and Li Changshou quickly changed the subject:

"There's a guest here, a disciple of a Saint from the Jie Sect, Lu Yue, a Qi Refiner from Jiu Long Island. Could you invite Lu Yue here for a chat? And also..."

He then gave him specific instructions. Li Changshou messaged him a few words of instruction, and Bian Zhuang nodded repeatedly, saying it was a small matter, then turned and hurried away.

Before long, Bian Zhuang sent someone to invite Lu Yue, and also handed two jade talismans to Li Changshou. These contained Tianya Pavilion's records of Lu Yue's preferences and his frequency of visits here.

Li Changshou glanced at them, feeling a wave of emotion.

This Lu Yue came once every thousand years, staying for a century each time, and each time, he spent huge amounts of spirit stones... This elder's skill in refining poisons was incredibly superb. Could it be that he honed it just to earn spirit stones to spend here?

Just as he was thinking this, Lu Yue arrived on a cloud, and entered the pavilion with his head held high and chest puffed out.

Li Changshou intentionally put away the two jade talismans in front of Lu Yue, and messaged Qin Tianzhu, telling him not to rise, while he himself stood up to greet him.

Li Changshou did not make a Taoist bow or perform a salutation, but merely smiled and said:

"Senior Brother, are you truly Lu Yue from Jiu Long Island?"

"Naturally!"

Lu Yue puffed out his chest and raised his head, with a hint of arrogance in his eyes: "Junior Brother Chang Geng, have you thought about how you'll explain yourself? As long as you convince me, I will naturally not tell our fellow disciples about your visit here today."

"Explain myself?"

Li Changshou retorted: "Why should I explain myself? Rather, how will you prove your identity, senior Taoist?"

"Why should I prove myself?"

Lu Yue cupped his hands towards the sky, and declared loudly: "My revered master is the Grandmaster of Heaven-Reaching. If these words are false, a Saint will naturally perceive it."

Li Changshou gently shook his head: "With the Great Tribulation approaching, the heavenly secrets are obscured, so this method may not work."

Lu Yue countered: "Then how will you prove that you are the Water God of the Heavenly Court, Chang Geng of the Human School?"

"With this treasure," Li Changshou lightly tapped his finger, and wisps of profound yellow energy appeared in his palm, forming a phantom image of the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda.

Lu Yue was stunned, and stood there lost in thought.

Li Changshou seized the opportunity to press on, and smiled: "Senior Taoist seems particularly fond of Tianya Pavilion."

"Indeed. Since I made a mistake in alchemy in ancient times, I developed a fondness for beautiful women, and I often come here. It's not a secret that I don't steal, rob, or bully the weak."

Lu Yue answered calmly, then continued to ponder how to prove his identity.

Li Changshou did not expect Lu Yue to admit this so frankly, and now he was a bit troubled, wondering how to find the other party's weakness.

Li Changshou was skilled in using poisons, so he understood Lu Yue's formidable prowess even more. A master of poison like this was definitely a trump card to turn the tide of a major