Chapter 465: The Method of Using E

Li Changshou considered himself to have advanced beyond kindergarten in the art of calculation, now firmly in elementary school. However, he remained completely uncertain about two things.

First, the thoughts of those with simpler minds.

Second, the focus of general Qi Refiners regarding rumors.

He and Lu Yue collaborated in an ambush. Using his accumulated poison-spreading techniques refined over many years, combined with Lu Yue's alchemical poisons, they silently incapacitated thousands of immortals!

This was practically a minor peak in the Way of Poison, a small triumph for unorthodox methods!

Yet, no one paid any attention to it.

Even though the old Daoist at the time had shouted out, clearly stating that "poison" was secretly taking their lives;

Even though the Tianya Pavilion subsequently issued a notice clarifying that their Young Pavilion Master's rake did not possess such divine power;

Even though Bian Zhuang's narrative about the nine-pronged rake was merely to attract others' attention and disrupt the opponents' judgment...

As a result, Bian Zhuang's nine-pronged rake still became incredibly popular.

In just two months, its fame spread from the Three Thousand Worlds to the Five Continents!

The nine-pronged rake, forged by the Grand Supreme Elder Lord of Tushita Palace, forcefully entered the ranks of the Top Ten Acquired Spirit Treasures of the Primordial World!

Legend had it that merely flicking one of the rake's silver prongs could ignite a living being's karmic debt, turning even a Golden Immortal into a puddle of black water in an instant.

It was practically a hundred times more effective than the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger or the Seven Arrows with Nail Head!

Coincidentally, the matter of Tianya Pavilion's Young Pavilion Master having pledged allegiance to the Heavenly Court early on also gained some traction alongside the nine-pronged rake, drawing widespread discussion.

Consequently, all Tianya Pavilion branches were packed with guests, and the Tianya Secret Realm welcomed many old customers who hadn't appeared for years.

Tianya Pavilion decided to adopt the nine-pronged rake as the uniform symbol for their pleasure houses across different locations; the Heavenly Realm fairies also embroidered the nine-pronged rake onto their floral dresses and soft skirts.

Bian Zhuang, however, had already left the Tianya Secret Realm early with Qin Tianzhu, secretly returning to the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou left more than a dozen paper-effigy Daoists in the Tianya Secret Realm.

He found a secluded pavilion, settled there for a long time, and began building the Anti-Western Immortal Alliance by himself.

Who is best at getting something for nothing? The Heavenly Court's Water God has a trick!

To supervise Li Changshou and prevent his junior disciple Chang Geng from making formal mistakes, Lu Yue resolutely decided...

...to continue staying in the Tianya Secret Realm.

To avoid disturbing Li Changshou's important work, Lu Yue would conduct occasional surprise checks, but spent most of his time struggling arduously to suppress the evil qi within his primordial spirit.

The battle never ceased.

After this battle, Madam Bian and the other elder ladies of Tianya Pavilion naturally discovered Lu Yue's formidable nature.

At this point, they went to great lengths to befriend Lu Yue, not intending to use him for any purpose, but rather fearing that if this powerful Jie School immortal became displeased, he might simply wave his sleeve...

Now, back to that day.

On that day, Li Changshou and Lu Yue effortlessly annihilated the invading enemies. As Tianya Pavilion posted public notices and spread information, the Western Sect, having suffered a silent loss, responded in a rather intriguing way.

In the direction of the Tianya Secret Realm, the Western Sect withdrew its forces, deploying its elites to other areas.

Concurrently, the various forces controlled by the Western Sect in the Three Thousand Worlds began a full-scale expansion. Warfare spread across a significant portion of the Primordial World, with countless beings turning to ash every day.

This response from the opposition was actually quite astute, directly foiling Li Changshou's "waiting for the rabbit" plan and avoiding direct conflict with the Heavenly Court.

Lord Lu's formidable poison abilities temporarily had no further scope for use.

Li Changshou naturally attached immense importance to Lu Yue.

In the Anti-Western Immortal Alliance, which was already being formed, Li Changshou designated Lu Yue as the First Deputy Alliance Leader, ranking him even above Madam Bian.

Regarding this, Lu Yue stated:

He was just there to support his brother and lend an air of authority; being first or not was meaningless.

What Li Changshou didn't know was that this matter had also caused a great stir within Spirit Mountain.

After several twists and turns, the young Daoist who had escaped was finally secretly brought back to Spirit Mountain by his fellow disciples.

When this individual arrived at Spirit Mountain, what was once a perfectly capable Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivator, a saint's disciple from antiquity, had his Dao foundation corroded and his primordial spirit nearly half destroyed. Had it not been for the Western Sect's Second Patriarch personally intervening, he might not have even kept his immortal Dao fruit!

"Is this nine-pronged rake truly that powerful?"

"Impossible. Why would the Water God not use such a treasure himself, but instead bestow it upon Bian Zhuang?"

"Luring Tianya Pavilion? Could it be that this Water God began calculating the Three Thousand Worlds long ago? This is an attempt to destroy the foundation of our Western Sect!"

A group of saint's disciples gathered by the familiar pool, beginning to ponder countermeasures and discuss how to arrange future affairs.

—The strategy of avoiding engagement with the Heavenly Court and accelerating development from other directions was the result of discussions by another group of saint's disciples.

In a corner of Spirit Mountain, Ksitigarbha sat quietly under a tree. Behind him, his large dog—ahem, divine beast Di Ting—lay bored, occasionally flicking its long tail a few times.

A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, causing speckles of light to drift and sway like flowing water, making Ksitigarbha's handsome face appear even more refined.

"Master?"

Di Ting transmitted, somewhat puzzled, "Aren't you going to join the excitement?"

"The incapable are merely comforting each other here," Ksitigarbha said calmly, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "I have already begun to conceive how to counter the Water God's current offensive."

"Are we... are we still going to oppose the Water God?"

Di Ting's transmitted voice suddenly became a little stuttered.

Ksitigarbha cursed, "Shut up! Weren't you the one who made a complete fool of yourself last time?"

Di Ting retorted, "That was just me, your mount, helping you soothe the Water God's temper, otherwise he definitely would have secretly harmed you! Master, you can't turn your back on your beast!"

"Hmph, did he not plot afterward? The Heavenly Court's praise, the great virtuous righteous man... how long has it been since Master spoke to me alone?"

"Well, that's better than losing your life. Master, just honestly cultivate your Dao. Or, how about you find me a good home beforehand? If I could become the mount of one of the Jie School's Holy Mothers, I'd still miss you... Master..."

Ksitigarbha silently took out a sharp blade and a whetstone. His forehead darkened, a faint smile on his face, as he unhurriedly sharpened the blade. Scraping sounds echoed on Spirit Mountain.

A certain Di Ting: "The Water God and I are irreconcilable!"

"Hmph!"

Ksitigarbha calmly put away his whetstone set and continued to meditate quietly under the tree, as if he heard nothing of the outside world.

He knew he could only wait for an opportunity.

Waiting for those fellow disciples who had begun to emerge from seclusion to suffer losses at the Water God's hands, waiting for his master to once again entrust him with the heavy responsibility of contending with the Heavenly Court...

The current Ksitigarbha would no longer underestimate anyone in the slightest. He would do his utmost to contend with the Water God for a great victory for their Western Sect.

Water God.

Next time, this humble Daoist will certainly not disappoint you.

"Master, your current thoughts are too shameful for me, your mount!"

"Scram!"

The Western Sect chose to retreat, not directly confronting the Heavenly Court, and instead accelerating the development of their own forces.

This, in turn, gave Li Changshou more opportunities.

—In this way, more immortal sects within the Three Thousand Worlds could be more easily swayed by the Heavenly Court.

This was the benefit of acting in accordance with the greater trend.

However, Li Changshou did not become idle because of this; instead, he grew even busier.

The paper-effigy Daoists kept in the Tianya Secret Realm acted like a communication conduit.

The crucial steps of screening suitable forces to win over and formulating attraction plans were all conducted in the secret chamber on Little Qiong Peak.

Subsequently, multiple plans steadily advanced simultaneously, leaving Li Changshou with truly no free time.

He could only spare a little time each day to organize his insights, ensuring his cultivation did not fall behind.

The Anti-Western Immortal Alliance was merely a phantom card in his hand, yet he invested a considerable amount of energy into it.

After all, it was a matter of getting something for nothing (like an empty-handed capture of a lamb), so it was reasonable to expend more effort.

The Super Heavenly Soldiers plan also couldn't fall behind, so Li Changshou began to change the promotional short videos.

Youqin Xuanya had joined the Heavenly Court's Thunder Department, regularly leading Heavenly Soldiers on patrols inside and outside the Heavenly Court, and occasionally going out with Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to battle, eradicating minor demons with karmic debts.

All these arrangements were naturally orchestrated by Li Changshou.

Just as Li Changshou had previously said, Youqin Xuanya's cultivation progress began to accelerate.

When she cultivated, her thoughts flowed unimpeded, and breakthroughs in her practice were as easy as drinking tea or water. Her very being began to be enveloped by merit.

Under Li Changshou's suggestion, Youqin Xuanya began to suppress her breakthrough speed, consolidate her Dao foundation, and prepare for the Golden Immortal tribulation.

Simultaneously, Li Changshou erected those large bronze mirrors used for promotion in various towns and markets across Middle Divine Continent.

The number of rogue immortals from the Primordial World coming to pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Court increased daily!

Half of the newly recruited Heavenly Soldiers and Generals stated that they were initially attracted by that heroic Heavenly Female General, which led them to learn about the Heavenly Court, and ultimately decide to join, contributing their strength to the Dao of Heaven and all living beings.

*Ahem*, it definitely wasn't because they wanted to see the female general in person!

Unfortunately, masters above the Golden Immortal realm who pledged allegiance to the Heavenly Court remained few and far between.

The Lingtian Palace, as the main event, also progressed smoothly.

Master Wangqing and Jiang Lin'er, along with Bai Ze, Jiu Jiu, Jiu Yiyi, Jiu Wu, and Jiu Shi, had found their base and began secretly contacting the first batch of "righteous individuals."

Li Changshou had his own paper-effigy Daoists accompanying them: two in Bai Ze's sleeve, two stacks in Senior Aunt Jiu Jiu's embrace.

This was mainly out of fear that his Senior Aunt might get muddled when drinking.

With the Grand Tribulation approaching, the Heavenly Court's affairs gradually grew more numerous;

The juncture of the Zixiao Palace discussing the Investiture of the Gods drew closer each day, making Li Changshou gradually feel the pressure.

Time was a river that could not turn back; everything would happen, and if he made a single wrong step, it could easily lead to bitter consequences.

His demands on himself were immeasurably higher than before.

In the Lingxiao Palace, Li Changshou spoke eloquently, his figure always exuding confidence;

In the Tianya Secret Realm, he continuously interacted with the talented and extraordinary individuals from various forces—his smile conveying the calm assurance of everything being under control.

Before Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, and immortal ladies and elders, Li Changshou was once again refined and amiable.

Occasionally, when moving within the Immortal-Crossing Gate, he would still fly at an appropriate height, riding a cloud neither fast nor slow, addressing any seniors he met as "Senior Uncle" or "Senior Elder Brother."

Only in the thatched hut on Little Qiong Peak, before his Master's memorial tablet, would he gently sigh;

Only in the secret chamber on Little Qiong Peak would he pace back and forth, constantly worried that the arrangements for certain matters were not thorough enough, and a look of weariness would appear on his face when he thought of the impending Grand Tribulation.

The current him was no longer the Little Qiong Peak disciple who could only care for himself;

Many expressions could only be kept to himself, or shared with the portraits in the secret chamber.

"Senior Brother, may I enter the array?"

A soft call interrupted Li Changshou's thoughts. It was Ling'e, who had arrived outside the alchemical chamber's grand array, holding a jade bowl and asking cautiously.

'Senior Aunt Jiu Jiu and the others have been out lately, she must be a bit bored.'

Li Changshou transmitted, "Come to the secret chamber."

"Okay," Ling'e replied, taking her array token and drifting on a cloud to the alchemical chamber, then skillfully disappearing into the underground secret room.

As soon as she reached the study area, Ling'e couldn't help but ask:

"Senior Brother, what are you doing?"

The floor and walls before her were covered with canvases, displaying mind maps that were clearly organized yet intricate and winding, making her dizzy to look at.

Ling'e lightly tapped her toes, skipped a few steps while holding the soup, and safely arrived at the desk.

"Senior Brother, don't overwork yourself."

"Mmm," Li Changshou put down the jade token in his hand, picked up the jade bowl, sniffed it, and took a sip.

Ling'e said with a hint of dissatisfaction, "No aphrodisiac, hmph."

"I've been too close to a master poisoner recently; I've gotten used to it," Li Changshou explained with a smile, then glanced at Ling'e, "Why was your first reaction 'aphrodisiac'?"

"Well..."

"Ah, Junior Sister has grown up, hasn't she?"

"No, I haven't..."

Ling'e's face flushed, and she covered it with her hands, stammering for a long time without being able to form a complete sentence.

Li Changshou chuckled.

Teasing his junior sister immediately made him feel quite cheerful.

He picked up the jade token and continued reading the information within, while the soup in the jade bowl was quickly finished.

A pair of soft hands carefully rested on Li Changshou's shoulders from behind, beginning to gently massage him.

"Use a bit more force," Li Changshou said.

"Alrighty," Ling'e rolled up the silky sleeves of her pink and white long dress and massaged her senior brother's shoulders and back. Her skillful technique made Li Changshou exclaim her professionalism.

"Senior Brother, um, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Li Changshou casually asked, "What is it?"

Ling'e blinked, cleared her throat, and said with feigned maturity:

"Look, your very own Junior Sister has grown up now. She's written the 'Steady Character Sutra' countless times, and she's had experience out in the world. Even the elders in the sect praise her intelligence. As for her, she doesn't want to wander around anymore; she just wants to cultivate steadily here in the mountains, staying with a certain heartless Senior Brother. So, when it comes to some of Senior Brother's matters, couldn't she also help offer some opinions? If there are any difficult problems, couldn't you also discuss them with her? Maybe she'll have a sudden flash of inspiration and be able to help just a tiny bit..."

Li Changshou put down the jade token in his hand and closed his eyes, lost in thought.

Seeing that something was amiss, Ling'e hastily said, "Senior Brother, please don't be angry. If you don't want me involved, just pretend I didn't say anything..."

"What you said makes sense too," Li Changshou nodded very seriously, stroking his chin and mumbling:

"As the saying goes, 'Raise Ling'e for a hundred years, use Ling'e for a moment.' Now that Mister Bai has gone to the Three Thousand Worlds, if you can help out, I'll be able to relax a bit."

"Really?" Ling'e was overjoyed.

"Of course," Li Changshou shook his head. "Since you've offered yourself, why would I not make use of such a capable talent like you? Go make some preparations, then come over later. I'll hand over a portion of the major plans for you to review."

"Okay! I'll be right back!"

Ling'e cheered excitedly, turned, and bounced towards the study door, but before she ran far, she turned back, peeking her head in from the doorway to ask:

"Senior Brother, what do I need to prepare?"

"A desk and chair, a meditation cushion, and a soft mat," Li Changshou chuckled. "If you want to stand the whole time, that's fine too."

"Hehe, Senior Brother, wait for me, I'll be right back!"

Ling'e happily transformed into a fragrant breeze and floated away. In just a moment, she rushed back with her belongings, officially moving into the Little Qiong Peak secret chamber.

Li Changshou did not go back on his word. He handed over the subsequent review of some of the most troublesome and effort-intensive plans for the Anti-Western Immortal Alliance to Ling'e.

This task was just like writing an essay: an extra review would always be beneficial and harmless.

"...Your main responsibility is to organize the information of these forces and, when I make a decision on what treatment to give a particular force, to assess whether my decision is sound."

"Okay!"

"Don't just say 'okay.' Do you understand what I just told you?"

"Mhm!"

Ling'e nodded confidently, "Of course, Senior Brother, if you say it again, I'll remember it even more deeply and understand it even more thoroughly, hehe... Oh! You hit my head again!"

"This is a major matter concerning the lives and deaths of countless beings. Be serious."

Ling'e immediately became serious, calming her agitated Dao heart. She began to understand the plan from scratch, starting with the mind map her Senior Brother had laid out.

When she was serious, she could indeed act as half a strategist, and at this point, merely performing review and correction tasks was well within her capabilities.

Li Changshou feigned listening intently, quickly closed his eyes, and said, "Someone from the Tianya Secret Realm is looking for me again; I'll go handle it."

"Mhm!"

Ling'e hugged two stacks of jade tokens filled with information, sat cross-legged at the desk, her small face etched with seriousness.

Half a day later, Li Changshou opened his eyes and couldn't help but chuckle at the scene before him.

Ling'e was sprawled on a soft mat, hugging a soft pillow, her feet gently swaying. Her long hair was a bit disheveled as she busily wrote and drew among several jade tokens.

"Any discoveries?"

"Senior Brother! These few forces seem to have problems. Their self-reports and the information investigated by Tianya Pavilion don't match in several places; furthermore, the locations of their territories are a bit too close to the Western Sect's influence, and the timing of their approach is also a bit suspicious."

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Li Changshou's mouth.

'This girl, you've passed the test.'

"Let me see. If there truly are problems, I'll count it as a merit for you."

"Oh, merit or not, I just wanted to help Senior Brother lessen his burden..."

"In that case, never mind," Li Changshou calmly nodded. "It just happens to save me some effort."

Ling'e: ...

She always felt like her Senior Brother had tricked her, but couldn't quite figure out why.

Thus, half a year after the debut battle of the "Heaven-Defying Harmonies" duo.

A white cloud drifted slowly from the East Heavenly Gate, flew towards the Heavenly Pillar, and descended into the Underworld.

On the white cloud, Ling Zhuzi, clad in a wide blue robe, felt the cold atmosphere around him and quietly asked:

"Senior Uncle, where are we going?"

"Didn't I say earlier I'd introduce you to a friend or two?"

Li Changshou chuckled, "I have important business in the Underworld this time, so I brought you along to meet those friends. Ling Zhuzi, have you forgotten your cultivation?"

"Senior Uncle, your disciple hasn't forgotten!"

Ling Zhuzi said firmly, his clear eyes filled with determination, "Just as Senior Uncle arranges! For Senior Uncle to take time out of your busy schedule to help your disciple, I am already immensely grateful!"

Li Changshou merely smiled without speaking.

The first step of "The Official Plan to Awaken Ling Zhuzi's Manliness - Ling'e's Revised Edition" was: Daringly Entering the Underworld House.

First, they had to train this fellow's courage.

Of course, Li Changshou's visit to the Underworld wasn't solely for Ling Zhuzi. He also needed to meet with the Yama Kings to jointly present the Jade Emperor's approved plan for the Underworld's reform to the Ten Yama Kings.

And perhaps condense a Golden Body of Merit while he was at it.