Chapter 466: Heavenly Dao Bond Holders

"Jinxing"—a popular term from Li Changshou's previous life—essentially meant to have a "crow's mouth." When someone expressed confidence in accomplishing something, merely speaking it out loud would inevitably lead to a reversal, a setback, or an embarrassing failure, making it a source of amusement.

However, this was merely a subjective perception. When an event resulted in embarrassment, the impression was exceptionally deep, while other uneventful situations left only a faint memory. This logic was somewhat akin to "survivor bias."

Li Changshou wasn't superstitious about this, and so...

He was definitely forging his Golden Body of Merit this time!

The Water God himself declared it! Even if the Dao Ancestor personally arrived, or Pangu revived, they would still have to show some respect, and he would simply forge it on another day.

To be fair, ever since he was compelled to take over the Sea God Sect, through his dealings with the Dragon Clan, his ascent to the Heavenly Court, and his efforts to suppress the demon qi, he had accumulated merit step by step, which could be considered doing a small amount of good. Of course, throughout the process of accumulating merit, he had been upright and had neither stolen nor robbed, though he had been a tad cunning. Such tactical maneuvers were unavoidable.

Finally! Today, he had reached this pivotal moment!

Li Changshou had calculated that as long as he facilitated the reform of the Underworld and integrated its bureaucratic system into the Heavenly Court, he would undoubtedly have ample merit when forging his Golden Body of Merit, enough to disregard a portion of the impure incense merit.

At this moment, Li Changshou was naturally playing it safe... with multiple contingency plans. Beyond assisting the Underworld in integrating with the Heavenly Court, he had also meticulously provided reform proposals for its existing malpractices and outdated regulations, thereby improving the Underworld's own operational efficiency. A bit more merit would ensure he was well-prepared for any eventuality; at worst, he'd simply make his Golden Body of Merit a bit more imposing!

Taking Ling Zhuzi, who was currently brimming with anticipation, Li Changshou floated on a cloud to the east side of Fengdu City. Before he had even descended, two burly men who were roasting spirit beast meat on the peak belatedly noticed Li Changshou's figure... With his white hair, white eyebrows, and benevolent expression, coupled with the unique scent of primordial spiritual tree sap, who else could it be but the Heavenly Court's Water God?

"Horse! Quick! Lord Water God is here!"

One of the burly men called out, and the two frantically donned their true form headgear, regaining their actual appearances. They then leaped from the cliff, signaling a group of Wu Clan battle-shamans to advance.

A moment later...

Ox-Head bellowed, "Greetings, Water God!"

Behind him, the assembled battle-shamans roared in unison, "Greetings, Water God!"

Li Changshou offered a slight smile, just as he was about to speak...

Horse-Face shouted again, "May the Water God be blessed with endless fortune!"

The battle-shamans behind them once more roared in unison, "May the Water God be blessed with endless fortune!"

Ox-Head seamlessly continued, roaring, "The Water God is un..."

*Smack*, a whisk was flicked onto Ox-Head's nose, forcefully cutting off the word "rivaled." Li Changshou appeared before Ox-Head, his gaze dropping. Due to the dim light of the Underworld, the upper half of Li Changshou's face was shrouded in shadow, and the smile at the corner of his mouth seemed chilling.

"Don't speak carelessly."

Ox-Head swallowed, hurriedly replying, "Yes, yes, this subordinate understands."

Li Changshou floated back onto his white cloud. His smile hadn't changed, yet the impression it gave transformed from chilling to warm.

"Esteemed Marshals, allow me to introduce you," Li Changshou said, bringing Ling Zhuzi forward. "This is my martial nephew, Ling Zhuzi, a disciple of Taiyi Zhenren, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan School."

Ox-Head and Horse-Face exchanged glances, unsure of the Water God's intentions, but immediately stepped forward to salute, bowing profusely.

Ling Zhuzi curiously studied Ox-Head and Horse-Face, then stepped forward and offered a graceful Daoist bow. "Greetings, esteemed Marshals, Ling Zhuzi offers his respects."

Ox-Head chuckled, "What a delicate-looking young lady, moo."

Ling Zhuzi immediately felt a pang of embarrassment.

Horse-Face nudged Ox-Head with his shoulder, quickly interjecting, "Immortal, please don't take offense; my brother speaks..."

Li Changshou chuckled, "Ling Zhuzi is a male."

"Huh?"

Ox-Head and Horse-Face froze simultaneously, revealing the straightforward nature of the Wu Clan as they both looked below Ling Zhuzi's waist.

Ling Zhuzi's face flushed crimson, and he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.

"Ahem," Li Changshou cleared his throat. "I brought Ling Zhuzi here for this very reason. Ling Zhuzi has a simple nature, and I want him to interact with you two to gain some masculine demeanor. Both of you are fine Wu Clan lads, the most masculine beings in all the heavens and earth; he will surely learn a great deal from you."

Horse-Face hurriedly replied, "Water God, you flatter us too much..."

Before Horse-Face could finish, a deep, resonant bass voice, like an ancient horn, suddenly came from the side: "It's a small matter, Water God, rest assured, moo."

Ox-Head straightened his shoulders, puffed out his massive chest, and his headgear seemed to glow as if freshly washed. "Leave it to us."

Li Changshou chuckled, "Very well, you two can converse for a while. I will go to Fengdu City to meet with the Yama Kings. After I've handled my important matters, I'll also need to oversee some construction projects in the Underworld."

Ox-Head and Horse-Face didn't quite understand what "construction projects" entailed, but they agreed immediately, remaining there with Ling Zhuzi. They instructed their subordinates to promptly report to the city that the Water God had arrived for an inspection.

Consequently, Fengdu City soon bustled with activity. Several Yama Kings came out to greet him, entering the Yama Temple with Li Changshou to discuss jointly submitting a memorial to the Heavenly Court.

Meanwhile, with Ling Zhuzi...

A group of towering Wu Clan battle-shamans surrounded Ling Zhuzi, completely encircling him, each curiously studying him. Ox-Head first chuckled, then began to ponder the Water God's instructions. Horse-Face glared at Ox-Head, then pulled Ling Zhuzi aside before consulting with Ox-Head and several battle-shamans in hushed tones...

Ling Zhuzi, meanwhile, was also curiously observing his surroundings. Were these the "good friends" Uncle Chang Geng had mentioned he would introduce? They certainly seemed much stronger than his Heavenly General "big brothers." Ling Zhuzi extended his immortal consciousness and overheard a group of simple-minded Wu Clan members, who seemed unaccustomed to or perhaps incapable of transmitting voices, muttering various things:

"Lord Water God finally gave us something to do; we must handle it efficiently, moo. Manliness, surely that has something to do with muscles?"

"Shallow! Why are you so shallow! Do half the women in our clan possess masculine demeanor? Lord Water God is human; masculine demeanor should be a quality, about being responsible and accountable, neigh."

Ox-Head's eyes widened. "Are you saying you insist on arguing with me?"

"I insist," Horse-Face said, tossing his flowing mane, "neigh."

*Crackling energy*—

Ox-Head and Horse-Face locked gazes, and faint arcs of electricity appeared in the air. A burly Wu Clan man nearby whispered, "Why don't the two lords have a fight? We'll listen to whoever wins."

"Hmm?"

Ox-Head and Horse-Face simultaneously turned their heads to look, each displaying a gentle smile. The burly man instinctively recoiled but was seized by a horse's hoof and an ox's hoof on his shoulders, then dragged into a rocky crevice... In that corner of the Underworld, the wailing of vengeful spirits and the screams of the Wu Clan man perfectly synchronized.

Witnessing this, Ling Zhuzi's somewhat inconspicuous Adam's apple bobbed. He obediently sat down, a faint worry about his impending fate creeping in...

Just then!

A wisp of sound transmission entered Ox-Head and Horse-Face's ears. The two Soul-Reaper Marshals, who had been stretching their limbs, exchanged a glance and instantly sighed with relief. As long as Lord Water God had made arrangements, that was fine; they had actually thought they would have to use their brains and come up with ideas this time...

Three days later, in front of the Yama Temple.

The ten Yama Kings had finally completed their temporary duties in their respective halls and, with Empress Houtu's permission, gathered with Li Changshou. Amidst laughter and joy, they slowly flew out of Fengdu City on clouds.

It was exactly as described:The Water God smiles in the Underworld Hall, while the Ten Yama Kings bow to the Numinous Sky.

As they flew to the east of Fengdu City, reaching the imposing One-Line Sky Grand Pass, all ten Yama Kings' foreheads simultaneously furrowed in exasperation... On the other side of the pass, dust swirled, and shouts were tumultuous. Dozens of Wu Clan battle-shamans, temporarily serving as Underworld bailiffs, had split into two groups. They were brawling shirtless, punches and kicks landing solidly, leaving most of them bruised and swollen. On the periphery of the brawl, dozens of beautiful female vengeful spirits, clad in light dresses, were also present; they were either holding wooden signs proclaiming 'Brother Ling Zhuzi is the strongest' and 'Brother Ling Zhuzi is the most handsome', or shouting in unison, their ghostly wails piercing the air...

Outside the pass, numerous cultivators who had come to conduct business in the Underworld had gathered, none daring to approach and request passage.

King Chujiang, known for his fiery temper, immediately cursed: "What in the world is going on here! Fighting while holding back their strength—what an outrage!"

King Qinguang hurriedly explained, "Water God, please don't misunderstand. This is an ancient tradition of ours, a testament to the brotherhood among Wu Clan men. This is by no means a brawl among Underworld bailiffs."

Another Yama King couldn't help but wonder aloud, "It seems a strange being has joined in."

The ten Yama Kings looked closely, while Li Changshou merely nodded with a subtle smile. They saw that among the chaotic brawling Wu Clan members was Ling Zhuzi, his long robe either torn to shreds or discarded by himself. He was clenching a pair of small iron fists, his entire body enveloped in immortal light, exchanging blows with two burly Wu Clan men, fist for fist and knee for knee; Ling Zhuzi's delicate face was either red and swollen or bruised, a small piece of his front tooth was missing, and his eyes burned with fiery determination. Though naturally unskilled in close combat, he could now handle the uncoordinated and deliberately slowed punches of the ordinary Wu Clan members...

Ox-Head and Horse-Face were sitting in a corner, calmly drinking tea, guarding Ling Zhuzi to ensure their subordinates didn't actually beat the Water God's martial nephew half to death.

Li Changshou hastily said: "Yama Kings, please don't be alarmed, don't be alarmed. It was I who entrusted this matter to the two Soul-Reaper Marshals. This being is my martial nephew, Ling Zhuzi. He is a bit too delicate by nature and is distressed about it. I specifically brought him here to witness the valor of Wu Clan men and let him learn and observe more."

Upon hearing this, the Yama Kings' eyes immediately lit up.

"So that's it! Water God truly found the right place! Our Wu Clan men worship Ancestral God Pangu; every single one of us is a stalwart hero!"

"Back then, Great Shaman Kua Fu chased the sun, preferring to exhaust himself to death rather than halt his steps—that is the perseverance of a man."

"In ancient times, our Wu Clan also had an ancestor known as the Water God, Gonggong. He also took new partners every few decades, quite similar to you, Lord Water God—both true men... men..."

The Yama King who had spoken nervously pulled his neck back, while the other nine Yama Kings' eyes widened, almost rushing forward to restrain him. Such a line of thought was highly problematic!

A hint of awkwardness lingered in the air. Just as Li Changshou was about to change the subject, Ling Zhuzi suddenly erupted, drawing everyone's attention...

Ling Zhuzi let out a roar, headbutting the burly man in front of him until he saw stars. His agile figure deftly dodged a tackle from another burly man to his side, then landed a backhand punch to the latter's lower abdomen, making the man double over like a shrimp and collapse at his feet. Spiritual light bloomed on Ling Zhuzi's forehead; his primordial spirit at this moment had transformed into jade, and his entire body was infused with immortal power! The battle-shamans, roused by the excitement, were immediately drawn over, swinging their fists and raising their legs... Scenes from his time at the Water God's residence, of close combat with the Heavenly General "big brothers," suddenly flashed before Ling Zhuzi's eyes. His body grew more agile, and his strikes became precise and ferocious; this group of ordinary battle-shamans, temporarily serving as Underworld bailiffs, surprisingly proved no match for Ling Zhuzi in close combat. One by one, they were knocked down and left sprawled at his feet...

Moments later, Ling Zhuzi stood atop a small hill, his long hair disheveled and body covered in sweat. He threw his head back, let out a loud roar, and with both hands, tore open his thin undergarment...

"WHO ELSE IS THERE!"

Ox-Head, from the side, made a gesture, and several stronger Wu Clan burly men quickly stripped off their battle armor and pounced, seizing Ling Zhuzi and giving him a fierce beating. If Taiyi Zhenren were to witness this scene, he would probably die content. A certain Yin-Yang master felt as though he had been personally offended.

Li Changshou asked the Yama Kings, "Do the Wu Clan have battle techniques that involve weapons?"

King Qinguang chuckled, "Water God, rest assured. This humble deity will immediately have Ox-Head and Horse-Face retrieve such battle techniques from within the clan and find some suitable sparring partners to help this Daoist disciple... gain some masculine demeanor."

"I'm indebted to you, Yama King."

"Water God, you're too kind."

With that, the ten Yama Kings and Li Changshou rode their clouds forward together, and the chaotic brawl on the other side of One-Line Sky finally ceased. King Qinguang descended from the cloud to instruct Ox-Head and Horse-Face, while Li Changshou took the opportunity to hand over the architectural plans for the 'Netherworld Bravery House' to the Underworld; naturally, this task wouldn't require his personal touch.

Afterward, Li Changshou looked at Ling Zhuzi, who was covered in bruises but offered him a shy smile, and handed him a pouch containing paper effigies. "Seeing your good progress, you should stay with the Wu Clan for a while. Remember not to wander, and you can contact me at any time. These exercises are just preliminary preparations; the main event comes later."

"Understood!"

Ling Zhuzi clasped his hands, which aggravated his shoulder injury, causing him to wince in pain. Li Changshou smiled, took out several bottles of spiritual pills, patted Ling Zhuzi's shoulder, then rode his cloud to rendezvous with the Yama Kings, and together they headed towards the edge of the Underworld.

Li Changshou felt a wave of emotion within him... Ling Zhuzi and Yang Jian were truly worthy of being children of the great tribulation; their cultivation progress and combat prowess could simply be described as advancing by leaps and bounds. Naturally, Ling Zhuzi was still destined for reincarnation. However, considering Nezha's innate divine abilities and magical power, his reincarnation should merely seal Ling Zhuzi's memories while retaining his strength. During the Investiture of the Gods, how formidable would Yang Jian's and Ling Zhuzi's combat power be?

As Li Changshou chatted with the Yama Kings, he pondered meticulously. Regardless, he still needed to put more thought and effort into these two young generals, not just to gain more influence in the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, but also because...

"Water God, how exactly will this great tribulation unfold? Do you have any information?" King Chujiang's question interrupted Li Changshou's thoughts.

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile. "The Heavenly Secrets are muddled; I'm afraid no one knows the specifics." The conversation then shifted to the great tribulation. Having experienced the ancient great tribulation, the ten Yama Kings were quite worried about whether the Underworld would endure the same pressures as before. —The entire Underworld had been filled with vengeful spirits, the Six Paths of Reincarnation were constantly congested, and half the souls, unable to reincarnate in time, simply dissipated, returning to their true spirit state.

"If it truly comes to that, Her Ladyship will likely be saddened once more."

"I hope it won't come to that." Li Changshou said softly, steering the conversation towards the current Underworld reform, making the atmosphere a bit more lively. This entire matter had been orchestrated by Li Changshou, who had even prepared seven or eight backup plans.

Approaching the East Heavenly Gate, the ten Yama Kings lined up, each adopting the demeanor of a high immortal, carefully concealing the netherworld qi they had acquired, and flew forward on clouds with Li Changshou. Upon reaching the Heavenly Gate, the three divine swords on its arch emitted dazzling light. The Heavenly Generals guarding the gate, along with all the Heavenly Soldiers, saluted in perfect formation.

Li Changshou flicked his whisk, and ahead, golden light gleamed as vast numbers of Heavenly Soldiers lined up on both sides, extending from the East Heavenly Gate all the way into the depths of the clouds.

*A grand display.*

Upon arriving before the Numinous Sky Palace, Li Changshou announced: "Yama Kings, please enter." The Heavenly Immortals and Gods within the hall turned to welcome the ten Yama Kings inside, while the Jade Emperor, clad in white robes, maintained a faint smile from his high platform.

The Ten Yama Kings all bowed respectfully, and the Jade Emperor said gently: "My esteemed ministers, please rise. Henceforth, when entering the hall, a Daoist bow will suffice; no grand salutes are necessary."

King Qinguang said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

From the side, Li Changshou presented a memorial, stating that the Underworld would henceforth fully obey the Heavenly Court. He also presented Empress Houtu's personally written 'Letter of Persuasion to the Emperor', requesting the Jade Emperor to extend his love to all beings and make good use of the Six Paths of Reincarnation.

The Jade Emperor was overjoyed. He summoned the Heavenly Emperor's imperial seal and stamped the Heavenly Dao's imprint onto the memorial. Outside the hall, auspicious clouds began to drift. Suddenly, lightning flashed, and thunder roared deafeningly! Golden light surged in the Seventh Heaven of the Heavenly Court, and a golden palace materialized out of thin air. A plaque appeared above its entrance, inscribed "Five Sacred Mountain Divine Palace," and inside, five empty divine thrones awaited!

When the golden light receded, the grand hall was enveloped by the power of the Heavenly Dao and vanished from the Heavenly Court, leaving only a swirl of mist in its place. The Jade Emperor declared, "The Heavenly Dao has responded; the divine thrones have appeared. Henceforth, there shall be a God of Mount Tai to oversee the Underworld, specifically managing communication between heaven and earth."

The Ten Yama Kings, the immortals and gods within the hall, and even the Jade Emperor himself, all simultaneously turned their gazes towards Li Changshou.

Li Changshou: ...

What did this have to do with him? Wasn't this originally Huang Feihu's divine throne after the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation? He merely wanted to earn some merit; he had no desire to work for the Heavenly Court indefinitely.

Just then, streaks of golden light emerged from the ceiling of the Numinous Sky Palace, flowing into the bodies of the ten Yama Kings. Another streak of golden light also descended to the location of the Five Sacred Mountain Divine Palace. The divine throne was still vacant, but merit was already being bestowed.

Merit!

Li Changshou kept a small portion of his consciousness in the Numinous Sky Palace, while his main body stood silently to the side, holding his whisk, appearing as a reclusive master who regarded fame and fortune as mere fleeting clouds. In reality, his true body, hidden in a corner of a secret underground chamber on Little Qiong Peak, was eagerly awaiting! His Golden Body of Merit! The life-saving talisman of the Primordial World! A full thirty percent more security! He merely needed to envelop his true body with the Golden Body of Merit, thereby adding another layer of protection during the great tribulation! This was a historic moment, truly!

*Crack!*

A thin purple lightning bolt, without warning, illuminated the dark corner, disregarding the numerous formidable arrays on Little Qiong Peak and countless hidden arrangements within the mountain, landing directly in front of Li Changshou! Within this purple lightning bolt, Li Changshou sensed a Dao charm he had never directly perceived before, which was so... obscure, serene, perfect, and ancient!

This Dao charm then condensed into three large characters in his mind:

DEFERRED

Li Changshou sat there blankly, half-mouthing "Huh?" before quickly reacting. He leaped out from his hiding spot and immediately performed a Daoist bow towards the heavens! This startled Ling'e, who was just passing by a vase, almost making her cry out.

"This disciple obeys! Whenever your merit becomes abundant, please bestow it upon this disciple. This disciple is not in a hurry!"

That Dao charm quietly dissipated at his spiritual platform. Li Changshou sighed in relief, unknowingly finding his back drenched in cold sweat. *Tsk*, indeed, pulling off something for nothing was truly mastered by his grandmaster's generation.

Ling'e quietly asked, "Senior Brother, who were you talking to?"

"Hmm, an elder with a heart for the world, noble character, and primordial Daoist methods."

Ling'e tilted her head. Li Changshou silently added in his mind, "If your Golden Immortal tribulation wasn't still in the hands of this big shot, how could your brother easily bow his head like this? I would have to... put a sword to his neck, cry out, 'You'd better write an IOU!', and then we'd talk!"