“Mr. Bai, is there some misunderstanding between us? Didn't we agree that Lintian Hall would ultimately report directly to the Heavenly Courts? Using soul-refining curses to boost cultivation, holding such clandestine gatherings, and even establishing a 'Saintess' position... This!”
In my previous life, this would have undoubtedly given off the vibe of an evil cult!
Inside the side hall of the stone palace, protected by multiple layers of formation barriers.
Li Changshou sat in a wooden chair, while Bai Ze stood beside him. The expression on the ancient top ten demon marshal's face was slightly awkward.
Outside the two stone doors, the Hall Master and elders of Lintian Hall were gathered, having temporarily paused their tasks.
Jiu Jiu pressed her ear against the glowing barrier of the formation, naturally hearing nothing.
The others were somewhat uneasy, as Li Changshou's expression had been quite terrifying when he first appeared.
Faint footsteps sounded nearby, drawing several gazes.
It was Jiu Wu, the short Taoist 'steward' of Lintian Hall, who quickly approached with several jade talismans. He asked softly at the door:
“How is it?”
“He hasn't come out yet.”
Jiu Shi responded, then with a worried expression, continued, “I don't know why, but Junior Nephew Changshou just now inexplicably gave me a significant sense of pressure.”
Jiu Wu smiled, “Madam, Changshou still addresses us as 'Uncle' and 'Auntie,' which shows his original respect for us; it's a testament to his character. However, now that he is a Saint's disciple, his seniority far surpasses ours. We absolutely must not casually call him 'Junior Nephew'; addressing him by his Taoist name is sufficient.”
“I understand, only you are so thorough.”
Jiu Wu said, “Master, Mistress, I'll go in for a moment; Changshou needs to see these.”
Jiang Lin'er transmitted a message, “Walk slower when you go in so we can hear what's being said inside.”
“Mistress, rest assured.”
With that, Jiu Wu stepped forward. The immortal power barrier in front opened automatically, but...
Still no sound could be heard from within.
Direct voice transmission—a crucial skill for masters of the Human School!
Bai Ze, however, subtly tapped his finger, and a segment of their conversation appeared in the minds of several people.
At this moment, Li Changshou's voice, tinged with helplessness and a slight frustration at their inaction, said:
“...Even if the initial stages are difficult, you absolutely cannot use soul-refining curses to boost cultivation! Mr. Bai, with all your wisdom, why are you so muddled on such a minor issue? Even if no one investigates, and even if Lintian Hall's successful rise allows this dark history to be obscured, won't our Dao hearts be compromised? Will Lintian Hall's foundation become corrupted? If the foundation is unstable, how can a towering skyscraper be built? Soul-refining curses may rapidly increase cultivation, but they deplete a cultivator's potential and destroy their chances for longevity! Ultimately, this will ruin Lintian Hall's fundamental fortune! The Heavenly Dao watches us and Lintian Hall constantly. From the very beginning, we must consider every action and plan from the Heavenly Courts' standpoint. The banner of benevolence and righteousness must be raised from the outset!”
Bai Ze then transmitted a slightly aggrieved defense:
“But the Dao Fruit of longevity is not easily acquired, and they understand this well... Furthermore, the current era differs from ancient times; humans are not as easily swayed as demons. Without tangible benefits, how would human qi refiners join us? Speaking of fortune as ethereal, and merit as an empty promise, spiritual stones are merely basic expenses, so we must resort to unconventional methods. Isn't this precisely the 'extraordinary means' you, the Water God, spoke of earlier?”
“Mr. Bai, the 'extraordinary means' I mentioned could involve using methods to imprison souls or individuals of purely evil nature, compelling them to serve Lintian Hall while simultaneously performing good deeds to cleanse their karma. This would both expand Lintian Hall and allow us to feel more at ease about these individuals...”
Although Jiu Wu had already slowed his pace as much as possible, he was ultimately going to enter;
Once the barrier closed, Bai Ze secretly tapped his finger again, and the sound in everyone's minds instantly ceased.
It was quiet outside for a while longer.
Hall Master Wang Fugui cleared his throat. “This humble Taoist believes Changshou has a point.”
Jiang Lin'er frowned:
“But if we don't offer something unique, how will we attract so many qi refiners? And Elder Bai Ze, given his esteemed primordial status, how can he be lectured like that!”
Jiu Jiu muttered, “Mistress, don't worry, I actually think Mr. Bai is quite happy right now.”
“Hmm?”
Mushroom-like question marks appeared on their foreheads. Jiu Jiu smiled inscrutably and continued to press her ear against the immortal power barrier, listening intently.
Jiu Yiyi whispered, “Shouldn't the main point be that imprisoning others' souls for control seems even less benevolent?”
The Duxian Sect contingent immediately fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
Finally, half an hour later.
*Creak—*
The wooden door creaked open, and Bai Ze stepped out, looking radiant. Behind him, Jiu Wu's brows were tightly furrowed, appearing quite conflicted.
Jiu Jiu hastily asked, “Where's Changshou?”
Bai Ze pointed to his sleeve and smiled, “He has already returned. Everyone, please come inside, and let's carefully consider our future path. You all heard a bit of my conversation with the Lord; our journey ahead is long and arduous. To cover our initial steps, the Lord has begun to court various forces across the three thousand worlds, thereby attracting the attention of powerful enemies. We too must exert all our effort and fight with all our might.”
Jiu Jiu blinked, “Mr. Bai, aren't you angry?”
“Hmm?”
Bai Ze was initially a bit confused, then let out a soft chuckle.
“My heart is at peace.”
Jiang Lin'er's mouth twitched slightly, her expression remarkably similar to Jiu Wu's.
They were all somewhat perplexed as to why this renowned ancient demon marshal, after being reprimanded by a 'junior,' seemed so genuinely pleased.
Perhaps this is just how the world of the powerful operates.
In the underground secret chamber of Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou opened his eyes and sighed softly.
Fortunately, he had checked on Lintian Hall. A seemingly minor decision by Mr. Bai had almost led Lintian Hall down the wrong path!
Indeed, Mr. Bai possesses remarkable wisdom, boasts near-heaven-defying divine abilities, and has been renowned since antiquity with extensive experience, yet there was one crucial point...
He consistently failed to view the matter from the Heavenly Courts' perspective.
Li Changshou understood Bai Ze's previous approach: it didn't matter if a faction had blemishes in its early development, as they could be whitewashed after its rise.
But what Li Changshou couldn't explicitly state was this:
For Lintian Hall to rise quickly, it required the Heavenly Dao's approval and guidance from behind. Relying solely on human effort, Lintian Hall could never achieve the strength to challenge the peripheral forces of Western Buddhism within a few centuries.
These past few days had been quite vexing.
He was owed merit by the Heavenly Dao, Lintian Hall had almost gone astray, and only the affairs of the Underworld remained relatively stable, with Lingzhu's situation showing some improvement, offering a small consolation.
“Sigh...”
Trying to be a hands-off manager is incredibly difficult.
“What's wrong, Senior Brother?”
Ling'e, who was writing at her desk, looked up with concern.
“Nothing,” Li Changshou said. “Auntie Jiu Jiu has just become the Saintess of Lintian Hall, and they've already gathered a considerable number of qi refiners. They should rise smoothly within a few decades.”
Ling'e smiled, “With Mr. Bai sharing your worries, Senior Brother, you can relax a bit. Would you like something to drink?”
“No need to trouble.”
Li Changshou glanced at the two stacks of jade talismans before him. “I still have various tasks to attend to. If you're tired, take a rest, but don't neglect your cultivation. Xuan Ya is now serving in the Heavenly Courts, and her cultivation speed has already surpassed yours.”
Upon hearing this, Ling'e couldn't help but sigh wistfully:
“Senior Brother... is there an elixir that grants longevity with just one pill? I don't want to strive anymore!”
Li Changshou snorted, “The 'Stability Scripture' five hundred times, and array diagrams twenty times!”
“Oh, I was just joking...”
“Abandon fantasies and cultivate diligently,” Li Changshou said sternly. “If your cultivation isn't self-attained, and your realms aren't self-comprehended, you will ultimately be constrained by others.”
Ling'e immediately burst into tears, sighing mournfully as she slumped onto the table.
Li Changshou chuckled softly, then closed his eyes and focused his mind, shifting his consciousness to the Horizon Secret Realm to immerse himself in the grand strategic game.
This intense work continued for five days and five nights.
Li Changshou set the exact time for the first meeting of the Anti-Western Immortal Dao Alliance, but kept the location undisclosed to prevent Western Buddhism from causing trouble.
Unifying various forces was by no means an easy task.
Li Changshou's strategy appeared complex, but the underlying idea was quite simple.
First, win over a few major forces by offering them the highest benefits and treatment. Then, use them to deter other forces, alternating between incentives and intimidation, and finally, tell some moving stories;
Finally, gather everyone, pour a cup of hot tea, and ask:
“'Who agrees, who objects?'”
Things shouldn't be too... *cough*! The Heavenly Dao Merit Bond holder testifies!
One truly cannot plant a flag!
Concerned about Lingzhu's progress, Li Changshou shifted his consciousness to the Underworld, wanting to see the results of his 'manly cultivation.'
He initially intended to activate the paper avatar beside Lingzhu directly, but Lingzhu had stored it in a magical storage treasure. Although Li Changshou could sense its presence, the mental connection wasn't stable.
That was fine. Li Changshou activated one of his paper avatars hidden within Fengdu City, transformed into the appearance of the Heavenly Courts' Water God, and hurried outside the city.
His immortal sense spread out, and he immediately found Lingzhu still with Ox-Head and Horse-Face, sparring with several expert Witches on the peak.
Li Changshou wasn't in a hurry to approach. He changed direction and went to a hillside outside Fengdu City, locating the 'Hall of Trials,' which had been roughly completed.
Just from its exterior, Li Changshou was quite satisfied; it was almost identical to the design he had provided.
However, it seemed the Underworld officials had miscalculated the dimensions; the Hall of Trials occupied more than ten times the area Li Changshou had designed.
At this moment, King Chu Jiang arrived from within Fengdu City.
Li Changshou waited on his cloud for a while. After meeting King Chu Jiang and exchanging pleasantries, they entered the Hall of Trials together for a tour.
When they exited the hall, Li Changshou was greatly disappointed...
Stiff and cliché!
They had merely placed some ferocious evil souls from the eighteen layers of hell inside, which had absolutely no impact!
The scenes inside were almost commonplace in the Underworld. How could this possibly scare immortals or train their courage?!
“Water God,” King Chu Jiang said, “This thing has been built, but what's its purpose? If it's meant to scare mortal souls, it would be better to just take them on a tour of the eighteen layers of hell.”
Li Changshou frowned in thought. The 'hardware' for the Hall of Trials was in place; what it lacked was 'content.'
“King Yan, could you summon some skilled craftsman souls for me and lend me three hundred Yin Constables? Once I've renovated this place, it can certainly be used for trials of courage.”
“Water God, you're too polite. Not to mention three hundred, I'll dispatch thirty thousand for you immediately!”
King Chu Jiang turned and let out a shout. Immediately, a great ghost, enveloped in black wind, rushed towards Fengdu City, and soon summoned a multitude of ghostly figures.
Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction, leading these Underworld craftsmen, Yin Constables, and ghost soldiers into the grand hall, beginning to inject soul into the Hall of Trials.
Building a haunted house in the Underworld was quite a feat.
First, Li Changshou established a rule: one must seal their cultivation upon entering this place.
—This would exploit the inevitable unease and weakness qi refiners feel when their cultivation is sealed.
Subsequently, Li Changshou began modifying the grand formation, setting up twelve layers of smaller formations. He then linked these twelve smaller formations, one within another, using his most proficient chained array method.
—Using formations to create a sense of oppression and tension, bringing those who entered after sealing their cultivation to a state of complete insecurity.
To stimulate the Dao hearts of immortals, it naturally required more thought and effort, but this was still far from enough.
Li Changshou began to meticulously enhance the atmosphere of the place, focusing on crafting the 'light' and 'sound' for each segment.
Details determine the experience!
Upon entering the first layer of the formation, one could hear slow heartbeats, occasionally faint footsteps appearing, and soft laughter...
And so on.
In a very quiet environment, the softer and more natural the sounds, the more chilling they became.
Additionally, he emphasized the suddenness of 'ghostly' appearances, rather than focusing on their 'novelty' or 'strangeness.'
Li Changshou carefully selected dozens of Witches, designed outfits for them, and trained them to precisely seize the timing of their appearances, from their makeup and postures to perfect coordination with light and shadow...
Unknowingly, Li Changshou found himself enjoying the process. What was originally planned to be completed in three days ended up taking half a month.
Half a month later, Li Changshou emerged from the Hall of Trials, satisfied. He dismissed the Yin Constables and craftsmen, then offered a slight smile to King Chu Jiang, who had been waiting outside.
He activated the various formations and barriers throughout the area and erected a wooden sign that read: 'To enter this place, one must first seal their cultivation.'
After a moment's thought, Li Changshou added a small line of text:
It is extremely frightening inside; it is best for three spirits to enter together.
“Water God, are you not looking down on us Witches now?”
King Chu Jiang proudly declared, “This King will go in for a stroll and admire your magnificent work, Water God.”
Li Changshou smiled and handed over a jade talisman. “King Yan can exit the formation at any time with this item.”
“Oh, no need.”
King Chu Jiang waved his hand, quickly tapped himself a few times, causing his blood energy to return to his veins and his aura to completely vanish. He thus sealed his cultivation and calmly walked into the hall.
Li Changshou saw this and didn't pay it much mind.
After all, this was King Yan; he wouldn't be too...
“Heh! What—what in the world is this?! You rascals!”
“How are these cabinets moving?!”
“I am King Yan of the Underworld! I am King Yan of the Underworld!”
Li Changshou: ...
The effect seemed quite good.
A moment later, King Chu Jiang mumbled, 'I am King Yan of the Underworld,' his greenish face utterly pale. He intended to walk with his head held high but couldn't stop his legs from trembling.
It was fortunate that Li Changshou reminded him; otherwise, King Chu Jiang would have almost forgotten that he could release his own seal.
With his strength restored, King Chu Jiang quickly breathed a sigh of relief. His Witch heart rapidly returned to normal, and he whispered, “Water God's work is truly extraordinary; this humble god is thoroughly impressed.”
Li Changshou smiled, “King Yan, you flatter me. I primarily designed this to temper Lingzhu, and I simply got carried away and put in a bit more effort.”
“Can this hall remain here permanently?”
“Naturally.”
“That's good,” King Chu Jiang chuckled. “Once you no longer need this place, I'll bring all those fellows here to try it out and let them have some fun too.”
Li Changshou chuckled softly, inviting King Chu Jiang to ride a cloud with him as they hurried to find the 'main subject' of this endeavor.
This was a grand gift for Lingzhu!
Just as they arrived at the One-Line-Sky Xiong Pass on the east side of Fengdu City, Li Changshou witnessed this scene...
Lingzhu's entire body shone with spiritual light. His figure shot up from the peak, inverted in the air, and he slammed a palm downwards, shouting loudly:
“'Great, Mighty, Heavenly Dragon!'”
A four-clawed golden dragon burst from his palm. The golden dragon's phantom suddenly expanded, violently smashing into Ox-Head and Horse-Face's 'secret garden,' pressing the four battle Witches against the stone for a thorough grinding.
King Chu Jiang exclaimed, “Your junior nephew's comprehension is astonishing; he can master our Witch Clan's combat techniques with such speed!”
Li Changshou nodded with a smile. Just as he was about to transmit a message to Lingzhu, his spiritual perception suddenly trembled slightly.
Almost instinctively, Li Changshou abruptly turned and looked towards the west of the Underworld, his expression incredibly solemn.
“Water God, what's wrong?”
King Chu Jiang asked with a frown, but Li Changshou couldn't answer; his spiritual perception was still faintly trembling.
This was not a premonition of danger, nor was anyone reminding him. It was purely because this avatar of his had sensed a major event connected to himself.
Li Changshou asked, “What is that place?”
“Tens of thousands of miles beyond that point is the Sea of Blood,” King Chu Jiang immediately replied.
The Sea of Blood?
Li Changshou closed his eyes, his thoughts churning. A flash of inspiration appeared, and he grasped it tightly.
He could not rush, could not be impetuous, and could not make hasty decisions.
Clear Dao Heart, activate!
Grand Dao of Balance, activate!
Karma had no influence, the Heavenly Dao did not sway him, and his Dao heart remained like a mirror, calm and unruffled.
Trump card: Wind Whisper Charm - Ten Thousand Miles Wind Search.
Li Changshou's spirit invigorated. He hummed softly and whispered, “King Yan, quickly mobilize troops; there will be a battle in the Sea of Blood.”
In the secret chamber of Little Qiong Peak, before the portrait of Saint Taiqing, Li Changshou bowed. Immediately, clusters of flowing light appeared before him, condensing into the Xuanhuang Pagoda, the Qiankun Ruler, the Lidi Flame Flag, and a...
Taiji Diagram?!
Li Changshou pondered carefully and immediately understood his teacher's profound intention.
With almost all major treasures appearing, it was clearly meant for him to... not be reckless, but to proceed cautiously.
Yes, that must be it.
Meanwhile, outside the Primordial World, in Xuandu City, which had been silent for an unknown duration.
On the city wall, enveloped by layers upon layers of glowing formation barriers, on a gently swaying rocking chair,
A certain Grand Master, who wished to remain anonymous, stretched, raised a hand to touch his chest, and mumbled sleepily:
“'Hmm? Where did the diagram go?'”
[20 seconds from now] Chapter 653: Writing a Letter
[2 minutes ago] Chapter 655: Peach Blossoms Flourish
[3 minutes ago] Chapter 651: Enemies Pursue, See the Message and Flee Quickly!
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