Chapter 480: Heaven-bestowed Treasures, Houtu's Request

Everyone, please listen to my explanation. I truly sensed it—His Majesty the Jade Emperor was promoting me to a higher divine rank, which added a second-tier divine position. This then stirred the power of the Heavenly Dao, manifesting this divine lightning bolt here. Really, ever...

Sigh, what is wrong with the Heavenly Dao? Deliberate targeting and relentless backstabbing—if this were merely a coincidence, Li Changshou would find it hard to believe! Yet, he also considered that such a minuscule probability truly existed. Could the Heavenly Dao be warning him about something?

Restrained by the Sea-Calming Divine Pearl and strung up from the rafters by the Immortal-Binding Rope, Li Changshou listened to the jovial sounds of clinking cups and laughter nearby, his brow furrowed with exasperation.

Speaking of which, why were Old Bro Tu, Brother Chi, and Grandfather Pagoda all pretending to be offline? They're clearly hovering right beside my primordial spirit!

He was truly innocent!

Then he heard Fairy Yunxiao softly say, "I believe him. Please don't make things so difficult for him, Big Brother."

Indeed, those who truly cared about him were also those who truly understood him...

Yunxiao continued:

"It's only natural that postnatal beings have stronger emotions and desires. His fondness for listening to music and watching dances is something I've known about for a while. I won't blame him for this; ultimately, I can accept his preferences."

Li Changshou's brow furrowed even deeper with exasperation.

The fairy was suddenly acting mischievous!

Golden Spirit Holy Mother furiously retorted, "How can disciples of our Jie Sect suffer such humiliation!"

"Exactly, exactly," True Immortal Taiyi fanned the flames from the side. "Chang'e in the Heavenly Court is known as the most beautiful woman in the Three Realms; one must be wary of her."

Li Changshou immediately glared at him, while True Immortal Taiyi's eyes crinkled in a smile.

Li Changshou calmly transmitted his voice, "I wonder how Spirit Pearl is faring with his recent cultivation. What I saw before seemed quite effective."

True Immortal Taiyi's smile froze. He cleared his throat and, with his hands clasped behind his back, said:

"Everyone, jokes aside, we should still trust Chang Geng's character."

Fairy Yunxiao suppressed a slight smile, sighed softly, and with her back to Li Changshou, drank and chatted with Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

Li Changshou tilted his head, sighed, and conveniently hung there on the beam to rest for a while.

Matters in the Underworld were temporarily settled, and the Heavenly Dao owed him two large merits;

The struggle with the Western Sect still had to unfold across the Three Thousand Worlds, overtly establishing an anti-Western Immortal Dao alliance while secretly supporting the Lin Tian Palace.

However, this matter absolutely could not become his next main task.

With Ling'e's assistance in this matter, he had to free up more time to comprehend the Way of Balance and reduce his outings.

This time, Li Changshou was completely certain: the Heavenly Dao wasn't granting him merit because it didn't permit him to form a Merit Golden Body.

Now, only two possibilities remained:

First, a Merit Golden Body could influence his tribulations, and the Heavenly Dao intended to erase him.

Second, his accumulated merit must have other uses.

If he kept accumulating it like this, and the merit the Heavenly Dao owed him was enough for a Merit Golden Body, that would be the biggest joke in the Primordial World...

That was also impossible; there wouldn't be so many opportunities to gain merit later on.

Even if the first scenario's possibility was low, Li Changshou couldn't afford not to guard against it.

Everything still needed careful planning to prevent the Heavenly Dao from seizing any opportunities. His main body remained at Little Qiong Peak, and depending on the situation, he might move to Tushita Palace or proactively take Ling'e to Grand Pure Temple to pay respects.

Caring for lonely Sages starts with you and me.

In fact, Li Changshou's heart leaned more towards the second possibility: that his accumulated merit had a greater purpose;

And his teacher, Grand Pure One, had also said to just set his mind at ease. At this point, Li Changshou could only choose to be more open-minded.

If even Teacher Grand Pure One wasn't trustworthy, then he could only — eat when it's time to eat, drink when it's time to drink, and not take anything to heart.

Being an immortal, the most important thing is to be happy... and prudent, of course.

After several jokes and some laughter.

Li Changshou was only hung for a brief moment before Yunxiao interceded on his behalf and he was released.

At this point, Li Changshou couldn't quite fathom Fairy Yunxiao's true intentions, unsure if she was genuinely bothered or merely exploring a new mode of interaction...

Hmm, it felt a bit like dating in his previous life.

Their group gathered for three days before dispersing. Li Changshou escorted Yunxiao to Three Immortals Island, speaking softly and slowly along the way, their gazes meeting. Their relationship was indeed closer than before.

The playful charm Yunxiao inadvertently displayed, entirely different from her usual detached demeanor, also struck Li Changshou as quite novel.

To be safe, Li Changshou took out a few letters he had written earlier to solidify their burgeoning affection.

As soon as he placed these letters in her hand, Li Changshou let out a light chuckle and vanished into the distance using his escape technique.

To some extent, a sense of shame still lingered...

Li Changshou's main body was not in a hurry to return to Little Qiong Peak. His paper avatar had been regularly checking on the situation at home, and Ling'e always carried the Flame-Light Flag, which shared its origin with the Azure Lotus Treasure Color Flag. Thus, everything was safe and sound.

With the Taiji Diagram and Grandfather Pagoda protecting him, Li Changshou once again headed to the Underworld, intending to re-enter the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc.

The Seven Emotions Grass Ring had previously been returned to Houtu Niangniang;

A few days earlier, after settling the Samsara Pagoda, when Li Changshou entered the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc to bid farewell to Houtu Niangniang, she had asked for his assistance, but he had been unable to give a definitive answer then.

Now, Li Changshou had an answer and needed to report it within the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc.

—The Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc was isolated from the outside world; a paper avatar would lose connection if it entered, so only his true body could go inside.

That day, Houtu Niangniang had asked him:

"Now that the Samsara Pagoda is available, Little Ai and the others wish to experience the mortal world. They can be reincarnated through this pagoda. Could you protect them for me?"

Originally, Li Changshou would naturally not refuse such a request from Houtu Niangniang, nor should he have.

But Li Changshou had clearly hesitated then.

What seemed like a good thing, when put into practice, presented an unavoidable problem—

Would Little Ai and the others reincarnate as one person or as seven individuals?

If they reincarnated as seven individuals, they would be seven beings with absolute personality flaws, and if the power of the seven emotions remained, it would be difficult to find a suitable place for them.

If the seven of them reincarnated as one person, sharing a single body and balancing each other, it would still be quite an ordeal...

Wasn't this what was called multiple personalities in his previous life?

Houtu Niangniang's intention was for them to reincarnate as one person, so as not to cause trouble for the beings in heaven and earth. She wanted them to travel and see the world, support each other, and complete their state of mind.

Li Changshou had offered another solution then: he wanted Little Ai and the others to reincarnate as seven individuals, but these seven could not separate and must constantly maintain the balance of the Seven Emotions' power.

While this carried many hidden dangers, it would spare Little Ai and the others some suffering.

Li Changshou vaguely speculated that Houtu Niangniang must have had deeper considerations for wanting the Seven Emotions avatars to reincarnate.

The divine abilities and strength Little Ai and Little Rage had previously displayed were truly overpowering; with a single wave of sorrow or anger, they nearly toyed with so many Asura masters.

After much deliberation, Li Changshou's conclusion now was...

To listen to Houtu Niangniang.

The Seven Emotions avatars originated from Houtu Niangniang; he merely had a somewhat good relationship with Little Ai, and no right to interfere in this matter.

Considering it from multiple angles, having the seven avatars reincarnate as a single being would carry the fewest hidden dangers and cause the least trouble. Perhaps it could even cultivate a trump-card level expert.

It just meant that the character for "danger" was subtly written above True Immortal Taiyi's head.

A series of questions followed.

How should he arrange things to ensure Houtu Niangniang's Seven Emotions avatars reincarnated smoothly?

Little Ai and the others were essentially Houtu's sisters, considered heart demons tamed by Houtu Niangniang. Who had such a high status to become their parents?

Find two mortals completely unaware of this matter?

Just like with Jiu Yushi back then, pretend to pass by and take the reincarnated Seven Emotions to the Heavenly Court?

Or perhaps, ask Nuwa Niangniang to create a perfect Dao body...

Speaking of which, Nuwa Niangniang hadn't urged him to visit her Holy Mother Palace recently. The bill for those five hundred pages of comics still hadn't been settled.

Wait, five hundred years? How could that be!

Nuwa Niangniang was so understanding; she knew that as the Heavenly Court's Water God, he was busy dealing with the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods. Even with a 'time-stop' divine ability, it wasn't appropriate for him to be distracted for so long.

Uh, Niangniang wouldn't be waiting for the Great Tribulation to pass so she could punish him with her divine ability five hundred times, would she...

While concealing his tracks, Li Changshou couldn't help but slap his forehead at the thought. He decided to proactively visit the Holy Mother Palace later to settle the bill and, while he was there, arrange matters concerning Houtu Niangniang's avatars.

The Seven Emotions avatars reincarnating into the world...

The Water God's residence was likely to become quite lively.

Just as he was about to enter the Netherworld, his spiritual perception suddenly pulsed a few times, prompting Li Changshou to immediately discard all distractions.

Old Bro Tu conveyed this message:

"The eldest disciple has arrived; it seems he's looking for you and is currently extending his immortal consciousness to search for your traces."

Li Changshou's spirit was invigorated. Grand Master!

Were things alright in Xuandu City?

He had just been thinking of hiding his main body, and coincidentally, the Grand Master had returned to the Primordial World. This was like someone delivering a pillow just when you wanted to sleep.

Following the Taiji Diagram's guidance, Li Changshou wandered crisscross at the edge of the Netherworld. It took him a while to find a patch of mist, into which he proactively released his aura...

"Hmm?"

A familiar voice sounded, and the mist dispersed slightly, revealing a human face within;

The face was neither strikingly handsome nor peculiar, yet it possessed a unique charm that made it very pleasant to look at.

Who else could it be but Grand Master Xuandu?

Li Changshou quickly manifested his form—the paper avatar that had previously hidden in his sleeve.

At this, the Grand Master glanced left and right before beckoning Li Changshou's paper avatar, motioning for him to enter the mist.

Why did it feel like they were acting like thieves?

With the three great treasures present and the Taiji Diagram actively confirming the Grand Master's identity, Li Changshou naturally trusted deeply with little doubt, only symbolically retaining a basic thirty percent of skepticism.

Li Changshou entered the mist with full concentration, immediately feeling his connection with heaven and earth weaken by more than half;

The Grand Master subtly let out a breath of relief and whispered, "Changshou, how did this avatar of yours find me? I snuck back this time, so don't mention it to our teacher."

Li Changshou asked, "When did you return, Senior Brother?"

"Yesterday."

The Grand Master smiled calmly, "I was thinking that a major event had happened in the Underworld recently, so if I staked out here, there was an eighty percent chance I'd run into you. I didn't expect your concealment skills to be so superb now... Hmm? Wait."

The smile on the Grand Master's lips gradually faded. He frowned and asked, "Is Old Bro Tu with you?"

Li Changshou, with an innocent and harmless expression, spread his hand, and the Taiji Diagram, the Xuanhuang Pagoda, and the Universe Ruler slowly appeared. Old Bro Tu's cold snort echoed in the hearts of the two senior and junior brothers.

The Grand Master smiled calmly, his composure undiminished, and said indifferently:

"What you see is all an illusion. This humble Daoist came through a great dream art; this body is merely a phantom. Pardon the interruption, farewell."

After speaking, he turned to slip away, but was entangled by two wisps of Yin-Yang energy flying out from the Taiji Diagram, which pulled him directly back.

Old Bro Tu scolded, "Do you really think you can hide anything from Master? Just say what you need to say!"

Grandfather Pagoda and the Universe Ruler cheerfully watched the commotion from the side, and the Grand Master gave a wry smile.

A moment later, Li Changshou and Grand Master Xuandu sat facing each other, with the Taiji Diagram slowly revolving above their heads.

Grand Master Xuandu said, "Seeing that you've become much more steady recently, and capable of handling things on your own, I am very pleased. This time I came back, I was actually just passing by... *cough*! Actually, there's something I need to remind you about."

Li Changshou felt a little powerless to retort!

So, the strongest combatant below the Sages on their side was traveling the Three Thousand Worlds for fun, all under the pretense of guarding Xuandu City...

Their several junior brothers and sisters almost fought Sages!

Li Changshou rubbed his temples and sighed softly:

"Senior Brother, please don't hesitate to give orders. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be who I am today. You are more than just a fellow disciple to me."

"Don't be so emotional. I've also benefited greatly from you; otherwise, I wouldn't be this relaxed and free right now."

The Grand Master waved his hand, clearly somewhat hesitant. He glanced at the Taiji Diagram above his head, then spread a layer of immortal power barrier around them before speaking:

"Patriarch Styx might not truly be dead."

Li Changshou blinked, feeling as though his senior brother was just making conversation.

"Senior Brother, didn't you personally eliminate Patriarch Styx back then?"

"Ah," Grand Master Xuandu chuckled, "I merely managed to suppress Patriarch Styx with the aid of our Ren Sect's supreme treasure. It's nothing worth mentioning, nothing worth mentioning. However, I've always known that the Asura race harbored intentions of recalling Patriarch Styx again. You've been frequently active in the Underworld recently and constantly approaching the Sea of Blood, so I thought it best to warn you in time."

Li Changshou couldn't help but let out a wry smile, a hint of cold sweat appearing from Grand Master Xuandu's words.

"Senior Brother, please rest assured, I will proceed with caution."

The Grand Master smiled with satisfaction and then said, "Oh, right, I heard a rumor that you, Changshou, were supposed to receive merit earlier, but then you were struck by lightning?"

Li Changshou: ...

It's only been a few days, and news has already spread from here all the way to Xuandu City beyond the heavens!?

Seeing Li Changshou looking a bit bewildered, the Grand Master chuckled:

"Things have been calm in Xuandu City recently, so I took a stroll outside the city a couple of days ago and happened to hear such rumors."

He really was traveling everywhere!

"That's indeed the case, and it's already happened twice," Li Changshou quickly asked, "Senior Brother, do you perhaps know the reason?"

A flicker of recollection passed through the Grand Master's eyes. He retorted, "Do you intend to form a Merit Golden Body?"

Li Changshou replied, "Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

"If there's no need, it's best not to form one."

The Grand Master spoke earnestly, "The one suppressing your merit right now is most likely our Patriarch, not the Heavenly Dao. While a Merit Golden Body is excellent, like a death-exempting medallion, Changshou, think carefully: do you truly need such a golden body to protect your life right now? A Merit Golden Body has a major drawback, which is also its valuable aspect: its close connection to the Heavenly Dao. Your Dao will be subtly influenced by the Heavenly Dao without you realizing it."

Li Changshou frowned in thought, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

He naturally believed the Grand Master's words, but after striving for a Merit Golden Body for so long...

"Then, Senior Brother, what purpose does all this merit serve?"

"You can form a Merit Golden Body when your cultivation stagnates, or it's also excellent for refining magic treasures. If your merit is enough to form a Merit Golden Body, it's naturally also enough to refine a top-grade merit spirit treasure. It's up to you how you choose."

Li Changshou couldn't help but fall into contemplation.

The Grand Master chuckled, "Alright, seeing you safe and sound, my heart is at ease. I'll return to guard Xuandu City now. Sigh, speaking of Xuandu City, everything there is good, except it's missing a mirror..."

Li Changshou teased, "It's indeed not ideal for Senior Brother not to have a place to admire his handsome face."

"Hmm?" The Grand Master blinked.

Li Changshou, slightly puzzled, blinked back at the Grand Master.

The Taiji Diagram rotated gently. The Grand Master stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and gave Li Changshou a look that urged, "Understand quickly."

Missing a mirror... missing a...

A live broadcast bronze mirror?

The Grand Master returned this time to ask him for a live broadcast bronze mirror for entertainment?

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile. He hadn't even considered that possibility just now, after all, the bronze mirror system wasn't perfect yet. Simply 'sending a signal' from the Netherworld back to the Heavenly Court would consume a lot of immortal power.

Receiving a 'signal' from the Heavenly Court all the way to the immensely distant Xuandu City was simply impossible.

Li Changshou took out two bronze mirrors from his embrace and chuckled:

"Senior Brother, this style of bronze mirror is popular in the Heavenly Court recently. Unfortunately, its main function can only be used near the Heavenly Court. However, as an ordinary bronze mirror, for Senior Brother to adjust his appearance and attire, it's quite good."

The Grand Master's face showed understanding, yet also a hint of disappointment, as he took the bronze mirror and played with it for a moment.

A thought stirred in Li Changshou's mind. He said, "Senior Brother, I happen to have an important matter to discuss with Houtu Niangniang. Why don't you come with me into the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc?"

"Since that's the case," Grand Master Xuandu maintained his dignified demeanor and slowly nodded, "I shall reluctantly agree. However, we cannot delay for too long. Our teacher has ordered me to guard Xuandu City, so I should return early."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, stood up, and made a gesture of invitation.

Old Bro Tu snorted lightly, this time settling back into Grand Master Xuandu's palm, and transmitted a spiritual message to both of them:

"Don't play for too long. If Master gets upset, I certainly won't say a single good word for you."

The Grand Master winked at Li Changshou, but Li Changshou merely turned his head with a helpless sigh.

This Senior Brother, he really did run back for fun because he was bored!

How great it would have been if he'd come back half a month earlier! Dealing with the Western Sect would have been much easier; perhaps the Daoist Sect wouldn't even have needed Primordial Heavenly Venerate to appear...

"Changshou, what matter do you have with Houtu Niangniang?"

"Houtu Niangniang wishes for the Seven Emotions avatars to reincarnate and experience the prosperous world, to complete their true natures."

"Oh? Is that so? Then I suppose I'll stay for a few more days, lest you act rashly and make a mistake."

"Thank you for your help, Senior Brother."

"Minor matter, minor matter, Hahaha, this reason is truly excellent!"

Meanwhile, at Little Qiong Peak, in the underground secret chamber.

"Mhm, mhm, mhm."

Humming a cheerful tune, Ling'e sat in the study within the mountain's secret chamber, happily sorting and organizing jade talismans. Her mood was clearly quite pleasant.

Suddenly, subtle fluctuations appeared in the universe. The grand formation on Little Qiong Peak remained undisturbed, and no one in the Immortal Du Sect noticed anything amiss, but a vermilion square box abruptly appeared before Ling'e!

Ling'e froze for a moment, then immediately leaped up, her slender body bumping against the wall, her hands clutching over a dozen 'poisoned magic artifacts.'

Then a soft chuckle sounded beside Ling'e's ear:

"You are Chang Geng's junior sister? Don't be afraid. This humble Daoist promised to give your senior brother a little something, and I was too lazy to go find him, so I've left it here."

"Se-Senior?"

Ling'e quickly calmed down and made a Daoist bow towards the front.

She naturally understood that someone who could bypass her senior brother's numerous grand formations and place an item before her without any warning... if such a person wished to harm her, she would have no power to resist!

Ling'e hurriedly said, "May I know your name, Senior? So that I may explain to my senior brother."

"This humble Daoist is Tongtian, your Sister Yunxiao's master."

Ling'e's primordial spirit instantly froze.

Then the clear, mellow voice continued, "Your temperament is good; you're a fine young lady. Consider whether you'd like to cultivate in this humble Daoist's Biyou Palace. If you decide to come, just have your senior brother send you. I'm leaving now."

The voice gradually faded into the distance, and by the time the word "leaving" finished, it had completely vanished.

Ling'e stood there, stunned.

Just now, was that a Sage, a Sage, a Sage?

Hmm... seriously speaking, her senior brother's voice was still better.

Ling'e blinked, staring at the wooden box resting on the pile of jade talismans, unable to recover her senses for a long time.