Chapter 482: This Time, Let's Add a Few More Details…

Kṣitigarbha was indeed a good immortal deity.

On the way out of the Reincarnation Pagoda, riding on clouds, Li Changshou and Archmage Xuan Du exchanged glances and smiled slightly. The matter progressed quite smoothly. With Kṣitigarbha's full cooperation, and the Archmage and the Taiji Diagram providing protection, Li Changshou fulfilled Houtu Niangniang's request by transforming the Seven Emotions avatars into 'Spirits of Reincarnation'. Of course, this was mainly due to Houtu Niangniang having made most of the preparations in advance, and the Seven Emotions avatars were already stable and balanced amongst themselves.

At this moment, a thumb-sized spiritual light gently flickered in Li Changshou's palm, enveloped by the yin and yang energy emitted from the Taiji Diagram, protecting it completely. This was the initial prototype of a soul when it leaves the Six Paths of Reincarnation and enters a mortal womb.

The two senior and junior disciples left the Netherworld chatting and laughing. Both took Houtu's request seriously but did not consider it a difficult task.

Li Changshou had originally intended to take Ling Zhuzi with him to the Saint Mother's Palace, letting Ling Zhuzi see more of the world. However, his immortal sense swept through Fengdu City, revealing that Ling Zhuzi was currently having a lively time with Ox-Head and Horse-Face, practicing martial arts near the Trial of Courage Hall, so he didn't go over to disturb them.

Seeing Ling Zhuzi today, the kind of hearty, confident, and free smile blossoming on his lips filled Li Changshou with contentment. This was only the first formal therapy session, and it had already yielded such results! Many of the subsequent arrangements could be skipped; Ling Zhuzi could simply stay with the Wu Clan for a longer period. Unfortunately, the 'Heart Fire Burning' plan, which was meant to ignite the little spark in Ling Zhuzi's heart, would no longer be needed.

Incidentally, Li Changshou discovered that because Ling Zhuzi was born from a spiritual pearl, his physical body was much stronger than that of ordinary immortal deities, making him quite compatible with the Wu Clan's combat methods. He had learned many Wu Clan battle techniques, especially adept at the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon combat technique. Although Ling Zhuzi's cultivation in the Primeval Spirit Dao was only at the Heavenly Immortal realm, his personal combat strength was already quite extraordinary; his power was quite remarkable.

Li Changshou naturally hadn't forgotten his previous promise to his Martial Uncle Yuanshi Tianzun, that he would visit the Jade Void Palace later. He could use this opportunity to take Ling Zhuzi along for a visit. So, should he visit Biyou Palace again? Speaking of which, didn't Sect Master Tongtian say he would give him a magic treasure? Why had there been no further news? Could he still be beating Zhunti in the Chaos Sea?

"What are you thinking about?" Archmage Xuan Du chuckled. "You look quite troubled. If you have anything bothering you, just discuss it with me, your elder brother. Though I may not necessarily be able to offer any useful advice."

"Nothing, I was just reminiscing about various things," Li Changshou sighed. "Kṣitigarbha is indeed someone worth befriending."

Archmage Xuan Du shook his head and sighed, "Compared to you, he's still a bit naive."

"Senior Brother, you can't put it that way," Li Changshou said. "If Kṣitigarbha and I were to switch places, I might not necessarily do better than him. After all, I have the backing of the Dao Sect's powerful influence. Without this influence, the outcome of a struggle with Kṣitigarbha would truly be hard to say."

"I'm much relieved that you think this way. Don't become complacent; everything is under the watchful eye of the Heavenly Dao." Archmage Xuan Du casually tore open space. "Let's go, to the Saint Mother's Palace. Once I've sent you there, I'll return to Xuandu City."

"Don't rush, Senior Brother," Li Changshou said seriously. "As the saying goes, 'see a deity all the way through'. Why don't we settle the Seven Emotions avatars together?"

"Excellent," Archmage Xuan Du nodded with a smile. "If Master blames me, you must put in a few good words for me."

Li Changshou agreed and stepped into the spatial rift before him. Enveloped by the Taiji Diagram, he instantly traveled countless miles. He actually wanted to ask, 'Does Master also communicate with you, Senior Brother, at an average of one sentence every three years?' However, considering a few supreme treasures, it was uncertain who might go report to Master that their senior and junior disciples were secretly implying that the Saint was not eloquent, which would be rather unpleasant.

On top of the Reincarnation Pagoda, Kṣitigarbha stood there quietly, gazing in the direction Li Changshou and Archmage Xuan Du had departed on their clouds, a hint of emotion in his eyes.

"Regardless of our respective positions, the Water God is also someone worth befriending."

"Hiss! Poof! Haha!" The large green-furred dog rolled over, its four legs kicking forcefully a few times as it stifled its laughter.

Kṣitigarbha snorted, looking as if he couldn't be bothered to respond, and stood quietly for a long time, his eyes filled with peace.

Buzz—

A mosquito-like hum streaked through the depths of the Sea of Blood, landing in the ruins of a great city. With a flash of bloody light, Daoist Wen Jing's alluring and charming figure appeared, her crimson gauze robes adding to her provocative allure. She wasn't in a hurry to rush to the abandoned grand hall, where auras of powerful cultivators were dense. Instead, she stood quietly, looking down at the city filled with incomplete grand formations.

'How on earth did Lord Water God do it? He passed through this checkpoint silently, leaving no trace. This is the kind of superior this Queen should have!' Such a thought couldn't help but arise in Daoist Wen Jing's heart.

With a gentle sway of her lotus feet and a delicate swivel of her slender waist, and a flicker of bloody light, the Queen had already arrived before the abandoned grand hall, her face expressionless. Inside the hall, dozens of figures, some sitting, some reclining, stood up. They watched Daoist Wen Jing with unfriendly expressions.

Before Daoist Wen Jing could speak, a cold snort echoed from within the hall: "Where is the fortune promised to us by the Western Sect? Where is the Reincarnation Pagoda? Why was the Reincarnation Pagoda merged into the Six Paths of Reincarnation?"

Daoist Wen Jing's lips twitched slightly. "Go ask the two Saint Lords yourselves. You think you can furiously accuse me here? Do you really believe I can't annihilate you?" The Asura expert who had spoken immediately shut his mouth and sat there in silence.

Another Asura expert asked, "Wen Jing, what is the Western Sect's reply to us?"

Daoist Wen Jing calmly replied, "This matter of the Reincarnation Pagoda was entirely due to the Dao Sect's sudden attack and the Water God's interference. On that day, you should have sensed that two Dao Sect Saints arrived, which indeed put us in a very passive position. However, rest assured, everyone. Now, Kṣitigarbha, the disciple of the Great Saint Lord, has become the master of the Reincarnation Pagoda. With this fortune supporting us, the Western Sect is not far from its great resurgence. At that time, you will certainly not be mistreated. The status and reputation promised to the Asura Clan will be delivered in full."

The Asura experts in the hall immediately fell silent. An old woman quietly asked, "What about that matter?"

'Which matter?' Daoist Wen Jing remained composed and said coldly, "Don't ask for too much. Now, the Sea of Blood will not be easily invaded. Isn't it better for your Asura Clan to live peacefully and multiply?"

The old woman excitedly said, "The Second Sect Master of the Western Sect personally promised us! If not for that, why would we risk our lives for the West!"

Daoist Wen Jing said, "I don't know what the two Sect Masters promised you, but it's best you recognize the current situation. There aren't many places left in the world for you to reside."

"You!"

"Queen Blood Mosquito may not know," another ancient voice came from a corner, "We wish to retrieve a treasure that was secretly taken by the Western Sect's Second Sect Master back then. For this, we have already sacrificed a prince, and even tolerated our ancestor's cherished sword remaining on Spirit Mountain."

"Oh?" Daoist Wen Jing calmly asked, "What kind of treasure?"

"The last seed of the Twelfth-Grade Karmic Fire Red Lotus."

Daoist Wen Jing chuckled lightly. "So you want to revive your ancestor, no wonder... I will report this matter truthfully to the Deputy Sect Master after I return. However, you needn't hold too much hope. I don't have much say in the Western Sect these days. The Deputy Sect Master asked me to come and appease you. Take these."

With that, Daoist Wen Jing casually tossed several storage magic treasures forward, then flicked her thin sleeve. Her figure transformed into a wisp of bloody light and vanished, leaving behind a group of Asura experts grumbling and spitting. This trip was not in vain! She had gained another piece of news to report to Lord Water God!

Before Daoist Wen Jing had even left the Netherworld, a blood mosquito had already flown to the back hall of the Sea God Temple in Anshui City. It waited on a corner beam for a while and soon met the Water God's paper avatar. Li Changshou frowned, asking if she had an urgent matter. Daoist Wen Jing replied that it wasn't urgent, just some important intelligence, and truthfully informed Li Changshou about the last seed of the Twelfth-Grade Karmic Fire Red Lotus.

Li Changshou: ... Was that all? This was hardly a major revelation. He had been chatting with the Saint Mother Niangniang and was about to be pulled into her 'Time Stop' divine ability when he suddenly transmitted a message, asking the Saint Mother Niangniang to wait, distracting himself to come here! Of course, he couldn't show any sign of impatience. Daoist Wen Jing was crucial to a major Dao Sect scheme, so he had to use both benevolence and authority to firmly secure her on the Human Sect's side.

Li Changshou calmly explained, "My Senior Brother had mentioned this matter to me before. The Asura Clan cultivates through slaughter, which brings them no fortune, making it difficult for them to achieve great things. Patriarch Styx was annihilated by the Heavenly Dao's Purple Heaven Divine Thunder. Even Saints would have to think carefully about whether they truly want to help him revive his soul. You don't need to make a special trip just for this matter. You must still be careful and prioritize concealing yourself."

The blood mosquito quietly asked, "Lord, how long must your subordinate remain hidden? And what exactly am I supposed to do?"

Li Changshou smiled faintly and calmly said, "When the time is right, you will know. I will not mistreat you."

"Thank you, Lord," Daoist Wen Jing replied, though she felt a little unsure inside. She had witnessed the Water God's schemes too many times; almost every time, they were incredibly thorough and far-reaching. She was well aware that she had long been a part of one of the Water God's schemes. However, Daoist Wen Jing truly didn't know what Lord Water God was scheming. It couldn't possibly be to have her sting the face of the Western Sect's Saint Lord, as she couldn't sting through that.

Li Changshou suddenly chuckled, "Since you're here, why don't you, this blood mosquito, hide in this place? Senior Brother Xuan Du just returned to this realm yesterday. Would you like to see him?"

Wen Jing's blood mosquito instantly transformed into a phantom, looking at Li Changshou with eager anticipation. Her originally alluring face now had a blush due to excitement, adding a touch of feminine shyness.

"Go find a living creature here to attach yourself to, but remember not a human. Later, after my Senior Brother and I finish our business, I will invite him to come over and sit for a while."

"Thank you, Lord, for your kindness! Thank you, Lord, for your kindness!" The phantom bowed repeatedly, unable to resist raising a hand to cover her mouth, and said coyly: "Saying this suddenly, this maidservant feels a bit shy."

"Remember to swallow your tears of gratitude; don't let them spill!"

"Yes, this maidservant obeys your command."

Li Changshou: Truly disgusting.

This paper avatar returned to the underground paper avatar storage. Li Changshou secretly watched Wen Jing and, seeing her attach herself to a small calico cat, he then felt relieved and returned his consciousness to his main body.

In the Saint Mother's Palace, inside the Saint Mother's Hall, Li Changshou opened his eyes and looked ahead, seeing several beautiful immortal maidens performing a sword dance. Beside him, the Archmage was enjoying the performance with great interest, casually picking up some rare immortal fruits and putting them into his mouth.

'Are we done?' Such a question arose in Li Changshou's mind. He nodded, then looked up at the throne on the high platform, seeing the Human Saint Mother seated serenely beneath the statue. Holy light bathed her golden robes. The dignified and majestic Saint Mother Niangniang, with the bearing of a Saint, was too awe-inspiring to look directly at.

With a soft click, light and shadow swirled before Li Changshou's eyes. The world turned pale white, and he was drawn into Saint Mother Nuwa's divine ability. A familiar pavilion, familiar setting, familiar pond. By now, the Saint Mother Niangniang had emerged from the pond, her serpent tail transformed into human feet. Her slightly curled long hair cascaded down, and her loose robes gently swayed like ripples, exuding a sense of leisurely comfort.

She put down the sketchbook in her hand, stifled a yawn, pulled out a low table, took out some colorful clay, and asked: "Has fellow Daoist Houtu mentioned what kind of physical form she desires?"

Li Changshou quickly asked, "Niangniang, can you... customize this?"

"Naturally," Niangniang Nuwa calmly sat cross-legged. "Although I became a Saint through merit, after so many years of comprehending the Great Dao of Creation, I do have some achievements. Out of respect for fellow Daoist Houtu, I certainly won't be stingy."

"It's like this," Li Changshou sat cross-legged beside the low table and explained the special characteristics of the Seven Emotions avatars in detail.

Niangniang Nuwa pondered for a moment, resting her chin on her hand, a strand of long hair gracefully sliding past her ear. Although the scene was beautiful, it evoked no distracting thoughts. "So, this Daoist body needs to accommodate seven souls..." Nuwa murmured, her slender fingers slowly beginning to mold. Soon, she fashioned a simple clay figure, one wearing a long dress. Judging by her technique, speed, and the artistry of the finished product, it was an ancient technique from the Primordial Era.

The Saint Mother Niangniang said, "How about this?"

Li Changshou's eyes widened as he looked at the simple clay figure. It had a nose and eyes, but it was still just a clay figure. For him to give a direct evaluation... it was quite sudden. "Niangniang, I am not skilled in this art, but I find it quite harmonious."

Niangniang Nuwa chuckled lightly. "Wait a moment, I'll add a little more detail for her." With that, she blew a breath of immortal energy onto the clay figure. The figure transformed into a seven-colored glow, solidifying into a graceful silhouette nearby. Her skin was like condensed jade, her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall. Her figure was slender and graceful, her face refined and beautiful. The delicate workmanship of her silken robe further enhanced her enchanting poise. Truly, 'a little detail'.

Then, Niangniang Nuwa gently waved her delicate hand. The Daoist body slowly 'shrank', from twenty years old to sixteen, then to thirteen, then to a child with braided hair, finally transforming into an infant, and then a fist-sized, seven-colored light orb. Such miraculous creation truly astonished Li Changshou, leaving him spellbound for a long time. The methods of a Saint were indeed extraordinary.

"Here," Niangniang Nuwa drew the light orb to her and placed it in Li Changshou's hand. "This is a congenital placenta. Placing it before a woman can make her conceive. Of course, a man can also conceive. However, it requires suppressing the male's masculine energy and infusing him with more feminine energy to prevent an unstable pregnancy. Remember, first place this placenta, then the Seven Emotions souls. This way, they can be born like mortals."

Li Changshou's eyes lit up. "With this, wouldn't they not need to go to the mortal world?"

Niangniang Nuwa smiled. "In this era, the fortune of mortals is still quite good. It depends on your choice."

"Thank you, Niangniang, for your creation!" Li Changshou rose and bowed, then took out a jade box, separating the congenital placenta and the Seven Emotions souls. He also asked several detailed questions. Niangniang Nuwa had no airs, answering each of Li Changshou's questions in detail.

Afterwards, Li Changshou also asked about... "Niangniang, you mentioned 'five hundred' last time. When do you need me to come over to paint for you?"

"No rush. You should first attend to the Great Tribulation," Nuwa chuckled lightly. "Once things are calm and there are no more troubles outside, then you can come and reside in my Saint Mother's Palace for five hundred years."

Li Changshou stumbled, nearly collapsing to his knees. Reside in the Saint Mother's Palace for five hundred years? That meant five hundred years outside the 'Time Stop' divine ability, combined with the 'Time Stop' ability...

When Li Changshou left the Saint Mother's Palace, his legs felt a bit weak, which left Archmage Xuan Du utterly amazed. The two senior and junior disciples proceeded to the Shang Tribe as planned. The birth of the Seven Emotions proceeded smoothly.

Kong Xuan naturally didn't avoid Archmage Xuan Du. He personally selected a strong and healthy woman to be the mother who would bear the reincarnated Seven Emotions. Li Changshou bestowed significant benefits upon this woman. Her lifespan alone was increased by twenty years, and he also gave her many elixirs. Because Houtu Niangniang's seniority was too high and the Seven Emotions retained their original memories, the infant girls born could not address this woman as their mother, which made Li Changshou feel quite remorseful. So, he conveniently added a bit of fortune and destiny to this kind-hearted woman, ensuring she would live a blessed life for several future reincarnations. He felt quite ashamed that he could only offer this small return.

After settling the woman, Li Changshou left two paper avatar groups, organized like normal military legions, secretly hidden underground. The power of the Heavenly Dao also enveloped the woman. Evidently, the Heavenly Dao also intended to show some respect to Houtu Niangniang.

Archmage Xuan Du expressed his intention to leave, but Li Changshou said that the two senior and junior brothers hadn't seen each other for years, and his main body would find it difficult to emerge from seclusion later. He suggested they have a drink before parting ways. The Archmage was naturally very pleased. As long as Li Changshou had enough reasons to detain him, he wouldn't mind not returning.

However, as Archmage Xuan Du tore open space, using the Taiji Diagram to return directly to the backyard of the Sea God Temple in Anshui City, Kong Xuan, for some reason, also stepped forward by half a pace and said: "May I go with you?"

Go with them? Li Changshou couldn't help but frown. There was another sister-in-law... *cough*, a prospective sister-in-law there!

The Archmage said gently, "Come along then. Chang Geng has a good craft." After speaking, he passed through the spatial rift without looking back. Kong Xuan seemed to let out a slight sigh of relief and stepped forward to follow, disappearing with a swish.

Li Changshou: ...

"Why don't we just fly on clouds on the way!" The spatial rift was about to close. Li Changshou, mid-shout, could only take a swift step and quickly dart into it. After merely a dozen steps, he had already emerged from another spatial rift, arriving in the backyard of the Sea God Temple.

"Meow?" In front of the back hall door, the small calico cat, sitting obediently, tilted its head slightly.