Chapter 485: Spirit Pearl Anomaly, Revisiting Guanghan

For the past year, ever since the heavenly omen of the blood lotus appeared in his dream, Li Changshou had been preparing daily for a potential conflict, as if blowing a whistle to rally people and grab their weapons. Yet, the Sea of Blood remained utterly peaceful, with nothing happening.

However, something was bound to happen in the Netherworld. Especially after the Western Sect had gained an advantage, it was highly likely they would attempt to exploit the Netherworld to create an opening. To be safe, Li Changshou placed a paper effigy in Fengdu City, disguised as a minor judge, to constantly monitor the area's activities.

Incidentally, after Lingzhuzi had entered the Hall of Courage Trials forty-nine times, Li Changshou also brought him back to the Heavenly Courts. Lingzhuzi's cultivation had not yet reached the Immortal Golden Immortal realm. While his physical combat strength had improved rapidly, it still couldn't be fully utilized. It was safer to let him 'develop' peacefully in the Heavenly Courts.

However... as for Lingzhuzi now...

In the front yard of the Water God's Residence, sunlight illuminated a bare-chested, long-haired young Daoist. Dressed in iron-colored trousers with gaiters, he was surrounded by a group of Heavenly Generals who had shed their armor for casual attire. Lingzhuzi, though still pale-skinned, was incomparably stronger than before his time in the Netherworld. His physique was nearly perfect, his muscles brimming with astonishing power, and he exuded a potent aura of masculinity.

However, the moment he spoke, his voice remained... clear and pleasant.

"Please, everyone," Lingzhuzi gestured. The surrounding Heavenly Generals roared and lunged. Figures intertwined, fists and feet flew. Before long, Heavenly Generals were tossed into the air and landed with pained groans, some with bruised noses or swollen faces, and the more severe cases suffering comminuted fractures. As immortals, these were minor injuries that could be healed instantly with a sweep of their immortal power.

Lingzhuzi clapped his hands, grinned at the injured immortals scattered on the ground, having clearly shown restraint in his attacks. Many Heavenly Soldiers and Generals within the residence watched the scene with various emotions, and above the heads of a few, pink bubbles seemed to appear.

At that moment, a white-haired, white-browed ordinary minor deity floated by and said, "Lingzhuzi, come with me outside."

"Yes!" Lingzhuzi firmly agreed, quickly donning his short shirt and silver armor, then spiritedly followed Li Changshou.

From the current perspective, the trip to the Netherworld had completely exceeded expectations, even to the point of being a bit...

"Uncle-master, when will the Heavenly Courts go to war with other realms? I want to go and gain some experience!"

"Uncle-master, what is it like inside the Eighteen Layers of Hell? Your nephew wants to go in and gain some experience!"

"Uncle-master, look at these immortal maidens, all with such thin arms and legs. If demonic soldiers were to attack the Heavenly Courts, how would they defend themselves? Why don't you arrange for them to also go to the Netherworld to gain some experience!"

"Talk less, observe more," Li Changshou said earnestly. "Don't be too deeply influenced by the Wu Tribe. They cultivate the physical body, but most Heavenly Court immortals follow the Primordial Spirit path."

Lingzhuzi grinned, nodded in agreement, and obediently followed behind Li Changshou, chest out and head held high, exuding a heroic demeanor.

Though there were a few minor quirks, it still met Senior Brother Taiyi's requirements.

Turning left from the Water God's Residence and traveling by cloud for a moment, they saw a palace undergoing renovation. That was Li Changshou's new home, the 'Grand White Palace,' ordered by the Jade Emperor and built by Heavenly Court artisans. Li Changshou, however, felt little about it. After all, it was merely a place for his paper effigies; whether it was grand or simple made no difference.

Power and authority were but fleeting clouds to him. He was now second only to 'the pair' and above all other immortals in the Heavenly Courts. Was he truly happy?

He was happy. Very happy. And the happiness of the Grand White Star Lord was beyond anyone's imagination.

Lingzhuzi chuckled and asked, "Uncle-master, where are we going?"

"Guanghan Palace," Li Changshou said calmly. "We're going to find a wisp of innate Profound Yin Qi as a congratulatory gift for a powerful being."

Lingzhuzi didn't quite understand but asked no further questions, obediently following Li Changshou. His immortal perception swept across the land, revealing bronze mirror images everywhere in the Heavenly Courts. The brand influence of 'Water God Entertainment' was growing daily, as this form of interactive entertainment filled the empty Dao hearts of many immortals and deities.

For the past two months, Li Changshou had been investigating the nature of innate Profound Yin Qi, eventually finding relevant 'Dao texts' among the ancient stone tablets collected by the Heavenly Courts. Roughly speaking, when heaven and earth were first created and yin and yang divided, the Grand Profound Qi was split into Grand Profound Yin-Yang Qi by the Heaven-Opening Divine Axe. Most of this qi scattered into the Chaos Sea, while a small portion was drawn to the sun and moon, formed from Pangu's eyeballs, settling into the two yin-yang polarities of heaven and earth—specifically, within the cores of the Lunar and Solar Stars. Collecting this innate Profound Yin Qi was several times more difficult than gathering True Sun Fire.

Kong Xuan cultivated the Five-Colored Divine Light, which originated from the innate Five Elements Qi. To avoid harming the power of this divine ability, using Profound Yin Qi as a guide to determine one's yin-yang affinity was considered appropriate. To successfully add another powerful figure to their core, Li Changshou, who had originally been reluctant to revisit Guanghan Palace, had no choice but to make another trip. Chang'e's identity was indeed too special.

Passing by the Moon Palace, Li Changshou also stepped inside to take a look. After all, he had been appointed the Chief Instructor of the Chang'e maidens, so it wouldn't make sense to pass by without entering. Lingzhuzi's handsome face, cheerful smile, and sturdy physique immediately caught the attention of many immortal maidens. However, Lingzhuzi merely frowned slightly, reminiscing about his days rolling in the mud with the Wu Tribe in the Netherworld.

Li Changshou acutely noticed this small detail and began to feel a subtle worry. Could it be... that he had become too rigid?

"Nephew?" Li Changshou asked with a chuckle as soon as they left the Moon Palace. "Your cultivation is not far from the Golden Immortal realm now. Have you ever thought about finding a Dao companion?"

Lingzhuzi immediately blushed. "Uncle-master, Lingzhuzi hasn't... hasn't yet..."

"Hahaha," Li Changshou waved his whisk and laughed heartily, teasing, "Don't be so bashful. We are both men; we should talk about these topics openly. Lingzhuzi, you've met many immortal maidens. Do you find any of them particularly beautiful, enough to want to look at them more?"

"This, well..." Lingzhuzi stammered for a moment, then frowned in contemplation, unable to answer. Playing with immortal maidens, how could one have a satisfying fight? These maidens have such thin arms and legs; wouldn't a single punch make them cry and spit blood?

Just then, Li Changshou, traveling by cloud, had brought him to the side of the laurel tree, to Wu Gang, the Heavenly Court's woodcutter. Amidst the clanking of woodcutting, Wu Gang's posture as he wielded his great axe, and the Dao rhythm contained within it, made Lingzhuzi's eyes gleam with awe.

"At first, I didn't understand battle techniques or the true meaning here. But what I see now makes me realize Uncle-master was right—this is a true master! The trajectory of this axe blade, the application of force, with power originating from the feet and blossoming at the axe blade, not a single bit wasted. What an axe, what an axe!"

Lingzhuzi watched entranced, completely unaware that the old face of a certain ordinary Heavenly Court deity beside him was gradually darkening.

Li Changshou's heart was nearly engulfed by monstrous waves! Was the Wu Tribe's combat technique truly this powerful? Could he have... could he have taught him wrongly? This was the future Nezha, the Great God of the Three Altars and Sea Association, one of the top five young generals on the Heavenly Court's future warrior rankings, the little hero of whom the mortal song 'It's him, it's him, it's him!' was sung!

No, he couldn't jump to conclusions so quickly. *Sigh.* He'd confirm first, then decide how to proceed. If Lingzhuzi truly had gone astray, he would do his best to intervene and 'treat' him. If all else failed, he could only offer respect and bless him from afar.

What kind of customs did the Wu Tribe have anyway!

"Profound Yin Qi?" Wu Gang leaned on his great axe, wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, and took a large gulp of the immortal brew Li Changshou offered. He chuckled, "What do you need this for? Her Highness should have plenty; just ask her. I collected a lot from the core of the Lunar Star before, though I'm not sure what Her Highness uses it for."

"Oh?" Li Changshou hadn't expected it to be so easy. He quickly cupped his hands in thanks and began discussing recent important matters with Wu Gang.

Wu Gang frowned. "Incense God Kingdom? Doesn't that suppress human nature? If they tamper with the scriptures, wouldn't all the humans in a Great Chiliocosm turn into walking corpses?"

"It hasn't reached that point yet," Li Changshou replied. "According to my investigation, the Western Sect is currently in the stage of absorbing the thoughts of sentient beings and consolidating incense merits. Previously, in the conflict with the Western Sect, the Dao Sect suffered a small loss, which stabilized the Western Sect's fortune somewhat. I am currently troubled by how to resolve the crisis of the Incense God Kingdom. Senior, do you have any good strategies?"

"Most people are ignorant, and they have already seized the initiative," Wu Gang mused. "This matter must be resolved as soon as possible. Some casualties are inevitable; we must not flinch."

Li Changshou humbly sought stability and asked, "In ancient times, was there ever such a situation?"

Wu Gang replied, "In ancient times, the Three Thousand Worlds were mostly barren. To prevent the human race from being annihilated during the Witch-Demon War, we secretly sent many human tribes to various habitable Great Chiliocosms..."

Li Changshou smiled inwardly. No wonder the Three Thousand Worlds were so prosperous now; it turned out the Ancient Human Sovereigns had been operating behind the scenes. But it had to be said, it was indeed a good strategy.

After discussing for half a day with Wu Gang, no brilliant plan for dealing with the Incense God Kingdom emerged. People's understanding and knowledge varied, leading to different interpretations of heaven, earth, and living beings. To fundamentally change the situation of the Incense God Kingdom, one had to start with the Western Sect that established it.

Li Changshou also mentioned that he was forming an anti-Western Immortal Dao force. Wu Gang said it was feasible but didn't forget to admonish him: "If a great war breaks out among the Three Thousand Worlds, it will inevitably lead to immense suffering for all beings. In the present world, the enemies are not demons, humans, or witches; the enemies are immortals and humans. As the Water God of the Heavenly Courts, you are now someone who can truly influence the beings of the Three Realms. I hope you don't forget your original intention and strive to balance the relationship between immortals. Only by ensuring immortals don't forget their human roots can the human race prosper endlessly and avoid being replaced by other races."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment after hearing this, then performed a Daoist bow to Wu Gang and solemnly agreed. Immortals must not forget their human roots. Perhaps this was a teaching only human experts who had lived through those ancient times could impart.

The clanking of woodcutting resumed. Li Changshou traveled by cloud to reunite with Lingzhuzi and asked with a smile, "Did you hear my conversation with Senior Wu Gang just now?"

Lingzhuzi blinked and performed a Daoist bow with shame. "Uncle-master, please don't be offended. Lingzhuzi was just watching Senior Wu Gang's movements and didn't listen carefully..."

Li Changshou felt as if the character 'Danger' was written above his head, and that Perfected Taiyi was on his way, carrying the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Hood. He couldn't panic; it wasn't confirmed yet.

Li Changshou took a deep breath, letting his smile fill with an elder's benevolent care. He said gently, "Come, follow me into Guanghan Palace."

Lingzhuzi blinked and followed Li Changshou to the entrance of Guanghan Palace. Li Changshou took out two bronze mirrors from his sleeve, but after a moment's hesitation, he put them back, instructing Lingzhuzi to go ahead and knock.

Lingzhuzi stepped onto the white jade steps and had just raised his hand to knock when the great door of Guanghan Palace was pulled open from within. A nimble young maiden emerged, looking curiously at the outside. In that instant, their eyes met. To the left was a handsome, heroic young man in silver-white chainmail, his eyes like a sea of stars, his brows and eyes smiling—just like the youth in a maiden's dream, inspiring a melancholic tune and the desire to wait for him endlessly. To the right was a pretty and charming young maiden, wearing rabbit-ear hair accessories. Her face was adorably captivating, and her large eyes sparkled with light. Her long, slender legs were quite 'energetic.' Upon seeing Lingzhuzi, she couldn't help but stare in a daze.

From Li Changshou's perspective, their eyes meeting at that moment perfectly fit the narrative of love at first sight. The maiden Yutu's pretty face was flushed red, and her breathing became very shallow...

But Lingzhuzi... said expressionlessly, "The Heavenly Court's Water God has arrived." He was indifferent and calm.

The maiden Yutu suddenly shivered, then stood on tiptoes and saw Li Changshou's figure. With a whoosh, she leaped far back, crying out, "Master, the Water God has come to our door!"

Lingzhuzi frowned, then turned sideways, waiting for Li Changshou to go ahead, and muttered with some dissatisfaction, "Truly no manners. She didn't even know to bow to you, Uncle-master, before going in."

Li Changshou struggled to maintain his smile and asked, "Lingzhuzi, answer your Uncle-master truthfully: what was the first thought that came to your mind when you saw that maiden?"

Lingzhuzi pondered carefully, his face slightly flushed. Li Changshou thought: *Could it be...* Lingzhuzi then said, "Her physique is so delicate; I wonder if she would spit blood if I threw a punch."

"Cough!" Li Changshou almost misdirected his qi, nearly destroying this paper effigy.

Giving Lingzhuzi a warm look, Li Changshou lowered his head and stepped into Guanghan Palace, still feeling somewhat unwilling in his heart.

When he met Chang'e, Li Changshou also observed Lingzhuzi's reaction. Chang'e's beauty was unparalleled. She had come out in her true form, meticulously dressed, and as soon as she appeared, a hundred flowers blossomed, adding three points of beauty to Guanghan Palace. Even Li Changshou, whose Dao heart was as firm as a rock and suppressed by his 'Hundred Beauties Aging' series of magical artifacts, still felt a tremor of about three to four thousandths.

Lingzhuzi, however, was very calm—surprisingly calm. Whether looking directly at Chang'e, or being formally introduced by Li Changshou and bowing to her, he remained perfectly composed. He certainly gave his uncle-master a lot of face. But Li Changshou's worries deepened...

Therefore, after exchanging a few pleasantries with Chang'e, Li Changshou asked her to send Yutu to show Lingzhuzi around Guanghan Palace, so he could secretly observe Lingzhuzi's behavior. Chang'e, being no ordinary immortal maiden, asked via voice transmission, "What's wrong, Water God? Are you worried about your nephew?"

"Indeed," Li Changshou slowly nodded and said directly, "I've come today with a request, and I haven't yet fulfilled my previous promise to the immortal maiden."

Chang'e smiled faintly and said, "That matter is quite difficult, and your remembering it already brings me immense joy. Water God, just tell me what you need."

Li Changshou said, "I need a wisp of Profound Yin Qi. I heard Senior Wu Gang say you have some in stock?"

"Hmm?" Chang'e blinked, her pretty face inexplicably flushing. She took a treasure pouch from her sleeve, opened it, stirred around inside with her slender hand, and then pulled out an exquisite square box, handing it to Li Changshou.

"It's... it's all here."

Li Changshou was puzzled. He sensed it carefully, and his forehead was instantly covered in black lines. *Rouge and powder? Women's rouge and powder mixed with Profound Yin Qi?*

Li Changshou quickly asked, "Can this still be used?"

"Of course!" Chang'e said radiantly, speaking of it. "Yin-attributed treasures are very nourishing for women, and Profound Yin Qi is no different. Look how smooth and elastic my skin is now; it's because I use this secretly formulated rouge and powder! It also contains powders made from top-grade treasures like Profound Heaven Extreme Yin Jade and Nine Yin True Spirit Ice, blended with water from the 90,000-year-old Warm Yang Spring. Finally, the Yang Qi is filtered out, leaving only the essence of the Yin attribute, making its skincare and moisturizing effects absolutely... excellent... Uh, please don't look at me like that... You know, the title 'Most Beautiful Woman in the Three Realms' was given by some busybody, and it puts a lot of pressure on me."

Truly Senior Lang's disciple; she felt so familiar to him, exactly like a department store salesperson from his previous life.

Just then! "Ah—" A scream suddenly echoed from deep within Guanghan Palace. Li Changshou and Chang'e exchanged a glance, and with two whooshing sounds, they almost simultaneously vanished from the lakeside pavilion.

Li Changshou used his signature escape technique. While it seemed he appeared at the same time as Chang'e in a certain corner of Guanghan Palace, he was actually a beat slower. Ahead, the maiden Yutu had fallen to the ground, her face pale with fright. Lingzhuzi tore open his upper body armor, roared "Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon!" and with a single iron fist, smashed the head of the giant python with a rooster's comb.

"Oh dear..." Chang'e tried to stop him, but it was a bit too late.

Li Changshou asked in puzzlement, "Why do you keep snakes in this place?"

Chang'e's pretty face flushed slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed. She winked at Li Changshou, indicating it was... for beauty purposes.