Chapter 500: Returned, All Returned

“The Twelve-grade Red Lotus?”

In a corner, obscured by layers of barriers, within a solemn grand hall in a remote Great World...

Baize frowned, muttering softly. He glanced at Li Changshou’s paper effigy before him and pondered for a moment:

“Could this matter truly be a scheme by the Jie School? From a beneficial perspective, the Jie School certainly needs such a treasure more right now. However, the School Master Tongtian is open and upright in his actions; there's no reason he would do something like this in secret. Given School Master Tongtian's character, even if this snow lotus seed must take root in the Sea of Blood, at worst, ten thousand immortals would emerge to set up a grand formation within the Sea of Blood. With the current strength of the Jie School, as long as the Saints don't intervene, even if you just consider their disciples, the Western Sect and the Chan School combined would find it hard to shake the Jie School.”

“Indeed, this matter has many suspicious points.”

Li Changshou said, “In ancient times, Sir Baize, do you know who obtained the third lotus seed?”

Baize instinctively prepared to perform a divination but immediately remembered that heavenly secrets were currently obscured by the tribulation. He could only shake his head. “I haven't heard of such a thing. I wonder if there's any news from Listening Truth.”

“Listening Truth cannot be fully trusted.”

Li Changshou pondered for a while, arms crossed. Just as he was about to speak again, he suddenly let out a soft ‘hmm’ and looked beyond the layers of barriers.

Hundreds of streaks of light flew from outside the hall, transforming into cloaked figures in snow-white robes – men and women – before the hall. They bowed their heads and rushed inside. Their footsteps, like rain on banana leaves, were quite pleasing to the ear. These figures had agile steps and steady auras. Most were at the True Immortal realm, while the first few rows were exclusively Heavenly Immortals, with a few Golden Immortals mixed in.

From the deepest part of the hall, a figure slowly flew forward, accompanied by a shower of flowers. Li Changshou stared intently, and his effigy almost self-combusted.

Martial Aunt Jiu?

She had only been the Saintess of Lin Tian Hall for a few years. He had been busy with Immortal Alliance matters, relying solely on his paper effigy to sense if the ‘aura of living beings’ here was normal, without looking closely. How could she have... transformed into a different person?

The entire vibe had changed!

Looking at Jiu Jiu, her light-red inner top was still overwhelmingly eye-catching and quite a ‘sin,’ but it felt much less incongruous than before. Her dressing style had changed even more drastically. The short top and skirt, which had been constant for millennia, were gone. The inner top was now paired with a matching long dress, its voluminous skirt trailing half a zhang behind her. Her slender waist, too delicate to grasp, was modestly covered by the long dress. Her jade-like feet wore a pair of thick ‘wedge-heeled cloth boots,’ compensating for her slight height disadvantage and making her figure appear more natural and harmonious. Furthermore, her light makeup, elegantly piled-up hair, striking red lips visible even through a thin veil, long and fair neck, and slightly intoxicated, somewhat languid eyes...

Li Changshou truly wanted to ask—With such a Saintess, why would Lin Tian Hall ever worry about not flourishing?

Her skirt swayed, and red gauze fell. Accompanied by a touch of immortal light, Jiu Jiu had already reclined on a soft couch, receiving the single-knee bows of hundreds of figures below. A somewhat weary voice came from her lips, echoing throughout the hall:

“Are there any important matters from the various branch halls of the Northern Division?”

Below, a middle-aged Daoist immediately stood up and bowed, reporting on the daily affairs of Lin Tian Hall. In the back, many young Daoists couldn't help but look up to steal a glance at the beautiful figure on the throne, then immediately lowered their heads again, as if looking for another half-second would cost them their eyesight.

Li Changshou praised, “Such a rate of growth is truly astonishing.”

Baize nodded with a smile, saying: “As the Water God previously instructed, we've made various adjustments, completely shaping Lin Tian Hall like a righteous immortal sect, using cultivation ideals and abundant cultivation resources to attract people to join. Inspired by the Water God's Super Heavenly Soldiers plan, we also molded Saintess Fairy Jiu into the face of our Lin Tian Hall for recruitment. The effect has indeed been excellent!”

“Is that so?”

Li Changshou smiled, not correcting Baize's words. He took a few more glances at Martial Aunt Jiu, feeling a bit entranced. He hadn't expected Martial Aunt Jiu to have so much room for improvement! Only by modestly concealing a prominent feature of oneself can one truly achieve comprehensive self-improvement. It is the way of the Grand Dao; the Dao and nature. Li Changshou genuinely hadn't expected that admiring the fairy's beauty could also lead to such insights...

“Sir Baize, do you possess the art of shapeshifting?”

Baize smiled, “Having traversed the Primordial World for so many years, how could I not possess such a divine ability?”

“Leave an effigy here and come with me to the Sea of Blood for a tour.”

“Very well,” Baize agreed readily. He took a step sideways, leaving an afterimage in his original spot. The afterimage quickly solidified, taking Baize's form. Then, both the effigy and the main body bowed in unison to Li Changshou.

“If one doesn't distinguish carefully, it's truly hard to tell the difference between Sir Baize's effigy and his main body.”

Li Changshou 'praised' him symbolically. His form transformed into a paper effigy, floating into the sleeve of Baize's effigy, continuing to remain here. Li Changshou then instructed, “Sir Baize, please be cautious on the way. Do not rely too much on your divine abilities.”

“Water God, rest assured,” Baize said gently, “I will return safely and try my best not to delay the important matters of the Five Continents...”

After exchanging a few more words with Baize, his consciousness returned to Little Qiong Peak. Li Changshou was currently in his underground secret chamber, looking down at the wooden bathtub now devoid of immortal mist. He added some warmth to the water around him. A quick bath to swiftly repair his Dao body, which had been damaged by the heavenly tribulation.

Regarding the Red Lotus matter, his teacher told him to ‘go,’ but didn't specify to what extent... It was always like this; his teacher truly trusted him too much! Whose scheme was this Red Lotus, after all? If the Red Lotus was not released by School Master Tongtian, then his goal should be to destroy it or seize control of it. This Twelve-grade Karmic Red Lotus is a treasure of the same rank as the Western Sect's Twelve-grade Golden Lotus. They are opposing forces and possess the effect of suppressing the destiny of a Great Sect. In the current Primordial World, such a weighty treasure is incredibly precious. Even if the four Great Sects were to fight fiercely over it, Li Changshou could understand... Primordial World treasures have a long history.

In reality, whether this Red Lotus was planted by School Master Tongtian or not is no longer that important. The current issue is that once the Jie School receives news, they will undoubtedly want this Red Lotus to suppress their destiny. And the Chan School does not want to see the Jie School, which already boasts ‘ten thousand immortals coming to court’ and is overly powerful, truly stabilize its own destiny. In that case, the Chan School would face greater risks in the upcoming tribulation. Because of a Red Lotus whose planter is unknown, the conflict between the Chan School and the Jie School has suddenly escalated. And this is precisely the most brilliant aspect of Zhunti's current scheme... The matter of Xubodhi was merely an offhand mention by Zhunti. If it could be resolved, all the better; if the Heavenly Court didn't agree, there would be no extra loss. Furthermore, later on, Xubodhi could even be cultivated to become the scapegoat for the Western Sect, shifting the sins of the Incense Divine Kingdom onto his name. A Saint is a Saint. Even on the verge of withdrawing from the group, their moves are still extraordinary. He himself, let alone his Dao realm or thick skin, was still far from a Saint in terms of scheming.

“So, what can I do?”

Splash—splash—

He scooped up some warm water with a gourd dipper. Li Changshou dried his long hair, which had regained its elegant appearance, and pondered slightly in the wooden tub. His teacher likely intended for him to intervene at a crucial moment, doing his best to prevent a major war between the Chan and Jie Schools, and to delay all matters until after the discussion in the Purple Heavens Palace. This Red Lotus, should he destroy it or keep it? If this option were placed before him, how should he choose? Li Changshou carefully pondered and analyzed the various scenarios that would unfold if the Red Lotus went to the Jie School versus being destroyed or falling into the hands of other forces.

Personally, he actually hoped that the Jie School could obtain the Red Lotus to suppress its destiny, as that would give him a better chance of saving those he wished to save in the future. But if the Jie School obtained the Red Lotus, the Chan School would truly suffer... Just as Saint Zhunti intentionally said in the Lingxiao Palace, the Jie School indeed harbored filth, with many ancient beings carrying karma joining the sect. Back then, when School Master Tongtian preached on the immortal islands overseas, a few cunning and wicked individuals seized the opportunity to infiltrate and listen to his sermons. They all claimed to be registered disciples of a Saint, and their own fortune, karma, and merits were integrated into the great destiny of the Jie School. Now that the Great Tribulation was approaching, if the Jie School could 'streamline' a batch of its disciples, perhaps it would be in a better situation. Unfortunately... Martial Uncle School Master Tongtian, nine times out of ten, wouldn't do such a thing to harm his disciples.

He should find more helpers, to mediate later. Thus, Li Changshou began to ascend to the Nine Heavens and delve into the deep seas, asking all the non-Daoist experts he could invite. Daoist Wenjing was currently a high-ranking official in the Western Sect, so she couldn't be mobilized for now; Big Sister Kong Xuan was currently in an unknown phase, and it wasn't advisable to disturb her. Her oversight of the Seven Emotions reincarnated body in the Shang tribe was already a great help. Brother Niu from Tushita Palace could be invited—provided Old Lord doesn't go out recently, and the Azure Ox has an ‘opening’ in its schedule. Li Changshou went to find Wu Gang, but Wu Gang, due to his mission, could not leave the Osmanthus tree too far. As for Fairy Heng'e, there was no need to consider her; she was practically under house arrest by the Heavenly Dao. If she were to leave the Lunar Star without permission, heavenly punishment would likely arrive immediately. This was due to the influence of Senior Lang; truly, there was nothing to be done. And as the only readily available combat force in Guanghan Palace, Little Jade Rabbit... well, it was fine for her to dance more often, but fighting was out of the question.

The Dragon Race was the only major power Li Changshou could rely on in the Primordial World at this moment. Li Changshou activated a paper effigy hidden near the East Sea Dragon Palace. It took on the appearance of the Heavenly Court's Water God, imbued with his unique Dao charm, and used water遁 to rush to the Crystal Palace. Before he even reached the palace gate, several Dragon Race elders, having sensed Li Changshou's aura, proactively came out to greet him. The Dragon Race was naturally immensely grateful to Li Changshou. From helping the Dragon Race improve their luck using incense offerings, to his ‘Sea God’ period where he helped them secure divine positions, guiding them step by step to pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Court, and then assisting them in suppressing the East Sea Eye... Everyone in the Dragon Race held a grateful heart towards Li Changshou. They even said that if the Water God merely opened his mouth, a large number of beautiful young dragon girls would be willing to become handmaidens in the Water God's mansion, the kind that could provide nightly entertainment.

Walking across the floor paved with treasures and jade, he arrived at the vast and somewhat dull grand hall. Accompanied by the gentle immortal music played by sea maidens, the East Sea Dragon King was already waiting below the high platform. The two deities met and exchanged Daoist bows. The Dragon King invited Li Changshou to the high platform. Sea maidens brought a jewel-encrusted chair and placed it beside the Dragon King's throne. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the East Sea Dragon King said, “Water God, you've been visiting the Dragon Palace less often!”

“Heavenly Court matters are busy, and I also have to attend to Human School affairs. It truly overwhelms me, and I can't spare any time.” Li Changshou sighed, then got straight to the point, explaining his reason for coming.

At once, the East Sea Dragon King's dragon-headed face was filled with difficulty. “Water God, don't just say a batch of experts; even if you take all the experts from the Dragon Palace, it would be fine. But you're going to mediate potential conflicts between the Chan and Jie Schools... The three Daoist sects, the Dragon Race truly cannot afford to offend them. If by chance we are hated by either side, the Dragon Race might be in danger.”

Li Changshou smiled, “Dragon King, rest assured. I will mobilize a group of Dragon Race experts in the name of the Heavenly Court. Our stance will be that of the Heavenly Court, not the Dragon Race. Furthermore, the Great Tribulation's destiny has only just begun for a few decades. The day when Old Master Dao Ancestor convenes the six Saint Masters to the Purple Heavens Palace is still far away. How could the Saint Masters, being so wise and mighty, truly allow the Saint disciples of the two sects to fight? In reality, it's just a formality, to boost the Heavenly Court's prestige and increase its say in this matter.”

“This...” The East Sea Dragon King pondered for a moment. If Li Changshou had asked to borrow troops to attack Mount Spirit, the Dragon King wouldn't have hesitated for a moment. But when it came to the internal affairs of the Daoist sects, the Dragon King truly had many concerns. The East Sea Dragon King was also an ancient being of the Primordial World. At this moment, with one sentence, he hit the crucial point: “Water God, will that Twelve-grade Red Lotus ultimately be destroyed or what?”

—This was asking about the Human School's stance, whether it sided with the Chan School or the Jie School.

Li Changshou said, “This matter requires specific analysis based on the situation, and I cannot yet give Your Majesty the Dragon King an accurate answer. But as a Daoist disciple, I certainly don't wish to see the Daoist powers weakened by internal strife.”

“Good,” the East Sea Dragon King stroked his beard and thought for a while, finally agreeing.

The first part of strong reinforcements was thus settled!

Li Changshou naturally wouldn't just do this. He went to the Underworld in advance to discuss the blood lotus matter with several Yama Kings, gaining the support of the Underworld's Witch Race, and also recalled the numerous devil soldiers who had been wandering through the Three Thousand Worlds. Of course, most importantly, he successfully contacted the Grand Archmage and received his promise to return to the Five Continents in time. What followed was a game of strategy and calculation.

Adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts, Li Changshou dispatched a paper effigy into the Sea of Blood to investigate the current situation there. Within half a day, he encountered two groups of experts from the Western Sect, but Li Changshou always fled from afar, and no conflict erupted. The Sea of Blood was more lively at this time than Li Changshou had originally imagined. After aimlessly wandering within for three days, Li Changshou encountered countless experts and even detected many familiar auras. For instance, the Asura Race, having received news from the Western Sect, had become excited, with all their experts pouring out! They were virtually turning the Sea of Blood upside down, leaving no corner unchecked, frantically searching for traces of the Red Lotus. The Western Sect's experts also hadn't retreated, still searching everywhere, their strategic intent to ‘pick up a bargain’ incredibly obvious. If they couldn't obtain the Twelve-grade Red Lotus, the Western Sect could claim they fully assisted the Asura Race, forcing the Asuras to be grateful; if they could obtain the Twelve-grade Red Lotus, it would naturally be ‘this treasure is fated for our West,’ and the Asura Race would be oppressed even more severely in the future. Besides that, experts from the Jie School were already paying attention to this place, and so were those from the Chan School.

Li Changshou pondered for a long time, unable to determine which direction events would take next. He then spent five days' time arranging for the Heavenly Court's 100,000 elite troops, along with the Underworld's 300,000 Yin officials and ghost soldiers, to be stationed at the edge of the Sea of Blood. Large numbers of Dragon Race experts and Witch Race experts were mixed among them. To wait and see, observing from the sidelines.

A few days later, Baize, treading on light blue ripples, slowly flew from the horizon of the Underworld, landing at the encampment of the Heavenly Court and Underworld combined forces. Upon seeing Baize, Li Changshou felt much more at ease. He notified the Golden-winged Great Peng, as well as the Azure Ox he had previously arranged with, to hurry to the Sea of Blood. Truly, mounts can hold up half the sky! This time, he couldn't rely on the Chan School and Jie School; he had to resolve it himself.

However, Li Changshou and Baize had barely exchanged five sentences.

A cry—

Suddenly, a high cry came from the horizon. Li Changshou was smiling, about to introduce a new member of the Human School to Baize, but just as he opened his mouth and said ‘Sir Baize,’ he saw that the figure beside him was gone. He looked again, only to see Baize, already transformed into his auspicious beast form, slowly walking from a distance with an elegant gait. He wanted to personally defend his title as the Human School's premier mount!

“The Underworld has been quite restless lately.” From the Reincarnation Pagoda, the young Daoist stood by the window, gazing out at the Sea of Blood in the distance, asking somewhat casually.

Listening Truth, curled up in a corner, opened its eyes and said, “It's all because of that Red Lotus. The Underworld is probably heading for big trouble.”

The young Daoist, however, was unfazed. He gazed slightly in a trance at the low horizon of the distant Underworld. “Listening Truth, tell me, how will the Water God win this time?”

Listening Truth couldn't help but roll its eyes, saying, “Still thinking about scheming against the Water God? Master, can't you just settle down?”

“Hmph!” The young Daoist flicked his sleeve, “I'm merely a bit puzzled. Matters outside this place no longer concern me. I'll listen to you!”

Listening Truth grinned, making a funny face, then closed its eyes again, listening to all beings in the Three Realms and monitoring various parts of the Sea of Blood. It, too, was searching for traces of the Red Lotus. If it could find it a step ahead and thus curry favor with the Heavenly Court's Water God, that would be a truly great profit...