Chapter 505: Slaughter God Spear Emerges

Upon hearing the four words "Pact of Non-Aggression," the reactions of the various immortals differed.

Li Changshou produced several backup scrolls, circulated them among the immortals of both sects, and handed the one in his possession to the three Senior Disciples.

The so-called Pact of Non-Aggression was not a Heavenly Dao oath, which Li Changshou understood best, but rather a simple written agreement.

The core content of the agreement was straightforward:

Should either the Chan or Jie Sect declare war or covertly provoke the other into declaring war before the Zixiao Palace assembly, the Ren Sect would provide full assistance to the other side.

Most of the text on the scrolls further refined the duration of the pact, expanded the applicable scenarios, and minimized potential loopholes.

Before long, the Senior Disciples of the three sects nodded in agreement, and the immortals of both sects also found the arrangement satisfactory.

It was understandable that some immortals from the Chan Sect were displeased. After all, with the signing of the Pact of Non-Aggression, warfare between the two sects was prevented, and the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus seemed destined to fall firmly into the hands of the Jie Sect.

However, speaking out against it now would surely brand them as spies planted by the Western Sect.

Therefore, no immortal from the Chan Sect expressed dissatisfaction.

Naturally, these outcomes were all within Li Changshou's calculations.

The Jie Sect valued loyalty and camaraderie, often leading to impulsive actions, while the Chan Sect prioritized reputation, with many members preferring to protect themselves.

These were all aspects that could be strategically leveraged.

Once the Senior Disciples of the three sects had inscribed their Daoist names, and three other revered senior disciples from each side (excluding the Ren Sect) had added their names, this "agreement," which was not a Heavenly Dao oath, was formally concluded.

Its validity extended until the Saints' assembly in the Zixiao Palace.

Grand Master Xuandu held the scroll aloft, about to deliver a neither generous nor passionate speech, when Li Changshou suddenly whispered beside him:

"It's not over yet, Senior Brother. It's best to have three copies, one for each sect."

Grand Master Xuandu couldn't help but smile, letting Li Changshou continue his machinations.

Half an hour later, the Pact of Non-Aggression was finalized.

True Man Huang Long gently exhaled, sighing, "For some reason, my heart feels much more at peace now."

"One vine, three blossoms; the three sects are inherently one family.Why resort to conflict when we can leisurely sit and drink tea?"

"Since we've signed the Pact of Non-Aggression today, let us each return to our cave abodes and cultivate in peace. When our three Masters decide the extent of the Great Tribulation in the Zixiao Palace, and if we are needed to face it, then we shall venture into the mortal world!"

"We apologize for any past offenses; please, fellow disciples of the Chan Sect, do not take offense."

"Our sect also had some improprieties in handling matters..."

The previously tense atmosphere finally eased.

Whether for the sake of face or dignity, both sides of immortals now spoke in gentle tones, appearing outwardly harmonious.

Indeed:The Red Lotus stirred, poised to divide Chan and Jie,To shield their fortunes and brave the tribulation.Unforeseen, myriad schemes lay within,Open plots and cunning tricks almost drew swords.A single pact, a vow of non-aggression,Chang Geng's clever plan brought temporary peace.Immortals from both sects expressed their thoughts,Deciding to return to their mountains for cultivation.

Just as the two sects were amicably conversing, Chi Jingzi stroked his beard and asked, "So... how exactly should this Red Lotus be handled?"

Silence descended upon the top floor of the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda once more.

Li Changshou smiled and said, "This matter is also easy to resolve. Today, all three sects will work together to first locate the Red Lotus, then determine if it can be retrieved. If it cannot be retrieved, and its birth would bring devastation to the Three Realms, then we shall exert all our strength to destroy it. If it can be retrieved, we shall present it to our three Masters, and let them decide its disposition. What do you all think?"

The Chan Sect immortals pondered carefully and agreed that having the Saint Masters make the decision was indeed the best course of action.

The Jie Sect immortals thought hard and reasoned: if the Red Lotus could be retrieved, their Master was in dire need of such a treasure to suppress the sect's destiny. How could their two Senior Uncles possibly object? It would most likely belong to their Jie Sect!

Thus, immortals from both sects nodded. The Chan Sect praised Water God Li Chang Geng for his resourcefulness, while the Jie Sect lamented that their son-in-law truly favored their own side.

After another round of greetings, Li Changshou handed over control of the situation to the three Senior Disciples and secretly informed Grand Master Xuandu of Golden Roc's location.

Afterwards, Li Changshou moved to a corner, exchanged glances with Green Ox and Bai Ze, and let out a long sigh of relief.

Temporarily settled.

Bai Ze transmitted his praise: "Water God's strategy is admirable. To expend such effort and thought for Daoism truly deserves a reward."

Green Ox also said, "Senior Brother Chang Geng did wonderfully today!"

Li Changshou looked at the sky, swallowed the words he had intended to use to collect debts, squinted, smiled, and resumed meditating and pondering.

Having temporarily suppressed the conflict between Chan and Jie, the next step was to focus on planning for the Red Lotus.

A moment later, Daoist Duobao and Guangchengzi began issuing commands.

Li Changshou had already formulated a comprehensive plan for how to find and retrieve the Red Lotus, which he had given to Senior Brother Grand Master. Now, it was merely being articulated through Grand Master Xuandu to mobilize the immortals of the three sects.

This time, Daoism would make a high-profile entrance, persuading scattered cultivators to withdraw and suppressing unruly Asuras.

Heavenly soldiers and generals, along with the forces of the Underworld, would serve as Daoism's backup, capable of sealing the entrances and exits of the Netherworld if necessary.

Considering that the secret location of the Red Lotus was bound to be incredibly dangerous, if too many Daoists were to go who were lacking in cultivation or protective treasures... *ahem*! They would not only die in vain if danger arose but also hinder the top experts.

Therefore, in Li Changshou's plan, this mission would still center around the Senior Disciples of the three sects, forming a small team of about ten members.

Before long, figures flew out of the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda, heading towards the edge of the Sea of Blood to provide support.

The Senior Disciples of the three sects had also selected their accompanying experts and were currently awaiting the arrival of two or three more.

From the Ren Sect, Grand Master Xuandu and Li Changshou, the senior and junior disciples, naturally contributed their efforts.

The Chan Sect's Senior Disciple was quite partial to True Man Taiyi. Despite Taiyi's numerous attempts to decline and express reluctance, he was ultimately pushed onto the "pirate ship" by True Man Yuding.

The Jie Sect side was the most eager.

The three Great Immortals who served Sect Master Tongtian and were present today — Great Immortal Wuyun, Spirit Tooth Immortal, and Golden Hoop Immortal — proactively requested to join the fight but were politely declined by Daoist Duobao.

The Seven Attendant Immortals were seven experts serving Sect Master Tongtian. Although they possessed profound magic power and considerable skill, they had not been bestowed with formidable treasures by Sect Master Tongtian, making their overall combat strength slightly inferior to the Jie Sect's Eight Great Disciples.

Among the Eight Great Disciples, Qiong Xiao, Bi Xiao, and Holy Mother Guiling were slightly weaker than the other five and were also screened out by Daoist Duobao. The remaining five would act together—though Bi Xiao was purely a case of "sitting at home, refusing to come from the Underworld," having been guarding the Three Immortals Island all along with no participation.

Qiong Xiao was quite upset about this. She ran over, pouted, and called Li Changshou "Brother-in-law" several times. Li Changshou could only use the excuse of "being unable to interfere with the Jie Sect Senior Disciple's decision" to temporarily placate her.

At this moment, the Daoist Lotus Retrieval Squad was waiting for Holy Mother Wudang, Holy Mother Jinling, and Immortal Yun Xiao to arrive.

In the corner, Li Changshou asked, "Mr. Bai, would you like to join us in seeking the Red Lotus later?"

Bai Ze smiled and replied, "If the Water God has need, this humble Daoist will naturally follow."

"Then I shall trouble you, Mr. Bai," Li Changshou said earnestly. "This journey is full of unpredictable dangers, and I cannot discern the specific perils. With the Heavenly Secrets muddled, having your divine ability to avoid misfortune and seek good fortune will provide an extra layer of security."

If he had a choice, Li Changshou himself wouldn't want to go to such a dangerous place, but Grand Master Taiqing had given him so many treasures, along with an implicit instruction to go.

Green Ox chuckled, "Senior Brother Chang Geng, I'll go along too. Our Ren Sect doesn't have many disciples or members, so our mounts will just have to make up the numbers."

"How could I dare let you enter such a dangerous place?"

Li Changshou smiled and declined, transmitting his voice: "Later, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on Qiong Xiao. She's quite impulsive and loves to cause mischief. If she tries to act secretly, use the Diamond Girdle to confiscate her Golden Jiao Scissors."

The old ox raised a hand to touch his nose ring, wondering, "Senior Brother Chang Geng, how did you know this is a formidable treasure forged by the Old Master?"

Li Changshou: ... *Uh-oh, I've said too much.*

*How could I not know? You're none other than King Sizi from the Journey to the West tribulations, who confiscated Sun Wukong's Golden-Hooped Rod, snatched Nezha's six treasures, played the Heavenly Immortals and Gods like monkeys, and only reverted to your true form when the Old Master himself arrived, then simply walked away.*

*Honestly, King Sizi's own abilities, origins, and treasures were far superior to those of the hedonistic Bull Demon King. He could truly be called the foremost ox of the Journey to the West.*

Li Changshou smiled calmly, offering no explanation.

The sturdy Green Ox blinked, then seemed to realize something, suddenly understanding a little.

As for what exactly he understood, that was unimportant.

Bai Ze said, "Water God, let's go over there first."

"Mm," Li Changshou affirmed, straightened his robes, stood up, and brushed a hand over his face, transforming into his commonly used appearance of a young Daoist.

He then removed his white robe, put on a green long gown, changed his long hair from silver-white to black, and simply tied it with a Daoist hairpin.

He changed his appearance primarily because it could evoke the "protective instincts" of the Senior Disciples of the three sects... *It was absolutely not because Yun Xiao was about to arrive and he wanted to look a bit handsomer!*

Turning, he took a step. The gazes of the various Daoist experts not far away converged on him, each showing a smile, faint or pronounced.

A drum sound? No, it was his Dao heart suddenly trembling!

In an instant! As if falling into Empress Nuwa's "time stop" divine ability, in Li Changshou's eyes, the top floor of the pagoda suddenly lost its color, turning deep gray, his primordial spirit twitched, and his spiritual senses were greatly shocked!

This was a sensation transmitted from his paper-effigy! The several formidable treasures carried by his main body showed no anomaly!

Li Changshou instantly regained his composure, immediately severed the connection between his main body and the paper-effigy, and analyzed the few images transmitted to his mind.

The Sea of Blood, on the back of the Golden-Winged Great Roc...

Just as the intense sense of crisis erupted, ripples appeared in the cosmos before the paper-effigy. A jet-black long spear broke through the cosmos, piercing directly into its chest!

The hidden Golden-Winged Great Roc reacted with incredible speed, erupting golden light feathers around its body. But even before these light feathers fully appeared, the long spear had already penetrated the paper-effigy's chest!

The scene abruptly ended amidst the Golden-Winged Great Roc's fierce cry.

That long spear... the twisted black silhouette in the rippling cosmos... a murderous aura that made his mind tremble, even through the paper-effigy alone!

Li Changshou subconsciously took half a step back, his face somewhat pale, and his breathing slightly labored.

Just how many dangers were hidden in this Great Desolation?

Li Changshou's sudden anomaly was simultaneously noticed by the more than ten immortals present.

The Grand Master instantly appeared before Li Changshou, raised a hand, and gripped Li Changshou's wrist. A peaceful aura enveloped Li Changshou.

Simultaneously, the spiritual sense of the Taiji Diagram settled in Li Changshou's mind. This innate supreme treasure, which had accompanied Saint Taiqing since the creation of the heavens and earth, was naturally knowledgeable. At this moment, it formed three large characters in Li Changshou's mind, revealing the origin of the long spear.

"What's wrong?" Grand Master Xuandu asked with concern.

"Senior Brother, quickly!" Li Changshou's palm emitted Yin-Yang Qi, transforming into the Taiji Diagram and returning to the Grand Master's left shoulder. "At the location I just mentioned, the Golden-Winged Great Roc is in trouble! God-Slaying Spear!"

The Grand Master's spirit jolted. His figure vanished instantly, leaving no trace. The cosmos rippled with continuous folds. The innate supreme treasure, the Taiji Diagram, propelled by the Grand Master, displayed much of its might!

The immortals gathered around. Daoist Duobao asked, "What God-Slaying Spear?" "Wasn't the God-Slaying Spear destroyed in ancient times?" "Is it that God-Slaying Spear formed from the roots of the Chaos Green Lotus? Demon Ancestor Rahu's weapon back then?"

Li Changshou took a deep breath. The Xuanhuang Pagoda floated above his primordial spirit, and the Qiankun Ruler also emerged from his palm. The anxiety and weakness in his heart dissipated.

Li Changshou explained: "There's no time to lose; we can discuss the details on the way. First, let's go assist my Senior Brother. The Red Lotus seems to have been targeted by a formidable great being. One of my paper-effigies was guarding the suspected location of the Red Lotus and was just ambushed by a phantom wielding the God-Slaying Spear. Marshal Jinpeng should not be a match for that God-Slaying Spear, so I asked Senior Brother to rush to his aid."

Clouds and mist appeared in Li Changshou's palm, rapidly forming a few images.

Daoist Duobao flicked his sleeve, producing a bronze war chariot! "No time for further explanation, quickly board! We've been discussing here for so long; let's not allow the Red Lotus to be seized by others!"

Zhao Gongming, Li Changshou, and Bai Ze immediately followed Daoist Duobao onto the chariot.

Guangchengzi turned to True Man Yuding and True Man Taiyi, instructing them, "Don't overexert yourselves later."

The three Chan Sect experts immediately followed.

As the bronze war chariot was about to activate, Qiong Xiao and Holy Mother Guiling stealthily approached, trying to sneak on from the side.

However, the Old Master's Green Ox, recalling Li Changshou's earlier instructions, immediately rushed forward and spread its arms, blocking the two Jie Sect immortalesses.

Green Ox smiled and said, "Let's just ride the clouds over; let's not cause any trouble for our Senior Brothers."

With this delay, Daoist Duobao had already activated the spiritual treasure chariot. The cosmos ahead collapsed, revealing a large hole. The chariot transformed into a streak of light and flew into it, and the cosmos instantly returned to normal.

Qiong Xiao glared at Green Ox, then remembered it was the Old Master's mount, so she merely huffed with slight displeasure and pulled Holy Mother Guiling out of the pagoda.

Once the Daoist experts departed, the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda quickly became desolate.

Ksitigarbha sat by the windowsill, pondering Li Changshou's recent words, and secretly thought, "Strange."

"Di Ting?""Please don't ask, Master," Di Ting said, lying down obediently. "This matter is beyond our scope. The three Senior Disciples of Daoism are capable enough to handle it."

Ksitigarbha frowned in thought and asked, "Are there any calculations by the two Masters involved here?"

"There should be, merely pushing things along, adding to the waves," Di Ting sighed, looking up at the low sky outside the window. "Once the Great Tribulation arrives, the Red Lotus will appear, and all sorts of demons and monsters will jump out. Since ancient times in the Great Desolation, the victors have been pure, and the defeated impure. Even if these impure ones gather in a pile, how can they overcome those who are even more formidable than they were back then? It's a futile struggle; they might as well find a safe haven to live out their remaining lives."

"Hmm?" Ksitigarbha glanced at the large green-furred dog beside him. "Am I, perhaps, your safe haven too?"

"Not at all," Di Ting blinked, stating righteously, "Back then, I was purely drawn to your resourcefulness, Master, certainly not because of your status as a Saint's disciple!"

"Hmph!" Ksitigarbha flicked his sleeve, closed all entrances and exits of the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda, and sat there, eyes closed, resting. Nothing concerned him anymore.

Only moments had passed since Li Changshou and the other Daoist immortals left the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda.

Above the Sea of Blood, over a massive vortex more than a hundred miles in diameter that had appeared at an unknown time, Grand Master Xuandu stood quietly, holding the blood-soaked Golden-Winged Great Roc.

The Dao韵 of the Taiji Diagram had not yet dissipated, and a crushed murderous aura echoed everywhere.

In the vortex below, the cosmos was self-repairing. Traces of Heavenly Dao's Dao韵 still lingered there, suggesting the area had recently suffered a heavenly punishment.

The cosmos collapsed to form a round hole, and the bronze war chariot rumbled out. Daoist Duobao waved his hand to put away the spiritual treasure, and seven figures quickly arrived beside the Grand Master.

"Senior Brother!" Li Changshou called out, pulling Bai Ze's arm as they moved forward together.

Grand Master Xuandu, who had been lost in thought, turned around and gently pushed the unconscious Golden-Winged Great Roc towards Li Changshou.

The Golden-Winged Great Roc was covered in blood, its chainmail long shattered, its long hair matted with gore. There were over twenty deep puncture wounds all around its body, each wrapped with wisps of black qi.

Fortunately, the Golden-Winged Great Roc's primordial spirit had only suffered minor injuries and was currently resisting the erosion of the murderous aura, with a potent medicinal energy flowing within its body.

Grand Master Xuandu said with some embarrassment, "I was careless for a moment and let the opponent escape."

Daoist Duobao asked, "How many assailants were there?"

"It seemed like three or four," Grand Master Xuandu replied. "The assailant who ambushed Chang Geng's effigy and the Golden-Winged Great Roc was likely trying to divert our attention."

Guangchengzi asked, "Senior Brother, did you get a clear look at their origin? Was it truly the God-Slaying Spear?"

"No," Grand Master Xuandu shook his head with a grave expression. "That God-Slaying Spear was *the* God-Slaying Spear, and yet not *the* God-Slaying Spear? It was merely forged anew by merging the remaining fragments of the original God-Slaying Spear, far lacking the might of the ancient one. I exchanged blows with him for a single moment, and the opponent immediately threw the Golden-Winged Great Roc towards me, then withdrew directly, leaving faint afterimages in the cosmos. The Red Lotus, still unformed, is on these assailants."

Li Changshou entrusted the Golden-Winged Great Roc to Bai Ze's care and spoke, "I have a method to search for the Blood Lotus... Senior Brother, was my paper-effigy saved?"

The Grand Master shook his head. "The opponent abducted your paper-effigy and seemed to be searching for something in its storage artifact."

"Hmm? Searching for what?" Li Changshou frowned in thought, then his eyes lit up. What in his storage artifact could interest them? His commonly carried "Heartfire Burn"? A bit of poison? A fly whisk? No, none of those. It was the ninety-nine souls entangled with karmic sin. For the Red Lotus, those should be considered a small supplement.

Li Changshou mused inwardly, pacing back and forth above the Sea of Blood. He then offered an apology to the ninety-nine souls, realizing he had caused their souls to disperse, and resolved to burn some paper as an offering later.

The Golden-Winged Great Roc was not severely wounded, so Li Changshou's previously tense spirit naturally relaxed.

The immediate priority was to quickly locate the Red Lotus.

Li Changshou looked at Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao, cupped his hands, and said, "I must trouble both Senior Brothers to notify our fellow immortals everywhere to seal off the Sea of Blood from now on and have unrelated individuals leave as quickly as possible. Tell them that when the Red Lotus erupts, it will devour the souls of lower-cultivation beings to sustain itself. If reasoning fails, direct expulsion is best. I will arrange for Heavenly soldiers and generals to announce this widely."

"Excellent!""Understood!" Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao affirmed, immediately sending out jade talismans.

Li Changshou paced back and forth, pondering for a while longer. A paper-effigy had already gone to the Yama's Palace, preparing to retrieve dozens more souls entangled with karmic sin from secluded corners, to aid in the search for the Red Lotus.

A flash of inspiration struck Li Changshou, and his eyes lit up.

Merit! Golden light surged from his right palm. He drew out a small amount of merit, forming it into a lotus flower, enveloped by a layer of immortal power.

Carrying this merit lotus, Li Changshou teleported a hundred miles away, facing the Sea of Blood in deep thought.

It was known that karmic sin and merit could cancel each other out. The Twelve-Grade Karmic Red Lotus was currently absorbing karmic sin, so it should have a repulsive reaction to merit... No, that wasn't quite right. The Red Lotus simply wouldn't absorb merit; there was no need for it to repel merit. He couldn't make such a simple judgment.

Grand Master Xuandu and a few others arrived from behind but dared not disturb Li Changshou. Li Changshou sat cross-legged above the Sea of Blood, silently contemplating.

A moment later, several graceful figures, one white, one golden, and one light blue, flashed at the edge of the Sea of Blood, rushing towards the location with full speed.

Li Changshou suddenly grasped the key insight and turned around, calling out, "Senior Brother Duobao, do you have a merit spiritual treasure I can borrow?"

"Ahem," Grand Master Xuandu interrupted, "Chang Geng, you don't need to go through all that trouble."

"Hm?" Li Changshou paused, surprised.

The Grand Master, hands clasped behind his back, subtly gestured with his chin towards the southwest. "Look there."

Li Changshou turned his head to look, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

Ninety thousand *li* to the southwest, a blood-red pillar of light shot straight into the sky, continuously emitting rings of halo, as if calling out to something.

At this moment, within the Sea of Blood, on the various "floating islands" where the Asura race lived, the eyes of Asura men and women were filled with blood-red light. Regardless of gender, age, or cultivation level, they all flew out of their floating islands, forming torrents within the Sea of Blood, heading towards the location where the blood-red pillar of light had appeared.

Li Changshou recognized the location beneath the light pillar at a glance. It was the perilous "Dragon's Pool and Tiger's Den" he had once ventured into during his search for the Wheel of Reincarnation Pagoda, the heavily guarded city of the Asura race's experts!

Standing there, Li Changshou seemed to pierce through layers of obstructions and the waves of the Sea of Blood, seeing the old man sitting cross-legged in the ruined hall at the center of the great city, and the twelve-petaled lotus flower about to bloom.

He naturally hadn't truly seen it; these were merely scenarios imagined in his mind.

In reality...

Within that abandoned hall, four dark figures stood at four positions, either holding long spears or gripping broken swords, watching the Red Lotus as its twelfth petal began to condense.

However, the karmic sin gathered by the Red Lotus was still insufficient; the twelfth petal consistently failed to condense.

Behind the Red Lotus, the phantom of Ancestor Minghe appeared again, though at this moment, the phantom was incredibly faint.

"Do we really have to save him? Wasn't the bullying from him in the past enough?" "He is the Red Lotus, and the Red Lotus is him. In the ancient pact, he also guarded against us."

The dark figure holding the long spear casually took out a cloth bag, tore it open, and retrieved a spherical magical artifact from within, throwing it near the Blood Lotus. Wisps of karmic sin power flew out from it and were rapidly absorbed by the Red Lotus. Well, it was better than nothing.

(End of Chapter)