Chapter 515: Backing Up

“Senior Brother, when did you return? Why didn't you call out to me?”

In the alchemy room of Little Qiong Peak, Ling'e appeared from a corner as a wisp of green smoke. Even before resuming her true form, she called out joyfully.

Li Changshou, who was currently pondering whether to acquire a spiritual treasure alchemy furnace, paused, surprised. He asked, “You could tell this was my true body at a glance?”

Ling'e blinked, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. With her hands clasped behind her back and her pinky finger subtly翘起, she softly asked, “Hmm... couldn't you tell?”

“It's not exactly that…”

Li Changshou stroked his chin, pondering for a moment.

He had employed an 'anti-routine' approach: arranging several paper effigies around himself while openly placing his true body, camouflaged to resemble a paper effigy. If attacked, his true body could instantly transform into shattered paper, or he could hide within the ashes of burned paper effigies. Although he had only returned a few days ago and Eldest Brother Tu and Tower Master had not yet departed, an extra layer of precaution always added an extra measure of safety. After all, this air was the air of the Primordial World!

Li Changshou asked, “Ling'e, how did you recognize me?”

“That…” Ling'e blinked. Can I say that? If I revealed my technique and method, wouldn't I be unable to tell your paper effigies from your true body in the future? What if, in the future, I wanted to enact some... bolder plans to deepen our bond, and accidentally picked the wrong body?

“Just a feeling, a general sense.”

“Perhaps it’s because we're too familiar with each other,” Li Changshou said, sniffing thoughtfully before shaking his head with a smile. “Never mind, it’s a good thing you can recognize me; you won’t be easily deceived.” He then lowered his head, resuming his contemplation of new plans.

Ling'e gently patted her chest, then slowly moved closer. She wore a light pink and white gradient silk dress. Her smooth, fair neck radiated a soft glow, and her pretty face, which grew more radiant and lively with each increase in her cultivation realm, seemed as if it could be squeezed to yield water.

Ling'e hesitated for a while, then gathered her courage and whispered, “Senior Brother, there’s something... I wonder if I can discuss it with you.”

Li Changshou chuckled, “Just say it; what’s there to discuss?”

“Well,” Ling'e tiptoed slightly but couldn't seem to find the words.

Li Changshou deliberately asked her, “Could it be that you want to go out for a stroll? While Master hasn't taken back a few treasures, I can escort you if you wish to go somewhere, but you must not stir up trouble.” If she said 'yes' even once, it would confirm the need for three thousand repetitions of the 'Steadiness Sutra'!

Ling'e quickly replied, “No, it’s not that! With the great tribulation approaching, it’s too unstable to go out.”

Good, that’s very much like me. Li Changshou immediately felt at ease and asked with a smile, “Then what is it?”

“It’s like this…” Ling'e sighed softly, proactively confessing everything truthfully.

Before her Master brought her back to the Immortal Du Sect, she was a child of a powerful mortal noble family in the Three Thousand Worlds. After entering the mountains to cultivate, like most Immortal Du Sect disciples, she severed ties with her family. Her family had many siblings and numerous aunts, making for a complex network of relationships. Because of this, her parents did not require her to return home to show filial piety or attend to their final days, so Ling'e had never returned.

However, a few years ago, Ling'e received a family letter, informing her that a distant cousin of hers had also joined an immortal sect. Due to her outstanding talent, she had achieved True Immortal status…

Hearing this, Li Changshou chuckled, “This is also a good thing. With a relative achieving immortal status, you’ll have another fellow daoist with whom you can confide.”

Ling'e's face darkened as she mumbled, “Don't even mention it; this cousin of mine has a rather problematic temperament. She often played tricks on me when we were little, snatching my food, splashing water on my newly acquired dress, and she'd pull other children our age away, preventing them from playing with me! Hmph!”

Li Changshou's lips curled slightly. Childhood traumas truly shouldn't be underestimated.

Ling'e sighed again, “Our Immortal Du Sect's rules state that various deacons visit disciples' parents every so often. My family knows that I'm cultivating in the Immortal Du Sect. The reason that cousin contacted me a few years ago must be because she was thriving. She had become a Dao-companion to the young master of a major power in the Three Thousand Worlds, and even became a registered disciple of a Jie School immortal. I never replied to her letters, but last month, she sent someone with a jade talisman saying she would come to visit me in the Immortal Du Sect.”

At this point, Ling'e puffed out her cheeks, saying glumly, “I bet she just wants to come over and show off and flaunt her achievements, hoping to see me worse off than her.”

“Don't speculate about others in such a way, especially a cousin who shares some kinship with you,” Li Changshou said sternly. “Master isn't here, so you and I rely on each other. You are also the one in charge of Little Qiong Peak, so you don't really need to ask me about these things. Your family visiting is a rare and good thing. When are they coming?”

“It should be within these three to five days,” Ling'e said, a little uneasy, in a low voice, “Senior Brother, I don’t want them to disturb you…”

Li Changshou said gently, “It’s fine; you can make all the decisions about this. If you want to see them, let them in. If you don't, go to the Sect Master and discreetly send them away. Don't forget, you are now a registered disciple of the Great Pure One Saint.”

Ling'e immediately became conflicted, thinking for a long time before saying, “How about I host them at Black Pool Peak?”

This girl, though she spoke with disdain, must have been quite happy deep down. Although they were childhood frenemies, there was a blood connection after all, and if they could interact more in the future, it would be a blessing. Li Changshou had always been worried that Ling'e's lively nature would be stifled from being cooped up in the mountains.

Initially, when they, as senior and junior disciples, had little strength, fewer friends meant fewer calamities. However, now, Li Changshou would continue to restrain himself with the 'Steadiness Sutra,' but Ling'e no longer needed to be so cautious. Her potential for causing disturbances was now completely within Li Changshou's control. Therefore, for Ling'e, making more friends was always a good thing.

Li Changshou instructed, “To be safe, host them at Black Pool Peak. I’ll seal off various parts of Little Qiong Peak shortly and ask Eldest Brother Tu and the others to stay for a few more days. Remember to have Ling Li prepare some rare spirit beasts in advance. You can also invite the Martial Uncles of the ‘Jiu’ generation to help with arrangements, or ask Senior Sister Liu Yan'er and her group to gather with you. Also, don't forget to invite Martial Aunt Jiu Yu Shi to liven things up; she's always in seclusion and rarely goes out.”

“Got it!” Ling'e's small hands, pressed against her sides, gently fluttered like two small wings as she happily said, “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

“Go busy yourself,” Li Changshou said with a smile, shaking his head. If he continued to instruct her, he’d soon become a nagging old daoist.

Ling'e said, “I’ll make some pastries and fruit soup and bring them over later.” With that, she hummed a little tune and flew out of the alchemy room on a cloud.

Li Changshou quickly refined a batch of Sixth-Grade spirit pills for restoring vitality, just to keep his alchemy skills sharp. After extinguishing the furnace fire, his immortal sense spread throughout the sect, observing the myriad aspects of immortal life on Xianlin Peak, then settling on Dan Ding Peak. Elder Wan had been in seclusion since completing his tribulation, so it wasn't convenient for him to offer congratulations at this time.

Li Changshou asked silently, “Tower Master, when do you wish to return to Master’s side?”

Two spiritual senses responded simultaneously.

“Actually, if Master doesn’t summon us, it’s fine for us to stay by your side,” Tower Master calmly replied.

The Taiyi Chart, however, said, “Your cultivation is not yet perfected, and your dao realm is not yet complete; it’s not advisable to rely on us too much.”

“Precisely,” Li Changshou agreed. “I’ve checked everywhere. After Ling'e’s relatives leave, I’ll send you all back to the Grand Pure One Temple.”

The few mighty treasures fell silent. They knew their junior apprentice's temperament: thorough in his actions, valuing his life above all, always adhering to 'stealth'—*cough*—always adhering to 'steadiness'! But to be this steady was truly beyond their imagination. Ling'e, the junior sister's cousin, a daughter-in-law of an immortal power from the Three Thousand Worlds, and a registered disciple of a Jie School immortal, likely acquired by spending spirit stones... did this truly require the Taiyi Chart, the Yellow Tower, the Qiankun Ruler, and the Blazing Light Banner to all be on standby?

Tower Master grumbled, “If we go back, Master will surely seal us away casually. It’s better to be free with the junior apprentice. Junior apprentice, how did you do it before? Even that girl Yunxiao was so infatuated with you, just a little bit more and you would have… Hehehe, teach me a few tricks? So I can get closer to Sister Golden Bucket.”

The Qiankun Ruler retorted, “Filthy old pervert!”

The Taiyi Chart also added, “Indecent!”

Li Changshou: "..." He wasn't really adept at befriending spiritual treasures; after all, he had no prior knowledge in this area from his past life. Moreover, given his understanding of Yunxiao's character, after missing such a good opportunity to further their connection, she’d surely avoid him for decades, perhaps even centuries! That meddlesome chatterbox!

He let out a soft sigh, listening to the precious treasures' criticism of Tower Master's 'disrespectful behavior for a treasure' in his mind. He then went outside to his rocking chair and leisurely closed his eyes, concentrating.

He toured the Heavenly Court with his consciousness and found that the Golden-Winged Great Peng was drilling the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals of the Water God's Residence. Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction. That's a mature artifact spirit, always diligent. He instructed someone to prepare a small courtyard as a residence for Ling Zhuzi upon his return. As for whether the 'Three Immortal Guests of the Heavenly Court' would later celebrate in the Dragon Palace or indulge themselves at the Heavenly End Pavilion, Li Changshou frankly didn't care. With Ao Yi watching, Ling Zhuzi wouldn't truly act recklessly. As for Bian Zhuang... let him be. After all, he's destined to become the Second Senior Brother's man, and it wouldn't be good to constantly suppress his nature. Hmm, if he dares to cause trouble in the Heavenly Court, I’ll deal with him severely!

In Li Changshou's slightly opened eyes, a sharp glint flickered several times. In the Underworld, Bian Zhuang, who was chanting a mantra, couldn't help but shiver twice, weakly looking around him.

The Water God Mansion gradually became more populated, from Ling Zhuzi and Golden Peng to Youqin Xuanya, giving it the air of 'Little Qiong Peak, the second.' Li Changshou had recently wanted to chat with 'Super Heavenly Soldier' Youqin Xuanya, for no other reason than to check on a fellow junior sister. But Youqin Xuanya was either in seclusion or on her way to slay demons and eradicate evil. Her reputation grew increasingly widespread; scenes of her demon-slaying were recorded by projection orbs, continuously displayed across the Five Continents on the large bronze mirrors erected by the Heavenly Court. This was an example of the Heavenly Court’s growing soft power.

Long Ji hadn't been seen much lately; she apparently went into seclusion, hoping to mature and shed her youthful appearance. This meant the several boxes of 'strategy assignments' Li Changshou had prepared had to remain at the bottom of his chest.

The Heavenly Court was now on the right track, with rapid development in all areas. The once somewhat desolate cloud-sea immortal mountains were now populated by many immortal figures, presenting a thriving atmosphere.

Suddenly, on Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou heard Ling'e transmit a message: “Senior Brother, my cousin and her party have arrived. You don’t need to come if you’re busy; I’ll handle them.”

Li Changshou's consciousness shifted back to his true body. His immortal sense had already observed the dozen or so figures at the mountain gate, though he hadn't paid much attention earlier. A beautiful carriage hovered on the cloud-path. Inside sat a relatively handsome young Daoist, an early Heaven Immortal whose dao foundation seemed somewhat unstable. He was gazing affectionately at the woman beside him. Seated next to the young Daoist was a beautiful female immortal wearing a veil, who must be Ling'e's relative. Were they seeking something from Ling'e? It didn't seem so; otherwise, they wouldn't remain in the carriage, and the woman's face held a hint of arrogance...

Li Changshou understood. After thinking for a moment, he kept a portion of his attention on Ling'e, instructing Tower Master and Aunt Flag to keep a close eye. He then paid no more heed.

His consciousness returned to the Heavenly Court, and his paper effigy flew on a cloud to the High Heavens Palace. According to his original plan, he was to report to His Majesty the Jade Emperor on the subsequent progress regarding the Red Lotus.

When the Jade Emperor heard of the Red Lotus's destruction, he couldn't help but frown, asking, “Is the corruption within Jie School truly this severe?” The Jade Emperor mused for a few moments, then said, “Chang Geng, you still need to be careful about this. I know you don't wish for the Dao Sect to suffer too great a loss in strength, but the Heavenly Court's selection of righteous gods is no small matter.”

“Your Majesty, please rest assured,” Li Changshou said, performing a Daoist bow. “Aside from a few grand disciples of Jie School whom this minor deity does not wish to see suffer, others will certainly not interfere with the operation of the Heavenly Dao due to personal sentiment.”

“I naturally trust Chang Geng,” the white-robed Jade Emperor said gently. “After the deliberation at Zixiao Palace, the matter of the great tribulation should become much clearer. Oh, Chang Geng, would you be willing to accompany me to Zixiao Palace then?”

“This minor deity is certainly willing,” Li Changshou mused for a few moments. “But... Master asked this minor deity to accompany him.”

The Jade Emperor chuckled, “No matter. We're all going to Zixiao Palace anyway. Could I possibly compete with Senior Brother Taiqing for a person?”

Li Changshou bowed his head, saying, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s understanding.”

“I couldn't win anyway,” the Jade Emperor sighed, then asked Li Changshou if there had been any novel occurrences during his assistance to Jie School in acquiring the Red Lotus from the Sea of Blood this time. Li Changshou organized his thoughts and began slowly recounting some events that the Jade Emperor was unaware of, which had transpired in that ancient Ashura city. He summarized:

*The Reincarnation Pagoda temporarily halted its battle, while the three sect senior brothers together sought the lotus. Unexpectedly, the mirage made it hard to find, and dao hearts faced peril in dreams. An Ashura princess pierced with a sword, and Laojun's green ox yearned for the mortal world. The Red Lotus eventually returned to Biyou Palace, but the Sect Master's attempt to test it proved incomplete.*

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor couldn't help but sigh with emotion, commenting that Patriarch Styx was reckless, but the Ashura princess was indeed loyal and righteous. This ruler of the Three Realms then asked Li Changshou if, since the ox from Doushuai Palace had developed mortal affections, he should express his appreciation by bestowing a reward or erecting a 'Chaste Green Ox' memorial archway. Li Changshou quickly dissuaded him, repeatedly emphasizing that it was unnecessary. The matter of the green ox should remain low-key, as it was uncertain how it would develop in the future. Just the thought that King Rhinoceros and the Bull Demon King were likely not the same ox made Li Changshou... subtly excited about the future trajectory of Ah Niu and Ah Shan's story.

Inside the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor and Li Changshou chatted for a while, then the Jade Emperor assigned Li Changshou a task… “Chang Geng, Yunhua seems a little despondent lately. Please go and check on her for me.”

Li Changshou readily agreed, thinking that Fairy Yunhua might be missing Yang Jian and Yang Chan. After leaving the High Heavens Palace, he flew on a cloud towards the Jade Pond. Unlike the 'Erlang's mountain-cleaving tale' Li Changshou originally knew, Fairy Yunhua had not been suppressed beneath Peach Mountain. On the edge of the Jade Pond were eight mountains, seven of which were arranged in the formation of the Big Dipper constellation, forming a grand array to guard the immortal mountain that suppressed Fairy Yunhua. To prevent the spread of rumors 'unfavorable to Yang Jian's growth,' Li Changshou mostly avoided seeing her. This time, with His Majesty the Jade Emperor's decree, Li Changshou took the opportunity to visit Fairy Yunhua, so he could have a clearer idea and understand the situation better. In the matter of Yang Jian, this was his trump card.

As he flew closer to the Jade Pond, he noticed many more fairies on the cloud-path than twenty or thirty years ago. Everyone in the Heavenly Court, of course, recognized the Water God's presence. Whenever they saw Li Changshou, they bowed in salute from near and far, their expressions often tinged with amusement.

Upon reaching the place where Fairy Yunhua was confined, Li Changshou did not enter, merely observing the interior arrangements from the entrance. This... The mountain's interior had been hollowed out and transformed into a small grotto-heaven, adorned with jade trees and golden platforms, with fragrant, warm chambers. Fairy Yunhua, 'ruthlessly' suppressed here, was free to move about anywhere within, with no personal restrictions whatsoever, save for being unable to step half a pace outside. There were even six maidservants attending to her, and she could play the zither or flute if she wished.

Regarding 'Suppression'.

Li Changshou transmitted a few words to Fairy Yunhua about Yang Jian and Yang Chan's recent situation. He then waved his whisk, and sternly said to the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals guarding the entrance, “You all must maintain strict vigilance; do not be careless!”

“Yes, sir!” The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals immediately bowed and affirmed.

Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction. Before Fairy Yunhua could rush out of the pavilion, he had already flown away on a cloud, returning to the Water God Mansion.

Midway, a subtle flicker in his spiritual sense caught his attention; he had suddenly heard a term that piqued his interest: Immortal Shi Ji. Li Changshou processed the information captured by his immortal sense, and a few images surfaced in his mind—the scene that had just unfolded on Black Pool Peak…

Several low tables were arranged by the pond, and alongside them, slender water channels had been dug to create a 'flowing wine cups' setup, with several musical instruments placed nearby. Ling'e was the host, with Jiu Yu Shi accompanying her, while the visiting Dao-companions across from them were holding hands, engrossed in their intimacy. Ling'e had subtly disguised her appearance to seem more ordinary, and had used the 'Calming Qi Art' to mask her true cultivation, displaying herself as a True Immortal, on par with her cousin.

He heard the veiled female immortal softly say, “...I had the good fortune to become Immortal Shi Ji's disciple. Though I'm only a registered disciple who received a bit of her Dao teachings, I now have a backing. Ling'e, why don't you come back with me? We are sisters, and our only close relatives. We should walk together on the path of cultivation. I'll ensure you never lack pills or spiritual stones, and I can even find you a suitable Dao-companion for mutual support in cultivation. Being a mere disciple here, alas, it’s difficult to make a name for yourself.”

Jiu Yu Shi lowered her head, suppressing a laugh, while Ling'e's pretty face was beyond awkward.

Before the alchemy room, Li Changshou thought carefully, then slowly stood up. First, secure the situation. Minimize any potential exposure and bring out his 'magic weapon' that he had never used before and was actually quite dispensable—his appearance. As a senior brother, he should not only stand up for his junior sister but also be her strong backing! And with that, they still dare to try and lure our Ling'e away?

Li Changshou's lips curled slightly. He turned and walked to the corner of the alchemy room, unbuttoned his daoist robe, and took out a dust-laden wooden box.

Time for the battle robe! A white brocade robe, embroidered with golden cranes and a stand-up collar! Cloud-treading boots with a black base, crafted from threads of warm jade! A jade sash and decorative pendants were essential, and a flowing cloud hair-tie was indispensable. A spiritual treasure jade gourd hung at his waist as an ornament. His tied cuffs were perfectly symmetrical, not a single bit off. He took a Post-Heaven Spirit Treasure jade thimble for storage, casually infusing it with a trace of merit, thus transforming it into a Post-Heaven Merit Spirit Treasure. The faint glow it constantly emitted was merely to indicate that this was just an ordinary storage treasure from his home.

Withdrew the three parts of his disguise that affected everything but his appearance, Li Changshou stepped out of the alchemy room, adjusted his outward cultivation realm to the late Heaven Immortal stage, and calmly floated towards Black Pool Peak.

The Water God is here to support Ling'e!