Chapter 517: Unlucky Shiji

His experience spanned boundless eons; he had thoroughly explored every hidden corner of the world.

Dongsheng Shenzhou, a bustling market town near the East Sea, was as usual, filled with both mortals and immortals. Famous mountains and great rivers harbored countless Qi Refiners. Even renowned figures from immortal sects needed to trade goods. Spirit stones, elixirs, and precious materials were the three main pillars of most market towns in the Great Desolation. Of course, where the Tianya Pavilion branch was located, the service industry also accounted for a large proportion in the Great Desolation.

Daoist Duobao arrived half an hour earlier than the time he had agreed upon with Li Changshou. Concealing his aura and immense pressure, Daoist Duobao, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, naturally exuded a certain... nouveau riche demeanor.

Ahem, a warning from the Rat's Treasury!

‘Chang Geng mentioned a significant matter today, saying we’d find out who was dragging down the prosperity of our Jie Sect. Could it be related to rogue cultivators?’

As Daoist Duobao pondered this, he had only taken two steps down the market town street when Li Changshou’s voice entered his mind: “Senior Brother Duobao, there’s an elixir shop up ahead. Enter the small alley beside it, walk a hundred steps, and pass through a few simple illusion formations.”

Duobao, somewhat bewildered, looked in the direction Li Changshou indicated, nodded calmly, and proceeded forward. Hidden there was a rather messy alleyway, lined with many carpets, and pervaded by a gloomy and eerie atmosphere. Daoist Duobao was unfazed; he could flatten this market town with a flick of his hand, so he naturally felt little concern.

He calmly walked into the alley, passed through the illusion formations, and reached the hidden street. Li Changshou’s voice came again, guiding Daoist Duobao to a corner. After numerous turns and twists, Duobao finally slipped a paper effigy into his sleeve and met up with Li Changshou.

Immediately upon meeting, Daoist Duobao, as the Senior Brother, posed three questions:“What’s going on? What’s the situation? Who is scheming here?”

Li Changshou’s paper effigy sighed and transmitted his voice to Daoist Duobao: “Let’s get to the spot and prepare first; I’ll slowly explain the matter to Senior Brother.”

Daoist Duobao naturally had great trust in Li Changshou; after all, he had watched Li Changshou and Junior Sister Yunxiao’s live broadcast… ahem! He was, after all, the Junior Brother of the Human Sect who had bathed with their Master. This was a life-and-death friendship with their Jie Sect immortals! And this time, Li Changshou sought no personal gain; he was purely helping the Jie Sect to eradicate some persistent ailments, clear away some karma, and ensure the stability of the Dao Sect. Perhaps this operation could only recover a small fraction of the Jie Sect’s luck and add a glimmer of vitality for Yunxiao and Old Master Zhao; but it was still better than doing nothing at all.

While Senior Cousin Caiyao and her Dao companion had not yet arrived, Li Changshou communicated with Daoist Duobao for a while to gauge his understanding of acting, then began comprehensive training for him. Daoist Duobao truly hadn’t expected… to think that he, the esteemed Head Disciple of the Jie Sect, Grand Disciple of Tongtian, and the foremost treasure hunter in the Great Desolation… would come to this today!

Half an hour later.

Daoist Duobao, draped in a light yellow robe, carried a faint scent of alcohol. His slightly plump face had lost its original ‘fair and tender’ look, gaining a touch of weary ruggedness. He spread a blanket by the street, calmly sat cross-legged, with over ten bottles of elixirs laid out before him, a hint of dejection on his face.

From his sleeve, a paper figure continuously transmitted a voice: “Senior Brother Duobao, whether this succeeds or not entirely depends on our handling of certain details. Please show a bit more arrogance in your expression, use your peripheral vision when looking around, and when greeting someone, your first word should be ‘Hmph’…”

Daoist Duobao’s mouth twitched slightly as he transmitted a question: “Chang Geng, what kind of formidable enemy requires such elaborate disguise and scheming? We can just fight them directly. If we’re not their match, we can ask our Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters for assistance. At worst, it’s just a cry of ‘Master, save me,’ and our Master wouldn’t stand by idly. Why go to all this trouble?”

“Senior Brother, this time we’re not here to kill enemies, but to investigate a matter. If we don’t follow the vine to find the melon, forcefully pulling it might break the melon.”

Li Changshou truthfully explained: “Moreover, the Qi Refiner acting as the ‘vine’ in this case has some connection to me; he just came from my true body’s hidden location. If I were to directly attack him, I’d have to move to the Heavenly Courts to hide in the future…”

Duobao laughed: “It seems I considered too little, Chang Geng. Don’t blame me; we’ll do as you say.”

“The treasure pouch I just gave Senior Brother contains many specially made recording orbs,” Li Changshou instructed, “We must record all circumstances this time. Senior Brother, I believe what we need to eliminate isn’t just a few or dozens of people, but to prevent such situations from recurring.”

“Precisely,” Daoist Duobao transmitted his praise. “Chang Geng is right. We need to resolve internal issues within the Sect, not merely to exterminate living beings. Killing a few so-called masters is simple; completely eliminating the hidden dangers is the real priority. However… Chang Geng, could you now tell me what exactly is going on?”

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, then continued to transmit his voice through the paper effigy: “Before that, Senior Brother, please agree to three things.”

“What things?”

“First, never act impulsively. Second, consider everything carefully before making a decision. Third, do not alert the enemy.”

“Good,” Daoist Duobao solemnly agreed. Li Changshou mused for a moment, then briefly conveyed the information he had gathered to Daoist Duobao. Gradually, Duobao’s face darkened, and he cursed aloud from his seat: “These!”

“Senior Brother, Senior Brother!”

“These medicinal dregs! They truly infuriate this Daoist! They can’t even refine elixirs, just wasting precious herbs!”

Daoist Duobao gnashed his teeth and cursed angrily. After attracting over ten glances from passersby, there were no other repercussions. Afterward, Daoist Duobao transmitted a furious scolding to Li Changshou’s paper effigy: “These scoundrels are ruining my Jie Sect! Regarding this matter! If there’s one, this Daoist will kill one; if there are two, this Daoist will eliminate both! Those wretches who sell themselves for spirit stones and precious materials! They are not worthy of being disciples of my Jie Sect! I wondered why that Red Lotus shattered directly? It turns out it was dragged down by these scums! I’m furious!”

Li Changshou: ...

He was genuinely enraged; he even forgot to use his self-appellation ‘this Daoist.’

“Senior Brother, were you completely unaware of this matter? Did Junior Uncle never inquire about it?” Li Changshou was also puzzled by this.

Daoist Duobao thought carefully, then performed a quick divination with his fingers, and soon recalled something. “Previously, Yu Yuan, a disciple of Junior Sister Jin Ling, once mentioned to this Daoist that some disciples occasionally held lectures in the Three Thousand Worlds, which seemed a bit strange.”

“And then?”

Daoist Duobao looked ashamed and whispered: “This Daoist thought these fellow disciples were respecting Master, emulating Master’s lectures on Immortal Island, and bringing glory to the Jie Sect! Who would have thought their lectures were for such reasons, indiscriminately teaching Dharma and Dao regardless of good or evil, right or wrong! Alas! It’s all because I was too confident and overlooked something.”

Li Changshou said: “It’s not too late to remedy it now. Please endure some discomfort this time, Senior Brother, and let’s eliminate this hidden danger early. Furthermore, this matter cannot be generalized. There must be some immortals who went out to lecture, unaware of the inside story, merely acting out of obligation. A slight reprimand would suffice for them. However, if they committed these acts knowingly, or acted as intermediaries for personal gain, they must be severely punished without leniency.”

“Very well, Chang Geng, please take more pains later.”

A sharp glint flashed in Daoist Duobao’s eyes, filled with chilling murderous intent. The entire alley instantly darkened, turning as cold as an ice cave. Fortunately, Daoist Duobao quickly reined in his formidable aura, sitting there and continuing to play the role of a dejected, stubborn elixir refiner. The vendors at the stalls to Duobao’s left, right, and opposite all looked towards the depths of the alley, drawing others’ attention that way and providing cover for Daoist Duobao.

To be safe, Li Changshou had previously deployed three paper effigies, originally meant to create atmosphere. Meanwhile, the young master of a certain immortal sect from the Three Thousand Worlds, along with Ling’e’s senior cousin Caiyao, had already departed from Xiaoqiong Peak, traveling by carriage with escorts, and were hastily heading towards this market town. Li Changshou did not repeatedly admonish Daoist Duobao, as he was, after all, the Senior Brother of the Jie Sect and possessed extensive experience in the Great Desolation, so Li Changshou didn't need to worry too much. The respect due to the Senior Brothers of the Three Sects still had to be given.

Just then, a slight doubt suddenly arose in Li Changshou’s heart… Who was the Senior Brother of the Western Sect? He had truly never heard of that one.

Two more hours later, a man and a woman entered this hidden alley. Their slightly luxurious robes and the aura of ‘wealthy individuals’ they exuded roused the spirits of the Qi Refiners manning the stalls there. Immediately, a few feeble shouts and hawking cries echoed through the alley: “Powder, powder, powder with extra ingredients at no extra cost, capable of enchanting True Immortals and confusing Heavenly Immortals.” “Blood-Rending Eye Beads, Dharma artifacts capable of killing True Immortals, three for a peck of spirit stones.” “Spirit beasts, cheap sale! Younglings, cheap sale!”

However, the man and woman merely glanced left and right as they walked forward, causing the hawking cries behind and ahead to quickly fade. Clearly, they had come prepared and were not easily fooled.

“Husband,” Caiyao suddenly said, “Is that the one ahead?”

The male immortal looked up and indeed saw Daoist Duobao’s figure. He examined him closely; he was exactly as Ling’e’s Senior Brother had described! Two words: rotund and prosperous.

Immediately, the male immortal stepped forward, bowed in a Daoist salute, and took a jade talisman from his sleeve. The slightly plump Daoist, who had been about to shoo people away, frowned and muttered: “What is your relationship with the owner of this jade talisman?”

The male immortal smiled faintly and calmly replied: “We are brothers-in-law, and also good friends who hit it off immediately.”

Li Changshou, hearing these words through the paper effigy, felt his mouth twitch slightly. They were indeed brothers-in-law, but of the ‘cousin’ type.

The male immortal’s process of taking the bait was very smooth; he struggled not at all and was easily manipulated by Daoist Duobao. Li Changshou’s previous worries were proven to be like a dish with two fish – superfluous.

Who was Daoist Duobao? Before becoming a disciple of the Sect Master Tongtian, he was the first treasure-seeking rat to roam freely across the ancient Great Desolation without perishing, his exceptional daring forging his keen reflexes. Truly, he had dug more holes than others had ever walked paths.

Looking at the jade token Li Changshou had given the male immortal, he first clarified the male immortal’s background; then, he played hard to get, declining a few times, expressing that he was used to leisure and didn’t want to be a ‘chief elixir refiner.’ The male immortal invited him repeatedly, displaying the utmost respect for talent, and only then did Daoist Duobao seem to waver slightly, but still refused.

Until… Caiyao, wearing a veil, suggested: “Husband, why don’t you buy all of this senior’s elixirs?”

The male immortal did as she said and was thoroughly fleeced by Daoist Duobao. Only after Daoist Duobao received the spirit stones did he ‘reluctantly’ nod in agreement. He portrayed a somewhat mercenary elixir refiner vividly and thoroughly. Daoist Duobao even added to his own role, fabricating a daughter to fill a loophole in Li Changshou’s original script.

On a cloud-boat pavilion ship that had flown out of the Five Continents, dozens of guards patrolled everywhere, and inside the cabin, singing and dancing were constant. After several rounds of wine and dishes, Daoist Duobao sighed with emotion, saying that he had actually received a message from Li Changshou earlier, agreeing to develop together in the Three Thousand Worlds, partly to seek some spirit stones and treasures, and partly to find a path for his only daughter.

The male immortal looked enlightened. Gazing at Daoist Duobao’s somewhat complex eyes, he sighed: “Fellow Daoist, your dedication to your children is truly admirable. Come, I, Buzhongyao, toast you.”

“Young Master, you flatter me, you flatter me,” Duobao said, holding his wine cup and deliberately lowering its rim slightly. Just a few details, a few words, made Caiyao’s husband believe he had gained absolute control. Soon, Buzhongyao repeated what he had previously told Li Changshou, but in greater detail, to Daoist Duobao. To reassure Daoist Duobao, he deliberately spoke in great detail, making the light in Daoist Duobao’s eyes grow increasingly intense.

Li Changshou, observing this scene in secret, felt a renewed admiration for Daoist Duobao. The esteemed Senior Brother of the foremost great sect, acting and deceiving such a Heavenly Immortal with little true skill, all for the sake of the sect’s destiny and a glimmer of hope for his fellow disciples… If the Jie Sect immortals knew, they would likely shed tears and sigh profoundly.

When the time was right, Daoist Duobao took a treasure pouch from his sleeve and whispered: “I have some savings here. Young Master, could you perhaps guide this Daoist a little? Or, how many elixirs would it take to grant this Daoist two opportunities to attend a lecture? For the first time, Young Master can arrange it as you please, so this Daoist can go and see, and feel more at ease. Young Master, don’t blame me, this Daoist has only one daughter…”

“Ah,” the male immortal pushed the treasure pouch back, smiling, “How could I let Fellow Daoist spend money?”

Daoist Duobao quickly said: “Young Master, please don’t be like that. We are not yet well acquainted. Once we are familiar, this Daoist will naturally not bother with these matters. In that case, here are some spirit elixirs I refined, several hundred in total, and most are of similar value.”

Daoist Duobao again took out several large gourds from his sleeve and opened their mouths. Suddenly, one of the gourds emitted rays of golden light, as if ethereal bells chimed and waves of glowing mist surged forth. Eighth-rank spirit elixir! Daoist Duobao’s expression changed. He corked the gourd, put it back into his sleeve, and gave the male immortal an awkward smile.

“Wrong one, wrong one. This was given by my Master, not refined by this Daoist.”

At this moment, Buzhongyao was no longer calm. His eyes, like lightning, fixed on Daoist Duobao. He first laughed a few times, then immediately thumped his chest and agreed to the matter. Immediately, Buzhongyao sent out two jade talismans, contacting two groups of experts involved in the ‘Jie Sect Registered Disciple Selling business.’ Perhaps Daoist Duobao and Li Changshou were lucky, or perhaps the troublesome Jie Sect immortals and rogue cultivators were unlucky, but Buzhongyao quickly received a reply. In a direction a few million li slightly off their current course, there would be a lecture assembly in half a month. However, one seat would cost five hundred square spirit stones, with a guarantee that the lecturer would be a Jie Sect expert.

Buzhongyao gritted his teeth, gathered some immortal treasures, and temporarily secured a spot, handing the jade talisman to Daoist Duobao.

Half a month later, the cloud-boat, rushing along, arrived at a Great Thousand World, reaching a hidden mountain valley. As he disembarked the cloud-boat, Daoist Duobao cupped his hands and said: “This Daoist will surely repay you generously!”

“You are too kind, Sir.”

Buzhongyao displayed a calm and composed smile, watched Daoist Duobao fly into the clouds ahead, and then gently sighed in relief. Caiyao said with some concern: “Husband, why do I keep feeling something is amiss?”

“What do you know?” Buzhongyao smiled calmly, “Such Qi Refiners, who have no hope of immortality, pour all their heart and soul into their children, deluding themselves into thinking their children can achieve what they couldn’t. For this, some of them can even sacrifice their lives. An eighth-rank spirit elixir… the expert behind him is definitely not simple.”

Caiyao seemed to hesitate, about to speak, but Buzhongyao had already made a gesture, and the cloud-boat slowly proceeded, heading beyond the heavens of this Great Thousand World to wait.

In the mountain valley, clouds and mist permeated the air. This mist was merely a simple illusion array and naturally couldn’t obstruct Daoist Duobao’s vision or Li Changshou’s investigation. The dozens of meditation mats placed in the center of the valley were now all occupied. Directly in front of the meditation mats stood a thatched hut, and inside the hut, there was one meditation mat. This was also a matter of great significance. According to the rules of the Great Desolation, the more profound an immortal’s cultivation when giving a lecture, the simpler the setup needed to be, thereby highlighting the immortal’s noble and elegant temperament.

“Hold there.” A soft cry came from the side; two tall, thin Daoists blocked the path ahead.

Daoist Duobao stopped, presented the jade talisman given by Buzhongyao, a cordial smile on his lips, appearing slightly reserved. Incidentally, as he had discussed with Li Changshou, Daoist Duobao secretly released two Dharma-treasure insects, which stuck to the ankles of the two Daoists without attracting any notice.

One of the Daoists threw a meditation mat over and stated firmly: “This is your meditation mat. Remember not to make a sound inside; just listen to the lecture, and don’t ask any questions.”

“Ah, understood.”

“Go in. You arrived late, so remember to sit at the back.”

“Many thanks, many thanks.”

Daoist Duobao cupped his hands, took his meditation mat to the center of the valley, and sat behind the dozens of men and women already there. As soon as he sat down, Daoist Duobao transmitted a cold snort to Li Changshou. “Those two are both immortals of my Jie Sect!”

Li Changshou cautioned: “Senior Brother, we’ve come this far; don’t alert the enemy.”

Daoist Duobao nodded with a smile, outwardly amiable, but with a storm raging in his heart. Li Changshou’s paper effigy quietly deployed the Wind Whisper Charm, but found nothing; the surroundings were completely silent. Before long, Daoist Duobao, with his hands in his sleeves, placed a small jade tablet on Li Changshou’s paper effigy. Immediately, Li Changshou heard voices conversing from an unknown source. This must be someone transmitting their voice.

First, a somewhat anxious male voice was heard: “Senior Sister, I beg you this time. Senior Brother Lin Liang, who was originally scheduled, suddenly has something to do and can’t come. All the rogue cultivators who want to listen to the lecture have gathered; we can’t just let them disperse.”

Then a gentle female voice was heard: “Why can’t they disperse?”

“Wouldn’t that damage the reputation of our Jie Sect?”

“Alas, I actually know about the things you’ve been doing behind the scenes. I merely promised Senior Brother Ma Yuan to help you a few times. After this time, I will no longer owe Senior Brother Ma Yuan any favors.”

“Thank you, Senior Sister, thank you, Senior Sister. These things are all easy to talk about, easy to talk about. The time is almost here…”

Another soft sigh, and then the female voice fell silent.

A short while later, the clouds and mist in the depths of the canyon parted, and a graceful female immortal, clad in a black fitted gown, slowly flew in on a white cloud, landing in front of the thatched hut and sitting on the meditation mat. A slight mist obscured her face. She exuded her own Daoist charm and could be considered an expert. She now spoke softly: “This Daoist is a Jie Sect Qi Refiner, Daoist name Shiji. Today, I have specially come to explain the Dao of Golden Immortals to all of you.”

Daoist Duobao slowly lowered his head, a sharp glint flickering in his eyes before quickly receding. Though Li Changshou was merely a paper effigy here at this moment, with Daoist Duobao’s assistance, his immortal sense could clearly see this famous immortal, the unluckiest one from the Investiture of the Gods. To be fair, Lady Shiji was strikingly beautiful, with fair skin, delicate features, and a beauty capable of captivating fish and birds. But none of this could diminish Daoist Duobao’s murderous intent in the slightest at this moment.

Daoist Duobao transmitted to Li Changshou: “This Shiji, knowingly committing wrongdoing, cannot be forgiven!”

Li Changshou, however, muttered to himself inwardly… Lady Shiji also seemed to be listed on the original Investiture of the Gods. Should he make a temporary vow this time to see if he could take the opportunity to eliminate the immortals originally on the list before the Investiture of the Gods was released?

After careful consideration, Li Changshou abandoned this thought. Today was for helping the Jie Sect clear up old maladies; there was no need to cause extra trouble. He still needed to play it safe and, in principle, not interfere with the internal affairs of the Jie Sect. Only by offering suggestions and providing solutions, without making any decisions for the Jie Sect, would be the wisest course of action.

Suddenly, Shiji seemed to sense something. She looked up towards where Daoist Duobao was sitting, and her originally soft voice paused: “Why is that plump Daoist not looking at this Daoist? Is what this Daoist is explaining too shallow?”