Chapter 518: Duobao I, the Water God, send money.

Daoist Duobao's veins bulged on his forehead, his fingers trembled slightly, and he was about to stand up and flip the table. He had been active in the Primordial World for so many years, witnessing Ancestral Dragon battle Primordial Phoenix, seeing Ancestral Witches confront Demon Emperors, and observing the rise of the Six Sages. Was there any remote corner of the Primordial World where his round figure hadn't reveled among piles of treasures?

Of course, none of this was important!

The plump Daoist... Was he fat? If it weren't for ensuring the most exquisite pleasure from the friction of each spiritual treasure against his skin during every intimate encounter with them, would he maintain this physique? Do you understand the joy of lying on a pile of treasures, letting precious beads bounce around on his belly?

Since the great prosperity of the Daoist sect, even his master would only say one thing: "My treasure, why have you become a bit rounder lately?" When had the word "fat" ever been used before!

Anger flared in Daoist Duobao's heart, but he remembered that he was currently investigating the internal reasons for the Jie Sect's destiny being burdened, so he restrained himself from lashing out. To call him "fat" to his face was like calling Master Xuandu lazy, asking Guangchengzi, "Senior Brother, why do you have an even senior-er brother above you?", calling Huanglong "for viewing," or telling Immortal Taiyi, "Why are you so sarcastic?"

Uh, perhaps the last one wasn't so bad...

Daoist Duobao, who had been patient for half a month, almost exploded at the slightest provocation! Fortunately, Li Changshou intervened promptly, frantically transmitting messages with his immortal consciousness: "Senior Brother, Senior Brother! Don't do this, Senior Brother! This Immortal Shiji is praising your perfect, rounded form. Endure, endure! We're just two steps away from our goal! Oh, and yes, the word 'fat' also has another meaning, often used to describe the beauty of immortal maidens. For example, 'the immortal maiden in the moon is not half as beautiful as you' can also be understood as 'you alone possess half the beauty of the moonlight'! It's elegant, absolutely elegant! Impatience can ruin major plans. We are here to investigate today, not necessarily to take action."

Listening to the urgent messages from Li Changshou's immortal consciousness in his mind, and recalling their previous agreement on three rules, Daoist Duobao's Dao heart quickly recovered.

"Chang Geng is right," he thought, "a little impatience. Later, I'll just kill a few less people." This already indicated murderous intent.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly. The Jie Sect, as expected, would resort to conflict at the slightest disagreement, their first thought always being a fight. But what slightly surprised Li Changshou was that Daoist Duobao quickly showed a gentle smile, and, still wearing his disguised face, looked up and chuckled.

"Senior, this junior just..."

Unexpectedly, Shiji interjected, "Still trying to make excuses? Do you perhaps think that coming here is merely to gain an identity and enhance your background, and that my Dao is not worth mentioning?"

Li Changshou was speechless. Although he knew that Immortal Shiji might be feeling depressed and looking for an outlet at this moment, this... Never mind, she couldn't be saved. She might as well await her demise. He should quickly implement his second contingency plan, abandon the idea of following subtle clues, and instead use thunderous methods to dismantle this group. Afterwards, he would escalate the situation completely, using the full power of the Jie Sect to purge its members.

What kind of person was Senior Brother Duobao? The eldest disciple of the Jie Sect, one of the few true masters among the Three Religions. Based on Li Changshou's observations, Duobao's strength should be above Guangchengzi's, firmly securing the second highest position among Daoist disciples. If Duobao were to unleash his power now, directly reveal his identity, and directly kill the four Jie Sect immortals who had appeared, including Shiji, Li Changshou would not be surprised in the slightest. Senior Brother also valued his reputation.

But what surprised Li Changshou was...

"Ah, well, Senior, please forgive me." Daoist Duobao replied, looking embarrassed. He stood up, performed a deep Daoist bow to Shiji, and quickly explained, "This junior just arrived here, traveling hastily by cloud all the way, and my mind is not yet settled. Please forgive me, Senior, please forgive me."

Li Changshou secretly raised an eyebrow, becoming even more wary of Daoist Duobao.

"Sit down and listen carefully," Shiji said, not elaborating further. She then began to share her cultivation insights. All eyes that had been on Daoist Duobao were now withdrawn. Everyone leaned in to listen, mostly valuing this expensive lecture immensely.

Li Changshou sent a message praising Daoist Duobao: "Senior Brother, your ability to endure when necessary is truly admirable."

"Alas," Daoist Duobao sighed inwardly, his expression unchanged, "I actually wanted to strike just now, but then it occurred to me that Shiji also listened to our master's teachings and calls me Senior Brother..."

Li Changshou also sighed softly, said nothing more, and simply waited quietly.

When Shiji lectured, some light petals would indeed float out. This proved that Immortal Shiji, who originally met a tragic end under the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Cover during the Investiture of the Gods calamity, possessed some true cultivation herself. Li Changshou clearly remembered that Immortal Shiji... had a truly miserable fate.

In the story of young Nezha, Nezha shot an arrow at Chentang Pass, accidentally killing Biyun, Immortal Shiji's attendant. Immortal Shiji went to Li Jing to demand an explanation, and Li Jing promptly handed Nezha over. Shiji fought Nezha, easily seizing Nezha's Universe Ring and Sky-Mixing Silk, and pursued Nezha to Golden Light Cave on Mount Qianyuan. Originally, when Shiji met Immortal Taiyi, she bowed and addressed him as "Daoist Brother," intending to calmly discuss Nezha's transgression. Instead, Immortal Taiyi initiated a confrontation, and she ultimately died tragically under the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Cover. In short, Immortal Taiyi was Immortal Shiji's fated nemesis.

Based on Li Changshou's understanding of Immortal Taiyi, if the story were to continue along its original trajectory, the Chan and Jie Sects would inevitably clash. Taiyi, with his remarkable foresight for striking first and his infallible ability to provoke opponents, would certainly launch a preemptive strike. However, given the current situation preceding the great calamity... Li Changshou considered his series of subsequent plans. Whether Immortal Shiji would actually appear in Nezha's story was truly hard to say. Moreover, whether Shiji could even survive this current tribulation was still unknown.

Immortal Shiji's lecture lasted six hours in the blink of an eye. As dusk approached and the sun's projection in this Grand World receded beyond the distant mountains, the clouds and mist in the valley also gradually dispersed. Shiji slowly rose from the thatched hut, the pleats of her black skirt flowing like ripples. The thin mist on her face still hadn't dispersed. Because they had been listening to Shiji's lecture, about twenty people were currently in a state of Dao comprehension. Daoist Duobao also pretended to be in this state, with a few 'superficial' Daoist rhymes drifting around him, as if he was on the verge of a breakthrough. Shiji generated clouds under her feet and headed deeper into the valley, vanishing in an instant.

At this moment, the jade tablet attached to Li Changshou brought words transmitted from afar. He heard Shiji say to someone nearby: "Alright, my task for today is done. If something like this happens again later, Junior Brother, don't send for me."

"Senior Sister, don't rush. I have something to say. Could you please hear me out before you leave?"

"Speak," Shiji replied, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

The Jie Sect immortal then said, "Senior Sister, I know your nature is noble and pure; you are unwilling to lecture others for spirit stones or rare materials. But Senior Sister, consider this: when you give lectures, you are actually benefiting these rogue cultivators who wish to gain some reputation. We receive their offerings as tribute, and what we spread is the prestige of our Jie Sect. Our Jie Sect commands the allegiance of ten thousand immortals; we don't mind having a few more nominal disciples. This can only bring benefits."

"Hmph," Shiji frowned slightly and said softly, "If those you attracted today were truly cultivators with great wisdom and insight, and you hadn't accepted benefits from them, I would still believe such words from you. If the inner disciples, our Senior Brothers and Sisters, were to learn of this, how would they view it? Isn't this openly pricing the identity of our Jie Sect's third-generation nominal disciples in exchange for spirit stones? It's true that our Jie Sect's doctrine is to seize a ray of hope for living beings, but not in this manner!"

Hearing this, Daoist Duobao secretly smiled and said to Li Changshou, "It seems this Immortal Shiji is not yet beyond redemption."

Li Changshou chuckled, and continued listening.

The male immortal then said, "Senior Sister, what you're saying is actually a bit inappropriate. In this world, does cultivation only depend on comprehension? Wealth and resources are also of utmost importance. Senior Sister, here are some of the..."

"Take it back," Shiji stated firmly. "You are insulting me!"

"Please open it and see first..."

*Buzz—*

Li Changshou's Wind Whisper Spell finally detected a slight disturbance; it was the ripple of clashing magical powers emanating from the depths of the valley. The Wind Whisper Spell also picked up a rather weak curse. "Put away your spirit stones; don't defile my eyes. Farewell."

The male immortal anxiously transmitted a message: "Senior Sister! Senior Sister, please don't rush. It was my inappropriate words. Please don't blame me, Senior Sister... Senior Sister!"

Just then, a black shadow flashed in the depths of the valley. Shiji ascended on a cloud, her expression stern, and sped towards the horizon, leaving behind a single sentence. "Don't come looking for me again in the future."

Daoist Duobao sighed with emotion upon seeing this: "It seems, just as you said, junior brother, not everyone involved in this matter can be killed indiscriminately. There must be differentiated treatment."

Li Changshou also felt a surge of emotion. The restraining power of the Heavenly Dao was indeed formidable; Shiji had been recklessly tempting fate, yet ultimately managed to turn peril into safety... Keeping Shiji alive allowed her to be killed by the destined person at the appropriate time and place, achieving the outcome desired by the Heavenly Dao. Had the Heavenly Dao just influenced Shiji? Li Changshou naturally dared not confirm this. He could only activate his clear Dao heart to check if he himself was being influenced by the tribulation.

"Chang Geng, what should we do next?" Daoist Duobao asked.

Li Changshou deliberated for a moment, and replied, "The best strategy is to continue enduring. These few people here have already been marked, and the recording orb has documented the situation, but the evidence is clearly insufficient. The middle strategy is to find a key, to shorten the interval of our investigation and reconnaissance..."

Daoist Duobao chuckled via message, "Then let's choose this middle strategy. It will be hard on Junior Sister Shiji."

"Senior Brother, how do you intend to do that?"

"Just use the previous excuse," Daoist Duobao said, opening his eyes. He stood up from his meditation cushion and walked out of the valley, adding, "Chang Geng, first come up with an idea to keep Immortal Shiji here; don't let her get too far."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then sent a few messages to Duobao. With a few words describing the plan, Daoist Duobao's eyes lit up.

When they arrived, a jade token was required; when they left, there was no hindrance whatsoever. Leaving the valley, Daoist Duobao ascended on a cloud towards the horizon, heading directly towards Bu Zhongyao's cloud-boat warship.

When Daoist Duobao was less than a thousand *li* from the cloud-boat, Bu Zhongyao and Caiyao were already waiting at the bow. The young sect master had a faint smile on his lips, already imagining the praise he would receive from his sect master father for bringing back a skilled alchemist. Suddenly, a streak of light shot in from the side! The guards on the cloud-boat had no time to react. Caiyao and Bu Zhongyao had just turned when they saw a graceful figure in black appear out of thin air, ten *zhang* away.

Bu Zhongyao looked up, feeling that the suddenly appearing female immortal was slender and captivating, exuded a considerable aura of power, and his immortal consciousness had just seen her fly out of the valley... A Jie Sect master, Immortal Shiji!

Caiyao's reaction was quick. She immediately bowed and exclaimed, "Your disciple greets Master!"

Shiji was slightly taken aback, for she couldn't recall where she had ever met this female immortal, who was only at the True Immortal stage. She nodded gently, and said, "Please, find me a quiet room on the ship. When that plump Daoist returns, have him come to see me alone. I felt I recognized him earlier, and then I suddenly remembered that his master and I are old acquaintances."

Caiyao quickly looked at Bu Zhongyao beside her. He finally regained his composure, performed a Daoist bow to Shiji, quickly gestured for her to enter, and continuously offered greetings.

A moment later, Immortal Shiji selected a quiet compartment, raised her hand to set up layers of barriers, and sat quietly by the wooden window. Her immortal consciousness locked onto the 'plump Daoist' slowly drifting towards them. Unconsciously, her slender brows furrowed slightly on her forehead, and the words she had heard moments ago echoed in her mind... The instant she left that area, a divine sense broke through the immortal power surrounding her and her protective magic artifact, transforming into a voice transmission that burrowed into her mind.

It was the voice of the plump Daoist: "Immortal Shiji, this poor Daoist is a Heavenly General from the Heavenly Court. I have been secretly dispatched by the Heavenly Court's Water God, a disciple of the Human Sect Sage, to investigate whether a certain Immortal Alliance power has betrayed the Alliance and sided with the Western Sect. The investigation has yielded results today, and I am currently in need of a way to withdraw. I happened to pass by here and would like to ask for your assistance. Once this poor Daoist has successfully escaped, I will definitely report to Lord Water God and present you, Immortal, with a grand gift as thanks! This matter is of great importance, and must not be publicized. Please go to the cloud-boat of this faction's young master first, and use your identity as an immortal to request a private room. I will immediately rush there to rendezvous with you. We can discuss the details when we meet, and you will then know the truth of my words."

And then, Immortal Shiji believed it. This made Daoist Duobao feel it was utterly lacking in challenge. He decided that next time, he would try pretending to be the Heavenly Court's Water God and wait in a private room. Perhaps it might yield unexpected results.

As soon as Daoist Duobao boarded the cloud-boat, Bu Zhongyao and Caiyao stepped forward to greet him, informing him that Immortal Shiji was waiting. At this point, this disguised Senior Brother of the Jie Sect displayed a hint of surprise, followed by a perfectly timed three parts delight and two parts nervousness, appearing utterly flawless.

"Why is Immortal Shiji waiting for this poor Daoist here?"

"It seems to be related to your master," Bu Zhongyao urged. "Please go in quickly, Daoist Brother; don't keep Immortal Shiji waiting. She is a true Jie Sect master; you absolutely must not offend her."

"Rest assured, Young Sect Master," Daoist Duobao said, cupping his hands earnestly. Li Changshou's laughter echoed in his mind as he hurried towards Immortal Shiji's location.

What followed was quite smooth. With Li Changshou's covert assistance, Daoist Duobao played the role of 'Heavenly Court undercover agent' flawlessly. After only a short time in the cabin, Immortal Shiji departed the cloud-boat with the plump Daoist, using the excuse that they were going to visit the plump Daoist's master. Before leaving, Daoist Duobao held Bu Zhongyao's arm and repeatedly urged him, stating that he would return later to seek him out and that he shouldn't forget their previous discussion.

This made Bu Zhongyao ecstatic. Outwardly refined, he secretly ground his molars, and managed to extract a generous gift from his already limited reserves to take for Daoist Duobao's master. Despite his disdain, Daoist Duobao accepted the gift with "tears of gratitude."

What acting skills from Senior Brother!

After Shiji departed with Duobao, vanishing beyond this realm, Bu Zhongyao and Caiyao, standing at the bow, exchanged glances. The former wore a calm smile, while the latter subtly frowned.

"Husband," Caiyao said, "what if he doesn't return? Wouldn't all these spirit stones of ours be wasted?"

"Short-sighted!" Bu Zhongyao smiled calmly, watching the direction Shiji had departed. He said indifferently, "Today is just a few spirit stones. In the future, we might gain another ally! It's even possible that this person will bring his master along... It's not impossible, is it? Hahahaha!"

Caiyao frowned slightly upon hearing this, and couldn't help but think of her cousin's senior brother, feeling inexplicably more at ease. With such a connection, and with a master like Immortal Shiji of the Jie Sect appearing, the other party couldn't possibly be a swindler.

So Shiji took Daoist Duobao and flew rapidly, gradually flying tens of thousands of miles away, beyond the furthest reach of an ordinary Golden Immortal's divine sense. In the void, Shiji turned around and quietly asked, "Daoist Brother, how about I take you this far?"

Duobao remained silently still.

Shiji then asked, "If this location isn't suitable, Daoist Brother, you can name a place. I have nothing to do, so I can take you wherever you need to go."

"Nothing to do?" Daoist Duobao's expression became stern, and he said coldly, "So you went to help others give lectures?"

Shiji's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She finally realized something was amiss with the 'plump' Daoist in front of her. Immediately, she became fully alert, drew a treasured sword, and retreated several dozen *zhang*.

"No need to struggle." Daoist Duobao opened his left hand, his five fingers shimmering with gentle colorful light. The void within a hundred *li* radius was completely sealed, and an indescribable majesty slowly emanated from his body.

Shiji's expression drastically changed. She was about to strike immediately, but then saw the plump Daoist's face suddenly transform into a face she had seen more than a dozen times before, and one that was intimately familiar!

"S-Senior Brother..."

"Kneel!"

With a loud shout from Daoist Duobao, Shiji's slender legs buckled, and she knelt straight down in the void! The treasured sword in her hand trembled, and the concealing magic on her face and around her body instantly receded, revealing a beautiful, pitiful face.

Li Changshou, however, had no mind to appreciate the beautiful sight; he was merely making a mental comparison. Daoist Duobao's version of "kneel," indeed, had considerably less power than Immortal Yunxiao's "kneel." Not very professional.