Chapter 527: Dragon Ji Becomes an Apprentice

Among all the events at this Yaochi Immortal Banquet, what resonated most deeply with Li Changshou was Old Monarch's praise. However, what truly left the deepest impression on Li Changshou was not the breathtaking dance of Immortal Chang'e, whose beauty captivated the Heavenly Court, nor the rather impressive swordplay performance by Nezha and the Jade Rabbit, but rather... the congratulatory gift from Zhao Gongming.

At that moment, Chang'e's singing and dancing filled the air with joy, the banquet atmosphere was lively, and Nezha and the Jade Rabbit had not yet made their appearance. Zhao Gongming arrived in a hurry, wearing battle armor different from his usual set, and the inner garment beneath still bore faint traces of blood. Had it not been for the slight raise of his eyebrows and a gentle grin upon seeing Li Changshou, Li Changshou would have assumed something terrible had occurred.

Just as Zhao Gongming was about to move past the dancing Chang'e, he suddenly sensed an unusual Dao韵 in the area. Looking up, he shivered slightly. He had arrived so quickly that he hadn't noticed Old Monarch was present! Zhao Gongming quickly circled to the side of the elevated platform to pay his respects, then, in the same smooth motion, bowed to the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. Only then did he lower his head and approach Li Changshou, settling down beside him amidst the gazes of the surrounding immortals and deities, unable to suppress a smile.

"Chang Geng, your elder brother has gotten you a grand treasure!"

Li Changshou... His tone and demeanor were remarkably similar to those street vendors from his previous life who hawked "USB drives filled with learning materials."

Zhao Gongming pulled a two-foot-long black rod from his sleeve and placed it before Li Changshou. The black rod, currently sealed by Zhao Gongming, appeared as light as air, like charred charcoal. Yet, a subtle perception revealed wisps of profound yet simple aura within, accompanied by a faint suppressive force. Li Changshou merely gazed at the object for a few moments, and images flickered in a corner of his Dao Heart: he saw endless beings churning in a sea of blood, and countless souls across the heavens and earth being torn asunder by a long spear! Upon closer inspection, the black rod resembled the spine of a majestic mountain, condensed to a mere two feet in length by great divine power.

This familiar aura... Such potent destructive power...

Beside them, True Immortal Du'e, a well-traveled and discreet nominal disciple certified by the Human Sect, exclaimed in surprise: "Could this be a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear, the ultimate killing treasure formed from the root of the Primordial Green Lotus?"

This highlighted the importance of a good straight man in easing an awkward atmosphere.

"Precisely," Zhao Gongming said, stroking his beard and smiling faintly. Then, recalling something, he cast a somewhat guilty glance at his second sister, who was seated beside Li Changshou. Seeing Yun Xiao's expression remain unchanged, Zhao Gongming's mind was immediately put at ease. Better to face a hundred reprimands from his master than to provoke even a sliver of his second sister's wrath.

Then, he heard Old Zhao laugh, "For this congratulatory gift today, your elder brother... *cough*, this humble Daoist went to great lengths. I initially considered giving you some spirit treasures or rare materials, but I realized you aren't lacking in those. Considering our long-standing and deep friendship, I couldn't possibly be perfunctory. After much deliberation, I suddenly recalled that during the last demon-extermination mission in the Ancient Asura City, your beloved general, Marshal Golden-winged Peng, acquired a spear re-forged from a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear. A flash of inspiration struck me, and I remembered an ancient legend. So, I rode the Sea-Pacifying Divine Pearl, breaking through the cosmos, and rushed with all my might to the edge of the Three Thousand Worlds. Traveling at lightning speed, I found a secret place at the very edge of the heavens and earth, where I slew hundreds of demonic insects to retrieve this half-fragment of the God-Slaying Spear. Later, Chang Geng, when you integrate this fragment into that lesser God-Slaying Spear, its power will surely increase significantly!"

As his words concluded, Zhao Gongming smiled calmly. The value of this gift lay not only in the difficulty of finding and retrieving such a treasure in a short time, but also in the genuine thoughtfulness of considering what Li Changshou truly needed. The surrounding immortals and gods all marveled, gazing at the nearly two-foot-long fragment, and began recounting the ancient war between the Dao Ancestor and the Demon Ancestor. A fragment of the God-Slaying Spear was undoubtedly a great treasure, but its true worth depended on whose hands it fell into. If it were to fall into the hands of an ordinary Grand Luo, refining it would be incredibly difficult; even refining a single fragment would only yield a sharp Innate Spirit Treasure. However, combined with the spear that Golden-winged Peng acquired previously, this fragment became extraordinarily precious. It might even be capable of forging a supreme-grade Innate Spirit Treasure! Even if it couldn't match the original God-Slaying Spear, possessing merely two or three tenths of its power would still make it an extraordinary artifact.

How could Li Changshou not be deeply impressed by this?

Nevertheless... Empress Houtu had the Yama King deliver nine drops of Ancestral Witch essence blood, and now Old Zhao had gifted a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear... What was the implication? Were they suggesting he, a civil official of the Heavenly Court, should focus on cultivating profound martial arts?

Imagine this: in the future, if formidable enemies appear and the Heavenly Court's military generals are routed, he, under the guise of an old immortal, slowly drifts out on a cloud. Then, before the myriad powerful foes, he suddenly tears open his robe to reveal glistening golden chainmail, a dark treasure banner fluttering behind him, the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda above his head, and the Cosmic Ruler clutched in his left hand. With a single stride, his white hair flowing, his muscles violently bulging, he lets out a furious roar: "Bring me my spear!"

This image was very much in line with the Heavenly Court's style.

Li Changshou cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks, Senior Brother!"

"Oh, why are you being so polite with me?" Zhao Gongming stroked his beard, his eyes crinkling in a smile, and then pulled out another treasure pouch from his sleeve. "While I was at it," he explained, "this humble Daoist slew a Grand Luo-realm demonic beast, which will be perfect for alchemy and medicine."

Li Changshou chuckled, "That's more than enough, Senior Brother, your generous gift is truly overwhelming. I don't know how I'll ever reciprocate."

"Don't be so overly polite!" Zhao Gongming let out two hearty laughs, feeling quite pleased. "Your elder brother will go find a place to rest," he said. "You just continue with your duties. Second Sister, I'll go sit over there."

"Big Brother, you've worked hard," Yun Xiao said softly, causing Zhao Gongming to puff out his chest, raise his head, and feel completely at ease.

Duke Dongmu immediately leaned over and escorted Zhao Gongming to the seating area designated for the Jie School immortals. Li Changshou specifically summoned the Golden-winged Great Peng, asked him to retrieve the lesser God-Slaying Spear, and then handed the new fragment over, instructing him to keep it safe and find a way to merge them later. — The "way" here, of course, referred specifically to the Tushita Palace.

Once the gift-receiving was mostly complete, the rest of the banquet proceeded without further surprises. Nezha and the Jade Rabbit's sword dance, though splendid, left only a faint impression. This was because Immortal Chang'e later appeared, and her single dance astounded the Three Realms, firmly establishing her reputation as the most beautiful woman across them and elevating the Heavenly Court's prestige. Immortal Chang'e and a super Heavenly Soldier could be considered the Heavenly Court's current core competencies.

Li Changshou specifically observed the expressions of several ancient mighty figures upon seeing Chang'e. He noticed that only Great Immortal Zhenyuan appeared pensive, and as Chang'e concluded her dance and withdrew, he seemed to hesitate, as if about to speak. It seemed that Great Immortal Zhenyuan might also have some clues regarding 'Senior Lang'. Unfortunately, Li Changshou wasn't particularly interested in this. The only value in investigating Senior Lang's past was to gauge the "upper limit" of the Heavenly Dao's malleable script. Whatever Senior Lang's intention — whether to prove the Dao by force or to reverse some significant event — he must have crossed a critical boundary to be erased. However, there were other ways to explore the "elastic range" of the Heavenly Dao. To be safe, Li Changshou preferred to steer clear of anything related to "Senior Lang," focus on his role as Grand White Gold Star, and carefully plan his retirement. Then again, thinking about retirement on his very first day in office—he truly was one of a kind.

About half an hour after Chang'e's dance, the music suddenly swelled, becoming grand and magnificent, and light pink petals began to drift everywhere. The various Yaochi immortal maidens arranged themselves in formation on clouds in the sky, and a beautiful female immortal with a slender figure slowly flew forth from the depths of the Yaochi Lake. She was adorned in magnificent attire: an inner short chemise made of icy cloud silk, and over it, a gorgeous long gown embroidered with dozens of spirit birds. The gown's long train trailed through the clouds, making her strikingly radiant as she floated forward. It was, of course, Long Ji.

Long Ji now wore an intricate double bun hairstyle, a golden floral ornament on her forehead, and a faint blush on her pretty face. Her long eyelashes were meticulously trimmed, her brows were slender, and her ears appeared nimble. Under the gaze of all the immortals, she slowly advanced, then knelt before the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's elevated platform and bowed, proclaiming: "Your child greets Father and Mother."

The Jade Emperor smiled, calmly surveying his surroundings, his demeanor not without a hint of smugness... *ahem*, satisfaction. It was the Queen Mother who then spoke, "My child, you may rise."

"Thank you, Father, thank you, Mother." Long Ji replied softly, then gracefully rose to her feet.

From the side, Li Changshou shook his head with a venerable air and chuckled, "In the blink of an eye, Princess Long Ji has grown into a graceful young woman... Old Man of the Moon?"

The Old Man of the Moon, seated slightly behind and to the same side, was suddenly called upon. He immediately stood up, bowed to Li Changshou, and hastily replied, "I'm here."

Li Changshou chuckled, "You must guard your Hall of Marriages well. Do not allow anyone to sneak in and tie a red thread for Princess Long Ji. Princess Long Ji is the cherished pearl of His Majesty and the Queen Mother. Although His Majesty is impartial and has not placed the Princess among the official Heavenly Court deities, Princess Long Ji's marital fate is by no means a trivial matter."

A few drops of cold sweat beaded on the Old Man of the Moon's forehead. He truly had no idea what Grand White Chang Geng meant by such words, so he could only quickly lower his head and agree, repeatedly assuring them that such a situation would never occur. In doing so, a potential path for Long Ji to be manipulated in the future was severed.

After the Old Man of the Moon took his seat, Long Ji's pretty face flushed, and she said softly: "Mother, your child has always followed Master Taibai to learn strategy and is considered half a disciple of his. Today, I wish to offer a cup of tea to Master Taibai to thank him for his continuous guidance."

When Li Changshou heard this, he couldn't help but recall those three large boxes of homework...

The Queen Mother looked at Li Changshou and was about to speak, but he had already risen, cupped his hands to her, and proactively said: "Your Majesty, I am also quite fond of Long Ji. I wonder if she would be willing to formally accept me as her master?" Since he had already expressed his intention to take a disciple, there was no need for the Queen Mother to personally request it; it was better for him to be proactive.

Long Ji was overjoyed, forgetting how to voice her agreement, and simply nodded eagerly. The Queen Mother smiled and said, "Many thanks for Star Lord Taibai's kind favor."

Li Changshou cupped his hands in salute, then walked to the side of the elevated platform, bowed to Old Monarch, and stated clearly: "Old Monarch, Princess Long Ji of the Heavenly Court is naturally intelligent, kind-hearted, eager to learn, modest, and polite. Your disciple intends to take her as my senior disciple, making her a disciple of the Human Sect."

"Excellent." Old Monarch nodded gently, and three streams of light flew from his sleeve, landing before Li Changshou and transforming into three treasures. Wisps of Dao韵 emanated from these three treasures, and a flicker of understanding immediately dawned upon the hearts of all the immortals, revealing just how precious these artifacts were. Any artifact Old Monarch produced was bound to be extraordinary.

The hand-kerchief-sized blue-green net, named the Mist Dew Cosmos Net, could expand to cover ten thousand *li*, overturning everything beneath it. It was a water-element Innate Spirit Treasure, specifically designed to counter all forms of true fire. The exquisitely designed ice-blue vase, called the Four Seas Bottle, was also an Innate Spirit Treasure. It specialized in countering fire-element magical artifacts and could pour out vast waters that filled the sky. Lastly, there was a half-foot-long divine needle, named the Cosmos Needle. It was a supreme-grade Acquired Spirit Treasure, capable of briefly tearing open the cosmos for instantaneous teleportation, or serving as a stealthy weapon for surprise attacks.

All three treasures were personally refined by Old Monarch, their power far surpassing other artifacts of similar grade, representing the pinnacle of 'artifact refining' in the Great Desolation. Of course, the truly top-tier treasures of the Great Desolation, with exceptions like the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda which was forcibly elevated by the Grand Pure Saint's merit upon achieving sainthood, were predominantly naturally formed Innate Treasures. The path of artifact refining was, after all, always limited by the Heavenly Dao.

Li Changshou then walked back with the three treasures and, with a gentle smile, asked Long Ji: "Long Ji, are you willing to take this humble Daoist as your master? To join the Grand Pure lineage and cultivate the Dao of Non-Action?"

Long Ji immediately knelt and performed the disciple initiation ceremony, hastily exclaiming: "Long Ji is willing to follow Master! Your disciple greets you, Master!"

"Hahahahaha!" The Jade Emperor laughed heartily from atop the elevated platform, then declared in a clear voice, "Many thanks to Old Monarch for your benevolence! My daughter, Long Ji, from this day forth, you must respect your master's commands, uphold the etiquette of a disciple, and diligently cultivate the Grand Pure Dao. Do not bring shame upon the Grand Pure lineage."

Long Ji rose and replied, "Your child will certainly not disappoint Father or Master."

Li Changshou placed the three treasures in Long Ji's hands and urged, "Quickly put away the treasures and go pay your respects to Old Monarch and your Senior Uncle."

"Yes!" Long Ji didn't dare to examine the treasures immediately. Holding them carefully, she rose and approached Old Monarch. She was about to kneel in reverence, but found that the clouds before her prevented her from doing so. Understanding the unspoken meaning, she merely offered a profound Daoist bow. Following that, Long Ji hurried to Senior Uncle's side, bowing respectfully and calling out sweetly: "Grand Senior Uncle."

"Yes, very good, very good." Senior Uncle sat upright, seemingly without much experience in handling such situations. However, he took the opportunity to retrieve a few spirit treasures he had originally prepared for Li Changshou but hadn't used, presenting them as a welcoming gift. In a flash, Long Ji returned to Li Changshou, clutching three Innate Spirit Treasures and two supreme-grade Acquired Spirit Treasures. This sight filled many immortals and gods with envy, and even the Jie School immortals were overcome with emotion. When there are fewer disciples, treasures truly are abundant!

Li Changshou said gently, "In a few days, come to find me again, and I will impart to you the Grand Pure Dao techniques. As my senior disciple from now on, you must always remember these four words: 'Grand Pure Non-Action'. Seek less karma, pursue true essence, perform good deeds abroad, and punish the strong while assisting the weak."

Long Ji bowed deeply, her expression serious. "Your disciple humbly obeys your teachings, Master," she said. Afterwards, Long Ji looked at Yun Xiao, unsure whether to address her as 'Master's Wife'. At that moment, Yun Xiao... felt inexplicably nervous.

Li Changshou then added, "You may go now. Remember to interact more with the disciples of Senior Brother Taiyi from the Chan School."

"Understood," Long Ji replied, her expression suddenly clear. She bowed her head in salute and withdrew to the side.

It was clear that the Jade Emperor was immensely pleased with Long Ji becoming Li Changshou's senior disciple. Thereupon, the Jade Emperor raised his wine goblet, and all the immortals eagerly followed suit, as more than a dozen Chang'e from the Moon Palace entered to perform another dance. The various immortals and gods began conversing lively. Old Monarch, meanwhile, had departed unnoticed, and joyful laughter continued to echo throughout the Yaochi.

Three days later.

The music faded, the dances ended, and the halls emptied. Heavenly generals cleared away the low tables and tableware, and the Grand White Hall once again became spacious and empty. In the center of the main hall, various treasures were piled up—all congratulatory gifts Li Changshou had received. The most valuable ones had already been put away, leaving behind precious materials and lesser artifacts, which nonetheless created a festive appearance.

Anticipating the arrival of the Jade Emperor's avatar, Li Changshou had dismissed the Golden-winged Great Peng and his companions beforehand. He spent the time familiarizing himself with the various array formations within the hall and appreciating his new residence. It was large and spacious, but it was... too simple. It was just a single grand hall standing there. There was no study, no side rooms. Where would he live? Where would Golden-winged Peng and the others stay? Where would Nezha and the Jade Rabbit happily play? Li Changshou pondered for a moment, deciding to later modify the hall's layout, using array formations for partitioning and creating a complex array for entertainment. It was a pity the Netherworld's Ghost Hall couldn't be moved up. Otherwise, when idle, cultivating, strategizing, and occasionally startling the Jade Rabbit would make for a rather enjoyable life as a powerful deity.

*Gaze—*

Sensing a gaze from the hall entrance, Li Changshou chuckled, "Come in, there's no one else here."

At the hall entrance, the golden-armored female war goddess, who had been peeking in, clinging to the doorframe, blinked softly upon hearing him and flashed into the Grand White Hall. Li Changshou activated the grand isolation array around the hall and watched the female Heavenly General slowly approach. She was as beautiful as ever—her figure graceful, and her fitted battle armor exuded a unique charm. Her physique was perfectly proportioned, exquisitely flawless. Her beauty was naturally born, captivating simply because it was just right.

She stopped ten *zhang* away, her gaze fixed on the old immortal before her. Li Changshou then transformed, assuming a youthful appearance. Though it wasn't his true form, it was certainly more pleasing to the eye.

"Xuan Ya, will you be moving here later?"

"I'll be fine staying in my original residence," Youqin Xuanya replied softly, a smile gracing her lips, her beautiful eyes filled with emotion. "Congratulations, Senior Brother, on your promotion to Grand White Gold Star."

Li Changshou chuckled, "There's nothing particularly congratulatory about this." With that, he lightly tapped his horsetail whisk, manifesting two chairs before them, and invited, "We haven't had a good chat in a long time. How have you been recently?"

"Everything is well." Youqin Xuanya didn't step forward. Her hands seemed unsure where to rest, and she avoided Li Changshou's gaze as she said softly: "Lately, I've been engaged in campaigns against the demon race... they're mostly inconsequential demons; I haven't encountered any true masters. Thank you, Senior Brother, for arranging for me to serve in the Heavenly Court. Here, I feel like I'm genuinely doing what I can, contributing my part to the righteous path. My cultivation used to feel somewhat meaningless, but now I've found its purpose."

"That's good," Li Changshou sighed. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself; you've already done quite well."

"I will continue to do so." Youqin Xuanya gently bit her lip, her gaze unwavering and filled with determination as she looked into Li Changshou's eyes. This unwavering resolve made Li Changshou feel a little... awkward.

She continued, "I know Senior Brother holds the well-being of all beings in the Three Realms in his heart. I know Senior Brother wishes to bring clarity to the heavens and earth and establish an order that protects the weak and restrains the strong. Xuan Ya is not a cultivation prodigy, nor do I possess any particularly outstanding abilities. I cannot keep up with Senior Brother's pace. But I will always pursue Senior Brother... *hmm*, even if I can only see your back! I've said too much, Senior Brother, please don't take offense. A contingent of soldiers is still waiting for me at the Heavenly Gate, so I'll... I'll be going now."

Li Changshou was about to speak, to perhaps detain her and gently correct what he perceived as Youqin Xuanya's "overly righteous" mindset. However, outside the grand hall, the figure of General Wei Shenmo was already slowly approaching. After a brief hesitation, Youqin Xuanya turned to leave. Li Changshou called out from behind: "Xuan Ya!"

She turned her head at the sound, and immortal light fell upon her pretty face, revealing her remarkably delicate skin. Li Changshou tossed a treasure pouch, filled with healing and life-saving spiritual pills, which Youqin Xuanya caught steadily.

"Protect yourself," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Your life is the foundation of everything."

"Understood!" Youqin Xuanya nodded solemnly, gripping the treasure pouch in her hand, and stepped out. As she neared the hall entrance, she brought the pouch to her chest, a faint joy flickering in her eyes, so engrossed that she didn't even notice Wei Shenmo as he passed her. Wei Shenmo looked inside the hall, then at Youqin Xuanya's retreating figure as she flew away on a cloud, and his eyes lit up.

"So that's how it is..."

"Hmm, I'll find a way to make this happen."