Chapter 529: Doing Immortals, Happiness is the Most Important

This decree…

In a hidden corner of the underground secret chamber on Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou, in his miniature form, sat in a tiny bamboo chair, playing with the golden scroll in his hand.

Had the Jade Emperor protected Yun Xiao because he had protected Long Ji?

This explanation seemed plausible, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't. A decree from the Heavenly Dao required a considerable amount of time to form, especially one involving a major tribulation. The decree must have begun coalescing before he took Long Ji as his disciple.

This showed that his 'friendship' with the Jade Emperor was still trustworthy... about 70% of the time. After all, the Jade Emperor's position often left him with little choice.

This decree granting immunity from the tribulation could almost serve as a betrothal gift for a proposal at Three Immortals Island. Just kidding.

Their relationship hadn't reached that stage yet. Moreover, this 'tribulation immunity decree' only protected Yun Xiao; how would Bi Xiao and Qiong Xiao feel? This item could only be used as a life-saving measure at a critical moment, ensuring Yun Xiao's escape from the tribulation. As for other matters... that remained to be seen.

On second thought, the decree's presence or absence didn't significantly alter things. Ever since he developed feelings for Yun Xiao, his primary concern was that 'the Three Xiaos were one,' and they shared a deep bond with Uncle Zhao. That's why Li Changshou had always meticulously helped Uncle Zhao accumulate merits and escape his fatal tribulation. To save Yun Xiao, he had to save all four of them.

If such an opportunity for sole survival were revealed to Yun Xiao prematurely, her inherent resilience might compel her to destroy it herself.

Fortunately, there had been a slight improvement. Although Li Changshou couldn't claim absolute certainty in pulling Uncle Zhao out of the Investiture of the Gods tribulation, there was at least some possibility of ensuring his survival.

Let's proceed steadily. The Great Shang Dynasty had not yet been formally established, and the Investiture of the Gods tribulation was still at least several centuries away.

Due to varying degrees of intelligence acquisition, the subsequent maneuvers among different parties were bound to become very complex. With the Heavenly Secrets veiled, even the Saints could only 'catch a glimpse' of the tribulation's affairs, and each Saint's insight naturally differed.

In a few decades, once the Investiture of the Gods List appeared, his own Lord Grand Pure would likely instantly comprehend everything regarding the tribulation. His Second Martial Uncle should be able to deduce slightly more than his Third Martial Uncle. Saint Jieyin should be on par with both martial uncles, while Empress Nuwa was probably too engrossed in her 'homebody' activities to pay attention to this matter. As for a certain other Saint... he would maintain respect and offer no further comment.

The information revealed in the decree suggested that the Jade Emperor already knew many details about the Investiture of the Gods tribulation. It was even possible that His Majesty and Lord Dao Ancestor had discussed how to expand the Heavenly Court and suppress the Dao Sects. Li Changshou still hadn't confirmed what exactly happened when the Jade Emperor went to Zixiao Palace to lament, or what he said to Lord Dao Ancestor. This matter could easily rank among the 'Top Ten Unsolved Mysteries' of the Primordial World...

Regardless, this decree was an exceptionally precious item, serving as a promise from the Jade Emperor to him.

Carefully putting it away and keeping it close, Li Changshou drifted into thought, scenes from the immortal banquet surfacing in his mind.

After the Jade Pond banquet, the Grand Master immediately returned to Xuandu City. During this period, the Outer Heavenly Demons had begun stirring again; these strange beings from the Chaos Sea seemed to be trying to fish in troubled waters.

Yun Xiao, of course, returned to Three Immortals Island with仙子 Qiong and Bi. Yun Xiao had brought many congratulatory gifts for this celebration, which made Li Changshou feel a bit awkward. It felt a little like 'collecting tribute under false pretenses' from his previous life.

What Li Changshou found amusing was the behavior of Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Jin Ling. He wondered how they were doing; they had no communication throughout the immortal banquet, but their gazes occasionally met. When they left, they each departed with their own friends. Were they perhaps too embarrassed to go public? This was understandable, as they were both mighty figures of the Primordial World, and becoming Dao companions like lesser beings would inevitably invite some gossip.

'Would Yun Xiao have similar concerns?' As Li Changshou pondered this question he had considered many times before, his mind returned to the Heavenly Court, where he controlled his paper effigy to set up formations in the Grand White Palace. Just a few small details!

His effigy traveled thousands of miles while his true body remained at home. The paper-cut human divine ability had been so thoroughly modified by Li Changshou that it was now utterly unrecognizable yet incredibly miraculous, truly deserving to be called a miracle. The 'sow beans into soldiers' divine ability was now widely used across various Heavenly Court departments, becoming standard equipment for Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, greatly reducing their casualties.

The upcoming arrangements for Yang Jian would also revolve around the paper effigies. If Yang Jian were to genuinely harm Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, and then the Heavenly Court were to pardon him, it would contradict the values the Heavenly Court promoted...

After a period of busyness in the Heavenly Court, he saw Long Ji, dressed in a light, flowing gown, flying on a cloud into the Grand White Palace and entering the main hall.

Li Changshou's paper effigy found a seat, adopting the demeanor of a 'senior figure of the Human School.' His white hair and brows exuded an air of calm detachment, and the smile on his lips was naturally benevolent and gentle.

Long Ji curtsied gracefully, her fair face tinged with pink, and her bright eyes sparkled like autumn waters.

Li Changshou observed his eldest disciple. This was, in fact, the first time he had carefully scrutinized Long Ji since she had 'grown up in seclusion.' She was indeed a beauty, her appearance somewhat resembling the Queen Mother's, yet without the Queen Mother's formidable presence, instead possessing a gentle grace.

"Teacher," Long Ji whispered, "Is something wrong?"

"In the blink of an eye, you've grown so big," Li Changshou said, casually summoning a futon for her to sit on before him.

Then, Li Changshou produced a Human School scripture, the 'Daoist Principles of Grand Pure,' which the Grand Master had previously given him, and which he had already sought permission for before the portrait of Grand Pure.

Li Changshou said, "Today I impart to you the Daoist methods of Grand Pure. I hope you will diligently study and cultivate them. You have now reached the Heavenly Immortal realm, not far from immortality. It would be inappropriate for you to change your original path, so you should primarily focus on your existing cultivation and supplement it with the 'Daoist Principles of Grand Pure.' The Dao has no high or low, no superior or inferior. The most important aspect of cultivation is forging your own path. Do you understand this principle?"

Long Ji nodded promptly, holding the jade slip in her palm, and replied earnestly, "Disciple will remember Master's teachings."

Li Changshou chuckled, "There's no need to be so reserved. Just call me 'Teacher' as you did before. You can't fool me; secluded cultivation can only make your Dao physique grow, but your disposition is difficult to change."

"Hehe!" Long Ji immediately dropped her formality, made a mischievous face, and whispered, "To officially become your disciple is truly the best thing ever."

"Why did you spill tea on Daoist Randeng that day?"

Long Ji frowned slightly and whispered, "I truly don't know. Just as Master previously surmised, I had a momentary lapse of concentration, and when I opened my eyes, the damage was already done. Oh, the Jade Pond already has very strict rules. If Master hadn't protected me then, and Randeng had seized the opportunity to accuse me, Mother would surely have punished me severely. Perhaps I wouldn't even be allowed to stay in the Heavenly Palace."

Li Changshou nodded slowly and said gently, "It's understandable that His Majesty and the Queen Mother, as masters of the Heavenly Palace, are overly strict with their children."

"Long Ji knows, Master," Long Ji chuckled, "Born into the Heavenly Emperor's family, I must not bring shame upon Father and Mother. Being able to become your disciple also fulfills a long-cherished wish of mine. Master, may I reside in this Grand White Palace?"

"It's better to spend more time with your mother," Li Changshou said with an apologetic expression. "Normally, if there are no other matters, I also need to cultivate, so I can only explain the Grand Pure Dao to you at fixed times."

"Oh," Long Ji pouted, then suddenly blinked and asked, "Master, where does your true body cultivate? May I attend to you there?"

Li Changshou's lips twitched. "You have a Martial Aunt taking care of me, no need to worry."

"Martial Aunt?" Long Ji's eyes lit up. "Is it... is it a female Martial Aunt?"

"Indeed."

Long Ji's eyes immediately blazed with gossip flames. She asked in astonishment, "Master, besides Martial Aunt Yun Xiao, do you have another younger Martial Aunt?"

"Approximately..."

"Doesn't Martial Aunt Yun Xiao mind?"

"She probably does mind; it's a rather tricky issue," Li Changshou said, looking helpless. "Don't ask too many questions. If it can be revealed to you later, I will let you know."

"Oh, disciple has spoken too much." Long Ji stuck out her tongue, then couldn't resist blinking again, quietly asking, "What about Fairy Heng'e?"

Long Ji gasped, covering her forehead and chuckling self-consciously.

Li Changshou shook his head and said, "Go look in that corner over there. I've prepared a little surprise for you."

"Hm? Master, why did you go to such trouble?" Long Ji's spirits immediately lifted. She happily ran to the corner, stepped into a simple illusion array Li Changshou had just set up, and found a small, elegantly furnished private cubicle with a bed, a chair, and a wooden cabinet.

Long Ji quickly asked, "Teacher, is this where your disciple will rest?"

"That's where I place my effigies. Your surprise is in the left corner. Pick up the pink treasure pouch on the table... and open it."

"Oh, there are three large chests inside, are these..." Inside the illusion array, Long Ji's forehead was lined with exasperation. She stared at the open wooden chests, seeing the familiar 'homework' scroll patterns within, and her eyes gradually lost their sparkle. Li Changshou's calm voice drifted over: "These are the strategy questions you haven't finished. I meticulously organized them for you. Complete them within a year, and then come back. I will test your knowledge of strategy and your comprehension of the Grand Pure Daoist Principles."

*Ding...*On the fourth day of taking a disciple, the achievement "Master's Benevolence, Disciple's Filial Piety" was unlocked.On the fourth day of taking a disciple, the badge "Master, please be human" was acquired.

Just then, the Golden-Winged Great Peng, who had arrived outside the hall, looked on with immense envy. But he also knew that his comprehension and aptitude were too poor. Although he was the son of the Primordial Phoenix, he was not yet qualified to formally become the Master's disciple! He was not worthy yet!

Li Changshou's voice drifted from ahead: "Golden Peng, you seem to be in a hurry. Is something the matter?"

"Teacher!" The Golden-Winged Great Peng immediately stopped his reverie, took out a jade slip from his robes, presented it to Li Changshou, and said earnestly: "The Immortal Alliance just reported the discovery of several fierce demons in a Great Thousand World. They are very powerful and have already caused dozens of immortal casualties within the Alliance. This is the rescue request jade slip from Deputy Alliance Leader Old Madam Bian. She wishes for you to dispatch one or two experts to assist them."

"Fierce demons?" Li Changshou opened the jade slip and glanced at it, then examined it closely for a while, feeling dumbfounded. The report of dozens of immortal casualties in the Immortal Alliance was false; the subtext implied that the area where those fierce demons were located contained an ancient exotic treasure, very likely a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then took out several paper effigies from his sleeve and, with immortal power, pushed them into the Golden-Winged Great Peng's hand. "Golden Peng, I'll entrust this matter to you. It should be related to a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear."

"Thank you for your trust, Teacher!" Golden Peng bowed his head, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

Li Changshou asked, "Don't rush. How do you intend to handle this matter?"

Golden Peng thought carefully, knowing this was his Teacher testing him. The golden anklet on his ankle glowed faintly. He replied, "Naturally, I will meet with Old Madam Bian, then clarify the specifics of the situation, soothe the injured immortals on behalf of the Heavenly Court, and then swiftly eliminate the fierce demons to proclaim the Heavenly Court's might."

Li Changshou chuckled, "It's excellent that you thought of that, but it's still not quite enough. You must always remember three principles. First, when traveling outside, trust no one completely; always maintain a degree of suspicion in your heart. Second, constantly self-examine and ask yourself if what you're doing is risky or improper. Third, if you encounter danger, retreat immediately. Utilize your extreme speed to its fullest. Do not be greedy for treasure, and do not let anger overwhelm you. Now, with the tribulation's destiny spreading, you cannot be too careful."

Golden Peng, deeply moved by these words, bowed profoundly. "Teacher, please rest assured. Your disciple will seek victory steadily and retreat immediately upon encountering a strong enemy!"

"Good," Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction. "Go."

"Teacher, Senior Sister, I shall take my leave." Golden Peng cupped his hands toward Long Ji, who had floated over from the side, then turned and strode away, embodying the tragic solemnity of 'wind soughing sorrowfully' and the lingering pride of the Phoenix clan.

Long Ji, standing nearby, pursed her red lips and couldn't help but tilt her head. Was this really the 'mad bird' Golden Peng, who had once brazenly barged into the Heavenly Court, declaring he would kiss Fairy Heng'e?

Long Ji felt a surge of emotion, looking at her master with deep admiration and a touch of awe. People say it's hard to change one's nature, but that's only before they meet a true master! Her Master truly was... too cautious.

A few months later, Li Changshou received good news from Golden Peng: another fragment of the God-Slaying Spear had been successfully added to his collection.

Li Changshou didn't wait long. He took Golden Peng to the Tushita Palace. This time, Lord Laozi was out traveling again, but he had already anticipated Li Changshou's arrival. He had left instructions for Li Changshou to place the small God-Slaying Spear and the two fragments in the Tushita Palace, so he could refine them upon his return.

Li Changshou couldn't help but ask, "Is Lord Laozi... looking for his ox?"

Little Jin and Little Yin exchanged glances. The former burst out laughing, while the latter made a face like a bitter gourd. Little Jin said, "Lord Laozi left riding a cloud this time. From what he said, it seems he's searching the Chaos Sea for fragments of the God-Slaying Spear to help Senior Brother Chang Geng forge a divine weapon." Little Yin sighed, "Senior Brother, if you have time, please go urge the old ox. We don't know where he went, and there are no spirit pills or immortal peaches outside. We truly don't know what treasure has captivated him."

It was the silver-haired maiden, the silver-haired maiden! Li Changshou thought for a moment, then agreed to the task.

"I'll find a way to track him down. Are there any useful treasures?"

"This!" Little Yin produced an immortal rope, shimmering with golden light. "This is Lord Laozi's Golden Gourd Rope, which he uses to tie his robe. Its tip can point to the location of the creature you're searching for, and if you encounter it, the rope can bind it. We've infused the ox's aura into it."

"That's good," Li Changshou took the Golden Gourd Rope, smiling. "It will probably take some time."

"Senior Brother Chang Geng, just focus on your important matters first," Little Yin chuckled. "Anyway, the next time Lord Laozi needs the ox, it'll be Little Jin's turn to go." Little Jin's face instantly turned into a bitter gourd, and Golden Peng burst out laughing beside him.

Before leaving, Golden Peng exchanged Daoist salutes with the two boys. Thus, the friendship boat of the three great demon kings of the Journey to the West tribulation began to sway... And it even crossed mountains.

Li Changshou naturally dared not delay the important matter for Tushita Palace. Once his paper effigy secretly delivered the Golden Gourd Rope near the Immortal Ascension Gate, Li Changshou immediately began making arrangements, swiftly dispatching the first standing paper effigy legion from outside Little Qiong Peak. Of course, the legion existed in a nested doll format; the one actually venturing out was the coachman paper effigy, empowered by a wisp of the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda's might.

Holding the Golden Gourd Rope in his palm, its tassel gently swayed, pointing due south. Li Changshou used his water escape technique, traveling at lightning speed, searching everywhere for the Green Ox's tracks.

The ox was indeed outrageous, only concerned with pursuing its own happiness, putting its duties as a mount aside.

Upon reaching a certain point on the East Sea coast in the Southern Continent, Li Changshou's mind stirred. His form emerged from the water, transforming into a wisp of clear breeze, and drifted towards a familiar area to check on the... Little River God he had placed there.

Last time, he had deliberately retaliated against the River God, taking him to see three desirable spots already occupied by the Dragon Clan, which probably disheartened the fellow quite a bit. He had indeed been a little annoyed back then, but his anger had now subsided. He decided to move him to a more normal location, where he could accumulate some incense merit and form a simple merit-based Dharma body. How could the dignified Grand White Venus, an ordinary influential god of the Heavenly Court, stoop to squabbling with a minor River God who wasn't even ranked and barely counted as a loose immortal of the Heavenly Court?

Before long, Li Changshou found the source of the River God's faint divine power, just as a young woodcutter carrying a bundle of firewood passed by. Divine power slightly fluctuating? Li Changshou focused his gaze, and water-blue light bloomed in his eyes. He immediately spotted the scholarly River God hiding by the river bank, using his divine power to 'steal' an axe. Were the small fables and mythological stories passed down from his previous life created this way?

With a 'thud,' the axe fell into the river. The young woodcutter, however, was unfazed. He merely sighed and turned his head, looking somewhat weary.

Just then, the river surface shimmered with golden light, and a figure in an elegant scholar's robe emerged halfway from the water... "Young woodcutter, did you drop this gold-inlaid jade axe, or this heavy profound iron axe, or just this ordinary ancestral axe?"

The young woodcutter frowned, pursed his lips, and sighed, "You interfere every time a woodcutter passes by, always using magic to create this illusion, then secretly putting the axe back in our home. Is this really amusing to you? All the young men in the neighboring villages encounter beautiful maidens when they meet immortals, gods, or spirits, but in our village, it's always just you, a male immortal. Our village has lost so much face; we can't hold our heads up for three hundred *li* around. Girls don't want to marry here anymore, afraid you'll suddenly pop out when they cross the river! You've used this same routine for so long, can't you try something different?" With that, the woodcutter shook his head and walked away, carrying his firewood, leaving the River God staring down at the axe in his hand, his face filled with dejection as he sank back into the river.

Failed again... *Thud! Thud!* A series of heavy objects splashed into the river. The River God looked intently, only to see golden and silver axes littering the riverbed. At the same time, a spell incantation surfaced in his mind. This... what was this? Transfiguration! Simultaneously, a few soft chuckles echoed in the River God's ears, so familiar, so warm. "Being an immortal, of course, happiness is the most important thing."

Above the clouds, Li Changshou's figure flickered and vanished, following the direction of the Golden Gourd Rope, escaping deep into the South Sea.