Chapter 532: Chang Geng Film Crew, Online…

"Lingli is probably much stronger than Nezha and Ao Yi now. With the primordial essence blood of the Ancestral Witches, combined with her Wuren bloodline, and the accumulated effects of the elixirs Li Changshou had been constantly giving her, a combat expert capable of flattening Golden Immortals with just her physical body had been cultivated. She was truly a powerhouse cultivated through consumption.

The current challenge is teaching Xiong Lingli to control her size and form. She would only truly "graduate" when she could grow large enough to carry mountains and leap across the North Sea, or shrink small enough to perform a swallow dance in one's palm. Then, she could be equipped with a pair of battle-axes and a pair of large bronze hammers, assigned a Heavenly Court deity position, and she would definitely be an excellent gatekeeper!

Far to the east of the East Sea, at the ends of the earth, Li Changshou thought this, a calm smile perpetually on his lips, as he drifted on a white cloud beyond the Eastern Heavens. Of course, it was one of his paper effigies active at the moment, transformed into an old woman, with his true body hidden within the snake-headed staff held by the effigy. Only a few years remained until the discussion of the Investiture of the Gods at Zixiao Palace. If he were to enter a state of cultivation and lose focus even for a moment, his teacher might suddenly call for him. There was a clear distinction between what was important and what was not.

Although the cultivation process of the Xuan Gong was exceedingly smooth, with continuous insights daily and a growing physical body that provided a "false" sense of security, at this critical juncture, Li Changshou had to prepare for the Zixiao Palace matter. Additionally, he needed to conspire with the two Illustrious Immortals of the Chan School to make some minor arrangements.

Leaving the East Sea, he headed straight for the grand world he had previously chosen. He had spent twelve years planning and arranging this operation during his cultivation. Now, as he ventured out, he naturally brought the Li Di Yan Guang Flag to protect Ling'e, while Elder Pagoda and the Qiankun Ruler accompanied him. In ordinary circumstances, he was ninety-eight percent confident in his self-preservation.

Traveling through the void like clouds for thousands of miles, he passed over three hundred worlds in a flash. Li Changshou's form entered a grand world, where he skillfully found a desolate mountain and burrowed underground. His immortal sense swept across the land, revealing a remarkably peaceful grand world. Villages and towns dotted every area suitable for mortals, where people farmed, gathered, hunted, and fished, living healthy and prosperous lives. In each of these towns and villages, statues of deities were worshipped. Some were gilded and inlaid with jade, majestic and imposing, while others were simply sculpted from clay with crude features, yet all continuously generated incense offerings and merit. An immortal palace was hidden in the firmament, with all the incense merit converging towards it. Indeed, this was a Western Sect's Incense God Nation.

After being repeatedly targeted by Li Changshou, who attacked them for treating "humanity as livestock for merit," the Western Sect had naturally made adjustments. They slowed down the harvesting of incense merit and transformed the grand worlds they controlled into earthly paradises. Li Changshou was quite pleased with this. While it couldn't be called a personal achievement, it genuinely improved the living conditions of countless mortals, preventing the Western Sect from overtly and recklessly exploiting mortals in the three thousand worlds. Unfortunately, this situation would not last long. Firstly, the Western Sect's current arrangements were deliberately made to avoid providing any pretext or increasing negative perceptions before the discussion of the Investiture of the Gods at Zixiao Palace, thereby preventing the Daoist schools from launching an attack. Secondly, the Western Sect itself was a mixed bag, and to integrate various forces within the three thousand worlds, they had resorted to various underhanded tactics and made numerous promises.

At that moment, within the immortal palace, mortals remained playthings for the immortals' amusement. The innumerable mortals in this place were still livestock for the Western Sect to collect incense from, merely dressed up more glamorously. The fight against Incense God Nations was a long and arduous one, but Li Changshou pondered more about whether a new order, after overthrowing the existing Incense God religion, would also bring disaster. The story of the dragon-slaying youth eventually becoming a dragon was already a familiar one.

With a flicker of light and shadow, he had already burrowed into the depths of this grand world. A thousand zhang below lay a light barrier formed from the power of the Heavenly Dao and Saintly power. This barrier enveloped the entire grand world, preventing its collapse. Following the path in his memory, Li Changshou swam through the rock layers for thousands more miles until he found a shallow blue stream, existing between reality and illusion. This stream, thousands of zhang long, was 'embedded' within the rock layers, beginning in nothingness and returning to nothingness. Within it, blue specks of light, each representing a soul preparing for reincarnation, flowed. This was the end of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, distributed across every grand world complete with the Five Elements and Yin-Yang.

Li Changshou's immortal sense cautiously probed the surroundings, heading towards the 'treasure' he had buried over a decade ago. Suddenly, a faint, almost imperceptible aura emerged from the side. Li Changshou immediately halted, holding his breath and focusing completely. Both his paper effigy and true body entered a state of maximum alert.

A shadowy figure arrived at the source of the stream, opened the sack on its shoulder, and released light blue specks that drifted out and merged into the stream, intensifying its glow several times over. Li Changshou silently watched this scene, knowing naturally that this was a Western Sect expert secretly abducting souls about to reincarnate from grand worlds that were not Incense God Nations, and placing them here. Ever since Li Changshou had locked down the Reincarnation Pagoda and turned it into a backup tool for the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk, the Western Sect had been covertly engaging in such activities. The direct consequence was that grand worlds whose reincarnating spirits were stolen would experience miscarriages, while in this grand world, couples would find it incredibly easy to have children. The reason they dared to do this was because the area was remote, the power of the Heavenly Dao was thin, and the Six Paths Reincarnation Disk's perception of this place was weak.

Not long after, the expert quietly departed. Li Changshou did not act rashly, wary of the other party making a sudden return. He waited there quietly for three... days and nights. Finally, he stealthily approached the 'bank' of the stream, retrieved two 'Super-Grade Image Orbs,' and tucked them into his sleeve for careful examination before swiftly fleeing into the distance. He visited seven consecutive grand worlds, performing the same task, recovering fourteen post-celestial spirit treasure-grade image orbs. Thus, the Western Sect's sixth major sin, which could be used during the Zixiao Palace deliberations, was unequivocally proven. At that time, if the Western Sect remained silent, it would be fine. But if a certain Saint Elder were to brazenly disregard dignity in front of the Dao Ancestor, Li Changshou would simply ask His Majesty the Jade Emperor to grant them "what they asked for." As for himself, appearing in person was absolutely out of the question.

Li Changshou had a very clear understanding of his own position: he was merely working for the Heavenly Court and running errands for the Daoist schools. Participating in a grand event like Zixiao Palace was already an honor for an immortal; it was not his place to speak. Of course, to be safe, he still needed to prepare to speak, or to speak on behalf of his teacher.

Having finished his main task, Li Changshou pondered for a while, then used his escape technique to head towards a grand world within the Immortal Alliance's sphere of influence. After decades of development, the Immortal Alliance had indeed flourished, becoming the second largest immortal sect power in the three thousand worlds. The largest power, naturally, was the Incense God Nations. Every three to five years, the Immortal Alliance organized an offensive against the Incense God Nations, successfully rescuing mortals from four grand worlds. They then followed Li Changshou's established 'template,' temporarily separating immortals and mortals, and promoting Heavenly Court deity positions and incense offerings. However, as more and more immortal powers joined the Immortal Alliance, it became a mixed bag, and power struggles within it gradually increased, which Li Changshou found quite regrettable.

It was indeed regrettable. If the Immortal Alliance had performed well, it could very well have become one of the Heavenly Court's 'representatives' in the three thousand worlds. But human desires are limitless, as are immortal desires, even more inflated than those of mortals. The rate at which the Immortal Alliance internally corrupted was truly too fast. It was better to focus on developing the Lintian Hall.

Speaking of Lintian Hall, Li Changshou felt a touch of admiration for Bai Ze. Under Bai Ze's leadership, Lintian Hall was now a renowned power, its influence spanning two grand worlds and four minor worlds. Of course, such rapid development was entirely inseparable from the Heavenly Court's covert assistance. With Dong Mu Gong secretly overseeing operations, the Heavenly Court supplied spirit stones, precious materials, cultivation techniques, and elixirs, all but directly deploying troops to help Lintian Hall crush its enemies.

Furthermore, with the Heavenly Dao bestowing fortune, the framework provided by Li Changshou, Bai Ze's wisdom proven during the ancient great calamity, and the increasingly popular reputation of Lintian Hall's Saintess abroad... *Cough*, the last point wasn't a critical factor; it was merely the icing on the cake. Li Changshou recalled a famous saying from his previous life: "Even a pig can fly if it stands in the eye of a storm." Lintian Hall was precisely like this. It's worth mentioning that Lintian Hall now had two additional 'Grand Elders' at the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, firmly controlled by Bai Ze, serving as Lintian Hall's external deterrent.

However, Hall Master Wang Fugui reported feeling immense pressure. A few days later, Li Changshou's paper effigy arrived at the agreed meeting place with Bai Ze. The coachman paper effigy transformed into a plain-looking young Daoist. He carried a sheathed sword in his hand, his outer layer of strength disguised as late-stage Heavenly Immortal, and entered a city where immortals and mortals coexisted. After leisurely strolling through the city for half a day, he took several turns until he reached a secluded courtyard, pushing the gate open. Ahead, bamboo groves cast dappled shadows, and a winding path meandered gracefully through the trees. Closing the main gate, Li Changshou stepped forward.

From the side, the tinkling sound of a guqin could be heard. Bai Ze, in the form of a middle-aged Daoist in white robes, sat on a green rock in the bamboo grove, playing music. Then, from the elegant pavilion at the end of the path, a familiar, laughing voice echoed. It was Grand-Master Jiang Lin'er urging, "Xiao Jiu, what are you still gawking at? Didn't he arrive?"

Then the wooden door opened, and a figure was pushed out, stumbling slightly in embarrassment for a couple of steps before quickly straightening up and giving Li Changshou an apologetic chuckle. Li Changshou couldn't help but blink. He had expected that after so many years, his first official meeting with Junior Uncle Jiu would be with the Saintess of Lintian Hall, whom he had secretly admired several times before: graceful, mature, charming, and standing proudly amidst the mortal world. But what appeared before him was still that Junior Uncle, dressed in a short hemp shirt and skirt, wearing straw sandals, looking a little guilty upon seeing him as if she owed him centuries of wine money. Unlike before, the floral mark on her forehead was quite vibrant, and her formerly medium-short hair had transformed into long hair, styled into an exquisite cloud bun...

Inside the room, Jiang Lin'er urged again, "Say something!" Jiu Jiu, with her hands clasped behind her back, her hemp shirt enduring pressure it wasn't meant to, mumbled softly, "L-long time no see.""Why has Junior Uncle become so distant with me?" Li Changshou chuckled softly, put away his paper effigy, revealed his true form, and pulled a pot of spiritual elixirs from his sleeve, tossing it over. Jiu Jiu's eyes lit up. She leaped up, caught the jade pot, sniffed it, and her eyes instantly sparkled."Whoa, Grade Six Spirit Pill level wine-filled candy beans!"Li Changshou stepped forward, advising with a smile, "Don't be greedy; they have a powerful aftereffect.""Mhm!" Jiu Jiu subtly gave a thumbs-up, cross-shaped glints of light flickering in the corners of her eyes. Li Changshou narrowed his eyes in a smile, looking towards the nearby bamboo grove.

Bai Ze sighed, looking at Jiu Jiu with a gaze that seemed to "lament her lack of ambition." He placed his long guqin on the green rock and bowed to Li Changshou."Bai Ze greets Star Lord.""Mister Bai, there's no need for such formality. Didn't I say 'Water God' sounds more natural?""Yes, Water God!"

From the pavilion, Jiang Lin'er, Immortal Wasting Love, and Jiu Yiyi stepped out in unison. Jiang Lin'er gritted her teeth and pounced on Jiu Jiu, grabbing her neck and shaking her vigorously."You messed up at the crucial moment! All these years of preparation were for nothing!" Jiu Jiu's eyes rolled as she was shaken, while Jiang Lin'er's gaze intentionally or unintentionally fell on Li Changshou. Li Changshou pretended not to understand what they were saying, smilingly bowed to Immortal Wasting Love and Jiang Lin'er, and steered the conversation towards business.

"Mister Bai, are the covert preparations complete?"Bai Ze smiled, "Star Lord, rest assured, everyone involved is absolutely trustworthy. Where is His Majesty the Jade Emperor's nephew now?"Li Changshou glanced at the image that appeared in his mind and shook his head, "He hasn't left Mount Yuquan yet; I'm not sure what caused the delay. But don't worry, True Person Yuding and True Person Taiyi are guarding him there and will secretly escort him all the way to this grand world later."Bai Ze nodded with a smile, then pondered for a few moments, seeming hesitant to speak.Li Changshou said, "Mister Bai, just speak freely. What do we need to hold back from each other?"Bai Ze chuckled, "Let's go inside to talk. Since the Jade Emperor's nephew hasn't set off yet, we're just idle here anyway."

At once, Bai Ze gestured, and Li Changshou, hands clasped behind his back, entered the pavilion's main hall. The hall was impeccably tidy; vases gleamed so brightly they reflected figures, and the cushions on the seats were spotless. Li Changshou didn't treat himself as an outsider. He invited Immortal Wasting Love to the seat of honor, then sat beside Bai Ze, with Jiang Lin'er and Jiu Yiyi opposite them, while a certain immortal goddess who had overseen dozens of grand worlds brought tea and water. Li Changshou was the youngest in seniority at the Immortal Ascension Sect, but now, as a disciple of the Human School Saint, the Heavenly Court's second-in-command, and their Lintian Hall's behind-the-scenes 'boss,' he could no longer simply regard himself as a junior.

"Water God," Bai Ze began, choosing his words carefully and speaking in a low voice, "I certainly know that the Water God has high hopes for the Jade Emperor's nephew and wishes to cultivate a great general for the Heavenly Court, but our approach... isn't quite appropriate, is it?"Jiang Lin'er mumbled from the side, "Anyway, it's the first time I've ever heard of a young disciple's upcoming trials and tribulations during their outdoor training being entirely arranged by their elders."Li Changshou chuckled, "It's simply for the sake of caution."Bai Ze asked, "Why the need for caution? Isn't the protection of two Illustrious Immortals from the Chan School enough to ensure his safety?"

"Ensuring his safety is indeed enough, but for a Son of Calamity destined to mature within a few centuries, the guidance is not yet sufficient." Li Changshou considered carefully for a moment, then spoke earnestly: "The trials we've designed are essentially like a book for him to read. The content presented in the book is something we can control, and the guidance we provide him can be corrected at any time. According to Senior Brother Yuding, Yang Jian harbors hatred towards the Heavenly Court, possesses a resilient nature, and understands how to endure. This is actually quite troublesome because it's difficult to change principles he has firmly adopted. Time waits for no one; the great calamity could descend at any moment. Strengthening the guidance for Yang Jian is actually a major matter concerning the stability of the Daoist schools and the Heavenly Court. We absolutely cannot give external demons any opportunity! The reason I asked Lintian Hall to handle this was to prevent him from discovering that the Heavenly Court is secretly cultivating him. Before his cultivation reaches fruition, this obsession of hating the Heavenly Court can also be utilized as a potent tool for cultivation."

Jiang Lin'er and Immortal Wasting Love exchanged glances, both remaining silent. This had already exceeded their comprehension, yet they also felt that Li Changshou's reasoning was sound and well-supported, making it difficult to refute. Jiu Jiu couldn't help but whisper, "Changshou, do you also have some deep-seated hatred?""Hm? Why ask that suddenly?""I just feel like your cultivation has also advanced by leaps and bounds," Jiu Jiu blinked, a little guiltily, wondering if she had said something wrong again.Li Changshou calmly replied, "Nothing, just gained a few more insights, that's all."

Bai Ze stroked his beard in thought and asked, "But what if he uncovers the truth? How should we handle the aftermath?"Li Changshou wondered, "Didn't we prepare five or six contingency plans for that already?""That is true...""And haven't I also come here to escort him?" Li Changshou chuckled. "Mister Bai, rest assured, with you and I working together, what cannot be achieved? Moreover, this is a planned operation against someone unaware, and even his master will fully cooperate with us."

Bai Ze smiled, "Then I shall obey the Water God's command. What else do we need to pay attention to?""Let's refine the script together again." Li Changshou took out a scroll and spoke seriously: "We need to design this matter with layers, making Yang Jian feel that there is effort, reward, enlightenment, and profound insight, leading to a dual sublimation of his Dao heart and will. He must experience several fierce battles to obtain the Ancestral Witch essence blood, which will greatly nourish him, ensuring the entire process feels authentic and real..."

And so, in the pavilion that afternoon, a script discussion meeting, presided over by Li Changshou, commenced.

Meanwhile, in Mount Yuquan, located within the Five Continents of the Primordial World, a young Daoist packed his belongings and, carrying a long sword, looked at his small cave dwelling room with a soft sigh. His name was Yang Jian, a third-generation disciple of the Chan School, apprenticed to True Person Yuquan, and he was about to embark on his first outdoor trial since beginning cultivation. This was the fifth time in the past month he had prepared to leave his cave. As he thought about what he was about to face, a determined light flickered in his starry eyes. This time, he absolutely had to!

"Brother!" A soft call suddenly came from the cave entrance. Yang Jian's eyes narrowed, and he immediately hid his treasured sword behind him, looking with a hint of helplessness at the slender figure at the mouth of the cave. The delicate, somewhat frail girl sighed softly and whispered, "Brother, you're still going, aren't you?""Xiao Chan, your brother is just going for training.""Then why can't you take me with you?" The girl took two steps forward. "I'm already an immortal too..."Then, the girl's thin lips trembled, her eyes welled with tears, and she whispered, "Brother, I don't want to be separated from you. Can't you take me with you wherever you go? If you leave me here alone, I'll always be scared."

Yang Jian, who had considered himself to have a heart of stone, immediately lowered his sharply arched eyebrows, and his expression softened instantly."I'm just going out for training; I'll be back in a few months. I'm not leaving this place permanently.""Sigh...""Master has been waiting for me for a month now. I can't keep delaying.""W-w-w...""Alright, alright, I won't go out. Don't cry. Your brother will stay with you."

Outside the cave, True Person Yuding, meditating on a cloud, twitched his mouth slightly but said nothing more. Beside him, True Person Taiyi raised a hand to rub his brow and suddenly chuckled. Every family has its own troubles. Who doesn't have a disciple with some quirks? He suddenly found a sense of mental balance."