Chapter 533: Who Brought the Call of Taiqing~

What’s going on with Yang Jian?

Li Changshou waited for six days in that Great Chiliocosm. His paper effigy monitored Jade Spring Mountain daily, but the grand formation there remained completely still.

To arrange this trial for Yang Jian, nearly half of the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Zenith Hall were mobilized. Li Changshou’s true body, accompanied by Lord Pagoda and Brother Ruler, provided escort and could access the protection of the Taiji Diagram at any time.

From stagehands to caregivers, from extras to villains, even the demons meant for Yang Jian to fight were all in position. Yet, Yang Jian, the main character, was dragging his feet...

True Immortal Yuding was not an unreliable person; they had already agreed upon a detailed plan.

However, Yuding had not yet left Jade Spring Mountain, so he must have encountered some trouble.

After waiting and pondering, Li Changshou grew uneasy. He dispatched a full-fledged paper effigy to Jade Spring Mountain.

A professional, true-body level paper effigy needed to possess the cultivation of a Golden Immortal, exude abundant vitality, come equipped with numerous disguise methods, and carry spare paper effigies ready to be deployed from its sleeve.

Li Changshou originally didn't want the paper effigy to appear before Yang Jian, as his paper effigy incarnation was already a well-known "trademark" in the Primordial World.

If Yang Jian were to realize the truth later and see through the deception, it would be...

Extremely awkward.

For this reason, Li Changshou put in extra effort.

Not only did he dispatch a true-body paper effigy, but he also transformed it into the appearance of Elder Zhao, sans beard. He also sent a communication jade slip to Zhao Gongming, informing him of the matter to prevent any future exposure.

Upon arriving at Jade Spring Mountain, True Immortal Yuding naturally saw through the paper effigy's true nature. The outer formation automatically opened, quietly allowing Li Changshou to enter.

As soon as Li Changshou entered Jade Spring Mountain, he saw True Immortal Yuding sitting cross-legged on a cloud, looking somewhat helpless, and beside him, Grand Yin-Yang Master Taiyi, yawning continuously...

"What's wrong? Wasn't everything fine?"

Sweeping his immortal sense across Jade Spring Mountain, Li Changshou, this ordinary minor deity of authority in the Heavenly Court, felt a growing sense of exasperation.

"Brother, why can't you take me with you? I'm so scared."

"Xiao Chan, this is for training and cultivation, to deepen my understanding of the Dao. Your cultivation is insufficient, and mine isn't too high either. If I take you, there will be many dangers."

"Waaah... Brother, don't leave me alone in the cave..."

"Don't cry, don't cry!"

"Sigh, let me think of another way."

Li Changshou: ...

True Immortal Taiyi's voice transmission teased, "Oh, the old rival couldn't resist coming to take a look?"

True Immortal Yuding looked ashamed and actively helped conceal the aura of Li Changshou's paper effigy.

"You've been delayed for so long because of this?"

Li Changshou asked with a wry smile, and True Immortal Yuding nodded honestly.

True Immortal Taiyi sighed, "I suggested bringing Xiao Chan'er along, but Junior Brother Yuding said it would interfere with Yang Jian's cultivation. Nephew Yang Jian is usually quite decisive, but when it comes to his little sister, he's completely helpless."

Li Changshou said, "Then, why not just use a spell to make her sleep peacefully for a few months?"

Yuding and Taiyi were stunned, their smiles turning awkward.

Rubbing his forehead, Li Changshou steadied himself and thought of a foolproof solution, asking:

"Has Ling Zhuzi had any interactions with Yang Jian over the years?"

"The two of them are quite close," True Immortal Taiyi complained. "They spar with each other regularly, especially over the past twenty years. Whenever Ling Zhuzi isn't in the Heavenly Court, he comes to Jade Spring Mountain and doesn't even return to my own cave dwelling."

Li Changshou acknowledged this and immediately began making arrangements.

Thus, two hours later, Ling Zhuzi arrived swiftly on a cloud.

After listening to Li Changshou's constant instructions and receiving permission from his master and martial uncle, Ling Zhuzi first sent a voice transmission to Yang Jian, then ambushed Yang Chan from behind, easily subduing her and making her spirit misty and fall into a deep slumber.

Yang Jian let out a long sigh of relief, his eyes full of gratitude. He bowed to Ling Zhuzi and thanked him:

"Many thanks for your assistance, Senior Brother!"

"It's nothing," Ling Zhuzi replied, bowing slightly. He used immortal power to place Yang Chan on a bed in the inner cave, then turned back and said, "Junior Brother, please go on your trial with peace of mind. I will certainly take good care of Xiao Chan."

Yang Jian glanced at the sleeping Yang Chan and instructed Ling Zhuzi:

"Xiao Chan was traumatized in her youth, and ever since she began cultivating, she has had an inner demon that couldn't be dispelled. Master only temporarily sealed it. Senior Brother, please remember, if she wakes up and becomes panicked because she can't find me, just give her this..."

"No need to bother."

Ling Zhuzi interrupted Yang Jian with a laugh, "I will keep casting the sleeping spell on her, so she'll wait for your return in her dreams. Junior Brother Yang Jian, rest assured, your sister is my sister. I will never disrespect Xiao Chan."

"I certainly trust Senior Brother."

Yang Jian sighed with relief, bowed to Ling Zhuzi again, retrieved the sword lying in the corner, and stepped out into the light beyond the cave...

He felt much lighter.

True Immortal Yuding appeared in the air, bringing Yang Jian onto the cloud.

Li Changshou had by then retracted his paper effigy into True Immortal Taiyi's sleeve. To be safe, he did not actively meet with Yang Jian.

"Master, Martial Uncle," Yang Jian said, a hint of shame on his face, as he bowed with his sword. "This disciple has made you wait."

True Immortal Yuding smiled gently, saying it was no matter.

Beside him, True Immortal Taiyi's lips twitched slightly. He wanted to retort but forcibly restrained himself.

No harm to juniors, no harsh words to the young—these were Taiyi's principles for social interaction.

—Except for particularly annoying juniors.

Before long, True Immortal Yuding, carrying Yang Jian and True Immortal Taiyi on a cloud, left Jade Spring Mountain, swiftly flying towards the East Sea at full speed.

On Jade Spring Mountain, only Ling Zhuzi and the sleeping Yang Chan remained.

Ling Zhuzi walked to the cave entrance, recalling Uncle Chang Geng's instructions, and his master's explanation of Yang Jian's background from over a decade ago.

He also thought of how Junior Brother Yang Jian had inadvertently revealed his hatred for the Heavenly Court...

"Sigh!"

'When Junior Brother Yang Jian learns the truth in the future, he will surely hold some resentment towards Uncle Chang Geng in his heart. Uncle Chang Geng's schemes are too thorough; in the end, they might ironically draw Junior Brother Yang Jian's hostility.'

Ling Zhuzi crossed his arms, pondering seriously for a moment.

'Could it be that Uncle doesn't mind this hostility from Junior Brother?'

Muttering to himself, Ling Zhuzi stared blankly at the sky outside the cave for a while, then scratched his head.

Never mind, I can't figure out all these complicated twists and turns.

While Yang Chan is asleep, I should... practice some martial arts.

Recently, little rabbit always sought his appraisal of her dance moves, always dressed flamboyantly. He wondered if she had eaten too many rainbow radishes. This back-and-forth had significantly delayed his cultivation progress.

Tsk, Ling Zhuzi's peculiar troubles.

On the way to that Great Chiliocosm, Li Changshou could distinctly feel True Immortal Yuding's concern for Yang Jian.

Throughout the journey, Yuding constantly warned about the wickedness of human hearts and spoke of his insights into cultivation.

Yang Jian sat cross-legged beside True Immortal Yuding, listening intently the entire time, showing no impatience for several days and nights.

On second thought, Jade Spring Mountain was quite interesting.

True Immortal Yuding, who valued his disciple immensely, often concealed his true form so as not to disturb his cultivation;

Yang Jian, profoundly grateful to his master yet utterly helpless when it came to his sister;

And Yang Chan, clinging to her brother, terrified that her own brother would leave her...

Fortunately, although Yang Jian doted on his sister, he didn't feel the need to keep her by his side at all costs, otherwise he wouldn't have so readily entrusted Yang Chan to Ling Zhuzi's care.

He secretly used the Qi Observation Method to glance at Yang Jian's destiny, finding it to be an astonishing deep red and purple.

His identity as a son of tribulation and destiny could not be hidden from those who could observe qi.

The decision to arrange Yang Jian's trial at this particular juncture was actually the result of several discussions between Li Changshou and True Immortal Yuding.

As it was approaching the Purple霄 Palace discussion on the Investiture of Gods, the Western Sect certainly wouldn't dare cause trouble, and all major powers were quiet as chickens. The external environment was actually at its most stable.

Although Yang Jian would undergo various levels of tempering later, his first descent from the mountain as an adult would undoubtedly have a profound impact on his character and outlook on life.

After spending a few more days on the road, they finally arrived at that Great Chiliocosm.

True Immortal Yuding stood up.

"Yang Jian."

"Disciple is here!"

Yang Jian immediately stood up and responded, the divine light in his eyes flickering before receding. His patience was indeed excellent.

True Immortal Yuding said gently:

"There is a destined opportunity for you here. It appears calm, but in truth, it hides dangers. For this first trial, I have chosen this place for you. Your Martial Uncle Taiyi and I will go visit friends, and we will come back to pick you up in a hundred days. Remember, the hearts of people in the Primordial World are treacherous, and it is a time of great tribulation. Your current strength is insufficient, so do not act recklessly."

"Disciple obeys."

Yang Jian answered earnestly, bowed, then turned and ascended a cloud, descending towards this Great Chiliocosm under the watchful eyes of True Immortal Yuding and True Immortal Taiyi.

True Immortal Taiyi smiled, "Let's go. Don't keep our fellow Daoists waiting too long."

True Immortal Yuding assented, and together they rode their clouds towards the southwest.

These words were, of course, meant for Yang Jian to hear.

Yang Jian, continuing on his cloud, showed a faint wry smile. He didn't turn to look back but instead chose a temporary landing spot and descended towards a mortal town in the area.

Shortly after Yang Jian landed, three figures appeared from outside the sky, activating a Cloud Mirror spell to observe his every move.

True Immortal Taiyi asked with great interest, "How did Junior Brother Chang Geng arrange the next steps? When will the people you arranged encounter Nephew Yang Jian?"

Li Changshou smiled, "No need to rush, Senior Brother. Let Yang Jian first familiarize himself with the mortal world. If it were done intentionally, or if people were arranged to actively approach him, it would be a crude method. With Yang Jian's intelligence, he would immediately see through it as an act for him. Yang Jian probably already knows we're observing him in secret; he just hasn't shown it."

Taiyi wondered, "Then how do you plan to draw him into the situation?"

Li Changshou calmly explained:

"More than ten years ago, rumors about ancient demons began circulating in this Great Chiliocosm, attracting a group of Qi Refiners hoping to find treasures. However, these Qi Refiners found nothing. Of course, that's because I hadn't yet released the demon and Ancestral Witch essence blood. Many people here know about these rumors, so Yang Jian can easily inquire about them. Additionally, in the places within this Great Chiliocosm that he's most likely to visit, I've arranged sixteen small tasks. Each task contains hidden clues pointing to the final trial location. In short, as long as he maintains a basic curiosity about that destined opportunity, he will naturally be led there little by little."

"Chang Geng has put in a lot of effort."

True Immortal Yuding nodded slowly, giving a fair assessment.

True Immortal Taiyi also gave a thumbs up, "Well done!"

Li Changshou's lips curled slightly. "When those words come from Senior Brother Taiyi, why do I feel offended?"

"Haha, hahahaha! Don't overthink it. This humble Daoist genuinely thinks you've done a good job, arranging everything perfectly for everyone."

True Immortal Taiyi burst into laughter. Li Changshou carefully considered his words...

He still felt like the guy was implicitly mocking him.

Now, concerning Yang Jian: after he entered this Great Chiliocosm, his alertness proved to be quite sharp.

Yang Jian first secretly observed the town from the forest with his immortal sense for half a day before sheathing his sword, concealing his aura, changing his appearance, and heading into the city to rest.

Although this nephew of the Jade Emperor had a calm temperament, it was his first time descending the mountain, so he couldn't help but look around curiously.

A colorful world can be captivating; this itself is a form of trial.

However, Yang Jian merely observed; he didn't truly immerse himself.

Seeing Yang Jian walk for half a day without attracting much attention, Li Changshou praised him:

"Truly excellent; he can be of great use."

True Immortal Yuding showed a faint smile, while True Immortal Taiyi shook his head disapprovingly, still feeling his own disciple was more likable.

Valued for simplicity.

Yang Jian stayed in the town for several days, gradually understanding the plight of mortals and the "current state" of Qi Refiners there.

Next, he didn't intentionally seek out Qi Refiners for sparring or discussion, as Li Changshou had expected. Instead, he deliberately avoided them, disguised himself as a mortal, and sought out the "destined opportunity" his master had mentioned.

Half a month later, Yang Jian decided to go to a larger immortal city to inquire about dangerous or perilous areas within this Great Chiliocosm.

This was where the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Zenith Hall were stationed.

As Yang Jian drew closer to the immortal city, the atmosphere in the small courtyard where Li Changshou's true body resided gradually became tense...

Bai Ze's voice could be heard asking questions, while Jiang Lin'er, Jiu Jiu, and others continuously replied, holding one communication jade slip after another.

"How is the Qian Xuan Department preparing?"

"It's all set."

"Are you sure there are no other interferences at the location?"

"The location is fine; few people go there anyway..."

Soon, Bai Ze nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Li Changshou, his expression solemn, and bowed with cupped hands.

"Please give the order, Water God! Everything is ready!"

Li Changshou stood up, his immortal sense remotely locked onto Yang Jian's figure. He mentally checked for any loopholes in his arranged script, his eyes gradually becoming solemn.

This was merely a small step in tempering Yang Jian and honing his successor, but a giant leap for the entire "production crew" of the Heavenly Zenith Hall!

If they could successfully arrange Yang Jian today, they could successfully arrange Nezha tomorrow, and the Monkey the day after tomorrow!

Cough, well, forget that one for now; it's still too far off.

Cultivating a trustworthy team and then comfortably acting as a hands-off boss—this was the ultimate goal of this operation!

Taking a light breath, Li Changshou slowly said, "Go ahead."

"Begin!"

Bai Ze turned his head and gave a soft command. Several communication jade slips shattered instantly!

A moment later, Li Changshou's immortal sense captured the following scene:

In a forest just dozens of miles from Yang Jian, a young man, covered in blood, staggered into view. Behind him, the spatial fabric rippled in layers, indicating the boundary fluctuations of a mid-tier illusion formation.

The young man took two steps before collapsing to the ground, his breath faint as a wisp of smoke, his eyes filled with anxiety. He tried to struggle to his feet, but his injuries were too severe, and his magic power was almost depleted.

Thirty-some miles away, Yang Jian, who was passing by on a cloud, frowned slightly but didn't meddle. He lowered his head and accelerated his departure.

Although the young man was only an Origin Immortal Realm cultivator, it was a wise decision to ignore him and leave, not knowing his intentions or what lay hidden within that illusion formation.

In the Primordial World, being overly kind was a dangerous trait.

True Immortal Taiyi, observing from outside the heavens, praised him continuously, and True Immortal Yuding's smile deepened.

However, Li Changshou's arranged plan was not limited to just that.

Suddenly, the cry of an infant was heard...

The severely wounded Origin Immortal man took out a silver shuttle from his sleeve, wrapped in layers of immortal light. Inside, an infant was protected, now crying loudly.

—This was a magical treasure similar to a mustard seed dimension, quite rare in this place.

The Origin Immortal man showed a mixture of grief, indignation, and reluctance, conveying his emotions quite effectively. Gritting his teeth, he used his last reserves of immortal power to throw the shuttle into the distance.

"Young Master, your subordinate is useless... Ah, I'm dead..."

With that, he twitched once or twice, immediately fell to the ground, closed his eyes, and his vital essence slowly dissipated.

Li Changshou: ...

His emotional delivery was good, but what on earth was with that line?

Later, he'd make this guy perform that "Ah, I'm dead" line three hundred times in public!

Meanwhile, at the trial location.

A chill wind blew from within the forest, and three figures, all True Immortals, flew out from the illusion formation, each exuding murderous intent, directly chasing after the silver shuttle.

Although the silver shuttle was a magical treasure, it no longer had immortal power to support it. It flew for more than ten miles before being overtaken by the three "True Immortals."

A female figure reached out to grab the silver shuttle, a slight cold smile playing on her lips.

Faster than words could tell!

Just as the woman's fingertips were about to touch the silver shuttle, a golden immortal rope suddenly appeared, lassoing the shuttle and yanking it away, all in one swift, seamless motion.

The three True Immortals who were pursuing had no time to react, watching helplessly as the silver shuttle slipped away, unable to even launch an attack.

The woman frowned and snarled, "Who dares meddle in the affairs of my Worldly Alliance!"

A clear voice replied, "What wrong has the infant committed?"

As the words rang out, Yang Jian's tall figure appeared on a hillside several hundred feet away, his left hand raised in a pulling gesture.

The immortal rope flew back to Yang Jian's wrist, tightening around his sleeve, and the silver shuttle smoothly landed in his hand.

Immediately, Yang Jian revealed seventy percent of his power. His Daoist robe swelled, a wisp of vital energy shot up into the sky like a lone column of smoke in the desert, and his treasured sword was already unsheathed by half an inch in his right hand.

His fighting spirit was high, and his aura was extraordinary!

The three True Immortals' expressions changed. Their eyes filled with apprehension, they each retreated a hundred feet, maintaining a safe distance.

Seeing this, Li Changshou nodded in satisfaction.

These three fellows are quite good; they're worth focusing on for training. Yang Jian's response was also appropriate: he intimidated the enemy while reserving his full power, and not knowing the full situation, he didn't make the first move.

Bai Ze praised, "The Jade Emperor's nephew indeed has some of the Jade Emperor's demeanor."

Li Changshou said, "This stage tests both Yang Jian's benevolence and his ability to avoid karma. When both cannot be achieved, how he balances and makes choices will be seen. Mr. Bai, first..."

Suddenly, a familiar Dao rhyme permeated his spiritual platform. The Grand Pure Dao seemed to have been gently stirred, forming a colossal word in his Dao heart!

Li Changshou's spirit jolted. He immediately stood up, took out a drop of Ancestral Witch Gonggong's essence blood from his sleeve, and placed it in Bai Ze's hand.

"Mr. Bai, you will take charge later. Everything is to proceed according to plan. Be absolutely careful and cautious. Avoid any casualties, and ideally, do not be exposed by Yang Jian. If you are exposed, do not reveal the Heavenly Court's involvement. If there's an emergency, just take out the paper effigy I left with you earlier; I will immediately sense it."

Bai Ze was somewhat confused and quickly asked what had happened.

Li Changshou was also perplexed, but he only said that Grand Pure Master had summoned him for an important matter and that he had to go at once.

Immediately, Li Changshou cupped his hands to the others in the pavilion, grasped the Qiankun Escape spell with his left hand, a blue light flashed beneath his feet, and his figure vanished with a "whoosh."

Before leaving, Li Changshou glanced at Yang Jian's situation. Seeing Yang Jian's commendable performance, he felt much more at ease for the time being.

Borrowing the paper effigy to give a few more instructions to True Immortal Yuding and True Immortal Taiyi, Li Changshou composed himself and activated the Qiankun Escape technique, rushing back to the Five Continents with all his might!

Why did Master summon him at this moment?

There were still three years until the Purple霄 Palace discussion. Could it be that Master felt his preparations were insufficient and called him over for guidance?

If that were the case, wouldn't a direct message suffice?

Filled with many doubts, Li Changshou hurried back to the Five Continents, never hesitating to expend immortal power along the way. Using the Qiankun Ruler to execute the Qiankun Escape technique, his speed was beyond mere "lightning fast."

Whenever his immortal power depleted by more than half a percent, Li Changshou would swallow a sixth-grade spirit pill, ensuring he remained at full capacity at all times.

In less than half a day, Li Changshou reached the edge of the East Sea, then switched to wind escape and soared straight into the clouds beyond the nine heavens...

Upon arriving at the Grand Pure Temple, Li Changshou was truly exhausted, fine beads of sweat dotting his forehead.

Carefully pushing open the slightly ajar wooden door, he walked inside with his head bowed. After saluting his Master, he looked up at the old man sitting within the small temple.

Master summoned him three years in advance; it must be...

Suddenly, he heard the Grand Pure Saint transmit a message directly to him, speaking slowly: "You are about to depart for Purple霄 Palace."

"That's... it?"

Li Changshou was first stunned, then a slight realization dawned on him.

Three years... "about to depart"...

It makes sense.