Chapter 555: Meeting Yunxiao, Jinglong Clan, Confronting Western Fierceness

Immortal Island was shrouded in mist, and the fair lady accompanied him as if in a dream.

In a corner of Three Immortal Island, the two strolled leisurely among the trees, chatting about matters unrelated to the Three Realms. Li Changshou wore a light blue robe, and Fairy Yunxiao was clad in a blue and white gown. Unbeknownst to them, an hour or two had already passed.

One advantage of dating in the Primordial Era was the significant time span between meetings, which fostered a strong sense of anticipation and ensured ample topics for discussion before each encounter.

Of course, Li Changshou felt that even if he didn't seek out topics, simply sitting or walking together brought a certain tranquility to his mind...

At this moment, it was, of course, inappropriate to mention Fairy Yunxiao's past rule of meeting only once every five hundred years.

For Fairy Yunxiao at that time, five hundred years was neither long nor short, just enough time for her to cultivate for a period and then go out for a stroll.

However, for Fairy Yunxiao now, even fifty years felt somewhat difficult to wait. Their last parting was only a little over thirty years ago, yet this meeting felt as if a vast interval had passed.

During their conversations, there were also certain forbidden topics.

For Li Changshou, he tried to avoid mentioning his affairs in the Heavenly Courts, knowing that Yunxiao wasn't interested in them, though she was happy to listen to him confide.

As for Yunxiao, she didn't allow herself to bring up matters concerning the Great Tribulation, fearing it would put pressure on Li Changshou.

Yunxiao had mentioned previously that the Great Tribulation was a trial for cultivators themselves, and if one could not overcome it, there was nothing to force.

The unspoken meaning was, naturally, that Li Changshou needn't worry too much about her.

As they walked, Li Changshou inadvertently raised his hand, and a slender hand reached out from the side, taking his.

Hidden in the shadows, Bi Xiao and Qiong Xiao, who were mimicking them, also reached out and held hands, then silently burst into laughter.

As they chatted, they began to discuss Zhao Gongming.

Li Changshou winked at Yunxiao, and a faint white mist arose around Yunxiao, shielding them from the two 'little' fairies observing from the shadows.

Li Changshou asked, "How have things been recently with Brother Gongming and Senior Sister Jin Ling?"

"I don't know the specifics," Yunxiao replied. "I sent a letter to my elder brother earlier, and he wrote back saying everything was well. I assume nothing has gone wrong."

Li Changshou chuckled, "I mean, they haven't announced their relationship publicly yet, have they?"

"Well..."

Yunxiao hummed softly a few times, her expression slightly peculiar.

Li Changshou wondered, "What's wrong? Is there something I should know?"

"My elder brother likely wants to announce it, but Senior Sister Jin Ling is quite shy."

Yunxiao's gaze flickered to their hands, which had unconsciously intertwined, and she whispered:

"Senior Sister Jin Ling feels it's a private matter between them. If they were to announce it publicly, being disciples of our master and prominent figures of the Jie Sect, it might attract a lot of gossip. That would change the nature of it."

"Let others talk if they wish," Li Changshou calmly shook his head. "But it's their private affair. If they don't want to announce it, they don't have to. With time, everyone will guess anyway."

"So, what do others say about us?"

Li Changshou instantly replied, "That we're a match made in heaven, a perfect couple, well-suited, and truly destined for each other."

"Pah," the fairy retorted, her voice tinged with a playful scolding. "You say such things without any shame."

"Hahaha," Li Changshou laughed softly. "If I were still hesitant in front of you, it would probably take us an eon to confess our love and another eon to achieve true fruition."

Fairy Yunxiao looked away, a hidden smile playing on her lips. After a moment, she asked, "How does a relationship achieve true fruition?"

"There's no fixed definition for that," Li Changshou said, gesturing for them to turn left towards an ancient tree. He then took out two prayer mats and placed them close together, leaving an inch or two of space between them, before they sat down.

Li Changshou explained, "For mortals, a wedding night signifies fruition, as does having children, or growing old together hand-in-hand.

As for immortals, I'm not sure what specifically constitutes true fruition.

Perhaps it means that you and I, free from disasters, misfortunes, tribulations, and difficulties, can reside together, cultivating our paths in daily life, and leaning on each other in our free time.

To witness the end of time, to traverse the Three Thousand Worlds, and even at the end of immortality, with the destruction of heaven and earth, still be by each other's side, hand in hand.

Perhaps, this is the fruition I aspire to."

He looked down, meeting her eyes. Yet, Yunxiao's beautiful gaze was full of clarity, untouched by his words.

Li Changshou: ...

Had he used the wrong words of love?

Then he heard her say, "You must remember these words. Recite them to me again in a thousand years, without a single mistake or omission."

Li Changshou was first startled, then instantly understood something in his heart. He smiled and assented, quickly engraving the words he had just spoken onto his primordial spirit.

He hadn't managed a kiss today, a debt Taibai Jinxing noted and vowed to repay twofold in the future.

The two gazed at each other for a moment, then resumed their previous conversation.

Unconsciously, their conversation turned to the God-Sealing Pearl, and Fairy Yunxiao said:

"When Master bestowed this set of treasures upon my elder brother back then, he mentioned that it was incomplete, but he didn't specify how. I surmise there should be thirty-six of them, corresponding to the Thirty-six Heavenly Gangs."

"Not necessarily."

Li Changshou pondered carefully. He recalled that in the original Investiture of the Gods story, the twenty-four God-Sealing Pearls, after being obtained by Dipankara, evolved into the Twenty-Four Heavens, elevating Dipankara's status significantly...

Currently, the God-Sealing Pearls certainly couldn't fall into Dipankara's hands. Li Changshou, personally guarding Old Zhao, wouldn't allow him to be put at risk.

The opportunity for these Twenty-Four Heavens definitely had to fall upon Old Zhao...

This matter still needed to be properly planned. Dipankara Daoist was also his opponent, so he had to proceed cautiously.

If necessary, he could give Old Zhao some ambiguous hints in advance, encouraging him to diligently comprehend the twenty-four God-Sealing Pearls; perhaps he would gain something from it.

"Yunxiao..."

"Hmm?"

"I'll rest for a while first to handle some matters concerning the Dragon Clan," Li Changshou gently explained. "Master ordered me to 'discipline' the Dragon Clan a bit, and my avatar has already reached the Dragon Palace on its way."

"Just attend to your important affairs. I'll stay here with you."

Yunxiao gently assented, watching Li Changshou lean against the tree trunk, eyes closed in contemplation. She took out a jade slip book from her sleeve and read it quietly.

A gentle breeze rustled, and light clouds drifted like feathers.

The two figures beneath the tree were very close, yet a small distance remained between them; they had not touched skin-to-skin.

The mist enveloping them, no longer maintained by divine power, gradually dispersed with the breeze. Several divine senses, hesitantly and shyly, drifted in to probe, and upon seeing the scene, each revealed expressions of disappointment.

The male immortal leaning against the tree trunk, seemingly in a closed-eyed doze, and the female immortal sitting beside him, holding a scroll, perfectly illustrated the tranquility of time and spoke of the harmony of yin and yang, causing one to unconsciously engrave such a picture in their heart.

Inside the Dragon King's grand hall in the East Sea Crystal Palace.

Upon Taibai Jinxing's personal arrival, the Crystal Palace was naturally decorated with lanterns and streamers. He was invited to a high seat, nearly on par with the Dragon King.

Dragon princes stepped forward one by one to offer toasts, and dragon princesses inquired after his well-being from the side.

Li Changshou responded with a smile, maintaining the dignified demeanor of an old immortal. He observed these 'juniors' of the Dragon Clan, most of whom were older than him, continuously offering smiles and encouragement.

Not wanting to keep Yunxiao waiting long, Li Changshou found an opportunity to state his purpose:

"Dragon King, the reason for my visit today should have already been explained in the jade talisman I sent earlier."

Previously, addressing him as Dragon King was a respectful title.

Now, addressing him as Dragon King was purely out of respect for Ao Guang, a senior figure of the Primordial Era.

The East Sea Dragon King nodded with a smile, clapped his hands. The dragon princes and princesses withdrew, the dancing sea maidens bowed and exited, and several turtle chancellors hurried forward, carrying jade slips.

Ao Guang chuckled, "Star Lord, please take a look. These are the reports from the water deities stationed by the Dragon Clan in various regions."

Li Changshou slowly nodded. Streams of light flew from his sleeve, and to the Dragon King's astonishment, he manifested sixteen avatars, who then took the jade slips and began a rapid review.

The turtle chancellors exchanged glances, while the Dragon King merely smiled and shook his head.

Half an hour later, the sixteen paper figures transformed into streaks of light and flew back into Li Changshou's sleeve. Li Changshou's expression grew serious as he mused for a few moments.

The Dragon King asked, "Star Lord, is there anything amiss?"

Li Changshou replied, "These reports from the Dragon Clan deities are entirely focused on praising peace and prosperity, stating that under their governance, water affairs are stable, free from floods or droughts, and mortals live in peace and contentment.

But Dragon King, have they perhaps misunderstood something?"

"Oh?" The Dragon King slightly furrowed his brow.

Li Changshou sighed, "The operation of the Heavenly Dao is not always smooth and constant. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too do droughts and floods occur in the heavens. If the weather is perpetually favorable, mortals will gradually grow lazy and lose their reverence for heaven and earth, which is not a good thing. Water deities in all regions should abide by the operation of the Heavenly Dao, allowing for the rotation of droughts and floods. Only then is it the proper principle for a divine position."

The Dragon King stroked his beard and sighed, "Star Lord, you are right. This was my oversight. I shall immediately summon all water deities to come and understand the Star Lord's instructions!"

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, saying, "The Heavenly Courts are gradually getting on track, and heavenly laws are becoming increasingly strict. Previously, I used an avatar to travel among mortals for several months. Most of the Dragon Clan descendants I observed were diligent in their duties, acting for the fortune of the Dragon Clan, for the stability of heaven and earth, and for their own merits, benefiting their regions and performing good deeds. However."

The Dragon King listened intently, his expression grave. By now, he had clearly weighed the significance of that 'however'.

Li Changshou continued, "However, about thirty percent of Dragon Clan descendants still haven't changed their extravagant and debauched ways. They build lavish palaces and gather for pleasure beneath rivers and lakes, disregarding the well-being of aquatic life and mortals. Some even amuse themselves by teasing humans, and there are even those who forcibly abduct mortal women."

"Forcibly abduct mortal women?"

The Dragon King frowned deeply, clearly shocked by the matter. He stated firmly, "Is there some misunderstanding regarding this? How could my Dragon Clan descendants be attracted to mortal women?"

Li Changshou gave a wry smile, took out a recording orb from his hand, and placed it in the Dragon King's hand.

The Dragon King frowned as he stared at the recording orb for a moment, then flew into a rage:

"Guards!"

At the hall's entrance, four figures rushed in, dropping to one knee without a word.

"Go, invite Elder Ao Qianhua! Send a squad of soldiers to seize Ao Qianhua's eldest son! If half of them, father or son, escape, leave no one from the Ao Qianhua clan!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The four figures replied in unison, then transformed into four streams of water and vanished rapidly.

The sea maidens and musicians, as well as the dragon princes and princesses in the corners of the grand hall, were now utterly silent and trembling with fear. It had been an age since they had seen His Majesty in such a rage.

The East Sea Dragon King rose from his throne. He paced before it for a moment, then, remembering something, bowed to Li Changshou and sighed:

"Star Lord, I beg you to mete out punishment. I have been remiss in restraining my clan. I never imagined that a dragon would commit such an absurd act!"

Li Changshou rose, returned the bow to the Dragon King, then took several more recording orbs from his sleeve and placed them on a low table beside the Dragon King, saying gravely:

"Dragon King, regarding this matter, considering the friendship between the Dragon Clan and myself, I did not report directly to His Majesty the Jade Emperor. Instead, I came to the Dragon Palace, fearing that the Dragon Clan would be too passive. You understand the internal affairs and concerns of the Dragon Clan better than I do. Now I must make it clear to you... divine positions are not a trivial matter, nor are Heavenly Court divine positions internal Dragon Clan appointments. As for these dragons, I ask that you deal with them as you deem fit. It would be best if one or two could be sent to the Heavenly Courts to confess their sins before the Jade Emperor, which would also help rectify the conduct of the Dragon Clan's deities. The internal atmosphere of the Dragon Clan is relatively relaxed, and the Heavenly Courts have no intention of interfering in internal Dragon Clan matters. However, once one becomes a Heavenly Court deity, they are bound by heavenly rules. I hope the Dragon King understands."

"This humble one understands, this humble one understands!"

The Dragon King sighed softly, bowing to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou returned the bow and smiled, "In that case, I shall return to the Heavenly Courts."

"Star Lord, why not stay for the banquet?"

"Not today. Dragon King, please deal with these matters first."

With these words, Li Changshou cupped his hands, held his whisk, and walked towards the hall entrance. The East Sea Dragon King saw him off for a couple of steps, and several Dragon Clan elders escorted Li Changshou out of the Crystal Palace.

No sooner had Li Changshou left than the East Sea Dragon King sighed, glanced at the recording orbs, swept his hand over them, and crushed them all.

"Bring back all these wicked dragons! First, hang them on the Dragon Imprisonment Pillar and beat them for three days and three nights! Then send them to the Heavenly Courts to face the death penalty!"

Outside the Crystal Palace, though Li Changshou's old immortal paper figure had departed, several other paper figures hidden nearby slightly extended their divine senses and detected several pairs of Dragon Clan soldiers rushing towards the Southern Jambu Continent.

Disciplining the Dragon Clan had to be done step by step; applying extreme pressure directly would only alienate them.

Uniting the Dragon King and the Dragon Clan masters, and allowing the ambitious members of the Dragon Clan to confront the corrupt parts, was the proper way.

Riding his cloud out of the East Sea, Li Changshou swaggered towards the East Heavenly Gate, his gaze sweeping over the tassel at the waist of his white robe. Its blue-green color had now turned light purple.

A powerful divine sense was probing him.

Li Changshou feigned unawareness. He had already deduced who was seeking him out, yet he remained unhurried, flying straight towards the heavens.

Just a thousand li into his flight, a white cloud carrying a beautiful female immortal came directly towards him.

An avatar?

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow, sighing inwardly. His true form remained motionless on Three Immortal Island.

Then he heard a call:

"Are you perhaps Taibai Jinxing from the heavens?"

The voice was truly as melodious and lingering as a nightingale's. Upon closer listening, it concealed a hint of excitement, a touch of shyness, and a suppressed thrill.

Li Changshou turned with a smile, halted his cloud, and observed the fairy flying towards him, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

Perhaps Li Changshou's gaze was too blatant, for the fairy's pretty face flushed, yet she approached gracefully and bowed elegantly to Li Changshou.

Just as she was about to speak, Li Changshou interjected:

"I didn't expect you, Fellow Daoist, to be so remarkably lifelike when disguised as a woman. Truly worthy of being the Western Sect's Eldest Senior Brother."

The 'fairy' first frowned, then quickly adopted a 'stunned' expression.

He was about to continue his act, but seeing Li Changshou's eyes filled with amusement, as if watching a good show, he immediately snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve.

"The art of avatars truly cannot deceive Taibai Jinxing."

"No problem, no problem," Li Changshou chuckled. "It's just that you, Fellow Daoist, are a bit too easy to guess. What brings you here this time? Why don't you reveal your true form, and I, this humble Daoist, can spar with you to settle some karma."

The 'fairy' said coldly, "Does Star Lord not think you're going a bit too far? You and I plot against each other, each for our great sect. I merely killed a Golden Immortal from your Human Sect, yet you've retaliated for decades without end. Moreover, you've pinned a great evil like Kunpeng on me! What connection do I have with Kunpeng?"

Li Changshou smiled calmly, a faint amusement in his eyes.

Did he really think he was a naive fool who would blurt out anything?

Li Changshou said, "If Fellow Daoist has nothing to hide, why not come to the Heavenly Courts to prove your innocence?"

"Why should this humble Daoist prove his innocence in the Heavenly Courts?"

"Why don't you present evidence, Fellow Daoist, that you are not Kunpeng's second primordial spirit? If you can convince me, I won't mention this matter again. To be honest, though we are enemies, I wouldn't stoop to such false accusations. It's only because I have some evidence that I have reasonable suspicion. Fellow Daoist, do you believe that because you had only a superficial relationship with Kunpeng in your life, merely meeting a few times in ancient times, there's no connection? Alas, Kunpeng's methods are quite clever. To avoid leaving any flaws, he deliberately left no memories when splitting off his second primordial spirit, and he also performed a 'magpie's nest usurped by a cuckoo' act..."

"Nonsense!"

"Fellow Daoist, please examine this."

Li Changshou took a recording orb from his sleeve and displayed its contents, revealing details of Kunpeng's fierce battle with him in the Chaos Sea.

With a 'snap', the recording orb was crushed by Li Changshou.

"Kunpeng's false body deliberately died in battle to provide cover for his new body, and as for you, Fellow Daoist... never mind. There's no definite conclusion yet; I merely wish to invite you to the Heavenly Courts to assist with an investigation."

Having spoken, Li Changshou flicked his sleeve and turned to fly towards the high heavens. Before departing, he turned his head once more to glance at Maitreya.

"Kunpeng's schemes originate from ancient times. As for the enmity between us, I will certainly seek an explanation in the future, but regarding this matter, this humble Daoist would not resort to false accusations."

He then snorted coldly and departed on his cloud, leaving Maitreya's avatar stunned on the cloud.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou's voice drifted back from the ethereal mists, saying:

"Mortals, immortals, sentient beings, mighty figures. Who am I? And who are you? A Daoist title is merely a symbol. You can be called Maitreya, others can be called Maitreya, and Kunpeng's second primordial spirit can also be called Maitreya. If the second primordial spirit believes itself to be Maitreya, what does that signify? Where do you come from in life, and where do you go in death? What does your presence in these Three Realms mean for the Three Realms? Did you choose Maitreya, or did Maitreya choose you? Fellow Daoist, you are deluded. In your current state, you are not even worthy of being this humble Daoist's opponent."

opponent... opponent... opponent...

The 'fairy' remained stunned for a while longer. Before long, she took out a recording orb from her sleeve and repeatedly watched its contents, which were, of course, her recent conversation with Li Changshou...

His scheme to clear his name this time had naturally failed.

However, various thoughts churned in his mind, leaving him momentarily flustered and agitated.

"Did I choose Maitreya, or did Maitreya... choose me?"