Chapter 575: Goodhearted Junior Brother, Online…

The atmosphere inside the large formation on the mountaintop was inexplicably oppressive.

In the capital of the Shang Kingdom, the grand celebration ceremonies were still ongoing. Fortunately, the Great Desolation hadn't yet adopted the custom of lengthy speeches, so mortals simply sang and danced, taking the opportunity to resolve some marital matters for the young. Young men and women would find someone they liked, knock them out, and carry them away—a long-standing tradition of the human race. A handsome and dashing young man like Bian Zhuang would easily meet a violent end at such an event if he didn't have magical protection.

However, Bian Zhuang had no time to enjoy these festivities. His Dao heart was trembling, so much so that he forgot to admire the beautiful figure enveloped in light nearby. Instead, he stared in shock at his powerful backer, the powerful Heavenly Court deity, Grand White Planet Venus.

What exactly is 'hustling' someone? This is it! He could hustle black into white, crooked into straight, crying into laughter, and even demons into celestial spirits! With such skill, he was undoubtedly the most renowned orator in the Great Desolation, effortlessly discussing ancient and modern affairs.

Bian Zhuang suddenly understood, with a profound and complete realization. Facing Lord Grand White Planet, why did the Western Sect suffer repeated defeats? Why did ancient and primordial figures fall one after another? How could the Heavenly Court achieve such a favorable position today? Wasn't it all due to Grand White Planet's overwhelming eloquence, his ability to sweet-talk and persuade, that all this came about?

It's just… this outcome was, for a moment, quite difficult to accept. The extraterrestrial demons, who were supposed to be the bane of creatures in the Great Desolation, were actually converted by Lord Grand White Planet's words into benevolent female immortals recognized by the Heavenly Dao, instantly changing their life form. Moreover, she even seemed to be shedding tears of gratitude for Lord Grand White Planet, who had guided her out of her confusion. This was a bit… a bit… too terrifying.

This made Bian Zhuang subconsciously wonder if he had ever been tricked by Lord Star Monarch's divine abilities or spells during his years of service, and why he was so utterly devoted and dared not disobey his commands. After deliberating for most of the day, Bian Zhuang finally confirmed his thoughts. He was genuinely afraid of Lord Grand White Planet from the bottom of his heart, and it had no direct connection to Lord Grand White Planet's divine 'hustling' abilities. Simply put, he wasn't qualified enough to be affected by such high-level persuasion.

Inside the grand formation, Bian Zhuang glanced at Jiu Jiu, who was standing in another corner, then quietly hid behind Ao Yi, waiting for the four silent grand figures to speak. At this moment, Li Changshou's paper effigy, the Jade Emperor's incarnation, Kong Xuan (the Great Master's admirer), and the reincarnated Seven Emotions incarnation of Empress Houtu were standing beside the 'mutated Sky Demon'. Quan Tong, Kong Xuan, and the Seven Emotions girl were examining the demoness maiden's condition one by one. It was clear that they all found the matter highly unusual. The four exchanged glances, then each stepped back, their expressions complex. Li Changshou, however, remained the most composed. After all, while the outcome of this matter was unexpected for him, the entire process was orchestrated by him, making it not overly complex to comprehend.

For instance, in the Great Desolation, both innate and acquired beings, during their cultivation, are prone to developing inner demons—whether due to the influence of their seven emotions and six desires, an obsession of their Dao heart, or an impact that damages their primordial spirit. What exactly are inner demons? Li Changshou once explained to Ling'e that the emergence of inner demons can be understood as a Qi Refiner's self-doubt and self-negation. Li Changshou once asserted that a fairy with Yuqin Xuanya's personality would never be plagued by inner demons in her entire life. Although he was later proven wrong, it was indeed her emotional issues at the time that served as a trigger, leading to self-doubt and the subsequent birth of inner demons.

What are Sky Demons? Extraterrestrial Sky Demons generally refer to various chaotic beings who harbor ill intentions towards the Great Desolation and constantly attempt to invade it. Most of them were formed from the innate divine demons who survived the Great Tribulation of Creation. Figures like the previous 'Du Shuren' and today's 'Mei Wenghua' are chaotic beings capable of invading the Dao hearts of immortals, inducing and merging with the inner demons of creatures in the Great Desolation. They originate from the Sky Demon Venerable, seemingly split from him. During Li Changshou's detailed study of Du Shuren, a crucial fact was established: that a single Sky Demon is also composed of a single true spirit.

It is known that the innate divine demons of the Chaos Sea share the same origin as Pangu, the Great God: powerful beings born from countless true spirits aggregated upon the incomplete and disordered Great Dao. The Sky Demon Venerable likely possesses a divine ability to split the true spirits that form his being, transforming them into these varied extraterrestrial Sky Demons. He himself can most likely absorb true spirits from the Chaos Sea, thereby continuously generating new extraterrestrial Sky Demons. Would eliminating the Sky Demon Venerable completely resolve the issue of extraterrestrial Sky Demons? Li Changshou had considered this possibility, but his final conclusion was that it couldn't be confirmed. To resolve the problem of extraterrestrial Sky Demons, the most fundamental step is to dissolve the Sky Demon Venerable's Great Dao; otherwise, another Sky Demon Venerable would inevitably emerge.

Based on this understanding, Mei Wenghua's 'mutation' actually has a reasonable explanation. Creatures of the Great Desolation are born from the resonance between true spirits and the Great Dao of the Great Desolation, sharing the same life essence as Sky Demons. The inner demons of Great Desolation creatures mostly originate deep within their primordial spirit, capable of influencing their temperament and amplifying negative emotions. Sky Demons themselves inherently possess the potential to develop inner demons. Under the influence of the Seven Emotions' power, Li Changshou sweet-talked Mei Wenghua into complete self-negation, causing her to generate a 'sacred thought' akin to an inner demon. All the necessary conditions had been subtly achieved. Furthermore, because Mei Wenghua's inherent 'structure' was unstable, when her true spirit and original incomplete Great Dao experienced significant fluctuations and split, she was directly assimilated by the Dao principles of the Great Desolation, transforming into a spiritual body similar to a Great Desolation creature...

Although Li Changshou still harbored a few doubts, he generally understood the situation. It's just… Judging by the demeanor of those present today, this particular anecdote of his was likely to spread once more. Hmm, as long as the Daoist of the Wide-mouthed Treasure Vase from Kunlun Mountain doesn't find out.

"Chang Geng," Quan Tong whispered, "This matter is truly too mystical. Although I sensed the power of the Heavenly Dao and understood its cause and effect... ultimately... it's still too inconceivable."

Kong Xuan, however, interjected, "What pure benevolent thoughts! This spiritual body even seems to have received the Heavenly Dao's blessing."

Li Changshou chuckled, "It seems the Heavenly Dao is also quite interested in her. I never imagined that planting an inner demon in the heart of a Sky Demon could yield such an effect."

Quan Tong exclaimed admiringly, "If this is true, the threat of extraterrestrial Sky Demons can be resolved!"

"Let's be clear," the Seven Emotions girl said, holding up a finger and slowly shaking it. "I cannot act casually. Once the balance of the seven emotions is disrupted, the problems will be far more troublesome than extraterrestrial Sky Demons."

Li Changshou smiled and asked, "Could Little Ai come out?"

"Let me test you," the Seven Emotions girl said, winking at Li Changshou with an innocent smile. "Guess which emotion I am right now?"

"Desire."

"Oh, how did you know?"

Li Changshou merely quirked his lips, stating calmly, "I was present when Empress Nuwa shaped this body for you, so I naturally observed some insights."

Hearing this, the incarnation of Desire deliberately bit her lip, her eyes showing a hint of panic, her cheeks flushed with shyness. She subconsciously clutched the neckline of her long dress and whispered, "Then... then I have absolutely no secrets from you, do I?"

Li Changshou wore a helpless expression, while Quan Tong at his side also frowned slightly. The incarnation of Desire rolled her eyes, let out a soft huff, and closed her eyes. The world seemed to dim accordingly.

"Oh dear," Little Ai sighed softly, "This is too difficult for me. I'm still being teased, and they keep saying I should be the one to deal with you in the future, even though I have no relation to you. Friendships are all false; after my story concluded, you never once bothered to visit me. Alas..."

Li Changshou suddenly felt a little awkward, unsure how to explain himself to Little Ai. After all, he was indeed at fault. Due to concerns about external dangers, he avoided going out whenever possible, as any action on his part could easily attract karma. Seeing this, Kong Xuan stepped in to help Li Changshou, saying, "Don't feel that way; Chang Geng is genuinely busy. From what I know, he rarely even takes the initiative to visit Fairy Yun Xiao's Three Immortal Islands."

Quan Tong, standing nearby, nodded and said, "Indeed, I can vouch for that."

Little Ai sighed dejectedly, "Friendships truly aren't important after all."

"Ahem," Li Changshou quickly interjected, cutting off Little Ai's deepening melancholy. She was prone to this; if the topic wasn't changed promptly, she would fall into an increasingly sorrowful loop, interpreting any statement with pessimism.

Li Changshou said, "Little Ai, could I ask for your help one more time? I want to confirm whether this Sky Demon truly developed an inner demon, or if she's merely trying to deceive us both."

Little Ai softly agreed, turned, and walked over to the maiden huddled in mid-air, letting out a gentle sigh. A ripple of light gray energy enveloped the maiden, without affecting anyone else.

Kong Xuan asked, "Do you intend to use this method to resolve the extraterrestrial Sky Demon issue?"

"Indeed," Li Changshou smiled. "If this matter can be resolved, Senior Brother can live a bit more freely, no longer confined to Xuandu City. Senior Brother's kindness towards me is immeasurable, and these are the only ways I can repay him."

The Jade Emperor, standing nearby, chuckled, "Once the Heavenly Court grows stronger, we can also deploy troops to guard Xuandu City, with Heavenly Generals taking turns on duty."

Kong Xuan, however, frowned slightly, her eyes showing a hint of contemplation. She seemed to be hesitating. Known for her decisive nature and never dragging her feet, she rarely hesitated to speak her mind. Li Changshou, as if reading her thoughts, smiled and said, "Now that the Great Shang has been established and the Human Emperor's destiny has taken form, it's not something anyone can easily meddle with. How about this: the Heavenly Court will dispatch troops to guard the border between Central Divine Continent and Southern Jambu Continent. Additionally, special inspectors and demon-exterminating Heavenly Masters will be established among mortals, with the Heavenly Dao protecting the Shang Kingdom. In this way, Daoist friend, you won't need to guard this place to the death and can go to Xuandu City to assist my Senior Brother."

Quan Tong, standing beside him, solemnly asked, "Is the situation in Xuandu City critical again?"

"Indeed, the situation is quite grim. Especially with this recent Sky Demon mutation, it might directly infuriate the Sky Demon Venerable. Eighty years ago, when Xuandu City was in distress, Kunpeng and four or five innate divine demons pressured the city. My Senior Brother stood guard at the entrance to the Great Desolation, his long hair disheveled, his magic power almost exhausted. It was only by relying on the Taiji Diagram that he didn't retreat a single step. Senior Brother's silhouette was so steadfast... When we went to support him, Senior Brother, worried that we would be led astray by the Sky Demons, personally wielded the Qiankun Ruler and single-handedly repelled Kunpeng and the other chaotic beings. That battle... It's truly hard to describe in words."

"May I go there?" Kong Xuan stepped forward, a hint of urgency in her phoenix eyes. "Would the Grand Pure Saint permit me to go there and offer my assistance? My Five-Colored Divine Light can convert chaotic energy into Five Elements spiritual power within the Chaos Sea. Not only would I be unaffected there, but I would also have an inexhaustible supply of magical power!"

Li Changshou's eyes lit up. Kong Xuan's eyes were filled with urgency, as if she wished to fly there instantly. However, Li Changshou was not anxious at all. In fact, he intended to finalize and settle the matter between Senior Brother and Kong Xuan today.

"Well... Xuandu City is of critical importance." Li Changshou showed hesitation. Quan Tong, observing this, immediately understood that his beloved minister Chang Geng was scheming again. As a willing participant in the act, he played his part diligently, his eyes filled with worry, murmuring continuously to create background noise.

"I should consult with Master first," Li Changshou said. "Xuandu City is, after all, a sacred place of the Dao Sect, located outside heaven and earth. It would be safer to seek Master's instructions."

Quan Tong asked, "Are you heading beyond the Nine Heavens right now?"

"There's no need for such trouble." Li Changshou waved his sleeve, and a blank scroll swiftly unfurled before him. He then picked up a brush and began to paint, his long hair and arms moving with fluidity, directly sketching the 'Grand Pure Riding a Bull Painting (Ascension Gate Worship Version)'. Afterward, Li Changshou used his immortal power to set the painting before him. He took out a meditation mat and an incense burner, lit three sticks of incense, and then knelt reverently on the mat, speaking aloud:

"Master above, your disciple Chang Geng! To prevent Xuandu City from facing its previous predicament, your disciple wishes to invite Daoist friend Kong Xuan to assist Senior Brother beyond the heavens. If Master permits, please bestow one or two tokens, so Senior Brother will understand this matter!"

As soon as Li Changshou finished speaking, a corner of the saint's portrait floated up, revealing wisps of mysterious and profound saintly Dao rhyme within, startling all the immortals present. Long Ji hastily moved forward and knelt behind Li Changshou. Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang immediately stepped forward to bow, and Quan Tong also performed a Daoist salute towards the portrait.

Just then, the universe remained undisturbed, but a small vortex appeared before Kong Xuan. Two spiritual elixirs, radiating colorful light, descended before her, which she caught with an outstretched hand. Nine-Turn Spirit Pills!

Unlike the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir refined by Laojun, which could revive the dead and heal flesh, these two spiritual elixirs contained the pure Dao of Taiji and Wuji, radiating an essence of innate perfection. A single pill could enable a mortal to ascend in broad daylight, transforming into a Heavenly Immortal! Such spiritual elixirs, which purely enhance one's comprehension of the Great Dao and provide an immediate enlightenment, could likely only be refined by the Grand Pure Saint, who is capable of withstanding the pressure of the Heavenly Dao. These two elixirs were formed in ancient times, and each one used meant one less existed. Under the current Heavenly Dao's restrictions, all things maintain balance, and these elixirs are no exception. If a mortal were to use such an elixir, the Heavenly Dao would block their path forward in cultivation. Thus, in the current world, for Qi Refiners with the potential to become Golden Immortals, these elixirs are actually a disguised poison. However, if used by the Phoenix Clan, when combined with the true blood of the Ancestral Phoenix in Kong Xuan's possession, it could directly cultivate two Golden Immortal-level Phoenix clan members!

This gesture from the Grand Pure Saint was more than just a simple token; it was likely a significant portion of a betrothal gift. Kong Xuan did not hesitate, tucking the two elixirs into her sleeve. She then crossed her hands before her slender waist and bowed deeply towards the portrait.

"Hmm? Achoo!"

On the city wall of Xuandu City, a certain Dao Sect Senior Brother, who was resting his head on the Qiankun Ruler, draped in the Taiji Diagram, and lying on a soft, comfortable meditation mat, groggily rubbed the tip of his nose. With this composite grand formation designed by Changshou, the Great Master's waist no longer ached, his legs were no longer sore, and the Sky Demons outside dared not gather chaotically. He could finally sleep soundly.

What the Great Master didn't know, however, was that at that very moment, on the mountaintop outside the capital of the Shang Kingdom in Southern Jambu Continent, Li Changshou was handing a jade talisman, a precious pearl, and several small items to Kong Xuan. The jade talisman contained a divine ability. Though referred to as a divine ability, it was actually the first half of a complete technique. Li Changshou had recently used it himself, involving the use of primordial mirage qi to construct illusions and then infiltrate them. This divine ability was used to invade the illusions within another's heart, and could also be used to enter their dreams. Li Changshou had given it a rather romantic name: 'Dream Connection.' The small trinkets were nothing more than various board and card games for two or three players. Beyond these, Li Changshou dared not do too much, fearing that Kong Xuan might notice any discrepancies. After all, he was only a junior brother, and this was all he could do to assist Senior Brother... He felt quite ashamed, seeing it as merely a small contribution.

Kong Xuan still needed to hand over the Shang Kingdom's defenses to the Heavenly Court before she could feel at ease leaving for Xuandu City. In fact, with the rise of the Shang tribe, the Phoenix Clan, as their totem, had seen their own destiny restored to a point where Heaven and Earth permitted them to have descendants. Kong Xuan's only remaining mission was to extend the Phoenix Clan's lineage—specifically, by transforming birds with the true blood of the Ancestral Phoenix. Kong Xuan was filled with gratitude towards Li Changshou. Though she had never explicitly expressed it, every time Li Changshou made a request, she would undoubtedly respond.

The matter of Kong Xuan assisting in guarding Xuandu City was thus settled. The focus of the group, however, remained on the mutated Sky Demon. Little Ai had released the power of the Seven Emotions for half a day, and the mutated Sky Demon's 'Dao heart' was completely broken, revealing itself before the group. What astonished even Li Changshou was that when the mutated Sky Demon's essence was revealed, it was truly 'white'. Mei Wenghua no longer cared whether she had previously been an abducted creature from the Great Desolation. In her heart, there was only compassion and sympathy for the extraterrestrial Sky Demons who shared her predicament. Her sole conviction now was to rescue her fellow demons, to free them from their shackles and from the fate of enslavement. They absolutely had to bring the flower of hope and the fruit of freedom to the extraterrestrial Sky Demons! To allow extraterrestrial Sky Demons to rise and control their own destinies. After all, they didn't want to enter the Great Desolation at all; what they loved most was happily stretching their bodies in the Chaos Sea...

Witnessing all this, the immortals present fell silent once more. Quan Tong pondered for a few moments, "What exactly did the Star Monarch do? This is utterly... utterly..."

Bian Zhuang whispered, "Just as our Qi Refiners' inner demons are mostly evil thoughts, the Sky Demons' inner demons are actually benevolent thoughts?"

Kong Xuan asked, "Are you going to take her to Xuandu City?"

Li Changshou did not reply, merely closing his eyes in contemplation. Soon, he stated, "For now, she cannot go beyond the heavens. I wish to take her to another place first."

Quan Tong asked, puzzled, "Where are you taking her?"

"Fire Cloud Cave," Li Changshou replied. "I want a few human Sages to ponder this matter and see if there's a permanent solution to the extraterrestrial Sky Demon problem."

Quan Tong's face showed a flicker of understanding, but Jiu Jiu in the corner simply blinked. She somehow felt that Changshou had just lied...