Chapter 580: The Strongest Fishing Team in the Primordial Era

Bringing Mei Wen Hua back to the Heavenly Court was actually the final... no, the second-to-last test for her. The ultimate test would be the passage of time. Li Changshou would dedicate some of his energy to observing her secretly over a long period; only then could he make his final judgment.

In his current position, it was not merely like treading on thin ice, but rather fraught with peril. With so many eyes on him, no amount of caution was excessive.

Upon entering the Heavenly Gate, Mei Wen Hua was unharmed, and the three divine swords showed no anomalies. Instead, it was her beautiful face, graceful figure, and light attire, along with the bright, sacred halo hovering behind her, that caused the Heavenly soldiers and generals to stare in a daze. When they questioned her identity, they were quite apprehensive. If she were a "new darling" brought back by the Star Lord, and they said something wrong, wouldn't that be disastrous?

Fortunately, Bian Zhuang, who was nearby, was quick-witted enough to step forward and offer a few words, making it clear that she was merely a subordinate of the Grand White Star Lord, and there was absolutely no unusual relationship between them.

The Heavenly generals immediately understood most of the situation. Back at Grand White Palace, Li Changshou called Bian Zhuang forward for a brief instruction, then "arranged" for Mei Wen Hua to enter a formation where she could rest well. In reality, this was a form of disguised surveillance.

After completing these tasks, this paper effigy of Li Changshou returned to Little Qiong Peak, transforming into its paper-human form. Wisps of blood aura coiled around it, which Li Changshou then retrieved and infused with immortal power. Each such paper effigy contained a wisp of his essence blood, used to mimic the sensation of a "flesh and blood body." Only truly powerful beings could see through this.

Earlier in Huoyun Cave, Senior Suiren had naturally seen through this little trick of his at a glance, praising his robust physical body. This judgment was based precisely on those wisps of blood aura.

Regarding the Kunpeng matter, it was still necessary to explain it in detail to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, preferably gaining the assistance of the Heavenly Dao through the Heavenly Court. To accomplish anything in the Primordial World, receiving aid from the Heavenly Dao meant achieving twice the results with half the effort. If the Heavenly Dao obstructed, however, one's efforts would often yield half the results for twice the the work. This push and pull created an enormous difference.

Subsequent arrangements were not urgent for now; he held the initiative, and all aspects needed to be properly set up.

For the moment, let's leave aside the Grand White Star Lord's journey to the High Heavens Palace for a cordial meeting with the white-robed Jade Emperor before the jade steps.

Nor shall we dwell on how, after Li Changshou's departure, the retired Human Sovereigns in Huoyun Cave gathered. They decided to adopt a strategy of "relaxed on the outside, strict on the inside," preemptively blocking Huoyun Cave's communication with the outside world, with a particular focus on Xuan Yuan's family. They only needed to create a sense of tension, which would also serve to build momentum for the impending emergence of the Grandmist Purple Qi.

From that day forward, the retired Human Sovereigns all put on their acting hats. Fuxi performed daily divinations, Shennong sighed repeatedly, and Emperor Xuan Yuan began drilling a force of "heroic spirit" soldiers within Huoyun Cave. The other emperors, too, looked worried and frequently gathered for discussions.

The wind howled through the tower, signaling an approaching storm.

Meanwhile, the Saintess of Lin Tian Hall, Jiu Jiu, traveled discreetly and returned safely to the main hall of Lin Tian Hall. As soon as she arrived, she was surrounded by the high-ranking members of Lin Tian Hall who were holding a meeting in the main hall. One by one, they teasingly approached her, winking and nudging.

Over the past two centuries, Lin Tian Hall, by staying away from the main battlegrounds of the Immortal Alliance and the Incense God Nations, had quietly become a dominant power. Now, Lin Tian Hall was a major force spanning more than a dozen great chiliocosm worlds. However, Lin Tian Hall did not claim any of these great chiliocosm worlds as its own, merely occupying half of their resources. They allowed small and medium-sized forces to exist and actively mediated conflicts between various factions. They possessed strength when needed, showing no mercy to provocateurs, but extending goodwill to those unrelated to their affairs. They redefined "immortal forces."

These were naturally requirements Li Changshou had put to Bai Ze, who managed them himself, balancing both soft and hard power.

The moment Jiu Jiu arrived at the main hall of Lin Tian Hall, several immortal maidens smiled at her. Jiang Lin'er immediately asked, "Couldn't you say anything again?"

Jiu Jiu quickly pulled out the paper effigy stuck to her short sleeve and tucked it into her jade bracelet, then huffed softly, "How could that be?" Afterward, she calmly walked to her stone chair as if nothing had happened. The row of stone chairs in the deepest part of Lin Tian Hall had backs resembling upward-pointing stone swords, towering over ten zhang high, adding a significant sense of gravitas to the main hall.

Jiang Lin'er chuckled, asking teasingly, "You definitely didn't say anything, did you? Where's your usual boldness?"

Jiu Jiu conjured a long dress with immortal power and glared at her Master's wife, retorting, "How can you simply accuse me like that! What was I supposed to say? I merely went back to visit..."

Jiang Lin'er replied, "Why do you sound less confident the more you speak?"

"That's enough, Lin'er," said Master Wuching softly from the main seat, coming to her beloved disciple's rescue.

Jiu Jiu sighed, looking down, her body sinking into the stone chair, her small face filled with dejection.

From Bai Ze's sleeve, Li Changshou's paper effigy withdrew its immortal sense that had been observing her. It was enough that she had returned safely and reunited with Mr. Bai and the others; there was no need to worry further. As for other matters... let them be considered a joke.

When he conversed with his Junior Martial Aunt on the way, he had deliberately elaborated on his feelings for Ling'e, which was, in fact, already a response to his Junior Martial Aunt. Junior Martial Aunt Jiu wasn't unintelligent; she simply enjoyed drinking and was usually tipsy.

The main hall fell silent for a while until two figures flashed into the hall, completing the gathering. Bai Ze spoke, "I've convened you all today to discuss an important matter. Recently, this humble Daoist has felt a persistent unease. Yesterday, upon careful sensing, it became clear that our Lin Tian Hall might encounter some minor trouble. Later, all departments should restrain their members and slow down the methods of external expansion. May I ask an additional question: have any of you, to date, revealed your true origins?"

The immortals from the Immortal Ascension Sect immediately fell silent.

Jiu Wu said in a deep voice, "This humble Daoist was recognized once before, but that person has since been dealt with discreetly. I have also reported this matter to you several times, Sir."

Bai Ze nodded slowly, "That time, this humble Daoist also took action secretly, and the matter was handled quite appropriately."

Master Wuching asked, "Recently, this humble Daoist has had some insights and should enter seclusion for a period to perfect the Golden Immortal realm. Mr. Bai, if anything unforeseen happens, simply have Lin'er summon me."

"Excellent," Bai Ze agreed with a smile, his eyes filled with satisfaction. He continued, "The main reason I asked you all to come today is to give you a few reminders. Yesterday, that revered individual spoke with this humble Daoist and mentioned that outer-realm demons have been constantly attempting to approach the Five Continents. Outer-realm demons are easily lured by inner demons. If one's Dao heart has a crack, or if one experiences significant emotional fluctuations, it's possible for outer-realm demons to take advantage. You are all pillars of Lin Tian Hall. If outer-realm demons infiltrate your Dao hearts, Lin Tian Hall will have no secrets left. It has now been confirmed that these outer-realm demons are all obeying the orders of the Demon Master Kunpeng."

At this point, Bai Ze let out a long sigh, "He is not someone to be trifled with."

"Outer-realm demons obey Kunpeng?" Jiang Lin'er was slightly startled. "How did Kunpeng manage that? Weren't outer-realm demons said to be the lingering spirits of creatures from the Chaos Sea?"

"The Heavenly Demon race are indeed living beings, just different from us," Bai Ze explained simply. "In short, what we must do is be prepared. If any of you feel your state is abnormal, immediately inform this humble Daoist."

From Bai Ze's sleeve, jade talismans flew out, landing in the hands of several people.

Bai Ze continued, "That revered individual also instructed that if you find yourselves in danger and unable to escape, you should take out this jade talisman to deter powerful enemies. This talisman contains his mark, which serves as a deterrent."

Jiu Shi, in the corner, wondered, "Wouldn't that expose the background of Lin Tian Hall?"

Bai Ze smiled, "If it's exposed, there will be developments after the exposure. While it won't be the current situation, compared to those potential losses, that revered individual values your safety more. Everyone, even if only to prevent him from being distracted, you must act with caution, extreme caution."

Master Wuching sighed softly, and the others fell silent for a moment.

Seeing this, Li Changshou's mind returned to the Heavenly Court; he no longer paid much attention. A storm was brewing, and giving them a few more reminders was certainly not a bad thing.

To eliminate Kunpeng, the key was whether he could catch up with Kunpeng's extreme speed. Li Changshou had firsthand experience with Kunpeng's speed; Kunpeng's true form was two grades faster than his old shedding. And facing the current Kunpeng, whether he could match that speed was also an unknown. He was unwilling to take such risks and naturally had to make several preparations.

Kong Xuan had already departed for Xuandu City to assist the Grand Master in defense. It could be assumed that Kong Xuan would also be counted as one of the primary combat forces in this encirclement of Kunpeng. However, Kong Xuan's extreme speed was comparable to that of the Golden-Winged Great Peng. Yet, in terms of the way of swift flight, the Golden-Winged Great Peng clearly had more potential. So, was there a way to further increase the Golden-Winged Great Peng's speed?

Li Changshou's thoughts were as clear as ever. To increase speed, conventional methods boiled down to two main directions: either reduce resistance or increase thrust. There were also unconventional methods, such as "rewriting the track," using the Great Dao of Qiankun to modify the cosmos around the Golden-Winged Great Peng, similar to the mustard seed cosmos technique, to shorten the total distance. This method consumed too much magical power and could not be maintained for long.

With this question in mind, Li Changshou specifically visited the leading figure in alchemy and artifact refining in the Three Realms, Grand Supreme Elder Lord. The Elder Lord was not out wandering this time. Although it might have been because the ox in his courtyard had disappeared, Li Changshou was more inclined to believe that his teacher also wished for him to eliminate the menace of Kunpeng. What could be hidden from Grand Purity Teacher?

After discussing for half an hour with the Elder Lord, the Elder Lord had already provided a perfect solution. It involved adding some auxiliary saddlery to the mount. For example, a bridle capable of releasing Yin-Yang Qi and imbued with the true essence of Taiji, which would form a phantom Taiji diagram in front of the Golden-Winged Great Peng, reducing resistance in the Chaos Sea. Another example: attaching two "aura-erupting magical treasures" to the Golden-Winged Great Peng's feet, creating a "rocket-like vehicle." When the Golden-Winged Great Peng's speed reached its peak, these would then emit substances from the rear, increasing its thrust.

Of course, for the latter method to be effective in the Chaos Sea, stronger power was required to construct a domain with complete Dao principles around the Golden-Winged Great Peng; only then could the "action-reaction force" principle apply.

Hmm... He couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to apply scientific principles in the Primordial World, which felt fundamentally off.

There were a few other minor ideas, all depending on the Elder Lord's improvisation during the refining process.

With the help of these items, would the Golden-Winged Great Peng be able to catch Kunpeng? Li Changshou was not optimistic about this. Though it seemed he was rarely optimistic unless he had over ninety-five percent certainty before planning any major endeavor.

For this reason, Li Changshou formulated five "teams" to pursue and intercept Kunpeng. Team A consisted of himself and the Golden-Winged Great Peng. Team B was formed by Zhao Gongming, Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Fairy Yunxiao, and other Jie School immortals. Team C comprised the Chan School immortals who could be invited at the time, primarily responsible for ambushes at designated locations. Team D was led by a Jade Emperor's avatar, comprising second-tier Daoist experts, carrying Heavenly Dao artifacts to ensure a fatal blow to Kunpeng. And finally, there was the strongest team, composed of a single mighty individual, and upon leaving Doushuai Palace, Li Changshou immediately headed to this individual's residence.

Beyond the heavens, Biyou Palace!

Now, when Li Changshou visited Biyou Palace, there was no need for announcement. As his true body, riding clouds, arrived near Jin'ao Island, auspicious clouds appeared before him, supporting the entrance to Biyou Palace. Daoist Duobao and Holy Mother Guiling proactively came out to greet him, exchanging salutations with Li Changshou.

Daoist Duobao seemed to have grown a bit rounder lately, with a prominent belly that made him look more jovial. His own formidable aura, however, had become much more restrained.

"Chang Geng, Chang Geng, we've finally been looking forward to your arrival! After all these years of not visiting, why, were you intentionally avoiding suspicion?"

Li Changshou smiled somewhat awkwardly and sighed, "Heavenly Court affairs are busy, and recently I've been diligently cultivating, so I indeed haven't been moving about much outside."

"Junior Brother Chang Geng is truly a busy person," Holy Mother Guiling said softly. "Everyone in the Heavenly Court is watching him, and the Three Realms knows he is the one presiding over the tribulation, so naturally, he must be cautious in his daily life."

"Thank you for your understanding, Senior Sister."

After a few pleasantries, they had already entered the main gate of Biyou Palace. Ahead, immortal clouds lingered, and celestial cranes brought auspiciousness. Immortal maidens laughed and frolicked amidst the mist, while many elderly sages and talented youths gathered to lecture on scriptures and explain the Dao. Within the Primordial World, how many grotto-heavens and blessed lands were there? Yet, only upon entering Biyou did one truly understand what a wondrous realm felt like. A faint, sacred pressure circulated everywhere, inspiring various insights and allowing the cultivators practicing here to rarely encounter bottlenecks.

Daoist Duobao asked Li Changshou about his recent circumstances with a smile, and Li Changshou, in turn, asked about the current peace of the Jie School and the lingering effects of the previous incident regarding the Jie School's "registered disciples." While they conversed through spiritual messages, they arrived at the main hall of Biyou Palace, but the figure of the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching was nowhere to be seen.

"Is Third Martial Uncle not in the palace?" Li Changshou asked, puzzled.

Duobao blinked, "No, he's not."

"Then why didn't Senior Brother say anything..."

"You didn't ask, did you?"

Li Changshou was left feeling somewhat between laughter and tears, but could only lament his ill-timed visit. It wasn't that he hadn't considered that the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching might not want to act against Kunpeng, or had other reasons to deliberately avoid him. However, on second thought, his Third Martial Uncle was likely the Holy One among the Six Saints who most wanted to deal with Kunpeng, so there was no reason for him to avoid this matter.

Duobao asked, "Is there some difficulty? If I, your senior brother, can help you, I will certainly not shy away."

"This matter also requires Senior Brother's assistance, but finding Third Martial Uncle is crucial," Li Changshou pondered for a few moments. "When will Third Martial Uncle return?"

Just as Duobao was about to reply, a soft chuckle came from the side. Within the main hall, a green light shone, and a purplish-green bolt of lightning erupted from the hall's dome, striking down upon the throne. The figure of the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching materialized before the throne. Clad in green robes, with his hands clasped behind his back, he exuded an elegant and profound demeanor—truly the bearing only a Saint could possess.

Duobao and Holy Mother Guiling, along with several figures in the corners of the hall, rose and bowed to the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching, addressing him as Master. Li Changshou also quickly bowed, saying, "Your disciple has visited presumptuously and disturbed you, Martial Uncle; I hope you will forgive me."

"No matter, I was just idly strolling in the Chaos Sea a moment ago," the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching waved his hand. "Chang Geng, I already know why you've come. Follow me."

"Yes," Li Changshou marveled inwardly. Indeed, no Holy One should be underestimated. What was the realm of a Saint? This was a Heavenly Dao Saint!

Thus, moments later, in the familiar exquisite pond beside Biyou Palace, the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching lay comfortably in a corner, tilting his head back and muttering, "Speak, what is it? Are you here to propose marriage?"

Li Changshou: ...

Could he take back his rainbow flattery from earlier? He suspected the one before him was a fake Saint! No wonder the disciples of the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching had such a knack for confronting Saints; the root cause lay with the Sect Master himself!

Li Changshou muttered to himself inwardly, but maintained a polite smile on his face, gently saying, "Your disciple and Senior Sister Yunxiao still lack some maturity in that regard. My purpose today is concerning Kunpeng. That Kunpeng has truly bullied your disciple too much and even insulted your disciple's intellect. Your disciple can no longer tolerate it and has decided to set a trap to catch this fish."

"Oh?" The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching's eyes lit up. "How did Kunpeng bully you?"

"Well," Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then said, "He used an ancient forbidden relic as bait, trying to lure me into the Chaos Sea to harm me."

The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching laughed, "I am aware of that. Kunpeng indeed possesses some good items that might be very attractive to you. You simply don't have to go. How does that count as insulting your intellect?"

"He also sent several fair-skinned, beautiful outer-realm demons, intending to seduce your disciple."

The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching immediately flared with rage, gnashing his teeth and cursing, "This Kunpeng is utterly despicable! He must be killed! Tell me your plan! Is there nothing I can't handle? How dare he touch my disciple's future son-in-law!"

The strong sense of a father-in-law defending his daughter.

Li Changshou dared not be careless and meticulously explained his plan. This involved joining forces with the retired Human Sovereigns from Huoyun Cave to create a scheme, intending to use the ninth wisp of Grandmist Purple Qi from Old Ancestor Hongyun's past, and ambush Kunpeng in Xuandu City...

The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching pondered for a moment, then smiled, "This is indeed a clever scheme. That Kunpeng is insidious, cunning, and extremely cautious. The only thing that can make him lose his composure is this opportunity to become a Saint. However, how can you make Kunpeng believe that such a final opportunity for Sainthood truly exists?"

"Truth mingled with falsehood, illusion intertwined with reality; it's merely a psychological game."

Li Changshou smiled, "Kunpeng doesn't need to believe it entirely; believing one-third of it is enough. As long as Kunpeng still harbors greed, he has a weakness to exploit. This time, your disciple wishes to ask Martial Uncle to personally intervene. Kunpeng is no small matter and possesses extreme speed. If he escapes this time, recapturing him will be extremely difficult, and he might flee far from the Primordial World."

The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching smiled, "My intervention is fine; it's not a big deal. I'm not like your Second Martial Uncle, who believes Saints should maintain their demeanor and needn't intervene if disciples can resolve an issue, lest they appear too often and diminish their Saintly majesty. Aren't Saints also cultivation beings? However, I do have a condition."

A Saint negotiating with him...

"Martial Uncle," Li Changshou hastily said, "If Martial Uncle has any instructions, simply state them directly to your disciple."

"Can Kunpeng's life be spared?" the Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching asked without any awkwardness, smiling. "I need to borrow his extreme speed to see if I can catch the Chaos Bell. That bell has slipped away from me countless times, always by a hair's breadth. If I can get my hands on Kunpeng, with me chasing and Kunpeng blocking, there's an eighty percent chance of success."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, he asked a question that had puzzled him for a long time: "Martial Uncle, why didn't you seek help from your disciple and the Golden-Winged Great Peng before?"

"Asking for assistance from a junior disciple like you..." The Sect Master of Heaven's Teaching rested his hands on the edge of the jade pond, looking up at the rolling clouds. "This humble Daoist is not like Zhunti; I don't act without regard for propriety."