Chapter 581: This Unexpected Gain

Li Changshou was naturally a little nervous about suddenly having to direct a Saint. Of course, this experience was limited to the Tongtian Cult Master; he wouldn't have the chance to give orders to other Saints. The Tongtian Cult Master was considered the most easygoing and down-to-earth among all the Saints.

To ensure the Saint had the most optimal experience of being directed, Li Changshou decided to elevate the meticulousness of his plans by several orders of magnitude! The preparation time was extended from the original three years to twenty. After all, the longer cultivators lived in the Primordial World, the weaker their perception of time became; for these ancient beings, a few years and a few decades made little difference. This was most evident in his own teacher, the Taiqing Saint. A single thought could span three to five years, truly embodying the saying, "Time is not measured in the Primordial World."

After his main body returned from Biyou Palace, Li Changshou secluded himself in the alchemy room for two months, refining the plan details. He also secretly dispatched Bian Zhuang to Fire Cloud Cave with the new adjustments. Currently, the stealth of Li Changshou's paper avatar could no longer be guaranteed when moving outside. No matter what appearance it took or how carefully it concealed its vital energy, it was easily exposed if it encountered powerful beings or those with great divine abilities. It was time to start utilizing some subordinates.

Li Changshou knew Bian Zhuang inside and out. Although Bian Zhuang was a philanderer, he was the type with the desire but not the courage. Despite his somewhat dissolute nature, he could be trusted with serious matters. Furthermore, Bian Zhuang's entire family was working for the Heavenly Court, making them utterly loyal and reliable, which meant fewer concerns when employing him. Even more importantly… Bian Zhuang was a significant supporting character in the upcoming tribulation. No matter how the Heavenly Dao deduced events, it would not allow Bian Zhuang to get into trouble. Based on Li Changshou's understanding of the Heavenly Dao, there was a 98% probability of this.

*Was it because the Heavenly Dao orchestrated everything that Senior Lang developed an aversion to it back then?*

In front of the alchemy room, Li Changshou sat in a rocking chair, reminiscing about *The Wanderer's Annals* and searching for any clues he might have previously overlooked. On the matter of Senior Lang, Li Changshou's current stance leaned more towards the Heavenly Dao. Why? There was an example Li Changshou had never mentioned: Chang'e of the Moon Palace.

The world never lacked beautiful fairies. If the Heavenly Dao wished to place the Three Realms' most beautiful woman in the Moon Palace, or to arrange for a Human Emperor's daughter to marry Yi, none of it would be difficult. Judging by the growth rate of the current tribulation's children, they could mature within a few hundred years. Yet back then, Chang'e, Senior Lang's direct disciple and one of the people most deeply connected to him, slept for ten thousand years and forgot everything about him, yet she still survived. To this day, Chang'e is still searching for the 'puzzle piece' missing from her Dao heart, and the Heavenly Dao never truly sought to kill her. In Li Changshou's view, the Dao Ancestor had indeed acted with the utmost benevolence and righteousness.

"Alas, the past is past," Li Changshou sighed. He sighed, gently fanning himself with a cattail fan, feeling utterly leisurely and content.

The Investiture of the Gods Tribulation was gradually drawing near. The curtain had already fallen on the grand stage of the Primordial World, and the tribulations between heaven and earth were fully prepared. Perhaps sacrificing Kunpeng to the heavens first could alleviate some pressure on the Primordial World, offering more variables and vitality to those destined for the tribulation.

*He still needed to seize this opportunity to arrange a gathering for the three sects.*

It wasn't the first time Li Changshou had brought the Chan and Jie Sects together for an alliance, such as at the Ancient City of Asura or when pressuring Mount Meru. But this time, the situation was different. In the matter of Yang Jian, the Chan Sect's stance had been far too subtle. The immortals of both sects were not foolish; how could they not understand that the crux of the matter lay in the choices made by their Saintly teachers? All Li Changshou wanted was to foster more goodwill between the immortals of the two sects, so they might show some leniency when the time came for them to clash. Although the idea was somewhat naive, after careful consideration, Li Changshou felt this was all he could do.

"Senior Brother, are you busy?" Ling'e's voice drifted in from the side. Li Changshou gathered his thoughts and shook his head with a smile.

Outside the formation, Ling'e, meticulously dressed, arrived on a cloud. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, recalling a previous scene, but her gaze was firm and her demeanor resolute. She bravely flew through the layers of formations and landed on the other side of the alchemy room's entrance... and waited. Li Changshou swayed the cattail fan in his hand, a faint smile on his face, and continued to ponder the series of upcoming arrangements. The enemy was in the Chaos Sea.

"What's wrong? You look gloomy."

In a corner of the former Water God's Residence, a boy and a girl swayed back and forth on two swings. On the swing to the left, the charming and cute girl wore small rabbit ears on her head, a sweet smile on her lips. Her slender, graceful jade feet peeked out from beneath her short skirt, yet they somehow gave the impression... of immense strength. It was, of course, the young Jade Rabbit.

Hearing Jade Rabbit's question, Ling Zhuzi sighed mournfully, leaning against the swing ropes, his eyes losing their usual sparkle. "I guess I'm no longer Uncle-Master's favorite junior," he said.

"Hmm?" Jade Rabbit asked, her swinging slowing considerably, puzzled. "Why do you say that? Grand White Star Lord holds you in high regard."

"You don't understand," Ling Zhuzi sighed. "For example, recently, Uncle-Master has entrusted important, confidential tasks to Bian Zhuang—tasks that even I can't be told about. After Ao Yi broke through to the Golden Immortal realm, he took on multiple roles, from the Heavenly River Naval Army to instructor of the Battle Department's Heavenly Soldiers, and was also responsible for overseeing the fallen Dragon Clan water gods. And Junior Brother Yang Jian, of course, was protected by Uncle-Master when he smashed Mount Meru... What a display of might! Alas, I was here first."

"Hmm..." Jade Rabbit pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Actually, the Star Lord still values you very much. You were entrusted with a crucial role in the Yang Jian incident, where you had to stir his emotions and even acted out a scene of brothers parting in a life-or-death battle. In my eyes, that's already very impressive."

"Junior Brother Yang Jian was no match for me two hundred years ago." Ling Zhuzi sighed dejectedly and scratched his head. He had intended to steer clear of the topic and avoid discussing these bothersome thoughts, but a jumble of emotions surged within him, making him feel even more disheartened. The feeling of being surpassed was indeed unpleasant.

Especially, Ling Zhuzi had been stuck at the realm just before the Golden Immortal stage recently, unable to achieve perfection no matter how he meditated. Even as a third-generation disciple of the Chan Sect, a grand-disciple of a Saint, and Grand White's grand-nephew, he couldn't make the bottleneck before him disappear. Ling Zhuzi knew that if he asked, he could obtain pills to break through his bottleneck, and with his existing foundation, it wouldn't be difficult to overcome the Golden Immortal tribulation. But first, he was unwilling; secondly, Ling Zhuzi had broad horizons, and all the elders he encountered were powerful beings of the world. Even if his own master's cultivation seemed somewhat lacking, he was still a genuine master within the Primordial World. Golden Immortal was merely a starting point: there were the nine grades of Golden Immortal, the six revolutions of Great Luo, the three corpses to be severed... If he relied on external forces to break through his bottleneck, he would certainly get stuck early on later.

"If I can't stand tall in the world, what's the point of longevity?" Ling Zhuzi sighed.

"If you say that," Jade Rabbit hurriedly replied, "do us little fairies who merely muddle through in the Heavenly Court even need to live?"

"After all, I am Master's disciple," Ling Zhuzi said helplessly. "Now that Junior Brother Yang Jian has left me far behind, Master must be under immense pressure. Although Master is very kind, speaks pleasantly, and is gentle with others, he is also very strong-willed deep down. I should at least bring Master some credit."

Jade Rabbit thought of the Heavenly Court rumors and some scenes she had witnessed by her master's side using cloud mirror magic. "The Master you're talking about, is that Taiyi True Person of Mount Qianyuan?"

"That's right," Ling Zhuzi blinked. "Do I have any other masters?"

"Oh, never mind then," Jade Rabbit instantly clammed up, rolling her eyes. This fellow was good in every aspect—kind-hearted and a bit simple-minded—but he was poor at judging people and constantly had strange misunderstandings.

"Bunny, let's fight! My hands are itching!"

Jade Rabbit's lips twitched slightly. She stood up with a smile, a faint hint of disdain in her eyes. "Don't you dare cry if I kick you."

"Please!" Ling Zhuzi made a welcoming gesture with one hand, sealing most of his cultivation, making himself slightly weaker than Jade Rabbit.

Jade Rabbit removed her cloth bag, slipped on a pair of well-fitting cloth shoes, and with a nimble flip, she was in the center of the open space. She stood on the tip of one foot, her entire being exuding agility. Immediately, all eyes within and around the Water God's Residence were drawn to them. Watching Jade Rabbit and Ling Zhuzi spar was an old pastime for the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals stationed there.

In a nearby courtyard, Youqin Xuanya appeared in an ice-blue gown, quietly observing the scene from atop the courtyard wall. She had been cultivating recently, and the Heavenly Court, fearing retaliation from the Western Sect, hadn't allowed her to go out on demon-slaying missions or publicity events, leaving her quite idle. Soon after, Youqin Xuanya's figure vanished as if she had never been there...

*Whack! Whack!*

"That's enough for today!" she declared. "This bunny is going back to serve her master!"

With that playful remark, Jade Rabbit hummed a cheerful tune, her small feet lightly tapping, and with a few graceful movements, she disappeared in the direction of the Moon Palace.

In the backyard of the Water God's Residence, Ling Zhuzi lay on the ground, sighing, his body covered in the little rabbit's footprints. He wasn't actually injured; after all, he was born from a spiritual pearl, and his physical body was remarkably tough. If he were truly simple-minded, it would be Jade Rabbit lying there. He deliberately gave way because... he felt that each time the little rabbit kicked him, after the physical pain, there would be a slight boost to his body. Others might say he was slow-witted, but he just laughed at their inability to see through his methods. This method of strengthening his body was unique in the Heavenly Court and could be considered his secret technique. Ling Zhuzi was very clever indeed!

"No, if this continues, Uncle-Master might forget about me," Ling Zhuzi muttered. He pondered for a few moments, then sat up and rubbed his chin in thought. According to Master's teachings, Senior Uncle's guidance, and the numerous examples he had observed during his years in the Heavenly Court, he should now proactively seek tasks from Uncle-Master. Even if it was just sweeping floors, sprinkling water, or watering flowers, it would be better than his current idleness.

No sooner said than done, Ling Zhuzi secretly went near the Grand White Palace, found a desolate mountain floating in the sea of clouds, and cultivated quietly, waiting for the opportune moment... He waited and waited, and in the blink of an eye, half a year passed. Ling Zhuzi finally sensed something unusual near the Grand White Palace. Golden Peng had returned from the Three Thousand Worlds to report!

Ling Zhuzi's eyes lit up. He immediately rode a cloud, thinking that adventuring in the Three Thousand Worlds with Golden Peng would be a good assignment. However, Ling Zhuzi's calculations were no match for Li Changshou's foresight. As soon as Ling Zhuzi arrived in front of the Grand White Palace, he saw Golden Peng reveal his true form within the formation. Uncle-Master busily moved back and forth, attaching various pieces of gear to Golden Peng's head, legs, and back. As Ling Zhuzi leaned closer, he heard Li Changshou gently say, "Don't get too close. Although this item was refined by Old Lord, its power hasn't been tested yet. Don't get hurt later."

"Oh... oh!" Ling Zhuzi responded. He immediately retreated several hundred zhang and then quietly waited for half an hour, witnessing Golden Peng's maiden flight with his 'new magic treasure.' The extreme speed made the universe tremble constantly; the golden trail left by Golden Peng's flight was too swift to even form a continuous line. Li Changshou looked satisfied, then took out a jade slip and began continuously recording data.

Ling Zhuzi waited a while. When Golden Peng returned, he found he still couldn't interject and didn't dare to disturb them further. He respectfully performed a Daoist bow, then turned and went for a walk by the Heavenly River to ease his boredom. How could a good man admit defeat so easily? Ling Zhuzi quickly rallied and returned to the desolate mountain, beginning the next phase of his long wait. For the next year or so, Ling Zhuzi witnessed dozens of Golden Peng's attempts. It seemed Uncle-Master Chang Geng was bustling about, trying to help Golden Peng break his own speed limit. He didn't know how to help with this, so he could only continue to observe from nearby. Ling Zhuzi secretly resolved that if Uncle-Master had any message-delivery tasks later, he would be the first to volunteer!

One day, Bian Zhuang arrived quickly on a cloud. Ling Zhuzi's eyes lit up, and he quietly followed him from behind, entering the main hall of the Grand White Palace with Bian Zhuang. As expected, Uncle-Master was holding a jade slip—it definitely meant a messenger task! Ling Zhuzi quickly took a few steps, bowed with clasped hands in a Daoist salute, and exclaimed, "Ling Zhuzi greets Uncle-Master!"

"Hmm," Li Changshou smiled gently and asked, "Do you have any difficulties, or perhaps some doubts about your cultivation?"

"Not at all," Ling Zhuzi replied, his eyes gleaming with eagerness. "I'm just a bit idle."

"Then go play more with Jade Rabbit," Li Changshou said, waving to Bian Zhuang and handing him the jade slip. "Same old place, same old rules. Be careful to hide your tracks."

"Yes, this humble general obeys!" Bian Zhuang replied firmly, bowed his head, and quickly departed, a hint of tension on his face. Ling Zhuzi opened his mouth, unsure what to say. Seeing Li Changshou's gaze shift to him, he scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly, then bowed and took his leave. His retreating figure looked so desolate.

Li Changshou watched Ling Zhuzi's somewhat dejected retreating figure, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, but he said nothing more. Allowing Ling Zhuzi to experience some setbacks was not a bad thing. To possess great fortune yet be stuck at a bottleneck usually meant either the Heavenly Dao was intentionally creating difficulties, or there was a flaw in his cultivation. As for the future Nezha, there was no need to be too demanding of him now. The only thing Li Changshou was uneasy about regarding Ling Zhuzi was the 'method' of his reincarnation. Ling Zhuzi's path ahead likely held a tribulation, and he didn't know when it would manifest.

Anyway, Golden Peng's new gear was quite effective. The next step was a field test in the Chaos Sea. When Golden Peng went to the Chaos Sea to test the gear, they naturally had to choose a location far from Xuandu City. Li Changshou surmised that Kunpeng was likely secretly observing every move in Xuandu City at this moment, so having Golden Peng test his speed outside Xuandu City would be too risky. *It's definitely not that he didn't want to disturb Senior Brother and Senior Sister-in-law!*

He also wondered about Kong Xuan's progress. Some time had passed; if everything went smoothly, he might even need to prepare to be called 'Uncle.' Alas, what about Wen Jing? To ensure Wen Jing's loyalty to the Human Sect, he would inevitably have to make some empty promises later. Then, after Wen Jing absorbed the golden lotus and caused the twelve-petal golden lotus to drop three ranks, at the time for bestowing rewards, she might suddenly see Kong Xuan and the Grandmaster embracing. Just the thought of it was terrifying. Even if, hypothetically, the Grandmaster were to self-sacrifice for the stability of the Human Sect and his Master's integrity, bravely dealing with two not-so-simple female immortals, when getting intimate with Daoist Wen Jing... *'You... why are you so skilled?'* This scene... Only children demand everything; adults know they can't handle it all. Wen Jing and Kong Xuan were not to be trifled with. If the two of them started a big fight, his Senior Brother would just fall asleep, and Master would simply utter a word of persuasion, leaving Li Changshou to bear all the worry! Thinking it over, it was still his two venerable elders who brought him peace of mind. As long as he paid more attention day to day, nothing untoward would happen.

Carrying these complex thoughts, Li Changshou's paper avatar, hidden on Golden Peng's back, arrived at their chosen 'testing ground.' This was the opposite side of Xuandu City, at the other end of the Primordial World. The Heavenly Dao barrier's primary purpose was to block chaotic beings and their aura. For creatures of the Primordial World who had the Heavenly Dao's approval, as long as a powerful being cleared the path, exiting and re-entering through the barrier was not difficult. For instance: If Kunpeng were unafraid of divine punishment and wished to return to the Primordial World, he could actually do so from any direction. However, innate gods and devils, and outer demons, could only enter the Primordial World through the Heavenly Dao's breach at Xuandu City. All other directions were blocked, or even intercepted and killed, by the power of the Heavenly Dao.

Having arrived here, it should be considered safe, though the possibility of unforeseen variables couldn't be entirely ruled out, but... How many variables could there possibly be in the vast Primordial World? Would they really encounter any trivialities here?

Li Changshou took out the magic treasures he had prepared. He first had the Golden-Winged Great Peng demonstrate his extreme speed, recording the initial value. Then, he had the Golden-Winged Great Peng test several different pieces of gear. The results were unexpectedly good. In particular, the 'Primordial World version of a jet propulsion device' conceived by Li Changshou could boost Golden Peng's flying speed even higher for a short time after he reached his maximum velocity. The only drawback was that it consumed precious materials. After Golden Peng tested it three or four times, Li Changshou, feeling a pang of regret over the materials, called a halt. He instructed Golden Peng to remember the sensation and then began testing other types of gear. Thus, the primary force for pursuing Kunpeng was ready.

After about half a month, once Golden Peng had adapted to the gear, Li Changshou decided to return. Golden Peng, however, asked, "Teacher, may I use all these treasures to test my current limits?"

Li Changshou naturally wouldn't refuse. His paper avatar hid within the Heavenly Dao barrier, allowing Golden Peng to fly freely for a test run. It was this very trip that Golden Peng returned with news that left Li Changshou utterly bewildered...

"Teacher, when I just returned, I scouted a location that resembled Kunpeng's secret cave from last time. Its layout is very similar to Kunpeng's cave, and there are complete Dao principle fluctuations inside, yet it's not Kunpeng's Great Dao. Should your disciple go and investigate it in detail?"

"No," Li Changshou instinctively rejected the proposal. "Be cautious. I am only an avatar here; if you fall into danger, I won't be able to cope." He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Is that place far from the Primordial World?"

Golden Peng hurriedly replied, "Your disciple can reach it with a short flight, but the distance isn't exactly close either."

"Keep an eye on it," Li Changshou instructed. "Don't rush to investigate. Observe from the furthest distance whether any beings are entering or exiting. If there's any disturbance, retreat immediately. Do not engage in prolonged battle."

"Yes!"