Chapter 582: 寿战,青结

"This... is this what Master meant by 'call a couple of helpers'?"

In the Chaos Sea, the Golden-Winged Great Peng stared at the dozens of figures entering his range of perception, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. Because the complete Heavenly Dao of the Great Desolation still influenced this area, the Great Peng could roughly sense the passage of time. Only dozens of days and nights had passed, yet Master had not only arrived in person but also brought...

Six of Jie Sect's eight chief disciples, familiar faces from Chan Sect like True Immortal Taiyi, True Immortal Yuding, and True Immortal Huang Long, Heavenly Court's Marshal Quanjong, nineteen former human demon soldiers from antiquity, and Yang Jian, True Immortal Yuding's disciple from Chan Sect, along with several other Jie Sect experts at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.

Truly, a *few* helpers. Could Master think that Kunpeng was hiding here?

Earlier, the Golden Peng had accidentally discovered a hidden location ahead, sensing the presence of living beings and powerful experts within. However, their Dao aura was different from Kunpeng's. Li Changshou immediately decided to have the Golden Peng observe from a safe distance while he went to summon the core members of the "fishing team" who were originally scheduled to appear over a decade later.

Better safe than sorry. Although the probability was low, Li Changshou had to consider that this might be a trap set by Kunpeng. Additionally, it could serve as a rehearsal for future battles.

While the Golden Peng was still pondering, Li Changshou, maintaining his elderly immortal appearance, rode on the back of Bai Ze, leading a group of experts to quietly arrive.

"Master!" The Golden Peng resumed his human form and bowed to Li Changshou with cupped fists.

"Hmm," Li Changshou nodded slowly. "Any activity?"

"Two dark figures entered, but no living beings have emerged from it," the Golden-Winged Great Peng replied via spiritual transmission. "I've been monitoring the changes in the Dao here; no complete Qiankun Dao has appeared, nor have there been any conflicts of Great Daos. It seems like a group of Great Desolation experts, hidden in the Chaos Sea, are continually gathering here."

Communication in the Chaos Sea typically occurred via spiritual transmission.

"You've done very well," Li Changshou said softly. The Golden Peng's eyes lit up, and he straightened his posture even more.

Figures concealed themselves within the chaotic aura, arriving in twos and threes. Even in the Chaos Sea, the several female immortals from Jie Sect remained the "focus of attention."

Holy Mother Jin Ling, of course, wouldn't miss such a combat-heavy affair. Her golden gauze dress, unchanged for millennia, had only made her appear more alluring as a woman in recent years. Coincidentally, Lord Zhao, who favored wearing armor, also appeared increasingly valiant and resolute.

Beside Jin Ling stood Holy Mother Guiling and Holy Mother Wudang. Guiling was still dressed refreshingly in a light green short skirt, holding a white jade flute. When she previously aided Xuandu City, her divine abilities directly suppressed the Outer Realm Heavenly Demons, proving to be a "targeted solution." Holy Mother Wudang's demeanor leaned towards dignified and composed; she rarely appeared in public, which added to her mystique.

In fact, if not for the direct command from the Sect Master of Jie Sect, Tongtian Cult Master, who stated, "If you have nothing to do, go out with Chang Geng more often. Eliminating some outer demons for the world can also boost our sect's fortune," Holy Mother Wudang might not have ventured out.

Among the Three Religions, which one didn't have individuals who preferred peace and quiet over activity?

However, Li Changshou's immortal sense had never once left his own immortaless from beginning to end.

Yun Xiao stood beside Holy Mother Jin Ling, though today she wasn't wearing her favorite white dress. Instead, she had changed into a light blue, open-fronted long robe. Beneath it, she wore a silk-embroidered inner top and a short skirt. Her long hair was coiled into a Daoist bun, and her waist was cinched, hidden within the long robe.

Without the long skirt to obscure them, her slender, jade-like legs were quite striking. However, her footwear seemed somewhat ill-fitting; the tops of her cloth boots were a bit too long. If only they were high heels with ribbons wrapped around her ankles, it would have been more perfect.

This was an unrefined suggestion from Li Changshou.

But then again, there seemed to be no high heels in the Great Desolation. Senior Wave had only been concerned with playing cards and idly wandering, not enriching the aesthetic elements of the Great Desolation.

That begs the question, who was Senior Wave playing cards with all this time?

"Junior Brother Chang Geng," Daoist Duobao stepped forward. "Didn't you say this trip was about eliminating outer demons? Is there a gathering place for them here?"

Li Changshou glanced at the Golden Peng. Without needing to say anything, the Golden Peng formed a hand seal resembling a bird spreading its wings, and a flash of fire swept past. Immediately, a single image appeared in everyone's minds:

In the neither bright nor dark, boundless Chaos Sea, a not-too-tall, pitch-black immortal mountain floated quietly. All around it, numerous circular arrays gleamed, and fragmented Great Daos intertwined.

This was a place where Dao principles converged, making the Dao principles relatively stable. As for those arrays...

Yun Xiao softly asked, "This place is exactly like the cave dwelling of Kunpeng's old shedding that we discovered last time."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and said gently, "Not only that, but the distance of this place from the Great Desolation world is also the same as Kunpeng's previous cave dwelling—both are at the boundary of Heavenly Dao's influence. This should be Kunpeng's bridgehead for observing the Great Desolation."

"What are we waiting for then?" Zhao Gongming chuckled, "Let's go smash it! If Kunpeng is here, we'll face him together; there's no need to fear him."

True Immortal Taiyi interjected, "Isn't he already scared?"

"Huh?" Lord Zhao glared at True Immortal Taiyi, who merely smiled and casually pulled Yang Jian, standing beside him, forward. "My nephew, the Jade Emperor's nephew."

From the side, Quanjong, who had come to watch the excitement, said, "Star Lord, we shouldn't delay; delays breed trouble. Please arrange how to proceed. I sense quite a few outer demons here, and we must capture them all in one fell swoop."

"Don't worry, Marshal," Li Changshou said, looking left and right with a puzzled expression. "Where has Senior Brother Duobao gone?"

"Right here!" A shout echoed in their minds, and an enormous hole strangely appeared in the Chaos Sea. Its walls were interwoven with colorful streams of light, revealing themselves to be actual Dao principles.

Li Changshou was speechless. One can drill through the Chaos Sea?

Daoist Duobao emerged from it, giving Li Changshou a calm smile. In his hand, he held a golden basin, maintaining the dignified air of a senior disciple, and smiled proudly at those around him.

"I just placed some small items around that cave dwelling, and the situation inside has been ascertained. Junior brothers and sisters, look here."

Daoist Duobao pointed a finger, and wisps of clear spring water spontaneously emerged in the golden basin. Once it was full, a blurry image appeared on the water's surface.

Inside a cave dwelling, one or two figures sat or stood in various corners, numbering over ten in total, each concealing their aura and form.

Bai Ze suddenly transmitted a message to Li Changshou's mind: "Jiuying? He's still alive?"

Alright, it seems some of the Ten Great Demon Marshals of antiquity were mixed in there. As expected, none of them were easy to deal with.

Li Changshou asked, "Can any of you senior brothers and sisters recognize the figures inside?"

The immortals gathered closer to examine them carefully for a moment, then each shook their heads.

Quanjong closed his eyes and concentrated, seemingly investigating something. Soon, he opened his eyes and said, "They are all malevolent beings who escaped from heaven and earth; the Heavenly Dao has a sense of their presence. Their gathering here clearly indicates their intention to return to the Great Desolation and cause trouble."

"Junior Brother Chang Geng can just take command," Holy Mother Jin Ling said, frowning. "Don't be indecisive anymore. Who among us here today doesn't trust you?"

Li Changshou mused for a moment, then his gaze fell upon Yun Xiao's face, and he gave her a subtle wink.

"Senior Sister, I'll take the lead in this attack."

The immortals were instantly taken aback. Even Yang Jian, on his first "group mission," looked at Li Changshou with some confusion.

True Immortal Taiyi let out a scoffing laugh. "Did I hear that correctly?"

Zhao Gongming also said, "Chang Geng, you just need to oversee the central command and direct the overall situation. Leave the fighting and killing to us."

Li Changshou's expression grew serious. He took two steps back and bowed respectfully to everyone.

"I trouble you all, senior brothers and sisters, to form an ambush circle around this area and intercept anyone. I will break in forcefully this time, which will also help me enhance my combat skills," Li Changshou stated. "As for the command of this operation, I ask Senior Brother Duobao to take full charge."

"What's wrong?" Fairy Yun Xiao softly asked, "Why the sudden need to hone your combat skills?"

"I've been too comfortable for too long." Li Changshou smiled, his gaze fixed on the direction of the cave dwelling. As his silvery-white hair flowed, it gradually turned black, and the wrinkles on his face were smoothed away by immortal light.

He said, "In the Great Desolation, strength is paramount after all. I've had too few opportunities to act personally in my daily life. Now that my cultivation has yielded some results, it's time to focus on improving my combat strength. Such an opportunity is rare, and I feel a bit restless. What if, one day, you all, senior brothers and sisters, aren't by my side to protect me, and I become useless?"

"Junior Brother Chang Geng, you jest," Daoist Duobao laughed. "I know your divine abilities; those present who could surpass you at this moment are probably no more than a handful. It's not a bad thing for you to temper yourself. You can draw their attention first, and we can then successfully encircle them."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Li Changshou cupped his hands, then extended his left hand. From the side, Golden Peng offered the Small God-Slaying Spear forward with both hands. Li Changshou firmly gripped the shaft of the spear and gracefully twirled it.

Yun Xiao asked, "May I go with you?"

"Wait for me outside."

"Mm-hmm," she didn't insist, nodding gently and offering no further persuasion.

Li Changshou looked at the nineteen demon soldiers, instructing them to follow Daoist Duobao's command. Then, he raised his spear and advanced. Wisps of golden light encircled him, condensing into a half-face helmet and a golden chainmail suit.

Quanjong transmitted a question: "Why is Chang Geng insistent on going alone? Is there a reason for this?"

"Your Majesty needn't worry," Li Changshou replied via spiritual transmission, turning his head to glance at Quanjong, a faint smile flashing in his eyes. "No one can guarantee that they won't find themselves in a predicament where they must proceed alone. I'm taking this opportunity to practice fighting and engage in combat, to get a clear understanding of my own strength."

Quanjong seemed about to speak but hesitated. However, Li Changshou's figure flickered and then vanished into the boundless chaotic aura.

Daoist Duobao's spiritual transmission came through, and the immortals immediately moved forward, circling from different directions. They formed groups of two or three, mutually supporting each other.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng transformed into his true form, while Bai Ze, resembling an auspicious beast, stood atop his head. Holy Mother Jin Ling and Fairy Yun Xiao stood on the Great Peng's back, being the first to arrive at an interception point.

Fairy Yun Xiao's eyes held a touch of solemnity. While concealing her figure, she focused entirely on preparing for combat, her immortal sense intently following Li Changshou's steady, unhurried advance toward the hidden cave dwelling.

Holy Mother Jin Ling wondered aloud, "What's gotten into Chang Geng today? Has he been provoked?" Evidently, not allowing her to make the first move in a fight had left her quite displeased.

Fairy Yun Xiao gently shook her head, and the Golden Peng also transmitted that he didn't know. Bai Ze, however, chuckled and muttered:

"Do you all feel that the Water God has suddenly changed his usual demeanor? Has he become somewhat reckless?"

Holy Mother Jin Ling replied, "I wouldn't say that. Chang Geng always has his reasons for acting. Among the disciples of the Three Religions, when it comes to strategy, he is the only one I truly admire. Moreover, inviting so many immortals here to block all directions and ensure no outer demons escape is consistent with his usual style."

Yun Xiao asked, "Does Mister Bai happen to know the reason?"

"Actually, the Water God is simply honing his combat skills," Bai Ze chuckled. "On the way here, the Water God asked me to divine the fortune over sixty times, and they all indicated minor good fortune or no ill omens. I also discussed it with the Water God the whole way, and we concluded that this place is likely one of Kunpeng's lairs. Kunpeng can subjugate innate divine demons, so the Great Desolation experts who fled into the Chaos Sea previously probably couldn't escape Kunpeng's extreme speed. Kunpeng is an ambitious individual. The dozen or so ancient and archaic experts here are indeed excellent whetstones. The Water God implicitly revealed this thought during our journey."

Holy Mother Jin Ling asked, "Mister Bai, is Chang Geng inherently belligerent?"

"The Water God is by no means belligerent," Bai Ze slowly lay down on the Golden Peng's head. "However, the Water God usually plans for the worst-case scenario. Perhaps for certain matters, the worst-case scenario involves him personally engaging in close combat with powerful enemies, which is why he thought of honing his own combat skills. Look, the Water God is about to make his move."

The Golden Peng's back instantly fell silent. Four streams of immortal sense penetrated the disordered chaos, locking onto Li Changshou's figure.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng adjusted his position even further, aligning himself with the cave dwelling, ready to provide assistance at any moment.

For the Golden Peng, the outer demons were secondary; his Master's safety was paramount. Just thinking of his Master's frail, old immortal appearance filled the Golden Peng with anxiety, and his eyes were brimming with worry.

In the Chaos Sea, Li Changshou's continuously advancing figure suddenly accelerated.

If he had been a snail a moment before, now a surge of Dao aura erupted around him, and a streak of aquamarine light appeared beneath his feet. He was like one riding the wind and breaking waves, swift as a soaring dragon!

At this moment, Li Changshou's figure, standing on that aquamarine light, bore a striking resemblance to Pangu sweeping through the primordial chaos, treading the waves of the River of True Spirits during his battle against the innate divine demons.

Inside the cave dwelling, the experts who had been observing Li Changshou, wondering who he was, immediately concluded he was an enemy, not a friend, and collectively rose to their feet.

They drew their weapons, activated their magical treasures behind them, and gathered divine abilities in their palms!

However, before they could even exchange a few spiritual messages, the desolate mountain floating in the Chaos Sea suddenly trembled. The dozens of fragmented Great Daos gathered there were almost shattered by the impact!

In the eyes of the Daoist immortals who had already taken their positions, Li Changshou was like an arrow released from a bow, directly striking the desolate mountain.

The next instant, the illusory form of a treasure pagoda expanded through the boundless chaos, growing to an unknown height of tens of thousands of feet or miles. Wisps of mysterious yellow aura spread out, completely enveloping the desolate mountain.

The Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Linglong Pagoda didn't just have defensive capabilities!

As the mysterious yellow aura spread through the chaos, it instantly transformed the desolate mountain into a prison. Without the power to break through the Linglong Pagoda, escape from this place was impossible.

However, one cannot have both; when the Xuanhuang Pagoda was used to trap enemies, it lost its self-protective effect.

At another interception point.

"Is this a fake Chang Geng?" True Immortal Taiyi couldn't help but murmur this. Yang Jian, beside him, was full of confusion, while True Immortal Yuding merely shook his head slightly.

Yang Jian asked, "Uncle-Master, why do you say that?"

"My nephew, you don't know," True Immortal Taiyi explained, uncharacteristically serious. "Star Lord Taibai, Li Chang Geng, has always been known for his cautiousness. Previously, he wouldn't act unless absolutely necessary, and he would never resort to force if words would suffice. It's actually better now; in earlier years, his true body would hide, only letting his paper daoist avatar move about. Every time his true body appeared, either Senior Brother Xuandu would be with him, or he'd be protected by heavy treasures like the Taiji Map or Xuanhuang Pagoda. If he even got a scrape, he'd look up and shout, 'Master, save me!' Aside from bullying the demon race, when have you ever seen him charge into battle?"

Yuding said, "You shouldn't speak like that, Chang Geng... he is indeed a bit off today."

Just as Yang Jian was about to speak, a "trembling resonance" suddenly echoed in the Chaos Sea.

It was Dao principles violently colliding, causing fragmented Dao principles across the Chaos Sea to tremble in unison! Look at the area covered by the Xuanhuang Pagoda!

The Chaos Sea surged with waves. Dozens of Great Daos manifested one after another as chains, only to directly shatter in the turbulent waves.

The desolate mountain erupted with brilliant light, countless cracks appearing on its body. In the next instant, it disintegrated. More than ten dark figures shot out in various directions, only to collide with the Xuanhuang aura and be firmly blocked.

Li Changshou stood on a large boulder. Fragments of a shattered sword floated before him, a corpse lay beneath his feet, and the Small God-Slaying Spear in his hand was already stained with blood.

"Let's join forces to deal with this person! Otherwise, neither of us will be able to escape!"

The dozen or so demons responded, their eyes filled with fierce glints. Some revealed their true forms, others brought out life-saving divine abilities, or unleashed malevolent magical treasures. Streaks of light surged towards Li Changshou, aiming to suppress him.

Li Changshou held his spear horizontally, his gaze locked onto one individual. He lunged forward, letting several streaks of light strike his body. His speed merely slowed slightly; his momentum was entirely unaffected.

Great Perfection of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art!

Within the area enveloped by the Xuanhuang aura, Li Changshou and the dozen or so ancient and archaic experts fought intensely, soaring and plummeting.

Yun Xiao watched, both frowning and her eyes gleaming. She worried for Li Changshou's safety, yet also wanted to see more of his determined, unyielding combat prowess.

Holy Mother Jin Ling also frowned repeatedly, but her frown was directed at the Xuanhuang Pagoda. She couldn't help but mutter:

"He's enough by himself, why did he call us all to come here?"

Just then, Daoist Duobao's spiritual transmission resonated in the minds of the immortals. Those positioned in various directions immediately closed in around the Xuanhuang Pagoda, gradually shrinking the encirclement.

Li Changshou had now plunged into a fierce battle. The reason for his struggle, however, was that he wasn't employing his Balanced Great Dao, but was purely fighting with the Eight-Nine Arcane Art.

Just as he had said, he was indeed honing his combat techniques.

Not long into the fight, two more fierce beasts perished beneath the Small God-Slaying Spear. Li Changshou appeared somewhat disheveled, but the angles of his attacks became increasingly cunning, his movements smoother when dodging assaults, and his small-scale evasions were as fluid as flowing clouds, utterly seamless.

In contrast, the demons fiercely battling him were under immense pressure, not daring to hold back any reserves.

Gradually, Li Changshou also suppressed an impulse within him—the urge to summon the innate supreme treasure, the Taiji Map, from beside his primordial spirit.

He had truly stood up on his own!

Without his Master's support, he could now jog and even take a couple of big leaps without issue.

The strength test for the Eight-Nine Arcane Art was nearly complete. He now had a good grasp of how many attacks he could withstand.

In truth, his personal involvement today was half spur-of-the-moment and half carefully considered.

On the way, he had been contemplating whether to take the opportunity to display sixty to seventy percent of his strength if it wasn't Kunpeng but Kunpeng's subordinates who were here.

Of course, doing so wasn't to show off to Yun Xiao; that would be meaningless, as Yun Xiao didn't particularly enjoy his aggressive combat.

Besides assessing his own capabilities, he had three objectives.

First, he wanted to show the immortals familiar with him the extent of his strength, allowing Lord Zhao and the others to consider matters related to him more comprehensively and thoroughly during the coming calamity.

Second, to pre-adapt to combat in the Chaos Sea.

Third, to put on a show for the Jade Emperor.

Although the Investiture of the Gods Calamity was still centuries away, matters after the calamity should also be planned in advance.