Chapter 583: Gentleness

Unbeknownst to me, Chang Geng's strength has become so astonishing. He is much calmer now than when he faced the demon race back then.

Quán Tóng gazed at the scene beneath the Profound Yellow Pagoda, his eyes filled with emotion.

Daoist Duobao, who was acting alongside Quán Tóng, naturally knew the true identity of this Jade Emperor's incarnation. Although he didn't directly address him as 'Martial Uncle,' he was exceedingly polite at this moment. After all, the fate of the Three Religions, currently facing tribulation, rested to a certain extent in the hands of this Jade Emperor.

Daoist Duobao chuckled, "Junior Brother Chang Geng has exceptional comprehension. His achievements today are also the result of his own hard work."

"Indeed, his comprehension has always been excellent," Quán Tóng said faintly, his hands clasped behind his back, a reminiscent look in his eyes. "When Chang Geng first came to the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor was very puzzled. At that time, the Heavenly Court was destitute, with only a lonely monarch and a handful of loyal subjects relying on each other. Few in the Great Wilderness even knew about the Heavenly Court; when it was mentioned, it was merely in reference to something the six Saints had once done. With the Human Clan having overthrown the Demon Court before it, and countless immortal sects coexisting in the Central Divine Continent, the Heavenly Court's position was incredibly awkward. It was Chang Geng who believed in the Heavenly Court, joining it wholeheartedly and leading it step by step to where it is today."

Daoist Duobao smiled, his eyes narrowed, though he secretly wished to say: *If one were to trace Chang Geng's growth trajectory back from this point, it would seem this fellow already knew the Heavenly Court would be the initiator of this great tribulation, and he infiltrated it early to avoid disaster?*

*It must be an illusion, yes, an illusion.*

"Everything is arranged by our Eldest Martial Uncle."

"The Three Pure Ones of Daoism are truly Saints."

The Jade Emperor's incarnation and Daoist Duobao then exchanged smiles, understanding unspoken.

Within the area shrouded by the Profound Yellow Pagoda, several more ferocious demons were struck down by Li Changshou's long spear. By now, Li Changshou was drenched in blood, with a number of fresh wounds on his body. After his battle armor, condensed from immortal power, was shattered, it revealed a physique of corded muscles resembling ancient tree roots. His long hair flew wildly, making him look like a demon god.

Yang Jian: ...

He finally understood what happened when he was smacked onto the cloud back then. He retracted his previous statement that he could catch up to Lord Taibai in a few hundred years of cultivation; it was too arrogant, utterly ignorant of his own limitations. He had even heard others call him a 'Son of the Great Tribulation,' protected by great fortune, destined to shine brightly in the future.

No shining, no chance, don't even think about it.

If Yang Jian had to utter a single phrase at that moment, the two words that sprang to his mind were: 'Take my leave.'

If Yang Jian were to do something there, he would silently pull out a memory orb he had prepared earlier. As a professional Heavenly Court recorder, such a treasure for capturing spectacular scenes was indispensable. Once he returned to Mount Mei, he would open his personal bronze mirror, project this footage, and dub it, mimicking Bian Zhuang:

"Heavenly Court Entertainment, Heavenly Court Entertainment! This is Recorder Yang Jian, presenting to you a precious recording of a battle. Lord Taibai Xingjun battles fourteen outer demons. Yes, the one wearing a face mask, battling outer demons amidst wisps of Profound Yellow aura, is our esteemed head of the Heavenly Court's civil officials, Taibai Xingjun Li Changshou! Don't believe it? Honestly, I don't believe it either. I feel like I'm dreaming. That kind old immortal, tearing off his clothes and roaring before charging forward... The Heavenly Court's total combat strength is ten units: Taibai Xingjun possesses six units, all civil officials possess five units, and the martial generals possess minus one unit..."

"Nephew, nephew? Yang Jian?"

"Disciple is here!"

Yang Jian, who had been lost in thought, immediately replied, cupping his hands and bowing to Daoist Taiyi.

Daoist Taiyi chuckled, asking gently, "Has Chang Geng's heroic presence affected your Dao heart?"

Daoist Yuding also looked over with concern.

Yang Jian gave a bitter smile, unsure how to respond.

Daoist Yuding said, "There's no need to compare yourself to others. Your Dao is true to yourself."

"Yes, disciple understands."

Yang Jian acknowledged, but his mood could not recover immediately.

Just then, a sudden change occurred in the area shrouded by the Profound Yellow Pagoda. Li Changshou was in the thick of battle, his Dao body seemingly activating step by step, growing braver and more unstoppable with each strike. The Small God-Slaying Spear seemed to merge with his arm, moving forward without a moment's pause. The pure melee combat made his own blood boil.

Therefore, Li Changshou took out several magic treasures and activated these long-dormant artifacts one by one. The most conspicuous among them was, of course, a large purplish-white gourd—Lu Ya's Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger. Li Changshou naturally hadn't forgotten this formidable killing treasure, famous even in his homeland. He was still planning to use multiple identities to stir up trouble during the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, and this large gourd was also an important prop. Over the years, he had been refining this gourd. Although he hadn't communicated much with the spirit of Yi sealed within, he had mostly figured out the gourd's complex structure. Now was the perfect time to activate it and test its effects.

Thus, Li Changshou seized an opening, holding the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger in his left hand. The gourd's mouth spewed out a wisp of white mist, which condensed into a pair of sharp eyes and brows. The seven or eight black figures, already suppressed by Li Changshou, simultaneously felt their spiritual senses tingle wildly and immediately dodged in all directions. Li Changshou activated the magic gourd, directing the eyes and brows to target a humanoid creature whose cultivation was lower and who had already been injured by his spear. He let out a soft cry: "Please turn, precious!"

No sooner said than done, the eyes and brows first glared furiously at the figure, shooting out two red lines that locked onto the person's primordial spirit, causing the figure to sway and almost faint. Without any warning, the eyes and brows suddenly changed direction, and the gourd's mouth spewed out a beam of white light, aiming straight for Li Changshou's forehead! At this moment, for reasons unknown, Li Changshou, who had inexplicably positioned himself several yards away from the large gourd, swiftly threw a punch. His fist collided with the white light, instantly shattering it. Blood splattered, leaving a deep, bone-visible gash on Li Changshou's left fist. He frowned, staring at the large gourd that had suddenly 'betrayed' him. In that instant, he wanted to destroy this famous treasure from the Investiture of the Gods. But in the end, he remained steady. Two wisps of Yin and Yang Qi surged from his sleeve, forcibly sealing the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger and pulling it back into Li Changshou's hand.

This sudden turn of events truly caused the Daoist immortals to frown in various ways. Immortal Yunxiao couldn't help but want to step forward to check on Li Changshou's injuries, and the remaining seven 'escaped' experts were also somewhat stunned. All the demons present here were once fierce and wicked beings of the Great Wilderness, having fled into the Chaos Sea only after they could no longer remain in the Great Wilderness. They reacted quickly. Seeing Li Changshou thwarted by his own magic treasure, how could they let such an opportunity slip? They activated their magic treasures, unleashed divine abilities, and some even ignited their primordial spirit power, launching the strongest wave of attacks against Li Changshou, intending to fight to the death and find a sliver of hope in desperation.

However, Li Changshou's attention was currently drawn to the Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger. His objectives for making his move had already been achieved, and he was no longer willing to waste time. He released the Small God-Slaying Spear from his right hand and raised his palm high. Black and white light quietly bloomed as the Primal Chaos Treasure, the Taiji Diagram, transformed into several hundred zhang in diameter, hovering over Li Changshou's head, effortlessly penetrating the aura emanating from the Profound Yellow Pagoda. Li Changshou's gaze swept over them, and he calmly uttered, "Seal."

As soon as his voice fell, the remaining seven figures almost simultaneously froze. Their divine abilities disintegrated, their magic treasures lost their spiritual essence, their burning primordial spirits were instantly bound by the Yin and Yang Qi, and their rapidly advancing figures immediately hung suspended in mid-air.

The might of the Taiji Diagram was truly terrifying!

Of course it was terrifying...

Li Changshou silently took a bottle of pills from his sleeve and poured them into his mouth, doing his utmost to suppress his mental fatigue and maintain a composed demeanor. The price of actively using the Taiji Diagram was that 80% of his immortal power was instantly drained from his body, and his mind was almost overwhelmed by the Taiji's Yin-Yang essence.

Cool as it was, it was clearly not a primal treasure he could wield at his current stage. *This is the gap between my strength and that of Grand Master.* He also thought that even Senior Brother Xuandu, when activating the Taiji Diagram, somewhat held it back... Master Taiqing's strength is truly terrifying.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, cast away miscellaneous thoughts, and retracted the Pagoda Master. Suddenly, several figures appeared around him.

Within the Heavenly Dao barrier of the Great Wilderness, in the void. Eight humanoid black figures were bound by Yin and Yang Qi, currently dazed and unconscious. Before returning, they had carefully searched for a while and found a vicious human who had feigned death and fled into the Chaos Sea in ancient times, so they brought him back as well. The corpses, naturally, were strictly processed according to Li Changshou's standards, leaving no residue. Looking at the scattered ashes in the Chaos Sea, Li Changshou couldn't help but reminisce about his days of providing comprehensive funeral services. Those were also his lost youth...

At this moment, Li Changshou stood grim-faced to the side, looking at the 'silent' large gourd in his hand. He added two more layers of seals with Yin and Yang Qi before directly tossing it beside the eight black figures.

The immortals were puzzled. Daoist Duobao even asked, "Chang Geng, what is the meaning of this?"

"Interrogate it together," Li Changshou said calmly. "If this thing doesn't give me an explanation, it will be treated as a traitor today."

The immortals couldn't help but smile faintly.

Immediately, Zhao Gongming clapped his hands together, then greeted them with a chuckle: "Ladies, please step aside. And any fellow Daoists who can't bear to witness brutal scenes, please also retreat. It won't be easy to extract information from them."

Immortal Mother Golden Spirit snorted lightly. "Three Junior Sisters, let's wait over there." Immortal Yunxiao, Immortal Mother Wudang, and Immortal Mother Guiling each agreed, joining Immortal Mother Golden Spirit in the nearby void, where they set up a barrier, chatting and drinking tea.

Daoist Huanglong coughed, saying, "Nephew Yang Jian, don't watch too much of this. Come wait with this Martial Uncle on the side." Yang Jian nodded in agreement, though he really wanted to see how the Daoist and Heavenly Court elites interrogated the outer demons. However, it was not appropriate to refuse Martial Uncle Huanglong's kind intentions at this moment. As for Martial Uncle Huanglong being unable to bear brutal scenes... that was truly a joke. Martial Uncle Huanglong had lived since ancient times, an esteemed expert of the Chan Sect who came from the 'Three Pure Ones' Courtyard'—a famous, non-public attraction on Kunlun Mountain. How could he not bear brutality?

Quán Tóng pondered. His identity was an open secret, and he couldn't personally participate in such an interrogation. So, he honestly went to the side by himself, crossing his arms to 'observe the battle.' Golden-winged Dapeng and nineteen demon soldiers dispersed to guard various locations. The several immortals from the Jie Sect who came along for the excitement went to Daoist Huanglong's side.

The remaining individuals formed the main interrogation force: Lord Taibai Xingjun, an ordinary influential minister of the Heavenly Court; Bai Ze, the retainer of an ordinary influential minister of the Heavenly Court and the second most important mount of the Human Sect, an ancient demon marshal; the refined and easygoing Daoist Taiyi of the Chan Sect, and the deeply reserved Daoist Yuding; Daoist Duobao, the Eldest Senior Brother of the Jie Sect, and the semi-retired 'King of Myriad Treasures' Zhao Gongming of the Great Wilderness. These six individuals possessed both strength and intellect, lacking no means whatsoever, and were all major figures whose words carried immense weight.

Before retracting the Taiji Diagram, Li Changshou, still uneasy, stepped forward and severely injured each of the eight demons. Then, Zhao Gongming activated the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Pearls to suppress the area's cosmos, and Daoist Duobao brought out nine immortal ropes to bind them one by one. The Immortal-Slaying Flying Dagger was also symbolically bound.

Once Li Changshou withdrew the power of the Taiji Diagram, the eight demons immediately regained consciousness. Each of them first glared furiously at Li Changshou, then recognized the situation before them. They had been captured.

Li Changshou asked, "Everyone, who wants to go first?"

Bai Ze chuckled, "I have an acquaintance here; why don't I go first?"

The immortals all agreed. Bai Ze slowly stepped forward, approaching one of the black figures. He flicked his finger, breaking the illusion around it, revealing its humanoid form. This was an arrogant individual, with eyes full of ferocity. Amidst his long hair were nine snake heads, each hissing. Bai Ze cupped his hands and smiled, "We meet again, Marshal Jiuying."

The ancient demon marshal merely sneered, saying indifferently, "Since I have been captured by you, I don't expect to live. If you consider yourselves esteemed experts of the Great Wilderness, then grant me a swift end."

Another black figure from the side said, "You needn't think you'll get anything out of us. I can tell you directly: Kunpeng invited us to gather here. He said he would distract the Heavenly Dao while we entered the Great Wilderness to plunder a bit of vital energy to replenish what we lacked. Every single reason is just that. Go on, do your worst. Don't bother humiliating us further. Given the sins we committed in earlier years, you would certainly not leave us a way out."

"This..." Bai Ze turned to look at Li Changshou, then shook his head. "This interrogation business, I'm truly not very good at it." With that, he turned and retreated, shaking his head with emotion.

Daoist Yuding said, "If they do not fear death, then they are truly fearless."

Daoist Taiyi transmitted a voice message, asking, "Can't we first give them some empty promises, give them a little hope, let them say everything they can and can't say, and then eliminate them?"

Li Changshou replied seriously, "While such a method is adaptable, it ultimately involves inconsistency between words and actions, and is not worth it. First, kill half, then question the other half, to see if they truly aren't afraid of death."

Duobao asked, "What if important information is lost by killing them this way?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, glanced at Yunxiao, and several thoughts surfaced in his mind, but he temporarily suppressed them. He had already shown too much today. If he were to directly arrange things further, Uncle Zhao and the others would truly have come for nothing. Better to play it safe and let them try their best first...

The few of them exchanged some voice messages, and the main interrogation team found themselves in a predicament. Li Changshou primarily wanted to inquire about Kunpeng's power, dwelling, and how to find him in the Chaos Sea. If he could also ascertain the number of such demons in the Chaos Sea, that would naturally be even better. In ancient and primordial times, ruthless individuals who dared to hide in the Chaos Sea were never simple. At this point, they already knew their fate was death. Out of a subtle sense of 'solidarity against a common enemy,' they were unwilling to speak of anything concerning others, which caused the interrogation to fall into difficulty before it even began.

Zhao Gongming said, "How about I demonstrate?"

Li Changshou smiled helplessly, and Uncle Zhao quickly changed the subject.

Soon, Duobao and the others decided to employ psychological tactics. Each selected a target and began reasoning with them, recounting past events, attempting to extract useful information from these individuals. But despite half a day of effort, they gained nothing, instead becoming the target of some mockery from the eight demons.

Li Changshou: ...

Sighing inwardly, he secretly transmitted a few words to Immortal Yunxiao and Immortal Mother Golden Spirit in the distance. He instructed them on what to do, and how.

"What's going on here?" Immortal Mother Golden Spirit approached, frowning and holding her sword, asking in bewilderment.

Zhao Gongming sighed, "Not one of them is willing to speak, and they don't fear death. We've gained almost nothing."

"Where's the brutality you were talking about earlier?" Immortal Mother Golden Spirit snorted and gestured behind her. Immortal Yunxiao, Immortal Mother Guiling, and Immortal Mother Wudang flew over together. Golden Spirit asked, "Chang Geng, if you can't get anything out of these fellows, are you going to just kill them?"

"Mm," Li Changshou nodded. "It seems unlikely we'll gain much today, but eliminating these demons at least removes a potential threat."

Immortal Mother Guiling said, "Then let us try."

"Oh?" Li Changshou chuckled, his gaze meeting Immortal Yunxiao's. Her eyes, gentle as water, almost melted Li Changshou.

"Try, then, if you wish."

Daoist Taiyi, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, chuckled and said, "Perhaps they'll be captivated by the charm of the immortal ladies and confess everything."

Li Changshou cast an encouraging glance at Yunxiao, then calmly retreated a hundred zhang.

And so, the main interrogation team retreated to the second line, composedly anticipating the performance of the four Jie Sect immortal ladies. The four Jie Sect immortal ladies first gathered to discuss for a while, then dispelled the illusions around the eight demons, lingering before them for a long time.

Golden Spirit said, "I'll choose first. I'll take this one, this one, and this one, alright?" The other three immortal ladies had no objections, allowing Immortal Mother Golden Spirit to take those three demons to the side. Immortal Yunxiao made a 'please' gesture from the side, saying softly, "I can just interrogate three at random." Immortal Mother Guiling and Immortal Mother Wudang stepped forward, each selecting a demon and leading them to the right.

Guiling first sighed softly, looking at the demon before her, and said with a sigh: "I have no grievances with fellow Daoist. This time, I will escort fellow Daoist on your journey. I wonder if fellow Daoist has a favorite tune? I am skilled in playing music, but not in interrogation."

Immortal Mother Wudang also said, "I will recite a few scriptures for fellow Daoist; it can also purify the resentment in fellow Daoist's heart."

The male immortals behind them immediately revealed relieved smiles. Daoist Taiyi, uncharacteristically free of sarcasm, exclaimed with emotion: "The immortal ladies of the Jie Sect are truly gentle!"

"Naturally," Daoist Duobao said, clasping his hands behind his back with the pride of an Eldest Senior Brother. "Our Junior Sisters cultivate themselves, refining their characters and becoming refined and elegant; they are indeed very gentle. Chang Geng, what do you say?"

"Senior Brother Duobao is correct."

As soon as Li Changshou's words fell, a golden light flashed. In Yunxiao's hand appeared the Primordial Golden Dipper, and three beams of purplish-golden light struck the three demons. Her face was cold and serene, her figure hidden in mist. Her voice, showing no ripple of emotion, asked calmly: "Are you willing to speak?"

The only reply she received were three cold snorts or sneers.

Yunxiao gently nodded. With a turn of the Golden Dipper in her hand, a profound Dao韵 flowed out. Around the three demons she was responsible for interrogating, pure spiritual energy suddenly surged forth. As the three demons trembled, a layer of their cultivation suddenly vanished, and a sense of weakness pervaded them from within.

The Primordial Golden Dipper: Revert to Origin!

"You! What do you want to do?!"

"The Primordial Golden Dipper!"

"If you want to kill us, then kill us! Why destroy our cultivation?!"

"Are you willing to speak?" Yunxiao asked again, still utterly unperturbed. The three demons trembled violently, their injuries almost uncontrollable. Before they could respond, the Primordial Golden Dipper turned once more. Several more layers of their Dao realm dissipated! The three demons lay slumped and powerless, their Dao realms dissipating step by step, their Great Dao slowly cracking, as if their very marrow was being drawn out strand by strand... If this process had happened instantly, it wouldn't have been so excruciating. But at this moment, Yunxiao would ask a question, and then reduce some of their cultivation, peeling away their Dao Fruits like layers of an onion... They had never imagined there was such a method that could break one's Dao heart. This was more unbearable than death!

Suddenly, a sword light flashed on the other side, causing the immortals to instinctively shift their gaze. Immortal Mother Golden Spirit held a long sword. A demon beast's head slowly flew upwards, its blood floating in the void. She approached the remaining two demons with her sword, a calm smile playing on her lips, a slight look of anticipation in her eyes. Her long sword was wreathed in blood light, yet her golden gauze dress remained unstained by a single speck of dust.

"Are you really not afraid of death?"

The two demons merely sneered. In secret, a faint water-blue light quietly blossomed, enveloping the two demons. Li Changshou's right hand was secretly pointed at Daoist Taiyi.

Balance: Heart of Fear!

Golden Spirit said softly, "The one who speaks later will be beheaded first." Without another word, her long sword slashed horizontally forward!

"I'll talk!"

"This Daoist..."

Two shouts, one head. Immortal Mother Golden Spirit's long sword was pressed against a woman's neck, having already cut half an inch deep.

"Will you tell us everything?"

"Yes, yes, everything."

Immortal Mother Golden Spirit nodded faintly, then turned and called out, "Old Zhao, come over and ask. You guys really struggled with this."

At the same time, Immortal Yunxiao also turned around. Behind her, the three True Immortal realm demons were trembling violently, clutching their heads and weeping uncontrollably. Yunxiao asked softly, "What do you want to ask them? They've promised to tell everything."

Zhao Gongming: ...

Li Changshou smiled calmly to himself, displaying the same expression as Uncle Zhao.

The void was silent, save for the sound of Immortal Mother Guiling's flute, and Immortal Mother Wudang's words of admonition: "Demons are born of demon mothers, and spirits are born of spirit mothers. All living beings must die. You are burdened by deep sins and will find it hard to survive today. Why don't you reflect on how many lives you've taken and how much sin you've accumulated..."

All the male immortals present shivered simultaneously. It was as if they had heard Daoist Taiyi's earlier exclamation again, their thoughts... very complicated.

The immortal ladies of the Jie Sect are truly gentle.