Chapter 584: Ha, Ninety-Eight Percent

"This Kunpeng truly is a menace; we can't let him continue his destructive ways."

Zhao Gongming sighed, casting a sidelong glance at the fairies nearby, and secretly broke into a cold sweat. The situation just now... We wouldn't dare speak, nor would we dare ask.

On the back of the hundred-zhang-wide Golden-Winged Great Peng, dozens of figures sat in meditation. Several Daoist masters gathered, sipping tea, chatting, and holding an impromptu gathering to praise the Jie Cult fairies. As for Kunpeng, that's old news. And the Great Tribulation? That's a topic for later. Praising the fairies for their virtue, gentleness, and beauty – that's what truly matters!

Quan Dong, who was fiddling with the Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger, couldn't help but transmit a message to Li Changshou, asking, "Are six of the eight leading Jie Cult disciples truly this... gentle?"

"No," Li Changshou shook his head. "The two who aren't here are genuinely mischievous."

"Hahahaha!" Quan Dong clapped his hands and chuckled softly. "How interesting, truly interesting."

Nearby, Daoist Duobao let out a long sigh, steering the conversation back to serious matters. This time, it was a fortunate coincidence, yielding considerable results.

After speaking, the demons only begged for a swift death. Li Changshou, with a benevolent heart, granted their final wish, even scattering their ashes into the Chaos Sea so they could reunite with their former comrades. A group of accomplices should always be kept together. Truth be told, these demons were no longer at their respective peaks. In the Chaos Sea, they found it difficult to find sources of spiritual energy to sustain their magical powers. Kunpeng, by consistently supplying them with spiritual energy, effectively controlled them. Nine Infants and the others didn't realize how many beings like them in the Chaos Sea had escaped, reached a dead end, lived wretchedly, clinging to life for as long as possible, only to eventually sink into despair...

When Li Changshou finally acted, he was swift and decisive, extinguishing their souls and scattering their ashes. In truth, Li Changshou had a subtle 'selfish' motive for bringing these eight ancient and primordial demons back to the Great Desolate World for interrogation. Merit, earned standing, isn't shameful.

What left Li Changshou speechless, however, was that after eliminating these eight demons, he gained nothing. Yet, the surrounding Daoist masters, and even the nineteen demon soldiers in the distance, all emitted varying degrees of golden light. How many times had this differential treatment occurred? How many times! It was simply discrimination against him, an outsider! When will transmigrators finally rise in the Great Desolate? Can this Great Desolate, which once obliterated Senior Lang, ever truly improve?

He was angry... but he dared not truly show it. He merely indulged in a bit of clever thought, sighing at this cold Great Desolate. Only Fairy Yunxiao's leg pillow, his junior sister's small hands, and the cushion by his master's side could offer this wanderer from another land a shred of tangible warmth.

Daoist Duobao sighed: "Kunpeng is far away in the Chaos Sea. While we can protect ourselves with our own Dao and move freely there, finding Kunpeng in the Chaos Sea is more troublesome than finding a jade stone in the Great Desolate."

Holy Mother Guiling added, "That being said, we cannot allow him to continue operating in the Chaos Sea unchecked."

"How do we catch him?" True Man Huanglong spread his hands. "Are we supposed to go fishing for him in the Chaos Sea?"

The immortals pondered for a moment, then unanimously turned their gaze toward...

Li Changshou didn't disappoint the revered figures. He smiled and said, "My purpose in capturing these outer demons this time, and inviting all of you senior brothers and sisters, as well as Marshal Quan, is to inform you of a significant matter. Senior Brother Duobao, could you activate a restriction? This matter should not be publicized. This undertaking carries certain risks. Although it has the support of my Master and Uncle-Master, it is ultimately up to each of you, my senior brothers and sisters, to decide whether to participate."

The immortals exchanged glances, each remaining calm and still. True Man Huanglong, Holy Mother Guiling, and Holy Mother Wudang, who had been standing a little further away, also deliberately moved closer, signaling that they were not outsiders. Presently, in two layers, both standing and sitting, over a dozen masters were gathered. All were direct disciples of Daoist Saints, renowned leading disciples from both sects.

After Zhao Gongming and Daoist Duobao jointly activated several layers of restrictions, Li Changshou cleared his throat, surveyed the group, and began his important address.

"I have decided to lure and capture Kunpeng, and I have many trump cards prepared."

The immortals either fell silent, pondered deeply, or their eyes lit up with intrigue.

Zhao Gongming chuckled, "Just as I thought, little brother, everything you do has a deeper meaning. Tell us, what's your plan this time?"

"Kunpeng won't be easy to bait," True Man Taiyi said. "He's insidious and cunning, has committed all sorts of evil, and possesses a method to find spiritual energy in the Chaos Sea. Why would he return?"

"Indeed," Holy Mother Guiling added, "How should we resolve this?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes. He was weighing his options, hesitating whether to disclose that he and the Human Sovereigns of Fire Cloud Cave intended to forge a Grandmist Violet Qi. Several thoughts crossed his mind, but Li Changshou ultimately decided to trust those before him—his senior brothers and sisters with whom he had already collaborated multiple times. If he didn't trust them, how could he expect them to trust him? Some simple truths are known to the young, but often forgotten by the old.

Li Changshou smiled. "Grandmist Violet Qi."

All the immortals were shocked. Even Bai Ze, who was already aware of the inner workings, felt his Dao heart clench upon hearing those four words. The Grandmist Violet Qi, an opportunity for Sainthood, is the 'threshold' to the pinnacle of the Great Desolate. The deeper one's cultivation, the more profound the realization: to become a Saint through sheer power and transcend the Dao is exceedingly difficult. At the very least, one would need to gather more than half of the spiritual energy in the Great Desolate World to even attempt that realm. How could the Heavenly Dao ever permit this?

But if, like the current Six Saints, one connects with the Heavenly Dao through the Grandmist Violet Qi to become a Heavenly Dao Saint, isn't that also a path to transcendence? Although rumors suggest that Heavenly Dao Saints' power would be significantly weaker than Saints who attained Dao through sheer force after leaving the Great Desolate World, they are immortal and indestructible within the Great Desolate World. Therefore, the Grandmist Violet Qi is of utmost importance. Now, if a master-level figure from any of the three sects were to obtain a complete Grandmist Violet Qi, they might truly have a chance to contend for the position of the Seventh Saint.

Li Changshou had sufficiently piqued the grand figures' interest before slowly continuing, "To be precise, it's the ninth wisp of Grandmist Violet Qi, which belongs to the original eighth Grandmist Violet Qi, just like those used by the Human Sages of Fire Cloud Cave."

The immortals' faces showed realization; their Dao hearts, which had just tightened, relaxed slightly. But even if it was just one-ninth of the Grandmist Violet Qi, it still possessed immense temptation.

Daoist Duobao asked, "Wasn't that Grandmist Violet Qi divided into eight parts, forming the foundation of human destiny?"

Li Changshou first chuckled, then said, "The ninth wisp is, of course, fabricated. If it truly existed, I wouldn't dare use it to lure Kunpeng. What if Kunpeng actually snatched it away?"

The immortals looked at him with disdain. Holy Mother Guiling muttered, "I was tempted just now." True Man Yuding added, "Me too."

A sharp intake of breath was heard! Zhao Gongming gasped, marveling, "Can this Grandmist Violet Qi actually be faked?"

True Man Taiyi chuckled, "This is certainly something we should ask Senior Brother Yunzhongzi about."

"Several Human Sovereigns have already begun preparations," Li Changshou stated seriously. "The secrecy of this information is crucial to the success of this plan. We must not tell anyone. For this operation, I have completed the overall arrangements. The challenges lie in whether Kunpeng will fall into our trap and how to contend with his extreme speed. Senior brothers and sisters, does anyone wish to withdraw from this plan at this time? If Kunpeng is cornered and fights like a trapped beast, it will indeed be extremely perilous."

The immortals fell silent, exchanging glances. None wanted to speak rashly and cut off the retreat path for anyone who might wish to withdraw. From Li Changshou and Fairy Yunxiao destroying Kunpeng's old shedding, to Kunpeng's last appearance in Xuandu City—that vast body obscuring the sky, that immeasurable magical power...

"Kunpeng has committed too many sins and has become a latent threat to the Great Desolate."

True Man Huanglong stated firmly, "Although I, this humble Daoist, possess no formidable divine abilities or magic treasures, my Dao realm remains intact, and my magical power is sufficient. To rid the Great Desolate of such a scourge, I shall naturally give my utmost!"

True Man Taiyi chuckled, "Encountering Kunpeng wouldn't be bad at all; it sounds quite stimulating."

Yuding Zhenren asked, "After we kill Kunpeng, could some of his essence blood be reserved for me, this humble Daoist, to use for my disciple's body tempering?"

Li Changshou smiled. "If we manage to kill Kunpeng, we'll simply divide whatever treasures can be obtained from him. But there's one point: Kunpeng still has some utility. The act of killing him needs to be postponed for a while."

"How could Kunpeng be so easily manipulated by others?" Holy Mother Guiling snorted, stating firmly, "As disciples of a great sect and Saints, enjoying the reverence of all beings in heaven and earth, we inherently bear the responsibility to protect heaven and earth."

"Good.""Good.""I, this humble Daoist, will prepare two additional treasuries of self-destructing treasures then."

"Alright!" Li Changshou stood up and stated firmly, "I will detail each step of the plan later and have it delivered to the residences of all senior brothers and sisters. This operation will likely take place approximately seventeen or eighteen years from now; the exact timing isn't fixed. We must seize the optimal moment and act opportunistically. First, let me outline a few more challenging points. Firstly, once the Grandmist Violet Qi appears, the Great Desolate will inevitably descend into chaos. The tribulation's destiny will weigh upon all beings, and it might draw out experts from every faction. We must possess the power to control the overall situation. Secondly, the Saint Lords will undoubtedly discern the authenticity of the Grandmist Violet Qi at a glance. The Grandmist Violet Qi will appear near Xuandu City, then swiftly burst forth from it. We must control this process with utmost precision, ensuring that Kunpeng has already received the news and is approaching the Great Desolate World before this occurs. Whether we can lure Kunpeng to take the bait depends entirely on the meticulous details of our calculations. We need to set up ambushes at various locations and, when intercepting Kunpeng, create the impression of a struggle for the Grandmist Violet Qi. In other words, we must, to a certain extent, make a show of it, but without allowing the immortals of both sects to genuinely fight and jeopardize the relationship between the two sects..."

Point by point, Li Changshou spoke with clarity and precision, first reminding the Daoist grand figures of the difficulties and key points before revealing his subsequent plan. Quan Dong listened with shining eyes. Although he couldn't interject, he felt a surging sense of excitement.

A little later, prompted by Holy Mother Guiling's urgency, Li Changshou briefly explained his plan. Experts from both sides lavished praise, and Fairy Yunxiao's eyes shone with continuous brilliance.

Meanwhile, high above the Nine Heavens, in the Purple Heaven Palace.

A certain grand figure sat at a bamboo table, watching the scene broadcast on the jade plate, sipping a mouthful of ancient, supreme spiritual tea, and couldn't help but stroke his beard and chuckle. It would be beneficial if Kunpeng could be eliminated, to prevent him from truly smashing a hole in the Great Desolate, which would then require significant effort to repair. Should I add some tempering for this young fellow? Too smooth sailing isn't beneficial either... Forget it, tempering isn't easily added. Right now, just before the true Immeasurable Calamity, a single move could affect the entire situation, and it wouldn't be ideal if the three sects involved in the tribulation started fighting prematurely.

Just then, the jade plate vibrated gently. The Creation Jade Plate, utilizing the Great Desolate's archaic sound projection technology, transmitted the conversation between Holy Mother Guiling and Li Changshou.

"Chang Geng, how confident are you about this operation?"

"If all goes well, 98%," Li Changshou stated calmly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. After all, he had already enlisted the help of the Heavenly Master of Interception, and it was the Heavenly Master of Interception fully equipped with the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation, prepared to guard against any interference from the Western Sect.

Holy Mother Guiling smiled. "I truly admire your confidence."

In the Purple Heaven Palace's bamboo forest illusion, a certain burly old Daoist's forehead furrowed deeply, his mouth twitching uncontrollably. With a flick of his sleeve, he dispersed the image displayed by the Creation Jade Plate.

'Heh, 98%.'

After circling outside the heavens and informing the main force of the 'fishing team' about the plan, the subsequent steps suddenly became more urgent. Li Changshou's originally set twenty-year deadline showed signs of further postponement; long nights can lead to many dreams, and delays can bring unforeseen changes. On his way back to Heavenly Court, Li Changshou reviewed the plan several more times before finally deciding to fully implement the arrangements. Furthermore, Li Changshou didn't even take the opportunity to spend time with Fairy Yunxiao this time. They merely exchanged a few intimate words on the Golden Peng's back, each cautioning the other to take care, before returning to their respective residences. Yunxiao mentioned that she wanted Qiongxiao to participate this time as well, as it would be a good opportunity to temper her. Li Changshou naturally wouldn't refuse. Qiongxiao was also one of the eight leading Jie Cult disciples, possessing her own strength. While her personality was a bit playful... that was actually due to her elder brother-in-law and Yunxiao spoiling her. The Golden Flood Dragon Scissors were a supreme innate spiritual treasure with considerable lethality, naturally capable of contributing significant power.

As they were returning to the Five Continents, parting discreetly, True Man Huanglong also sought out Li Changshou. Huanglong was a bit awkward and troubled, but still spoke: "Chang Geng, tell me... should we inform Senior Brother Guangchengzi about this? After all, it's a major matter. If Senior Brother Guangchengzi could also participate, it would benefit the unity of the three Daoist sects."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, taking out a letter he had prepared beforehand from his sleeve. The reason for summoning True Man Huanglong this time was precisely this matter.

"Give this letter to Senior Brother Guangchengzi; he will understand the situation."

True Man Huanglong visibly sighed in relief, as if a long-held burden had finally been lifted from his heart. But he pondered for a few moments, then asked: "Chang Geng, you just mentioned capturing but not killing him, but... does our Third Uncle-Master intend to use Kunpeng to pursue the Chaos Bell?"

"I cannot say too much about this," Li Changshou said seriously. "But Senior Brother Huanglong, do not be misled by those very few, ill-intentioned individuals within Chan Cult. Although both Jie Cult and Chan Cult have entered the Investiture of Gods calamity, whether they can overcome it depends on their individual abilities. Do not be provoked by others into thinking it must be a 'one's loss is another's gain' relationship. That is not the case. All living beings between heaven and earth are caught within the tribulation's destiny, and everything is propelled forward by the Heavenly Dao."

His words were succinct. True Man Huanglong looked thoughtful and did not ask further questions. Li Changshou sighed inwardly, acknowledging a slight bias in his own actions regarding this matter, and recognizing he would need to compensate for it later.

Upon arriving at the Grand White Palace, Li Changshou immediately summoned his 'magic weapon-men'—ahem, his elite forces—to gather. These were, in fact, just the Golden Peng, Ao Yi, and Bian Zhuang. Without pleasantries, Li Changshou stated directly: "Golden Peng, I'll need to trouble you with another trip. Take Mei Wenhua and my paper avatar to meet Mei Maobing, Mei Xinqing, and Mei Dixian. If you can reform them and persuade them to return, that would be ideal. If not, do not show mercy simply because Mei Wenhua pleads for them. Also, take these items with you, and be extremely careful and cautious."

"Understood!" Golden Peng replied firmly, his eyes reflecting his teacher, who had returned to his old immortal appearance, and a blazing flame ignited within him. Ahem, the flame of absolute stability!

Li Changshou handed various anti-Heavenly Demon magical artifacts to Golden Peng. Golden Peng immediately took his leave, retrieved Mei Wenhua from the formation in the corner of the great hall, and swiftly flew out of the Heavenly Court.

Then, Li Changshou looked at Bian Zhuang and said gently, "Xiao Zhuang."

"Star Lord, I await your instructions."

"I need you to return to the Heavenly End Secret Realm," Li Changshou said. "I'm a bit uneasy about entrusting this matter directly to your grandmother. Wait for my message later. I need to leverage the power of Heavenly End Pavilion to disseminate some information. Although Heavenly Court has already made arrangements in this regard, disseminating information directly from Heavenly Court would pose risks and be unstable. Do you understand?"

"I understand, sir!" Bian Zhuang dared not think too much, bowing and clasping his fists. "You can trust my discretion, sir. Even if Fairy Chang'e asks me what I'm doing, should I reveal even a shred of information, I will accept death!"

"It doesn't need to be so serious," Li Changshou raised a hand and patted Bian Zhuang's shoulder. "I still trust you. Depart now, and find a suitable reason to explain to your grandmother. You can directly invoke my name and tell your grandmother not to ask too many questions."

"No problem," Bian Zhuang smiled. "Star Lord, rest assured, I will not fail this mission."

Immediately, Bian Zhuang clasped his fists in salute, turned, and swiftly departed, his steps quick and his eyes gleaming with light.

"Brother Cult Master," Ao Yi called out with a smile, as it was now deserted. "Are we about to make a big move?"

"Indeed," Li Changshou exhaled. "There's a matter that's quite secretive, and only you can handle it. I need the Dragon Clan's records regarding Kunpeng, and for this matter, the fewer Dragon Clan members alarmed, the better."

Ao Yi immediately nodded upon hearing this, then looked thoughtful, and after a long while said, "If it's in the Dragon Clan's ancient texts, it can naturally be kept from others. Even Sisi, I will keep it from her. But according to our Dragon Clan rules, some matters are kept in the hearts of the elder patriarchs..."

"The Dragon Clan's elder patriarchs are fine," Li Changshou said seriously. "If they ask, just say that Heavenly Court is compiling a chronicle related to the ancient Monster Court. The Dragon Clan were observers throughout the ancient era; these memories and materials are quite valuable. Later, I will have the Hall of Enlightenment issue such a message to cover your actions."

"Understood!" Ao Yi nodded solemnly. "Brother Cult Master, when do you need it?"

"The sooner the better, but don't show any signs of impatience."

"Okay, I'll go now." Ao Yi agreed, turned, and departed swiftly, also full of vigor and moving with great strides.

So, from the corner of the doorway, a head furtively peeked in...

"Um, that," Ling Zhuzi whispered. "Uncle-Master, is there anything you need help with?"

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, saying gently, "Just focus on your cultivation; no need to worry too much."

"Oh, okay," Ling Zhuzi replied, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly as he turned away. Although he tried to straighten his chest, his back view still appeared somewhat desolate.

This little fellow...

"By the way, Ling Zhu," Li Changshou called out gently, "Are you free recently?"

"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" Ling Zhuzi turned around, leapt two steps over the Grand White Palace threshold, and hurried to Li Changshou's front. "I have plenty of free time! I always fight with the rabbits when I'm bored! Uncle-Master, just give the order, and I promise to get it done cleanly and efficiently!"

Li Changshou smiled. "Then I'll trouble you to make a trip to Guanghan Palace and ask Fairy Chang'e if she's free. Just say I invite her to drink wine together, and she can set the time. And this matter, it has to be you. After all, not just anyone can go to Guanghan Palace; only you can talk to the Jade Rabbit."

"Right!" Ling Zhuzi nodded vigorously, his jewel-like eyes full of light. He bowed to Li Changshou and rushed off to the place where the sun and moon revolve.

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile, but his smile quickly froze. Immediately, a white light flew out from his sleeve, condensing into the figure of Bai Ze. He then took out the large gourd from his sleeve, threw it into a formation, and advanced with Bai Ze.

Li Changshou said coldly, "Can Yi's essence soul truly be Yi?"

Bai Ze stroked his goatee beside him, pondering why he had been brought there. Hmm, Star Lord must value his resourcefulness... It certainly couldn't be because he once assembled the Immortal Slaying Flying Dagger and was brought here as a skilled laborer!

"Mr. Bai, dismantle it. If it doesn't respond today, destroy it directly to prevent future troubles!"