Chapter 586: Gathering the Winds and Clouds, Primal Purple Qi Awakening the Divine Movement

Before Li Changshou was about to depart for Xuandu City, on Kunlun Mountain, a perpetual banquet was being held.

"Daoist Du'e, do you have any news? Why has the matter of the Grandmist Purple Qi been so widely rumored these past few years, making it seem as if a genuine Grandmist Purple Qi is about to appear?"

"Well... I haven't received any such news." True Immortal Du'e smiled humbly, flicked the golden trim of his exquisite robe, stroked his fine whisk, and, adopting a refined posture, replied with a chuckle: "It's not that I can hear every piece of news. Mainly, my acquaintances in the Heavenly Courts are also unaware of this."

At the mention of "Heavenly Courts," ears around them immediately perked up.

An old Daoist asked, "Does the Heavenly Courts truly have no information? How is it that these rumors seem to be spreading from the vicinity of Huoyun Cave?"

True Immortal Du'e stroked his beard and shook his head, while a Daoist nearby interjected: "Oh, I have a friend who just returned yesterday from watching the spectacle at Huoyun Cave. The strange phenomena around Huoyun Cave are simply uncontrollable."

"It's clear that the ninth strand of the eighth Grandmist Purple Qi is about to manifest! The eight Human Emperors who possess the other eight strands are all in Huoyun Cave, so such phenomena are quite normal."

"Nine nine-grade auspicious lotuses around Huoyun Cave are already on the verge of blooming. The ninth strand of Grandmist Purple Qi should manifest within a hundred years, or even sooner."

Seeing everyone's sensible analysis, True Immortal Du'e couldn't help but ask: "Are all these reports from Huoyun Cave?"

"Not just heard, I saw it with my own eyes!" True Immortal Du'e looked enlightened, then frowned, glanced at the sky, and muttered, "Could it be true? How come when I inquired in the Heavenly Courts, everyone was completely clueless..."

The old Daoists' eyes lit up, and a few more rumors immediately spread.

"If you ask me, we shouldn't dwell on this Grandmist Purple Qi anymore. It's not a treasure that you or I can touch."

"There are so many masters in Daoism, and so many powerful beings in the heavens and earth. We are merely carefree immortals. If we get entangled in such a vortex, wasted effort would be the least of our worries. If we turn into dust from the tribulation, there would be nowhere to cry."

"Isn't there also a rumor that, according to the Heavenly Secrets, this ninth strand of the eighth Grandmist Purple Qi will go to the second-generation disciple with the greatest merit in Daoism? Could it be directly bestowed by the Heavenly Dao upon the esteemed Lord Taibai Xingjun?"

"What merit does Taibai Xingjun have to directly obtain the opportunity for sainthood?"

"Isn't assisting the Heavenly Courts a great merit? Isn't promoting Daoism a great merit? And wasn't the Daoist Non-Aggression Pact also orchestrated by Taibai Xingjun Li Chang Geng? After all, Dao Ancestor is Dao Ancestor; in his heart, he ultimately favors Daoism; he has a soft spot for the younger generations!"

"Enough talk, enough talk. The Heavenly Dao is watching us."

"Indeed, that's enough. This matter doesn't concern us much. It's just a spectacle to watch."

"Precisely, let's leave it at that."

Grandmist Purple Qi? Taibai Xingjun? True Immortal Du'e stroked his beard and frowned, pondering slightly. He felt that there was something unusual about this.

He hadn't simply come here for a casual chat today. Ever since he became the Heavenly Courts' "propagandist" and the Great Wilderness's "grapevine," he had continuously released numerous "big news" items. Now, his every move would be interpreted as the Heavenly Courts' stance.

True Immortal Du'e had come out because he had received a message jade slip from the Heavenly Courts that morning. The jade slip's content was peculiar: it instructed him to go out, listen, and observe, but after half an hour, his disciple Zheng Lun would come to find him... Such detailed arrangements likely came from Lord Xingjun himself, though the specific intent was unknown.

"Master! You're out drinking again!"

Suddenly, a call came from down the mountain. True Immortal Du'e stood up, made a Daoist bow to his old friends, and chuckled, "My disciple has found me, so I'll be heading back now."

"True Immortal, why are you leaving just after arriving?"

"True Immortal, you must give your old friends a hint: is the Grandmist Purple Qi real or not..."

True Immortal Du'e looked at the figures gathering around him and sighed, "I truly don't know about this matter, and even if I knew whether it was true or false, what good would it do? There are so many powerful beings in the heavens and earth, not to mention the masters of Daoism. If the Grandmist Purple Qi truly manifests, it would be released by the Heavenly Dao, so everyone must be careful."

As Du'e spoke, the graceful, handsome young Daoist with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes had already arrived by cloud at the mid-mountain banquet. The young Daoist first bowed towards the banquet, then transmitted a message to True Immortal Du'e: "Master, you should return. Didn't the Heavenly Courts say that you should drink less and travel less these past few years?"

This young Daoist was, of course, Zheng Lun. At this time, Zheng Lun was only at the True Immortal realm, as he hadn't reincarnated and cultivated for long, but his identity, which True Immortal Du'e had supposedly kept secret, had long since been revealed. The reincarnation of Ji Wuyou, the Sect Master of Du Xian Sect! The former Sect Master of Taibai Xingjun of the Heavenly Courts, whose reincarnation was personally arranged by Taibai Xingjun!

"Go, go," True Immortal Du'e waved his whisk, stood up with a chuckle, "Back, right back. I haven't been drinking, nor have I said anything out of turn."

Zheng Lun gave a wry smile, his expression relatively calm, his acting perfectly normal. It was clear that during his reincarnation, Meng Po's hand had trembled like "Great Wilderness Parkinson's," leaving little soup in the bowl. At this point, he had recovered his past life's memories.

As True Immortal Du'e approached on a cloud, Zheng Lun humbly jumped onto his master's cloud, and they drifted away together, leaving behind a group of old, middle-aged, and young Qi Refiners, all looking at each other in confusion.

There's a problem, a big problem here! News intentionally spread by the Heavenly Courts is hard to discern as true or false, but it's certainly beneficial to the Heavenly Courts. News the Heavenly Courts doesn't want to spread is naturally detrimental to them, but it's ninety-nine percent true...

An old Daoist whispered, "Could it be that the Grandmist Purple Qi isn't directly bestowed upon Taibai Xingjun? Instead, the Heavenly Courts need to seize it?"

In an instant, the entire banquet became lively. Though there was no loud clamor, an undercurrent began to stir.

"Senior Brother Changshou, have you heard about the Grandmist Purple Qi?"

In the Heavenly Courts, at the former Water God's Residence, in its elegantly landscaped backyard. A man and a woman walked side by side, surrounded by an invisible barrier, like frosted glass. It was Li Changshou, who had reverted to his youthful appearance, and Youqin Xuanya, dressed in a long gown.

Just as Li Changshou was about to leave Taibai Palace, he received a message from Youqin Xuanya and hurried to meet her. He had thought she might be a bit tired of staying in the Heavenly Courts and wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk or receive some guidance. To his surprise, after Li Changshou activated his immortal power barrier, Youqin Xuanya directly asked such a question.

He was truly caught off guard.

"You've heard the rumors too?" Li Changshou counter-asked with a smile.

"Yes," Youqin Xuanya said, "Currently, all the immortals and gods in the Heavenly Courts are discussing it, saying that the ninth strand of the eighth Grandmist Purple Qi is about to manifest, and it should be for you, Senior Brother."

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, saying, "I wouldn't dare to guess the intentions of the Heavenly Dao." Inside, he silently apologized, worried that their conversation might be overheard. He couldn't reveal a single detail about this scheme to her.

Youqin Xuanya asked, "Then this time... do you have a good grasp, Senior Brother?"

"It's alright," Li Changshou said, "but everything is still unknown. This Grandmist Purple Qi, it all depends on whether I have affinity with it or not."

"Is there anything I can help with?" Youqin Xuanya's expression turned serious, and she firmly stated, "Even if it means climbing a mountain of knives or plunging into a sea of fire for you, Senior Brother, Xuanya will not hesitate!"

Li Changshou: 'Should we set up an incense altar and become sworn siblings here?'

'However, this is her sincerity.' Li Changshou's heart felt warm. He smiled and said, "You just need to cultivate steadily in the Heavenly Courts; there's no need to worry about these matters. By the way, Xuanya, why haven't you visited Little Qiong Peak? Ling'e has begged to come out and play with you, but I've punished her over ten times."

Youqin Xuanya paused, then counter-asked, "Can I go to Little Qiong Peak freely?"

Li Changshou chuckled, "Why not?"

She whispered, "Isn't that the backyard of Taibai Palace..."

"You are my fellow junior sister, and my confidante. Among Du Xian Sect, you and Little Uncle-Master are closest to us senior and junior siblings. Who would dare to stop you?"

Li Changshou secretly thought, 'Just as I expected,' and took out a stack of paper Daoists from his sleeve, instructing: "These are the latest paper-man avatars; their strength has improved significantly from before. Keep them with you. The Heavenly Palace has been heavily guarded for the past century, and you've been in seclusion, unable to go out and slay demons. You must be feeling a bit stifled. Feel free to go to Taibai Palace. If you want to wander and see places in the Heavenly Courts, just take out my paper Daoist; no one will dare to stop you."

"Okay," Youqin Xuanya put the paper figures into her bracelet, slightly hesitant to speak, her bright eyes darting around, her words delayed.

"Sigh..." Li Changshou slowly sighed, "The Heavenly Courts are gradually getting on track, governing an increasingly vast domain, and divine authority is becoming more rigid."

"Isn't this what you've been doing, Senior Brother?" Youqin Xuanya's beautiful eyes shone brightly; she seemed to perk up when this was mentioned.

"Your vision for the Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man, Senior Brother, and your classification of beings into humans, spirits, immortals, demons, devils, and ghosts, all represent a completely new order. It has already achieved numerous results. In the Southern Continent, demons have vanished, immortals dare not easily intrude, and mortals live in peace and prosperity, free from immortal oppression. The forces in the Three Thousand Worlds are initially clear. Although there are continuous battles during this great tribulation, it is foreseeable that once the tribulation dissipates, the Heavenly Courts' power will surely transcend the Three Realms, bringing this order to the entire Great Wilderness. An ordinary immortal, or what is called a Great Wilderness mighty being, would be considered successful even if they accomplished half of this. Yet, Senior Brother, you have arranged all of this in just a few hundred years... Senior Brother?"

Li Changshou stretched, and chuckled, "I see the light in your eyes when you talk about these things. Do you like being a Heavenly General in the Heavenly Courts?"

"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm," Youqin Xuanya nodded lightly, humming a few times with her hands behind her back, clearly much more lively than before. "I just feel that working here allows me to contribute to the living beings of heaven and earth. When Xuanya was confused and lost before, it was Senior Brother who enlightened me. This body is willing to strive for justice. And..." She glanced to the side, lowering her voice to a whisper, and mumbled, "Senior Brother is also in the Heavenly Courts."

Li Changshou chuckled, "What would you do if I ever left the Heavenly Courts?"

Youqin Xuanya's delicate brows furrowed; for a moment, she didn't know how to answer.

"My fault, that question was a bit too difficult for you," Li Changshou chuckled lightly, then said seriously, "Being able to pursue one's ideals is actually quite a good thing. The Great Wilderness is incredibly dangerous; the basic survival rights of the weak were not guaranteed, which was the most prominent issue before. However, the Heavenly Dao operates, and the Great Dao is unpredictable. With the rise of the Heavenly Courts, the most prominent issue is now being resolved, but then new problems will emerge as primary contradictions. The righteous path is not static; it also depends on your stance. But your conviction should not change. What you need to protect is not the weak in the world, but the flame within your heart."

Youqin Xuanya nodded solemnly, "Senior Brother, I understand."

"Alright, I have some important matters to attend to." Li Changshou subconsciously raised his hand to pat Youqin Xuanya's shoulder, only to stop three inches above it... This was purely out of habit from encouraging Bian Zhuang and others!

Youqin Xuanya's gaze was somewhat puzzled. She tried tilting her head, attempting to lean her cheek closer. Li Changshou had a sudden idea. A jade pendant with soul-protecting properties appeared in his hand, which he affixed with immortal power to her seemingly translucent earlobe.

"A small gift... I'm off."

Youqin Xuanya stood still and smiled softly, not realizing there was anything amiss with her previous actions, and wondered why Senior Brother Changshou's departing figure seemed a bit rushed.

"Oh, right." Li Changshou had already ascended on a cloud but turned back, smiled at her, and transmitted a message: "You were arranged to come to the Heavenly Courts by me. If you ever get tired of being here, or feel dissatisfied, you can always return."

Youqin Xuanya nodded gently and made a Daoist bow to Li Changshou: "I wish you success, Senior Brother!" Li Changshou shook his head with a smile, his figure transforming into a streak of rainbow light as he vanished towards the High Heavens Palace.

'He participated in making this Grandmist Purple Qi, why would he seize it?'

When going out to stir up trouble, it was natural to bring His Majesty the Jade Emperor's avatar along. So he could have some sense of involvement.

Three days later, near Huoyun Cave.

Li Changshou and Quan Tong, the Jade Emperor's avatar, hid in the shadows, observing the strange phenomena in various parts of the great marsh. Auspicious lotuses bloomed in radiant splendor, while celebratory clouds touched the heavens.

It wasn't just outside Huoyun Cave; inside was also quite lively. After all, as Li Changshou requested, if they were putting on a show, they had to go all out. The area within a thousand *li* was exceptionally lively, with many Qi Refiners, mainly Heavenly Immortals, arriving to observe, though countless "big fish" were mingled among them.

Li Changshou and Quan Tong exchanged glances, then quietly departed. The momentum-building was going smoothly. The two made a gesture of invitation, secretly left the vicinity of Huoyun Cave, and headed beyond the heavens. Several days later, they arrived at a large array illusion carved into the void, where they rendezvoused with the Golden-Winged Great Peng, picked up Bai Ze who had returned to Lintian Hall to oversee matters, and together they set off for Xuandu City.

Quan Tong chuckled, "Now that the major affairs are settled, I wonder if that Grandmist Purple Qi can fool Kunpeng."

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou chuckled, "To be on the safe side, besides the Grandmist Purple Qi, I've also prepared another fishhook. If this scheme doesn't work, we can immediately activate the backup plan."

"Oh?" Quan Tong wondered, "There can be a backup plan for this too? Chang Geng, what enmity or grievance do you have with Kunpeng?"

"No particular enmity," Li Changshou chuckled, "Actually, this plan is also a pleasant surprise: it involves the four Heavenly Fiends that I've currently placed in Taibai Palace. It all started with Mei Wen Hwa; the Heavenly Fiends underwent a mutation and transformed into the purest beings. The Dao principles of the Fiend of Creation are incomplete, so most Heavenly Fiends tend towards destruction. However, these mutated Heavenly Fiends have gone to the other extreme, with their hearts filled with salvation and protection."

"That's a good thing, then," Quan Tong chuckled. "Don't keep calling them Heavenly Fiends. Let's give them a new name."

Li Changshou said softly, "If Your Majesty could bestow names, that would certainly be their honor."

"They were originally Heavenly Fiends, and now transformed into such immortal spirits, why not call them the Little Devil Fairies clan?"

Li Changshou gave a thumbs-up, using it to express his profound admiration, and quickly steered the conversation back to business.

"To be brief, Mei Wen Hwa and the others can threaten the Heavenly Fiend Venerables. And based on various information I've gathered, Kunpeng obtains spiritual power in the Sea of Chaos by devouring the Heavenly Fiend Venerables' clones. As long as we act against the Heavenly Fiend Venerables, even if Kunpeng is naturally cold-hearted, he'll have to appear to rescue them. However, this backup plan carries greater risk, as it requires going deep into the Sea of Chaos, and we don't know what difficulties we might encounter."

"Good." Quan Tong's face showed emotion, and he praised, "In terms of profound planning, Chang Geng is truly the foremost person below the Saints."

"Speaking of which, I do have a slight concern." Li Changshou looked at the constantly flashing specks of light in the void ahead. "If the Western Sect intentionally interferes, it could also cause some trouble."

"How else could they interfere?" Quan Tong chuckled, "They can't possibly spread news saying that the Grandmist Purple Qi is definitely fake, can they?"

"Let's hope so," Li Changshou chuckled. "If they are also interested in the Grandmist Purple Qi, they naturally wouldn't want too many people to act, so their chances would be greater. If they were to spread such news, it would actually be a good thing, directly increasing the credibility of the matter. What I'm worried about is if they suddenly have a flash of inspiration and pull off something completely unexpected."

"Oh?" Quan Tong seemed to understand yet not understand, but quickly adopted a squinting, smiling expression. This was a common technique for those in high positions.

Meanwhile, at the foot of Spirit Mountain. The slightly corpulent Daoist stood in the shadows, a perpetual smile on his lips, and calmly addressed the dozen or so bowing figures before him: "As I just said, spread it as quickly as possible. Whether the Grandmist Purple Qi is real or fake, it's eighty percent certain to be a Heavenly Courts' scheme. What I like to do most is to thwart the Heavenly Courts' plans. Remember to act carefully, don't let any information leak, I have many more arrangements to make later."

The masters, led by Daoist Wen Jing, answered in unison.

In the Sea of Chaos, a place incredibly distant from the Great Wilderness, an immeasurable colossal body was enveloped by masses of black shadows. Its abyss-like dark maw slowly opened, swallowing countless black shadows...

A wisp of divine thought came: 'Master, are you truly going to the Great Wilderness? This might be a trap; they are most cunning.'

Kunpeng's fish-like eyes slowly opened into a slit.

'This is my last chance. They won't be able to keep me.'