Chapter 635: Shou E's Two-Person Tour

Unlike the grand procession on their arrival, Li Changshou left the underworld with Ling E in a rather low-key manner.

He told Jin Peng that he was taking his junior sister out for a stroll to clear her mind, and Jin Peng naturally agreed at once, leading the carriage and entourage back to Heaven on their own.

The commotion surrounding Qi Yuan's reincarnation had already spread throughout Fengdu City and was steadily rippling across the Three Realms.

The Ten Yan Kings saw them off, and the underworld's ghost generals gathered in full force. Houtu the Great Virtue nurtured his remaining soul, and the Holy Mother herself intervened to reshape his divine soul. This even dragged in the ancient conflict in Beizhou that decided the fate of the demon clan, where the ancient demon court's crown prince Lu Ya met a tragic end, and saints clashed in battle...

At the center of all this turmoil was merely a turbid immortal, which left the cultivators of the Honghuang world both amused and incredulous, while also imbuing this turbid immortal with quite a legendary aura.

As they flew slowly over the San Tu River on a cloud, Li Changshou did not hide his presence, gazing down at the souls drifting in the river.

He was pondering something, sensing something.

By now, his path ahead was crystal clear, but taking each step forward still presented many challenges.

The Heavenly Way would obstruct him, and the Dao Ancestor would not permit it—these were the greatest obstacles.

He had always complained that Senior Lang had added so much "life difficulty" for him as a steady junior, but it was precisely because of Senior Lang's various arrangements that Li Changshou now had important assets for the upcoming struggle.

For instance, the second primordial spirit method. For instance, the Kunpeng ark and the Heavenly Demon Venerable, who had been trained by Kunpeng.

These had all become part of Li Changshou's bottom-line trump cards.

The souls in the San Tu River came from the Three Thousand Worlds and the Five Continents, with the majority from the Three Thousand Worlds, since although the Five Continents were vast, the Three Thousand Worlds were nearly boundless, and their living beings already outnumbered those of the Five Continents several times over.

This was another aspect that the Heavenly Way needed to balance.

—The minority of beings in the Five Continents held the vast majority of the living beings' destiny.

This was because the Five Continents were the "orthodox" of the ancient Honghuang, from which all beings originated, so the Heavenly Way recognized the beings of the Five Continents the most.

After quietly sensing for a while, Li Changshou's mind shifted across the heavens and earth. He had originally wanted to check the impact of his master's reincarnation but unexpectedly learned of a message: the saints of Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao had summoned their disciples for a meeting.

Indeed, the curtain had risen.

"Senior Brother,"

Ling E called softly from the side, smiling as she leaned over and looked up at Li Changshou's face. "Where are we going next?"

Li Changshou said: "Let's wander around the mortal world, take a look around, and make some arrangements."

"Are we going to see Master's reincarnated self?"

"No, for Master's reincarnated self to live in peace, it's better if we stay far away," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Don't worry—Master will have the Heavenly Way's protection from now on. Besides, as his senior brother, I've arranged quite a few benefits for Master's reincarnated self."

Ling E blinked and whispered: "What about Shishu Jiu Yushi?"

"Whether they rekindle their past fate depends on their own destiny—we juniors shouldn't interfere too much," Li Changshou said with a laugh. "I just checked Master's reincarnated self's marital fate and gave Yue Lao a little something as a favor."

Ling E's face flushed slightly, and she lightly chided him, tapping Li Changshou's arm with her hand.

"Master is so upright and pure! Oh!"

Li Changshou chuckled a few times, sitting on the cloud and gazing into the distance. He pointed his sword finger forward, and the white cloud sped up a bit.

Ling E leaned against his side, humming a few melodious tunes.

Half an hour later, above the East Sea.

Li Changshou stroked his chin thoughtfully, then turned to ask Ling E: "Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to go?"

Ling E blinked and replied thoughtfully: "San Xian Island."

"Ah, I was thinking of taking you around the Honghuang for a bit. We've been senior brother and junior sister for so many years and never gone out together for fun, but if you want a trio trip, then we could go invite..."

"No, no, don't!"

Ling E jumped up, her small hands grabbing Li Changshou's neck and shaking him vigorously like a rattle drum.

"Let's go to San Xian Island after we've had our fun! Senior Brother, you do have a conscience after all! Hmph, your junior sister has put up with so much all these years and never dared to suggest going out for a walk! Uh, Senior Brother, aren't you afraid of..."

"Afraid of what?"

Ling E said firmly: "Ambush, assassination, poisoning, heavenly punishment, karma, and the arbitrary oppression from great powers!"

"I'm a great power myself."

Li Changshou smiled calmly, his lips curling slightly as he explained: "We've been busy for so many years and never really played around in the Honghuang. If we leave this world after the great calamity ends, we'd be missing out big time."

Ling E blinked, sensing that her senior brother's tone...

Seemed like he was deliberately saying it for someone to hear.

Based on her understanding of him, there must be some scheme at play—her senior brother was probably using this "seize the day for fun" attitude as a cover for something.

It wasn't that she was clever; it was just that today's version of her senior brother was unusually out of character.

She was, after all,

The old moth in her senior brother's spiritual platform!

"For now, let's go to the edge of the world, Tianya Cape."

Li Changshou waved his hand grandly and tossed two treasure pouches to Ling E. "Spirit stones and materials—spend as you like."

Ling E's eyes lit up instantly, and she flashed a pure, simple, cute, and charming smile.

Another half hour later.

After visiting Tianya Cape and gazing into the outer void, Ling E and Li Changshou, who had changed his appearance, began wandering through the large market town there.

Li Changshou discreetly released a bit of his Dao realm pressure, ensuring that any cultivator who probed him would sense he was not to be trifled with.

Then, he walked with his hands behind his back, a slight smile on his face, following behind Ling E. Ling E dashed from one shop stall to another, her face glowing with the joy of shopping.

Li Changshou's gaze followed her figure, and from time to time, he sized up some of the immortals in the area with decent foundations and passable Daos, making others quite tense.

Soon, Ling E stopped at the "immortal clothing street" and started browsing for stylish dresses.

Li Changshou waited quietly nearby, his aura and Dao realm pressure making him the most conspicuous presence on the entire street.

Every so often, Ling E would run back, calling out:

"Senior Brother! Does this look good?"

"Senior Brother, I want this one and that one!"

"This one seems perfect for Yunxiao Jie... And I need to get gifts for Qiongxiao and Bixiao as well..."

Each time, Li Changshou nodded with a smile and shared his thoughts sincerely, avoiding mere flattery.

At such moments, one shouldn't just praise endlessly; a woman's subtle feelings are hard to gauge. It's essential to stand on her side and objectively evaluate the style and design of the clothing, rather than just saying "yes, yes" or "it looks good on you."

Especially when a woman really likes a piece of clothing or jewelry, if a man can accurately point out its flaws, drawbacks, defects, or how it doesn't suit her,

Then next time she goes shopping in the market, she'll either avoid that area or won't invite that man along.

Meanwhile, in a certain great city in Nan Zambu Continent.

The Jiang family estate, marked by a stone plaque, was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners as they celebrated the birth of a son. Nearly every clan in the city sent representatives, making it incredibly lively.

In a secluded corner of the Jiang estate's backyard, under the eaves of a small building, the Jade Emperor's incarnation, Quan Tong, sat quietly with a confident smile on his lips.

Everything was under his control!

Changgeng was deeply emotional but rarely expressed it. The old Daoist Qi Yuan had been a great benefactor to Changgeng, not only teaching him the Dao but also raising him. Qi Yuan's passing must have hit Changgeng hard.

Thus, Quan Tong was certain that Changgeng would come here to secretly observe Qi Yuan's reincarnated self, Jiang Shang!

Perhaps, at this very moment, Changgeng's paper effigy was hiding nearby!

Quan Tong had devised a full plan to help Changgeng overcome his difficulties.

First, he would stage a casual encounter with Changgeng here, then invite him to wander around and inspect the mortal world, starting with heavenly matters to open up conversation and build rapport.

Next, Quan Tong would lead Changgeng to accidentally pass by a street where a funeral was taking place, using the mortals' cries of grief to stir up Changgeng's buried emotions.

Then, over drinks, he would get Changgeng drunk, helping him gradually open up and voice his inner turmoil.

Finally, as the ruler of the Three Realms and the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens, he would say something like, "Go ahead and cry; there's no one else here," to close the gap between them as ruler and minister!

Quan Tong estimated that after this "emotional guidance," he and his dear Changgeng could go from being unyielding ruler and minister to golden confidants!

Thinking of this, Quan Tong smiled faintly.

In truth, he had no other choice.

Changgeng had clearly stated that he would leave Heaven after the great calamity ended, and the greatest contributor to Heaven's full prosperity had no desire to bask in the mortals' reverence.

Quan Tong could only try this method to retain him.

'There must be some misunderstanding between Changgeng and his teacher.'

A hint of thought flashed in the Jade Emperor's incarnation's eyes, and he shook his head with a smile, closing his eyes to meditate and wait for the "encounter."

And so, half a day later.

"Senior Brother, where should we go next? Are we heading to San Xian Island?"

"We've only visited one big city—why the rush? I'll take you to the sea clan's royal city for a turn. There are many stunning sights in the sea that should broaden your horizons."

"Yes! Yes!"

"Alright, let's go. Later, I'll make a proper plan and take you on a tour of the Honghuang's major scenic spots."

Ling E cheered, genuinely lightening the sorrow from her master's departure.

Thus, three... years later.

In the Jiang estate's backyard, on the eaves.

Quan Tong stared blankly at the toddler in open-crotch pants with a topknot, running wildly around the courtyard with the maids and guards, and couldn't help but furrow his brow with frustration.

He would keep waiting!

He refused to believe it! If Li Changgeng didn't show up, he would discard this incarnation and create a new one, naming it Quan Bu Dong!

Ah, this was a way of Heavenly Way protection that even the Heavenly Way itself hadn't anticipated.

In truth, three years wasn't enough to tour the Five Continents fully.

But Li Changshou didn't dare take too much time off, so he selected some of the oddities from the Five Continents and Four Seas, taking Ling E to play at each for a while.

They rode massive mantis shrimp through coral forests in the East Sea clan's royal city. They drifted freely on the North Sea's ice plains, admiring the shifting immortal lights in the sky. They even joined the Sea God Temple followers in An Shui City for bonfires, singing and dancing until dawn.

They passed through the immortal-packed market towns of Zhong Shen Continent and visited various famous ancient caves and blessed lands of the Honghuang.

Sometimes, they hid their identities and chatted with sociable immortals, gossiping about all sorts of bizarre events; other times, Li Changshou deliberately used his paper effigies to set up "scenarios," making Ling E laugh until she was out of breath.

Li Changshou had no ulterior motives; while he grew closer to Ling E, nothing improper occurred.

The days ahead were long, and he simply wanted to give Ling E more memories and let her experience more of the Honghuang.

Her cultivation life had been far too monotonous.

In the past, he could justify it with "focusing on immortality," but now that Ling E had achieved immortality, if she didn't see the world, her life experiences would remain too sparse.

Li Changshou, as a mature traveler from the Blue Star, simply didn't want Ling E's world to revolve only around him.

Seeing more, experiencing more, making friends, and meeting other female immortals... As for male immortals, that could be skipped.

After three years of travel, Ling E had become noticeably more lively.

Li Changshou set the final stop at San Xian Island, but to minimize any negative impact, he first toured the immortal mountains of Chan Jiao, visiting Yu Ding Zhenren and greeting Yin Yang Great Immortal.

Ling Zhuzi's soul and fetal spirit had stabilized, and Taiyi Zhenren was secretly scouting families, but nothing seemed quite right—one was too lacking, another didn't fit.

Mortals were mostly imperfect, and Taiyi Zhenren's standards were indeed picky.

Li Changshou knew full well that Taiyi Zhenren was looking for someone fated, like the Li Jing couple, but Li Jing hadn't yet met his destined partner, so Taiyi Zhenren could only wait.

After bidding farewell to Taiyi Zhenren, Li Changshou took Ling E back to the East Sea.

As soon as they arrived near San Xian Island, Yunxiao detected them and came out to welcome the senior brother and junior sister pair.

It was unclear if it was coincidence or Jie Jiao's calculations, but several major disciples were on San Xian Island, drinking tea and discussing matters, as if waiting specifically for Li Changshou.

In reality, it was just pure coincidence.

With the killing calamity now underway, Jie Jiao had many immortals, and disciples kept reporting to Biyou Palace that their Dao hearts were restless, with urges to venture out.

Clearly, the calamity was at work.

Duobao Daoist had called upon Jin Ling Shengmu and Wudang Shengmu to tour the overseas Jie Jiao islands, soothing the immortals' Dao hearts, and they ended up at San Xian Island.

They naturally wanted to ask Yunxiao to contact Li Changshou and inquire about the upcoming calamity, so they could plan ahead.

But it was hard to bring up directly...

Just as Duobao and the others were about to leave, Li Changshou and Ling E arrived.

Duobao Daoist was overjoyed, laying out treasures from his stores one after another, telling Ling E to pick and choose as she liked.

The array of magical treasures and dazzling lights left Ling E a bit stunned, but she didn't dare take any.

Fortunately, Yunxiao used the excuse of showing Ling E around San Xian Island to rescue her, and took the opportunity to step away from the tea pavilion herself, leaving Li Changshou alone with the senior brothers and sisters.

Once Yunxiao and Ling E had left, Li Changshou smiled warmly and spoke first:

"Now that the killing calamity has begun, does Third Uncle have any decrees?"

"Yes," Duobao Daoist sighed, his plump face full of helplessness. "Teacher wants us to hold back for now, wait a bit, and not go out and about."

Jin Ling Shengmu said in a low voice: "We should strike quickly and decisively right now, pin down Western Teach first! Fill their experts with calamity karma, so both Jie Jiao and Chan Jiao can suffer less damage."

Duobao Daoist quickly soothed her: "Let's not talk about that. Following Teacher's orders is enough. By the way, Changgeng, there's something I want to confirm with you."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou said with a smile: "Just say it, Senior Brother."

Duobao Daoist pinched the fat on his chin, pondered for a moment, and said slowly: "Will Qi Yuan Daoist's reincarnated self be cultivating?"

Here it comes.

Li Changshou had spent these three years traveling with Ling E partly to avoid this matter.

But he hadn't expected to run into Duobao Daoist right upon arriving at San Xian Island.

"I don't know about that," Li Changshou said, a hint of sorrow in his eyes as he sighed. "Senior Brother, you may not know, but when my master reincarnated, he told me not to seek him out and to focus on my duties in Heaven. So I have no choice but to follow his dying wish and refrain from looking for his reincarnated self. These past few years, to help my junior sister move on, I've taken her traveling everywhere, and I haven't dared set foot in Nan Zambu Continent."

Duobao Daoist laughed: "You should still keep an eye on it. I heard that a crane flew from Kunlun Mountain to where your master reincarnated, circled around, and returned to Kunlun. And I also heard..."

Duobao Daoist suddenly lowered his voice and leaned forward: "To avoid putting you in a difficult position, Heaven has sent the Jade Emperor's incarnation to personally guard your master's reincarnated self."

Li Changshou: ...

Was the Jade Emperor showing such concern for him?

Indeed!

He had always thought the Jade Emperor pretended to be simple-minded, but in reality, he was profoundly wise, just playing dumb to slack off in daily matters.

The Jade Emperor must have a unique insight into the world's situation!

Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that the Jade Emperor had calculated it through the Heavenly Way.

Either way, Li Changshou appreciated the Jade Emperor's intentions.

Honestly, for the Jade Emperor to go to such lengths for his minister, personally guarding his master's reincarnated self to spare him trouble, a warm current surged in Li Changshou's heart, even stirring a bit of guilt toward the Jade Emperor.

Before leaving, he should leave some development plans for Heaven with the Jade Emperor.

Seeing that Li Changshou remained silent, Duobao Daoist took the initiative: "Changgeng, do you want Qi Yuan Daoist's reincarnated self, Jiang Shang, to join us at Biyou Palace for cultivation? Teacher would certainly look after him well."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said: "As for whom Third Uncle wants to take as a disciple, you don't need to ask me. Besides, I'm just a disciple raised by my master—how could I decide for him? For my master's reincarnated self, I can only keep my distance. As for Jiang Shang, I have to pretend I don't know anything."

Duobao Daoist savored his words carefully, then his eyes lit up. He stood up abruptly and laughed: "You all carry on drinking and chatting; I've suddenly had an epiphany and need to go into seclusion."

With that, he tore open a void portal and vanished in an instant, leaving Jin Ling Shengmu and Wudang Shengmu bewildered.

Jin Ling frowned: "What scheme are you two cooking up in secret?"

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile and lightly changed the subject.

It might be good to let Duobao Senior Brother give it a try, and also test the Heavenly Way's binding force in the great calamity.

As for Duobao, he burrowed through the void, speeding toward the Jiang family in Nan Zambu Continent...