Chapter 651: Rhythm Master

What's going on with this Li Jing?

In the boudoir on Sanxian Island, Li Changshou paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with doubt and confusion.

Yunxiao sat quietly to one side, a faint smile on her lips. Seeing that Li Changshou was still uneasy, she said, "Don't worry about it. This isn't something that will affect the great calamity's course. I trust you completely."

"It might not be such a minor matter," Li Changshou sighed softly and returned to his seat, just a few feet away from Yunxiao. Her unique faint fragrance was somewhat mesmerizing.

Li Changshou said, "I know Li Jing well. He's been cultivating in the immortal sects since he was young, with great destiny and the bearing of a great general. He's not one to resort to tricks."

"Taking advantage..." Yunxiao pondered the words carefully and smiled. "If you put it that way, we really need to handle this properly. If someone else is trying to secure a position in the Heavenly Court or using your name to deceive people, that would be inappropriate."

"That's not the case. Li Jing's situation is just a coincidence." Li Changshou hesitated slightly, holding back what was on his mind. He didn't want to worry her too much.

His careful attention to Li Jing was ultimately for the sake of contending with the Heavenly Dao. His thoughts had changed quite a bit since then, but before the incident in the Shang capital, Li Changshou had always considered his efforts to shape Li Jing as a brilliant move. Little did he expect that Li Jing could misunderstand things to such an extent! He suspected that the elders of Du Xian Men had played some subtle role in this process.

Ah, if only he had known, he would have just gradually changed Li Jing's original personality instead of bothering with that 'black-clad instructor' routine. Sometimes, being too cautious can lead to overdoing it.

"The follow-up handling is also troublesome," Li Changshou said, looking at the copy of the Book of Life and Death on the table. "The more we explain it publicly, the more it will seem like we're trying to cover something up. Public opinion... the mouths of the common people will only say what they think, regardless of the facts or truth. For those involved, it's just about the sense of participation and the satisfaction of being noticed."

Yunxiao thought for a moment and smiled. "Why have you suddenly become so profound?"

"It's just some reflections from always using public opinion in my schemes." Li Changshou slumped back in his chair and sighed slowly. "Being a first-time father... it's oddly embarrassing."

Yunxiao covered her mouth and chuckled, continuing to read the scroll in her hands.

Li Changshou closed his eyes to rest, his mind shifting to his various paper effigies. To be safe, he still needed to investigate the matter thoroughly and see if there was any scheming behind it. If Li Jing had done this deliberately, he wouldn't mind putting him through a quick overhaul. Such trends must not be allowed to grow.

Setting aside Li Changshou's paper effigy returning to Du Xian Men, let's turn to the Lingxiao Hall at that time.

Below the high platform, Mu Gong and several Heavenly Court deities watched the white-robed Jade Emperor on the platform with some concern.

"Mu Gong," an elderly deity whispered, "His Majesty has been smiling for half a month now. Is there some joyous occasion? Has the Empress conceived again?"

"Hey, don't talk nonsense!" Mu Gong glared at the elderly deity who had spoken and whispered back, "We're Heavenly Court officials. Instead of attending to our duties, why are we gossiping about His Majesty's family matters?"

The elderly deities chuckled awkwardly, just as the Jade Emperor touched his mouth and laughed out loud. The atmosphere in Lingxiao Hall instantly became incredibly cheerful.

"Mu Gong," the Jade Emperor called out. Dong Mu Gong and the other deities hurried forward to listen.

"This old minister is here."

"What do you think, Mu Gong? Is it possible that Li Jing could be the son of our beloved Changgeng?"

"This..." Mu Gong pondered for a moment and said, "Based on this old minister's understanding of Tai Bai Xing Jun, he isn't the type to deliberately hide his offspring, and there's no reason to hide it anyway. Now, rumors are spreading everywhere that Tai Bai Xing Jun is concealing Li Jing out of fear of Yunxiao Xianzi, which is utterly baseless. Your Majesty, in this old minister's view, we might as well issue an official decree to correct the matters being circulated in the great wilderness."

"What you say is quite right, Mu Gong." The Jade Emperor pondered briefly, set down the memorial he was pretending to review, and said with a full smile, "Whether Li Jing is truly Changgeng's son or not doesn't need deep investigation. The pure will remain pure, and I have full confidence in Changgeng as a person. But now that Changgeng has acknowledged Li Jing as his adopted son, we might as well use this to turn the rumors around."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"Your Majesty! This must not be done!"

An urgent call came from outside Lingxiao Hall. It was Li Changshou's paper effigy arriving on a cloud and striding directly into the hall, jumping down from the cloud at the appropriate spot and hurrying forward.

"Our beloved Changgeng has arrived just in time," the Jade Emperor laughed. "How to handle this is up to you to decide. Ahahaha!"

Mu Gong stepped forward to exchange greetings with Li Changshou, and the other elderly deities bowed their heads, saying, "Xing Jun."

Li Changshou smiled in response and quickly composed himself, repeating the explanation he had used with Yunxiao. At this point, any explanation would seem like an attempt to cover up.

Li Changshou said with a bitter smile, "I truly didn't expect Li Jing to have such a misunderstanding. This is also my own mistake. I've schemed too much and overcomplicated things."

The Jade Emperor asked, "So, do you think, my dear minister, that there's still a need to clarify this?"

"Of course there is," Li Changshou said seriously. "This may seem like my personal matter, but it's easy to spark a negative trend. People everywhere calling others 'father.' Our bodies, hair, and skin are gifts from our parents, and the title of parent should come from blood relations. If Li Jing's case leads to misunderstandings, then anyone in the great wilderness seeking benefits might start calling high officials their fathers. How would that be?"

The Jade Emperor laughed. "It won't be as serious as you say, my dear minister. Li Jing does have some connection with you, so others couldn't apply it the same way. But since you're worried, feel free to proceed as you see fit."

Li Changshou sighed inwardly and detailed what the Heavenly Court should do in this matter. In essence, it was simple: the Heavenly Court would remain silent for now and speak out when the time was right.

Then, Li Changshou began a month-long operation. His approach was straightforward: extremes lead to reversal, and prosperity leads to decline. When the creatures of the great wilderness were all eager for the spectacle, he would fan the flames.

This time, Li Changshou personally directed it with his new paper effigies, actively appearing in various market towns and spreading messages. First, he leaked a series of event details through Du Xian Men, shaping the image of 'fatherly compassion and filial piety' between Li Changgeng and Li Jing. At this point, Li Jing stepped forward, publicly declaring his background and apologizing to all parties for the misunderstanding caused by his impulsiveness. Along with that, he explained the situation that day, stating that the magnanimous Tai Bai Jin Xing had taken him as an adopted son.

Then... Li Jing was almost convinced by random passersby that he might have been placed in Chen Tang Town as part of his adopted father's plan. Once the attention started to wane, the rumors shifted to another explosive point—Li Jing's mother.

All sorts of gossip sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain: guesses about Li Jing's mother ranged from 'a disciple of Ren Jiao Xian Zong' to 'a female war god of the Heavenly Court,' and even 'a demoness,' 'the mother of all demons,' 'a princess of Luo Hou,' 'an extraterrestrial demon,' and so on. The initial gossip evolved into suspense and horror, stirring up wave after wave across the great wilderness.

However, this storm dragged on too long, with new rumors emerging daily, making many cultivators suspicious.

"Why does it feel like someone is pushing this from behind, deliberately smearing Tai Bai Jin Xing?"

"This is all too far-fetched. The whole thing seems unreliable."

"It must be someone exaggerating the father-son angle to ruin Tai Bai Jin Xing's reputation and even target his relationship with Jie Jiao."

A small group of cultivators felt they had seen through the fog and uncovered the truth, starting to refute the various rumors. As time passed and interest declined, fewer paid attention, and most cultivators sensed the abnormality, treating it as just a joke.

At this point, the Heavenly Court issued an official announcement. After obtaining Li Jing's consent, they publicly detailed his origins and declared strict punishment for those maliciously spreading rumors and tarnishing the image of Heavenly Court deities.

Li Jing swore a Heavenly Dao oath, proving he had no blood relation with Tai Bai Jin Xing and that he had only taken him as an adopted father out of gratitude for his special regard for Ren Jiao disciples.

Li Changshou played his trump card, hosting a banquet at Tai Bai Palace and inviting immortals and gods from all sides to formally take Li Jing as his adopted son. The farce finally came to an end.

Through this operation, Li Changshou gained a wave of somewhat useless reputation, earning praise for 'caring for juniors' and being 'broad-minded and benevolent.' The gossiping mouths of the three realms also got their fill. Those discussing it attracted sideways glances, enjoying the thrill of conversation; those who thought they had seen through the truth felt a sense of superiority; those weary of cultivation joined in for some entertainment to lift their spirits.

With the immortal banquet at Tai Bai Palace concluding, the matter was settled, and Li Jing's name spread throughout the great wilderness in a way he never imagined.

A few days later, near the Shang capital, two young Taoist cultivators strolled one after the other through the suburban woods.

"Li Jing, oh Li Jing, you've really given me a headache."

Li Changshou sighed, and Li Jing, knowing he had caused trouble, looked embarrassed and ashamed beyond words.

"Adopted father..."

"Call me martial uncle when we're in private. You're Du E Shi Xiong's disciple, and I joined the sect years after him." Li Changshou waved his hand. "We're about the same age in appearance. Could you really bring yourself to call me that?"

Li Jing lowered his head and sighed, not knowing how to respond. The Grand Elder had truly made things difficult for him...

"Martial uncle," Li Jing said, "Does this matter upset Yunxiao Xianzi? If so, should I go before her and swear an oath?"

—Li Changshou and Du E Zhen Ren referred to each other as martial brothers out of humility, which is why Li Jing called him 'martial uncle.'

"There's no need. She never believed there could be any real connection between us," Li Changshou sighed. "I've quietly investigated, and the source lies with those elders from Du Xian Men. It's all a misunderstanding, and that's how it has to be. But Li Jing, from now on, every word and action of yours will be seen as influenced by me. You must be cautious in all things and avoid causing trouble."

Li Jing immediately bowed and said softly, "This disciple will be careful with his words and deeds, and never bring shame to you, martial uncle."

"Ah, what a mess this is." Li Changshou chuckled and sighed, gesturing for Li Jing to walk with him, steering the conversation toward Chen Tang Town. "Li Jing, in your hometown, have you gained anything from slaying demons and monsters?"

"Martial uncle, this disciple's gains are not significant," Li Jing replied seriously. "It's just that I've realized the demon race can never be completely eradicated. As long as spiritual energy exists, so do living beings—domestic animals, wild beasts, birds, insects, ghosts, and lingering souls can all turn into demons and harm lives. Especially in the Dongzhou region northeast of Chen Tang Town, with its vast mountains and wild forests, great demons keep migrating there. Chen Tang Town may enjoy temporary peace, but it can't achieve lasting stability."

Li Changshou asked, "Have you thought about how to resolve this situation?"

"Martial uncle, this disciple is foolish," Li Jing said, bowing his head. "The methods I've considered, like setting up formations, would consume spirit stones far beyond what Chen Tang Town can afford, and it's not a long-term solution. Martial uncle, do you have any strategies?"

Li Changshou laughed. "This is difficult in some ways and not in others. I'll keep it brief and just tell you what to do."

"Thank you for your guidance, martial uncle!" Li Jing excitedly bowed in gratitude. Li Changshou organized his thoughts and began to speak slowly:

"First, you need to borrow destiny. Chen Tang Town is in a remote area, outside the rule of the Shang kingdom. Though Shang troops have passed through, their decrees don't reach there, so it lacks the protection of the human emperor's destiny, allowing demons to run rampant. You can take the lead in gathering the mortals within a thousand li of Chen Tang Town to build a great city or a strong pass. Then, pledge allegiance to the Shang king and borrow the emperor's destiny.

"Second, spread the name of Chen Tang Town. Stay there long-term, establish it as a place that resists demons, and make the demon race fear it, which will naturally protect the area.

"Finally, I'll secretly assist you with the Heavenly Court's power, so you won't face too much resistance in doing these things."

"Thank you, martial uncle! Thank you so much!" Li Jing stepped forward eagerly and bowed repeatedly to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile, signaling Li Jing to follow, and began discussing the details of what he had just said. After a short while, the confusion in Li Jing's eyes faded, replaced by determination and eagerness to take action.

Li Changshou changed the subject and smiled. "Nephew, have you found someone you fancy?"

"How did you know... uh, well," Li Jing stammered, scratching his head. "It's not exactly someone I fancy. I just saw that young lady once, but I don't even know her name or where she is now."

"Here." Li Changshou took a jade slip from his sleeve and handed it to Li Jing. "All the information about Miss Yin is in here. I can't let you call me adopted father for nothing. Remember, don't rush this, and don't use immortal arts to force it. Whether you win her heart depends on you."

Li Jing was invigorated, clutching the jade slip and momentarily speechless, feeling as if he were floating, his feet barely touching the ground.

Li Changshou patted Li Jing on the shoulder, laughed heartily, and strode toward the great city ahead. The city even had the character 'Yin' in its name.

After a few steps, Li Changshou suddenly thought of something. Wouldn't that mean he was nominally the grandfather of Jinzha, Muzha, and Nezha? Was this turning the great wilderness epic "The Legend of Nezha" into a lighthearted tale like "Where's Grandpa Going?"

This... Li Changshou's mouth twitched uncontrollably for a moment. Oh well, no point dwelling on it. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it—every road leads to Zixiao. For now, follow the plan: first, secure a position as a Shang minister and lay the groundwork near Emperor Xin, who won't be born for decades. Should he go to Su Daji's side and keep an eye on her great-grandfather? No need for that. After all, in the 'bewitching concubine Daji who brings ruin to the nation,' Su Daji is just a beautiful shell; the soul inside is the fox spirit Xiao Lan. Ah, and the connection between Jiang Ziya's past life and Xiao Lan. This Investiture of the Gods calamity is quite a tangled web.

"Hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hic!"

"Stop laughing already. You've been at it for so long—aren't you tired?"

In Xuan Du City, in the newly built elegant courtyard, on the soft couch in the back chamber, the Grand Mage laughed so hard he was pounding the bed. Kong Xuan chided, "Your junior brother went to such lengths to settle things, and here you are laughing like this—it's really unbecoming."

"Ah, you don't understand," the Grand Mage sighed with a smile. "It's not easy to see Changshou caught off guard. You saw it on the Taiji Diagram too—when Li Jing knelt and called him father, Changshou was stunned. His expression was like this... hey? Hahahaha!"

Kong Xuan also chuckled lightly, then looked at the Grand Mage with a gentle gaze and whispered, "Speaking of this, don't you want to be a father?"

The Grand Mage's laughter stopped abruptly, and he said seriously, "This is mainly about going with the flow. We should let nature take its course and not force it."

"Of course I know that, husband."

The Grand Mage shuddered slightly, a composed smile on his lips. What was there to fear? What to dread? The Great Dao, that's all.