Chapter 666: It's Him, It's Him, It's Him

What's the matter, brother?

Just now, I felt like the Taiji Tu and the Sheng Ren Dao Yun were clashing.

Chen Tang Guan suddenly became lively.

A brief, not-too-intense magical duel had drawn many curious eyes. When several powerful immortals and great masters realized who was involved, a few of them rushed over without a second thought.

For instance, a flash of aqua-blue light streaked across the sky, tearing open a window in the heavens as a head poked out. The figure had a dignified appearance, with flowing beard and hair—it was Zhao Gongming, who had arrived first with his Dinghai Shen Zhu.

At that moment, Li Changshou didn't even have time to send a voice transmission and had to fly up to greet him.

Before he could speak, a white cloud slowly formed, and within it, a graceful and ethereal figure took shape. She held her hands in front of her and walked over gracefully.

She was unlike any mortal or immortal deity—there was only one like her in the world.

It was Yunxiao.

This was something Li Changshou couldn't stop with a voice transmission.

Yunxiao Xianzi appeared in such a hurry that she didn't hide her form before flying to Li Changshou's side and whispering,

"How did you end up fighting a Sheng Ren?"

The worry and mild reproach in her words quickly dispelled the frustration in Li Changshou's heart.

Li Changshou smiled and said,

"It's just a minor conflict. No need to worry."

"This..."

Yunxiao couldn't help but show a hint of bitter smile and sighed,

"San Xian Island is right in the East Sea. Why didn't you call me over earlier?"

Li Changshou pointed toward the figures in the pavilion and said,

"It's about Ling Zhu Zi."

"Um," Yunxiao immediately understood the implications and knew the difficult position Li Changshou was in.

The Chan and Jie sects had already split.

Zhao Gongming stood nearby with his arms folded, watching for a while before laughing and saying,

"Since everything's fine, I'll head back. You two chat."

"Thanks for your concern, brother."

"What's with the formality? We're family."

Zhao Gongming waved his hand, humming a tune as he rode his Dinghai Shen Zhu away.

No sooner had he left than a golden cloud appeared in the sky. Tian Ting's Yuan Shuai Bian Zhuang hurried over, followed by beams of golden light filled with figures.

"Changgeng, are you injured? That Sheng Ren from Xi Fang Jiao is still causing trouble! We should smash their Ling Shan to pieces!"

The Tian Di was furious.

Li Changshou gave Yunxiao an apologetic smile and quickly went to greet them, explaining that he had only engaged in a friendly exchange and guidance with the Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren, and he didn't want to escalate the matter.

Bian Zhuang saw that Li Changshou was unharmed and finally relaxed. He calmed himself and asked what had happened.

Li Changshou's mind raced, and he used a bit of rhetoric.

He sent a voice transmission:

"Your Majesty, are you familiar with Li Jing's family?

If not, you can look through the great calamity and examine the heavenly secrets, and you'll understand why I, your humble servant, would face a Sheng Ren head-on to protect his family."

Bian Zhuang's spirit stirred, and he quickly calculated with his fingers. Soon, he saw something that shocked him, and his eyes filled with emotion as he looked at Li Changshou.

"Changgeng, you..."

"It's nothing, just a small matter," Li Changshou transmitted back. "Your Majesty, please return to Tian Ting. It's not appropriate for your incarnation to be exposed. I'll handle things here and come report to you in detail later."

Bian Zhuang nodded repeatedly and whispered,

"You're working so hard, Changgeng. If another Sheng Ren attacks, don't face them alone—I have ways to fight them."

"Thank you for your care, Your Majesty. We should still show respect to the Sheng Ren."

When Bian Zhuang left, his eyes were full of sentiment.

He suddenly realized.

After the Feng Shen calamity, Changgeng's decision to leave Tian Ting was unavoidable; otherwise, his brilliance would have overshadowed the Tian Di.

Yet, Changgeng still cared deeply for Tian Ting and worried about the lack of capable generals. First, there was Yang Jian, and now Li Jing's family—he had truly gone to great lengths, exhausting himself for Tian Ting's prosperity.

Thinking about it, as the Tian Di, while Changgeng was running around, even clashing with Sheng Ren, he himself had been bored, listening to music, watching dances, and enjoying tender moments with his junior sister, inseparable as glue and lacquer.

Um...

"Continue the music, continue the dance."

In the Yao Chi, the white-clad Jade Emperor's expression softened slightly as he said calmly. Then, filled with guilt, he continued watching the dance.

Beside him, a fairy with soft, fair fingers peeled a jade grape and offered it to the Jade Emperor's mouth. He swallowed it with a mouthful of shame, continuing to torment himself with the tedium.

Being the Tian Di was truly exhausting—the boredom and suffering were beyond ordinary comprehension.

Half a day later, in the backyard of the Li residence, on the ground floor of the pavilion.

Li Changshou didn't let Yunxiao stay long. He arranged to meet her at San Xian Island once he finished dealing with this, then sent her back to the island to continue her secluded cultivation without wandering around.

After their reluctant farewell, the two didn't show excessive affection.

Once Yunxiao left, another seven or eight experts arrived one after another, including Duo Bao Dao Ren from the Jie sect and Yun Zhong Zi from the Chan sect.

Li Changshou handled them alone, using different explanations for each side.

To the Jie sect, he downplayed the incident, saying that Ling Zhu Zi was close to him and had been targeted by the Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren.

To the Chan sect, he exaggerated it, claiming that the Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren had intentionally tainted Ling Zhu Zi with murderous energy, turning the originally gentle and refined Ling Zhu Zi into a volatile fire-based array, all to provoke a full-scale war between the Chan and Jie sects during the Feng Shen calamity.

Yun Zhong Zi... seemed to believe it.

He visited his two fellow disciples and Li Jing's family, offered some verbal consolation, and then hurried back to Yu Xu Gong to report to Guang Cheng Zi and Nan Ji Xian Weng.

After Yun Zhong Zi left, Chen Tang Guan finally quieted down.

Li Jing issued simple military orders, having notices posted to tell the people that an ancient demon had attacked Chen Tang Guan, but fortunately, immortals had helped repel it.

Since things had already escalated, there was no need to worry about wording—it was most important to reassure the public.

Li Jing didn't dare delay and quickly returned to Yin Shi's side.

At that moment, he was holding Yin Shi and standing nearby, looking at Li Changshou and then at Tai Yi Zhen Ren, unsure of what to say.

The atmosphere was a bit stifling.

Yang Jian hugged his long spear and leaned against the door, gazing at the distant clouds, seemingly pondering some profound questions.

Clouds, mountains, fate, and the like.

The three great immortals in the hall remained silent. Yu Ding Zhen Ren's injuries were serious, but with the spiritual pills from Li Changshou, he would be fine after some rest and recovery.

Yang Jian suddenly asked,

"Is this matter just going to be dropped?"

Tai Yi Zhen Ren curled his lip and scolded,

"That Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren has no shame left—what can we do? We can't beat them, so we might as well just vent by cursing here."

Li Changshou said gravely,

"My teacher already gave that Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren a good lesson, but it's unlikely to make him learn. The great Sheng Ren is condoning the lesser one's mischief, which means Xi Fang Jiao's strategy has shifted to actively interfering in the Feng Shen calamity, even directly by Sheng Ren.

That's the real headache for us."

Tai Yi Zhen Ren hesitated, then just sighed softly.

Yang Jian asked,

"Why can't we just attack Ling Shan?"

"Because right now, we're the ones depending on them!"

Tai Yi Zhen Ren gritted his teeth and said, then flung his sleeve and said no more.

Li Changshou said,

"Yang Jian, don't just look at the surface. The surface is often a distorted illusion seen through layers of lenses—you need to see the essence of the problem.

Many things aren't just about feeling them; you have to understand them.

Like right now...

Let me test you: Why is the Chan sect so passive?"

Tai Yi Zhen Ren couldn't help but chuckle wryly, and Yu Ding Zhen Ren opened his eyes to look at Yang Jian.

After thinking for a while, Yang Jian said seriously,

"Now, Xi Fang Jiao is essentially out of the game early. They've lost too many disciples, and with their destined rise, the Heavenly Dao won't allow their complete destruction.

So, their two Sheng Ren are acting without restraint, not caring about face.

As for why the Chan sect is so passive...

As you said, Senior Uncle, it's because the Chan sect is relying on Xi Fang Jiao.

Without the help of those two Sheng Ren, the balance between Chan and Jie can't be maintained. At the peak of the killing calamity, the Chan sect would almost certainly lose.

It all comes back to the fundamental issue: the Chan and Jie sects have different teachings, and the number of immortals differs greatly."

Li Changshou nodded slowly and smiled,

"That's exactly right. You've got a good grasp of it.

Since you understand this, don't keep saying those impulsive things. You need to be more steady—the time left for your growth is limited."

Yang Jian looked ashamed and bowed his head in respect.

Yu Ding Zhen Ren showed a satisfied smile and slowly closed his eyes to continue his meditation.

Li Jing carefully spoke up from the side,

"Adoptive father, how is my wife doing now?"

"Ah, come and sit," Li Changshou laughed. "When I'm in my true form, don't keep calling me adoptive father. You look much older than I do now."

Li Jing smiled awkwardly and quickly helped his wife over to sit beside Li Changshou.

Yin Shi was still a bit dazed, just raising her hand to cover her abdomen, feeling somewhat lost.

She had only slept for a while, and it felt like the world had changed. She woke up sweating and realized she was carrying a new child.

Li Jing said,

"This time, thank you, Xing Jun, and the two immortals for your help."

Tai Yi Zhen Ren curled his lip, and Yu Ding Zhen Ren nodded slowly.

Li Changshou laughed and said,

"Why don't you think it's us who brought trouble to your family?"

"This..."

Li Jing whispered,

"I only know that the child in my wife's womb is the reincarnation of Tai Yi Zhen Ren's disciple. I don't understand the rest.

Xing Jun, I've been a general in the mortal world for a long time and truly can't see through the greater forces at play in the world today.

Why did that Xi Fang Jiao Sheng Ren want to harm my wife and child?"

"It's largely to get back at me," Li Changshou sighed. "Now, the entire Hong Huang knows you're my adoptive son, so this incident drew trouble to you.

I've been planning in secret for so long, but I still couldn't prevent it, and we almost failed at the last step."

Li Jing hurriedly said,

"Please don't say that, Xing Jun. The evildoers are at fault, not the good people.

When I was cultivating, I often heard tales of the Six Sheng Ren, but I never imagined I'd meet one today—and that Sheng Ren wanted to kill me. It's truly...

Sigh."

Li Jing sighed, his face full of bitterness.

As a husband and father, the feeling of being unable to protect his family was the worst.

Yin Shi asked softly,

"Senior, how is the child in my womb?"

"Don't worry, he's fine."

Li Changshou subconsciously glanced at Yin Shi's skirt but felt it was improper and quickly looked away.

He said,

"Madam Li, did you have any strange dreams?"

Yin Shi said gently,

"I saw a young man who bowed to me and said sorry, but I didn't know why he was apologizing. I tried to speak to him, but he disappeared."

"He felt he had involved you and was apologetic."

Li Changshou said warmly, "Ling Zhu Zi is inherently a very gentle person. Earlier, Tai Yi Shixiong even thought he was too refined and not rough enough, so he wanted me to take him to Tian Ting for some experience to build his manly spirit.

Your third son is destined to be Ling Zhu Zi's reincarnation. Under my arrangements with his master, we wanted to mold him into an outstanding immortal.

But, to avoid dragging you and your husband into it, he actively absorbed that murderous energy, merging and resolving it, leaving no memories behind.

From now on, he'll just be your third son. Don't overthink it—it's similar to a normal reincarnation process."

Li Jing said,

"You're too kind, Xing Jun. That young hero is so righteous and brave; it's a great honor for me to be his father in this life."

Yin Shi quickly asked,

"Is that young man gone now?"

"He's right in Madam Li's womb, isn't he?" Li Changshou replied. "Past-life memories shouldn't awaken anyway—this should be made a heavenly rule."

Yin Shi gently stroked her slightly bulging abdomen and breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Changshou gave Li Jing a signal with his eyes, and the latter gently comforted Yin Shi a few words before escorting her upstairs to rest.

When Li Jing returned, Li Changshou raised his hand to set up a soundproof barrier.

Yang Jian also came over from the door, frowning at his uncle.

Li Changshou said,

"Everyone, we should prepare for the worst. Ling Zhu Zi's memories are gone, and I don't know how much of his original personality remains, but the Mo Zu's original murderous energy is full of killing intent—I don't know how deeply it will affect him.

I'll keep thinking of ways. Li Jing, be ready for your wife to carry the child beyond ten months.

Some methods work better on the fetal spirit."

Li Jing hurriedly said,

"I'll follow your arrangements, Xing Jun. My wife and I will fully cooperate."

Yu Ding Zhen Ren said,

"I have methods and talismans for calming and concentrating the mind, and I can refine some treasures."

"With your help, Shixiong, it'll be twice as effective with half the effort."

Tai Yi Zhen Ren chuckled self-mockingly,

"This time, we won't have to worry about him lacking manly spirit."

Li Changshou said,

"Manly spirit isn't about fighting and killing, or having abundant body hair and a strong physique."

Tai Yi Zhen Ren curled his lip but didn't bother to argue.

Yang Jian asked,

"What else do we need to watch out for?"

"Don't mention the name Ling Zhu Zi anymore," Li Changshou said. "From today on, consider him fully reincarnated. Once the child is born, Tai Yi Shixiong, if you want to take him as a disciple, do it again.

Li Jing, from now on, this is your own son—you have to take on the responsibility of educating him."

"Understood, Li Jing!"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, feeling a bit irritated.

Ling Zhu Zi—or rather, Nezha—what would he be like?

Sigh, Li Changshou sighed inwardly. Although he knew many principles and understood he shouldn't blame himself since he'd done his best, his mood still felt a bit low.

Sheng Ren cannot die.

Why can't Sheng Ren die?

Even if the Heavenly Dao doesn't devour the Sheng Ren, their rise is inevitable, and surpassing the Six Sheng Ren is the trend. Isn't the Feng Shen calamity essentially the Heavenly Dao's self-preservation?

Forget it, the timing isn't right—his mind is indeed a bit chaotic.

Buzz—

A trace of Dao Rhyme flowed through his heart, and slight ripples spread in his state of mind. Li Changshou paused, watching the image slowly emerge in his heart.

In the image, a barefoot little kid with two buns on his head sat on a lotus flower, swinging his legs gently. His delicate little face looked a bit bored, with a straw in his mouth.

He seemed to sense something and glanced at the image, his own Dao Rhyme pure and upright.

This is... him? It's him, exactly him!

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile, knowing this was his teacher using a calculated vision to comfort him, telling him not to worry too much.

That's right—it's up to human effort.

So what if it's just some murderous energy? At worst, he could go to Tai Qing Guan and ask his teacher for help, or even refine and absorb it.

"Li Jing!"

Li Changshou stood up, and Li Jing immediately responded.

"Yes, Xing Jun."

"I'll head back to Tian Ting to report. Later, have portraits of the Jade Emperor, Xuan Du Da Fa Shi, and your master Du E Zhen Ren hung up, and remember to burn incense and pay respects on festivals."

Li Changshou said calmly, and Tai Yi Zhen Ren and Yu Ding Zhen Ren also stood up.

Li Jing was a bit confused, and Li Changshou added,

"And one more thing."

"What?"

"Don't let your wife overexert herself. Make sure she rests well during the pregnancy."

Li Changshou flicked his sleeve, inadvertently showing a faint air of authority.

The Sixth Sheng Ren.

The matter of Ling Zhu Zi—we're not done!