Chapter 164: Shou's Reverse Teaching

Li Changshou's feeling grew even stronger—

He had received instructions from the Saint's diagram, followed them all the way here, and then been directed into the treasure diagram with a single command. Now, he had received a precise order...

It wasn't the Saint himself giving the orders!

As stated in the *Taiqing Dao Canon*: "Not my thoughts, not my actions, not my virtues or vices, not my comings and goings."

Based solely on this, Li Changshou could fully suspect that he was currently being manipulated by the Great Mage Xuan Du.

And most importantly...

Li Changshou looked at the superior-grade sensing stone tied to his wrist.

This sensing stone had started to flicker faintly from the moment he entered this place.

A powerful yet concealed immortal sense had been watching him continuously.

Unlike the occasional immortal senses that swept over him through the functions of the *Jiangshan Sheji Diagram* itself,

This one was directly locked onto him...

Unfortunately, even if it was the Great Mage Xuan Du behind this, Li Changshou couldn't refuse his commands, and there was no way to verify it anyway.

The Great Mage was like his own thigh to cling to—he could only think of this as protection fees he had to pay...

Another reason Li Changshou guessed it was the Great Mage involved was from the recent decree.

"Renjiao Raise Prestige"?

What need did Renjiao have to raise its prestige?

The Taiqing Laozi was untouchable, the Great Mage Xuan Du was beyond the tribulations, and in the Honghuang world, most cultivators knew of Renjiao's mysteries—this was already prestige enough.

Li Changshou continued to hide in the water, deep in thought...

Not far away, Xiong Lingli was running over with an immortal hammer on her shoulder, carrying the corpses of two demonic beasts behind her. Her rapid movement kicked up a trail of dust.

Li Changshou watched her from the water for a while and quickly formed a plan.

The phrase "Renjiao Raise Prestige" could be turned into a big opportunity. As long as Renjiao shone brightly and impressively at this Three Teachings Origin Assembly, that would suffice.

To achieve this, he didn't need to step in personally.

Li Changshou fully extended his immortal sense, searching for the Poisonous Junior Sister he had detected several times before, but who always evaded him...

Next, one treasure person wasn't enough.

In an instant, Li Changshou located Youqin Xuanya, who was six hundred li away, engaged in battle with demonic beasts.

Near Youqin Xuanya, several male disciples of Renjiao's lineage were cooperating with her, fighting fiercely against the two demonic beasts...

It was worth noting that these few male disciples of Renjiao were not from Duxian Sect.

Li Changshou's eyes lit up. He affixed a few freshly drawn Shenxing Talismans and Qing Shen Talismans to Xiong Lingli to reduce her energy consumption while traveling.

Then, he cast an escape technique and headed toward where Youqin Xuanya was.

—Stealing the spotlight was best left to the professionals.

Soon after...

"Youqin Xuanya?"

Li Changshou, my senior brother!

Youqin Xuanya, who was fighting the demonic beasts with her sword, turned around immediately upon hearing the voice, looking toward where it came from.

There she saw the senior brother she had been worrying about, standing on the treetop of a large tree a hundred zhang away. His long hair and robe hem swayed gently in the wind, and he gave her a faint smile.

In that moment, Youqin Xuanya's heart was filled with that smile. Her fair face, already beaded with light sweat, broke into a joyful yet restrained smile that she couldn't fully hide.

Her heart blossomed like a flower, as if only the two of them existed in that space.

Suddenly...

"Youqin Xuanya, hurry and attack! We can't hold on here!"

"That fellow Daoist over there, please come help! These two demonic beasts are extremely fierce!"

Without Youqin Xuanya's flying swords to support them, the male disciples fell back step by step and shouted loudly.

Youqin Xuanya quickly turned around, and her sixteen flying swords wreathed in dark blue true fire whirled out again, barely suppressing the two demonic beasts.

Li Changshou's lips moved slightly, naturally transmitting a message to Xiong Lingli.

The iron-tower-like girl had already sneaked up behind the two demonic beasts. She raised her immortal hammer in her left hand and gripped a long spear in her right, bursting out from the forest with a shout:

"Renjiao disciple Xiong Lingli, slaying demons and eliminating evil with true power!"

Outside the treasure diagram, the Great Mage Xuan Du, who was sitting on the clouds enjoying his solitude, nearly burst out laughing at Xiong Lingli's shout.

Ahem, poise, aloofness, the demeanor of a master...

Inside the treasure diagram, after shouting her slogan, Xiong Lingli leaped into the air. Thunder gathered on her immortal hammer in her left hand, and she hurled the long spear from her right, piercing into the back of a three-headed demonic leopard!

In the blink of an eye, with a few cries, the witch-girl jumped twice, and the two demonic beasts—each comparable to an ordinary human Yuanxian in strength—quickly fell dead...

The several male disciples of Renjiao stared blankly at Xiong Lingli standing there covered in blood and hurriedly bowed in thanks.

Xiong Lingli didn't even glance at them. The earth spear in her hand turned into flowing sand and dissipated, and she hoisted her immortal hammer back onto her shoulder, running to Li Changshou's side with a happy smile.

"Changshou, my senior brother!"

Youqin Xuanya's flying swords circled around her, and without pausing to rest, she hurried toward Li Changshou.

The male disciples frowned at the sight.

How could Li Changshou not see through their petty thoughts?

But right now, he did need Youqin Xuanya's help, so he cupped his hands in salute and said, "I must thank you fellow Daoists for looking after my junior sister earlier."

The male disciples were sensible enough and returned the salute before taking their leave.

Youqin Xuanya said, "Senior brother, it was I who helped them, so there's no need for thanks."

Li Changshou: ...

"Youqin Xuanya, the ways of the world are all about knowledge and learning. Dealing with people skillfully is like writing an article. Even on the immortal path, we shouldn't overlook human interactions, for our companions on the immortal road are also people and spirits."

Youqin Xuanya and the certain Great Mage without a specific name, inside and outside the diagram, both nodded slowly.

In her heart, Youqin Xuanya thought: "Every word from senior brother is worth savoring; I should remember them well."

The Great Mage Xuan Du, one of the top experts of Daoism, naturally had different thoughts— "This little Longevity's words are quite insightful; upon closer reflection, they make a lot of sense."

Inside the treasure diagram,

Li Changshou said, "Junior sister, come with me first. This isn't the place to talk."

"Understood," Youqin Xuanya replied with a gentle nod. She then bowed to Xiong Lingli nearby and said, "Disciple greets Master Uncle."

Xiong Lingli blinked, suddenly at a loss, her round face full of bewilderment.

How had she become the elder generation...

The circles around Sea God were so complicated...

Li Changshou led Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli to a bamboo grove, took out three meditation cushions, and the three sat down.

"Junior sister," Li Changshou glanced at the sensing stone on his wrist, refined his words a bit, and smiled, "Today, entering this treasure diagram, I have an idea to boost Duxian Sect's reputation."

Youqin Xuanya nodded immediately. "Senior brother, just give the instructions."

Li Changshou continued, "You are now at the Return to Dao Eighth Realm, but not the top expert in this treasure diagram—I sensed True Immortal Realm auras earlier.

But with Lingli here, if you two team up, the effect you can achieve won't be inferior to such experts."

Youqin Xuanya frowned. "Senior brother, what exactly do we need to do?"

"Become famous."

"Become famous? For what purpose?"

Li Changshou sighed. "Junior sister, why is Duxian Sect at the bottom among Renjiao's immortal sects?

It's simply because we're located in Dongsheng Shen Continent, and our fame isn't enough. Those talented seekers of the Dao haven't even heard of Duxian Sect.

To strengthen Duxian Sect and even Renjiao's lineage, the best way is to increase our visibility, build a positive image for the sect, and attract more promising immortal seedlings. Then, select the best among them based on character and admit them for training.

In just a few thousand years, we'd see results, without needing tens of thousands."

He couldn't help but add, "Of course, we should also moderately curb the trend of seeking Dao companions."

Youqin Xuanya pondered this and soon nodded slowly. "Senior brother, I understand."

Outside the treasure diagram, the Great Mage Xuan Du listened to these words and fell into thought, soon nodding in approval.

What was said was entirely reasonable—something he had overlooked before...

Inside the treasure diagram, Li Changshou effortlessly convinced Youqin Xuanya and began outlining his "star-making plan."

"First, the fastest way to become famous is to form a group. Use the strengths of the group members to complement and promote each other, drawing attention.

Right now, Lingli's strength is in quickly slaying demonic beasts;

Your strength, Youqin Xuanya, lies in your striking appearance... and your talents and virtues!

You two form a group and sweep through the demonic beasts in this treasure diagram's universe, slaying demons and upholding justice—that's the first step to fame!"

Youqin Xuanya nodded in agreement at once, and Xiong Lingli nodded vigorously as well.

"Senior brother, why can't we three form a group?"

Li Changshou: Have you ever seen a girls' group with a man in it?

"I need to provide backup for you," Li Changshou said seriously. "I'll plan your optimal routes for demon slaying, handle the preparations, and supply you with pills and talismans."

Youqin Xuanya's eyes showed a hint of dissatisfaction as she said softly, "Senior brother, you're doing this again—handling everything yourself and letting us take all the credit."

Li Changshou stood up and smiled.

"Empty fame is like passing clouds to me; my heart seeks only the eternal Dao.

Come on, time is pressing.

We'll coordinate on the way. I'll use earth escape underground to scout the path for you.

You two need to cooperate, cover each other's weaknesses, and play to your strengths.

Youqin Xuanya, refine these poisonous powders into one of your flying swords and use it as your trump card.

Lingli, these are Qing Shen Talismans and Shenxing Talismans—they'll multiply your running speed. Get used to them first, and then we can set off."

Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli stood up and agreed. Li Changshou flicked his sleeve and quickly... burrowed into the earth.

A moment later, this hastily formed duo made their dazzling debut in the treasure diagram's universe!

Xiong Lingli dashed rapidly across the ground, with Youqin Xuanya flying on her sword above her. Following Li Changshou's guidance, they arrived at the first site where demonic beasts were battling cultivators.

Xiong Lingli leaped into the air and shouted:

"Renjiao disciples here to help!"

The immortal hammer smashed down, and the flying swords pierced through. The demonic beast hadn't even reacted before its head was flattened by Xiong Lingli's hammer and its vital points run through by the Fire Qilin Immortal Sword, shattering its demonic soul.

After swiftly finishing the job, Xiong Lingli shouted loudly:

"Helping others and upholding the righteous path, Renjiao's non-action truly banishes demons!"

Then, Youqin Xuanya slowly descended, standing on Xiong Lingli's raised arm. Her black hair danced in the wind, immortal swords swirling around her, silent yet captivating all.

They entered, slew the demon, shouted their slogan, struck their pose, and Youqin Xuanya said coolly:

"Let's go."

The two set off again—one flying through the air, the other sprinting—heading to the next "stage."

They left the cultivators behind, baffled and unsure of what they had just witnessed...

Under Li Changshou's covert guidance, the pair swept through one place after another, appearing everywhere, slaying demonic beasts without taking any treasures, purely passing through and posing.

In just two or three shichen, they had killed over a hundred demonic beasts and left a deep impression on hundreds of cultivators.

Inside and outside the treasure diagram, discussions about Renjiao disciples gradually increased.

Of the two, the one who gained fame the fastest wasn't the "Demonic Beast Nemesis" Xiong Lingli, but the quiet "Ice Frost Immortal" Youqin Xuanya.

This proved that in Honghuang, it's not just about looks...

It's also about figure.

Is this why the teacher sent me here—to learn these things through Li Changshou's words?

High in the sky, on the clouds, the solitary Great Mage Xuan Du wore a slightly serious expression.

Echoing in his heart were Li Changshou's words to Youqin Xuanya, and he felt a surge of insights.

"Forceful action is inferior to non-action, forceful striving is inferior to not striving. In purity, one finds the natural way; all laws ultimately return to the wondrous realm.

Teacher, is this what you want me to realize?"

Xuan Du let out a light breath, and his own Dao realm subtly advanced.

Insisting on bringing little Longevity into Dou Rate Palace was far less effective than quietly observing and waiting for him to enter on his own...

Now, looking at Li Changshou, the Great Mage Xuan Du didn't know what to say and just sighed softly.

From Li Changshou's words and actions today, the Great Mage had already acknowledged this future junior brother, but he couldn't force Li Changshou into Dou Rate Palace...

So be it; let it go. Everything is arranged by the teacher.

The Great Mage Xuan Du stood up, sent a voice transmission to Guangchengzi and Duobao Dao Ren to bid farewell, and stepped away, vanishing silently from the spot.

But as he left, he left behind a trace of Dao rhythm and used the "Insight into the Heart" method taught by Taiqing Laozi to pass it to Li Changshou.

Inside the treasure diagram, Li Changshou, who was escaping underground, heard a sigh in his heart and immediately sensed this Dao rhythm.

Li Changshou quickly jumped out of the earth and bowed deeply toward the sky. Before he could straighten up, the words of the Great Mage Xuan Du slowly echoed in his heart:

Longevity, this assembly was arranged by me to bring you here.

I originally planned for you to gain fame quickly so you could enter Dou Rate Palace sooner and help me with Renjiao affairs.

However, after testing you today and observing your words and actions, I instead learned much from you.

I feel ashamed, so I won't force you anymore. I've returned to continue my seclusion.

You continue your cultivation in Honghuang. Don't force anything; just follow the natural flow, and you'll achieve what your heart desires.

Remember your words today: seek immortality with all your heart and avoid worldly fame.

With you in Renjiao, I am greatly comforted.

Li Changshou: ...

A small north wind blew from behind him, carrying away a few yellowing leaves...

As Li Changshou savored the Great Mage's words, his mouth began to twitch wildly, as if all his strength had drained away, and he knelt down...

Damn it all!

What had he done before?!

This was an opportunity!

The greatest opportunity of his life so far!

If he had known that gaining fame at this Three Teachings Assembly would let him enter Dou Rate Palace for cultivation, why all these twists and turns?!

He could have just revealed his true cultivation, swept through the disciples of the three teachings, and been done with it!

Great Mage, oh Great Mage, why all the complications? If you had just asked him directly, he would have nodded a thousand times and said yes a million times!

If there was a time limit for this promise, he would say—eternity!

Could they start over? He would definitely take the straightforward path to fame!

Was this his fate not being strong enough?

Li Changshou knelt there, his face full of despair, his heart a void of gray, as he exhaled a turbid breath, his whole being enveloped in black lines...

Why were his eyes filled with tears? Because of his deep love for Honghuang and Renjiao...

"Changshou, senior brother?"

Youqin Xuanya and Xiong Lingli were catching up from behind.

Seeing Li Changshou squatting there with a utterly dejected expression, Youqin Xuanya quickly flew down.

Just then, the profound Dao rhythm around Li Changshou slowly dissipated, and a wisp of it happened to pass by Youqin Xuanya.

Youqin Xuanya's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and a flood of insights arose in her heart. She merely took a step forward and stood there, entering a rare moment of sudden enlightenment in her cultivation path...

(The end of this chapter)