Chapter 176: A Freakish Coincidence

The Grand Mage had Yue Lao deliver two magical arts: one scroll titled "Sa Dou Cheng Bing" and the other "Yun Ning Li Shi". This made Li Changshou deeply realize the direction in which he was being specially cultivated going forward.

One person becoming... the Honghuang Renjiao large group army's combat sequence?

This...

However, modifying any original version of these magical arts would require a great deal of time, energy, inspiration, and ideas.

At that moment, Li Changshou had not yet had the chance to open these two scrolls, and he was unsure whether they would prove useful in the future.

In any case, he could not disappoint the Grand Mage's good intentions. He would go back and study them carefully, at the very least mastering the original versions...

Over at the Sea God Temple, Li Changshou, using the paper effigy disguised as an old immortal, had already prepared the second memorial.

Then, he summoned two divine envoys from Xiong Village, along with two half-witch bear people, and headed to a remote village.

Since the Heavenly Court's decree had not yet been issued, Li Changshou could not set up the Yu Huang Dadi's divine altar in the Sea God Temple. So, he chose a fishing village as a "trial site," where the villagers would worship the Sea God while also offering incense to the "man behind the Sea God"—Yu Huang Dadi.

By now, the divine altar for Yu Huang Dadi there had already received a fair amount of incense, which should allow His Majesty to sense a faint connection.

Li Changshou entered a secret chamber, set up a barrier, lit three sticks of incense before the Yu Huang Dadi altar, bowed deeply, and said:

"Little god has an important matter to report to Your Majesty."

The gilded, jewel-inlaid altar plaque emitted a slight fluctuation of Dao rhythm, clearly responding to Li Changshou.

Within an hour, Dongmu Gong hurried from the Heavenly Court to meet Li Changshou at the Sea God Temple.

Li Changshou paid special attention to Dongmu Gong's energy and spirit, noting that it had returned to normal.

Although being subjected to a shakedown was a novel and frustrating experience for cultivators in Honghuang, Dongmu Gong had not lost anything in the end; he had merely been pranked, and once he got over his anger, it was fine.

In the end, in Honghuang, getting shaken down was simply a matter of one's magical abilities being inferior.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Li Changshou handed the second memorial to Dongmu Gong.

Dongmu Gong did not dare delay and was about to return to report, but Li Changshou called out:

"Dongmu Gong, wait a moment."

"Eh, what is it?"

Dongmu Gong turned back, his expression serious, looking at the kind-eyed, white-haired, slender old man before him.

At this point, with Dongmu Gong's eyesight and cultivation, he could no longer tell whether this was the Sea God's incarnation or his true form...

Dongmu Gong said seriously:

"Does the Sea God have any other instructions?"

"Are you familiar with Yue Lao of the Yue Lao Hall?"

"Of course," Dongmu Gong laughed. "It was thanks to Yue Lao's help that I was able to achieve marital bliss. Now, my wife and I live in harmony and happiness."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said:

"If His Majesty issues a decree regarding Yue Lao later, please pass on four words of advice from me.

I considered writing these four sentences in the memorial, but I thought such a minor matter might come across as showing off when presented to His Majesty, as it's just our way as subjects."

"Oh?" Dongmu Gong said. "Please elaborate, fellow Daoist."

Li Changshou advised:

"If Yue Lao represents the Heavenly Court in going out, he must always keep in mind—

Do not judge superiority based on cultivation level, and certainly do not rank seniority by lifespan;

In speech and actions, uphold the dignity of His Majesty, make no promises in any matter, and act with utmost caution."

Dongmu Gong pondered this briefly, understanding the intent. He bowed to Li Changshou and sighed:

"The Sea God's advice is not just for Yue Lao; this poor Daoist has learned from it as well."

Li Changshou smiled but said no more.

This subtle misunderstanding that could do Dongmu Gong a favor was fine to leave unaddressed.

Although the content of this memorial was simple, it was much harder to write than the previous one.

Li Changshou was worried, first, that Yu Huang Dadi might think this was making a big fuss, as if the Heavenly Court was deliberately trying to flatter the Dragon Clan, which could lead to subtle dissatisfaction.

Second, he feared that if Yu Huang Dadi showed excessive favor toward the Dragon Clan, it might make it difficult for them to develop a sense of awe toward the Heavenly Court later on.

Beyond that, he could not directly tell Yu Huang Dadi what to do; he could only offer suggestions in the memorial, with all decisions ultimately resting with Yu Huang Dadi...

Thus, Li Changshou carefully deliberated over every word and phrase, revising it more than a dozen times before feeling it was appropriate...

As for the results, he would have to wait and see what happened next, and perhaps get some feedback when Dongmu Gong returned.

Just after seeing Dongmu Gong off, Li Changshou's true body heard a muffled voice.

His immortal sense had already detected Youqin Xuanya approaching his side earlier...

"Uncle Xiong, has Senior Brother Li Changshou been cultivating the whole time?"

Outside the immortal force barrier set up by Uncle Jiu Wu, Youqin Xuanya asked softly.

Xiong Lingli's small head, which looked like it belonged on a massive human statue, nodded gently. She lowered her voice and whispered:

"My cousin went out for a walk earlier, brought back some game for me to eat, then gained some insights and has been cultivating ever since."

Youqin Xuanya gazed through the shimmering barrier at Li Changshou inside, sighed lightly, and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Xiong Lingli whispered:

"Big sister..."

Youqin Xuanya paused, turned her head, and reminded:

"Uncle, you should address me as junior niece, or just by my name."

"I'm just a nominal disciple," Xiong Lingli blinked and whispered, "Do you... like my cousin?"

Instantly, ears perked up all around, and waves of immortal sense and spiritual sense swept over.

The Renjiao Immortal Sect excelled in yin-yang arts and gossip techniques.

But to the surprise of the enthusiastic onlookers from Du Xian Men and the nearby immortal sects, Youqin Xuanya remained composed, maintaining her icy beauty's aura without a hint of panic.

Youqin Xuanya said:

"If Uncle is asking about a Dao companion, Xuanya has not yet had such thoughts.

Xuanya holds Senior Brother Li Changshou in great respect and admiration, taking his character as an example, and wishes to seek the immortal path alongside him."

Li Changshou: ...

Character?

Hiss—

How could their characters be similar?

Xiong Lingli blinked, a bit confused, and was about to nod weakly when she suddenly heard the Sea God's voice transmission in her mind...

So, Xiong Lingli whispered:

"But... big sister, saying that might make people misunderstand that you have those kinds of feelings for my cousin."

Youqin Xuanya replied calmly:

"The views of others do not concern Xuanya."

Xiong Lingli shrank her neck and, following the words she heard in her mind, whispered:

"But my cousin might be a little bothered by this...

Oh."

Youqin Xuanya was slightly startled and turned to gaze at Li Changshou, who was sitting in meditation a few steps away.

Li Changshou continued his secret transmission, and Xiong Lingli went on softly:

"As my cousin's neighbor's second aunt once said, when making friends, you must respect and understand each other, and consider the other's situation to be true friends.

Big sister, you are so free-spirited and straightforward, always expressing your own feelings—that's a good thing.

But you should also pay attention to whether your actions might negatively affect the person you're expressing them to.

If you only care about your own peace of mind and ignore whether it puts pressure on others...

Isn't that a bit too self-centered?"

Youqin Xuanya stood there, completely still, her willow brows furrowed in thought.

Many young cultivators around were puzzled;

Some young cultivators thought that a female disciple like Youqin Xuanya, with her beauty and poise, and a smooth path in cultivation, taking the initiative to show interest in a male disciple was already a stroke of great luck for him.

However, many cultivators who had practiced for over a thousand years fell into deep thought upon hearing this, finding the words from the iron-tower girl quite profound.

Several elders from Xiaoyao Immortal Sect frowned, feeling that this Xiong girl had been putting on an act in their sect earlier!

Youqin Xuanya murmured:

"Xuanya is a bit unclear..."

She bowed to Xiong Lingli and said, "Thank you for the teaching, Uncle. Xuanya will carefully reflect on your words."

Xiong Lingli quickly stood up.

Since the Sea God was no longer transmitting, she didn't dare say more and just returned a sturdy bow...

Youqin Xuanya turned and returned to her mat, resting her great sword across her front, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou, pretending to cultivate, let out a silent breath of relief in his heart.

Fortunately, Junior Sister You hadn't said that line about understanding this time...

Li Changshou swept his immortal sense toward Jiu Wu, who was sitting with eyes closed, and felt a bit puzzled as to why Uncle Jiu Wu hadn't come to find him lately.

All the little gadgets he had prepared specifically for Uncle Jiu Wu were going unused.

Upon closer inspection, he saw that Jiu Wu had actually fallen asleep.

She had set up a small immortal force barrier around her nose and mouth to keep her light snoring from escaping.

What's more, she had used an immortal rope treasure to bind her own hands, preventing the activation of her passive skill where clothes mysteriously disappear while asleep...

Two words—professional!

Xiong Lingli exhaled, sat back on her bed-sized mat, and stared blankly at Youqin Xuanya's back for a while.

It seemed this beautiful big sister was not the Sea God Lady that the Sea God favored...

At the boundary between the South Sea and East Sea, a graceful figure flew through the air on a cloud, drifting with the wind.

Sitting on the cloud was Han Zhi, a cultivator from Jin'ao Island.

A moment earlier, Han Zhi had overheard Ao Yi and several senior uncles and aunts discussing his newly formed Dao companion as they returned to Jin'ao Island...

Although she had clearly rejected Ao Yi before, she felt an inexplicable sense of loss and decided to go out for a stroll to clear her mind.

It was a good thing that Senior Uncle Ao Yi had found the Dao companion he admired...

But why...

"Ah, don't think about it anymore."

Han Zhi sighed lightly, gazing at the vast, endless ocean waves and the fluffy white clouds on the horizon.

Just as she was about to find a deserted island to meditate and rest, she heard a clear call:

"This fellow Daoist, are you from the Jie Jiao?"

Han Zhi looked toward the source and saw a white cloud high in the sky, with a figure on it whose face and form were indistinct.

Knowing this was a senior from her sect, Han Zhi quickly stood up from her cloud and bowed toward the sky: "Disciple practices on Jin'ao Island."

"Heh, it's you!"

A bell-like laugh came from the cloud. Before Han Zhi could react, light and shadows swirled around her, and she was drawn up into the air.

Now, Han Zhi could see the senior's face clearly. After a moment of recognition, she exclaimed softly:

"Qiong Xiao Senior!"

"Hmm? You recognize me?"

Qiong Xiao blinked lightly. "Well, never mind. Come with me.

I have a task for you. If you do it well, there will be a reward."

"Disciple obeys," Han Zhi quickly bowed her head in response, perked up, and was swiftly carried by Qiong Xiao toward the west.

A moment later, Qiong Xiao and Han Zhi landed on a barren island and met up with... Zhao Gongming, who was hiding in a corner...

Qiong Xiao whispered:

"Big brother, I found our helper— one of our own, reliable!"

Han Zhi hurriedly said:

"Disciple pays respects to Senior."

"Shh!"

Zhao Gongming made a hushing gesture, and Han Zhi immediately pursed her lips tightly, her eyes full of tension.

Qiong Xiao whispered:

"Has that woman left?"

"She's still hiding there," Zhao Gongming took out a treasure mirror, pointed at it, and an image gradually appeared, showing a scene on a distant island thousands of miles away.

The island was concealed by a hidden barrier, but with Zhao Gongming's abilities, seeing through it was no problem.

In the mirror, a corner formed by several rocks showed a enchanting woman in a red gauze skirt, sitting in meditation with her eyes closed...

Zhao Gongming frowned and said:

"I've quietly divined it several times; I only get that she's connected to the West, but I can't figure out her origins at all.

Little sister, should we find someone else to approach her?"

Qiong Xiao pouted and huffed:

"No, it'll be her!

Just look at her— clearly some ancient or primordial spirit transformed. Why make herself so alluring? What's the point?

Big brother, look at what she's wearing— is that appropriate?

Hmph, if you're going to be seductive, don't go out; if you're aiming for elegance, don't hide it!"

Zhao Gongming chuckled bitterly, but Qiong Xiao had already started pulling Han Zhi aside to explain what she needed to do...

And so, like this, in that way.

Han Zhi quickly understood and whispered:

"So, later, Senior Zhao Gongming will go and bump into her, then fall to the ground;

Then, Senior Qiong Xiao, you go over and say how badly Senior Zhao Gongming is injured;

And I pretend to pass by and tell her— 'Fellow Daoist, I think it's best to settle this privately; making a big fuss won't help anyone'?"

"Smart, you catch on quick."

Qiong Xiao hugged her arms and smiled with narrowed eyes. "Remember to watch your expression and tone— make sure she believes you're thinking of her."

Han Zhi nodded seriously and said:

"Disciple will not disappoint the two seniors!"