Chapter 184: The Great Power's Matter, Can We Say We're Afraid?

Ah, I remember now...

That was before the shattering of the Honghuang era, in the barren mountains at the eastern edge of the heavens. Having just achieved some success in cultivation, he ran wildly under the setting sun, a youth long lost to time.

His first encounter with his three sisters came when they were under attack by fierce beasts. He thought it would be a heroic rescue, but then...

They ended up calling him their elder brother.

"Daoist friend, we three sisters owe you a great debt for your protection. Today, we have each realized our own Dao. If you don't mind, may we address you as our elder brother from now on?"

His first meeting with his teacher happened when the teacher was lecturing on the island. He passed by by chance, felt the teacher's Dao was nothing special, and decided to debate it. But then...

He got beaten.

"Hahaha, are you convinced now? Hahaha, you have good potential—why not take me as your master?

Hmm, you've already built your foundation, so I'll take you as an outer disciple!

What do you say? Think about it? In all the world, not many can defeat me, you know."

The vast ages passed, the heavens and earth grew ancient.

Had he forgotten? The moment he first gained spiritual awareness, that longing for immortality, that desire for the heavens to acknowledge him.

Ah, that was his original intention...

In the courtyard, Zhao Gongming stood there, his eyes piercing through the misty years. Unknowingly, two drops of turbid tears slowly slid down his cheeks. Strands of Dao rhythm encircled him, and a look of relief spread across his face.

Having reached such a realm, he actually...

Made a small breakthrough.

Li Changsheng couldn't help but frown nearby. Was his technique of recalling the original intention so effective on these great powers?

Just then,

Yunxiao gazed at the clouds on the horizon and sighed softly, with strands of Dao rhythm gently surrounding her as well.

Though she didn't know what her elder brother's original intention was, it had touched her too, allowing her Dao heart to take a small step forward.

Li Changsheng: ...

Next time he spoke to great powers, could he at least set a clear price?

"Sea God," Zhao Gongming turned to face Li Changsheng, bowing deeply in respect, "I have realized it."

Realized... what exactly?

"Ah," Yunxiao sighed lightly, turning to look at Li Changsheng's paper effigy in the form of an old immortal, and said softly,

"Thank you, Daoist friend, for your guidance. We will repay this kindness in time.

Qiongxiao, Bixiao, considering this South Sea Sea God Daoist's plea on your behalf, I won't punish you further this time. Just confine yourselves for nine thousand years each."

Bixiao tilted her head and muttered weakly, "Big sister, this doesn't really involve me..."

"Then why are you kneeling?" Yunxiao asserted her authority as the eldest, saying seriously, "If you're acting guilty, there must be a reason."

Bixiao sighed deeply and sat there, adopting the same despondent expression as Qiongxiao—utterly hopeless.

At the side, Li Changsheng smiled warmly, appearing profoundly mysterious.

Though he wasn't sure of the details, the outcome seemed unexpectedly positive.

In that case, he would add this concept of the "original intention" to his arsenal of verbal tactics.

Still a bit uneasy, Li Changsheng reminded him,

"Zhao Gongming, unless absolutely necessary, please don't do such things again in the future.

No matter how you put it, extortion is just bullying the weak with strength, unbecoming of a high Daoist like you."

"Ah, you've troubled yourself over this, Sea God," Zhao Gongming said with a ashamed expression. "I was greedy for a moment's fun and forgot the true essence of the Dao, even making you come all the way to Sanxian Island.

Thanks to your visit, otherwise I might have lost my way and abandoned my pursuit of the Dao, letting down my teacher's teachings and expectations."

Li Changsheng: ...

It wasn't that serious.

He was just worried that Zhao Gongming and Qiongxiao might pull off more sneaky "scare the mosquito" schemes, dragging him—the one who first suggested the extortion plan—into even bigger karmic troubles.

Glancing at the dejected Qiongxiao and Bixiao, he felt there might still be some hidden risks, but he'd done enough for today.

Overdoing it could backfire.

The problem was...

Li Changsheng looked at Han Zhi kneeling on the ground, his mouth twitching slightly.

What on earth had happened? How did the near ex-girlfriend of the second sect leader end up here?

A True Immortal cultivator, mixed up with two experts who could easily overthrow Daluo figures—what kind of luck was that?

What fortune, what destiny!

Well, he wasn't bad himself—he hadn't even reached Golden Immortal yet, but he'd teamed up with the Grandmaster of Renjiao and watched a short film transmitted by a saint...

Maybe Han Zhi was that toxic Hanshi Immortal, and because Zhao Gongming and Qiongxiao needed help with their extortion, she got acquainted with the Sanxiao sisters and stayed on Sanxian Island to cultivate?

If he spoke up now and took Han Zhi away, wouldn't that spare the Sanxiao sisters their tragic fate?

The thought barely crossed Li Changsheng's mind before he crushed it.

Not only that, he buried the ashes of that idea in his heart, sealing it with eighteen layers of prohibitions.

In the Honghuang world, just looking after yourself was incredibly difficult. Meddling in others' affairs was suicide.

Besides, even a casual extortion of the Mosquito Daoist had made a saint sense potential changes in the future and react immediately.

He was a Duixianmen disciple who knew Han Zhi, not the South Sea Sea God.

Li Changsheng sighed inwardly, bowed to Yunxiao, Zhao Gongming, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao, and said, "The matter is settled, and I won't linger. I'll take my leave now."

Yunxiao said gently, "Why not rest a bit before going? Let us sisters show some hospitality."

This place was full of heavy karma—it wasn't wise to stay longer...

Li Changsheng made an excuse about having urgent matters.

But Zhao Gongming said, "My three sisters, I'll see Sea God off and then return to Emeishan for self-reflection."

With that, this great figure bid farewell to the Sanxiao sisters along with Li Changsheng and left Sanxian Island.

Yunxiao rode the clouds, escorting her brother and the Sea God out of the thousand-li cloud wall.

Before Li Changsheng departed, Yunxiao sent a voice transmission:

"Daoist friend, I will repay this favor in the future.

And don't worry about what comes after.

Though my two sisters are mischievous, they're not unreasonable. If they hold any grudge against you, I won't let them leave Sanxian Island."

Hearing this, Li Changsheng felt a wave of emotion. He turned to look at the immortal standing on the clouds.

This was the true demeanor of a Daoist leader!

It suited the Grandmaster of Renjiao so well!

Li Changsheng bowed to Yunxiao again, ending his brief visit to Sanxian Island.

Once Yunxiao flew back inside the cloud wall, Zhao Gongming visibly relaxed.

Worried that Zhao Gongming might change his tune and blame him, Li Changsheng quickly seized the initiative and said,

"Senior, you've put me through quite an ordeal."

Zhao Gongming looked puzzled and asked with concern, "What do you mean?"

Li Changsheng made a shushing gesture.

Zhao Gongming immediately understood, glanced back at Sanxian Island, grabbed Li Changsheng's paper effigy's arm, and rode the clouds toward Nanzhanbuzhou.

After they had traveled ten thousand li from Sanxian Island, Zhao Gongming let out a breath and returned to his usual heroic and carefree demeanor.

Li Changsheng smiled inwardly—he'd been clever to seek out Yunxiao, the perfect counter to Zhao Gongming and Bixiao!

"Why are you so wary of your sister?"

"How can I call it wariness for my own sister?" Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and laughed. "It's just a bit of fear, that's all."

Li Changsheng nearly hurt his back from laughing and said,

"Oh? But you're the elder brother."

Zhao Gongming shook his head and transmitted, "Mainly because my second sister is so rigid and stubborn.

Back when our teacher was lecturing at Biyou Palace, she pestered him with questions over every minor detail, leaving him at a loss.

It's a good thing, but she lacks flexibility and sticks to principles no matter what.

Once she sets her mind on something, she'll risk her life to see it through.

She's utterly devoted to the Dao. In ancient times, her cultivation was far below mine, but now she's surpassed me and can even match Dabao Shixiong.

She's truly remarkable!"

Li Changsheng nodded slowly. Indeed, no one was perfect—Yunxiao's uncompromising nature was intimidating.

Changing the subject, Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and asked, "You said earlier that I'd caused you trouble—what's the issue?"

"Yes," Li Changsheng shook his head. "The person you extorted before dragged me into a web of karma, and I nearly couldn't extricate myself.

The details involve my Renjiao matters, so I won't say more. Please don't take offense."

Zhao Gongming looked ashamed, clasped his hands, and bowed. "I apologize, Gongming here. I never meant to involve you in this!"

Li Changsheng quickly returned the bow. "Senior, you mustn't— we're equals in this friendship."

Zhao Gongming said seriously, "No, no, we're peers in discussion, so let's not bring up seniority. Don't embarrass me! We're kindred spirits, and this is a fine story!

If you're still so formal, we can go back to Sanxian Island and have my sisters witness our formal brotherhood—what do you say?"

Li Changsheng: ...

No, thanks!

Excuse me, farewell, and please forget we ever met!

Was this future God of Wealth really that naive, or was he getting back at him?

Insisting on dragging him down, so they'd both end up miserably on the Fengshen List?

Especially after witnessing the Sanxiao sisters' methods and personalities...

He was sure—they were the type to stand up to saints without hesitation!

Though he admired Yunxiao, that was all it was. Now, he wanted to put as much distance as possible between himself, Sanxian Island, and Zhao Gongming...

With a thought, Li Changsheng sighed and said, "You're right, but as Yunxiao said, rules are rules, and seniority is seniority."

Zhao Gongming blinked. "Was that my second sister speaking?"

"Yes."

"Well..."

Zhao Gongming pondered and laughed. "How about this—from now on, I'll call you Sea God, and you can call me senior or Daoist friend as you like.

But when we're in front of my second sister, just call me senior."

Li Changsheng was speechless inside.

What had Yunxiao done to Zhao Gongming?

This senior's fear was quite entertaining.

Zhao Gongming rode the clouds, escorting Li Changsheng's effigy back to the Sea God Temple, then headed toward Zhongshenzhou.

Before leaving, Zhao Gongming mentioned his own dwelling—the Luofu Cave on Emeishan in the southeast of Zhongshenzhou—and invited Li Changsheng to visit when he had time.

This Emeishan was a blessed cave-heaven in the Honghuang world, home to many experts, not the same as the Emeishan from Li Changsheng's previous life.

Watching Zhao Gongming ride away, Li Changsheng felt a mix of emotions.

Though his trip to Sanxian Island might have left Qiongxiao and Bixiao with a slight grudge,

It was nothing compared to the dangers of Zhao Gongming, Qiongxiao, and Han Zhi running wild with extortion outside.

At most, if they complained to their teacher, he'd get a beating—not killed!

If Qiongxiao and Bixiao ever came for him, he could just send a paper effigy.

Li Changsheng returned the paper effigy to the ground, his main consciousness mostly returning to his true self. Sitting in the back corner of the Duixianmen treasure ship, he calculated the distance home.

As always, first summarize, then reflect, and finally learn from the experience...

After this, he should be able to keep a safe distance from Zhao Gongming and the Sanxiao sisters, at least for now, with no further entanglements.

He'd uncovered Zhao Gongming's weakness, which might come in handy someday.

Thinking of Han Zhi, Li Changsheng couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of fate...

Perhaps Han Zhi and the Sanxiao sisters were fated to meet; this was just bringing them together earlier.

Zhao Gongming, Sanxiao...

Yunxiao's gentle and reserved nature, adhering strictly to rules;

Qiongxiao's cleverness and audacity, always scheming;

Bixiao's playfulness and recklessness, acting on whims...

And Zhao Gongming, surprisingly afraid of his sisters...

Setting aside karma and future events, Li Changsheng felt a bit cheerful.

He'd always worried that as his cultivation advanced, his mindset might change, losing the joys of being human and becoming a mere puppet of the Dao.

But with these vivid examples, he no longer had that concern.

Strength was strength, personality was personality.

To have emotions, desires, and humanity made immortality a blessing; otherwise, it was just a joyless existence...

Zhao Gongming had three very different sisters, and Li Changsheng didn't envy him—he had his own junior sister.

Enough of that; he wouldn't wait until he got back.

First, he'd check what Ling E was up to and decide on her reward.

Li Changsheng activated the paper effigy near Ling E and scanned the area with his immortal sense, only to be startled.

Ling E was actually... cultivating!

He felt a bit disappointed but kept his word—he'd teach her the original paper effigy technique when he returned.

It seemed he needed to expand his spirit beast enclosures and plant more spirit trees.