Chapter 210: From Director to Audience

What should we do?

Well, what else can we do? The Grand Mage has summoned him, so he can't just pretend to be sick and skip it.

Even though Li Changshou had anticipated this situation—that the Grand Mage might not have been paying attention to the East Sea Dragon Palace affairs—he truly hadn't expected the Grand Mage to say it so casually, calmly, and amicably, simply uttering those words:

Wait for you.

Although Li Changshou really wanted to add a "mei" after that and throw it back at the Grand Mage, he still had his wits about him...

After all, going against a powerful backer was a major taboo for someone who valued stability!

He brushed off that minor frustration with a wave of his hand.

Li Changshou quickly stood up, bowed toward the east, and used his transformation technique to leave the underground chamber. He dashed out of the alchemy room, using immortal sense and the Wind Whisper Spell to send different instructions to Ling E, his master, and his grandmaster, then directly rode a cloud toward Broken Sky Peak.

Teaming up with the Grand Mage meant he didn't have to worry about his own safety.

He might even get to try out a few cheat-like perks, like experiencing the use of innate supreme treasures and feeling that addictive sense of security.

Of course, he'd have to keep part of his focus on the Grand Mage, which would undoubtedly increase his workload...

Following the old routine, Li Changshou obtained the exit jade token and left the Passing Immortals Gate. He flew on a cloud for a thousand li, then used earth escape to hurry with all his speed to where the Grand Mage was.

It was an unremarkable hillside, covered in lush green grass with no signs of being trampled.

After not seeing him for a while, the Grand Mage's silhouette still looked so...

Ordinary.

The Grand Mage stood quietly between heaven and earth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and waters, as if he were just another part of the local flora, growing there naturally without any sense of incongruity.

This level of realm...

Well, there was no need to deliberately verify the Grand Mage's identity.

"You're here?"

The Grand Mage's elegant and smiling voice drifted over with the wind.

Li Changshou arrived behind the Grand Mage and bowed deeply, saying clearly:

"This disciple, Li Changshou, pays respects to the Grand Mage!"

The Grand Mage turned around and smiled. "Hmm, I hope I didn't interrupt your cultivation."

Li Changshou felt a slight stir in his heart and quickly replied, "Not at all. This disciple was just pondering some minor matters."

"That's good," Xuan Du Grand Mage said, reaching out to grab Li Changshou's arm. "Come on, I'll take you to see a good show."

Before Li Changshou could say more, Xuan Du Grand Mage had already grasped his arm and pulled him forward in a step.

In an instant, Li Changshou felt flashes of light before his eyes, and the scenery around them shifted as they pierced through clouds and mist, traveling who knew how many ten-thousand li.

In just a few breaths, the two figures appeared above the vast expanse of waves, where they could see numerous figures moving about in the distance on the horizon and below in the sea—it was quite lively.

They were now directly above the East Sea Dragon Palace.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly...

The defensive arrangements around the Dragon Palace had been planned with his input, turning the place into a tight net, but in front of an expert like the Grand Mage, it was utterly inadequate.

This made Li Changshou secretly warn himself:

No matter how many schemes or deep plans you devise, in the end, what matters most is your own strength and the powerful backers you have.

Just then, Xuan Du Grand Mage chuckled and said:

"Your cultivation seems to have advanced quite a bit. You're not far from Golden Immortal now. Your Dao foundation is surprisingly solid—passing the Golden Immortal tribulation is almost a sure thing. Not bad, not bad."

Li Changshou replied, "This disciple dares not disappoint the Grand Mage's bestowed mystical arts."

Xuan Du Grand Mage's eyes crinkled with a smile as he casually pointed at Li Changshou, making their figures as ethereal as mist and completely concealing their auras.

The Grand Mage explained, "Ao Yi of the Dragon Clan is about to wed, and there are many experts here. Some of Jie Jiao's master's nominal disciples are also present. Unless necessary, we don't need to show ourselves and invite karma, so let's just use some means to hide for now."

Li Changshou said, "Grand Mage, actually..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"This disciple... well, this disciple's South Sea Sea God incarnation is already here."

Li Changshou had originally wanted to say that he had pretty much arranged everything, but the words caught in his throat as he remembered:

Those who show off will be suppressed; focus on duty, not merit—from the "Canon of Stability, New Edition."

Xuan Du Grand Mage clasped his hands behind his back and laughed. "You haven't neglected the matter of the Dragon Clan ascending to heaven. I was even thinking of lecturing you about it afterward, but now I'm quite relieved."

"Grand Mage's instructions—how could this disciple dare neglect them?"

Li Changshou quickly added, "In the past dozen years, this disciple has already helped the Dragon Clan with some arrangements. Moreover, this disciple received word that the West will first attack the South Sea, then the East Sea, and they've deployed deep-sea great demons and miscellaneous forces from the Three Thousand Worlds—these two cards aren't too significant."

He naturally wouldn't forget that he could speak freely around Xuan Du Grand Mage, so there was no need to hide these words.

"Oh?" Xuan Du Grand Mage's eyes lit up, but his focus was quite unique as he asked curiously, "You've planted an inside agent in the West? How did you manage that?"

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile wryly...

It seems you didn't even know about Daoist Wen Jing?

That means the saint who made him agree to Daoist Wen Jing's request must have kept you completely in the dark?

'Could it be that you've been napping in the Tushita Palace all these years?'

Of course, he only grumbled that in his mind—it was absolutely not something to say out loud.

"Grand Mage, this matter is quite convoluted and complex."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and whispered, "Please allow this disciple to report the details after the wedding matters are settled. It involves Jie Jiao and the West, as well as Senior Zhao Gongming, the Three Heavens Fairies, and the Western saints' disciples. It's also something arranged by our teacher."

Xuan Du Grand Mage nodded with a smile. "Then there's no need to tell me. Better to know less and avoid more trouble."

Li Changshou felt a bit unsteady, his mouth twitching slightly...

"Your carefree attitude, Grand Mage, is something this disciple might not achieve even after ten yuan meetings of cultivation."

"Ha ha ha," the Grand Mage waved his hand. "The more you know, the more karma entangles you. Since it's something the teacher arranged, there must be a reason for it. Let's go—first, we'll slip into the Dragon Palace. Since your incarnation is here, do you know a good spot to hide?"

Li Changshou thought for a moment and said, "In the northwest of the Crystal Palace, there's a warm chamber beside a palace hall. It should be empty for now. Grand Mage, do you need this disciple to use his incarnation to escort us in?"

"No need for that trouble—let me show you something."

Xuan Du Grand Mage chuckled, pulling Li Changshou's arm as they descended straight downward. A faint shadow of a yin-yang taijitu appeared under their feet, and the surrounding light and shadows became illusory, as if they had stepped outside the world's order and walked through it.

As waves of light flickered before Li Changshou's eyes, they reappeared inside the warm chamber he had mentioned.

Was this the power of the innate supreme treasure, the Taijitu?

The Crystal Palace's grand array was as good as nothing!

The Dragon Clan's experts and tens of thousands of guests here had no idea that two people had quietly slipped into...

Ao Yi and Jiang Sishi's bridal chamber.

"This place is nice—quite peaceful."

Xuan Du Grand Mage surveyed the surroundings and walked over to the large floor-length mirror made of crystal. He flicked it lightly with his finger, and faint clouds immediately formed in the mirror.

Soon, the clouds dissipated, revealing the lively scene in the main hall of the Crystal Palace.

There were still two days until the official wedding, and most of the key guests had already arrived.

In that grand hall alone, thousands of figures sat at round and low tables.

Beautiful sea nymphs and pearl maidens moved about, serving wine and dishes, while hundreds of sea nymphs in the Dragon Palace's orchestra took turns playing melodious and joyful tunes.

Naturally, those seated in the Crystal Palace's main hall were no ordinary beings.

They were either highly cultivated, renowned in the great wilderness, Dragon Clan elders or key ministers, or important figures from various powers in the Three Thousand Worlds.

On top of that, the group from Jie Jiao's Jin'ao Island who came to offer congratulations were, of course, arranged in the main hall—in the most prominent and central area.

Although everyone knew that Jie Jiao's saint's nominal disciples held a bit less prestige, having so many show up was still a huge honor for the Dragon Clan.

This also greatly boosted Ao Yi, the second prince's, standing within his clan.

Though the Jin'ao Island group was large, only a few could be considered true experts—just four of the Ten Heavenly Lords had come.

Among the low tables near the Dragon King, a middle-aged Daoist with a honest face and steady aura caught Xuan Du Grand Mage's attention for a moment...

"Come take a look, Li Changshou," Xuan Du Grand Mage said with a smile. "This is the immortal attendant of Master Tongtian, the Black Clouds Immortal. He's here today with just an incarnation."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, of course aware that this major figure had arrived.

Not only did he know, but it was also his suggestion to Ao Yi to invite the Black Clouds Immortal's incarnation...

Not for any particular reason, just to observe the ceremony.

Since the Grand Mage was enthusiastic, Li Changshou played along.

Of course, he couldn't overdo it and say something exaggerated like, "Wow, that's amazing!"

Li Changshou smiled and said, "Ao Yi is this great immortal's disciple, so inviting him to observe is perfectly reasonable."

The Grand Mage continued, "Li Changshou, do you know how the Black Clouds Immortal got his title?"

"This disciple has no idea."

"Ha ha ha, it's quite a story from ancient times. One day, Master Tongtian was lecturing on an immortal island in the South Sea, enlightening many beings, when he suddenly sensed a large dark cloud above his head. He looked up and saw a golden-whiskered turtle swimming overhead. Because it was so enormous, there was no place for it to sit..."

And so, in Ao Yi and Jiang Sishi's bridal chamber, Xuan Du Grand Mage enthusiastically recounted ancient anecdotes to Li Changshou.

Although Li Changshou listened with interest, he couldn't help feeling a bit downhearted...

In this situation, he suddenly realized that in the drama of Ao Yi's wedding, he seemed to be playing far too many roles.

He had thought of himself as just a stagehand, but upon reflection, he was the director, screenwriter, investor, stagehand, and even a minor extra on stage.

And now, because the Grand Mage had brought his true body here, he was even guest-starring as an audience member.

Self-written, self-directed, self-acted, and now self-watched...

It was truly one of a kind.

Soon, Xuan Du Grand Mage finished the ancient tale and continued observing various parts of the Dragon Palace through the mirror.

In this place, besides the Black Clouds Immortal and a few old Dragon Clan members, the only one who made the Grand Mage pause was...

Li Changshou's paper effigy.

The Grand Mage suddenly asked, "Li Changshou, for your position as the South Sea Sea God, did the teacher give any other instructions?"

"The teacher didn't give any directives," Li Changshou pondered and whispered, "Grand Mage, this disciple's incarnation is now considered a minister of the Jade Emperor. His majesty's decree should solidify in a few decades."

"Oh?"

The Grand Mage's eyes brightened. "Does that mean you'll soon be heading to Heaven Court?"

Li Changshou hesitated for a moment and sighed:

"This disciple plans to send the paper effigy to Heaven Court while keeping the true body away for now. This disciple was tasked with thwarting the West, and after the Dragon Clan's ascension, it will be impossible to hide that the South Sea Sea God was behind the schemes. If this disciple shows up in person rashly, it might draw the West's secret targeting..."

Online, waiting for an invitation to the Tushita Palace backyard!

Unexpectedly, the Grand Mage slowly nodded and said with a smile, "It's good that you're thinking so thoroughly and taking care of yourself. I'm very pleased."

And that was it...

The Grand Mage scanned the guests here roughly, and Li Changshou took the opportunity to use the Grand Mage's view to check for any spies mixed in.

As the image swept through the Crystal Palace's main gate, it seemed a few suspicious figures had slipped in...

But that wasn't important.

Soon, the image showed today's lead—Ao Yi, dressed in a light blue robe.

The Grand Mage laughed and said, "Your Sea God Religion's second leader is about to wed, but he's still in a youthful form. Why is that?"

Li Changshou felt a bit helpless; he didn't want to lie to the Grand Mage but couldn't explain it easily, so he just gave an awkward laugh.

Fortunately, the Grand Mage was just teasing and switched the image to where Jiang Sishi was in a palace hall, getting dressed for the wedding.

Her pre-wedding preparations would take a full nine days!

Li Changshou had always wanted to complain about this but had been too busy.

The Grand Mage remarked curiously, "Isn't this the little mermaid we saw last time?"

"Well," Li Changshou said bitterly, "It wasn't back then. This disciple's immortal sense, toxic pill, and inner fire caused a mishap, leading them to get intimate involuntarily..."

"Oh? So it all traces back to you?

Ha ha ha! The affairs of the world are truly wondrous."

Just as Li Changshou was about to speak, the Grand Mage blinked and pointed at the mirror, showing the scene above the sea.

A white cloud descended from the high sky, carrying three figures. At the front was a slender elder in a bright red wedding robe, followed by a man and a woman in golden armor as heavenly generals.

These two heavenly generals exuded the pressure of the Golden Immortal realm, leading a team of three hundred elite True Immortal heavenly soldiers as they approached the East Sea Dragon Palace.

The Grand Mage laughed. "Yue Lao? Why is he here?"

"Well, that's thanks to this disciple's arrangement... Yue Lao's identity is perfect for this occasion, to display Heaven Court's majesty and establish initial ties with the Dragon Clan."

Li Changshou smiled. "When you arranged for Yue Lao to deliver the divine ability last time, it was already hinting at this, and this disciple understood it well."

"Not bad, not bad," Xuan Du Grand Mage said, patting Li Changshou's shoulder. "Though hearing you say that makes me quite happy, I have to admit I hadn't thought it through in such detail."

Li Changshou was about to add something like, "Your casual arrangement already aligns with the Dao's intent"...

But the Grand Mage suddenly exclaimed softly and pointed at the mirror again.

This time, the image switched to an island, where two figures stealthily emerged from the sea and hid in the island's array.

"Senior Zhao Gongming? And... Senior Huang Long?"

Xuan Du Grand Mage was puzzled. "When did the relationship between the two teachings become so harmonious? What are they up to?"

"Cough, Grand Mage..."

Li Changshou was at a loss for words.

The Grand Mage glared. "Is this your arrangement too?"

"Not entirely," Li Changshou said bitterly. "This disciple just played a minor role in it, giving the story a little push..."

The Grand Mage stood with his hands behind his back, looking up silently and sighing softly.

"Li Changshou, have you even arranged me into this somehow?"