Chapter 247: New Form of Primordial Entertainment

What’s going on?

Ao Yi was completely stunned when Li Changshou steadied him.

Sitting in the center of the back hall was none other than Xuan Du Shi of Ren School, who had once appeared in the South Sea!

To his left was Zhao Gongming, to his right Chi Jingzi, along with Huanglong Zhenren, Qin Wan Tianjun, Bai Li Tianjun… experts from the three schools were all gathered here!

No ordinary folks in sight, just a gathering of eminent companions!

Though not many experts from the three schools had come—strictly speaking, only four or five were true disciples of saints—the weight of these individuals was truly overwhelming!

For a moment, Ao Yi felt unworthy of being his brother’s younger sibling. As the second prince of the Dragon Palace and a minor True Immortal of Jie School, he really seemed to…

Have brought shame to his brother!

Yet, he heard a slightly reproachful voice:

“Yi brother, why are you so late?”

Ao Yi looked up at Li Changshou’s paper effigy incarnation, about to speak, when he received Li Changshou’s voice transmission.

“Stay calm. Go forward, pay your respects, and then invite the Dragon Clan elders to come for tea.”

Ao Yi quickly nodded, first bowing to Zhao Gongming, then to the Teacher, and turning to offer courtesies to the experts of Jie and Chan Schools.

This handsome young man with horns on his head bowed left and right, calling out “Teacher Uncle” and “Teacher Senior” nonstop, which made everyone watching…

Want to slip him a few red envelopes.

Qin Wan Tianjun laughed and said:

“This is a guest cultivator from my Jin'ao Island, a disciple of Wuyun Daxian, and also the second prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace, Ao Yi.”

At once, the Chan School immortals praised Ao Yi for his manners and likability, while the Jie School immortals complimented his handsome appearance and steady foundation, leaving Ao Yi a bit embarrassed.

Xuan Du Shi said:

“Ao Yi, come forward.”

“Yes,” Ao Yi replied hastily, stepping forward and performing the disciple’s li.

The Teacher took a jade bottle from his sleeve and placed it in Ao Yi’s hand, smiling as he said:

“I know your Dragon Clan doesn’t lack treasures, but this is a spirit pill refined by Lao Jun to strengthen the foundation and enhance cultivation—it’s quite a rarity.

You are Changgeng’s second leader and the protector of the Sea God Cult, so don’t neglect your cultivation.”

Ao Yi suppressed his inner excitement and thanked the Teacher for the gift.

Li Changshou cast a meaningful glance from the side, but the Teacher just narrowed his eyes and smiled, pretending not to notice.

The immortals on both sides were no fools. Even those unaware of the Sea God Cult’s details could tell from seeing Ao Yi and the Dragon Clan, and understanding his connection to the Sea God Cult, why the Daoist Changgeng had invited immortals from the three schools to observe the ceremony.

It was probably to intimidate the arrogant Dragon Clan.

Before long, Ao Yi invited several Dragon Clan elders, who settled in a corner of the back hall to rest.

These Dragon Clan elders were quite composed, having seen their share of storms, and they exchanged no words with the three schools’ immortals, maintaining the Dragon Clan’s pride and arrogance.

By the time the second wave of experts from Jie and Chan Schools arrived, the guests were nearly all assembled.

Li Changshou timed it perfectly, and as the eastern sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, he guided the six cloud-riding platforms into the air above the Sea God Temple.

Xuan Du Shi stood up and said with a smile:

“Everyone, please come and see what Changgeng has prepared.”

The immortals from both schools rose together, following Xuan Du Shi as they gracefully exited and took their seats on the cloud-riding platforms.

Xuan Du Shi, Zhao Gongming, Chi Jingzi, Huanglong Zhenren, the Ten Heavenly Lords, and Holy Mother Fire Spirit, along with Li Changshou, were arranged on one platform.

The other immortals seated themselves according to their lineages, while the Dragon Clan elders occupied a separate cloud-riding platform.

Compared to the grandeur of Dragon Clan assemblies or weddings, the Sea God Cult’s setup…

Was indeed a bit modest.

But when the six cloud-riding platforms flew out over Anshui City, the massive crowd below created a spectacular scene.

As the six white clouds approached, enveloped in immortal light and faint figures, the mortals below shouted praises to the Sea God and the immortals, their voices roaring like ocean waves!

Soon, the six clouds steadied themselves in front of the high platform, positioned at the optimal viewing spot as calculated by Li Changshou.

Not long after, hundreds of Dragon Clan experts arrived, settling on clouds beside the platforms and curiously eyeing Xuan Du Shi, Zhao Gongming, and the other Daoist experts…

They wanted to feel defiant but didn’t dare.

Li Changshou had constructed the high platform to be ten zhang tall, built from earth and stone, with a square top platform twenty zhang long and wide, and wide stairs leading up on three sides.

On the south side of the platform stood a massive bronze mirror, engraved with intricate arrays, its purpose unknown.

What was the Sea God Cult up to?

The immortals from both schools were puzzled, and the Dragon Clan felt a touch of novelty.

“Chang… geng?”

Xuan Du Shi called out, and Li Changshou, who was at the back of the platform instructing a few female musicians, quickly flew up.

“Your disciple is here.”

“What are you planning to do?”

Xuan Du Shi asked with a smile:

“Are you going to lecture on the Dao here, or preach the doctrines of your Sea God Cult to the mortals?”

Li Changshou replied hastily:

“Teacher, your disciple wouldn’t dare lecture or expound scriptures in front of so many esteemed experts. The Sea God Cult’s doctrines are just meant to encourage mortals to do good.

Today is a joyous occasion, so your disciple has prepared some dance performances to entertain the seniors and fellow Daoists, and to share with the Sea God Cult followers.”

The Teacher’s interest was piqued:

“You know about these things?”

“I know a little,” Li Changshou said with a smile. “Your disciple will go down and get ready now.”

The Teacher said:

“Go ahead and handle it. I’ll take care of things here.”

The immortals on the nearby platforms quickly spoke up, saying there was no need for him to worry—they could manage themselves.

To have the Teacher serve tea?

That would be an honor fit for Zixiao Palace!

Li Changshou flew down to continue his preparations, acting as the on-site director to guide everything…

Soon, dozens of burly men carried large drums, ancient qins, pipas, and other instruments onto the platform, setting them up in the two corners on the south side.

Then, the group of strong men stood in the center of the platform, crossing their fists over their chests in a pose.

Though they appeared calm on the surface, Li Changshou’s voice transmissions never stopped…

“Watch your expressions—smile when it starts, think of something happy!”

“The one in the back corner, your position is off—move three inches to the left!”

“Remember, like in the rehearsals, use just the right amount of force. You’re dancing, not fighting the neighboring village!”

Next, musicians—both men and women, all mortals—took their places by the instruments in the corners.

At that moment, Li Changshou flicked his duster.

The large bronze mirror began to glow, its restrictions and talismans activating, projecting images into the sky above the crowd.

The sky grew brighter.

The forty-nine strong men lined up, with the musicians on either side ready, hands on strings or holding xiao flutes.

As the eastern sky showed a hint of gold and the sun rose from the East Sea, a beam of golden light shone on the platform!

Li Changshou patted Ao Yi on the shoulder. Ao Yi took a deep breath, leaped straight up, landed in the center at the back of the platform, raised his drumstick, and struck hard.

The forty-nine men in red short shirts stomped their feet and swung their fists in unison. Though mortals, they exuded a vigorous masculine energy!

The foremost man stepped forward half a pace and shouted:

“Hey! Hey hey hey! Yah—”

The suona blared, the strings played in harmony, and the dozens of strong men moved with the drumbeat, their formations shifting in perfect synchrony.

Cheers erupted from the crowd below, and the immortals on the clouds brightened with interest.

In the Great Wilderness of that era, dances were typically associated with graceful women emphasizing delicacy and elegance, evoking a hazy atmosphere.

Li Changshou had added a mischievous twist to these performances, with this opening piece adapted from a segment of “The Laborers Are the Most Beautiful.”

He had originally cut these “programs,” thinking them unnecessary,

But with so many immortals from the three schools here today, to properly entertain them, Li Chang Changshou had brought them back…

The dance ended, and the dozens of strong men panted heavily, their smiles warm and sincere.

Cheers rose again from the mortals below, while the immortals above marveled in surprise.

Li Changshou breathed a sigh of relief—the effect was decent…

Ao Yi stopped beating the drum, turned, and leaped off, transforming into a green dragon. He circled the vast gathering area starting from the platform, then reverted to human form upon landing back on the platform.

Shouts of “Great Protector! Great Protector!” echoed from below.

Ao Yi bowed with clasped hands, his image projected into the sky above the crowd, and he called out:

“Friends over there, how are you?

Friends of the mountains and seas, how are you?”

Waves of responses crashed back, forming a chorus of “Good!”

Ao Yi raised his hand to signal quiet, and the cheers subsided quickly. Then, the second prince of the Dragon Clan proclaimed clearly:

“The Sea God Cult celebrates a great joyous event!

Immortals gather and followers assemble!

Everyone here celebrates the Sea God ceremony, with the Sea God watching from the sea, sending me to join in the festivities!

Don’t crowd, don’t make noise. If anyone is hungry or thirsty, you can find the prepared food and water in your areas. Anyone who loots or causes trouble will be punished by the Sea God!

Do you understand?”

The countless mortals below shouted in unison:

“Good!”

Ao Yi smiled in response, glanced at the script written on his palm, and announced loudly:

“Next up is a grand performance by the Bear Village divine messengers of the Sea God Cult and the guards of Anshui City’s lord’s mansion—‘The Rise and Fall of the Human Race’!

This traces the struggles of human ancestors and carries their hopes for the present-day human race!”

After announcing the act, Ao Yi jumped down from the platform and let out a long breath, flashing a happy smile at his brother, the cult leader.

Li Changshou raised his right fist and gave a thumbs-up.

At that moment, seventeen or eighteen brawny men in animal skin skirts and grass wreaths rushed onto the platform, calling out “Oooh oooh oooh.”

This depicted the early humans after their creation by Lady Nüwa, wandering the earth in confusion, surviving by gathering and hunting.

The music and choreography were ready-made—just like “Mount Tai Next Door.”

For a time, immortals and dragons above, and mortals below, all burst into laughter.

The Teacher, however, watched with deep emotion, his eyes filled with distant memories…

These were the lives of his brothers and sisters from back then…

Ah, Longevity had put real thought into this.

The set of dances continued with segments like “Drilling for Fire,” “Ice and Fire Battle Song,” “Taiji,” “The Deluge of Destruction,” “The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors,” and sixteen more, all adapted from major events in human history from ancient times.

The early human era focused on humor, while the middle parts, with their trials and tribulations, turned solemn and stirring. By the time of human prosperity, the music swelled to majestic grandeur…

Before long, the Teacher called Li Changshou over.

Zhao Gongming, Huanglong Zhenren, and other immortals from the three schools gathered around, eagerly asking Li Changshou how he had come up with these ideas—they were truly entertaining.

Li Changshou couldn’t just say he had copied them from his previous life,

So he explained that through his incarnations traveling among mortals, he had blended various folk performance styles to create these storytelling dances, which weren’t his original inventions.

If the esteemed ones were interested, he could even arrange some operas.

The immortals praised him endlessly.

When the first set of dances reached about a third of the way, two more immortal clouds arrived from the north and south: Guangchengzi and Yuding Zhenren from Chan School, and Holy Mother Guiling and Holy Mother Wudang from Jie School, each bringing over a hundred qi refiners to join the fun.

This was, of course, out of respect for Xuan Du Shi.

Xuan Du Shi led Li Changshou in welcoming them and arranging seats for the immortals.

The Dragon Clan’s position was pushed a bit further to the side…

A short while later, a gray cloud flew in from the west,

With several muscular figures at the front and over a hundred burly forms following—it was a group from the underworld who had just arrived.

They saw a few shamans performing war dances on the platform and frowned.

The soul-hook messenger, Niutou, grumbled:

“How can our shaman descendants be up there dancing?”

A nearby underworld general nudged Niutou’s arm and nodded toward the prominent figures above the platform.

Niutou looked closely and recognized a few of them. Sensing the hidden auras of these experts, he chuckled awkwardly.

“Not bad at all—giving us a good show!”

The group of underworld agents from the shaman lineage couldn’t help but laugh.

Li Changshou flew over to welcome them, introducing himself as the South Sea Sea God and mentioning his friend “Li Changshou of the Immortal Du Sect.”

The shamans, including Niutou, were very polite, repeatedly praising the Sea God and thanking the Sea God Cult for looking after the shaman clan.

This marked the beginning of formal ties with the underworld.

The shamans preferred to stand on solid ground, so Li Changshou had reserved spots for them in advance. Their arrival didn’t draw much attention.

Along the South Sea coast, music echoed for a hundred li;

At the Sea God ceremony, joy and laughter filled the air.

By the end of the “Rise and Fall of the Human Race” set, the ceremony’s atmosphere had reached its peak.

Some Jie School and Chan School immortals approached Li Changshou to ask how to stage such dances, but he couldn’t explain it fully right then and said he’d discuss it after the celebration.

Following the set, two burly men jumped onto the platform, picked up clappers, and beat drums, performing the traditional Sea God Cult piece, “Praising the Sea God.”

The next set, “The Sea God, Dragons, and the Sea,” was already in preparation. Notably, it included dances like “Drawing a Dragon on the Left” and “If I Go Fishing, Will You Still Love Me?”…

From early morning to late morning, the South Sea coast was alive with excitement, making the Sea God ceremony quite unique.

Meanwhile, at the South Heaven Gate, the immortals and heavenly generals, stirred by the noise from the mortal world, could only curb their curiosity and wait quietly for noon.