Chapter 270: Initial 'War' Ran Deng

“Are you the Sea God?”

Ran Deng Dao Ren arrived on a cloud with his attendant and, as soon as he reached the area above the rear courtyard of the Hai Shen Temple, spoke with a cold expression.

Li Changshou nodded slightly and flicked his duster toward Ran Deng Dao Ren, replying calmly, “I hold the mandate from Tian Ting and the imperial seal from Yu Di, overseeing the four seas and managing maritime affairs, so I am indeed the Sea God.”

A hint of severity flashed in Ran Deng Dao Ren’s eyes as he said, “What a fine imperial seal from Yu Di and mandate from Tian Ting—no wonder you act so arrogantly, not even respecting my Chan Jiao!”

Upon hearing Ran Deng’s opening words, Li Changshou realized the other was an ancient being.

With just a couple of casual remarks, he had elevated the issue to the level of the great sects, framing disobedience as contempt for Chan Jiao...

Fortunately, Li Changshou was well-prepared and fully alert, immediately breaking out of the other’s rhetorical trap.

He flicked his duster again and frowned. “Fellow Daoist, you arrive with such aggression, and upon reaching my Hai Shen Temple, you simply say, ‘Are you the Sea God,’ and directly accuse me of disrespecting Chan Jiao.

Where should I even begin?

Have you introduced yourself? Can you let me know how exactly I have disrespected Chan Jiao?”

The attendant kneeling beside Ran Deng immediately shouted, “Open your eyes and look—this is my master!”

Li Changshou furrowed his brows and scolded, “You shady attendant!

You came to my Hai Shen Temple earlier, acting all arrogant and causing trouble!

How dare you claim you were sent by the esteemed deputy leader of Chan Jiao to make me appear in person and go out!

Hmph, it’s clearly a ploy to lure me out and harm me!

And now, after I sent you away, you’re still not satisfied and dragged in some random demon to pretend it’s Chan Jiao’s Ran Deng Dao Ren himself!

Do you think I’d believe that?”

The attendant glared and said, “You!”

Just as Ran Deng Dao Ren was about to speak, Li Changshou pointed at the attendant and continued his tirade, unleashing a barrage of words like rapid gunfire!

“Is this it? Trying to impersonate the refined, virtuous, and amiable deputy leader of Chan Jiao, Ran Deng Dao Ren?

Do you even know that Ran Deng Dao Ren is an innate being from ancient times, born before the Heavenly Dao was complete, and now renowned in Yu Xu Gong for his moral excellence? In all of Daoism, few can compare to Ran Deng Dao Ren!

Look at this old Daoist you’ve brought—he’s cut from the same cloth as you!

Seeming loyal but with treacherous eyes, shameless and unprincipled, hypocritical and rebellious in old age—he’s nothing more than a big-eared thief!

He can’t even mimic the Dao rhythm of Yu Qing Avenue, yet he dares to impersonate the deputy leader of Chan Jiao!?

Ha, how absurd and ridiculous!”

Ah, that felt good...

With this scolding, Li Changshou seized on the slight logical flaw in the other’s words.

It left Ran Deng Dao Ren’s face as dark as water, and the attendant’s face flushed red, speechless;

Huang Long Zhen Ren was torn between laughter and tears, while Zhao Gongming stifled his laughs by pinching his thigh, and the man in the rear of Dou Shu Gong flipped over with laughter.

Truth be told, Li Changshou had never met Ran Deng Dao Ren before; their only indirect connection was when Ran Deng had once deceived Huang Long Zhen Ren, who then came to ask if Li Changshou was scheming against the Long Zu...

Now, by assuming the attendant was up to no good and claiming, “Ran Deng Dao Ren is a transcendent master and wouldn’t act like this,” Li Changshou was flattering openly while subtly criticizing, setting traps to see if the other would fall for them and thereby probe Ran Deng’s depths.

It was a strategy that killed multiple birds with one stone.

As for whether Ran Deng Dao Ren might lash out in anger...

That was exactly the scenario Li Changshou wanted, and he ensured his paper Daoist could self-destruct first.

In a clash of experts, it all comes down to a single thought!

“Sea God, have you finished your rant?”

“Hmph! Impersonating a prominent figure in my Daoist sect, I’m already showing restraint by not fighting you—how could I be finished!”

Li Changshou snorted coldly, sighing inwardly.

As expected, he’s tough to deal with; Ran Deng Dao Ren has a thick skin and won’t be provoked into action with just a few insults.

This made Li Changshou even more vigilant.

Then he heard Ran Deng speak again, his voice carrying a chill. “In all my years of cultivation, I’ve never been insulted like this.

Since you don’t recognize me, I won’t hold it against you.

Listen well, Sea God—I am the deputy leader of Yu Xu Gong, Ran Deng Dao Ren!”

“Oh?” Li Changshou nodded and asked as per custom, “What proof do you have?”

“Proof!”

Ran Deng Dao Ren nearly exploded but held back, his bronze lamp on his shoulder radiating brilliant light that dyed the sky above An Shui City with rainbow colors.

Ran Deng Dao Ren asked, “How about that?”

Li Changshou frowned, a hint of panic in his eyes, and said, “Could it be that you truly are the honored guest of Yu Xu Gong, the ancient immortal of Yuanjue Cave?”

“Hmph,” Ran Deng Dao Ren sneered, “Or perhaps my Liuli Lamp...”

“I don’t believe it,” Li Changshou shook his head. “There are countless treasures in the primordial world; it’s normal to have a few similar ones.”

Ran Deng Dao Ren scolded, “Stop your nonsense!”

“Are you feeling guilty, Fellow Daoist?” Li Changshou laughed. “In truth, your cultivation isn’t low, so why insist on impersonating others in the primordial world?

If Ran Deng Dao Ren found out, wouldn’t he come after you?”

“I am Ran Deng Dao Ren!”

“Really? I don’t believe it.”

“You!” Ran Deng Dao Ren’s eyes widened, truly tempted to throw his Liuli Lamp, but he realized that if he acted, he’d fall into this schemer’s trap.

Ran Deng Dao Ren then produced several treasures: a string of prayer beads, a golden pagoda, and a lotus cushion.

“Are you convinced now!”

Li Changshou shook his head. “These days, impersonating a famous expert in the primordial world must cost a fortune—they’ve even forged these treasures.

But to be honest, I’ve never met Ran Deng Dao Ren, so I have no idea what treasures he has.

Fellow Daoist, if you really are Ran Deng Dao Ren, why not swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao to prove it?”

“How dare I not swear?”

Right then, Ran Deng Dao Ren swore to the Heavenly Dao, affirming his identity;

The power of the Heavenly Dao descended, but nothing unusual happened.

Seeing this, Li Changshou’s expression changed dramatically. He stumbled back several steps in the air, sweat beading on his forehead and his hands trembling, as he bowed deeply:

“Oh dear!

A disciple of Ren Jiao has been disrespectful; I didn’t realize you were truly the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, Ran Deng Dao Ren! My apologies!”

Although Li Changshou appeared so “frightened” and offered such words of apology, Ran Deng Dao Ren felt no satisfaction whatsoever.

Instead, he sensed that the respect was only for the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, not for him personally—as if without that title, he was nothing...

This made Ran Deng even more stifled, the anger stuck in his chest, unable to vent or strike, so he turned and glared at the attendant.

The attendant went limp, collapsing on the cloud, his breathing halting.

“Senior, please forgive me, forgive me. This junior is seeing your true form for the first time and truly failed to recognize a great hero.

Quick, Senior, please come inside!”

Without waiting for Ran Deng Dao Ren’s response, Li Changshou descended first;

Ran Deng Dao Ren frowned, realizing he had been led by the nose throughout and couldn’t find a way to retort, so he followed on his cloud.

If he left just like that today, he’d lose all face.

However, as soon as he entered the rear hall of the Hai Shen Temple, Ran Deng Dao Ren sensed something unusual, catching a glimpse of Zhao Gongming and Huang Long Zhen Ren in the corner.

Li Changshou thought to himself: ...

Zhao Gongming’s hiding skills are clearly lacking—he’s been exposed just like that?

At that moment, a Dao rhythm manifested, revealing faint yin-yang fish symbols chasing each other at the four corners of the hall and on the beams.

The power of the Tai Ji Tu?

Ran Deng Dao Ren’s expression shifted, and his gaze toward Li Changshou grew more cautious.

No wonder this person has been holding his own against the Western side for so long—it must be Tai Qing Saint supporting and suppressing the West!

Ran Deng Dao Ren’s anger subsided a bit more, and he forced a smile toward Li Changshou, who gestured for him to sit, though only in the guest seat on the left, which added to his dissatisfaction.

Once seated as host and guest, Li Changshou personally served tea and sat in his own seat a moment later.

This was the etiquette of a junior, distinct from that of a disciple.

Li Changshou spoke first, pointing at the attendant with a smile: “Is he truly your attendant, Senior?”

“Indeed,” Ran Deng Dao Ren nodded slowly.

“He’s really clever and adorable, so polite and well-mannered,” Li Changshou said with narrowed eyes, his words entirely sincere. “The moment I saw him earlier, I knew he was from a distinguished family.”

Ran Deng Dao Ren squeezed out an awkward smile. “In that case, why did you reprimand my attendant when I sent him to invite you to Yu Xu Gong?”

“Senior, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood something,” Li Changshou said, taking out a recording orb from his sleeve and handing it over with his immortal power, casually revealing his Dao rhythm.

“Senior, please take a look; the whole matter is recorded here.”

Ran Deng Dao Ren hesitated slightly but didn’t crush the orb; instead, he closed his eyes to examine its contents.

In reality, from the moment Ran Deng appeared until now, every decision he made prompted several options in Li Changshou’s mind, and as soon as Ran Deng chose, Li Changshou had countermeasures ready, along with follow-up options prepared for the deputy leader.

In short, Li Changshou had taken the verbal upper hand; to turn the tables, Ran Deng would have to start over or strike him down outright.

Unfortunately...

The Tai Ji Tu served as a warning.

But Ran Deng was no pushover, his words laced with hidden barbs and traps.

After a moment, though they exchanged only a dozen or so lines, it felt like they had sparred hundreds of rounds, each sentence carrying deeper implications and veiled threats!

In the corner, Zhao Gongming and Huang Long Zhen Ren listened with furrowed brows.

Huang Long Zhen Ren managed it somewhat, grasping the intensity of the verbal duel between Li Changshou and Ran Deng Dao Ren.

As for Zhao Gongming, his bearded face clearly showed confusion: What on earth is going on? What are they even saying? Why not just roll up sleeves and fight fair and square?...

Soon, Li Changshou and Ran Deng had “let bygones be bygones” and began discussing the Long Zu matter.

Li Changshou started with, “Senior, you mentioned coming for the Long Zu’s affairs—do you have some... relative among them?”

Ran Deng Dao Ren replied indifferently, “Of course not; I’m here on behalf of the West.”

“Oh, so Senior has relatives in Xi Fang Jiao.”

The term “relatives” is rather inappropriate,” Ran Deng Dao Ren said calmly. “I’ve simply made many friends and owe some favors, so I’m repaying them through this matter.

Fellow Daoist, for the sake of my Chan Jiao’s face, could you perhaps concede some benefits to the West in the Long Zu affair?”

Li Changshou blinked and smiled. “Senior, before I answer that, I have a question for you.”

“Go ahead.”

“Senior, are you approaching me on this matter as an individual, repaying a favor to some senior from Xi Fang Jiao, or as the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, ordering me to make concessions to the West?”

Ran Deng Dao Ren’s eyebrows knitted together, but he didn’t answer directly, saying only, “So, you mean you won’t agree?”

“I haven’t answered yet—it depends on your stance, Senior, before I can reply.”

Li Changshou continued, “I am a disciple of the Daoist sect; if you’re giving an order as the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, I will naturally comply.

But, Senior, I truly don’t know how to concede to Xi Fang Jiao.

I have good relations with the Long Zu, and this Hai Shen Temple was built with their help. I’ve intervened multiple times to aid them secretly, just to repay some favors, as I couldn’t bear to see them schemed against.

As the Sea God appointed by Yu Di, I can’t stand by and watch the beings of the four seas suffer, so I’ve stopped the West from harming the Long Zu several times.

If you’re speaking to me as a cultivator from Yuanjue Cave on Lingjiu Mountain, then I must remind you, Senior—

The Long Zu are an ancient remnant race; if they submit to Tian Ting, it would greatly benefit it.

Tian Ting was established by the three saints of the Daoist sect and appointed by Daozu to govern the three realms.

Regardless of other factors, Senior, as the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, helping an external sect to undermine Tian Ting and the Daoist sect’s interests might not sit well.

If your position isn’t upright, how can your actions be proper?

It’s all about where you stand, Senior.”

Ran Deng Dao Ren narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled at Li Changshou and sighed. “It seems I didn’t think this through earlier and have offended you.”

With that, Ran Deng Dao Ren stood up, a white cloud forming under his feet, and he casually took the attendant with him.

Ran Deng Dao Ren laughed. “I’ve had a very enlightening conversation with you today; let’s continue another time.”

“I’ll see you off.”

“No need.”

Li Changshou thought to himself: ...

He runs fast, doesn’t he.

This Ran Deng Dao Ren is extremely hard to handle;

By touching on the edge of “treachery,” Li Changshou made him apologize and leave immediately, indirectly confirming his hidden agenda, though Li Changshou couldn’t grasp any evidence.

Could it be that Ran Deng’s allegiance to Chan Jiao was part of a scheme from years ago?

Is Ran Deng Dao Ren originally a pawn of the West?

Li Changshou stood at the rear hall entrance, pondering carefully. After Ran Deng left, he flicked out Samadhi True Flame from his palm, burning the chair where Ran Deng had sat.

Then, at the spot where Ran Deng had stood, he swung his duster to disperse a trace of hidden aura in the ground.

Afterward, the Tai Ji Tu slowly appeared on the beams, its Dao rhythm circulating to check for any issues.

Once the Tai Ji Tu faded, Li Changshou said, “Old brother, Zhen Ren, you can come out now.”

Ripples stirred in the corner, and Huang Long Zhen Ren slowly revealed himself, looking troubled, but Zhao Gongming was nowhere to be seen.

Li Changshou blinked and asked quickly, “Where’s Gongming Senior?”

“He... got angry...”

“And went to fight?”

“Yes!” Huang Long Zhen Ren nodded honestly.

Li Changshou groaned, raising his hand to rub his brow.