Chapter 276: Handsome guy, who are you?

In the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, Yu Di sat upon his throne, summoning generals through incarnations to gather the immortal gods.

It began with Hai Shen presenting a memorial, warning of the vile demons about to wreak havoc across the four seas.

Blame those from the West, who showed no respect, repeatedly provoking the divine ruler with insolence.

Chang Geng offered a steady strategy, using your discarded pawn to repay heavenly grace!

Although everyone was an expert at handling incarnations, Li Changshou truly couldn't bring himself to appoint his own incarnation in such a manner.

In the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, it was like a grand scene of self-division.

The heavenly general Hua Ritian, clad in golden chainmail, draped in a snow-white cloak, and wearing a sculpted gold helmet, had his left hand resting on the sword at his waist as he followed Dong Mu Gong with swift steps.

Upon reaching the high platform, under Li Changshou's watchful gaze, Hua Ritian maintained a solemn expression, knelt on one knee in salute, and declared:

“This general pays respects to Your Majesty!”

Yu Di Majesty sat high on the platform, his white robes glowing with golden light, holding the Emperor's Seal in hand, and proclaimed:

“I now appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief to Subdue Demons. Together with Hai Shen, lead one hundred thousand heavenly soldiers to cleanse the demonic forces of the four seas!”

Hua Ritian responded firmly: “This general accepts the command!”

Li Changshou: ...

The dialogue between the incarnation and the original self was so full of emotion and expression—clearly, Yu Di Majesty must have often amused himself in this way on ordinary days.

Such were the tedious self-entertainments of the Heavenly Emperor.

Once Yu Di Majesty had personally appointed Yu Di Majesty as the commander, Li Changshou secretly reminded Dong Mu Gong, prompting him to volunteer as the supervising general.

Yu Di's enthusiasm was genuine, but he couldn't truly lead his incarnation into battle; if word got out, Heaven Court would be ridiculed by all the great powers.

Dong Mu Gong had initially hesitated, thinking the role of supervising general held little interest for him.

Yet, considering that Hai Shen never led him astray, Dong Mu Gong stepped forward and volunteered to take on the duty.

Yu Di agreed without a second thought, appointing Dong Mu Gong as the Heaven Court War Supervisor.

With that, Hua Ritian, Dong Mu Gong, and Li Changshou all received the decree and expressed their thanks, then left the Lingxiao Treasure Hall to head to Tongming Hall and discuss the specific battle plans.

As Dong Mu Gong watched Hua Ritian's back, a hint of dissatisfaction showed in his eyes, and he was about to assert his authority over Hua Ritian.

Fortunately, Li Changshou's voice timely echoed in Dong Mu Gong's mind:

“Mu Gong, think it over, think carefully.”

Dong Mu Gong frowned in thought upon hearing this and quickly realized something.

‘Could it be that His Majesty is testing me for any ambitions of power or rivalry?’

Dong Mu Gong immediately became alert, put on a warm smile, hurried forward, and carefully instructed Hua Ritian on matters of marching and warfare.

At that time in Heaven Court, few heavenly generals had actual battle experience, but Dong Mu Gong had at least commanded the forces that aided the Dragon Palace in the past.

Seeing this, Li Changshou chuckled lightly.

Unlike the old friend Yue Lao, Dong Mu Gong's immortal career had gained a bit more vitality.

Due to incomplete divine positions, issuing decrees in Heaven Court was painfully slow, but mobilizing troops was highly efficient, allowing one hundred thousand elite heavenly soldiers to be ready in just three days.

—If they didn't need to drill the Immortal Bean Soldiers into formation, they could have set out in a few hours.

Although Li Changshou had tried his best to avoid taking credit... ahem, to let others take the credit, after finalizing everything, he realized he still held multiple roles.

He was in charge of logistics, coordination, providing some minor tactics, and even comforting a certain elderly god with his fragile and sensitive old heart.

On top of that, Li Changshou had to prepare a batch of Paper Daoist figures to accompany the one hundred thousand reserve Immortal Bean Soldiers as emergency reinforcements.

All things considered, it might have been less hassle to just be the main commander.

In Tongming Hall, Dong Mu Gong and 'Hua Ritian' gathered over a dozen heavenly generals to discuss the specifics of troop deployment.

Li Changshou said: “I'll go and coordinate with the Dragon Clan first to confirm the deployment date.”

Hua Ritian, embodying the demeanor of a great general, cupped his hands and smiled: “We'll trouble Hai Shen with this matter!”

“It's only right, only right.”

Li Changshou replied with a smile, while secretly observing this incarnation of Yu Di.

Today, Yu Di Majesty was clearly in high spirits, with this incarnation's eyes shining brightly...

‘I wonder how long Yu Di Majesty plans to keep this incarnation in Heaven Court.’

Controlling this Paper Daoist back to the Hai Shen residence in Heaven Court, Li Changshou had no time to rest and immediately dispatched another Paper Daoist to East Sea Dragon Palace to negotiate the Dragon Clan's involvement.

This plan of Li Changshou's was a win-win for Heaven Court and the Dragon Clan.

The deep-sea demon clans' strongholds were located deep in the South Sea and West Sea, mostly inhabited by demons burdened with heavy karma.

The Dragon Clan still had some old scores to settle with these deep-sea great demons.

Previously, the Dragon Clan couldn't spare the resources, as the four seas were plagued by rebel forces.

Moreover, engaging in warfare could easily damage the Dragon Clan's already fragile destiny, leading to more troublesome consequences.

Thus, the Dragon Clan generally avoided initiating conflicts unless absolutely necessary.

Now, with Heaven Court inviting the Dragon Clan to join the fight, not only would they not worry about damaging their destiny, but they could also boost it in the process.

Such a great opportunity—they'd accept it a hundred times if it came a hundred times!

After Li Changshou's Paper Daoist arrived at the Dragon Palace, he was met with another round of effusive gratitude from the Dragon Clan.

Fortunately, the Dragon Clan knew that Hai Shen had no interest in pleasures, neither women nor men, and aside from occasionally accepting some treasures from them for laying floors, he was nearly desire-free!

Thus, when Li Changshou discussed the specifics of the Dragon Clan's deployment with East Sea Dragon King privately...

Ao Yi was in the adjacent side hall, helping his elder brother, the sect leader, pack away batch after batch of their family's treasure chests.

This young dragon's smile was so bright, overflowing with a sense of satisfaction.

The Dragon Clan's enthusiasm made Li Changshou feel a bit embarrassed... but he still accepted.

In just half an hour, Li Changshou and Dragon King finalized the details.

The Dragon Clan would have Ao Yi as the overall commander of their forces, with two Dragon Clan elders as deputies, mobilizing three hundred Dragon Clan experts, thirty thousand Immortal Flood Dragon soldiers, and one hundred eighty thousand shrimp and crab soldiers. They would also handle all reconnaissance and enemy tracking.

The numbers for these forces were carefully deliberated by Li Changshou and Dragon King—not too many, to avoid overshadowing the main event, and not too few, to show the Dragon Clan's sincerity.

After thinking it over, Li Changshou hinted to Dragon King:

“This time, the Heaven Court commander is no ordinary figure. The Dragon Clan troops must absolutely avoid any disrespect toward him and follow orders strictly, adhering to the unified commands of the Heaven Court commander.”

“Indeed.”

Dragon King stroked his beard and nodded, fully understanding who the commander was.

—During Ao Yi's wedding last time, East Sea Dragon King had already recognized Yu Di's incarnation as Hua Ritian.

Dragon King smiled and asked: “Is he truly placing such emphasis on this matter?”

“One can't say it's particularly emphasized, as this is Heaven Court's proactive military action, different from the previous aid to the Dragon Clan.”

Li Changshou replied with a smile, keeping the thought 'His Majesty is probably just bored' to himself.

Li Changshou added: “Dragon King, for this campaign against the deep-sea demons, we must ensure no information leaks.”

“Do you have a clever plan, Hai Shen?”

“Arrange for a group of sea clan rebels to flee to the deep-sea demons' location. The Dragon Clan can then pretend to pursue them aggressively, and once in position, turn the blades and wipe out the demon leaders.”

“Excellent,” East Sea Dragon King nodded with a smile, “We'll follow Hai Shen's plan.”

It was surprisingly straightforward.

After agreeing on deployment in three days, Li Changshou instructed Ao Yi to head to Heaven Court first, representing the Dragon Clan and awaiting orders from the Heaven Court Commander to Subdue Demons.

Every small step he took carried deeper meaning.

With this slight scheme, Li Changshou had essentially prepared a crystal coffin for the deep-sea demons.

This was a Heaven Court conquest, so most of the karma would be borne by Heaven Court, and its great destiny wouldn't be shaken by mere remnants of demon clans.

“I just don't know how the Western Sect will react. This matter needs to be resolved quickly.”

Li Changshou muttered to himself, continuing his careful planning.

For safety, he arranged for Paper Daoists to go out while his true body slipped back to Xiaoqiong Peak.

Although the Dusian Gate's thin and slippery mountain protection array could be broken with a single palm from him, being within the immortal sect gates brought an indescribable sense of security.

Perhaps it was because he was just a bit closer to the Saint lords.

On the second day of Heaven Court and Dragon Palace's secret troop movements, Li Changshou finalized several backup plans and had Ao Yi deliver them to Dong Mu Gong.

This was essentially Yu Di Majesty leading in person, so Li Changshou's Paper Daoist in Heaven Court would accompany the campaign.

It was quite the curious sight for an incarnation ruler and minister.

With the 'small' battle imminent, Li Changshou wanted to devise more contingency plans to prevent the Heaven Court and Dragon Clan forces from falling into Western schemes.

But before he could fully develop his ideas, Ling'e hurried over, urging him to go to Potian Peak for the ceremony.

Li Changshou didn't dare delay, manifesting his true body and going with Ling'e to Potian Peak.

While he had been busy outside, the matter of his shibo's reincarnation entering as a disciple had already been settled.

She would be taken as a disciple by Wangqing Shangren, given the Daoist name 'Jiushi', and to distinguish her from Jiushi, everyone would call her 'Jiuyushi' in daily life.

With the matter decided, it was time for the formal disciple ceremony.

Jiang Lin'er bustled about, making all the arrangements.

Several elders and supreme elders from Wangqing Residence arrived, and even the sect leader, who had been in seclusion recovering from injuries, came to join the festivities.

The nine immortals of the 'Jiu' character all gathered, each greeting the new junior sister and mostly aware of Wanjian Yu's situation.

Jiujiu was especially excited, keeping Jiuyushi by her side and introducing her to everyone as her own junior sister.

As Li Changshou and Ling'e arrived on their cloud at Wangqing Residence, Jiujiu pulled Jiuyushi out, puffed out her chest, and called out:

“Hey! You two youngsters, hurry up and pay your respects to your junior uncle!”

Ling'e burst into laughter and stepped forward to bow.

Li Changshou also performed a proper Daoist salute and said seriously: “This disciple, Li Changshou, pays respects to Shishu.”

Jiujiu felt inexplicably guilty, while the newly named maiden Jiuyushi quickly stepped forward, returning the bow to Li Changshou, momentarily at a loss for words.

Li Changshou smiled and took three bottles of pills from his sleeve, saying: “Congratulations on entering the Golden Immortal lineage, Shishu. Please look after us in the future.

These are Satiation Pills; life on the mountain isn't like the mortal world—don't go hungry.”

Ling'e laughed from the side: “Shixiong, you don't know yet—Jiuyushi Shishu will be cultivating on our Xiaoqiong Peak, with Jiujiu Shijie teaching her on behalf of the master, so she won't go hungry!”

“Oh?” Li Changshou chuckled. In that case, Master would have more opportunities too.

Where had Master gone, though? He should be here for such an important moment.

Li Changshou handed over the pills, and the maiden Jiuyushi's face flushed red as she carefully accepted them.

Jiujiu curiously leaned over, opened a bottle, glanced inside, and her pretty face was soon covered in black lines.

Pills of spiritual quality... as Satiation Pills?

Li Changshou smiled slightly, stepped into Wangqing Residence, bowed to the various seniors in the sect, and then quietly stood in a corner.

Ling'e stayed behind to join Jiujiu and accompany Jiuyushi in receiving the guests.

‘After the Dragon Clan matter is over, should I try to persuade some Dusian Gate disciples to join Heaven Court?’

Li Changshou pondered to himself.

He had long calculated that besides the main battlefield in Nanzhanbuzhou, the three religions' immortal sects would face a great calamity, and Dusian Gate wouldn't be safe during the tribulation.

If he could bring his friends and family to Heaven Court in advance, it might help them avoid such disasters.

Was this like 'one person achieving the Dao, and even the chickens and dogs ascending to heaven'?

Probably not—he certainly wouldn't assign Dusian Gate disciples to his Hai Shen subordinates; there were so many vacant divine positions in Heaven Court...

“Changshou, ahem, you're here.”

Suddenly, a somewhat unfamiliar voice came from beside him. Li Changshou turned and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, coughing lightly twice.

There stood a silver-haired youth approaching him from another corner.

He wore a silk-faced blue robe, black cloth boots, a gold jade belt around his waist, with a fair and clean face, upright posture, bright eyes, and could be described as having sword-like brows and star-like eyes—quite the handsome figure.

If not for the familiar aura of a turbid immortal on him, Li Changshou might have asked:

‘And you are?’

This was his own master, Qi Yuan!

Heavens...

“Master, you!”

“What?” Qi Yuan asked a bit nervously, “Is this outfit a bit strange?”

“Not at all,” Li Changshou gave a thumbs-up, “Master is dashingly handsome, as I always knew. It's just that I'm not quite used to seeing it for a moment.”

Li Changshou thought for a bit and sent a voice transmission to remind his master:

“Master, although the reincarnation shares the same true spirit, it's not the person of the past. It's best to let things take their natural course.”

“Master knows, Master knows,” Qi Yuan nodded repeatedly, standing with Li Changshou and smiling as he sent back a voice transmission: “Today, I dressed like this just to see her enter the sect again.

Master's remaining life is but ten thousand years; I dare not think too much about things with shijie.

In this life of shijie, Master wants to guard and protect her from the side, and once she achieves immortality and seeks the Dao, Master will have no more attachments.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, sighing lightly in his heart.

Turbid immortal... Earth Immortal Path...

“Master,” Li Changshou sent a voice transmission, “There is a great power known as the Ancestor of Earth Immortals. If I get the chance, I'll visit and inquire about the methods of Earth Immortal cultivation.

Moreover, if Master joins Heaven Court, your lifespan could increase several times over.”

“No need to go to such trouble,” Qi Yuan sent back a sigh, “Changshou, I'll strive to cultivate in the future and achieve True Immortal status as soon as possible.

I know you've already stepped beyond Dusian Gate and are on the path to eternal Dao fruit. Don't distract yourself with Master—just take good care of your shimei.”

As he spoke, Qi Yuan stealthily glanced outside, saw the bashfully smiling beautiful maiden, and then withdrew his gaze, his eyes full of peace.

“Disciple?”

“This disciple is here.”

“Thank you.”

Li Changshou: ...

Master, if you keep being so overly polite, I'll start arranging that deluxe reincarnation package in the underworld for you right now!