Chapter 286: Not Taking It Means Not Giving Me Face

“Ouch, be gentle… Daoist friend, be gentle.”

In a corner of Da Ze, on a floating immortal mountain, two figures were tiptoeing and sneaking toward the summit.

The burly man in front had removed his rain cape, wearing a simple short shirt and long pants that exuded an unintentional aura of authority, making it impossible for anyone to underestimate him.

This was a big shot who had received a strand of Hong Meng Zi Qi!

Following behind the burly man, Li Changshou’s paper effigy of an old immortal was walking steadily, having prepared a separate gift for Da Yu.

When Dong Mu Gong prepared the gifts, he naturally made eight sets. Even if Tian Court was short on resources, they had to maintain appearances and couldn’t let the Sea God bring just one gift to pay respects to the eight human sages.

However, the current situation far exceeded what Li Changshou had anticipated…

He really wanted to ask Da Yu the elder: Why bother?

Why insist on dragging him home for a visit? Everyone could just acknowledge it with a knowing smile and move on—why force the facade?

After nervously passing several pavilions, Li Changshou followed Da Yu Di Jun through several layers of arrays and arrived at a secluded villa on the mountain peak. Both of them let out a sigh of relief.

They exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter, pretending nothing had happened.

“Please!” Da Yu gestured grandly, like a true emperor, waving his hand and saying, “My humble abode is simple, don’t hold it against me. Today, as fellow sufferers, we are kindred spirits!”

Li Changshou: …

Was this an attempt to seal his lips?

Li Changshou couldn’t help but chuckle. Even if he went around shouting that Da Yu Di Jun, the human emperor, was henpecked and cried from scoldings by his wife from the Tu Shan clan, who would believe it?

Moreover, compared to Da Yu’s gossip, human Qi Shi were more interested in how to achieve longevity and seek the Dao—especially matters involving Xuan… cough, especially the pursuit of immortality!

“Don’t worry, senior,” Li Changshou said softly, “This junior saw and heard nothing on this trip. I only know that senior’s divine powers are vast, and your care for your spouse is a model for all men!”

Da Yu narrowed his eyes and smiled, sighing, “I’m just afraid you might not need to be so polite. I owe her this—it’s only right.”

With that, Da Yu set down his fishing rod and basket, hung up his rain cape, and gestured for Li Changshou to wait at the stone table under the tree.

“No need to be formal; there are no rules in this little courtyard.”

“Thank you for the hospitality, senior,” Li Changshou bowed and sat obediently on the wooden chair, waiting to share tea with Da Yu Di Jun.

Building a good relationship with Da Yu Di Jun was undoubtedly beneficial for Li Changshou.

Casually, Li Changshou began to examine the various items scattered around the courtyard.

In one corner, a stone stele leaned against the wall, with a rusty iron rod and a stone axe placed nearby.

Li Changshou hadn’t paid much attention at first, but after a casual glance, he found it hard to look away…

Such dense Gong De power!

Even any one of these items was several times the merit he had accumulated from incense offerings!

And it was pure Tian Dao Gong De.

Could these be the Houtian Gong De Ling Bao that Da Yu Di Jun used during his flood control efforts—the full set for mountain clearing?

Just left in the corner to gather dust?

“Hmm?”

Da Yu emerged from the house in a new robe and followed Li Changshou’s gaze, chuckling as he reached out and summoned the iron rod into his hand, then walked over holding it.

“Here!” Da Yu laughed heartily. “As a seal for your silence. This was the ruler I used to measure water levels back then. It’s not very useful, but it can grow or shrink, is tough and hard to destroy, and has some Gong De on it. Keeping it at home, it can prop up a beam or support a tent nicely.”

Li Changshou: …

Ding Hai Shen Zhen?

What would he do with this thing?

As the dignified Tian Court Sea God, he couldn’t go around fighting with this old immortal’s form, wielding a stick, could he?

Or perhaps, take this, extract the Gong De, refine it, engrave “Ruyi Jingu Bang” on it, and send it to the Dragon Palace as a decoration for some monkey that might not even appear for tens of thousands of years?

Besides, the Journey to the West calamity was likely orchestrated by saints and major sects, so he really didn’t dare mess with the Ding Hai Shen Zhen!

He wasn’t exactly short on treasures, but he didn’t want just any treasure. Things with huge karma like this, Li Changshou absolutely refused to accept.

“I couldn’t possibly accept such a valuable gift, senior!”

“Ha ha ha!” Da Yu laughed. “Don’t mock me. When I came to Huo Yun Cave, I left everything I could for my people and only brought these few treasures tainted with Gong De.

Now that I’ve achieved success in cultivation, Gong De doesn’t do much for me anymore. Take it!

Why, do you want my mountain-clearing axe too? That’s my weapon for battle—I can’t just give away killing treasures willy-nilly.

Besides, this iron rod and the mountain-clearing axe were both given to me by Tai Shang Laojun back then. Giving them to a disciple of Ren Jiao today is just fate at work.”

How was this rod not a killing treasure?

Was he underestimating the monkey?

Li Changshou smiled. “Senior, this junior is here on behalf of the Jade Emperor, so it’s not appropriate to accept your gift.”

“Ah, here there’s no human emperor or Tian Court official,” Da Yu tossed the rusty iron rod in front of Li Changshou. “If you like it, take it; if not, leave it.”

With that, Da Yu smiled at Li Changshou, clearly implying that if he didn’t accept this “hush money,” the matter wouldn’t end…

But this iron rod—he really…

“Senior, could you exchange it for something else?”

Li Changshou quickly thought of a solution.

Da Yu paused at the question, looking down at the iron rod in his hand, puzzled. “Is there something wrong with this thing?”

Li Changshou replied, “If you’re giving this junior a gift, I shouldn’t refuse, but please, not something refined by Laojun.

When I visited Dou Shuai Gong, Laojun gave me knowledge of Dan Dao, not treasures. If he saw this, he might think I was dissatisfied…”

Though the reason was a bit forced, it barely worked.

Da Yu thought for a moment, set the iron rod aside, and frowned slightly in thought.

Then, he slapped his thigh. “How could I forget about this treasure? You’re the Sea God, so it should be very useful to you. Wait a minute; I’ll go inside and find it!”

“Understood,” Li Changshou replied with a smile, though his heart twitched a bit.

Once Da Yu Di Jun hurried into the main house, Li Changshou examined the iron rod at his feet.

He reached out and gripped it, finding it quite heavy.

Fortunately, this paper effigy’s immortal power was pure Jin Xian level; if he had been a Jin Xian before, he might have had to exert all his strength just to pick it up.

Lifting the rod and wiping off some rust, he saw intricate measurements engraved on it, giving him some insight.

This rod hadn’t yet transformed into the Ruyi Jingu Bang, so it probably hadn’t been sent to the East Sea yet.

Such dense Gong De power…

Li Changshou couldn’t deny he was tempted.

He also considered that if he took it, extracted the Gong De, refined it anew, and placed it in the East Sea under the Dragon Palace’s care, it would fulfill its destiny.

However, sticking to his principle of avoiding karma when possible, Li Changshou dismissed the idea.

Better to play it safe and not take it.

He stood up and returned the iron rod to the corner.

The courtyard ground was protected by arrays; otherwise, it couldn’t bear the rod’s weight.

Looking at the rusted mountain-clearing axe and the nearly obscured Gong De stele, Li Changshou silently admired:

The ancient human emperor who tamed the floods and established the Nine Provinces,

Now lives in seclusion with his wife, his weapons rusted and achievements hidden.

Such a human sage truly deserves praise.

After that poetic exchange with Lu Ya Daoist, his poetic skill had indeed improved!

“Here, take a look at this!”

Da Yu called out energetically, slowly unrolling a scroll as he blew away the dust, sending it flying everywhere.

“This is a map of rivers and waterways from the mortal world of Nan Continent. It’s different from the innate treasures like the He Tu and Luo Shu. It records the major water veins I mapped during the flood control.

Many areas are quite complex, and Tian Court doesn’t know much about Nan Zhanbu Continent yet. I’ll give this to you today—it might help bring benefits to the common people in the future.

Just refine it a bit, and it can serve as a protective treasure.”

As he spoke, Da Yu pushed the scroll forward with both hands. It unfurled, releasing waves of watery blue light and faint ripples.

Images of rushing rivers appeared on it, and the sound of roaring waters filled the air!

This was a Houtian top-grade Gong De Ling Bao!

Li Changshou raised his hands, and the treasure map, full of spirituality, rolled up on its own and fell into his grasp.

Back at Du Xian Men in East Continent, his main body suddenly felt a stir, his Yuan Shen sensing the map’s joyful aura, while his Sea God divine artifact—the San Jian Gang Cha—let out a soft tremble.

“Thank you for this treasure, senior!”

Li Changshou bowed deeply to Da Yu, who finally relaxed.

“Come, have some tea. Rest here for a bit, and I’ll take you to meet the other seniors!”

And so, Da Yu and Li Changshou sat drinking tea and chatting about the state of the human race.

Li Changshou presented the gifts from Tian Court to Da Yu Di Jun: a brocade box containing three large Pan Tao, a book, two finely crafted phoenix hairpins, and a few trinkets to handle.

The Pan Tao, fruits from an innate spiritual root, ensured the gift’s value.

Seeing Da Yu’s delight with the trinkets, the gift was clearly well-received.

Da Yu held two jade pills in his palm, gently “polishing” them as strands of unique immortal power seeped into his hand, making his expression quite comfortable.

“Have you prepared gifts for the other seniors?”

“I have,” Li Changshou replied with a smile.

Da Yu said, “Your visit today was foreseen by Fu Xi the elder through divination; he knows why you’ve come.

Promoting the worship of heaven and earth among humans doesn’t require our approval as former emperors.

Alas, Nan Zhanbu Continent has been without a unified ruler for so long, with chaos and countless nations. The order I established has long been destroyed.

Though humanity thrives, many suffer from wars. If worshiping heaven and earth leads to the Jade Emperor’s intervention and reunifies Nan Zhanbu Continent, humanity can finally know peace.”

Li Changshou’s heart stirred.

Was the rise of the Shang kingdom starting from today, driven by heaven and earth?

Uh, he had come for the Luo Bao Tong Qian but ended up getting involved in the heavenly tribulations and human affairs?

Had he become a tool in the hands of Tian Dao, pushing events toward its predetermined path?

Without becoming a saint, one could never transcend this. The dangers of the Hong Huang lay largely in this.

These thoughts flashed through Li Changshou’s mind, but he continued his pleasant conversation with Da Yu. The two talked amicably.

Da Yu was knowledgeable and well-traveled, versed in all aspects of cultivation, and possessed a demeanor rare among ordinary Qi Shi. His simple words often brought Li Changshou sudden insights.

Their conversation focused mostly on human affairs.

Just as they were enjoying their discussion, Da Yu suddenly paused, stood up tensely, and gestured urgently to Li Changshou.

“Quick, hide!”

Li Changshou blinked, and a beautiful woman entered through the courtyard gate.

She was stunningly graceful, with skin like snow, and even in her plain dress and simple hairstyle, she exuded elegance.

But her expression… was somewhat cold.

Tu Shan Shi?

Given Da Yu Di Jun’s rigid posture, it had to be her.

She carried a tray with several steaming dishes, a pot of wine, and two cups, setting them out without a word.

Li Changshou bowed and said, “Thank you, senior.”

“Hmm,” she responded briefly, not even glancing at Da Yu, before gracefully leaving with the tray.

Da Yu gave an awkward smile and only relaxed after she left.

Li Changshou whispered, “Senior, I shouldn’t pry into your family matters, but since I’ve accepted your gift, I’d like to help if I can. What’s wrong with your wife…”

“We had a fight,” Da Yu sat back down, eyeing the dishes and carefully picking up a piece of spirit fish meat to chew slowly. “We argue all the time; I don’t even know what’s wrong anymore.”

Li Changshou said, “Such is the way of emotions. Why not tell me the details, senior? Even if I can’t offer advice, I can help you vent.”

“You understand this stuff?”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile. “Yue Lao is like a brother to me.”

“Oh?” Da Yu’s eyes lit up. After a moment’s thought, he began detailing his daily trivial matters.

At that moment, Da Yu was no emperor—just a man baffled by his wife’s thoughts.

Before long, Li Changshou figured out the issue.

“Senior, please lean in closer,” Li Changshou said. “I have a method, a strategy, and a phrase that might help you.”

“Really?” Da Yu’s eyes brightened as he leaned forward.

Li Changshou chose his words carefully and began to explain slowly, describing it step by step until Da Yu showed realization and fell into thought.

Two hours later, in a pavilion.

Da Yu, now in golden armor, approached slowly and stood by the window, gazing at the figure combing her hair in the mirror.

“Madam…”

From “The Thirteen Strategies for Appeasing Your Wife” (authored by the Tian Court Sea God, best used with “The Treasury of Sweet Words for Appeasing Your Wife”)

Strategy Two:

You’re so beautiful, I was wrong—what’s a little principle anyway?

Don’t argue, shower her with sweet words, read her mood, and hug her first.

Da Yu said warmly, “In all my life, my wife is still the most beautiful. Even after hundreds of yuan hui, I’d never tire of looking at you.”

“Hmph!” The woman paused her combing and glanced at her husband in the mirror.

“Madam, I was truly in the wrong earlier, arguing with you over such trivial matters… I admit my mistake.”

Tears welled in the woman’s eyes as she whispered, “You were once the human emperor; why apologize to a mere woman like me?”

“At home, what’s an emperor? You’re the wife I vowed to cherish through thick and thin.”

Da Yu sighed lightly, stepped forward cautiously, and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Madam, it was my pride that got in the way before…”

“How are you acting like this today…”

“Madam, meeting you in this life is my greatest fortune. Spending my days with you here is my proudest achievement.

In the endless years ahead, I only wish to stay by your side. If I’ve wronged you before, let the rest of my life make up for it.

Please, don’t be angry anymore.”

“Husband, I was also at fault.”

“Madam, you’re so beautiful…”

In the pavilion, the two figures embraced gently, whispering tenderly.

Down the mountain, Li Changshou flicked his dust whisk and withdrew his immortal sense, gazing at the vast waters in silence.

Overall, the beings in Hong Huang were quite straightforward; coaxing a partner was far easier than in his previous life…

But…

They had agreed to go meet the great elder Fu Xi together, yet Da Yu seemed to have forgotten, with layer upon layer of arrays activated!

Oh well, Da Yu had it tough too—better wait a bit longer.