Chapter 295: Starry Night Sends Wan Li, Ling E Will Undergo Tribulation

I picked up a treasure...

Before Li Changshou could even complain, Yunxiao's eyes began to sparkle with a faint starlight.

It seemed as though Yunxiao was saying, "How is it you again, Daoist friend?" She was inquiring why he had crossed paths with Duobao Shixiong once more and even been brought here by Duobao Shixiong.

"Two fairies, we meet again."

Although Li Changshou was a bit caught off guard, he knew he couldn't let the Jie Jiao bigwigs develop any ill feelings toward him. He bowed to Yunxiao and Qiongxiao and said:

"This matter is quite twists and turns; please allow me to explain in detail later."

Yunxiao nodded gently, her gaze revealing a touch of warmth.

As for Qiongxiao, who didn't deserve any elaborate description, she huffed and said:

"Who are you? Have we met?"

"Just a moment, just a moment."

Li Changshou smiled awkwardly and reached into his sleeve to pull out a Zhi Dao Ren, transforming it into the appearance of the Sea God as an elderly immortal.

This Zhi Dao Ren, which had the form of a middle-aged Daoist, turned back into paper and slipped into the sleeve of the elderly immortal.

Li Changshou bowed again and said:

"Fairies, please don't blame me."

Beside them, Duobao Daoist looked on with great interest at Li Changshou's Zhi Dao Ren, while Yunxiao showed a slight smile.

Qiongxiao, on the other hand, pressed her hand to her forehead, her lips twitching slightly as she said:

"It's you again, that kid who likes to pretend to be old."

"How about it?"

Duobao Daoist laughed and asked:

"You all know each other?"

Qiongxiao huffed and replied:

"The Sea God is an old acquaintance of our San Xian Island. Our four siblings have received quite a bit of help from the Sea God, and my elder sister even personally guarded his seclusion for twelve years.

Duobao Shixiong, don't you think we know each other?"

Guarded for twelve years?

Duobao Daoist's eyes lit up instantly!

"Third sister, don't speak like that," Yunxiao said softly. "Sea God Daoist friend has a deep connection with our four siblings, and it's true that we've received his care.

Let's go down and talk; we shouldn't keep the other fellow disciples waiting."

"Very well," Duobao Daoist nodded in agreement.

Li Changshou said: "Then this junior will take his leave..."

"Hey! Leave what leave?"

Duobao Daoist quickly reached out, grabbed the arm of Li Changshou's Zhi Dao Ren, and said:

"Changgeng, why are you running? You've come all this way, so you might as well join in the fun!

Besides, what if that Deputy Teacher Ran Deng is lying in wait for you on the road? Your magical power is insufficient, and your spiritual treasures are lacking—how would this incarnation handle it?

Come on, come on, let's go down for some tea and wine. I have so many schemes I want to discuss with you in detail.

Once you're full from food and drink, you can take your leave. Plus, with Yunxiao Shimei here, she can escort you back to Tian Court, and you won't have to fear Ran Deng."

Li Changshou glanced at Yunxiao, who nodded with a smile, so he couldn't refuse anymore.

Thus, he bowed and followed behind Duobao Daoist, along with Yunxiao and Qiongxiao, emerging from the island's mist and heading toward the gathering of Jie Jiao immortals below.

After some exchanges of greetings and a few laughs to clear up questions,

Everyone coming and going wore smiles, and the entire hall was filled with outstanding immortals.

The Jie Jiao immortals were indeed carefree and casual.

Since Duobao Daoist wanted to have a long chat with Li Changshou, he was arranged to sit at the main table of the wedding banquet, right next to Duobao Daoist, with Yunxiao Niangniang on the other side...

If this were an exposition banquet, Li Changshou's seniority wouldn't even qualify him for the main table.

As soon as they sat down, Li Changshou heard a voice transmission filled with slight surprise:

"Teach main brother! Weren't you busy earlier?"

Li Changshou turned to look and saw his second teach main, Ao Yi, standing in the corner of the great hall.

Ao Yi immediately started to approach but halted upon seeing who was seated at Li Changshou's table.

The aura was too overpowering, making even a dragon feel intimidated.

Li Changshou transmitted: "I ran into Duobao Qianbei by chance and got pulled here. I'll come find you and your wife to catch up later."

Ao Yi agreed and returned to his seat, whispering a few words to Jiang Si'er. Jiang Si'er turned to look, her beautiful eyes full of admiration.

As for the two protagonists of today's joyous banquet... that wasn't important.

By now, the ceremony for forming Dao companions had been completed. When the pair of Jie Jiao immortals who had become Dao companions came forward, Duobao Daoist pulled three or four Houtian Ling Bao from his sleeve as congratulatory gifts.

Li Changshou couldn't skimp on etiquette either, so he took out two bottles of Ling Dan from his sleeve.

The advantage of the Ren Jiao's skill in refining pills was evident here. Pills that Li Changshou considered merely fourth- or fifth-grade were seen as quite generous gifts by the Jie Jiao immortals.

With the congratulatory gifts presented, attending the wedding banquet felt a bit more justified.

But sitting between Duobao Daoist and Yunxiao, Li Changshou felt truly restrained and didn't dare to touch his chopsticks; he just sat there smiling, as still as a statue.

Suddenly, he heard a voice transmission.

From his left, Yunxiao asked: "Daoist friend, what is this all about?"

From his right, Duobao Daoist also asked: "Changgeng, what's going on between you and Yunxiao Shimei?"

This was probably the tacit understanding among bigwigs.

Li Changshou first replied to Yunxiao: "While I was searching for treasures, I unexpectedly encountered Duobao Qianbei, and then we ran into Deputy Teacher Ran Deng. This matter is quite complicated to explain."

Then he replied to Duobao Daoist: "Qianbei, please don't misunderstand; I've just had a few interactions with Yunxiao Xianzi."

Yunxiao transmitted: "No rush; take your time to explain."

On the other side, Duobao Daoist remained composed on the surface but chuckled lightly in secret:

"A few interactions? It's more than that.

I could sense it earlier—when Yunxiao Shimei saw you, not only did her expression change, but her Dao rhythm became as gentle as water. Even her aura shifted.

What, are you looking down on Yunxiao Shimei? You should get to know the Zhu Xian Four Swords."

Zhu, Zhu Xian...

A herd of Hong Meng beasts stampeded through Li Changshou's mind.

What on earth?

Did the entire Jie Jiao fear that Yunxiao Xianzi couldn't find a Dao companion? For someone as poetic, picturesque, and Dao-like as Yunxiao Xianzi, the term "Dao companion" would be an insult to her!

Li Changshou didn't even have time to complain internally before he started "transmitting left and right."

Especially when talking with such experts, every word had to be carefully considered and weighed to avoid misunderstandings or inappropriate remarks.

If it were just one conversation, that would be fine.

But Duobao Daoist was pulling him into wild gossip, while Yunxiao was gently inquiring about today's events with Ran Deng and Duobao.

Not long after, Qiongxiao joined in the fun from the side, asking if he had any new schemes lately and pleading with him to put in a good word with Yunxiao Xianzi so she and Bixiao could go out more.

This was completely different from controlling a Zhi Dao Ren. In just a moment, Li Changshou felt mentally exhausted and almost exploded...

Fortunately, Yunxiao noticed Li Changshou's unusual state. She realized his responses to her were slower and included more filler words like "um" and "this," indicating he was thinking.

Yunxiao asked softly: "Is Duobao Shixiong also transmitting to you?"

"Ah, yes..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Yunxiao said gently. "You should respond to Duobao Shixiong first; don't be rude. We can talk later."

Li Changshou felt a warmth in his heart and thanked Yunxiao Xianzi. He then focused on transmitting with Duobao, chatting freely.

Half a day later,

Under the night sky with stars, the vast sea was calm and traceless.

A white cloud flew over the sea, carrying two figures toward the direction of Du Xian Men.

Yunxiao Xianzi knew Li Changshou's true details. When they left Jin'ao Island earlier, she had ridden the clouds to take him toward Tian Court, but midway, they veered toward Dong Sheng Shen Zhou.

On the way, Li Changshou held nothing back, explaining how he had followed Fu Xi Qianbei's guidance to a valley to search for treasure, accidentally running into Duobao Daoist. With Duobao Daoist's care and help, he obtained two small copper coins.

Then Ran Deng arrived, and Duobao took him into a earth cave to hide, leading all the way to Jin'ao Island.

There was no need to hide this matter.

First, Li Changshou hadn't actively plotted against Duobao;

Second, from Li Changshou's perspective as a "later knower," if the Luo Bao Tong Qian fell into Ran Deng's hands, Jie Jiao would ultimately suffer the loss.

Yunxiao listened and pondered for a moment before saying: "This isn't your fault; that Deputy Teacher Ran Deng is truly excessive.

Can your Zhi Dao Ren method break through to Jin Xian realm?

This is a great boost to your strength; I should congratulate you."

"Ah..."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, nothing. I just thought about the previous Tian Fa."

Li Changshou sighed softly: "Now I'm starting to wonder if I've caught the favor of Tian Dao Lord.

I get hit by Tian Fa when crossing tribulations, and even when refining pills or treasures. It leaves me battered and bruised, but to be safe, I still have to be grateful and appreciative."

"Heh..."

That light, ambiguous laugh?

Li Changshou couldn't help but look at Yunxiao and saw her smiling with her lips pursed.

In that instant, the starlight reflected on her flawless, jade-like skin...

Cough, karma, karma, stay calm, stay calm.

Li Changshou mentally raised a red warning sign and quickly composed himself, maintaining a still-as-a-waveless-well state of mind as he continued chatting and laughing with Yunxiao Xianzi.

Amid the misty clouds, the mountains and waters blended seamlessly.

Li Changshou had never realized that Jin'ao Island was so close to Du Xian Men. In the time it took to exchange a few hundred words, they had already arrived near the mountain gate of Du Xian Men.

Yunxiao looked at the protective mountain array and asked: "Shall I escort you into the array?"

"No need, no need. I'll just use my Zhi Dao Ren to connect," Li Changshou bowed and said, "Thank you, Xianzi, for seeing me this far."

Yunxiao bowed slightly and said: "In that case, I'll return to San Xian Island for cultivation."

"Take care, Xianzi."

"Um."

With that, Yunxiao Xianzi turned and rode the clouds away, her figure vanishing in the blink of an eye under the brilliant stars.

Li Changshou descended toward the dense forest below and then used Tu Dun, disappearing without a trace.

"Tsk, how should I sever this karma?"

As he sorted through the treasures he'd recently acquired—Luo Bao Tong Qian, Ding Hai Shen Zhen, Da Yu Zhi Shui Tu, Mutual Love Treasure Tree, Wu Xing Ling Zhu...

In the underground chamber, Li Changshou felt a sense of satisfaction.

His own strength had been greatly enhanced!

However, the Wu Xing Ling Zhu were meant for the core array of Xiao Qiong Peak. Although combining these five beads could barely count as a set of Xiantian Ling Bao-level treasures, using them here might be a bit wasteful.

But from another perspective, this also opened up higher possibilities for Xiao Qiong Peak's future development.

After all, the Xiao Qiong Peak wandering plan was only in its initial stage; the ultimate form should be something like a Pan Tian Yin smashing brick and an impregnable, mobile cave dwelling.

Da Yu Zhi Shui Tu was exclusive to the Sea God, serving as a major trump card for his Jin Xian realm Zhi Dao Ren in the future.

As for Ding Hai Shen Zhen, no need to mention it—he couldn't compete with a monkey for an ear-cleaning tool. This iron staff was destined for the East Sea, so he'd just find a way to extract the merit power from it.

The truly usable one was the Luo Bao Tong Qian.

Holding the two copper coins in his hand, Li Changshou examined them closely. The characters and patterns on the coins were now somewhat blurred.

Gently rubbing them with his fingers, he realized that this layer, like a patina, was actually formed from years of accumulated worldly turbidity.

As Duobao Daoist had said, he just needed to nurture them with his own merit to restore their brilliance.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and decided to play it safe. He'd wait until his next visit to offer incense to the Sheng Ren, then take them to Tian Court to refine with merit.

Logically, Ran Deng shouldn't sense them anymore, but just in case...

"Shixiong?"

A soft call came from outside the Dan room.

The Zhi Dao Ren guarding the Dan room stood up immediately and called to Ling E: "Follow my guidance and use the transformation technique to enter through this small opening."

"Okay," Ling E agreed without hesitation and did as instructed.

Soon, the wooden door of the underground chamber was gently pushed open, and Ling E curiously surveyed the area as she stepped inside with light footsteps.

"Shixiong, what is it?"

Li Changshou smiled and said: "With your tribulation approaching, there are some things I should tell you."

The door closed, and Li Changshou pointed in front of him, conjuring a chair behind the desk.

Ling E approached gracefully. Though she wore her usual light makeup, perhaps due to the impending tribulation, she exuded an illusory, ethereal aura.

In the coming days, Li Changshou wouldn't be rushing around; he'd focus on staying by his shimei's side to help her successfully pass the tribulation and ascend.

If ascension happened, that would be ideal, but it couldn't be forced.

"Ling E, how much do you know about our Ren Jiao?"

Ling E blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering, and a faint blush appeared on her fair face.

Mentioning Ren Jiao naturally brought to mind the ways of Dao companions...

She bit her lower lip and asked softly: "Shixiong, is this place very secluded? No one can detect us, right?"

"Yes, this is within the Xiao Qiong Peak array. Now that the array has been upgraded repeatedly, even an ordinary Jin Xian couldn't find this place without dismantling the entire mountain."

Ling E's face turned bright red, and she pursed her lips. A white mist seemed to rise from her head, though it was unclear what she was thinking...

Li Changshou silently took out two sets of stone slabs and engraving knives, placing one set in front of Ling E and keeping one for himself.

"Come on, today I did some unsteady things outside, so it's a good time to punish us both.

Four thousand five hundred times each."

"Cough!"

Ling E choked slightly and looked at her shixiong with a pitiful expression, saying aggrievedly: "Shixiong, the ones I was self-punishing for only have about nine hundred left..."

"I need to do nine thousand."

"Hee hee, Shixiong, I'll help you with half!"

"Alright, but remember to add your nine hundred to it. I'll do four thousand five, and you'll do five thousand four. Let's begin."

Tears welled up in Ling E's eyes, but Li Changshou just narrowed his eyes with a light smile and began meticulously engraving.

"Focus on writing, concentrate your thoughts, don't let your mind wander. I'll help enhance your Dao foundation and give you an extra half chance of success."

"Then, Shixiong, could you remove those concealing spells on yourself..."

"This time, yes, but not as a precedent."

Li Changshou nodded and dispelled the several layers of spells on himself.