Chapter 373: Hunting Water God

All one hundred and sixty-two temples were completely destroyed, their idols smashed, and over ten thousand mortals were killed or injured, mostly followers who had rushed to protect the Hai Shen Jiao temples.

The Hai Shen Jiao divine messengers suffered twenty-three deaths.

These outcomes were only achieved because Li Changshou's army of paper effigies arrived in time to put out fires everywhere, and the Tian Ting provided full-scale reinforcements.

What gave Li Changshou a headache was this:

The attackers this time consisted entirely of demon immortals barely comparable to the Yuan Xian realm, along with vicious demonic beasts that already carried heavy karmic burdens.

When golden pillars of light appeared in the sky and heavenly soldiers and generals descended to eliminate the demons, those petty demons harming mortals in various cities had no chance to fight back, and the ferocious beasts were swiftly cleared away.

Yet, the casualties among mortals were still irreparable.

The enemy had caused widespread chaos at the smallest cost, tying up tens of thousands of heavenly soldiers and Li Changshou's numerous paper effigies.

This move by the enemy was completely different from before, with forces organized like soldiers, horses, cannons, and chariots, divided in great detail.

It had a hint of the flavor of the East Sea battle.

Before the East Sea eye was breached, every time Li Changshou clashed with the Xi Fang Jiao, it was like the ten-player competitive online games he often played in his previous life. In a five-versus-five matchup, the enemy would have one or two players jump out at the start and shout to their side:

"I'll carry you all."

But now, the Xi Fang Jiao had stopped their deceptive antics and become efficient and ruthless.

It was truly troublesome.

Even stranger, after stirring up trouble on the shores of the Nan Hai, the enemy suddenly went quiet.

While dealing with those minor demons, Li Changshou used the Soul-Capturing Pearl to collect fragments of their souls' memories, but found nothing of value.

These minor demons had simply been randomly captured and thrown into the cities along the Nan Hai coast to cause havoc.

The experts who caught them never revealed their traces.

A probe?

No, it was far from just a probe; there were several layers of deeper intent.

The actions on the Nan Hai coast were likely just a feint, though it couldn't be ruled out that undermining the Hai Shen Jiao was their primary target for revenge.

This required analyzing from the perspective of 'motives'.

In the dim corner, Li Changshou closed his eyes, and beneath his feet, visions of cities shrouded in thick smoke seemed to appear. His mind raced at high speed.

Soon, a series of orders were issued through his paper effigies scattered across various locations, flying toward Nan Shan Bu Zhou, the Di Fu, the East Sea Long Gong, and the Tian Ting's Tian He.

Within half a day, heavenly soldiers and generals began gathering at the Five Heavenly Gates, mobilizing a total force of over six hundred thousand, each forming defensive formations.

The Di Fu's yin officials mobilized yin soldiers to guard key points around Feng Du City, and the Di Fu's Wu clan forces were fully deployed to secure several critical areas outside Feng Du City.

Currently, the Di Fu's actual control over the You Ming realm was not strong, so as long as Feng Du City was protected, the yin officials would suffer no losses.

The Four Seas Long Gong also entered a state of high alert.

The East Sea Long Gong served as a rapid response team, while experts from the other three seas were stationed near the sea eyes. The renamed Black Dragon soldiers, formerly known as Immortal Jiao soldiers, patrolled various areas, and the sea clans began their mobilizations.

In the Hai Shen Jiao's sphere of influence across Nan Shan Bu Zhou, all Hai Shen Jiao temples were sealed, and announcements were made in each city about demonic disturbances, urging mortals to evacuate and, at minimum, avoid approaching the Hai Shen temples.

On this matter, Li Changshou always weighed things carefully:

Temples could be rebuilt if destroyed, but mortal casualties would generate karmic burdens.

Human lives should not become the broken bricks of temples. As an immortal, one must not act without conscience and harm the beings who provide incense offerings for merit.

The Long clan also sent hundreds of experts to the edges of the Nan Hai, hiding in the sea waters and awaiting Li Changshou's commands.

At Xiao Qiong Peak, in the pill room,

Li Changshou emerged from the corner, retrieved his paper effigy used for alchemy, and transformed into a wisp of green smoke, heading to the cave within the mountain.

He walked to his reserved master bedroom, opened the hidden compartment in the corner, activated the mechanisms there, and revealed a secret chamber with elegant decorations.

The candle flames flickered, and mist swirled as Li Changshou approached the hanging portrait, offering incense and bowing in reverence.

After receiving the teachings of the Water Virtue Dao from Tai Qing Laozi, Li Changshou had copied a portrait of Tai Qing and hung it here, performing rituals when he had time.

Today, Li Changshou came to pay respects purely for peace of mind, with no bold or immature ideas in his heart.

Yet, before he could even look up, he felt ripples in the universe, a familiar divine sense lingering in his mind, and something heavy falling on his head.

There was a light clang, and Li Changshou clutched his forehead, chuckling bitterly, while the mischievous little pagoda beside him shook wildly in amusement.

"Little disciple! Wahaha!"

Uh, was this matter so serious?

Tai Qing Laozi had proactively sent the Xuan Huang Tower to protect him!

The Xi Fang Jiao's sudden shift to precise operations hadn't made Li Changshou tense, since their previous behavior was clearly abnormal, and this was more fitting for a major cult.

But now.

Among the Six Saints, his own master Tai Qing Laozi, renowned for the best calculations, had taken the initiative to drop the Ling Long Xuan Huang Bao Ta on his head!

Li Changshou instantly became nervous.

This situation was probably a big deal.

There was no choice; he had to activate the highest-level defense system!

Meanwhile, in the northwest of Xi Niu He Zhou,

Several streaks of light shot from south to north, halting abruptly before a sheer cliff, transforming into three figures: two women and one man.

As they were about to charge into the mountain wall ahead, a faint buzzing sound reached them, and their expressions changed as they stepped back, either bowing with fists clasped or slightly inclining their bodies.

Amid swirling blood light, Wen Jing Dao Ren appeared in her enchanting form, draped in a blood-red skirt.

Wen Jing Dao Ren nodded lightly to the three beside her and stepped forward twice into the air. The stone wall rippled faintly, enveloping her within.

The three Hong Meng ferocious beasts behind her exchanged glances and followed with bowed heads.

Beyond the illusion lay a grand hall, filled with radiant golden light and an aura of peace. In the center floated a precious banner, concealing all that transpired here.

Wen Jing arrived a bit late, surveying the room filled with Hong Meng ferocious beasts of similar origins, and smirked slightly as she headed to an empty cushion in the front row.

'Are they testing us again, or planning something major?'

She pondered carefully, recalling the warning from the Water God twenty years ago, and her vigilance peaked.

Most Hong Meng ferocious beasts were solitary, and the over a hundred figures seated here remained silent, with no transmissions or inquiries.

Suddenly, a light laugh echoed from the depths of the hall, and in the corner, two lantern-sized green beast eyes lit up, flames flickering within.

The Di Ting divine beast slowly advanced two steps but then lay down, allowing the young Daoist on its back to proceed alone.

'It's him again?'

Wen Jing sneered inwardly, realizing something.

Di Zang gestured for the ferocious beasts not to rise, seating himself on the foremost cushion and smiling as he said:

"Fellow Daoists, I've kept you waiting."

Responses echoed throughout the hall.

After a moment, Di Zang raised his hand for silence, and the grand hall quickly quieted.

Di Zang smiled and said: "Today, I've gathered you all here for two reasons: first, to request your assistance in an important matter, and second, to acknowledge your hard work over these many years.

Though your origins prevent the Xi Fang from bringing you into the spotlight, your contributions have been noted by our two teachers. When the Xi Fang rises greatly, the merits and reputations owed to you will not be lacking."

Wen Jing scoffed inwardly, thinking how shameless that was.

Di Zang spoke loudly: "Enough with the pleasantries. Today, I've called you here mainly to discuss one matter and then act on another.

Do any of you know what I've been doing in the last twenty years?"

Di Zang narrowed his eyes with a smile. "I've been searching for the Tian Ting Water God's whereabouts and have obtained results."

Wen Jing Dao Ren's fingers trembled slightly, but her expression and aura remained steady.

In the corner, the Di Ting divine beast glowed with green light around it.

Di Zang continued calmly: "The Tian Ting Water God, named Li Chang Geng, has repeatedly thwarted our Xi Fang schemes, causing us significant losses.

But his origins are quite mysterious. Even in the Tian Ting, he only uses incarnations, and in places like the Hai Shen Jiao temples, we need not mention it—all we find are his incarnations.

What is he afraid of?

Clearly, he's afraid of his true body being exposed, and if it is, he might face utter destruction!"

At this point, the light in Di Zang's eyes was dazzling.

However, Wen Jing Dao Ren's lips twitched.

This was obviously a misunderstanding. That guy was just purely afraid of death; his true body only appeared when with that man.

One ferocious beast grumbled: "This Water God has always hidden away. Could it be that he once committed boundless karmic sins?"

"Exactly, if not, why hasn't Ren Jiao publicly declared him a Saint's disciple?"

"Perhaps... is it possible he's a woman?"

The ferocious beasts shared their speculations, and Wen Jing Dao Ren seized an opening to add: "Maybe this Ren Jiao Water God shares origins similar to us."

Di Zang shook his head with a smile and said: "No need for wild guesses, fellow Daoists. From the Water God's previous actions, we can deduce he's of human descent and has a sense of belonging to the human race.

This is evident from the doctrines of the Hai Shen Jiao and its daily practices."

Pausing, Di Zang sighed lightly: "It's hard to have a tree without roots. The Water God's origins are likely within the Ren Jiao immortal sects.

Based on intelligence I've gathered from the Long clan, the Water God was probably selected by Ren Jiao's Grand Supreme due to his exceptional talent and insight, to establish the Hai Shen Jiao and gather incense merits.

The Long clan matter was likely a trial for him.

But what puzzles me is that in the last eighteen years, using Di Ting's abilities, I've monitored Ren Jiao's six immortal sects and found nothing. It seems even Ren Jiao's ranks are unaware that the Water God is their disciple.

So, I've decided to change tactics and use a slightly more forceful approach.

Wen Jing?"

"Yes, what are your orders?"

Wen Jing Dao Ren blinked lightly, her eyes full of eagerness.

Di Zang smiled: "I want to target one of Ren Jiao's immortal sects to force the Water God to appear, then use the karma with the demon clan to have you all, along with demon experts, launch a joint assault to eliminate him.

You've fought the Water God before, so which of Ren Jiao's six immortal sects do you think would be easiest to strike?"

Eliminate the Water God?

Wen Jing Dao Ren showed a faint smile and replied: "Naturally, it should be the most important great immortal gates for Ren Jiao, like Xiao Yao Xian Zong or Zi Zai Men.

However, I have a suggestion for you to consider."

"Oh?" Di Zang smiled. "Go ahead."

Wen Jing frowned: "The Water God is no easy foe. First, there was Jin Chan losing a wing, then the Yao Sheng Mountain battle—his spirit explosion technique is truly frightening."

"Hahaha!"

Di Zang clapped his hands and laughed, then smiled and said: "Your concerns are valid, Wen Jing, but have you considered that this time, we're initiating an attack on a Ren Jiao immortal sect? If he uses his incarnation's self-destruction, wouldn't that be demolishing his own walls?"

Wen Jing Dao Ren looked enlightened and laughed: "I was overthinking it."

Di Zang waved his hand: "I won't hide it from you all. While we're discussing here, my plan has already begun.

The immortal sect I'll use to lure the Water God is in Dong Sheng Shen Zhou's...

Du Xian Men."

A ferocious beast asked: "Why choose such a remote minor sect? Even if a Ren Jiao immortal sect like that is destroyed, Ren Jiao probably won't react much."

"Wrong," Di Zang said calmly. "Don't underestimate Du Xian Men.

From what I've learned through spies in Du Xian Men, Wen Jing once tried to wipe it out but ultimately failed, right?"

Wen Jing Dao Ren quickly replied: "That was to set up the Dao Men San Jiao Source Flow Assembly. I acted to destroy that small immortal sect and stir up some excitement.

Unexpectedly, Du E Zhen Ren arrived in time and even alerted Ren Jiao's Saint's great disciple, who nearly traced me.

Have you prepared for how to handle that Dao Men senior brother?"

"A trivial matter," Di Zang smiled. "I've already ordered a hundred thousand demons to attack Xiao Yao Xian Zong in half an hour. If the Grand Supreme appears, he'll do so at Xiao Yao Xian Zong."

Another ferocious beast asked: "What if the Grand Supreme goes to Du Xian Men instead? That would be instant!"

The beasts voiced their worries:

"Yeah, the Grand Supreme is incredibly powerful; reaching Du Xian Men in an instant is no issue!"

"The Grand Supreme once directly withstood a Saint's treasure."

"Di Zang, should we reconsider this? It's just sending us to our deaths."

Di Zang said calmly: "If the Grand Supreme abandons Xiao Yao Xian Zong to aid Du Xian Men, then Du Xian Men must have issues, revealing Ren Jiao's secrets.

Wouldn't that confirm the Water God's origins?

Don't worry, I won't have you act prematurely; the demon clan will scout first.

Today, as long as we locate where the Water God is hiding, we can plan further."

"A brilliant move, sir," Wen Jing Dao Ren covered her mouth and laughed. "If I guess correctly, this is just one part of your scheme, right?

Finding the Water God's origins, testing if we can eliminate him through demon clan karma, and then pushing the demon clan to the brink so they'll have to seek refuge with our Ling Shan.

But, Di Zang, I have one doubt."

"Speak."

Wen Jing frowned: "Can those demon clans be trusted?"

"Rest assured," Di Zang smiled. "I've arranged every step for them. As long as they follow my plan, nothing will go wrong.

And, Wen Jing."

"I'm here."

Di Zang smiled: "Sometimes, being too clever isn't always a good thing."

Wen Jing Dao Ren's smile froze, a flash of cold light in her beautiful eyes.

Di Zang's smile remained unchanged, as if he hadn't noticed the murderous glint, and he began assigning the timing for the ferocious beasts' actions.

At that moment, the queen-like figure maintained a tough exterior while worrying inwardly.

Today, Di Zang had singled her out multiple times, clearly testing her, especially with the tricky Di Ting divine beast nearby—she had to be cautious.

But.

Di Zang's words about "nothing going wrong" sounded like he was underestimating that guy.

Whether Di Zang was reliable, Wen Jing wasn't sure, but the Water God was truly...

Cough, unspeakable, inexpressible.

In Dong Sheng Shen Zhou, three thousand li southwest of Du Xian Men, at the border where several immortal sects' territories met, within the vast mountain forests,

Clusters of carefully concealed auras quietly converged, surging toward the large caves that had appeared on the ground.

At Xiao Qiong Peak, in the pill room,

Li Changshou paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, watching the scenes unfolding in his mind, and now found himself in a dilemma.