Chapter 376: I, the Water God, Absolutely Did Not Cooperate with Ksitigarbha

At that moment, Dizang felt only one thing in his heart: bewilderment.

How could the Yao Clan be so easily swayed by Shui Shen's simple scheme of division? Had their demonic energy truly clouded their minds? Did they actually believe it?

As for the machinations targeting the Yao Clan this time...

Dizang's face darkened considerably as he looked down at his palm, where the lines seemed to seep with blood.

Di Ting's voice echoed gravely in his heart:

"...The Yao Clan forces at Du Xian Men are now trapped in a siege by the Heavenly Court, Dragon Clan, and Wu Clan. Their resentment is mostly directed at you, master.

They believe you and Shui Shen set them up.

From the orders given to the heavenly soldiers, it's clear that Shui Shen instructed them to encircle the Seven Empty Ones, leaving some escape routes for these Yao Clan forces.

The thirteen experts you sent have already scattered, without engaging in prolonged battle..."

Dizang slowly clenched his fist and murmured, "It's fine; there's still room to turn this around.

Use divine powers to notify Wen Jing and the others to intercept any escaping Yao Clan members!

No—don't! That would play right into Shui Shen's hands!

He's surely waiting there; a single recording orb would be enough to pin this on the Yao Clan!"

Di Ting continued to listen intently, his body enveloped in flickering green light, clearly operating at full divine capacity.

One message after another emerged from Di Ting's words, resonating in Dizang's heart:

"The Yao Clan army attacking Xiao Yao Xian Zong is beyond saving; they're likely to be wiped out entirely. The Jie Sect has mobilized large numbers of cultivators from twelve major immortal sects, and they've already arrived at Xiao Yao Xian Zong.

At least hundreds of immortal sects from Central Divine Continent have dispatched cultivators toward Xiao Yao Xian Zong's location."

"Master, Shui Shen has gone to reinforce Xiao Yao Xian Zong."

"The group of minor demons we set up in Southern Continent has been completely eliminated... master."

Dizang, deep in thought, asked gravely, "What about it?"

Di Ting replied, "From an outsider's perspective, this really looks like you and Shui Shen teamed up to undermine the Yao Clan once."

"It's nothing," Dizang said with a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "Later, I'll go explain things directly to those ancient Yao Clan figures; it should clear everything up. This time, I truly underestimated Shui Shen's strength.

He must have planted spies in the Yao Clan and made arrangements at Du Xian Men in advance.

If I'm not mistaken, he also rallied the Jie Sect's immortal sects, and the heavenly soldiers and generals are no exception.

In this scheme, he and I each have our wins and losses—it's an even split."

Di Ting chuckled a few times: "Master, you're being shamelessly reluctant to admit defeat, and it's kind of adorable."

"Hmph!"

Dizang turned away, ignoring it, but a faint sense of alarm rose in his heart, as if he had just realized something.

"Quick! Tell Wen Jing and the others not to act on their own and intercept those fleeing Yao Clan members! They can't outmaneuver Shui Shen!"

Di Ting was about to unleash his divine powers when his round ears twitched, and he muttered:

"Too late, master; a few of them have already made a move."

Dizang's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

In that moment, at the northwest corner of Dong Sheng Divine Continent, streaks of light and gusts of demonic wind swept through, hurrying toward Bei Continent in panic.

These were the Yao Clan experts who had escaped from Du Xian Men, with scattered groups of Yao Clan soldiers being relentlessly hunted by heavenly soldiers and generals for thousands of miles behind them.

Unfortunately, the fastest among them—several ancient demons and over a dozen demon kings—now lay dead on the spot.

In midair, Wen Jing Daoist's alluring figure leaned forward, tendrils of blood energy swirling and coiling around her, as a drop of blood slowly traced along her slender jade fingers...

Before her, the massive body of a golden-haired lion, dozens of zhang long, began to disintegrate into ashes, scattering in the breeze.

"Mm."

A faint blush crossed Wen Jing Daoist's beautiful face. "I was just injured by that despicable Shui Shen; using you is perfect for replenishing my energy."

Several shadowy figures flew in from the side, transforming into four or five strikingly deceptive handsome men and beautiful women.

One burly man said, "We've killed all those above Tianxian realm; the lesser demons aren't worth much in terms of testimony."

"This Dizang is unreliable," a woman with snake-like features huffed. "We're left cleaning up his mess, talking about pressuring the Yao Clan to make them easily side with the West...

I say, maybe it's just like the Yao Clan says—he's secretly colluding with Shui Shen, and the two of them are just angling for promotions on both sides."

"Everyone, watch your words."

Wen Jing Daoist wiped her red lips and said calmly, "In this world, finding a place to stand is already enough for us. Don't ask for more.

Let's go; the Dragon Clan is pursuing us."

The figures nodded, each deploying their divine powers and vanishing from the spot.

High in the sky, dozens of azure dragons soared past, chasing the fleeing Yao Clan experts...

A moment later, back in Ling Shan.

Dizang slammed his fist into the ground, grinding his teeth as he cursed, "You've ruined everything!"

Di Ting, instead of mocking him, began meticulously monitoring various locations, carrying out the orders Dizang had just given—to uncover Shui Shen's origins.

This was their only way to salvage the situation.

Yet, before Di Ting could trace the source of the "Yao Clan attack" news from the disciples who had escaped Du Xian Men early, a series of "good" news arrived one after another:

"Master, a major Yao Clan figure has appeared in Bei Continent and is vowing to settle scores with you."

"Master, an old marshal from the ancient Yao Court has spoken out; they claim this was a joint scheme by you and Shui Shen. You each had your own goals—you for seizing power in the Yao Clan, and Shui Shen for bolstering the Heavenly Court's prestige."

"Master..."

Dizang snarled in his heart: "They're too scared to confront the Heavenly Court and Daoist sects, so they're venting all their anger on me!

Do they really think the West is easy to bully? Bastards!"

Di Ting picked up on something else, his body trembling slightly.

"Speak!"

"Forget fighting Shui Shen; even if we find his origins, what can we do? He could just hide in Dou Shuai Palace, and no one could touch him."

Di Ting muttered in Dizang's heart, "From today's events, it's clear your strategies are no match for his, master.

He's already reached Xiao Yao Xian Zong and is gathering with several Golden Immortals, striking at you again by saying..."

"What did he say?"

"Never mind, master; I'm afraid it'll make you spit blood."

"Say it!"

"He said, ahem!"

Di Ting imitated in Dizang's heart the pompous demeanor Li Chang Shou had when speaking at Xiao Yao Xian Zong:

"Ha ha ha, you're all too kind.

Today's success isn't mine alone. Though there are many great schemers in the world, the Western saint's disciple Dizang, who rarely shows himself, is on par with me.

I absolutely did not receive any advance tip from Dizang; it's just that our calculative abilities are roughly equal, and we have a mutual respect. We share a tacit understanding—he attacks, I defend; he seeks favor with the Yao Clan, while I must protect the Human Teachings' heritage and enhance the Heavenly Court's prestige.

It's a pity that today, we only weakened the Yao Clan's forces a bit...

Master, there's more, and he said this without any restraint."

After hearing Di Ting's recount, Dizang was initially puzzled.

The words sounded like Shui Shen was denying any connection with him from the West.

But upon closer reflection...

It was a vicious attack on his very core! How ruthless!

What Shui Shen implied was that all of Dizang's schemes were under his control, needing no prior communication!

And if these words reached the Yao Clan's ears, those enraged Yao Clan members would surely take it as "Shui Shen defending Dizang"!

No...

Wait...

Why was his name, Dizang, the disciple of the Western saint, so easily exposed by Shui Shen?

How could it be like this?

A sweetness rose in his throat, and Dizang forcibly suppressed the blood surging up, his handsome face growing even paler.

Just then, a flash of green light and a streak of gold shot from his sleeve, vanishing deep into Ling Shan.

The Qing Lian Bao Se Flag was retrieved;

Along with it, the Yao Court Heavenly Emperor's seal he had found was taken away...

A faint Dao rhythm stirred in Dizang's heart, forming a calm, emotionless voice: "Focus on your cultivation."

"Yes, teacher; your disciple obeys."

Dizang bowed his head and replied, a trickle of blood spilling from his lips as his figure swayed unsteadily.

A sigh came from beside him, and Di Ting shifted his body, letting Dizang lean against his soft green fur, his long tail swaying to protect him.

At that time, at Du Xian Men, the heavenly soldiers were divided into three groups. The main force had gone to pursue the fleeing Yao Clan soldiers for merits.

The remaining two groups were handling cleanup: one restoring the damaged terrain in the mountains as much as possible, and the other heading to the northeast of Southern Continent to escort the Du Xian Men disciples back to their sect.

The Heavenly Court publicly declared that they had obtained reliable intelligence and set up an ambush at Du Xian Men, effectively commandeering the sect's grounds.

At that moment, Li Chang Shou, who had just remotely outmaneuvered Dizang, was in his alchemy room, sketching and writing.

Ling E and You Qin Xuan Ya were still watching the scenes in the glass mirror, occasionally discussing quietly and sharing their thoughts on the battle.

Earlier, Li Chang Shou had asked them the same question:

What have you learned from this battle?

You Qin Xuan Ya thought for a moment and gave a solid answer:

"Though humans and the Yao Clan are ancient enemies, they aren't inherently so. The Yao Clan has both good and evil elements, and we must eliminate those that cause harm.

After all, the Yao Clan are spirits transformed from all living things, endlessly emerging in the world. The key is to divide and transform them, encouraging more benevolent and moderate races to abandon their Yao Clan identity."

Li Chang Shou nodded in approval, then turned to Ling E.

Ling E felt a bit embarrassed at the time, biting her tongue lightly as she said softly, "I haven't thought as deeply as senior sister."

"Go on," Li Chang Shou laughed. "At worst, it's just copying the 'Stability Scripture' a hundred times."

Only a hundred times...

Ling E breathed a sigh of relief and candidly shared her thoughts:

"If you don't have an innate treasure for protection, never engage in battle lightly!"

"Hmm?" You Qin Xuan Ya tilted her head, while Li Chang Shou sighed lightly.

Without thinking, he almost felt moved by this little girl's words...

"Brother's changed his mind—one thousand times, to be copied by tomorrow."

Ling E pouted; she knew it would be like this.

But back to the main point.

Though the battle was fought, follow-up arrangements couldn't be neglected.

If the moral high ground of public opinion wasn't seized by the Heavenly Court and Human Teachings, it would be easy for the Yao Clan and the West to turn the tables.

This large-scale Yao Clan attack on the Human Teachings' immortal sects could, with a bit of planning from Li Chang Shou, unite the Three Teachings' sects for a major purge of the Yao Clan across the Five Parts Continent...

Li Chang Shou chuckled lightly.

Forget it; he'd already decided not to actively scheme anything for the next one or two centuries.

More importantly, if the Daoist sects clashed with the Yao Clan's destiny, it might introduce unnecessary variables into the Feng Shen calamity.

Hong Huang News Flash:

Due to the schemes of Western Teachings' saint disciple Dizang, the Yao Clan gathered over two hundred thousand members yesterday, penetrating Central Divine Continent and Dong Sheng Divine Continent to raid the Human Teachings' heritage at Xiao Yao Xian Zong and Du Xian Men.

Fortunately, with Shui Shen's brilliant foresight, countermeasures were prepared early. Ambushes were set at Du Xian Men, and aid from the Jie Sect was requested for Xiao Yao Xian Zong, resulting in Du Xian Men emerging unscathed and Xiao Yao Xian Zong suffering only the loss of a few hundred disciples, while nearly ninety percent of the invading Yao Clan was annihilated.

During this, sects from Central Divine Continent rushed to assist, and the Heavenly Court's forces joined with the Dragon Clan for the first time...

It's reported that the souls of the fallen Human Teachings' cultivators were all directly guided by the underworld's Yin Division for priority reincarnation.

Another half-day passed.

At Du Xian Men, clusters of white clouds approached from the south.

Heavenly soldiers and generals escorted them all the way, giving the Du Xian Men—from the sect leader to the ordinary disciples—immense face.

As for the temporary commandeering of the sect's grounds by the Heavenly Court for the ambush and the damage incurred—merely a dozen peaks flattened—Du Xian Men wouldn't pursue it.

Many disciples felt uneasy, wondering why they couldn't stay to help the heavenly soldiers; leaving like this did seem to tarnish the Human Teachings' reputation.

Overall, though, with the sect leader's explanations and the prevailing "proven" versions circulating in Hong Huang, the matter was glossed over.

After all, compared to Xiao Yao Xian Zong, Du Xian Men was extremely fortunate.

Xiao Yao Xian Zong had hundreds dead and thousands wounded, mostly their elite members.

In particular, over a dozen supreme elders and dozens of elders from Xiao Yao Xian Zong had perished alongside the Yao Clan experts; this blood debt would naturally be tallied against the West and the Yao Clan...

Li Chang Shou couldn't do much more; he could only, as Shui Shen of the Heavenly Court, express deep condolences to Xiao Yao Xian Zong.

Other Human Teachings' sects also made their statements, especially Zi Zai Men, which thoughtfully asked if Xiao Yao Xian Zong needed any elders—since their paths were similar, they could lend some to guard the sect.

After this battle, without Li Chang Shou needing to scheme further, the sects of Central Divine Continent formed alliances on their own. Groups of three to five sects organized demon-hunting expeditions...

The northern and southern borders of Central Divine Continent grew lively, with Yao Clan border forces under constant pressure. The twice-heavily damaged Yao Clan didn't dare wage war against humans and could only keep retracting their territory.

The Heavenly Court seized the opportunity to fan the flames—though this time, it wasn't Li Chang Shou's scheme.

The Heavenly Court issued a demon extermination order: those who eliminate karma-laden Yao Clan members would, besides receiving heavenly merits, also receive spirit stones and pills from the Heavenly Court, with the feats recorded.

Though few immortals would actually claim rewards at the Heavenly Court, the publicity was effective.

From the Dragon Clan's submission, to the East Sea Eye battle, the Yao Sheng Mountain conflict, and now the Human Teachings' sects' war, the Heavenly Court's prestige soared rapidly.

Who could have imagined that just decades ago, the ignored Heavenly Court would now show signs of great prosperity?

Moreover, with the Heavenly Court currently recruiting heavenly soldiers and adopting an eager stance for talents, many cultivators in Hong Huang who once looked down on it began to have second thoughts.

As Li Chang Shou put it, joining the Heavenly Court now might not get you founding shares, but it's easy to become a core member.

It's foreseeable that soon, more and more outstanding scattered immortals will head to heaven for positions, earning merits...

Of course, that's for later.

Merely two days after the great battle, Du Xian Men returned to tranquility.

Those who had been knocked unconscious earlier were gradually awakened.

Master Qi Yuan scolded Li Chang Shou a bit, but considering his disciple's good intentions, he didn't use his duster to swat the backside of this ordinary heavenly official.

Jiu Yushi asked a few more questions, but Ling E dismissed it perfectly by saying the situation was urgent, leaving no time to explain before knocking her out and taking her to Southern Continent.

Jiu Jiu... thought she had gotten drunk.

Xiong Ling Li: "Cousin is right!"

You Qin Xuan Ya, however, was deeply inspired by this battle. After asking Li Chang Shou a few cultivation questions, she returned to the mountain for secluded cultivation, aiming to break through to Tianxian realm within a century.

She had realized that Li Chang Shou's various arrangements were likely intended to get capable Du Xian Men disciples into the Heavenly Court as heavenly generals.

As the previous chief disciple, she would be the best example.

After reluctantly seeing off Tower Lord, Li Chang Shou felt that familiar sense of security slipping away, leaving him uneasy.

Without the tower, his life was as fragile as paper.

With the tower, he could face a thousand enemies.

He didn't know how Dizang was faring now, and he couldn't contact Wen Jing Daoist, so he had to keep defenses tight everywhere.

Now that the Yao Clan's cooperation with the West was severed, Dizang likely had few usable forces left.

To play it safe, if Dizang made another move, Li Chang Shou would use the Xiao Yao Xian Zong blood debt to ask the Grand Pure One to pressure Ling Shan directly, calling out Dizang by name for a beating.

Of course, killing Dizang at Ling Shan would be difficult, involving the saints' pride.

Half a month later, as the storm gradually faded, Li Chang Shou was just about to resume his previous leisurely yet monotonous cultivation routine when a group of "uninvited guests" arrived at Du Xian Men.

An immortal island pavilion floated on the clouds, and a graceful figure stood at the bow, gazing toward Du Xian Men, her skirt fluttering as snow-white fox tails swayed back and forth.

"I will make you understand that my heart belongs to you, not because of the loneliness in that dungeon...

Qi Yuan Dao Zhang."