Chapter 429: Demon from Outside the Sky

This Jade Emperor, Your Majesty, always seems to come up with new surprises.

I thought that by tricking Hua Youming into the academy, I could smoothly guide him onto the right path and, incidentally, help the mortal incarnations of the Jade Emperor and Wangmu notice each other early, sparking a flame of righteousness.

But Hua Youming's sudden move to block the entrance was something Li Changshou hadn't anticipated.

Not only that, he imposed a strict standard, barring most of the idle, uneducated young nobles from entering. Judging by the smug smile on Hua Youming's lips, he himself probably...

Couldn't recognize a hundred characters.

Li Changshou chuckled to himself, about to summon the general from the Hua family, when Xia Ningshuang, who had already entered the academy, rolled her eyes and turned back, saying to the gate-blocking Hua Youming:

"Such grand authority you have, Young General."

Hua Youming raised an eyebrow slightly and replied coolly: "Quite the bold tongue you have, Miss Xia."

Xia Ningshuang didn't get angry. She leaned her slender frame against the academy's gate, crossed her arms, and said indifferently:

"The academy's teacher is a true great sage, and his rules have their reasons. Your addition of this restriction is like drawing legs on a snake—it's unnecessary and deliberately obstructive."

The group of elders at the front nodded in agreement.

Hua Youming clasped his hands behind his back, stood tall, and declared loudly: "Precisely because the scholars in the academy are great sages of our time, we should hold to higher standards!

What's the point of letting those from wealthy backgrounds who can barely read enter? Better to free up those spots for the young people in this city who have actually studied and learned principles. That way, we can cultivate more talents for the city!

Don't you all agree?"

The group of young men below, dressed in fur and jade, nodded emphatically in agreement; though they didn't dare speak out in front of their elders, they secretly gave Hua Youming thumbs-up.

"You're mistaken," Xia Ningshuang said calmly. "Being uneducated now doesn't mean they'll be uneducated forever.

The positions here are mostly based on rank in the city, often passed down through brothers or fathers.

Would it benefit the city more to select and cultivate seven young nobles from influential families, or seven from humble backgrounds full of ambition but with no outlet?

The academy's teacher allowing those with higher positions to enter first might well be considering this."

Hua Youming paused, his eyes darting around, then he retorted: "As you just said, being uneducated now doesn't mean they'll be uneducated forever.

So, a temporary setback doesn't mean they'll never achieve great deeds!"

"Young General, do you even know what you're saying?"

Xia Ningshuang twirled a strand of hair around her finger, a cold smile hidden behind her veil. "Your words are already rebellious. You might get hung up and beaten by General Hua for this."

"Hmph," Hua Youming said proudly, "I fear nothing!"

The group of elders exchanged bewildered glances; they had no idea what these two young people were talking about, but it all sounded quite reasonable.

Just then, a burst of laughter echoed from inside the academy.

A middle-aged scholar in loose robes stepped forward, his figure elegant and otherworldly, his flowing hair dancing in the wind, radiating an aura of peaceful serenity.

The crowded group outside quickly bowed in respect, while many women gazed at him with shining eyes, and the children and youths curiously eyed this legendary great sage.

The one making his entrance was, of course, Li Changshou's *zhi dao ren*.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha! What a fine debate on nobility and poverty! What's your name, young general?"

"Hua Youming!"

"Full of spirit—that gladdens my heart."

Li Changshou tucked his hands into his sleeves and smiled. "Hua Youming, tell me truthfully: are these ideas from your own thoughts, or are you just making excuses because you don't want to enter my academy?"

"He's just making excuses!" Xia Ningshuang called out.

Hua Youming was about to retort, but facing this teacher, he didn't want to lie, so he said: "Please don't blame me, sir! My father is the city's garrison general, and I'll be a general guarding this place someday, so I must train hard in martial arts, ride horses, and soon gain the strength to slay dragons and capture tigers!

As for reading and writing... I have no interest in that!"

Li Changshou smiled and said: "How does General Hua know that I don't teach martial arts here?"

With that, Li Changshou drew his hands from his sleeves, summoned a falling leaf with his left hand, and tossed it casually. The leaf whistled through the air, soaring up dozens of *zhang* and exploding with a thunderous boom.

Hua Youming's eyes widened in awe.

Li Changshou laughed. "Interested?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Hua Youming nodded vigorously.

"I'll teach you," Li Changshou said, tucking his hands back into his sleeves with a light chuckle, then turned and returned to the academy.

Hua Youming's eyes lit up, and he followed right in, leaving Xia Ningshuang to roll her eyes dramatically.

As soon as Hua Youming entered, over a dozen boys and girls surged forward from below.

Once twenty people had entered the academy, the gate closed on its own.

An hour later, the academy gate opened again, and thirteen people walked out dejectedly.

No matter how they racked their brains, they couldn't figure out the great sage's criteria for selecting disciples, but they had been weeded out regardless.

The seven who remained were four boys and three girls: one pair were childhood sweethearts with a betrothal, another pair had a destined match from the Yinyuan Hall, another was naturally the mortal incarnations of Yu Di and Wangmu, and...

One just to make up the numbers.

In the center of the academy, inside a bamboo pavilion open on all sides, the seven young people sat cross-legged at low tables.

A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, the curtains on either side of the pavilion fluttered lightly, and the teacher in the rocking chair sipped from a purple sand teapot, speaking warmly about some prepared topics that captivated the seven youths.

Behind the teacher, the artificial hill and flowing stream tinkled, with bird calls and frog croaks echoing nearby.

It was the prime of youth, a time not to waste in regret.

After chatting about various matters, Li Changshou secretly awakened the *ling roots* of the other five, giving them a sense of sudden enlightenment.

It was just a small trick to maintain his reputation as a great sage.

As dusk fell, Li Changshou stood up and said gently: "I didn't realize it's gotten so late. You may all go home now.

There are seven bundles outside the gate, each containing academy robes and a few texts for your studies.

Starting tomorrow, come to the academy on odd days each month—from sunrise to sunset—and remember to bring your own meals.

I'll teach you for three years, and how much you gain depends on you.

Whatever you want to learn, I'll teach, but whatever I teach, you must all learn. Understand?"

Xia Ningshuang smiled. "Does that mean we can each suggest a subject, but we'll all study them together?"

"You're quite clever, Ningshuang," Li Changshou said with a laugh. "Exactly."

Hua Youming, at the table next to Xia Ningshuang, curled his lip and muttered: "She's just a bit clever, that's all."

Xia Ningshuang's face darkened, and she made a pinching gesture toward Hua Youming, looking fierce.

Li Changshou laughed. "Next class, you three young women must not cover your faces with veils when entering the academy."

The three girls lowered their heads and replied: "Yes."

"Off you go, see you tomorrow."

Li Changshou waved his hand and left the bamboo pavilion first, leaving the seven youths to whisper in amazement.

"Teacher!"

Hua Youming rushed to the edge of the pavilion, lifted the curtain, and shouted: "What's your name, Teacher?"

The other six paused, realizing they had never heard the great sage's name—they only knew him as a sage and a master.

"Me?" Li Changshou turned back, showing a side profile and a faint smile. "Mu Qinghua. From now on, let's call this place the Mu Hua Academy."

"Mu Qinghua..."

Xia Ningshuang murmured softly, a hint of thought in her eyes.

At the same time, in the Tongming Hall of Heaven, Dongmu Gong, who was carefully reviewing a memorial, suddenly felt a chill on his neck and a slight ripple in his *dao* heart.

What was that?

Over on Yu Di's side, hadn't the Water God said he'd investigated and started guiding things?

Dongmu Gong was puzzled, took a sip of hot tea, and continued his duties.

Meanwhile, in a town in Zhongshenzhou, in a 'inn'.

"The Wuzhuang Temple, Zhen Yuan Daxian, the ancestor of earth immortals... So that's how it is."

In the inn's room, Ling E examined the jade talisman she had bought for several dozen *ling stones*, reading the information inside.

Zhen Yuan Daxian was of the same generation as the Sanqing Lords and was one of the early renowned figures in the world, but half his fame came from... the death of his friend, Hongyun Ancestor.

This was closely related to Zhen Yuan Daxian's low-profile behavior and his rare appearances in the primordial world.

The location of Wuzhuang Temple wasn't a secret—it was on Wanshou Mountain on the eastern side of Xiniu Hezhou—but it was always shrouded in a great array, making it impossible for even golden immortals to enter.

Ling E carefully read the text in the jade talisman, sitting cross-legged on the bed, her delicate brows furrowed.

"How can I meet this great one?"

Zhen Yuan Daxian possessed two extraordinary treasures: the rare innate spiritual root, the Renshen Fruit Tree, and a special treasure that could serve as a defensive supreme artifact—the Earth Book.

From ancient times, legends of the Heaven, Earth, and Human Books had circulated in the primordial world. The Heaven Book belonged to the Heavenly Dao and was unknown; the Earth Book was born alongside Zhen Yuan Daxian, formed from the world's membrane, and could open worlds and control all things.

The Human Book was the Book of Life and Death, also known as the Sansheng Underworld Book, which determined the fate of living beings.

With mastery of the Earth Book, Zhen Yuan Daxian's abilities were extraordinary; he was highly skilled in the Qiankun Dao and possessed many great Qiankun divine abilities.

Facing such a senior, trying to deceive him was out of the question—one must be completely honest.

This trial that her *shixiong* had arranged for her, ostensibly to deliver a message, might also harbor the intention of obtaining some 'Renshen Fruit' to extend their master's life.

Ling E pondered her own background and found that, aside from being her *shixiong*'s *shimei*, most of it was quite ordinary.

Unfortunately, her *shixiong*'s identity couldn't be revealed.

"Ah, this is so hard."

Ling E sighed, lying weakly on the bed, hugging the pillow with her *shixiong*'s portrait, rolling back and forth until her hair was a mess, then letting out a soft sigh.

Should she just go to Wanshou Mountain and try her luck?

What if this great one saw through her as the *shimei* of the Heavenly Court Water God and let her in directly?

But that didn't seem right—this great one might not be trustworthy, and going rashly would make success unlikely and could lead to trouble.

She had investigated for over two months and couldn't find any of this great one's preferences...

Whenever anyone mentioned Zhen Yuan Daxian, it was always 'Earth Book', 'Renshen Fruit', 'Hongyun Ancestor was so tragic'—nothing else useful.

This problem was just too tough!

'I can't rush it; I need to take it slow and steady.'

Ling E sat up, clenched her small fist, and waved it lightly.

Keep investigating!

Whether she succeeded or not, as long as she made every possible preparation within her capabilities, she wouldn't regret failure.

For her master to live a few more ten-thousands of years!

For her *shixiong* to feel at ease and let her share some of his burdens!

Did Zhen Yuan Daxian have any female disciples or something?

Ling E blinked, walked to the window, opened a crack, and looked out at the town.

She was already not far from Wanshou Mountain.

By the water pool at Black Pool Peak, Bai Ze transformed into his true form, his long feather on his head pointing toward the image in the water, sensing Ling E's fortune and misfortune.

Soon, Bai Ze reverted to human form and said to Li Changshou standing nearby: "Water God, rest assured. Ling E faces no disaster; it matches the divination exactly."

Li Changshou nodded slowly and smiled. "Thank you for your trouble, Mister Bai."

"Ah, it's nothing," Bai Ze gestured invitingly, and the two sat down together, discussing matters of the Southern Continent.

Li Changshou also took the opportunity to seek advice from Bai Ze, essentially having him help 'prepare lessons' for tomorrow's official class.

After chatting for a while, Bai Ze smiled and said: "Water God, how does it feel to be the teacher of Yu Di and Wangmu?"

"Please don't say that, Mister," Li Changshou said seriously. "I'm merely providing protection, and it's for the mortal incarnations of Yu Di and Wangmu, not being their teacher!"

"Yes, yes," Bai Ze said with a narrowed-eyed smile. "Water God is right. So, how does it feel to protect Yu Di and Wangmu?"

Li Changshou sighed: "It's mentally exhausting, and I daren't teach anything recklessly. Plus, whatever I say might be remembered by Yu Di and Wangmu, leading to unforeseen influences.

I'll just take it one step at a time, mainly to help those two form their destined bond.

Now, I need to think about how, when His Majesty returns to Heaven, I'll explain why his mortal bond is still with Wangmu."

"It's indeed tricky. Water God, you..."

Bai Ze's words suddenly stopped, and he frowned at Li Changshou.

Though he couldn't see it with his eyes or sense it with his immortal awareness, at that moment, Li Changshou seemed enveloped by a descending Dao rhythm.

Sensing this Dao rhythm, Bai Ze felt as if he had entered a vast, chaotic realm, like a mere grain of sand, yet perceiving infinite truths and wonders within.

It was the Dao rhythm of a saint!

Bai Ze's eyes showed a trace of calm; he knew this must be the Taiji Saint communicating with Li Changshou. Envy wouldn't help—he could only tag along with the Water God and make the best of it.

A moment later, Li Changshou opened his eyes and exhaled slowly.

"Mister Bai, do you know what abilities the domain outer demons possess?"

"Hmm?" Bai Ze was startled.

Just then, a slight disturbance in the Qiankun occurred on Xiao Qiong Peak, with the Dao rhythms of two innate treasures flashing briefly before vanishing.

Bai Ze quickly said: "Domain outer demons aren't native to the primordial world; most are descendants of the innate demons from before the creation. They're ever-changing, deceitful, and cruel toward the primordial world and its beings, knowing only destruction and intent on returning the primordial world to chaos.

Since the creation, there was a great war in ancient times between the primordial beings and the domain outer demons, but the latter were easily defeated.

Water God, is the battle at Xuandu City intensifying? Do we need to go and aid them?"

"Senior Brother at Xuandu City can handle it," Li Changshou said, extending his left hand as a cloud slowly formed, revealing a blurry scene inside...

An ancient city floated in the void, surrounded by thick gray mist.

Countless shadowy figures rushed out from the mist, endless and fearless, charging toward the city's outer defenses.

The city glowed with brilliant lights as numerous great arrays activated; those indistinct shadows slammed against the array's light barriers.

At the city's center was a vortex of seven colors, the entrance to the primordial world.

Within the arrays, figures darted about, repairing breaches and firing streams of light outward.

The battle was overall stable.

Suddenly, the gray clouds shook, and massive, indescribable black beasts flew from the Chaos Sea, crashing straight into the arrays and tearing a gap on the city's left side.

Instantly, countless shadows surged through the breach.

The city erupted with bursts of light, and a group of guards flew out from the city, exterminating most of the shadows.

In the chaos, dozens of shadows clustered together and charged into the seven-colored vortex.

Thunder and lightning flashed inside the vortex!

As more shadows neared the breach, two streams of black and white aura silently appeared, dissolving the shadows before the gap...

The innate treasure, Taiji Chart, manifested, instantly enveloping the entire city!

With the forces of yin and yang, in a reversal of flow, those indescribable black beasts exploded in an instant...

The Grandmaster's figure stood proudly before the city, and the shadows inside visibly relaxed.

Just as some turned to pursue the earlier escaped shadows, colorful tentacles emerged from the gray aura on all sides...

The Grandmaster turned and said: "No need to chase; someone will handle them. Quickly repair the arrays—the real threats are coming."

The scene shifted.

A cluster of shadows hurtled through the void into a narrow lesser world, followed by a bolt of purple divine lightning!

This lightning seemed capable of shattering the lesser world, but it trembled slightly and transformed into a magnificent thunder curtain, enveloping the lesser world like a cage.