Chapter 432: You Chase Me, You Catch Me

On the horizon, the sky full of black smoke was dispersed by golden light.

Taiyi Zhenren sighed, "Why does it feel like this Tian Mo isn't dying peacefully?"

Several figures flew in from the distance. Duobao Daoist held the boy who had been ensnared by the Tian Mo in his palm, giving his hand a gentle shake. The boy's body turned into a handful of dust, scattering across the land and sky.

Zhao Gongming said, "That boy couldn't be saved. His soul has been completely devoured by the Tian Mo. It seems this Tian Mo didn't just arrive here this time."

Li Changshou nodded slowly, gazing at the dust shimmering with a faint golden hue, lost in thought for a moment.

Although the deepest-hidden extraterrestrial Tian Mo had been forced to reveal itself, at Li Changshou's insistence, the chanting of scriptures continued for a while longer.

When the immortals gathered again, Duobao Daoist spoke with a tone of uncertainty, mumbling, "This time, it should be all cleared out."

All eyes turned to Li Changshou. He pondered for a moment and replied, "It's hard to say for sure. Nothing in the world is absolute."

Taiyi Zhenren laughed and scolded, "Are you thinking of refining this small world all over again? We've already used every method possible—how could there be any oversights?"

Li Changshou smiled slightly at Taiyi Zhenren. Stability knows no bounds.

"Changgeng, you can take charge of the next steps," Duobao Daoist said with a smile, handing over the command. It was his way of giving Li Changshou a choice.

Now that the matter was resolved, they could put away the tools that had served their purpose. As for the donkey that needed killing...

"Thank you, Duobao Shixiong," Li Changshou bowed with his hands clasped, then turned his gaze to the representatives from Western Teachings and their accompanying beast.

Dizang felt a tightness in his heart, and Diting tucked its hind legs, both watching Li Changshou intently.

Li Changshou smiled and bowed to Dizang, saying, "This time, in eliminating the Tian Mo threat, Diting's contributions were invaluable. As the saying goes, those who can do more should do more. So, why not have Diting stay here for a while longer?"

Dizang smiled slightly and replied, "The Water God's words make sense."

Taiyi Zhenren tucked his hands into his sleeves and glanced at Diting, saying casually, "The main person hasn't even spoken yet—what are you agreeing to?"

Although Dizang had prepared himself for Taiyi Zhenren's sarcastic remarks, he still couldn't help but darken his face and feel a bit breathless. Nearby, Zhao Gongming and Duobao Daoist both narrowed their eyes with amusement.

This time, it was Li Changshou who eased the awkwardness for Dizang.

Li Changshou changed the subject: "Fellow Shixiong, should we go check on Xuan Du Cheng? We don't know if the situation there has stabilized."

"Absolutely not," Duobao Daoist refused outright, his expression serious. "If Xuan Du Shixiong doesn't call for help, we can't just go there. That's an ancient rule for Xuan Du Cheng. The powers of extraterrestrial Tian Mo are unpredictable and treacherous—if we go rashly, we might give them an opportunity."

Hearing this, Li Changshou couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled.

Yunxiao Xianzi said softly, "There have been cases like this before. Experts who went to aid Xuan Du Cheng without authorization were taken advantage of by the Tian Mo, triggering a great battle inside the city that nearly broke its defenses. That's why Xuan Du Cheng now relies mostly on Dao soldiers formed from magical powers."

Dao soldiers? Li Changshou had heard his master mention them, but he hadn't realized there was such backstory.

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, dismissing the idea of having Youqin Xuanya come here for some "experience." He asked Yunxiao Xianzi a few more questions about it.

Then, Duobao Daoist opened an earthen tunnel, and the immortals flew into it one by one, returning to the Five Parts Continent.

Once the tunnel closed, Dizang looked down at Diting beneath him, veins bulging on his forehead.

Diting's sturdy body trembled, and it quickly transmitted a message in its mind: "Master, we're under the Water God's roof here—we have to bow our heads."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Dizang silently dismounted from Diting's back, pulling out a demon-subduing pestle and a handkerchief from his sleeve, and began wiping it gently.

Diting stepped back half a pace. "Master, don't you think it was because of our outstanding performance this time that the Water God let us off the hook..."

The demon-subduing pestle hummed as it trembled slightly. "Are you questioning my sincerity toward you? In the refined beast diagrams by Bai Ze Qianbei, we're the symbol of loyalty! Master, let's talk this out properly!"

"Loyalty means you stay put!"

"Master, put the pestle away and then we can talk!"

"You rascal, why did I ever take you in?"

"Master, you can't just turn your back on me like this!"

"Stop right there!"

"Master, you know you can't beat the Water God, so there's no point in pretending—ha, ha, ha, ha!"

In the glow of the rising sun, a large green-furred dog raced through the air, while a young Daoist in wide robes and a handsome face chased after it, brandishing the demon-subduing pestle.

In the human tribes that had just endured the Tian Mo chaos, many figures watched the scene from afar, showing a hint of smiles.

Outside the great array of Xuan Du Cheng, Xuan Du Shi stood amid piles of black mud, watching the black shadows scattering into the Chaos Sea, and let out a slight sigh of relief. "Longshou should have handled things over there, right?"

Xuan Du Shi pondered for a moment, still a bit uneasy. After all, Tian Mo were quite cunning, and though his junior brother was thorough in his ways, he was still rather straightforward. Hmm, straightforward.

In the mortal world of the Southern Continent, in a great city that had been unusually lively lately due to a certain "great sage,"...

In front of the academy, seven young men and women had been standing for an hour, having arrived at dawn.

At first, they had some complaints, thinking Mister Mu had broken his promise. But when Hua Youming said, "This must be Mister's test for us!"

The group of young people perked up at once, standing quietly by the door. The three young women, who weren't wearing veils today, soon had beads of sweat on their fair faces.

Hua Youming suddenly realized: 'This annoying Xia Ningfrost actually looks quite pretty.'

Though she still had a youthful appearance, not as alluring as the figures of Tan Quer's Yingying, Hua Lou's Tingting, and Frostfrost, her face was delicate and charming, and the more he looked, the more he found...

"What are you looking at!"

Xia Ningfrost furrowed her brows and huffed, "If it weren't for Mister not allowing veils, I wouldn't let a frivolous playboy like you see my face!"

Hua Youming's mouth twitched slightly.

What was he thinking? She was just a fierce woman! Whoever married her would surely be bullied for life!

He couldn't afford to provoke her—better just focus on learning from Mister.

Squeak—

The academy's wooden door opened, and Li Changshou, disguised as a middle-aged scholar, appeared before them, yawning as he said, "Come in."

Hua Youming stared and asked, "Mister, did you just wake up?"

"Last night there was a storm, and I went out to slay demons," Li Changshou said calmly. "I was a bit tired when I got back, so I rested for a while."

As soon as he spoke, the eyes of Hua Youming and the other three young men lit up, while the three young women showed some curiosity.

Hua Youming quickly asked, "Are there really demons?"

"Ha, ha, ha, ha!"

Li Changshou laughed heartily, waited for the seven to enter, then closed the courtyard door and walked along the stone path with his hands behind his back, saying warmly, "In this world, humans are the main beings, but when all things gain intelligence, they become known as the myriad spirits. As the saying goes, there are people, spirits, immortals, demons, monsters, and ghosts—all exist in the world; it's just that in the Southern Jambu Continent, in places where humans gather, the others are relatively rare. What we call demons are spirits with twisted minds, or people who have lost all humanity—nothing more."

Hua Youming blinked, pondering these words carefully, and felt a strange sensation in his heart, memorizing them all.

Once inside the bamboo hut, Li Changshou yawned and said, "You seven discuss among yourselves which subjects you want to study. I'll rest for a bit, and we'll start the lessons in the afternoon."

With that, Li Changshou lay down on the rocking chair and soon began to snore softly.

In reality, this was just for show. His mind had shifted to his true body, where he was strolling with Yunxiao Xianzi on Sanxian Island, chatting and enjoying tea, before bidding farewell at noon.

Interacting with the xianzi like this was truly comforting.

Her beauty was a feast for the eyes, her soft voice a delight to the ears, and her faint fragrance filled the nose, all set against the stunning seascapes and mountains—truly a wonder of the Great Wilderness.

Li Changshou's true body slipped back to Du Xian Men on Xiao Qiong Peak, finding a comfortable spot to hide.

This time, he didn't return the Ta Ye and Qian Kun Chi proactively.

Ling E was still out on her training, so Li Changshou kept them as a precaution, enough to handle most unexpected situations.

Ling E, on the other hand, had been quite steady, wandering the markets, drinking tea, shopping, and thinking about how to reach Mount Wanshou, overall quite leisurely.

On Hei Chi Peak, Li Changshou's paper effigy opened its eyes, and Bai Ze smiled as he approached. "The extraterrestrial Tian Mo have all been dealt with?"

"Yes," Li Changshou replied with a smile, "Diting's powers are truly useful."

"That's the nemesis of extraterrestrial Tian Mo," Bai Ze started to make a comparison but suddenly thought of himself, feeling as if he were restrained by the Water God in front of him. His smile faded, and he sat down with a sigh.

Li Changshou was genuinely puzzled and asked, "What’s wrong, Mister Bai?"

"Ah—Water God, let me calm my mind for a bit."

"Feel free, Mister Bai," Li Changshou said, observing Bai Ze with concern and seeing no issues, then turned to other matters.

Leaving Dizang and Diting in that small world was just part of Li Changshou's scheme.

Why should only the Western Teachings get to divide the Daoist Three Teachings, while they couldn't stir up the Western Teachings' mindset?

In the Tian Court Water God Palace, Li Changshou switched to another paper effigy, holding a duster as he walked out of the palace toward Tongming Hall.

Half an hour later, the Tian Court issued an official proclamation, which was delivered by heavenly soldiers to the major markets in Central Divine Continent, to Mount Ling on Western Oxhe Continent, and scattered across the demon gathering grounds in the Northern Continent.

It was a letter of commendation.

The letter stated that extraterrestrial Tian Mo from beyond the heavens had caused trouble, intruding into the Three Realms to harm living beings.

Fortunately, with the guidance of the Heavenly Way and the approval of the saints, experts from the Daoist Three Teachings had, through Dizang's noble righteousness and Diting's divine powers, completely eradicated the Tian Mo that had infiltrated the Three Realms.

The Tian Court's proclamation didn't mention "Western Teachings" at all, but it highly praised Dizang's noble righteousness and the wonders of Diting's powers.

Though there were no substantial rewards, it granted Dizang considerable reputation.

Next, they just had to wait for Dizang and Diting to return from afar; they would likely be especially touched then. Dizang's expression would probably be quite amusing.

Unfortunately, Li Changshou couldn't go to Mount Ling to witness it personally.

Would the elders in the Western Teachings be jealous of Dizang because of this?

Impossible—they were all disciples or named disciples of saints; they surely had the grace to tolerate others' excellence...

Before noon passed, in the academy of a certain great city in the Southern Continent, Li Changshou smiled as he opened his eyes.

The seven young men and women had already finished their lunch and were tidying up the lunch boxes.

Hua Youming clearly wasn't used to this, fumbling awkwardly as he wrapped the wooden box, picking his teeth with a toothpick, and occasionally glancing sideways.

Xia Ningfrost was drinking tea, her posture graceful and elegant, exuding the air of a refined lady.

"Ahem!"

Li Changshou cleared his throat and called out, "Have you decided on the subjects?"

The seven nodded, and Hua Youming asked with concern, "Mister, aren't you having lunch?"

"No need," Li Changshou replied with a smile, "I'm not of the mortal world; I don't require food."

Sheets of white paper flew from Li Changshou's sleeve and landed in front of the seven. "Write down the subjects you want to learn."

The seven, all dressed in the same style of long robes, quickly took out brushes and ink, carefully writing a few words each. Li Changshou then retrieved the papers, holding them as he recited, "Poetry, essays, immortal arts, calculations, military strategy?"

Li Changshou paused, looking at the two crooked characters, and laughed, "Youming, why do you want to learn military strategy?"

Hua Youming stood up, cupped his fists toward Li Changshou, and said with a touch of pride, "After thinking about it all night at home, I've realized what I'm lacking. My family can teach me martial arts and immortal techniques, but we don't have many experts in military strategy. Mister is a great talent and knows everything, so I must seize this opportunity."

Li Changshou laughed, "Do you know how vast the difference is between the immortal arts taught by those ordinary cultivators in your family and mine?"

Hua Youming was stunned and asked softly, "Is it that big?"

"Ha, ha, ha," Li Changshou threw his head back in laughter, and Hua Youming scratched his head awkwardly.

Xia Ningfrost, sitting next to him, muttered, "Fool—Mister said yesterday he'd teach all the subjects we suggest, so what are you regretting?"

Hua Youming glared at Xia Ningfrost, but she swept her gaze back, and the young general instinctively shrank his neck.

Li Changshou said, "Alright, let's settle on these five subjects for now. This afternoon, we'll start with essays and immortal arts. Remember, I won't teach you techniques to extend your lifespan—that would disrupt the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death. I'll only show you some simple methods for trapping enemies. For example, like this—rope manipulation."

Li Changshou flicked his finger, and Hua Youming's belt suddenly turned into a rope, binding him tightly.

Hua Youming lost his balance and stumbled, letting out a light cry as he fell toward Xia Ningfrost.

Xia Ningfrost was just a delicate girl—how could she dodge?

With a couple of "ouch" sounds and a clatter from the low table, Xia Ningfrost closed her eyes and exclaimed softly. When she opened them, she saw Hua Youming's somewhat dazed face right in front of her.

Their eyes met, and involuntarily, they heard the thumping of heartbeats.

The bamboo hut fell silent, and the other pairs of young men and women in front turned to look, each with a hint of concern.

In the corner, a certain "filler" boy lowered his head silently, feeling that being selected by the great sage might not be such a good thing after all.

In the rocking chair, Li Changshou narrowed his eyes with a smile, feeling quite content.

Although the two destined figures were just starting to awaken to romance, their feelings could be established and nurtured slowly—for stability's sake, creating more shared memories was a good idea.

At that moment, Xia Ningfrost came to her senses, her face flushing red as she glared at Hua Youming, "You—you get up!"

The ropes binding Hua Youming instantly loosened. He tried to stay calm, quickly stood up, and coughed while clenching his fist, "Sorry for bumping into you—don't be angry..."

"Hmph!" Xia Ningfrost snorted coldly, sat back down, and adjusted her hair, pretending nothing had happened.

Then, she heard Hua Youming mutter softly, "She does look pretty good... ah, don't misunderstand—I mean the two hairs in your nostril."

The entire bamboo hut fell silent again.

Even Li Changshou, who had been smiling, felt a darkness before his eyes and nearly self-ignited his paper effigy.

"Hua—You—Ming!"

With an angry shout, Xia Ningfrost grabbed a brush and charged at him. Hua Youming jumped up and ran, and the two chased each other around the hut.

The other pairs, either engaged or fated, watched with smiles, and Li Changshou didn't stop them, reminiscing about the shadows of his own youthful days.

In the corner, that "filler" who seemed unrelated to the chaos silently lay on the table.

It's all about fate...

No, we can't believe in fate!

He, Yang Tianyou, would turn things around one day!