Chapter 453: The Female Immortal's Competitive Spirit

I'm so miserable.

I've already had to share one grass ring with the other six, and now I'm being pulled out for this kind of task, and I'm told I can't stay too long.

Hmm...

On the lush green gentle slope, within the Liu Dao Lunhui Pan, a grass ring gently swirled. Xiao Ai, whose body was somewhat faint, appeared beneath the grass ring. She was so heartbroken that she couldn't stand and hugged herself in grievance.

As soon as she spoke, faint blue ripples spread in all directions. The female demon commander sitting cross-legged on the slope, along with the other seven demons, quickly had tears welling up in their eyes...

Li Changshou sat ten zhang away, holding a scroll and recording the demons' reactions.

As he had expected, these veteran soldiers from ancient times were most easily affected by emotions of 'sorrow.'

But too much sorrow could lead to negative thoughts.

Behind Li Changshou, at a slightly higher spot, Houtu Niangniang sat with her skirt neatly gathered, curiously watching him write. When Li Changshou signaled to switch to the next one, she had Xiao Ai return to the grass ring and released the embodiment of 'anger' from the Seven Emotions.

Hey! You there!

Go get that bastard in the red clothes for me! I'm going to take him down!

Waves of red ripples emanated from her, and the eight demons surged with killing intent, grinding their teeth as if ready to devour someone!

Without Li Changshou saying a word, Houtu Niangniang lightly pointed her hand, forcing the embodiment of 'anger' back into the grass ring and releasing the embodiment of 'fear' to counterbalance it.

Next, the embodiments of the Seven Emotions took turns appearing, stirring the dormant hearts of these demons.

Once the embodiment of 'joy' returned to the grass ring, the eight demons stared blankly into the distance.

Two of them had streaks of blood-red chains appear on their bodies, but these chains shattered immediately. The two burly men clutched their heads, curled up on the spot, trembling all over, and whimpered continuously.

Immortal power began surging out from their bodies, mixed with traces of demonic energy, but this demonic energy had long been tamed and controlled by them, without damaging a single blade of grass or tree in the area...

Li Changshou stood up nervously, but Houtu Niangniang beside him gestured for him to stay calm.

Soon after, two more experienced the same.

They had shattered the shackles in their hearts and were reawakened to the Seven Emotions. Fortunately, the emotions that affected them most were love and joy. After enduring the pain of their minds being torn, they fell into a state of tranquility...

These were all hardened veterans who had fought through ancient times, their Dao hearts as solid as rocks. Now, they were merely regaining their thoughts and individual ideas, with no fundamental change in their nature.

The first four to recover bowed their heads to Li Changshou in salute. One woman said in a somewhat halting voice:

Thank... you...

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, unsure of what else to say, so he said nothing more.

Survived a hundred battles but not death; rain and spring winds wither the body.

Li Changshou led the four who had recovered out of the Liu Dao Lunhui Pan, checked the situations around various places, and glanced at the activity on Xiao Qiong Peak. Still uneasy, he transmitted a message to Bai Ze again, asking him to keep watch over Xiao Qiong Peak from outside, before bringing in the next batch of twenty demons.

In this way, the embodiments of the Seven Emotions continued to appear, and the demons' heart shackles were broken one after another.

Houtu Niangniang's Seven Emotions Dao Fruit was perfectly suited for this purpose, aligning closely with Li Changshou's prior expectations...

After three days and nights, the one hundred and eight demons stood beside the Liu Dao Lunhui Pan. The two commanders knelt on one knee in front of Li Changshou, and the one hundred and eight shouted in unison, with the two commanders who could speak fluently calling out:

Thank you, Changgeng Daren!

Li Changshou turned slightly to accept half the courtesy, offering the other half to Houtu Niangniang.

At that moment, the two Yan Jun, over a dozen judges, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, and many ghost messengers gathered around, purely out of curiosity and to bear witness to the event.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly...

Once, with one hundred and eight master assassins at his disposal, he hadn't cherished them. Until later, when he might face a shortage of people, he would probably regret it immensely.

If heaven gave him another chance to choose, he probably...

Would still do the same.

Like a merchant, some money just isn't worth earning.

He didn't want to treat these ancient human heroes as tools; using them would burden his conscience.

Fellow seniors!

Li Changshou cupped his hands and spoke clearly: Today, we humans are the protagonists of heaven and earth. Countless humans thrive in the Honghuang lands, across the Five Divisions, Three Thousand Worlds.

The demon race is no longer a threat; their court's destiny has been completely severed!

Humans and all spirits coexist, and all spirits can live alongside humans. The brutal wars in the world today are merely conflicts among human factions.

The Heavenly Court, established by the saints to maintain the operation of the Heavenly Dao, values mortals greatly under the rule of the Jade Emperor. I serve as an advisor by the Jade Emperor's side.

In ancient times, you seniors had no choice.

The demon race was aggressive, intent on exterminating humanity. Humanity was weak, lacking enough experts to protect itself, so you seniors had to fall into demonhood and become demon soldiers.

But today, you are all heroes of humanity and can choose your own paths.

After Li Changshou finished, the one hundred and eight demons looked at him with a hint of...

Confusion.

Everyone, please sit.

Li Changshou gestured, and the one hundred and eight demons sat cross-legged in unison, watching him.

What I mean is, you can do whatever you want in this world today.

For example, you could learn an instrument, find a companion, or travel around, see the worldly bustle, or gaze upon the immortal mountains in the clouds. All of this is the world you seniors fought for.

One person sighed softly:

Like... wandering ghosts... better to return...

The demons' faces remained calm as they nodded in agreement.

Or, Li Changshou sighed and said warmly, if you seniors feel too exhausted, you can choose your own end. But from my personal perspective, I don't want to see that happen.

You've already missed one era, so why not start a new life in this one?

I'll help you, and all of humanity will help you adapt. There will be a place for you in this world.

This is the Liu Dao Lunhui Pan. I'm familiar with the underworld and consider the Yan Jun my close friends. If any of you want to start over without carrying your past, Meng Po's soup is available in unlimited supply today.

If you have unfinished wishes, as long as it's within my power, I'll help you fulfill them.

If you want to continue wandering and seeing the world...

Daren, the female commander interrupted Li Changshou's rambling and asked with her head bowed, Do you still need us to serve you?

Li Changshou paused, standing silently for a while.

He could feel that if he said no, these one hundred and eight demons would leave together.

After a long moment, Li Changshou spoke:

Humanity no longer needs you to shed blood and lay down your lives; a new order has been established in the world.

I need your power, but it's for my own selfish reasons, not necessarily meaningful for humanity or the world.

That's why I brought you here, to give you a chance to choose anew. Whatever you decide, I won't interfere.

But if anyone is undecided and lacks direction, I can say...

Stay, and fight for me.

But let me be clear first, I have no grand ambitions. If you stay to work for me, there probably won't be much excitement.

With that, Li Changshou stood up, bowed to the one hundred and eight demons, and turned to walk away.

He hadn't gone more than ten zhang when a slight rustle came from behind, followed by a surge of Dao rhythm that dispersed. One demon had destroyed their own soul on the spot.

Not even willing to enter reincarnation.

One after another, demons destroyed their souls, turning into puffs of black sand that vanished on the Wheel of Reincarnation Immortal Island.

The wind seemed to carry faint murmurs, and Li Changshou's primordial spirit heard their confessions.

'Changgeng Daren, thank you for setting us free.'

'Our comrades have gone; we follow them.'

'We fulfilled His Majesty's trust and the general's orders!'

'Daren, please take good care of the brothers who remain. We're heading back first...'

Li Changshou looked up slightly, hands behind his back as he sighed lightly. Black sand floated behind him, and a gentle breeze blew through the underworld.

A human ghost messenger leaned on his weapon, kneeling on one knee, while Ox-Head, Horse-Face, and a few other Wu Clan members had red eyes.

The Wu Clan had their emotional side too.

After some time, Li Changshou heard footsteps and turned to see eighteen or nineteen men and women standing behind him, kneeling on one knee in unison.

We are willing to serve you, Daren!

Please rise quickly, Li Changshou said, raising his hands in a virtual gesture, then chuckled bitterly, Not a single one wants to enter reincarnation.

The female commander smiled slightly, the scar on her cheek seeming to fade a bit.

She said: Without obsession, one cannot become a demon; without demons, one cannot survive.

Daren, you still don't understand us well enough.

Her words were clearly more fluent now, with a touch of lightness in her tone.

Li Changshou cupped his hands: My Dao is the opposite of obsession. Please wait a moment; I'll go thank Houtu Niangniang and then take you back to the mortal world.

I'll give you your first task...

Everyone, think of a name for yourselves, or for each other.

With that, a beam of light enveloped Li Changshou, drawing him back into the Liu Dao Lunhui Pan.

The more Li Changshou thought about it, the more fascinating Xiao Ai seemed.

Her logic was so complete; no matter the problem, she always reached an absolutely negative conclusion.

Houtu Niangniang was a bit troubled by it too. She and Li Changshou had pondered for a long time without finding a solution, but then Xiao Ai discovered what they were doing and complained that they were scheming against her...

Fortunately, she didn't threaten to run away or anything.

Li Changshou took the opportunity to present his proposals for reforming the underworld to Houtu Niangniang. She smiled and agreed without any objections.

This merit was already beckoning to him; his golden body of merit was not far off!

When he left the underworld with the nineteen Golden Immortal realm experts, the large ship borrowed from the Dragon Palace felt much emptier.

Li Changshou planned to form a "Sunset Red Honghuang Tour Group," take them sightseeing, and then officially assign them roles in An Shui City and on Xiao Qiong Peak.

These nineteen experts were genuine Golden Immortal realm demon soldiers, survivors of ancient battles who had toppled the demon court and repelled extraterrestrial demons. With their cultivation, combat experience, and the many treasures they had accumulated, they were an formidable force!

Xiong Lingli, the unqualified security captain of Xiao Qiong Peak, could finally retire with honor.

The one hundred and eight great mages' demon soldiers had finally found their place, and Li Changshou could set this matter aside.

Perhaps others might have handled it differently, but Li Changshou felt his approach was the most stable.

Back in An Shui City, he settled the reborn demon soldiers in the Sea God Temple and told these nineteen "ancient heroes" they could move around freely. Then, Li Changshou shifted his mind back to Xiao Qiong Peak.

Ling E was playing in the gaming room, while Youqin Xuanya was cultivating in the giant forest...

She really treated Xiao Qiong Peak as her own home.

Li Changshou transmitted a message, instructing Youqin Xuanya to prepare for her ascension to heaven, as the Heavenly Court would soon promote and build momentum across Honghuang.

Youqin Xuanya agreed steadily. Having prepared for so long, she now had a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

A jade talisman was floating in the alchemy room.

Li Changshou sent a paper effigy to take the jade talisman in hand—it was a special transmission jade from Mister Bai...

Face-to-face voice transmission or messages from neighboring peaks—such was the old tradition of Ren Jiao.

Holding the jade talisman, Li Changshou flew to Hei Chi Peak. Before he could land steadily, Bai Ze and Zhao Gongming approached from left and right, each stroking their beards with a smile that had a hint of...

Roguishness.

Li Changshou stepped back half a pace and said righteously:

You two, don't drag me into your strange games!

I'm different from you solitary creatures.

Bai Ze and Zhao Gongming were stunned for a moment, then both charged at him with their weapons; fortunately, Li Changshou was skilled in evasion, dodging with the wind and playfully sparring with the two great powers...

In the end, he was caught and given a good beating.

It was just an effigy, so fighting with Zhao Gongming and Bai Ze wouldn't harm him.

Li Changshou took the chance to secretly record the scene with a shadow orb for future leverage...

What’s going on? Li Changshou asked with a smile, getting to the point.

Here, my second sister’s letter for you, Zhao Gongming said with a wink, slapping the letter into Li Changshou's arms.

He urged: Quick, open it and see. Do you know how many hours I've been waiting?

Li Changshou: ...

This seems to be a letter for me alone.

Zhao Gongming and Bai Ze nodded seriously and stood one on each side behind Li Changshou.

Shouldn't you two step aside?

Buzz—

A water-blue light bloomed, fixing Li Changshou's paper effigy in place as twenty-four Sea Calming Divine Pearls descended from the sky!

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and laughed lightly, using his immortal power to control Li Changshou's fingers, carefully tearing open the envelope. He then opened the letter in front of Li Changshou...

Afterward, Zhao Gongming and Bai Ze pretended to pass by and glanced up casually.

Bai Ze praised: Fairy Yunxiao is truly understanding and righteous! We admire her!

Zhao Gongming said: My second sister is the smartest among our sworn siblings. What she wrote is almost exactly what Mister Bai said.

The two chatted and laughed, then walked away in perfect sync. Once they were far enough, Zhao Gongming retrieved the Sea Calming Divine Pearls...

With a few laughs, Zhao Gongming and Bai Ze hid on the other side of Hei Chi Peak to continue drinking and having fun.

They really hit it off, Li Changshou thought, shaking his head. He straightened the letter and read it carefully.

The letter mentioned Fairy Yunhua, and as Li Changshou read it over and over, he only felt Yunxiao's gentleness and care. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't put it down. After examining it closely, he realized every line was essentially saying, 'I understand you.'

Li Changshou chuckled lightly, tucked the letter into his sleeve, and shifted his mind to the Heavenly Court.

In the Yue Gui Palace.

The paper effigy trembled slightly as Li Changshou regained control and stretched lazily.

His immortal sense spread out, and he suddenly sensed a slightly... odd atmosphere in the palace.

Over thirty fairies were in the Yue Gui Palace; half were practicing dances, and half were sitting aside chatting. But outside, over a hundred were clustered in groups, seemingly plotting something.

Li Changshou keenly noticed the abnormalities.

Many fairies were heavily made up, their immortal skirts completely different from their usual dance uniforms—vibrant colors competing for attention!

His immortal sense picked up their conversations...

Ah, if we ordinary ones can just catch the Water God's eye for a moment, that would be a win!

The Water God really looks down on us lunar immortals!

Even when Fairy Heng E came in person, she couldn't get the Water God to look up...

Maybe Fairy Yunxiao is truly one of a kind in the world.

I just don't believe it!

What's going on?

Heng E came?

Li Changshou quietly tucked his sleeves and checked the shadow orbs hidden on him, indeed finding...

A pair of jade feet in embroidered shoes.

Taiyin Star Sovereign, Heng E?

Perhaps due to the title of 'the most beautiful in the three realms,' Li Changshou thought the feet looked quite nice—not too big or small.

But they probably weren't as sturdy as the Jade Rabbit's feet...

Li Changshou pondered.

Why did Heng E come to see him? His term was almost up, and he could leave the Yue Gui Palace peacefully soon.

During this time, he had used the excuse of 'live broadcasting' here to investigate the Western Sect's details in the Three Thousand Worlds several times and successfully started Yang Jian's story. He had made good use of these ten years.

Was there some scheme involved?

Li Changshou put on a thoughtful expression, deliberately looking deeply contemplative, and strolled toward the palace doors.

As he moved, the Yue Gui Palace inside and out buzzed with activity.

The music stopped, the dances halted, and a flock of fairies flocked over—plump and slender, lightly or heavily made up, a sea of beauties.

They didn't dare speak, just gathered along his path, each showing six or seven parts grace, two or three parts restraint, and one or two parts eagerness.

Li Changshou was nearly overwhelmed by their glances and almost had his paper effigy's nose clogged by the fragrance.

Women's competitive spirit was truly formidable!

Finally, one fairy couldn't help but whisper: Water God Daren.

Li Changshou looked up briefly, his eyes blank as he nodded, then continued walking forward, mumbling about the frequent mistakes in battlefield formations when the Ninety-Nine Eighty-One Return to Origin Array was broken down into nine Nine Palaces Arrays...

Once outside the Yue Gui Palace, Li Changshou feigned a sudden realization, lightly slapping his hand against his palm.

Ah, so that's it.

A breeze blew past, and Li Changshou's figure vanished in a flash, so quickly that the fairies couldn't react.

The fairies: ...

Someone laughed first, and the fairies either covered their mouths with a light chuckle, pursed their lips in a smile, or exchanged amused glances with friends.

The Water God is so amusing—how could he just run off like that?

Ah, what a shame, I was finally going to compare with the Star Sovereign.

A supervising fairy urged: Don't just stand there; keep practicing and cultivating. Don't idle around!

The fairies softly agreed, their laughter and gentle voices fading as they dispersed.

Li Changshou, having escaped, wiped away a bit of sweat and thought carefully.

What did Heng E want from him?

Was it something important to discuss?

If he kept avoiding her, he'd just unnecessarily offend a Heavenly Court deity. Heng E was the mistress of the Guanghan Palace and the daughter of a human emperor; what if it was about human affairs? Wouldn't he be at fault?

But visiting the Guanghan Palace went against his intentions.

Li Changshou pondered and suddenly had an idea, remembering the bronze mirror he left in the Yue Gui Palace.

He could just bring more 'eyes' to the Guanghan Palace. It was a good opportunity to promote the image of the 'most beautiful in the three realms' and tie it into the Super Heavenly Soldier Plan!

Yes, there was always a way to have it all—without compromising his purity or his reputation!