Chapter 456: The Summon from [Taiqing]

As they slowly departed from the Yue Gong on the clouds, Li Changshou asked, "On your trip to Guanghan Gong, did you have any gains, my nephew?"

Lingzhuzi pondered for a moment and replied, "Uncle, that Fairy Heng'e is incredibly beautiful, but she gives me a sense of unfathomable depth... Are all the female immortals in the Tian Court like this?"

Hearing this, Li Changshou was filled with mixed emotions. He patted Lingzhuzi on the back and transmitted his voice:

"Some are, some aren't, and it's not just the female immortals.

Some immortals may seem simple and harmless, but their minds are more cunning than you can imagine; others might appear scheming, but they could just be pawns being used.

In the future, when you deal with people, you must be cautious, think deeply, observe carefully, and never trust lightly...

Oh, and don't repeat these words to anyone."

Lingzhuzi blinked and whispered, "What about my master? How do you see my master, Uncle?"

"Ah, Taiyi Zhenren," Li Changshou thought for a moment and sighed. "He's ruthless at heart but quick with his words."

Lingzhuzi's eyes lit up, and he said happily, "So, Changgeng Uncle, your evaluation of my master is like that—straightforward at heart... uh, ruthless.

I think my master is pretty good, though..."

"Hahaha!"

Li Changshou couldn't help but laugh out loud, though in his heart, he was quietly contemplating.

Lingzhuzi couldn't stay cooped up in the Shui Shen Fu forever, just playing games with those insignificant heavenly generals;

he had been in the Tian Court for so many years, and Li Changshou's promise to Taiyi Zhenren had shown little progress, with improvements being quite limited.

It was time to start the real Lingzhuzi development plan.

"I've kept you confined to the Shui Shen Fu all this time, not letting you go out. Have these years been boring for you?"

Li Changshou smiled and said, "In another year or two, once I wrap up my current affairs, I'll introduce you to a few friends."

"Thank you for your concern, Changgeng Uncle," Lingzhuzi replied with a smile, his face full of innocent joy.

This even gave Li Changshou a faint twinge of... guilt.

After returning from Guanghan Gong to the Shui Shen Fu and settling Lingzhuzi, Li Changshou hurried back to the Yue Gui Gong, waiting for his term to end.

There were two unexpected follow-ups from his visit to Guanghan Gong...

First, his composed demeanor in front of Heng'e and his calm watching of her dance had earned him a certain reputation.

This quickly spread across the Honghuang, somewhat offsetting the earlier criticism for convicting Yunhua Xianzi, portraying him as the 'emotionless heavenly dao enforcer'.

This...

Li Changshou felt a bit speechless about it.

He needed Yang Jian to come challenging him directly, not to quietly forgive him in the shadows.

If Yang Jian grew up and simply said, 'I understand you, Shui Shen,' then his plan—using the Zhunti Sheng Ren to plant a seed of obsession in Yang Jian, allowing him to rise quickly like those demonic soldiers—would all be for nothing?

But for such matters, Li Changshou had no great solutions; he could only be more careful in the future and try to avoid any further rumors spreading.

Second, the 'copper mirror broadcast' format rapidly gained popularity in the Tian Court.

The copper mirrors Li Changshou had created were just a clever idea, combining basic refinement techniques with cloud mirror arts, mirror projection spells, and a few restrictions, making them easy to imitate.

Many immortals and gods made similar treasures, sparking a wave of one-on-one broadcasts in the Tian Court.

Seeing this, Li Changshou was inspired.

Wasn't this exactly the recording orb viewing system he had been searching for and conceptualizing?

By integrating copper mirrors, glass mirrors, and other devices with the recording orb's distribution system, he could create a limited Honghuang entertainment network, right?

This would smoothly promote the super heavenly soldier plan!

After thinking it through, Li Changshou saw that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

So, he got straight to it!

With Jade Emperor's approval and registration in the Tongming Hall, Li Changshou led the Tian Court immortals and gods in an intense effort, quickly developing a 'one-to-many' copper mirror primitive network system!

He erected a massive immortal treasure copper mirror in front of the Shui Shen Fu.

This treasure, the result of hundreds of Tian Court immortals, gods, and skilled craftsmen pondering day and night, was named the 'Great Transfer Copper Mirror'.

It could accommodate up to three hundred people for broadcasts simultaneously and transmit the content to thirty thousand copper mirrors.

Connected to this mirror were two types of配套 small copper mirrors: one for creating content and one for just viewing.

The first type required immortals and gods to apply actively, get approved by the Tongming Hall, and then be granted the title of 'Tian Court Recorder,' allowing them to conduct harmless broadcast activities.

The second type was priced at three hundred ling shi, usable only within the Tian Court, with adjustable mirror sizes and the ability to select ongoing broadcasts; group purchases were recommended by the Shui Shen Fu.

All interpretations of these copper mirrors belonged to the Shui Shen Fu.

And just like that, 'copper mirror entertainment' swept through the Tian Court with great fanfare.

The thirty thousand copper mirrors sold out quickly. Li Changshou distributed dividends to the immortals and gods involved in development, set aside some for the Tian Court treasury, and netted about a million ling shi.

It was just a small sum, barely enough for one 'firepower satellite' on Xiao Qiong Peak.

As a disciple of Taiqing, a mid-level authority in the Tian Court, would Li Changshou care about this?

Of course he did.

Completing his envisioned fully upgraded Xiao Qiong Peak sooner would give him more security!

Applications for 'Tian Court Recorder' soon exceeded a hundred.

Li Changshou wrote a 'Recording Guidelines' for them, outlining precautions: no sensationalism, no extreme tactics, nothing that damages the Tian Court's dignity, and no content that causes discomfort to others—with violators facing punishment from the Lei Fa Hall.

Half a month later, several expressive Tian Court immortals and gods quickly became popular, emerging as the first batch of 'mirror stars.'

The most popular one was Tian He Water Army Vice Commander Bian Zhuang, who wanted to boost his fame to connect with more Tian Court female immortals.

His broadcast style was roughly like this...

A few heavenly soldiers played drums and gongs nearby, while Bian Zhuang, in his shiny silver armor, flaunted his charm and rhythmically shouted into the copper mirror:

"Comrades, hello! This is your humble servant, Tian He Water Army Vice Commander Bian Zhuang. Here's a song, 'White Dragon in the Waves,' dedicated to you all! Hope you like it!

Nine—tooth rake burns in fire!

Armor—fights boldly at the front!

Heaven—leads the charm by the riverbank!

I—scratch with this green dragon!

Hey! Ao Yi, watch the rake~"

Ao Yi, who was peacefully reading military books, clutched his scraped arm from the nine-tooth rake, his face darkening as he turned around. He summoned a long spear, let out a dragon roar, and charged forward...

That day, Bian Zhuang met his end as usual, quite peacefully.

Through this copper mirror system, golden immortals shared tips on alchemy and refinement, female immortals broadcasted embroidery and clothing-making, and even Yao Chi fairies livestreamed sword dancing and knife play with fierce intensity.

The promotional slogan Li Changshou set, inspired by the Heng'e incident, was...

Break stereotypes and redefine immortals and gods!

Incidentally, Li Changshou had someone deliver two copper mirrors to Guanghan Gong.

One was to entertain that fierce homebody—cough, the Three Realms' top beauty—and the other was to encourage her to join in self-expression and have some interaction with the outside world.

Not long after, a broadcast room called 'Jade Rabbit Eats Carrots' appeared, with the jade rabbit girl hugging a basket of carrots, tearfully munching away;

since Heng'e's foot briefly appeared, the viewership was enormous, nearly overheating the Shui Shen Fu's transfer copper mirror...

The Tian Court gained a bit more vitality and liveliness because of these broadcasts.

When some immortals and gods suggested adding interactive features, like sending treasures or ling shi to favorite 'Tian Court Recorders,' Li Changshou flatly rejected it.

Such 'rewards' could lead to uncontrollable entertainment forms; immortals, gods, and heavenly generals should focus on cultivation...

Broadcasts were just for relaxation and occasional promotion; Li Changshou wouldn't let them degenerate.

As the Tian Court grew busier internally, Li Changshou dispatched dozens of teams of heavenly soldiers and generals to borrow the most prominent rooftops in dozens of market towns in Dong Sheng Shen Zhou, setting up large copper mirrors.

The mirrors displayed clear images, looping the first Tian Court recruitment recording, starring You Qin Xuanya.

The content was straightforward: You Qin Xuanya rode a heavenly horse in tattered armor, charging into dark clouds in a gloomy sky, shouting:

"Heaven Court light!"

Golden light burst forth, dispersing the clouds, turning the sky blue as sunlight illuminated the roaring demon horde below.

Embarrassing as it was, the effect was indeed excellent.

Li Changshou sat quietly in Yue Gui Gong, steadily advancing these 'minor plans' while pondering his major schemes for ninety years or nine hundred years hence.

In Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, the Shang tribe was developing at an astonishing speed, rapidly annexing other tribes and marching toward the prosperous central regions.

Human qi fortune was converging on the Shang tribe, and the emperor's qi was beginning to coalesce, closely tied to the Tian Court.

As the Shang tribe's totem, Kong Xuan remained hidden among them, patiently protecting them; any immortal sects or schools that tried to interfere had their assassins vanish without a trace.

During Shang army campaigns, if any cultivators got involved in battles, they were instantly eliminated.

Thanks to this, the Feng clan's qi fortune finally showed some improvement.

One day, Li Changshou summoned You Qin Xuanya and informed her that she would soon go to the Tian Court. Without hesitation, she immediately prepared to pack.

But Li Changshou stopped her and said with a smile,

"Take this opportunity; I have some matters to discuss with the sect. Xuanya, go invite the sect leader to Hei Chi Peak for a gathering—it's a send-off for you."

"Alright, whatever you arrange, Senior Brother."

You Qin Xuanya nodded slightly and flew back to Po Tian Peak on her cloud.

Li Changshou sent a voice transmission, calling the true big shots from the Xiao Qiong Peak gaming room to gather by the lake, then head to the neighboring peak together...

Time in the Honghuang passes without count, like flowing water; the last time Hei Chi Peak was this lively was when Yunxiao visited.

Li Changshou felt as if it had just been yesterday.

After entering the Jin Xian realm, his perception of time had subtly changed.

Bai Ze, Li Changshou, and Zhao Gongming went to the kitchen first to get busy, while the later-arriving Kong Xu Daoist Ji Wuyou had to assist Zhao Gongming just like the others.

To balance the yin and yang energies here, Li Changshou asked his grandmaster Jiang Lin'er to invite Grandmaster Bo Wangqing.

When Bo Wangqing first arrived, he saw several female immortals by the pond engaging in the flowing wine game...

At that moment, Fugui frowned.

His own wife was acting so casually!

Regardless of seniority, she was laughing and playing with his disciple Jiu Jiu, Jiu Yushi, the sect leader's disciple Xiong Lingli, and the younger generation like Xuanya and Ling'e...

Bo Wangqing stroked the two strands of white hair by his temple. Dressed in snowy white robes and exuding immortal aura, he was about to step forward and scold his disciple.

But then, he heard the sect leader's deliberately lowered voice from behind:

"Bo Wangqing, over here, over here."

Bo Wangqing turned with a furrowed brow and was startled.

The sect leader was wearing strange clothes over his daoist robes and holding an iron pot, using a spell to rinse the oil residue inside!

From within came a call: "Xiao Ji, the pot!"

"Coming!"

Ji Wuyou replied with a smile and hurried back.

Bo Wangqing: ...

What on earth was this?

Before long, Bo Wangqing joined the assistants' ranks. He sat cross-legged by a stove, carefully controlling the flame, his dao heart in turmoil.

Beside him, the armored, bearded elder who kept meddling was the renowned Jie Jiao powerhouse Zhao Gongming;

as for Bai Ze, whose affairs Bo Wangqing knew a bit about, this ancient top ten demon commander, described in ancient texts as supremely wise, was fully focused on... flipping pans...

Even more astonishing, the disciple he had valued and wanted to support in recent years turned out to be the famous Tian Court Shui Shen, the demon slayer and second disciple of Ren Jiao's Sheng Ren!

Bo Wangqing suddenly felt a sense of futility, as if he had wasted his years.

"You're called Fugui?"

A greeting came from the side. Bo Wangqing looked up to see the smiling Zhao Gongming and quickly tried to stand and bow.

"Carry on, carry on."

Zhao Gongming waved his hand and squatted down, handing Bo Wangqing a jade talisman.

"A bit of cultivation insight, as a meeting gift."

Bo Wangqing was quite moved and bowed. "Thank you, Senior."

"It's nothing, keep at it."

Zhao Gongming patted Bo Wangqing's shoulder, stood up, hummed the tune Ling'e was playing, and walked away.

Guiding Li Changshou's grandmaster— the joy in that was something outsiders couldn't fathom...

Though it might attract things like Zi Xiao Shen Lei.

As dusk fell, the group gathered by the pond, drinking, chatting, and laughing merrily.

Li Changshou mentioned You Qin Xuanya's upcoming Tian Court assignment and urged the sect leader to keep the news sealed within the sect to prevent leaks;

additionally, he suggested sending some outstanding disciples to the Tian Court for positions.

With Li Changshou looking after them, they wouldn't face undue risks.

Ji Wuyou hesitated and didn't agree right away.

Cultivators still harbored some resistance toward the Tian Court...

But Bai Ze said, "A great calamity is approaching, and this time, it's not just the disciples of Chan Jiao, Jie Jiao, and Xi Fang that will be affected.

Think carefully, my friends: how many immortal sects and Jin Xians are there in Zhong Shen Zhou now?

I've recently calculated that probably half of the sects will turn to ashes in the great calamity."

Ji Wuyou and Bo Wangqing both looked serious.

Zhao Gongming asked in confusion, "What does the great calamity have to do with them?"

"The so-called great calamity is essentially a immeasurable tribulation for all living beings," Bai Ze explained seriously. "In the Long Feng great calamity, most ancient beings perished; in the Wu Yao great war, over sixty percent of the world's creatures were lost.

Now, the human race differs from those previous protagonists; ordinary humans likely won't enter the calamity, but human cultivators are deeply intertwined with Daoism, so they're all part of it.

I've recently sensed the killing aura of battles across the Wu Bu Zhou and the three thousand worlds—it's multiplied several times compared to a hundred years ago."

"Then Du Xian Men will seal the mountain starting tomorrow," Ji Wuyou said, and Bo Wangqing added that they should recall the disciples outside as soon as possible.

Zhao Gongming laughed. "Don't overthink it; let's drink. If the calamity comes, we can't hide from it—just face it head-on."

Beside Li Changshou, Ling'e couldn't help but mutter softly, "Brother Gongming, you should be careful too..."

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Gongming sighed deeply and teased, "Who would've thought Ling'e would care about anyone besides your senior brother?"

Ling'e pouted and huffed, "I'm just worried that if you get caught in the calamity, it'll involve Sister Yunxiao, and that would drag in my senior brother."

Zhao Gongming's forehead was lined with black lines, and the others drinking nearby burst into laughter.

Li Changshou tapped Ling'e on the head. "Don't say everything you're thinking!

Old Brother Gongming has been much more steady lately; he hasn't gone out causing trouble for years."

Zhao Gongming pretended to be indignant and scolded with a laugh, "Believe it or not, I'll go lie down in front of Ling Shan mountain gate right now!"

Li Changshou's eyes lit up. "Ling Shan still has a mountain gate?"

"Of course," Bai Ze frowned. "Shui Shen, are you scheming something again?"

"Not at all... just a bit curious."

Li Changshou's smile grew more meaningful as he reached into his sleeve, pulling out several treasure pouches and sending them to the newcomers with immortal power. He said,

"It's a rule on Hei Chi Peak—even if we're familiar, you all still need to make a great dao oath not to speak of today's events to outsiders.

This is serious; no joking around.

And remember, keep the items inside these pouches on you at all times, no more than three zhang away, to avoid anyone overhearing your thoughts."

Jiu Jiu rummaged through her pouch and asked curiously, "Didn't you give us these jade pendants before?"

Li Changshou smiled. "These are spares; better safe than sorry.

There's a divine beast called Diting that can hear the thoughts of all beings, and its allegiance is against us. Our Du Xian Men has been attacked twice recently because of forces linked to it."

Defense against Diting must never slacken.

Everyone agreed and made their oaths in turn, reminding themselves not to leak this carelessly...

The banquet wound down at dawn, with people dispersing.

In Li Changshou's arrangements, You Qin Xuanya would head to the Tian Court in three days.

During these three days, he allowed himself a bit of relaxation...

His way of relaxing was simple: guiding Ling'e's cultivation and giving her appropriate encouragement and rewards.

Ling'e was overjoyed, hugging the stone tablet and nearly in tears, almost pouncing to bite her senior brother.

Calculating the timing, Li Changshou dispatched a paper daoist, disguised as a middle-aged Ren Jiao mage, to fly on a cloud toward Zhong Shen Zhou's northwest to find Yuding Zhenren.

For safety's sake, he needed to check the path Yang Jian was on.

He had already altered the original Feng Shen trajectory and was truly worried that his influence might prevent Yang Jian from mastering Ba Jiu Xuan Gong and becoming the Tian Court's second-generation war god.

In all this plotting—whether planting obsession in Yang Jian through Zhunti Sheng Ren or painstakingly saving Yang Tianyou's soul—Li Changshou had his own selfish motives...

If he didn't prepare by nurturing a few pillars for the Tian Court in advance, how could he retire?

After the Feng Shen great calamity saved those he wanted to save, he couldn't stay in the Tian Court forever—just a pot of tea, a cup of wine, and sailing off on his fully upgraded Xiao Qiong Peak into the outer heavens...

What a comforting thought.

Just then, a strand of dao rhyme flowed through his heart. Li Changshou perked up, quickly dispersing his thoughts and calmly waiting for this obscure dao rhyme to form two characters in his mind.

Taiqing?

Li Changshou was stunned.

His Taiqing teacher was using the Taiqing great dao to transmit this Taiqing dao rhyme, forming the characters 'Taiqing'—perhaps an invitation to visit the Taiqing Temple?

Fortunately, it wasn't the two characters for 'hehe.'