Chapter 460: Determining the Dark Hall in the Game Room, Encountering the Plague God in the Tianya Secret Realm

A white cloud carried several figures, slowly drifting toward the horizon.

Bian Zhuang's hands and feet were ice-cold, his eyes glazed and unfocused, his breathing erratic, and cold sweat poured out incessantly.

He turned his head to glance at the young Daoist beside him, who was the Water God in disguise, and wanted to offer a few more words of advice, but his tongue was trembling too much.

'Why is the Water God frowning? Is it because I'm overreacting? But can this transformation technique really fool others? And isn't the Water God's incarnation made of paper? What's the point of going to Tianya Pavilion—really just to listen to music?'

"Wa-water God," Bian Zhuang asked quietly, "are we truly going to my home?"

Li Changshou did not reply. At that moment, his brows were lightly furrowed, his expression quite serious, as he sank into deep contemplation.

After a while, Li Changshou turned to look at the other side, where someone was smiling with eyes narrowed, a bit eagerly...

"General Qin," Li Changshou said in a low voice, "it might not be appropriate for you to come with us."

"Water God, please don't worry," Qin Tianzhu cupped his hands and said, "I, your humble servant, am just tagging along to see the world. I won't overstep any bounds."

Li Changshou thought: 'Listening to you, why don't I dare to believe it?'

Bian Zhuang thought: 'Listening to you, you still know it's not appropriate!'

Qin Tianzhu waved his hand and laughed, "Water God, you should be more carefree about this. It's for official business, not just for leisure and sightseeing."

Bian Zhuang's eyes darted around, and he quickly stepped forward, whispering to Qin Tianzhu:

"How dare you lecture the Water God? Does the Water God not know what kind of business Tianya Pavilion is in?

Does the Water God not know that if this gets out, it could damage his reputation, affect his standing in the Three Realms, and even displease his Dao companion and the saints behind her... right?

Tianzhu, we're both officers in the Heavenly Court, so I'm just reminding you—watch your words. The Water God has it all under control!

Let's just focus on helping the Water God handle this matter properly."

Qin Tianzhu narrowed his eyes and smiled, nodding repeatedly: "General Bian is absolutely right."

Li Changshou gave Bian Zhuang a discreet glare and said with a smile: "Since we've all left the Heavenly Court and are hiding our identities, let's change our roles a bit.

How about we pretend to be sworn brothers? We'll treat Brother Qin as the eldest, me as the second, and Vice Commander Bian as the third. What do you think?

This is just a disguise; we don't have to take it seriously."

This hint was as clear as it could be.

Yet, Bian Zhuang completely missed the signal and nodded in agreement with Qin Tianzhu.

Afterward, Bian Zhuang continued to be lost in thought, his face full of worry.

Li Changshou was in a similar state of mind.

If Queen Mother of the West found out about this, or if it got leaked that the Jade Emperor's incarnation had gone to a place like Tianya Pavilion, it would truly become the biggest joke in the Great Desolation.

Why was Qin Tianzhu here?

Li Changshou sighed inwardly—it was his own fault for speaking too quickly...

Not long ago, after thinking through the follow-up arrangements for half a month, Li Changshou had brought Youqin Xuanya to the agreed time and taken her to Lingxiao Hall to receive her rewards.

In Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor bestowed titles on the heroic generals and granted golden armor for protection.

After the Jade Emperor encouraged Youqin Xuanya a few words, Li Changshou's Water God paper Daoist led her back to the Water God Mansion.

At the same time, another of Li Changshou's paper Daoists entered Lingxiao Hall and reported to the Jade Emperor about the Western Cult's schemes in the Three Thousand Worlds, discussing matters with him for nearly two hours.

Li Changshou proposed secretly building forces, using the Heavenly Court's power to develop rapidly, and competing with the Western Cult in the Three Thousand Worlds.

The Jade Emperor agreed without hesitation, giving Li Changshou full authority and allowing him to mobilize all Heavenly Court resources without going through the Ministry of Heavenly Bureaucracy.

The Jade Emperor then asked if Li Changshou had a plan, and Li Changshou described the framework of the Lin Tian Hall he had envisioned, mentioning Bai Ze and Jiang Lin'er and his wife. He also casually added:

"This humble god thinks we could leverage the existing major forces in the Three Thousand Worlds to assist us. For example, the Tianya Pavilion in Bian Zhuang's family—though it's not a proper business, it's perfect for gathering intelligence. This humble god is just about to take Bian Zhuang to visit the pavilion master."

The Jade Emperor immediately caught the key word—unconventional!

Thus, Qin Tianzhu was dispatched to keep a close eye on Bian Zhuang's movements.

When Li Changshou's incarnation flew out of the Heavenly Court with Bian Zhuang, Qin Tianzhu appeared from the side on a cloud, smiling and saying:

"Let's go together, let's go together."

That was how they ended up on this cloud.

Li Changshou and Bian Zhuang both sighed, while the Jade Emperor's third incarnation, Qin Tianzhu, smiled with his eyes narrowed, full of anticipation for the journey ahead.

Tianya Pavilion, the Great Desolation's chain of temporary emotional tribulation experience halls, was quite the industry leader.

In recent years, Tianya Pavilion had opened branches in the East Sea, South Sea, and West Sea within the Five Divisions Continent, sincerely providing high-quality emotional services to the vast number of Qi refiners in the Great Desolation.

On the way, Li Changshou asked Bian Zhuang about the secret to Tianya Pavilion's enduring success.

Bian Zhuang smiled sheepishly and said:

"We don't accumulate karma."

Qin Tianzhu asked curiously: "How can you avoid karma in this line of work? If some Qi refiner goes to Tianya Pavilion and it leads to their Dao companion leaving or their family breaking apart, wouldn't Tianya Pavilion incur karma?"

Bian Zhuang laughed: "General Qin—cough, Big Brother, you don't know. Such things aren't blamed on Tianya Pavilion.

We just open our doors to welcome guests; whether they come or not is their own choice.

The key to not accumulating karma is that we never force women or men into this line of work."

Qin Tianzhu asked again: "There are men too?"

"That's right," Bian Zhuang chuckled lightly. "There are some female immortals with plenty of spirit stones but unstable Dao hearts who want to experience emotional tribulations, though not many.

To accommodate these guests, Tianya Pavilion also prepares some male emotional companions."

Li Changshou asked puzzledly: "So where do you find so many... emotional companions?"

"Actually, most of them come to us on their own initiative."

"Oh?"

"The situations in the various Three Thousand Worlds are quite different," Bian Zhuang said seriously. "In some great worlds, resources are abundant, spiritual energy is plentiful, and spirit veins are everywhere, but that also attracts covetous eyes from all sides, leading to endless wars. There are many people with nowhere to turn.

When I had just become a Celestial Immortal, I once accompanied some managers to a great world. We had barely posted the Tianya Pavilion notice for half a day when hundreds of women came seeking refuge, and most of them had cultivation bases...

When we select emotional companions, we consider their temperament, appearance, and whether they have karma, then relocate them from their original great world.

If they want to leave Tianya Pavilion, they just need to give back 20 percent of the spirit stones and treasures they've earned while there, and that settles the karma.

Besides that, there are some women from impoverished places who come to us voluntarily for their own cultivation...

This isn't the same as those mortal brothels."

"I see," Qin Tianzhu nodded slowly, falling into thought.

Li Changshou said: "Perhaps the situations your elders showed you were a bit one-sided."

"No, that wouldn't be the case."

Bian Zhuang hurriedly said: "Second Brother, you don't know—I've been cultivating among rouge and powder since I was young. The real decision-makers of Tianya Pavilion are my grandmother and a few great-aunts.

In their youth, they were forced by evildoers into that life, enduring in silence while secretly cultivating, and eventually they killed those evildoers.

Later, they rallied many women with similar experiences and formed a well-known immortal force—the Sha Nu Alliance—and eliminated quite a few forces that oppressed women.

Then, my grandmother reluctantly realized that many women had nowhere to go and just wanted a place to survive, so Tianya Pavilion was established, and the Sha Nu Alliance gradually went underground."

Li Changshou laughed: "They're all remarkable women."

Bian Zhuang sighed lightly and said no more, his eyes showing a hint of distraction.

Qin Tianzhu asked from the side: "Third Brother, did you think of something sad?"

"My grandmother and the others have made too many enemies, and many of my relatives have been... but things are peaceful now."

Bian Zhuang laughed: "Tianya Pavilion is no longer something those enemies dare to provoke."

Qin Tianzhu felt a bit emotional and encouraged: "In the future, serve well in the Heavenly Court, and you can bring honor to your family and put your grandmother at ease."

Bian Zhuang hurriedly said: "In front of the Water God—cough, in front of Second Brother, Big Brother, don't say that."

Li Changshou just smiled without speaking.

This guy was truly fortunate; the position of Grand Marshal of the Tianhe Navy was practically secured for him.

His character still needed some polishing, though, to avoid ending up "guilty as a pig."

Since Li Changshou wanted to meet Bian Zhuang's grandmother, the true decision-maker of Tianya Pavilion, the three of them flew straight out of the Five Divisions Continent, heading east.

The journey alone took over two months.

Qin Tianzhu worried that Li Changshou's paper Daoist might run low on immortal power, so he took the initiative to control the cloud. Li Changshou declined a few times but eventually gave in.

Some incarnations can do anything;

Some incarnations can't do a thing.

During these two months, Li Changshou certainly didn't idle away; most of the time, he continued to plan matters related to the Western Cult and further refined the structure of Lin Tian Hall in his mind.

Just before arriving at Bian Zhuang's hometown, in the Xiaoqiong Peak game room, Li Changshou arranged for Jiu Yushi and Xiong Lingli to leave and invited Bai Ze and Master Wangqing to discuss his ideas for Lin Tian Hall.

"Developing forces in the Three Thousand Worlds?"

Jiang Lin'er blinked and asked puzzledly: "Why do that?

The Qi refiners in the Three Thousand Worlds are all desperate to squeeze into the Five Divisions Continent, so why are we going to develop there instead?"

"It's not for the Immortal Du Sect," Li Changshou said seriously, "it's for the Heavenly Court's affairs.

The Three Thousand Worlds are part of the Three Realms, but the Heavenly Court's influence there is too weak. If we rely on heavenly soldiers and generals to conquer everywhere, it would easily cause resentment among Qi refiners.

Thus, by the Jade Emperor's order, I'm establishing Lin Tian Hall to pave the way for the Heavenly Court's governance of the Three Thousand Worlds."

Jiang Lin'er showed a look of understanding and pondered for a while.

Bai Ze laughed: "Does the Water God need me to go out and handle things?"

"That's right. With the great calamity approaching, I have many affairs to attend to," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Mr. Bai, with your ability to seek fortune and avoid disaster, it's perfect if you take charge of the overall situation."

"Since the Water God has arranged it this way, I shall comply," Bai Ze cupped his hands, his eyes showing a touch of anticipation, his whole demeanor perking up.

Master Wangqing asked: "Changshou, how do you plan to arrange me?"

Li Changshou bowed and said: "I wish to invite you and your wife, Master, to be the guiding figures of Lin Tian Hall.

You have some connections in the Three Thousand Worlds, so initially, you can step forward to contact old friends and build momentum, which can also conceal Lin Tian Hall's origins.

There are a few things I need to make clear in advance.

The reason for advancing the Lin Tian Hall plan early is to counter the Western Cult.

The Western Cult has controlled many great worlds, establishing incense god nations to gather luck and merit, using that as a foundation to scheme for reincarnation.

They've been planning for at least tens of thousands of years, while we're starting late and need to see results within a few hundred years, building a force to balance their advantages.

The Five Divisions Continent has saints overseeing it, and now the demon clan is lying low and licking its wounds, so there will be a period of peace ahead.

I'll mobilize all the resources I can to get Lin Tian Hall on track quickly.

Even if it means using some unconventional methods, it's fine."

After Li Changshou finished speaking, the game room fell silent for a moment as everyone sank into thought...

This was a matter that could affect the heavens and earth, and the risks were certainly not low.

"Heh," Jiang Lin'er hugged her arms, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Any benefits in this?"

Li Changshou chuckled, knowing that his master had agreed to the matter.

Master Wangqing frowned and said: "Lin'er, we're disciples of the Human Teach, all considered Human Teach followers!

The Human Teach's duty is to support the Heavenly Court and benefit the common people. Now that it's come to us, how can we talk about benefits?"

Jiang Lin'er rolled her eyes and huffed:

"Yes, yes, my dear husband is right. I'm just shallow, hmm!"

"Don't be angry, Lin'er. That's just how the principles are..."

"There's no need to worry, Master," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Since we're working secretly for the Heavenly Court, I won't let our own people suffer.

Spirit stones, pills, treasures, merit—these cultivation resources won't be lacking, and they can benefit your friends too.

Most importantly, it's about luck.

His Majesty the Jade Emperor has already ordered Elder Mu to secretly draft a decree. Once it's formed, you'll receive the Heavenly Court's luck protection."

Bai Ze asked: "What if we're targeted by the Western Cult? How should we respond?"

"We should first choose a solid foothold and avoid the Western Cult's sphere of influence," Li Changshou said with a smile. "I've thought through the other measures fairly well and will write them down later.

The initial stage is the hardest, but we won't need too many experts. I want to ask you and your wife, Master, to step forward, with Mr. Bai overseeing from behind and me coordinating from the back."

Bai Ze immediately understood and laughed: "Hall Master Wangqing—this title is quite fitting; it has a certain ring to it."

Master Wangqing furrowed his brows: "What virtues do I have to take on the position of hall master?

I'm just a mountain-dwelling cultivator who's achieved the path of longevity; I'm completely unskilled in strategy and leadership.

Why not choose someone else?"

Li Changshou sighed: "The Heavenly Court is short on experts right now, and among the long-lived immortals I can trust, you're the only one, Master.

The witch clan is mostly straightforward, the dragon clan is arrogant, and I'm not familiar with other Human Teach immortal sects."

"This..."

Master Wangqing frowned deeply.

Bai Ze advised: "It's quite an honor to gain the Water God's trust, my friend. Don't decline."

Li Changshou added: "Once we get past the initial stage, the hall master can stay behind the scenes."

"Moreover, the hall master is just a figurehead on the surface; behind the scenes, it will still be Mr. Bai and others discussing and handling affairs together.

After all, someone as extraordinary and handsome as you, Master Wangqing, is rare among long-lived immortals, which will greatly help Lin Tian Hall in recruiting and expanding."

Master Wangqing laughed and sighed: "Changshou, with you saying that, I really can't refuse anymore."

Jiang Lin'er snorted with a laugh, while Bai Ze and Li Changshou both smiled.

"Um!"

Suddenly, a timid voice came from the corner.

It was Jiu Jiu, who had been quietly behaving, finally standing up.

"Can I help with this?"

"Master Uncle, there's no need to worry," Li Changshou said warmly. "Just focus on cultivating in the mountains."

"I always feel a bit embarrassed just eating and drinking for free from you."

Perhaps because she was in front of her own master, Jiu Jiu felt a bit shy, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke.

Li Changshou said with a smile: "In the years before and after I became an immortal, you helped me and my master a lot, so don't worry about such trivial things."

Master Wangqing added: "Let my disciples join as well.

Xiao Wu's cultivation may be lacking, but he's good with people and skilled in social interactions; Yi Yi and Xiao Jiu have decent cultivation and the potential to become Golden Immortals.

Having them work in Lin Tian Hall can also give them some opportunities."

Jiu Jiu jumped over in two steps: "Really? I absolutely won't cause any trouble!"

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, sighed lightly, and said, "Alright," prompting Jiu Jiu to hop around happily, making the scene a bit chaotic.

Having just finalized the core team for Lin Tian Hall's initial stage, Li Changshou shifted his focus to the serene small world on the other side.

Before they even entered, the three of them were stopped by a team of immortal soldiers.

These soldiers were a mix of men and women, all at the True Immortal realm, led by two late-stage Heavenly Immortals.

Bian Zhuang stepped forward proactively, standing there calmly with his hands behind his back and legs slightly apart, gazing into the starry sea...

He was back.

Unexpectedly...

"What is your Daoist title, fellow Daoist?"

"Do you have a token from one of our great powers? This is Tianya Pavilion's secret realm, open only to those with such tokens. We appreciate your understanding."

Qin Tianzhu muttered: "They even have tokens from great powers?"

Bian Zhuang's mouth twitched slightly. He silently adjusted his hairstyle, rubbed two dark circles under his eyes with his fingers, yawned tiredly, and released his own Dao rhythm...

The two Heavenly Immortals first frowned in observation, then exclaimed in shock:

"Young Pavilion Master! It's the Young Pavilion Master!"

"Young Pavilion Master, you're back! Quick, go report to the Pavilion Master and the elders—the Young Pavilion Master has returned!"

In moments, streams of light flew out from the small world, including several Golden Immortals with profound auras.

The clouds ahead parted, and a vibrant rainbow bridge appeared before the three.

Bian Zhuang stepped aside slightly and said with a smile: "Big Brother, Second Brother, please—once you're here, treat it like your own home!"

Qin Tianzhu immediately smiled with narrowed eyes, and Li Changshou's paper Daoist also smiled.

However, just then, a cold snort exploded in Li Changshou's ear.

When Li Changshou's immortal sense traced back, he saw an old man in gray robes with full gray hair in the midst of the undulating pavilions and halls of the small world, staring at him with an unfriendly expression.

This person's cultivation... was beyond Li Changshou's perception.

Li Changshou frowned and looked back, their gazes meeting across an unknown distance, sparking a few flashes.

Suddenly, he heard the old man transmit his voice:

"You paper Daoist— in the Great Desolation, the only one with such a cultivation for a paper incarnation is probably Water God Changgeng.

How dare you come here behind Fairy Yunxiao's back, not taking us from Jie Jiao seriously at all."

Fairy Yunxiao? An expert from Jie Jiao?

Li Changshou transmitted back: "May I ask for your name, fellow Daoist?"

"Jiu Long Island, Lü Yue."