Chapter 461: First Meeting with Lü Yue

The so-called "Wen Shen" is actually a rather vague term.

Among the deities of the Tianting, where there are Fortune Gods, there must also be Plague Gods, as the cycle of heaven includes both abundance and decline.

But when Li Changshou heard the name Lü Yue, his first thought was of that self-proclaimed master of killing under the Sages, the great poison wielder who overturned the Zhou army with his toxic arts in the Feng Shen saga.

Jiulong Island is like Jinao Island, both being renowned Daoist cultivation sites, though Jiulong Island is somewhat less famous.

At that moment, gazing at the old Daoist, Li Changshou's mind raced with thoughts, and he smiled as he transmitted a message:

“Please, Dao brother, do not make a scene. I am here on important business, and we can discuss it in detail later.”

The old Daoist's eyes sharpened, still seeming a bit angry, and he transmitted back in rebuke:

“What kind of place is this?

This is the famous spot in the Three Realms for revelry, romance, and indulgence!

I truly never imagined that you, Master Changgeng, would have such tastes!

What a heartbreak! Alas, how tragic!”

No sooner had the old Daoist finished transmitting than a young woman emerged from behind the curtain, calling softly: “Senior, what are you looking at? Everyone is waiting for you.”

“Coming, coming.”

Lü Yue replied warmly, wrapping his arm around the woman's waist as he prepared to return to the pavilion.

Before leaving, he turned back to glare at Li Changshou and continued transmitting:

“I truly never expected you to be this kind of person! Coming to a place like this!

If you don't give me a proper explanation later, I will definitely report this to the senior sisters on Sanxian Island!

Hmph!”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and departed with the woman, activating the grand array around the pavilion.

Li Changshou: ...

What on earth is this?

He was genuinely here on official business, while this Lü Yue was clearly here for indulgence!

How can you be so self-righteous about it!

With that level of double standards, I’m starting to suspect if you’re from the Western side!

People Teach vulgarity!

Li Changshou raised his hand to rub his forehead, and nearby, Bian Zhuang asked with concern: “Second brother, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Li Changshou waved it off, then glanced at the Jade Emperor's incarnation beside him.

Fortunately, this incarnation wasn't the conspicuous “Hua Ritian”; it wouldn't draw attention.

If it had been the old Hua Ritian—that wandering golden body of merit across the heavens—it would have been impossible not to be recognized.

Qin Tianzhu muttered in confusion: “A Jie Jiao immortal?”

“No need to worry, big brother,” Li Changshou gave Qin Tianzhu a reassuring look, then headed with Bian Zhuang toward the large group of Tianya Ge experts ahead.

Bian Zhuang had told his family that these two were his good brothers from the Heavenly Court, close confidants, and that he had brought them home for a visit.

A crowd of Bian Zhuang's grandaunts and great-uncles stepped forward to bow in greeting, and Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu responded familiarly, entering this small chili world.

With his immortal sense sweeping through, Li Changshou saw that the various pavilions and halls were protected by layers of grand arrays, with at least a hundred experts of unknown origins enjoying themselves here.

He also realized that he couldn't see through Lü Yue's cultivation earlier, not because Lü Yue was extraordinarily powerful, but because the place was filled with various concealing arrays...

The “guests” his immortal sense could detect were either hidden in the arrays or appeared as vague figures.

Two words: Professional!

His visit here today wasn't a secret, and Li Changshou hadn't intended to keep it confidential; there were many considerations involved.

—By spreading the word that the Heavenly Court was recruiting forces from the Three Thousand Worlds, he could divert attention; later, he would create some momentum, build up a force, and use it to cover for the Lin Tian Hall.

Originally, Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu thought that Tianya Ge would offer them some local specialties as hospitality.

But what followed made Li Changshou breathe a sigh of relief and Qin Tianzhu feel a bit bored.

They were led into a secluded hall, where immortal music played softly, and the atmosphere was serene and elegant.

Looking around, there was nothing improper; the beautiful young women were all modestly dressed, with no hint of impropriety.

Li Changshou passively maintained his Wind Speech incantation, but here, he heard no noisy sounds, only the melodious music carried on the breeze...

It was like an immortal realm in a painting.

As soon as Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu followed Bian Zhuang into the rear hall, an elderly woman in luxurious robes, accompanied by a group of matrons, came out to welcome them.

The elderly woman exclaimed:

“My dear grandson, you naughty one! I've missed you so much!

Come here and let grandma have a look. Have you suffered in the Heavenly Court? Why have you gotten so thin? Has anyone bullied you there?”

Bian Zhuang felt a bit embarrassed and quickly said: “Grandma, my two brothers are here. Please don't keep calling me that...”

“Just because your brothers are here, does that mean grandma can't show you affection?”

The Bian matriarch frowned and grumbled, then pulled Bian Zhuang's hand and smiled at Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu.

Only then did Li Changshou sense that this elderly woman's aura was truly unfathomable...

She was a master.

The Bian matriarch examined Li Changshou closely and laughed:

“I never expected such distinguished guests to visit. Someone, open the Yin Feng Tower and invite these two honored guests inside. No one is to approach without my order.”

Immediately, two middle-aged women in elegant dresses curtsied in response.

Li Changshou smiled: “We apologize for the abrupt visit; please don't hold it against us, matriarch.”

“You're too kind, sir,” the Bian matriarch sighed. “Our humble abode is simple. If there's any lack of hospitality, please overlook it.”

Li Changshou bowed his hands and said warmly to Qin Tianzhu: “Mind your manners.”

—This was to conceal Qin Tianzhu's identity.

Then, together with Qin Tianzhu, they followed several fairies toward the so-called Yin Feng Tower.

It was clear that the Bian family was a major power in the primordial world.

Looking around, the entire small world had been transformed into various landscapes, with exotic mountains everywhere, streams and luxurious pools abundant, and jade statues placed as if they cost nothing.

Soon, Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu were brought to the front of a magnificent tower. Two fairies pushed open the light red doors, and inside, two rows of fairies bowed in unison.

Qin Tianzhu laughed: “How impressive.”

Li Changshou added: “After all, this secret realm is one of the rarest in the world.”

In the center of the tower was a high platform with a treasure pool, its waters shimmering with spiritual light and filled with immortal energy.

Sitting in that pool, one could gaze out at the rolling distant mountains, the rippling waves, the auspicious cranes, and the drifting auspicious clouds.

Li Changshou couldn't help but think: Decadence.

On either side, two gentle fairies stepped forward, ready to help them change clothes.

Before Li Changshou could refuse, Qin Tianzhu spoke first:

“No need to trouble yourselves; we're just visiting friends. If it's convenient, please withdraw.”

Li Changshou blinked, wondering if he had misunderstood the Jade Emperor.

The attendants curtsied and left with their heads bowed.

Soon, the lavish tower was left with only Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu. They exchanged smiles and went to a corner, casually sitting on a soft couch.

More attendants approached, offering hot tea and snacks, and asking what kind of music they preferred.

Li Changshou said: “Something normal will do.”

“Yes,” the attendant replied, curtsying as she withdrew with the tray.

Before long, several female musicians entered the tower and began playing light, cheerful tunes; a few beautiful dancers gracefully appeared, swaying their flowing sleeves in a soothing manner.

Fortunately, it all stayed within the bounds of elegance.

Qin Tianzhu leaned toward Li Changshou and transmitted: “What do you think of this place, Changgeng?”

“An excellent pleasure ground,” Li Changshou praised. “For Tianya Ge to develop to this level is truly no small feat.”

Qin Tianzhu sighed: “Bian Zhuang's grandmother seems to have recognized you. What a shame we can't have some fun.”

Li Changshou: So that's why!

Qin Tianzhu frowned: “That old Daoist who transmitted to you earlier must have recognized you too. Was this move a bit rash?”

Li Changshou transmitted back: “This humble god has a couple of plans in mind, and this trip is also meant to mislead those watching my movements.”

“But if Fairy Yunxiao asks about it, how will you explain?”

“This...”

“Changgeng, ah.”

Qin Tianzhu showed a hint of helplessness and said softly:

“Women are different from us men. We say what we think, but some women love to nitpick over details. If you make even a small mistake, she could hold it against you for eons, bringing it up repeatedly.

If Fairy Yunxiao gets hold of this leverage... tsk.

Don't overthink it; I'm not talking about my junior sister.”

Li Changshou laughed: “This humble god understands, I understand.

Men and women are divided by yin and yang, so they're not entirely the same. Most women are more meticulous in their thoughts than men; it's only natural.”

Qin Tianzhu sighed and took a sip of tea.

Li Changshou wanted to remind Qin Tianzhu to be cautious, since they were in unfamiliar territory, but considering they were both incarnations and in Bian Zhuang's home, he held back.

He had to give his second senior brother some face.

A moment later, Bian Zhuang arrived on a cloud, supporting his grandmother. Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu rose to greet them, and the hosts and guests exchanged pleasantries, chatting amiably.

The Bian matriarch got straight to the point:

“May I ask, Water God, why you brought my grandson back today?”

Li Changshou played coy, using it to test Tianya Ge's depths:

“Why don't you guess, matriarch?”

Qin Tianzhu beside him couldn't help but laugh—it was the first time he'd seen his Water God being so playful.

The Bian matriarch pondered for a moment, sitting quietly in thought.

Bian Zhuang stood nearby, worrying endlessly, still anxious about the powerful immortals behind Li Changshou causing him trouble...

After a while, the Bian matriarch sighed:

“The Water God is wise and resourceful, a disciple of a Sage, second only to the Jade Emperor in the Heavenly Court...”

Li Changshou quickly interjected: “Please don't praise me so highly, matriarch. I'm merely trusted by His Majesty.”

The elderly woman laughed: “I'm truly at a loss to guess.”

Li Changshou chose his words carefully and said slowly:

“On the way, I heard Bian Zhuang speak of how you founded Tianya Ge, and I have great admiration for you.

So, I'll ask you directly: Would Tianya Ge be willing to serve the Heavenly Court?”

“This...”

The Bian matriarch furrowed her brow slightly and said softly: “Water God, your sudden question leaves me unsure how to answer.

Though I am the pavilion master of Tianya Ge, with so many people under us, if my decision alone puts them in danger, I could never atone for it.”

Li Changshou replied: “How would serving the Heavenly Court put you in danger?”

The Bian matriarch sighed:

“Tianya Ge keeps well-informed, and because my grandson serves as a general in the Heavenly Court, I've paid extra attention to its affairs in recent years.

Previously, the Heavenly Court clashed with the West for destiny and won repeatedly with your help.

Now, with the great calamity descending and the Heavenly Court holding the dominant position, as outsiders say, this calamity is called Feng Shen, meant to strengthen the Heavenly Court.

But how can a great calamity avoid killing karma?

The Western Teachings have operated in the Three Thousand Worlds for ages. If the Water God is building a force to counter the Western influence there and continue seizing destiny for the Heavenly Court...

Will there be battles?

If there are battles, even if Tianya Ge had ten times more immortals, we'd just be dust in the calamity.”

Qin Tianzhu and Bian Zhuang exchanged glances...

After confirming with their eyes, they were both people who didn't think that deeply; so they stayed quiet and listened.

Li Changshou bowed his hands and smiled: “You see things very clearly, matriarch.”

The Bian matriarch quickly said: “You're too kind, Water God. I've just lived long enough to see through and let go of most things.”

“But you're mistaken on one point.”

“Please elaborate.”

Li Changshou traced the character “Dao” with his finger on the low table, paused for a moment, then said:

“I can't make any promises to you now, and I won't claim that Tianya Ge will have a glorious future by serving the Heavenly Court.

That's all empty talk, and no one would believe it anyway—your current situation is already very comfortable.

I only ask you to consider carefully: If the Heavenly Court doesn't intervene in the Three Thousand Worlds, how would things develop there?

You should know what the Western Teachings have done.

To be honest, in eighty years or so, I will accompany my teacher to the Zixiao Palace to discuss the Feng Shen calamity. I just visited the Taiqing Temple to see my teacher, and I can confirm that the Daoist sect will not let the West benefit from this.

If the West's plans are thwarted in the Five Parts Continent, what might they do in the face of the calamity's crisis?”

The Bian matriarch's wrinkled forehead knotted...

Li Changshou continued: “Does Tianya Ge have the confidence to stay out of this great calamity on its own?”

“Difficult,” the Bian matriarch shook her head gently. “Tianya Ge's reach is too broad; we're bound to be affected, and once war breaks out, our wealth will surely attract covetous eyes.”

Li Changshou smiled: “Since I've come here, you should know that the Heavenly Court won't stand by and let the Western Teachings devour the Three Thousand Worlds.

There will be a war in the Three Thousand Great Worlds, and it will be one where the Sages' teachings don't directly participate.

If you want to preserve Tianya Ge's hard-won position today, you really only have two paths—

Trust me, or join the Western Teachings.”

The Bian matriarch frowned in thought and asked: “Water God, by coming directly to Tianya Ge, have you confirmed through other means that we have no ties to the West?”

“I haven't checked that.”

Li Changshou's smile was full of confidence: “If Tianya Ge were secretly controlled by the Western Teachings, then this trip would strengthen our side while weakening theirs—a win-win. Why not?

After all...”

Li Changshou glanced at Bian Zhuang and thought to himself, 'Offending you, second senior brother.'

“Bian Vice Commander is someone I trust, and I'm willing to give his family some benefits.

Tianya Ge will be the first immortal force in the Three Thousand Worlds that the Heavenly Court pulls in.”

“This is a major matter. Could the Water God stay in Tianya Ge for a couple of days?”

The Bian matriarch stood up and said: “I need to consult with the elders in the pavilion before giving you a definite answer.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou agreed, rising to see her off.

He winked at Bian Zhuang, who understood and hurried after her.

Once Bian Zhuang was gone, Qin Tianzhu slowly exhaled and transmitted: “Changgeng, aren't you supposed to be working on that Lin Tian Hall? Why are you also pulling in forces from the Three Thousand Worlds?”

Li Changshou smiled and countered: “What if you put all your eggs in one basket and the basket breaks?”

Qin Tianzhu chuckled: “You truly live up to your reputation for caution!

Here, I'll toast you with tea in place of wine!”

“Your Majesty flatters me,” Li Changshou said, taking a sip from his teacup and sighing inwardly.

If he had a few more millennia, he would develop seven or eight independent hidden forces before clashing with the West.

Now, he could only openly form an alliance and secretly nurture the Lin Tian Hall...

Before long, Bian Zhuang slunk back, saying that the Bian matriarch and the grandaunts had entered the main hall, likely to discuss the matter thoroughly.

Li Changshou remembered Lü Yue from Jiulong Island and said: “Could you use your influence to invite him?”

“What influence? I'm no young pavilion master,” Bian Zhuang chuckled. “If there's anything you need, just say it. If you've taken a liking to... cough, if you want to discuss Dao with any fairy, I'll arrange it right away!”

Qin Tianzhu raised an eyebrow, and Li Changshou quickly changed the subject:

“This place has a guest who's a Jie Jiao disciple from Jiulong Island—Lü Yue. Could you invite him here?

And also...”

He transmitted some instructions to Bian Zhuang, who nodded repeatedly, calling it a trivial matter, and rushed off.

Soon, Bian Zhuang sent someone to fetch Lü Yue and slipped two jade talismans to Li Changshou, containing records of Lü Yue's preferences and how often he visited.

Li Changshou glanced at them and felt a mix of emotions.

Lü Yue had come once every thousand years, stayed for a century each time, and spent vast amounts of spirit stones...

This old fellow's poison-refining skills were incredibly advanced—was it all honed just to afford these indulgences?

As he pondered, Lü Yue arrived on a cloud, striding into the tower with his head held high.

Li Changshou deliberately put away the jade talismans in front of Lü Yue and transmitted to Qin Tianzhu to stay seated, while he rose to greet him.

Li Changshou didn't bow or perform a Daoist salute; he just smiled:

“Are you truly Lü Yue from Jiulong Island, Dao brother?”

“Of course!”

Lü Yue puffed out his chest, a touch of pride in his eyes. “Master Changgeng, have you thought of how to explain yourself?

As long as you convince me, I won't mention your visit here to our fellow disciples.”

“Explain?”

Li Changshou retorted: “Why should I explain? How will you prove your identity?”

“Why should I prove myself?”

Lü Yue bowed toward the sky and declared: “My master is the Tongtian Jiaozhu. If this is false, the Sage will sense it.”

Li Changshou shook his head gently: “With the great calamity upon us and heavenly secrets obscured, that method won't work.”

Lü Yue shot back: “Then how do you prove you're the Heavenly Court Water God, the Ren Jia Changgeng?”

“With this treasure.” Li Changshou pointed his finger, and strands of profound yellow energy appeared in his palm, forming the shadow of a Xuan Huang Pagoda.

Lü Yue was startled, standing there lost in thought.

Li Changshou pressed on: “It seems Dao brother is quite fond of Tianya Ge.”

“Indeed, ever since I made a mistake in alchemy during ancient times, I've taken a liking to beautiful things and often come here. I don't steal, rob, or bully the weak—it's no big secret.”

Lü Yue answered calmly, then continued pondering how to verify his identity.

Li Changshou hadn't expected Lü Yue to admit it so straightforwardly and felt a bit troubled, wondering how to grasp his weak point.

Li Changshou was well-versed in poison, so he knew exactly how formidable Lü Yue was.

Such a poison master could turn the tide of a war—if he could be brought to the Heavenly Court's side early...

The scene would be magnificent.

Lü Yue pondered for a moment and said: “In that case, during your meeting with Fairy Yunxiao in the peach blossom forest, I wasn't there, but I can recite every word you exchanged.”

As he spoke, Lü Yue pulled a cloth-bound scroll from his sleeve, cleared his throat, and read aloud:

“Fairy Yunxiao said:

Mm, in my eyes, you... are good at strategy, measured in advance and retreat, cautious in action, and avoid causes of...”

“Ah, no need for that!”

Li Changshou interrupted hastily, stepping forward and bowing: “Lü Yue, senior brother, it was my suspicion. I apologize here.”

“Ah,” Lü Yue smiled slightly, “Everyone knows Master Changgeng is cautious; it's a trivial matter, and I won't hold it against you.

But you...

Alas, if Fairy Yunxiao learns of this, how will she see you?

This union is hard-won; you should cherish it, junior brother!

I'll cover for you this time—say you came to find me for important business. But I can only help you once.”

Li Changshou laughed: “Senior brother, I really am here on business, not for pleasure.

Please, have a seat, and let me explain in detail.”

“Oh?” Lü Yue glanced at Qin Tianzhu, nodded calmly, and sat in the spot the Bian matriarch had just occupied.

Qin Tianzhu smiled and said: “Dao friend, could I take a look at that scroll in your hand?”

“Hmph!”

Lü Yue tucked the cloth scroll away and said indifferently: “And who are you? This is a Jie Jiao secret; how could I embarrass Master Changgeng?”

Li Changshou pondered briefly—this Lü Yue had quite an interesting personality. Next, he needed to test if he had any connections to the West...