Chapter 462: The God of Plague Gets Drunk and Boasts of Heroes

On this outing, the incarnation of Yu Di, number three, gave Li Changshou a somewhat different impression.

It felt much more composed than before...

Whether it was Bian Zhuang speaking out of turn or Lü Yue showing disrespect, Qin Tianzhu simply smiled and shook his head, letting it pass.

Though it was likely he was just noting it down inwardly, he was indeed far more calm and poised than earlier.

The true broad-minded Qin Tianzhu?

Li Changshou mused to himself but couldn't directly send a voice transmission to ask. The priority was still to investigate Lü Yue's background.

He recalled that in the original Fengshen story, Lü Yue met a tragic end, beaten severely by the Chan Jiao third-generation disciples. On his first descent from the mountain, he lost four disciples, and on his second, he was turned to ashes by Yang Ren, who had little cultivation, using the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan.

At that time, two of Lü Yue's fellow disciples were also eliminated by the fan.

In this way, one master, two fellow disciples, and four students formed the core of the Plague Department among the Eight Departments of the Heavenly Court...

Judging from this angle, the chances of Lü Yue being connected to Western Teachings were slim.

But one should always prepare for the worst; with the great calamity already altered so much, Li Changshou didn't dare to make a definitive judgment.

Earlier, Li Changshou had heard of Lü Yue's name from Elder Wan Linjun.

Elder Wan had read half of the treatise on poisons written by Lü Yue and greatly admired the poison path expertise of this Jie Jiao cultivator. The golden immortal poison pill and the "way of poison" that Elder Wan conceptualized had already been refined by Lü Yue, with finished products circulating in the primordial world, though extremely rare.

After careful consideration, Li Changshou chose a topic that would surely interest Lü Yue and asked,

"Lü Yue Shixiong, you mentioned earlier that there was an error in your alchemy. What happened?"

"Ah," Lü Yue's somewhat aged face showed a hint of frustration. "It's an old story. Let's not bring it up. Let's not bring it up."

This was full of the desire to confide.

Li Changshou said seriously, "Lü Yue Shixiong, to be honest, I also quite enjoy alchemy and have experimented with many poison pills. Shixiong, please take a look..."

As he spoke, Li Changshou took out two bottles of pills, handed one to Qin Tianzhu, and used immortal power to send the other to Lü Yue.

Lü Yue opened the bottle, glanced at it, sniffed it, and laughed.

"Not bad, this poison pill is solidly refined. It could probably kill a few Tianxian at most.

Here, Shidi, take a look at mine."

As he spoke, Lü Yue retrieved two bottles of pills from his sleeve, glanced at Qin Tianzhu, and sent one over with immortal power.

Before Li Changshou could warn him, Qin Tianzhu had already quickly uncorked the jade bottle.

Immediately, the incarnation of Yu Di's vision darkened, and his figure swayed. Immortal power burst forth around him, sealing the bottle tightly.

"Cough, cough!"

Qin Tianzhu coughed a few times to cover his embarrassment and praised, "What a powerful poison pill. Even a Daluo Golden Immortal hit by it would likely suffer damage to their primordial spirit."

Lü Yue smiled calmly, pointed his finger lightly, and drew the scattered poisonous mist back into his fingertip, saying casually,

"Don't harm the ladies here. Their cultivation isn't very high."

Li Changshou, however, did not open the jade bottle in his hand. Just as he was about to return it, Lü Yue waved his hand arrogantly.

"Keep it for self-defense. I can't have you call me Shixiong for nothing. Once something's given, it's not taken back."

"In that case, thank you, Shixiong."

Li Changshou smiled and put the jade bottle away, placing it carefully in a treasure pouch and storing it on his person.

Seeing this, Lü Yue narrowed his eyes in amusement, sighed lightly, and advised,

"Poison pills are a branch of the alchemy path; they can harm, but they can also save. The world often criticizes them harshly.

Changgeng Shidi, remember, you are the Water God of the Heavenly Court and one of the only two second-generation disciples of Ren Jiao. Unless you're truly outmatched by a powerful enemy or in dire straits, don't reveal these pills.

It would avoid people saying we're using underhanded methods, which could tarnish the reputation of our Grand Master."

Qin Tianzhu handed the jade bottle in his hand to Li Changshou and said with a smile, "Give this one to the Water God as well. It might provide more options if you face a strong enemy."

Lü Yue laughed. "Your subordinate is quite savvy."

Li Changshou: ...

Don't say it, big shot. With your temperament, in this version of the Fengshen calamity, you'll probably end up working for this 'subordinate' in the Heavenly Court, truly becoming his subordinate...

"Well, thank you for the reminder, Shixiong."

Li Changshou smiled in response, casually taking the jade bottle without showing any flaws.

Then, he smoothly steered the conversation back.

"Lü Yue Shixiong's skill in refining poisons is something I must admit is far superior to mine. It's probably unique among the three teachings of Daoism.

Was that alchemy mishap you mentioned related to refining poison pills?"

"Ah..."

Lü Yue sighed deeply, glanced at the teacup left by Old Madam Bian, and Bian Zhuang immediately called for fresh tea to be served.

As expected of the young heir to a leading romance service business, his quick thinking was all put to use here.

Lü Yue spoke slowly,

"It was back in ancient times. In our sect, there was a Daoist couple who had transformed from ancient exotic beasts and cultivated to immortality. Their wish was simply to have offspring.

But one was a three-legged golden toad by nature, and the other a spirit-feathered heavenly bird; both had already reached the Golden Immortal realm, making it an incredibly difficult task for them to have children..."

Li Changshou laughed. "That wouldn't stump you, Shixiong, would it?"

"Don't mention it; it makes me uneasy," Lü Yue scolded with a laugh. "I hate it when people put me on a pedestal. Once the hat's on, I get carried away.

Back then, I carelessly agreed and went back to ponder endlessly. I gathered all sorts of innate treasures and confidently started the furnace. But at the very last moment when the pill was about to form..."

Li Changshou asked with concern, "What happened?"

"The furnace exploded," Lü Yue said, covering his face with his hand. "From then on, an evil energy tainted my primordial spirit...

Thankfully, there's a place like Tianya Pavilion; otherwise, I might have truly fallen into the demonic path and committed countless wrongs!"

Qin Tianzhu added with a smile from the side,

"Even so, Daoist friend, you should exercise some restraint. From what I can see, you've already damaged your core essence.

It's rare for even a Daluo Golden Immortal to lose their foundation like this."

"No matter," Lü Yue waved it off casually. "In a fight, it's not about cultivation level. If it comes to instantly killing a thousand immortals, even Yunxiao Shijie or Duobao Shixiong might not be as swift as me."

Li Changshou smiled and steered the topic back. "Let's not dwell on romance; Shixiong's poison-refining skills are truly admirable."

As he spoke, Lü Yue shook his head, then looked at Li Changshou and said with a smile,

"From that incident, I actually found some enjoyment in it. It's a case of loss and gain, quite similar to the yin-yang path you cultivate."

Li Changshou: Sorry, our Taiqing lineage practices the proper yin-yang great dao!

"This chat of ours is a bit dull without some merriment."

Li Changshou turned to Bian Zhuang, who was standing nearby, and said with a smile, "Xiao Zhuang, have someone set up a wine banquet. I'll drink a few cups with Lü Yue Shixiong."

Bian Zhuang replied quickly, "It's already prepared. I'll have them come in right away."

"Hold on," Lü Yue raised his hand and casually tossed out his 'great ability jade talisman.' "Put it on my tab."

"This..."

Bian Zhuang hesitated and looked to Li Changshou.

He had just heard Li Changshou praise Lü Yue's poison pills and felt a bit uneasy about it.

Li Changshou laughed. "How can we let Shixiong pay?

Today, Shixiong has been so sincere with me, just for wanting to cover up my visit here, which has truly touched me.

Xiao Zhuang, return the jade talisman to Lü Yue Shixiong. You understand what to do next, right?"

"Understood, understood," Bian Zhuang said, holding the jade talisman with both hands and smiling. "From now on, Senior Lü Yue is a distinguished guest of Tianya Pavilion. The sisters who are close to Senior Lü Yue will not face any hardship.

All of Senior Lü Yue's expenses in Tianya Pavilion will be covered by us."

With that, Bian Zhuang bowed and turned to leave.

"Hmm? Hmph!"

With a bang, Lü Yue slapped the table and glared. "Who are you looking down on? Do you think I'm poor?"

Bian Zhuang was stunned...

Lü Yue was truly angry and scolded,

"The spirit stones and treasures I give are for Tianya Pavilion? No, they're for those ladies!

They live under others' roofs, forcing smiles and dealing with someone as unkempt as me—it's already tough enough for them. How can I cut off their source of income?

It's what they deserve!"

Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu exchanged glances and inexplicably felt...

It made sense.

This kind of thing wasn't good to begin with and shouldn't be encouraged; it did nothing for the customs of the primordial world.

But to say it so righteously was truly unmatched.

Li Changshou said with a smile, "Shixiong, don't scare Xiao Zhuang. That wasn't his intention...

How about this: from now on and in the future, the fairies who are close to Lü Yue Shixiong can only be with him and no one else.

Whether Shixiong is here or not, those fairies can cultivate in leisure and still receive spirit stones and treasures, paid by Tianya Pavilion.

Shixiong, what do you think of this arrangement?"

Lü Yue didn't object this time, pondering it carefully. Li Changshou waved his hand, and Bian Zhuang bowed his head and left to carry out the order.

Watching Bian Zhuang's retreating figure, Lü Yue asked curiously,

"Who is this subordinate of yours? It seemed when you entered the great array earlier, someone called him the young pavilion master..."

Li Changshou laughed. "He's the only grandson of the Tianya Pavilion master and currently holds a position in the Heavenly Court.

To be frank, I came here this time to ask Tianya Pavilion if they're interested in working for the Heavenly Court."

Lü Yue asked, "Is the Heavenly Court short on female immortals?"

"Cough!" Qin Tianzhu explained from the side, "Not at all. The Water God just wants to use Tianya Pavilion as a base in the three thousand worlds to build a force against Western Teachings.

How could the Heavenly Court be short on female immortals? Even if it were, we wouldn't recruit from here."

Li Changshou opened his mouth, looking at Qin Tianzhu with a mix of amusement and exasperation...

Your Majesty, we haven't even figured out Lü Yue's background yet, and you've just spilled the plan out in the open?

If we drink a bit more, will the secrets of the Lingxiao Hall be next?

Qin Tianzhu realized he had said too much, smiled at Li Changshou, and quietly lowered his head to drink tea.

Li Changshou: ...

This term as Heavenly Emperor is really hard to manage!

Bian Zhuang had barely left when groups of fairies in colorful dresses arrived gracefully, carrying trays of exquisite dishes on their slender waists, accompanied by a light mist.

Soon, a round table was set with over thirty delicacies. Fairies stood by with jade chopsticks and wine, ready to serve, but Lü Yue waved them away.

Lü Yue said, "My Changgeng Shidi isn't used to this kind of fuss. All of you, go. Can't we handle the dishes ourselves?"

Qin Tianzhu also invited Bian Zhuang to join them at the table. Bian Zhuang declined a few times, but after a glance from Li Changshou, he quickly sat down and poured wine for Lü Yue by his side.

Lü Yue made his face look younger, taking on a middle-aged appearance to draw closer to Li Changshou.

As the host, Li Changshou led them in toasting three rounds, and then it was time for individual toasts...

After a few cups of wine, Lü Yue took the initiative to ask, "Changgeng Shidi, you mentioned earlier about dealing with Western Teachings? Do you want me to prepare more poison pills for you?"

Li Changshou's heart stirred, but he shook his head with a smile. "It's just some covert struggles in the three thousand worlds. If I get directly involved, things will get complicated."

"That's right. With the great calamity upon us, we must be cautious."

Lü Yue sighed. "Those two teachers from Western Teachings are completely different from our Daoist sages. They strike viciously and have no bottom line.

I heard from Duobao Shixiong that in ancient times, those two schemed against many great powers.

Take Hongyun Laozu, for example. Why did he give up his seat in Zixiao Palace? It was because those two tricked him.

Hongyun was originally sitting next to Kunpeng. If Hongyun hadn't stood up, Kunpeng could have used that to refuse the two as well. But once Hongyun did, and with those two threatening, how could Kunpeng not resent Hongyun?

In the end, it was those two from Western Teachings who stole Kunpeng's opportunity, and since he feared their great sage, Kunpeng took it out on Hongyun."

Qin Tianzhu nodded in agreement. "That's exactly what happened."

Lü Yue laughed. "You say it like you've seen it yourself?"

Li Changshou: ...

He really has seen it, from one of the most honored seats in Zixiao Palace, right next to the Dao Ancestor's left side.

Lü Yue said seriously, "Changgeng Shidi, what I'm telling you is to be careful of those two from Western Teachings.

Western Teachings hide many tricks; they even have methods to create Golden Immortals through merit. I heard about it from a fellow Daoist before."

Li Changshou followed up, "Let's not discuss the sages at the table; just talk about their disciples.

Shixiong, who do you think is the most troublesome among Western Teachings' disciples?"

"This is just a casual chat, nothing more," Lü Yue replied, raising his cup and gently clinking it with Li Changshou's before drinking with satisfaction. "We can drink and chat, no need for formal advice.

Western Teachings' disciples need to be divided into two categories.

They don't distinguish between named disciples and formal ones; it's about whether they were taken in before the sage's enlightenment or later to lure experts into joining.

These two groups are clearly different.

From what I know, the early disciples are mostly low-profile but extraordinarily powerful, so you must be cautious.

People like Xuputi, Dizang, Duomu Neng, and others—I've only heard of them and don't know their exact titles.

But don't worry too much; ultimately, they're still a step below the top disciples of our three Daoist teachings."

At this point, Li Changshou had basically confirmed that Lü Yue had no connection to Western Teachings.

For safety's sake, however, Li Changshou continued to toast and, as the wine flowed more freely, pressed on,

"Then, Shixiong, what do you think of the various Shixiong and Shijie in Chan Jiao?"

"There's been constant friction between them and our Jie Jiao over the past tens of thousands of years," Lü Yue sighed. "In the end, it's because Er Shibo and our master follow different paths.

But honestly, there are a few in Chan Jiao who are truly annoying.

Take the deputy leader Ran Deng, for example—sly and scheming, stirring up trouble everywhere, relying on his seniority to bite at people. He's made me so angry that I've thrown poison pills at him a few times.

That Chan Jiao... heh, they're not united at all."

Li Changshou asked with a smile, "Among Chan Jiao's Shixiong and Shijie, who do you respect the most?"

"Tsk, hard to say," Lü Yue shook his head. "There are many sage disciples in the world, but few can be called heroes of the primordial world."

Qin Tianzhu said, "Chan Jiao has the renowned Twelve Golden Immortals. What about Guangchengzi, their leader? Can he be called a hero?"

Lü Yue replied, "Guangchengzi Shixiong has profound cultivation and many treasures; his Fantian Seal is famous. But he's deep-thinking, full of schemes, yet lacks responsibility, often shifting burdens to others. Not a hero."

Li Changshou glanced around the great array and quietly crushed the recording orb in his sleeve, asking,

"Then, Shixiong, what about Yunzhongzi, the Fortune Golden Immortal of Chan Jiao? Can he be called a heroic figure?"

"Yunzhongzi is skilled in artifact refining with clever methods, but his creations are all imitations of existing innate spirit treasures—the ancestor of fakes. Not a hero of the primordial world."

Qin Tianzhu asked, "What about Taiyi Zhenren?"

"Taiyi speaks in a peculiar, sarcastic way; he's sparked several near-fights between us. He disregards others' dignity and only cares about his own sharp words. Not a hero."

Qin Tianzhu asked again, "And Huanglong Zhenren?"

"Ah," Lü Yue sighed, "Huanglong Shixiong is too straightforward; he follows whatever others say without his own judgment. Not a hero."

The more Li Changshou listened, the more he felt this conversation could start fights if leaked, so he quickly shifted the topic. "Lü Yue Shixiong, what about the various Shixiong and Shijie in Jie Jiao?"

"Well..."

Lü Yue laughed. "In our Jie Jiao, there are truly many with great righteousness.

Of course, I don't count myself; I don't care about reputation anymore.

If we're talking heroes of the primordial world, it has to be Gongming Shixiong and Jinling Shijie. The others fall a bit short."

Qin Tianzhu glanced at Li Changshou and said with a smile, "What about Yunxiao Xianzi?"

Lü Yue laughed. "Yunxiao Shijie is gentle and detached from worldly affairs, but her Dao is profound, her presence commanding, and she's a bit stubborn. In ancient times, she often left our master speechless.

Whenever Yunxiao Shijie gives a light scold, dozens of our sect's disciples who regularly listen to the master's lectures can't help but feel their Dao hearts tremble. Her authority is too overwhelming. Not a hero."

Qin Tianzhu threw a knowing look at Li Changshou, who... pretended not to notice.

For a time, the Phoenix Summoning Pavilion was filled with laughter;

The group chatted about all sorts of things, enjoying themselves immensely.

However, after drinking for less than half a day, a middle-aged female immortal hurried in.

She entered the great array, stood at the door, whispered a few words to Bian Zhuang via voice transmission, and then turned to leave.

Bian Zhuang frowned and said quietly, "Water God, my grandmother's side has some trouble."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou said with a smile, "Is it that experts from Western Teachings have sent letters threatening Tianya Pavilion not to interfere, promising that as long as we stay neutral, we'll be spared disaster?"

"This..."

Bian Zhuang said in surprise, "How did you know?"

Li Changshou took a sip of wine. "Old rivals, so I understand a bit.

By now, Western-controlled forces have probably started mobilizing to pressure Tianya Pavilion."

Qin Tianzhu's eyes flashed with sharp light, his expression cold and stern, just about to speak firmly...

But a strong, steady hand slammed the table. The slightly tipsy Lü Yue snorted coldly and said casually,

"Send them a reply: let them come if they dare, and it's best if they send more.

Anything less than a million troops isn't worth me lifting my sleeve.

Xiao Zhuang, make it clear to them: if they scare the ladies here, even if all the Western Teachings' disciples show up, I'll make sure half of them leave their lives behind!"

Li Changshou advised, "Shixiong, don't rush to act; this involves Jie Jiao's stance..."

"I'm not just a Jie Jiao disciple here," Lü Yue said, his eyes glittering with starlight as he declared, "I'm merely a weary bird that has found its nest, a regular guest of Tianya Pavilion.

If they disturb my cultivation and tribulation, how can I tolerate it?

Just reply like that."

Bian Zhuang bowed and agreed, then rose and hurried away.

Li Changshou raised his cup and said with a smile, "Setting aside romance, Shixiong, you're also a hero."

"Ah, Shidi, you're too kind."

"But Shixiong," Li Changshou continued, leaning forward, "we need to be strategic with poisons. If we attack openly, they'll find ways to dodge, and harming ordinary immortal soldiers is just a waste of materials."

Lü Yue's eyes lit up. "Does Changgeng have any advice?"

"How could I call it advice?" Li Changshou said, pulling out a few treasure pouches from his sleeve. "Just some tricks for diversion and surprise."