Chapter 463: Longevity Transformation Add One

Yu Di's incarnation, Qin Tianzhu, was now feeling quite... quite awkward.

This was Qin Tianzhu's first time seeing Li Changshou discussing with other experts how to defeat or fend off enemies, using methods he had never encountered before.

Poison pills.

Yu Di didn't have much impression of poison pills. After all, he had originated from Zi Xiao Gong and was an innate spirit, selected as the Heavenly Emperor before he even ventured out into the world.

His knowledge of poison pills had only gone as far as viewing them as a side branch of alchemy, with dan poison being a characteristic of pills.

The expert in using poison that Yu Di had encountered was right before him: Lü Yue from Jiulong Island. The poison pills that Lü Yue had just demonstrated were absolutely top-tier in the Honghuang world!

When Lü Yue explained his methods for deploying poison, he said:

"Generally, you release the poison pills and activate them with immortal power, or prepare them in advance as poison powder or poison mist, then deliver them to the enemy during combat when your figures cross paths."

Qin Tianzhu thought to himself that this way of deploying poison didn't exceed his imagination.

However, Li Changshou furrowed his brow slightly and commented:

"Shixiong, using poison like this actually wastes its greatest advantage—element of surprise.

Shixiong, take a look at this. It appears to be a whisk, but hidden beneath the silver strands are thin, poisoned needles that can injure enemies silently when activated with immortal power.

And look at this one. It seems like a lantern, but when you activate this treasure, the light will turn on, secretly releasing faint mi xiang..."

Qin Tianzhu frowned, wondering why his own Water God was delving into this.

Lü Yue took a sharp breath and picked up these ingeniously designed tools, examining them closely as he murmured:

"These are fine treasures, but they require the poison pills to be completely colorless and odorless."

Li Changshou continued:

"In reality, it's hard for us to achieve true colorlessness, odorlessness, invisibility, and tracelessness. Many poison pills prioritize peak lethality, so they can't account for everything else."

"Exactly!"

Lü Yue's eyes lit up with excitement as he said:

"This single statement confirms that Shidi is truly an expert in this field!

So, how should we deploy poison pills in that case?

I haven't thought much about this, Shidi. Please share your wisdom, Changgeng."

Li Changshou laughed and said:

"Didn't we agree to discuss this openly, with no secrets?

If I didn't trust Shixiong, I wouldn't have brought these out. Your poison pills are unparalleled in the world.

Deploying poison directly can be divided into several methods, based on alchemy skills and the subsequent handling of the pills.

The first approach is to distract the enemy during combat and then release the poison cleverly.

Shixiong, look at this sword. It's just an ordinary immortal treasure, but when activated, it releases dazzling golden light that can carry most of the poison powder..."

Lü Yue took the sword from Li Changshou, playing with it fondly as he praised:

"Truly excellent..."

Qin Tianzhu couldn't help but turn his head away, finding it hard to watch.

Li Changshou went on:

"The second approach is to deploy poison pills using formations.

Shixiong, please see this. It's a micro formation I've refined, usable only once. The large formation has two effects: temporarily trapping the enemy and killing with poison mist.

Its advantages are quick deployment and wide coverage, making it effective for mass killing of enemy forces."

Lü Yue was overjoyed, holding the chessboard-sized micro formation and exclaiming:

"Impressive, impressive! The ingenuity of this design rivals three dan formulas!"

Li Changshou spoke slowly, continuing to explain the ways of using poison—from activation with immortal power, to treasures, to formations—and then to basic tactics like creating something from nothing, covert transfer, feinting east to strike west, and deceiving heaven to cross the sea.

Lü Yue listened with utmost seriousness, feeling in that moment as if the evil energy in his primordial spirit had been purified...

Truthfully, he wasn't very popular within Jiejiao, and now a suppressed emotion in his heart was surging and flowing.

In making friends, the rarest things are mutual recognition and appreciation.

Qin Tianzhu couldn't help but ask:

"Water God, you have such a deep understanding of poison pills, so why haven't you used them against strong enemies before?"

"General Qin, you may not know."

Li Changshou sighed:

"I've only been cultivating for a short time, and my expertise in poison pills hasn't reached a breakthrough yet, so I can't refine Golden Immortal-level ones.

Whenever I act on behalf of Heaven Court, Lord Taiqing always grants me treasures for protection. Poison pills are like useless extras to me, so I've just used them as safeguards for my incarnations."

Lü Yue, the Qi Refiner from Jiulong Island, was quite proud.

After hearing so many techniques for deploying poison from Li Changshou, Lü Yue was already itching to try them out.

Then, upon hearing Li Changshou's words, Lü Yue immediately took out a ring, stuffing it with six formulas for Golden Immortal poison pills, some precious herbs, and two volumes recording his insights on refining poison, and handed them all to Li Changshou.

This gift was truly generous, and Li Changshou hesitated to accept it, as the karma involved was significant.

But he genuinely wanted them.

Lü Yue laughed and said:

"Changgeng, if you refuse, you're looking down on me as your brother.

Since you've shared so many methods of deploying poison with me, how can I not give you ways to refine poison pills?

No matter how strong the poison pills are, if the enemy dodges them, they're useless!"

Li Changshou thought to himself: ...

In fact, he hadn't revealed his trump cards regarding poison deployment.

Moreover, he had only discussed general methods; actually implementing them, like turning poison pills into mist, involved many details and nuances.

With a quick thought, Li Changshou accepted the ring, cupped his hands to Lü Yue, and said:

"Thank you, Shixiong!"

"That's more like it!"

Lü Yue smiled with narrowed eyes and advised:

"But Changgeng, though poison pills are powerful, don't abuse them.

It's like a blade—if used to slay evil and eliminate demons, it's a good sword; but if used to kill innocents indiscriminately, even the finest immortal sword becomes an evil weapon.

In the end, it's we who use poison that bear the karma, so don't lightly invite karmic obstacles."

Li Changshou stood up and bowed deeply, saying:

"Shixiong's teachings today, Changgeng will remember them well!"

"Come on,"

Lü Yue beckoned,

"let's think of more ideas for deploying poison..."

Li Changshou smiled and took out a paper figure, asking:

"Shixiong, are you familiar with my paper incarnation technique?"

"Who in the Honghuang world hasn't heard of it?"

Lü Yue looked at the paper figure, pondered for a moment, and his eyes lit up:

"If we infuse the paper incarnation with deadly poison and make it explode in the midst of enemies!"

"That's just one way..."

Li Changshou chuckled lightly and continued chatting with Lü Yue.

These two immortals—one was the Heaven Court's Water God, gaining fame in the Honghuang world for his clever strategies and constant innovations;

The other was a disciple of Saint Jiejiao, not as renowned as the Eight Great Disciples or the Seven Attendants, but his skill in refining poison pills, as verified by Yu Di's incarnation, was truly in a league of its own.

With these two together, their conversation grew more and more enthusiastic, almost as if they were about to become sworn brothers right there...

Qin Tianzhu quietly moved his wooden chair to face them, observing carefully.

He could sense that these two seemed fated to be close friends, forming a relationship that complemented and enhanced each other.

Where might this lead?

Qin Tianzhu felt as if he saw a deep abyss slowly opening behind them, and when they turned to gaze into it, the abyss sprouted two legs...

And ran away.

Unknowingly, another two hours had passed.

Qin Tianzhu silently helped himself to some dishes and poured wine, comforting himself not to look over there.

Li Changshou and Lü Yue were squatting in a corner, huddled around a half-zhang-tall pill furnace, discussing the 'intangible transformation' of poison pills.

Their words were a bit argumentative, but they were already slapping each other on the back and acting quite chummy.

Qin Tianzhu sighed inwardly...

What had he heard in these two hours?

Things like using the Qiankun Shifting technique with a paper incarnation's self-destruction to spread poison at the fastest speed...

That was just basic.

What shocked Qin Tianzhu the most was that supernatural ability Li Changshou had developed to its extreme: Scattering Beans into Soldiers, which actually had two ultimate forms!

One was the Poison Immortal Bean path, and the other was turning pills into 'beans,' directly transforming Golden Immortal poison pills into poison soldiers... and both ideas had already been proven and perfected by Li Changshou!

Qin Tianzhu was still mulling over that conversation from half an hour ago.

At the time, Lü Yue had asked a soul-searching question: "Changgeng, why didn't you use these methods in the war against the demon race?"

Li Changshou laughed and said:

"This is the way of serving in the Heaven Court. The heavenly soldiers and generals can't just be for show.

If I took all the credit, how would the various generals and marshals feel?

Besides, I'm a civil official; I can't be on the front lines every day. I need to cultivate a group of leaders to share the burdens of Yu Di Majesty."

At that moment, the mindset of a certain Yu Di incarnation shifted slightly.

As the Honghuang saying goes, talking without action is just empty talk.

Li Changshou and Lü Yue were getting more excited, and Lü Yue was itching to find a few Daluo Golden Immortals to test his new techniques.

But Li Changshou said:

"Shixiong, hold on for now. Western Teach forces should come to Tianya Pavilion to apply pressure soon. We can target those with karmic obstacles and take them out instantly to deter them."

"Alright, we can't let Tianya Pavilion suffer any damage!"

Lü Yue said seriously.

"Shixiong, rest assured. If the West forces us aggressively and acts arrogantly, we'll turn things upside down for them."

"Good!"

Lü Yue raised his right hand, and Li Changshou understood, clasping palms with him. They exchanged a glance and laughed heartily, their spirits soaring... only to fizzle out halfway.

Li Changshou said seriously:

"Shixiong, we can't just charge into direct confrontation on a whim. For safety, we should make some preparations first."

"Hmm?"

Lü Yue asked curiously: "What do you mean?"

Li Changshou explained:

"The struggles between great teaches are complicated and intertwined.

Now that Jiejiao, Chan Jiao, and Western Teach are all entering the calamity, if Shixiong acts directly, it's like tearing the veil between the sides.

We should make some disguises and use aliases. Even if they recognize us, as long as we don't slip up, we can insist it's a frame-up, deliberately stirring up discord!"

"Brilliant!"

Lü Yue's eyes brightened. "Let's do as you say, Changgeng. But how do we disguise ourselves?"

"First, apply some makeup to change our appearances, preferably with a thin mask, then use transformation spells and illusions. That should work."

"Where can we find such a thin mask on short notice?"

"I have some with me," Li Changshou said, pulling out a few pouches from his sleeve.

"You carry... you're just a paper incarnation, Changgeng. Everyone in the world knows that by now. Why bring these things?"

Lü Yue couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.

"These are essentials for traveling," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "Shixiong, take a look."

With that, Li Changshou took out a thick paper figure from his sleeve. It was enveloped in immortal light and transformed into a middle-aged Daoist. He casually stowed the nearby 'Li Changshou' into his sleeve.

A golden pill slowly rotated, and waves of immortal light surged around the paper incarnation, with drops of spirit beast essence blood spreading out, giving it a lifelike, flesh-and-blood aura.

Even Lü Yue and Qin Tianzhu, staring at it, couldn't immediately tell if it was a living person or a paper incarnation.

Li Changshou laughed and said:

"I deliberately revealed my traces earlier to show Heaven Court's stance; otherwise, how could Elder Bian speak directly with us?"

As he spoke, Li Changshou took out two masks from the pouch and put one on with Lü Yue. They each cast spells to alter their auras, then exchanged poison pills and deployment tools.

Lü Yue suggested:

"Why don't we come up with some striking titles, like the Double Fiends or something."

Li Changshou thought for a moment. "Since we're using poison, we can't be too obvious about it. How about we both carry swords and go by sword-related names?"

"Good!"

Lü Yue found two post-heaven spiritual treasure-level swords, and they both strapped them on their backs.

Lü Yue said:

"How about we call ourselves the Heaven-Slaying Double Swords? Doesn't that sound imposing!"

Qin Tianzhu, who was drinking, spat out his mouthful with a "pfft."

Li Changshou quickly said:

"I'm serving in the Heaven Court, Shidi. Why go against heaven?

Let's call ourselves the Wind and Waves Double Swords instead!"

Qin Tianzhu couldn't help but comment:

"You might as well call yourselves 'Disrupters of Heavenly Harmony.'"

"Hey? Ha ha ha!"

Lü Yue clapped his hands and laughed. "That's a great name—it's fitting!

We'll go with that; it reminds us that if we use poison to kill innocents indiscriminately, we'll disrupt heavenly harmony."

"Exactly," Li Changshou said, cupping his hands to Qin Tianzhu with a smile. "Thank you for the suggestion, General Qin."

Qin Tianzhu's mouth twitched a few times; he just waved his hand and sat there in a daze, not knowing what to say.

Li Changshou added:

"Shixiong, if the West sends a large group of experts to pressure Tianya Pavilion, it'll be quite a spectacle.

I observed the layout of this small world before coming: the formations are stronger on three sides and weaker on the front, so they'll likely gather outside the main formation to start.

We could position ourselves in advance and set up an ambush.

Then, we just need to silently eliminate their Golden Immortal-level experts and above; Tianya Pavilion's crisis will resolve itself, and it'll make the other side wary.

Shixiong, don't worry. I'll divert their attention from Tianya Pavilion later. What makes Tianya Pavilion most valuable to the Heaven Court is its years of accumulated intelligence, which can help us quickly integrate the three thousand worlds."

"Everything as you say, Changgeng!"

Lü Yue nodded eagerly, his eyes full of the sentiment: "With a Shidi like you, what more could I ask?"

Seeing this, Yu Di's incarnation Qin Tianzhu fell into deep thought.

Was this the state Yu Di often found himself in?

Something worth pondering...

At that moment, Li Changshou's Golden Immortal-level paper incarnation took Lü Yue and slipped away secretly to the outside of the small world, finding a hidden spot to use the Mustard Seed Universe technique to conceal themselves.

Li Changshou had resolved to firmly keep this poison expert Lü Yue under his influence...

As they hid, they continued exchanging techniques on refining and deploying poison.

'If Elder Wan Linjun were here, the atmosphere might be even more lively,' Li Changshou couldn't help thinking.

On the other side, Li Changshou left his previous paper incarnation in Yin Feng Pavilion, waiting with Qin Tianzhu for Tianya Pavilion's response.

Half a day later, Bian Zhuang hurried over, inviting Li Changshou and Qin Tianzhu to the grand hall they had visited before, to negotiate face-to-face with the elderly women of Tianya Pavilion.

Li Changshou naturally wouldn't refuse; he had anticipated this situation.

He needed to show the Heaven Court's sincerity, the support of Daoism, and make Tianya Pavilion feel secure enough to gain their full backing.

Then, using Tianya Pavilion's networks as a springboard, he could quickly rally various forces and win over those already threatened by Western Teach to join...

An alliance against Western Teach could gain momentum within twenty to thirty years!

This way, it would buy more time and a stabler environment for the Heavenly Palace.

In that secluded grand hall of the Tianya secret realm, Li Changshou debated single-handedly against a dozen elderly women, right in front of Yu Di's majesty.

He started with examples of Western Teach's actions with the demon race, explained their urgency to prosper, and mentioned how they failed to win over the Dragon Race, leading to their vengeful destruction of the sea eyes and forceful seizure of the Dragon Race's treasury...

Each point was based on facts, making it convincing.

Then, Li Changshou deliberately spoke in front of Yu Di's incarnation about Western Teach's schemes and their dire situation in the Five Divisions Continent, forcing them to intensify their exploitation of the three thousand worlds...

And so on.

This debate lasted half a day, and in the end, those over ten elderly women were persuaded by Li Changshou.

Secretly, Li Changshou reminded Elder Bian that two or three of the elderly women seemed to have questionable views and advised her to be cautious.

Qin Tianzhu, watching from the side, had witnessed a 'grand performance,' pondering from time to time and nodding, almost convinced himself that the Heaven Court would surely win and sweep all obstacles...

The Water God's eloquence was worth half of the Heaven Court's fighting strength.

Elder Bian wrote a reply letter right in front of Li Changshou and sent it to the faction that had previously threatened Tianya Pavilion...

That faction promptly began gathering experts and sent a jade talisman message, declaring they would visit in person in three days and demand a different response from Tianya Pavilion!

In the dead of night in Yin Feng Pavilion, as Bian Zhuang delivered the jade talisman from the other side...

Yu Di's incarnation, Qin Tianzhu, slammed the table and gritted his teeth:

"These people truly don't take the Heaven Court seriously? They know you're here, Water God, and yet they still threaten like this!"

Li Changshou said calmly:

"The West has no choice but to act this way.

They've operated in the three thousand worlds for so long; it's like their home turf. If they let us establish a foothold so easily, they might as well surrender."

Bian Zhuang added:

"Water God, should we request troops directly from the Heaven Court?"

"No need to rush," Li Changshou said steadily. "There will be a way to break through soon. Just reassure your grandmother—no need for Tianya Pavilion to lift a finger.

In the worst case, we'll use a delaying tactic, and I'll reveal my identity."

Bian Zhuang nodded, completely unconcerned, and turned to report to his grandmother...

After Bian Zhuang left, Li Changshou looked at the still-angry Qin Tianzhu and transmitted:

"Majesty, during this outing, I feel you've changed quite a bit."

Qin Tianzhu's attention was successfully diverted, and he smiled:

"Oh? In what way?"

"You seem more composed," Li Changshou transmitted. "Earlier, Bian Zhuang and Shixiong Lü Yue spoke disrespectfully, yet you didn't seem angry."

"I thought it was something more."

Qin Tianzhu shook his head dismissively:

"Undergoing trials in the mortal world taught me a lot.

When I'm Yu Di, they revere the Heavenly Dao and the Dao Ancestor behind me.

When I'm Qin Tianzhu, just an ordinary Heaven Court general, how can they know the truth? So, where's the disrespect?"

Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

"Three days from now, Changgeng, don't hold back. Do as you see fit."

Qin Tianzhu's eyes showed a hint of coldness:

"I'll act from the Lingxiao Hall to ensure that when you and Lü Yue eliminate the enemy forces, you won't attract any karmic obstacles.

I want to see just how far they dare to ignore the Heaven Court!

Since they've chosen to oppose us, regardless of whether they have merits or karmic obstacles,

your use of poison this time is sanctioned by me. In extraordinary times, use extraordinary measures. Only by intimidating these petty villains now will we avoid more troubles!

If forces loyal to the Heaven Court are bullied, then I, as Heavenly Emperor, need not continue!"

"I obey, Majesty. This time, I won't show mercy!

And don't worry, Majesty—I've already summoned more incarnations here. They're hurrying via escape techniques and will arrive in two days!"

Qin Tianzhu nodded slowly, closed his eyes in thought, likely shifting his mind back to his Yu Di form.

Thus, three days later.