Chapter 465: E's Usage Method

Li Changshou felt he had progressed from kindergarten to elementary school level in the art of scheming, but he still lacked confidence in two matters.

First, the thoughts of those with simpler minds.

Second, the focus that the vast number of qi refiners placed on rumors.

He and Lü Yue had teamed up in an ambush, using his years of honed poison techniques combined with Lü Yue's dan poisons to silently take down thousands of immortals.

This was practically a minor peak in the path of poison and a small climax for unorthodox methods.

Yet, no one paid any attention to it.

Even though that old Daoist had shouted it out at the time, revealing that the hidden killer was "poison";

Even though Tianya Pavilion later issued a notice clarifying that the Young Pavilion Master's rake had no such divine power;

Even though Bian Zhuang's claims about the nine-tooth nail rake were just a distraction to draw attention and confuse judgment...

In the end, Bian Zhuang's nine-tooth nail rake still became a sensation.

In just two months, it spread from the three thousand worlds to the five continents.

The nine-tooth nail rake refined by the Supreme Elder Lord in Doushuai Palace forcefully entered the ranks of the top ten acquired supreme spiritual treasures of Honghuang.

Legend had it that simply flicking the silver teeth on the rake could ignite a living being's karmic obstacles, turning even a Golden Immortal into a puddle of black water in an instant.

It was a hundred times more useful than something like the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife or the Seven Arrows of the Nail Head Book.

Along with this, the matter of the Tianya Pavilion Young Pavilion Master defecting to the Heavenly Court gained some popularity, with many discussions.

As a result, Tianya Pavilion's various branches were packed with guests, and the Tianya Secret Realm welcomed many old patrons who hadn't appeared in years.

Tianya Pavilion decided to adopt the nine-tooth nail rake as the uniform symbol for their flower houses across regions, and the pavilion's immortal maidens embroidered it onto their floral dresses.

Meanwhile, Bian Zhuang had already left the Tianya Secret Realm with Qin Tianzhu, secretly returning to the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou left more than ten paper effigies in the Tianya Secret Realm.

He found a secluded pavilion and settled there, starting to build the anti-Western Immortal Dao Alliance on his own.

When it comes to empty-handed ploys, the Heavenly Court Water God is the expert.

To supervise Li Changshou and prevent his junior brother Changgeng from making any formal errors, Lü Yue resolutely decided to...

Stay in the Tianya Secret Realm.

To avoid disturbing Li Changshou's important work, Lü Yue occasionally conducted surprise inspections, while spending the rest of his time struggling to suppress the evil energy in his primordial spirit.

The battle never stops.

Bian Zhuang's elderly mother and the various old matriarchs of Tianya Pavilion, after this incident, naturally realized Lü Yue's terrifying nature.

They went to great lengths to befriend him, not to use him for any purpose, but out of fear that this great power from Jie Jiao might wave his sleeve in displeasure and...

Let's return to that day.

That day, Li Changshou and Lü Yue easily wiped out the invading enemies. As Tianya Pavilion posted notices and spread the news outwardly, the Western Teach, having suffered a silent loss, responded in an intriguing manner afterward.

In the direction of the Tianya Secret Realm, the Western Teach pulled back their forces, redeploying their elites elsewhere.

At the same time, the forces controlled by the Western Teach in the three thousand worlds began a full-scale expansion, spreading warfare across half of Honghuang, with countless living beings turning to ashes daily.

This response was quite clever on their part, foiling Li Changshou's plan to "wait at the tree for the rabbit" and avoiding direct conflict with the Heavenly Court.

Master Lü's poison skills were temporarily left unused.

Li Changshou naturally placed great importance on Lü Yue.

In the anti-Western Immortal Dao Alliance he was forming, Li Changshou appointed Lü Yue as the first deputy alliance leader, ranking him above Bian Zhuang's elderly mother.

On this, Lü Yue said:

"It's just to help out a brother and keep up appearances. Whether it's first or not doesn't matter."

What Li Changshou didn't know was that this matter had also caused a huge uproar in Spirit Mountain.

The young Daoist who escaped went through many twists and turns before being secretly brought back to Spirit Mountain by his fellow disciples.

When he arrived at Spirit Mountain, this well-established Great Luo realm qi refiner, a disciple of the ancient saints, had his Dao foundation corroded and nearly half of his primordial spirit destroyed. Without the personal intervention of the Western Teach's second leader, he might have even lost his path to immortality.

"Is this nine-tooth nail rake really that powerful?"

"It's impossible. Why would the Water God not use such a treasure himself and instead give it to Bian Zhuang?"

"Is this about winning over Tianya Pavilion? Is the Water God already plotting against the three thousand worlds? This could destroy the foundations of our Western Teach!"

A group of saint disciples gathered by that familiar pool, pondering strategies and discussing future arrangements.

The strategy of avoiding direct confrontation with the Heavenly Court and accelerating development in other directions was the result of another group of saint disciples' discussions.

In a corner of Spirit Mountain, Diji Zang sat quietly under a tree, with his divine beast, the great dog—cough, the divine beast Diting—lying bored nearby, occasionally swishing its long tail.

A gentle breeze rustled the treetops, and specks of light drifted like flowing water, making Diji Zang's handsome face appear even more refined.

"Master?"

Diting transmitted a puzzled thought, "Aren't you going to join the commotion?"

"The incompetent are just comforting each other here," Diji Zang said with a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "I've already started thinking about how to respond to the Water God's latest challenge."

"We're— we're still opposing the Water God?"

Diting's transmission suddenly became stuttered.

"Shut up! Last time, it was all because of your embarrassing behavior!"

Diting retorted, "That's only because this mount helped ease the Water God's mood; otherwise, he definitely would have plotted against you!

Master, you can't turn your back on this beast!"

"Hmph, didn't he plot against me later? With the Heavenly Court's praises and the title of great virtuous hero, how long has it been since the teacher spoke to me alone?"

"Well, that's still better than losing your life, Master. Just focus on your cultivation.

Or, you could find a good home for us in advance. If I could become the mount of one of Jie Jiao's holy mothers, I'd still miss my mas— owner."

Diji Zang silently took out a sharp blade and a whetstone, his forehead darkening as he smiled and methodically sharpened the blade. A series of scraping sounds echoed across Spirit Mountain.

A certain Diting: "I share an irreconcilable enmity with the Water God!"

"Hmph!"

Diji Zang calmly put away his whetstone set and continued to sit quietly under the tree, as if oblivious to the world outside.

He knew he could only wait for an opportunity.

Wait for those fellow disciples who were gradually emerging from seclusion to suffer losses at the Water God's hands, and wait for the teacher to once again entrust him with the task of contending against the Heavenly Court.

Now, he would no longer underestimate anything and would give his all to compete with the Water God for a great victory for the Western Teach.

Water God.

Next time, this poor Daoist will not disappoint you.

"Master, your thoughts right now are too shameful for this mount!"

"Get lost!"

The Western Teach's choice to retreat and avoid direct clashes with the Heavenly Court, while accelerating their own forces' development, actually gave Li Changshou more opportunities.

In this way, more Immortal Dao forces in the three thousand worlds could be more easily drawn to the Heavenly Court.

This was the advantage of going with the great trend.

But Li Changshou didn't become idle because of this; instead, he grew even busier.

The paper effigies stored in the Tianya Secret Realm served as a conduit.

Screening suitable forces to win over and formulating plans for recruitment—all these key steps were carried out in the secret chamber of Xiaoqiong Peak.

With multiple plans advancing steadily at once, Li Changshou truly had no free time.

He could only spare a little each day to organize his insights, ensuring his cultivation didn't fall behind.

The anti-Western Immortal Dao Alliance was just a bluff in his hand, yet it required a considerable investment of effort.

After all, it was like conjuring something from nothing—empty-handedly roping in resources—so spending more mental energy was only natural.

The Super Heavenly Soldier Plan couldn't be neglected either, as Li Changshou began updating the new promotional clips.

Youqin Xuanya had joined the Heavenly Court's Thunder Department, regularly patrolling inside and outside the Heavenly Court with heavenly soldiers, and occasionally going out with heavenly generals to eliminate minor karmic demons.

All of this was naturally arranged by Li Changshou.

As he had previously said, Youqin Xuanya's cultivation progress began to accelerate.

During her practice, her thoughts flowed smoothly, breakthroughs came as easily as drinking tea, and she started to be enveloped in merit.

Under Li Changshou's suggestion, Youqin Xuanya began suppressing her breakthrough speed to solidify her Dao foundation and prepare for the Golden Immortal tribulation.

At the same time, Li Changshou set up those large promotional bronze mirrors in the major towns of Central Divine State.

The number of Honghuang scattered immortals coming to pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Court increased daily.

Half of the new heavenly soldiers and generals admitted that they were initially attracted by that valiant female heavenly general, leading them to learn about the Heavenly Court and ultimately decide to join and contribute to the Heavenly Dao and all living beings.

Well, it certainly wasn't because they wanted to see that female heavenly general in person!

Unfortunately, experts above the Golden Immortal realm who pledged to the Heavenly Court were still few and far between.

As for the main event, the Lin Tian Hall, progress was also going smoothly.

Master Wangqing, Jiang Lin'er and her husband, along with Bai Ze, Jiu Jiu, Jiu Yiyi, Jiu Wu, and Jiu Shi, had found a foothold and begun secretly contacting the first batch of "righteous individuals."

Li Changshou had paper effigies accompanying them: two in Bai Ze's sleeve and two stacks in Uncle-Master Jiu Jiu's embrace.

Mainly to prevent Uncle-Master from getting drunk and confused.

With the great calamity descending, the Heavenly Court's affairs were gradually increasing.

The timing for the Zixiao Palace to discuss the Feng Shen matters was drawing closer each day, making Li Changshou feel mounting pressure.

Time is a river that flows only forward; everything will happen, and one wrong step could lead to bitter consequences.

His demands on himself were now several times higher than before.

In the Lingxiao Hall, Li Changshou spoke eloquently, his figure always exuding confidence.

In the Tianya Secret Realm, he constantly interacted with various forces' cunning experts, his smiles conveying complete control and composure.

In front of heavenly soldiers, generals, immortals, and elders, Li Changshou was elegantly approachable.

Occasionally walking around in the Du Xian Gate, he still flew at just the right height, riding a cloud at a moderate speed, and greeted seniors with "Uncle-Master" or "Senior Uncle."

Only in the thatched hut on Xiaoqiong Peak, before his master's memorial tablet, would he sigh softly.

Only in the secret chamber of Xiaoqiong Peak would he pace back and forth, worrying subtly about arrangements that weren't fully in place, and show fatigue when thinking of the impending great calamity.

He was no longer just a disciple of Xiaoqiong Peak who could focus on himself.

Many expressions could only be kept for himself and the portraits in the secret chamber.

"Senior Brother, may I enter the array?"

A soft call interrupted Li Changshou's thoughts. It was Ling E arriving outside the pill room array, holding a jade bowl and asking carefully.

'Recently, Uncle-Master Jiu Jiu and the others have been away, so she's probably feeling bored.'

Li Changshou transmitted, "Come to the secret chamber."

"Okay," Ling E agreed, using the entry jade talisman to ride the cloud to the pill room, then skillfully entering the underground secret chamber.

As soon as she reached the study, Ling E couldn't help but ask:

"Senior Brother, what are you doing?"

The floor and walls in front of her were covered with canvases, each bearing detailed and winding mind maps that made her dizzy.

Ling E lightly tapped her toes, hopped over with the soup in hand, and safely reached the desk.

"Senior Brother, don't work yourself too hard."

"Mm," Li Changshou put down the jade talisman in his hand, picked up the jade bowl, sniffed it, and took a sip.

Ling E said with some dissatisfaction, "I didn't add any love potion, hmmph."

"Recently, I've been too close to a poison expert, so it's a habit."

Li Changshou smiled in explanation, then glanced at Ling E. "Why was your first reaction about a love potion?"

"This..."

"Ah, my junior sister has grown up."

"No, I haven't..."

Ling E's face turned red, and she covered it with her hands, mumbling incoherently without forming a complete sentence.

Li Changshou chuckled to himself.

Teasing his junior sister a bit lifted his spirits.

He picked up the jade talisman and continued reading its messages, quickly finishing the soup in the bowl.

A pair of gentle hands carefully rested on his shoulders from behind, beginning to massage them softly.

"Put a bit more strength into it."

Li Changshou said.

"Okay," Ling E rolled up the silky sleeves of her pink and white long skirt and skillfully massaged his shoulders and back, her technique so expert that Li Changshou praised her as a pro.

"Senior Brother, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Li Changshou asked casually, "What is it?"

Ling E blinked, cleared her throat, and said in a mature tone:

"You see, your dear junior sister has grown up now. She's written the 'Stability Scripture' countless times, gone out for training, and the sect elders all praise her for being clever.

She doesn't want to wander outside anymore; she just wants to cultivate steadily in the mountains and keep company with a certain heartless senior brother.

So, for some of senior brother's matters, could she help offer some opinions? For any difficulties, could you discuss them with her?

Maybe she'll have a sudden idea and lend a tiny bit of help..."

Li Changshou set down the jade talisman and pondered with his eyes closed.

Seeing this, Ling E quickly added, "Senior Brother, don't be angry. If you don't want me involved, just pretend I never said anything..."

"You have a point."

Li Changshou nodded seriously, stroking his chin as he muttered:

"As the saying goes, raise a sister for a hundred years, use her for a moment.

Now that Mr. Bai has gone to the three thousand worlds, if you can help with some things, I could be a bit more relaxed."

"Really?"

Ling E was overjoyed.

"Of course," Li Changshou shook his head. "Since you've brought it up, how could I not use such a talent?

Go make some preparations, and come back later. I'll have you review part of the plans for major affairs."

"Good! I'll be right back!"

Ling E cheered excitedly, turned, and dashed toward the study door. But before she got far, she doubled back, peeking in from the doorway to ask:

"Senior Brother, what do I need to prepare?"

"Table, chair, cushion, meditation mat," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Or if you want to stand the whole time, that's fine too."

"Hehe, wait for me, Senior Brother—I'll be right back!"

Ling E turned into a gust of fragrant wind and left, returning moments later with her belongings, officially moving into the Xiaoqiong Peak secret chamber.

Li Changshou didn't go back on his word and handed over the follow-up review of the anti-Western Immortal Dao Alliance plans—the most troublesome and mentally taxing part—to Ling E.

It was like writing an article; reviewing it multiple times could only bring benefits.

"...Your main job is to organize the information on these forces and, when I decide on the level of treatment for a force, judge whether my decision is appropriate."

"Good!"

"Don't just say good—do you understand what I just said?"

"Um!"

Ling E nodded confidently. "Of course, Senior Brother, if you explain it again, I'll remember it even better and understand it more thoroughly, hehe...

Ouch! Why did you tap my head again!"

"This is a matter involving the lives of countless beings—be serious."

Ling E immediately straightened up, calmed her excited heart, and started reviewing the mind maps from the beginning to understand the plan.

When she was serious, she could serve as half a strategist, and for tasks like reviewing and correcting errors, she was more than capable.

Li Changshou tilted his head as if listening, then quickly closed his eyes and said, "Someone's come to the Tianya Secret Realm again; I need to handle it."

"Um!"

Ling E hugged the stack of jade talismans filled with information and sat cross-legged at the desk, her face full of concentration.

Half a day later, Li Changshou opened his eyes and, seeing the scene before him, couldn't help but smile lightly.

Ling E was hugging a soft pillow and lying on the mat, her feet gently swaying, her long hair a bit disheveled, as she buried her head in writing and drawing among several jade talismans.

"Any findings?"

"Senior Brother! These few forces seem suspicious. Their self-reports don't match the information investigated by Tianya Pavilion in a few places.

Also, their territories are too close to Western Teach forces, and the timing of their approach is a bit odd."

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Li Changshou's mouth.

This girl passes the test.

"Hand it over for me to look at. If there's really a problem, that's one merit for you."

"Ah, merit or not, I was just trying to help lighten Senior Brother's load..."

"Then forget it," Li Changshou said calmly. "It'll save some effort."

Ling E: ...

I feel like Senior Brother tricked me somehow.

And so, half a year after the debut of the "Inauspicious Duo."

A white cloud left the East Heaven Gate and slowly flew to the front of the Heavenly Pillar, descending into the Netherworld.

On the cloud, Ling Zhu Zi, dressed in a green wide robe, felt the chilly atmosphere around him and asked softly:

"Uncle-Master, where are we going?"

"Didn't I say I'd introduce you to a couple of friends?"

Li Changshou laughed. "I'm here in the underworld for an important matter, so I thought I'd bring you along to meet those friends.

Ling Zhu Zi, have you forgotten your own cultivation path?"

"Uncle-Master, this disciple hasn't forgotten!"

Ling Zhu Zi said firmly, his clear eyes full of determination. "Whatever you arrange, Uncle-Master! I'm already grateful that you're taking time out of your busy schedule to help me."

Li Changshou just smiled without speaking.

This was the first step of the "Plan to Awaken Ling Zhu Zi's Manly Spirit—Revised Edition with Ling E's Input"—bravely entering the Netherworld mansion.

First, let's test this guy's courage.

Of course, Li Changshou's visit to the underworld wasn't just for Ling Zhu Zi's sake; he also needed to find the Yama Kings to present the underworld reform plan that had been approved by the Jade Emperor and submit it jointly.

And, while at it, gather some merit to form a golden body.