Chapter 468: Blood Sea Changes

"Mr. Bai, is there some misunderstanding between us?

We had agreed on this before, right? The Lin Tian Dian is ultimately supposed to answer directly to the Tian Court.

Using the Lian Hun Zhou Fa to boost cultivation, and then holding these secretive gatherings, even creating a position like the Holy Maiden...

This!"

In his previous life, this would have been a dead giveaway for a demonic cult!

Inside the side hall of the stone palace, surrounded by layers of array formations and barriers.

Li Changshou sat in a wooden chair, with Bai Ze standing nearby, his expression as one of the top ten ancient demon commanders showing a hint of awkwardness...

Outside the two stone doors, the lord and elders of the Lin Tian Dian had gathered, temporarily setting aside their tasks.

Jiu Jiu pressed her ear against the array's light wall to listen in, but naturally heard nothing.

The others felt varying degrees of unease, as Li Changshou's face had looked quite frightening when he first appeared...

A faint sound of footsteps echoed from nearby, drawing several gazes.

It was the Lin Tian Dian's 'steward,' the short Taoist Jiu Wu, hurrying over with a few jade talismans in hand. He arrived at the door and asked quietly:

"How's it going?"

"Not out yet."

Jiu Shi replied, then showed a worried expression, adding, "I don't know what happened, but earlier, Nephew Li Changshou gave me this inexplicable sense of pressure."

Jiu Wu laughed and said, "Madam, Li Changshou still calls us senior uncles and aunts out of his original respect—it's his character. But now he's a disciple of a saint, so his seniority is far above ours. We absolutely mustn't casually call him nephew; just use his dao title."

"Got it, you're always so thoughtful."

Jiu Wu said, "Master and Mistress, I'll go in for a moment. Li Changshou wants to see these."

Jiang Lin Er transmitted her voice: "When you go in, walk slowly so we can hear what's being said inside."

"Mistress, don't worry."

With that, Jiu Wu stepped forward, and the immortal force barrier ahead opened on its own, but...

Still, no sound from inside could be heard.

Face-to-face sound transmission—a must-have skill for Ren Jiao experts!

Bai Ze subtly pointed a finger, and a snippet of conversation appeared in everyone's minds.

At that moment, Li Changshou's voice carried a touch of helplessness and a bit of disappointment as he said:

"...Even if it's tough going in the early stages, you can't use the Lian Hun Zhou Fa to raise cultivation like that!

Mr. Bai, oh Mr. Bai, with your brilliant strategies, why can't you see clearly on this small matter?

Even if no one investigates it, even if the Lin Tian Dian rises successfully and this dark history gets covered up, what about our dao hearts? Is there any debt there? Is the foundation of the Lin Tian Dian rotten?

If the foundation isn't solid, how can you build a towering structure?

The Lian Hun Zhou Fa can quickly boost cultivation, but it overdrafts the cultivators' potential and cuts off their chances for immortality!

In the end, it ruins the fundamental luck of the Lin Tian Dian!

The Tian Dao is watching us and the Lin Tian Dian at all times, so we must consider every action and plan from the standpoint of the Tian Court right from the start.

The banner of benevolence and righteousness must be raised from the very beginning!"

Then, Bai Ze's voice came through, sounding a bit aggrieved as he defended:

"But achieving immortality is hard, and they know that...

Moreover, things are different now from ancient times. Humans aren't as easy to sway as the demon race. If there aren't real benefits, how will human qi refiners join us?

Talking about luck as something vague, or merit as pie in the sky, and spirit stones as just basic expenses—we have no choice but to take unconventional paths.

Isn't this exactly the 'extraordinary means' you mentioned before, Water God?"

"Mr. Bai, the extraordinary means I was talking about could be using soul-binding methods to control those with purely evil natures, making them work for the Lin Tian Dian while doing good deeds to wash away their karmic burdens.

That way, we expand the Lin Tian Dian and can trust them more..."

Although Jiu Wu had slowed his steps as much as possible, he still had to enter.

Once the barrier closed, Bai Ze subtly pointed his finger again, and the voices in everyone's minds vanished...

Outside, silence fell for a while.

The lord Wang Fugui cleared his throat: "I think Li Changshou makes a good point."

Jiang Lin Er frowned and said:

"But if we don't offer something unique, how can we attract so many qi refiners?

And besides, how can someone of Bai Ze's ancient status be scolded like that!"

Jiu Jiu muttered, "Mistress, don't worry. I think Mr. Bai is probably quite happy right now."

"Hmm?"

Question marks like mushrooms sprouted on everyone's foreheads. Jiu Jiu smiled mysteriously and continued pressing her ear against the immortal force barrier.

Jiu Yiyi whispered, "Isn't the main issue that binding others' souls to control them seems even less benevolent?"

The Du Xian Men group fell silent, each lost in thought.

Finally, after half an hour,

The door creaked open—Bai Ze stepped out with a cheerful smile, while Jiu Wu behind him furrowed his brows, looking quite troubled.

Jiu Jiu quickly asked, "Where's Li Changshou?"

Bai Ze pointed to his sleeve and laughed, "He's already gone back. Everyone, please come in and discuss. Let's carefully figure out the path ahead.

You all heard bits of my conversation with him just now. Our tasks are heavy and our road is long.

To cover our startup, he's already begun pulling in forces from the three thousand worlds to draw the strong enemies' attention. We must also give it our all and go for broke."

Jiu Jiu blinked and asked, "Mr. Bai, you're not angry?"

"Hmm?"

Bai Ze looked puzzled at first, then chuckled.

"My heart is at peace."

Jiang Lin Er's mouth twitched slightly, her expression mirroring Jiu Wu's.

They couldn't quite understand why this ancient, renowned demon commander was so genuinely pleased after being reprimanded by a 'junior'...

Perhaps, that was the world of the strong.

In the underground chamber of Xiao Qiong Peak, Li Changshou opened his eyes and sighed lightly.

Good thing he went to check on the Lin Tian Dian side—Mr. Bai's small decision had nearly led them astray!

Of course, Mr. Bai was incredibly clever, with god-like abilities and vast experience from ancient times, but one thing was missing...

He never viewed things from the Tian Court's perspective.

Li Changshou understood Mr. Bai's previous approach—it's fine to have stains in the early development of a force; they can be whitewashed once it rises.

But what Li Changshou couldn't say outright was:

For the Lin Tian Dian to rise quickly, it needed the Tian Dao's approval, with the Tian Dao pushing from behind.

Relying solely on human effort, the Lin Tian Dian could never gain the strength to shake the Western Cult's peripheral forces in just a few centuries...

These past few days had been quite unlucky.

He was owed merit by the Tian Dao, the Lin Tian Dian had almost gone off track, but at least the underworld matters were stable, and the Ling Zhuzi situation was showing progress—that was some comfort.

"Sigh..."

Dreaming of being a hands-off manager was easier said than done.

"What's wrong, senior brother?"

Ling E, who was writing at her desk, looked up with concern.

"Nothing," Li Changshou said. "Senior Uncle Jiu Jiu has just become the Holy Maiden of the Lin Tian Dian, and they've gathered quite a few qi refiners. They should rise smoothly in the next few decades."

Ling E smiled. "With Mr. Bai sharing the burden, you can relax a bit, senior brother.

Would you like something to drink?"

"No need to trouble yourself."

Li Changshou glanced at the two stacks of jade talismans in front of him. "I still have to handle things elsewhere. If you're tired, go rest for a while, but don't neglect your cultivation.

Xuan Ya is working in the Tian Court now, and her cultivation progress has already surpassed yours."

Ling E sighed in dismay:

"Senior brother... is there a pill that can grant immortality in one go? I don't want to try anymore!"

Li Changshou snorted, "Recite the 'Stability Scripture' five hundred times and draw the array diagrams twenty times!"

"Oh, I was just kidding..."

"Abandon illusions and focus on cultivation," Li Changshou said seriously. "If your cultivation isn't achieved by your own efforts, and your realm isn't realized through your own enlightenment, you'll always be under others' control."

Ling E's face crumpled, and she slumped over the table with a mournful sigh.

Li Changshou chuckled lightly, closed his eyes to focus, and shifted his mind to the Tian Ya secret realm, immersing himself in the grand schemes.

This kept him busy for five days and nights.

Li Changshou set the exact date for the first gathering of the anti-Western immortal alliance, but kept the location undisclosed to prevent any interference from the Western Cult.

Unifying various forces was no simple task.

His strategy seemed complex, but the idea was straightforward.

First, win over a few major forces with the best treatment and benefits, then use them to intimidate the others, alternating carrots and sticks, and throw in some stirring stories;

Finally, gather them together, pour a cup of hot tea, and say:

'Who agrees, who objects?'

Things shouldn't have any... cough! As the holder of Tian Dao merit bonds, he'd make his case!

Flags really shouldn't be raised carelessly!

Li Changshou was concerned about Ling Zhu Zi's situation, so he shifted his mind to the You Ming underworld to check on his 'men's training' progress.

He originally planned to activate the paper effigy beside Ling Zhu Zi, but it was stored in a treasure, so while he could sense it, the connection wasn't stable.

That was fine. Li Changshou activated another paper effigy hidden in Feng Du City, transforming into the Tian Court Water God's form, and hurried to the city outskirts...

As his immortal sense spread out, he saw Ling Zhu Zi still at the Niu Tou Ma Mian's place, sparring with several Wu clan experts on the mountaintop.

Li Changshou didn't rush over. He turned and went to a hillside outside Feng Du City, finding the nearly completed 'Hall of Courage Testing.'

Just from the exterior, Li Changshou was quite satisfied—it matched his design plans almost perfectly.

However, it seemed the underworld officials had messed up the scale; the hall's area was over ten times larger than he had designed...

At that moment, Chu Jiang Wang rushed over from Feng Du City.

Li Changshou waited on the clouds for a bit, exchanged greetings with Chu Jiang Wang, and together they entered the Hall of Courage Testing for a tour.

When they exited, Li Changshou was greatly disappointed...

It was stiff and clichéd!

They had just placed some fierce evil souls from the eighteen layers of hell inside, with no impact at all!

Such scenes were commonplace in the You Ming realm—how could that scare immortals or train courage?!

"Water God," Chu Jiang Wang also said, "this thing's been built, but what's the point?

If you want to scare mortal souls, it's better to just take them on a tour of the eighteen layers of hell."

Li Changshou frowned in thought. The 'hardware' of the Hall of Courage Testing was in place; what was lacking was the 'content.'

"Lord Yan, could you summon some skilled craftsmen souls for me and lend me three hundred yin attendants?

Once I modify this place, it can be used for courage testing."

"Water God, you're too polite. Not just three hundred—even thirty thousand, I'll have them here right away!"

Chu Jiang Wang turned and shouted, and soon a great ghost whipped up black winds to Feng Du City. Before long, a crowd of ghostly figures arrived.

Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction and led these underworld craftsmen and yin soldiers into the grand hall, beginning to infuse it with soul and spirit.

Building a haunted house in the underworld was quite the feat.

First, Li Changshou set a rule—anyone entering must seal their own cultivation.

—This way, he could use the inevitable unease and weakness that came with sealed cultivation to his advantage.

Next, he began modifying the hall's arrays, setting up twelve layers of smaller arrays and connecting them with his specialty chain array method, one ring inside another.

—Using arrays to create pressure and tension, making those who entered with sealed cultivation feel utterly unsafe.

To stimulate the immortals' dao hearts, he had to put in extra effort, but this was still far from enough.

Li Changshou focused on enhancing the atmosphere, meticulously crafting every detail of 'light' and 'sound.'

Details determined the price!

From the first array onward, slow heartbeats could be heard, occasionally mixed with faint footsteps and soft laughter...

And so on.

In a very quiet environment, the softer and more natural the sounds, the more chilling they were.

Additionally, he paid attention to the suddenness of the 'ghosts' appearances, not focusing on their oddity.

Li Changshou carefully selected dozens of Wu clan members, designed costumes for them, trained them on timing their appearances, from makeup to poses, and ensured perfect coordination with lights and shadows...

Before he knew it, Li Changshou was thoroughly enjoying himself. What was supposed to take three days ended up taking half a month.

After half a month, Li Changshou stepped out of the Hall of Courage Testing satisfied, dismissing the yin attendants and craftsmen. He smiled slightly at Chu Jiang Wang, who had been waiting outside.

He activated the hall's various arrays and barriers, set up a sign that read 'Must Seal Cultivation to Enter,' and after a moment's thought, added a line of small text:

It might be too frightening inside; best to enter in groups of three.

"Isn't this looking down on us Wu, Water God?"

Chu Jiang Wang said proudly, "I'll go in for a stroll and appreciate your masterpiece."

Li Changshou handed him a jade talisman with a smile, "With this, Lord Yan can exit the arrays anytime."

"Ah, no need."

Chu Jiang Wang waved it off, quickly sealed points on his own body to retract his blood energy and aura, then casually walked into the hall.

Li Changshou didn't pay it much mind.

After all, this was the Yan Lord; he wouldn't be too...

"Hey! What the hell is this thing! Outrageous!"

"Why is the cabinet in here moving!"

"I am the Yan Lord of the underworld! I am the Yan Lord of the underworld!"

Li Changshou: ...

The effect seemed pretty good.

A moment later, Chu Jiang Wang muttered "I am the Yan Lord of the underworld," his greenish face pale, trying to walk with his chest out but unable to stop his legs from trembling.

Luckily, Li Changshou reminded him, or he might have forgotten he could unseal himself.

Once his strength returned, Chu Jiang Wang breathed a sigh of relief, his Wu heart quickly steadying as he said lowly, "Water God's work is truly extraordinary. I'm impressed."

Li Changshou laughed, "Lord Yan flatters me. I mainly did this to temper Ling Zhu Zi, and I got carried away."

"Can this hall stay here permanently?"

"Of course."

"Great," Chu Jiang Wang chuckled, "Once you're done with it, I'll bring those guys over to try it out and have some fun."

Li Changshou smiled warmly and invited Chu Jiang Wang to ride the clouds with him, heading to find the 'main beneficiary.'

This was a big gift for Ling Zhu Zi!

As they arrived at the eastern Yi Xian Xiong Pass of Feng Du City, Li Changshou happened to see this scene...

Ling Zhu Zi was glowing all over, leaping from the mountaintop into the air, hovering upside down, and slamming a palm downward while shouting:

"Great! Mighty! Heaven! Dragon!"

A four-clawed golden dragon burst from his palm, its illusory form expanding rapidly and fiercely slamming into the Niu Tou Ma Mian's 'secret garden,' pinning the four Wu warriors against the rocks for a rubdown.

Chu Jiang Wang praised, "Your disciple has astonishing comprehension; he mastered our Wu clan's combat skills so quickly."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, about to send a message to Ling Zhu Zi, when his spiritual sense suddenly trembled slightly.

Instinctively, Li Changshou turned sharply, looking toward the west of the You Ming realm, his face turning gravely serious.

"Water God, what is it?"

Chu Jiang Wang frowned and asked, but Li Changshou couldn't answer—his spiritual sense was still trembling faintly.

This wasn't a sign of danger, nor was anyone warning him; it was purely because this incarnation had sensed something major related to himself.

Li Changshou asked, "What place is that?"

"Head that way for tens of thousands of li, and it's all the Blood Sea," Chu Jiang Wang replied immediately.

Blood Sea?

Li Changshou closed his eyes, thoughts racing, until a flash of insight gripped him tightly.

He mustn't rush or act rashly; he couldn't make decisions lightly.

Empty Bright Dao Heart, activate!

Balanced Great Dao, activate!

No influence from calamity, no control by Tian Dao, dao heart like a calm mirror, without ripples.

Trump card: Wind Language Spell—Seeking the Wind over Ten Thousand Li.

Li Changshou's spirit sharpened, and he murmured, "Lord Yan, quickly mobilize the troops. There's going to be a battle in the Blood Sea."

In the secret chamber of Xiao Qiong Peak, before the portrait of Tai Qing Saint, Li Changshou bowed deeply. Streams of light immediately appeared before him, forming the Xuan Huang Pagoda, the Qian Kun Ruler, the Li Di Flame Banner, and...

The Tai Ji Chart?!

Li Changshou pondered deeply and understood his teacher's intent.

Nearly all the treasures were being deployed, so he should... not act recklessly, stay steady.

Yes, that must be it.

Meanwhile, beyond the great wilderness, in Xuan Du City, which had been quiet for who knows how long.

On the city wall, enveloped in layers of array lights, a slightly rocking chair held a certain great mage who preferred not to reveal his name. He stretched lazily, touched his chest, and muttered drowsily:

"Hmm? Where's the chart?"