Chapter 480: Tongtian Grants Treasure, Houtu's Request

"Everyone, listen to my explanation."

I truly sensed it—it was His Majesty the Jade Emperor intending to promote me to a higher divine position, which added a second-tier god rank and stirred the power of the Heavenly Dao, manifesting this divine thunder here.

"Really, every—"

Sigh, what on earth is going on with the Heavenly Dao?

It’s deliberately targeting me, constantly undermining—if it's just coincidence, then Li Changshou is truly unfortunate!

He also felt that, indeed, there was a tiny possibility of that happening.

Could it be that the Heavenly Dao is warning me about something?

Li Changshou, immobilized by the Dinghai Divine Pearls and hung from the beam with the Kunxian Rope, listened to the laughter and banter from the nearby drinking party, his forehead covered in black lines.

Speaking of which, why are Tu Laoda, Chi Ge, and Ta Ye all pretending to be offline, even though they’re wandering around my yuan shen?

He’s completely innocent!

Then, he heard Yunxiao Xianzi say softly,"I believe him. Don't make things so hard for him, big brother."

Indeed, the one who cares about me is the one who truly understands me…

Yunxiao continued,"It's only natural for acquired beings to have stronger seven emotions and six desires. I've known for a while that he likes to listen to music and watch dances.I won't hold this against him. I can accept his preferences."

Li Changshou's forehead black lines grew even denser.

The fairy has suddenly become playful!

Jinxing Shengmu scolded angrily,"How can we, the disciples of Jie Jiao, endure such humiliation!"

"That's right, that's right," Taiyi Zhenren chimed in, stirring up trouble. "Heng'e in the Heavenly Court is known as the most beautiful in the three realms—we have to be on guard."

Li Changshou glared at him, and Taiyi Zhenren smiled slyly.

Li Changshou calmly sent a voice transmission: "I wonder how Lingzhu Zi's cultivation is going lately. From what I've seen, it's been quite effective."

Taiyi Zhenren's smile froze. He cleared his throat and said,"Everyone, let's keep the jokes as jokes. We should still trust Changgeng's character."

Yunxiao Xianzi suppressed a slight smile, sighed softly, and turned her back to Li Changshou to drink and chat with Jinxing Shengmu.

Li Changshou tilted his head and sighed, hanging from the beam to rest for a while.

The affairs of the underworld are stable for now, and the Heavenly Dao owes me two major merits;

The contest with Western Cult must continue in the three thousand worlds, openly disrupting the Anti-Western Immortal Alliance while secretly supporting the Lin Tian Hall.

But this can't become my main focus going forward.

With Ling E's help on this, I need to free up more time to comprehend the Dao of Equilibrium and reduce my outings.

This time, Li Changshou has fully confirmed that the Heavenly Dao isn't giving him merits because it doesn't allow him to condense a merit golden body.

Now, only two possibilities remain:

First, the merit golden body could affect his tribulation, and the Heavenly Dao intends to eliminate him.

Second, this accumulation of merits must have another purpose.

If I keep saving them up until the merits the Heavenly Dao owes me could form a golden body, that would be the biggest joke in the Honghuang world…

But that's impossible—there won't be so many opportunities to earn merits later.

Even if the first scenario has a low probability, Li Changshou can't ignore it.

I need to plan everything carefully, not giving the Heavenly Dao any openings. My main body will stay put in Xiaoqiong Peak, and depending on the situation, I might move to Doushuai Palace or take Ling E to Taiqing Temple to fulfill filial duties.

Caring for solitary saints starts with you and me.

Deep down, Li Changshou leans more toward the second possibility—that this merits has a greater use;

And Teacher Taiqing has said to just let it be, so Li Changshou can only choose to let it go.

If even Teacher Taiqing isn't trustworthy, then I should just eat when I eat, drink when I drink, and not take anything to heart.

As an immortal, the most important things are happiness… and steadiness.

After some jokes and laughter,

Li Changshou was only hung up for a moment before Yunxiao pleaded for him and he was let down.

At this point, Li Changshou couldn't quite figure out Yunxiao Xianzi's exact thoughts—whether she really minded or was exploring a new way of interacting…

Hmm, it feels a bit like dating in a past life.

Their gathering lasted three days before dispersing. Li Changshou escorted Yunxiao back to Sanxian Island, speaking softly and exchanging glances along the way, making their relationship even closer than before.

The playful side Yunxiao unintentionally showed, so different from her usual cool demeanor, made Li Changshou feel quite novel.

To be safe, Li Changshou took out the letters he had written earlier and gave them to her to solidify their growing affection.

As soon as he placed the letters in her hands, Li Changshou chuckled lightly and used his escape technique to dart away.

There was still a bit of embarrassment involved…

Li Changshou's main body didn't rush back to Xiaoqiong Peak. His paper effigy had been periodically checking the situation at home, and Ling E was carrying the Ligedi Yan Guang Qi, which shares origins with the Qinglian Bao Se Qi, so everything was safe and sound.

With the Taiji Diagram and Ta Ye protecting him, Li Changshou headed back to the underworld to enter the Liudao Lunhui Pan again.

He had already returned the Seven Emotions Grass to Niangniang Houtu;

A few days earlier, after stabilizing the Lunhui Tower, when Li Changshou entered the Liudao Lunhui Pan to bid farewell to Niangniang Houtu, she had asked for his help, but he hadn't given an answer at the time.

Now, Li Changshou had an answer and needed to report back in the Liudao Lunhui Pan.

—The Liudao Lunhui Pan is isolated from the outside world, so paper effigies lose contact upon entry; only the main body can go in.

That day, Niangniang Houtu asked him:

"With the Lunhui Tower available now, Xiao Ai and the others want to go to the mortal world. They can reincarnate through this tower—can you protect them for me?"

Normally, Li Changshou wouldn't refuse such a request from Niangniang Houtu, nor should he.

But he hesitated at the time.

This seemed like a good thing, but in practice, it faced an unavoidable problem—

Should Xiao Ai and the others reincarnate as one person or seven?

If as seven, they'd be individuals with major personality flaws, and if the power of the seven emotions remains, they'd be hard to place.

If they reincarnate as one, sharing a body and balancing each other, it would be quite torturous…

Isn't that just multiple personalities from a past life?

Niangniang Houtu's intention was for them to reincarnate as one person, to avoid troubling the beings of heaven and earth, and let them go out to see the world, support each other, and complete their mindsets.

Li Changshou suggested another plan at the time: let Xiao Ai and the others reincarnate as seven but ensure they never separate, always maintaining the balance of the seven emotions' power.

Though this has many risks, it would spare Xiao Ai and the others some suffering.

Li Changshou vaguely guessed that Niangniang Houtu's desire for the seven emotions incarnations to reincarnate must involve deeper considerations.

The divine abilities Xiao Ai and Xiao Nu had shown earlier were truly overpoweringly strong—one moment of sorrow, one of anger, and they nearly toyed with so many Asura masters in their grasp.

After thinking it over, Li Changshou's conclusion was…

To follow Niangniang Houtu's lead.

The seven emotions incarnations originated from Niangniang Houtu; he was just close to Xiao Ai and had no right to interfere.

From various angles, having the seven incarnations reincarnate as one being minimizes risks and troubles, and might even cultivate a top-tier expert.

It's just that above Taiyi Zhenren's head, there's an implicit word 'danger'.

A series of issues followed.

How to arrange for Niangniang Houtu's seven emotions incarnations to reincarnate smoothly?

Xiao Ai and the others are like Houtu's sisters, or tamed inner demons—whose high status could serve as their parents?

Find two ordinary mortals who know nothing about this?

Like with Jiu Yu Shi back then, pretend to pass by and take the reincarnated seven emotions to the Heavenly Court?

Or, go to Niangniang Nuwa to have her mold a perfect Dao body…

Speaking of which, Niangniang Nuwa hasn't urged me to go to Shengmu Palace lately—that account of the five hundred pages of comics hasn't been settled yet.

What? Five hundred years? How is that possible!

Niangniang Nuwa is so understanding; she knows I'm busy as the Heavenly Court Water God dealing with the Fengshen Calamity. Even with 'time stop' abilities, I shouldn't distract myself for that long.

Uh, maybe she's waiting for the great calamity to pass and then use her divine powers to make me serve five hundred times…

While concealing his presence, Li Changshou thought of this and couldn't help patting his forehead. He decided to proactively visit Shengmu Palace later to settle the account and arrange the matter of Niangniang Houtu's incarnations.

The seven emotions incarnations entering the cycle of reincarnation…

The Water God Residence is probably going to get really lively.

Just as he was about to enter the Youming Realm, his spiritual awareness suddenly stirred, prompting Li Changshou to clear his mind.

Tu Laoda transmitted a message:

"Your eldest disciple has arrived, seeming to have something to find you, and is releasing immortal sense to probe your traces."

Li Changshou perked up—Da Fashi!

Is everything okay at Xuandu City?

Just as I was thinking of hiding my main body, Da Fashi returns to the Honghuang world—this is like wanting to sleep and someone handing you a pillow.

Following the Taiji Diagram's guidance, Li Changshou wandered east and west along the edge of the Youming Realm before finally spotting a mist. He actively released his aura…

"Hmm?"

A familiar voice sounded, and the mist parted slightly, revealing a face within;

This face was neither handsome nor plain, but had its own charm, very appealing.

Who else could it be but Xuandu Da Fashi?

Li Changshou quickly revealed his main body… well, the paper effigy that had already hidden in his sleeve.

Da Fashi looked around before beckoning to Li Changshou's paper effigy, signaling him to enter the mist.

Why does this feel like we're sneaking around?

With the three supreme treasures present, and the Taiji Diagram confirming Da Fashi's identity, Li Changshou trusted him deeply, only symbolically maintaining a basic 30% doubt.

Li Changshou focused and entered the mist, immediately feeling his connection to the heavens and earth weaken significantly.

Da Fashi breathed a sigh of relief and said quietly, "Changshou, how did your effigy find me? I sneaked back this time, so don't mention it to the teacher."

Li Changshou asked, "When did you return, senior brother?"

"Yesterday."

Da Fashi smiled calmly: "I figured that with the big events in the underworld lately, staying here would likely run into you. I didn't expect your ability to hide has become so advanced…

Hmm? Wait."

Da Fashi's smile faded, and he frowned: "Is Tu Laoda with you?"

Li Changshou innocently spread his hands, and the Taiji Diagram, Xuanhuang Pagoda, and Qiankun Ruler slowly appeared. Tu Laoda's cold hum echoed in the minds of the two.

Da Fashi smiled steadily, maintaining his composure: "What you're seeing is an illusion. I'm here through the great dream technique; this body is just a shadow.

Disturbing you, farewell."

With that, he turned to leave, but was caught by two strands of yin-yang energy from the Taiji Diagram and pulled back.

Tu Laoda scolded: "Did you really think you could hide from me? Just say what you need!"

Ta Ye and Qiankun Ruler watched the spectacle with amusement, and Da Fashi let out a bitter laugh.

Soon, Li Changshou and Xuandu Da Fashi sat facing each other, with the Taiji Diagram slowly circling above them.

Xuandu Da Fashi said: "Seeing you've become much more steady and can handle things on your own, I'm truly relieved as your senior brother.

I came back this time, actually just passing through… cough!

Actually, there's something I need to remind you of."

Li Changshou felt a bit speechless!

It turns out, the strongest force below saints, under the pretext of guarding Xuandu City, is just wandering the three thousand worlds for fun…

We junior disciples almost ended up fighting a saint!

Li Changshou rubbed his brow and sighed: "Senior brother, if there's anything, just tell me. Without you, there wouldn't be today's me. You're more than just a fellow disciple to me."

"Don't get sentimental—I've benefited from you too, or I wouldn't be this carefree now."

Da Fashi waved it off, hesitating a bit. He glanced at the Taiji Diagram overhead and set up an immortal force barrier around them before saying: "Minghe Laozu might not really be dead."

Li Changshou blinked, feeling like his senior brother was just making conversation.

"Senior brother, wasn't it you who personally eliminated Minghe Laozu back then?"

"Ah," Xuandu Da Fashi laughed, "I only managed to suppress him with our Ren Jiao's supreme treasure—it's nothing worth mentioning.

I've always known the Asura clan planned to summon Minghe Laozu back.

You've been moving around the underworld a lot lately and getting closer to the Blood Sea, so I thought I'd remind you in time."

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile bitterly, breaking into a slight cold sweat from Xuandu Da Fashi's words.

"Senior brother, don't worry. I'll be careful."

Da Fashi smiled satisfactorily and added: "By the way, I heard that you were supposed to receive merits recently, but ended up getting struck by lightning instead?"

Li Changshou: …

In just a few days, news from here reached the distant Xuandu City!?

Seeing Li Changshou a bit stunned, Da Fashi laughed: "Things have been peaceful in Xuandu City lately, so I went out for a stroll a couple of days ago and happened to hear this rumor."

He's clearly been traveling everywhere!

"It was indeed like that, and it's the second time," Li Changshou asked quickly, "Senior brother, do you know the reason?"

A hint of recollection flashed in Da Fashi's eyes as he asked, "Are you trying to condense a merit golden body?"

Li Changshou replied, "Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

"If it's not necessary, it's best not to."

Da Fashi spoke earnestly: "What's holding back your merits now is likely our ancestral master, not the Heavenly Dao.

The merit golden body is good, like a get-out-of-jail-free card, but Changshou, think carefully—do you really need it for protection right now?

It has one major drawback, which is also why it's precious: it's closely tied to the Heavenly Dao, and your Dao will be subtly influenced by it."

Li Changshou frowned in thought, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

He trusted Da Fashi's words, but after working so hard for the merit golden body…

"Then, senior brother, what's the use of this merits I have?"

"You can condense the merit golden body when your Dao cultivation stalls, or use it to refine treasures.

If you have enough merits to form a golden body, you naturally have enough to refine top-grade merit spiritual treasures—it's up to you how to choose."

Li Changshou pondered this deeply.

Da Fashi laughed: "Alright, seeing you're safe and sound, I'm at ease. I'll head back to guard Xuandu City.

Sigh, Xuandu City is great in every way, except it lacks a mirror…"

Li Changshou teased: "Senior brother has no place to admire his handsome face, which is indeed a pity."

"Hmm?" Da Fashi blinked.

Li Changshou blinked back, slightly puzzled.

The Taiji Diagram rotated gently, and Da Fashi stood up, hands behind his back, giving Li Changshou a 'you should get it' look.

Lacks a mirror… lacks a…

Live broadcast copper mirror?

Was Da Fashi's return just to get a live broadcast copper mirror for entertainment?

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile. He hadn't thought of that earlier, since the copper mirror system wasn't perfected yet—just transmitting signals from the Youming Realm to the Heavenly Court consumed a lot of immortal power.

Transmitting from the Heavenly Court to the faraway Xuandu City was impossible.

Li Changshou pulled out two copper mirrors from his sleeve and said: "Senior brother, this style of copper mirror is popular in the Heavenly Court lately, but its main function only works nearby.

Still, it makes a fine ordinary mirror for you to adjust your appearance."

Da Fashi showed a look of realization, mixed with disappointment, and played with the copper mirror for a bit.

Li Changshou had a sudden idea and said: "Senior brother, I happen to have an important matter to discuss with Niangniang Houtu. Why don't you come with me into the Liudao Lunhui Pan?"

"In that case," Xuandu Da Fashi nodded gracefully, "I'll reluctantly agree.

But we can't delay too long— the teacher ordered me to guard Xuandu City, so I need to return soon."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and gestured for him to lead the way.

Tu Laoda snorted and returned to Xuandu Da Fashi's palm, sending a spiritual message to both: "Don't play around too long, or the master will scold, and I won't say a word in your defense."

Da Fashi winked at Li Changshou, who just shook his head helplessly and sighed.

This senior brother really came back just for fun!

If he'd arrived half a month earlier, dealing with Western Cult would've been so much easier—maybe we wouldn't even need Yuan Shi Tianzun to show up…

"Changshou, what's the matter with Niangniang Houtu?"

"She wants her seven emotions incarnations to reincarnate and experience the world, to complete their natures."

"Oh? There's such a thing? Then I'll stay a few more days to help, so you don't act rashly and make mistakes."

"Thank you for your help, senior brother."

"It's nothing, it's nothing, ha ha ha, what a great excuse!"

Meanwhile, on Xiaoqiong Peak, in the underground chamber,

"Hmm hmm hmm."

Humming a cheerful tune, Ling E sat in the chamber's study, sorting and categorizing jade talismans, clearly in high spirits.

Suddenly, a subtle fluctuation appeared in the space, and without any movement from the great array on Xiaoqiong Peak or any detection from Duxian Sect, a vermilion box materialized in front of Ling E!

Ling E froze for a moment, then jumped up, her slender body bumping into the wall, with over a dozen "poisoned tools" in her hand.

She heard a light laugh by her ear:"You're Changgeng's junior sister?Don't be afraid. I promised to give your senior brother something, so I just left it here since I didn't want to find him."

"Senior… predecessor?"

Ling E quickly calmed down and bowed to the air.

She naturally understood that anyone who could bypass her senior brother's elaborate arrays and place something here without warning could harm her without any effort!

Ling E said hastily: "May I ask for your name, predecessor, so I can report it to my senior brother?"

"The poor Daoist is Tongtian, your Yunxiao sister's master."

Ling E's yuan shen froze instantly.

Then she heard the clear voice continue: "Good temperament, a fine little girl. Consider whether to come to my Biyou Palace for cultivation. If you want, have your senior brother bring you. Goodbye."

The voice faded gradually, and by the time "goodbye" was said, it had vanished completely.

Ling E stood there dumbfounded.

Just now, that was a saint, a saint, a saint?

Hmm… seriously, her senior brother's voice is still more pleasant.

Ling E blinked, staring at the wooden box pressed on the jade talismans, lost in thought for a long time.