Chapter 502: Brother-in-law~

The warm clouds over the platform and the winding paths filled with lingering fragrance created a serene atmosphere.

On Sanxian Island, within a pavilion, seven figures stood or sat, all direct disciples of the Jie Jiao sect. Their expressions varied.

Duobao Daoist was the most composed, smiling as he sipped a cup of hot tea slowly.

Zhao Gongming and Jinling Shengmu appeared somewhat anxious, pacing back and forth in the pavilion, one in front and one behind.

Yunxiao sat gracefully in a corner of the pavilion, her long hair elegantly styled, wearing a light Confucian-style skirt. Her face was coldly beautiful, yet she showed little emotion, maintaining her usual gentleness as she watched her two younger sisters.

Qiongxiao, dressed in a pale yellow long skirt, Bixiao in a short-sleeved jacket and skirt, and Guiling Shengmu, who favored a light green gauze skirt, gathered around the stone table in the center of the pavilion. Qiongxiao and Bixiao were playing a game of chess, while Guiling Shengmu offered commentary from the side.

The three fairy sisters seemed the most relaxed, as if the matters at hand had nothing to do with them.

The crisp sound of chess pieces being placed mixed with the birdsong and insect chirps carried by the wind, bringing a moment of peace to the pavilion.

Outside the pavilion, Zhao Gongming turned as if to say something, but only let out a sigh before continuing to pace with his hands behind his back.

Qiongxiao's bright eyes were fixed on the chessboard, her slender fingers holding a smooth chess piece as she smiled and said:

"Big Brother, if you have something to say, just say it. We're here to discuss strategies, so how can we plan if you don't speak up?"

"Ah..."

Zhao Gongming sighed: "What is there to say about this?

Changgeng gets along well with us, but he's still a disciple of Ren Jiao and will be overseeing this great calamity...

I know he worries about us getting involved in the calamity. Whenever there's a chance to gain merit, he invites us along to give us more security in the midst of the chaos.

He's already done more than enough for our Jie Jiao sect. We can't keep relying on him for everything."

"Hmm... Oh?"

Guiling Shengmu, in her light green thin skirt, exclaimed in surprise: "Is there really such a good opportunity to pick up merit?"

Qiongxiao rolled her eyes, her expression mirroring Bixiao's—a mix of disdain and a hint of pride.

Qiongxiao said: "I've only encountered it a few times anyway."

Bixiao added: "Exactly! The disciples of Ren Jiao are always so biased!"

Nearby, Duobao Daoist narrowed his eyes in amusement, about to make a teasing remark, but he subconsciously glanced at Yunxiao...

He held back. As the senior brother of Jie Jiao, he needed to maintain his demeanor and speak with care.

Guiling Shengmu thought carefully for a moment and asked softly: "Aren't we supposed to be discussing how to seize that Blood Sea Red Lotus? Why are we getting tangled up with Junior Brother Changgeng?"

Zhao Gongming explained:

"If that Red Lotus matter is indeed true, we must definitely compete for it.

Chan Jiao will likely make a move too, and that's only fair. There's no reason to say such a treasure belongs only to our Jie Jiao.

In that case, Changgeng's stance becomes crucial."

"Exactly."

Jinling Shengmu chimed in from the side, arms folded as she leaned against the railing. Her graceful figure had a natural charm, though it was overshadowed by her commanding presence.

She continued: "Working with Changgeng makes it hard not to notice how formidable he is.

He anticipates the enemy's moves, predicts their strategies, and provides comprehensive countermeasures. Even against a saint's schemes, he can navigate with his quick wit.

On top of that, he can borrow several supreme treasures from Taiqing Shibo for protection. He himself possesses the unfathomable Avenue of Balance and is the current orchestrator of the great calamity, a pivotal authority in the Heavenly Court.

Moreover, his attitude, in a way, reflects that of his master.

If Chan Jiao manages to win him over, our chances of seizing that Red Lotus to stabilize our sect's fate will be incredibly slim."

Guiling Shengmu pursed her lips and blinked, lost in thought for a moment.

Bixiao muttered quietly: "Is quasi-brother-in-law already that powerful?"

"Sister," Qiongxiao said, "what exactly did you write in the letter to him?"

Yunxiao replied softly: "I just asked him not to put himself in a difficult position, to judge the matter from the standpoint of a Ren Jiao disciple, and not to let personal feelings affect his judgment."

Upon hearing this, Jinling Shengmu frowned slightly, feeling somewhat dissatisfied, and asked in succession:

"Junior Sister Yunxiao, are personal feelings really so unimportant?

He and you are essentially meant to be dao companions, so why not use that to pull him toward our Jie Jiao side?

You're a disciple of a saint from Jie Jiao, and he's from Ren Jiao. If you two form a destined union, Ren Jiao and Jie Jiao should naturally grow closer. How can we not gain some advantage from him?"

Yunxiao replied gently: "Senior Sister might not understand. In our interactions, there's no ulterior motive, no expectations—we simply find joy in each other's company, as peaceful as clouds and solitary geese.

Because of me, he's already done more than he should. How could I use our relationship to make him sway from his path?"

A sharp glint appeared in Jinling Shengmu's eyes: "Junior Sister, are you prioritizing your personal relationship over the loyalty to our sect?"

Yunxiao stood up, her pure white skirt flowing like water without a single wrinkle, and said firmly:

"Personal feelings are one thing, and sect loyalty is another. Why must the two be confused?

As I wrote in my letter to him, if Senior Brother gives the order later, and we go to the Blood Sea to search for the twelve-grade karmic Red Lotus, I will fulfill my duties as a Jie Jiao disciple.

But letting personal feelings disrupt loyalty, or loyalty disrupt personal feelings, would mean losing both."

Jinling Shengmu was about to speak again, but Zhao Gongming and Duobao Daoist quickly stepped forward, interrupting almost simultaneously.

Zhao Gongming said hastily: "I think what Second Sister said makes sense, but Jinling is right too."

"Don't argue, you two," Duobao Daoist laughed. "The Red Lotus hasn't even appeared yet. Maybe the whole thing is just a scheme by the second leader of Xi Fang Jiao to stir up conflict between us and Chan Jiao."

Bixiao huffed lightly: "Chan Jiao already has plenty of treasures to stabilize their sect. Why do they have to compete with us?"

Jinling Shengmu said calmly: "They just don't want us to have peace.

The disciples I sent to the Blood Sea to search for the Red Lotus have spotted traces of Chan Jiao members.

If the great calamity is destined to wipe out three thousand great sects and immortal lineages, Chan Jiao would naturally prefer that the losses fall on our Jie Jiao and Xi Fang Jiao."

"Ah," Qiongxiao said, tapping the chess piece gently against her cheek, "who wants to see themselves or their fellow disciples die? It's all understandable; there's no need to blame Chan Jiao too much."

Duobao Daoist chuckled: "I say, everyone, aren't you thinking too far ahead?

We haven't even confirmed anything yet, and you're already imagining the benefits of seizing the Red Lotus.

As I see it, if this twelve-grade Red Lotus exists, great; if not, no worries. It won't make our situation any worse, so why get so worked up?"

"Senior Brother, you're always so carefree!"

Jinling Shengmu shook her head but said no more.

"Then," Zhao Gongming suggested, "those of us who are too familiar with Changgeng should stay out of sight to avoid putting him in an awkward position.

Senior Brother Duobao and Junior Sister Guiling, why don't you two go to the Netherworld first and discuss this with Changgeng?

I imagine Chan Jiao has probably sent people there too."

"Can I go too, Sister?" Qiongxiao asked, not forgetting to place her piece slowly on the board. The chessboard shifted like changing winds and clouds, with the jade pieces glowing crystal clear.

Five in a row—she had won!

Bixiao slapped her forehead in frustration. This game, brought from Xiao Qiong Peak, had added much amusement to Sanxian Island.

Yunxiao thought for a moment and nodded gently in agreement.

The six Jie Jiao disciples discussed further and finally decided that Jie Jiao's senior brother, Duobao Daoist, would lead the inner disciple Guiling Shengmu and the outer disciple Qiongxiao to the Netherworld to consult with Li Changgeng about the twelve-grade Red Lotus matter.

Qiongxiao changed into a proper long skirt and carefully groomed herself, becoming a radiant and charming fairy.

Once Qiongxiao was ready, Duobao Daoist opened a earth tunnel, and Qiongxiao and Guiling Shengmu entered it. The three quickly left Sanxian Island and headed for the Netherworld.

Yunxiao walked to the edge of the pavilion, gazing into the distance as a breeze lifted a strand of her hair. In the soft sleeve of her dress, her delicate hand clutched a warm copper coin.

"Junior Sister Yunxiao."

From behind, Jinling Shengmu called softly: "What I said earlier wasn't meant to upset you. We've known each other for years, and I understand your temperament, so don't take it to heart."

Yunxiao turned back with a light smile, her beautiful eyes full of warmth.

Zhao Gongming said: "I wonder if this twelve-grade Red Lotus business is real or fake. The timing of its appearance is suspiciously convenient."

"It must be part of someone's scheme," Jinling Shengmu said, "whether from Xi Fang Jiao, some saint, or an unknown figure. We must stay vigilant."

Yunxiao murmured to herself: "I wonder how he will handle this."

With her murmur, that concern followed her gaze to the clouds, drifting toward the horizon and reaching Li Changgeng's ears.

Ding ding ding—

In the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, on the stairs leading to the top floor, a large green-furred dog, having shrunk its size considerably, carefully carried a tray laden with teacups, climbing step by step with trembling legs.

Di Ting scurried to Li Changgeng's side first, using immortal power to hand him a cup of tea, chuckling: "Water God, please have some tea."

Di Zang's forehead twitched with a vein.

Then, Di Ting turned and scampered to Bai Ze, squatting down and offering a cup with its front paws: "Elder Bai Ze, please have some tea."

Another vein bulged on Di Zang's forehead, forming a cross.

Unaware, Di Ting used immortal power to push two more cups toward the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and Wei Shenmo, saying warmly: "The humble abode is simple; my apologies to you two marshals."

The two Heavenly Court marshals expressed their thanks.

Finally, Di Ting's body shook as it shakily held up the last cup of tea to the burly man transformed from the green ox.

"Senior, have some tea!

Among all the mounts in the Three Realms, we all aspire to reach your level—carrying a saint and commanding such respect!"

The green ox smiled calmly, took the cup, and patted Di Ting's head.

Instantly, Di Ting's green and white fur took on a faint pink hue. It dashed back to Li Changgeng, standing on its hind legs to massage his back.

Wei Shenmo frowned at the scene, feeling a bit...

Was this really the divine beast Di Ting, which could hear the thoughts of all spirits in the Three Realms?

And over there, the young daoist sharpening a knife and setting up an iron pot—was that truly Di Zang, the lord of the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, who had once moved him deeply during their last encounter in the Netherworld?

"Uh," Wei Shenmo couldn't help rubbing his brow, feeling a little unadjusted.

Li Changgeng said calmly: "Di Ting, do you know about the Red Lotus matter?"

Di Ting replied quickly: "Water God, the Red Lotus matter should be real, but I don't know its exact location."

"Has Xi Fang Jiao found anything from their search in the Blood Sea?"

"Ahem!"

Di Zang coughed loudly, brandishing the short knife in his hand.

Di Ting shuddered, glanced at its master, and continued: "Water God, please don't mind—my master still has feelings for Xi Fang Jiao.

I absolutely won't tell you that Xi Fang Jiao sent thousands of beings, from saint disciples to Hong Meng fierce beasts and great karmic demons, to search the Blood Sea for a long time without finding anything, and only then did news of the twelve-grade Red Lotus emerging spread."

Di Zang snorted, tossed the short knife aside, and said casually: "Water God, why not stay for a meal today? I hear Elder Bai Ze has excellent cooking skills and has prepared red-braised divine beast before!"

Di Ting grimaced, retreated behind Di Zang, and lay down calmly.

Bai Ze smiled slightly: "Such cooking disrupts the harmony of heaven and earth... Fellow Daoist Di Zang, now that you're part of the Heavenly Dao sequence, why still identify as a Xi Fang Jiao disciple?"

Di Zang said slowly: "I once thought that cultivating the dao for longevity and freedom was the ultimate pursuit. Only upon enlightenment did I realize it's all tied to two words: one's origins.

It's like you, Water God. Once we step into a certain gate and master a divine ability, we're branded with an indelible mark.

Many mortals spend their lives never leaving a few hundred li; we immortals may roam the three thousand worlds or even explore the Chaos Sea, but we must remember our roots, or our hearts will wander."

Li Changgeng gave a thumbs-up: "Fellow Daoist, you seem truly idle lately, full of such profound insights."

"Hmph," Di Zang dropped his smile, "today, I definitely won't help you find the twelve-grade Red Lotus."

"Is that so?"

Li Changgeng, Bai Ze, the young daoist, Wei Shenmo, and the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird all turned their gazes to behind Di Zang.

There, Di Ting held a wooden plaque in its mouth, with several crooked characters scrawled on it: Hell, karmic vicious souls; Red Lotus is absorbing karmic forces.

"Hmm?"

Di Zang turned to look, and the wooden plaque vanished from Di Ting's mouth in a flash, which then calmly chewed on something.

"What are you eating?"

"Master, to show my respect for Senior Green Ox, I'm trying out a skill unique to the ox clan—regurgitating and rechewing my last meal."

Di Zang's face filled with disgust as he shifted away.

Li Changgeng stood up and said: "Since Fellow Daoist Di Zang won't help, that's fine. Let's go."

The other four experts agreed, rising to bid farewell to Di Zang and Di Ting.

Di Zang remained seated, eyes closed in meditation.

Leaving the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, Li Changgeng frowned in thought, pondering Di Ting's hint.

The more he considered it, the more feasible it seemed.

If they could find a vicious soul in the eighteen layers of hell with abundant karmic forces but weak soul power, it would be like marking that karmic energy.

Then, by tracking the flow of karmic forces and releasing more "samples," they might locate the twelve-grade karmic Red Lotus!

It was better than waiting idly.

Wei Shenmo asked: "What did Di Ting's hint mean?"

Li Changgeng smiled and explained his idea in the language of the primordial cultivation world. Aside from Bai Ze, the other three showed sudden realization.

The green ox laughed: "Di Ting is quite clever."

"It must be Di Zang giving us a reminder," Li Changgeng said, "though he's still holding onto his own principles, so he did it through Di Ting."

Wei Shenmo chuckled: "Or maybe Di Ting acted on its own?"

"Marshal," Li Changgeng said warmly, "that wooden plaque had no restrictions at all. Di Zang has immortal sense, after all."

Wei Shenmo patted his forehead, his smile tinged with emotion.

"Let's go. We'll split up and head to the eighteen layers of hell to select..."

Li Changgeng paused, looking at the streaks of light crossing the sky above Fengdu City, and said:

"We'll divide into two groups. Elder Bai and Golden Peng, take my token and go select the appropriate karmic souls. I'll stay here to receive a few senior brothers from Chan Jiao."

"Very well."

"Understood, Teacher!"

Bai Ze and the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird acknowledged and turned toward the Reincarnation Immortal Island in Fengdu City.

The streams of light transformed into four figures: Chi Jingzi, Huanglong Zhenren, Taiyi Zhenren, and Yuding Zhenren. From Taiyi Zhenren's sleeve, a faint shadow emerged—Lingzhuzi had come along too.

Huanglong Zhenren, perhaps to ease the awkward atmosphere, burst into laughter upon landing, fully embodying the customary social etiquette of the primordial world.

Both sides exchanged greetings, with Wei Shenmo and the green ox standing behind Li Changgeng without drawing attention.

Chi Jingzi glanced at Taiyi Zhenren, who stood with hands behind his back, staring at the sky and saying nothing.

Li Changgeng took the initiative: "Senior Brothers, you're here about the Red Lotus, right?"

"Indeed," Chi Jingzi said with a gentle smile, about to continue when a round pit suddenly collapsed in the space beside them, and three figures jumped out.

The plump daoist in front smiled calmly: "Better late than never—this is quite timely."

Chi Jingzi frowned slightly and quickly led the Chan Jiao immortals in a bow, addressing him as "Senior Brother Duobao."

Guiling Shengmu and Qiongxiao did not step forward to greet, merely nodding in acknowledgment.

Thus, representatives from Ren Jiao, Chan Jiao, and Jie Jiao unexpectedly met.

Though no rain fell, the atmosphere was far from harmonious.

Li Changgeng pondered for a moment, about to invite them to the Heavenly Soldiers' camp for discussion...

"Uncle Changgeng!"

Lingzhuzi jumped in front of Li Changgeng with a bright, innocent smile: "I want to return to the Heavenly Court for more cultivation!"

"Excellent," Li Changgeng said, patting Lingzhuzi's shoulder encouragingly. "Keep striving, and you'll achieve your destiny."

Taiyi Zhenren smirked: "Raising a disciple is just like raising a daughter—now he's been swayed away."

Chi Jingzi smiled faintly.

The three Jie Jiao immortals exchanged glances, sensing a bit of pressure.

At that moment, Qiongxiao smiled and naturally hopped in front of Li Changgeng, bowing slightly before casually slipping her arms around his.

Her soft voice was enchanting: "My sister's husband, I also want to visit the Heavenly Court for fun."

Li Changgeng froze, his hairs standing on end, unable to pull away—every move he made could be overinterpreted.

Chi Jingzi and Huanglong Zhenren had black lines on their foreheads and subconsciously looked at Taiyi Zhenren.

We can't lose!

Taiyi Zhenren quickly stepped back half a pace, hiding behind Yuding Zhenren, and muttered: "What are you thinking? Heng'e isn't my sister!"

Li Changgeng's mouth twitched wildly, feeling inexplicably ganged up on, with a "danger" sign flashing on his forehead.

Those seemingly gentle hands around his arm were pinching hard...

Fortunately, this was just his high-level paper effigy in action; his true body was hidden inside another paper effigy's sleeve, feeling no pain.