Chapter 503: Interesting Soul

In the main tent of the Tianbing camp, Wei Shenmo sat upright in the central seat, his gaze shifting left and right. He deliberately slowed the circulation of his immortal energy, afraid that any disturbance might shatter the current tranquility.

Outside the main tent, several heavenly generals pretended to pass by, secretly observing the situation inside.

The disciples of Chanism and Jieism sat facing each other, with Duobao Daoist leading the Jieism side. The seat directly opposite Duobao Daoist was empty, as Guangchengzi was expected to be on his way.

Of course, in the primordial world, no one used the divine ability to transform clouds into horses.

Li Changshou had moved a meditation cushion and sat in the middle of the tent, bearing pressures that someone his age shouldn't have to endure.

If only those fools in Xiong Village hadn't started that nonsense with the Sea God Cult...

If only he hadn't clung so tightly to the Grand Mage's thigh back then...

Now, he should have been a slightly stronger Golden Immortal, living carefree on Xiaoqiong Peak, worrying only about how to disguise himself, tease a certain fairy, tend to flowers, grow trees, refine Bold Heart Pills, or brew Poison Dragon Wine.

But instead, here he was, seated between the two greatest immortal forces of the Three Realms, racking his brain on how to balance the two sects and prevent a fight.

Those two oppressive auras, like grinding millstones, were slowly wearing down his steady composure...

He also recalled how, earlier when he chose to sit between the two sects, Qiongxiao had casually pulled him to sit with her, genuinely scaring a few drops of cold sweat out of him.

A sister-in-law getting close to her brother-in-law was just asking for gossip!

As for the rumors about Heng'e, Li Changshou was confident they would dissipate on their own over time.

But rumors about a sister-in-law? Those were impossible to clear up and could easily make Yunxiao lose her composure, leading to real misunderstandings...

After some coaxing, Li Changshou finally persuaded Qiongxiao to sit next to Gui Ling Shengmu.

—In truth, Qiongxiao wasn't that familiar with him; her deliberate closeness was mostly to show defiance toward Chanism.

"Cough."

In the silence, Bai Ze couldn't help but step forward. He bowed to Duobao Daoist and Chijingzi respectively, and said with a smile:

"Everyone, what brings you here today? We can't just stand around like this forever. Everything can be discussed, but someone needs to speak up first."

Duobao Daoist cupped his hands and replied with a smile: "It's nothing major. We just haven't seen Changgeng in a while, so we came for a visit and to look for some treasures. Are the Chanism brothers also interested in the blood sea red lotus?"

Chijingzi managed a forced smile and pondered for a moment before saying: "In ancient times, when Pangu God created the heavens and earth, the Chaos Green Lotus was destroyed, and a few lotus seeds fell into the world, transforming into several twelve-grade lotuses. This red lotus has absorbed endless karmic burdens, and if it emerges, it will surely cause widespread suffering... It must be destroyed."

Qiongxiao's face turned stern as she said crisply:

"Daoist brother, that's not quite right! How can treasures be divided into good or evil? The Western Sect's twelve-grade golden lotus is a merit lotus that counters this karmic red lotus, and they use it to stabilize their sect's destiny. But in their daily affairs, they steal and act wickedly everywhere. Does that mean their misdeeds become good just because the golden lotus protects them?"

Chijingzi pondered further but had no response.

Huanglong Zhenren said: "That's not the same matter."

"It's not the same matter, but the principle is the same," Qiongxiao shifted her tone. "Isn't that right, brother-in-law?"

Li Changshou looked up with a smile, slowly nodded, and sighed:

"Well...

Discussing this here, even if we reach some conclusion, it's unlikely to convince everyone. How about this—I, as the disciple in charge of Human Sect affairs, invite the fellow disciples from Chanism and Jieism to go together to the edge of the blood sea and discuss the matter of that twelve-grade karmic red lotus. I'll do my best to mediate and give everyone a relatively fair resolution. What do you think?"

Yuding Zhenren let out a slow sigh, his gaze toward Li Changshou full of admiration.

Jin Chi Dapeng Niao wiped the corner of his eye, clasped his hands behind his back, and sighed lightly: "In the end, it's the teacher who shoulders everything."

Li Changshou: ...

It wasn't that noble.

This was just the necessary price for being able to call upon so many experts from both sects in his daily life.

Duobao Daoist chuckled: "No need to notify anyone else. I've already sent out the message for any idle fellow disciples to hurry here and gather."

Chijingzi added: "Guangchengzi and the others are already on their way, so we don't need to call more."

Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly.

So, you all started summoning reinforcements the moment you met?!

If this isn't handled carefully today, a real fight might break out.

To play it safe, he should first draft some kind of disclaimer to position himself as the peacemaker. Whether he succeeds in stopping the fight depends on his own skills.

Taiyi Zhenren laughed: "Jieism is known for its 'ten thousand immortals coming to court,' so it's naturally a crowd. Duobao Daoist brother, don't call in a thousand or eight hundred saint disciples."

Duobao Daoist just smiled without replying. Although he wanted to say something like 'We Jieism promise not to send Yunxiao first,' considering his status as senior brother...

Better to keep that to himself.

Qiongxiao's eyes darted around as she stood up and said softly: "Brother-in-law, let me brew you a cup of tea!"

Li Changshou winked at Qiongxiao, and she winked back with a smile, making his heart skip a beat.

She wasn't one to stay quiet...

Bai Ze quickly stepped in and said with a smile: "Qiongxiao Xianzi, please rest here. How can we let you do that? I'll handle the tea and snacks. Everyone, just wait a moment."

At critical moments, Mr. Bai was always reliable.

Qiongxiao pouted slightly and sat back in her seat with disinterest, continuing to look bored.

Silence...

That kind of silence where, even without other noises, Li Changshou could imagine the cicadas chirping on a summer afternoon.

After a while, Bai Ze returned carrying a large tray of exquisite snacks, which he placed in front of the two fairies, then gracefully retreated to the corner.

Wei Shenmo whispered: "Water God, should we dismantle the main tent and expand the space?"

"That's a good idea. Once more people arrive, this place will feel too cramped."

Li Changshou stood up and said with a smile: "The Wheel of Reincarnation Tower is a great spot. Why don't we head back there?"

Duobao Daoist said, "Excellent."

The Chanism immortals had no objections.

And so, without seeking Dizang's permission, the group of Daoist immortals naturally took over the top floor of the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower. Using the Mustard Seed Universe technique, they temporarily transformed the originally modest space into a grand hall.

Before long, immortals from both sects began arriving.

Chanism's Twelve Golden Immortals had eight in attendance, with four or five Fude Golden Immortals present, along with dozens of ordinary saint disciples and followers.

Jieism's side was more complex, with most coming in groups by immortal island: two hundred from Jin'ao Island, eighty from Jiulong Island, a hundred from Penglai Island, and so on.

Li Changshou couldn't help but think of an old joke from his previous life:

You never know how many thugs can pile out of a BMW.

In this primordial world, the same applied:

Never underestimate how many immortals can stand on a single white cloud flying out from a Jieism dojo!

There were just too many Jieism disciples...

Li Changshou wondered, even if that twelve-grade red lotus ended up with Jieism, could it really stabilize such a vast destiny?

In ancient times, the great predecessors who had advanced far on the path of cultivation would sometimes teach simple truths of the Dao to mountain beasts, insects, or dim spirits, helping them awaken their intelligence—and that earned merit.

That was "enlightenment."

Li Changshou now suspected that Jieism had so many saint disciples because Tongtian Shishu might have gotten carried away during those ancient enlightenments and directly passed on the Dao...

On the top floor of the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, Dizang sat in the corner with a dark expression, arms folded, daring to be angry but not speaking out.

Tingting revealed its majestic divine beast form and lay around Dizang, eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

During the wait for the immortals to gather, to avoid awkwardness, Li Changshou made up an excuse and temporarily slipped away from the scene.

He went with Bai Ze and Jin Chi Dapeng Niao to a secluded spot outside Fengdu City, quietly starting to devise a method to search for the red lotus...

"We've already found ninety-nine suitable souls," Bai Ze said in a low voice. "They all have heavy karmic burdens but were mortals in life. However, as Jinpeng tried earlier with two souls in the blood sea, the souls are easily corrupted by the blood sea's filth and dissipate in moments."

Li Changshou thought for a moment. "We can use immortal techniques to protect their true spirits. We're just borrowing their power, not letting them scatter."

Jin Chi Dapeng Niao said: "Teacher, these are people burdened with karma. Even if their souls scatter, it's no loss."

"No," Li Changshou said seriously. "Since they've entered the eighteen levels of hell instead of being burned away by karmic fire or struck by heavenly thunder, it means they still have a chance to atone through suffering. As immortals and gods, we can't cut off a living being's path to redemption."

Jin Chi Dapeng Niao looked thoughtful and slowly nodded.

Bai Ze took a pink, transparent sphere from his sleeve, inside which ninety-nine points of light floated. "Water God, should we test if this method works first?"

He gave a sensible suggestion. "If it does, we'll have more leverage when negotiating with the other two sects."

After careful consideration, Li Changshou took out a paper effigy from his sleeve and nodded. "Yes, that's the way. Jinpeng, take my effigy with you. I'll stay here with Mr. Bai to stabilize the situation and buy some time."

"Yes!"

Jin Chi Dapeng Niao agreed and left with Li Changshou's paper effigy, carrying the transparent sphere toward the blood sea.

With his mind split in two, Li Changshou immediately began discussing with Bai Ze how to "uphold justice" next.

In summary, the core principle couldn't be shaken—

Jieism was too strong; it was time to weaken the Western Sect.

Meanwhile, as Li Changshou and Jin Chi Dapeng Niao headed to the blood sea, they dove deep into its depths to find a suitable spot to release the souls.

Li Changshou sat on the great peng's back and took out six souls heavy with karma from the artifact. He wrapped their true souls in immortal energy and left a trace of his own Dao rhythm on them for identification.

As he examined these six thumb-sized souls, one young man dressed as a scholar caught his interest.

Seeing the man's sallow, frail appearance and lack of any fighting strength, Li Changshou wondered what crimes he had committed to accumulate so much karma and end up in the eighteen levels of hell.

Li Changshou reached out and lightly tapped the soul, releasing its bindings so it turned into a life-sized phantom kneeling before him.

The scholar trembled all over, and his eyes, numb from endless torment, gained a spark of life...

"Have... I served my sentence?"

Li Changshou asked: "Are you a wicked villain?"

The scholar looked up at Li Changshou, his expression calm, though his body relaxed a bit.

In the hells, there were many fierce ghosts and evil spirits, and the ghost messengers were mostly fierce themselves. Suddenly seeing this kindly old immortal, he felt no fear.

In a weak voice, he explained: "I studied for eighteen years, all to fulfill my father's dying wish and become a record-keeping official."

"Oh?" Li Changshou frowned slightly. Was this some miscarriage of justice?

He signaled for Jin Chi Dapeng Niao to slow down and asked seriously: "Then why do you have so much karma?"

The scholar sighed deeply, full of the desire to unburden himself, and said with a bitter smile: "Do you want the detailed truth, the rough truth, or a made-up lie?"

Li Changshou chuckled: "The rough truth, then."

"You're too slow to talk."

"Oh?" Li Changshou frowned. "How did being slow to talk bring karma?"

The scholar smiled bitterly and said: "I'm naturally deliberate in everything, never rushing. And when faced with multiple choices, I often get overwhelmed and don't know what to pick. The first bit of karma came from a neighbor's house catching fire. I was the first to arrive, with cries for help from both the side room and the main house. I froze, not knowing whether to save the main house or the side room, the elders or the children..."

Li Changshou asked in confusion: "But why the karma?"

"It was probably because I just hesitated and forgot to call for help."

Li Changshou's forehead filled with black lines.

The scholar sighed: "The second bit of karma was from that fire spreading and burning down our whole street. I was driven out of the town and became a wanderer. I met a wounded soldier pierced by several arrows, one right through his shoulder. He told me to report to the authorities but passed out before explaining. So, should I have reported to the city lord, the general, or the guard captain I could actually see? By the time I decided, the city had fallen."

Li Changshou: ...

"The third bit of karma came from hating my own incompetence and wanting to escape to the mountains to end it all. But I had bad luck and was caught by a group of female ghosts. They made me choose who would drain my essence first. Should I pick the little white one, the little Qian one, or A Lan? They ended up furious and went on a killing spree that night. I escaped in the chaos. Now, thinking back from the underworld, that time in life... was kind of regrettable."

"I see," Li Changshou sighed, releasing the other five souls into the dense karmic areas of the blood sea. He observed them while listening to the scholar's tragic life story.

Soon, the method provided by Tingting showed results.

The five souls and their karmas were indeed drifting in the same direction!

As the scholar continued his tale, Li Changshou increased the samples, releasing thirty souls and noting the directions they were drawn. On the mental map of the blood sea in his mind, he drew an arrow.

Once the arrow was drawn, Li Changshou quickly retrieved the souls and, riding on Jin Chi Dapeng Niao's back, moved to the next area.

He repeated the process, drawing a second arrow.

The intersection of these two extended lines was the source of the attraction!

But could Li Changshou conclude so hastily?

Relying on the great peng's speed, he shuttled back and forth through the blood sea, rushing to various points, constantly releasing karmic souls, observing their movements, and striving to eliminate all interferences.

Finally, after drawing ninety-nine arrows and confirming a narrow range, and even sensing a profound Dao rhythm from afar...

The scholar's soul let out a faint sigh, finishing his short, miserable life story.

"Immortal," the scholar couldn't help but ask, "are you going to let me go, send me back to hell, or something else?"

A finger flicked against the scholar's forehead, shrinking him back to thumb size and sealing him in the artifact once more.

What a real chatterbox.

Li Changshou said: "Jinpeng, conceal your aura and hide here. If anyone enters within a hundred miles, note their aura but don't interfere."

"Yes! Don't worry, teacher!"

Li Changshou nodded slowly, closed his eyes on the great peng's back to rest.

Back in the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, tensions were rising, with the big shots from both sects about to roll up their sleeves and spar. He had to hurry back, redirect the conflict, and promote the justice of the Daoist path...

Cough, or rather, target the Western Sect.