Chapter 508: You Are Not Important [Super Large Cup]

Junior Brother Changgeng, this area is sealed by a Qiankun array, so we cannot use Qiankun escape or break through the void. The enemy's Qiankun array is like a perfect sphere with no weaknesses.

I already know, but don't worry. I have a way to handle the surrounding Shenhua...

Whose voice is that?

Changgeng?

That name sounds so familiar.

The silver-haired girl's eyelashes trembled slightly as she sensed the seals around her Yuanshen, feeling an inexplicable surge of anxiety.

Then she heard...

Senior Brother Taiyi, Qiongxiao, I'll use a paper Daoist to attract their attention later and scout the situation inside the hall. Here are two paper Daoists for you; each of you leave a clone here. Even with the Taiji Tu concealing us, we can't be careless. We need to be as thorough as possible in our actions. Remember, our primary goal is to take the red lotus, and the secondary goal is to destroy it. Once I confirm that this red lotus cannot be used by our Dao Sect, I'll crush this jade talisman. You all retreat immediately to a safe distance, and I'll activate the great spirit explosion to destroy the red lotus and the remnant soul of Minghe Laozu, wiping this place clean and eliminating all hidden threats...

Great spirit explosion?

The silver-haired girl's Dao heart trembled gently.

Just then, she felt a warm surge of magical power, and her eyes opened a slit...

The silver-haired girl saw a familiar back and an unfamiliar profile, but the profound Dao rhythm emanating from him made her Dao heart jolt violently!

Shui Shen!

The Heavenly Court Shui Shen, the formidable one who had caused the Western Cult saints losses and about whom Aunt Wen had warned her repeatedly, telling her never to provoke him!

She had seen the Shui Shen's great spirit explosion before.

And today, he was going to use it to level this place...

Don't...

The silver-haired girl whispered.

As her voice emerged, her magical power flowed through her body again, and the seals around her Yuanshen quietly dissipated.

A somewhat handsome bull's face moved in from the side, filling her vision, and it said with a smile:

Are you awake?

The silver-haired girl quickly shrank back, agilely jumping to her feet. Her gaze passed over the burly man in front of her and landed on Li Changshou, Qiongxiao Xianzi, and Taiyi Zhenren.

Shock, anger, fear...

The girl wanted to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. She instinctively reached for her sword beside her, only to grasp at empty air.

My sword!

It's here, it's here!

Qingniu responded, turning his hand to pull out the Yuan Tu Jian, holding it out to her with both hands.

Li Changshou, Qiongxiao, and Taiyi Zhenren just glanced over before continuing their discussion.

She quickly snatched the Yuan Tu Jian, noticing the heavy seals on it, and her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

Both she and her sword had been captured.

But then, the girl looked at Qingniu, her eyes full of grief and indignation: You're all in this together!

This is purely a misunderstanding, Qingniu hurriedly said. When I met you earlier in the blood sea, I didn't know I was coming here for reinforcements. If you don't believe me, look—the top experts of the Three Teachings all fell into this trap.

Following Qingniu's gesture, the girl immediately saw the eight great experts of the Dao Sect, all asleep nearby!

Thinking of the words Li Changgeng had instructed him with earlier, Qingniu let out a long sigh.

His bright eyes full of sincerity, he softened his tone and said gravely: I had no preconceptions about you; it was just a chance encounter in the blood sea. Now that I know, we'll be standing against each other in the future, but at the very least, I won't raise my fist against you again.

After speaking, Qingniu glanced at his palm, his face showing regret, then he slowly exhaled and looked up, trying to muster a sincere smile:

Maybe it's just a misunderstanding.

But... it still hurts.

The silver-haired girl frowned slightly, looking up at the burly man's face. For some reason, though she had been so repulsed before, now she felt a touch of...

Reluctance.

I... She didn't know what to say.

Can you tell me your name?

Qingniu asked with a hint of desperation in his eyes, as if they were about to part forever.

The silver-haired girl replied: My name is Tie Shan, and I'm the princess of the Asura clan.

Qingniu cupped his hands in a fist and bow, not asking more, and said solemnly: I apologize for any offenses earlier.

Tie Shan bit her pale lips, lowered her head, hugged her sword, and returned the courtesy...

In just a few words, Qingniu completely turned his image around—from a persistent rogue bull to a deeply affectionate old bull—and left a faint mark in Tie Shan's heart!

All of that—direction for lines, actions, expressions, and emotions—was from Heavenly Court Shui Shen Li Changgeng!

Li Changshou suddenly snapped back to attention, carefully pondering the conversation between Qingniu and the silver-haired girl, picking up on the key points.

Tie Shan? Tie Shan... Iron!

Tie Shan Princess, the Luocha woman, wife of Niu Mo Wang and mother of Hong Hai Er?

This?!

That can't be right; Qingniu from Dou Shuang Gong is supposed to be the Rhinoceros King who tricked all the immortals with a vajra bracelet!

How did this happen...

Li Changshou's forehead was covered in black lines, but his empty bright Dao heart kicked in, forcibly calming his fluctuating emotions.

Who would have thought there were so many side stories before the Journey to the West calamity?

And it seems, even I, the future Tai Bai Jin Xing, am in this story...

Thinking of that, Li Changshou's lips curved into a slight smile.

Let them be.

Tie Shan's gaze skipped over Qingniu and landed on Li Changshou, her eyes showing a bit of fear, but soon filled with determination.

Fellow Daoist, could you please step aside? I need to face the strong enemy.

Ah...

Qingniu sighed softly and stepped back half a pace, seeming like he wanted to say something but held back, eventually just standing with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky.

Tie Shan walked forward slowly, her eyes locked firmly on Li Changshou.

Li Changshou turned his head and smiled slightly:

Are you going to attack me?

Yes.

Li Changshou asked, puzzled: Why?

Qiongxiao, standing nearby, simply turned away, trying hard not to laugh.

Tie Shan frowned slightly and said: You're trying to stop the ancestor's resurrection, and as the Asura princess, I must stop you.

Li Changshou looked at Qingniu and said with a smile: Senior Brother, I've already spared her life for your sake...

Senior Brother Changgeng, Qingniu said with a troubled expression, I really don't know how to persuade her. Our positions are opposed, so I can only let her do as she wishes.

This has nothing to do with him.

Tie Shan tried to draw her sword, but the Yuan Tu Jian was sealed too heavily and wouldn't budge.

Li Changshou shook his head and turned away:

Fine, I'll pretend I never saw her. Today, Minghe Laozu absolutely cannot resurrect. If I see you on the path ahead, I won't spare you again. For my senior brother's sake, you can go.

Tie Shan was stunned, looking up at Li Changshou, then at Qingniu beside her. She bit her lip, bowed her fist to Li Changshou, and turned to Qingniu with a cool tone:

I owe you my life.

With that, she picked up the Yuan Tu Jian and walked forward, passing by Li Changshou and stepping out of the Taiji Tu's range.

Qingniu hurriedly took a couple of steps after her, but Li Changshou raised his arm to block him.

Tie Shan!

Qingniu shouted worriedly.

But Tie Shan didn't stop; instead, she walked even faster.

After just over ten steps, her figure swayed, and she slowly collapsed to the side, her breathing steady and calm, falling asleep on the spot.

The Shenhua had taken effect, pulling her into a dream.

At that moment, Li Changshou could feel the power building in Qingniu, about to erupt but then subsiding.

He was truly smitten.

Taiyi Zhenren shook his head and sighed: When it comes to deceiving young girls, Shui Shen is truly masterful.

Li Changshou: ...

It was clearly this one of the seventy-two Asura princesses who was too naive!

Qiongxiao stared at the silver-haired girl's sleeping form, stroking her chin in thought.

Li Changshou smiled: Do you have a clever idea?

No, I'm just wondering if I'd look better with my hair like that.

Qiongxiao fiddled with a strand of her hair and murmured.

Remember to discuss it with your sister, Li Changshou replied casually, then looked up at the distant grand hall.

No reaction?

The Yuan Tu Jian was right here, like a delivered treasure, which should greatly benefit Minghe Laozu at this time...

After a while, Qingniu said with a worried expression: Senior Brother Changgeng, I'll go bring her back.

Don't rush...

Whoosh—

Just as Li Changshou under the Taiji Tu was about to speak, a flash of blood light flew out from the abandoned grand hall in the city's center, forming a large hand that scooped up the girl on the ground and dragged her back into the hall.

Seeing this, Li Changshou smiled slightly and turned his head:

Proceed as planned.

Qiongxiao and Taiyi Zhenren both nodded and slowly flew into the air.

Qiongxiao summoned the Jin Jiao Jian, and Taiyi Zhenren summoned the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover, holding them ready but not attacking yet.

They needed to seize the red lotus, so they had to enter the grand hall.

But if it was just about throwing treasures to smash and demolish, they didn't need to go personally.

Li Changshou found a comfortable spot on the edge of the Taiji Tu's coverage and sat down cross-legged, organizing his thoughts.

All the forces in the blood sea that could be mobilized had been.

He formed sword fingers with both hands and slowly passed them over his eyes, turning his eyes a deep blue, with a treasure banner radiating divine light appearing behind him.

Shui Shen's treasure, Zao Wu Qi!

A dense Heavenly Dao power enveloped Li Changshou as a thick paper Daoist flew out from his sleeve, containing a golden Dan that spun around, transforming into the familiar old immortal form of the Heavenly Court Shui Shen. He flicked his dust whisk and stepped forward.

The paper Daoist had only taken five or six steps when Li Changshou's main body in the Taiji Tu used his left palm to summon lightning, dispelling the remaining drowsiness.

Li Changshou called out loudly: Fellow Daoists in the hall, may we have a chat!

As soon as he spoke, a dark light shot from the abandoned grand hall, mercilessly shredding Li Changshou's paper Daoist.

Under the Taiji Tu, Li Changshou simply closed his eyes and sat, sending out another paper Daoist to walk beyond the Taiji Tu's range.

The second paper Daoist used a bit of escape art to reach the spot where the first had been destroyed and continued forward.

Fellow Daoists in the hall, may we have a chat?

Another dark light flashed, instantly cutting down Li Changshou's second ordinary paper Daoist.

Qiongxiao's pretty face flushed with anger, but remembering Li Changshou's repeated warnings, she held back. The Jin Jiao Jian grew to three zhang long, its blades opening, with shadows of two ancient flood dragons slowly swimming.

From Li Changshou's sleeve, a third paper Daoist flew out, escaping to the previous one's position and stepping forward slowly.

This time, the black shadow in the hall holding the spear hesitated clearly.

The black shadow muttered: Does this Shui Shen have endless incarnations?

An elderly voice from the side replied: Taiqing's second disciple naturally has his strengths.

Hmph!

The black shadow with the Xiao Lu Shen Qiang snorted coldly and thrust out a dark beam, tearing apart Li Changshou's third paper Daoist again.

But this time, from under the Taiji Tu, roars of angry dragons echoed!

First, golden light flashed as two ancient flood dragons burst from under the Taiji Tu, their tails intertwined, their bodies suddenly expanding to a thousand zhang, smashing straight toward the abandoned grand hall!

Then, fire dragons howled as nine four-clawed azure dragons wrapped in orange-red flames soared up, charging fiercely after the two flood dragons.

In the grand hall, a black shadow slammed his staff into the ground, and a layer of ice-blue light shield appeared around the hall, activating the previously prepared array.

But the Jin Jiao Jian was a supreme treasure personally granted by Tongtian Jiaozhu, and Qiongxiao was one of the eight great disciples of Jie Jiao. With this near-full-force attack, how could it be easily blocked?

The flood dragons roared and slammed into the array barrier.

The ice-blue shield was almost shattered by the impact, flickering wildly with cracks spreading from the bottom...

The following nine fire dragons struck in succession, enlarging the cracks.

The Jin Jiao Jian didn't continue its assault; the flood dragons turned from solid to ethereal and retreated back under the Taiji Tu, coiling around Qiongxiao and boosting her aura by more than three times!

Taiyi Zhenren recalled the nine divine dragons and stood calmly with his hands behind his back.

He was just there for support.

At that moment, Li Changshou sent out a fourth paper Daoist, which escaped to the previous one's position and strode forward, calling out:

Fellow Daoists in the hall, may we have a chat?

The four black shadows in the hall fell silent.

They suddenly realized the dilemma they faced; the original Shenhua they had spread out no longer provided much security.

Simply put, the Great Flood was dominated by the brick-smashing way. If the Dao Sect didn't want the red lotus and just aimed to destroy this place, it would be razed in an instant once more Daoists arrived, and they would struggle to escape.

The elderly voice spoke again: There's no need to fight the Dao Sect to the death, especially since the saints are just watching and not intervening.

Let him come.

From behind the four black shadows, a faint voice said: I still need the blood spirits to restore my power; stall him a bit more. This Shui Shen seems able to influence the Dao Sect's decisions.

The four black shadows nodded and let Li Changshou proceed this time.

Seeing that the ones in the hall weren't attacking, Li Changshou simply rode a cloud forward, hurrying to the hall.

The array was heavy ahead, and immortal sense couldn't penetrate clearly.

The Taiji Tu was protecting their group, and to be safe, Li Changshou's plan didn't include moving the Taiji Tu.

With the vast forces of the Dao Sect behind him, he had many ways to win, but he habitually chose the steadiest and most comprehensive path.

As for other matters, that silver-haired girl—no, Tie Shan Princess—was someone Qingniu had fallen for at first sight. He couldn't let anything happen to her.

A doubt arose in Li Changshou's mind.

Was the "go" that his teacher gave him meant to help old Qingniu, rather than for the red lotus?

Hey, that was possible, and quite likely.

Luckily, his planned strategy was built around that...

Just then, from high above in the churning blood sea, another batch of ordinary Asura broke through the massive waves created by the golden-winged great peng bird and rushed toward the light pillar in droves.

Like moths to a flame, endlessly.

Through the paper Daoists he had left on the periphery, Li Changshou carefully sensed that a large number of Asura experts with clear minds and eyes not fully red had arrived near the ruins of the great city.

These Asura experts seemed to be tracking the golden-winged great peng bird, as if to clear all obstacles for Minghe Laozu's resurrection.

Li Changshou just smiled at that.

Stop.

A cold shout came from the hall, but Li Changshou, already at the hall's entrance, acted as if he hadn't heard and rode his cloud straight in, coming to a halt.

Killing intent.

Unconcealed killing intent came from ahead, and Li Changshou controlled the paper Daoist to flick his dust whisk and look toward the source.

It was a black shadow lurking in the corner, holding a spear—the one who had ambushed his paper Daoist and injured the golden peng earlier.

In the other three corners of the hall, three more black shadows hid; two were transformed fierce beasts, and one had an odd aura that Li Changshou couldn't see through.

A red lotus bloomed deepest in the hall.

Behind the red lotus, the old Daoist that Li Changshou had seen in the 'Heavenly Dao Dream' over a decade ago had opened his eyes!

The old Daoist's form had solidified further, but his aura was strong on the outside yet weak within.

He had a square face, narrow eyes, and gray-white long eyebrows full of sharpness. Even as a shadow, he exuded an indescribable pressure.

Minghe Laozu, this ancient great power, was clearly awake!

Li Changshou wasn't surprised at all.

What surprised Li Changshou was that the red lotus was emitting a sense of completion, as if it was nearly fully mature.

Beneath the red lotus was a light sphere containing only twenty or thirty light points.

Right in front of Li Changshou, Minghe Laozu pointed at the light sphere, and a soul flew out, which he sent into his mouth and absorbed into his shadow.

He ate it.

Though this soul barely boosted Minghe Laozu, Li Changshou's expression darkened immediately.

Minghe Laozu smirked slightly, his voice echoing from all sides with a hint of mockery:

Contemporary Shui Shen, are you here to stop my resurrection?

Li Changshou retorted: A remnant soul from ancient times, still妄图 to defy heaven?

Minghe Laozu's cold laugh faded, his voice becoming faint and ethereal: Do you know what will happen to the human race if you fail today?

Li Changshou didn't answer, his gaze shifting to the edge of the hall.

Tie Shan Princess lay there, hugging the Yuan Tu Jian and deep in sleep.

Minghe Laozu's voice rang out again:

Today, no one can stop my resurrection. You're just a rising disciple of the Dao Sect, daring to...

Fellow Daoist, you're still just a remnant soul right now.

Li Changshou interrupted suddenly, causing Minghe Laozu's words to pause.

Flicking his dust whisk, Li Changshou said calmly with a smile:

If I'm not mistaken, your resurrection today is just to awaken your remnant soul, use the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus as your body, escape into the Sea of Suffering, and slowly restore your divine soul.

You know about me because you've read fragments of memories from the Asura souls you've drained.

Am I right?

Minghe Laozu said: So what if I am?

Nothing much, Li Changshou shrugged. This is just an incarnation of mine; my true body is under the Taiji Tu. What can you do to me?

Hmph!

Minghe Laozu snorted coldly, opening his left hand. The Yuan Tu Jian in Tie Shan's arms turned into a blood light, flew to his palm, and reformed, trembling.

The seals on it dissolved layer by layer, and the petals of the Twelve-Grade Lotus swayed gently. This treasure sword, dormant for ages, seemed to awaken.

Just then, a roar of wind and thunder came from outside the city.

Hundreds of Asura experts were suddenly attacking the Bai Ze and over a dozen Dao Sect experts on the city's outskirts.

Several extremely ancient Asura unleashed dazzling light, assaulting the golden-winged great peng bird near the light pillar, forcing it to stop creating blood sea waves and evade temporarily.

The Asura clan, all experts deployed!

Sword...

My sword!

From the shadows at the edge of the hall's broken wall, Tie Shan suddenly awoke, her eyes not yet fully open, instinctively hugging herself—only to find the sword in her arms gone.

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow but didn't look further, though he was a bit surprised.

She actually woke up on her own... that saved a few recording orbs.

Tie Shan struggled to open her eyes, saw the Yuan Tu Jian behind the red lotus, and recognized who held it. She knelt on the ground and bowed deeply.

Father... Ancestor, you've returned!

Minghe Laozu gave a faint smile, glanced at the silver-haired girl, then fixed his gaze on Li Changshou, continuing:

And yet, the world today sees the Dao Sect as so arrogant. Knowing this is my resurrection, they only sent a dozen experts.

Now that you've missed the chance to stop me, it's too late.

Disciples of the Dao Sect are truly declining with each generation.

Minghe Fellow Daoist, the more you talk, the more it shows your insecurity. As an ancient power, you should at least save some face, right?

Li Changshou laughed and said to the four corners: I'm actually here to meet you four fellow Daoists. I didn't expect you to have awakened.

Fellow Daoists, this red lotus is of great use to our Dao Sect. For your sake, please withdraw, and we won't pursue you.

Verbal sparring, psychological warfare!

The four black shadows in the corners didn't move or respond.

Li Changshou asked curiously: Do you really think you can escape the saints?

Minghe Laozu slowly closed his eyes and said coldly: If the saints come, I'll ask them why, as fellow ancient beings, they must make things so difficult for me!

At that moment, the hall trembled slightly, and specks of light appeared above, like falling stardust merging into Minghe Laozu's remnant soul.

Minghe Laozu's shadow became visibly more solid.

The silver-haired girl on the ground trembled lightly, looking up, her pupils shrinking.

She saw, above the damaged hall roof, around the blood light pillar piercing the blood sea, countless clan members crashing into the pillar, vanishing in an instant, leaving only ashes that fell like stardust...

From the corner of his eye, Li Changshou saw this and dispelled any doubts.

He said calmly: Minghe Fellow Daoist, may I ask what you consider these Asura to be?

Minghe Laozu sneered: The Asura were created by me; I give and take their lives as I please. Are you here to preach to me?

The Asura are one of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, Li Changshou frowned. Perhaps the first batch you created were your avatars or incarnations, but today, over 99% of the Asura have reincarnated through the Six Paths.

Just for that, I can charge you with senseless killing and harming living beings, and call down Heavenly Punishment!

Ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha!

Minghe Laozu's face suddenly turned ferocious, blood marks seeping from his eyes and forehead, and a three-headed, eighteen-armed fiend form appeared behind him!

This is what disciples of the Dao Sect are like now!

Ridiculous!

I, from ancient times to the Primordial Era, slaughtered all kinds of beings! I prove the Dao through killing and gain my name through killing! If heaven tries to destroy me, I'll slay heaven; if earth defies me, I'll split the earth!

Back then, your senior brother only defeated me with Houtu's help and the Heavenly Dao's interference. Now, how dare you babble in front of me!

At that moment, another wave of stardust fell, seemingly endless.

Outside the city, the sounds of battle grew more intense.

Around the light pillar, masses of ordinary Asura had arrived, mindlessly throwing themselves in.

The Twelve-Grade Red Lotus's aura of completion grew stronger...

Minghe Laozu's form solidified further, his gaze on Li Changshou turning more mocking, his aged face marked with blood lines.

Li Changshou furrowed his brow slightly, as if pondering a strategy.

From the side, a timid voice called: Ancestor... could you spare our people?

Hmm?

Minghe Laozu suddenly turned his head and swung his left hand!

There was a dull thud as Tie Shan's slender body flew back, crashing into the side wall and spitting out blood.

Minghe Laozu scolded: When did my Asura become so weak? You're not worthy to be my daughter!

Tie Shan struggled to get up, knelt down, and kept kowtowing to Minghe.

She sobbed uncontrollably, her eyes full of confusion.

Li Changshou quickly calculated the time in his mind and spoke up to draw Minghe Laozu's attention back.

Minghe Laozu, I might not be able to stop your resurrection today, but you won't enjoy freedom for long.

How about this—let's make a bet?

If I win, you hand over the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus; if I lose, I'll withdraw the Heavenly Court Shui Shen from pursuing you.

Minghe Laozu just snorted coldly and didn't respond.

Another shower of stardust fell, and the light pillar was nearly packed with figures, continuously feeding Minghe Laozu's remnant soul.

From the light sphere beside him, Minghe Laozu summoned two human souls, popped them into his mouth, and narrowed his eyes at Li Changshou.

Based on the memories I just obtained, it seems you care a lot about the life and death of the human race.

Li Changshou replied coldly: I'm from the human race. It seems you don't care about the life and death of the Asura at all.

For things I created, I can give life or take it; what's wrong with that?

Do you have the guts to accept this bet?

You insolent brat, how dare you prattle in front of me! You're just trying to stall until more Dao Sect disciples arrive, Minghe Laozu said coldly. Fine, I'll humor you. What's the bet?

Li Changshou waved his hand and pointed outside the hall: Let's bet on whether I can break the surrounding Shenhua.

Minghe Laozu's eyes narrowed, and the hall fell silent.

From outside the city came continuous booms, with countless Asura experts' auras exploding as they blocked the Dao Sect experts from approaching the light pillar, ensuring the weaker Asura could swarm in.

A rough voice from the corner shouted: This is origin Shenhua; nothing can break it!

Well, do you dare to bet? Li Changshou laughed. You should have that confidence.

Interesting, Minghe Laozu said calmly. I'll take that bet.

As an ancient expert, you won't go back on your word, right?

Minghe Laozu huffed: I have my honor.

Li Changshou's voice turned serious: Before I act, could you return the human souls in that artifact to me?

Minghe Laozu sneered and flicked his finger, sending the light sphere into Li Changshou's palm, now containing only about twenty souls.

Li Changshou sighed and tucked the sphere into his sleeve.

The four gazes in the corners fell on Li Changshou, and the black shadow with the spear chuckled: If you have a way to break the Shenhua, why wait until now?

Because this method requires some assistance.

Li Changshou reached into his sleeve, pulled out a jade talisman, and crushed it slowly, saying:

I've heard that origin Shenhua is incredibly profound, impossible to track or capture—it's the last resort of the Huan Shen beast, with no way to crack it.

An elderly voice from the corner replied: That's right. Since you know that, how dare you make such a bet? You're just stalling with nonsense!

Don't be hasty, Fellow Daoist, Li Changshou said, his face growing colder and his voice more confident. I've tried many methods and given up on them all. My wits can't compare to all the experts from ancient and Primordial times, so that conclusion is hard to overturn.

But I changed my approach in time.

Look, Fellow Daoists, aren't there more figures on the city walls all around?

The four black shadows and Minghe Laozu checked simultaneously, and as Li Changshou said, there were a dozen more figures in each place.

The rough voice asked: So what?

Li Changshou explained: This place has origin Shenhua, but no Huan Shen beast. Your Shenhua seems... limited in quantity.

This is the Underworld, and in the Underworld, the Underworld has the most of what?

Souls?

The black shadow with the spear answered directly.

Honestly, you really chose the wrong place.

Li Changshou continued: This is the deepest part of the blood sea; extremes lead to opposites. There's less blood sea filth here and more pure qi, allowing ordinary souls to linger.

As soon as he finished, the figures on the four city walls acted together.

Looking closely, it was the four Yan Jun each leading fourteen or fifteen judges, all activating the ghost gates on four sides!

The ghost gates opened, and yin winds howled!

In an instant, the entire ruined city was filled with shadows, half of which bowed their heads and fell asleep, the other half looking around in confusion.

Underworld specialty: male and female grudge souls!

The four Yan Jun and the judges immediately cast spells. In a flash, the yin winds rose again, pulling countless souls back into the ghost gates.

Then, the four Yan Jun shouldered the ghost gates and fled, diving into the blood sea and vanishing in a puff.

Li Changshou snapped his fingers, and Taiyi Zhenren under the Taiji Tu stared at the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover as he slowly flew out, advancing a hundred zhang without issue, standing in the air with his hands behind his back.

The Shenhua was exhausted.

Seeing this, the four figures in the hall exclaimed almost simultaneously:

How is that possible?

This can't be!

Using endless grudge souls to exhaust the Shenhua?

Impressive.

Minghe Laozu's ferocious face darkened, his eyes burning with killing intent.

Li Changshou pointed at the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus and said coldly: Fellow Daoist, this red lotus should be mine now.

Minghe Laozu laughed angrily: Ha ha ha ha! In your dreams!

I have my honor? How ironic.

Li Changshou said: The Shenhua is gone, and you have no chance of winning. If you admit defeat now, I might give you some dignity.

You insolent child, just based on you!

Minghe Laozu's eyes were full of madness as the Yuan Tu Jian sheathed itself at his side. He formed complex seals with his hands, and dazzling blood light burst from around him.

The petals of the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus trembled slightly, radiating layers of strange Dao rhythms.

Blood spirits, return to origin!

In a flash, the blood light pillar above the hall expanded several times, rippling outward, and the entire blood sea echoed with chanting.

Around the city's outskirts, in the midst of battling the growing number of Dao Sect experts, all Asura below the golden immortal realm had their eyes turn red.

In the blood sea, dense crowds of Asura went mad, rushing toward the light pillar with all their might!

At the side of the abandoned grand hall, Tie Shan's eyes began to flicker with red light, but a spirit dan in her abdomen quietly dissolved, restoring her eyes to clarity.

At the same time, Tie Shan seemed to hear shouts from above...

The shouts were full of panic, like the final cries upon awakening from a dream and being destroyed.

'Why is the ancestor eating us!'

'I want to live, I want to live, ancestor...'

'Ancestor, please spare us; we'll follow you forever!'

Ancestor!

Tie Shan knelt and kowtowed repeatedly, sobbing: Tie Shan is willing to offer my Yuanshen and body; please, ancestor, spare our people! Please, spare them! They just want to live...

Nonsense!

Minghe Laozu raged, grabbing Tie Shan with his left hand, pressing her forehead, and rapidly draining her vital energy!

He scolded: You were created by me; I gave you life! Now, I'm just taking it back!

Tie Shan's red eyes were full of despair as she felt her vital energy being sucked away, her body trembling, but she didn't struggle.

Seeing this, Li Changshou said calmly: Minghe Fellow Daoist, I advise you not to harm her, or you won't have any chance of survival today.

Minghe Laozu's eyes flashed with ferocity, but his hand hesitated, pausing the draining.

Somehow, the rhythm of the scene was completely controlled by this Shui Shen incarnation, whose strength was merely at the golden immortal level.

So much so that when he spoke now, Minghe Laozu and the four black shadows all focused intently...

Just the fact of using grudge souls to break the Shenhua had shocked them.

Li Changshou said calmly: Actually, Minghe Fellow Daoist and you four fellow Daoists have misunderstood many things.

First, the Great Flood is no longer the Primordial Era; now is the age of Heavenly Dao order. Your attempt to resurrect Minghe during this Great Calamity is sheer suicide.

I guess you were persuaded by someone; I won't mention who.

Second, my incarnation came here not to stall, but to divert your attention, giving the four Yan Jun a chance to release the grudge souls and crack the Shenhua.

When they appeared, did you all forget to act and just stand there in surprise?

Ha ha ha!

And third, and fourth... how about I explain the third first?

Li Changshou paused.

Minghe Laozu and the four black shadows held their breath, ready to tear apart this paper Daoist.

Li Changshou chuckled and said warmly: Right now, I am indeed stalling.

Before he finished, a beam of golden light flashed over Li Changshou's shoulder, and ripples appeared in the Qiankun ahead!

The golden light pounced on Minghe Laozu before the other four black shadows could react!

In an instant!

Minghe Laozu's left hand was severed at the root, and Tie Shan's figure vanished!

In the direction behind Minghe Laozu, a bird-shaped gap appeared in the hall's broken wall.

Then, the wall collapsed with a boom!

A thousand zhang away, the golden-winged great peng bird revealed itself, protecting Tie Shan behind him and stuffing several spirit dans into her mouth.

Then, the golden-winged great peng bird glared at the black shadow holding the Xiao Lu Shen Qiang, his narrow eyes full of fury.

Minghe Laozu narrowed his eyes, not panicking or getting angry, but looking puzzled as his severed left hand slowly reformed.

Specks of stardust fell, making Minghe Laozu seem almost divine, and he asked in confusion: Why do you insist on saving her?

Li Changshou retorted: That is the fourth thing I wanted to tell you.

But before that, why don't you all check the situation around you now?

As he spoke, Qingniu, Taiyi Zhenren, and Qiongxiao Xianzi arrived at the hall's entrance.

And on the city's outskirts, dozens of figures shot into the sky!

Chi Jingzi of Chan Jiao, Huanglong Zhenren, Yunzhongzi, Juliu Sun, Lingbao Daoshi...

Seven of the Twelve Golden Immortals and four Fu De Golden Immortals had arrived!

Wuyun Daxian, Guiling Shengmu, Jinguo Xian, Qintian Jun, Huoling Shengmu, Jin Guang Shengmu, Zaitian Jun of Jie Jiao...

Over twenty experts from various immortal islands, plus hundreds of Jie Jiao immortals forming arrays outside!

Waves of pressure descended on the ruins of the grand hall!

Li Changshou's paper Daoist stood there smiling, his white-browed, white-haired old immortal form even more elegant.

Without warning, the four black shadows hiding in the hall's corners flipped and dashed out, smashing through walls and fleeing in different directions where the Dao Sect immortals hadn't yet surrounded!

—They had quickly decided to withdraw from this matter.

But it was too late.

As soon as the four black shadows moved, the golden-winged great peng and over a dozen experts around him chased and blocked, igniting a battle in the blood sea bottom!

Dao Sect immortals appeared from all directions, forming a net...

Li Changshou didn't even glance at the outskirts; he just watched Minghe Laozu, whose expression had turned extremely calm, and the distant, isolated Tie Shan.

A wisp of divine sense fell on Tie Shan.

Minghe Laozu asked steadily: What is the fourth thing?

Li Changshou countered: In your view, Fellow Daoist, all the effort I put into stalling, scheming, and arranging—is it to deal with you?

Isn't it?

Of course not, Li Changshou said seriously: If I wanted to deal with you, I could just invoke Heavenly Punishment.

In the end, you're just here for the red lotus, Minghe Laozu sneered. I'll make this clear: the red lotus and I are now one. If you want it, you must protect me.

Li Changshou shook his head: Fellow Daoist, you're truly old—bluffing outwardly while weak inside; it's laughable.

You!

Minghe Laozu narrowed his eyes.

Me? If you hadn't harmed those human souls, I would have respected you as a senior.

Since you've fallen this far, I can tell you plainly today.

I went to all this trouble to eliminate the surrounding Shenhua so I could save this Asura princess, your nominal daughter.

Most of what I said to you earlier wasn't for you; it was for your daughter to hear.

Sorry, in my plan today...

You don't matter.

Li Changshou slowly stepped back, and a wisp of water-blue Dao rhythm drifted under his feet, enveloping the entire hall.

His main body's eyes were full of divine light, while the paper Daoist in the hall took out the light sphere from his sleeve and extracted a somewhat familiar soul.

Divine ability: Balance of all things.

Minghe Laozu's eyes widened suddenly, and his aura sharply dropped by nearly half.

The scholar's soul suddenly shone brightly, expanding to human size, looking down at himself in bewilderment.

Huh?

He quickly covered his mouth, glanced at Minghe Laozu, and shivered, hiding behind Li Changshou's paper Daoist.

Li Changshou continued: Minghe Laozu, I deliberately sent your daughter to you so she could get close and see your true face.

She has a blind reverence for you, thinking her life's purpose is to serve you.

That won't help her future path.

So, I arranged all this and even used this divine ability on you just now.

All this effort is just to help a senior brother from my Human Teach tell her a truth that everyone else understands...

A spirit treasure blade pierced from behind Minghe Laozu, stabbing through his chest and into a petal of the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus.

Minghe Laozu furrowed his brows, slowly turning his head with effort.

He was just a shadow and wouldn't be injured, but the shock and anger in his eyes were genuine.

A girl with silver-white hair stood there, in a posture of diving with her head down, left hand gripping the sword hilt in reverse, right hand pressing the end of the hilt, and a small pagoda shadow above her head.

A moment ago, when the golden-winged great peng went to chase the four black shadows...

Tie Shan sat there dazed, letting the spirit dans' power spread through her.

A voice transmission entered her ear, and a shadow seemed to appear around her, pacing slowly and speaking softly.

Don't you understand yet?

The ancestor you admire is like this; is your life's purpose just to be his nourishment?

Even if you're willing, look at your people...

They have no chance to resist; they can only accept this fate, swarming here mindlessly, their true spirits not even left, just cries of plea in their final moments.

Tie Shan, thinking of sacrificing yourself—is that enough?

I... what can I do...

A yin-yang Dao rhythm flowed, and a long sword with rust spots fell before her.

Fate has always been in your own hands.

For beings like you, who are controlled by divine abilities and lose control, your only freedom is to choose life or death before being controlled.

Death?

Are you afraid?

I'm not! But I want to save them; I want to save them...

Then go, look ahead, and make your own choice.

Tie Shan looked up and saw Minghe Laozu's blood-light-filled back. Her body trembled, and she lowered her head.

With a soft sigh, the shadow around her gradually walked away, followed by the shouts of her people in their final moments.

The only freedom is to choose life or death...

I want to save them; I want to save them...

She stood up; Tie Shan didn't know where she found the strength. She moved forward step by step, her pace quickening, not even noticing the Dao rhythms appearing around her.

Taiji Tu's rhythm, Xuan Huang Tower's rhythm, Qian Kun Chi's rhythm!

One step, two steps...

Fate has always been in your own hands.

In your own hands...

In your own hands!

Ancestor, our people shouldn't die like this; at least ask them if they're willing to offer themselves!

That back appeared before her eyes, and the rusty sword in her hand...

Ancestor...

Fate...

'I don't want to die!'

Tie Shan panted heavily, her breathing chaotic.

She slowly looked up at Minghe Laozu's profile; her red eyes held no anger, no hatred, only inescapable sorrow, with tears streaming down.

Ancestor, that... that's not our fate...

How dare you betray me!

Blood light exploded around Minghe Laozu, flinging Tie Shan away, but she was steadily protected by Xuan Huang energy.

Qingniu rushed forward and caught Tie Shan, landing to the side.

Li Changshou sighed lightly, and the paper Daoist turned to ashes as rays of immortal light shot toward the red lotus and Minghe Laozu, surrounding them...

At the city wall's edge, where the eight great experts were in their dreams, Li Changshou withdrew his Dao rhythms, feeling a bit tired as he yawned.

He stood up, carefully walked to Yunxiao's side, sat down, and sighed slowly.

This Minghe Laozu is truly a ruthless figure from the Great Flood.

Changshou...

The fairy murmured in her dream, and Li Changshou perked up, leaning in slightly to listen.

Kneel.

Li Changshou: ...

Hmph, in your dreams.

(End of chapter)