Chapter 517: Unlucky Shi Ji

The universe spans endless ages, one cave fully excavated.

In Dongsheng Shenzhou, a bustling market town near the East Sea remained as lively as ever, with mortals and immortals passing through.

The great mountains and rivers hid countless cultivators, and even renowned immortals needed to trade goods. Spiritual stones, pills, and rare materials formed the three main pillars of most market towns in the Honghuang world.

Of course, in places with branches of Tianya Pavilion, the service industry also held significant weight.

Duobao Daoist arrived half a shichen earlier than his agreed time with Li Changshou.

He restrained his aura and pressure, tucking his hands into his sleeves, which gave him an innate air of...

A wealthy landowner.

Ahem, a warning from the Rat Treasury!

“Changgeng mentioned that today involves a major matter. I wonder who has dragged down the fortunes of Jiejiao. Could it be related to independent cultivators?”

As Duobao Daoist pondered this, he had only walked a few steps along the market town's street when he heard Li Changshou's voice transmission:

“Duobao Shixiong, there's a pill shop ahead.

From the side alley next to the pill shop, go in, walk about a hundred steps, and pass through a few simple illusion arrays.”

Duobao was somewhat puzzled, glanced in the direction Li Changshou indicated, nodded calmly, and proceeded.

There, hidden in a somewhat disorderly alley, were several carpets laid out, with a gloomy and eerie atmosphere permeating the air.

Duobao Daoist paid it no mind; he could level this entire market town with a flip of his hand, so he felt little about it.

He calmly entered the alley, passed through the illusion arrays, and reached the hidden street path. Li Changshou's voice transmission came again, guiding Duobao Daoist to a corner.

After winding through several turns, Duobao finally tucked a paper effigy into his sleeve and met up with Li Changshou.

Upon meeting, Duobao Daoist immediately asked three questions as the senior brother:

“What's going on?

What's the situation?

Who's scheming here?”

Li Changshou's paper effigy sighed and transmitted to Duobao Daoist: “Let's get to the place and prepare first. I'll explain everything slowly to you, Shixiong.”

Duobao Daoist trusted Li Changshou completely, after all, he had watched Li Changshou and Yunxiao Shimei's live broadcasts...

Ahem!

After all, he was the junior brother from Renjiao who had bathed with their master.

This was a bond of life and death with Jiejiao's immortals!

On this occasion, Li Changshou sought no benefits; he was purely helping Jiejiao eliminate some chronic issues and clear away karmic obstacles, all for the stability of Daoism.

Perhaps this action could only recover a bit of Jiejiao's fortunes and add a sliver of hope for Yunxiao and Zhao Daye and the others.

But it was still better than doing nothing.

Seizing the opportunity before Caiyao and her dao companion arrived, Li Changshou exchanged words with Duobao Daoist, gauged Duobao's understanding of acting, and began a comprehensive training session for him.

Duobao Daoist truly hadn't expected...

That he, the chief disciple of Jiejiao, the great disciple of Tongtian Jiaozhu, and the top treasure hunter in the Honghuang world...

Would have a day like this!

Half a shichen later,

Duobao Daoist was wrapped in a pale yellow robe, with a hint of alcohol around him. His slightly plump face no longer looked fresh and tender; instead, it carried a touch of world-weariness.

He spread out a blanket on the street side, sat cross-legged calmly, and placed over a dozen pill bottles in front of him, his expression showing three parts dejection.

From his sleeve, a paper effigy kept transmitting:

“Duobao Shixiong, whether this succeeds depends entirely on how well we handle the details.

Please add a bit more arrogance to your expression. When looking around, use your peripheral vision, and the first thing you say when greeting someone is to hum...”

Duobao Daoist's mouth twitched slightly as he transmitted back:

“Changgeng, what formidable enemy requires us to disguise and scheme like this?

We could just fight directly. If we're not a match, we can call in shidi and shimei for help. Worst case, just shout 'Shizun, save me,' and Teacher won't ignore it. Why go through all this trouble?”

“Shixiong, this time we're not here to kill enemies; we're here to verify something.

If we don't follow the vine to the root and just yank it, we might break the melon.”

Li Changshou explained truthfully: “Besides, the cultivator we're using as the vine has some connection to me—he just came from where my true body is hidden.

If we attack him directly, I'd have to hide in Heaven afterward...”

Duobao laughed: “I've been careless in my considerations, Changgeng, don't blame me. Let's do it your way.”

“The treasure pouch I just gave you, Shixiong, contains many special recording orbs,” Li Changshou reminded. “We need to record everything that happens.

Shixiong, I think what we're eliminating isn't just a few or dozens of people; it's to prevent this kind of situation from happening again.”

“Exactly,” Duobao Daoist transmitted in agreement. “Changgeng is right. We're addressing the flaws within the sect, not just killing beings.

It's easy to eliminate a few so-called experts, but solving the hidden problems is the real priority.

However... Changgeng, can you tell me now what's really going on?”

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and continued transmitting via his paper effigy: “Before that, Shixiong, please agree to three things.”

“What are they?”

“First, don't act on impulse.

Second, think three times before deciding on anything.

Third, don't alert the enemy prematurely.”

“Very well,” Duobao Daoist agreed solemnly. Li Changshou paused briefly, then simply relayed the information he had obtained to Duobao Daoist.

Gradually, Duobao's expression darkened, and he sat there cursing loudly: “These!”

“Shixiong, Shixiong!”

“These dregs! They truly want to infuriate me! They can't even refine pills properly and waste precious herbs!”

Duobao Daoist gritted his teeth and cursed, drawing glances from over a dozen people around, though it caused no other disturbance.

Then, Duobao Daoist transmitted angrily to Li Changshou's paper effigy:

“These villains are harming Jiejiao!

In this matter, I'll kill one for every one, and wipe out pairs for every two—those bastards who sell themselves for spiritual stones and materials!

They don't deserve to be Jiejiao disciples!

No wonder that red lotus shattered directly—it was dragged down by these dregs! I'm furious!”

Li Changshou: ...

This was genuine anger; he even forgot to refer to himself as 'this poor daoist.'

“Shixiong, were you completely unaware of this? Didn't your Shishu inquire about it?” Li Changshou was also puzzled.

Duobao Daoist thought carefully, then performed a quick divination, and soon realized something.

“Earlier, Jinling Shimei's disciple Yuyuan mentioned it to me once. He said that in the three thousand worlds, some of our disciples set up altars to lecture every so often, and it seemed suspicious.”

“And then?”

Duobao Daoist looked ashamed and whispered: “I thought those fellow disciples were revering our teacher and imitating his lectures on the immortal island to bring glory to Jiejiao!

Little did I know they were lecturing for such reasons, spreading the Dao without regard for good or evil!

Ah! It's all because I was too overconfident and overlooked it.”

Li Changshou said: “It's not too late to remedy this now. Please endure some hardship this time, Shixiong, so we can eliminate this hidden problem early.

Moreover, we can't generalize; there must be immortals who lecture outside without knowing the inside story, and they can be dealt with just a reprimand.

But those who know and still participate, or profit from it by pulling strings, must be severely punished.”

“Correct. I'll rely on you for the details later, Changgeng.”

Duobao Daoist's eyes flashed with divine light, his killing intent sharp, and the entire street alley instantly darkened, turning as cold as an ice cave.

Fortunately, Duobao Daoist quickly restrained his aura and continued sitting there, playing the role of a frustrated yet stubborn pill refiner...

At the stalls to Duobao Daoist's left, right, and opposite, the vendors all glanced toward the depths of the alley, drawing others' attention there as well, providing cover for Duobao Daoist.

For safety, Li Changshou had previously set up three paper effigies, originally to enhance the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in another place, the young master of a certain immortal force in the three thousand worlds, along with Ling E's cousin Caiyao, had left Xiaoqiong Peak. They rode in a carriage with guards and hurried toward this market town.

Li Changshou didn't repeatedly remind Duobao Daoist; after all, he was Jiejiao's senior brother with rich Honghuang experience, so there was no need to worry too much.

He still needed to show respect to the senior brother of the three teachings.

Just then, a slight doubt arose in Li Changshou's heart...

Who was the senior brother of Western Cult?

He truly hadn't heard of that.

Two shichen later, a man and a woman entered this hidden street alley. Their slightly luxurious robes and the aura of wealth they exuded energized the cultivators selling there.

The alley immediately filled with a few feeble calls:

“Poisons for sale, additives included at no extra cost. Can confuse true immortals and daze heavenly immortals.”

“Bloodburst Eye-Shattering Orbs, spirit artifacts that can kill true immortals, three per fight of stones.”

“Spirit beasts, cheap! Young ones, cheap!”

However, the couple merely scanned left and right as they walked forward, and the calls quickly faded.

Clearly, they were here with a purpose and not easily tricked.

“Husband,” Caiyao suddenly said, “is that the one up ahead?”

The male immortal looked up and indeed saw Duobao Daoist's figure. After a careful examination, it matched exactly what Ling E's brother had described!

Two words: plump and prosperous.

The male immortal stepped forward, cupped his hands in a dao salute, and took out a jade talisman from his sleeve.

The slightly plump daoist, who looked ready to shoo people away, frowned and muttered: “What's your relation to the owner of this jade talisman?”

The male immortal smiled faintly and said calmly: “We're both in-laws, and also friends who hit it off at first sight.”

Hearing these words through his paper effigy, Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly.

It was indeed in-laws, but of the distant kind.

The male immortal took the bait smoothly, without any struggle, and was completely led around by Duobao Daoist.

Li Changshou's earlier worries proved unnecessary.

Who was Duobao Daoist?

Before becoming a disciple of Tongtian Jiaozhu, he was the first treasure-hunting rat in the ancient Honghuang world to roam freely without dying, his keen reactions honed by his boldness.

Truly, he had dug more caves than most had walked roads.

Facing the jade plaque from the male immortal, he first asked about the man's background; then, he played hard to get, declining a couple of times and saying he was used to a free life and didn't want to be a 'chief pill refiner.'

The male immortal pleaded repeatedly, putting on a full show of humility, and only then did Duobao Daoist seem somewhat swayed but still refused.

Until...

That veiled Caiyao said: “Husband, why not buy all of this senior's pills?”

The male immortal followed her suggestion and was thoroughly swindled by Duobao Daoist, who took the spiritual stones before reluctantly nodding in agreement.

He portrayed a somewhat mercenary pill refiner to perfection.

Duobao Daoist even added his own flair, inventing a daughter to fill in the gaps in Li Changshou's original script.

On a cloud boat flying out of the Five Parts Continents, dozens of guards patrolled various areas, while the cabin echoed with song and dance.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Duobao Daoist sighed and said he had actually received Li Changshou's message earlier, agreeing to go develop in the three thousand worlds—one for some spiritual stones and materials, and two to pave a way for his only daughter.

The male immortal looked enlightened and sighed while gazing at Duobao Daoist's complex eyes: “Dao friend, your dedication to your children is admirable.

Come, I'll offer you a cup, Buzhong Yao.”

“You flatter me, you flatter me,” Duobao said, holding his cup and lowering the rim slightly.

With these small details and words, Buzhong Yao believed he had seized complete control.

Soon, Buzhong Yao repeated to Duobao Daoist in more detail what he had previously told Li Changshou.

To put Duobao Daoist at ease, he explained it very thoroughly, making Duobao Daoist's eyes gleam brighter.

Li Changshou, observing secretly, gained even more respect for Duobao Daoist.

The senior brother of the greatest sect, acting and deceiving a minor heavenly immortal with no real skills for the sake of the sect's fortunes and a glimmer of hope for his fellow disciples...

If the Jiejiao immortals knew, they would likely be moved to tears.

When the time was right, Duobao Daoist took out a treasure pouch from his sleeve and whispered: “I have some savings here. Could the young master guide me, or perhaps exchange for how many pills to get two chances to attend a lecture?

For the first one, you can arrange it freely so I can experience it and feel at ease.

Please don't blame me, young master; I only have one daughter...”

“Ah,” the male immortal pushed the pouch back and laughed. “How can I let you spend?”

Duobao Daoist quickly said: “Don't do that, young master. We're not that familiar yet. Once we are, I won't quibble over these things.

Here, I have some spirit pills I've refined, totaling several hundred, most of equal value.”

Duobao Daoist took out several large gourds from his sleeve and opened them.

Suddenly, golden light burst from one gourd's mouth, as if fairy music chimed and rosy clouds billowed.

Eighth-grade spirit pills!

Duobao Daoist's expression changed, and he quickly sealed the gourd and put it away, smiling awkwardly at the male immortal: “Wrong one, wrong one. That's from my teacher, not something I refined.”

By now, Buzhong Yao was no longer composed. His eyes fixed on Duobao Daoist like lightning; he laughed loudly, then immediately patted his chest and agreed.

Buzhong Yao sent out two jade talismans, contacting the experts handling the 'Jiejiao registered disciple sales.'

Perhaps it was luck for Duobao Daoist and Li Changshou, or misfortune for those troublemaking Jiejiao immortals and scatter cultivators, as Buzhong Yao soon received a reply.

A lecture assembly was happening in a slightly deviated direction from their path, in half a month.

For just one seat, it cost five hundred squares of spiritual stones, guaranteeing that Jiejiao experts would attend...

Buzhong Yao gritted his teeth, gathered some immortal treasures to make up the amount, and temporarily secured a spot, handing the jade talisman to Duobao Daoist.

Half a month later, the cloud boat arrived at a great thousand world after hurrying along, reaching a secluded valley.

As Duobao Daoist was about to descend, he cupped his hands and said: “I will surely repay this kindness!”

“You're too polite, sir.”

Buzhong Yao smiled calmly and watched Duobao Daoist fly into the mist ahead, then breathed a sigh of relief.

Caiyao said with some worry: “Husband, I keep feeling something's off.”

“What do you know?”

Buzhong Yao smiled confidently. “Cultivators with no hope of longevity pour all their effort into their children, hoping to achieve through them what they couldn't.

For this, some would even give up their lives.

Eighth-grade spirit pills... The expert behind him must be extraordinary.”

Caiyao hesitated but said no more, as Buzhong Yao gestured, and the cloud boat slowly moved forward to wait outside this great thousand world.

In the valley, mist swirled.

This mist was just a simple confusion array, unable to block Duobao Daoist's vision or Li Changshou's probing.

In the center of the valley, dozens of meditation mats were laid out, already occupied.

In front of the mats stood a thatched hut with another mat inside.

—This was quite deliberate; in Honghuang customs, the higher the cultivator's status, the simpler the setup, to highlight their pure and elegant nature.

“Hold on.”

A light shout came from the side, and two tall, thin daoists blocked the way.

Duobao Daoist stopped, presented the jade talisman from Buzhong Yao, and smiled amicably, looking a bit uneasy.

Incidentally, as planned with Li Changshou, Duobao Daoist secretly released two treasure insects, sticking them to the two men's ankles without drawing any notice.

One of the daoists tossed over a mat and said sternly: “This is your mat. Don't make a sound inside; just listen to the lecture and don't ask questions.”

“Ah, understood.”

“Go in. You're late, so sit at the back.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

Duobao Daoist cupped his hands, hugged the mat, and went to the center of the valley, sitting behind the dozens of men and women.

As soon as he sat down, Duobao Daoist transmitted coldly to Li Changshou: “Those two are Jiejiao immortals!”

Li Changshou cautioned: “Senior brother, we've come this far—don't alert the enemy.”

Duobao Daoist nodded with a smile, appearing perfectly amicable on the surface while storms raged in his heart.

Li Changshou's paper effigy quietly activated the Wind Language Curse but detected nothing; the surroundings were silent.

Soon, the mist in the valley depths parted, and a graceful female immortal in a black fitted long skirt arrived on white clouds, landing in front of the thatched hut and sitting on the mat.

Her face was obscured by a light mist, and she exuded her own dao rhythm, truly a master. She spoke softly:

“This poor daoist is a Jiejiao cultivator with the dao name Shiji. Today, I am here to explain the path of Golden Immortals for you all.”

Duobao Daoist slowly lowered his head, his eyes flashing with sharp light before quickly fading.

Though Li Changshou was only present via his paper effigy, with Duobao Daoist's help, his immortal sense could clearly see this infamous first unfortunate immortal from the Fengshen events.

Objectively speaking, Shiji Niangniang was strikingly beautiful, with fair skin, delicate features, and a figure that could captivate.

But at this moment, none of that diminished Duobao Daoist's killing intent by half.

Duobao Daoist transmitted to Li Changshou: “This Shiji is knowingly committing wrongs—she cannot be spared!”

In his heart, Li Changshou muttered to himself...

Shiji Niangniang was also on the original Fengshen List. Should he make a temporary vow to see if he could kill off the immortals destined for the list before it appeared?

After thinking it over, Li Changshou dismissed the idea.

Today was about helping Jiejiao clear out old ailments; no need for extra complications.

Better to play it safe and not interfere in Jiejiao's internal affairs on principle.

He would just offer suggestions and solutions without making decisions for them.

Suddenly, Shiji seemed to sense something and looked toward where Duobao Daoist sat, her originally gentle voice pausing:

“That plump daoist, why aren't you looking at me? Is what I'm saying too shallow?”