Chapter 520: Brother, You're Not Quite Right

On the day the Immortals of Jie Sect on Jin'ao Island shed blood, Li Changshou merely observed from the shadows without revealing himself.

After all, at such a moment, as a lone disciple of his own sect, he could easily become a target of resentment from certain Jie Sect Immortals.

This was because he had sworn an oath in the small world alongside the four senior disciples of Jie Sect and Shi Ji Niangniang, and had asked Duobao Daoist to erase some of Shi Ji Niangniang's memories, while also ensuring that the Immortals being punished today had no chance to speak. All of this was to make sure the name "Chang Geng" did not appear in this internal purge of Jie Sect.

In the chaos of the primordial world, one must not hesitate to assume the worst malice from enemies, nor overestimate the goodwill of strangers.

Incidentally, Li Changshou had another important task to handle in secret.

As Duobao Daoist waved his hand and Jin Ling Sheng Mu drew her sword to execute over a hundred Jie Sect Immortals, Li Changshou's dozen or so paper effigies, positioned throughout the Heavenly Court and outside Jin'ao Island, fully extended their immortal senses and activated the Avenue of Balance, their eyes wide like copper bells.

Effort and persistence paid off for Li Changshou!

As Jin Ling Sheng Mu's sword light fell, both Li Changshou and the experts on Jin'ao Island detected faint traces of an unusual force from the Heavenly Dao.

The Jie Sect Immortals interpreted this Heavenly Dao force as evidence that some of those being punished today had been influenced by karmic tribulations, leading them to commit grave errors.

Even Duobao Daoist, Jin Ling Sheng Mu, and Zhao Gongming did not give it much thought.

However, Li Changshou, who was observing from the Ling Xiao Treasure Hall and the Five Great Heavenly Gates, sharply noticed several subtle disturbances in the primordial spirits slipping into the golden pillars that had descended with this great tribulation, right in front of the Ling Xiao Hall.

This...

Could the Fengshen List already be set by the Heavenly Dao?

Or perhaps the Heavenly Dao deemed a few Jie Sect Immortals worthy of becoming gods and had preemptively claimed them, securing its position?

Li Changshou pondered this carefully for half a day but reached no clear conclusion.

If the names on the Fengshen List had already been directly fixed by the Heavenly Dao, what would that mean for the saints?

This simply did not make sense.

Just as Li Changshou settled his thoughts, he heard the sound of bells ringing from Jin'ao Island...

He sighed softly, hid his paper effigies at the bottom of the sea, and withdrew his mind.

In advance, he had placed one paper effigy in the back hall of the Sea God Temple in Anshui City on the South Sea coast, knowing that several senior Jie Sect disciples would likely come looking for him soon.

He could not be certain about the others, but Zhao Gongming would almost certainly come to complain and vent.

This Jie Sect assembly of ten thousand immortals, aside from serving as a warning through executions and clearing out internal issues, also directly rejected those nominal disciples who had bought their way in with spirit stones.

No further observation was needed; Jie Sect's destiny was undoubtedly on the rise.

The six saintly disciples executed that day were not core disciples, and the over ninety Jie Sect Immortals were mostly those with mediocre cultivation and excessive greed.

As for Ma Yuan, the vicious Jie Sect Immortal who had deceived Shi Ji Niangniang, he was quite powerful in his divine abilities and had profited greatly from the nominal disciple scheme, yet he was not directly punished.

This Immortal had deep karmic stains and considerable cunning, making him one of the top-ranked figures on that "Tribulation Scroll."

Duobao Daoist likely intended to use this dangerous tool to create more external tribulation ash when the great calamity descended, then arrange for this vicious Immortal to face his fate...

This was precisely why Li Changshou preferred to get close to Zhao Gongming while maintaining a certain distance from Duobao Daoist.

As the senior brother of Jie Sect, Duobao had many constraints and considerations that Zhao Gongming did not.

Zhao Gongming, on the other hand, lived freely—his cultivation was high, his treasures powerful, and his divine abilities vast, like a carefree breeze in the world, smiling, swaying, and drifting along. If something displeased him, he would just sigh and lie down to spit up a few mouthfuls of blood.

How delightful that was.

Although Li Changshou... did not envy it.

Li Changshou could already imagine that after the assembly ended in a few days, when Zhao Gongming came to the Sea God Temple, he would look troubled and gloomy, and his first words would be:

"Chang Geng, this matter..."

If Zhao Gongming did not say exactly those six words, then as the Water God of the Heavenly Court, he would...

Start a bronze mirror live stream to scare a rabbit to tears!

Just kidding, just kidding.

Li Changshou swept his immortal sense over various parts of the Duxian Sect and felt the Golden Immortal realm Dao rhythm swirling above Xianlin Peak; Elder Wan Linjun was probably about to emerge from seclusion.

However, the older the immortals in the primordial world, the less sensitive they became to the passage of time, so Elder Wan would likely still take another ten days or half a month before coming out for a stroll...

Everything on Xiaoqiong Peak was as usual. Ling E was cleaning their master's thatched hut, with three sticks of freshly lit incense before the master's memorial tablet.

Xiong Lingli and Jiu Yushi were busy in the spirit beast enclosure.

Ever since the elite members of Xiaoqiong Peak's advanced foodie group—Jiu Jiu and Jiang Lin'er—went out with Bai Ze to manage the Lintian Hall, Jiu Yushi's cultivation progress had noticeably improved.

It was probably because there were fewer distractions.

Li Changshou glanced at Li Jing, who was steadily cultivating in the Duxian Sect, then retracted his mind and meditated with his eyes closed for half a day.

In recent days, although he had been busy with Jie Sect matters, his true body had not gone out.

Thus, Li Changshou had long since returned the Diagram of Taiji, the Kunlun Ruler, and the Lidi Yanguang Banner to the Taiqing Temple, keeping only the Pagoda Master by his side for basic security in case he needed to go out.

Half a day later, Ling E carried a bowl of refreshing and appetizing soup, flew over on a cloud from the lake, and crisply called out,

"Senior Brother."

Li Changshou's true body emerged from the pill room, stretched lazily, and went to sit idly on the wooden bridge outside the pill room.

Ling E brought over a meditation cushion and sat beside her senior brother, swinging her jade-like feet back and forth as she asked softly,

"Senior Brother, have you been dealing with any troublesome matters lately?

You've barely looked at those transmission jade slips from the Immortal Alliance that the paper effigies brought back these past few days."

"Hmm," Li Changshou said, holding the spoon and sipping some of the iced treat his junior sister had specially made, with a smile. "If I tried to handle everything personally, even a hundred of me wouldn't be enough.

The Immortal Alliance was only troublesome in the beginning stages of recruiting members and setting up the structure. Now, with the twelve deputy alliance leaders managing things together, we just need to keep a broad oversight.

As long as it's generally beneficial to the Heavenly Court, promoting good deeds and resisting the invasion of incense god nations, that's sufficient, regardless of any internal corruption or collusion."

Ling E lowered her head in thought for a moment, then asked, "So, what has been worrying you lately, Senior Brother?"

"Jie Sect matters," Li Changshou replied, setting the jade bowl aside and briefly explaining how some Jie Sect Immortals had amassed wealth with spirit stones, recklessly accepted disciples, and spread Dao teachings, thereby dragging down the entire sect's destiny.

Ling E frowned as she listened and whispered,

"How could Jie Sect have such Immortals? They've become disciples of a saint, yet they still can't control themselves or be content?"

Li Changshou laughed. "All living beings have desires, and from those desires come selfishness—whether for fame, safety, wealth, or things they care about, it's all varied.

This isn't necessarily negative; it's just ordinary human nature.

Imagine if the Chan Sect had as many disciples, they would likely face similar issues.

That's why our teacher, Taiqing, has such foresight and insight into the nature of living beings, choosing not to take on too many disciples."

Ling E blinked and whispered, "Is Teacher listening?"

Li Changshou: ...

This junior sister's awareness was still far from sufficient!

Flattering was something that had to be consistent, both in public and private, and come from the heart of respect!

After all, who knew if a saint actively probing might see through a cultivator's Dao heart...

Better to play it safe.

"As for your cousin," Li Changshou continued, "I made a little use of her earlier, but I've already handled the aftermath. I sent a letter a few days ago with some pills."

"Hee hee, my cousin is actually quite good-natured; she just likes to show off a bit."

Li Changshou smiled without responding.

Ling E thought for a while, then suddenly stopped swinging her feet and asked curiously, "Senior Brother, can I ask a question?"

"Ask away," Li Changshou said, leaning back and supporting himself with his hands on the wooden bridge, gazing at the distant green mountains and watching the clouds rise and fall.

"How could such secret activities escape the notice of the saints?

The Jie Sect leader, our third uncle-teacher, must have known about these things, so why didn't he intervene before?"

Li Changshou fell silent for a moment.

Ling E whispered, "Is that something I shouldn't ask..."

"There's no such thing as questions you shouldn't ask," Li Changshou sighed slowly. "Ling E, think carefully—what is the essence of them collecting spirit stones and accepting nominal disciples?

It's the reckless spread of techniques.

In the Chan Sect, according to their teachings, techniques should not be lightly taught and the Dao not casually imparted, so they might just expel the offender.

But Jie Sect has no such restrictions on spreading the Dao and teachings. Back in the day, the assembly of ten thousand immortals was the achievement of our third uncle-teacher's propagation.

This matter only warranted a reprimand at most, or expulsion from Jie Sect. Executing over a hundred immortals today was an exaggeration of their crimes, set against the backdrop of the failed suppression of Jie Sect's destiny by the Red Lotus.

This whole event was just Duobao senior brother finding an excuse to issue a warning, rectify the atmosphere, and unite Jie Sect to face the great calamity.

After all, it's not the last straw that breaks the camel's back, but the weight already on it."

Ling E pinched her chin and murmured softly, "There's so much more to it than I thought."

"Don't always think you're clever," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Among the three schools, there are countless experts, and the three senior brothers are masters of strategy far surpassing me."

"But Senior Brother, you're being too modest," Ling E replied. "Sister Yunxiao holds your strategic abilities in the highest regard."

"I'd rather be modest a thousand times over than arrogant even once."

Li Changshou flipped over and floated to the lounge chair nearby, tossing out, "Remember to wash the bowl," before closing his eyes as if asleep.

Ling E made a face, picked up the jade bowl, summoned a tray, hummed a little tune from the forest, and flew away on a cloud through the layers of formations.

Truly carefree.

Shifting his mind to the South Jambudvipa continent, while the Jie Sect assembly had not yet ended and Zhao Gongming had not come to vent, Li Changshou decided to handle a few "important matters."

What he called important matters was really just checking on various situations.

His paper effigy awoke within the territory of the Shang tribe and swept its immortal sense around, discovering that the Shang banners had been planted on city walls throughout the area for thousands of li.

This rate of expansion was truly impressive.

Then, Li Changshou's immortal sense located the Seven Emotions incarnation, perfectly integrated into mortal life and experiencing the joys and sorrows of humanity.

With Kong Xuan's covert protection, the Seven Emotions incarnation was living quite comfortably. In a large city, she had become something like a "little tyrant full of delight."

The Seven Emotions, belonging to seven distinct personalities, went out at different times, making this girl seem like a "freak" in the eyes of mortals.

Exceptionally energetic and always vibrant.

But in this era, as long as one looked good, people's perceptions followed their appearance.

The Seven Emotions incarnation was naturally beautiful, so she had many suitors with ulterior motives, but without exception, they were all toyed with miserably.

Fortunately, they were just playing in the human world and retained Lady Houtu's gentleness, never truly harming mortals.

Seeing this, Li Changshou temporarily dismissed the idea of bringing them to the Heavenly Court.

Letting them interact more with the human race would ultimately be beneficial and harmless.

After all, the brevity of mortal lives sparked more poetry and romance.

The cities of the Heavenly Court's celestial humans lacked that everyday warmth and flavor.

Kong Xuan was still in seclusion, and although Li Changshou was curious, he did not dare disturb him without good reason. Instead, he sent a paper effigy to the border where the South, East, and Middle continents met to check on the demon clan situation.

On this trip, Li Changshou also visited Chentang Town.

After Ling E's previous trial, which eliminated a group of major demons, Chentang Town had become much more peaceful.

Human and demon forces were temporarily at peace, but as the demon clan's vitality recovered, conflicts would inevitably erupt again in the future.

Notably, Chentang Town's population was growing rapidly.

The land was fertile, protected by a group of strong guards, and with cultivators overseeing it, theft and bullying had almost vanished, attracting many wandering people to settle there.

Li Changshou did not disturb the peace; like a passing traveler, he simply walked around and observed before quietly leaving with his paper effigy.

Speaking of monitoring with paper effigies, there was one place Li Changshou had never neglected.

Naturally, that was the Black Leopard's location.

Ever since losing his wife, the Black Leopard had been diligently cultivating in his cave, steadily improving his strength.

Whether due to the Heavenly Dao's influence or the workings of the great calamity, not only was the Black Leopard's cultivation progressing faster than before, but his thoughts were also becoming more extreme.

Li Changshou occasionally overheard the Black Leopard muttering to himself, evolving from "Why can others do it but not me?" to "It's all because the Heavenly Dao is unfair, so I can't do it."

Li Changshou had no solution for this and did not dare forcibly interfere with the Black Leopard's growth path, lest that debt-owing lord who had become a big shot give him a zap with a small electric whip.

It wasn't that he was particularly afraid; it was just... unbecoming.

The real Lu Ya had already been "nursed" to death by the Black Leopard, and Li Changshou had no urgent demands.

Next time Ling E faced a tribulation, he could come here for a divination sign saying "She will likely fail to overcome it," to add a touch of mystery to the success rate.

With nothing else to do and waiting for Zhao Gongming to come complain, unable to focus on cultivation, Li Changshou decided to keep himself occupied.

He went to the underworld for a game of chess with Dizang under the Wheel of Reincarnation and enjoyed a shoulder massage from Diting.

He strolled along the South Sea coast, chatting with the demon soldiers who had chosen to follow him, asking about their needs.

Then he dropped by the Dragon Palace to scrounge some array materials and experience the tedious life of the Dragon King.

Unexpectedly, he discovered that Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang, and Lingzhuzi, the three brothers, had left the underworld and were wandering somewhere unknown.

The demon soldiers had recently fallen in love with mortal life, experiencing various human occupations and even considering marriage.

The East Sea Dragon King was also feeling down, worrying about the persistent problem of the dragon clan's low egg-laying rate...

After waiting around, four or five days passed in a flash. The Jie Sect assembly had ended, but Zhao Gongming still had not come to the Sea God Temple.

Li Changshou wondered if his prediction had been wrong.

This did not make sense...

"Chang Geng, Chang Geng!"

A familiar call echoed in his mind, coming from outside the study in the Water God Residence in the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou quickly shifted his mind there, checked his paper effigy's appearance in the mirror, held his duster, and hurried out.

Dong Mu Gong stood energetically at the door and burst into laughter upon seeing Li Changshou.

"Ha ha ha! Congratulations, Chang Geng! My felicitations!"

Li Changshou smiled. "What is this joy about?"

"The Taibai Palace has been repaired," Dong Mu Gong said admiringly. "Yesterday, the immortals and gods overseeing its construction reported to the Tongming Hall, and today the Tongming Hall sent people for inspection.

If you wish, you can move in today!"

Li Changshou thought for a moment and replied, "I appreciate your efforts, Wood Gong, but the emperor's decree has not yet been issued. Moving in early might not be appropriate."

"Ah," Dong Mu Gong said warmly, "everyone in the Heavenly Court knows and has heard of it."

"It's not that," Li Changshou said seriously. "It's better to be cautious. I'll wait until the emperor's decree is issued and my divine rank is advanced before moving. These are just empty titles; serving the Heavenly Court and the emperor is the priority."

Dong Mu Gong bowed with a Daoist salute and laughed. "Then as you say, I'll go urge the Tongming Hall to hold off on unnecessary decrees."

"I appreciate your help, Wood Gong!"

"It's nothing, nothing."

Although the Heavenly Court now issued decrees faster than before, the number of decrees needed had also increased significantly.

Modifying positions and elevating star officials required several times more Heavenly Dao power than other decrees, so it naturally took longer.

"These things are best taken as they come," Li Changshou said, waving his duster and inviting Dong Mu Gong in for tea.

Dong Mu Gong, however, remembered Li Changshou's earlier advice—they should keep a certain distance and not become too familiar, to avoid affecting the emperor's prestige.

So, Dong Mu Gong took his leave, and Li Changshou saw him off from the Water God Residence.

Before Li Changshou could turn back, another paper effigy finally heard that familiar sigh.

"Sigh—"

Zhao Gongming had arrived at the Sea God Temple!

Well, nothing to get excited about.

After settling the paper effigy at the Water God Residence, Li Changshou shifted his mind to the Sea God Temple, met Zhao Gongming smoothly, and ordered the divine attendants to serve tea.

As expected, Zhao Gongming looked deeply troubled.

Li Changshou took a sip of tea, observing Zhao Gongming's complex, helpless, and slightly weary expression, and sighed inwardly.

Next would come those six words: "Chang Geng, this matter..."

"Chang Geng," Zhao Gongming called softly, his brows furrowed and his beard trembling.

Here it comes!

Li Changshou took another sip of tea, preparing for the lengthy discussion ahead.

Zhao Gongming took a breath, then let it out quickly, asking in a low voice, "If yin and yang unite, with intimate contact like mortals in the bridal chamber... would there be offspring?"

Li Changshou was stunned for a moment, quickly swallowing his tea, his head filled with question marks.

Something was off—Zhao Gongming was not acting like himself today!