Chapter 521: I Am Inherently Low-Key

Something is off!

Li Changshou gazed at the man before him: the senior outer disciple of Jiejiao, with his immaculately trimmed beard, and elder sworn brother to Yunxiao. This was the first prominent figure from Jiejiao that Li Changshou had met in the Honghuang world, and his eyes grew sharper and sharper.

He knew that the Wanxian Assembly had concluded a day and eight shichen ago. Given Zhao Gongming's disposition, he should have come straight here after the assembly dispersed to pour out his heart.

There was more than enough time for a lapse in judgment.

He also knew that Jiejiao was currently in turmoil, with many disciples executed, creating a tense atmosphere. Someone was bound to be feeling stifled and needing an outlet.

Most likely, it involved a bit of wine, leading to a tipsy haze where emotions overflowed and needed to be released.

The emotional state for a lapse in judgment was perfectly present.

Moreover, Zhao Gongming's eyes were bright and full of hope, his mouth slightly upturned, and his beard was perfectly groomed. Though he spoke of worry, his eyes showed eager anticipation.

Clearly, he was in high spirits!

Putting it all together, based on the faint lip mark on Zhao Gongming's neck, Li Changshou boldly deduced:

"Jinling?"

Zhao Gongming froze for a moment, instinctively glancing behind him as he squeezed Li Changshou's arm.

"Don't say that! Don't say that! What does this have to do with Jinling?"

Li Changshou furrowed his brow and asked quietly:

"Brother, who was it?"

Zhao Gongming chuckled awkwardly, twisting and turning with shyness, his face flushing red as he finally mumbled a name:

"Ling... Ling."

Li Changshou: ...

Suddenly, he felt a chill on his own neck. Why?

"Brother, is this for real?"

"This... Could there really be offspring, Changgeng?"

"That depends on how far things went."

"Hehe, well, if you're asking, what's left to do?"

"Then?"

"There's nothing left," Zhao Gongming stroked his beard with a light laugh, then glanced down at his feet and whispered, "Why are we squatting down?"

Li Changshou couldn't help but press his hand to his forehead and murmur:

"My legs are weak, I'm scared. Brother, was this mutual affection, hearts stirring uncontrollably, or impulsive, wine-fueled confusion leading to a big mistake?"

Zhao Gongming thought carefully:

"I've known Lingling for years; it was just fellow disciple camaraderie at first. It was only after Jinling Shimei expressed her feelings to me, and we realized we couldn't be dao companions, that Lingling and I suddenly grew closer."

Lingling...

I won't even go there!

Li Changshou said:

"Then I must congratulate you, brother."

"Same joy, same joy," Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled with narrowed eyes, but his smile soon faded as he asked, "Will this really lead to offspring?"

Li Changshou asked:

"Did sister-in-law say anything?"

"No," Zhao Gongming replied. "We were drunk at the time. When I woke up, she had already left the small Qiankun I created with the Dinghai Shenzhu, leaving just a letter asking me to seek her out after some time.

And she said..."

Li Changshou whispered:

"What did she say?"

Zhao Gongming covered his face with his hand and sighed:

"Basically, that last night was her fault. She was just curious about what you and Yunxiao didn't finish that day, and then... unexpected things happened.

In her letter, she said she'd take responsibility for me, but her heart is in turmoil right now. She wants me to wait before coming to find her and not to tell anyone about this.

Just treat it as a dream."

"Don't do that," Li Changshou said. "This is the time to press your advantage, solidify the feelings. Sister-in-law is strikingly beautiful, straightforward, and immensely powerful—she's the top female immortal of Jiejiao and a perfect match for you, brother.

You're the first wisp of pure wind in the world. If sister-in-law's origins are water, you're like 'fine rain wrapping spring wind, silently nourishing all.'

If her origins are earth, you're like 'you're the wind, I'm the sand, wandering the world in endless twining.'

What a match!"

"Is that so? Ha ha, you're quite the wordsmith, Changgeng."

Zhao Gongming continued stroking his beard with a light laugh, but then realized his hand, after stroking his four-cun-long beard, was touching the ground.

"Changgeng, should we crawl out from under the chairs? Why are we hiding like this?"

The two exchanged glances, shared an awkward laugh, then stood up and sat back on their chairs, laughing at each other.

Husband's principles.

Li Changshou said:

"As for offspring, innate beings find it relatively difficult, and it also depends on whether sister-in-law wants it.

With the great calamity looming, and Jinling sister-in-law feeling guilty toward you—thinking she forced things—it's unlikely to happen. You'll just have to try harder, brother."

Zhao Gongming let out a breath of relief and sighed:

"I'm also worried about the great calamity.

Ah, over a hundred fellow disciples were executed... Jinling was doing it for Jiejiao's fate; she wasn't trying to kill them, just acting for the sect's prosperity."

"Sister-in-law seems hot-tempered, but she's actually quite gentle underneath..."

"That's all an act," Zhao Gongming laughed. "When I first started cultivating under our master, she was quite gentle. But because her kindness once led to disaster for our fellow disciples, she's smiled less since and become more decisive in her actions."

Li Changshou nodded slowly, then cupped his hands and said:

"Anyway, congratulations, brother!"

"You're too kind, too kind," Zhao Gongming laughed heartily. "You should step it up too, brother. You have feelings for her, and my sister has feelings for you. Why all the hesitation?"

"It's still because of the great calamity."

Li Changshou smiled and pulled out a treasure pouch from his sleeve, handing it over solemnly.

He explained earnestly:

"Brother, this is a gift I prepared for you last time when Jinling Shimei came to me for help. I didn't expect you to remain composed and treat her with proper courtesy—truly a model for us men.

It didn't come in handy then.

Now, I'm giving it to you specially. May you treasure yourself well."

Zhao Gongming opened it and saw a few scrolls, some pills, and a few jars of immortal brew. Though he wasn't sure of the exact meaning, he happily accepted them.

"You're skilled in strategy and calculation, so give me some advice, brother... What should I do now?"

"Waiting passively is the worst option," Li Changshou said. "Sister-in-law is probably feeling confused right now. You need to strike while the iron's hot, take the initiative, express your feelings to her, and ease her worries.

There are three things to avoid—remember them well."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou said:

"First, don't talk about such matters of men and women out loud. Especially now, you must uphold propriety, or you'll come off as frivolous and disrespectful, making her think you've lost your regard for her.

Second, if sister-in-law suggests keeping your relationship under wraps, don't agree right away. Ask a question or two in response—just enough to show you're proud to be with her; you'll know how to phrase it.

Third, don't bring up offspring yourself; it might make her overthink.

Got all that?"

Zhao Gongming nodded one by one, his expression serious:

"I've got it all. I'll go find her now. Thanks, Changgeng!"

"You're too kind, brother."

With that, Zhao Gongming stood up and hurried out of the back hall. Li Changshou followed a couple of steps to see him off, watching as Zhao Gongming transformed into a streak of aqua light, rushing off into the distance.

Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back at the inner hall door, a faint smile curling at his lips. Then, this paper daoist quickly burrowed into the earth, while his true body in the alchemy room threw his head back in laughter.

The laughter echoed across Xiaoqiong Peak, startling Ling'e as she cultivated by the lake, scaring Xiong Lingli who was secretly feeding wine to the spirit beasts, and disturbing Jiu Yushi in the gaming room.

Even Li Changshou took out a bottle of Pantao brew from his sleeve, drinking and enjoying it alone.

What a joyous occasion, truly joyous!

First, for Zhao Gongming finally making things work, and second, for him and Jinling Shengmu coming together, erasing the divide between Jiejiao's inner and outer sects.

If Zhao Gongming really faces calamity in the future, I only need to send word in time and delay things a bit—the first to rush to his aid won't be the Sanxiao sisters, but Jinling Shengmu.

Touching Zhao Gongming is like touching all eight great disciples of Jiejiao!

Saving or protecting him will be so much easier!

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

This traces back to when Jinling Shengmu and Huoling Shengmu sought help at my Haishen Temple; a red thread veered off course and led to today's outcome.

Li Changshou felt genuine joy, not smugness, a delight from the heart that almost made him float.

Soon after, he shook out his sleeves and went to the secret chamber, picking up a brush to write a letter to Yunxiao. In it, he vaguely mentioned the matter, asking her to advise Qiongxiao and Bixiao to avoid seeking out Zhao Gongming for the next few years.

Then, he apologized for his abruptness last time, shifted to discussing Jiejiao affairs, and ended with a poetic, not-quite-poetic line:

Your autumn eyes are like poetry; I first heard the faint intoxication.

Thus, a rich and meaningful love letter was complete.

It was a bit embarrassingly cheesy, of course.

For safety, Li Changshou revised it once, copied it neatly, reviewed it again, and only then sealed it into a magical tool.

He summoned a paper figure, transformed it into a white crane carrying the envelope, and sent it off as mist and earth-escaping smoke.

Li Changshou smiled faintly, using his immortal sense to check on Ling'e by the lake, seeing her in cultivation, so he didn't go tease her.

Waiting a few days for Zhao Gongming's good news was truly worthwhile.

What did he see in Zhao Gongming and Jinling Shengmu's affair?

Perhaps ordinary immortals would see two great Jiejiao figures becoming dao companions; those with a broader view might see the inner and outer sects of Jiejiao growing even closer.

But Li Changshou saw something different... the future father of Gou Chen and Ziwei, the Four Sovereigns of Heaven!

Quickly, though, Li Changshou activated his Kongming Dao Heart, entering a state of sage-like calm to cool his excitement and carefully assess any potential downsides.

Aside from slightly corrupting Jiejiao's customs, there weren't major issues.

Hmm, I can't keep clinging to preconceptions, assuming Zhao Gongming will be the first target of the West or Chan Jiao. The situation has changed dramatically now.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, sinking into deep thought.

Half a month later, one of Li Changshou's paper daoists left Xiaoqiong Peak, flying at a moderate height toward Danding Peak.

As soon as he arrived, before he could land, a flash of green light streaked by, and Elder Wan was already in front of him, grabbing the wrist of this paper daoist in sheer excitement.

"Changshou! Quick!"

Li Changshou was a bit stunned and said hurriedly:

"Elder, what is it?"

At the same time, he took out the storage treasure Elder Wan had given him before his tribulation.

"I'm returning this to you, disciple. Congratulations on passing your tribulation and becoming a Golden Immortal, attaining the fruit of immortality!"

"That's trivial," Elder Wan said with a cold smile, his expression fierce with excitement.

It's excitement... excitement.

Fortunately, Elder Wan remembered to conceal Li Changshou's identity and just said:

"That Poison Scripture, the Poison Scripture."

"The Poison Scripture..."

Li Changshou smiled and replied:

"Elder, I've memorized your Poison Scripture."

At the same time, he transmitted a message:

"Elder, we shouldn't discuss this openly. Let's go inside first to talk. It's a serious matter, and if you want to meet, I'll arrange for you to see that Senior Lv Yue."

"Good, good."

Elder Wan Linjun pulled Li Changshou's arm and headed toward his residence.

Around them, many immortal senses watched the backs of this elder and youth, filled with... not quite envy.

Once in the residence, Elder Wan didn't ask about anything else; he just pulled Li Changshou into discussing the contents of Lv Yue's two Poison Scriptures. Li Changshou responded fluently.

With his cultivation now far surpassing that of an ordinary Golden Immortal, he wasn't stumped by Elder Wan's questions.

For many obscure toxic principles... as long as he answered confidently, Elder Wan wouldn't suspect much.

Elder Wan's eagerness to meet his "idol" was intense. Li Changshou first calmed him down, pointed out a few key precautions, and then made the arrangements.

First, Elder Wan went to report to the sect leader, saying he wanted to go out and search for a batch of toxic herbs and poisons to refine stronger toxic pills. Then, he checked in at the Bai Fan Hall, mentioning he would take Xiaoqiong Peak's immortal Li Changshou along for some travels.

Seizing the day, Elder Wan set out half a day later with Li Changshou's paper daoist, leaving Duixian Gate.

After leaving Dongsheng Shenzhou, Li Changshou reverted to his paper figure form and hid in Elder Wan's sleeve.

Elder Wan followed Li Changshou's guidance, changing his appearance from a wrinkled, icy old daoist to a fair-skinned, icy middle-aged man.

He donned brocade robes and fine attire, restrained his Golden Immortal aura, and let out just a hint of Golden Immortal pressure. He kept several powerfully toxic pills at hand and flew off to the edge of the world.

The journey was uneventful, and Elder Wan smoothly reached a small Qiankun world near the Tianya Secret Realm.

Meanwhile, in Yanzhi Heap, Li Changshou pulled Lv Yue out, saying he had a friend skilled in toxic pills who wanted some pointers from him.

Lv Yue, ever obliging, agreed readily and went with Li Changshou's paper daoist to meet Elder Wan.

It was a crisp autumn morning.

The projection of the sun star cast golden light over the edge of this small Qiankun world. Standing on a mountain peak, Wan Linjun saw the old daoist descending from the sky and trembled.

"Is that Poison Zun Xian?"

Lv Yue raised an eyebrow, pleased by the title, and smiled calmly:

"I am Lv Yue of Jiejiao. Have you been waiting long, daoist friend?"

"Not at all, not at all! Senior Lv, please accept a bow from this junior!"

"Ah, why this formality?"

Elder Wan Linjun bowed deeply, and Lv Yue, knowing this was Li Changshou's "friend," hurried forward to stop him, descending quickly to help him up.

These two masters of poison gazed at each other, tears in their eyes, silent for a moment.

Elder Wan Linjun sighed:

"Senior, you are the one who guided me on the path of poison. It was from reading half of your Poison Scripture early on that I truly understood the way of toxic pills. This bow is well deserved."

"Don't say that," Lv Yue said, straightening his posture and glancing at Li Changshou's paper daoist nearby. "I've just delved deeper into this path over a few yuan hui—it's nothing special.

Daoist friend, we can speak as equals; no need for senior or junior titles.

This isn't the place to talk. Let me take you to a better spot?"

Elder Wan Linjun agreed readily, his eyes full of emotion.

Li Changshou quickly interjected:

"Senior Brother, no need!"

Lv Yue laughed:

"Look at that, Changgeng, you're being unfair. You're prejudiced against the Tianya Secret Realm. We're just going for a drink and chat, not what you're thinking.

Come on, let's go. Don't listen to him."

With that, Lv Yue summoned a white cloud and led Wan Linjun into the sky.

Li Changshou stood by, hesitant, but saw that Elder Wan was completely focused on his idol, oblivious to everything else, so he didn't spoil the mood.

Fine, let them be.

Helping Elder Wan fulfill his wish, I'll see what he wants next. If he wants to return to Duixian Gate for cultivation, so be it.

If he wants to wander and experience different lives, he could help out at Lintian Hall.

A Golden Immortal with a clean background like this is a real asset.

As for me...

Next, I must keep a low profile, minimize attention, and wait quietly for the Zixiao Palace discussions.

The seeds I've sown will bear fruit then.

"Mu Gong, should we throw a grand celebration for Changgeng?"

In Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor in white leaned forward and asked suddenly.

Mu Gong blinked and immediately smiled:

"Your Majesty, didn't you say that once the decree is formed, we'll announce it to the three realms and celebrate with heaven and earth?"

The Jade Emperor laughed:

"How exactly should we celebrate?"

Mu Gong pondered:

"This old minister isn't entirely sure, but probably something like ensuring good weather in the mortal world and peace across the four seas without disasters."

"That's not enough."

The Jade Emperor tapped the table:

"Changgeng's great deeds are countless; he's the lubricant between Heaven and the Chan and Jie sects—truly invaluable.

For his appointment as Taibai Star Lord, why not invite immortals and gods from all over the three realms? The Yama Kings of the underworld, the Dragon Kings of the four seas, and all the city gods, mountain spirits, and river gods—let them gather in Heaven.

This way, we can also establish Heaven's authority."

Mu Gong weighed the pros and cons carefully, then tucked his left hand into his right sleeve and raised his thumb:

"Your Majesty, brilliant!"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

The Jade Emperor threw his head back in laughter, then pondered and said:

"Mu Gong, how can we keep this from Changgeng for now? Otherwise, he'll definitely refuse."

Mu Gong looked troubled:

"This... hiding it from him is harder than hiding it from you—cough, this old minister misspoke; please punish me, Your Majesty."

"Ah," the Jade Emperor waved his sleeve, "Changgeng is shrewd, with countless incarnations, so you're not wrong.

Very well, I'll deduct three hundred years of your merit salary as punishment.

Proceed with this in secret; don't let anyone know. Only when the decree is about to form will we send out the invitations, so Changgeng can't refuse!"

Such a thoughtful emperor for his subjects...

Mu Gong silently shed moved tears and bowed his head in praise.