Chapter 529: Being an Immortal, Happiness is the Most Important

This imperial decree...

In a hidden corner of the underground chamber beneath Xiao Qiong Peak, Li Changshou, transformed into a tiny figure, sat in a small bamboo chair, fiddling with the golden scroll in his hand.

Was it because he had protected Long Ji that His Majesty Yu Di had stepped in to protect Yunxiao?

This explanation seemed plausible at first, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't quite right.

Forming a decree from the Heavenly Way required a considerable amount of time, especially for one involving a great calamity.

The decree must have begun forming before he took Long Ji as his disciple.

From this, it was clear that his "friendship" with Yu Di was still reliable...

Probably about seventy percent so.

After all, Yu Di's position made it easy for him to be constrained by circumstances.

This decree exempting one from calamity could totally serve as a betrothal gift to propose marriage on San Xian Island.

Just kidding.

Their relationship hadn't reached that stage yet, and besides, this "exemption decree" only protected Yunxiao—what would Bixiao and Qiongxiao think?

This item could only be used as a lifesaving measure in a critical moment, to keep Yunxiao out of the calamity; as for the rest...

That was still up for debate.

Thinking carefully, whether or not they had this decree didn't make much difference.

From the moment he developed feelings for Yunxiao, his biggest concern was that the three sisters were as one, and they shared a deep bond with Zhao Gongming.

So, Li Changshou had always gone to great lengths to help Zhao Gongming accumulate merits and escape his fatal calamity.

To save Yunxiao, he had to save all four of them.

If he revealed the chance for her to survive alone to Yunxiao too early, her innate stubbornness might lead her to destroy it herself.

Fortunately, there was now a glimmer of progress.

Li Changshou couldn't say he had absolute certainty to pull Zhao Gongming out of the Investiture of the Gods calamity, but at least there was a slight possibility of keeping Zhao Gongming alive.

Better to play it safe.

The Great Shang dynasty hadn't been officially established yet, so the Investiture of the Gods calamity wouldn't arrive for at least several centuries.

Due to differences in intelligence gathering, the upcoming struggles among various factions would become extremely complex.

The secrets of heaven were obscured, so even the saints could only catch glimpses of the calamity, like peering through a tube, and each saint's view would differ.

In a few decades, once the Investiture of the Gods list appeared, his own Tai Qing teacher would likely instantly comprehend the entire course of the calamity.

His second master uncle would probably see a bit more than his third master uncle, the Jieyin Saint would be on par with his two master uncles, and Lady Nüwa would likely be too engrossed in her own affairs to pay attention.

As for a certain saint...

He would maintain respect and not comment further.

From the information revealed in this decree, Yu Di had long known many details of the Investiture of the Gods calamity and might even have discussed with the Dao Ancestor how to expand the Heavenly Court and suppress the Daoist sects.

Li Changshou still hadn't figured out what exactly happened when Yu Di went to Zixiao Palace to weep, or what he said to the Dao Ancestor.

That could totally rank among the "Top Ten Unsolved Mysteries of the Primordial World"...

Regardless, this decree was an exceptionally precious item, essentially a promise from Yu Di to him.

Carefully putting it away and storing it on his person, Li Changshou zoned out for a moment, his mind replaying scenes from the immortal banquet.

After the Yaochi Feast, the Grand Pure One had immediately returned to Xuandu City.

Lately, the extraterrestrial heavenly demons had started stirring again, as if these strange beings from the Chaos Sea wanted to fish in troubled waters.

Yunxiao, of course, returned to San Xian Island with Qiongxiao and Bixiao.

At this celebration, Yunxiao had brought quite a few gifts, which made Li Changshou feel a bit embarrassed.

It had a bit of the flavor of "making up excuses to collect gifts" from his previous life.

What amused Li Changshou was the behavior of Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Jin Ling.

He didn't know how things were going between them; at the immortal banquet, they didn't exchange a single word, though their gazes met occasionally, and they left with their respective friends.

Too shy to make it public?

That was understandable, after all, they were both great powers of the Primordial World. Forming a dao companion like later-born spirits might lead to some behind-the-scenes teasing.

"Does Yunxiao have similar concerns?"

As Li Changshou pondered this question he'd considered many times before, his mind shifted back to the Heavenly Court, controlling his paper effigy to set up arrays in the Tai Bai Palace.

Add a few little details!

The effigy travels thousands of miles while the true body sits at home.

His modified paper-cutting divine ability had evolved into something completely unrecognizable yet quite extraordinary, deserving to be called a miracle.

The bean-scattering divine ability was now widely used across the Heavenly Court's departments, becoming standard for heavenly soldiers and generals, greatly reducing their casualties.

Later, he'd arrange matters for Yang Jian, centering on the paper effigy.

If Yang Jian ended up killing heavenly soldiers and generals, and then the Heavenly Court pardoned him, it wouldn't align with the Heavenly Court's promoted values...

After busying himself in the Heavenly Court for a while, he saw Long Ji, dressed in a light and comfortable long skirt, riding clouds to the Tai Bai Palace and entering the grand hall.

Li Changshou's paper effigy settled into a seat, adopting the demeanor of a high person from the Human Teachings, his white hair and white eyebrows exuding a light and carefree air, with a kindly and gentle smile at his lips.

Long Ji stepped forward and curtsied gracefully, her fair face flushed, her bright eyes like shimmering autumn water.

Li Changshou examined his new disciple closely—this was actually the first time he'd carefully observed her after her "seclusion growth."

She was truly a beauty, with a resemblance to Lady Wangmu in appearance, yet without Lady Wangmu's majestic presence; instead, she had an added touch of elegance and gentleness.

"Teacher," Long Ji whispered, "is something wrong?"

"In the blink of an eye, you've grown so much."

Li Changshou casually summoned a meditation cushion and had her sit in front of him.

Then, he took out the Human Teachings scripture he had previously consulted before the Tai Qing portrait—the "Tai Qing Dao Principles" that the Grand Mage had passed to him.

"Today, I will teach you the Tai Qing Dao methods. I hope you study and cultivate them diligently.

You've already reached the Celestial Immortal realm, so you're not far from immortality. It's not appropriate to change your fundamental path now, so continue with your original cultivation as the main focus and use the 'Tai Qing Dao Principles' as a supplementary guide.

The Dao has no superiority or inferiority, no highs and lows. The most important thing in cultivation is to forge your own path. Do you understand this principle?"

Long Ji nodded quickly, holding the jade talisman in her palms, and answered earnestly, "Disciple will remember Master's teachings."

Li Changshou smiled. "There's no need to be so formal. Just be as relaxed as when you used to call me teacher.

You can't fool me, though. Seclusion might make your physical form grow, but your temperament hasn't changed."

"Hee-hee!"

Long Ji immediately dropped her facade, made a funny face, and whispered, "Being able to formally take you as my master is truly wonderful."

"Why did you splash tea on Daoist Ran Deng that day?"

Long Ji furrowed her delicate brows and said softly,

"I really don't know. It's just like what you guessed before, Teacher—I had a momentary daze, and when I opened my eyes, the trouble was already done.

Sigh, the Yaochi is extremely strict with rules.

If you hadn't protected me then, Ran Deng could have used it as leverage, and Mother would have punished me severely. I might not even have been able to stay in the Heavenly Palace."

Li Changshou nodded slowly and said warmly, "His Majesty and Lady Wangmu govern the Heavenly Vault and are overly strict with their children, but that's understandable."

"Long Ji knows, Teacher," Long Ji said with a smile. "Being born in the Heavenly Emperor's family, I mustn't bring shame to Father and Mother.

Being able to take you as my master fulfills a long-held wish of mine.

Teacher, can I live in the Tai Bai Palace?"

"It's better to spend more time with your mother."

Li Changshou looked apologetic. "Normally, if there's nothing else, I need to cultivate, so I can only teach you the Tai Qing Dao at set times."

"Oh," Long Ji puffed out her cheeks, her lower lip pouting slightly. Then she blinked and asked, "Teacher, where do you cultivate your true body? May I go and attend to you there?"

Li Changshou's mouth twitched. "You have a master uncle taking care of me, so no need to worry."

"Master uncle?" Long Ji's eyes lit up. "Is it... a female master uncle?"

"Yes."

Long Ji's eyes immediately burned with the fire of gossip as she asked in surprise, "Teacher, do you have another little mistress besides Yunxiao as your wife?"

"Probably..."

"Doesn't Yunxiao mind?"

"She probably does. It's a bit of a tricky issue," Li Changshou said helplessly. "Don't ask any more. If it's something you can know later, I'll tell you then."

"Oh, disciple spoke out of turn."

Long Ji stuck out her tongue, then couldn't help blinking and whispering, "What about Fairy Chang'e?"

Long Ji let out an "ouch," covering her forehead with a guilty little laugh.

Li Changshou shook his head and said, "Go check that corner over there. I've prepared a little surprise for you."

"Hmm? Why did you go to the trouble, Teacher?"

Long Ji perked up at once, happily running to the corner and stepping into the illusion array Li Changshou had just set up. She saw a simple partitioned space inside, furnished with a bed, chairs, and a wooden cabinet, all arranged quite elegantly.

"Teacher, is this for me to rest?"

"That's for placing my effigy. Your surprise is in the left corner—pick up the pink pouch on the table... Open it and see."

"Huh? There are three big boxes inside. What's..."

In the illusion array, Long Ji's forehead was covered in black lines as she looked at the opened wooden boxes, filled with familiar-looking "assignment" scrolls. Her eyes gradually lost their sparkle.

Li Changshou's calm voice floated over:

"These are the strategy problems you haven't finished. I carefully organized them for you.

Finish them within a year, then come back, and I'll test you on strategy and your insights into the 'Tai Qing Dao Principles.'"

Ding...

On the fourth day of taking a disciple, Li Changshou achieved: Masterly Compassion and Filial Piety.

On the fourth day of taking a disciple, Li Changshou obtained the badge: Master, Please Be Human.

Just then, the Golden-Winged Great Peng, who had hurried to the hall, looked on with full envy in his eyes.

But he knew his own comprehension was too poor and his aptitude too lacking, even though he was the son of the Primordial Phoenix. For now, he wasn't qualified to formally enter his teacher's tutelage!

He wasn't worthy yet!

Li Changshou's voice drifted from ahead: "Golden Peng, you seem in a rush. Is there trouble?"

"Teacher!"

The Golden-Winged Great Peng snapped out of his thoughts, took out a jade talisman from his robe, and presented it to Li Changshou with a serious expression:

"Just now, the Immortal Alliance reported that several fierce demons were discovered in a great thousand world. They're extremely powerful and have already caused dozens of immortals in the Immortal Alliance to be killed or injured.

The jade talisman for aid from Vice Alliance Leader Bian Laofuren is here. They want you to dispatch one or two experts to help."

"Fierce demons?"

Li Changshou opened the jade talisman and glanced at it, then examined it carefully, only to be amused.

The claim of dozens of immortals killed or injured in the Immortal Alliance was false; the subtext hinted that the location of these fierce demons had an ancient exotic treasure, possibly a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear.

Li Changshou thought for a moment, took out a few paper effigies from his sleeve, and handed them to the Golden-Winged Great Peng with immortal power.

"Golden Peng, I'll leave this matter to you. It should be related to a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear."

"Thank you for your trust, Teacher!"

Golden Peng bowed his head in respect, his eyes filled with excitement.

Li Changshou asked, "Don't rush. How do you plan to handle this?"

Golden Peng thought carefully, knowing this was his teacher testing him, and the golden ring on his ankle gleamed slightly.

He said, "Naturally, I'll go meet with Bian Laofuren, then ask for the details, soothe the injured immortals on behalf of the Heavenly Court, and quickly resolve the issue by eliminating the fierce demons to proclaim the Heavenly Court's might."

Li Changshou smiled. "That's a good start, but it's not quite enough.

Always remember three principles.

First, when traveling outside, trust no one completely; keep a constant sense of suspicion in your heart.

Second, always self-examine and ask yourself if your actions are risky or inappropriate.

Third, if you encounter danger, retreat immediately, make full use of your speed, and don't be greedy for treasures or let anger cloud your judgment. In these times of pervasive calamity, you can never be too cautious."

Golden Peng was deeply moved and bowed deeply.

"Teacher, rest assured. I will seek victory through stability and withdraw at the first sign of a strong enemy!"

"Good," Li Changshou nodded in satisfaction. "Go ahead."

"Teacher, Senior Sister, this disciple bids farewell."

Golden Peng saluted Long Ji, who was approaching from the side, then turned and strode away, leaving behind a touch of tragic heroism and shedding the remnants of the Phoenix clan's pride.

Long Ji lightly bit her lip and tilted her head slightly.

Was this really the same "mad bird" Golden Peng who had boldly stormed the Heavenly Court and declared his intent to woo Fairy Chang'e?

Long Ji sighed inwardly, looking at her dear teacher with eyes full of admiration and a hint of awe.

They say a leopard can't change its spots, but that's only if it hasn't met a true master!

Her teacher was truly...

Exceptionally steady.

Several months later, Li Changshou received good news from Golden Peng, successfully adding another fragment of the God-Slaying Spear to his collection.

Without delay, he took Golden Peng to the Tushita Palace.

This time, the Old Lord had gone out wandering again and had anticipated Li Changshou's visit, so he instructed them to leave the small God-Slaying Spear and the two fragments in the Tushita Palace for him to refine upon his return.

Li Changshou couldn't help but ask,

"The Old Lord... went looking for the ox?"

Xiao Jin and Xiao Yin exchanged glances; the former burst into laughter, while the latter made a sour face.

Xiao Jin said, "The Old Lord went out sitting on a cloud this time. From what he said, it seems he's searching the Chaos Sea for fragments of the God-Slaying Spear to help you, Brother Changgeng, forge a divine weapon."

Xiao Yin sighed. "Brother, if you have time, go urge that old ox. No one knows where he's gone, and without spirit pills or peaches out there, who knows what treasure has captivated him."

A silver-haired maiden, a silver-haired maiden indeed.

Li Changshou thought for a moment and agreed. "I'll try to track him. Do you have anything useful?"

"This!"

Xiao Yin handed over an immortal rope gleaming with golden light. "This is the Old Lord's robe-tie rope. The end can point toward the target you're seeking and bind them when you find them. We've infused the ox's aura into it."

"Perfect," Li Changshou took the rope and smiled. "This might take some time."

"Brother Changgeng, you focus on your main tasks first," Xiao Yin said with a chuckle. "Anyway, next time the Old Lord needs the ox, it should be Xiao Jin's turn."

Xiao Jin instantly looked miserable, and Golden Peng laughed beside them.

As they left, Golden Peng exchanged bows with the two attendants.

Thus began the rippling friendship among the three great demon kings of the Journey to the West calamity...

Well, across different factions.

Li Changshou, of course, didn't dare delay the matters at the Tushita Palace.

Once his paper effigy secretly delivered the rope near the Passing Immortal Gate, Li Changshou quickly arranged things and dispatched the first corps of paper effigies stationed around Xiao Qiong Peak.

Naturally, the corps was in a nested form, with the actual one sent out being the coachman paper effigy bearing a wisp of the Profound Yellow Pagoda's power.

Holding the rope in his palm, its tassel end gently rose, pointing south.

Li Changshou used water escape, speeding along and searching for traces of the green ox.

The ox was being irresponsible, chasing his own happiness and neglecting his duties as a mount.

When he reached the East Sea coast near the southern part of the Jambudvipa continent, Li Changshou had a thought and emerged from the water, transforming into a gentle breeze that drifted toward a familiar area to check on the...

River God he had placed there.

Last time, he had deliberately struck back at the River God by showing him a few spots already claimed by the Dragon Clan, probably leaving the poor fellow quite depressed.

He had been a bit angry back then, but now that his anger had subsided, he should find a more normal place for him and help him gather some incense merits to form a simple meritorious body.

As the Star Lord Tai Bai, a regular official of the Heavenly Court, could he really hold a grudge against a minor river god who wasn't even ranked and barely counted as a heavenly scatter-immortal?

Soon, Li Changshou located the faint divine power and happened to see a young woodcutter carrying a bundle of firewood passing by.

The divine power flickered slightly?

Li Changshou focused and, with a flash of aqua light in his eyes, spotted the scholar-like River God hiding by the riverbank, using his divine power to "steal" an axe.

Were the little fables from his previous life's myths created like this?

Then came a plop as the axe fell into the river.

The young woodcutter, however, didn't react at all. He just sighed, turned his head wearily, and said,

At that moment, golden light flashed on the river surface, and a figure in elegant robes emerged halfway from the water...

"Young woodcutter, did you drop this gold-inlaid jade axe, or this heavy black iron axe, or this ordinary ancestral axe?"

The woodcutter frowned, pursed his lips, and sighed,

"Are you going to do this every time a woodcutter passes by? Using spells for this illusion and secretly putting the axe back in our house—do you find it fun?

In the neighboring village, the immortals, gods, and spirits that young people encounter are all beautiful women, but in our village, it's you, a male god. We're losing face; we can't hold our heads up within three hundred li. The girls don't want to marry here anymore, afraid you'll pop out when they cross the river!

You've been doing this for so long—can't you switch it up?"

With that, the woodcutter shook his head, hoisted his firewood, and walked away, leaving the River God staring at the axe in his hand, dejectedly sinking back into the water.

Another failure...

Splash, splash!

A series of heavy objects plunged into the water.

The River God looked and saw gold and silver axes piling up on the riverbed, while a spell incantation surfaced in his mind.

This was...

A transformation technique!

At the same time, a few light laughs echoed in the River God's ears, familiar and warm.

"Being a god is all about having fun, after all."

In the clouds, Li Changshou's figure flashed and vanished, following the rope's direction straight into the depths of the South Sea.