Chapter 584: Heh, 98%

"This Kunpeng is truly a menace; we can't let him continue causing chaos."

Zhao Gongming sighed with such sentiment, then glanced at the figures of several fairy maidens nearby, secretly wiping a bead of sweat.

What had happened earlier...

Well, I wouldn't dare say it, and I wouldn't dare ask.

On the back of the massive golden-winged roc bird, spanning over a hundred zhang, dozens of figures sat in meditation. The senior figures of the Daoist sect gathered together, sipping tea and chatting, holding a praise session for the Jie Jiao fairy maidens.

As for that Kunpeng, that's old news;

And the great calamity, that's for later.

What matters most is to praise the virtuous, gentle, and beautiful qualities of these fairy maidens!

Quan Tong couldn't help but transmit a message to Li Changshou, who was fiddling with the Zhanxian Flying Knife: "Are the six fairy maidens among Jie Jiao's eight great disciples all so... gentle?"

"No," Li Changshou shook his head, "the two who didn't come are really wild."

"Ha ha ha!"

Quan Tong burst into light laughter, stroking his palms, "How interesting, truly interesting."

Beside them, Duobao Daoist threw back his head and sighed, steering the conversation back to serious matters.

This time, it was quite a fortunate mishap with substantial gains.

After those demon fiends spoke, they only begged for a quick death. Out of benevolence, Li Changshou granted their wish and even scattered their ashes into the Chaos Sea, reuniting them with their former companions.

A group of accomplices should stay together, neat and tidy.

Truth be told, these demons were no longer at their peak.

In the Chaos Sea, it was difficult for them to find sources of spiritual energy to sustain their powers.

And Kunpeng, by steadily providing them with spiritual energy, effectively controlled them.

Jiu Ying and the others didn't know how many like them were out there in the Chaos Sea—those who escaped, had nowhere to turn, and ended up surviving miserably, clinging to life for as long as they could, only to sink into despair...

When Li Changshou made his final move, he acted swiftly and decisively, destroying their souls and scattering their ashes.

In fact, by bringing these eight ancient and primordial demons back to the Honghuang world for interrogation, Li Changshou had a bit of self-interest in mind.

Merit, after all, is something you earn while standing tall, and there's no shame in that.

But what left Li Changshou speechless was that after eliminating these eight demons, he gained nothing, while the Daoist experts around him, and even the nineteen demon soldiers in the distance, all had varying amounts of golden light emerging from their bodies.

How many times had this happened? So much differential treatment!

It was practically discrimination against him, an outsider!

When would transmigrators finally rise in the Honghuang world? Could this Honghuang that once erased Senior Lang ever improve?

Angry... but he didn't dare get truly angry.

He just shook off a bit of cleverness and lamented that in this cold Honghuang, only Yunxiao Fairy's leg as a pillow, his junior sister's small hand, and the cushion by his teacher's side could offer a bit of warmth for this wandering stranger.

Duobao Daoist sighed:

"Kunpeng is far in the Chaos Sea. Though we can protect ourselves with our own Dao and move freely there, finding Kunpeng in the Chaos Sea is more troublesome than finding a piece of jade in the Honghuang world."

Jinling Shengmu also said: "That's true, but we can't just let him keep operating in the Chaos Sea."

"How do we catch him?" Huanglong Zhenren spread his hands, "Are we supposed to go fishing in the Chaos Sea?"

Thus, the immortals fell into brief thought, and unanimously turned their gazes toward...

Li Changshou didn't disappoint the senior figures, smiling as he said: "I invited all of you, senior brothers and sisters, as well as Yuan Shuai Quan, because there's a major matter I need to make known to everyone.

Duobao Shixiong, could you set up a barrier? This matter shouldn't be spread.

And it involves some risks. Although I've gained the support of our teacher and uncle, ultimately, each of you senior brothers and sisters must decide for yourselves whether to participate."

The immortals exchanged glances, remaining still.

Previously, those a bit farther away, like Huanglong Zhenren, Guiling Shengmu, and Wudang Shengmu, deliberately moved closer, indicating they were no outsiders.

Now, with inner and outer layers, some standing and some sitting, over a dozen experts gathered here, all direct disciples of Daoist saints and renowned senior disciples of the two sects.

Once Zhao Gongming and Duobao Daoist joined forces to activate several barriers, Li Changshou cleared his throat, surveyed the group, and began his important speech.

"I have resolved to lure and capture Kunpeng, and I've prepared many trump cards."

The immortals were silent, deep in thought, or their eyes lit up.

Zhao Gongming laughed: "I knew you had your own deep intentions in everything you do. Go on, how do we arrange this?"

"Kunpeng won't be easy to hook," Taiyi Zhenren said, "This Kunpeng is insidious, full of wicked deeds, and has ways to seek spiritual energy in the Chaos Sea. Why would he come back?"

"Exactly," Jinling Shengmu added, "How do we solve this?"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

He was weighing and choosing, hesitating whether to reveal the matter of forging the Hongmeng Purple Qi with the Fire Cloud Cave human emperors.

Several thoughts crossed his mind, but Li Changshou decided to trust these senior brothers and sisters in front of him, with whom he had collaborated before.

If he didn't trust them, how could he expect them to trust him?

Some simple truths are known to the young but easily forgotten by the old.

Li Changshou smiled: "Hongmeng Purple Qi."

The immortals were all startled, and even Bai Ze, who already knew some details, felt his Dao heart tighten at those four words.

Hongmeng Purple Qi, the opportunity for sainthood, the threshold to the pinnacle of the Honghuang world.

The higher one's cultivation, the more profound the realization—that achieving sainthood through sheer power or proving the Dao and transcending is extremely difficult, requiring at least half of the spiritual energy in the Honghuang world to even attempt that realm.

How could the Heavenly Dao allow it?

But if, like the current six saints, one connects with the Heavenly Dao through Hongmeng Purple Qi to attain the status of a Heavenly Dao saint, isn't that also a path to transcendence?

Though there are rumors that Heavenly Dao saints are much weaker than those who achieved sainthood through power when leaving the Honghuang world, they are still indestructible within it.

Hongmeng Purple Qi is of utmost importance.

For figures like the senior disciples of the three sects today, obtaining a complete strand of Hongmeng Purple Qi might truly give them a chance to vie for the seventh saint position.

Li Changshou kept the senior figures on tenterhooks before continuing slowly: "To be precise, it's the ninth strand, similar to that of the Fire Cloud Cave human sages, originating from the original eighth Hongmeng Purple Qi."

The immortals showed sudden realization, and the tension in their Dao hearts eased a bit.

But even just one-ninth of Hongmeng Purple Qi was immensely tempting.

Duobao Daoist asked: "Wasn't that Hongmeng Purple Qi divided into eight strands as the foundation of human qi fate?"

Li Changshou chuckled first, then said: "The ninth strand is fabricated. If it were real, I wouldn't dare use it to lure Kunpeng—what if he actually seized it?"

The immortals looked at him with eyes full of disdain.

Jinling Shengmu muttered: "I was tempted just now."

Yuding Zhenren added: "Me too."

"Hiss!" Zhao Gongming sucked in a breath of cold air, puzzled: "Can something like Hongmeng Purple Qi be faked?"

Taiyi Zhenren laughed: "This must involve Yunzhongzi Shixiong."

"The human emperors have already started preparing," Li Changshou said seriously, "The secrecy of this message is key to the plan's success. We mustn't tell anyone.

For this operation, I've completed the overall arrangements. The challenges are whether Kunpeng will take the bait and how to match his speed.

At this point, does anyone want to withdraw from the plan?

If Kunpeng is cornered and fights desperately, it will be extremely dangerous."

The immortals fell silent, exchanging looks, none wanting to speak first and block the way for others to withdraw.

From the time Li Changshou and Yunxiao Fairy killed Kunpeng's old shed, to Kunpeng's appearance in Xuandu City with that sky-obscuring massive form and immeasurable power...

"Kunpeng has committed too many sins and has become a hidden threat in the Honghuang world," Huanglong Zhenren said firmly, "Though I lack powerful divine abilities or treasures, my Dao realm and powers are sufficient. To eliminate such a scourge from the Honghuang world, I will give my all!"

Taiyi Zhenren laughed: "Encountering Kunpeng should be interesting, quite thrilling."

Yuding Zhenren said: "After killing Kunpeng, can I have some of his essence blood? I need it for forging my disciple's body."

Li Changshou smiled: "If we can kill Kunpeng, we can divide up his valuable treasures.

But there's one thing: Kunpeng still has some use, so we'll delay killing him for now."

"How could Kunpeng be so easily used?" Jinling Shengmu snorted, then said firmly: "As disciples of the great sect and students of saints, we enjoy the reverence of beings in the world, so we have the duty to protect it."

"Good."

"Good."

"I should prepare two more storerooms of treasures that can be used for self-destruction."

"Excellent!" Li Changshou stood up and said firmly, "I'll write down the detailed steps of the plan later and have someone deliver it to each of you, senior brothers and sisters.

The action will likely happen in seventeen or eighteen years, though the exact time isn't fixed—we need to seize the opportunity and act accordingly.

Let me mention a few tricky points first.

First, once the Hongmeng Purple Qi appears, the Honghuang world will surely fall into chaos, with great calamity karma looming over all beings, potentially drawing experts from all sides. We must have the power to control the overall situation.

Second, the saints will instantly see through the Hongmeng Purple Qi's authenticity. It will appear near Xuandu City and then quickly rush out.

We need to grasp this process to the millisecond and ensure that before then, Kunpeng has received the news and is approaching the Honghuang world.

Whether we can lure Kunpeng depends on some detailed calculations, and we'll have to ambush him from various places, pretending to vie for the Hongmeng Purple Qi.

In other words, we'll have to play it somewhat for real, but we can't let the immortals of the two sects fight in earnest and damage their relationship..."

Point by point, Li Changshou explained clearly and logically, reminding the Daoist senior figures of the difficulties and key points before even revealing the full plan.

Quan Tong listened with shining eyes, though he couldn't interject, he felt a surge of excitement.

Later, urged by Jinling Shengmu, Li Changshou briefly outlined his plan, and the experts from both sides praised it highly, with Yunxiao Fairy's eyes sparkling with admiration.

Meanwhile, in the Zixiao Palace high above the nine heavens.

A certain great figure sat at a bamboo table, watching the scenes unfolding in the jade disc, sipping a cup of ancient premium spiritual tea, and couldn't help but stroke his beard with a light smile.

If Kunpeng could be eliminated, that would be for the best, saving the trouble of him really smashing a hole in the Honghuang world and needing to arrange repairs.

Should I add some trials for this young one? Too smooth sailing isn't good...

Nah, better not add trials. Now is the prelude to the true immeasurable calamity, where one move affects the whole body, and it's not ideal for the three sects to get involved in tribulation early.

Just then, the jade disc trembled slightly, and through the ancient screen-like sound transmission of the Fortune Jade Disc, the voices of Jinling Shengmu and Li Changshou's conversation emerged.

"Changgeng, how confident are you this time?"

"If everything goes smoothly, ninety-eight percent," Li Changshou said calmly, his eyes flickering with wisdom.

After all, he had already enlisted Tongtian Jiaozhu's help, fully equipped with the Zhuxian Sword Array to guard against interference from the Western Sect.

Jinling Shengmu laughed: "I just love your confidence like this."

In the bamboo grove illusion of Zixiao Palace, a certain burly old Daoist had black lines covering his forehead, his mouth twitching wildly. With a wave of his sleeve, he dispersed the image in the Fortune Jade Disc.

'Hah, ninety-eight percent.'

After circling back from beyond the heavens and informing the main fishing team of the plan, the steps suddenly accelerated.

Li Changshou's originally set twenty-year timeline showed signs of delay; fearing prolonged nights bring dreams and changes, on his way back to Heaven Court, he reviewed the plan several times before finally deciding to fully deploy it.

This time, Li Changshou didn't even seize the chance to date Yunxiao Fairy. The two only exchanged a few private words on the Jinpeng's back, each urging the other to take care, before returning to their residences.

Yunxiao mentioned that she wanted to bring Qiongxiao along this time, as a good opportunity to temper her.

Li Changshou naturally wouldn't refuse. Qiongxiao was one of Jie Jiao's eight great disciples, with her own strength, though her temperament was a bit playful... well, that was probably indulged by her elder brother and Yunxiao.

The Golden Jiao Scissors, a top-grade innate spiritual treasure with formidable killing power, could certainly contribute a lot.

Before they returned to the Five Parts Continent, as they stealthily bid farewell, Huanglong Zhenren found Li Changshou.

Huanglong was a bit awkward and troubled, but still said:

"Changgeng, should we give Guangchengzi Shixiong a heads-up on this matter?

After all, it's a big event. If Guangchengzi Shixiong could join in, it would benefit the unity of the Daoist three sects."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and took out the letter he had prepared earlier from his sleeve.

Wasn't bringing Huanglong Zhenren out precisely for this?

"This letter is for Guangchengzi Shixiong; he will understand the matter once he reads it."

Huanglong Zhenren clearly breathed a sigh of relief, as if a long-held burden in his heart was finally resolved. But he pondered for a moment and asked:

"Changgeng, you said we'd capture but not kill—is it because... our third Shishu wants to use Kunpeng to pursue the Chaos Bell?"

"I shouldn't say too much about this," Li Changshou said seriously, "But Huanglong Shixiong, don't be misled by those very few individuals in Chan Jiao with ulterior motives.

Though Jie Jiao and Chan Jiao are both in the Fengshen calamity, whether they can survive it depends on their own abilities. Don't fall for provocations and think it has to be a zero-sum game.

It's not like that.

All beings in the world are under the calamity karma, and everything is driven forward by the Heavenly Dao."

His words stopped there, and Huanglong Zhenren looked thoughtful, not asking further.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly; in this matter, he had shown a slight bias and would need to make up for it later.

Upon arriving at Taibai Palace, Li Changshou immediately summoned his magical treasures—cough, his elite subordinates: the Jinpeng bird, Ao Yi, and Bian Zhuang.

Without any small talk, Li Changshou said directly:

"Jinpeng, I need to trouble you to make another trip. Take Mei Wen Hua and my paper effigy avatar to meet Mei Mao Bing, Mei Xing Qing, and Mei Di Xian.

If you can persuade and redeem them, that would be best. If not, don't show mercy just because Mei Wen Hua pleads.

Also, take these with you—be extra careful, careful beyond measure, cautious beyond cautious."

"Yes!"

Jinpeng responded firmly, his eyes reflecting the image of his teacher back in his elderly immortal form, burning with fierce flames.

The flames of caution—cough, stability!

Li Changshou handed over various artifacts for warding off heavenly demons to Jinpeng. Jinpeng bid farewell, went to the array in the corner of the hall to pick up Mei Wen Hua, and hurriedly flew out of Heaven Court.

Then, Li Changshou turned to Bian Zhuang and said warmly: "Xiao Zhuang."

"Star Lord, your orders."

"I need you to return to the Tianya Secret Realm once," Li Changshou said, " entrust this matter directly to your grandmother, as I'm a bit uneasy about it.

Wait for my message later; I need to use the Tianya Pavilion's power to spread some information.

Though Heaven Court has arrangements for this, messages from Heaven Court could have risks and aren't entirely secure. Do you understand?"

"This subordinate understands!"

Bian Zhuang didn't dare think too much, bowing his head with fists clasped: "You can trust this mouth of mine, Star Lord. Even if Chang'e Fairy asks what I'm doing, I won't leak a single word—if I do, I'll face death myself!"

"No need to be so severe," Li Changshou patted Bian Zhuang's shoulder, "I trust you. Go now and find a good reason to explain to your grandmother.

You can just mention me and tell her not to ask more."

"No problem," Bian Zhuang laughed, "Star Lord, rest assured. I'll handle this without fail."

Bian Zhuang bowed with clasped fists and quickly left, his steps swift and eyes full of determination.

"Clan Leader brother," Ao Yi called with a smile, now that they were alone, "Is there going to be a big move?"

"Yes," Li Changshou exhaled, "There's something confidential, and it has to be you.

I need the Dragon Clan's records on Kunpeng, and the fewer in the Dragon Clan who know, the better."

Ao Yi nodded immediately, then fell into thought. After a while, he said: "If it's in the Dragon Clan's archives, I can access it without others knowing, even keeping it from Sisi.

But according to Dragon Clan rules, some matters are stored in the memories of the elders..."

"The Dragon Clan elders are fine," Li Changshou said seriously, "If they ask, just say Heaven Court is compiling a chronicle of the ancient demon court.

The Dragon Clan was an observer of that entire era, so this memory and material is quite valuable.

I'll have Tongming Hall issue this message later to cover your actions."

"Understood!" Ao Yi nodded solemnly, "Clan Leader brother, when do you need it?"

"As soon as possible, but don't show any haste."

"Got it, I'll go right away."

Ao Yi agreed and left hurriedly, full of spirit and striding purposefully.

Thus, from the doorway corner, a head peeked in stealthily...

"Um, that," Lingzhuzi whispered, "Shishu, is there anything that needs help?"

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile and said warmly: "Just focus on your cultivation; no need to worry."

"Oh, alright," Lingzhuzi responded, turning away with an involuntary sigh. Though he tried to stand tall, his back still looked a bit forlorn.

This little guy...

"By the way, Lingzhu," Li Changshou called softly, "Have you been free lately?"

"Yes! Yes, yes!" Lingzhuzi spun around, jumping two steps into the threshold of Taibai Palace and hurrying to Li Changshou's side, "I'm free all the time. I just fight with the rabbit when I'm bored!

Shishu, if there's something, just tell me. I'll handle it cleanly and neatly!"

Li Changshou laughed: "Then I'll trouble you to go to Guanghan Palace and ask Chang'e Fairy if she's free. Tell her I invite her for a drink, and she can set the time.

This has to be you, since not just anyone can go to Guanghan Palace, and you're the one who can talk to the Jade Rabbit."

"Okay!"

Lingzhuzi nodded vigorously, his gem-like eyes full of light. He bowed to Li Changshou and dashed off toward the place where the sun and moon revolve.

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile, but his smile soon froze.

Then, a white light flew from his sleeve, forming Bai Ze's figure.

He also took out that large gourd from his sleeve and tossed it into a barrier, advancing with Bai Ze.

Li Changshou said coldly: "Can the essence soul of Hou Yi become Hou Yi?"

Bai Ze stroked his goatee beside him, pondering why he was brought here.

Hmm, the Star Lord must value his wisdom and resourcefulness... It couldn't be because he once assembled the Zhanxian Flying Knife and was pulled in as a skilled worker!

"Mr. Bai, disassemble it.

If it doesn't respond today, just destroy it and eliminate any future threats!"