Chapter 586: Gathering Winds and Clouds, Hongmeng Purple Qi Attracts the Gods

Just before Li Changshou was about to set off for Xuandu City;

At Kunlun Shan, where the endless banquets never ceased.

"Du E Daoyou, do you have any news about this?"

"How come these past few years, the rumors about Hong Meng Zi Qi have been spreading like wildfire, making it seem like it's really about to appear?"

"This... I truly haven't received any news."

Zhenren Du E smiled humbly, adjusted the gold-trimmed collar of his elaborate daoist robe, smoothed the fancy whisk in his hand, and sat up straight with a refined posture as he chuckled in response:

"I don't get to hear every piece of news. It's mainly from the Tian Court side, and even my acquaintances there are in the dark about it."

The mention of "Tian Court" made ears perk up all around.

An old daoist asked: "Is there really no news from the Tian Court?How come these rumors seem to be originating from near Huo Yun Cave?"

Zhenren Du E stroked his beard and shook his head, and someone nearby chimed in:

"Hey, I have a friend who just returned from checking out the excitement at Huo Yun Cave. The strange phenomena around Huo Yun Cave are impossible to suppress."

"It's clearly a sign that the ninth strand of the eighth Hong Meng Zi Qi is about to emerge!The eight human emperors who claimed the other eight strands are all in Huo Yun Cave, so these omens are perfectly normal."

"Around Huo Yun Cave, nine nine-grade colorful lotuses are on the verge of blooming. The ninth strand of Hong Meng Zi Qi should appear within the next century, or even sooner."

Seeing everyone analyzing it so convincingly, Zhenren Du E couldn't help but ask:

"Are these details all from Huo Yun Cave?"

"Where would they be from? I saw it with my own eyes!"

Zhenren Du E looked enlightened, furrowed his brow at the sky, and muttered: "Could this be real? How come when I inquired in the Tian Court, everyone was completely clueless..."

The group of old daoists' eyes lit up, and in an instant, several more rumors started circulating.

"If you ask me, we shouldn't get too fixated on this Hong Meng Zi Qi. It's not something we can touch."

"There are so many experts in the Dao Sect and great powers in the world. We're just immortals seeking longevity and peace. If we get caught up in such a vortex, we'd just be wasting our time—or worse, turn to ashes with nowhere to cry."

"Isn't there a rumor that, according to heavenly secrets, the ninth strand of the eighth Hong Meng Zi Qi will go to the most meritorious second-generation disciple of the Dao Sect?Could it be that the heavens are directly granting it to Taibai Xingjun?"

"What merits does Taibai Xingjun have to directly get a path to sainthood?"

"Aiding the Tian Court isn't a great merit? Promoting the Dao Sect isn't a great merit? And that non-aggression pact for the Dao Sect—wasn't it brokered by Taibai Xingjun Li Changgeng himself?The Dao Ancestor is still the Dao Ancestor, after all, and his heart is always with the Dao Sect—favoring his own lineage!"

"Don't mention it anymore. Don't mention it. The heavens are watching us."

"Forget it. This has nothing much to do with us. We're just here for the spectacle."

"You're right. Forget it."

Hong Meng Zi Qi?Taibai Xingjun?

Zhenren Du E stroked his beard and frowned, pondering slightly, feeling that there was something unusually off about this.

Today, he wasn't just here for casual chit-chat.

Ever since he became the Tian Court's "publicity agent" and the "gossip bottle" of the Honghuang world, every move he made was interpreted as the Tian Court's stance.

The reason Zhenren Du E had gone out was that he received a transmission jade talisman from the Tian Court that morning;it simply instructed him to go out, observe more, and listen more, but after half an hour, his disciple Zheng Lun would come to fetch him...

Such meticulous arrangements were likely the work of the Xingjun himself, though he wasn't sure of the deeper meaning.

"Master! You're out drinking again!"

A call suddenly came from the foot of the mountain. Zhenren Du E stood up, bowed to his fellow daoists, and said with a smile: "My disciple has come for me. I'll take my leave now."

"Real person, how can you leave right after arriving?"

"Real person, could you give us old friends a hint? Is the Hong Meng Zi Qi real or not..."

Zhenren Du E looked at the figures gathering around him and sighed: "I truly don't know about this matter. And even if I did know whether it's real or fake, what difference would it make?There are so many great powers in the world, not to mention the experts of the Dao Sect.If the Hong Meng Zi Qi really appears, it's something released by the heavens, so everyone must be careful."

As Du E spoke, a handsome and dashing young daoist with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes arrived on a cloud at the banquet halfway up the mountain.

This young daoist first bowed to those at the banquet, then transmitted a message to Zhenren Du E:

"Master, you should head back.The Tian Court said you should drink less and avoid going out as much lately."

This young daoist was, of course, Zheng Lun.

At this point, Zheng Lun was only at the True Immortal realm, as he had only recently reincarnated and begun cultivating, but his identity had long been "leaked" by Zhenren Du E.

The reincarnation of Ji Wuyou, the sect leader of Duxian Sect!Once the sect leader under Taibai Xingjun, arranged for reincarnation by Taibai Xingjun himself!

"Let's go, let's go," Zhenren Du E waved his whisk and stood up with a smile. "I'm heading back. Your master hasn't had a drop to drink and hasn't said anything out of turn to anyone."

Zheng Lun gave a bitter smile, his expression still composed, his acting skills holding up well.

It was clear that during his reincarnation, the Meng Po Immortal's hand had shaken like "Honghuang Parkinson's," leaving barely a drop of the soup.

By now, he had recovered his memories from his previous life.

As Zhenren Du E rode his cloud over, Zheng Lun lowered his head and jumped onto his master's cloud, and together they floated away, leaving behind a group of old and middle-aged cultivators exchanging puzzled glances.

Something's off—there's definitely something wrong here!

News that the Tian Court wants to spread is hard to verify but must be beneficial to them.News they don't want to spread is naturally harmful to them, but ninety-nine percent of it is true...

An old daoist muttered quietly: "Could it be that the Hong Meng Zi Qi isn't being directly awarded to Taibai Xingjun? Maybe the Tian Court has to make a move to seize it?"

In an instant, the entire banquet buzzed with energy, though without loud clamor, an undercurrent began to surge.

"Shixiong Changshou, have you heard about the Hong Meng Zi Qi matter?"

In the Tian Court, at the original Water God Mansion, in the elegantly scenic backyard.

A man and a woman walked side by side, surrounded by an invisible barrier like frosted glass.

It was Li Changshou, who had restored his youthful appearance, and You Qin Xuanya, dressed in a long skirt.

Li Changshou had just been about to leave the Taibai Palace when he received You Qin Xuanya's message and hurried to meet her.

He had thought she might be getting bored in the Tian Court and wanted to chat or get some guidance, but unexpectedly, after Li Changshou activated the immortal power barrier, You Qin Xuanya went straight to the point.

Truly caught off guard.

"You've heard the rumors too?" Li Changshou asked with a smile.

"Yes," You Qin Xuanya said. "Right now, immortals and gods all over the Tian Court are buzzing about it, saying that the ninth strand of the eighth Hong Meng Zi Qi is about to appear and that it's meant for you, Shixiong."

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile and said: "I wouldn't dare guess the heavens' intentions."

In his heart, he silently apologized, worried that their conversation might be overheard, so he couldn't reveal a single detail about this scheme, even to her.

You Qin Xuanya asked: "So for this time... how confident are you, Shixiong?"

"It's alright," Li Changshou said. "But everything is still uncertain. It all depends on whether the Hong Meng Zi Qi and I are fated."

"Is there anything I can help with?" You Qin Xuanya asked seriously. "Even if it means facing mountains of blades or seas of fire, I, Xuanya, will do it without hesitation!"

Li Changshou: ...

Should he set up an incense altar here and swear brotherhood?

Still, it was her heartfelt intention, and Li Changshou felt a warmth in his heart. He smiled and said: "Just focus on your stable cultivation in the Tian Court. Don't worry about these matters.By the way, Xuanya, why haven't you visited Xiao Qiong Peak?Ling E has been begging to go out and play with you, and I've punished her over ten times for it."

You Qin Xuanya paused and asked: "Can I just go to Xiao Qiong Peak like that?"

Li Changshou laughed: "Why not?"

She whispered: "Isn't that the backyard of Taibai Palace..."

"You're my junior sister and my close friend. Among the Duxian Sect, you're the closest to my shishu and us senior-junior siblings. Who would dare stop you?"

Li Changshou thought to himself, just as I expected, and from his sleeve, he took out a stack of paper daoist figures, instructing:

"These are the latest paper daoist avatars I've made. Their strength is much improved from before, so keep them with you.The Tian Palace has been on high alert for the past century, and you've been in closed cultivation without going out to slay demons, so you must be feeling a bit stifled.Feel free to go to the Taibai Palace.If you want to wander around the Tian Court, just take out one of my paper daoists, and no one will dare stop you."

"Yes," You Qin Xuanya said, storing the paper daoists in her bracelet. She hesitated slightly, her eyes glancing around, her words coming out slowly.

"Ah..."

Li Changshou sighed softly: "As the Tian Court gradually gets on track and governs a broader world, the hierarchy of divine authority becomes more strict."

"Isn't that what you've been working toward, Shixiong?" You Qin Xuanya asked.

Her eyes sparkled as she perked up. "Your ideas about the three realms—heaven, earth, and humanity—and the classification of beings like humans, spirits, immortals, demons, and ghosts—all represent a new order.There have already been many achievements. In Nanbuzhou, demons and monsters have been eradicated, immortals dare not intrude lightly, and mortals live in peace without being bullied.The forces in the three thousand worlds are starting to clarify, and though there's constant warfare amid the great calamity, once it dissipates, the Tian Court's power will surely dominate the three realms and bring this order to the entire Honghuang world.Even an ordinary immortal or great power in the Honghuang could consider themselves accomplished for achieving half of that, but you've arranged it all in just a few centuries...Shixiong?"

Li Changshou stretched lazily and said with a smile: "I see the light in your eyes when you talk about this. Do you enjoy being a heavenly general in the Tian Court?"

"Yes, yes," You Qin Xuanya nodded gently, humming a light tune behind her back, clearly much more lively than before. "I just feel that working here allows me to contribute to the common people of the world.When I was lost and confused before, it was you who guided me.This life is dedicated to upholding justice.And besides..."

She glanced to the side, her voice dropping to a whisper: "The Tian Court has you in it."

Li Changshou laughed: "What if I leave the Tian Court one day? What will you do?"

You Qin Xuanya furrowed her brows slightly, unsure how to answer.

"My bad, that question is too difficult for you," Li Changshou chuckled, then said seriously: "Pursuing your own ideals is actually a wonderful thing.The Honghuang world is incredibly dangerous, and the weak don't even have basic survival rights—that was the most pressing issue before.But as the heavens operate and the great dao flows, with the rise of the Tian Court, that issue is resolved, only for new problems to become the main contradictions.The right path isn't fixed; it depends on your perspective.But your beliefs shouldn't change. What you need to protect isn't the weak in the world, but that flame in your heart."

You Qin Xuanya nodded solemnly: "Shixiong, I understand."

"Alright, I still have some important matters to attend to."

Li Changshou instinctively raised his hand to pat her shoulder, but stopped just three inches away...

This was just a habit from encouraging Bian Zhuang and the others!

You Qin Xuanya looked at him curiously, tilting her head slightly and leaning her cheek forward.

Li Changshou had a quick idea and produced a green jade pendant with protective effects for the primordial spirit, using his immortal power to attach it to her translucent earlobe.

"A little gift... I'm off."

You Qin Xuanya stood there smiling quietly, not finding anything wrong with the earlier action, but wondering why Shixiong Changshou's departing figure seemed a bit hurried.

"Oh, right."

Li Changshou had already risen on a cloud, but he turned back, smiled at her, and transmitted: "You were brought to the Tian Court by my arrangements. If you ever get tired of it or find anything unsatisfactory, you can come back anytime."

You Qin Xuanya nodded gently and bowed to him: "I wish you success, Shixiong!"

Li Changshou shook his head with a smile and transformed into a rainbow, heading toward the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

'This Hong Meng Zi Qi was something he was involved in creating, so why seize it?'

For such outings, he naturally had to bring the Jade Emperor's incarnation along.It would give him a sense of involvement, at least.

Three days later, near Huo Yun Cave.

Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor's incarnation, Quan Dong, hid in the shadows, observing the various omens over the great marsh.

Treasured lotuses bloomed with colorful clouds, and auspicious clouds connected to the sky.

It wasn't just outside Huo Yun Cave; inside was also quite lively, as per Li Changshou's requirements—they had to put on a full show.

The area within a thousand li was extraordinarily bustling, with many cultivators rushing here to observe, mostly at the Tianxian level, but mixed in were countless big players.

Li Changshou and Quan Dong exchanged a glance and quietly left.

The hype was going smoothly.

They made a gesture of invitation and secretly departed from near Huo Yun Cave, heading toward the outer heavens. After several days, they arrived at a grand array illusion carved into the void, where they met the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird, linked up with Bai Ze, who had returned to oversee the Lingtian Hall, and together headed for Xuandu City.

Quan Dong laughed: "Now that the major affairs are settled, I wonder if this Hong Meng Zi Qi can fool Kunpeng."

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou said with a smile, "to be safe, besides the Hong Meng Zi Qi, I've prepared another hook.If this plan fails, we can immediately activate the backup."

"Oh?" Quan Dong asked curiously. "You even have a backup plan?Longgeng, what's your beef with Kunpeng?"

"No real grudge," Li Changshou said with a smile. "This plan is more of a bonus. It's about those four heavenly demons I placed in the Taibai Palace.It all started with Mei Wen Hua's painting, where the heavenly demons transformed into the purest of beings.The dao principles of the Creation Heavenly Demons are incomplete, so most heavenly demons tend toward destruction, but these mutated ones have gone to the opposite extreme, filled with thoughts of salvation and protection."

"That's a good thing," Quan Dong laughed. "Stop calling them heavenly demons. Let's give them a new name."

Li Changshou said warmly: "If Your Majesty could grant them a name, it would be their greatest honor."

"Since they were originally heavenly demons but have become such fairy-like spirits, how about calling them the Xiao Mo Xian clan?"

Li Changshou gave a thumbs-up, quickly expressing his boundless admiration, and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

"To keep it short, Xiao Shen, Mei Wen Hua and the others can threaten the Heavenly Demon Venerable.And based on various intelligence Xiao Shen has gathered, Kunpeng gains his spiritual power in the Chaos Sea by devouring the Heavenly Demon Venerable's avatars.As long as we strike at the Heavenly Demon Venerable, even Kunpeng's cold nature won't let him sit by.Of course, this backup plan is riskier, as it involves venturing deep into the Chaos Sea, and we don't know what dangers we'll face."

"Excellent."

Quan Dong sighed with emotion: "In terms of far-reaching schemes, Longgeng is undoubtedly the top beneath the saints."

"Speaking of which, Xiao Shen has a slight concern."

Li Changshou gazed at the spots of light flashing in the void ahead. "If the Western Teachings decide to disrupt things, it could cause some trouble."

"How could they disrupt it?" Quan Dong laughed. "They can't just spread the word that the Hong Meng Zi Qi is fake, can they?"

"Hopefully not," Li Changshou said with a smile. "If they're interested in the Hong Meng Zi Qi, they wouldn't want too many others involved, as that would increase their competition.If they do spread such rumors, it would actually boost the credibility of the whole thing.What Xiao Shen worries about is if they suddenly get a clever idea and pull off something completely unexpected."

"Oh?"

Quan Dong seemed to understand but not quite, yet he quickly adopted a narrowed-eyed, smiling expression.

The standard technique of those in power.

At the same time, at the foot of Ling Shan.

The slightly plump daoist stood in the shadows, his perpetual smile on his lips, and said casually to the dozen or so figures bowing before him:

"Just as I said earlier, spread it as quickly as possible.Whether that Hong Meng Zi Qi is real or fake, it's probably part of the Tian Court's schemes. I love nothing more than thwarting the Tian Court's plans.Remember to be careful and not leak any traces. I have more arrangements to follow."

The group of experts, led by Wen Jing Daoren, responded in unison.

In the distant Chaos Sea, that massive body impossible to measure floated, surrounded by clusters of shadows, as that abyss-like maw slowly opened, swallowing countless shadows...

A divine thought arrived: 'Master, are you really going to the Honghuang? This might be a trap—they're the craftiest of all.'

Kunpeng's fish eyes slowly opened a slit.

'This is my last chance.They won't be able to hold me.'