Chapter 618: Bro, Shou Can Only Help You This Far

"Why aren't you going in?"

A familiar, gentle call from behind made Youqin Xuanya pause noticeably.

In front of Taibai Hall, Youqin Xuanya quickly turned around and looked toward Li Changshou, who had appeared some distance behind her without her noticing.

She had changed into her usual golden armor. As Li Changshou admired her from afar, he couldn't help but recall some childhood memories from his previous life, thinking she looked just like...

Athena in stolen golden sacred armor.

"Star Lord."

Youqin Xuanya bowed with a fist salute, her pretty face showing a hint of joy that she quickly suppressed.

Li Changshou smiled. "Why not call me senior brother anymore?"

Youqin Xuanya's face flushed slightly. She bit her lip gently and murmured softly, "Senior brother..."

"Hmm," Li Changshou nodded with a smile. "Let's go inside and talk. Things are lively up on Xiaoqiong Peak right now.

Last time, I went to chat and invited you to visit Xiaoqiong Peak more often, but you didn't give me any face.

There aren't any man-eating beasts here, after all."

"W-well... I just didn't want to disturb you and Ling'e..."

"What's there to disturb? Come on!"

Li Changshou casually flicked out a strand of immortal power, pulling Youqin Xuanya into Taibai Hall as he laughed.

"Originally, in Du Xian Men, besides Uncle-Master Jiu and the others, we two were the closest.

Now that we're in Heaven, we should support each other. Why act so distant?"

Youqin Xuanya stammered, unable to articulate a clear response. Even just being tugged by Li Changshou's immortal power left her feeling weak in the knees and drained of strength.

Immortal power and all that—it was all superficial, meaningless.

She looked up at Li Changshou's back and listened to his nagging words. For some reason, all the prepared remarks she had ready flew out of her mind, leaving only a faint whisper:

"This time... I have to thank you, senior brother, for helping me get revenge..."

"The matter with Ran Deng?"

"Yes."

"That was all due to your merits; I should be the one thanking you."

Li Changshou pulled Youqin Xuanya to his side and together they rode the clouds out the back door of Taibai Hall, heading toward the misty, smaller mountain peak ahead.

Once inside the mustard seed array, Youqin Xuanya heard Zhao Gongming's booming laughter. Following the sound, she saw a crowd gathered by the lake on Xiaoqiong Peak.

Zhao Gongming, Taiyi Zhenren, and other experts from the two schools were feasting merrily. The male immortals laughed heartily, while Jinling Shengmu, Qiongxiao Xianzi, and other powerful female figures covered their mouths and chuckled.

Ling'e was controlling two paper effigies, performing a comedic skit.

Nearby, by the stove, Bai Ze was busy cooking as the head chef, while the girl-shaped Xiong Lingli dashed around, fetching and carrying.

Under the trees by the lake, a figure in white sat beside Ling'e, her faint smile alone enough to captivate.

"Yunxiao Senior is here too..."

Youqin Xuanya murmured to herself and instinctively stepped back on the cloud. "Senior brother, I think I'll skip this."

Li Changshou laughed. "Don't worry, she's very gentle. Don't overthink it."

With that, the cloud beneath his feet sped up, leaving Youqin Xuanya with no way to retreat.

Li Changshou genuinely wanted to bring her, who had no close friends in Heaven, back into the circle on Xiaoqiong Peak.

"Senior brother! Uh... Senior Sister Youqin!"

Ling'e called out in delight, tossing aside the two small paper effigies. Ignoring the wrinkles in her immortal skirt from kneeling, she transformed into a streak of light and rushed over.

By the time Ling'e stopped, she was already behind Li Changshou, her bright eyes sparkling as she chattered nonstop to Youqin Xuanya.

"Changgeng is back!"

Zhao Gongming, still seated, called out, "That stone coffin—it's really placed with Dizang? Everything go smoothly?"

"It's all set and went smoothly."

Li Changshou smiled and cupped his hands in salute. Huanglong Zhenren and Yuding Zhenren stood to return the gesture, while the others simply cupped their hands from their seats.

—They were all quite familiar now, so no need for excessive formality.

But Yunxiao Xianzi stood up and bowed slightly to Li Changshou in greeting, making the other immortals feel a bit awkward and prompting them to rise and return the courtesy.

Ling'e had already led Youqin Xuanya down from the cloud.

"Let me introduce everyone."

Li Changshou stepped aside, letting Youqin Xuanya stand forward, and said warmly, "This is my very close junior sister from my Du Xian Men days, Youqin Xuanya. She's now a general in Heaven."

"The Heaven's Female War God," Huanglong Zhenren said with a smile, "I've heard of you for a long time. It's an honor."

"Youqin Xuanya greets all the seniors," Youqin Xuanya bowed with a fist salute, using the Heaven military etiquette.

The Daoist experts each returned a Daoist bow, showing no disrespect despite her cultivation level.

Zhao Gongming glanced at Youqin Xuanya, then at Ling'e, and then at Yunxiao, suddenly feeling a touch of concern as an elder brother figure. He chuckled, "This Daoist friend Youqin..."

"Tsk," Taiyi Zhenren interjected from the side, sliding over like a lateral tackle to intercept, "May I ask boldly, how would Daoist friend Youqin address Daoist friend Yunxiao?"

Yunxiao was a bit puzzled, unsure why Taiyi Zhenren had singled her out.

Youqin Xuanya was taken aback for a moment, then realized, her face flushing slightly with a touch of red. She composed herself and said, "I should call her senior, but if we consider the relationship between senior brother and Yunxiao Senior, I should call her Yunxiao Senior Sister."

"Oh?"

Taiyi Zhenren sounded disappointed. "I thought it might be something like sis— Mmph! Mmph mmph!"

Before he could finish, a large hand swiftly appeared from the side and shoved a silencing treasure into his mouth!

Yuding Zhenren gave Li Changshou an apologetic smile and pulled Taiyi Zhenren behind him.

Li Changshou didn't mind and laughed. "Youqin, why don't you sit with Ling'e? Don't be too formal—these seniors are all very kind and easygoing.

By the way, Yang Jian hasn't returned yet? And where's Lingzhuzi?"

Yuding Zhenren replied, "Those two said they went off to spar somewhere. No need to worry."

Li Changshou smoothly sat down between Zhao Gongming and Huanglong Zhenren, glossing over the topic.

Seeing Li Changshou, Huanglong Zhenren was reminded of the recent great battle and couldn't help but feel emotional, downing the wine in his cup in one go.

"Ah, such a major deputy leader, just gone like that?"

The Daoists showed varying degrees of sentiment.

Zhao Gongming said, "To be fair, Ran Deng was a tough one. From ancient times to now, anyone who holds a place in the world isn't just talk."

"We've taken a few losses from him ourselves," Qiongxiao muttered. "That guy has one thing in common with my brother-in-law—he loves scheming and plotting, and he's always slapping on one high hat after another."

Li Changshou sighed. "Well, I guess my reputation is shot."

The fairy ladies chuckled lightly, and Ling'e whispered, "Senior brother only schemes against enemies."

"Indeed," Yuding Zhenren said. "Dealing with Changgeng puts one's mind at ease."

Taiyi Zhenren leaned over, spitting out the treasure from his mouth, and grinned, "Then what about dealing with me, junior brother Yuding?"

Yuding: ...

"Exhausted."

Taiyi Zhenren's face darkened, and the immortals around burst into laughter.

Huanglong raised his wine cup seriously. "No matter what, Ran Deng was still the deputy leader of Chan Jiao. Let's raise a glass to him here, as a send-off."

"Why toast him?"

Jinling Shengmu was displeased. "He's done so much evil, full of malice, a pawn of Western Teach, and guilty of refining great worlds. I haven't even ground his bones to dust, and I'm still not satisfied."

"Ah."

Zhao Gongming pulled Jinling Shengmu's arm and whispered, "Jinling, it's not appropriate for us to speak ill of Ran Deng now.

First, it would make people think we're petty, like we're still mocking a defeated foe.

Second, though Second Master Uncle didn't know about Ran Deng's wickedness, he was appointed by Second Master Uncle, so we shouldn't say too much right now.

The three teachings are one family; Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao just have different ideas. No need to critique individual immortals."

"Brother Zhao has such a generous spirit," Li Changshou said, lifting his wine cup and clinking it with Zhao Gongming's.

Zhao Gongming blinked, instantly understanding something.

Yunxiao Xianzi asked softly, "In that earlier duel, did you push yourself too hard? Were you injured?"

The crowd was startled and looked worriedly at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou suddenly covered his mouth and coughed weakly twice, his voice weakening. "It's nothing, just minor injuries, not worth mentioning. It's for the development of Heaven, after all—what's to complain about?"

The immortals snorted dismissively, knowing he was joking.

Ling'e said, "Senior brother, you can't joke about that. You really weren't hurt?"

"Weren't you all watching through the bronze mirror?"

Li Changshou's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Didn't a certain named disciple of a Ren Jiao Saint say he was going into seclusion to cultivate and push for the Golden Immortal tribulation?"

"Hehe, heehee, I was just worried about you, senior brother..."

Ling'e scooted behind Yunxiao and whispered, "Yun Sister, save me," drawing hateful glares from several male immortals toward Li Changshou.

This guy was asking for it—ninety-eight percent of the hate!

"By the way, Changgeng," Zhao Gongming asked curiously, "what's your realm now? The Equilibrium Great Dao was so smooth—have you quietly stepped into the realm of great powers?"

Li Changshou laughed. "Great power is just an empty title; it depends on accumulation. I'm far from qualified.

This is one of my major trump cards, so I can't reveal it easily."

Huanglong Zhenren said, "What's there to hide? In ancient times, whenever someone broke through a realm, they'd celebrate with banquets for ten years."

"The world is full of hardships, with the great calamity looming."

Li Changshou took the opportunity to instill some practical ideas in everyone:

"A trump card can be a divine ability, a treasure, or a strong ally.

There are two kinds: one you hide but let people know you have, to deter enemies;

The other you hide completely, so it can deliver a decisive blow at a critical moment.

For example, when I captured Master-brother Juliusun earlier, he was caught off guard..."

Qiongxiao asked, "During the fight with Ran Deng, were those patterns on your body from Wu Clan battle techniques?"

"Yes, a gift from Houtu Niangniang—it's part of my trump cards."

Ling'e whispered, "When senior brother was at the Tianxian realm, everyone in the sect thought he hadn't even become an immortal yet."

"So by that logic..."

Huanglong Zhenren calculated on his fingers and stared at Li Changshou. "Is your true cultivation at the semi-saint level?"

"How's that possible?" Li Changshou glared at Ling'e.

Ling'e stuck out her tongue and pulled Youqin Xuanya to hide behind Yunxiao, wearing an expression of triumphant victory.

《Backer》.

Jinling Shengmu suddenly felt sentimental and sighed, "Ran Deng is just dead like that... What about us?"

Taiyi Zhenren said, "Let's talk about something else. Discussing a deceased deputy leader feels a bit unlucky."

"Then let's chat about mounts," Zhao Gongming suggested with a smile. "Changgeng, how does it feel to ride on Mr. Bai? Where can you get a god-beast of that caliber?"

Whoosh—clang!

A pot lid flew from the side and smacked Zhao Gongming squarely on the back, making him yelp in pain.

By the stove, Bai Ze, with a dark face, scolded, "Why not ask how it feels for this poor Daoist to carry the Water God around!

Cough, it's quite fine, Water God, don't misunderstand—I'm very comfortable."

"Ah," Li Changshou quickly said, "Mr. Bai is an important member of Ren Jiao, not just a simple mount."

The immortals chuckled, and the conversation on this topic expanded.

They talked about how, before the creation of the world, Ancestral Dragon and Primordial Phoenix had served as mounts for Pangu God, carrying him to hunt innate gods and demons.

They mentioned ancient times when some great powers were subdued as mounts but later betrayed their masters, leading to mutual destruction.

They also brought up the end of antiquity, in the half-witch chaos war, where Emperor Xuanyuan battled Chiyou, and Chiyou's defeat came down to his mount.

"Why was that?" Li Changshou asked, puzzled.

Zhao Gongming sighed, "That iron-eating beast... had too straightforward a temperament. It got provoked and disrupted the formation."

Iron-eating beast?

Li Changshou couldn't help but imagine the scene:

A certain national treasure beast, armored and charging into battle, suddenly rearing up and flipping Chiyou over, roaring:

'I won't work tonight without honey and cured meat!'

The generals of Xuanyuan's forces swarmed in, surrounding and hacking at Chiyou.

Chiyou, defeated.

Shaking his head vigorously, Li Changshou dispelled the image and continued discussing suitable god-beasts for mounts with everyone.

Before they knew it, stars filled the sky; before they knew it, the sun rose in the east.

Some immortals sang, fairies played the zither, paper effigies served wine, and pairs enjoyed themselves—it was delightful.

After Li Changshou returned, the immortal banquet lasted another three days. Knowing they couldn't stay on Xiaoqiong Peak too long, the immortals bid farewell together and left.

Ling'e begged Yunxiao to stay on Xiaoqiong Peak a bit longer, but Yunxiao said that with the great calamity at hand, as a Jie Jiao disciple involved in the calamity, it wasn't good to linger in Heaven.

Li Changshou gave Ling'e a look, and she stopped pressing.

Youqin Xuanya had only had some wine and food here, chatted with Ling'e, but due to the clear gap in their horizons and Dao realms, she couldn't fully join in the immortals' discussions.

Before leaving Xiaoqiong Peak, Huanglong Zhenren pulled Taiyi aside and whispered, "Junior brother, don't smile so happily. Even if you don't show sadness, you should at least tone down your grin."

"Senior brother, rest assured," Taiyi Zhenren laughed. "The deputy leader Ran Deng's... well, it's more like a joyful farewell."

Yuding Zhenren's hand slipped into his sleeve.

Taiyi Zhenren quickly straightened his face, reddened his eyes, and sighed softly with hands behind his back.

"Deputy leader, farewell, farewell."

The immortals exited Taibai Hall, where the golden-winged great peng waited, transforming into its true form to carry them.

Li Changshou said, "I still need to go see my teacher and ask about the origin of that stone coffin's corpse, so I'll have the golden-winged great peng escort you all."

"Of course, of course."

Huanglong Zhenren smiled in agreement.

Jinling Shengmu, however, felt Huanglong Zhenren was always defending Ran Deng's reputation and was displeased. She said coolly, "Changgeng, rest well. You've worked hard slaying demons."

Taiyi Zhenren looked at Jinling Shengmu in surprise.

This seemed like the start of something, didn't it?

The golden-winged great peng spread its wings and carried the immortals toward the Central Heaven Gate.

Once they smoothly passed through the Central Heaven Gate, the Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao immortals bid each other farewell and then flew off separately toward the east and west.

After flying several thousand li on the clouds, Zhao Gongming suddenly slapped his forehead. "This poor Daoist forgot to ask Changgeng something!

You all go ahead; I'll head back quickly."

He turned to slip back to Heaven.

Yunxiao asked, "Big brother, shall I accompany you?"

"No need, no need!"

Zhao Gongming waved his hands repeatedly, giving Yunxiao a meaningful look, and said seriously, "We're going to discuss some topics between male immortals; you female immortals don't need to ask."

Yunxiao was about to offer a few words of caution when Jinling pulled her arm and lightly scolded Zhao Gongming.

"Let him go. He's picked up all these skills from Changgeng anyway."

Yunxiao didn't quite understand, but she realized it must be related to matters of romance, so she didn't say more.

Big brother was experienced in these things, so he was probably going to pass on some advice.

Yunxiao's thoughts grew a bit complex, and she absentmindedly gazed at the distant flowing clouds for a while.

He was thoughtful; big brother knew Changgeng was quite pure...

Soon after, in the backyard of Taibai Palace, on Xiaoqiong Peak.

Zhao Gongming sneaked into the array and, following the transmission, headed straight to the pill room.

By the lake, Bai Ze, sleeves rolled up and apron on, was washing dishes with a thoughtful expression and didn't follow to join the fun.

Ling'e tilted her head and blinked, thinking about the small wine and dishes she had just set up in the pill room, looking puzzled.

'Since senior brother wants to entertain Brother Zhao alone, why not just keep him here?'

In front of the pill room, Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back. As Zhao Gongming arrived, he gestured invitingly.

"Old brother, we really have great chemistry."

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and laughed. "Clinking cups—one light, one heavy—that's the hint of a small banquet after the big one, right?

Hahaha!"

"Please," Li Changshou nodded with a smile, and they sat cross-legged facing each other.

Without any small talk, Zhao Gongming picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth, asking curiously, "Why did you call me back alone?"

"Some things aren't convenient to discuss in front of Senior Brother Huanglong and the others."

Li Changshou tapped his fingers on the table and activated the layers of arrays on Xiaoqiong Peak.

He didn't activate the sky-obscuring array, though.

He said slowly, "Old brother, did you gain anything from watching my fight with Ran Deng?"

Zhao Gongming nodded seriously. "I need to temper my physical body more. Otherwise, facing something as tough as the Eighty-Nine Arcane Art in the same realm, my primordial spirit path would struggle."

Li Changshou said, "Exactly, strengthening the body is necessary to fill in the gaps. I'll write up some insights for you later.

Anything else?"

Zhao Gongming asked, puzzled, "Anything else... what? What are you getting at, old brother? Just say it straight.

If it's something good for me, I'll take it shamelessly; if I've done something wrong, point it out, and I'll listen."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said, "Old brother, about your Sea-Calming Pearls..."

"You want them? Go ahead and use them! It's nothing! Do we need to be so formal?"

Zhao Gongming waved his hand, and the twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls appeared beside Li Changshou, leaving him both amused and exasperated.

"Old brother, put the treasures away first, or you'll hurt their feelings."

"It's fine; we're family. They're not wronged in my hands."

Li Changshou pushed the Sea-Calming Pearls back and said seriously, "When I used the Sea-Calming Pearls before, I noticed their internal structure resembles complete five-element worlds, but filled only with endless seawater.

How deeply have you comprehended the Sea-Calming Pearls, old brother?"

"I've grasped them pretty well, but there are still unclear aspects," Zhao Gongming said. "But to boast a bit, aside from our teacher and the two senior uncles, I'm probably the one who understands them best in the great desolation."

"Then, old brother, have you ever thought about whether there's room for them to evolve further?"

Li Changshou's words stopped there; he didn't dare say too much to avoid inviting trouble from the Dao Ancestor.

Zhao Gongming laughed. "I've thought about it, but the Sea-Calming Pearls' inner universes are illusory—projections of rules that can't become substantial.

Their power limit is like suppressing an opponent with twenty-four worlds, but it's only 'like,' not real.

To turn illusion into reality would require some catalyst."

"A catalyst?"

"Yes, a catalyst," Zhao Gongming said, folding his arms and sighing. "I've pondered this for a long time and had to give up.

If I could advance the Sea-Calming Pearls one step further, it would be like wielding the power of twenty-four great worlds—terrifying.

But shifting from illusion to reality is no easy feat.

Though everything arises from nothing, it's still missing the guidance of the Great Dao, the..."

Li Changshou's hand twitched, and a long black ruler fell onto the table. Zhao Gongming focused on it, sensing the Dao rhythms on the ruler, and his eyes flashed with insight.

"Old brother," Li Changshou asked innocently, "Is this your ruler? How did it end up here?"

"This isn't Ran Deng's Qiankun Ruler... Wait! It's mine—I must have dropped it by accident!"

"Oh, you were really careless with it."

Li Changshou picked up the Qiankun Ruler and handed it back to Zhao Gongming, his eyes twinkling with a smile.

Zhao Gongming's mind buzzed for a moment, then he beamed with joy, punching Li Changshou lightly.

"You little rascal! Hahaha! The Great Dao is within reach!

With two or three hundred years of comprehension, the Great Dao will be mine!"

Li Changshou glanced at the blue sky outside the pill room and thought to himself that it was as expected.

Anything beneficial to Heaven and the perfection of the Heavenly Dao wouldn't be stopped—even if it involved discreetly handling spoils from heavenly punishment...

With this, old brother was secure.