Chapter 623: The Unbreakable Bell

This Hun Dun Zhong is quite something...

Tsk, it has personality.

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu didn't seem hurried. The journey back would take at least seventeen or eighteen years, so he figured he'd let the Hun Dun Zhong cool off first, then gradually work on building rapport.

From the Hun Dun Zhong's attitude, it seemed quite resolute—preferring to stay "in the past" rather than go to Jie Jiao to suppress the sect's destiny.

Was that a job for a treasure?

Whoever took it on would explode with frustration!

As the Hun Dun Zhong said, it had no attachment to Tong Tian Jiao Zhu and no predetermined karma. At worst, it could just keep things as they were.

After all, drifting anywhere was the same; the Chaos Sea was boring anyway, and it was thinking of changing scenery.

From now on, things would be different for this treasure.

Although it could be sealed indefinitely in the Qian Kun Cage under the power of the Tai Ji Tu, getting it to fight for Jie Jiao...

No way, absolutely no way.

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu was a bit stumped by this.

Even saints had to play fair, and this saint lord had no intention of forcing the Hun Dun Zhong.

Li Changshou could clearly sense the deep-seated pride in his third uncle-master.

In this operation to corner the Hun Dun Zhong, the most crucial part was tracking it down.

Forcing the Hun Dun Zhong to keep changing its escape routes and blocking it in the Chaos Sea relied on that foundation.

Without Tong Tian Jiao Zhu, even with Kunpeng's speed, they probably couldn't have caught a glimpse of the Hun Dun Zhong.

Thus, the Hun Dun Zhong rightfully belonged to Tong Tian Jiao Zhu.

He only needed to give Li Changshou a few top-grade spiritual treasures as thanks, and that would be more than enough.

But Tong Tian Jiao Zhu spoke up right away, saying seventy percent to Li Changshou and thirty to himself—as long as the Hun Dun Zhong suppressed Jie Jiao's destiny until the end of the Feng Shen Great Calamity, this most mysterious piece of the Creation Trio Treasures would belong to Li Changshou.

This dowry could cover Yun Xiao's weddings ten times over.

Why go to such lengths?

Simple: Tong Tian Jiao Zhu felt he was taking advantage of a junior and absolutely refused to do so, even with the Hun Dun Zhong—he'd give it away freely and without regret.

It was pure because he didn't see Li Changshou as an outsider.

Li Changshou was well aware of this and felt a warm sense of gratitude.

Jie Jiao was that kind of ancient immortal organization that could make people devoted without regret—it had a strangely captivating charm.

Yet, with the Feng Shen calamity fully accounted for, it was only about two hundred years away. If you factored in Li Changshou's preparations and the point where he'd formally intervene, there was really just a century left.

Next, he had to keep his distance from Jie Jiao, even if it was just for show to fool the Heavenly Way.

So, on the return journey, the situation became somewhat awkward for the Hun Dun Zhong.

In the main hall of the Kunpeng ship, Tong Tian Jiao Zhu sat quietly in the seat of honor, eyes closed in meditation, ignoring the Hun Dun Zhong.

Li Changshou sat in a corner of the hall, with the Tai Ji Tu spread out before him, constantly monitoring various parts of the primordial world. He held a notebook from Senior Lang in his hands, not bothering to speak to the Hun Dun Zhong.

Zhao Gong Ming was nearby, focused on contemplating the Qian Kun Ruler, with subtle Dao rhythms fluctuating around him.

Jin Ling Sheng Mu and Gui Ling Sheng Mu sat quietly, cultivating.

Jin Peng, unrelated to the Hun Dun Zhong matter, followed Li Changshou's instructions and began reading books on tactics and strategy.

That set penned by Ao Yi, "Hai Shen Bing Fa," was a monumental work that would keep Jin Peng occupied for ages, grasping its essence.

It was all about playing it safe.

As for the Four Plum Generals, no need to say more—they were just here to go through the motions, later to handle the exclusive treasures for dealing with Tian Mo Zun Zhe.

At that moment, they knelt near the hall's entrance, praying devoutly, adding four beams of pure light to the great hall.

Then, and so...

Buzz! Buzz!

Dong! Dong! Dong! Dong!

The Hun Dun Zhong reached its limit of endurance and unleashed a burst of spiritual awareness.

"Hey?

Are you all out of your minds?

You went through all this trouble to capture me, so convince me! Move me! Conquer me!

How will you know I won't agree if you don't even try?

Is this how all the great powers in the primordial world act now?

You, the little disciple of the Taiji Saint!

Yes, you!"

"Oh?"

Li Changshou put down his book: "What advice do you have, senior?"

"What's your game? Ignoring me to wear down my patience?"

"I have no such intention," Li Changshou said with a smile. "Pan Gu God is the innate great god I admire most, the three teachers are the innate beings I respect most, and likewise, the Creation Trio Treasures are the treasures I hold in highest regard.

It's just that I only did a small bit of blocking, and I don't have the virtue to earn your favor, so I didn't dare speak to you.

This is absolutely not some scheme."

The Hun Dun Zhong was about to send out its spiritual awareness when Tong Tian Jiao Zhu slowly opened his eyes and said leisurely:

"How about it, Chang Geng? You're not even listening to your uncle-master now?"

Li Changshou quickly stood up and bowed to Tong Tian Jiao Zhu.

"This disciple is ready to receive uncle-master's guidance."

"Didn't I say it? This Hun Dun Zhong is yours," Tong Tian Jiao Zhu said seriously. "I'm just borrowing it for a few hundred years, so you should be the one to subdue it."

"Uncle-master," Li Changshou said, "this disciple only made a minor, insignificant contribution.

If I force myself to take this bell, it would harm my Dao heart and my virtue, and I'd feel truly uneasy."

"What's there to be uneasy about? Without your Kunpeng, we couldn't have sealed the deal."

"The Hun Dun Zhong is something you found and chased down, uncle-master. I just set up a trap."

Gui Ling Sheng Mu whispered from the side: "And gave it a kick..."

Li Changshou and Tong Tian Jiao Zhu both turned to look, and Gui Ling Sheng Mu shrank her long neck, her face full of fear.

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu laughed: "Chang Geng, don't argue with me.

You're now the top authority under the Jade Emperor of Heaven Court, the beloved disciple of the Grandmaster, and favored by the Heavenly Way and your teacher.

With your Dao of Balance, if you can have the Hun Dun Zhong's assistance, your future achievements will be limitless."

Hearing this, Li Changshou frowned slightly.

This Hun Dun Zhong was just too noisy... no!

"We're outside the Chaos Sea now, so I can say this to you, uncle-master. Please don't spread it to the others.

My Dao of Balance has already drawn the suspicion and surveillance of the Heavenly Way.

If I really take the Hun Dun Zhong, it would be a path to my own destruction."

Li Changshou sighed:

"The Tai Ji Tu can foresee the future, so I'll boldly speculate that the Hun Dun Zhong can observe the ancient past.

The Tai Ji Tu uses calculation to foresee many possibilities of the future, while the Hun Dun Zhong can traverse the river of time, gazing upon ancient and primeval scenes that the Heavenly Way considers taboo.

If I take it, especially with my Dao of Balance, I might never return to the primordial world."

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu furrowed his brow slightly, crossed his arms, and pondered for a while, then said:

"You're right. The Tai Ji Tu has the strongest power of calculation among all treasures, and the Hun Dun Zhong can reverse time, possibly affecting the ancient era.

Still, you should be the one to take it. How can I let you come all this way for nothing?"

"Doing a small favor for you, uncle-master, is something this disciple is happy to do."

"Ah, don't refuse. It's no fun being so hesitant—just take it."

"Uncle-master, this disciple can't subdue such an innate supreme treasure; my realm isn't high enough... You should do it."

"You take it."

"You do it, uncle-master."

"You take it, or I'll have Yun Xiao come subdue it?"

"This..."

Buzz—

A deafening roar suddenly echoed, and the Hun Dun Zhong materialized from the void, shaking violently as its spiritual awareness turned into a gritted-teeth outburst:

"Enough! You two are bullying a treasure! Do you think I'm not here?

Ah! What are you doing!"

Before the words settled, as the Hun Dun Zhong emerged from its "retreat an instant" divine ability, Tong Tian Jiao Zhu flashed to its side, left hand behind his back and right hand pressing down on its top, his long hair flying and his eyes glowing with azure light!

"Freeze!"

With the saint's command, the Hun Dun Zhong stopped shaking instantly, enveloped in azure light, and shrank to the size of a palm, spinning rapidly.

"Damn! Despicable!"

The Hun Dun Zhong's spiritual awareness carried a hint of weakness, even a touch of whimpering: "Tong Tian, I misjudged you! You've become just like your senior brother!

All schemes, nothing but schemes..."

Li Changshou's eyes lit up, and he smiled: "Congratulations, uncle-master, on obtaining this great treasure."

Now that it was restrained, subduing its spirit or altering it would be straightforward for a saint.

But Tong Tian Jiao Zhu shook his head with a smile: "What I said earlier wasn't a lie. You refine this bell; I'll just borrow it."

"Uncle-master, what I said wasn't a lie either."

Li Changshou sighed and sent a voice transmission to Tong Tian Jiao Zhu: "Before going to Bi You Palace, this disciple was summoned by the Holy Mother. I went to her palace, and she asked me a question."

"Oh? What question?"

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu released his saintly Dao rhythms to envelop himself and Li Changshou, indicating they could speak freely.

Not straightforward.

"The Holy Mother asked if I was willing to ally with her during the great calamity."

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu raised his sword-like brows upon hearing this and tossed the Hun Dun Zhong back to its original spot, pacing with his hands behind his back, drawing closer to Li Changshou.

Soon, this saint, who disliked scheming and divination, had a flicker of light in his eyes.

"This question has deep meaning. You might not know, but Nü Wa among us six is the one most connected to the Heavenly Way.

This great calamity originates from the human race, and she is the Holy Mother of humanity. Though destined to be involved, she hasn't wronged them—in fact, humanity owes her immense karma.

So, Nü Wa isn't part of the calamity. Why would she rush to form an alliance?"

Li Changshou said: "The Holy Mother's explanation to this disciple was that she wants to break free from the Heavenly Way's control."

"Would she give up such a Dao fruit?"

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu smirked slightly and asked indifferently: "How did you answer?"

"This disciple simply said what was in my heart, not daring to hide anything from a saint."

Li Changshou sighed:

"This disciple said that after overseeing the Feng Shen, I'd leave the primordial world with my loved ones, retire in Heaven Court, not seeking more since I can't have more.

With Yun Xiao and my junior sister as companions, I'm no longer alone, and with the fruit of immortality, what more could I want?"

"Is that truly what you think?"

Li Changshou's gaze flickered, but he said no more.

"Your answer is quite good; it should allay the Heavenly Way's suspicions," Tong Tian Jiao Zhu laughed. "After this great calamity, I also plan to shake off the trivial matters of the primordial world and wander aimlessly in the Chaos Sea.

The Chaos Sea is incredibly vast, though chaotic. After the creation of the world, influenced by the primordial realm, it's shifted from total disorder to a mix of half-order and half-chaos.

There are quite a few interesting Chaos beings.

Want to join me then?"

"This..."

Li Changshou looked a bit embarrassed and whispered: "This disciple is... involved in romantic affairs with them, and if you're there, uncle-master... it might feel a bit restrained."

"Hmm?" Tong Tian Jiao Zhu's face darkened. "Now you're shunning me?"

"It's just that I worry it might be awkward for you."

"Enough, I won't disturb you. Am I some burden? Ridiculous!"

Tong Tian Jiao Zhu flicked his sleeve, huffed lightly, turned, and walked back to the main seat to meditate.

Li Changshou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, bowed to Tong Tian Jiao Zhu, and returned to his seat. Using the Tai Ji Tu, he observed the primordial world for a while before continuing to read.

Though Senior Lang had questionable character, his strange research notes were quite valuable.

For instance, the article he was reading, "Three Hypotheses on the Formation of the Chaos Sea and the Unification of the Inflation Theory," was profoundly insightful.

"Hey..."

In the center of the hall, the restrained Hun Dun Zhong shook lightly, its weak spiritual awareness spreading toward Li Changshou and Tong Tian Jiao Zhu.

"Can you respect me a little?"

"Creation supreme treasure, defense supreme treasure, Dao of Time..."

"What's happened to the primordial world? Back in the day, you all fought until your heads were bleeding over a few lousy lotus flowers—what's with this attitude now?"

"Talk to me... I might help you, but Jie Jiao's destiny will kill me; I really can't suppress it.

Chang Geng, right? With me, you won't have to fear the Heavenly Way—I can take you into the Chaos Sea anytime.

Great immortal, let's chat. Though I don't want to recognize you as master, like with Dong Huang Tai Yi back then, we could team up.

Chang Geng Great Immortal, don't send me to Jie Jiao; it really will kill me."

Li Changshou helplessly put down his scroll, smiled apologetically at the Hun Dun Zhong, and then...

Closed off his spiritual platform to carefully read the notes.

Thus, after a dozen years.

They were not far from the Five Parts Continent, still outside the Heavenly Way's influence. Tong Tian Jiao Zhu summoned his disciples and Li Changshou to stand around the Hun Dun Zhong.

The moment deciding the bell's fate had arrived.

At the same time,

In a certain great thousand world, within the majestic stone hall, the experts of Lin Tian Dian stood in orderly ranks below, their immortal energies filling the air.

On the central high platform, over a dozen Da Luo Golden Immortals sat in chairs with tall backs.

Behind them were a few more chairs for the core figures of Lin Tian Dian who had gradually stepped back—Bai Ze, Jiang Lin Er, and Jiu Jiu.

Of course, Bai Ze had always hidden himself in the mist, never revealing his identity.

Under Heaven Court's secret support, with Mu Gong's diligent supplies, Bai Ze's full planning, and Li Changshou's strategies, Lin Tian Dian had become a dominant immortal force in the region.

Their influence spread across dozens of great thousand worlds, establishing an unbreakable immortal rule in a corner of the three thousand worlds.

Clear rules, doctrines aligned with Heaven Court's heavenly regulations, efficient operations, clear rewards and punishments, abundant resources...

But they weren't satisfied.

Or rather, the mission Li Changshou set for them went far beyond maintaining peace in one area.

At that moment, Master Wang Fugui stood before the highest throne, hands behind his back, surveying the area, his white hair at the temples gently swaying, exuding a strong aura of authority.

After years as a leader, he had cultivated an extraordinary presence.

His voice was calm and indifferent as he outlined Lin Tian Dian's next action goals and reaffirmed their core doctrines.

Acting on behalf of heaven!

Protecting the Dao on behalf of heaven!

Their expansion had threatened the incense god kingdoms of Xi Fang Jiao, and there had already been some conflicts.

Today, the experts of Lin Tian Dian had gathered, with immortals from various halls assembled, to launch a full-scale war against the incense god kingdoms and catch them off guard.

After his composed speech, Wang Fugui left a hundred key members of Lin Tian Dian.

It was the tradition for a small meeting after the big one.

Next came the layout of specific tactics and strategies, usually with Bai Ze preparing the full plan and Jiu Jiu speaking on his behalf.

At the side, Jiu Jiu casually picked up a wine jug and shook it gently, a hint of helplessness on her lips.

She sent a voice transmission to Jiang Lin Er: "Master's wife, I'll head back first."

"Little Jiu..."

Jiang Lin Er hesitated, but Jiu Jiu turned into a shadow and quietly left the hall.

Jiu Jiu's residence was a small courtyard protected by layers of grand arrays. She was now a significant "symbol" in Lin Tian Dian, holding considerable prestige.

However, in the past century, she had gradually withdrawn from management to focus on cultivation and face the upcoming Golden Immortal tribulation.

The courtyard was a bit desolate, with a few treasure lamps emitting a soft glow. Jiu Jiu's room was as messy as ever.

She walked to the wine cabinet, rummaging through the fine wines collected from various places, but her delicate hand lacked its usual strength.

She grabbed a pot of fruit brew and took a sip, but tasted nothing.

"Senior uncle, why didn't you say something if you were out of wine?"

"Little one!"

Jiu Jiu suddenly turned around, but all she saw was the open door.

She hurried to the doorway, but only an empty courtyard and wind-swept leaves met her eyes.

The wine brew lingered on her lips, leaving a faint bitterness.

The wind blew, scattering a few fallen leaves. She reached out to catch a wandering green leaf, only to crush it accidentally, lost in thought for a moment...

What's wrong with me?