Chapter 626: The End of the Human Race's Most Ancient Pure Yang

Three months later, on the city walls of Xuan Du City.

Da Fashi suddenly awoke from his dream, with a wisp of Tai Qing Dao Yun slowly dissipating around him.

He stood up, his brows slightly furrowed, as if deep in thought.

"What is it?"

A few feet away, Kong Xuan set down the scroll in her hands and asked softly.

"Teacher just sent a message through Dao Yun, forming two large characters: Nan Zhou."

Da Fashi stood up quickly and said, "There must be some issue with the Ren Zu Ren Huang side, otherwise why would Teacher be alarmed? Shidi is probably busy arranging the Feng Shen Da Jie matters, so Teacher wants me to go check it out."

"I'll go with you."

"Um..."

Da Fashi hesitated noticeably.

Kong Xuan sighed, "Tian Mo Zun Zhe has already been captured, so what other demons could invade?"

"Alright then."

Da Fashi agreed with a smile, looking at Kong Xuan as if he wanted to say something but held back, only offering a slight smile.

He wasn't foolish; Kong Xuan had sacrificed her innate treasure body for him and watched over him while he slept for so many years. Using the deduction method that his shidi liked best, he could easily reach a simple conclusion.

Kong Xuan's feelings for him were far from just brotherly.

Da Fashi gazed at the figure beside him—stunningly beautiful, with a grace that could eclipse the moon and outshine the flowers, possessing a unique elegance that embodied the ethereal essence of the Dao, while her demeanor carried the authority of the Feng Clan leader...

For a moment, his Dao heart felt unsettled.

That unfamiliar stirring deep in his Dao heart grew more evident.

Da Fashi sighed inwardly. He would take this opportunity to return and consult with Changshou for advice—whether to suppress this feeling or let it grow.

If he chose the latter, in another ten thousand years, he might truly fall for her and lose control.

Da Fashi was deeply concerned about this.

At once, Da Fashi and Kong Xuan packed up the soft couch, meditation cushion, and chairs on the city walls, activated the complex grand array here, and instructed the Dao soldiers to guard the pass.

Once everything was settled, just as Da Fashi was about to step through the vortex, ripples stirred in the Qian Kun, and black and white energies opened a portal.

It was the Tai Ji Tu itself coming to receive them.

"Has the situation become this serious?"

Da Fashi's brows furrowed lightly as he murmured, then stepped forward immediately.

Kong Xuan's lips curved slightly in a faint pout, but she calmly followed, turning into two streaks of light with Da Fashi and entering the portal opened by the Tai Ji Tu.

When they reappeared, they were already beyond the Wu Bu Zhou.

Without delay, Da Fashi and Kong Xuan flew past the edge of the heavens and earth, their figures speeding across the horizon toward Nan Shan Bu Zhou, heading straight for the capital of Shang Guo.

However, as Da Fashi extended his immortal sense...

Nothing seemed amiss?

Unlike the intense conflicts among immortal sects in Zhong Shen Zhou, with rivers of immortal blood flowing, Nan Zhou was peaceful. Shang Guo was operating quietly, and the trivial matters of mortals were insignificant.

"This?"

Da Fashi felt a bit puzzled, about to search various parts of Nan Zhou, thinking he might have misunderstood Teacher's intent...

"Eh? Shixiong, why are you back? Have you received the message?"

A voice full of surprise rang out—it was Li Changshou's paper effigy appearing from the capital of Shang Guo, bowing remotely to Da Fashi.

Before Da Fashi and Kong Xuan could land, Li Changshou's paper effigy used wind escape to fly closer and bowed again.

This bow fully conveyed the guilt and slight remorse in Li Changshou's heart at that moment.

It was all just following Teacher's orders, after all.

"Shixiong, Kong Xuan Daoyou!"

As planned, Li Changshou teased, "It's been years since we last met, and you two are already so inseparable. Not bad, quite delightful."

Da Fashi frowned and said, "Chang, Geng, don't speak nonsense. Kong Xuan Daoyou and I are not like that at all."

He had originally meant to say "Changshou," but remembering Li Changshou's habits, he switched to the alias "Geng."

Li Changshou feigned surprise, glancing at Kong Xuan and then at Da Fashi, his expression a mix of awkwardness and a touch of regret.

The Kong Xuan, who had gotten wind of the news in advance, sighed softly, her whole demeanor turning somewhat despondent.

Da Fashi pretended not to notice and smoothly changed the subject:

"Geng, you just mentioned receiving a message—what message was it?"

"Well..."

Li Changshou chuckled lightly and said, "Shixiong, why don't you head to An Shui City first? You'll understand once you get there. I'll hurry over with my main body right away."

Da Fashi was a bit unclear on the details, standing in the skies above Shang Guo and gazing south. His gaze pierced through tens of thousands of li in an instant, and his expression turned strange.

"Did you arrange this, Geng?"

"What do you think, Shixiong?"

"It's all show and no substance, a waste of resources and manpower, completely unnecessary," Da Fashi shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back. "Very well, since Teacher asked me to return, it's probably to have me show my divine presence among mortals. I'll go ahead and wait for you there."

"This humble Daoist won't join you then."

Kong Xuan, still caught in her earlier despondence, spoke as if sulking.

She said, "This humble Daoist will wander around Shang Guo for a bit. Shang Guo's national fortune is linked to the Feng Clan's destiny, so I mustn't be careless."

"Please, Daoyou."

Da Fashi smiled and returned the bow.

Kong Xuan nodded in response and concealed her figure, turning to head toward a corner of Shang Guo's capital.

With that, Da Fashi bid farewell to Li Changshou's paper effigy and rode the clouds toward the shores of the South Sea, flying at a leisurely pace with a faint smile on his lips.

Finally, he could have some time apart from Kong Xuan Daoyou...

There was just a hint of loss and worry—he wondered if she was really angry.

When Da Fashi arrived at An Shui City, Li Changshou had also "just" arrived. After exchanging greetings with Da Fashi, he led him to the southwest corner of An Shui City.

There, a group of mortals gathered in front of a new grand temple; dozens of Sea God Cult divine envoys were beating drums and performing a play.

They spoke of how Ren Zu's sage Xuan Du Da Fashi was valiantly unbeatable;

They sang of how Tai Qing's eldest disciple protected the human race's fire of civilization, keeping it from extinguishing in the darkness.

Da Fashi and Li Changshou stood hidden nearby for a while. Although these events were things Da Fashi had done in the past, it was truly...

A bit embarrassing.

"Changshou, why do I need incense merit?"

Da Fashi sighed with a smile, "Why did you suddenly decide to build a temple for me?"

Li Changshou said seriously, "Building the temple isn't just for incense merit; it's also to ensure that the contributions you've made to the human race are passed down through the ages among mortals. Otherwise, as time goes by and no one remembers your heroic battles against the Yao Huang, wouldn't that be a tremendous regret?"

Da Fashi lightly punched Li Changshou's shoulder and laughed, asking:

"Is there something you need me to handle? Did you go through all this trouble just for that? As long as you ask, how could I refuse?"

Li Changshou: ...

It's not that I'm afraid you'd refuse—I'm just worried you might feel too embarrassed.

Li Changshou figured that big figures like Teacher, Shishu, the Jade Emperor, and Shizu were probably all watching, so he didn't say more and just smiled:

"Ah, you've seen right through me."

"You, why so formal?"

Da Fashi shook his head, a bit dissatisfied.

Li Changshou made a gesture of invitation and led Da Fashi to a prepared villa in the city.

A moment later.

Li Changshou and Da Fashi were soaking in the backyard hot spring, with multiple layers of arrays activated. Each had a steaming white towel on their forehead as they leaned back against the jade-lined edge of the pool.

"Whew..."

Da Fashi exhaled comfortably, "This thing that Third Shishu likes is quite nice. It relaxes the Dao body and lets spiritual energy flow freely—similar to a medicinal bath in its effects. Very refreshing, very enjoyable.

Go ahead, tell me what you need."

"No rush," Li Changshou said with a smile, "This soak is just the first round. Your shidi has prepared a full suite of services for you. You've been guarding Xuan Du City for so long, so on behalf of myself, I'm offering some comfort! It's okay to indulge once in a while."

"Hmm?"

Da Fashi sniffed the air, "This smells a bit like scheming."

"How could I scheme against you, Shixiong?"

Li Changshou sighed, "I owe everything I have today to your guidance back then. You're my lucky star in life. If not for that summons in the valley, I'd probably still be just a minor Golden Immortal in Du Xian Men."

First style of sincerity: Talk about the past.

Da Fashi's eyes took on a reminiscent glow as he smiled, "It's different; you were destined for great achievements..."

Meanwhile, in the capital of Shang Guo, in the small courtyard where Li Changshou's paper effigy had appeared earlier.

This place had its own hidden realm, and the backyard even had a mustard seed Qian Kun array.

In the warm chamber within the array, Kong Xuan sat bathing in a spiritual pool filled with floating flower petals. Long Ji Gong Zhu and over a dozen Jade Pool Fairies bustled about, bringing sets of exquisite dresses and jewelry.

Many were rare treasures personally selected by Wang Mu Niang Niang!

Kong Xuan frowned slightly, looking at the jade talisman in her hand that detailed the plan. Though she wanted to maintain her aloof demeanor as the Feng Clan leader who ignored everyone, her face kept flushing red.

How could Li Chang Geng arrange something like this? He truly...

Understood her intentions.

Why hesitate?

She had set her sights on Da Fashi, and her feelings were decided long ago. If she could act, she would. If not for being no match for Xuan Du Da Fashi, would Kong Xuan have waited until now?

If it followed human customs, even a wedding ceremony would be fine.

But with Chang Geng Shidi's arrangements and Tai Qing Teacher's directive, what harm was there in her taking the initiative to suppress Da Fashi's Dao nature and enhance his "human" side?

Long Ji said from the side, "Kong Xuan Qianbei, have you reviewed Teacher's plan? Teacher will try to delay things, so you can make more preparations."

"I've reviewed it all."

Kong Xuan said, "But if Da Fashi refuses, what can I do?"

"Qianbei, what you've seen is only the part of the plan that concerns you," Long Ji said gently. "Teacher has already started using some scheming tactics. He'll do his best to open Da Fashi's heart, but whether it truly breaks through depends on your performance."

"Very well..."

Kong Xuan murmured softly, a hint of hesitation in her eyes, but she suppressed the unwarranted shyness and said calmly:

"The thing is, I'm not very familiar with this matter. As a being so aligned with the Dao, even if I scan with my immortal sense and see many mortals in union, my Dao heart remains unruffled by it. So, how should I handle this?"

Long Ji laughed, "Teacher has prepared for that."

With that, Long Ji lightly clapped her hands.

The door to the side room opened, and two elderly women entered, both bowing to Kong Xuan.

One elderly woman smiled, "This junior is an elder in charge of affairs at Tian Ya Ge, specifically handling the training for new female members."

The other elderly woman added, "Please don't misunderstand; Tian Ya Ge never forces anyone to join. Our reputation for that is well-known, and you can verify it with a simple calculation."

Kong Xuan's mouth twitched slightly.

She, the mighty...

Oh well, for the sake of her long-held wish.

In the end, it was also to help him prevent the risk of Dao dissolution.

One hour later.

In the evening, in the bamboo grove cottage of the villa in An Shui City, South Continent.

Light veils danced in the breeze; fairies in the grove played the zither and flute.

The intricate arrays hidden around the courtyard isolated the mundane noise and worldly clamor, transforming the place into a fairy realm.

A gentle wind blew, carrying the scent of flowers and the songs of birds.

Two young Daoists sat in the cottage, their long hair loose and wearing loose robes, drinking and chatting.

Li Changshou sat cross-legged, while Da Fashi lounged casually.

"Chang Geng, you're saying you invited Nan Ji Xian Weng to Heaven and made him the God of Longevity and Pure Blessings?"

"Yes," Li Changshou said warmly, "This was to balance the relationships between Heaven, Chan Jiao, and Jie Jiao, and to increase Chan Jiao's influence in Heaven. Nowadays, many immortals and gods in Heaven see Chan Jiao as wicked and Jie Jiao as upright. In reality, both are major Daoist sects with little difference. Ultimately, it's my personal feelings that have affected all of Heaven."

"Don't think that way," Da Fashi said gently, "If you're in the water, how can you avoid creating ripples? Your matter with Yunxiao Shimei was something I played matchmaker for. Back then, I didn't consider the great calamity that would follow—I just thought Yunxiao Shimei had a gentle temperament and strong abilities. If you could marry her, wouldn't that add another expert to our Ren Jiao? Ha ha ha ha!"

Li Changshou chuckled a few times, watching as Da Fashi drained his cup, then refilled it with Jade Pool immortal brew.

This was now the third style—drinking.

The second style was sharing sad stories, which they had already covered, stirring deep resonance.

Li Changshou smiled and asked, "Actually, Shixiong, I've always had a question. You once asked Yue Lao to promote the custom of Dao companions in Ren Jiao, so you must be quite knowledgeable about matters between men and women?"

Da Fashi smiled confidently, "Of course... I know a thing or two. Aren't you the expert in this, Chang Geng? I heard about the treasure maps you prepared for Gongming Shidi—they're supposedly quite impressive."

"Oh, you're teasing me, Shixiong."

Li Changshou smoothly took a painting scroll from his sleeve, "This is a new 'Moonlit Beauty' painting I just finished. Would Shixiong like to appreciate it?"

"Come on," Da Fashi took the scroll, "Let me see if your painting skills have improved... These clothes are a bit too revealing; it loses some of the mysterious allure."

"I mentioned it's a 'Moonlit Beauty' painting," Li Changshou said with an awkward smile.

Da Fashi's reaction...

Ah, stronger medicine was needed!

Da Fashi handed the scroll back disinterestedly, steering the conversation away from the topic and asking about the Feng Shen Da Jie.

Regarding the great calamity, Li Changshou didn't want Da Fashi to get too involved.

Ren Jiao had already been pulled out of the calamity under his arrangements, and unless necessary, he hoped Da Fashi wouldn't act, to avoid any risk of entanglement.

Da Fashi was truly his lucky star—that wasn't just polite talk; he genuinely believed it.

Soon, they finished the pot of wine, and Li Changshou brought out a small jar he had prepared in advance.

"Shixiong, care to try this wine? It's not Jade Pool immortal brew; I made it myself. It contains three hundred and sixty precious ingredients, and I even used roots from rare supreme innate spiritual roots—there's only one jar like this in the world!"

Da Fashi laughed, "Such fine wine—why not save it for your wedding with Yunxiao and Ling E?"

"No, this is only for you, Dashixiong."

Li Changshou's eyes gleamed, and his eyes even reddened slightly, "Shixiong, you're so desireless, serene, carefree, and unrestrained—I truly don't know how to express my gratitude. Today, you must drink this. I don't know how to put it into words, but..."

"Alright, alright, enough of that. You're being too sentimental," Da Fashi waved his hand, drawing the palm-sized wine jar to him. He casually dispelled the immortal restrictions, inhaled the intoxicating aroma, then tilted his head back, poured it out, and gulped it down.

Glug, glug, glug!

"Shixiong," Li Changshou hurriedly said, "Just three cups would..."

Da Fashi set the empty jar on the table and gave Li Changshou a warm smile.

"From now on, don't—hic!—say these unnecessary things. We don't do that in Ren Jiao. Keep it simple, straightforward...

Changshou, this wine of yours is hitting me hard."

Da Fashi furrowed his brow slightly, shook his head, and shifted awkwardly, his gaze growing hazy.

Right then!

A golden light landed in the courtyard, transforming into a heavenly general who knelt on one knee before Li Changshou: "Reporting to the Star Lord! Mu Gong requests your immediate return to Heaven!"

Li Changshou frowned and said to Da Fashi, "Shixiong, I need to..."

"Go on, important matters first!" Da Fashi rubbed his forehead with his left hand and waved his right. "I'm feeling light-headed right now, so I'll rest a bit. We can continue drinking when you get back."

Li Changshou stood, bowed, and then left hurriedly with the heavenly general, activating the layers of arrays here as he went.

Da Fashi let out a breath of relief, looking at the empty jar with a faint, composed smile.

This little Changshou, teaming up with Teacher to set a trap for me—did he really think I'd get drunk?

This wine... has quite the kick; it's hard to hold back.

What's next?

Suddenly, the sound of bubbling springs came from the garden, followed by ethereal zither music. Two rows of graceful figures began to dance from the distant pavilion, drawing Da Fashi's involuntary gaze.

Hmm? Why am I feeling this strange stirring?

Just then, a soft sigh sounded beside him. Before Da Fashi could turn his head, that familiar Dao rhyme, familiar aura, and a hint of unfamiliar fragrance enveloped him, as a pair of jade arms wrapped around him.

"Kong Xuan Dao, Daoyou? What are you..."

"Dao gives birth to yin and yang; the Dao has you and me. I don't want to be your Daoyou—I want to be your Dao companion... You have no surname, so I'll give you mine."

Da Fashi's Dao heart trembled violently as the wine's effects surged. Though his eyes remained clear, his mind filled with chaotic thoughts.

Soon, layer upon layer of arrays activated around the pavilion, and the Tai Ji Tu appeared directly above, sealing off the Qian Kun here.

On the clouds overhead, Li Changshou watched the scene below and smiled calmly.

The anchor to keep Shixiong in the mortal world and prevent him from being drawn away by the Dao was finally secure.