Chapter Forty-Six: Nephew, I'm Not a Wicked Person
Outside the alchemy room, Li Changshou sat quietly on a reclining chair, his left hand open with a blue flame burning slowly within.
This wasn't the complete version of the Samadhi True Flame, so there was no harm in displaying it directly. After all, it had been three months since Forgetful Immortal bestowed upon him the method to cultivate the Samadhi True Flame. It was reasonable that he could cultivate the simplest form of "Qi Fire," or "Qi Flame."
The power of "Qi Fire" alone, under the premise of investing the same amount of mana, was not even one-third as strong as the Abyssal Cold Flame. However, once he merged the "Qi Fire," "Essence Fire," and "Spirit Fire" into the Samadhi True Flame, its power was expected to be several times stronger than the Abyssal Cold Flame.
At this point, Li Changshou had already understood the principles of cultivating the Samadhi True Flame. It was essentially using one's own qi, essence, and spirit to nurture three seeds of fire, then merging these three seeds into the Samadhi True Flame. This fire could be maintained within the Dao body, burning away impurities and protecting oneself with true fire.
What pleased Li Changshou the most was the power of this fire, which was related to the fire seeds condensed from his own essence, qi, and spirit. In other words, the power of the Samadhi True Flame could continuously improve with his cultivation level. He wouldn't waste time on a technique that would become useless after mastering it for just a few years.
A white cloud drifted from the horizon. Li Changshou clenched his left hand into a fist, extinguishing the ball of flame within.
Standing up, he bowed to the cloud.
The Daoist on the cloud smiled faintly, leaned down, but maintained a height of ten zhang (about 33 meters), and said warmly, "Nephew Changshou, I heard that your journey to the Eastern Sea three months ago was quite fruitful. You handled the provocation from the Dragon Palace's prince properly. It seems my recommendation of you this time wasn't in vain."
Li Changshou immediately smiled gently and said, "Thanks to Uncle's kindness, disciple was able to obtain both the Fire Dao and the Thunder Dao. Today, I've prepared a banquet as a token of gratitude for Uncle's guidance."
The Tipsy Raven, who had just returned to the mountain for a few days, narrowed his eyes beneath his thick brows and chuckled.
"Why does it feel like... there's a trick? Whenever I come for wine, you always seem reluctant. When you went to the Eastern Sea, you were probably fooled and deceived by this disciple. Does Nephew Changshou intend to use poison pills to plot against his master?"
Li Changshou could only smile wryly and respond, "Disciple is just a disciple of Little Qiongfeng. Uncle, you are not only a true immortal in the sect but also highly regarded by the elders as a steward. Even if disciple had such thoughts, he wouldn't have the courage to plot against Uncle. Moreover, the journey to the Eastern Sea did indeed bring great benefits to this disciple."
As he spoke, Li Changshou took out two "Night Pearls" from his sleeve. "These are image-capturing spheres, but disciple has modified them to record sound as well. One for Uncle, one for disciple. Today's banquet will be fully recorded in these spheres. What do you think?"
The Tipsy Raven chuckled, took a step down from the white cloud with his hands behind his back, looked up at Li Changshou, and reached out to take one of the image-capturing spheres.
"Let's see what you're up to. Please, lead the way, Nephew."
"Please, Uncle," Li Changshou's smile became even warmer.
Beside the alchemy furnace, two low tables were placed side by side. Little Spirit Fairy, nurtured by her senior brother, displayed her cooking skills to the fullest. The table was filled with sumptuous dishes, and there were three stacked wine jars on the side.
The two of them took their seats as host and guest, and simultaneously opened their respective image-capturing spheres, placing them at the corner of the table. Then, the Tipsy Raven picked up a jade chopstick and tasted each dish and each jar of wine one by one.
"Are you really inviting this Daoist for a drink?" The Tipsy Raven laughed. "Could it be that each dish and each jar of wine contains a harmless herb, but when combined, they become a potent poison?"
Li Changshou couldn't help but support his forehead with one hand, shaking his head and sighing, "Uncle, what trials and tribulations have you encountered outside to become so suspicious of your disciple's intentions? After all, disciple is not a wicked person."
"Hahaha, just kidding."
The Tipsy Raven waved his hand, took the wine jar, and placed it a few zhang away from himself, then used his mana to pour a little wine onto his fingertips and lightly tasted it.
His eyes lit up, "Good wine!"
Li Changshou said solemnly, "This is brewed from thirty-six types of poisonous herbs, twelve types of poisonous insects, and supplemented with water from the Ganges River and old baijiu. After soaking for three months, the toxicity has been perfectly neutralized. It has the effects of nourishing essence, strengthening bones, and enhancing male vigor. But there is one thing... I don't know if Uncle can handle it; this thing is quite potent."
The Tipsy Raven raised an eyebrow at Li Changshou, who winked back. Both of them understood each other's intentions.
"What can't I handle? This Daoist has companionship!" The Tipsy Raven took a sip. "So, you brewed this medicinal wine for your master. Please."
"Cheers!"
The Tipsy Raven was in high spirits, finishing half of the wine in no time, while only sampling half of the dishes without moving the rest. Li Changshou leisurely tasted all the dishes, constantly praising his junior sister's culinary skills.
As the two of them drank, Li Changshou brought out the third jar of wine.
"Here it comes, here it comes. This guy's tricks are indeed clever."
The Tipsy Raven chuckled inwardly, eager to see how Li Changshou would carry out his scheme.
However, Li Changshou said, "Uncle, this is a token of appreciation from your nephew, the Dragon-Bone Dragon Wine."
"Oh?" The Tipsy Raven raised his eyebrows, used his immortal power to take the wine jar, placed it several feet away, then used his qi to pick up a little wine and taste it, pondering for a moment. Then, he raised his head and drank a big gulp, feeling refreshed!
"It just so happens that your nephew's Daoist uncle has just come out of seclusion. This Daoist is not afraid!"
"Uncle, don't drink too much at once."
"This Daoist is a true immortal, what's there to fear?"
With that, the two clinked glasses again, and the Tipsy Raven was already slightly tipsy, while the tableware was in disarray.
"Little Changshou, tell me, how do you plan to plot against your master?"
The Tipsy Raven raised the wine jar, raised his eyebrows, and said, "Your master is almost done drinking and will leave soon."
Li Changshou shook his head with a bitter smile and sighed, "Actually, I invited Uncle over this time because I wanted to ask for Uncle's help."
"Oh?"
"Among the insights into formations that Uncle gave me, there's a formation called the Nine Bright Glass Array. Junior sister and I studied it for half a month, but we still couldn't set it up. I'd like to ask Uncle for some advice."
The Tipsy Raven immediately chuckled. This Nine Bright Glass Array was a trapped formation created by him. Even if Li Changshou intended to trap him with this formation, he could easily break it.
"Let's go, let's go see."
With that, the Tipsy Raven put away the medicinal wine and, with Li Changshou, each holding an image-capturing sphere, went to the open space behind the alchemy room.
There were eighty-one small bronze mirrors arranged on the ground in mysterious positions. The Tipsy Raven immediately saw the problem, smiled, and pointed out a few things to Li Changshou.
Li Changshou's face lit up with joy. Stepping forward, he adjusted the positions of several bronze mirrors as the Tipsy Raven had suggested. The eighty-one bronze mirrors immediately shimmered brightly, and the trapped formation was activated, trapping the two of them inside.
Silver light enveloped the surroundings, and there were no more trees, flowers, or birds to be seen.
The Tipsy Raven remained calm, even smiling with narrowed eyes. He said, "Changshou, do you really plan to scheme like this? Trapping yourself here with your master just to vent your anger? Deceiving yourself and others isn't good."
Li Changshou turned around, smiling, "Uncle, where did you get these thoughts? How could I, your nephew, plot against you?"
As he spoke, flames suddenly burst forth from Li Changshou's legs and arms.
The Tipsy Raven was initially stunned, then hurriedly shouted, "Why are you on fire?"
"Uncle, why..."
Li Changshou trembled, shouting as he threw the image-capturing sphere in a certain direction.
In an instant, his surroundings were engulfed in flames, and his figure, with a rustling sound, turned into a paper man, instantly consumed by the fire.
The Tipsy Raven's eyes widened in shock.
The divine flame from the Samadhi True Flame?
The paper human from the Thirty-Six Heavenly Laws?
This kid, he ignited the divine flame so quickly? And with such advanced divine techniques?
No, something's not right...
The Tipsy Raven suddenly turned around. All around him was a bright silver light, and at this moment, only he was left within the trapped formation.
So, this kid wanted to tarnish my reputation using the image-capturing sphere!
The Tipsy Raven suddenly realized, then chuckled, and leisurely began to break the formation.
"Changshou, you're still too naive. Going as far as to trap yourself here with me just to vent your frustration? You really overestimated your scheming abilities. Your master has many friends in high places. Moreover, this formation was created by your master. Can you not find the vital point?"
As he spoke, the Tipsy Raven took a few steps forward, and the surroundings swiftly rotated from a field of white light to a field of...
Golden light.
The smile on Wine Raven's face froze instantly. He muttered curses under his breath, "Why is it another chain formation?"
He hurriedly stepped forward, quickly reaching another spot where the starlight twinkled; then, he retraced his steps back to the initial place filled with silver light.
With a leap, he soared into the air, only to crash into a place where golden light dispersed!
By now, Wine Raven had realized that this formation had been altered beyond his imagination. All his escape methods were blocked, and the basic formation was indeed the "Nine Bright Mirrors Formation" that he had created!
This formation was meticulously crafted by him, and only a celestial immortal could break it!
Wine Raven's five-foot-tall body shook, and the alcohol aura around him dissipated. His mind raced rapidly...
Ever since Longevity's nephew sent Wine Ji to invite him to the banquet, this scheme had begun!
When he arrived at Xiao Qiong Peak, he used his divine sense to see Longevity's nephew sitting there practicing "Fiery Qi," instinctively not bothering to check if Longevity's nephew himself had any flaws!
The banquet itself was just a cover, the real revenge was this formation.
Because it was his own created trapping formation, he confidently stepped into it, forgetting that this kid loved setting up chain formations!
But... so what if he's trapped? What's the big deal?
Wine Raven sat cross-legged. He was a true immortal, so what if he was trapped for a few months?
"This guy, is this how he vents?" Wine Raven smirked silently, but the smile suddenly froze on his face.
It's so hot...
His blood seemed to be surging wildly...
He started sweating all over, and a turbid yang energy inside him began to expand rapidly...
Damn, it's that wine!
Why is its strength so potent?
Wine Raven felt like his immortal body was burning. Images of intimate moments with his Dao companion flashed in his mind, his breathing became rapid like a dragon's breath, and sweat started pouring down all over his body!
He immediately tried to expel the medicinal power but found it had already infiltrated his bloodstream!
The hem of his Daoist robe gradually lifted, and Wine Raven stood up instantly, bending his body, his eyes full of anxiety.
"Long... Longevity's nephew! Let me go back!"
No, this guy just wants to see me in this plight!
Endure!
I must endure!
Wine Raven was already a half-step celestial immortal. Couldn't he withstand this bit of medicinal power? Just think about it, Shishi is waiting for me at home. I can go back after this!
It's even more unbearable now. I absolutely cannot think of my senior sister!
I can't embarrass myself further. This guy's sound and shadow sphere is still watching me!
Wine Raven crushed the sound and shadow sphere in his hand and resumed his meditation, rapidly reciting the Quiet Heart Technique and the Clear Heart Mantra...
Half an hour later.
"Oh my god... how can I endure this exquisite torture! Longevity! Longevity! I admit defeat! I won't scheme against you again, okay!"
No one responded.
Wine Raven anxiously spun around, suppressing the turbid yang energy with his immortal power, pacing around in the trapped formation.
Suddenly, he saw a wooden sign. Hastily, he approached to read the lines written on it.
What's this?
"A heavenly oath? Starting with 'Vow of Gratitude and Clarity'? So severe?
From now on, without the permission of the disciples of the Everlasting Fairy Door's Xiao Qiong Peak, Daoist Qiyuan, or Li Changshou's nephew, no arrangements shall be made regarding Li Changshou...
Not a single piece of information regarding Li Changshou's nephew shall be disclosed to any living being, any magical tool, or any instrument...
Not allowed...
Damn it! It's so uncomfortable!
The content of this oath is somewhat ordinary, just confidentiality plus no more arrangements in the future;
The consequences of violating the oath are so cruel, you'd lose a man's vigor!"
Wine Raven stomped his foot in frustration but threw the wooden sign to the ground.
"How can my senior nephew be coerced by you like this!"
At that moment, the short Taoist person lay down slowly, continuing to suppress that mass of yang energy, gritting his teeth and enduring it.
A moment later...
The short Taoist person, with red eyes, roared and stood up. He began reciting the Vow of Gratitude and Clarity, and the heavenly way immediately responded. The sky above Xiao Qiong Peak thundered!
After reciting the hundreds of words of the oath, the surrounding formations slowly dissipated, along with the outer formations.
Wine Raven looked around but found not a single soul. He urgently leaped up and flew towards the direction of Broken Sky Peak.
"Shishi! Shishi, don't go into seclusion, Shishi—"
After Wine Raven left, Li Changshou's figure slowly emerged from the grass. He picked up his sound and shadow sphere carefully, tucking it away, then swung his sleeve, integrating the trapped formation into the surrounding formations.
Approaching the wooden sign, he watched the words on it fading rapidly, revealing a serene smile on his face.
Temporarily settled.
Two months later, on the day they agreed to refine pills together.
"Hey, Little Shou Shou, do you still have that wine you gave to Fifth Brother? Fourth Sister said she wants to exchange a few spells for the wine's recipe, you can choose powerful spells."
"There's still half a jar left. I'll organize the recipe for you later. Just pick the spells with the most power," Li Changshou replied without lifting his head, continuing to sort the herbs in his hands.
Wine Ji approached him in the corner, "Is it this one? It smells strangely good."
"Yeah, that's the one," Li Changshou said with a smile.
He was just about to lower his head and continue his work when he suddenly remembered something and said aloud, "This wine, ladies can't drink it casually. It's a special sun wine for men. Ladies will get into trouble if they drink it."
Clang!
A wooden spoon fell to the ground, with a little wine still scattered inside it. Wine Ji stared at Li Changshou.
"What... what happens if you drink it?"
So fast?
Li Changshou's forehead was covered in black lines, unable to help but chuckle.
"Well... maybe just grow a long beard? Probably."