Chapter 139: The Counsel of the Grand Master
"Hahaha... Seriously? The witch folks just went ahead and declared themselves Sea Gods for their village? And those witch folks, relying on their bloodline power, all beefed up like bulls, became these godly enforcers collecting wealth... And in the end, the Dragon Clan decided to join the party? Marvelous, isn't it? The way things play out in this world, it's truly marvelous!"
By the creek in the valley, Grand Master Xuan Du laughed heartily while holding a roasted fish.
On the side, Li Changshou tried his best to maintain a smile and took out two eels he had originally planned to give to the elders of the sect and continued grilling them.
The first element of sucking up: sincerity. Then, sincerely... cater to their interests.
After laughing for a while, Xuan Du asked, "So, what happened next? Keep going. I didn't just listen to your story for nothing. Later, you can choose a divine ability. If I know it, I'll teach it to you."
Li Changshou, upon hearing this, wasn't particularly thrilled. He sighed lightly and explained his approach to dealing with the South Sea Divine Cult. He also answered Grand Master Xuan Du's question about his connection with the Dragon Clan.
When Xuan Du heard that Li Changshou had pretended to have a mastermind behind him because he was anxious about not having a strong backer, intentionally leaving his words half-finished to let the Dragon Clan's imagination run wild, the Grand Master burst into laughter again. He even praised Li Changshou's "clever plan" and said, "You're quite crafty. No wonder the old man decided to cover your tracks for you!"
Li Changshou, upon hearing this, was somewhat moved. Did the saintly master... really... recognize him?
Then, Li Changshou immediately figured out the cause and effect of this.
The Dragon Clan's entry into the Heavenly Court should be a crucial step in enhancing the prestige and dignity of the Heavenly Court. His own saintly master obviously intended to support the Heavenly Court. The Master of the Clear Way had transformed into the Supreme Old Lord, standing for the Jade Emperor. When the Master of the Clear Way discovered the Dragon Clan's entry into the Heavenly Court, he could have used the South Sea Divine Cult to make a significant move to help him cover up his tracks, preventing the Dragon Clan and the Western Religion from probing further...
That made sense.
Li Changshou's mind turned, feeling that the saintly master's intervention to cover up his tracks should have occurred when he collided with the Jade Emperor...
But it wasn't easy to draw conclusions, and he didn't dare to speculate too much about the saintly master's intentions.
The incense he burned, after all, was not burned in vain!
"Changshou," Xuan Du smiled, "now that the Master has given us a task, it's to bring the Dragon Clan under the Heavenly Court's banner. What do you think?"
Li Changshou replied solemnly, "I'll follow the arrangements of the Grand Master."
"Earlier, I heard you say, 'When the elder has a need, the disciple shall serve.' Since you've taken it upon yourself, you might as well continue. However, the Dragon Clan has always been proud and looks down on the Heavenly Court. When the Demon Emperor established the Demon Court and the Demon Clan was flourishing, the Dragon Clan could only play the role of 'guest.' Now, although the Dragon Clan lacks merit and opportunity, if they don't face some adversity, they may not be willing to give up their arrogance."
Implied in his words seemed to be a suggestion for Li Changshou to ponder over and humble the Dragon Clan a bit.
Li Changshou: ...
Wasn't he just a minor disciple of the Way of Immortality? Wasn't his shoulder a bit too slender for this?
The Grand Master was indeed not even blinking an eye when ordering around his juniors.
"Grand Master..." Li Changshou looked embarrassed and said, "The disciple was originally uneasy about using the Dragon Clan's power to support the South Sea Divine Cult. Now you want the disciple to plot against the Dragon Clan intentionally..."
"Wait a moment, let me calculate." Xuan Du calculated, rare seriousness appearing on his face.
"This matter is not simple. Currently, the two saintly masters of the Western Religion are trying to bring the Dragon Clan under their wing and have already taken action. It seems they are secretly pressuring the Dragon Clan to force them to submit... Tsk, after so many years, they are still using the same old trick."
Li Changshou said softly, "Grand Master, isn't it inappropriate for us to discuss this matter here?"
"Don't worry," Xuan Du said, "within ten yards of me, you can say whatever you want."
Li Changshou couldn't help but admire him inwardly.
And Xuan Du was already sitting there, holding a roasted fish, picking out the fish meat and putting it into his mouth while considering how to arrange this matter.
Li Changshou had already begun to think about what divine ability he could seek later.
It would be best if it were an escape technique, or a method to conceal his own aura, or something like what the Grand Master had, a method that couldn't be probed by divine sense...
Hmm?
Li Changshou suddenly realized something and hurriedly asked, "When the Grand Master mentioned the two old masters in the west, had they already taken action against the Dragon Clan?"
Xuan Du said, "That's right. The heavenly mechanism reveals that the Dragon Clan has encountered some disaster today, but it's temporarily safe."
Li Changshou couldn't help but smile wryly and shook his head.
Xuan Du thought this junior was really interesting, not only interesting but also... joyful.
Soon, Xuan Du patted Li Changshou on the shoulder and said, "You've done a great job with this matter! I understand the Master's intentions now. You'll be in charge of bringing the Dragon Clan under the Heavenly Court. If you encounter any problems you can't solve, just go to the Way of Immortality... No, you're here. How could you manage so much?"
"I have a shallow divine ability called 'Making Paper into People,'" Li Changshou didn't dare to conceal it and took out a paper doll from his sleeve. "I've modified it into an external incarnation."
Xuan Du looked at the paper doll and then at Li Changshou, then shook his head.
He hadn't even practiced for two hundred years, yet he had mastered the technique of external incarnation...
"If the Master hadn't forbidden me from taking disciples, I really wanted to bring you back to the Doumu Palace. But Changshou, there are a few things I need to remind you of."
Li Changshou immediately showed a serious expression and sat upright on the rock, listening carefully.
Xuandu's eyes carried a hint of reminiscence as he slowly spoke, starting with: "The primordial chaos is far from as peaceful as it seems."
Li Changshou: ... Thought the big guy was gonna say something profound, but he naturally understood this.
Listening to Xuandu sighing beside him, Li Changshou also put on a serious expression to match...
Xuandu continued: "In ancient times, before my birth, let's not discuss that. Let's talk about from ancient times to now, how many talented individuals and awe-inspiring beings have amazed the world, only to turn to dust in the end. The primordial chaos is most full of schemes..."
Li Changshou: Why does this sound so familiar?
"Do you know why my teacher taught me not to involve myself in karma?"
Xuandu sighed, "Simply because karma cannot be severed or cut. Perhaps you think it's a small matter, but it could bring disaster upon you after countless years. Looking back from ancient times, the best advice I can give you is — the primordial chaos is too dangerous."
Li Changshou nodded with a serious expression, feeling touched at this moment.
Finally, the feeling of being recognized by the organization!
Xuandu continued: "Look at Kunpeng, the former soaring demon, who ended up crippled and fleeing to the chaotic sea; look at the two emperors who stood atop Mount Buzhou, who ended up dead and gone, their bodies destroyed. Then there's the witch clan, the ten great demon saints, the sea of blood asuras, and those powerful beings and experts who once roamed the world... They are as numerous as the stars, countless. Changshou, there are no winners in this world. Only the living and the dead."
Li Changshou nodded in agreement and said, "Why doesn't the Great Master pass on such wisdom to many of our fellow practitioners?"
"Just some words of caution, who can truly avoid karma?"
Xuandu smiled, "I say these things just to remind you. Becoming a Golden Immortal is nothing, and what about reaching the Great Luo Realm? Don't be complacent just because you've ascended. Proper cultivation is the right way."
Li Changshou stood up and made a Daoist salute, feeling quite close to Xuandu.
A feeling of finally being recognized after more than a hundred years of hard work emerged in Li Changshou's heart, making him really want to have a chat with Xuandu.
But, he couldn't.
Talking too much could lead to mistakes. He must remain vigilant at all times. Even in front of the Great Master, he could feel grateful but not dependent, let alone completely trust.
The Great Master couldn't watch over him all the time. Moreover, if someone were to attack him, the Great Master could only help collect the body at most, maybe leave behind a Nine Turns Golden Pellet...
Thinking too much, thinking too much.
"Then, as for the matter of the Dragon Clan, you handle it."
Xuandu patted his knees, seeing that the fire in front of him was almost out, and slowly stood up.
"Let's stop here for today's chat. What kind of divine skill do you want to learn? I won't break my promise."
After some contemplation, Li Changshou said, "Escape technique."
Xuandu was first startled, then he clapped his hands and laughed. He took out two jade talismans from his sleeve.
"I intended to give them to you as rewards separately, but I'll give them all to you now. The escape technique I have is beyond your current cultivation level. This is a method of external incarnation. You can contemplate it to perfect your paper figurine technique. There's also a scripture written by my teacher, which may give you some insights into cultivation. Just remember, don't flaunt this scripture. Contemplate it on your own."
Li Changshou took the two jade talismans, showing a hint of joy appropriately, and said, "Thank you, Great Master."
"For so many years, among the many disciples of the Daoist Conception, you are the one my teacher values. I will take good care of you."
Xuandu patted Li Changshou's shoulder. "Since I'm here this time, do you need me to show up at the South Sea Divine Sect? Before, you had no one behind you; now you do. But it's best not to stir up trouble everywhere. My teacher likes disciples who are stable. If you provoke too much karma, my teacher might take action and clean you up directly."
Li Changshou: ... This is like giving someone a sweet date and then hitting them with a thunderbolt?
"Don't worry, Great Master. From now on, I'll be extra careful in my actions."
Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said, "In the South Sea, where the Dragon Clan has gathered, I'd like to ask the Great Master to show up. But since the Patriarch arranged for the Dragon Clan to enter the heavens, I feel there's no need to alarm the Westerners..."
"Oh?" Xuandu narrowed his eyes slightly. "What's your plan? Just say it. I hate thinking about these things the most."
"Well... I have a few words of nonsense. If I misspeak, please forgive me, Great Master."
Li Changshou spoke quietly for a moment.
Xuandu soon nodded with a smile, saying, "It's quite similar to what I had in mind."
"I racked my brains, and by chance came up with this idea. It's probably thanks to your guidance, Great Master."
"Hmm, yes, not bad. Keep talking if you can."
Li Changshou: ... High-level people are indeed unique.
Seeing the Great Master about to leave, Li Changshou hesitated for a moment and said, "Great Master, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should..."
"Just say it."
"Inside the Dao Conception, cultivating Daoist companionship is common. You're promoting the prosperity of the Divine Sect... But..."
Xuandu smiled, "What's wrong? Is this strategy not good enough?"
"It's naturally excellent," Li Changshou said in a low voice, "but the problem is, they... aren't... giving birth..."
Xuandu frowned, "Why is that? According to reason, there should be spiritual births after the union of yin and yang."
Li Changshou suddenly understood something.
After years of promoting Daoist companionship, he actually...
"Could it still be controlled?" Xuandu, the Great Master, was a bit dumbfounded by this realization.
"It's probably so. I don't quite understand... This path is truly too complicated."
Li Changshou could only respond like this.
...
In the southwest of Nanshan Buzhou, the desolate mountains where the Dragon Clan had ambushed.
On the mountainside, Aoyi stood amidst the swirling dust, feeling one emotion after another.
If it weren't for the strategies given by Changshou behind him, although the Dragon Clan would win this time, the casualties would certainly increase several times.
Indeed, he owed Changshou a big favor.
The "Twenty-Six Steps to Retreat the Enemy", Aoyi decided that after returning to Golden Arowana Island, he would organize them into a set of military tactics. If Changshou agreed, he would offer this military tactic to the King...
At this moment, several old dragons, with some anxiety, approached.
An old dragon said, "Your Highness, the enemy we discovered this time is the ancient fierce beast, the Blood-winged Black Mosquito, which is extremely ferocious... Should we invite a master to help us resolve this isolated and helpless situation?"
Aoyi pondered for a moment at the words, then nodded slowly, "This matter, I must discuss with Brother Chief before deciding..."
"Oh?"
Suddenly, a light laughter came from the air.
Aoyi's words halted, and the dragons looked up at the hundreds of feet high figure in the sky.
There, a figure in a black robe stood with hands behind his back, appearing out of nowhere.
This person swept his gaze over the area below and said, "Do not harm mortals."
After speaking, this figure left behind a trace of Dao rhyme, gently flashed, and disappeared.
The dragons below looked at each other.
"That's..."
"The Great Master! That Dao rhyme is from the Daoist teachings, it's Xuandu, the Great Master!"
And at this moment, the Wrathful Daoist, who had been focusing on this place with a heart full of anger, suddenly shivered and instantly lost his temper...