While Jiu Wu was hesitating, Li Changshou emerged from seclusion.
"Greetings, Martial Uncle!"
"Ah, Changshou!"
Seeing Li Changshou emerge, Jiu Wu's remaining hesitation disappeared. He called out to him.
"Changshou, do you have any more Old White Dry of Ganges Water?"
Old White Dry of Ganges Water was the liquor Li Changshou had promised Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu years ago. Though in the end it hadn't been needed by Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu, a promise was a promise, and he naturally had to honor it.
And Old White Dry of Ganges Water had naturally caught Jiu Wu's eye as well.
Li Changshou smiled helplessly and took out two jars of fine liquor.
"Martial Uncle, there isn't much left. Take it slow."
"Don't worry. I won't drink it without giving you something in return."
Jiu Wu casually tossed Li Changshou a Jade Token. "This is for you and Li Yang. Take a look."
Li Changshou caught it and sent a wisp of his spiritual sense to inspect it. He was immediately surprised.
"Martial Uncle, the first volume of the Scripture of Non-Action? Is this... appropriate?"
At that, Lan Ling'e, who'd been listening in with her ears perked up, immediately crowded over.
Li Changshou helplessly pushed Lan Ling'e's face away, then listened carefully as Jiu Wu explained.
"What's appropriate or not about it? There's an unwritten rule in the sect: among each generation, the twenty disciples with the highest cultivation can study the first volume of the Scripture of Non-Action ahead of time. The others have to wait until they become immortals.
"Besides, you're at the Return to Void Seventh Stage, and Li Yang's already at the Return to Void Sixth Stage. Your cultivation ranks among the top ten in the sect, no question. Just take it.
"As for Li Yang's, give it to him once he comes out of seclusion. That'll save me a trip back and forth."
Li Changshou hastily bowed and accepted. "Thank you, Martial Uncle. I obey."
"Good." Jiu Wu nodded solemnly. "Now that we've dealt with that, let's discuss another major matter: the Monster Quelling Assembly invited by the East Sea Dragon Palace!"
Li Changshou cupped his hands and listened quietly without interrupting. Since he was already planning to head to the East Sea, he naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Truthfully, I didn't want to trouble you two brothers with this demon-quelling assembly. But you know how this generation of disciples is. For some reason, there's something wrong with all of them. They're not even immortals yet, but they're already making lovey-dovey eyes at each other, calling each other 'dear Junior Brother' and 'dear Junior Sister.' It's a real headache.
"They're not exactly bright, either—not one of them has any sense. Even Yuan Qing, the most experienced at handling things, disappeared after attacking and killing a fellow disciple. I'm at my wits' end!
"You should know that this trip to the East Sea Coast won't just involve the East Sea Dragon Palace. Several immortal sects that don't get along with us will be there, too. They might send disciples to deliberately make trouble for us.
"Trouble itself isn't a concern. I'm just worried these disciples won't be able to take the provocation and will make fools of themselves, bringing shame on the Immortal Crossing Sect. That's why I thought of you.
"After all, there's a saying in the sect that Lesser Qiong Peak has three marvels. The first is that you, Li Changshou, use Knockout Drug with such consummate skill that no one can guard against it.
"Everyone says you're not exactly a respectable...
"Ahem. They say you're inscrutable, steady in your conduct, resourceful, and a natural leader.
"So, for this trip to the East Sea, I'd originally planned to invite all three of you brothers from Lesser Qiong Peak. You could remind the other disciples when necessary and keep them from falling into the enemy's schemes.
"As for safety, my master will lead the expedition in person, accompanied by many of the sect's elders. You needn't worry about a repeat of what happened in the Northern Juru Continent.
"What do you say?"
Li Changshou lowered his head and thought for a moment. He put the matter of Lesser Qiong Peak's Three Marvels aside for now. He'd settle the score with Li Yang once his body recovered.
Besides, Martial Uncle Jiu Wu had come in person and brought the Scripture of Non-Action with him. That alone made the situation clear. Li Changshou couldn't refuse—and wouldn't.
The only problem was that his Junior Brother would be going along, and his circumstances couldn't be made public. That made things tricky.
Li Changshou unconsciously rubbed the Jade Token, then finally made up his mind. "Martial Uncle, Ling'e and I have no problem going. But I'm afraid Li Yang won't be able to come."
"Oh? What's the matter?"
Li Changshou came up with an excuse. "Whenever Junior Brother gains some insight and begins cultivating, no one can say when he'll emerge from seclusion. Based on past experience, there isn't enough time before the trip to the East Sea. He may not come out in time.
"So this Scripture of Non-Action..."
Jiu Wu furrowed his brow. He didn't understand why a Refining Void cultivator would need to seclude himself for so long.
"Don't tell me he's going to break through to Refining Void all at once?"
It was meant as a rhetorical question, but Li Changshou nodded.
"The last time he went into seclusion like this, he emerged at the Return to Void stage. This time, it's not impossible he'll Return to Dao."
Now it was Jiu Wu's turn to be shocked. His expression shifted several times before he finally sighed.
"Forget it. If that's the case, then so be it. I don't understand the world of prodigies.
"As for this Scripture of Non-Action, leave it with him. I won't take it back, in case he breaks through and doesn't get a chance to see it right away.
"But if he comes out of seclusion, you have to tell me."
Li Changshou bowed again. "I obey, Martial Uncle!"
After that, Li Changshou reluctantly brought out two more jars of Old White Dry of Ganges Water for Jiu Wu. Only then did Jiu Wu leave, satisfied.
Once Li Changshou was sure no one was around, he took the Scripture of Non-Action to find Li Yang.
"Senior Brother!"
"All right, we don't need so much formality between us. I'll do the talking; you just listen."
With that, Li Changshou told Li Yang about the trip to the East Sea and instructed him to keep up the appearance of preparing to break through for the next year.
"No problem."
Li Yang had decided after becoming an immortal that he wouldn't leave the sect. Now that he'd suffered such serious injuries, there was even less reason for him to go to the East Sea.
Then Li Changshou handed him the Scripture of Non-Action. "Read it first. It's a supreme immortal scripture, after all. It might help with your injuries."
The Scripture of Non-Action was protected by a restriction that allowed only one person to inspect it. Once that person had looked, no one else could.
If Li Changshou read it, Jiu Wu would know Li Yang had emerged from seclusion when Li Yang tried to read it afterward.
"No need, Senior Brother. Your aura's a little unsteady. You should be on the verge of becoming an immortal, so you should read the Scripture of Non-Action instead.
"As for my Jade Token, just leave it outside my thatched cottage. I'll read it after you all leave."
Li Changshou didn't agree. "But your injuries..."
Li Yang raised a hand. "They're nothing. They won't cost me a year. Besides, this is only a reference. It's not as useful as you think."
When Li Changshou still didn't believe him, Li Yang added, "I've already become an immortal. You still don't believe me?"
Seeing that, Li Changshou had no choice but to let it go and put away the Jade Token meant for him.
"Very well. We'll do as you say."
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
While Li Changshou and Li Yang were talking, Lan Ling'e was sipping milk tea out of boredom. Suddenly, a voice sounded behind her. Startled, she immediately pulled out a Space Blasting Pill.
"Excuse me, does Junior Brother Li Yang live here?"
Lan Ling'e hid her little hand behind her back, clutching the Blasting Pill as she looked at the newcomer.
She was an immortal maiden dressed in an ice-blue one-shoulder long dress, with a broad-bladed greatsword strapped to her back. Her long black hair was simply tied up.
"You're... Senior Sister Youqin?"
Youqin Xuanya looked at the adorable Lan Ling'e and smiled warmly. "You must be Junior Sister Ling'e. I've heard Junior Brother Li Yang talk about you. You're the second of Lesser Qiong Peak's Three Marvels, skilled at..."
Before Youqin Xuanya could finish, a giant gourd came flying from the horizon. Before it arrived, a boisterous voice rang out.
"Hahahaha! Nephews Changshou and Li Yang, your beautiful immortal aunt is here! Hurry and prepare the wine!"
Seeing this, Lan Ling'e felt exhausted. What was with today? Everyone was either looking for her Senior Brother or looking for her Senior Brother.
And they went around telling everyone to stay steady.
Pah!
Stay steady my ass!!!
Before you continue