Tactics, Counter-Tactics, Counter-Counter-Tactics

Tactics, Counter-Tactics, Counter-Counter-Tactics

Early that morning, after spending the entire night busy in the pill room, Li Changshou returned to the vicinity of the thatched cottage.

Before he even reached it, he caught a faint scent of wine. His spiritual awareness swept through his junior sister's room, and he could not help raising a hand to his forehead.

Better... take the long way around.

Though the scene inside the cottage was rather splendid at the moment.

Various cards from "Simulated Immortal Life" lay scattered across the floor, along with the deck of "playing cards" he had made for his junior sister years ago.

—That deck had actually been quite extravagant. It was made from the special paper Li Changshou used for crafting paper figures, its raw material drawn from the sap of a precious tree, and its production method exceedingly complicated.

Clearly, the three of them had played all night, only to be knocked out in the end by the fine wine Jiu Jiu had brought out...

His spiritual awareness revealed a greatsword, a long dress, a short shirt, and several shoes and socks strewn across the floor...

Ling'e and Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu were snoring away on the bed, one lying down and the other sprawled over her. Jiu Jiu hugged Ling'e's thigh, while Ling'e held Youqin Xuanya's jade-like foot in her arms.

In the corner of the bed, Youqin Xuanya lay on her side in a fairly elegant pose, except... she held someone's pink bellyband in her hand...

Too awful to look at. Too awful to look at.

Li Changshou activated the array beside the cottage, then turned and headed beneath the willow tree by the lake. Taking out two unfinished paper figures, he continued trimming them with his Dharma power.

Paper Cutting into Human Form was a profound divine ability recorded among the Dao Sect's "Thirty-Six Heavenly Dipper Techniques." Li Changshou had obtained it only through a fortuitous turn of fate.

Yet fifty years had passed since he acquired the technique, and he had only just achieved minor mastery of it.

Only after Li Changshou became an immortal could Paper Cutting into Human Form unleash its true might. The paper figures he made then could carry a small portion of his Primordial Spirit, thereby attaining the effect of temporary Outer Body Incarnations...

Paper Cutting into Human Form was also one of his primary divine abilities. It could harm enemies without harming himself, making it especially suited to his tastes.

Other things like arrays, talismans, pills, and Poison Refining were merely things he tinkered with on the side—hobbies, really—adding a little more capital for survival.

Half a day later, Li Changshou put away the two newly completed paper figures and glanced at the cottage. The three inside still showed no sign of waking.

His master had gone out to attend a banquet and had yet to return. He would likely be wandering about outside for quite some time.

Though his master had only cultivated into a Turbid Immortal, his standing within the sect had risen considerably.

Without becoming an immortal, one remained a mortal, with at most three thousand years of Lifespan.

Whether they thought Qi Yuan no longer had any value as an acquaintance, wished to spare themselves excessive grief when Qi Yuan's Lifespan ran out, or simply did not want Qi Yuan to feel pressured, those who had been friendly with him in his early years had kept their distance from him throughout the past several centuries.

Now that Qi Yuan had become a Turbid Immortal, he could become a True Immortal in the future as long as everything went smoothly.

Though the title was somewhat unpleasant to hear, he now had a longer Lifespan. Thus, Qi Yuan's old friends had gathered around him once more...

—Even within immortal sects, reality could be rather cruel.

"Master's future cultivation will be quite a problem too..."

As he pondered this, Li Changshou suddenly turned to look beyond the mountain.

Whoosh—

A sharp sound tore through the air from the horizon. Li Changshou immediately ducked behind the other side of the willow tree, raised his left arm, and aimed his left hand at the tiny jade sword flying toward him, stopping it steadily thirty feet away.

The voice of a middle-aged Daoist came from within the jade sword. "Li Changshou of Lesser Qiong Peak, proceed to the Hall of Hundred Affairs at once for deliberations."

Li Changshou said, "This disciple accepts the order."

The jade sword immediately turned around and shot back toward Sky-Breaking Peak.

Shortly afterward, two more jade swords came whistling through the air from the same direction, this time flying directly toward his junior sister's cottage.

Li Changshou immediately understood something when he saw this.

Shaking his head, he mounted a white cloud and left first, avoiding Youqin Xuanya and Jiu Jiu, who were likely also headed to the Hall of Hundred Affairs.

This summons was probably for the Demon-Quelling Assembly in the Eastern Sea.

To avoid arriving too early and drawing too much attention, Li Changshou waited for a while beneath a tree outside the hall...

Sure enough, no one noticed him.

Only after more than ten figures had gathered in the southwest corner of the Hall of Hundred Affairs did he step inside, continuing to "vanish" into a corner.

Though Martial Uncle Jiu Wu was crafty and sinister, miserly, and fond of taking advantage of others, he had at least one tiny virtue—he kept his promises.

At present, Li Changshou still appeared to others as an "outstanding" disciple at Void Returning Realm Level 2. Jiu Wu had not revealed Li Changshou's "true cultivation level" of Void Returning Stage Level 6...

When Li Changshou arrived, six of the sect's top ten disciples of the current generation had already come, along with six or seven True Immortal Realm immortals who were over a thousand years old.

For a grand gathering of immortals like the Demon-Quelling Assembly, immortal sects would inevitably compare themselves with one another. And how could the "talent" and potential of their disciples be displayed most directly? Through the comparison between their cultivation progress and their age.

The younger one was, the higher one's cultivation, the greater one's talent and comprehension naturally were—and the more honor one brought to one's own immortal sect.

That was why, unless she happened to be in secluded cultivation, Jiu Jiu almost never missed occasions like this...

Li Changshou waited in the hall for some time longer. True Immortal Realm immortals continued arriving, and another two or three young disciples came as well.

By the time Jiu Jiu and Youqin Xuanya finally arrived late, there were eleven young disciples and sixteen True Immortal Realm sect members present.

These were all the people summoned today.

Elder Ge, who handled the sect's external affairs, arrived with two other elders and explained in detail why they had been called here...

Elder Ge said, "The Eastern Sea Dragon Palace is holding a Demon-Quelling Assembly on the Shore of the East Sea this time, inviting the principal immortal sects of the Eastern Continent of Divine Grace to attend. Our Du Xian Sect is among those invited.

"I trust you witnessed the Vicious Dragon's attack on our mountain gate last time.

"Not only that, the Vicious Dragon deliberately gave us the wrong date for the assembly, hoping to make our Du Xian Sect a laughingstock...

"Fortunately, the various immortal sects of the Eastern Continent have kept one another informed. The sect learned long ago that the assembly will be held exactly seven days from now. Our Du Xian Sect will depart in four days, traveling with the other immortal sects to the Eastern Sea for the gathering.

"By order of the Sect Master, Venerable Wangqing will lead the sect's disciples to this assembly, accompanied by several other elders who have attained the Heavenly Immortal Dao Fruit...

"You True Immortals are included among the escort."

Elder Ge paused, sweeping his gaze across the twenty-seven people before continuing.

"The Dragon Palace has three objectives in holding this Demon-Quelling Assembly.

"First, they wish to draw a clear boundary between the Eastern Sea and the Shore of the East Sea.

"Second, they wish to recover the face they lost at the hands of the many immortal sects who went to the Eastern Sea to slay demons.

"Third, they wish to let their Dragon Clan descendants strut and show off their might.

"At this Demon-Quelling Assembly, the Dragon Clan will offer several treasures as prizes, allowing young disciples from the various immortal sects to spar with one another, defend arenas, and challenge arenas.

"You ten..."

Elder Ge had originally been looking at the ten young disciples standing in the back, but his gaze then fell upon Li Changshou in the corner, and he changed his words.

"You eleven are either the most highly cultivated among the current generation of disciples, or the most... hm, alert.

"A few years ago, we had just gone to the Eastern Sea to slay demons. The Dragon Palace will certainly target us at this assembly. Several immortal sects that bear some grudges against us may also secretly trip us up, hoping to watch you young disciples make fools of yourselves.

"Remember well: you must not disgrace our Du Xian Sect, much less lose the bearing of our Three Teachings Immortal Sect!

"If anyone privately provokes you, there is no need to pay them heed. But during formal sparring, you must make them understand what true power is!

"Following advance discussions between the immortal sects, the younger generation attending from the various Eastern Continent sects will all be below one hundred and fifty years old. There are few exceptional geniuses among them who have already entered the Dao Attainment Realm.

"If you can obtain those treasures, they will count as rewards for each of you.

"Do you understand?"

Most of the eleven disciples showed delighted expressions as they answered in unison, "This disciple will remember Elder's teachings."

Elder Ge nodded. After pondering for a while, he said, "There is one more matter, personally instructed by Venerable Wangqing..."

Everyone fell silent and listened attentively.

"Where is Li Changshou of Lesser Qiong Peak?"

"This disciple is here." Li Changshou inwardly thought that trouble had come. He had still underestimated Jiu Wu's craftiness, but his expression remained unchanged as he bowed.

Elder Ge said in a deep voice, "On this journey, all the young disciples must follow your direction. You will be... the leader of the young disciples."

For a moment, not only were the ten disciples bewildered, but the sixteen True Immortals also turned to examine Li Changshou.

Why would a disciple at Void Returning Realm Level 2 be chosen as the leader?

Feeling every gaze converge upon him, Li Changshou's mouth twitched despite himself.

He did it on purpose. Jiu Wu absolutely did it on purpose!

That short Daoist was forcing him to expose his hidden cards!

Originally, Li Changshou had thought that he would simply tag along to the Eastern Sea. With several Celestial Immortals from the sect protecting them, there should not have been any major problems.

He could also take the opportunity to scout the vast and sparsely populated Eastern Sea, finding a suitable place to enter seclusion and undergo tribulation.

Caught off guard, Jiu Wu had laid a trap for him here!

He had thought this trip would not be a loss, but now it was bound to be a catastrophic loss...

Jiu Jiu asked happily, "How did Master learn about you, anyway?"

But several disciples nearby, along with True Immortals from the other peaks, were already on the verge of speaking up to question this...

"This disciple believes this is inappropriate." Li Changshou reacted with astonishing speed. He frowned, lowered his head, allowed his breath to become slightly unsteady, and let sweat appear on his brow.

In a low voice, he said, "I ask Elder to withdraw this order."

"Oh?"

Elder Ge frowned. "Are you dissatisfied with Venerable Wangqing's decree?"

"This disciple would not dare, but there is something strange about this matter." Li Changshou did not raise his head. After hesitating for a moment, he asked softly, "This disciple dares ask: did Venerable Wangqing personally issue this decree, or did Martial Uncle Jiu Wu relay it on his behalf?"

Elder Ge's brow furrowed. "Jiu Wu relayed it."

Li Changshou secretly relaxed a little. His expression shifted into a mix of mild panic and the helpless resignation of I knew it would be like this...

Jiu Wu had definitely invoked Venerable Wangqing's name on purpose. Most likely, he had not even informed Venerable Wangqing of such a trivial matter concerning the young disciples.

For Jiu Wu, such fabrication did not matter. Venerable Wangqing would not only refrain from pursuing the issue, but might even help his beloved disciple cover up the lie if necessary. Jiu Wu had merely acted first and reported later...

But that also left behind more than enough openings.

Li Changshou immediately decided to strike back along with the current.

Since Martial Uncle had done the first day of the lunar month, he could not blame Li Changshou for doing the fifteenth!

The leader of the younger generation was equivalent to the shepherd leading the younger generation. The implications were anything but trivial. It would absolutely push him onto the crest of the waves.

Once this matter was settled, immortals from every peak and young disciples from every peak would likely keep their eyes fixed on him from now on. One trouble after another would come crashing in like waves!

This job—he absolutely could not accept it!

Li Changshou revealed a look of shame and sighed.

"To be honest with Elder, in recent years, this disciple has become acquainted with Martial Uncle Jiu Wu of Sky-Breaking Peak. We have discussed the pleasures of brewing and tasting wine together.

"Previously, while Martial Uncle Jiu Wu was drinking at this disciple's place, he once jokingly said while drunk that even a mediocre and obscure person like this disciple could be made to hold his head high before his fellow sect members.

"Who would have thought that, after sobering up, Martial Uncle would feel that his words had to be fulfilled? Concerned with preserving his own face, he made such arrangements, leaving this disciple truly terrified."

Elder Ge's brow knitted ever tighter, while the other sect members and disciples displayed looks of understanding.

So that was what had happened...

At once, the gazes around Li Changshou lost their hostility. Most felt that Jiu Wu, relying on his influence within the sect, had acted far too recklessly, and they felt considerable sympathy for Li Changshou...

Even Jiu Jiu could not help muttering, "How could Fifth Senior Brother be so childish? Honestly!"

Far away, tens of thousands of miles from there, Jiu Wu sneezed several times in succession while flying through the air...

Inside the Hall of Hundred Affairs, Li Changshou sighed a few more times and said, "This disciple does not dare make things difficult for Elder, nor does he dare blame Martial Uncle Jiu Wu for his good intentions.

"But this disciple truly cannot bear such a heavy responsibility.

"Why not ask Elder to appoint another disciple, one both Talented and Virtuous, as leader? This disciple can also shamelessly accompany everyone to the Shore of the East Sea.

"If this matter truly was instructed by Venerable Wangqing, this disciple cannot shirk his duty. He will obey without question, and will not hesitate to shed his blood and lay down his life for the sect.

"If this matter was merely a joke played by Martial Uncle Jiu Wu, this disciple does not dare falsely claim such renown. He only asks to make up the numbers this once.

"I beg Elder to discern the truth of this matter!"

Having spoken, Li Changshou lowered his head and bowed, remaining that way for a long while.

The immortals were quite moved. They all felt that this disciple had truly been set up by Jiu Wu, and that it was not easy for him at all.

One female disciple even said gently, "Junior Brother Changshou, why not simply be the leader? We all know the truth of the matter. None of us will have a word of complaint."

The other disciples nodded and voiced their agreement.

"What Changshou says does make some sense." Elder Ge pondered aloud, his eyes filled with admiration for Li Changshou.

Elder Ge continued, "Jiu Wu has happened to go to the Central Divine Continent, and we cannot contact him for the moment. Such a minor matter is not worth disturbing Senior Brother Wangqing over...

"Very well. We shall proceed as you suggested and find another leader."

Just as Elder Ge finished speaking, Youqin Xuanya suddenly stepped forward. She clasped her hands, lowered her head, and said firmly, "This disciple is willing to shoulder this heavy responsibility!"

Li Changshou felt slightly surprised inwardly. Is the poison acting up today...

She understands my intentions so well?

It seems those years of secluded cultivation really did bring improvement. The poison has weakened a little...

Yet before Li Changshou could breathe a sigh of relief, Youqin Xuanya added, "I ask Elder to appoint two leaders. This disciple and Senior Brother Changshou can serve together, thus achieving the best of both worlds!"

Cough!

A breath of air surged backward in Li Changshou's chest.

Damn it!

Not only has the poison not weakened—it has gotten worse instead!

At that moment, Youqin Xuanya turned to look at Li Changshou. Her gaze was full of resolve, her eyes brimming with sincerity, and there was even the faintest trace of shyness.

Leave it to me, Senior Brother Changshou. Xuanya will certainly not put you in a difficult position.

At that moment, Li Changshou felt as though he...

Was already about to split apart...

PS: I couldn't bear to tear apart this four-thousand-character mega chapter, so I gave everyone a better reading experience... The word count of this new book... these votes... this day...