My Nephew Isn't Some Villainous Man Either

Before the pill room, Li Changshou sat quietly in a reclining chair, his left palm open as a cluster of Azure Flames burned slowly within it.

This was not the complete Samadhi True Fire, so it did not matter if he revealed it directly. After all, it had been three months since Venerable Wangqing had bestowed upon him the Cultivation Method for Samadhi True Fire. It was only natural that he could cultivate the simplest form of "Qi Flames."

In terms of the power of Qi Flames alone, given the same amount of spiritual power, it was less than one-third as powerful as Netherworld Coldfire.

But once he combined Qi Flames, Essence Flames, and Spirit Flames into Samadhi True Fire, its power was expected to surpass Netherworld Coldfire by several times!

Li Changshou had now thoroughly grasped the principles behind cultivating Samadhi True Fire.

It was roughly a matter of using one's own Essence, Qi, and Spirit to nurture three sparks, then merging those three sparks into Samadhi True Fire. This flame could permanently reside within one's Dao body, burning away evil and malignancy, refining impurities, and granting the protection of True Fire thereafter.

What satisfied Li Changshou most was that the power of this fire was tied to the sparks formed from his own Essence, Qi, and Spirit.

In other words, the power of Samadhi True Fire could continuously grow along with his cultivation. He would not be wasting time on a technique that became useless just a few years after he mastered it.

A white cloud drifted over from the horizon. Li Changshou closed his left hand into a fist, extinguishing the cluster of Qi Flames.

He rose to his feet and cupped his hands toward the white cloud in salute.

The short Daoist atop the cloud smiled and poked his head down, remaining thirty feet above the ground as he said warmly, "Nephew Changshou, I heard that your journey to the Eastern Sea three months ago yielded great gains, and that you handled the Dragon Palace Crown Prince's provocation properly. It seems this Daoist's recommendation of you was not in vain."

Li Changshou immediately revealed a mild smile. "It was all thanks to Martial Uncle's kind intentions that this disciple obtained both a Fire Method and a Lightning Method. I have specially prepared a banquet today as thanks for Martial Uncle's guidance."

Jiu Wu, who had only returned to the mountain a few days ago, immediately narrowed his large eyes beneath those thick brows and clicked his tongue with a grin.

"Why does this feel... suspicious? Usually, whenever I come here to mooch drinks, you're always reluctant. When you went to the Eastern Sea, this Daoist had to cajole and trick you into it. Could it be that Nephew Changshou wants to use Poison Pills to scheme against your Martial Uncle?"

Li Changshou could not help laughing bitterly. "This disciple is merely a disciple of Lesser Qiong Peak. Martial Uncle is not only a True Immortal of the sect, but also of the Sky-Breaking Peak lineage, a steward valued by all the elders. Even if this disciple wished to scheme against Martial Uncle, I would not have the slightest courage to do so. Besides, this trip to the Eastern Sea truly brought your nephew tremendous benefits."

As he spoke, Li Changshou took two "night pearls" from his sleeve. "These are Magic Tool Recording Balls. This disciple improved them slightly and turned them into Audio-Visual Balls. One for Martial Uncle, one for this disciple. Today's entire banquet will be recorded in the Audio-Visual Balls. What do you think?"

Jiu Wu immediately laughed. With his hands clasped behind his back, he jumped down from the white cloud, looked up at Li Changshou, and accepted one of the recording balls.

"Let's see what medicine you're selling in that gourd. Lead the way."

"Martial Uncle first," Li Changshou said, his smile becoming even gentler.

Beside the pill furnace stood two low tables. Ling'e's culinary skills, cultivated by her senior brother, were on full display. One table was laden with sumptuous food and wine, while three stacked wine jars sat off to the side.

The two took their seats as host and guest, then activated their Audio-Visual Balls and placed them at the corners of the table.

Jiu Wu then picked up a pair of Jade chopsticks and sampled every dish and every jar of wine one by one.

"Are you truly inviting this Daoist to drink?" Jiu Wu asked with a smile. "Could it be that every dish and wine contains a different harmless ingredient, but together they form a deadly sleeping drug?"

Li Changshou could not help covering his forehead with one hand, shaking his head as he sighed. "What storms and hardships did Martial Uncle encounter outside that you would interpret this disciple's intentions in such a way? This disciple is not some villainous man, after all."

"Hahaha, just joking."

Jiu Wu waved a hand, took up a wine jar himself, and invited him to drink. The two drank with great abandon.

Before long, half a jar of wine had gone down their throats. Jiu Wu really did eat only half the dishes, leaving the other half completely untouched.

Li Changshou, meanwhile, slowly sampled every dish and repeatedly praised his junior sister's cooking.

Once the two had become slightly drunk, Li Changshou brought over the third jar of wine.

Here it comes, here it comes. This fellow's tricks really are easy to guess.

Jiu Wu secretly chuckled, waiting to see exactly how Li Changshou would carry out his scheme.

But Li Changshou said, "Martial Uncle, this is a gift of thanks from your nephew—Bone-Strengthening Poison Dragon Wine."

"Oh?" Jiu Wu raised a brow. He used immortal power to draw the wine jar over, set it down several yards away, opened it, then controlled his chopsticks with Qi to bring over the tiniest drop of wine. Pinching it between his fingertips, he carefully sensed it.

Jiu Wu's eyes lit up. "Fine wine!"

Li Changshou said seriously, "It was brewed from thirty-six poisonous herbs and twelve kinds of poisonous insects, supplemented by Ganges Water Old Bai Gan. It was steeped for three months, and its toxicity has now been perfectly neutralized. It replenishes Essence, strengthens the bones, and enhances a man's virility. But there is one matter... I do not know whether Martial Uncle can handle it. Its medicinal power is rather fierce."

Jiu Wu raised his brows at Li Changshou, and Li Changshou winked back at Jiu Wu. The two men exchanged knowing smiles across the table.

They both understood. They both understood.

Jiu Wu laughed. "What's there not to handle? This Daoist has a Dao companion!"

"That is precisely why this disciple brewed such medicinal wine. Martial Uncle, please."

"Bring it over, bring it over!"

Jiu Wu was in high spirits. He retrieved the jar of potent medicinal wine, first took a small sip and carefully analyzed it inwardly, then tipped back his head and gulped down a large mouthful. He immediately felt refreshed and invigorated!

"Martial Uncle Jiu Shi happened to leave seclusion recently. This Daoist truly has nothing to fear!"

"Martial Uncle, do not drink too much at once."

"This Daoist is a True Immortal. What is there to fear?"

The two resumed their exchange of cups. Jiu Wu was already lightly drunk, and the cups and plates had become a complete mess.

"Little Changshou, tell me. How exactly do you intend to scheme against your Martial Uncle?"

Jiu Wu hugged the wine jar and raised his brows. "Your Martial Uncle is nearly finished drinking and will be leaving soon."

Li Changshou shook his head with a bitter smile and sighed. "Actually, this disciple invited Martial Uncle here because I wished to ask for Martial Uncle's help."

"Oh?"

"Among the insights on arrays that Martial Uncle gave me, there is a Nine Bright Glazed Array. Martial Uncle Jiu Jiu and I studied it for half a month but still could not set it up. This disciple wishes to ask Martial Uncle for some guidance."

Jiu Wu immediately laughed. The Nine Bright Glazed Array was a trapping array he had personally created. Even if Li Changshou wanted to use this array to trap him, he could break such a trapping array with a wave of his hand.

"Come, let Martial Uncle take a look."

At once, Jiu Wu put away the medicinal wine. He and Li Changshou each took their Audio-Visual Ball and headed to an open space behind the pill room.

Eighty-one small bronze mirrors had been placed on the ground in mysterious positions. Jiu Wu saw the crux of the problem at a glance and smilingly gave Li Changshou a few pointers.

Li Changshou showed delight. He stepped forward and adjusted the positions of several bronze mirrors as Jiu Wu had instructed. The eighty-one mirrors immediately began to gleam, and the trapping array activated, imprisoning both of them within.

Silver light filled their surroundings, and the trees, flowers, and birds were nowhere to be seen.

Jiu Wu was unhurried. Instead, his eyes curved into a smile as he said, "Changshou, is this how you plan to scheme? Trapping yourself here together with your Martial Uncle just to vent your anger? Fooling yourself is not very good."

Li Changshou turned around and smiled. "What is Martial Uncle saying? How could your nephew scheme against you?"

As he spoke, a wisp of flame suddenly blossomed over Li Changshou's legs and arms.

Jiu Wu froze at first, then hurriedly shouted, "Why are you on fire?!"

"Martial Uncle, why..."

Li Changshou cried out in a trembling voice, casually tossing the Audio-Visual Ball in his hand toward a certain direction.

In the blink of an eye, flames had engulfed his entire body. With a bang, his figure turned into a paper man and was instantly burned to ashes amid the firelight.

Jiu Wu's eyes widened.

Spirit Flames from Samadhi True Fire?

Paper Cutting into Human Form from the Thirty-Six Heavenly Dipper Techniques?

This kid had ignited Spirit Flames so quickly? And possessed such a brilliant divine ability?

No...

Jiu Wu abruptly turned around. The surroundings were entirely bright with silver light. At this moment, he was the only one left inside the trapping array.

This kid wanted to use the Audio-Visual Ball to sully this Daoist's reputation!

Jiu Wu suddenly understood, then gave a derisive chuckle and began to break the array at an unhurried pace.

"Changshou, Changshou, you are still too green. What crime do you plan to report your Martial Uncle for at the Hall of Discipline? Tsk, tsk. Truly, your Martial Uncle overestimated your scheming mind. Your Martial Uncle has quite a few friends above. Besides, this array was created by your Martial Uncle. Could I not find where the Life Gate is?"

As he spoke, Jiu Wu took several steps. The lights and shadows around him rapidly shifted, carrying him from a place suffused with white light into...

A place suffused with golden light.

The smile on Jiu Wu's lips immediately froze. He lowered his head and calculated on his fingers, unable to stop himself from cursing, "Why is it another Chain Array?!"

He strode quickly, reaching another place where starlight flickered.

He walked again, only to return to the original place filled with silver light.

His body leaped into the air, but as soon as he rushed upward, he plunged headfirst into the place suffused with golden light again!

By now, Jiu Wu had discovered that this array had been altered beyond his expectations. All escape techniques had been sealed, and its foundational array formation truly was the Nine Bright Glazed Array he had created!

He had painstakingly devised this array. Unless one was a Celestial Immortal, it could not be forcibly broken!

Jiu Wu's five-foot Dao body shuddered, dispersing the scent of alcohol from his entire body as his mind rapidly raced...

From the moment Nephew Changshou asked Jiu Jiu to pass along a message and invite him to this banquet, this scheme had begun!

When he arrived at Lesser Qiong Peak, he had used his immortal sense to see "Nephew Changshou" sitting there cultivating "Qi Flames." Subconsciously, he had not examined whether there was anything wrong with "Nephew Changshou" himself!

The banquet itself had been a smokescreen. The true revenge lay in this array.

Because it was a trapping array he himself had created, he confidently stepped into it, forgetting that this kid most loved setting up Chain Arrays!

But...

So what if he was trapped?

Jiu Wu sat down cross-legged. He was a True Immortal—what did it matter if he was trapped for a few months?

Is this fellow venting his anger like this?

Jiu Wu laughed soundlessly, but his smile suddenly stiffened on his face.

So, so hot...

The blood vessels throughout his body seemed to be surging wildly...

His entire body had begun to sweat, while a murky Yang energy within him rapidly swelled...

Oh no, it was that medicinal wine!

Why was its potency so strong?

Jiu Wu felt as though his Immortal Body were burning. His urgent breaths seemed to spew fire, and hot sweat began pouring from his entire body!

He immediately tried to expel the medicinal power, only to discover that it had already seeped into every blood vessel in his body!

Jiu Wu instantly rose to his feet, bending over as anxiety filled his eyes.

"Ch-Changshou! Nephew Changshou! Let me go back quickly!"

No!

This fellow wanted to see him in such a wretched state!

Endure!

He had to endure!

He, Jiu Wu, was already half a step into the Celestial Immortal realm. Could he not withstand this little medicinal power? So long as he thought of Shi Shi waiting for him at their residence, once he returned, he could naturally...

It felt even worse. He absolutely could not think about Senior Sister!

And he absolutely could not embarrass himself. That fellow's Audio-Visual Ball was still recording him!

With a casual motion, he crushed the Audio-Visual Ball in his hand. Jiu Wu sat down again and rapidly began reciting the Heart Calming Incantation, the Heart Calming Incantation...

Half an hour later.

"Damn it... This is the sort of thing where one taste only makes you crave more. How can anyone endure it?!

"Changshou! Changshou! Martial Uncle admits defeat! How about it? I will never scheme against you again!"

No one answered.

Jiu Wu anxiously paced in circles, using all his immortal power to suppress that murky Yang energy as he wandered wildly through the trapping array.

Suddenly, he spotted a wooden plaque. Several lines of writing were inscribed upon it, and he hurried over to read them.

This was?

"A Heavenly Dao Oath? Starting with the Oath of Gratitude and Clarity? So ruthless?

"From this moment onward, without the permission of Li Changshou, disciple of Lesser Qiong Peak of the Du Xian Sect and disciple of Daoist Master Qi Yuan, I shall not arrange for Li Changshou to do anything...

"I shall not reveal any information whatsoever concerning Nephew Li Changshou to any living being, any magic tool, or any instrument...

"I shall not...

"Hiss! This is tormenting this Daoist to death!

"The content of this oath is rather simple—just secrecy, plus no arbitrary arrangements in the future. Yet the consequence of breaking the oath is so vicious: I would lose **!"

Jiu Wu stomped his feet in agitation, then threw the wooden plaque to the ground.

"How can your Martial Uncle submit to such coercion from you!"

At once, the short Daoist bent over and slowly lay down, continuing to suppress that surge of Yang energy as he gritted his teeth and endured.

A moment later...

The short Daoist let out a red-eyed roar, leaped to his feet, summoned the wooden plaque, and began reciting the Oath of Gratitude and Clarity. The Heavenly Dao immediately responded, and muffled thunder rumbled above Lesser Qiong Peak!

After the oath, hundreds of words long, had been recited, the great array around him slowly dispersed, and the outer array also shut down completely.

Jiu Wu turned his head and searched but could not find a single person. In a frantic rush, he leaped into the air and sped toward Sky-Breaking Peak.

"Shi Shi! Shi Shi, you must not be in seclusion, Shi Shi—"

After Jiu Wu left, Li Changshou's figure slowly emerged from the grass. He picked up his own Audio-Visual Ball and carefully put it away. With a sweep of his sleeve, he merged the trapping array here into the surrounding great array.

Walking over to the wooden plaque and watching the words upon it rapidly fade, Li Changshou revealed a calm smile.

Temporarily settled.

Two months later, on the day they had agreed to refine pills together.

"Hey, Little Shou Shou, do you still have any of that Medicinal Wine you gave my Fifth Senior Brother? My Fourth Senior Sister said she wanted to trade several spell manuals for the Medicinal Wine recipe. You can pick whichever spells you want."

"There's half a jar left over there. I'll sort out the recipe later and let you take it back. As for the spells, just pick the powerful ones," Li Changshou replied without even raising his head, continuing to sort through the medicinal herbs in his hands.

Jiu Jiu leaned into the corner. "This is it? The smell is so strange."

"Mm, that's the one," Li Changshou said with a smile.

Just as he was about to lower his head and continue working, he suddenly remembered something and said, "Women mustn't drink this wine carelessly. This is Yang Wine specially prepared for men. Women will get into trouble if they drink it."

Clang!

A wooden ladle crashed to the floor, scattering a little wine. Jiu Jiu stared wide-eyed at Li Changshou.

"If... if you drink it, what... what happens?"

That fast?

Li Changshou's forehead filled with black lines, and he could not help letting out a bitter laugh.

"Mm... you'll probably grow a beard?"