What a vicious plan.
Li Changshou was multitasking. One paper effigy brought Long Ji to the Dragon Palace, while the other paper effigy was in the rear hall of the Sea God Temple. They sent away the mosquito that had just sent the message. Then, he began to think of a solution. Speaking of which, it was also his fault. Perhaps he had hidden it a little too much and caused the Western Sect to be unable to find a suitable breakthrough, thus shifting the attention to the structure of the Sea God Sect.
They were a second-rate force and a mighty sect with two Saints presiding over it. After pondering for a long time, they actually wanted to destroy the small Xiong Village of the Magihumans and attack the Divine Envoys of the Sea God Sect in Xiong Village!
They did it purely to vent their anger and take revenge.
Although that method was a little absurd, it made Li Changshou feel extremely uncomfortable…
After thinking about it carefully, he felt that he was not “steady” enough.
Previously, when he was young and frivolous, he had always felt that being “steady” was a comprehensive and flawless plan.
Now that his mentality had matured a little, he realized that in order to truly be steady when managing a faction, one should deliberately reveal a fake flaw and guide the enemy’s actions to make them take advantage of that flaw, so as to give himself more time to deal with it.
Now was not the time to reflect on himself. He had to quickly think of a solution.
If the Western Sect wanted to destroy the Sea God Sect, they only needed to send a few ferocious beasts to kill the Divine Envoys and resident temple devotees of the Sea God Sect. They would be able to achieve an astonishing effect in a short period of time. Fortunately, Li Changshou… had prepared for it long ago.
The paper effigy in the rear hall immediately fled underground. The seven to eight other paper effigies had already begun to split up. He would move Xiong Village away in the shortest time possible and bring most of the Magihumans in Xiong Village to the East Continent. Then, he would gather the “elite” Divine Envoys in the “safe house” under the Sea God Temple.
Although the Western Sect was going to deal with the Magihumans this time, Li Changshou would remind the True Dragon Guardians that were stationed everywhere to temporarily retreat to the South Ocean…
In addition, in order to protect the outstanding underground ambushers who were hiding behind the enemy, Li Changshou even asked the resident devotees of the Sea God Temples of various places to post a notice.
“The Divine Envoys are going to concentrate on advancing their divine powers. Everyone, please offer incense at home.”
After doing all that, Li Changshou still felt that it was not enough.
The matters of the dragon race had also reached a critical juncture. If he could not focus later and made a mistake, he might take advantage of the enemy. Although the Magihumans had “schemed” against him in the beginning, they had been trying their best to cheat him of his food and drink all these years. Ahem, they had been working hard to develop the Sea God Sect!
The Magihumans had made a significant contribution to Li Changshou’s success in obtaining so much merit from incense offerings. Since he could protect them, he would not let them bleed for nothing…
After some thought, Li Changshou used a paper effigy that was in the Golden Immortal realm and brought a few Divine Envoys who had superb acting skills, for example, Xiong Laosan, who was hitting a woman in the middle of the night, to rush to the Netherworld together.
If the Magihumans were in danger, it would be reasonable for the experts of the Magi to protect them.
Li Changshou would not make the experts of the Magi work for nothing. He would not be stingy with the gifts that he should give them. He would order people to prepare whatever the Netherworld Magi lacked.
He just had to give them tens of thousands of spiritual beasts!
While preparing for the battle, Li Changshou brought Long Ji into the seawater and arrived at the ocean where the East Ocean Dragon Palace was.
Li Changshou said, “Wait. I have something that I have to deal with carefully first.”
“Okay -“
Long Ji agreed obediently and stood behind Li Changshou, admiring the beautiful scenery in the sea.
No matter how deep and vast the four seas of the Primordial World were, there would always be some hazy light. Most immortals and Qi Refinement cultivators were proficient in the method of “secretly observing”. They would observe things in the ocean as if they were appreciating flowers in the day. Not long after, Li Changshou adjusted his mindset and arranged all the matters in Xiong Village. Then, he called out to Long Ji,
“Alright, let’s go to the Dragon Palace.”
“Sea God, are you facing any problems?”
Long Ji said seriously, “I received Mother’s instructions last night. Although the Heavenly Courts have very few Major Generals, they cannot let you, the Sea God, work alone. If there are any difficulties, please tell the Heavenly Courts. Um… That’s what Mother said.”
“Hahaha.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern, Queen Mother. If something happens, I will not be the only one holding the fort. I will prioritize the Heavenly Courts first!”
Long Ji blinked and suddenly realized… that the Sea God was really good with words.
Those words were just right. They were appropriate and full of depth. It almost just rolled off his tongue! Long Ji took out the jade token and immediately wrote down his findings.
She looked up at the Sea God’s back and felt that he was unfathomable… in various ways. In front of them, there were dragons roaring. The seawater was boiling, and the fish fled in all directions.
The members of the dragon race, who had long known that Li Changshou had arrived in the East Ocean, sent a large number of soldiers to welcome him when he was still 500 kilometers away from the Crystal Palace.
At that moment, Long Ji heard a soft gasp from the immortal power barrier.
Long Ji stood on his tiptoes and leaned forward. He saw that the Sea God’s expression was a little solemn. Moreover, the Sea God’s gaze was unprecedentedly filled with determination.
“Sea God, are the matters regarding the dragon race difficult to handle?” “It’s alright.”
Li Changshou clenched his fists slightly. He was already determined to fight this battle well!
From today onwards, he would be known as a powerful minister in the Lingxiao Hall!
He did not expect that he, Li Changshou, could be so heroic!
Long Ji, who was at the side, keenly sensed the change in the Sea God’s mentality. She could not help but feel excited.
Father said that the Sea God has a weakness. He is too focused on stability. He will only take action after thinking about it several times.
However, what I saw today did not seem like what Father… mentioned…
Before Long Ji could finish thinking about it, an expert from the dragon race arrived first. He laughed at the Sea God and bowed from afar.
On the other hand, the Sea God broke through in an instant. A moment ago, he was still full of pride. Suddenly… he squinted and smiled.
The dragon-headed elder shouted, “Sea God, how have you been!?!”
The Sea God answered, “It’s all thanks to Elder Ao Jiao, I’ve been enjoying myself in the Heavenly Courts.”
After saying that, the two of them raised their heads and laughed loudly. Their laughter echoed in the seawater.
This…
Long Ji was speechless.
He knew that there was an unwritten rule in the Primordial World. When two people met and did not know if the other party was an enemy or not, they would just laugh loudly. The longer they laughed, the less hostile they would be to each other.
How did the rules come about?
According to rumors, in ancient times, many Connate lifeforms would laugh happily when they picked up treasures. When other Connate lifeforms heard laughter, they would take a detour and rush to other places to pick up treasures…
Over time, such rules were established.
In ancient times, experts from all over the world would start laughing when they were a thousand kilometers away. If they were to go to a place where it was easy to cause fights and treasures, they would laugh and fly over…
Yes, it was reasonable and convincing. Long Ji pursed her thin lips and listened to the conversation between the dragon-headed elder and the Sea God…
“Hahaha! Sea God, quickly follow me back to the Crystal Palace. I will definitely drink 300 cups of wine with you today!”
“Is the Dragon King home? I still have a few important matters to discuss with the Dragon King.” “Yes, yes. His Majesty is waiting for you. Hahahaha!”
Accompanied by such hearty laughter, Li Changshou and Long Ji were surrounded by the experts of the dragon race as they slowly walked towards the Crystal Palace.
Long Ji was still in a daze. She did not understand how the Sea God did it. He was acting like a completely different person from before.
Hence, Long Ji wrote on the jade token:
“The Sea God changes his emotions extremely quickly. His ability to put on a show is unparalleled.”
However, Long Ji blinked and added, “Those who like to squint and smile are all strange… powerful people!”
Although I’m the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, it’s not wrong to be more obedient when it comes to the Sea God.
Let’s not talk too much for now. The dragon race’s luck is at hand.
Li Changshou rarely felt nervous. Apart from facing the Heavenly Tribulation, the Heavenly Punishment, and the Great Daoist Master at the beginning, and cultivating the escape technique when he had just reached the Void Return realm, he had accidentally entered the Cave Abode of a pair of Perfected Immortal Dao companions and broken through…
That was not important.
Ahem, anyway, he could maintain a relatively calm mentality in most situations.
However, Li Changshou was indeed a little nervous during the trip to the Crystal Palace this time.
This scheme had been going on for so many years. It concerned the great merit that he had yet to obtain. To a certain extent, it had decided his future development. He could seriously interfere with the fluctuations of the survival index of the Primordial World!
However, it was precisely that nervousness that made Li Changshou tense up. His thinking became more acute and his thoughts ran through his mind faster. He entered the Crystal Palace and went to the Dragon King Hall.
The Dragon King of the East Ocean walked down the platform to welcome him. He and Li Changshou greeted each other and he then led Li Changshou to the platform.
The dragon race must have seen through Princess Long Ji’s identity, as they had also prepared a seat for her at the banquet.
Seeing that Long Ji still wanted to stand behind him, Li Changshou smiled and said, “Sit. Don’t let the Dragon King’s good intentions down.”
“Yes.” Long Ji bowed and agreed. She puffed out her chest and sat behind Li Changshou.
She was naturally calm and composed.
“Dragon King.” Li Changshou cupped his hands and smiled. “I came here today because I have something to tell you. Did Ao Yi tell you about the Immortal Peach Banquet?”
“My son has already told me.” The Dragon King of the East Ocean stroked his beard and smiled. His dragon eyes were filled with vigor and he was not in his usual drowsy state.
The Dragon King of the East Ocean smiled and said, “Sea God, my son has been traveling everywhere recently. He has been talking to his elders in the East Ocean and telling them about the Heavenly Courts’ Deity Positions… Did you give him these instructions?”
“Yes.”
Li Changshou accepted it graciously and smiled.
“I just wanted to pave the way so that I won’t feel awkward coming here today. I’m only saying this to let you know that I have no intention of fooling the dragon race.”
The Dragon King of the East Ocean pondered for a while and looked down at the wine bottle in front of him.
Li Changshou was not in a hurry. He waited by the side for a while.
Amidst the silence, it was a contest but also not a contest.
Long Ji, who was at the side, held the jade token and noted down every word that the Sea God had said. She felt that there was a deeper meaning behind it.
At that moment, Long Ji seemed to have seen two black clouds gathering on the Sea God and the old Dragon King. It made her feel a little oppressed…
“Ah…” The Dragon King sighed slowly and picked up the wine bottle. His smile was filled with exhaustion.
“A toast to the Sea God.”
“Thank you, Dragon King!”
Li Changshou raised his glass and returned the gesture. He took a sip of the wine and immediately looked serious.
“Dragon King, let me ask you. Let’s not talk about the other three sects. Are there any key figures in the East Ocean Dragon Palace who dislike the Heavenly Courts?” The Dragon King said, “Sea God, you’re making it sound too serious. Our race only has respect for the Heavenly Courts. The Heavenly Courts have helped my race several times and given us so many benefits. We are grateful. However… there are indeed many clansmen who are worried. They are worried that the Heavenly Courts is just another Western Sect. Most of our race’s vitality has been lost. We can’t withstand such a torment.”
“Hahaha!”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “Then today, I will dispel these doubts for the dragon race! Dragon King, why don’t you gather all the elders in the East Ocean Dragon Palace now? I will tell all the elders about the joyous occasion today in detail. That way, you won’t have to say it again.”
“Oh?”
The Dragon King of the East Ocean was also interested. However, he did not ask further. He only smiled and said, “In that case, please wait, Sea God.”
“Where are you, Prime Minister?”
A few turtle guards ran in from outside the hall.
At that moment, the Dragon King gave the order. In the Dragon Palace of the East Ocean, the Dragon Mother, the dragon princes, and dozens of elders with real power in the dragon race were gathered in the main hall of the Crystal Palace.
This scene made Long Ji’s palms sweat…
Li Changshou remained calm and composed. When the upper echelons of the East Ocean Dragon Palace gathered, he first stood up and bowed. Then, he talked to Ao Yi about a short crosstalk that he had written in advance. Finally, he successfully diverted the topic to the matter of the dragon race ascending to the heavens…
“Everyone!”
Li Changshou stood in front of the platform and bowed to the dragons with a slight Dao salute.
“Now that the opportunities of the dragon race are in front of me and I have been conferred the title of Sea God of the Four Seas by the Heavenly Courts. I’m actually here to persuade you. I know that everyone is worried. I also know that the dragon race is unwilling to be loyal to any faction.”
“The dragon race was once the ruler of the world in the ancient times. In the ancient times, they were proud and arrogant. Even today, they are still a force that could not be ignored in the Three Realms and the Primordial World!”
“Today, I will not mention those powerful people who are spying on the dragon race’s essence energy, nor will I mention the so-called great luck and power. I will just say that it is related to the dragon race!”
“The dragon race will enjoy three benefits by being a part of the Heavenly Courts. One is merit, and the other is negative karma. The two are originally one, but they are not the same. Everyone, take a look at His Highness Ao Yi.”
Ao Yi took the initiative to stand up and activate his merit. The almost overflowing incense merit and pure Heavenly Dao merit were complementing each other… Li Changshou continued, “I don’t have to explain these two points. The third point is that the Heavenly Courts can protect the dragon race from the Western Sect.”
“Sea God!”
A dragon general frowned and said, “The first and second benefits are important, why did you skip them?”
Another dragon elder said, “Since the Sea God is so straightforward, there’s no need for us to beat around the bush. I have a question! How many Deity Positions can the Heavenly Courts give to the dragon race to allow us to escape our current predicament? Have you calculated it, Sea God?”
“A few hundred is definitely not going to be enough,” Li Changshou said calmly. “However, since everyone wants to use the Deity Position to sweep away your negative karma, why can’t those who are in position be replaced once every one thousand years or even hundreds of years? If the dragons take turns, why should you worry about the negative karma?”
The dragons were stunned.
Could the Heavenly Courts’ Deity Position be replaced like that?
“The Heavenly Courts have strict rules, but they can also be used flexibly.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “The Heavenly Dao is eternal and impartial, but there are many rules that can be used by us. Moreover, the Heavenly Courts’ Deity Position is not eternal. Those in the low-level Deity Positions will be replaced and observed regularly. It is something that I am about to report to the Jade Emperor. Are you satisfied with my answer?”
Many of the upper echelons of the dragon race were already moved. The elder who had raised the question bowed deeply to Li Changshou and looked ashamed.
“I’m inexperienced and not knowledgeable. Please forgive me, Sea God!”
“That’s not all!”
Li Changshou laughed loudly and said, “In order to resolve the dangers faced by the dragon race, the Heavenly Emperor ordered me to go to the Fire Cloud Cave to meet the ancestors of the human race previously and take this treasure back. Everyone, please take a look!”
After saying that, Li Changshou took out the Da Yu Hydrology Diagram that flickered with golden light.
He waved his left hand, and the diagram spread out. In the Crystal Palace, it projected the entire scenery of the South Continent, and rivers surged out from it.
“I might as well inform everyone today that His Majesty has already ordered me to investigate the rivers, lakes, and ponds of the South Continent. In a few days, I will be able to confer all the titles of the water gods! The dragon race has been in charge of the four seas for a long time. You are good at water battles and water access. Are there more suitable candidates for the South Continent water gods than the dragon race?”.
The moment he said that, all the dragons were moved. There were even many old dragons whose eyes were red… Li Changshou took the opportunity to chase after him and continued, “The dragon race ascended to the sky to follow the Heavenly Dao and obtain the righteous heart of the world. Today, I have specially presented the writings of the two disciples of the Saint who are in charge of the sect affairs of the Dao Sect, Chan School and Jie School!”
After saying that, Li Changshou took out the scroll that he had already written and handed it to Ao Yi.
Ao Yi slowly unrolled the scroll. The words ‘Trapping The Dragons And Allow Them To Ascend to the Heavenly Courts’ revealed two completely different Dao runes, causing the dragons present to be shocked. The benefits of the Heavenly Courts and the power of the Dao Sect!
A dragon elder whispered, “They’re indeed the Dao runes of Daoist Duobao and Guang Chengzi.”
Ao Yi held the scroll and presented it to the Dragon King. The Dragon King of the East Ocean took it with both hands and sighed.
The elegant, beautiful, and dignified Mother Dragon at the side said, “If it’s really like what the Sea God said, why can’t our race worship the Jade Emperor? However, even if the Sea God makes a Great Dao oath, how can the Jade Emperor’s intentions… be guaranteed?”
“Why not?”
A clear voice sounded. Long Ji stood up and bowed to everyone.
“If the dragon race enters the Heavenly Courts to help the Heavenly Courts govern the Three Realms, the Jade Emperor will definitely not treat the dragon race unfairly. Now, the Heavenly Courts do indeed have a lot of difficulties. However, the Jade Emperor is trying his best to help. Everyone in the Heavenly Courts is united. With the help of the Sea God, who is a wise and intelligent person, it is only a matter of time before they prosper! If all of you were to ascend to the sky at this moment, it would be a chance for you to make a contribution. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to have merit?”
“Your Highness.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Sit down.”
“Okay,” replied Long Ji obediently. She quickly sat back down, causing the dragon sons to look at her.
Li Changshou smiled and said, “Mother Dragon, I’m only here today to express my stance in the East Ocean Dragon Palace. To be honest, apart from the East Ocean Dragon Palace, I’m worried about the other three Dragon Palaces. I’m afraid that there are moles from the Wester Sect. This is my last trump card… Please look here!”
As he spoke, Li Changshou took out a golden scroll from his sleeve and raised it high. It shone with a golden light that was tens of thousands of feet high, and rich Heavenly Dao power rippled out.
Li Changshou’s hand trembled. The scroll was quickly unrolled, but it was blank!
“As long as the Dragon King and the elders agree to this matter today and swear that they will not go back on their word, If anyone has any worries, feel free to speak. Of course, I have to consider it carefully. In front of everyone, I have to write the guarantee of the Heavenly Courts on this decree and present it to the Jade Emperor. As long as it’s sealed with the Heavenly Emperor’s Seal, it would be approved by the Heavenly Dao. In that case, can you trust me and the Heavenly Courts?”