Chapter 35 Tricks, Counter-Tricks, and Counter-Counter-Tricks

Chapter 35 Tricks, Counter-Tricks, and Counter-Counter-Tricks

Early in the morning, Li Changshou, who had been busy all night in the alchemy room, returned to the vicinity of the thatched cottage once again.

Before he even approached the cottage, he caught a whiff of faint alcohol. With a sweep of his spiritual awareness through his junior sister's room, he couldn't help but raise his hand to his forehead.

Better take a detour...

Although the scene inside the cottage was quite picturesque at the moment.

There were various scattered signs of 'Simulated Immortal Life' on the ground, as well as the deck of 'poker' he made for his junior sister in his early years.

—This deck of cards was actually quite luxurious, made from special paper used by Li Changshou to create 'paper people'. The raw material came from the pulp of a precious tree, and the manufacturing process was extremely complex.

It was obvious that the three of them had played all night yesterday, and in the end, they were knocked out by the fine wine brought out by Jiujiu...

His spiritual awareness could see a large sword, a long skirt, a short shirt, and several pairs of shoes and socks scattered on the ground...

Ling'e and Jiujiu Shifu were lying on the bed, snoring loudly. Jiujiu was holding Ling'e's thigh, while Ling'e was holding the jade foot of Yuyan Xuan.

In the corner of the bed, Yuyan Xuan was lying gracefully, holding a pink bellyband in her hand...

Don't look, don't look.

Li Changshou activated the formation next to the cottage, then turned and went to the willow tree by the lake, taking out two unfinished paper figures and continuing to cut them with his mana.

Paper-cutting into human figures was a profound technique, recorded in the Daoist scripture "Thirty-Six Methods of Tian Gang". Li Changshou was able to learn this technique by chance; however, since he obtained it until today, fifty years had passed, and he had only just mastered this technique.

After Li Changshou ascended to immortality, paper-cut human figures could truly exert their power; at that time, the paper figures he made could contain a little of his own primordial spirit, reaching the level of temporary external incarnation...

Paper-cutting into human figures was also one of the main techniques he specialized in, as it could harm enemies without causing any damage to oneself, which pleased him the most.

Other techniques such as formations, talismans, elixirs, and poison refining were just casual hobbies to increase his means of survival.

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

His master had been out attending banquets and had not returned yet; he was probably going to be out for a while.

Although his master had only cultivated to become a Muddled Immortal, his status within the sect had still significantly improved.

Being only a mortal without achieving immortality, he could live for a maximum of three thousand years. Those who had befriended him in his early years, regardless of their intentions, whether they thought he had lost his social value, didn't want to be too sad when his life expired, or didn't want to pressure him, had kept their distance from him in the past few centuries.

At this point, Qi Yuan had cultivated to become a Muddled Immortal, and as long as he progressed smoothly, he could become a True Immortal in the future. Although it sounded a bit unpleasant, he now had a lifespan. Those friends who had gathered around Qi Yuan back then...

—Within the immortal sect, it was quite practical.

"The master's future cultivation will also be a challenge..."

While thinking, Li Changshou suddenly turned his head to look outside the mountain.

Swish—

The sound of breaking through the air came from the sky. Li Changshou immediately dodged to the other side of the willow tree, raised his left arm, and intercepted the small jade sword flying towards him ten meters away.

A middle-aged Taoist's voice came from the jade sword: "Li Changshou of the Little Qiong Peak, come quickly to the Hundred Variety Hall for a meeting."

Li Changshou responded, "Disciple obeys."

The jade sword immediately turned back and shot towards the direction of the Broken Sky Peak.

Shortly after, two more jade swords came from the same direction, but this time they headed straight for his junior sister's thatched cottage.

Li Changshou immediately understood what was happening.

He shook his head, lifted the white cloud, took a step forward, and avoided the ones who were supposed to go to the Hundred Variety Hall with him, Yuqin Xuanya and Jiujiu.

...

This summons was probably related to the Eastern Sea Demon-Cleansing Conference.

To avoid arriving too early and attracting attention, Li Changshou waited under a tree outside the hall for a while...

Sure enough, he wasn't noticed by anyone.

When more than ten shadows appeared in the southwest corner of the hall, he finally stepped into the hall and continued to 'hide' in the corner.

Although Senior Brother Jiawu was treacherous, wicked, stingy, he still had a tiny bit of virtue, such as being trustworthy.

At this time, in the eyes of others, Li Changshou was still an 'outstanding' disciple at the second stage of Return to Void Realm. Jiuwu had not revealed Li Changshou's 'true cultivation' at the sixth stage of Return to Void Realm...

When Li Changshou arrived, six of the top ten disciples of the current generation had already come, along with six or seven True Immortal Realm seniors with a thousand years of lifespan.

For events like the Demon-Cleansing Conference, where immortals from various sects gathered, it was inevitable for each sect to compare themselves. How to reflect the 'talent' and potential of their disciples? It was through the comparison of their cultivation and lifespan.

The lower the lifespan, the higher the cultivation. Naturally, the higher the innate talent and comprehension ability, the more face they could bring to their sect.

Therefore, Jiujiu rarely missed such occasions unless he happened to be in seclusion.

After waiting for a while in the hall, more True Immortal Realm seniors arrived, and two or three young disciples also came.

When Jiujiu and Yuqin Xuanya finally arrived late, there were eleven young disciples and sixteen True Immortal Realm disciples present.

These were all the people summoned today.

Elder Ge, who was in charge of external affairs of the sect, arrived with two other elders and explained in detail the purpose of summoning them...

Listening to Elder Ge, he said, "The Eastern Sea Dragon Palace is holding a Demon-Cleansing Conference on the coast of the Eastern Sea, inviting the main immortal sects of the Eastern Victory Divine Land to attend. Our Du Immortal Sect is also invited.

You have probably seen the situation when that evil dragon attacked our mountain gate last time; Not only that, the evil dragon deliberately gave us the wrong date for the conference, trying to embarrass our Du Immortal Sect...

Fortunately, the various immortal sects in the East Continent have informed each other, and the sects already knew that the conference would take place in seven days. Our Du Immortal Sect will depart in four days and attend the conference in the Eastern Sea along with other immortal sects.

The sect leader has ordered that this conference will be led by Disciple Forget-Feelings, accompanied by several elders who have attained the Immortal Dao Fruit...

You True Immortals will also be among those who go."

Elder Ge paused for a moment, glanced at the twenty-seven people present, then continued:

"This Demon-Cleansing Conference hosted by the Dragon Palace has three main purposes. First, they want to clarify the boundary between the Eastern Sea and its coast; Second, they want to regain face from the many immortal sects attending the conference who have lost face previously; Third, they want to show off the power of their dragon descendants.

For this Demon-Cleansing Conference, the Dragon Palace will offer some treasures as prizes, allowing the young disciples of various immortal sects to compete with each other. You ten..."

Elder Ge originally looked at the ten young disciples standing behind, but then his gaze fell on Li Changshou hiding in the corner, and he changed his words:

"You eleven are the highest in cultivation among the current disciples, or, uh, the most... alert ones."

In the past few years, when we were just clearing demons in the East Sea, this conference is bound to be targeted by the Dragon Palace. There are also several sects that have some grudges against us, they might secretly create obstacles and see our young disciples make fools of themselves.

Remember, you must not disgrace our Du Xian Sect, nor lose the dignity of our Three Sects and Six Paths! If someone provokes you privately, don't bother with them, but when it comes to official sparring, you must show them your skills!

After discussion among the various sects, the young disciples going to the East Sea this time are all under 150 years old, and there are rare talents who have already entered the Returning to Dao Realm. If you can obtain those few treasures, it will be considered as your respective rewards.

Understood?"

Most of the eleven disciples showed joyful expressions, responding in unison, "Disciples will remember the teachings of the elders."

Elder Ge nodded, then fell into deep thought for a moment before continuing, "There's one more thing, which was personally instructed by Master Forget Emotion..."

Everyone listened intently in silence.

"Li Changshou of Mount Qiongfeng, where are you?"

"Here," Li Changshou thought he was in for it, realizing he had underestimated the cunning of Jiuwu, but he remained composed and bowed respectfully.

Elder Ge said in a stern voice, "On this trip, all the young disciples need to listen to your commands. You are... the leader of the young disciples."

For a moment, not only were these ten disciples a little stunned, but the sixteen true immortals also turned to scrutinize Li Changshou.

A disciple at the Second Return to Void Realm, why was he chosen as the leader?

Feeling the gaze from all directions, Li Changshou couldn't help but twitch his mouth; Jiuwu was definitely setting him up deliberately!

This short Taoist was forcing him to reveal his cards!

Initially, Li Changshou thought that following to the East Sea would be fine since there were several Heavenly Immortals supporting him internally, there shouldn't be any major issues. He could also explore the East Sea, which was sparsely populated, to find a suitable place for seclusion and breakthrough. Unexpectedly, Jiuwu had set a trap here!

He had thought he was clever before, but now he was definitely going to suffer a loss...

Jiuwu asked with a smile, "How did Master know about you?"

But there were already a few disciples and other peak immortals around him who couldn't help but inquire...

"I think this matter is inappropriate," Li Changshou reacted quickly, frowning, lowering his head, his breath slightly agitated, sweat on his forehead. He whispered, "Disciple dares to ask, was the command given by Master Forget Emotion personally, or was it relayed by Senior Jiuwu?"

Elder Ge frowned, "It was relayed by Jiuwu."

Li Changshou breathed a sigh of relief. The expression on his face changed to one of slight panic and a hint of "I knew it would be like this" helplessness...

Jiuwu must have deliberately brought up Master Forget Emotion's name without informing him, a clear sign that he hadn't told Forget Emotion about this matter concerning the young disciples.

For Jiuwu, this kind of deception didn't matter. Forget Emotion wouldn't investigate, and if necessary, he would even help his beloved disciple cover up the lie. Jiuwu was just acting on his own initiative...

But, this also left enough loopholes.

Li Changshou immediately decided to counterattack.

Since senior brother wants to play, don't blame me for going all out!

Being the leader of the younger generation was of great significance, and it would definitely push him to the forefront of the storm.

This matter was absolutely unacceptable!

Li Changshou looked embarrassed and sighed, "I dare not let the elder be embarrassed, nor blame Senior Jiuwu's good intentions. But, I really can't bear such a heavy responsibility. Why don't we have the elder designate another disciple who is worthy of it to be the leader, and I will reluctantly accompany them to the coast of the East Sea. If this is really an order from Master Forget Emotion, I will obey it without reservation and shed blood for the sect. If it's just a joke from Senior Jiuwu, I dare not claim such fame, I just hope to be a mere participant. Please understand the situation, Elder!"

With that, Li Changshou bowed his head and remained silent for a long time.

The immortals were quite moved, feeling that this disciple was really being set up by Jiuwu, which was quite difficult.

Even a female disciple said softly, "Junior Brother Changshou, why don't you be the leader? We all know about this matter and won't have any objections."

Other disciples also nodded in agreement.

"What Changshou said makes some sense," Elder Ge pondered for a moment, his eyes full of appreciation for Li Changshou.

Elder Ge continued, "Since Jiuwu happened to go to Central Divine Zhou, he is currently unreachable. This minor matter is not worth disturbing Senior Forget Emotion... Very well, let's go with what you said and find another leader."

As soon as Elder Ge finished speaking, You Qinyan suddenly took a step forward, bowed, and said firmly, "Disciple is willing to take on this heavy responsibility!"

Li Changshou felt slightly surprised inwardly.

She's a bit cunning today...

She understands my intentions so well?

After secluding herself for a few years, she has indeed made progress, and her toxicity has dissipated somewhat...

However, before Li Changshou could relax, You Qinyan continued, "Please appoint two leaders, let Junior Brother Changshou and I both take on the responsibility. This way, everything will be covered!"

"Ahem!"

Li Changshou's breath surged backwards.

Damn!

Not only did her toxicity not decrease, it deepened!

At this moment, You Qinyan turned her head to look at Li Changshou, her eyes firm, full of seriousness, and even a hint of shyness.

"Leave it to me, Senior Brother Changshou. Xuan Ya will definitely not make it difficult for you."

At this moment, Li Changshou felt like he was about to crack...