Chapter 761: The Never-Ending Little Qiong Peak · Finale

Last night, a light breeze and sudden rain fell, but a deep drunkenness still couldn't dispel the spring melancholy. Supporting his waist, he murmured, "I'm fine, just still feeling the effects."

Little Qiong Peak.

Li Changshou stretched, floating out from the underground secret chamber, and wandered around the alchemy room with his hands behind his back, contemplating how to convert it into a bridal chamber before going outside to rest.

The familiar recliner, the classic cattail fan.

Li Changshou leaned on the armrest and lay down, listening to the birds, smelling the flowers, and watching the ancient spiritual trees in the distance sway gently, feeling at ease and peaceful.

When did he return to Little Qiong Peak?

Although Li Changshou had been thoroughly drunk, he still remembered the events clearly.

Revenge!

His senior brother's actions were blatant revenge! Long-planned revenge!

They had originally arranged a simple celebratory banquet at the edge of heaven and earth, in the minor world where they had once united with the Western Sect disciples Ksitigarbha and Di Ting to fight extraterrestrial demons.

His senior brother had been busy with this for a while, arranging everything with Bai Ze, the Little Qiong Peak Mahjong Club, and their relatives, making it quite impressive.

Almost all beings closely related to Li Changshou arrived at this banquet.

The Dragon Palace even specially sent hundreds of clam-girls to serve tea and water, and brought hundreds of chests of mostly useless treasures, raising the atmosphere considerably.

But as soon as Li Changshou arrived, before he could even speak, the Grand Master rushed over, saying he needed the Taiji Diagram.

Could Li Changshou refuse his own senior brother the use of the Taiji Diagram?

He truly hadn't expected his senior brother to directly ask Grand Pure Master for help!

The Grand Pure Master, using the seeds scattered by the Taiji Diagram, directly sent his senior brother back to the Kunpeng Secret Realm. His senior brother then absorbed the Kunpeng Secret Realm into the Taiji Diagram, and with the Grand Pure Master summoning the Taiji Diagram again, he swiftly returned!

All in one smooth motion!

In an instant, he transformed the Kunpeng Secret Realm into the new Xuandu City, attaching it just outside the old world barrier!

Good heavens, Li Changshou was utterly floored.

He had originally wanted to keep some distance from the Primordial World, so he could maintain a sense of mystery and enjoy a bit more leisure.

Now, thanks to the Grand Master's antics, he was once again subtly connected to the Primordial World.

Fortunately, with Kunpeng Ark, he could go on honeymoons in the Chaos Sea later.

What Li Changshou hadn't expected, however, was this:

This was merely one part of the Grand Master's plan.

At the banquet, Duobao Buddha and Zhao Gongming, who had secretly arrived, pulled Li Changshou aside and urged him to drink several jars of immortal wine.

Li Changshou immediately noticed something was off.

It wasn't the foundation-strengthening pills added to the wine; he was somewhat injured at the time, so it was reasonable for his senior brother, out of concern, to give him some restorative elixirs.

The problem was that Ling'e had been pulled away to drink by Jiu Jiu, Jiu Yiyi, and Jiu Shi;

Yunxiao, moreover, was surrounded by her two younger sisters and several Jie Sect immortalesses, who kept toasting her with calls of "Elder Sister."

What was the intelligence level of his two Dao companions? Could they not see through such a simple setup?

Then, with unspoken understanding, none of the three pointed it out, and they simply drank until they were pleasantly tipsy, chatting merrily with their relatives and friends.

This move, this was turning their own trick against them.

However, Li Changshou soon realized the ingredients in the wine had changed; not only had they changed, but by the end of the drinking, they had even added Grand Pure Spirit-Nourishing Pills!

How could he tolerate this?

Li Changshou immediately intended to retaliate, but before he could act, he heard a soft command from the side:

"Kneel!"

Nearly half of the assistant players in the hall fell to their knees.

That scene was truly a rare sight in the Primordial World since ancient times.

Fortunately, Li Changshou pulled Yunxiao and Ling'e forward, leading them back to Little Qiong Peak with a truly manly demeanor.

Li Changshou, of course, remembered what happened next, but to avoid awkwardness, he could only pretend he didn't.

Anyway, the most crucial step had been taken, and the happy Primordial life of having both by his side had begun. Pretending to be ignorant for a few days wouldn't hurt.

Last night, the three of them returned to Little Qiong Peak. Ling'e, her cheeks flushed, brought out a jar of immortal brew she had treasured for years, saying she wanted to have another drink with her senior brother.

It was a drinking session with just the three of them.

Ling'e quickly became intoxicated. After complaining about her senior brother for a bit, she changed tactics and began to pour out her heart.

Yunxiao listened quietly beside them, her body draped over the table, propping her face with her arm. The beautiful face of the immortal fairy in the clouds was tinged with a slight blush.

Li Changshou actively took Ling'e's small hand, and the drinking session turned into a confession. He said things young people wouldn't know how to say;

Later, Yunxiao began to dance, though her movements were still a little stiff...

Later, Ling'e said she was going to bathe and pulled Yunxiao along, but in just a moment, both had changed into identical thin skirts.

What followed were scenes that television stations wouldn't broadcast.

As part of the Grand Master's plan, there were no living beings on Little Qiong Peak last night;

Not even spirit beasts!

In short, it was incredibly cautious, and the Grand Master had successfully achieved his revenge, continuing to be entangled in the difficult problem of being relentlessly pursued by Jing.

Li Changshou smiled mischievously.

He sat there quietly, his mind remarkably calm.

It was a tranquility difficult to express in words: a lightness of burden on his body, an absence of urgency in his mind, combined with the effect of "sage mode" and the subtle sense of loss from finally letting go of the empty and clear Dao heart he had maintained for over a thousand years.

Life would finally be easier from now on.

Yet, he felt a lingering reluctance.

Several streaks of light flew in from within the world—the permanent residents of the Kunpeng Secret Realm were beginning to return.

The Jie Sect masters who had wandered the Chaos Sea with him had moved out a few days prior, returning to the Five Continents to rebuild the damaged Biyou Palace.

The Kunpeng Secret Realm would be divided into two parts: an outer section transformed into a market town for Qi Refiners wishing to explore the Chaos Sea to rest, and where they would also receive a Chaos Sea exploration guide.

The inner section, encompassing Little Qiong Peak and several surrounding hills, would naturally not be open to outsiders.

Li Changshou's future home would be here, and the Immortal Ascension Sect members who had originally followed him had also chosen to stay, living semi-hermitic, semi-worldly lives, managing this market town at the edge of chaos.

From here, returning to the Primordial World was just a step away, though it was indeed quite far from the Five Continents.

Li Changshou waited quietly for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on his chest. A one-foot-square model of a grand hall flew out from within him and was placed by Li Changshou onto a bookshelf in the alchemy room.

From now on, this would be the sacred place for safeguarding the Court of All Dao.

It was a display of nonchalant elegance.

He took out several treasures, allowing each to find a residence on Little Qiong Peak, thus safeguarding the Court of All Dao.

Elder Sister Zhong quickly hid the true form of the Chaos Bell, then transformed into a short skirt with minimal fabric and clogs on her feet, surveying Li Changshou from head to toe.

"Not bad, not bad. I used to worry you'd become the second Dao Ancestor, but I never expected you'd actually dedicate the Grand Dao of Balance, just as you told me you would. Alright, alright, we're impressed this time. From now on, I'll be your exclusive guardian artifact."

Li Changshou chuckled, saying, "What you are to guard is the Primordial World."

Elder Sister Zhong rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and leaned against the doorframe, her eyes narrowed in a smile: "Good thing I'm an artifact and not a living being, with no seven emotions or six desires. Otherwise, I might have fallen for you too."

Li Changshou:

"Speaking of the seven emotions and six desires, when I was dragged into drinking at yesterday's banquet, did Empress Houtu's seven emotions incarnation also come?"

"Yes, the Seven Emotions came for a visit. They saw you being forced to drink by a bunch of rough and ready fellows and couldn't get a word in."

Elder Sister Zhong laughed, "It's fine, you haven't gone far, you're still so close."

Li Changshou smiled, "I still need to thank Empress Houtu and the Seven Emotions another day. They truly helped a lot."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

"And I must also thank Elder Sister Zhong, for turning the tide and giving me the possibility of reaching the Grand Dao of Balance."

"Now that's more like it."

Elder Sister Zhong's eyes immediately crinkled into a smile. Just as she was about to boast, she suddenly sensed a streak of light flying towards them and immediately said, "I won't disturb you for now. Let's talk again later."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile. Just as he was about to sit up, the streak of light landed in front of the alchemy room, transforming into a somewhat petite figure.

Hmm, "petite" might not be the most appropriate word to describe the former Saintess of the Heaven-Approaching Palace.

"Hehehe, haha, heeheehee."

Jiu Jiu was beaming with joy, her eyes full of mischief.

Li Changshou chuckled, "What's so funny?"

"My junior martial nephew has really made something of himself now, hasn't he?"

Jiu Jiu hopped closer with her hands behind her back. Li Changshou calmly shifted his gaze to the nearby pond.

Jiu Jiu had by now grown accustomed to the attire of the Heaven-Approaching Palace Saintess: a black gauze dress that made her seem shy and endearing, eyes that sparkled with laughter, and a gaze that held a subtle, alluring charm.

She suddenly thought of something, blinked, and asked, "Um, you're not going to kick me out, are you?"

"What are you saying?" Li Changshou sighed, "Isn't Little Qiong Peak practically your backyard, Martial Aunt? Who could stop you from going wherever you please? Stay here; you're free to go wherever you want and do whatever you wish. In the future, if you want to travel, just take my jade token. You can go anywhere in the Three Realms, and it can even shake primordial gods and demons in the Chaos Sea!"

"Really?"

Jiu Jiu blinked, "I drink a lot, so don't you dare lie to me."

"There's a slight exaggeration," Li Changshou said with a smile, pointing to the side, conjuring a meditation cushion.

He said, "Sit down and rest for a bit."

"Well, this is... a bit sudden and I'm not quite used to it."

Jiu Jiu raised a hand to brush her hair behind her ear, her voice growing softer and softer, "Then, I'll go back to Immortal Ascension Sect for a bit and move my pavilion here... The array you set up back then is still there... I, I'll go back for now."

With that, she turned and ran a couple of steps, then twisted her head to glance at Li Changshou, "Candy Bean Pills?"

Li Changshou smiled, "Drunken Immortal brew."

"A large portion! I want a large portion!"

"Yes, disciple obeys."

Li Changshou responded weakly, while Jiu Jiu grinned triumphantly, striding proudly and radiating vitality, carrying her striking figure as she summoned her Evil-Slaying Ruyi Sword and rode her large gourd into the sky.

The Martial Aunt of the Dao Court Master was now considered an old veteran of the Primordial World.

Junior Martial Aunt.

Li Changshou smiled, no strange thoughts arising in his mind.

Back when Little Qiong Peak was at its most desolate, this Martial Aunt was the only one who would visit. There was an inseparable connection between himself and the lineage of Daoist Master Forgetting Emotions.

From now on, this place would be a sacred land of the Primordial World, with every inch worth gold.

Glancing at Yun and E still sleeping soundly within the underground secret chamber's barrier, Li Changshou stood up, stretched, and rode a white cloud towards the spiritual lake's thatched hut.

The spiritual lake was empty, and the spirit beast enclosure was deserted.

Only then did Li Changshou come to his senses.

So, the ingredients used at the immortal banquet a few days ago were all supplied by his Little Qiong Peak?!

That Xiong Lingli, who constantly boasted about being the spirit beasts' best friend on Little Qiong Peak, would immediately have her wages docked later!

Upon reaching the thatched hut, Li Changshou looked around his own hut, then went to his master's hut.

The ancestral tablets were spotless, and the incense burner was overflowing with ash, clearly indicating that Ling'e had not been lazy in her daily life and frequently came to look after them.

Lighting three sticks of pure incense and kowtowing three times, Li Changshou glanced at the names on the tablets, then turned and went outside.

His Golden Core vibrated, and immortal power enveloped and sealed the thatched hut. Li Changshou then summoned two jade talismans that controlled Little Qiong Peak's grand array, and sank the hut into the mountain itself.

Staring at the rock face covered in shallow grass on all sides, he remained lost in thought for a long time.

"Hmm?"

Li Changshou turned his head, seeing only weeping willows by the lake and the shimmering surface of the water.

An old Daoist seemed to be standing on the lake surface, then quietly dissipated with the cool breeze.

Li Changshou chuckled, scratched his head, and rode a cloud back to the alchemy room.

Ling'e and Yunxiao were already awake. They had activated an immortal power barrier—an immortal power barrier that Li Changshou still couldn't see through.

He naturally understood; his Dao companions were shy.

As someone with experience, he naturally had to take care of their feelings. At this moment, it was best to show meticulous care to prevent them from having any negative thoughts about the future.

Li Changshou personally prepared some pastries and brewed a pot of sobering immortal tea.

Before long, two wisps of mist floated out from the underground secret chamber, transforming into two immortalesses dressed similarly, each with her long hair tied up, one radiantly bright, the other seemingly hesitant to speak.

Yunxiao, however, was graceful and generous, actively pulling Ling'e forward and smiling gently at Li Changshou.

Ling'e immediately blurted out, "Hus-husband..."

Smoke billowed above her head, putting the alchemy room in sudden peril!

Li Changshou:

After the three spent some intimate moments, they saw over a dozen streaks of light flying back to the Kunpeng Secret Realm.

On Golden-Winged Peng's back, Princess Longji arrived with her small satchel, naturally intending to reside permanently on Little Qiong Peak.

Yunxiao pulled Ling'e to the adjacent peak to find Qiongxiao and Bixiao, somewhat akin to a hasty escape.

Li Changshou's eyes crinkled in a smile as he waited for Longji in front of the alchemy room.

The Jade Emperor's daughter was indeed different; holding the position of a true god, she had free access to the Heavenly Courts.

"Master!"

Longji called out sweetly, curiously observing her master's changes. Then, with flushed cheeks and pursed lips, she bowed her head and stepped forward, holding out a letter to Li Changshou.

"Master, Marshal Youqin asked me to bring this. She was at the banquet earlier, but you had already left."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou took the envelope, noting that it was, unusually, made of paper.

Opening the envelope and pulling out the letter, Li Changshou read it word by word, a slight smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

To Esteemed Senior Brother,

Thanks to your virtue, all beings are unharmed, the world is clear, the Three Realms have returned to order, and the Heavenly Dao is free of selfish desires. Whenever I reflect on your actions for the sake of all living beings, Xuanya feels deeply ashamed, knowing she is far from being your equal.

I recall how fortunate the Immortal Ascension Sect was to be recognized by you, and the numerous considerations you showed us during our journey to the Northern Continent. Even then, I knew Senior Brother was no ordinary person, but possessed extraordinary talent. Xuanya still remembers your saying that you had an ailment preventing contact with women. At the time, in her ignorance, Xuanya deliberately touched you, causing you much trouble. Though recalling it now brings a sense of joy, my heart feels uneasy. When our sect faced calamity, Senior Brother stepped forward, yet sought no credit or fame; Xuanya, ignorant of your aspirations at the time, felt especially ashamed. The past remains as vivid as ever; Xuanya has never forgotten.

Xuanya has long admired Senior Brother, knowing there is no way to compare with you, thus she has not dared to mention it. Today, she conveys this by letter, seeking both peace of mind and asking Senior Brother not to forget Xuanya.

Senior Brother need not reply. Xuanya is no longer in the Heavenly Courts. The Five Continents are now largely free of demon and monster threats, and Xuanya's position in the Heavenly Courts has become one of mere leisure, so she has decided to resign from office and return to the wilderness. With one sword and alone, she will travel through the three thousand worlds, upholding the Heavenly Courts' justice when encountering injustice, and performing righteous deeds when faced with unfairness. If she can save even one person, Xuanya will feel no regrets.

If Xuanya's mind and spirit become weary one day, and she is no longer able to travel, I wonder if she might seek to reside in a thatched hut by your side, watching over you day and night. This is her hope.

Xuanya.

"Junior Sister Youqin..."

Li Changshou folded the letter, placed it back into the envelope, and solemnly tucked it into his sleeve.

"Longji, do you have a jade talisman for sending messages to the Heavenly Courts?"

"Yes, Master."

"Ask the Heavenly Courts to spread a message for me, make sure Xuanya hears it," Li Changshou said slowly. "Just say, 'Come back anytime, don't worry about it'... No, just say, 'Come back anytime' will be enough."

"Alright!"

Longji agreed, found a jade talisman, and then asked, "Master, is there anything else you want to tell me?"

"No more."

Longji's slender fingers moved deftly, and the jade talisman swiftly shot through the air, heading towards the Heavenly Courts' nearest garrison.

"Oh, by the way, Master, have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

Longji whispered, "Grand Pure Patriarch is moving his Grand Pure Temple to the Kunpeng Secret Realm."

"Huh?"

Li Changshou's eyes widened, "Is that true or false?"

"It's true," Longji said, "The Grand Master seems to have been called back. Aunt Jing told me about it."

"Don't call her Aunt," Li Changshou said offhandedly, "Call her Queen Regnant."

"Hmm?"

"Ahem, I also need to make some preparations to welcome Master to the Kunpeng Secret Realm," Li Changshou chuckled. "Soon I'll go tidy up my senior brother's peak and make some space for Master."

Longji couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

She placed her satchel aside and, at Li Changshou's gesture, sat on a nearby meditation cushion, asking softly, "Master, your disciple doesn't quite understand what has been happening in the world lately. Could you explain it to me? This world seems to have changed so much, yet also seems to have changed nothing at all."

"What's there to say about it? It was just a lot of fighting and killing."

Li Changshou's eyes crinkled in a smile as he lay on the recliner, savoring the present tranquility and the pleasure of tirelessly imparting knowledge and being a good mentor.

He chuckled:

"My child, remember this: no matter how this world evolves, there is no other secret to victory. It all comes down to just four words. Human-centered. Looking back at the past and forward to the future, the alternation of time and space seems only to expound one principle. It is the beginning of all, and the end of all, containing all true meaning, and all ultimate ends."

"Master, what is that?"

"The Dao follows nature."