Chapter 555: Meeting Yun Xiao, Warning the Dragon race, Confronting the Western Fury

　　The cloud on the Immortal Island lingered, and the beauty followed like a dream.

　　In a corner of the Three-Immortal Island, the two of them accompanied each other in the bushes. Li Changshou was dressed in a light blue robe and Fairy Yun Xiao was dressed in a green and white robe. They were just strolling and chatting about some things that had nothing to do with the Three Realms. Unknowingly, two hours had passed.

　　There was one good thing about being in a relationship in the Primordial World. It was that the time between each of their two meetings was long enough, causing them to be filled with anticipation and allowing them enough time to prepare some topics to talk about.

　　Of course, Li Changshou felt that he did not have to find any topic. However, as the two of them sat and walked together, his mind would be at peace…

　　At that moment, he naturally could not mention the rule that Fairy Yun Xiao had set in the past for them to meet once every five hundred years.

　　To Fairy Yun Xiao at that time, five hundred years was not a long time. It was just enough for her to cultivate for a period of time before going out.

　　However, to the current Fairy Yun Xiao, fifty years was a little too long to wait. The last time they parted was less than thirty years ago. This time, there seemed to be a long time in between.

　　When the two of them chatted, there were some restricted areas.

　　To Li Changshou, he tried his best not to mention his matters in the Heavenly Courts because he knew that Yun Xiao was not interested in that. However, Yun Xiao was happy to hear him talk about it.

　　Yun Xiao did not allow herself to mention the Great Tribulation. She was worried that Li Changshou would feel pressured.

　　Yun Xiao had previously mentioned that the Great Tribulation is the tribulation of the Qi Refinement cultivators. If one cannot pass it, there’s nothing to force.

　　In other words, Li Changshou did not have to worry about her.

　　As he walked, Li Changshou inadvertently raised his palm. A slender hand reached out from the side and held it.

　　Bi Xiao and Qiong Xiao, who were hiding in the dark and imitating the two of them, also reached out and held hands. Then, they laughed silently.

　　As they chatted, the two of them talked about Zhao Gongming.

　　Li Changshou blinked at Yun Xiao. White fog appeared around Yun Xiao, isolating her from the two “little” fairies in the dark.

　　Li Changshou asked, “How’s the matter between Brother Gongming and Senior Sister Jin Ling?”

　　“I don’t know the details,” Yun Xiao said. “I sent a letter to Brother previously. He replied that everything is fine. I think there should be no mistakes.”

　　Li Changshou smiled and said, “I mean, they don’t have the intention to announce this to the public?”

　　“This…”

　　Yun Xiao hummed softly and had a strange expression.

　　Li Changshou was puzzled. “What’s wrong? Is there any inside story?”

　　“Senior Brother should have wanted to tell the outside world. However, Senior Sister Jin Ling is really shy.”

　　Yun Xiao looked at their interlocked hands and whispered, “Senior Sister Jin Ling feels that this is a private matter between the two of them. If we tell others that they are Teacher’s disciples and experts of Jie School, I’m afraid it will cause a lot of gossip. That would affect things.”

　　“Let them say whatever they want.” Li Changshou shook his head calmly. “However, that’s their private matter. If they don’t say it, it’s fine. As time passes, everyone can guess.”

　　“Then, what did others say about us?”

　　Li Changshou said, “They say we are a match made in heaven.”

　　The fairy was also slightly angry. “Don’t you feel ashamed when you say that?”

　　“Hahaha.” Li Changshou laughed and said softly, “If I continue to be shy in front of you, I’m afraid we will have to talk for hundreds of thousands of years before we can achieve anything.”

　　Fairy Yun Xiao looked elsewhere and smiled. After a while, she asked, “How can a relationship be considered fruitful?”

　　“This matter is uncertain.” Li Changshou gestured for the two of them to turn left and go to an ancient tree. He took two meditation cushions and placed them close to each other. He left one to two inches between them.

　　Li Changshou said, “To mortals, consummation is the fruit of cultivation. Giving birth to children is the fruit of cultivation. Holding hands and turning white hair is the fruit of cultivation. To longevity cultivators, I don’t know the exact meaning of cultivating the fruit. It’s probably because there are no disasters or calamities happening to us. We can stay together and comprehend the Dao and cultivate normally. In our spare time, we can spend time together. We can see the end of the world and walk through the trichiliocosm. At the end of longevity, the world would perish. I can still be by your side. This is probably the fruit of my dreams.”

　　He looked down and met her eyes. However, Yun Xiao’s beautiful eyes were filled with clarity. She was not touched by those words.

　　Li Changshou was rendered speechless.

　　Did he use the wrong words?

　　However, she said, “You have to remember these words. Tell me again a thousand years later. Don’t make any mistakes.”

　　Li Changshou was stunned at first. He immediately understood something and replied with a smile. He quickly engraved what he had said on his essence soul.

　　He did not kiss her today. He, Taibai Jinxing, would remember this grudge. He would definitely repay it double in the future.

　　The two of them looked at each other and chatted about the previous topic.

　　Somehow, the two of them began talking about the Sea-Calming Divine Pearl. Fairy Yun Xiao said, “When Master bestowed this set of treasures to Brother, he also said that this set of treasures was incomplete. However, Master did not say that there was anything incomplete. I think there should be 36 Heavenly Constellations.”

　　“Not necessarily.”

　　Li Changshou thought carefully. He remembered that in the story of the God Conferment, after the twenty-four Sea-Calming Divine Pearls were obtained by Randeng, they evolved into the twenty-four heavens. As a result, Randeng’s status rose…

　　Now, the Sea-Calming Divine Pearl could not be obtained by Randeng. Li Changshou personally guarded Master Zhao and would not let him take any risks.

　　The opportunity of the twenty-four heavens would definitely land on Master Zhao…

　　I have to plan this carefully. Daoist Randeng is also my opponent. I have to be careful.

　　If he could not, he would give Master Zhao some ambiguous hints in advance and let him work hard to comprehend the twenty-four Sea-Calming Divine Pearls. Perhaps, he would gain something.

　　“Yun Xiao…”

　　“Huh?”

　　“I’ll rest for a while and deal with some matters regarding the dragon race.” Li Changshou explained warmly, “Teacher ordered me to beat the dragon race. My incarnation has already arrived at the Dragon Palace.”

　　“Just get back to work. I’ll accompany you here.”

　　Yun Xiao answered gently and looked at Li Changshou, who was leaning against the tree trunk with his eyes closed. She took out a jade book from her sleeve and read it quietly.

　　A breeze blew, and the light clouds were like feathers.

　　The two figures under the tree were very close, but there was still some distance between them. They did not have skin-to-skin contact.

　　The clouds that isolated the two of them were gradually blown away by the breeze because they lacked immortal power. A few immortal senses fluttered over shyly. When they saw that scene, they revealed looks of disappointment.

　　The male immortal, who was leaning against the tree trunk, seemed to be sleeping with his eyes closed. The female immortal, who was holding the scroll and sitting diagonally beside him, explained the peace of time and the harmony of Yin and Yang. It made people subconsciously remember this painting in their hearts.

　　…

　　In the Dragon King’s Hall in the East Ocean Crystal Palace.

　　Taibai Jinxing came over personally. The Crystal Palace was naturally decorated with lanterns and colorful banners. They invited him to sit on a high chair, almost at the same level as the Dragon King.

　　The dragon children toasted and the dragon maidens greeted.

　　Li Changshou smiled and responded. He looked at the “juniors” of the dragon race who were mostly older than him and kept smiling and encouraging them.

　　Li Changshou did not want to make Yun Xiao wait for long. He found an opportunity to express his intentions.

　　“Dragon King, I should have explained why I came today in the jade token.”

　　Previously, he had addressed the Dragon King as ‘Lord’.

　　Now, he addressed him as ‘Dragon King’ purely out of respect for Ao Guang, the senior of the Primordial World.

　　The Dragon King of the East Ocean smiled and nodded. He clapped his hands and the dragon children retreated. The dancing sea maidens lowered their heads and left. The Turtle Ministers carried jade slips and walked over quickly.

　　Ao Guang smiled and said, “Please take a look, Star Lord. This is a report by the God of Water that the dragon race has set up in various places.”

　　Li Changshou nodded slowly. Streams of light flew out of his sleeve. In front of the Dragon King, he cast sixteen incarnations. He picked up the jade slip and began to examine it quickly.

　　The Turtle Ministers looked at each other, but the Dragon King smiled and shook his head.

　　An hour later, the sixteen paper effigies turned into streams of light and flew back into Li Changshou’s sleeve. Li Changshou’s expression was solemn as he muttered to himself.

　　The Dragon King said, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, is there anything wrong?”

　　Li Changshou said, “The stories of the dragons who were born as gods are all about singing and dancing. They say that under their own governance, the water is stable, there are no floods, and the mortals live in peace. However, Dragon King, did they make a mistake?”

　　“Oh?” The Dragon King frowned slightly.

　　Li Changshou sighed and said, “The operation of the Heavenly Dao is not smooth-sailing. There are gaps in the moon and floods in the sky. If we blindly follow the wind and rain, mortals will gradually become lazy. It’s not a good thing to lose their respect for the nature of the world. The Water Gods of the various factions should use the Heavenly Dao as a basis. Only then will the Deity Position be legitimate.”

　　The Dragon King stroked his beard and sighed. “You’re right, Lord Taibai Jinxing. I was negligent in this matter. I’ll immediately gather the Water Gods from all over to understand the Star Lord’s spirit!”

　　Li Changshou smiled and shook his head. He said, “Today, the Court is gradually getting on track. The restrictions of the Heavenly rules are becoming stricter. Previously, I had used my incarnation to travel in the mortal world for a few months. Most of the disciples of the dragon race were considered to have done their duty. They were responsible for the destiny of the dragon race, for the stability of the world, and for their own merit. They were good and kind. However.”

　　The Dragon King listened carefully and looked serious. At that moment, he had already weighed the weight of the ‘but’ word.

　　Li Changshou said, “There are still about 30% of the dragon race disciples. They can’t change their extravagant style. Under the rivers and lakes, they build palaces and gather people for fun. They don’t care about the living beings of the sea.

　　There are even disciples of the dragon race who enjoy teasing humans. There are even some who forcefully snatch mortal women.”

　　“Snatch mortal women?”

　　The Dragon King frowned and was shocked by this matter. He said firmly, “Is there a misunderstanding? Why would the disciples of the dragon race be attracted to mortal women?”

　　Li Changshou smiled bitterly. He took out a Shadow-Retaining Ball and placed it in the Dragon King’s hand.

　　The Dragon King frowned and looked at the Shadow-Retaining Ball for a while before he flew into a rage.

　　“Left and right!”

　　At the entrance of the hall, four figures rushed over and knelt on one knee without saying a word.

　　“Go and invite Elder Ao Qianhua! Send a team of soldiers to capture Ao Qianhua’s eldest son! If half of them escape, the Ao Qianhua family will not be spared!”

　　“Yes!”

　　The four figures agreed in unison. They turned around and transformed into four streams of water that quickly escaped.

　　The female musicians and dragon children in the corner of the hall were silent. They had not seen His Majesty so angry for a long time.

　　The Dragon King of the East Ocean stood up and paced in front of the throne. Then, he thought of something and bowed to Li Changshou.

　　“Please punish me, Lord Taibai Jinxing. I have failed in my duty to restrain my people. I did not expect the dragon race to commit such a ridiculous crime!”

　　Li Changshou stood up and bowed to the Dragon King. He took out a few Shadow-Retaining Spheres from his sleeve and placed them on the short table beside the Dragon King.

　　“Dragon King, on account of our friendship, I did not report the matter to the Jade Emperor directly. Instead, I came to the Dragon Palace because I was afraid that the dragon race would be too passive. The Dragon King knows the story of the dragon race better than me. The Dragon King also knows the worries of the dragon race better than me. Now, I need to tell the Dragon King… The Deity Position is not child’s play. The Heavenly Courts’ Deity Position is not an internal position of the dragon race. The Dragon King would deal with these dragons according to his wishes. It would be best if he could choose one or two of them and send them to the Heavenly Courts. He could apologize before the Jade Emperor arrived. It could be considered the righteous style of the dragon gods. The internal atmosphere of the dragon race is relatively relaxed. The Heavenly Courts have no intention of interfering with the internal affairs of the dragon race. However, after becoming a god of the Heavenly Courts, they are restrained by the Heavenly rules. I hope that you will understand.”

　　“I understand, I understand!”

　　The Dragon King sighed softly and bowed to Li Changshou.

　　Li Changshou returned the bow and smiled. “In that case, I’ll return to the Heavenly Courts.”

　　“Star Lord, why don’t you stay for the banquet?”

　　“There’s no need for that today. Dragon King, please deal with these matters first.”

　　As he spoke, Li Changshou cupped his hands and walked towards the door of the hall with his horsetail whisk. The Dragon King of the East Ocean walked two steps behind him. The few dragon leaders and old generals sent Li Changshou out of the Crystal Palace.

　　As soon as Li Changshou left, the Dragon King of the East Ocean sighed. He looked at the Shadow-Retaining Spheres and crushed them.

　　“Capture these evil dragons! Hang them on the Dragon Cage for three days and three nights! Then send them to the Heavenly Courts to beg for death!”

　　Outside the Crystal Palace, although Li Changshou’s old immortal paper effigies had left, the few paper effigies hidden there slightly spread their immortal senses and captured a few pairs of dragon soldiers rushing to the South Continent.

　　He had to take it one step at a time. He could not pressure the dragon race to the extreme. That would only make the dragon race bitterly disappointed.

　　It was reasonable to unite the Dragon King and the experts of the dragon race and let the ambitious people of the dragon race stand up and attack the declining members of the dragon race.

　　Li Changshou rode a cloud out of the East Ocean and swaggered towards the East Heaven Gate. He glanced at the hanging tassels on his white robe. The blue color had turned light purple.

　　An expert’s immortal senses were investigating him.

　　Li Changshou pretended not to notice. He had already deduced who was looking for him, but he did not panic and headed straight for the Heavenly Path.

　　After flying for 500 kilometers, a white cloud brought a beautiful female immortal towards him.

　　Incarnation?

　　Li Changshou raised his eyebrows and sighed in his heart. His main body continued to hold back on the Three-Immortal Island.

　　He heard a shout.

　　“Are you Taibai Jinxing?”

　　His voice was as mellow and low as a lark’s. He carefully tasted it and hid some excitement, shyness, and suppressed excitement.

　　Li Changshou smiled and turned around. He stopped the cloud and looked at the fairy flying over from afar. He sized her up a few times.

　　Perhaps because Li Changshou’s gaze was too unrestrained, the fairy blushed. However, she walked forward gracefully and bowed to Li Changshou.

　　Just as she was about to speak, Li Changshou said, “I didn’t expect you to look so wonderful when you dress up as a woman. As expected of the Eldest Senior Brother of the Western Sect.”

　　The “fairy” first frowned and quickly revealed a stunned expression.

　　He wanted to continue acting, but when he saw Li Changshou’s smile and how he looked like he was watching a good show, he snorted coldly and swept his sleeve.

　　“The Dao of incarnation really can’t be hidden from Lord Taibai Jinxing.”

　　“Sure, sure.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “However, Fellow Daoist, you’re too easy to guess. Why are you here this time? Why don’t you show your main body? I’ll spar with you and end the karma.”

　　The ‘fairy’ said coldly, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, don’t you think you’ve gone overboard? We are both scheming. I only killed a Golden Immortal from the Ren School, but you have been taking revenge for dozens of years. He even planted such a huge evil on me! What do I have to do with the Kun Peng?”

　　Li Changshou smiled calmly.

　　Does he really think that I’m a greenhorn who will say anything?

　　Li Changshou said, “If you don’t have a guilty conscience, why don’t you come to the Heavenly Courts to prove your innocence?”

　　“Why should I go to the Heavenly Courts to prove my innocence?”

　　“Fellow Daoist, why don’t you show me evidence that you are not the second essence soul of the Kun Peng? If you can convince me, I will not mention this matter. To be honest, although we are enemies, I don’t want to frame you. I only have reasonable doubts because I have some evidence. Fellow Daoist, do you think that there is no connection between you and the Kun Peng?

　　Ah, the Kun Peng is quite brilliant. In order not to expose its flaws, it deliberately did not leave any memories when it separated its second Essence Soul. It also did something like occupying a magpie’s nest…”

　　“Nonsense!”

　　“Fellow Daoist, please take a look at this.”

　　Li Changshou took out a Shadow-Retaining Ball from his sleeve and revealed the scene inside. It was the details of the battle between Kun Peng and him in the Chaos Sea.

　　Li Changshou crushed the Shadow-Retaining Ball.

　　“The Kun Peng’s fake body took the initiative to die in battle to cover for the new body. As for you, Fellow Daoist… Forget it, we have not decided yet. We just want to invite you to the Heavenly Courts to cooperate with the investigation.”

　　After saying that, Li Changshou waved his sleeve and turned around to fly into the sky. Before he left, he turned to look at Maitreya.

　　“The Kun Peng’s scheme originated from ancient times. I will definitely seek an explanation for the feud between us in the future. However, I will not frame you for this matter.”

　　Then, he snorted coldly and left on a cloud, leaving Maitreya’s incarnation on the cloud in a daze.

　　Li Changshou’s voice flew over from the clouds.

　　“Mortals, immortals, living beings, mighty figures. Who am I? Who are you? The Dao name is just a symbol. You can call yourself Maitreya. Others can also call you Maitreya. The second essence soul of the Kun Peng can also be called Maitreya. When the second essence soul believes that it is called Maitreya, what can it represent? Where did you come from and where did you die? What does your appearance in the Three Realms mean to the Three Realms? Did you choose Maitreya or did Maitreya choose you? Fellow Daoist, you’re obsessed. You’re not even worthy of being my opponent.”

　　You don’t deserve to be my opponent… You deserve to be my opponent… my opponent… yes.

　　The “fairy” was stunned for a while. Not long after, she took out a Shadow-Retaining Ball from her sleeve and read the contents repeatedly. It was naturally the conversation she had with Li Changshou just now…

　　His plan to clear his name this time had failed.

　　However, various thoughts could not help but arise in his heart. He was momentarily distracted.

　　“Did I choose Maitreya or Maitreya… choose me?”