Chapter 434 Youming and Ningshuang

　　It had only been half a year, but Li Changshou could clearly sense that the seven youths… were getting harder and harder to teach. In the afternoon, Li Changshou explained some of the more famous articles in the mortal world. He was almost unable to answer them.

　　Fortunately, to be safe, he had already prepared a detailed lesson with Bai Ze. He had considered the various questions that the little guys might ask. When the sun set in the west, Li Changshou left Hua Youming and Xia Ningshuang behind to clean up the academy before returning to his residence.

　　The two quarrelsome lovers had a much better relationship than before. At the very least, when they were fighting, Xia Ningshuang would not be ruthless towards Hua Youming’s weakness. It was pointed below the ribs. Li Changshou shifted his attention back to the Little Qiong Peak. He followed the conversation he heard with his immortal senses and rode a cloud towards the straw hut by the lake.

　　“…Master, don’t ask where this fruit came from. Just eat it.”

　　“Could this be refined from some evil technique? It looks like an infant! Ling’e, where did you find such an evil creature?” Ling’e hurriedly said, “This is not an evil object. Master, sense carefully. This is a ginseng fruit. It looks like this since it was born. It can increase one’s lifespan by nearly 50,000 years!”

　　“I don’t need it. You can use it yourself!”

　　“Master!”

　　“No need, no need.” Qi Yuan kept waving his hand and chased Ling’e out from the door. “I really don’t want such an evil thing!”

　　“Ah, Master!”

　　Clang!

　　The wooden door was forcefully closed, and some dust was even blown out.

　　Ling’e held the ginseng fruit with her immortal power and felt a little helpless.

　　In the straw hut, Qi Yuan used his immortal power to set up a few layers of barriers. Then, he sighed softly and muttered, “A Turbid Immortal like me… is not worth it…”

　　Li Changshou frowned slightly. His master’s Dao heart was really troublesome. The corners of Ling’e’s mouth twitched. She held the ginseng fruit and fell into a daze for a while. When she discovered Li Changshou’s traces, she returned to her lively self and flew towards her senior brother.

　　“Master said that it’s an evil creature. There’s no need for that. What should I do?”

　　“It’s fine.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Master still has a lot of lifespan left. He is currently working in the Heavenly Courts and has used the immortal peaches. Seal the ginseng fruit in the jade pot and preserve it.”

　　“Yes.” Ling’e answered obediently and said softly, “Why don’t we knock Master unconscious and force him to drink it?”

　　“It’s very difficult for Master to accept that this goes against his wishes,” Li Changshou said softly. “We’ll reserve this plan and discuss it in the future.”

　　“Yes! As you command, Water God!”

　　Ling’e cupped her hands and bowed. She immediately recalled the situation just now and felt her ears burning. Li Changshou cleared his throat and said seriously, “We have never officially discussed this before. Can you answer me today? Do you have any expectations for your future cultivation path? Or do you have any plans?”

　　Ling’e thought about it seriously and said softly, “Cultivating in the mountains is… It would be best if I can live forever. Senior Brother, don’t chase me out.”

　　“You’re already familiar with the situation outside this time. If you want to go out and move around, you just have to inform me in advance.” Li Changshou took out a paper effigy from his sleeve and handed it to Ling’e. “The human heart is sinister and complicated. I have also brought some danger to the Little Qiong Peak. You have to pay more attention.”

　　“Thank you, Senior Brother!”

　　Ling’e happily took the paper effigy over. She wanted to take the initiative to express something, but she only hummed softly. “What’s wrong?” Li Changshou asked warmly.

　　“It’s fine. I’m going back to cultivate.”

　　Ling’e hugged the paper effigy in her arms, lowered her head, and turned around. She walked around Li Changshou to the straw hut. Li Changshou wanted to say something but hesitated. He wanted to mention the Steadiness Sutra, but he could not help but laugh. Forget it. I’ll write it myself this time. It’ll be a wake-up call. What was worth mentioning was that the thousand times of the Steadiness Sutra turned into a silent recitation. After Ling’e returned to the mountain successfully, Li Changshou’s worries were reduced by half. His days became more relaxed. He would deal with the matters of the Heavenly Courts in the Heavenly Courts and supervise the two Heavenly Courts’ Tribulation Transcendence figures in the academy. After a few more months of peace, General Dongmu found his way to the Water God Residence with a heavy heart.

　　Li Changshou immediately focused his attention on the paper effigy and welcomed General Dongmu into the study. However, after entering the study, General Dongmu hesitated a few times. He looked troubled. Li Changshou smiled and said, “What’s wrong, General Dongmu?”

　　“This…” General Dongmu changed his sitting posture and looked at Li Changshou. He squeezed out an ugly smile on his face, which had become more benevolent in recent years. General Dongmu whispered, “Did the Water God hear any rumors these days?” Li Changshou said seriously, “I didn’t hear it… Is there a rumor that slanders you in the Heavenly Courts?”

　　“Ah, it’s not slander.” General Dongmu smiled bitterly. “What they said is the truth. After all, I’m only from an ordinary human race. I was able to obtain a high position in the Heavenly Courts because I joined the Heavenly Courts earlier than others. Changgeng, you helped me think of an idea. That’s why His Majesty trusts me. Changgeng, I came here this time to say something to you. I can even swear a Great Dao oath. I will not hurt you behind your back and mock you…” Li Changshou frowned and said, “What are the exact words? Where did they come from?”

　　General Dongmu said, “The rumors said that you will have to replace me sooner or later. When His Majesty returns, he will change the Deity Position…”

　　“These guys have been silent for so long. They have finally made their move.” Li Changshou comforted General Dongmu and stood up to pace back and forth. General Dongmu was indeed the most easily targeted high-level god of authority in the Heavenly Courts. Especially since he did not have any faction supporting him, his influence was rather limited. His cultivation level…

　　“This matter cannot be rushed.”

　　Li Changshou said, “General Dongmu, you just have to deal with the matters of the Heavenly Courts. In a while, you and I will patrol the various places together. Now that His Majesty and the Goddess have just descended to the mortal world for more than ten years, there’s still a long time ahead. The matters of the Heavenly Courts require General Dongmu to manage. It’s not appropriate to be distracted by such a small matter.”

　　“Changgeng, don’t worry. I’m just afraid that you’d bear a grudge against me.” General Dongmu sighed softly. Li Changshou smiled and shook his head. “We have been friends for many years. We are already considered good friends and confidantes. However, because we were working for His Majesty, it was not appropriate for us to be too close. General Dongmu, if there’s anything that makes things difficult for you, and it’s something that I can help with, please tell me.” General Dongmu’s eyes almost turned red. He sighed and said, “Thank you for your understanding, Changgeng! If not for your help, I wouldn’t be here today!” Li Changshou comforted General Dongmu and did some psychological counseling.

　　When General Dongmu came, he was worried. When he left, his face was flushed, and he puffed out his chest and raised his head. It was as if he had regained his confidence as a male immortal in the Water God Residence.

　　“The demons or the Western Sect?”

　　Li Changshou sat back behind the desk and quietly thought of a solution. There were really no good solutions for such matters. Since the other party had the mentality of General Dongmu, he could only try his best to comfort him. General Dongmu’s lack of confidence was reasonable. He could not bring General Dongmu to the Tushita Palace to worship the Grand Supreme Elder and gain a backer.

　　If that was the case, the Jade Emperor might be afraid of General Dongmu and him.

　　Actually, compared to that, Li Changshou was more concerned about which immortals were spreading the news in the Heavenly Courts. He thought of Tian Weishi who was known as the “Rumor Destruction Machine”. However, after careful consideration, he realized that it was not appropriate to blow things up before His Majesty returned to the Heavenly Courts. Otherwise, the Heavenly Courts would be unstable and cause more trouble.

　　Tsk, the worries of the officials.

　　Not long after General Dongmu left, Li Changshou summoned Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang and asked them to secretly investigate the origin of the rumors that had injured General Dongmu. He also gave them a plan. A few days later, a jade token and a few Daoist names appeared in front of Li Changshou. There were four words that made Li Changshou feel that they were rather eye-catching. The person in charge of the Talisman Essence Divine Hall, the Immortal Elder of Talisman Essence.

　　Ao Yi said softly, “Brother, should we send some experts from the Dragon Palace to the Heavenly Courts?”

　　In other words, those experts only listened to Li Changshou’s orders and could attack the problematic immortals at any time. “No,” Li Changshou said. “This matter can only be decided by His Majesty. Both General Dongmu and I cannot overstep our authority. Deputy Commander Bian, send this jade token to General Dongmu.” As he spoke, Li Changshou had already written eight words on it as a suggestion to General Dongmu. “Be steady and wait for everything to be completed.”

　　1.

　　After doing that, Li Changshou pondered quietly for a while. A few thoughts surfaced in his mind, but he rejected them one after another. It was indeed not easy to deal with such a legitimate god. Even if he had the right to act first and report later, he had to let the Jade Emperor make a decision…

　　Moreover, he did not.

　　What made Li Changshou feel a little relieved was that after he reminded General Dongmu, General Dongmu immediately sent a team of guards to the Talisman Origin Divine Hall.

　　This move was also ingenious. There were many meanings behind it. After that, the rumors in the Heavenly Courts did not stop. It was as if General Dongmu was about to fall out with the Water God. Li Changshou smiled and continued to do his “Little Moon Elder” work. As time passed, Xia Ningshuang and Hua Youming’s story gradually became interesting. Especially after more than a year since the establishment of the academy, Xia Ningshuang was slender and elegant. Hua Youming would always be distracted and sneak a few glances in class. Xia Ningshuang’s attitude towards Hua Ming had also become a little gentler since then.

　　At that stage, the young men and women were confused and did not know much. The Jade Emperor was naturally prideful and would often say some shocking words, causing Xia Ningshuang to attack him.

　　She used ink and brush to hit him.

　　The two of them had made significant progress in their relationship. In fact, they had held a banquet at the Hua Residence when Hua Youming’s younger sister, Hua Yun, was born. When Xia Ningshuang came dressed up, Hua Youming was stunned. It was also that day when the General’s Residence was discussing marriage with the City Lord Residence. Hua Youming subconsciously wanted to refute it, but because his mind was filled with Xia Ningshuang’s appearance, he forgot to speak. However, Xia Ningshuang agreed very calmly. She took the initiative to sit with Hua Youming and set up an engagement that was compatible with their families.

　　On the second day of class, Xia Ningshuang said coldly to Hua Youming, “The matter of the marriage contract was their decision. I have already agreed to it, no matter who the person is.” Hua Youming, who was so excited that he did not sleep last night and was still thinking about how he should talk to Xia Ningshuang today in the morning, instantly had his mood dampened.

　　Then, it was a cold war that lasted for three months.

　　Li Changshou saw that. He was anxious… but not too anxious.

　　He had secretly given Hua Youming a few pointers and told him that the most subtle treasure in the world was the “reservedness of a young girl”. Unfortunately, Hua Youming knew half of it and did not understand its essence.

　　Until one day…

　　The class was being held in the library. Hua Youming deliberately stayed behind and stood in front of Li Changshou with the afterglow of the setting sun.

　　“Teacher, I want to break the engagement with Xia Ningshuang.”

　　“Oh?”

　　Li Changshou, who was soaking his feet in the stream, smiled and asked, “Why?”

　　“I keep feeling that…” Hua Youming scratched his head.” I’m not as comfortable as I was when we were not engaged…”

　　“The marriage agreement is not a child’s play.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “This matter cannot be destroyed just because you want to. Your relationship has also changed from being good friends with each other in the same hall to someone you want to protect in the future. It’s normal for you to be uneasy about it for a while. Just talk to her more every day or write a letter for her. A man has to take responsibility. She might be feeling uneasy about her future.”

　　Hua Youming pondered for a while and sighed. He did not say anything.

　　However, that night, something happened in the Hua Residence.

　　Hua Youming’s father died from illness when he was fighting outside. He died young. Everything in the Hua Residence changed overnight. The military power was taken away by other generals. The General Residence was about to collapse. That was the first time the Jade Emperor’s body was going through a tribulation. When Li Changshou saw Hua Youming again, it was already two months later. Hua Youming’s eyes were deep and his long hair was in a mess. When he appeared in the classroom, his eyes were not glowing On that day, Xia Ningshuang placed the articles and algorithms that Li Changshou had explained to Hua Youming as usual.

　　The portion was prepared more than sixty times. After two months of lunch, it was finally placed in front of Hua Youming. “I did it,” Xia Ningshuang said softly. Hua Youming’s hands trembled. He sat cross-legged and did not move.

　　Xia Ningshuang calmly picked up a piece of crispy meat and placed it beside Hua Youming’s mouth. Hua Youming’s eyes turned red. He pushed Xia Ningshuang’s hands away and stood up to leave the library. “Brother Hua!”

　　Yang Tianyou immediately chased after him. The other two young men also ran out to stop Hua Youming.

　　Li Changshou sighed in his heart when he saw that. He did not bother about it…

　　Three years had just passed when Li Changshou had withdrawn from the story of Xia Ningshuang and Hua Youming When the two of them were 16 years old, Hua Youming put aside his identity as the young master of the General’s Residence according to the brocade pouch that Li Changshou had left behind when he left. He left a letter and headed to the neighboring city to join the army. He was brave, good at battling, and proficient in the art of war. He was also extremely righteous. His reputation in the army kept increasing. When he was eighteen, he became a famous general. However, right after that, Hua Youming was targeted by the mortal factions who did not want to see the Hua Residence rise again. He was forced to leave the army and returned home dejectedly. When Hua Youming returned home, the house was already in chaos. Most of the slaves and servants had dispersed, and the general’s residence was deserted.

　　Just as he got off the horse and was about to enter the residence, he heard an unfamiliar voice from the side.

　　Xia Ningshuang, who was wearing a veil, walked over slowly. Just like two years ago, she did not seem to have changed at all. She said to Hua Youming, “You’re back?”

　　Hua Youming nodded with a smile. “Yes, thank you for your concern, Miss Xia.” Xia Ningshuang tidied her hair and asked softly, “When are you going to marry me?”

　　“Our engagement…”

　　“Of course. I promised him back then.”

　　“There’s no need.” Hua Youming shook his head and turned around to leave. He was no longer the young man from back then. At that moment, he did not look back.

　　“I, Hua Yeming, am no longer worthy of being like you today.” Xia Ningshuang did not say anything and stood in front of the general’s residence for a long time. The grass was luxuriant, and the beautiful figure could still be seen. Finally, night fell, and only the fragrance remained. Perhaps Hua Youming’s Life Providence was too powerful and could affect the lives of countless living beings. Just as Li Changshou was thinking about how to let Hua Youming know that Xia Ningshuang was suffering from lovesickness and that disaster was coming… A tribal cavalry charged and destroyed dozens of cities, threatening the “Quezhou City” where Hua Youming and Xia Ningshuang were. The people in the city were in a state of panic. The wealthy and powerful took refuge, and the military defense collapsed before the battle. Hua Youming settled his mother and little sister down. He changed into his father’s battle robe and leaped into the army camp in the city. With a rope technique and a Light Edge Sword in one hand, he killed several generals who wanted to escape without fighting. With a wave of his arm, his father’s old subordinates responded one after another. Quezhou City was fully prepared for battle. On the day the army arrived at the city, Hua Youming suddenly had a brilliant plan. He took advantage of the unstable enemy troops and led them out of the city to fight a bloody battle.

　　On that day, Xia Ningshuang was dressed in a red dress. She rushed to the city wall with hundreds of soldiers from the City Lord Residence, but she was a step too late. Hua Youming had already rushed out of the city gate and led the troops to attack.

　　The general had survived a hundred battles and was still alive.

　　Before the city was destroyed, the enemy troops were defeated. Hua Youming, who was covered in wounds, collapsed in front of the city gate and was carried back to the City Lord Residence.

　　After that, there was a night where his heart was burning… The Jade Emperor’s reincarnation had become a live-in son-in-law.

　　That year, the two of them were 19 years old. Li Changshou had succeeded and retreated. The paper effigy hid in the dark to protect him and did not attack again. It was actually quite good that the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother could have this life. It could be considered to have made up for the lack of emotions in the two Connate lifeforms.

　　Li Changshou looked at the script that the Queen Mother had arranged back then…

　　She seemed to want to make up for those flaws with the Jade Emperor.

　　What about Fairy Yun Xiao?

　　Li Changshou could not help but fall into a reverie…

　　Without any warning, his eyelids twitched.

　　Li Changshou pinched his fingers and deduced. Soon, he habitually gave up… After carefully sensing for half a day, his essence soul indeed felt slightly strange. At his cultivation realm, although he could not be considered a mighty figure with great mystical abilities, his senses were definitely not baseless. Something must have happened.

　　The Great Tribulation is coming?

　　For that, Li Changshou immediately went to look for Bai Ze. He held Bai Ze’s long feathers and let Bai Ze carefully sense them for a while. The conclusion he gave was:

　　“Everything is normal. The Water God is not in trouble.”

　　Li Changshou said, “Can you deduce if there are any signs of a great calamity?”

　　“Alright.” Bai Ze smiled and agreed. He slowly closed his eyes. Not long after, Bai Ze frowned. A wisp of purple lightning that was as thick as a strand of hair appeared out of thin air and smashed in front of Bai Ze.

　　Bai Ze’s forehead was covered in cold sweat. He opened his eyes and looked at Li Changshou.

　　“What happened?”

　　“The heavenly secrets… are suddenly in chaos.”