Chapter 189 The Back View

　　When Li Changshou controlled the paper effigy and made it rush to the main hall of the Sea God Temple, he thought of the Sect Leader’s kidney, ahem!

　　Thinking of Daoist Priest Wuyou’s back, he sighed.

　　He thought about it carefully. His Sect Leader did not ask much nor care much. That was the only way that he would be able to achieve peace and inaction, as taught by Ren School…

　　Due to the fact that he had too many reservations, and he wanted to protect his life, he constantly avoided karma and severed karma. Compared to the Sect Leader, he was inferior.

　　However, there was nothing he could do. He could not bear the burden of age, cultivation level, the “hidden struggles of the Great Sect”, the fate of the great race, and the “excessive suaveness”!

　　He had to be careful. He had to put on a disguise and hide some of his trump cards. When he opened his eyes, he might find a kind-looking bald old man standing in front of him…

　　“Little friend, hehe. I think you are fated with the Western Sect.”

　　It was scary just thinking about it!

　　The Western Sect even dared to abduct the disciples of the Saint of the Dao Sect. Li Changshou was only familiar with the Saint. The other party could kill him with a wave of his hand. How could they not dare to attack him?

　　I’d better wait until I’m strong enough before I talk about inaction and seek peace.

　　When the time comes, he would hide in the shade of the trees in the backyard of the Tushita Palace and take a nap. He would just ignore everything. In reality, there was no such thing as peace and inaction. It was just that the Grand Pure One was too strong to be provoked.

　　Yes, when I become a Golden Immortal…

　　Forget it. Golden Immortals can only curl up in the Primordial World and not stand strong.

　　At the very least, he had to become a Zenith Heaven. He had to obtain a few Connate numinous treasures that could allow him to kill, defend, critical-strike, and escape. He had to condense the Golden Body of Merit and cozy up to the Saint!

　　Only then could he have good sleep. Tsk, it’s useless to think about this. It’s more important to climb up steadily.

　　Before Li Changshou could dig out of the ground, he immediately sent a voice transmission to Fairy Yun Xiao.

　　In the main hall of the temple, Fairy Yun Xiao, who had been continuously injecting immortal power into the paper effigy, suddenly stopped. She looked apologetic.

　　Yun Xiao had already kept the painting. When Li Changshou’s second incarnation flew over, she took the initiative to approach the door and said gently, “I originally wanted to give you a painting personally drawn by my teacher, but I never thought of destroying your incarnation. I was too careless. Please don’t blame me. I don’t know how to make it up to you.” Li Changshou’s heart twitched…

　　Fairy Yun Xiao is truly generous.

　　Just now, he had almost been forcefully… forcefully pulled to undergo the Golden Immortal Tribulation!

　　Seeing that Li Changshou did not reply, Yun Xiao hurriedly asked, “Fellow Daoist, did you damage your Dao just now?”.

　　Li Changshou smiled and said, “It’s just an incarnation. It’s not a problem, not a problem.”

　　“How can this not be a problem? How can an incarnation be refined easily?”

　　Yun Xiao sighed softly and brought the painting over. “Fellow Daoist, please accept this. This item seems to be fated with you. Otherwise, my Dao heart will not be at ease.”

　　As she spoke, Yun Xiao flipped her left hand gently and a few treasures glistened.

　　“And these treasures, please…”

　　What?

　　Does she really have to pull me up onto the track of angering the Saint and dying faster on the God roll?

　　“No, I can’t!”

　　Li Changshou hurriedly took half a step back and deliberately showed some restraint.

　　Yun Xiao was amused by Li Changshou’s expression. She took a small step forward and said gently, “Why not?” “Senior, don’t be like this.”

　　Yun Xiao consoled, “Don’t be afraid. The Dao runes have been comprehended by you, Fellow Daoist. It will definitely not hurt your incarnation again.”

　　Li Changshou did not know whether to laugh or cry. Why did this conversation sound like… that between a big sister and a child whom she was coaxing? “Senior, I don’t dare to take the painting that the Saint has created.”

　　Yun Xiao explained, “This is just a casual painting created by Master. It’s not some Connate treasure.”

　　“The meaning is different.” Li Changshou looked serious. “The Saint’s item is indeed extraordinary. Please take it back, Senior.”

　　Fairy Yun Xiao continued, “Then… how can I compensate for that incarnation?”

　　“It’s just an incarnation.” Li Changshou’s gaze was sincere, but Yun Xiao frowned slightly.

　　Something was amiss…

　　Li Changshou suddenly snapped back to reality.

　　At that moment, he had clearly indicated that he did not want to accept the gifts given to him by Yun Xiao. However, her focus was on the value of an incarnation…

　　According to the general knowledge of the Primordial World, incarnations were very precious.

　　External incarnations were either refined from precious materials or condensed from great Dharma powers. The loss of an incarnation was a huge loss for Qi Refinement cultivators.

　　However, his paper effigy was too cheap. The Man-Forming Paper Cutouts mystical ability that Li Changshou had, had been modified several times with the mystical ability bestowed by the Great Daoist Master. In the end, it became a mystical ability where he could create paper effigies with just some… tree sap. Li Changshou smiled and said, “Senior, do you think that this incarnation of mine requires a lot of effort to make?”

　　Yun Xiao nodded slightly, her eyes cold and clear. “Isn’t that so?”

　　“Hahaha!”

　　Li Changshou’s laughter was extremely hearty. Even the old immortal’s skin was trembling. He said, “I have a mystical ability that allows my incarnation to be like paper. Senior, if you feel uneasy, I will accept this painting. However, there is no need for those few treasures. Otherwise, Senior, you are underestimating me too much.”

　　He did not dare to use the treasures because he was afraid of exposing them. He could only give them to the paper effigies to protect themselves. It was meaningless.

　　The Little Spirit Tree had already grown up!

　　Li Changshou immediately brought the painting over. He would hang it in the back hall of the Sea God Temple after a while. With a small upgrade, the style of the Sea God’s main temple would be enhanced.

　　Only then did Yun Xiao reveal a faint smile and stop feeling worried. She put away the other treasures and bowed slightly to Li Changshou. She said softly, “I’m sorry for disturbing you tonight. I’ve also caused you a lot of trouble. I originally wanted to return the favor, but I did not expect that I would spoil your incarnation, Fellow Daoist. Fellow Daoist, if you are free in the future, please come to Three-Immortal Island and have a seat. Please allow me to compensate you.”

　　Li Changshou immediately said… that he would definitely do so next time.

　　After they Dao saluted each other, Yun Xiao bade farewell and left.

　　She rode the cloud and flew into the night sky, turning into a cloud of smoke. It was as if she had merged into the painting of the night and left with the wind…

　　What a good fairy.

　　Li Changshou sighed softly in his heart.

　　It’s a pity that she is too loyal to her three other siblings who are burdens.

　　Li Changshou naturally did not want to interact with the Three Xiao Immortals and Master Zhao anymore. He did not want to be implicated in the Great God-Conferment Tribulation.

　　However, deep down, there was a little anticipation…

　　“There are so many things to do tonight.” Li Changshou stretched his muscles and bones. He looked at the scroll of painting in his hand and walked towards the rear hall.

　　Junior Sister Youqin must have seen my paper effigy’s true cultivation level.

　　This is a little difficult.

　　Li Changshou pondered for a while and thought about how he could fool her… Ahem, he thought about how to explain it so that Youqin Xuanya would keep that secret for him and not let her imagination run wild.

　　At that moment, Ling’e had already flown on a cloud to the periphery of the Pill Chamber. Xiong Lingli carried the Thunder Hammer that had a purple halo and ran to the periphery of the array formation.

　　Clearly, they had been alarmed by the heavenly might just now. However, they were currently trapped outside the array formation and could not approach the place.

　　Li Changshou pondered for a while and gave Ling’e some instructions. Ling’e immediately nodded and agreed.

　　At that moment, Ling’e was already familiar with Xiong Lingli. She told Xiong Lingli that her senior brother was only cultivating. Then, she brought Xiong Lingli back to the straw hut by the lake.

　　Li Changshou carefully thought of some words he could say and tried to analyze Youqin Xuanya’s thoughts.

　　When everything was settled, Li Changshou opened his eyes and looked at Youqin Xuanya, who was meditating in the moonlight.

　　As if sensing Li Changshou’s gaze, Youqin Xuanya opened her eyes. Her eyelashes were curled and her dimples were shallow.

　　What Li Changshou did not understand was… the fact that her eyes were much brighter at that moment than when she arrived.

　　“Junior Sister Youqin…”

　　“Senior Brother Changshou, you don’t have to say anything else. I understand!”

　　Li Changshou did not manage to catch his breath. He nearly fell onto the .meditation cushion

　　What do you know?

　　What does she know?

　　“No, Junior Sister Youqin, you don’t understand…”

　　“Senior Brother, I understand.”

　　“You really don’t know.” Li Changshou hurriedly said, “Junior Sister Youqin, actually, I’ve always wanted to say something, but I just can’t say it out loud.”

　　Youqin Xuanya pursed her lips and said with a serious expression, “Senior Brother Changshou, just say it. I’ll remember everything you say.”

　　Li Changshou lectured earnestly, “There are some things that need to be said directly and we have to be honest with each other. Only then can we understand each other’s thoughts. Don’t guess too much. You have to ask more.”

　　Youqin Xuanya thought about it seriously and nodded.

　　“I understand what you said, Senior Brother. Today, I shall be honest with you.”

　　Li Changshou nodded slowly. That’s more like it…

　　Let’s just come clean with each other. Let’s not meet. It would be too easy for others to misunderstand us.

　　Just as he was about to speak, Youqin Xuanya spoke first.

　　“Senior Brother, after I returned, I thought about it for a long time. I kept questioning myself and destroying the illusion in my heart. Now, my Dao heart is firm and I understand what I want. Since you want us to be honest with each other, then Senior Brother, I’ll say it…”

　　Could it be that…

　　Should I ask her to say it before I reject her, or should I just tell her not to say it? Thoughts raced through Li Changshou’s mind and he quickly made a safe choice.

　　Youqin Xuanya took a deep breath and spoke almost at the same time as Li Changshou.

　　“Senior Brother, I will work hard to catch up to you in terms of cultivation!”

　　He interjected, “Please allow me to reject. I admire the Great Dao wholeheartedly. I have no intention of getting a Dao companion…”

　　“Huh?”

　　The two of them looked at each other. Li Changshou’s lips twitched and he couldn’t help but cover his eyes with one hand.

　　Toxic Junior Sister, why are you panting for no reason!?!

　　Youqin Xuanya blinked her eyes. Her pretty face suddenly turned red. She subconsciously looked away and looked at the moonlight beside her. She squeezed out a hint of annoyance between her thin lips.

　　“Senior Brother, what are you thinking about…”

　　“This is a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding.”

　　Li Changshou swept his sleeve and his expression returned to normal. He said calmly, “Junior Sister Youqin, don’t take it to heart. I thought you were going to talk about that. Yes, I was too confident.”

　　“That’s not the case. Senior Brother, you didn’t misunderstand.”

　　Youqin Xuanya looked at Li Changshou again and said, “Actually, I admire you very much. However… what I saw tonight made me understand the difference between you and me. Senior Brother, the immortal power that your paper effigy displayed just now is more than a hundred times more brilliant than my current immortal power! Although I did not understand your cultivation level, I was standing beside the paper effigy that you had destroyed. The only feeling I had in my heart was that I’m tiny and helpless. At that moment, I suddenly understood that Senior Brother, you are the true expert.”

　　Li Changshou said, “I was also thinking about that…”

　　“Senior Brother, can you listen to me and let me finish?”

　　“Okay, sorry. I shouldn’t have interrupted you.”

　　Youqin Xuanya’s smile became gentler as she continued, “Senior Brother, I will be in seclusion for ten years to stabilize my Dao heart. At this moment, my heart is in a mess. I have more or less understood what you and the Sect Leader talked about just now. Recalling the first time we met in the North Continent, I realized that I had received too much care from you. Senior Brother, you do not want the sect to know that you are hiding your cultivation level. I shall swear a Dao oath here. If others find out about this, I will be punished by the heavens!”

　　A muffled thunder rumbled outside the cloud. The oath was validated.

　　Youqin Xuanya took a deep breath and stood up.

　　Li Changshou felt guilty for some reason and stood up as well. “Senior Brother.” Youqin Xuanya said, “Can I ask you two questions?”.

　　“Junior Sister, please ask.”

　　Youqin Xuanya asked, “When the Immortal Du Sect was attacked that day, were the three volunteers who saved the Immortal Du Sect, your paper effigies?”.

　　Li Changshou nodded slowly. “Yes.”

　　“Senior Brother, don’t worry. I will keep this a secret… Also, after we used the Earth Meridian Teleportation Array that day, a Heaven Immortal attacked. Did you purposely make us faint and then fight the enemy alone?”

　　Li Changshou nodded again and said, “Yes.”

　　Youqin Xuanya immediately bowed and said firmly, “On behalf of the disciples of my generation, I’d like to thank you for saving us, Senior Brother!”

　　Li Changshou raised his hand and supported her. He smiled and said, “I’m also a disciple of the Immortal Du Sect. However, I can’t reveal my true cultivation level because of some reasons that I can’t tell you now…”

　　“I understand,” Youqin Xuanya said softly. Her eyes were filled with joy and her lips were curled into a smile. Her long hair fluttered.

　　She stood in the moonlight like a flawless goddess statue. She was otherworldly and untainted.

　　Youqin Xuanya sighed softly and said to Li Changshou, “After my Immortal Ascension, I thought that I would be able to wait for you on the way. I never thought that you had always been ahead of me. I’ve never seen your back view. From now on, you will still be my guiding lamp. Senior Brother, you will be the role model for me to cultivate hard. I have finished saying everything that I’ve been keeping in my heart. If you have nothing to tell me, I will take my leave and go into seclusion to cultivate.”

　　Li Changshou nodded with a smile and said, “If there are any questions regarding cultivation, you can come and find me. I will answer them all for you.”

　　“Yes.” Youqin Xuanya nodded with a smile and said, “But I want to see Senior Brother’s back with my own abilities. Senior Brother, I’ll go back first.”

　　Li Changshou bowed and Youqin Xuanya bowed as well.

　　Then, she turned around and left the Pill Chamber with light footsteps.

　　Li Changshou walked towards the Pill Chamber with his hands behind his back and watched Youqin Xuanya leave.

　　“She’s smart.”

　　He did not even need to deceive her. She had already sworn the Dao oath herself.

　　The Sect Leader’s disciples are indeed powerful. However…

　　“Junior Sister, can you come back for a while? Let’s discuss some details about the Great Dao oath, shall we?”