Chapter 118: Xiaoqiongfeng's Specialty, Ambition Pill

Chapter 118: Xiaoqiongfeng's Specialty, Ambition Pill

"Isn't a Dao companion just a partner in cultivation? Since when did being a Dao companion equate to being married? Is it not enough to wholeheartedly pursue the Great Dao? Is it not acceptable to seek a quiet and peaceful cultivation? Is it not?"

In the Dan Chamber of Xiaoqiongfeng, Jiu Wu's face was slightly flushed as he sat there repeatedly tapping the table, emitting suppressed roars.

In the midst of the banquet, Jiu Wu sat at the head, with his sixth junior sister Jiu Luer and seventh junior brother Jiu Qi by his side; Jiu Jiu was naturally present as well, but at the moment, he was sitting with Li Changshou and Ling E, seeming more like the host entertaining guests.

Jiu Luer appeared to be a charming and graceful fairy, exuding a delicate and gentle aura; She seemed to have an affinity for the color green, dressed in a light green soft fragrant skirt with a grass-green jacket on top, adorned with hairpins carved from translucent jade; Jiu Luer was of medium height, with a figure somewhere between graceful and delicate, somewhat similar to Jiu Jiu but not quite as refined; On her slightly round face, there were willow-shaped eyebrows, apricot eyes, thin lips, and a slender white neck...

At first glance, she gave off a very gentle vibe, and when she spoke, it was in a soft and gentle voice, neither fast nor slow, as if speaking loudly to her would be considered rude.

As for Jiu Qi beside her... well... The two of them were naturally worried about their fifth senior brother and came together to attend the banquet.

After downing two cups of liquor, Jiu Luer whispered, "Fifth Senior Brother, what's going on between you and Fourth Senior Sister?"

So, Jiu Wu opened up and started venting at the table.

Both Jiu Luer and Jiu Qi frowned in silence; Meanwhile, Li Changshou, the main culprit, kept comforting Jiu Wu, pinching his nose and forcefully pouring chicken soup down his throat.

Only Ling E and Jiu Jiu, who had no idea what was going on, looked at each other in confusion...

Ling E knew a little about romantic matters, but not much; As for Jiu Jiu, having been immersed in cultivation for over a thousand years, he understood these things, but because of his lack of experience, he didn't know what had suddenly caused Fifth Senior Brother to be so full of complaints...

The banquet began, filled with Jiu Wu's continuous grumbling. Fortunately, Li Changshou suggested that Jiu Wu should go out for a walk to clear his mind, allowing the four of them to enjoy the food and drink without wasting the delicious dishes on the table.

As they strolled through the Beast Garden, Li Changshou pondered how to remedy the situation. Seeing Jiu Wu's emotions calmed down, Li Changshou asked in a low voice, "Senior Brother Jiu Wu, there's no one else here. I treat you as my senior brother and also a close friend, so what's really going on? You and Senior Sister Jiu Shi have always been deeply in love, haven't you?"

"Sigh!" Jiu Wu sighed, turned his head without saying a word. Li Changshou asked again, "Senior Brother Jiu Wu, is there something... difficult to talk about now?"

"Sigh!" Jiu Wu sighed again, somewhat hesitant to speak.

After pondering for a moment, Li Changshou said in a low voice, "Senior Brother, sometimes, you lack confidence in this aspect. Actually, you're already doing very well. If you're like this, I'm sure I'll be distant from Daoist companionship in the future."

"I..." Jiu Wu paused in his words, chuckled bitterly, and patted his thigh. "Alright, I'll tell you the truth! I don't know why, but I just... I just don't want to be close to women anymore..."

Upon hearing this, Li Changshou immediately stepped back half a step. Jiu Wu was amused by this half-step, scolding, "Don't get any weird ideas! I'm not a Daoist of the Guyang Sect!"

"Yes, yes," Li Changshou naturally made a joke. He also knew where Jiu Wu's problem lay. After a moment of contemplation, Li Changshou said, "Senior Brother, I've heard Master mention the details of your demon-slaying missions. Have you seen the... Hundred Beauties Turning Old painting I drew?"

"Yes, I have," Jiu Wu frowned, "Your painting is just a painting. How could it affect me? After all, I am a true immortal with a stable state of mind."

"It's just that the painting itself wouldn't, but at that time, it seemed like Senior Brother fell under the charm of the fox demon. Your mind was completely defenseless at the time..."

After reminding him a bit, Jiu Wu suddenly realized. "Is that so?"

"It should be," Li Changshou sighed, "This matter originated from the painting I made, although it's the aftermath of that enchantment, but I also have some responsibility in it. Senior Brother, if you trust me, let me try to remedy it."

Jiu Wu furrowed his short and thick eyebrows, "How do you plan to remedy it?"

Li Changshou smiled calmly, clearly confident.

In just a moment, Jiu Wu's spirits were lifted, his eyes full of hope, and he returned to the Dan Chamber banquet; He seemed like a completely different person, constantly inviting everyone to drink and eat, and the atmosphere quickly became lively...

His three junior brothers and junior sisters were naturally puzzled, each at a loss.

Li Changshou did not return with Jiu Wu, but instead, an hour later, he returned to the Dan Chamber, rubbing his temples, and handed a precious pouch to Jiu Wu with great solemnity.

Jiu Wu asked in a low voice, "How many?"

"Thirty-six volumes, in line with the number of Tian Gang."

"Very good! You've done well, nephew!" Jiu Wu immediately smiled.

Seeing Jiu Jiu staring at the precious pouch in his hand, the short Taoist scolded with a smile, "Don't look too much, this isn't something for children like you to see!"

Then, Jiu Wu solemnly put away the pouch and gave Li Changshou a thumbs up. "You are indeed reliable, nephew!"

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Senior Brother, don't forget our previous agreement."

"Of course, come! I'll drink to you, Senior Brother! If this matter succeeds, I will definitely repay you!"

"Senior Brother, there's no need to be so polite. Just remember not to spread it around."

The two of them bantered back and forth, teasing the others around them, but despite the probing from the other four, both of them just smiled without saying a word.

Soon, Jiu Wu left behind his junior brothers and sisters and hurriedly flew away.

Jiu Luer and Jiu Qi also bid farewell and left; After they left, Jiu Jiu stared at Li Changshou and kept asking questions. Li Changshou had no choice but to explain a few words to Jiu Wu.

"Senior Brother Jiu Wu has some health issues, his yang energy is somewhat deficient; So, I gave him some pills and made some pleasing paintings for him to look at."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, that's all."

However, as soon as Li Changshou finished speaking, Ling E, who was tidying up the bowls and chopsticks, suddenly remembered something, and her small hand shook, almost shattering the jade plate.

Li Changshou glanced at her, and Ling E immediately lowered her head, suppressing a smile, and became more efficient in her movements. She remembered the rapid reproduction of the jade frogs...

...

Poto Heaven Peak, the residence of Jiu Zuixian.

Jiu Wu hurriedly flew back and plunged into his attic, taking out two precious pouches; From one pouch, he took out several bottles of pills, and from the other pouch, he took out a stack of delicate scrolls.

In his heart, the short Taoist recalled Li Changshou's instructions. "Senior Brother, remember, take a look at the scrolls first to dispel those images in your mind. Then try taking one of these 'Ambition' pills to see if it works."

"But remember, don't overdose on this medicine. One pill can sharpen your mind, two pills will make you never tire, but three pills could spell trouble," he said, taking a deep breath.

"Longevity nephew, the future of the master is in your hands!" he added in a low voice.

With a sense of solemnity, he slowly unfolded the scroll labeled "壹" and saw two lines of poetry:

"When will the spring flowers and autumn moon cease, how much do the lingering dreams know."

Then the scroll gradually unfurled, depicting indescribable scenes with meticulous brushstrokes.

Gradually, Wine Wu began to feel something as he continued to look, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth...

Half an hour later, he had opened all the scrolls and took another pill, sitting quietly in contemplation.

This time, it only took a moment before Wine Wu stood up abruptly.

His throat trembled, his heart shook, his eyes reddened...

This feeling!

The feeling he had not experienced in more than a dozen years!

"Shi, Shi! I'm okay!" Wine Wu exclaimed.

Quickly, he packed up the pills and scrolls, rushing out of the attic towards his dao companion's dwelling.

Two weeks later.

Wine Wu and Wine Shi came together to express their gratitude at Small Qiongfeng, praising Li Changshou's miraculous healing abilities and compassionate heart.

This incident left Ling E giggling endlessly.

As the Inner Sect Grand Competition approached, Wine Wu brought a magical treasure and two high-quality magical items as gifts;

Li Changshou didn't refuse, knowing Wine Wu was wealthy, and graciously accepted all three items, also giving Wine Wu three large jars of Dragon Poison Wine.

To reinforce the effects and replenish his vitality, Li Changshou noticed Wine Wu appeared slightly drained compared to half a month ago.

This karmic cause and effect, Li Changshou thought, would be resolved here...

The magical treasure was a short sword, which Li Changshou gave to Ling E for self-defense;

The two high-quality magical items, however, Li Changshou kept for himself, planning to use them for research in refining and prohibition later on.

For this sect competition, Li Changshou set a goal for Ling E —

Even if she voluntarily revealed her true cultivation, she should strive to reach the top 108!

This way, Ling E would receive more attention within the sect.

Now, Li Changshou was their trump card at Small Qiongfeng. Whether or not Ling E concealed her abilities didn't matter much.

She just needed to follow the rules outside and avoid causing new trouble.

As for Li Changshou himself, he had no expectations for the sect competition; making it into the top thirty-six would suffice, fighting for more was futile.

Days passed, and the small spirit trees planted before on the mountain were now thriving, providing a steady supply of paper mulberry pulp.

The hardworking old trees were...

Chopped down by firewood.

After all, they knew too much. Killing them after they became spirits would be too cruel.

Now, they were still trees. Cutting them down was peaceful, without pain.

Little Junior Uncle had also been much quieter these past few months, seemingly afraid to disturb Li Changshou and Ling E's cultivation.

And this pair of senior and junior siblings, perhaps the two most stable young disciples before the sect competition;

Whenever they had time, they would discuss how to help their master out of his gloom.

Little Ling E's proposal — to find a dao companion for their master — was also agreed upon by Li Changshou.

But Li Changshou also said that this matter needed to proceed naturally and not be rushed.

So it went, with several more months passing in a hurry.

Each day, the various peaks of the Immortal Rain Sect were filled with streaks of light, and people were constantly preparing for the big event of the sect competition.

This atmosphere was much like a secular festival.

Li Changshou also began to teach Ling E how to handle opponents, sharing some simple tricks to help her advance more easily.

Among this group of disciples, Ling E was the latest to join but not the least talented.

With half a month to go before the competition, the foot of the Broken Sky Peak had already begun to set up the venue, and most of the elders who usually closed themselves off had also awakened, preparing to watch the sect's once-in-two-hundred-years event...

Not only that, but the Immortal Rain Sect had also sent invitations to several sects with good relations in the East Victory Divine Continent, as well as several Taoist sects of the People's Teachings.

The aura of the Golden Immortal Realm Sect Master would occasionally reveal itself.

Li Changshou was also a bit worried, wondering if the Sect Master was still coughing up blood...

Originally, Li Changshou thought that nothing would happen before the competition.

The Immortal Rain Peak seemed to have temporarily forgotten about Kuaixi, the true immortal.

The area around the Immortal Rain Sect had also stabilized, and there was no one plotting anything.

On the side of the Sea God's Religion, the fierce momentum had finally stabilized a bit, and the Dragon Race had also restrained itself, not directly confronting other forces but guarding its own merits.

Li Changshou had now accumulated quite a bit of merit, almost enough to condense a Golden Body of Merit... about the size of a small fingernail...

But what Li Changshou didn't expect was that Wine Wu came flying to Small Qiongfeng with a pile of gifts; Seeing Li Changshou, Wine Wu showed a meaningful smile.

"Longevity, do you still have any of those Vigor Pills?"

Wine Wu asked. Li Changshou frowned. "Senior Brother, you should have plenty of those pills left..."

"It's true that I didn't finish them," Wine Wu looked a bit embarrassed, setting up a soundproof barrier, "but, it's just that, my affair with Shi Shi somehow got known to our master.

He asked about it, and I explained it briefly.

I didn't mention anything about you, and I remember our oath. But, when the master asked me, there were just two elders present, and then one of the elders approached me secretly...

Longevity, you know, after years of cultivation, one's mentality becomes indifferent.

The elders also have dao companions, so naturally, they are worried about this aspect.

I couldn't refuse, so I took out the Vigor Pills...

You can guess what happened next.

Hey!

They really worked!" Wine Wu laughed. Li Changshou couldn't help but sigh and hold his forehead for a while.

Wasn't he in the People's Teachings to cultivate peacefully, to find a backer to support himself, in hopes of plucking the Fruit of Longevity successfully!

Not to open a medicine shop here and sell Vigor Pills, messing up the atmosphere within the sect with some unreliable mage!

Wine Wu chuckled, "Longevity, can you still refine Vigor Pills? What materials do you need? I'll bring them to you immediately!"

"No more," Li Changshou shook his head decisively, "This kind of thing is difficult to refine, and there's definitely no more left."

Wine Wu looked disappointed, whispering, "Really? Then I'll go back and talk to the elders.

Sigh, they had prepared a lot of gifts, and the elder in charge of transmitting techniques even promised that when you ascend, he would reward you with the second volume of the Wuwei Scripture..."

Li Changshou smiled faintly, was he someone who was moved by material things?

Yes. Li Changshou took out six porcelain bottles from his sleeve, "Give these to the elders. There won't be any more after this."

After all, he still had to leave some for the spirit beasts in his beast pen...