Jueyangzi had never experienced it either, and laughed, "My master told me that the pleasure of romantic love is far inferior to the joy of cultivating the Way. I believe him. What do you think is more enjoyable, love or cultivating the Way?"

Scholar Zhu and Black Pot's gazes fell on Liu Daoist.

Liu Daoist had profound Daoist skill, immense cultivation, and extraordinary insight. For days, they stood guard together at the Goddess Temple, discussing Daoist skills with Liu Daoist and gaining much. They admired him greatly.

Liu Daoist smiled and said, "There is not an ounce of pleasure in romantic love. Like our willows that bloom yellow flowers in spring, they are pollinated by the wind or by insects, then disperse as catkins scattered by the breeze. What joy is there in such love? It is far inferior to cultivating the Way."

Scholar Zhu applauded, laughing, "Daoist Brother, your words resonate with me. I have no love but for cultivation. Every principle I understand, every achievement I attain, every problem I solve, my heart fills with joy. As for romantic love, it is but a low pleasure and best avoided."

"Exactly, exactly," Jueyangzi agreed sincerely.

Black Pot exclaimed excitedly, "Woof woof!"

They all felt a sense of enlightenment, looking at Chen Shi and Little Dun with eyes full of sympathy.

Liu Daoist said, "Love is but a foul stench; only the Dao is truly fragrant! Chen Zhenwang, consumed by love, struggles to grasp the true essence of the Way; his Daoist practice will never match ours."

Jueyangzi, Scholar Zhu, and Black Pot all nodded.

Scholar Zhu said, "But it's strange, Little Dun hasn't shown up for a long time. This is the first time in the past six months."

As he spoke, Jueyangzi and Black Pot also felt it was odd.

Little Dun is a fragment of the Fairy's memory; they often alternated between meditation, one awakening while the other slept. But for over half a year, the Fairy was the only one to appear, Little Dun never did.

They suspected the Fairy's injuries had healed, turning Little Dun into a mere memory that would no longer manifest. Yet now, Little Dun appeared while the Fairy slept, disrupting their understanding!

Jueyangzi suddenly asked, "Do you think this Little Dun could actually be the Fairy?"

Scholar Zhu and Black Pot were stunned.

Jueyangzi blinked and said, "I mean, if the Fairy's injuries healed, Little Dun became a memory, then is it possible that this Little Dun is indeed the Fairy herself, intentionally pretending to be Little Dun, acting close with the True King?"

Scholar Zhu hesitated, "It is possible... Black Pot, you can see into people's hearts, can you tell if she is the Fairy or Little Dun?"

Black Pot immediately stood up, fixing his gaze on Little Dun.

Little Dun was engaged with Chen Shi in affectionate whispers, but seemed to sense something, eyes suddenly opening, sharp and sweeping over.

Black Pot trembled, letting out a muffled groan.

Liu Daoist quickly stood in front to shield it from harm.

Black Pot retracted his gaze, as man, ghost, demon, and dog gathered, whispering together.

"Woof, woof woof woof!"

The three of them were astounded.

Jueyangzi murmured, "The Fairy disguises as Little Dun to seduce the True King, leading him astray, a sinister presence in the harem. I must inform the True King, lest he falls!"

He leapt to his feet but was restrained by Liu Daoist. Jueyangzi struggled, "Let me go, Daoist Brother! The True King, innately wise, is now ensnared by a woman; he cannot be led astray!"

Black Pot said, "Woof woof!"

Jueyangzi was stunned, hesitating, "You mean to say, the True King knows Little Dun is the Fairy, yet pretends not to know?"

Black Pot nodded.

Jueyangzi looked bewildered, then after a moment shook his head, "They play such games. Love is indeed less fascinating than cultivating the Way."

"Indeed it is," Scholar Zhu and Liu Daoist nodded in agreement, "Why not cultivate the Way?"

They looked at Chen Shi and Little Dun, and found that at some point, Chen Shi and Little Dun had changed positions. Earlier, Little Dun lay on Chen Shi's lap, now Chen Shi lay on Little Dun's lap. Little Dun was cleaning Chen Shi's ears, both laughing and talking softly.

"Nothing but foul words," said Scholar Zhu.

Jueyangzi said sorrowfully, "His Majesty the True King has fallen!"

"Little Ten!"

From below the Yellow Earth Slope came Granny Sha's voice; Chen Shi hurried off Little Dun's lap, looking down to see Sha Qiutong holding Xiang Tianyu's hand, standing below the slope.

Chen Shi ran down the slope, laughing, "Aunt Qiutong, what's the matter?"

Six years had passed since Chen Shi rescued Xiang Tianyu, yet Xiang Tianyu remained the same small child as before, not having grown at all.

Sha Qiutong smiled, "When are you planning to go to the Immortal City?"

Chen Shi gazed deeply at her and Xiang Tianyu, "Are you looking to avenge?"

Sha Qiutong smiled unwaveringly, "The enemy who took my son's life, this vengeance must be sought."

Xiang Tianyu nervously clutched her hand, shaking it. Sha Qiutong said, "Do not worry, Tianyu, Mother will not do anything foolish. But the Young Master of the Yan Family who led you to the Buddhist Hell to steal the Three-Life Stone, causing your peril, this grudge, your mother will avenge for you! Little Ten, I regard you as my own son. Your brother's enmity, can you stand by and watch?"

Chen Shi nodded, "Rest assured, Aunt. I will see that you take revenge personally."

Sha Qiutong asked, "When do you depart?"

Chen Shi laughed, "Aunt Qiutong, be patient. We'll wait for some more people."

At this point, the voice of Nannan rang out, "The Bureau is prepared, Chen Demon Emperor, when do you set off?"

Sha Qiutong looked to see Nannan carrying the large toad towards them, with short arms and legs, walking energetically.

Chen Shi was invigorated, smiling, "Everyone is here! Let's depart now!"

He whistled loudly as a cart swiftly emerged from the forest, stopping with a whistle beside them.

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