Immortal Father
Chapter 984 - 984 343 Grabbing the Dragon and Pinching the Phoenix

984: Chapter 343: Grabbing the Dragon and Pinching the Phoenix 984: Chapter 343: Grabbing the Dragon and Pinching the Phoenix The strategy for the Roc Bird’s conquest was progressing rather smoothly.

For seven consecutive days, Li Ping’an visited the temple where the Roc Bird was imprisoned every dusk, sharing drinks and meat with the bird and discussing aspirations.

Whether the Roc Bird was originally a Phoenix Clan youth with ideals, Li Ping’an had no clue;

but now, the Roc Bird’s gaze had become clear and determined, with a new depth of contemplation.

These alone, of course, were far from enough.

Li Ping’an couldn’t be certain whether the Roc Bird was just putting on a show for him; nor did he dare to blindly trust the binding effect of ‘responsibility’ and ‘collective’ on these ancient Great Powers.

To be safe, Li Ping’an used the power of the Heavenly Dao for the first time to indoctrinate a creature.

In essence, it was similar to how the Heavenly Dao recruits its slaves; only everything was led by Li Ping’an and carried out progressively.

——With such a Great Divine Communicator, one could only proceed step by step.

By the eighth day, the Roc Bird’s gaze towards Li Ping’an was quite different from the first day.

It held an indefinable tenderness.

Li Ping’an himself was a bit baffled.

This transformation by the Heavenly Dao even changed a creature’s personality?

The Roc Bird sat beneath the Dragon-Pillar, its plucked bald head shining, adding a serene grandeur to its bearing.

All that was missing was its hands coming together in prayer and a Treasure Wheel appearing behind its head, declaring “The sea of suffering is boundless; turning back is the shore.”

Li Ping’an glanced at Zi Yao Xianzi, who followed behind him, and she appeared somewhat puzzled as well.

Zi Yao whispered: “I didn’t take any further action…

Could it be that this fellow has truly had an epiphany?”

“Quick,” Li Ping’an communicated back, “send someone directly from the Jade Pool to bring over my father.

The task of ideological reform should still be left to him; I’m really out of my depth here.”

“I’ll arrange it right away.”

Zi Yao gracefully spun half a turn and hid behind a column at the temple entrance, shifting her focus to the Jade Pool.

Li Ping’an stepped forward with his hands behind his back into the front hall, and a maid who had been waiting moved a table and chairs into place, set with fine wines and dishes.

The Roc Bird smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I have grasped the meaning of my existence between heaven and earth, you really don’t have to go to such lengths.”

“No, what you have realized is still not profound enough.”

Li Ping’an declared seriously:

“Today, let us not talk about these matters; instead, let’s share some anecdotes from our respective pasts.

“This is both an assessment and a tempering.

Come, let’s each recount one childhood memory that has made the deepest impression on us.”

The Roc Bird paused, then instead of pondering whether to proceed, its gaze began to reveal a look of reminiscence.

“The most profound memory would have to be chasing and frolicking with my older brother under that year’s sunset amidst the evening glow…”

The Roc Bird was quite moving in its storytelling.

Li Ping’an listened intently, and in a trance, he saw gentle hands, like those of a maiden, slowly reaching out around the Roc Bird, gradually enveloping it.

Strands of the power of the Heavenly Dao wrapped like ribbons around the white jade arms connected by these hands.

Later, he saw majestic Immortal Palaces wrapped in clouds, where many fairies danced in the sky, their sashes fluttering, garments whipping in the wind.

Strange yet fascinating.

A drop of cold sweat beaded on Li Ping’an’s forehead and quickly evaporated.

‘Using the power of the Heavenly Dao to control hearts is taboo.’

‘But the Roc Bird is too strong, and there are no constraints that can hold its Primordial Spirit, so this last resort had to be taken.’

‘Let’s hope I haven’t opened a Pandora’s box…

Such an act should not become the norm.’

…

Half a day later.

Li Dazhi was secretly sent to the Misty Realm by a Qingluan Bird not shrouded in light.

Li Ping’an met hurriedly with his father, quickly explained the situation of the Golden-Winged Roc Bird, and his goal to recruit the Roc Bird for the service of the Heavenly Court.

Feeling the fighting spirit ignite within him, Minister of Wealth Li Dazhi pounded his chest in assurance to Li Ping’an, promising that given enough time, he would cultivate a progressive youth of the Desolate Era for the Heavenly Court.

Thus, the heavy responsibility of eagle-training fell upon the shoulders of Li Dazhi.

Li Ping’an felt a peculiar sense of calm in his heart.

After all, in his mind, although his father was not all-powerful, he was indeed quite adept at beguiling people.

Two days passed, and as Li Ping’an came to the temple, he saw from afar a large number of Heavenly Soldiers surrounding the temple, and cheers echoed from within.

Confused, he approached and his forehead was lined with irritation.

Good gracious, his father Li Dazhi had brought a group of Heavenly Court officials, all with their Dao Realms and Primordial Spirits sealed, staying in the backyard of the temple within a compelling high-pressure formation, accompanying the Roc Bird burdened with invisible chains…

Playing a game of cuju.

Banners bright and bold were hung upon the temple walls:

[Proactively reform, face the issues, purify the heart and change the appearance, enjoy a new life as a bird].

[Deeply recognize one’s own mistakes, positively confront yesterday’s crimes].

[Preserve this body for tomorrow, our generation should pave the way, striving for the construction of a beautiful new Desolate Era].

[If you’re dissatisfied with this world, change it, instead of wallowing in self-pity like a coward].

Listening to the Roc Bird and the jubilant laughs of a group of Immortals, Li Ping’an did not forward to disturb them, turning around to fly back to his own chamber to diligently pursue dual cultivation.

Two days later.

Li Ping’an worried that his father might neglect the business affairs of the East Continent, so he decided to inquire and just as he neared the temple, he discovered it was filled with boys and girls.

These youngsters all shared the same identity—Dao Soldiers of the ‘Transformation’ from the Western Sect.

As time went by, Li Ping’an’s first batch of Heavenly Soldiers was about to end their carefree lives in the village and enter the military camp to learn battle formations and accelerate their cultivation.

Clearly, Li Dazhi had transferred a batch of potential Heavenly Soldiers to join the Roc Bird in a lecture here…

Li Ping’an listened secretly for a while.