In the Venus Palace, behind two chairs, two figures sat on the ground, unpacking surrounding gift boxes while discussing rather serious topics.

When Youqin Xuanya had come earlier, only one layer of isolation formation was activated around the great hall.

With the Jade Emperor’s avatar Wei Shenmo present, the entire hall’s formations were at full power – isolation formations, outer protective formations, illusion formations… various types too numerous to count, all crystallizations of the Heavenly Court immortals’ hard work.

“…Someone from the Western Religion appeared?”

“That person’s cultivation and divine abilities should be quite strong. When speaking to my avatar Qin Tianzhu, his first words were, ‘Could you spare this poor Daoist half an incense stick’s time?'”

Wei Shenmo shook his head, mouth twisted: “I’d like to give him three sticks of pure incense.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “This should be the Western Religion wanting to negotiate an alliance with Your Majesty to scheme against the Dao Gate’s Enlightenment and Severing Sects.

Currently, Your Majesty controls the trajectory of the great catastrophe. Later during the Purple Void Palace discussion, Your Majesty’s words will be extremely important. The Western Religion can only curry favor with the Heavenly Court now.”

Wei Shenmo pondered for a moment before cursing: “These profit-seeking villains, where were they when our Heavenly Court was declining before?

They competed with the Heavenly Court for the Dragon Tribe, incited demon tribes to oppose the Heavenly Court, created obstacles everywhere, hindered the Heavenly Court’s rise, and were even willing to harm mortals for their prosperity.

This Western Religion, hmph, is already a sunken ship and rotted wood, corrupt to the bone.”

Li Changshou hummed in thought before saying: “Actually, there’s no need to be angry.

The river of time flows forward, unimpeded by external forces. Without the gradual elimination of old things, there can be no progress forward.

The ways of ancient times are no longer viable today.

If this great catastrophe is destined to kill and injure many experts, for this heaven and earth, it should eliminate those forces that still don’t understand the need for change.”

“What you say is indeed correct, Changgen,” Wei Shenmo smiled, his eyes full of emotion. “These fellows from the Western Religion are of varying quality, acting without principles, let alone accepting restraints.

The Enlightenment Sect values propriety and upright reputation, which is beneficial to heaven and earth. The Severing Sect also has some troubles…

Changgen, there’s something I’ve wanted to discuss with you for a long time, but didn’t know how to bring it up.

Today, why don’t you guess what I’m thinking? If you can guess correctly, I’ll give you a nice treasure as a gift, how about that?”

Li Changshou: Why does it feel like this ruler-minister friendship is gradually changing nature?

Be serious, be serious.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment before saying: “Your Majesty must be worried whether I will let personal feelings interfere with the great catastrophe.”

“Correct,” Wei Shenmo sighed, “I don’t mind these things.

With the great catastrophe ahead and divine positions here, I understand that this catastrophe will certainly require Dao Gate experts to fill the Heavenly Court positions. I just don’t know how it will proceed – the Purple Void Palace meeting should make it clear.

However, Changgen, your answer is too general.”

Wei Shenmo smiled and said: “The gift I want to give you is quite extraordinary. If you don’t show some of your good stuff from your belly, I won’t give it away so easily.”

Li Changshou thought carefully before saying slowly:

“Your Majesty wants to test whether I can make objective and fair judgments between the Enlightenment and Severing Sects.

Indeed, the Severing Sect immortals value righteousness and treat fellow disciples as siblings, making them more likely to inspire goodwill.

Enlightenment Sect immortals have more constraints and rules, and their disciples mostly have deep schemes. Compared to Severing Sect immortals, they more easily provoke others’ antipathy.

But from the Heavenly Court’s perspective, or rather from the standpoint of one controlling the great catastrophe, we cannot show bias toward the Severing Sect just because they value emotion and righteousness.

Compared to the Enlightenment Sect, the Severing Sect has too many disciples and harbors many karmic-burdened beings. Those destined for catastrophe must be numerous.

Your Majesty need not worry about this matter.”

As he spoke, Li Changshou sighed softly.

“Between the Dao Gate and Western Religion, I naturally stand with the Dao Gate;

But in this great catastrophe, facing the Enlightenment and Severing Sects, I will only stand from the perspective of a Human Path disciple, seeking more capable people for the Heavenly Court while finding ways to minimize overall losses for the Dao Gate.

Otherwise… I wouldn’t have spent so many years considering countermeasures.”

Wei Shenmo raised his hand to pat Li Changshou’s shoulder, smiling:

“You’ve had it tough.

However, regarding this matter, even the several Saint Senior Brothers have no solution – you shouldn’t worry too much about it.

There’s something you may not know – although Saints are nearly omnipotent, they must operate within Heaven’s rules. When accepting the Primordial Purple Qi, they became unable to leave Heaven’s sequence.

This great catastrophe has one level of major sects competing, one level of Saints competing, and a deeper level of beings competing with heaven and earth.

Naturally, regarding these matters, your understanding must be more profound than mine.

As long as you understand, whatever decision you make later, even if I don’t understand, I will try my best to cooperate – just explain a bit afterward.

Here.”

Pausing his words, Wei Shenmo took out a golden scroll from his sleeve and pressed it into Li Changshou’s arms.

“This Emperor can’t give you much, but this was squeezed out from within Heaven’s sequence.

Niece Cloud Maiden is a good woman, quite compatible with you.”

Li Changshou froze, slowly opening the scroll as dense Heaven’s power rushed forth. The huge Imperial Seal was extremely eye-catching, but the content was simple…

‘Upon investigation, Cloud Maiden is of pure conduct, pure Dao heart, and righteous foundation, being an excellent primordial being, making many contributions to the Three Realms’ righteousness and heaven and earth’s stability.

Cloud Maiden is exempted from all karmic obstacles, receives Heaven’s protection, becomes a blessed immortal of the Heavenly Court, is not included in the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe, is not bound by the Heaven’s Book of Deity Investiture, is not harmed by the Deity-Striking Whip, and is personally exempt from catastrophic fate entanglement.’

Li Changshou stood up and made a deep Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The Emperor sighed: “This is also to keep you, Changgen, from entering the catastrophe. Seeing today’s situation, if Cloud Maiden were really to face catastrophe, I fear you could even balance Heaven’s Way itself.”

Then, Li Changshou sighed inwardly, his gaze somewhat complex.

Putting this ‘exemption decree’ into his sleeve, Li Changshou sat back in his original position.

The ruler and minister looked at each other, each seeming to have words stuck at the tips of their tongues, both knowing they couldn’t speak too clearly, finally just sharing two light laughs.

At this moment, Li Changshou also finally confirmed one thing.

The decree mentioned two treasures that shouldn’t be known at this time – the [Heaven’s Book of Deity Investiture] and the [Deity-Striking Whip].

This Jade Emperor had long known the details of the great catastrophe, yet remained silent, quietly waiting for the Purple Void Palace Saints’ discussion of the deity investiture matter.

Being chosen by the Dao Ancestor as ruler of the Three Realms was certainly not just because of the connection as ‘Dao Ancestor’s boy.’

Rather, the Dao Ancestor had already chosen the ruler of the Three Realms, merely keeping him by his side to temper his heart nature and wait for the right moment, planning from ancient times until today.

Those who underestimated this Heavenly Emperor were truly the foolish ones.

Wei Shenmo said: “Now that the Western Religion wants to beg for mercy, let’s string them along and adapt according to circumstances during the Purple Void Palace discussion.

The next several decades should be relatively peaceful in the primordial world and Three Thousand Worlds.

Changgen, what else does the Heavenly Court need to do?”

“No need to do too much, just continue expanding the army and recruiting experts.”

Li Changshou said seriously, “Your Majesty arranged today’s ceremony intending to investigate the relationship between the various Dao Gate sects and the disciples of the three Dao Gate sects, right?

I’ve been considering this matter before as well, but the conclusion isn’t optimistic.”

“Oh…” Wei Shenmo’s eyes flashed with brilliant light, “That’s right, exactly!”

Li Changshou: …

Well, if he hadn’t thought of it, so be it.

Wei Shenmo pondered carefully for a moment before asking: “But Changgen, what do we need so many celestial soldiers for?

Even with a million celestial soldiers, facing experts above the Grand Luo realm, if they don’t care about karmic obstacles, it would just be a matter of waving their sleeves.”

Li Changshou said seriously: “The significance of the Heavenly Court’s rapid military expansion lies in establishing a stable order for the future. This is key to whether the Heavenly Court can truly prosper and avoid being controlled by major sects in the future.”

“Wait.”

Wei Shenmo frowned with thick eyebrows and wide eyes, suddenly laughing and cursing:

“You rascal, you were indeed hiding something! Why didn’t you mention these things before?

Could it be that my giving this decree as a gift was also within your calculations? If I hadn’t produced this exemption decree, you were planning to use these strategies to pressure this Emperor?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Your Majesty shouldn’t think of this minor deity as so calculating.”

“I take it back, return the decree! We’ll see about giving it to you again later!”

Li Changshou’s figure flashed three zhang away, smiling awkwardly: “Even mortals have the saying ‘a ruler’s word cannot be taken back.’ Your Majesty as Heavenly Emperor, how could you go back on your word?”

“You kind-faced Changgen thief!”

Wei Shenmo laughed and cursed: “Quick, explain. If you can’t satisfy this Emperor, I’ll revoke the decree later and nullify that previous exemption decree.”

“Your Majesty rest assured, I’ll explain everything clearly.”

Li Changshou chuckled, maintaining his young Daoist appearance while cautiously arranging another barrier around them.

“Today this minor deity will explain to Your Majesty all the follow-up to the Twelve Strategies from back then, helping the Heavenly Court achieve complete prosperity.

Let’s start with today’s matters.

Your Majesty understands many details of the great catastrophe but perhaps cannot speak of them now… what I’m about to say is all my speculations and guesses. If I happen to guess correctly, Your Majesty should pretend not to have heard.”

Wei Shenmo waved his hand, and golden light rippled around them as Heaven’s power enveloped the area.

“Speak freely.”

Li Changshou organized his thoughts, pacing to the side for a moment before speaking:

“After the Purple Void Palace meeting, the Central Divine Continent and Eastern Victory Divine Continent will certainly fall into chaos.

The Western Religion has only three to six strategic directions, which I’ve all listed out. The most probable is using the three Dao sects’ religious sects.

The three religious sects have countless connections with the three sects’ disciples and also relate to the three sects’ overall strength and reputation.

The Western Religion will certainly secretly fan the flames, using the attacks between the two religious sects in the Central Divine Continent to make the Severing and Enlightenment Sects gradually oppose each other, accumulating mutual hatred.

Human hearts cannot be controlled. Although the Severing Sect’s Saint disciples are numerous, compared to the Qi practitioners of the Central Divine Continent and Three Thousand Worlds, they’re still a very, very small number.

In other words, this matter will certainly happen – only the timing and scale are uncertain.

If the Enlightenment and Severing Sects become incompatible as fire and water, the Western Religion can take the opportunity to align with the Enlightenment Sect, thereby achieving their goal of jointly targeting the Severing Sect and safely passing through the great catastrophe.

The Western Religion doing this aligns with Heaven’s expectations for the great catastrophe – namely, reducing the power of living beings.”

Wei Shenmo nodded slowly and said: “Then, what should we do?”

Li Changshou continued:

“Just as mentioned before, expand the celestial army – we can only expand the celestial army.

Taking advantage of the Central Divine Continent falling into chaos, the Heavenly Court can more conveniently pacify some Golden Immortal realm experts, quickly strengthening the celestial army’s power.

The Heavenly Court belongs to Heaven’s Way. The Heavenly Court’s immortals and army will not only not be listed as ‘burdens on heaven and earth,’ but will instead be treated as forces stabilizing heaven and earth.

From the perspective of heaven and earth’s stability, the faster the Heavenly Court develops in this great catastrophe, and the more powerful it becomes, the fewer beings will need to die and be injured in the great catastrophe.

— Of course, this is for Heaven’s Way to decide.

Once the Heavenly Court’s military strength grows to a certain degree, cooperating with the Immortal Alliance or Approaching Heaven Palace’s power, we can intervene at any time to restore order, stabilize the situation in one move, and establish heaven and earth’s order in the Central Divine Continent.”

Wei Shenmo’s eyes were full of divine light as he asked: “What kind of order?”

“Immortal sects respecting the Heavenly Court’s commands and accepting the Heavenly Court’s constraints!

Between the Central Divine Continent and Southern Jambu Continent, establish Heavenly Court checkpoints, erect Heaven’s walls, and restrict the paths for immortals to enter the mortal realm.

Then coordinate with the development of the Shang tribe in the Southern Jambu Continent, which has already received Heaven’s mandate. Wait for the Shang tribe to unify the prosperous regions of the Southern Jambu Continent, sweeping away those national rulers and nobles who extend their lifespans using immortal medicines.

The immortal contract I established with the Shang tribe leader back then can fully take effect.

With this two-pronged approach, we can let mortal humans completely break free from exploitation by immortal forces!

But Your Majesty must remember to preserve the path for mortals to seek immortality in the north. Don’t sever the mortals’ path of ascension – only this way can we ensure the Heavenly Court and the human race’s fortunes don’t become disconnected.

At that time, if immortal sects want to accept disciples, they must apply to the Heavenly Court before entering the Southern Jambu Continent to select good disciples.

If demons cause trouble in the mortal realm, cultivators can still eliminate demons and earn Heaven’s merits.

By then, the Central Divine Continent’s many immortal sects will continuously provide immortal disciples as a source for the Heavenly Court’s army. With the celestial army complete and mighty forces in hand, when the three sects’ great catastrophe descends and divine positions are filled, the Heavenly Court will achieve complete prosperity from then on!

Immortals and mortals can be separated without severing heaven and earth’s connection!”

Wei Shenmo clapped and laughed heartily, pondering carefully before asking: “What about the Three Thousand Worlds?

Although Southern Continent mortals are the foundation of heaven and earth’s fortune, the beings in the Three Thousand Worlds are also beings. With less fortune, they should still be essentially the same.

Moreover, there are those incense fire divine countries, many hidden demons, and various immortal sects occupying territories as kings…”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Your Majesty should be clearer than this minor deity about what second-rank divine positions there are.”

“You mean the Four Sovereign Emperors?”

“Once the Heavenly Court stabilizes the order of the Five Continents, the Three Thousand Worlds are just a matter of time, only differing in form.”

Li Changshou paused his words, staring at Wei Shenmo and saying softly:

“Your Majesty, this minor deity is a Human Path disciple, also from a Dao Gate immortal sect background.

Some of these strategies conflict with the Dao Gate’s interests, but benefit heaven and earth, living beings, and the future Dao Gate.

Please have Your Majesty always remember those words you spoke in the cabin when we were touring the Western Sea.

The authority over heaven and earth, the Three Realms, and all beings will be in Your Majesty’s hands. If Your Majesty’s thoughts deviate, beings will surely suffer disaster.”

Wei Shenmo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes full of emotion, looking at Li Changshou with quite complex feelings.

He smiled and said: “With Changgen always by my side, I surely won’t go down the wrong path.”

Li Changshou smiled warmly but didn’t say more on the matter.

He, after all, cultivated the fruit of non-action.

…