In the Celestial Court, before the Palace of Grand White.

Li Changshou sat in a round chair, watching the crowded space before the palace hall. Today’s commotion was for a single purpose – Ao Yi would be attempting his Golden Immortal tribulation.

For those with a dragon bloodline, achieving Golden Immortality wasn’t particularly difficult. Ao Yi, being both a Celestial Court commander and servant of the Heavenly Dao, already held divine status. There was little cause for concern regarding his tribulation.

Nevertheless, exercising his usual caution, Li Changshou had given Ao Yi a pile of his strongest seventh-grade life-saving pills beforehand. The paper clone present also carried a Nine Cycles Golden Pill – if Ao Yi couldn’t withstand the Golden Immortal tribulation, it would be tossed to him immediately.

Thinking about it, the cultivation path of the Dragon Race was indeed much simpler than that of humans.

Human cultivation requires: initiation, obtaining methods, absorbing spiritual energy, abstaining from food, purifying the Dao body, comprehending the Great Dao, building the Dao foundation, accumulating cultivation, and finally achieving immortality and enlightenment.

The vast majority of human cultivators either died in combat or passed away stuck at bottlenecks.

Dragon cultivation was far simpler: awaken bloodline, further awaken bloodline, deeply awaken bloodline, and achieve Golden Immortal longevity!

‘Now you’re a qualified battle dragon of royal bloodline. Keep striving for the Daluo Realm, and you’ll be a qualified candidate for Dragon King.’

This was why the Dragon Race, Phoenix Race, and Qilin Race – representing the “Sea, Sky, and Land” triumvirate – had developed unimpeded for so long in ancient times before gaining the power to break through the primordial world.

Thus, for Ao Yi’s tribulation today, Li Changshou decided to “arrange” a small celebration to boost the Celestial Court’s morale.

Present before the Palace of Grand White were Ao Yi’s wife, the Sea Race Princess Jiang Sier, several dragon princes and elders from the Four Seas, and numerous Celestial Court commanders. All of Ao Yi’s friends had attended, along with various immortals who’d come to join the festivities.

Behind Li Changshou, Princess Longji of the Celestial Court sat with eyes closed in meditation, a flower basket hanging from her wrist containing gifts for Ao Yi.

To Longji’s right stood Golden Peng and Spirit Zhenzhu Child – the former in golden battle armor, the latter in a long cyan robe.

Not far behind, near a jade pillar, a small head peeked out wearing rabbit ear ornaments – the Little Jade Rabbit sent by Immortal Chang’e to deliver congratulatory gifts. This was, of course, Spirit Zhenzhu Child’s good friend.

Speaking of Chang’e, Li Changshou thought of Senior Lang’s “chronicles” and found them increasingly…

This fellow countryman was simply too unrestrained!

It seemed the initial outbreak of the Ancient War between Demons and Celestials occurred because Senior Lang had gone to steal fragrance and jade, and was discovered by the Demon Court.

Then the Demon Emperor had roared in fury: “Who dares intrude upon the Celestial Court?”

A certain Ancestral Shaman had laughed in response: “How could a mere Demon Court restrict our brothers’ comings and goings?”

The Demon Emperor: “By their mother! War begins today! I shall slaughter the entire Shaman Race!”

And thus erupted the First War between Demons and Celestials, leading to widespread devastation.

In Goddess Nüwa’s words, this became “manipulation behind the scenes triggering the Demon-Celestial War”?

This was simply…

A few crude words from the Orthodox Unity teachings caught in Li Changshou’s throat and silently swallowed back.

No wonder Senior Lang became forbidden by the Heavenly Dao!

If these were the things written in the “chronicles,” who knew how many more scandalous acts remained unrecorded!

From this perspective alone, Li Changshou felt the Dao Ancestor had indeed…

Done a fine job.

Just a small criticism from a fellow countryman.

Though from the same homeland, their ideologies didn’t necessarily align, and their values could be worlds apart.

Take handling relationships, for instance. Li Changshou and Yunxiao were now quite compatible, but because Yunxiao faced tribulations ahead, he subconsciously avoided progressing too quickly with her. He wanted to help her overcome her tribulations before discussing small matters like living together.

Some things, Li Changshou couldn’t help but look forward to.

But the timing wasn’t right and conditions weren’t suitable. If he didn’t prioritize Yunxiao’s upcoming tribulations, wouldn’t that clearly show he didn’t want to take responsibility…

Though there were many schemes, they had to be used properly.

Confront those who should be confronted, and calculate what should be calculated – otherwise, karma would surely backfire. This was a great taboo of the Stability School!

From the “chronicles,” Li Changshou could draw a few conclusions for now.

First, unless Senior Lang was exaggerating his importance, he must have encountered the Great God Pangu during the world’s creation.

Senior Lang mentioned a “second consciousness” and “this body’s cultivation being so high.” After much contemplation, Li Changshou determined the most likely sequence of events:

[Due to the shock waves of the world’s creation, Lang descended into the primordial chaos and befriended Great God Pangu. Later, for some reason, he was gravely injured. Either Pangu or Lang himself condensed a new body and nurtured a second consciousness, letting this consciousness cultivate independently while the original consciousness fell into slumber, only awakening much later.]

When the Heavenly Dao destroyed Senior Lang, it likely left nothing behind.

Furthermore, Lang deliberately maintained a distance from Goddess Nüwa, probably fearing retribution after she achieved sainthood… this point was commendable.

The most bizarre aspects of the “chronicles” were in the final entries, revealing Senior Lang’s confusion, bewilderment, and even self-doubt.

Senior Lang’s emotions were clearly somewhat unstable. Connecting this to what Dao Ancestor Hongjun said about Senior Lang inexplicably wanting to destroy the world, things actually lined up…

What exactly did Senior Lang mean by “wrong”?

Li Changshou sat in his round chair lost in thought for a while, until his gaze caught Ao Yi approaching, and he cleared all doubts from his mind.

With insufficient information, no valid conclusions could be drawn.

If future opportunities arose to learn more about [history], he could ponder these past events then.

Ao Yi strode forward quickly.

As a renowned young commander of the Celestial Court, Ao Yi had dressed carefully for today. He wore a dragon-patterned golden cap and helmet, half-body golden chain mail, and a dark battle skirt embroidered with soaring azure dragons that complemented the dragon pearls on his boots.

These were all spiritual treasures, marking the first time since ascending that Ao Yi wore non-standard Celestial Court armor.

After all, today the Second Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace would undergo his tribulation. Though the Dragon King and Queen weren’t present personally, several dragon elders and talents had come. Ao Yi needed to maintain appropriate grandeur.

Maintaining the Dragon Race’s image as a great ancient family!

Reaching the front of the hall, Ao Yi clasped his hands and bowed before Li Changshou, declaring in a clear voice:

“Heavenly River Navy Vice Commander Ao Yi requests to undergo tribulation for Golden Immortal fruition, reporting to Star-Lord!”

Li Changshou stood. Though he appeared as a white-haired, white-browed elder immortal, he still drew the attention of many immortal maidens.

Of course, even more burning gazes came from the celestial soldiers and generals.

Li Changshou helped Ao Yi up, smiling: “We are brothers, no need for such formality.

Today you will challenge the Golden Immortal barrier. Your brother can offer little help beyond what’s already been advised. Now I can only wish you complete success in achieving the Golden Immortal Dao, adding another mighty general to the Celestial Court!”

Ao Yi looked up at Li Changshou, his face – though much more mature than his youth but still carrying traces of refinement – now full of gratitude.

He nodded firmly, then turned to look at Jiang Sier, clasping his hands and flexing his arm at her.

Then he resolutely turned away, leaping up to transform mid-air into a six-hundred-zhang azure dragon, his tail sweeping as he flew a hundred li!

“Husband!”

Jiang Sier chased forward several steps, her beautiful eyes carrying traces of worry.

Li Changshou said: “No need to worry, it’s practically certain.”

Jiang Sier smiled gratefully, her gaze never leaving the azure dragon’s silhouette.

The azure dragon coiled among clouds and mist. Following his Teaching Master brother’s previous instructions, he raised his head and roared:

“I request the Heavenly Dao send down the Golden Immortal tribulation!”

As soon as Ao Yi’s shout ended, several thunderous booms rang out as the weather changed dramatically within a thousand li of the Palace of Grand White!

The sky of the Seventh Heaven was covered by black clouds, extremely dense tribulation power gathering above the azure dragon’s head, forming layers shaped like treasure pagodas!

Nine levels of black pagodas hung truly in heaven, revealing the shadows of three thousand gods and demons!

A certain Severing Sect-trained celestial general couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath:

“Ah? It’s a nine-level Golden Immortal tribulation!”

—Truly, none could match the expertise of immortals trained at the Severing Sect Saint’s domain.

Li Changshou carefully sensed for a moment, his lips curving in a faint smile.

Though this Golden Immortal tribulation was formidable, Ao Yi’s true dragon body was not weak. The success rate was ninety percent… ahem, ninety-seven percent.

The extra point one went to the Dao Ancestor’s moods.

At this moment, Ao Yi didn’t disappoint Li Changshou. As a veteran member of the Stability School, he raised his head and shouted:

“Heavenly River Navy Vice Commander, East Sea Dragon Palace Second Prince, Ao Yi!

Thanks to the Heavenly Dao Lord for taking time from his busy schedule to strike me!”

As soon as his words faded, the lightning tribulation that had been gathering instantly poured down!

Purple-blue interwoven lightning fell like a waterfall, surging with majestic heavenly might, illuminating the celestial palace brilliantly as the azure dragon was completely engulfed!

Jiang Sier unconsciously clenched her delicate fists, biting her lip as she watched this scene with complete concern.

Aooo—

Dragon’s roar penetrated the lightning curtain!

When the lightning dissipated, the azure dragon’s scales showed slight charring, with some areas on his back split open, but his dragon eyes remained filled with determination as he raised his head and growled at the tribulation clouds above.

Again!

Shortly after, lightning flashed once more…

Li Changshou had now returned to his round chair, his lips again showing a smile.

Many celestial generals who had worried whether Ao Yi could endure the Golden Immortal tribulation immediately felt relieved upon seeing the Grand White Star Lord’s expression.

As for those dragons who had come… confident, they had been completely confident from start to finish.

If the Dragon King’s Second Prince couldn’t pass the Golden Immortal tribulation, their Dragon Race might as well stop existing in this world.

Li Changshou noticed these details and tapped his fingers on the chair’s armrest.

The Dragon Race’s corruption lay in those two words – bloodline.

Relying on bloodline power, the Dragon Race had established an internally rigid hierarchical order.

When the East Sea Dragon Eye was breached and the Dragon Race suffered tribulation that time, though that black flood dragon had cracked this order somewhat, it remained incredibly solid.

His teacher had warned him to guard against the Dragon Race’s complacency and arrogance destroying the hard-won situation in the Celestial Court.

This matter required careful consideration.

To the side, Bian Zhuang approached with a lowered head, asking softly: “Star-Lord, may this subordinate… broadcast this scene through the bronze mirror?”

“Naturally,” Li Changshou smiled, “just remember not to speak carelessly.”

“Yes!”

Bian Zhuang agreed cheerfully.

In an instant, over a hundred figures flew into the air, each holding two bronze mirrors at different angles and distances, beginning to broadcast this grand tribulation event!

As the third wave of heavenly tribulation began descending upon Ao Yi, thunder and heavenly fire flew together, dragon blood and spiritual energy splashing in concert.

Li Changshou closed his eyes, leaving part of his consciousness here to observe Ao Yi’s condition, ready to throw the Nine Cycles Golden Pill at any moment, while his remaining consciousness returned to his main body.

His main body opened its eyes in an open forest area on Little Jade Peak.

Ah, it was time for another round of the Heavenly Dao’s special attention.

He understood the rules – ninety-eight percent tribulation punishment.

Now that his Eight-Nine Mysteries Art had reached completion and he had fully absorbed one and a half drops of Ancestral Shaman blood, what was there to fear about being struck by the Dao Ancestor? Others might not even qualify for such treatment!

Moved by this thought, Li Changshou composed an impromptu poem.

[“Taking Beatings”

Anonymous of the Great Wilderness

In childhood, tribulation was a fearsome immortal-roasting machine, life on this end, immortality on that end.

Growing up, tribulation became a treacherous barrier ahead, life on this end, longevity on that end.

Later on, tribulation became streaks of purple divine lightning, life on this end, bottom on that end…

Even suffering can be enjoyed.]

Ao Yi began facing the fourth wave of tribulation!

Li Changshou looked up at the gloomy sky, his lips curving in a faint smile as he cupped his hands toward heaven.

Another wave… Ao Yi began facing the fifth level of tribulation.

Li Changshou’s brow furrowed slightly with tension, feeling the Heavenly Dao was brewing a powerful move. He should prepare more illusion formations this time…

Ao Yi began facing the sixth level of tribulation…

Ao Yi began the seventh level – he charged upward!

With a fearless dragon’s roar, the azure dragon crashed directly into the nine-level black pagoda tribulation clouds. Cyan-blue shock waves rippled far across the horizon, transforming into fierce winds that swept across thousands of li!

Lightning flashed and thunder roared as countless bolts struck at Ao Yi, layers of heavenly fire enveloping the blood-stained azure dragon’s body!

Bathing in lightning and heavenly fire, the dragon’s form struggled mightily, raising his head to release powerful roars, displaying magnificent dominance!

Finally, layers of lightning gathered at the pagoda’s peak, forming a tribulation thunder sphere that combined the powers of lightning, fire, wind, and water. It drained all the tribulation power and pressed down toward Ao Yi.

The azure dragon was bathed in blood, nearly half his scales damaged, yet still showed no fear!

Head raised, claws lifted, his long dragon body stood tall, his whole form trembling as waves of bloodline power surged forth.

I, Ao Yi, grandson of the Dragon Ancestor, son of the Dragon King!

Pioneer of the Dragon Race in the Celestial Court, I have accomplished my great task, but I shall become a pillar of my clan and right-hand assistant to my Teaching Master brother!

Now facing the final level of tribulation, success means soaring high, and failure means destruction, but I shall have no regrets in my path through heaven and earth!

May our Dragon Race prosper eternally!

Aooo—

Ao Yi’s dragon eyes blazed with brilliant light, the reverse scales behind his dragon head radiating purple-red brilliance as his dragon body flew straight up, crashing toward that most powerful tribulation strike!

Transformation!

Ascension!

Undying through a hundred deaths, warrior spirit unextinguished!

In the heaven-shaking thunder blast, Ao Yi’s body was engulfed by lightning. Then tribulation power burst forth in an instant, frantically bombarding every part of Ao Yi’s body as demon fire savagely burned his primordial spirit.

He gritted his teeth and endured, refusing to let out even a whimper of pain. His consciousness grew slightly hazy, but in his heart arose yesterday’s conversation with his Teaching Master brother:

‘In the blink of an eye, you face your Golden Immortal tribulation. I’m not worried about your strength, but I must ask – are there any cracks in your Dao’s heart?’

‘Mm… yes.’

‘Oh? What are they?’

‘A cold-faced old Daoist, a human cultivator… but it doesn’t matter anymore. He could never achieve what I have today.

This time in the Golden Immortal tribulation, Yi will overcome such demon hearts, and definitely won’t disappoint Big Brother.’

‘You can do it! Overcome your obsessions… hahaha, who doesn’t have some shameful past!’

“That old Daoist!”

Within the lightning, the blood-covered Ao Yi suddenly roared, his voice carrying across the entire celestial palace!

Li Changshou’s spirit jolted, his Dao heart feeling slightly uneasy – after all, that South Sea Dragon Washing incident…

Boom!

It seemed as if Ao Yi’s dragon body had exploded, but looking carefully, it was his outer layer of dragon scales that had burst away. Amidst his great roar, blood light surged through various parts of his dragon body, actually growing rapidly larger within the lightning tribulation!

Silver-white dragon scales emerged from Ao Yi’s spine, quickly enveloping his body. Silver dragon whiskers floated gracefully, bursting with brilliant silver light, forcefully dispersing the final tribulation power!

A thousand-zhang silver dragon soared skyward, shattering the tribulation clouds. In the sky he raised his head and roared, using ancient dragon language to release the cry that had waited many years in his heart:

“I’m not afraid of you anymore!”

To the side, Jiang Sier wept with joy, while Li Changshou’s lips twitched slightly as he sighed inwardly.

In the future, he should… be even better than Ao Yi.

However, speaking of which, why hadn’t he suffered heavenly punishment during this tribulation of his close friend?

Had the Dao Ancestor grown tired? Bored?

Li Changshou’s brow furrowed as he realized things weren’t so simple, falling into deep thought.

It seemed related to the degree of his intervention in the tribulation.

With complex emotions, Li Changshou’s main body entered an underground secret chamber, hiding in a safe place;

His paper clone in the Celestial Court also stood up, joining the celestial soldiers in waiting for Ao Yi’s return.

Next would be the celebratory immortal feast for Ao Yi – though lively, it wouldn’t require much attention.

…

After successfully passing through the tribulation, Ao Yi’s strength increased comprehensively.

For humans, tribulation’s benefits mostly centered around ‘Dao comprehension’;

But when dragons underwent tribulation’s baptism, they could activate their bloodline power, achieving complete sublimation.

Li Changshou later specially approved several years of leave for Ao Yi, letting him spend quality time with Jiang Sier and handle some social obligations at the Dragon Palace.

Half a month later, everything returned to stability, but beneath this stability lurked surging currents.

The urgent bell that had rung at the Crossing Immortal Gate earlier was due to a new threat they faced.

—Several outer sect stewards of the Crossing Immortal Gate had fallen victim to a scheme while traveling, resulting in two deaths and six injuries.

However fortunately, the Crossing Immortal Gate was no longer what it used to be, and this time its Sect Master Ji Wuyou didn’t immediately lose his temper, knowing that great tribulation circled overhead, he made a relatively stable choice.

Seal the mountain.

Li Changshou paid high attention to this matter, using paper clones to investigate the forces behind the attack on the Crossing Immortal Gate. He discovered the other party had no obvious major sect background, and this conflict with the outer sect stewards had arisen over competing for treasures…

Was this tribulation’s influence?

Li Changshou maintained his vigilance, continuing to investigate this matter in secret.

Just as Li Changshou worried that the Crossing Immortal Gate would be drawn into sectarian chaos and began planning how to help them through this tribulation, two familiar guests from the Enlightenment Teaching arrived at the South Sea Divine Temple, bringing Li Changshou crucial intelligence.

These familiar Enlightenment Teaching guests were, of course, Taiji and Yuding.

The news they brought, however, concerned the normally peaceful human mortal realm.

True Lord Yuding said: “This poor Daoist was originally in the Three Thousand Worlds searching for Jian’er’s next training ground when unexpectedly I encountered several Golden Immortal-realm evil cultivators pillaging a small immortal sect.

After striking down these evil cultivators, this poor Daoist discovered this jade talisman in their storage treasures.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou took the jade talisman, placing it in his paper clone’s palm. Alert and prepared, he carefully probed its contents, his brow gradually furrowing.

These evil cultivators had taken a job. Their employer wanted them to gather in the South Sea region of the Five Continents three months later.

The information in the jade talisman was limited, only revealing where to gather and various instructions, merely disclosing that this time they were to kill several mortal emperors in South Jambudvipa.

Could someone be targeting the Shang clan supported by the Celestial Court, intending to disrupt the rhythm of the Investiture of the Gods tribulation?

How could the Heavenly Dao sit idly by?

No, that wasn’t right – perhaps letting True Lord Yuding encounter these evil cultivators and obtain this secret message was the Heavenly Dao’s guidance from behind the scenes.

Although Big Sister Kong Xuan was stationed with the Shang clan, Li Changshou still decided to play it safe.

“Earth Mother Goddess’s Seven Emotions Avatar reincarnation is playing in South Jambudvipa, we must take this seriously.

Do my two senior brothers have time to provide support in the South Continent?”

True Lord Yuding nodded with a smile, but True Lord Taiji frowned deeply, pondering: “This… this poor Daoist should pass.”

“It’s fine if a senior brother has matters to attend to.”

“This… it’s not that I have urgent business, it’s just… sometimes, Changgeng, you know, this poor Daoist’s mouth has its ideas…”

True Lord Taiji smiled bitterly: “In short, just don’t let this poor Daoist meet the Seven Emotions Avatar.”

Li Changshou and True Lord Yuding exchanged glances, both throwing back their heads in hearty laughter, laughing without restraint.

At the same time, a jade talisman streaked across the sky of East Victory Divine Continent, hurtling toward the Crossing Immortal Gate’s mountain-protecting grand formation. Just as it was about to strike that thin, smooth light barrier, a large hand steadily caught it.

“Ahem, ahem ahem! Why has Master suddenly sent a message?”