“There are many things you cannot explain to those who don’t understand you. In this world, only one or two kindred spirits truly comprehend you. Therefore, sometimes it’s better to act more and speak less.”

The man’s parting words echoed in his ears as Yang Jian’s brow furrowed, his expression turning solemn.

Was this the true nature of the Gold Star of Venus?

Before the Western Heaven Gate, Yang Jian, having just returned, gazed long at the direction where Li Changsheng had disappeared, lost in thought.

A young Daoist who showed no signs of age, yet whose words carried the weight of centuries, whose single statement could provoke deep contemplation;

A kindly-faced immortal of the Heavenly Court whose depths seemed unfathomable, who appeared to be one with heaven and earth, leaving no openings for those who might oppose him;

And then another aspect, seemingly hidden between these two – occasionally revealing that characteristic serenity and detachment, that Supreme Clarity disciple’s indifference to worldly matters…

Which one was the true Gold Star of Venus?

“Not being understood?”

Yang Jian’s frown deepened as he stood there, inexplicably melancholic.

Drawing his sword and looking in all directions, his heart remained bewildered.

How should he proceed from here? What path should he take? Where would that path lead?

From ahead came Fairy Cloud Flower and Yang Chan, accompanied by True Lord Jade Capital and True Lord Grand Supreme, followed by a squad of celestial soldiers bearing various silks and brocades, carrying treasure chests.

Earlier, though Yang Chan had been knocked unconscious by Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, she had been taken to Fairy Cloud Flower by Jade Capital and Grand Supreme.

True Lord Jade Capital’s actions also represented the Orthodox Teaching’s stance, ensuring Fairy Cloud Flower could safely escape her “imprisonment.”

Incidentally, they had verified that Fairy Cloud Flower’s living conditions had indeed been quite comfortable.

Yang Jian took two steps forward before stopping.

Fairy Cloud Flower, with tears in her eyes, softly called out “Jian’er” as she hurriedly approached on her cloud, arms outstretched to embrace her son.

But Yang Jian instinctively stepped half a step back, then lifted the tattered hem of his Daoist robe and dropped to his knees before Fairy Cloud Flower, bowing deeply.

Cloud Flower stood flustered, while beside her, the sensible Yang Chan ran behind Yang Jian and also knelt in respect to Fairy Cloud Flower.

“What are you doing? My son, please rise. It’s your useless mother who has burdened you both…”

Before the Western Heaven Gate, many celestial soldiers and generals who witnessed this scene were moved by various emotions.

Deep within the Palace of Venus, Ling E, who had changed to a prone position and was eating dried fruits and melon seeds while watching through a bronze mirror, wiped the corners of her eyes.

How wonderful, a family reunited…

Senior Brother hadn’t disappointed her!

Though Senior Brother’s personality could be troublesome and he tended to be overly cautious, he ultimately had a compassionate heart and was truly righteous.

Yes!

Among all beings in the Great Wilderness, Senior Brother was the best – she would accept no argument!

Then, Ling E sighed softly, staring absent-mindedly at the Western Heaven Gate scene displayed in the bronze mirror.

Yet she wasn’t the most outstanding fairy in Senior Brother’s heart…

In the scene, Princess Long Ji arrived representing Queen Mother of the West to offer congratulations, followed by two rows of fairies bearing various glittering gifts;

Ao Yi and Golden Peng also slowly approached on clouds, followed by several celestial soldiers likewise carrying some gifts, naturally representing the Palace of Venus’s congratulations.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy and Bian Zhuang also came from afar to join the festivities, though they were much simpler, bringing only verbal congratulations.

As for gifts, Bian Zhuang could have given Yang Jian a “ten thousand year card” for his family business, but he feared being strung up and flayed by both the Star Lord of Venus and the Jade Emperor…

Arriving at the Western Heaven Gate, Bian Zhuang’s eyes lit up upon seeing the delicate Yang Chan;

But then, remembering Yang Jian’s heroic figure as he single-handedly fought through hundreds of thousands of soldiers, he felt he might not be worthy of such a beauty. After imagining a beautiful life together in his mind, he lowered his head and dared not look again.

He unilaterally declared that while he and Yang Chan might have been compatible, they ultimately couldn’t overcome external pressures – it was simply fate without destiny.

As he thought about it, he even made himself emotional…

All these years, he had seen so many fairies in the Heavenly Court and accumulated so many abilities, yet he hadn’t even held a fairy’s hand, let alone shared a bed with anyone.

‘Once I achieve Golden Immortal status, this general will take a three-month leave to visit home!’

In youth, he knew not love’s sweet taste, but now he had become a man of desire.

Heartache and regret couldn’t fully express his feelings – when would he…

“Oh right,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy suddenly remembered something and looked at Bian Zhuang, “Previously, Uncle Master Changcheng mentioned that achieving Golden Immortal status would be difficult for you, with too much yang energy in your body and too many scattered thoughts in your mind.”

Bian Zhuang immediately became nervous: “What should I do? My greatest aspiration now is to achieve Golden Immortal status and gain immortality.”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy revealed a slight smile and said, “Uncle Master mentioned he was recently working on a cultivation method specifically designed for you, I believe it’s called the Sunflower Mystic Technique.”

“Really?”

“Indeed. Seeing Junior Brother Yang Jian’s current cultivation realm made me quite emotional, and I suddenly remembered this matter.” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes showed traces of envy as he smiled, “Being personally guided by Uncle Master Changcheng is truly extraordinary. I’m now far from being a match for Junior Brother Yang Jian, I should also think of some way to improve.”

Bian Zhuang immediately patted his chest, “If the Star Lord bestows a method, we brothers should share it!”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes brightened, but he then shook his head and said, “No need, everyone has their destiny and method.”

Yet there was still some dejection in his eyes.

As the two chatted, they arrived at the Western Heaven Gate, where many immortals and deities had gathered to become familiar with the new rising star of the Heavenly Court.

This Yang Jian…

Who with discerning eyes couldn’t see?

He was being groomed as a battle general by both the Jade Emperor and the Star Lord of Venus!

Even his bold declaration to “obey commands but not proclamations” was met with the Jade Emperor’s smile, his eyes full of elderly affection!

At this time, Yang Jian was still somewhat impetuous, but after the Star Lord of Venus smoothed out his edges a bit and his cultivation advanced further, Yang Jian would surely become a great general in the Heavenly Court.

Soon, the Western Heaven Gate became lively. Yang Jian was somewhat uncomfortable but, at True Lord Grand Supreme’s reminder, didn’t immediately turn to leave.

For someone in Yang Jian’s position, forming more positive connections would always be beneficial.

In contrast to the bustle at the Western Heaven Gate, the Hall of Universal Light was now wrapped in golden light, extraordinarily quiet.

The dense power of the Heavenly Tribulation had completely isolated this place.

The white-robed Jade Emperor sat high on the white jade steps, watching these two old immortals of the Heavenly Court below, occasionally letting out light chuckles, his mood quite pleasant.

“Wonderful, wonderful indeed!”

The Jade Emperor clicked his tongue and smiled, “What were those Twelve Golden Immortals of the Orthodox Teaching rushing over there for? I was already prepared to appear at any moment to confront those two Patriarchs of the Western Religion. It would have been perfect to show off my might in front of my nephew! Ha ha! Ha ha ha ha!”

Li Changsheng glanced at the Eastern Minister of Wood, who immediately understood.

The unpleasant task of ‘dampening the Jade Emperor’s spirits’ should be handled by him, an old minister of the Heavenly Court.

Minister Wood advised: “Your Majesty, Sages are still Sages, after all, we shouldn’t be too careless.”

The Jade Emperor’s smile immediately diminished somewhat as he said:

“I have indeed been too successful lately, thanks largely to beloved minister Changcheng; how do you view today’s various responses from Spirit Mountain?”

Li Changsheng pondered for a moment before saying: “I fear trouble is coming.”

The Jade Emperor and Minister Wood both turned serious, frowning as they looked at Li Changsheng.

Li Changsheng clasped his hands and bowed, his expression somewhat grave as he carefully chose his words and slowly said:

“Does Your Majesty still remember what happened to the Dragon Clan before?

When the Western Religion suffered setbacks in the Heavenly Court, they immediately recalled Earth Store to take charge, launching a surprise attack on the Dragon Clan, breaching the Eastern Sea Dragon Eye, causing heavy casualties among the Dragon Clan’s elite.

Having suffered such a great loss this time at Spirit Mountain… from their perspective, they will try to find ways to save face.”

Eastern Minister Wood hurriedly asked: “Does Changcheng think they will retaliate against the Heavenly Court?”

“Will Yang Jian be in trouble?” the Jade Emperor asked thus.

Li Changsheng however said: “Yang Jian should not be targeted.

From today’s events at Spirit Mountain, we can see that the Western Religion and Orthodox Teaching have grown closer than before.

Regardless of how their disciples below clash and conflict, who to ally with is ultimately just a word from the Sages.

When that face-disregarding Second Patriarch of the Western Religion secretly struck Yang Jian flying today, Yang Jian wasn’t even slightly injured, just spat out some stagnant blood – this shows the Western Religion’s goodwill toward the Orthodox Teaching.

This humble deity believes that even if Yang Jian were to move and live in front of Spirit Mountain now, he and his family would be perfectly safe.

Instead, the Western Religion will send people to apologize and make amends, pushing forward one or two scapegoats, claiming they acted on their own initiative – then mentioning the old grudge between the Western Religion and the Heavenly Court, pointing out that they were targeting the Heavenly Court, not Yang Jian, thus putting on a show for the Orthodox Teaching to see.”

Li Changsheng paused in his speech, then shook his head slightly, his expression somewhat complicated.

The Jade Emperor sighed: “Such things, the Western Religion is certainly capable of doing… Alas, in the struggle between great religions, although our Heavenly Court seems to have the upper hand now, we still cannot influence the great religions of the Sages.

We are ultimately just supporting characters in Heaven and Earth.”

“Your Majesty shouldn’t think that way. Though the Heavenly Court has gained momentum, we only have the framework and lack sufficient strength to make such claims. We should still be cautious in both words and actions, maintaining distance from the great religions while showing goodwill.”

Li Changsheng pondered for a moment before continuing: “This humble deity believes the Western Religion may strike at our Heavenly Court in several ways.”

The Jade Emperor’s eyes brightened as he smiled, “I knew Changcheng would have countermeasures ready. Quick, tell us.”

“First, they might use the Dragon Clan’s corruption to smear the Heavenly Court. Second, they might counter-attack the Immortal Alliance in the Three Thousand Worlds. And third is… well… this humble deity hesitates to say.”

“Why hesitate?” the Jade Emperor asked curiously, “Speak freely, do we need such reservations between us?”

Li Changsheng looked toward Eastern Minister Wood with an awkward smile.

Minister Wood was stunned for a moment, then his face showed sudden realization, and he began to panic, his Adam’s apple trembling.

Hoping to salvage the situation, Wood Minister quietly asked: “Changcheng, are you saying that when the Western Religion retaliates against our Heavenly Court, they might target… target me?”

“Correct,” Li Changsheng nodded slowly, and the Jade Emperor fell into deep thought.

Minister Wood: …

A huge character for ‘danger’ hung over Minister Wood’s forehead.

“What… what should be done?”

Minister Wood asked with a trembling voice, then his legs went weak and he knelt before the Jade Emperor, crying out:

“This old minister’s life is worthless! Being able to serve Your Majesty for so many years already brings contentment. I am willing to take my own life to avoid others’ schemes and preserve the Heavenly Court’s face!”

“Nonsense!”

The Jade Emperor frowned and scolded lightly, then said gently:

“Minister Wood, rise. If I cannot even protect you, I might as well not be the Jade Emperor. This is just Changcheng’s speculation, not that the Western Religion has already decided to move against you. Besides, as long as you stay within the Heavenly Court and don’t go out, who could scheme against you?”

Then, the Jade Emperor frowned and glared at Li Changsheng, signaling him to quickly comfort this old minister of the Heavenly Court.

Li Changsheng hurriedly helped Minister Wood up and advised:

“Don’t panic, Minister Wood. You are a Golden Immortal of Changshou, protected by the divine authority of the Heavenly Court. Currently, there’s only a possibility of you being targeted, perhaps just ten or twenty percent. Later we can ask His Majesty to partially seal the Five Great Heaven Gates, and examine the comings and goings of immortals and soldiers. With His Majesty presiding in the Hall of Universal Light, who would dare to humiliate Minister Wood?”

Eastern Minister Wood finally stabilized his state of mind.

But thinking that he might be flattened into a meat patty by Sage’s incarnation with one slap, he remained worried and mentally disturbed.

Li Changsheng and the Jade Emperor each offered some words of comfort, and then Li Changsheng briefly explained his strategies for guarding against the Western Religion’s moves.

Regarding Minister Wood, the Heavenly Court would maintain strict defenses – Minister Wood not going out would be the best solution.

As for the Dragon Clan issue, the Heavenly Court only needed to issue an early warning proclamation, letting the Dragon Clan examine and reflect on themselves, cherishing the hard-won current situation, making the Heavenly Court’s stance clear.

Regarding the chaos in the Three Thousand Worlds, the Heavenly Court’s influence couldn’t reach that far. They could only give early warnings and provide more pills, spirit stones, and other “battle consumables.”

Moreover, the more chaotic the environment, the more suitable it was for the Celestial Palace to rise.

This could be considered to have both advantages and disadvantages.

Li Changsheng also advised on several key matters of the Heavenly Court’s development. The Jade Emperor agreed to them all, and seeing Eastern Minister Wood’s anxiety, he assigned most of the main affairs to Minister Wood to handle.

Regarding this, Li Changsheng…

Secretly approved and cast an encouraging look toward Minister Wood.

The main purpose of this secret meeting between the Heavenly Court’s three leaders was actually to discuss how to use Yang Jian’s attack on Spirit Mountain for “propaganda and momentum,” continuing to raise the Heavenly Court’s prestige through Spirit Mountain and recruit more experts into the Heavenly Order sequence.

Speaking of this matter, Li Changsheng had to recommend one person – True Person Du’e from Mount Kunlun.

Many of the messages the Heavenly Court had released over these years were first-hand information controlled by True Person Du’e and the speed at which this information spread was remarkably swift.

Several times it had caught Li Changsheng’s arranged ‘Little Du’es’ off guard.

By the way, Ji Wuyou’s reincarnated form had already been arranged to go to Mount Kunlun.

Li Changsheng had naturally gone to send the Sect Master on his way, but being busy with affairs at the time, he couldn’t personally arrange the Sect Master’s ‘next life.’ Thanks to the two Lords of Death personally taking action, they designed a good reincarnation blueprint.

When watching the Sect Master enter the Wheel of Reincarnation, Li Changsheng asked about his next life’s surname and given name. When he heard the two characters ‘Zheng Lun,’ calculating with his memories, he was…

Unable to comment, unable to complain.

Wasn’t this the Heng General of the Heng-Ha Generals?

In other words, the Sect Master went from being an ordinary Golden Immortal, a basic unit of Great Wilderness Golden Immortal combat power, to… becoming one of the future Gate Gods of the Heavenly Court destined to be on the Investiture of the Gods list, the Heng General?

The next life was destined to enter the tribulation.

Whether this was good or bad, Li Changsheng couldn’t judge for the moment.

Seniors had their blessings; he, as a junior, couldn’t interfere too much.

…

Li Changsheng wasn’t just scaring Eastern Minister Wood – he had calculated various scenarios beforehand.

When the ‘Yang Jian Causing Havoc at Spirit Mountain’ incident occurred, there was a ninety percent chance the Heavenly Court would face full-scale retaliation from the Western Religion.

Most immortals and deities of the Heavenly Court now instinctively felt that the Western Religion, having grown accustomed to being pushed around by the Heavenly Court, was not to be feared. But Li Changsheng had never relaxed his guard even slightly.

After all, he was the man who had continued watching Immortal Rain Peak for a hundred years even after killing Daoist Kuaisi.

The Western Religion’s strength absolutely could not be underestimated.

First, he, a Supreme Clarity disciple, had smashed the Western Religion’s mountain gate, and then a third-generation disciple of the Orthodox Teaching had done the same – this would naturally cause the Western Religion’s prestige to plummet.

How was prestige obtained?

It could only be fought for.

Most Great Wilderness Daoist forces might use benevolence and righteousness as their banner, but their positions weren’t gained by merely shouting about morality and virtue – they still relied on divine powers and treasures.

The Heavenly Court had repeatedly made the Western Religion lose face. Whether for internal stability, external reputation, and status, or smooth future alliance with the Orthodox Teaching, the Western Religion must ‘flex its muscles.’

A Sage who didn’t dare to act would become the greatest laughingstock of the Great Wilderness, and the Western Religion would gradually fall apart and lose unity.

Though no one dared to laugh openly.

And in the Heavenly Court, who would bring the Western Religion the greatest benefit and smallest cost to target?

The answer was obvious.

Additionally, since Eastern Minister Wood had the Pure Yang Tribulation in his fate, Li Changsheng was truly worried Minister Wood would meet with disaster in this retaliation from the Western Religion, which was why he emphasized the warning in front of the Jade Emperor.

Thus, after the discussion in the Hall of Universal Light, Eastern Minister Wood began to grow increasingly anxious, becoming somewhat paranoid each day.

The great formation at Minister Wood’s mansion was strengthened by several layers, and he temporarily moved near Li Changsheng’s Palace of Venus;

The celestial soldiers and generals in Minister Wood’s mansion were replaced with elites he trusted and had personally trained;

The several madams in Minister Wood’s mansion were told by him that they couldn’t share his bed recently, which made them equally anxious.

But fortunately, Minister Wood never forgot the Heavenly Court’s affairs. Apart from his mansion, he only moved about in the Hall of Universal Clarity, beginning a two-point-line workaholic life in the Heavenly Court.

Li Changsheng was quite satisfied with this. After being busy for several decades, he could finally take a vacation.

As for the Western Religion’s retaliation, he had naturally prepared comprehensive countermeasures decades in advance.

After cultivating for several months at Small Jade Peak, Li Changsheng also appeared in the card room, either making up a table with Ling E, Lingli, and Long Ji or spending more time developing feelings with Ling E, laughing and playing while supervising Ling E’s cultivation, giving her enlightenment guidance.

By the way, helping her overcome her ‘steam’ attribute.

Having rarely gotten free time, Li Changsheng also put visiting the Three Immortal Islands on his schedule.

With Yang Jian’s matter concluded, Li Changsheng had one less worry on his mind; the only thing that still bothered him was that Celestial Eye he had missed back then…

Thinking carefully, it was indeed a loss.

Unfortunately, only one last drop of Emperor Jiang’s primordial blood essence remained, and Li Changsheng didn’t want to ‘waste’ it on himself.

— He had already used two and a half Ancestral God blood essences, and using more now would have very unclear effects.

This day, Li Changsheng changed into different robes, hid his true body within an avatar, disguised the avatar as a celestial general, took his token, and was about to quietly leave the Heavenly Court to visit the Three Immortal Islands.

Just as he flew out from Small Jade Peak and arrived at the Palace of Venus, he suddenly had a premonition.

This time, it was like a gentle breeze caressing his face, with Supreme Clarity’s Dao rhythm slowly flowing.

Above the Nine Heavens, Supreme Clarity Sage plucked the Dao strings;

In the Palace of Venus, a scene gradually emerged in Li Changsheng’s mind…

“This is…”

Outside the heavens in Xuandu City, Grand Master Xuandu had his long hair flowing loose, leaning against the Taiji Diagram as he floated above Xuandu City, looking up at that boundless black shadow, and at that somewhat short figure in the center of the shadow.

Below the Grand Master’s feet was the entrance to the Great Wilderness world;

At this moment, the power of the Taiji Diagram had been pushed to the limit of what the Grand Master could invoke, and Xuandu City was empty, its Dao soldiers almost all dead.

That figure…

Demon Teacher, Kun Peng?!