Maitreya of the Western Sect, Grand Elder Guangcheng of the Enlightenment Sect, Duobao of the Severing Sect, Elder Randeng of the Enlightenment Sect, Elder Chijing of the Enlightenment Sect, and those enthusiastic followers from the Severing Sect who cared deeply about Taibai and Yun Xiao’s romance…

In the Palace of Taibai, Li Changshou sat quietly in the depths of the great hall, his mind cycling through various names and factions. He was trying to deduce who could be scheming behind the scenes. With limited information available, he couldn’t analyze the probability of each possibility.

Originally, Li Changshou had been somewhat indifferent to this matter. The Canonization Tribulation lay ahead, and Heaven’s script was already set. Lord Dao’s Ancestor’s intention had been quite clear: as the main tribulation bearer, he should follow Heaven’s guidance earnestly and fully appreciate Heaven’s challenges. He only needed to fill the Heavenly Court with proper deities and weaken the power of beings between Heaven and Earth; everything else was secondary.

In other words, the Great Tribulation wasn’t like Little Golden Lotus, who could be easily seduced by any official’s sinister smile. Yet the opposition had used his feelings for Yun Xiao as leverage.

As a wandering soul from the Blue Planet, his previous life had been spent in a society governed by law during peaceful times, facing a few life-threatening situations before his consciousness nearly dissipated at death’s door. Then he inexplicably arrived in this Primordial World where mighty beings could move mountains and fill seas, while mortal lives were as insignificant as grass.

The crisis of survival was already harsh enough, and Senior Immortal Lang had become a lingering problem, causing the Dao Ancestor to be suspicious of him. Had he ever thought about opposing Heaven’s Will? Well… he had considered it, mainly because of the Merit Golden Body issue.

But Li Changshou knew that in this era after Heaven’s perfection, objective conditions made it impossible to fight against Heaven’s Will. The most stable path was to achieve his goals and then leave this world.

He had finally steeled his heart and taken tentative steps forward with Yun Xiao. Dating an Innate Great Being truly requires careful consideration. Yet in the end, this relationship had become a tool for others to exploit.

Li Changshou let out a slow sigh…

Was his approach not ruthless enough, or was his position not stable enough? Daily self-reflection kept stability etched in his dao heart. The world had no permanent situation; truth revealed itself in small details.

This scheme had caught him completely off guard. After all, he wasn’t a Sage and couldn’t monitor everything in existence at all times.

Directly targeting the Western Sect might mean missing the real mastermind behind the scenes. Further investigation was needed to gather more information.

Analyzing the possible schemers, at the most superficial level was the known fact—some enthusiastic immortals from the Severing Sect were safeguarding Yun Xiao and his romance, trying to create distance between him and the Moon Palace Fairy.

Li Changshou couldn’t rule out this possibility. The Severing Sect had too many immortals with diverse personalities, and they prided themselves on valuing emotions and righteousness. It wouldn’t be surprising if a few fools shouting “I’m being clever” had orchestrated this.

This undoubtedly increased the difficulty of solving the case. However, regardless of whether Severing Sect immortals were truly responsible, Li Changshou wouldn’t let it go easily.

Sometimes, he could make concessions and suffer minor losses that didn’t affect his fundamental interests. But when it came to Yun Xiao and Ling’e, that was different.

“Changgen?”

Outside the hall, the Jade Emperor’s avatar Quantong hurried over. Li Changshou activated the surrounding formations and rose to welcome him.

These two consciousness cores of the Heavenly Court’s power squatted in a corner of the Taibai Palace, eating grilled skewers and drinking chilled jade brew, rolling up their sleeves as they began the rapid discussion.

The Jade Emperor asked, “How do you view this matter concerning Fairy Yun Xiao?”

Li Changshou replied, “Your Majesty, I want to escalate this situation, but that might plant hidden dangers for the Heavenly Court.”

“What hidden dangers could there be?”

The Jade Emperor snorted, “Someone is manipulating Bian Zhuang and using your relationship with Yun Xiao to do so. On the surface, they claim to fear you getting too close to Chang’e, but what’s the real intention? They’re implying that you would show favoritism to the Severing Sect because of Yun Xiao, trying to shake the foundation of your control over the Great Tribulation.

Why not just tell them openly—yes, we do show favoritism, yes, we do prefer the Severing Sect’s immortals. What can they do about it?”

Li Changshou smiled, “Your Majesty’s consideration for your humble servant is truly touching. But please let me handle this matter. I will devise a perfect solution that both deters villains and maintains the Heavenly Court’s dignity. And incidentally, get some revenge.”

“Your restraint this time deeply pleases me,” the Jade Emperor smiled, “You’ve done so much for the Heavenly Court, it’s time for the Heavenly Court to do something for you. Tell me, what’s the plan? I trust your methods.”

“Make it big, as big as possible,” Li Changshou said, “First, let them feel Heaven’s punishment hanging over their heads. This will require Your Majesty’s intervention.”

“Small matter,” the Jade Emperor’s avatar said, “Write a memorial, and I’ll read from it.”

“Your Majesty, this approach could lead to accusations that your humble servant is manipulating the Heavenly Emperor. Perhaps you could improvise…”

The Jade Emperor’s avatar said sternly, “Minister Changgen, you’ve grown lazy!”

Li Changshou put down his skewer, bowed with clasped hands, and said softly, “Ah, yes. Your humble servant will consider the upper limit of trouble-making that Your Majesty can accept.”

“Just don’t provoke Lord Dao Ancestor to appear in person.”

Li Changshou: …

Was it really that he wasn’t ruthless enough?

He had just fiercely planned subsequent revenge with an upper limit of not provoking the Sages to intervene. With one word, the Jade Emperor had raised it to not provoke the Dao Ancestor to appear personally.

In this world, only one thing could make the Dao Ancestor appear—Sages battling and the world facing destruction.

It felt like His Majesty the Jade Emperor wanted to join the excitement and assert his presence.

After careful consideration, Li Changshou asked the Jade Emperor to take over the grill while he went aside, set up a small table, and wrote an informal memorial.

Investigating whether the suddenly appeared immortal mountain on the Eastern Sea shore was the Flower Fruit Mountain wasn’t urgent; that was merely to satisfy his curiosity. However, as Taibai Star-Lord, he would likely have some “love-hate entanglement” with the Monkey.

But priorities must be set. Right now, the most important thing was to kill—them, to investigate who was scheming against him and Yun Xiao behind the scenes.

[False Love]: Like Bian Zhuang, speaking of love and beauty, constantly proclaiming to seek one’s destined heavenly maiden, yet falling for every beauty he meets, thinking each one is “not bad.”

[True Love]: If you dare use this as a threat, don’t blame me for acting without restraint.

Thus, half a day later…

Bang!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

In the Linxiao Hall, all the Heavenly Court immortals gathered. Every ranked deity had been summoned to watch the usually calm Jade Emperor suddenly kick over the table before him.

Below the high platform, Bian Zhuang knelt in “prisoner’s clothes,” his face streaked with tears.

The Chang’e beside Bian Zhuang now lay there weakly, without any visible wounds, seemingly poisoned.

Of course, her life wasn’t in danger. Li Changshou had administered the poison pill as punishment, with the antidote to be given shortly after. This was to ensure she would remain silent throughout, not speaking another word.

The first step in escalating the matter—worsen its nature.

“Rebellion! This is rebellion!”

The Jade Emperor cursed loudly, his white robes fluttering as he paced back and forth behind the overturned jade table.

“First, the Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Navy was schemed against, and the schemer was Chang’e, who should have been pure as ice and jade.

Now!

Just half a day!

Chang’e has been detained in Heaven’s Punishment Hall for merely half a day, and someone attempts to take her life!

Silencing witnesses! Blatantly silencing witnesses!

This is the Heavenly Court!

The Heavenly Court was established by Heaven’s Will to manage the Three Realms!

Such audacity, such lawlessness! The mastermind behind this must have eaten the gall of heaven!

Who can tell me what use the Heavenly Court has now?

Who can tell me what use the Heavenly Emperor has?

Minister Wood of the East!”

“Your old servant is here!”

Minister Wood called out loudly, hurriedly stepping forward two steps to kneel before the high platform.

“Investigate! Investigate this thoroughly!

From today, the Heavenly Court suspends all non-essential matters. No immortal is allowed to rotate shifts. The Heavenly Court will conduct an internal investigation!

If you can’t find problems this time, I’ll find problems with you!”

Minister Wood of the East bowed his head and called out, “Your old servant accepts the decree.”

The front rows of Heavenly Court officials all bowed their heads in salute, many also showing anger as they said in unison:

“We accept the decree!”

The Jade Emperor’s expression softened slightly as he said coldly, “Guard Bian Zhuang’s mansion with heavy forces, and send this fairy to the Jasper Pool, to be personally guarded by Long Ji. No one is to approach!

Where is Minister Changgen?”

“Star-Lord Taibai has led troops to rescue the hostages at Chang’e’s home,” Minister Wood quickly answered.

The Jade Emperor nodded slowly, then cursed, “Coercing Chang’e, scheming against heavenly generals, threatening my most trusted minister of the Heavenly Court!

No matter who the schemer behind this is, I will not spare them this time!

Send orders to the Jasper Pool!

Send people to Three Immortal Island with treasures, to apologize to Fairy Yun Xiao on behalf of Minister Changgen and the Heavenly Court!

In this matter, our Heavenly Court is at fault.

“Fairy Yun Xiao is such a gentle and virtuous immortal. Changgen has endured decades of longing to maintain fairness in managing the Great Tribulation, only seeing Fairy Yun Xiao once, and this is how he’s repaid—with such suspicion!

Today I shall tell all ministers, that there remains one killing tribulation yet to descend in this Canonization Tribulation, a fact known to the great disciples of all sects!

But I had long ago given Minister Changgen an imperial decree exempting Yun Xiao from the tribulation, as the Heavenly Court’s reward to Changgen. The Heavenly Court’s current prosperity is primarily due to Changgen’s achievements!

Minister Changgen need not compromise the Great Tribulation’s course for private feelings.

Those who dare only hide in darkness to harm others with hidden arrows—their virtue is unworthy of being proper deities of the Heavenly Court! Their existence is unworthy of remaining between Heaven and Earth!

Hmph!”

With a sweep of his sleeve, the Jade Emperor turned and vanished atop the high platform, leaving behind a group of Heavenly Court immortals either looking at each other in bewilderment or burning with righteous indignation.

Minister Wood of the East stood up and turned around, his face also showing anger:

“Why are you all standing there dazed?

On-duty immortals return to their posts, and maintain order and stability between Heaven and Earth!

The rest gather before the hall, search every corner of the Heavenly Court in groups!”

The performance of “The Jade Emperor’s Great Rage in Linxiao Palace” successfully concluded. Under Li Changshou’s behind-the-scenes promotion, the flames of public opinion in the Primordial World began to burn fiercely.

The Heavenly Court’s anger was made known to the most cultivators in the shortest time.

It’s just…

This Jade Emperor had added far too many dramatic flourishes.

Although upon careful consideration, these were all good things beneficial to himself, the Jade Emperor hadn’t given any prior notice.

Well, he was the only big star in the production team—even the director had to bow and scrape to accommodate him.

In the Palace of Taibai, Li Changshou’s true body had moved out from Little Qiong Peak, with paper avatars walking back and forth around him as jade talismans continuously flew about.

On Mount Kunlun, Elder Dune and his wide-mouthed bottles—ahem, let’s start over.

On Mount Kunlun, Elder Dune brought Zheng Lun to another feast. This time, however, his expression was grave as he actively probed, spreading the information he had “inadvertently” learned.

In various towns throughout the Central Divine Continent, numerous “information dissemination immortals” secretly cultivated by the Heavenly Court began wandering through teahouses and discussion halls.

Throughout the Three Thousand Worlds, in territories controlled by the Immortal Alliance, several immortals appeared in each Great World, actively discussing the recent major events.

A Heavenly Court general schemed against, Chang’e’s family taken hostage.

Poison administered to silence witnesses, the Jade Emperor’s fury in Linxiao Hall.

This matter had already escaped the control of those scheming behind the scenes.

After all, today’s Heavenly Court was no longer the Heavenly Court of old—its deterrent power now rivaled the Six Sages, and its influence perhaps exceeded them.

Li Changshou’s paper avatar led a troop of soldiers, “rushing” toward Chang’e’s home with great pomp and maximum speed, fully demonstrating the Heavenly Court’s humanistic care for each immortal.

Most of the Heavenly Court’s Chang’e fairies had been selected from the Three Thousand Worlds, serving to some degree as the face of the Heavenly Court.

This Chang’e’s home was quite far from the Primordial World, requiring at least two months for heavenly soldiers to fly there.

However, halfway through the journey that should have taken two months, only half a month had passed.

As the matter spread like wildfire through the Primordial World, devastating news arrived from the Immortal Alliance.

Chang’e’s younger sister’s family, along with all of Chang’e’s relatives, had already been silently eliminated by those scheming behind the scenes.

The Immortal Alliance had searched every possible hiding place in that Great World, finally finding traces leading to a valley.

But when several Immortal Alliance experts arrived, all the relatives’ bodies had been reduced to ashes, with only faint spiritual fluctuations remaining in the air.

If not for the lingering fragments of souls that couldn’t form proper spirits, it would have been impossible to tell anyone had been killed there.

Li Changshou secretly sighed.

Golden Peng had arrived too late.

According to the previous plan, he had already secretly told Golden Peng the location of that Great World. With Golden Peng’s extreme speed, as long as the opposition hadn’t received news too quickly, the chances of rescue would have been high.

Unfortunately, even Golden Peng’s extreme speed couldn’t save those people.

The reason for instructing Golden Peng to destroy the bodies and erase traces if rescue came too late was actually to deepen the “opponent’s crimes” and draw more attention to the matter.

At that time, Li Changshou had already set up a series of subsequent schemes.

Currently, the paper avatar continued leading heavenly soldiers toward that Great World as the news spread throughout the Five Continents.

In Linxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor raged again, stirring up anger throughout the Heavenly Court.

This anger could either erupt like a volcano or transform into a flood, submerging an entire faction.

By now, the matter had been completely characterized—a serious provocation against the Heavenly Court, disregard for Heaven’s Will, and rejection of the new order established by Heaven’s Will for the Primordial World.

And typically, beings or factions like this didn’t meet good ends.

In the Palace of Taibai, Li Changshou fell into deep thought.

The trail had gone completely cold, but the Heavenly Court’s fury had been ignited. Those scheming behind the scenes wouldn’t dare come directly to the Heavenly Court to admit their wrongs; rather, they would hide even deeper.

Regarding direct clues, they could only wait to see what good news Golden Peng might bring back.

For indirect clues, he could later visit the Tower of Reincarnation. Although Dizang had sealed the tower, Li Changshou’s true body could still force his way in using the suppression of his Heaven’s Will Sequence status.

But these…

We’re still not enough.

A glint flashed in Li Changshou’s eyes as his sleeves stirred, seemingly spreading a great net before him.

The Heavenly Court sending Jasper Pool fairies to Three Immortal Island with gifts was actually arranged by Li Changshou, and subsequent developments had been quite smooth, with the entire Severing Sect beginning to pay attention to this matter.

Li Changshou didn’t want to scheme against the Severing Sect, but this matter had already involved them, and they could no longer extricate themselves.

If it truly was some fool from the Severing Sect, the situation of “selling registered disciples to bring down the Severing Sect” might play out again.

If someone was using this to scheme against the Severing Sect, trying to affect Li Changshou’s good relationship with them, the Severing Sect would suffer even greater damage, and the Canonization killing tribulation would likely be isolated without support.

The Jade Emperor had officially mentioned the “final killing tribulation” in Linxiao Hall, creating pressure on the Severing Sect.

The Jasper Pool fairies going to Three Immortal Island with gifts, apologizing to Fairy Yun Xiao on behalf of the Heavenly Court, drew the Severing Sect immortals’ attention.

Li Changshou sent a jade talisman to Luofu Cave, and Zhao Gongming expressed appropriate anger about this matter…

Soon, the Severing Sect immortals were filled with righteous indignation, beginning internal investigations. Several great disciples moved among various cultivation grounds, secretly investigating all suspicious persons.

To avoid taking the blame, they had to catch those scheming behind the scenes no matter what.

This was the second great force Li Changshou could mobilize.

The Heavenly Court, the Severing Sect, the Dao Ancestor’s deterrence, Patriarch Tongzhan’s sword…

Still not enough.

Timing it perfectly, Li Changshou’s true body left the Palace of Taibai, first going to Linxiao Hall to meet with the Jade Emperor and discuss the current difficulties with many immortals.

Without clues, they couldn’t fabricate evidence, and all the immortals were deeply troubled.

Li Changshou came prepared. After discussing with everyone for half a day, he sighed:

“Your Majesty! Your humble servant is incompetent and has embarrassed you.

But this matter has already drawn widespread attention throughout the Three Realms. If left unresolved, the Heavenly Court’s dignity would be completely lost.

Your humble servant boldly requests Your Majesty’s permission for two things!”

“Speak, beloved minister,” the Jade Emperor spoke gently for the first time in this period.

Li Changshou said firmly:

“First, I request Your Majesty send someone to the Fire Cloud Cave to seek help from the human ancestor Fuxi, unmatched in divination, to see if the River Diagram and Luo Writing might reveal some clues.

Second, your humble servant will simultaneously go to the Nine Heavens Palace and Taiqing Temple to inquire with my teacher about the masterminds!”

The Jade Emperor, having read the script, naturally knew what to say at this point and asked, “Why doesn’t Minister Changgen directly ask Elder Brother Taiqing?”

Li Changshou replied:

“Firstly, I don’t wish to trouble my teacher with this matter, as he enjoys quiet cultivation.

Secondly, it would make people think the Human Sect intervenes too deeply in the Heavenly Court. My teacher once said the Human Sect supports the Heavenly Court for all living beings, not for matters of power.

Therefore, to be prudent, I will go ask for one answer.

But unless necessary, if our normal investigation yields no clues, we won’t use this answer.”

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, and all the immortals relaxed, their confidence instantly multiplying a hundredfold.

Li Changshou took his leave and flew straight to the Nine Heavens, returning half a month later.

The Heavenly Court began searching throughout the Primordial World, using hundreds of methods and mobilizing all resources, targeting the cultivators who killed Chang’e’s family in a boundless search.

Under pressure, clues appeared and disappeared.

When Li Changshou left Taiqing Temple and hadn’t yet steadied himself, Golden Peng hurriedly came from a corner and said softly:

“Master, I’ve been waiting for you for over ten days.”

Li Changshou grabbed Golden Peng’s arm and asked quietly, “How did it go?”

Golden Peng reported quickly: “Disciple arrived one step too late. Chang’e’s family was killed, but the disciples saved most of their souls and captured several Celestial Immortals who carried out the killings.

Following the master’s instructions, the disciple didn’t dare use jade talismans to report and took the initiative to investigate further.

They were independent cultivators doing business with spirit stones. The trail went around in circles, turning seven or eight times. A disciple was incompetent; the trail went cold again.”

A thoughtful look appeared in Li Changshou’s eyes, and he immediately said:

“Go back, make another flight from the scene, return with your extreme speed, be as conspicuous as possible.

Spread the news.

Say that you saved the souls of Chang’e’s family, caught the killers, and through secret investigation, guided by Heaven’s Will, found clues to those behind it all.

Remember to emphasize Heaven’s Will’s guidance.”

Golden Peng’s eyes lit up: “Master, are you deliberately trying to startle the snake out of the grass, to see if we can pick up the trail?”

“No, I already have the answer,” Li Changshou’s mouth curved slightly as he said calmly, “I just want to let those schemers stew a bit, to experience what despair feels like.”