No one had expected Li Changshou would suddenly change tactics.

When everyone’s attention was focused on Bian Zhuang being falsely accused by Chang’e, wanting to see how the Celestial Court would stand firm before Sage’s great school, wanting to see how the ever-thorough Great White Golden Star would ‘thoroughly’ handle today’s situation…

From the perspective of celestial law and the concept advocated by Jade Emperor and the Celestial Court that “spirits have no distinction of noble or humble, nor can strength be considered supreme,” the death and injury of twenty-some beings would be enough to condemn Denglamp and Fear-Remain.

But that was just wishful thinking.

Everyone felt that this plot against Bian Zhuang wasn’t too serious an offense for Vice Patriarch Denglamp and Fear-Remain.

That the Celestial Court could step forward and make a show of calling the Enlightened Immortal Sect to account was already considered a passing grade.

Li Changshou used the severe punishment of that Chang’e, coordinating with Moon Star Lord in a back-and-forth, locking Denglamp and Fear-Remain’s dao realm advancement path, and confiscating their dao treasures – this had already achieved excellent results by making the most of the situation.

From any perspective, the Celestial Court had achieved a great victory, turning in at least an excellent performance.

But no one could have imagined…

It was just the appetizer.

This time Denglamp came to the Celestial Court, he might truly face disaster.

At this moment, most beings like True Person Yellow Dragon saw the first layer, feeling Li Changshou’s real intent wasn’t in the wine – today was about taking Denglamp down completely.

Like Zhao Gongming and Golden Spirit Holy Mother, at about the same level as the Celestial Court’s proper gods, saw the second and third layers, feeling Star-Lord had made thorough preparations, working tirelessly to establish advantages for the Celestial Court in facing Sage’s great school today.

Like Qiong Xiao, Taiji, and True Person Jade Tripod naturally saw the fourth layer – Li Changshou was testing whether he could kill Denglamp, making him tribulation ashes.

The earlier trial of the “Bian Zhuang-Chang’e Case” could completely be said to be preparation work for the subsequent attack, achieving a series of purposes.

Raising a great banner of justice for the Celestial Court’s management of the Three Realms, establishing the foundation for the Celestial Court to judge powerful beings’ crimes;

More importantly, Broad Accomplishment had already used the ‘Enlightened Immortal Sect’s merits’ once to save Denglamp and Fear-Remain, and couldn’t use this excuse again.

— Using such reasoning twice would greatly damage the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s credibility and reputation, which Original Heavens Honored One valued highly.

What made Broad Accomplishment feel more helpless was that his action of pulling Fear-Remain back to his side just now already represented the Enlightened Immortal Sect accepting the Celestial Court’s earlier judgment of the Vice Patriarch and Sage’s disciple.

In other words, as long as proper crimes were arranged on Denglamp next, Broad Accomplishment couldn’t open his mouth to plead for Denglamp.

The Enlightened Immortal Sect could no longer protect this Vice Patriarch Denglamp.

Broad Accomplishment secretly sighed, his heart already somewhat troubled…

Why did he needlessly involve Long Prime in his calculations? It had a sense of bringing humiliation upon himself.

Perhaps he was also just itching to exchange a few moves.

Who started the second wave of rhythm?

The Celestial Court’s long-renowned female war god, executor of the super celestial soldier plan, You Qin Xuanya!

And the current Human Sovereign, ruler of the Shang nation!

The destruction of the You Qin nation was indeed Denglamp’s doing.

At that time, Denglamp carefully planned for twenty years to probe Li Changshou and the Degree Immortal Sect’s bottom line, using the Dao Micro Immortal Sect and Degree Immortal Sect’s territory dispute as cover to launch a mortal war.

But Li Changshou adapted in time, and with the help of two experts Kong Xuan and Zhao Gongming, restrained Denglamp and severely blackened Denglamp’s reputation.

After that, Denglamp became much more honest, and this matter became a joke among cultivators inside and outside the Dao Schools.

The Human Sovereign accused an Enlightened Immortal Sect Vice Patriarch when the sect’s teaching foundation was established on humanity…

The You Qin clan was killed from top to bottom, leaving only the child in You Qin Xuanya’s sister-in-law’s womb…

Broad Accomplishment’s inability to speak up, with the precedent of the previous case already set before him…

Jade Emperor personally presiding, Li Changshou as a witness, and there would certainly be more, stronger physical evidence, making it extremely difficult for Denglamp to turn things around…

And these still weren’t the highest layer.

Broad Accomplishment looked at Li Changshou, his eyes showing momentary helplessness, his lips revealing a bitter smile.

He finally understood what his Human School junior brother wanted to do.

Brilliant, truly brilliant.

Indeed he was the most difficult person to deceive, as master had said…

This move was this junior brother strengthening the effect of the Dao Schools’ non-aggression pact, cutting off their Enlightened Immortal Sect’s connection with the Western School, achieving his previously stated vision –

[When the great tribulation comes, the Dao Schools unite to take out the Western School first.]

Broad Accomplishment had asked his master if Long Prime would truly favor the Enlightened Immortal Sect, but the master told him not to think too much about it.

Li Changshou’s character determined he wouldn’t truly stand on the Severing Sect’s side, but would only stand at the balance point between the Enlightened and Severing Sects.

Broad Accomplishment distantly remembered, it was when Jade Emperor cried in Purple Void Palace, triggering the great Investiture tribulation, that he went to the small courtyard seeking audience with the master, talking with the master for a long time.

Master had said that three thousand years before the great tribulation fell, several Sages had already sensed its approaching arrival.

Uncle Master Penetrating Heaven appeared unconcerned on the surface, feeling his disciples were numerous and giving him confidence, but was deeply worried, secretly searching several times for the whereabouts of the Chaos Bell;

The Western School began accelerating merit accumulation, vainly attempting to forge many false merit golden bodies to get through this great tribulation.

The Enlightened Immortal Sect had the most confidence, not lacking in fortune or merit, with far-reaching teaching influence and deep blessed origins, so everything continued as normal, quietly waiting for the great tribulation to officially arrive before starting to respond.

But suddenly everything changed.

In master’s calculations, the originally clear path focusing on wearing down the strength of the Enlightened and Severing Sects and mainly reducing the power of beings in the world suddenly became unclear;

The originally clear path became chaotic and difficult to understand, and certainties became variables, with much unknown meaning.

It wasn’t until later, when junior brother Long Prime’s identity as ‘Degree Immortal Sect disciple Li Changshou’ was exposed, that the master calculated what had caused Heaven’s Way to become unclear.

— Very possibly, it was junior brother Long Prime’s immortalization tribulation.

That seemed to be quite a crucial node for Heaven’s Way’s evolution.

Suddenly feeling a gaze fall on his face, Broad Accomplishment followed it to see Denglamp who was already almost unable to maintain composure.

But Broad Accomplishment didn’t say much, closing his eyes and sighing deeply, showing a helpless appearance.

He truly had no way out.

Although he could certainly save Denglamp now by disregarding everything else, afterward the Enlightened Immortal Sect would become extremely passive, and he also couldn’t give the master a satisfactory answer.

When Denglamp appeared earlier, it was in the master’s small courtyard, who knows what the master said to Denglamp?

But presumably, the master had already seen this scene and made some arrangements…

Probably.

“Elder Brother?”

Suddenly hearing True Person Yellow Dragon transmit: “Are we not going to do anything?

Although we usually don’t get along with Vice Patriarch Denglamp, he is still our Vice Patriarch…”

“At such a moment, don’t try to be the nice guy,” Broad Accomplishment helplessly transmitted back, “Junior Brother Long Prime’s calculations are too deep, probably already envisioning today’s situation when the You Qin nation incident happened.

This matter is beyond our ability to resolve, just wait for the master’s instructions.

Fortunately, we have no old grudges with Junior Brother Long Prime.”

Yellow Dragon was truly stunned, turning his head to look at Li Changshou then at Denglamp, then at Zhao Gongming opposite, only able to be thoroughly confused…

True Person Jade Tripod suddenly stood up, bringing everyone’s gaze with him as he quickly walked to the steps of Linxiao Treasure Hall.

Li Changshou above saw this, first bowed to apologize to the Jade Emperor, received the Jade Emperor’s permission, and quickly came over.

Li Changshou asked with a smile: “Elder Brother Jade Tripod, what’s wrong?”

Jade Tripod asked: “Is it convenient to step aside now, for you and me to talk?”

Li Changshou’s brows slightly furrowed then pointed at his sleeve.

Understanding dawned on Jade Tripod’s face as he nodded gravely, then turned to walk away from the crowd.

Due to Yang Jian’s matter years ago, Jade Tripod still had Li Changshou’s paper avatar.

Though time leaves no trace and has no leaks… ahem!

Though considerable time had passed, the paper avatar at True Person Jade Tripod’s place still retained some spiritual power, making communication with him no problem.

At this point, Li Changshou returned to Jade Emperor’s side, smiled gently at Cloud Void who sat watching him, and then continued discussing how to handle the Human Sovereign’s ‘accusation.’

You Qin Xuanya’s ‘jianghu status’ was indeed somewhat insufficient; comparatively, the current Human Sovereign accusing the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s Vice Patriarch of slaughtering his ancestors carried more weight.

After all, it was the same matter.

After waiting a moment, Li Changshou heard True Person Jade Tripod’s call in his heart, so he divided his attention to respond with divine thought.

He transmitted: “Elder Brother Jade Tripod, just speak directly. Even if you plead for Denglamp, it won’t affect our friendship.”

True Person Jade Tripod pondered for several moments, his voice quite heavy when transmitting.

He said: “Long Prime, are you putting Denglamp in mortal danger today because Elder Brother’s calculations made you resentful, or because you were prepared early and set up this situation accordingly?”

Li Changshou was silent for a moment before replying: “Both, I suppose. I just moved some plans forward with the flow of events.”

“Good,” True Person Jade Tripod rubbed his brow, his somewhat ordinary face now showing some worry.

Jade Tripod sighed: “I’m not good with words, I just want to remind Junior’s brother of two things.

Master understands Denglamp’s problems better than anyone. For so many years master has turned a blind eye, never summoning Denglamp – this is extremely unusual.

The master might still have future use for someone like Denglamp. If you plot to kill him today, the master’s messenger will surely come afterward.

Moreover, when Denglamp appeared, he came from the small courtyard… Long Prime should be more cautious. Unless necessary, it’s best not to oppose master.”

Li Changshou: …

Somehow, he suddenly felt moved.

How many years!

How much time had passed!

Finally, a good friend who, at such a crucial moment, advised him to be more steady rather than telling him to strike when the opportunity arose!

I am not alone on this path, alas alas!

True Person Jade Tripod’s words seemed at first to be considering Denglamp, but upon careful analysis, were concerned for him.

Li Changshou replied: “Elder Brother Jade Tripod can rest assured. I haven’t set my heart on killing him, and I’ve made thorough preparations.

If we can kill him, excellent. If not, that’s fine too.

I’ve already anticipated what might happen next.

Let me tell you something confidential.

If Second Uncle Master’s messenger comes to save him first, Denglamp will certainly die;

If some expert from the Western School comes first, Denglamp can live, but the West will pay double the price.”

True Person Jade Tripod blinked, asking puzzledly: “What do you mean?”

“Many things are hard to explain at once, let me tell you in detail afterward,” Li Changshou instructed, “Please keep Elder Brother Taiji under control later. I didn’t want him to come along, but he snuck up here himself.

If the situation gets out of control later, absolutely don’t let him speak.

Otherwise, it could trigger a battle between Sages!”

True Person Jade Tripod’s spirit surged at these words. He frowned, concentrated, and nodded quite seriously, pushing the paper avatar deeper into his sleeve before quickly returning to his original seat.

After returning, he immediately turned to stare at True Person Taiji.

True Person Taiji, who had been discussing scriptures via transmission with Spirit Zhenzhu, involuntarily shuddered and turned to look at True Person Jade Tripod.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Hmm…”

True Person Jade Tripod narrowed his eyes, determination flashing across them.

He suddenly moved – quick as lightning, faster than the ear could cover at thunder’s sound – pressing True Person Taiji into his chair and using seven or eight hands to put on his exclusive treasure!

The crowd looked over to see True Person Taiji kicking his legs while True Person Jade Tripod pressed him down, the former making “mmm mmm mmm” sounds.

Many immortal maidens’ faces flushed red, secretly thinking the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s experts were so inappropriate about time and place;

The celestial soldiers and generals frowned and tilted their heads, not understanding why True Person Jade Tripod suddenly suppressed True Person Taiji…

Shortly after, Taiji’s hair was disheveled, his mouth sealed, his immortal power restrained, his hands and feet bound by immortal rope, his face full of despair for life.

Stabilized.

True Person Jade Tripod breathed a sigh of relief, tidied his disheveled clothes, and sat properly at the side.

Tsk, another day of silently saving the primordial world.

…

Less than two hours passed after You Qin Xuanya appeared to accuse Denglamp.

Jade Emperor personally issued an edict to conduct a ‘Heaven’s Way interrogation’ of the case of You Qin nation being plotted against by Denglamp years ago, formally opening an investigation.

You Qin Xuanya was protected by the Celestial Court, temporarily resting to the side, waiting to reappear when the formal interrogation began.

The Dao School forces involved included the Degree Immortal Sect and the Dao Micro Immortal Sect.

Li Changshou remembered clearly that year – Dao Micro Immortal Sect’s founding patriarch Dao Micro had appeared that day, directly ordering the Dao Micro Immortal Sect.

This Dao Micro was the key here.

Therefore, Li Changshou requested Jade Emperor’s edict, sending Golden Peng with over ten celestial generals, without celestial soldiers, to return to Jade Void Palace and invite this founding patriarch of the Dao Micro Immortal Sect to the Celestial Court for questioning.

Moreover, Li Changshou gave an immunity decree – as long as Dao Micro came to the Celestial Court without false words, he wouldn’t face any risk, and the Celestial Court would be understanding of his difficult position.

Meanwhile, two other forces were dispatched, heading respectively to the Shang nation in South Jambudvipa and the Degree Immortal Sect.

They actively sought a manifesto from Lord Shang, counting as the Human Sovereign’s complaint.

Jade Emperor had originally wanted the Human Sovereign to ascend to heaven, incidentally promoting the Celestial Court’s dignity.

But firstly, they feared the Human Sovereign might develop desires for immortality, which wouldn’t benefit the current situation, and secondly, it would take too much time, far less efficient than giving instructions through dreams.

Of course, most importantly, a written manifesto was more reliable.

The Human Sovereign’s manifesto being handled by his ancestor You Qin Xuanya was naturally reasonable and logical.

Before Golden Peng left, Li Changshou didn’t give many instructions, but on Golden Peng’s journey, the paper avatar whispered extensively in his ear.

Whether they could ‘invite’ Dao Micro was the decisive factor in whether they could successfully suppress Denglamp today.

Golden Peng dared not be careless, keeping everything his teacher said firmly in mind as he led the celestial generals back to Jade Void Palace.

Today’s Kunlun Mountain was truly lively.

The Celestial Court’s immortals visiting Jade Void Palace three times became a ‘grand event’ at Kunlun Mountain’s gathering place for wandering cultivators.

Fortunately, this was too close to the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s Jade Void Palace for anyone to directly criticize the sect, but as such news spread, various interpretations flourished.

Some said the Enlightened Immortal Sect deliberately yielded, not wanting to conflict with the Celestial Court;

Others said this marked the Celestial Court’s rise, and that the era of the Six Sages was about to end.

For such major world events, there was no shortage of ‘big shots’ with low cultivation but broad vision pointing out the state of affairs and analyzing pros and cons, reaching conclusions completely unrelated to their daily cultivation.

Overall, the public opinion changes were within Li Changshou’s calculations.

Since the Enlightened Immortal Sect hadn’t attracted much hatred in normal times, their immortals being relatively low-key compared to the Severing Sect’s immortals and Western School’s followers, there weren’t too many people mocking them now.

When Golden Peng arrived at Jade Void Palace, Pure Essence and several of the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s Twelve Golden Immortals were waiting on clouds.

Following Li Changshou’s instructions, Golden Peng directly stated his purpose and detailed how the You Qin clan had accused Denglamp before Jade Emperor, further pointing out that the You Qin clan was the current Human Sovereign…

Pure Essence showed a troubled expression, asking Golden Peng to be patient while he turned and flew directly to the back mountain.

Soon, Pure Essence went in and out of the Three Friends Courtyard, then hurried to a corner of Jade Void Palace to bring back Dao Micro, quietly instructing him along the way.

Though Dao Micro was considered an expert, finding himself involved in a top-level power struggle in the world over an old matter, he could only smile bitterly.

Golden Peng mentioned the immunity decree with quite heavy implications.

Dao Micro could only smile bitterly at this but had made up his mind to first transmit questions to Elder Brother Broad Accomplishment upon reaching the Celestial Court about how to handle this matter.

As just a minor immortal of a great school, he dared not speak half a word carelessly.

Meanwhile, in the Three Friends Courtyard, under the tree in the rocking chair.

The middle-aged Daoist lying there sighed slightly, and an elderly Daoist emerged from behind the tree, his peach-shaped head quite festive, with white hair and eyebrows, kind eyes, and face – it was South Pole Immortal Elder.

“Master, Junior Brother Long Prime seems to have exceeded your expectations somewhat.”

“This ninety-eight percent chance truly presents your master with a difficult problem. The arrangements of several great kalpas might be partially ruined.”

“Should we tell him directly about our secret calculations against the Western School?”

“No need,” Original Heavens Honored One waved his hand, “Go to the Celestial Court once, save him if you can, if not then so be it.

He has his way of protecting the Dao Schools, your master has considerations for continuing the Dao Schools.

As long as his heart is with the Dao Schools, let him do as he wishes. If your master faults him for this, wouldn’t that make Junior Brother Penetrating Heaven laugh at your master’s lack of tolerance?

Long Prime’s foundation is pure and blessed origins deep, he understands both flexibility and thoroughness – this poor Dao quite likes him.”

Speaking thus, this Sage laughed lightly, then said:

“Cause and effect, every sip and peck, if he ruins this poor Dao’s chess piece, he’ll naturally have to find a way to make up for it later.

He also understands this principle, since he’s determined to do this, let him.

Being able to clear things up somewhat in this great tribulation isn’t bad either.”