When Marshal Zhao Gongming departed from Jade Peak Minor, he moved like a thief after a successful heist, filled with furtive unease.

Li Changshou had given him a subtle hint that the Lesser Heaven-Earth Ruler was still the property of the Celestial Court. He advised Zhao Gongming to study it in secret rather than brandish it openly against enemies.

The Heaven-Earth Ruler and the Twenty-Four World-Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhus…

Before the Elixir Chamber, Li Changshou sat in his rocking chair. With a snap of his fingers, he made all the jade plates on the low table inside vanish. Rising, he placed the half-empty bottle of immortal wine on the bookshelf.

The death of Master Illumination sent ripples that would be felt for ages to come.

Li Changshou projected his consciousness into his paper avatars, monitoring public sentiment across the Five Continents and Three Thousand Realms.

Though the Celestial Court’s authority came from the Heavenly Dao itself—flowing from top to bottom—the “Voice of All Living Beings” only affected its reputation, not its foundational position.

Yet with the Great Tribulation approaching, if the Celestial Court could grow stronger and more enlightened, perhaps the Dao immortals destined to face tribulation would show less resistance. That would be ideal.

A soft rustling reached his ears.

Li Changshou opened his left eye to see a petite immortal maiden arranging her treasure lounger, quietly settling beside him. Noticing the faint smile on her lips, he returned to his tasks.

Spirit Moth sat down quietly, taking out a scripture scroll to study. Her gaze occasionally drifted to her Senior Brother, seemingly concerned about the punishment for her earlier exuberance at the immortal banquet.

‘Is Senior Brother sleeping?’ Spirit Moth twirled a strand of dark hair around her delicate finger, lost in thought.

Sunlight warmed hearts as tree shadows danced in the wind.

“What are you thinking about?” Li Changshou asked casually.

Spirit Moth’s small hand trembled as she turned to look at her Senior Brother, who sat with eyes closed in meditation. “Nothing… Senior Brother, weren’t you resting?”

“Mm,” Li Changshou replied. “Just handling some minor matters.”

“Then please continue, please continue,” Spirit Moth said nervously. “I’ll just stay here for a while.”

Li Changshou acknowledged with a sound and resumed his meditation, his consciousness sweeping through various locations.

Since coming to the Celestial Court, deploying paper avatars had become troublesome. Li Changshou had created several false Celestial General identities to facilitate their movement in and out.

His mental strength was limited—unlike Master Supreme Clarity, he couldn’t observe every corner of the Three Realms in a short time.

After a while, Li Changshou asked as if in passing: “Have you been enjoying yourself these past few days?”

“Yes!” Spirit Moth immediately perked up, speaking softly, “Though, with several great immortals present, I felt somewhat constrained. If only Sister Cloud Void and Senior Sister Yu Qin had come alone, it would have been more comfortable.”

“You call that constrained?”

Li Changshou laughed chidingly: “It seems you haven’t copied enough scriptures these past one or two hundred years.”

“Senior Brother…”

Spirit Moth’s small face was instantly filled with grievance. “You’re not going to make me copy the Stability Scripture again, are you? The mountain’s stone tablets are already running out.”

Li Changshou opened his eyes and gazed at Spirit Moth’s chest. Just as she was about to blush and cover her collar—torn between maintaining closeness with her Senior Brother and overcoming her inner shyness, straightening her delicate frame…

Li Changshou spoke slowly:

“Your primordial spirit is unblemished, showing signs of perfection. Your foundational dao is solid, though there’s still room for improvement. Until your Golden Immortal tribulation, you’ll need about thirty-six thousand more copies of the Stability Scripture.”

Spirit Moth: …

“I always feel like Senior Brother is trying to trick me.”

“Is this trickery?”

Li Changshou smiled calmly. “Whether to write or not is up to your heart; whether to copy or not depends on your enlightenment. Are you cultivating for my sake? The Great Dao of Changshou lies before your eyes—whether you can achieve carefree immortality depends on your life realm’s evolution. I don’t want to pressure you too much, nor will I say things like ‘I’ll show you new worlds once you pass the Changshou Tribulation.’ But, Junior Sister…”

“Yes, Senior Brother?”

Li Changshou’s eyes held rare tenderness as he spoke softly: “I hope you can stay by my side always, rather than letting tens of thousands of years slip away.”

“Yes, Senior Brother! I’ll go copy the Stability Scripture right now! Thirty-six thousand copies, right?”

Spirit Moth’s spirits soared, her small face full of urgency as she jumped up, chest pounding with determination.

“This Junior Sister will go copy right now!”

“Remember, don’t just chase numbers,” Li Changshou cautioned. “You must comprehend and understand.”

“No problem!”

“Good luck.”

“Mm!” Spirit Moth responded with determined eyes, then turned and rushed into the Elixir Chamber, heading for the underground secret chamber to cultivate.

Li Changshou chuckled softly and continued shifting his consciousness, his slightly narrowed eyes holding traces of mirth.

If everything that followed could go as smoothly as eliminating Master Illumination…

The Heavenly Dao, the Dao Ancestor, the Great Tribulation;

Balance, Variables, Transcendence.

His form flickered as Li Changshou’s true body left Jade Peak Minor, moving stealthily through clouds and mist toward the Nine Heavens.

…

Though Master Illumination was dead, the aftershocks continued.

As Li Changshou had predicted, whether his death came from Celestial Court punishment or personal grudges didn’t matter—what mattered was that “the Celestial Court punished the heinously evil Vice Patriarch of the Enlightened Teaching, Master Illumination.”

From this point on, the Celestial Court officially stood half a step above the Sage’s Teachings. Even the Celestial Soldiers and Generals stationed in various locations were no longer provoked.

Having taken this crucial step, Li Changshou’s subsequent handling was equally meticulous.

After killing Master Illumination, he remained unseen for three years. When he finally appeared, it was to head straight to the Enlightened Teaching’s Jade Void Palace.

This time, Li Changshou landed at the foot of Jade Void Palace, restored his youthful appearance, and climbed the steps before the gate, holding a wooden ruler.

The Immortal Realm’s version of carrying thorns to request punishment.

Melodious bell sounds rang from within Jade Void Palace as Broad Achievement Master led numerous disciples of the Enlightened Teaching to welcome him at the gate.

Li Changshou walked to the gate, his face showing shame. Holding the ruler, he bowed deeply to the assembled Enlightened immortals and sighed: “Previously, due to old grudges, I killed Master Illumination. Today I come specially to request punishment for this matter. Please, Senior Brother Broad Achievement, relay my message—this disciple seeks an audience with Second Uncle Master.”

Broad Achievement Master also sighed: “Junior Brother, that Master Illumination deceived our entire Enlightened Teaching, committing unforgivable crimes by refining Great Thousand Worlds for his cultivation. Though you acted on the private grievance, there was also public justice—what punishment is there to request?”

“Please, Senior Brother Broad Achievement, relay my request,” Li Changshou bowed his head. “If I cannot meet Second Uncle Master and receive his punishment, my heart cannot be at peace.”

“Very well, enter the hall. Junior Brothers and Sisters will attend to you while I go to the rear mountain to seek an audience with Master.”

Broad Achievement Master agreed and hastily departed on a cloud. Red Essence Master and True Person Yellow Dragon came forward to lead Li Changshou into the main hall of Jade Void Palace.

Li Changshou’s timing in coming to request punishment was quite deliberate.

It wasn’t because he had stayed at Supreme Clarity Temple until now.

This visit to Supreme Clarity Temple wasn’t long—he had spoken only about twenty sentences with his Master before returning, staying less than two years.

Coming to Jade Void Palace at this point was to request punishment;

If he had come right after killing Master Illumination, it would have been a show of force.

Of course, he couldn’t delay too long either. If he waited until everyone in the Enlightened Teaching had calmed down before coming to request punishment, it would clearly show he didn’t want to let them settle and would seem provocative.

Li Changshou stood quietly in the hall, not taking a seat. When the surrounding immortals made small talk, he only responded briefly.

Soon, Broad Achievement Master returned and spoke softly with Li Changshou for a moment before leading him to the Three Friends Courtyard.

Misty wonderland beyond mortal bounds, simple bamboo fence and wooden house maintaining emptiness and clarity.

The courtyard’s wooden gate was slightly ajar. Broad Achievement Master and Li Changshou performed immortal salutes outside, calling out: “Master, Long Galaxy has arrived.”

The gate slowly opened. Broad Achievement Master stepped aside with a welcoming gesture, leading Li Changshou inside.

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord sat quietly in a rocking chair under a tree.

The chair gently swayed as the Sage Lord played with a golden gourd, the corners of his mouth holding a slight smile that made the entire courtyard feel rather warm.

Li Changshou quickly stepped forward and knelt three zhang away, placing the ruler before him and saying softly:

“Disciple Li Long Galaxy pays respects to Uncle Master!”

The Sage spoke: “Long Galaxy, what is this about? Why bring a ruler?”

Li Changshou declared in a clear voice:

“Previously, the disciple acted rashly. Upon seeing Master Illumination, anger rose in my heart, and I battled him in the Celestial Palace, eliminating him before the Crystal Palace. Though the disciple has no regrets about this action, I failed to consider fully, not taking into account the Enlightened Teaching’s face and ruining Uncle Master’s reputation and plans. Disciple brings this disciplined ruler to request punishment. Please, Second Uncle Master, punish as you see fit—disciple will accept willingly!”

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord couldn’t help but laugh softly: “You clever one, speaking everything first to prevent this poor Dao from getting angry?”

“This—” Li Changshou dared not be disrespectful, lowering his head and calling out: “Disciple had no such intention! I sincerely request punishment!”

“Rise,” Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord sighed softly as the courtyard’s wooden gate slowly closed.

Li Changshou suddenly felt a slight change in the Sage’s Dao rhythm. The courtyard’s space seemed to become a complete whole, giving him a feeling similar to being inside the Six Paths Samsara Disk.

Indeed, his connection with the paper avatars became very weak, only able to passively sense their states.

The Sage’s methods seemed to have isolated Heaven Dao’s surveillance.

“Disciple obeys.”

Li Changshou quickly scrambled up, head lowered, shoulders hunched, hands pressed tightly against his outer thighs, body slightly bent forward, vividly performing an Immortal Realm acting class.

‘Submission.’

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord said: “You just said killing Master Illumination ruined this poor Dao’s plans.”

“Then tell me, what plans did this poor Dao have?”

Li Changshou pondered carefully in his heart. Before a Sage, he dared not lie, yet couldn’t truly guess the Sage’s intentions, while also not appearing too ignorant…

Choosing his words carefully, Li Changshou spoke slowly:

“It was merely disciple’s wild speculation, but I felt Second Uncle Master’s tolerance of Master Illumination’s factionalism and provocations within the teaching must have been meant to use him for greater purposes. For instance, perhaps to outmaneuver the Western Teaching. Since ancient times, when the Ancestor of the Dao himself declared the West would rise to prominence, I imagine the patriarchs of the Three Teachings each had their arrangements. Master has spoken to me of these matters.”

These words seemed to say something while lacking substance, yet listeners would make their associations—one of Li Changshou’s minor skills.

“Good,” Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord smiled in acknowledgment. “This poor Dao did indeed plan to use Master Illumination against the West. However, now that you’ve killed him, those plans have come to nothing. Long Galaxy, how will you make amends for this?”

“This…” Li Changshou hurriedly replied: “If the Second Uncle Master has instructions, the disciple will naturally obey. Master has been quite dissatisfied with the Western Teaching, so disciples have opposed them at every turn. Now we’ve achieved some results, at least delaying their rise to prominence considerably. It’s also because the Western Teaching was too arrogant, deeply offending the Celestial Court. Second Uncle Master, the disciple has some thoughts to share today…”

“Speak freely.”

“Disciple eliminated Master Illumination before the Crystal Palace, and now everywhere in the world speaks of how the Celestial Court is at odds with the Enlightened Teaching while being too close to the Severing Teaching. They say the Great Tribulation will surely protect the Severing Teaching while harming the Enlightened Teaching.”

Li Changshou paused, then sighed: “In truth, the Three Teachings are one family. Disciple merely acts on the Master’s orders. Within the Severing Teaching, the disciple cares for Cloud Void and Gongming—the former being an immortal maiden disciple admires, the latter a close friend with whom the disciple shares deep friendship. Thus, before the killing tribulation arrives, the disciple will try to give these siblings some chance of survival. Beyond this, the disciple has absolutely no personal bias, and during the Great Tribulation will follow Heaven’s tribulation changes, mainly handling soul listings without excessive interference in immortals’ life and death.”

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord nodded slowly, saying: “That you can think this way brings this poor Dao considerable comfort. However, now that Western Teaching has also entered the tribulation, everything remains uncertain. Even this poor Dao cannot see what will happen on the road ahead. Continue.”

“Yes. Disciple wishes to invite Senior Brother South Pole Immortal Elder to take office in the Celestial Court,” Li Changshou said seriously. “Disciple has previously discussed this with Senior Brother South Pole but hasn’t received a response. If Senior Brother feels it inappropriate to appear in the Celestial Court, it can be in name only, just announced publicly.”

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord smiled: “South Pole, what are your thoughts?”

As soon as the Sage spoke, the grass house door at the courtyard’s side opened. South Pole Immortal Elder floated out on a cloud, bowing to Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord, then exchanging immortal salutes with Broad Achievement Master and Li Changshou.

Li Changshou secretly raised an eyebrow…

Living with the Sage Lord yet claiming not to be the secret Senior Brother of the Enlightened Teaching?

South Pole Immortal Elder spoke slowly: “Disciple leaves all to Master’s decision, considering only the Enlightened Teaching’s interests.”

Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord smiled: “In that case, let’s approve this matter. No need to keep Long Galaxy worried.”

“Thank you, Second Uncle Master, thank you, Senior Brother South Pole!”

Li Changshou’s face showed joy as if setting aside some worries, his whole being becoming much more relaxed.

He said: “I’ve already consulted with His Majesty the Jade Emperor about this matter. I’ll return now to write the memorial for submission, requesting His Majesty’s official decree. The edict should materialize within ten years! Senior Brother South Pole, do you have any preference regarding divine rank?”

South Pole Immortal Elder smiled: “It’s merely an honorary position, how could I mind?”

“Then shall we set it as third-rank divinity with second-rank salary?”

“Good,” South Pole Immortal Elder showed a slight smile, knowing the Celestial Court’s divine rankings—for a symbolic position to start at third rank was truly not insignificant.

Li Changshou secretly observed Broad Achievement Master’s reaction while naturally discussing Celestial Court affairs with the South Pole Immortal Elder.

Thus, South Pole Immortal Elder could now avoid entering the Investiture of the Gods killing tribulation, while Broad Achievement Master was destined to represent the Enlightened Teaching in battle against the Severing Teaching.

This arrangement had nothing to do with Broad Achievement Master’s previous schemes regarding his personal feelings.

After all, our Long Life wasn’t one to hold grudges.

…

After spending half a day in the Three Friends Courtyard, chatting and playing chess with the South Pole Immortal Elder, and receiving guidance from the Second Sage of the Dao Gate, Li Changshou’s visit proved quite fruitful.

Though he gained no substantial treasures, divine abilities, or cultivation methods, he had at least drawn somewhat closer to the Enlightened Teaching’s side.

To precisely control casualties during the Great Tribulation—meeting Heaven’s set “quota” while minimizing or preventing deaths—required maintaining “close” relationships with the higher echelons of both the Enlightened and Severing Teachings.

At crucial moments, they needed to heed his call to stop.

As Li Changshou returned to the Celestial Court, his consciousness stirred slightly, naturally not forgetting the immortal mountain that had suddenly appeared on the East Sea’s shore.

Should he investigate?

Li Changshou pondered briefly, feeling something unusual about this matter.

If that immortal mountain was truly Flower Fruit Mountain, why had it appeared at this crucial moment, at this particular time?

The rumors about the immortal mountain had coincidentally emerged just as the Celestial Court moved against the Western Teaching, eliminating numerous primordial fierce beasts and ancient monster beasts…

Based on Li Changshou’s understanding of the Heavenly Dao, it had an implicit rule, similar to “Heaven, in bestowing great responsibility upon a person, must first sever their internet, smash their computer, starve their flesh, empty their body, and disturb their actions.”

The meaning was that when Heaven wished to elevate someone, it would first give them tribulations.

From another perspective, the more tribulations one experiences, the easier it becomes to receive Heaven’s favor.

If so, the Western Teaching’s great losses were harbingers of their rise to prominence, then this immortal mountain…

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Dao rhythms vibrated in his heart. Li Changshou jolted as he saw a red embroidered ball gently flickering with light in his spirit platform.

The Holy Mother Goddess summoning?

Did she want to see new routine comics again?

Li Changshou dared not be careless, checking the Supreme Clarity Trinity he carried when traveling—the true Heaven-Earth Ruler, Mysterious Yellow Pagoda, and partial power of the Taiji Diagram—then turned to head toward the Outer East Heaven.

However, just as he flew halfway, his spirit platform rippled again with Dao rhythms, these obscure and difficult-to-comprehend rhythms carrying an indescribable… impropriety.

Ancestor Original Teachings’ voice suddenly sounded beside his ear:

“Long Galaxy, come quickly to Azure Void Palace, see what treasures Uncle Master has brought you!”

Li Changshou: …

This… where should he go first?

Though being summoned by a Sage was an honor ordinary Grand Luo cultivators dared not even dream of, why did he suddenly feel a bit…

Melancholic.