*Drip~*

Crystal-clear spiritual liquid dripped from the stone nipple, falling into a small, clear pool.

At the edge of the Five Continents, deep beneath the earth, in a cave radiating seven-colored light, Golden Cicada sat cross-legged beside a spiritual pool. His face was pale, his long robes stained with blood. His entire body was tense, occasionally trembling, the smile on his lips somewhat forced…

Was he afraid?

What a joke – he was the mighty Primordial Beast, a six-winged golden cicada in his true form, blessed with Heaven and Earth divine powers. Even when the Western Sect subdued him, it took Sage’s intervention to capture him!

How could that be called fear?

He was just… terrified.

And this feeling of terror came entirely from instinct, originating from the blurred feminine figure beside Golden Cicada.

Next to Golden Cicada, the woman in blood-red gauze took delicate steps, her alluring silhouette like mist condensed into form. A slender finger lightly touched Golden Cicada’s forehead, slowly trailing across it.

“Senior,” Golden Cicada said with a smile, “thank you for saving my life.”

“Hehe…”

The laughter was light and carrying a hint of languid charm. Though seemingly gentle and melodious, to Golden Cicada’s ears, it was exceptionally jarring.

Golden Cicada believed that if he weren’t injured, he wouldn’t fear this black-winged blood mosquito. Even in direct combat, the odds would be fifty-fifty, and he could rely on his divine powers to escape.

But now, he had been wounded by that Heavenly Court immortal’s eye sword, and the woman beside him had seized the initiative…

“I saved you?”

“Naturally.”

Golden Cicada replied with a smile, but as soon as he finished speaking, his Adam’s apple trembled involuntarily.

Cultivator Wen Jing placed one jade foot on the stone slab beside him, slowly bending down. That face capable of causing the downfall of multitudes carried a trace of playfulness.

She leaned slightly toward Golden Cicada’s face, taking a gentle sniff.

“Tsk, why is your blood so foul-smelling, leaving me with no appetite…”

Golden Cicada’s smile didn’t reach his eyes: “Thank you for your concern, Senior. Since we both serve the same two masters, we naturally cannot have internal conflicts.”

“Hmph.”

Cultivator Wen Jing’s figure flickered lightly, appearing on the other side of the pool, her phoenix eyes revealing faint disdain.

“Don’t keep calling me Senior this and Senior that – we’re not familiar.

Saving you today was merely because I happened to pass by, and feared being blamed by those in the sect.

Remember, don’t take things to the extreme; leave some meat for others when there’s good food.

Otherwise, next time we meet like this, it won’t be as… simple as taking a strand of your primordial spirit.”

As she spoke, Cultivator Wen Jing slowly raised her left hand, her jade-white fingertips entwined with strands of blood energy, condensing into the ethereal form of a blood cicada.

Her slender fingers lightly pinched, and the blood cicada instantly shattered.

When did she-?!

Golden Cicada’s face immediately paled further, his body trembling slightly, his eyes blazing with murderous light.

But Cultivator Wen Jing coldly snorted, no longer sparing him a glance. Her soft waist swayed slightly, and her figure disappeared, leaving only traces of light laughter, a flash of blood-red, and that buzzing sound that was so jarring to Golden Cicada’s ears…

*Rumble~~*

Golden Cicada’s refined face trembled slightly, his left hand clenched into a fist, causing continuous rumbling throughout the earth for thousands of miles in all directions.

…

‘Wen Jing should know what to do next, right?’

Li Changshou pondered in his heart.

He trusted Cultivator Wen Jing’s ability to handle matters even more than Elder Zhao’s scamming skills.

Today’s arrangement for Cultivator Wen Jing to rush to this location wasn’t simply to give the Jade Emperor a glimpse.

No one could predict future events and human hearts were the most difficult to fathom;

Regarding matters involving Cultivator Wen Jing, Li Changshou had to keep something hidden from the Jade Emperor.

There was no other reason – the ultimate beneficiaries of the Great Investiture of the Gods would be the Heavenly Court and the Western Sect. If there was any ‘coordination’ between the two during the Investiture, it wouldn’t be surprising.

If the Jade Emperor knew beforehand that Cultivator Wen Jing was the Human Sect’s hidden piece in the Western Sect, she might become a ‘bargaining chip’ in the future.

During the Great Investiture of the Gods, the Jade Emperor was also half a chess player – one couldn’t judge solely based on ‘human nature.’

This point had become crystal clear to Li Changshou during those years when he was formulating the Dragon Clan strategy.

Today, Cultivator Wen Jing acted according to circumstances – if Golden Cicada could escape, she would assist him, appearing to offer help in times of need while actually gilding the lily, thus putting on a show for the Western Sect to see.

In terms of subsequent handling, if Cultivator Wen Jing’s scheming was insufficient, she would show goodwill toward Golden Cicada;

If she considered things more comprehensively, she should take the opportunity to give Golden Cicada a couple of punches, warning him not to monopolize credit in the future, thereby gaining more trust from the Western Sect…

One more insurance, one more measure of stability.

At this moment, Li Changshou, in his capacity as the Sea God, had brought the Jade Emperor and East Wood Minister (who had transformed into two assistant deities) to the Dragon Clan’s celestial ship.

The Western Sea Dragon Palace’s great army, having received the news, had already surrounded this area.

Several Dragon Princes came forward to pay their respects, and Ao Shi of the Western Sea Dragon King’s family was particularly emotional, speaking through tears about how he had chosen his friends poorly and inadvertently let wolves into their home.

“Beloved minister Changgeng,” the Jade Emperor transmitted his voice in reminder, “these Dragon Princes’ primordial spirits seem somewhat unusual.”

Li Changshou transmitted back: “Your Majesty, this is a common method used by that side.

The Dragon Clan’s experts have already noticed the anomaly, but it’s not convenient for us to question this matter.”

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, not saying anything more.

Soon, the Jade Emperor discovered that the situation was even more complicated than what Li Changshou had described.

At this moment, among a large number of troops pouring out from the Western Sea Dragon Palace, two-thirds of those whose cultivation realm was equivalent to the Human Clan’s Celestial Immortal realm or above had some issues.

In other words…

They were surrounded by a large number of double agents.

Subsequently, the Jade Emperor watched as Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries and dealt with these Western Sect puppets from all sides.

This truly was…

Up close, it was all smiles and laughter, but from afar, everyone had daggers hidden behind their backs.

The Jade Emperor’s eyes revealed traces of contemplation and a hint of determination but then returned to their previous clarity.

Beside him, East Wood Minister keenly noticed that at this moment, the Jade Emperor seemed somewhat different.

After Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries for a while, hundreds of azure dragons flew in from the south and north directions, each transforming into human form as they approached the celestial ship.

“Elder Brother Master!”

Ao Yi, leading hundreds of experts, arrived and cupped his fists in greeting Li Changshou from afar.

Li Changshou calmly nodded, not revealing the Jade Emperor’s identity.

This time, Li Changshou was not sparing in his praise for Ao Yi’s ‘foresight,’ and in front of the Jade Emperor, he heavily… praised Ao Yi for a while.

After the Dragon Clan experts came forward to thank Li Changshou, the Jade Emperor transmitted:

“Changgeng, let’s return, nothing is interesting here.”

Li Changshou then bid farewell to the Dragon Clan experts, and before leaving, reminded Ao Yi not to forget to arrange for minor patrol deities to patrol the Four Seas.

Before parting, Li Changshou also said to Ao Yi:

“After handling various matters, Ao Yi, come to An Shui City, I have something to give you.”

“Alright!”

Ao Yi bowed his head, cupped his fists, and paid respects as he sent Li Changshou and the other two off.

Moments later, Li Changshou steered the wooden boat, continuing to cruise around the Western Sea region.

He and East Wood Minister both noticed that the Jade Emperor’s expression was somewhat off, completely different from the carefree and leisurely demeanor when he first descended to the mortal realm.

It seemed he had something on his mind…

East Wood Minister and Li Changshou exchanged glances, both quite puzzled.

Another moment later, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, stopping the song and dance music, and drained the ‘Jiu Wu Special Supply’ clear wine in his cup in one gulp.

“Enough!”

Li Changshou and East Wood Minister both stood up simultaneously.

The Jade Emperor sighed lightly, stood up, and gazed at Li Changshou, raising his hand to pat Li Changshou’s shoulder.

“The Heavenly Court has just begun, and has made beloved minister Changgeng suffer.”

Li Changshou: It’s not suffering, just add more merits.

The Jade Emperor said: “Today I witnessed how my beloved minister deals with Western Sect’s powerful figures and exchanges pleasantries with those Dragon Clan members who harbor ulterior motives, and my heart aches!

Why must my Heavenly Court’s important minister be bullied so by a mere fierce beast?

Why must the Four Seas’ Proper God I appointed have to exchange smiles with such unworthy beings?

Wood Minister, where are you!”

East Wood Minister immediately bowed and accepted the command: “Your old servant is here!”

The Jade Emperor stood in this somewhat low boat cabin, pacing back and forth, thinking carefully, then spoke slowly.

“After returning to the Heavenly Court, immediately draft an edict.

Beloved minister Changgeng has benefited the Four Seas and upheld the Heavenly Court’s dignity, promoted him to three ranks, and increased his salary by sixty percent.

Starting today, the Heavenly Court will establish another Heavenly Naval Force, stationed at the Celestial River, training day and night, for beloved minister Changgeng to command!

The edict shall be drafted within twelve years, and the Heavenly Naval Force shall be deployed immediately!”

East Wood Minister responded firmly: “Your servant accepts the command!”

“Where is Changgeng?”

Li Changshou bowed his head and said: “This minor deity is here.”

“I had overlooked something before, thinking that with Elder Brother Taiqing’s protection, the Western Sect wouldn’t dare to bully you outright.

This was my mistake.”

The white-robed Jade Emperor’s eyes carried a trace of apology.

However, Li Changshou’s smile was quite warm as he replied: “Your Majesty, this minor deity finds such contests quite interesting.”

The Jade Emperor laughed lightly, then said seriously: “But Changgeng, you also have a shortcoming, which is being too cautious.

You are a disciple of the Human Sect, quite similar to Elder Brother Taiqing in this aspect, which is not necessarily a fault.

Changgeng, come look.”

As he spoke, the Jade Emperor pushed open the boat cabin window, looking at the vast sea of clouds outside, and continued:

“Winds can be gentle, and they can be fierce; clouds can be loose, and they can be sudden.

All things in heaven and earth have their principles of fast and slow.

The Dragon Clan matter should be the same.”

Hearing this, Li Changshou immediately put on a rather touched expression, slowly nodded, and made a Daoist salute.

“This minor deity accepts your teaching!”

“Regarding the Dragon Clan matter, I shall now directly order you, Changgeng, to temporarily cease managing the Dragon Clan affairs.”

The Jade Emperor said: “Twelve years later, the Heavenly Court will hold the Peach Banquet, and I will invite the Four Seas Dragon Kings to enjoy the feast in the Heavenly Court.

If they willingly submit to the Heavenly Court, I will not raise the sword of dragon-slaying.

If they still harbor different intentions and do not recognize heaven’s mandate, I will personally go to the Purple Void Palace, asking the Dao Ancestor to send down heavenly punishment to question the Dragon Clan!”

Li Changshou and East Wood Minister exchanged glances, both somewhat shocked, and simultaneously bowed and acknowledged.

The Jade Emperor closed his eyes and slowly exhaled, then opened them again, gazing at this expanse of blue waters and sky.

White robes like snow, long hair dancing in the wind.

At this moment, as Li Changshou looked at the back of this ruler of the Three Realms, he inexplicably felt…

He was quite handsome.

Li Changshou called out: “This minor deity thanks Your Majesty for your consideration!”

The Jade Emperor laughed and said: “Changgeng, Wood Minister, you perhaps don’t know, I have no interest in the divine right of the Heavenly Emperor.

When the Monster Court shattered years ago, the Dao Ancestor and the Six Sages appeared, cleaning up the broken mountains and rivers after the war of the Three Races, melting the ancient Monster Court into today’s Heavenly Court.

At that time, Western Sect’s Junior Brother Zhunti earnestly requested from the Dao Ancestor that the Heavenly Court should be controlled by a Sage.

How could Teacher not know Zhunti’s intentions?”

The Jade Emperor’s gaze was incredibly distant as if he could see through this sea and sky.

As he continued speaking, a strand of the Way of Heaven’s rhythm had already enveloped the wooden boat, so there was no need to worry about anyone overhearing.

The Jade Emperor said:

“The Three Pure Ones are pure and indifferent, not concerning themselves with worldly affairs. If Teacher had agreed at that time, the Heavenly Court would have become a magical treasure for Junior Brothers Zhunti and Jieyin to fulfill their great wishes, and the Three Realms would ultimately fail to achieve order.

Therefore, the Teacher brought my younger sister and me out from the Purple Void Palace, without telling me anything, and just established us as the Emperor and Empress of the Heavenly Court – I as the Jade Emperor, she as the Queen Mother, overseeing all matters of the Three Realms.

When I first became the Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Court was empty and desolate, everywhere just clouds and mist. My sister and I sat before that Lingxiao Treasure Hall in a daze, not knowing what we should do, nor knowing exactly what the position of Heavenly Emperor symbolized.

My sister and I originally just served tea, delivered water, and kept watch at the door for Teacher, how had we ever been any Heavenly Emperor or Heavenly Empress?

Even until today, I continue to ask myself:

When the Teacher made me this Heavenly Emperor, what exactly did he want me to do?

Today, I think I roughly understand.”

Li Changshou said softly: “This minor deity dares to hear more of Your Majesty’s words.”

Beside him, East Wood Minister couldn’t help but fall into deep thought – how come he couldn’t think of these words?

The Jade Emperor said: “Heaven, Earth, and Living Beings.

The Three Realms have many powerful beings; the Sages can remake wind, fire, water, and earth at will; the Sages’ disciples all have the ability to overturn seas and sink continents; the various races’ powerful figures can move mountains and fill seas, turning heaven and earth upside down.

I need to restrain them.

Before true spirits transform into being, they all arise from nothingness; after true spirits transform into being, they are divided into strong and weak. My Heavenly Court must ensure that the strong cannot remain perpetually strong and that the weak can live according to Heaven’s mandate.

I need to control this.

Changgeng, Wood Minister, are you willing to advance with me?”

Wood Minister firmly said: “Your old servant is willing to smear his brains and liver on the ground, to serve Your Majesty as a war horse, death would not be regrettable!”

Li Changshou, however, slowly sighed and smiled: “As one who has just become a deity, the path ahead is long, I wish to witness it with Your Majesty.”

The Jade Emperor turned around and nodded with a smile at Li Changshou.

Beside them, Wood Minister couldn’t help but fall into deep thought again…

These words, he really couldn’t think of them.

…

The Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Court, the Dragon Clan-exclusive Peach Banquet twelve years later, submit or face heavenly punishment…

After sending the Jade Emperor and East Wood Minister away, Li Changshou settled the paper avatar at An Shui City, then fell into deep thought in the underground secret chamber of Small Qiong Peak.

Twelve years was a bit short.

And the timing of the Jade Emperor taking initiative was slightly earlier than he had anticipated.

Rising from behind his desk, Li Changshou walked to the bookshelf in the corner, took out two treasure pouches, and from them retrieved two stacks of cloth scroll paintings, slowly spreading them out, covering the entire secret chamber.

These were the ‘strategies’ he had written down when he first accepted the ‘Dragons Ascending to Heaven’ mission.

Most of them had already been erased.

Today, after careful consideration, Li Changshou rolled up most of the cloth scrolls, suspended them before him, and directly burned them with Three Realms True Fire.

These were all useless now.

Turning around, Li Changshou looked at the three remaining cloth scrolls behind him, and the criss-crossing arrows marked on them.

“Finally, this part can be used.”

Subsequently, Li Changshou took another cloth scroll and drew on it a chicken leg, bamboo basket, orchid grass, slingshot, and luminous cup.

This time he thought for a moment and added a hairpin to it, then sat cross-legged in mid-air, letting the cloth scrolls float around him as he continued writing and drawing with his brush.

The more crucial such moments were, the more one couldn’t act on pure passion without considering anything else.

In these twelve years, there were still many things he could do. The Jade Emperor wanted to cut through the chaos with a quick blade, not hesitating to use Purple Void Palace resources.

As for himself, what he needed was to quickly organize this tangle of chaos, to ensure that when the Jade Emperor’s blade fell, there wouldn’t be too much resistance, nor would there be too many lingering problems.

Glancing at the place where Ling E was in closed cultivation, sweeping a look at several people playing in the card room.

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, beginning to concentrate on thinking.

The Jade Emperor didn’t know…

His Way was not one of non-action, it was just that sometimes he had to make choices that aligned with the chicken leg’s direction.