‘That bastard Ao Yi, now that he’s come to the Peach Banquet today, I’ll…’

Before the Crystal Palace Hall, Bian Zhuang, the Deputy Commander of the Celestial River Navy wearing bright silver armor, was secretly grinding his teeth.

Twelve times!

A full twelve times!

In these years, while he was freeloading at the East, South, and North Sea Dragon Palaces, he was made drunk twelve times, and each time he woke up, he was lying on a large bed, greeted by the sight of some… some…

Completely indescribable strange creatures!

It was still bearable at first, just some heavily made-up elderly sea tribe women.

Later on, Ao Yi, who arranged these pranks, seemed to have opened up his thinking, gathering all sorts of…

Who has ever seen a sea tribe woman with an octopus head but an extremely alluring figure?

And who has ever seen someone with an incredibly graceful back view, but upon turning around, revealed a face full of beard like a rough man!

Bian Zhuang shuddered several times, the scenes truly too horrible to recall, then again gnashed his teeth in anger internally.

But grinding teeth aside, today he stood here, having received orders to act as a ‘Dragon Palace acquaintance’ and properly host the Dragon Clan delegation.

Taking action was impossible, he could only put on a welcoming smile, hoping to earn praise from the great Sea God.

‘This Ao Yi, why does he deliberately oppose me?’

Just as Bian Zhuang was muttering in his heart, thunderous drum sounds suddenly came from the Central Heaven Gate, and several white clouds gilded with golden light carried the Dragon Clan delegation flying in.

Heavenly soldiers cleared the way in front, while Heavenly generals surrounded them.

The Crystal Palace Hall now flashed with brilliant golden light, waves of magnificent heavenly power reinforcing it, making this treasured hall appear even more majestic.

Bian Zhuang and the fifteen Heavenly generals beside him simultaneously stood tall with chests out, and as the Dragon Clan experts approached, they spread left and right according to the Sea God’s previous instructions, uniformly displaying gentle smiles.

Inside the Crystal Palace Hall, the Jade Emperor sat formally on the high platform, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.

East Minister Mu Gong led dozens of civil and military officials lined up on both sides.

These officials were all currently legitimate deities of the Heavenly Court, practically all the ‘experts’ that the current Heavenly Court could present, with most being of ancient human origin, among them more than ten who had been great generals and capable ministers who had followed the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

When the Dragon Clan delegation arrived before the hall, East Minister Mu Gong went out to welcome them on behalf of the Jade Emperor, while the Jade Emperor walked down half the jade steps, his body emanating intense heavenly authority.

The Four Seas Dragon Kings exchanged glances, entered together, walked to the center of the Crystal Palace Hall, and made Daoist bows in unison.

The East Sea Dragon King stepped forward, his brocade robe emitting a faint light, its wide sleeves that nearly touched the ground swaying slightly.

Almost simultaneously, whether it was the East Sea Dragon King, the Jade Emperor, East Minister Mu Gong to the side, or the various Heavenly Court immortals and deities, they all heard to varying degrees…

Senior Changshou’s voice in their hearts.

Except for the dragons from the West Sea Dragon Palace, which of these figures present hadn’t been instructed at least three times by Li Changshou?

At this moment, although Li Changshou had not yet appeared, he was… everywhere.

The East Sea Dragon King took out a golden invitation, his deep and steady voice unhurried.

This East Sea Dragon King said:

“Our Dragon Clan, responding to the Heavenly Court’s invitation, has come specially to attend the Peach Banquet, and now petitions the Heavenly Emperor to thank him for his care.

Our clan was born when chaos first opened, and once with the Phoenix, Qilin, and other clans, regardless of the lives of all beings, bore the karmic burden of shattering the primordial world.

Fortunately, we have the Heavenly Emperor’s acceptance and the Sea God’s support, giving our clan the opportunity to break free from our karmic shackles. Our entire clan, grateful for Heaven’s grace, comes today specially to thank Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor!”

As he finished speaking, the golden invitation transformed into a streak of golden light and returned to the Crystal Palace Hall.

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and sighed:

“The Dragon Clan has existed since ancient times and has some connection with me as well.

Though there was the mistake of shattering the primordial world before, you have long guarded the four seas’ ocean eyes and protected the beings of Heaven and Earth, so there is some merit there.

Today there are no great matters of Heaven and Earth, just inviting the four Dragon Kings to come to the Heavenly Court for a gathering.

Is the Jasper Pool ready?”

East Minister Mu Gong said: “Your Majesty, everything is prepared at the Jasper Pool.”

“Then let’s not wait for beloved official Changeng,” the Jade Emperor smiled, “My beloved officials, accompany me and these Dragon Clan heroes to the Jasper Pool for the banquet.”

The assembled immortals and deities of the Heavenly Court bowed in thanks in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized.

— These circumstances, including the dialogue between both sides just now, had passed through the hands of a certain ordinary but influential minister.

Especially the Jade Emperor’s words – if the Jade Emperor had said one sentence about ‘relieving the Dragon Clan’s karmic burden,’ the Heavenly Dao might have relieved the Dragon Clan’s karma, which would truly have wasted all their previous efforts.

At present, the Jade Emperor stepped forward, personally inviting the East Sea Dragon King to go outside the hall together, boarding the Jade Emperor’s Nine Dragons Divine Carriage together, leading the Heavenly Court’s immortals and deities, nearly a hundred members of the Dragon Clan, and tens of thousands of Heavenly soldiers and generals in a magnificent procession toward the Jasper Pool.

On the divine carriage, the East Sea Dragon King sat diagonally opposite the Jade Emperor, now transmitting his voice:

“Your Majesty the Jade Emperor please rest assured, this dragon knows how to proceed, the Sea God has arranged everything properly.”

The Jade Emperor smiled and said: “The Dragon King has also existed since ancient times, in public or private, there’s no need for such self-reference.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the East Sea Dragon King stood up and made a Daoist bow, then sat back down at the Jade Emperor’s beckoning.

This scene, falling in the eyes of those Dragon Clan descendants behind, made the dragon sons and daughters here feel as if a spice jar had been overturned in their hearts, their feelings extremely complex.

Was this still that Dragon Clan’s current leader who liked to lie on his throne, enjoying gentle massages from sea maidens?

Their Dragon Clan, today was truly going to…

Even though everyone knew that the Dragon Clan’s allegiance to the Heavenly Court at this time had all benefits and no drawbacks, when it came down to it, there was still inevitably some resistance in their hearts.

As the Jade Emperor’s carriage approached the Jasper Pool, rows of immortal maidens flew out from the Jasper Pool, half holding flower baskets and palace lanterns, lining up on both sides.

Half played music and danced in the clouds, their long sleeves swaying, like rising clouds and mist.

“Dragon King, please.”

“Your Majesty humbles me, Your Majesty, please.”

The Jade Emperor smiled and nodded, stepping down from the carriage, while the East Sea Dragon King very naturally followed behind the Jade Emperor.

The Dragon King’s originally imposing figure was now somewhat stooped.

A hundred immortals and dragons followed from behind, entering the Jasper Pool together.

The Queen Mother, leading several Jasper Pool immortal maidens, stood silently in the air on the immortal island where the Peach Banquet was being held, naturally peerless in bearing and dignified in demeanor.

As the Jade Emperor came forward, the Queen Mother slightly bowed in greeting, the Jade Emperor also made a slight Daoist bow, smiling and saying:

“Junior Sister, this is the East Sea Dragon King, also the current leader of the Dragon Clan.”

The East Sea Dragon King lowered his head and made a Daoist bow forward, saying: “Greetings to the Queen Mother.”

“The Dragon Clan leader need not be so formal,” the Queen Mother responded warmly, then said no more, accompanying the Jade Emperor to the throne below.

This venue had naturally been slightly adjusted by Li Changshou.

Originally, the Four Seas Dragon Kings’ seats were arranged after East Minister Mu Gong and Li Changshou’s seats; now Li Changshou had arranged them on two sides, with the Dragon Clan visitors concentrated on the right.

Both sides took their seats, and rows of immortal maidens came gracefully forward, serving fine wine and immortal fruits.

Then more than ten Chang’e maidens from the Moon Palace came forward to perform dances, quickly setting the atmosphere.

The Jade Emperor smiled and asked: “Junior Sister, when will the peaches be ready?”

“Your Majesty, the peaches still need several hours to ripen. I have commanded people to wait in the Peach Garden, and they will pick them as soon as they ripen – this is best.”

“Good,” the Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, this was indirectly telling the assembled dragons to be patient.

Just then, a Heavenly general came quickly to report.

“Your Majesty, the eminent Zhao Gongming from Luofu Cave of Mount Emei has entered the Heaven Gate and is approaching the Jasper Pool!”

“Oh?”

The Jade Emperor smiled and said: “Gongming is the beloved official Changeng’s close friend. Add a seat next to beloved official Changeng’s position, and Minister Mu, represent me in welcoming him – we must not neglect him.”

“This old minister obeys!”

East Minister Mu Gong accepted the command and turned around, just about to ride clouds out, when a burst of hearty laughter already came from ahead.

Zhao Gongming rode the clouds bringing Ao Yi, arriving in an instant. He cupped his hands in greeting to all directions, then walked forward to make a Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.

“Greetings to my two Senior Martial Uncles.”

The Jade Emperor’s brows carried a smile, and he didn’t say much, merely gesturing for Zhao Gongming to take his seat.

But Zhao Gongming’s words “Senior Martial Uncles” changed the look in many dragons’ eyes.

Previously, most of the Dragon Clan had felt somewhat melancholy about becoming subordinate to others, but now Zhao Gongming’s arrival and his address of “Senior Martial Uncles” reminded them that the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were of the same generation as the Six Sages, and considered fellow disciples with the Three Pure Ones…

Just considering background alone, their allegiance to the Heavenly Court wasn’t losing face.

One dragon’s heart after another suddenly became more subtle in their feelings.

Ao Yi’s divine position in the Heavenly Court was rather low, not qualified to attend the Peach Banquet, so he went to take a seat on the Dragon Clan’s side.

As songs and dances continued, the Heavenly Court’s immortals and deities had begun exchanging cups, while the Dragon Clan members chatted in small groups.

The Jade Emperor enjoyed the Chang’e maidens’ dance, completely at ease, as if there were no important matters today.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou’s seat remained empty, with no sign of him.

Beside it, Zhao Gongming felt rather uncomfortable, so he concealed his qi and dao rhythm, trying his best to reduce his presence, occasionally glancing at the Old Man Under the Moon in his grand red ceremonial robes.

The Old Man Under the Moon was also muttering in his heart…

Why did this great outer disciple of the Jie Sect keep looking at him? Could he be here to question the sudden surge in Jie Sect marriages these past ten years?

This had nothing to do with him – those many Golden Immortals who had cultivated from later-born beings in the Jie Sect had all extended their red strings and bound their own Dao companions. Even with a hundred Sea Gods’ worth of courage, he wouldn’t dare to randomly interfere with the Jie Sect.

However, speaking of which, the Jie Sect, with its absolute advantage in numbers and the ‘number of Golden Immortals’ achieving marriage, had steadily surpassed the Human Sect in the trend of Dao companions.

Suddenly drum sounds came from the Central Heaven Gate, and another Heavenly general hurriedly came to report that six disciples of the Western Sect’s Sages had come seeking audience with the Jade Emperor.

Many dragons immediately pricked up their ears, while the more hot-tempered ones had already grown angry.

Fortunately, Li Changshou had just briefed the Four Seas Dragon Kings;

The Four Seas Dragon Kings each transmitted messages, telling the Dragon Clan members outside the West Sea Dragon Palace to remain quiet.

The Jade Emperor frowned – though he had earlier received Li Changshou’s report that the Western Sect would send people to cause trouble, he had to make his attitude clear now, deliberately showing some annoyance.

“The Western Sect?”

The Jade Emperor said displeased: “I didn’t invite them, why have they come? Don’t let them enter the Heaven Gate.”

The Queen Mother beside him hurriedly said: “Your Majesty, our Heavenly Court hasn’t yet risen to power, and the Western Sect has two Sages – we shouldn’t slight the Venerable Sages’ face. Today is already the Peach Banquet, why not let them join the feast?”

“Fine,” the Jade Emperor glanced at the Four Seas Dragon Kings, giving them a reassuring look, then ordered their admission.

Shortly after, six old Daoists wearing tattered robes rode clouds in, originally furious, seemingly wanting to question the Jade Emperor.

These six old Daoists flew to the Peach Banquet at the Jasper Pool, and just as they landed from their clouds, one old Daoist had already put on the proud bearing of Sage’s disciple…

“Ahem!”

The inconspicuous Zhao Gongming cleared his throat, smiling while stroking his beard, and the six old Daoists all changed expressions at once.

Their bearing, like a balloon, was directly punctured by Zhao Gongming’s beard.

“Fellow Daoists,” Zhao Gongming smiled and said, “Craving some peaches?”

The six old Daoists frowned without speaking, immediately transmitting voices to discuss briefly, temporarily holding back their outburst, and at the Queen Mother’s arrangement, took seats beside Zhao Gongming.

The Dragon Clan members’ opposite cast glares full of anger, but these six old Daoists remain completely oblivious.

Meanwhile, the dozen or so ‘traitor dragons’ from the West Sea Dragon Palace had already received transmitted messages, waiting for the opportunity to cause trouble.

The main participants of today’s Peach Banquet were now all present.

The peaches in the Peach Garden had not yet ripened, and the songs and dances resumed.

The Jade Emperor maintained his displeased expression at this time, beginning to rest with closed eyes; the Four Seas Dragon Kings each remained silent, quietly waiting for the timing arranged with Li Changshou.

Zhao Gongming only knew that what would happen today was a ‘great matter,’ knowing nothing else specific, and at this time still raised his cup in respect to the six old Daoists beside him.

The six old Daoists each frowned in contemplation, imagining various possibilities, worried they had fallen into another scheme…

Great Master Zhao’s presence here was purely coincidental;

Since receiving Cultivator Wenjing’s secret message half a year ago, Li Changshou had already prepared several contingency plans.

Within the Heavenly Court, under the Heavenly Dao’s reinforcement, the Jade Emperor wasn’t to be underestimated, not need Great Master Zhao to come personally.

A moment later, one of the Western Sect’s old Daoists in tattered robes stood up…

And Bian Zhuang, who had been waiting outside the immortal banquet for so long, finally received the Sea God’s transmitted message!

At the immortal banquet, the ragged-robed old Daoist opened his mouth: “Your Majesty the Jade Emperor, this poor Daoist has come today because there is a matter…”

“Your Majesty!”

Bian Zhuang suddenly burst in, his emotions extremely full and his voice very loud, “The Sea God, he!”

The Jade Emperor immediately stood up, directly ignoring that old Daoist, hurriedly asking: “What’s happened to Changeng?”

Bian Zhuang called out in a crying voice: “The Sea God has returned!”

“Quickly!”

The Jade Emperor was overjoyed, waving away the dancing Chang’e maidens, going around his throne, and walking quickly outside the banquet.

The Queen Mother secretly snorted in her heart.

He had just learned that her acting was a bit stiff, but his acting wasn’t much better!

So exaggerated!

The Heavenly Court’s immortals and deities all stood up one after another, quickly following, while the Dragon Clan members also stood up, looking out beyond the immortal island.

That ignored ragged-robed old Daoist, the Western Sect Sage’s disciple, was now unable to figure out the situation, wanting to get angry but not knowing how to start.

As for Great Master Zhao, needless to say, his head was now full of mushrooms of confusion.

Two figures appeared from somewhere, already outside the immortal island – one with white hair and wearing a somewhat old Daoist robe, naturally Li Changshou’s Sea God paper avatar.

Beside him, Princess Longji had also changed into a somewhat dirty Daoist robe, with some stains at the hem, her fair face showing slight weariness, holding in her arms that gleaming golden Heaven Emperor’s Demon-Slaying Sword…

“Changeng!”

The Jade Emperor called out loudly: “My beloved official, you have suffered!”

Li Changshou stepped forward and made a deep Daoist bow, proclaiming: “This minor deity finds joy in sharing Your Majesty’s burdens, there is no suffering at all!

Your Majesty, please allow this minor deity to report!

After twelve years of exploring the Southern Continent, this minor deity used the Great Yu’s Flood Control Map as a guide, wielding the Demon-Slaying Sword bestowed by Your Majesty, visited all parts of the Southern Continent, thoroughly investigating its main waterways, slaying demon spawn, clearing pollution, and finally completely mapped all the main waterways of the Southern Jambudvipa Continent!

Today I rushed here before the Peach Banquet to present Your Majesty with one thousand two hundred and thirty-two Southern Continent waterway maps!”

With these words, Li Changshou took out two treasure pouches from his chest and opened them to reveal two mountain-like stacks of scrolls appearing beside him.

The Jade Emperor’s gaze flickered as he smiled and said: “From this day forward, the Southern Jambudvipa Continent’s waterways shall be under the Heavenly Court’s management!”

As the Jade Emperor’s words fell, ten thousand zhang of golden light surged around him, and the Heaven Emperor’s Supreme Seal appeared above the Jade Emperor’s head, shooting two golden beams that shone upon the two piles of scrolls.

Suddenly there was a thunderous sound of water!

Those two piles of scrolls dispersed directly in the golden light, but rivers of different lengths and lakes of various shapes floated in the golden light, surrounding Li Changshou and Longji, slowly spiraling!

After a moment, these miniature rivers and lakes surged toward the Heaven Emperor’s Seal, all being accepted by it!

A streak of golden light flashed and disappeared from the Crystal Palace Hall!

That was…

Heavenly Merit descending!