Outside the Peach Banquet, the blue ox’s entire face was written with the characters for ‘depressed’;
Lying beside the rock that had been wound round and round with immortal rope, its tail swayed somewhat boredly.
Tied up.
Changshou—no, the Great Law Master had instructed to address him as Senior Brother Changshou.
Senior Brother Changshou was being a bit too cautious, executing Lord Lao’s casual words to the letter!
It wasn’t as if it lacked spiritual awareness. To put it bluntly, among those present, those who could match its combat abilities wouldn’t exceed ten!
Never mind, a mount should have a mount’s dignity. Wherever it was tied, that’s where it would rest for a while.
Moo—
The blue ox opened its mouth, a vortex appearing in its throat, from which flew out a peach of immortality. It then closed its mouth to bite and chew comfortably.
Inside the Peach Banquet, Li Changshou, having finished tying the ox, quickly returned. Just as he stepped into the banquet’s outer area, he felt that the atmosphere here had already become…
Extremely solemn.
Those dragons who had been relatively relaxed before were now all sitting formally with tense expressions.
The Four Sea Dragon Kings had also changed from their previous submissive appearance, revealing slight gentle smiles, and showing the bearing of elders.
The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother remained unchanged from before, the former sitting majestically on the central throne, the latter accompanying him with elegant posture at his side.
Old Master Zhao had abandoned his loose sitting posture, changing from his previous ‘who dares to challenge me here’ boldness to the serious demeanor of ‘I am a disciple of the Severing Teaching.’
The immortals and gods of Heaven needn’t be mentioned—each was on high alert, like the already small-eyed Moon Elder, who had his eyes opened as wide as small bronze bells.
The six old Daoists from the West sat properly, each wearing slight smiles as if turning over a new leaf from the previous matter.
Why such a change?
Because Lord Lao was present!
Li Changshou had only walked four or five steps but had already analyzed clearly why Lord Lao had come.
First, eliminate the shallow and technically worthless option of [Lord Lao just came to watch the excitement]!
Combined with just now, Lord Lao’s glance at him, allowing him to help and sending him to tie the ox…
All signs indicated.
Lord Lao had come to support him!
And incidentally to guard against the Western Teaching’s sages attacking, directly showing attitude to the Dragon Clan, ensuring the Dragon Clan’s submission to Heaven today!
Having confirmed this point, Li Changshou immediately pondered how he should proceed to submit an answer sheet as close to perfect as possible.
Hmm…
At this moment, with Lord Lao sitting at the banquet, the original game situation had greatly changed, with their side having an infinitely large advantage.
Taboo: [Flying Dragon Face Rush];
Taboo: [Iron Chain Link Ships];
Advisable: [Measured Tension and Relaxation];
Advisable: [Maintain Foundation Unwavering]!
The more crucial the moment, the more one must adhere to the guiding spirit of the ‘Stability Scripture,’ fully realize the value of the ‘Strategy Treatise,’ and unswervingly uphold the principle of Human Teaching interests first, Heaven’s interests second for one yuan Kalpa!
Therefore, Li Changshou, arriving before his seat, slowed his steps, made a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor, and said:
“Your Majesty, these six who claim to be Western sage disciples have yet to prove themselves.
For safety’s sake, this minor god shall continue.”
The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, saying: “With Lord Lao present, even if some evil spirits impersonating sage disciples have mixed in, there’s no need for concern.”
“Your Majesty, if these six are truly sage disciples, they should be eager to prove themselves now.”
Li Changshou turned to look at the six tattered old Daoists, his gaze full of gentleness.
Whether Li Changshou had secretly calculated the angle, or it was pure coincidence, when the six Western Daoists looked at Li Changshou, they happened to see Supreme Lord Lao sitting cross-legged in the corner of the high platform.
In front was this Sea God, white-haired and white-robed, with a benevolent expression;
Behind him was that old Daoist, silent with half-lowered eyelids.
An inexplicable pressure arose from this, almost destabilizing these six old Daoists’ dao hearts.
The old Daoist who had spoken the most earlier squeezed out an ugly smile and said indifferently: “How could we brothers not dare to prove ourselves? We’ll now swear a Great Dao oath…”
“Wait!”
Li Changshou interrupted, looking toward Zhao Gongming, his gaze seeming to say: ‘If not now, when?’
Old Master Zhao hesitated somewhat, frowning in contemplation, his eyes seeming to say: ‘Do we want to take that thing out in front of Lord Lao?’
Li Changshou’s gaze immediately became quite firm;
Zhao Gongming hesitated no more, taking out from his sleeve a… somewhat worn scroll, using immortal power to push it to Li Changshou.
If we’re going to cause trouble, let’s cause trouble.
Li Changshou requested permission from the Jade Emperor, and after receiving it, carried this scroll leisurely to the front of those six old Daoists, placing it before them.
When this scroll appeared, those six Western Teaching old Daoists exchanged glances;
They first saw ‘anger’ on each other’s faces, followed by ‘shock,’ confirming that the other had actually…
Had all been touched by Zhao Gongming!
This scroll was evidence! Irrefutable evidence!
However, these six old Daoists now also had a feeling similar to long-married couples discovering they were childhood friends separated for many years…
Just quite awkward.
“Please, everyone.”
Li Changshou made a slight Daoist salute, standing quietly at the side holding his whisk.
An old Daoist’s left hand trembled slightly as he spread the scroll on the low table;
Looking at those familiar words, familiar format, and the many ‘fresh’ additions, he couldn’t help but recall that period of unbearable memories…
At this moment, this old Daoist suddenly understood—
Why did so many fellow senior disciples and brothers have such dark expressions and heavy tempers during that period;
Why several fellow disciples had directly announced seclusion for two to five hundred years, temporarily abstaining from sect affairs.
The root was all here!
Li Changshou patiently guided from the side, saying gently: “Friend, you read from this position to this position, then end at this position.
Just to prove identity, that middle section can be omitted.”
Several gazes and immortal consciousnesses explored from around, all curious about what ‘treasure’ Zhao Gongming had brought out.
Moments later, that Western Teaching old Daoist spoke in a deep voice, drawing Heaven’s Dao force to surge, beginning with the ‘Gratitude and Clear Oath Incantation,’ reciting a…
Great Dao oath several thousand words long!
For the six old Daoists, taking the oath took a full hour.
The Heavenly Dao force came and went, verifying each of their claimed identities.
That Great Dao oath template was repeated six times, letting everyone at the Peach Banquet—the immortals and gods, Dragon Clan, Jade Emperor, Queen Mother, and the late-arriving Princess Long Ji—hear it six times.
They didn’t have much to say, just felt their horizons had been broadened, opening a door to a new world.
Some uncultured military officials said things like: ‘Great Dao oaths can be this elaborate?’
Those cultured civil officials would be more refined: ‘By their mother, this works?’
When the sixth old Daoist finished reciting the oath, Li Changshou retrieved the scroll, muttering:
“One of you six proving identity would have been enough, after all, how could sage disciples associate with imposters?
Seeing how eager everyone was, I couldn’t say much.”
The Western Teaching sage disciple who had spat blood earlier, his face flushed red, but he forcefully swallowed back a mouthful of fresh blood.
At this moment, dozens of Heaven’s important ministers, the heavenly generals around the Peach Banquet, and the Four Sea Dragon Kings and Dragon Clan members all had black lines covering their foreheads…
Most immortals and gods looked at Li Changshou with reverence, labeling him as ‘absolutely must not offend.’
Who couldn’t see it now?
Those six old Daoists from the Western Teaching were no match for the Sea God.
From the Sea God’s return and sudden face-turning, the rhythm all along had been easily controlled in his hands, step by step pressing the six old Daoists until they couldn’t recover, a few words making them lose all face.
Even Lord Lao’s arrival hadn’t affected Lord Sea God’s performance one bit!
The Westerners weren’t incompetent—being sage disciples and having pressed the Dragon Clan to such dire straits, they all had some abilities.
But they had bellies full of flowery words with nowhere to put them…
Ahem, they had bellies full of schemes but couldn’t find opportunities to use them.
Just as they were conceiving their first step, the Sea God opposite had already reached the fifth step, even digging four pits in front of them.
How could they fight against that?
Indeed, after this bout of sparring, Li Changshou seemed to gain no particular advantage, only making these six old Daoists lose some face, now not daring to speak much more.
But from another perspective, if Lord Lao hadn’t come today, Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor would have had to deal with the West’s trouble-making.
After being dealt with like this by Li Changshou, the six Western Teaching old Daoists had lost their momentum and edge. Later, whatever they said or argued would have greatly reduced effect, and they definitely couldn’t influence the Dragon Clan’s judgment!
Every step of the Sea God’s calculations today was paving the way for later calculations!
Even Princess Long Ji, who had changed into a pink immortal dress with two immortal ribbons tied at her wrists, now seated in front of East Wood Minister, understanding what had just happened as she watched the Sea God she had followed for twelve years, couldn’t help but mutter softly in her heart:
‘Terrifying.’
Li Changshou turned to report back to the Jade Emperor, saying he had verified their identities, confirming they were indeed six distinguished persons from the Western Teaching.
The Jade Emperor praised him briefly, then raised his wine cup to the six old Daoists, letting the matter pass.
Finally, Li Changshou reached the Peach Banquet and returned to his seat, flanked by East Wood Minister and Zhao Gongming, but his heart didn’t dare relax at all.
The Western Teaching’s real agenda was still to come.
The show was just about to begin.
…
Li Changshou had just sat down when Zhao Gongming reached under the low table and gripped his arm.
Because in front of Lord Lao, ordinary voice transmission might not escape his hearing, but this direct contact transmission was most secure.
“Changshou, when will you be officially accepted?”
Li Changshou shook his head with a smile and transmitted: “I’ve always been a Human Teaching disciple.”
Zhao Gongming immediately became thoughtful, while Li Changshou had already transmitted to the East Wood Minister beside him:
“Wood Minister, it’s time to rise and lead Heaven’s immortals and gods in toasting His Majesty, Her Majesty, and Lord Lao separately.”
East Wood Minister awakened as if from a dream and immediately stood to set the atmosphere.
Shortly after, the music rose again, and thirty-six Moon Chang’e offered to dance. Though the famous ‘Heng’e’ wasn’t present, this was already Heaven’s highest standard of song and dance.
—Chang’e referred to female immortals cultivating on the Greater Yin Star, specializing in music and dance;
Heng’e was the one who achieved immortality in ancient mythology. The myth was somewhat biased; the actual story was more complex. She was appointed as the Greater Yin Star-Lord, managing all Chang’e, residing in the Vast Cold Palace, and rarely appearing in public.
Even if Lord Lao didn’t enjoy watching these things, Heaven’s proprieties had to be maintained.
Before long, immortals and gods everywhere were again exchanging cups. With two hours still before the peaches would ripen, the atmosphere gradually became lively.
It seemed as if nothing more would happen.
Half an hour before the Peach Banquet officially began, the East Sea Dragon King glanced at Li Changshou, who slowly nodded, put down his wine cup, and rose from his cross-legged position.
In an instant, gazes converged from all directions.
Those Chang’e with their graceful figures and beautiful faces unconsciously stopped their movements.
Yet the music didn’t stop, becoming more melodious.
Li Changshou made a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor, “Your subject has a memorial to present to Your Majesty!”
The Jade Emperor smiled and said: “Today is the grand Peach Banquet, beloved official can present it tomorrow.”
“Your Majesty,” Li Changshou said seriously, “precisely because today is the grand Peach Banquet, this minor god wishes to present this memorial, to congratulate Heaven, to congratulate Your Majesty!”
The Jade Emperor asked again: “What is the cause for celebration?”
Beside him, Zhao Gongming stroked his beard with a light laugh, finding this back-and-forth between ruler and subject truly interesting.
Li Changshou stepped out from behind the low table and made a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor, then another to the Four Seas Dragon Clan, before standing tall, his hair and beard floating slightly.
“This minor god received Your Majesty’s trust, entrusted with the heavy responsibility of Four Seas Sea God.
However, the Four Seas were already under the Four Seas Dragon Clan’s control, with Dragon Clan, Sea Clan, sea creatures, and even demon tribes all submitting to these four Dragon Kings.
After this minor god took office, the Four Seas Dragon Kings helped wholeheartedly, assisting this minor god in governing the Four Seas, leading to the peace of the Four Seas.
But this minor god is truly ashamed.”
Li Changshou let out a long sigh, then made a deep Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor:
“Today, this minor god boldly requests to transform this minor god’s divine position into four directional Sea God positions, for Heaven to appoint the Four Seas Dragon Kings as Sea Gods of the Four Seas!
This minor god is willing to step back!”
When Li Changshou spoke these words, many Dragon Clan descendants and Heaven’s immortals and gods were greatly shocked.
But the Jade Emperor frowned and said: “Why does Long Geng speak thus?
Who in Heaven doesn’t know of Long Geng’s achievements? Who hasn’t heard of them?
How can there be reason for retirement without fault!”
East Wood Minister stood up beside them, quickly walked to Li Changshou’s side, and also made a deep Daoist salute:
“Your Majesty! Your subject requests!
The Sea God commands the Four Seas, with great labor and merit!
Offering strategies for Your Majesty, with tremendous achievements!
Also investigating South Continent waterways, with eternal merit!
Why doesn’t Your Majesty establish the Sea God in a new position, then according to the Sea God’s request, divide the Sea God’s divine authority into four!”
The Jade Emperor was greatly pleased, “Wood Minister’s request deeply matches my thoughts!
Draft the decree!
Now appointing beloved official Long Geng as Heaven’s Water God, ranked third grade, overseeing all water matters in the Three Realms!”
As soon as the Jade Emperor’s words fell, a golden light came from Lingxiao Hall, quickly merging into Li Changshou’s body.
Li Changshou’s left hand turned over, and a golden-glowing trident appeared in his hand. As he held it up with both hands, the trident transformed into streams of light, returning to the Heavenly Realm.
East Wood Minister smiled and said: “Your Majesty, the decree can be officially condensed in twenty years.
However, regarding these Four Seas Sea God positions, what do the four Dragon Kings think…”
“I have words to speak!”
The East Sea Dragon King stood up, walked slowly to Li Changshou’s side, and also made a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor. This old Dragon King spoke with passionate intensity:
“Reporting to Jade Emperor Your Majesty!
Our Dragon Clan has long borne ancient karmic obstacles, filling the Four Seas’ sea eyes, and managing the Four Seas’ territories for ages.
In ancient times, when that Demon Court was powerful, they forced our Dragon Clan to be guest officials of the Demon Court. How our Dragon Clan, high and low, hated it in our hearts!
But since the Sea God established his position at South Sea’s shore, carrying Your Majesty’s decree, showing our clan every care.
When our clan suppressed rebels, Heaven coordinated;
When our clan struggled bitterly, Heaven assisted.
The Sea God even labored mind and body for our clan’s prosperity, never speaking half a word about repayment. Our clan saw this clearly, how grateful our hearts were!
Today, I, Ao Guang, Dragon Clan’s clan leader, am willing to lead the Four Seas Dragon Clan in submitting to Heaven! To be bound by Heaven’s laws!
To uphold Heaven’s majesty, to obey the Heavenly Emperor’s commands!”
The three Dragon Kings of West Sea, North Sea, and South Sea had already walked behind Ao Guang, each making a Daoist salute and saying loudly:
“Our Dragon Clan is willing to submit to Heaven, to be bound by Heaven’s laws, to uphold Heaven’s majesty, to obey the Heavenly Emperor’s commands!”
“Excellent!”
The Jade Emperor stood up, his whole body flashing with golden light, the Heavenly Emperor’s dignity unprecedentedly intense.
“Now gaining the Dragon Clan’s assistance, how could our Heaven not prosper? Now gaining the Dragon Kings’ words, how could our Heaven’s authority not be established!”
In the Dragon Palace seats, Ao Yi was the first to stand, and most of the Dragon Clan stood up, walking behind the Four Seas Dragon Kings to pay respects to the Jade Emperor.
But those six Western Teaching old Daoists remained calm and composed, showing no change.
Just then, a long sigh suddenly sounded, and an elder from the West Sea Dragon Palace also stood up, frowning as he said:
“Four Your Majesties, perhaps this matter doesn’t need to be discussed with the various Supreme Elders guarding the sea eyes?
Making such an easy decision, isn’t it somewhat inappropriate?
This Heaven is nothing special after all.”
In an instant, the dragons all frowned, many of Heaven’s immortals and gods stood up glaring at that elder, and Ao Yi’s eyes grew round, wishing he could tear this Western Sea dragon apart.
The smile on the Jade Emperor’s face gradually faded, the divine light in his eyes overwhelming.
“Your Majesty,” Li Changshou unhurriedly stepped forward again, “may this minor god handle this matter with full authority?”
The Jade Emperor nodded, sitting back on his throne, saying: “Long Geng, I leave it to you.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust.”
At once, Li Changshou turned around, and the Four Seas Dragon Kings and gathered Dragon Clan experts moved aside, letting Li Changshou face that dragon-headed elder directly.
Many of Heaven’s immortals and gods couldn’t help but think:
‘Looks like there’s another good show coming.’
Zhao Gongming’s eyes narrowed in a smile, those six Western Teaching old Daoists again began frantically exchanging glances, while Ao Yi and Long Ji’s eyes both flashed with light.
Long Ji even maintained her excellent habit, of taking out a jade talisman, preparing to record all the Sea God’s words.
Looking at Li Changshou again, he held his whisk and walked two steps forward, staring directly at that dragon-headed elder, asking:
“Friend, are you from the West Sea Dragon Palace?”
That dragon-headed elder remained composed, even clasping his hands behind his back, smiling as he said: “Correct, what instruction does the Sea God have?”
Li Changshou smiled slightly, but then his smile vanished, his expression turned cold, light flashing in his eyes as he suddenly shouted:
“Where are the Heavenly Generals!
Seize this dragon, take him to the Heavenly Punishment Hall to behead him and destroy his divine soul!”
The Peach Banquet instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, the silence lasting several breaths, then hundreds of Heavenly Generals responded with a thunderous “Yes!”