Within half a Shichen, one hundred and sixty-two mortal cities under the Sea God Sect’s influence were attacked.

One hundred and sixty-two temples were destroyed, their divine statues smashed. Over ten thousand mortals were killed or injured, most of them devotees who had rushed to protect the Sea God temples.

Twenty-three divine envoys of the Sea God Sect perished…

These casualties occurred despite Li Changshou’s paper clone army arriving in time to fight the fires and the full support of the Heavenly Court.

What gave Li a headache was…

This time, the enemy had only dispatched demon immortals barely comparable to the Yuan Immortal realm, along with vicious demon beasts already burdened with much karmic sin.

When golden pillars of light appeared in the sky and the Heavenly soldiers descended to eliminate demons, these lesser demons who had wreaked havoc in mortal cities had no power to resist. They and their fierce demon beasts were quickly cleared away.

But the mortal casualties they caused were irreversible.

With minimal sacrifice, the enemy had caused widespread chaos, tying up tens of thousands of Heavenly soldiers and many of his paper clones…

Their approach this time was completely different from before, with troops, cavalry, artillery, and vehicles divided in meticulous detail.

It had the same flavor as the East Sea battle.

Before the East Sea’s eye was breached, whenever Li Changshou faced off against the Western Religion, it was like… it was like in his past life when he often played that ten-player competitive online game. Even though it was supposed to be five versus five, the enemy would have one or two players jump out at the start and shout at his team:

“I’ll carry you!”

But now the Western Religion had stopped their confusing behavior, and their actions had become efficient and ruthless.

They were truly difficult to deal with.

What was strange was that after setting this fire along the South Sea coast, they fell silent.

When Li banished those lesser demons, he used the Soul-Capturing Zhenzhu to collect their residual soul memories but found no valuable fragments.

These lesser demons had been randomly captured and thrown into the coastal cities of the South Sea to create havoc.

And the experts who captured them left no trace for these demons to detect…

A probe?

No, this couldn’t be just a simple probe. There were several deeper meanings within.

Their actions along the South Sea coast were likely just a feint, but he couldn’t rule out that destroying the Sea God Sect was their main retaliatory goal.

This had to be analyzed from the perspective of “motive.”

In a dark corner, Li Changshou closed his eyes. Beneath his feet seemed to appear city after city wreathed in billowing smoke as his mind raced.

Before long, a series of commands flew through paper clones to the Southern Continent, the Netherworld, the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Heavenly River…

Within half a day, the Heavenly Court’s soldiers and generals began gathering at the Five Heavenly Gates, mobilizing over 600,000 troops in total, each taking up defensive formations.

The Netherworld’s Yin Officials mobilized their ghost soldiers to guard key points throughout Fengdu City. The Netherworld’s Ancient Witch clan also fully deployed, guarding several crucial locations outside Fengdu City.

The current Netherworld’s actual control over the various regions of the Ghost Realm wasn’t high. As long as they could protect Fengdu City, the Yin Officials wouldn’t suffer any losses.

The Four Seas Dragon Palaces also entered a state of high alert.

The East Sea Dragon Palace served as the firefighting team, while experts from the other three Dragon Palaces all stationed themselves near the sea eye. The Black Dragon Soldiers, renamed from Celestial Dragon Soldiers, patrolled continuously, and the sea races were also mobilized.

In the Sea God Sect’s territory in the Southern Continent, all Sea God temples were sealed. Cities announced that demons were causing havoc, telling mortals to evacuate and at least stay away from the Sea God temples.

On this matter, Li Changshou always weighed things carefully:

“Temples can be rebuilt, but mortal casualties create a karmic burden.

Human lives shouldn’t become the broken tiles of temples. As immortals, we can’t be heartless and harm the living beings who give us merit through incense offerings.”

The Dragon Clan also sent several hundred experts to the South Sea’s edge, hidden in the waters, ready to follow Li Changshou’s commands at any moment.

At Little Qiong Peak, in the pill-refining chamber.

Li Changshou flew out from the corner, withdrew his paper clone used for pill refining, transformed into a wisp of green smoke, and went to the cave-dwelling within the mountain.

Walking to the master bedroom he had reserved for himself, Li Changshou opened the hidden compartment in the corner, and activated the mechanism there, revealing an exquisitely decorated secret chamber.

Candle flames flickered, and smoke drifted hazily as Li Changshou walked to the hanging portrait, renewed the incense, and bowed in respect.

After receiving the Way of Water Virtue passed down by Lord Supreme Clarity, Li Changshou copied a portrait of Supreme Clarity and hung it here, regularly offering incense and paying respects.

Li Changshou’s visit today was purely to seek peace of mind; he had no bold or immature thoughts.

However, before he could raise his head, he felt ripples in space-time, a familiar spiritual sense lingering in his mind, and something heavy falling from above…

With a light “clang,” Li Changshou rubbed his head with a bitter smile as the small tower deliberately shook about at his side.

“Little disciple! Wa ha ha ha!”

Uh, was this matter so serious?

Lord Supreme Clarity had taken the initiative to send the Primordial Tower to protect him!

When the Western Religion suddenly started its “micromanagement,” Li Changshou wasn’t been nervous. After all, the Western Religion’s previous behavior was clearly “underperforming” – this current approach better suited a great religion’s “style.”

But now…

Among the Six Sages, his master Lord Supreme Clarity, supreme in divination, had actively dropped the Heaven and Earth Exquisite Primordial Tower on his head!

Li Changshou instantly became tense.

This matter must be serious.

No choice but to activate the highest-level defense system!

…

Meanwhile, in the northwestern part of the Western Ox Continent.

Several streaks of light shot from south to north, stopping simultaneously before a cliff face, transforming into three figures – two women and one man.

Just as they were about to “crash” into the mountain wall ahead, they suddenly heard a mosquito-like sound. Their expressions changed slightly as they stepped back, either lowering their heads with clasped hands or slightly bowing.

Wreathed in bloody light, Cultivator Wenjing in her blood gauze dress revealed her alluring figure.

Wenjing nodded slightly to the three at her side, stepped forward twice in mid-air, and ripples appeared in the rock face before her, taking her within.

The three Primordial Fierce Beasts behind her exchanged glances, lowered their heads, and followed.

Within the illusion was a great hall, gleaming with golden light, flowing with peaceful energy. In the center of the hall floated a precious banner, concealing everything happening within…

Wenjing arrived slightly late. Looking around at the assembled Primordial Fierce Beasts of similar background to herself, she slightly curled her lips and walked toward an empty meditation cushion in the front row.

‘Are they testing us again, or planning something big?’

She pondered carefully, recalling the Water God’s warning from twenty years ago, instantly raising her vigilance to the maximum.

Primordial Fierce Beasts mostly acted alone. The hundred-plus figures seated here now all maintained silence, none transmitting messages, none making inquiries.

Suddenly a light laugh came from the depths of the hall, and two beast eyes the size of lanterns lit up in the corner, seeming to have flames circling within them.

The Divine Beast Dicheng slowly walked two steps forward but then lay down on the ground, letting the young cultivator on its back proceed alone.

‘Him again?’

Wenjing laughed coldly in her heart, instantly understanding something.

Ksitigarbha gestured for the Fierce Beasts not to rise, sitting himself on the meditation cushion at the front, saying with a smile:

“Fellow Daoists, thank you for waiting.”

Responses rose and fell throughout the hall.

After a moment, Ksitigarbha raised his hand for silence, and the entire hall quickly grew quiet.

Ksitigarbha smiled and said: “I’ve gathered everyone here today firstly because I have important matters requiring your assistance, and secondly because I appreciate everyone’s hard work over these many years. Though the Western Religion cannot let you step to the forefront due to your origins, both teachers have seen your meritorious deeds. After the Western Religion’s great rise, the merits and fame you deserve will not be lacking.”

Cultivator Wenjing inwardly spat several times, secretly thinking how shameless.

Then Ksitigarbha announced in a clear voice:

“No more idle talk. I’ve invited everyone here today mainly to discuss one matter, and then do another. Do you all know what this poor monk has been doing these past twenty years?”

Ksitigarbha smiled with narrowed eyes. “This poor monk has been searching for the whereabouts of the Heavenly Court’s Water God, and has found results.”

Cultivator Wenjing’s finger trembled slightly, but her expression remained normal, her breath steady.

In the corner, Divine Beast Dicheng’s body flashed with a green light.

Ksitigarbha spoke slowly:

“The Heavenly Court’s Water God, named Li Changgeng, has thwarted our Western Religion’s plans several times, causing us heavy losses.

But this person’s background is quite mysterious. Even within the Heavenly Court, he only operates through avatars. As for the Sea God temples, there’s no need to mention them – all that can be found are his avatars.

What is he afraid of?

Obviously, he fears exposing his true form, and once his true form is exposed, it would likely plunge him into an irredeemable situation!”

As he said this, the light in Ksitigarbha’s eyes grew dazzlingly bright.

However, Cultivator Wenjing’s mouth twitched…

There was a misunderstanding here. That fellow was simply afraid of death, and his true form only went out strolling beside that man.

Then a Fierce Beast rumbled: “This Water God always hides and won’t come out. Could it be he once committed boundless karmic sins?”

“That makes sense. Otherwise, why wouldn’t the Human Dao have announced earlier that he was Sage’s disciple?”

“It must be more than that… Could it be possible that the Water God is a woman?”

As the Fierce Beasts each contributed their imagination, Cultivator Wenjing found an opening and said: “Perhaps this Human Dao Water God shares the same origin as us.”

Ksitigarbha smiled and shook his head, saying:

“There’s no need for random guesses. From the Water God’s previous actions, we can determine he is of human origin and has a sense of belonging to humanity.

This point can be concluded from the Sea God Sect’s doctrine and their daily activities.”

Pausing his words, Ksitigarbha sighed lightly:

“There are rarely trees without roots in this world. This Water God’s background is most likely in the Human Dao’s immortal sects.

Based on information this poor monk gathered from the Dragon Clan, the Water God likely has extraordinary talent and comprehension, and was thus chosen by the Human Dao’s Grand Master to establish the Sea God Sect to gather incense merit.

The Dragon Clan matter was a trial given to him by the Human Dao.

But what strikes this poor monk as strange is that in the past eighteen years, using Dicheng’s abilities to monitor the Human Dao’s six immortal sects, we’ve gained nothing. It seems no one in the Human Dao knows the Water God is their disciple.

So this poor monk decided to change tactics, using somewhat more aggressive means…

Wenjing?”

“What are your orders, my lord?”

Cultivator Wenjing blinked gently, her eyes showing some eagerness.

Ksitigarbha smiled: “This poor monk wants to select a Human Dao immortal sect to attack, forcing that Water God to appear. Then using the karma between the demon race and the Water God, have you all join forces with demon experts to surround and kill the Water God.

Wenjing has crossed hands with the Water God before. Which of the Human Dao’s six sects do you think would be easiest to succeed against?”

Surround and kill the Water God?

Cultivator Wenjing showed a slight smile and said: “Naturally we should choose the most important great immortal sects to the Human Dao, like the Xiaoyao Immortal Sect or Zizai Gate.

However, this servant has one thought for my lord to consider.”

“Oh?” Ksitigarbha smiled. “Please speak freely.”

Wenjing frowned and said: “The Water God is no easy opponent. Earlier there was Golden Cicada’s broken wings, and later the Battle of Demon Ascension Mountain. His spirit explosion secret technique is truly frightening.”

“Ha ha ha ha!”

Ksitigarbha clapped and laughed heartily, then showed a slight smile and said:

“Wenjing’s concerns are quite reasonable, but have you considered, Wenjing, that this time we are actively attacking a Human Dao immortal sect? If he uses his avatar self-destruction technique, wouldn’t that be like dismantling his city walls?”

Cultivator Wenjing’s face showed sudden realization. She smiled: “This servant overthought it.”

Ksitigarbha waved his hand. “This poor monk won’t hide it from everyone – while we sit here discussing, my plan has already begun.

The immortal sect I’ve chosen to lure out the Water God is… the Duxian Gate of the Eastern Victory Divine Continent.”

A Fierce Beast asked: “My lord, why choose such a remote minor gate? Even if such a Human Dao immortal sect were destroyed, the Human Dao likely wouldn’t have much reaction.”

“Wrong,” Ksitigarbha said calmly. “Don’t underestimate this Duxian Gate.

According to information this poor monk gathered from within Duxian Gate, didn’t Wenjing once try to destroy this gate but seemingly failed?”

Cultivator Wenjing immediately said:

“That time was to disrupt the Three Teachings of the Dao Assembly. This servant tried to destroy this small immortal sect to add some excitement.

Unexpectedly, True Person Due drove away arrived in time, and even alarmed Human Dao’s Senior Sage Disciple, who nearly tracked down this servant’s whereabouts.

My lord, have you prepared how to deal with that Senior Brother of the Dao?”

“A small matter,” Ksitigarbha smiled. “I’ve ordered a hundred thousand demons to begin surrounding the Xiaoyao Immortal Sect in half a Shichen. If the Grand Master is to appear, he will appear at the Xiaoyao Immortal Sect.”

Another Fierce Beast asked: “What if the Grand Master goes to Duxian Gate? What then?”

At once the beast crowd expressed their various concerns:

“Yes my lord, the Grand Master’s strength is overwhelming. Going directly to Duxian Gate would take but an instant!”

“The Grand Master once directly received the Sage Lord’s treasure…”

“Lord Ksitigarbha, shouldn’t we consider this matter more carefully? This seems to just be sending us to our deaths.”

Ksitigarbha calmly said: “If the Grand Master abandons the Xiaoyao Immortal Sect to rescue Duxian Gate, then Duxian Gate has issues. Thus we can determine that Duxian Gate harbors Human Dao secrets.

Wouldn’t the Water God’s background be confirmed then?

Rest assured, I won’t have you reveal yourselves early. The demon race will scout ahead.

Today we only need to find where the Water God is hiding. We can plan further actions in the future.”

“My lord is truly brilliant,” Cultivator Wenjing covered her mouth and laughed softly. “If this servant guesses correctly, today’s matter is likely just one link in your lord’s plan.

Seeking the Water God’s background, testing if we can eliminate him using the demon race’s karma, then using this to push the demon race into a desperate situation, forcing them to rely on our Spirit Mountain in the future.

But Lord Ksitigarbha, this servant has one doubt…”

“Speak.”

Wenjing frowned and said: “Can those demons’ abilities be trusted?”

“Don’t worry,” Ksitigarbha smiled. “I have arranged every step for those demons. As long as they follow my plan, nothing will go wrong.

Also, Wenjing.”

“This servant is here.”

Ksitigarbha smiled and said: “Sometimes being too clever is not a good thing.”

Cultivator Wenjing’s smile froze, a cold light flickering briefly in her beautiful eyes.

Ksitigarbha’s smile remained unchanged, acting as if he hadn’t seen the fierce light in Wenjing’s eyes, and began arranging when the Fierce Beasts would make their move.

At this time, a certain Queen was outwardly tough but secretly worried.

Today, Ksitigarbha had repeatedly called her name, clearly harboring thoughts of testing her. With that troublesome Divine Beast Dicheng at the side, she had to be cautious.

However…

Why did Ksitigarbha’s earlier words “nothing will go wrong” seem to underestimate that fellow?

Whether Ksitigarbha was human or not, Wenjing wasn’t quite sure, but that Water God was truly…

Ahem, it cannot be said, cannot be spoken.

…

Three hundred thousand li southwest of Duxian Gate in the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, at the boundary where several immortal sect territories converged, within the continuous mountain forests.

Streams of carefully hidden auras quietly gathered, surging toward several large holes that had appeared on the ground.

At Little Qiong Peak, in the pill-refining chamber.

Li Changshou paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, looking at the above scenes appearing in his mind, currently finding himself in a difficult position.