Incomprehensible – in Ksitigarbha’s heart at this moment, there were only these two words – incomprehensible.

How could the demon race believe such a simple scheme of alienation by the Water God? Were their minds clouded by demon energy? Did they believe this?

This scheme surrounding the demon race…

Ksitigarbha’s expression was extremely gloomy as he looked down at his palm, where fresh blood seemed to seep from the lines.

Sudhana continued speaking gravely in his mind:

“…At this moment, the demons at Crossing Immortal Sect have fallen into an encirclement of slaughter by the Heavenly Court, Dragon Clan, and Shamanic Clan. Their hatred is mostly directed at you, Master.

They think you and the Water God set a trap to scheme against them.

Judging from the orders received by the Heavenly Soldiers, the Water God commanded them to surround seven parts while leaving one part open, giving this batch of demons some room to escape.

The thirteen experts Master sent over have each scattered and fled, not fighting for long…”

Ksitigarbha slowly clenched his fist and said softly: “No matter, this matter still has room for turning around.

Use divine abilities to notify Wenjing and the others to intercept and kill the escaping demons!

No, no… that would play right into the Water God’s scheme!

He must be waiting at this point – a single Recording Orb would be enough to confirm this matter for the demon race!”

Sudhana continued listening intently, his entire body flickering with green light, clearly using his divine abilities to their fullest.

Message after message sounded in Ksitigarbha’s mind from Sudhana’s mouth…

“The demon army besieging Carefree Immortal Sect is beyond saving, likely to be annihilated. Twelve great immortal sects of the Severing Teaching have dispatched large numbers of Qi refiners, and have now arrived at Carefree Immortal Sect.

At least hundreds of immortal sects in Central Divine Continent have now sent out Qi refiners, heading toward Carefree Immortal Sect’s location.”

“Master, the Water God has gone to reinforce the Carefree Immortal Sect.”

“The small demons we arranged in South Continent have already been eliminated… Master.”

Ksitigarbha, who was concentrating deeply, asked in a deep voice: “What is it?”

Sudhana said: “Looking at it from an outsider’s perspective, this does seem like you and the Water God worked together to scheme against the demon race.”

“No matter, I will go explain to those ancient demons later, I can certainly make things clear,” Ksitigarbha’s lips twitched slightly. “This time I indeed underestimated the Water God’s strength.

He must have planted spies among the demon race and made arrangements at Crossing Immortal Sect in advance.

If I’m not mistaken, he also requested the Severing Teaching sects’ help, and the same goes for the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.

In this scheme, he and I each had our wins and losses, call it fifty-fifty.”

Sudhana chuckled a few times: “Master, you look quite adorable when you refuse to admit defeat while being thick-skinned.”

“Hmph!”

Ksitigarbha turned his head away, ignoring this, but a slight warning arose in his heart as he suddenly thought of something.

“Quick! Notify Wenjing and the others, that they absolutely must not take it upon themselves to intercept those fleeing demons! They are no match for the Water God’s schemes!”

Just as Sudhana was about to use his divine ability, his round ears swayed as he muttered:

“Too late Master, several have already made their move.”

Ksitigarbha’s face instantly turned deathly pale.

A moment ago, in the northwest corner of East Victory Divine Continent, streams of light and gusts of demon wind swept past, fleeing hurriedly toward the North Continent.

These were the demon experts fleeing from the direction of Crossing Immortal Sect. Tens of thousands of miles behind, scattered large groups of demon soldiers were being frantically harvested by the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.

Unfortunately, the few elder demons and over ten Demon Kings who had fled the fastest now all lay dead here.

In mid-air, Wenjing Daoren’s alluring form leaned forward, strands of blood energy circling and spiraling around her, as a drop of fresh blood slowly slid across her slender jade fingertip…

Before her, the dozens of zhang-long bodies of that golden-maned lion began to crumble, turning into ashes that scattered in the gentle breeze.

“Mmm~”

A slight flush crossed Wenjing Daoren’s beautiful face, “Having just been injured somewhat by that bastard Water God, you’ll do nicely to replenish my energy.”

Several black shadows flew over from the side, transforming into four or five ‘extremely deceptive in appearance’ handsome men and beautiful women.

A burly man said: “We’ve killed all those above the Heavenly Immortal realm. The words of the remaining small demons won’t carry much weight.”

“This Lord Ksitigarbha isn’t reliable either,” a snake-faced woman snorted, “Still making us clean up after him, talking about putting pressure on the demon race, making them easily lean toward the West…

I suspect, could it be true as the demons say, that he secretly plotted with the Water God, both sides helping each other get promotions?”

“Everyone, be careful with your words and actions.”

Wenjing Daoren wiped her red lips and said calmly: “We can still have a foothold in this world, let’s not ask for more.

Let’s return, the Dragon Clan is coming.”

These figures nodded, each using their divine abilities to vanish from the spot.

In the high sky, dozens of azure dragons flashed past, pursuing those fleeing demon experts…

Moments later, on Spirit Mountain.

Ksitigarbha slammed his fist on the ground and cursed through gritted teeth: “They’ve ruined my grand plan!”

Sudhana beside him didn’t take the opportunity to mock but instead began continuously monitoring various places, executing Ksitigarbha’s latest order – to determine the Water God’s background and origins.

This was their only way to turn the situation around.

However, before Sudhana could hear the source of the “demon attack” news among the disciples who had evacuated early from Crossing Immortal Sect, thereby finding the Water God’s background, “good” news came one after another…

“Master, powerful demons have just appeared in North Continent, already declaring they want to settle accounts with you.”

“Master, an old marshal of the Ancient Demon Court has spoken, saying they were schemed against by your joint effort with the Water God this time. We each had our purposes – we sought to plot for demon race authority, while the Water God wanted to promote the Heavenly Court’s prestige.”

“Master…”

Ksitigarbha cursed in his heart: “They dare not vent their anger on the Heavenly Court and Dao Sect, so they’re dumping it all on me!

Do they think they can bully the Western Teaching? Damn it!”

Sudhana heard something else and his whole body trembled several times.

“Speak!”

“Stop fighting with the Water God. Even if we find his background, what then? He can directly hide in the Tusita Palace, and no one can do anything to him.”

Sudhana muttered in Ksitigarbha’s mind, “Today’s events show that Master, your methods are far inferior to his.

He just arrived at Carefree Immortal Sect, gathered with several Golden Immortals, and struck another blow against you, saying a few things…”

“What did he say?”

“Never mind Master, I’m afraid you’ll cough blood from anger.”

“Speak!”

“Well, ahem!”

Sudhana imitated in his mind the elderly and experienced manner of Li Changshou when speaking at Carefree Immortal Sect, transmitting to Ksitigarbha:

“Hahaha, you all flatter me.

Today’s merit is not mine alone. Though there are many skilled in calculation in the current world, that rarely-seen disciple of the Western Sage, Ksitigarbha, stands as my equal in this regard.

I absolutely did not receive advance warning from Ksitigarbha, it’s just that our calculating abilities are roughly equal – we appreciate each other’s talents and have a tacit understanding. He attacks while I defend; he needs the demon race’s goodwill, while I need to consider protecting the Human Dao’s inheritance and promoting the Heavenly Court’s prestige.

It’s just a pity that today we only damaged some of the demon race’s vitality…

Master, there’s much more, he spoke without any attempt to hide it.”

After hearing Sudhana’s recounting, Ksitigarbha was first somewhat confused.

These words seemed like the Water God explaining that he had no connection to himself from the West.

But upon careful consideration…

Murder of both body and soul! How ruthless!

The implication in the Water God’s words was that all of Ksitigarbha’s schemes were within his control, and no warning was necessary!

And when these words reach demon ears, these mindless demons will take it as ‘the Water God making excuses for Ksitigarbha’!

No…

Wrong…

Why was his title so easily revealed by the Water God?

For the name of Ksitigarbha, a disciple of the Western Sage, to be exposed like this!

His throat turned sweet as Ksitigarbha forcefully suppressed a mouthful of blood, his handsome face turning even paler.

At this moment, a green light and a golden light flew out from his sleeve, disappearing directly into the depths of Spirit Mountain.

The Green Lotus Treasure Flag had been taken back;

Along with it, the Demon Court Heaven Emperor’s Seal had found was also taken away…

A slight trace of Dao rhythm arose in Ksitigarbha’s heart, condensing into emotionless words: “Focus on cultivation.”

“Yes, Master, disciple obeys.”

Ksitigarbha bowed his head and spoke, a trace of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth, his form swaying as if about to fall.

A sigh came from the side as Sudhana moved his body, letting Ksitigarbha lean against his soft green fur, his long tail swaying to protect him.

…

At this moment at Crossing Immortal Sect, the Heavenly Soldiers were divided into three groups, with the main force already pursuing and killing fleeing demon soldiers to earn merit.

Of the remaining two groups, one was cleaning up the battlefield in the mountains, restoring the damaged terrain to the greatest extent possible, while the other rushed to the northeastern part of South Jambudvipa Continent, responsible for escorting Crossing Immortal Sect’s disciples back to the mountain gate.

The Heavenly Court announced publicly that they had obtained definitive intelligence early on and set up an ambush at Crossing Immortal Sect, effectively requisitioning the sect’s mountain gate.

At this time, Li Changshou, having just finished dealing with Ksitigarbha from afar, was writing and drawing in the pill room.

Ling’e and Youqin Xuanya were still watching the scenes in the glazed mirrors, occasionally discussing in low voices, exchanging their impressions of this battle.

Li Changshou had just asked them both the same question:

[What did you learn from this battle?]

After consideration, Youqin Xuanya gave quite a good answer:

“Though humans and demons are ancient enemies, they are also not necessarily enemies. Demons are divided between good and evil, and we must eliminate those demons who cause harm.

After all, demons are formed from the transformation of all beings, endless in heaven and earth. What’s important is to divide and transform them, letting more kind and gentle races abandon their identity as demons.”

Li Changshou gave her a thumbs up, then looked toward Ling’e.

Ling’e was somewhat embarrassed at the time, bit her tongue, and said softly: “I didn’t think as deeply as Senior Sister.”

“Go ahead,” Li Changshou smiled, “At worst it’s just a hundred times writing the Stability Scripture.”

Just a hundred times…

Ling’e breathed a sigh of relief and straightforwardly expressed her thoughts:

“Without innate treasures for protection, never engage in combat lightly!”

“Hmm?” Youqin Xuanya tilted her head, while Li Changshou beside her sighed lightly.

Unexpectedly, he was moved by this little girl…

“Your Senior Brother has changed his mind, make it a thousand times, finish copying tomorrow.”

Ling’e’s lips twisted – she knew it would be like this.

Now for the important matters.

Though the battle was fought, the follow-up arrangements couldn’t be relaxed.

If the Heavenly Court and Human Dao didn’t occupy the high ground of public opinion, they could easily be counter-attacked by the demon race and the West.

With this large-scale demon attack on Human Dao immortal sects, Li Changshou could plan a little and completely unite the Three Schools of the Dao Gate for a great demon cleansing across the Five Continents…

Li Changshou smiled freely.

Never mind, he had already decided not to actively scheme anything for the next hundred or two hundred years.

Of course, more importantly, if the Dao Gate and the demon race’s destinies clashed, it might add unnecessary variables to the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods.

[Breaking News from the Primordial World:

Due to the schemes of Western Teaching Sage’s disciple Ksitigarbha, the demon race gathered over two hundred thousand demons yesterday, penetrating deep into Central Divine Continent and East Victory Divine Continent to launch surprise attacks on Human Dao’s inherited Carefree Immortal Sect and Crossing Immortal Sect.

Fortunately, thanks to the Heavenly Court Water God’s marvelous calculations, countermeasures were made early, setting up an ambush at the Crossing Immortal Sect and requesting aid from Severing Teaching’s inherited sects for the Carefree Immortal Sect. At the small cost of no losses at Crossing Immortal Sect and several hundred disciples dying at Carefree Immortal Sect, ninety percent of the attacking demons were annihilated.

During this time, numerous immortal sects in Central Divine Continent voluntarily came to aid, and the Heavenly Court’s army and Dragon Clan cooperated for the first time…

It is reported that the souls and true spirits of the deceased Human Dao Qi refiners were all specially guided by the Netherworld’s Yin Officials, given priority for reincarnation and early rebirth.]

Another half day passed.

At Crossing Immortal Sect’s mountain gate, white clouds came one after another from the south.

With Heavenly Soldiers and Generals escorting all the way, everyone from Crossing Immortal Sect’s Sect Master to ordinary disciples felt especially honored.

As for the mountain gate being temporarily requisitioned by the Heavenly Court for an ambush, and the damage suffered – just over ten peaks being leveled – Crossing Immortal Sect naturally wouldn’t pursue the matter.

Instead, many disciples wondered why they couldn’t stay to assist the Heavenly Court’s soldiers, feeling it somewhat shameful to the Human Dao’s face to leave directly like this.

However, overall, with the Sect Master’s explanation and the ‘proven’ version circulating in the primordial world, this matter was thus covered up.

After all, compared to the Carefree Immortal Sect, the Crossing Immortal Sect was already quite fortunate.

Carefree Immortal Sect lost several hundred, with thousands wounded, and those killed and injured were all experts within the sect.

Especially since over ten Supreme Elders and dozens of Elders of Carefree Immortal Sect died together with the demon experts, this blood debt naturally had to be counted against the West and the demon race…

Li Changshou couldn’t do much more, only expressing deep condolences to Carefree Immortal Sect in his identity as the Heavenly Court’s Water God.

Other Human Dao immortal sects each made their own gestures, especially that Free Self Gate, which very thoughtfully asked the Carefree Immortal Sect if they needed any elders, saying that since both sects practiced similar Dao, they could lend some elders to guard the mountain gate.

After this battle, without Li Changshou needing to scheme much, the various immortal sects in Central Divine Continent made their agreements to unite, with every three to five sects organizing demon-eliminating training sessions…

The northern and southern borders of Central Divine Continent began to become lively, with demon border forces being continuously suppressed, and the demon race, having suffered two major losses, didn’t dare to wage war with humans at this time, only able to continuously contract their sphere of influence.

The Heavenly Court took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. — This time it truly wasn’t Li Changshou’s scheme.

The Heavenly Court issued a demon elimination order: those who eliminated karmic demons could, besides the merit given by the Heavenly Dao, also go to the Heavenly Court to receive spirit stones and pills, and have it counted toward their demon elimination achievements.

Although few immortals would go to the Heavenly Court to claim rewards, the propaganda effect was indeed good.

From the Dragon Clan’s return to heaven to the battle at the East Sea’s eye being broken, to the battle at Demon Ascension Mountain, and the recent battle at the Human Dao immortal sects, the Heavenly Court’s prestige rapidly soared.

Who could have imagined that the Heavenly Court, which no one cared about several decades ago, now showed signs of great prosperity?

Furthermore, with the Heavenly Court currently recruiting Heavenly Soldiers and displaying an eager attitude toward seeking talent, those Qi refiners in the primordial world who originally looked down on the Heavenly Court also began to have some thoughts.

In Li Changshou’s words, although joining the Heavenly Court now wouldn’t get you founding shares, it was still easy to become a backbone member.

It could be foreseen that later there would be more and more outstanding wandering immortals seeking positions in heaven to earn some merit…

Of course, these were matters for later.

Just two days after the great battle, Crossing Immortal Sect became quiet again.

Those who had been knocked unconscious earlier were awakened one after another.

Master Qiyuan Senior Daoist reprimanded Li Changshou twice, but considering his disciple’s good intentions, he didn’t use his fly whisk to whip a certain ordinary ranked god of the Heavenly Court’s posterior.

Jiuyu Shi asked several more questions, but Ling’e perfectly deflected them with the excuse that the situation was urgent at the time, and there was no time to explain before knocking her unconscious and taking her to hide in the South Continent.

Jiujiu… thought she had gotten drunk.

Xiong Lingli: “Cousin is right!”

As for Youqin Xuanya, she was greatly moved by this battle and actively sought Li Changshou’s guidance on several cultivation questions before returning to the mountain for closed cultivation, saying she wanted to break through to the Heavenly Immortal realm within a hundred years.

She had already realized that Li Changshou’s various arrangements this time were intentionally meant for Crossing Immortal Sect members with decent cultivation to enter the Heavenly Court as Heavenly Generals.

And as the top disciple of the previous term, she would be the best example.

For this, Youqin Xuanya felt quite expectant.

After reluctantly sending off Lord Pagoda, Li Changshou again felt that anxiety of lost security.

Without Lord Pagoda, his life was as thin as paper.

With Lord Pagoda, he could fight ten thousand alone.

Not knowing how Ksitigarbha’s situation was now, Li Changshou also couldn’t contact Wenjing Daoren at this time, only able to continue maintaining tense vigilance everywhere.

Now that the cooperation between the demon race and the West had been separated, Ksitigarbha should have few troops left to use.

Stay steady, and if Ksitigarbha makes another move later, use Carefree Immortal Sect’s blood debt to ask the Great Dharma Master to apply some pressure on Spirit Mountain, directly naming and beating this Ksitigarbha.

Of course, killing Ksitigarbha on Spirit Mountain would indeed be somewhat difficult, involving the Sage’s face.

Another half month later, as this storm gradually subsided, just as Li Changshou wanted to return to his previously leisurely and monotonous daily cultivation, a batch of ‘uninvited guests’ came to Crossing Immortal Sect.

…

On the immortal island ship floating in the clouds, that graceful figure standing at the ship’s bow gazed toward Crossing Immortal Sect’s direction, beneath her skirts, several snow-white fox tails swaying back and forth.

‘I will surely let you know that my heart belongs to you, and it is not because of the loneliness in that dungeon…

Daoist Qiyuan.’