Just as Burning Lamp appeared, his side’s equipment was already in place. They hadn’t just sent defensive gear but even included the Heaven and Earth Ruler for offense…

What did the Sage Lord want him to do?

Face off against the enemy, break their schemes, warn this old Daoist to behave?

Today he was supposed to give Burning Lamp a beating, otherwise his own Sage Lord wouldn’t have provided the Heaven and Earth Ruler;

But he couldn’t take the opportunity to eliminate Burning Lamp, or else the Sage Lord would have sent over Senior Diagram as well. Without the Taiji Diagram, Li Changshou knew he was no match for Burning Lamp.

Just watch – Li Changshou floated calmly on his cloud above the Dao Attainment Sect crowd, his eyes half-closed and white hair gently moving, primordial qi slowly descending around him as he tucked the Heaven and Earth Ruler into his sleeve.

His mind stirred as he instinctively translated Tower Master’s mental message into words:

“Little disciple, what’s the plan? Should we directly hit Burning Lamp?

I’ve long disliked that broken coffin and that coffin lamp of his. Today the Lord has given tacit approval, we must make him explode!”

“Don’t rush, Tower Master. Another expert will arrive soon to assist,” Li Changshou smiled inwardly as he replied, “Burning Lamp is after all the Vice Patriarch of the Enlightenment Sect. It wouldn’t be prudent for us to strike first. Let’s see if we can force him to attack us, then we’ll counter.”

Tower Master asked puzzledly: “Who else is coming? A big disciple is lying under the tree watching the show, showing no intention of joining in.

However, don’t underestimate Burning Lamp.

In ancient times, this fellow was very cunning, truly keeping his abilities hidden; the Lord is watching too, don’t let yourself be outmaneuvered by him.”

Li Changshou: …

Supreme Clarity Lord watching from home is confirmed!

Another mental message came, this time from the Heaven and Earth Ruler, speaking in Li Changshou’s mind: “You know, that Burning Lamp is quite wrong, don’t give him face!”

Li Changshou expressed his thanks and became even more vigilant…

Although his vigilance toward Burning Lamp had already exceeded one hundred and ten percent.

How many times had he crossed paths with Burning Lamp now?

Not counting indirect confrontations, in their first direct clash, after Li Changshou gained the upper hand, the other party could still advance and retreat freely, demonstrating remarkable thickness of skin.

Today, without even needing to guess, since Burning Lamp chose to face him directly, he must have multiple backup plans, with four, five, or six traps hidden in his words…

However, Li Changshou remained unruffled, and this time didn’t even deign to compete with Burning Lamp for ‘verbal air superiority.’

Sure enough, as soon as Burning Lamp arrived above the Dao Wei Immortal Sect crowd, his face – which appeared righteous and solemn but was thin and gaunt – showed slight dissatisfaction as he spoke:

“It’s merely a dispute between the three sects’ immortal sects, originally not enough to harm the harmony between the three sects. Why has it caused Water God to appear in person?”

“…”

The entire night sky suddenly became extremely quiet. Immortals from both sides didn’t dare move or make a sound, their divine senses and gaze all converging on the Human Sect expert and Heavenly Court’s Water God holding the small pagoda above.

How come…

No response?

Li Changshou stood there silently, eyes half-closed, as if his mind were elsewhere.

On the ground, You Qin Xuanya, who had been meditating with closed eyes, curiously opened them now; but after glancing at Li Changshou standing beside her with hands behind his back, remembering her senior brother’s earlier instructions, she continued her meditation.

In the night sky, a hint of awkwardness spread.

Burning Lamp showed no change, speaking again:

“Since Water God remains silent, it must mean you acknowledge this matter. How should we address your Human Sect bullying my Enlightenment Sect like this?”

“…”

Both sides’ immortals waited again, but the Water God still stood there silently, showing no reaction.

If not for the slowly rotating primordial pagoda in the Water God’s hand, the crowd would have thought this was a frozen scene…

What was going on?

Looking at Burning Lamp on the other side, his brows were now deeply furrowed, divine light flickering in his eyes, as if he had thought of and calculated many things in this brief moment.

“Water God,” Burning Lamp’s words carried some anger, “Could it be you think this Enlightenment Sect Vice Patriarch isn’t worthy of conversation with you, and want to summon my Enlightenment Sect Patriarch personally?”

“…”

Li Changshou remained silent through three questions. Even with Burning Lamp’s strong patience, he had to show anger now.

But Li Changshou just stood there quietly, as if asleep.

This…

Question marks filled the heads of immortals from both the Dao Wei Immortal Sect and Dao Attainment Sect, unsure what game the Heavenly Court’s Water God was playing.

But strangely, the crowd suddenly felt that Burning Lamp, receiving no response to his three questions, appeared rather awkward…

Dao Weixi, who cultivated in the Jade Void Palace, immediately stepped forward, flicked his horsetail whisk, made a Daoist bow to the ‘Water God’ and said:

“Senior Brother Water God, why do you not answer Master Burning Lamp’s questions?”

Li Changshou slowly raised his eyelids, divine light flashing in his eyes as if just waking from a dream, ‘coming to his senses.’

“Oh? Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp has arrived? Your flying speed is surprisingly fast!”

Li Changshou smiled and cupped his hands, “My apologies, my apologies, this is my fault, this is my fault.

Originally, I set the restrictions on this avatar to turn my attention back when someone makes a Daoist bow;

But I forgot that Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp claims to be of the same generation as the Sage Lord, and usually doesn’t exchange greetings with others.

This is truly my fault. I was too absorbed watching a foolish roe deer rolling in the snow through another avatar and failed to notice Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s arrival.

What did Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp say just now?

Could you repeat it?”

The night sky became even more silent than before.

The Dao Wei Immortal Sect crowd was both shocked and angry – they were all of Enlightenment Sect lineage and naturally resented their Vice Patriarch being mocked like this.

The Dao Attainment Sect crowd merely felt that this Heavenly Court Water God was quite formidable, completely disregarding Burning Lamp, this ancient powerful being.

Was this the confidence of their Human Sect?

As for Dao Attainment Sect’s Sect Master Ji Wuyou, his eyes now showed some contemplation as he carefully considered the deeper meaning of the Water God’s words.

In such confrontations between experts, every word and action must have meaning beyond the surface.

‘The Water God seems to be indirectly criticizing Burning Lamp’s lack of courtesy, but actually, at a deeper level…

Hmm, he might be calling Burning Lamp a foolish roe deer!

But why?’

Ji Wuyou maintained his composure on the surface, but inside he was as confused as the small group of cultivators here, all kinds of questions swirling in his mind.

Burning Lamp’s expression was extremely dark, this time truly somewhat angered.

“Water God, why lower yourself like this? Creating chaos here! Are you not afraid of ridicule?”

“How does Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp mean by these words?”

Li Changshou frowned slightly, unconsciously taking control of the conversation again, calling out indignantly:

“Please mind your words, Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp!

I know Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp utterly despises- ahem, deeply cares about the three sects being one family, and seeing this tense situation here must be somewhat anxious, leading to unrestrained speech.

But I am now, after all, a third-rank proper deity of the Heavenly Court, overseeing water affairs in the three realms, so there’s no question of lowering myself or not.

When Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp says I’m creating chaos and inviting ridicule, isn’t that saying all water affairs of the three realms are a farce, and the august Heavenly Court is being ridiculed?

Hiss—

Could it be that Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s two sentences show dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Dao, cannot tolerate the words ‘Heavenly Court,’ and are secretly mocking the Dao Ancestor Lord who decreed the establishment of the Heavenly Court?

This is quite a serious offense!”

Hearing this, Ji Wuyou’s mouth corner was twitching frantically.

What does it mean to [elevate the matter’s significance]?

This damn well is elevating the matter’s significance!

Burning Lamp had only said four words about ‘creating chaos,’ yet it was twisted into such a serious accusation of insulting the Dao Ancestor!

Burning Lamp didn’t dare wait any longer, immediately retorting: “Water God’s skill at twisting words has truly grown profound.

I have the utmost respect for the several Patriarchs and infinite reverence for the Dao Ancestor Lord!”

“Really?”

Li Changshou smiled slightly, saying leisurely: “Why do I find this hard to believe? If you had such reverence for the Dao Ancestor Lord, why did Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp miss all three lectures at Purple Void Palace?

Tsk tsk, Vice Patriarch’s words and actions are so inconsistent, it makes one suspect that while you keep talking about the three sects being one family today, in your heart you’re plotting how to split the three sects and weaken the Dao path!”

“Stop slandering!

Water God repeatedly targets me, this Enlightenment Sect Vice Patriarch, and spreads defamation about me everywhere – what are you trying to do? What are you after!”

Cold light flashed in Burning Lamp’s eyes, truly striking a sore spot.

“I’m slandering?”

A blank scroll appeared in Li Changshou’s hand, gleaming with golden light and emanating a faint pressure of the Heavenly Dao.

Li Changshou held it high and announced:

“Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp, regarding how you secretly instructed Dao Weixi to lay plans around the Hong Lin Kingdom over twenty years ago, calculating to strike today and cut off the Dao Attainment Sect’s livelihood – this poor Daoist has copied all the heavenly secrets from the Heavenly Dao!

Do you dare swear to the Heavenly Dao in front of everyone, letting the various Sage Lords bear witness, to prove your absolute loyalty to the Enlightenment Sect and that you’ve never plotted against the three sects!”

Burning Lamp said calmly: “Does Water God dare swear to the Heavenly Dao in front of everyone that you’ve never intentionally targeted me, this Enlightenment Sect Vice Patriarch?”

“Is the Vice Patriarch afraid?”

“It must be the Water God who is afraid.”

“Indeed, I am afraid…”

Afraid… he admitted it?

Burning Lamp frowned. Just as he tried to gain the upper hand in the verbal exchange, Li Changshou’s sudden turn threw him off balance once again.

Li Changshou’s gaze gradually dimmed, his face showing inexplicable sorrow. He stepped forward, holding the scroll in his hand and slowly opening it, looking at the dense Heavenly Dao power upon it.

His eyes made small movements as if reading from right to left, top to bottom, but after just beginning, True Samadhi Flame suddenly surged from both hands, directly burning the scroll!

Li Changshou let out a slow sigh:

“I am indeed afraid, Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp…

The Dao path has been cultivated for so long, with Sage Lords spreading their teachings, Sage disciples toiling in the three realms, scattering the seeds of the Dao path throughout heaven and earth, leading to today’s great prosperity of the Dao path.

Despite Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s hundred faults, thousand schemes, and myriad thoughts, you are still the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch.

If harming you over this matter affects the Enlightenment Sect’s destiny, it would affect the Dao path’s fortunes.

Alas…”

One sigh, half a lament, that white-haired figure painted a picture of helplessness and indignant sorrow.

At this moment, gazes turned toward Burning Lamp, carrying confusion, doubt, and some even direct hatred…

Ji Wuyou’s eyes were filled with admiration as he looked up at the Water God’s back, waves of emotion stirring in his heart…

What level of mastery was this?

Was this truly the Heavenly Court’s Water God?

Ji Wuyou couldn’t guarantee he fully understood the previous exchange, but he roughly grasped the Water God’s steps:

First opening with silence to avoid the sharp edge, then switching from defense to offense to take control, followed by elevating the significance to completely disrupt Burning Lamp’s rhythm…

The most brilliant move was this ‘creating something from nothing,’ burning the scroll before the other party could demand to see it, using this to splash down a bucket of muddy water that blurred truth and falsehood.

Burning Lamp could only remain silent now – anything he said would be wrong.

At this point in the confrontation, the Human Sect side had essentially won, successfully transferring potential conflicts between the Enlightenment and Human Sects into doubts about Burning Lamp, the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch…

Considering that Burning Lamp was neither a Sage’s disciple nor recorded by the Dao Ancestor, being an ‘outsider,’ Ji Wuyou suddenly realized that the Water God’s words contained such a [killing move]!

This was the ultimate in destroying someone mentally.

Truly devious, absolutely devious!

Subsequently, Ji Wuyou also became curious about how the great Water God would make his next move.

Just then!

A peculiar cold snort rang out by everyone’s ears, like thunder exploding, making the weaker immortals dizzy.

Five-colored divine light appeared on the horizon, like a divine bird spreading its wings, arriving in an instant and transforming into a slender figure.

The newcomer wore a long cyan cloth robe and golden phoenix crown, walking forward with head held high. Their aura was like primordial chaos, accompanied by five faint divine lights. With a long neck and handsome face, one couldn’t tell at a glance whether they were male or female…

They stepped forward, gaze locked onto Burning Lamp.

Burning Lamp, currently full of anger, coldly looked back, their gazes clashing in midair, reading mutual hostility.

Suddenly the Heavenly Court’s Water God was heard muttering from afar: “Friend Kong Xuan, don’t be so confrontational, this is the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch, with very high status in the sect.”

“Burning Lamp?”

Kong Xuan slightly raised their head, showing disdain at the corner of their mouth, “Isn’t he just an ancient spirit coffin craftsman, an old Daoist from Spirit Vulture Mountain who went around swindling food and drink while carrying a coffin?”

“Friend Peacock,” Burning Lamp had recognized who Kong Xuan was.

But just as Li Changshou had initially calculated, Burning Lamp didn’t know Kong Xuan’s current strength.

The anger that had been stirred up in Burning Lamp now found its outlet…

Burning Lamp said firmly: “Don’t bring karma and disaster upon yourself. Considering you’re one of the few remaining Phoenix bloodlines, leave quickly, lest this poor Daoist harm you when striking.”

“Karma and disaster? Harm me?”

Kong Xuan’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, “Do you truly think becoming the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch makes you one of the Dao path’s own?

Moreover, your Vice Patriarch position was merely obtained by thick-skinned begging from the Sage Lord – which being who has survived since ancient times doesn’t know this?”

“Oh, my?”

Li Changshou held his whisk, asking puzzledly from the side: “Is that so? Impossible, surely? Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp has profound cultivation and numerous treasures, how could he do such a thing?”

Kong Xuan shrugged, saying: “If you don’t believe it, you can ask others.”

“Audacious peacock! This poor Daoist shall grant your wish today!”

Burning Lamp suddenly shouted, golden light shaking heaven and earth, turning the night sky as bright as day.

Burning Lamp manifested a six-zhang tall dharma body in a sitting posture, raising his hand to throw a green light at Kong Xuan, with a ruler wrapped within.

The ruler instantly grew to several hundred zhang in length, smashing down toward Kong Xuan!

Kong Xuan’s expression was cold, showing no tension in their eyes. Their right hand raised high, the five-colored divine light around them flashing together, condensing into a giant colorful hand before them, reaching for the ruler’s phantom.

In that split second, the hand formed of five-colored divine light directly blocked the ruler Burning Lamp had thrown. Divine light swirled in its palm as primordial Five Elements qi cycled, making the ruler suddenly tremble.

Burning Lamp’s dharma body swayed backward, his solemn face changing color as he completely lost connection with his Heaven and Earth Ruler!

The giant hand and ruler phantom directly vanished, the ruler shrinking to two chi in length, now held in Kong Xuan’s grasp, lightly spinning between their fingertips.

Kong Xuan smiled: “Friend Dao is truly worthless.”

Burning Lamp was both shocked and furious. Usually, he would have retreated by now, but in front of so many immortals, if he fled after losing his treasure, he need not show his face in the primordial world again.

He condensed a giant palm to smash toward Kong Xuan from afar. Kong Xuan’s five-colored divine light formed a rainbow, wrapping around them as they directly crashed toward Burning Lamp’s dharma body.

The Spirit Coffin Treasure Lamp on Burning Lamp’s shoulder blazed brilliantly, the space around him becoming like a swamp as he pointed a finger at Kong Xuan from afar, causing ripples in space…

Kong Xuan naturally wouldn’t face this head-on, their figure flashing to the left, left hand spreading open as five-colored divine light swept toward Burning Lamp’s dharma body.

In an instant, divine light flashed as golden light grew denser;

The Spirit Coffin Treasure Lamp emanated seven-colored divine light, barely blocking the five-colored divine light, but the seven-colored light was visibly crumbling.

Just then, the sound of something breaking through the air exploded as another bronze ruler appeared behind Burning Lamp!

This ruler was similar in appearance to Burning Lamp’s Heaven and Earth Ruler, but the power it emanated was far beyond comparison!

The Water God had directly struck!

In Li Changshou’s mind, Tower Master was roaring angrily:

“Hit his lamp! Hit his lamp!”

Wave after wave rippled from the Heaven and Earth Ruler, directly smashing into the Spirit Coffin Treasure Lamp before Burning Lamp could respond!

The seven-colored divine light flashed once before dimming, the lamp’s flame reduced to a tiny glow, and the lamp itself was sent flying by the Heaven and Earth Ruler!

Five-colored divine light rolled toward Burning Lamp, who immediately dispersed his dharma body, barely flashing out of the five-colored divine light as he hurriedly chased after his flying treasure.

Just then, Burning Lamp heard that shout that nearly made his immortal power go berserk…

“You two! Stop fighting!”

Li Changshou shouted from the side, “Just give me, the Water God, some face!”

As he spoke, his right hand had already recalled that primordial treasure, the Heaven and Earth Ruler, aiming at Burning Lamp’s flying lamp before throwing it again!

Li Changshou merely made a throwing motion, and the Heaven and Earth Ruler directly appeared beside the Spirit Coffin Lamp, beating Burning Lamp to it and sending the lamp flying again!

Five-colored divine light rolled in from the side once more. Burning Lamp’s eyes were full of hatred as a glazed pagoda appeared above his head. He endured the five-colored divine light under the pagoda’s protection, but the divine light made his form stagger, his protective immortal light flickering unstably.

If not for Burning Lamp’s profound realm and abundant accumulation, he would likely have had his Five Elements disrupted and cultivation sealed by now!

The glazed pagoda was affected by the five-colored divine light, its immortal light rapidly dimming.

Li Changshou recalled the Heaven and Earth Ruler and shouted again:

“Friend Kong Xuan, don’t be angry, let me apologize on Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s behalf!

Friend, you absolutely must not sweep away Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s various treasures first, or else I fear Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp truly won’t be able to withstand your divine light!”

Hearing this, Kong Xuan’s eyes immediately curved into a smile. They had originally been unwilling to use their divine light to take others’ treasures while fighting two against one.

Though possible, it was unnecessary.

But since the Water God had said so, they would naturally cooperate. Now aiming at the glazed pagoda, the five-colored divine light went and returned, easily bringing the pagoda back.

Burning Lamp nearly spat blood, but now couldn’t spare attention for the pagoda, only thinking of his life-bound treasure lamp, shouting:

“You’re going too-!”

His voice cut off abruptly as space was suddenly completely sealed.

Whoosh—

A ripple of water swept through space everywhere, turning the starry sky completely blue, with twenty-four huge stars twinkling high above. That mysterious dao rhythm directly froze Burning Lamp, now without treasures for protection, in midair!

A great shout was heard from above:

“Don’t fear, Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp! This poor Daoist has protected you! Everyone, give me, Zhao Gongming, some face, and stop fighting.”

Li Changshou was about to put away the Heaven and Earth Ruler when he heard the newly appeared Lord Zhao cry “Oh no!”

“This is bad, why has this poor Daoist’s treasure malfunctioned? Why won’t it listen to commands?”

In the sky, Burning Lamp’s frozen form leaned forward, his gaunt face full of rage, eyes nearly popping out…