“Hehehe, Changgeng, what do you think of this painting? Isn’t it divinely inspired and rather extraordinary?”

A teasing voice pulled Water God Li from his contemplation.

Looking up, he saw Elder Zhao pinching his beard and leaning forward, his weathered face almost pressing close, his eyes gleaming with mysterious light.

Water God Li: …

“Thanks to Master for bestowing this ink work,” Water God Li smiled in reply, rising to make a Dao bow toward Golden Tortoise Island, then carefully tucked away the canvas.

“I shall surely display this ink work in my home and make offerings to it whenever possible.”

Patriarch Zhao Gongming visibly froze, then laughed: “This treasure painting wasn’t meant to boost your courage… Well, thinking of it that way isn’t wrong either.”

Water God Li sighed softly, gesturing for Elder Zhao to sit properly, and asked with furrowed brows: “When did Master start watching?”

“That I don’t know,” Zhao Gongming shook his sleeves and cleared his throat, “When Master summoned us, I arrived relatively early, just in time to see you going: ‘Oh, Yun Yun, please give me your hand.'”

Water God Li’s mouth twitched frantically, his face growing hot, though fortunately, this was just his Paper Dao Clone, whose expressions were controlled by divine power.

Ah! Was there no right to privacy left in the Great Wilderness? Did even the Sages of the Great Wilderness not respect their disciples’ privacy?

If this were his previous life, Master Tongtian would be strung up and condemned by countless righteous heroes!

A Sage’s dust falling on each being was an unbearable mountain!

Elder Zhao smiled: “Do you know, Master always calls you ‘Little Changgeng’ quite affectionately.”

“Oh?” Water God Li’s eyes brightened.

Well, that was fine then.

“What else did Master say?”

“Told us to build more connections with you,” Zhao Gongming picked up mortal fruits from the fruit plate, eating with evident enjoyment. “Master said the Dao Path faces a Great Tribulation, but the heavenly mechanisms are chaotic—even the Sages cannot glimpse its true nature.

Master has gone to search for treasures in the Chaos Sea again, likely seeking the Chaos Bell.

Of the Three Treasures of Creation, only the Chaos Bell remains beyond Master’s grasp—this has always been a knot in Master’s heart.

When Master attained Sagehood back then, he nearly split the Demon Court in two. Fortunately, First Senior Uncle stopped him.”

This Sovereign Tongtian… truly possessed an honest nature and sky-piercing spirit.

Water God Li asked curiously: “Elder Brother, you don’t feel anxious hearing about the Great Tribulation?”

“Tribulations come and go—I’m used to it.”

Zhao Gongming sighed slowly and smiled:

“From ancient times till now, without the tribulations sent down by the Heavenly Dao, how many beings would sit in stagnation cultivating until merging with the Dao?

Now our Three Schools of the Dao Path have three Sage Masters—even with tribulations, no major problems should arise.

Changgeng, you’re still young and haven’t experienced a Great Tribulation yet.

When the Great Tribulation arrives, the scene will be thus: invisible tribulation fate will shroud all Five Continents of the Great Wilderness, divination methods will all be suppressed, and even beings in seclusion will be awakened by the Dao’s tremors. None will know if the thoughts arising in their hearts are the tribulation fate’s doing, pulling them into the tribulation.

During the War of Demons and Immortals, most of our Dao Path disciples were warned by the Heavenly Dao not to recklessly intervene.

Only Senior Brother Xuandu, being the oldest pure Yang human of ancient times, was already caught in the tribulation. At the crucial moment, he charged directly to Five Elements Village carrying several Human Dao treasures, didn’t even speak to Eastern Emperor Taiyi, and started fighting immediately.

Tsk tsk, Eastern Emperor Taiyi with the Chaos Bell in hand was a fierce one who could match the Sage Masters, yet was driven back in Grand Magus’s debut battle…”

Zhao Gongming spoke with animated gestures and evident relish, then suddenly changed topics to ask:

“In the last tribulation, Human Dao’s representative was the Grand Magus. In this tribulation, could it be you, Changgeng, who will step forward?”

Water God Li smiled and shook his head, asking: “Has Elder Brother considered why tribulations arise?”

Zhao Gongming said: “From ancient times till now, there have been many theories about why Great Tribulations arise. Master has also revealed some information.

One widely accepted explanation is that Heaven and Earth have limits to what they can contain. As the number and power of beings increase, it causes instability in the Great Wilderness.

Take spiritual energy for example.

The birth of spiritual energy is a rather lengthy process—I’m not referring to spirit mines, which are just jade stones where spiritual energy has gathered.

More and more spiritual energy transforms into magical power and cultivation, used by cultivators to enhance themselves. The spiritual energy in Heaven and Earth gradually recedes, causing changes in the world…

To prevent this from happening, the Heavenly Dao sends down Great Tribulations to suppress the power of living beings.”

Water God Li nodded slowly, pondering carefully.

These principles he had naturally heard before, but connecting them to the Grand Magus’s words about the battles of Xuandu City gave him different insights.

If beings’ power was too low, it would attract the covetous gaze of outside demons;

If beings’ power was too high, Heaven and Earth couldn’t bear it, leading to the bitter fruit of worldly decline.

Like the Human Race, able to survive stably without cultivation, yet able to become masters protecting Heaven and Earth through cultivation—truly most suited to the Great Wilderness.

The Way of Universal Balance might lie in this.

Water God Li closed his eyes, unconsciously about to comprehend the Dao, but remembering he had matters to discuss, he temporarily sealed away his insights to savor slowly later.

Water God Li said seriously: “Elder Brother, though the Three Schools are strong, we still can’t lower our guard.”

“Rest assured,” Zhao Gongming waved his hand, “Little Brother, just focus on assisting the Heavenly Court and put your attention on discussing matters of the heart—ahem, on improving relations between the Three Schools.

Regarding the Severing Sect, I’ll inform you promptly if anything arises.

By the way, when are you going to visit Three Immortals Island?”

Water God Li sighed: “All things cannot be rushed. Having just parted from the Immortal Lady, visiting too soon might disturb both our Dao Hearts.

Elder Brother, do you have free time in the next few decades?”

Zhao Gongming leaned to the side and asked in a low voice: “Need me to take care of that Demon Race Crown Prince?”

“‘Take care of’ sounds too harsh,” Water God Li also leaned in, smiling, “I just feel if he isn’t eliminated, he’ll surely become a great trouble in the future.

I plan to submit a memorial as soon as the Jade Emperor returns to the Heavenly Court after his tribulation, calling for full-scale military action against the demon forces on the Northern Continent’s borders.

Now that the Demon Crown Prince has allied with the Western School again, Western Sage disciples might secretly intervene. We’ll need experts of sufficient weight to maintain the Heavenly Court’s prestige.”

“Since you’ve asked, how could your elder brother not help?”

Zhao Gongming said softly: “Me acting alone might not be stable enough. Better to call Senior Brother Duobao and Golden Spirit too—the three of us acting together can handle any situation unless the Western Sages personally intervene.

However…”

“Elder Brother, just tell me what you need.”

“Well, could you perhaps compile a ‘Dictionary of Words of Love’ or something similar?

Master wants us to promote the trend of Dao companions within the sect. Though a small portion of our fellow disciples are quite intelligent, the majority are good at cultivation but poor in matters of the heart.”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and chuckled, “If Changgeng could lend a hand—we’re all family here, no need to speak of helping or not, just shout when needed.”

Water God Li: …

This Elder Brother, when did he become so crafty!

Love truly could make people grow, especially the failed kind.

“How could I refuse?” Water God Li said seriously, “I’ll compile one right away, definitely putting forth my utmost effort to polish it carefully.

Elder Brother, I plan to suggest to His Majesty the Jade Emperor to establish the position of Heavenly Court Guest Elder, and formally invite you, Senior Brother Duobao, and Senior Sister Golden Spirit to support the Heavenly Court. What do you think?”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard: “I’ll naturally follow your arrangements.

As for those two, I’ll sound them out for you later. Senior Brother Duobao shouldn’t refuse, though Golden Spirit doesn’t like such things… We should also inform the Enlightenment Sect to avoid any disputes.”

“Rest assured, Elder Brother.”

Water God Li glanced to the side.

Twice now, Elder Zhao had called Supreme Mother Golden Spirit just by name, without any title!

There must be something going on there, but Water God Li didn’t pry. He continued chatting with Elder Zhao about various matters, turning to discuss the current war between the Heavenly Court and Demon Race in the Northern Continent.

Sunlight fell on the edge of the inner hall, gradually brightening the room. The laughter echoing within the thick barrier of formation light grew increasingly cheerful.

…

Water God Li decided to place the Sage’s ink work that Elder Zhao delivered in the secret chamber of Little Jade Peak, as a warning to himself.

He dared not claim he fully understood the profound meaning contained in Sovereign Tongtian’s ink work, but he had a distinct feeling…

Of the Four Heaven-Executing Swords being held to his neck.

[Ah, what’s it like having a romance that catches Sage’s attention in the Great Wilderness?]

After seeing Elder Zhao off, Water God Li’s consciousness returned to the Water God Palace in the Heavenly Court to handle numerous matters following the demon war.

There was no need for celebration—this was merely a direct clash with the Demon Race, and larger conflicts might arise later.

Sovereign Tongtian had already divined the Dao Path’s Great Tribulation, and the Western School’s Patriarch had likely done the same. The Western School would probably conceal their edge now, waiting for the Great Tribulation’s arrival.

Of course, if they had divined enough information, they might have continued their old ways, intensifying conflicts between the Enlightenment and Severing Sects.

Turncoats like Burning Lamp would become weighty chess pieces…

What did he need to do now?

Water God Li’s fingers tapped the table as he spread out a memorial, examining carefully the “Twelve Great Crimes of Demon Court Remnants” written upon it.

It was sufficient to righteously condemn Daoist Luya to death.

As one of the “Three Major Observation Experiments,” if Daoist Luya were truly eliminated before the Great Tribulation arrived, then major changes to the Deity Investiture script would become inevitable.

The fear was that the Heavenly Dao would choose another person or several people to fill Daoist Luya’s role…

Just as he was putting away the memorial and thinking of taking a walk in the courtyard, his divine sense detected a young immortal lady approaching the Water God Palace on a cloud—it was Longji, who had been “stationed” at the Jade Pool.

Seeing the smile at the corner of her brow, she had likely come to offer congratulations.

At that moment, in the Water God Palace’s guest courtyard, several Heavenly Generals had “called out” Spirit Zhenzhu Child for their regular sparring sessions that Water God Li had established.

Spirit Zhenzhu Child’s changes… could be called extremely subtle.

Now wearing long robes, his delicate face showed traces of anticipation—at least he had lost a bit of his shyness.

Uh…

Water God Li visualized Longji and Spirit Zhenzhu Child standing together, pondered carefully, and then shook his head.

They didn’t match.

“Master!”

As he was lost in these idle thoughts, the young lady in her short skirt had already landed lightly before him, making a graceful fist salute: “This disciple has come to congratulate you!”

Her short skirt today was quite distinctive, resembling evening clouds gathering from far to near, creating a gradient effect.

Water God Li looked her over a couple of times. Longji’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she rose on her tiptoes happily and said: “Master was truly formidable this time, annihilating so many demon elites!

When Father returns, who knows how he’ll reward Master!”

Water God Li said seriously: “This merit belongs to the Heavenly Court’s warriors’ fighting spirit. Don’t speak rashly.”

“Oh,” Longji stuck out the tip of her tongue, “Master, what are you looking at… Oh, that young lady looks so refined, is she a disciple studying under Master?”

Water God Li almost laughed out loud and said: “He is Spirit Zhenzhu Child, a disciple of the Enlightenment Sect’s high immortal True Lord Taiyi, staying here for a while. Don’t get too close to him.”

“Yes, the disciple follows Master’s teachings,” Longji frowned slightly, thinking carefully, mentally adding several hundred words of analysis about why Water God Li told her not to get too close to Spirit Zhenzhu Child.

Could it be that Master feared she might develop feelings for Spirit Zhenzhu Child…

Longji’s cheeks reddened as she gazed expectantly at Water God Li.

For once, Water God Li misunderstood, saying seriously: “Don’t overthink it. Spirit Zhenzhu Child is here to complete a cultivation path to become more masculine. At this stage, he can’t have too much contact with women.

When we reach the next stage, where we need gentlewomen to inspire his protective instincts and sense of responsibility, I’ll naturally ask for your help.”

Longji nodded in bewildered agreement, not understanding.

Water God Li smiled warmly and invited Longji inside, beginning to check the homework he had assigned earlier, causing her considerable distress and repeated complaints.

With the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother away, Water God Li dared not slack in guiding Longji.

Additionally, he needed to watch over Longji to prevent her from falling victim to schemes—otherwise, he couldn’t give the Jade Emperor a proper explanation.

For an ordinary minister of the Heavenly Court, showing some concern for the Jade Emperor’s family matters was within his duties.

Calculating carefully, Water God Li realized he was managing too many things now; after Daoist Luya’s heaven-defying proclamation stirred things up, the leisure and comfort he had at the beginning of his vacation were completely gone.

He didn’t need to worry about trivial Heavenly Court matters—Minister Wu handled those. But for major issues concerning the Demon Race, Minister Dongmu would come to consult with him.

Meanwhile, he had to keep part of his attention on the Northern Continent, constantly monitoring demon movements while recording their hidden experts.

Besides this, Water God Li also had to maintain relations with the Dragon Race and the Netherworld, keep an eye on a certain black panther’s solitary state after “being dumped,” and tutor his Junior Sister before her upcoming training journey…

Cultivation remained paramount—no matter how busy, he needed to have his moments of enlightenment, otherwise, how could he catch up to the older generation?

[Time isn’t about how much you have, but how you allocate it.]

In his busy schedule, Water God Li still found time to refine pills, drink tea, cook meals, write letters to Immortal Lady Yunxiao, occasionally tease E, and sometimes relax in the card room, losing some spirit stones and immortal wine.

In the blink of an eye, another ten years passed.

The Demon Race made no major moves, and Water God Li hadn’t noticed time’s passage. The agreed-upon date for Junior Sister Ling’e’s departure arrived in a whirlwind.

That day, Water God Li walked to Ling’e’s thatched cottage with his hands behind his back.

To show respect for his Junior Sister, he had specially come in his main body this time, wearing fresh Daoist robes.

“Ahem! The time has come.

Pack up and prepare to set out!”

Uh, somehow that sounded a bit inauspicious.

Just then, splashing sounds came from inside, followed by Ling’e’s urgent cry, as if something had happened.

The cottage instantly fell silent.

Water God Li calmly waited there, not extending his divine sense through the formation, but after a while, he saw water drops dripping through the wooden boards, mixed with traces of blood…

Water God Li: …

“If you don’t come out, I’m coming in,” Water God Li stepped forward twice.

“Senior Brother, don’t! I’m not dressed…

Senior Brother, I think I’ve gone into Qi Deviation… cough cough, Demonic Possession… oh, my chest hurts so much…”

Water God Li shook his head in disappointment and turned to leave, saying only: “As you wish.”

The cottage fell silent again, its occupant blinking—this script seemed different from what she had planned.

He wasn’t coming in?

Water God Li counted silently from one to thirty-six. Just as he reached the willow tree, the cottage window was pulled open and Ling’e stuck her head out, hurriedly calling: “Senior Brother! I’m fine now!”

Water God Li turned around and scolded with a dark face: “No more Qi Deviation or Demonic Possession?”

“Hehe,” Ling’e made a face, “I was mistaken, just now was just a catch in my breath… just a catch…”

Water God Li sighed inwardly.

This girl, since Immortal Lady Yunxiao’s visit, had acted like she’d found a powerful backer, greatly diminishing her Senior Brother’s authority.

This training journey would be a good opportunity to suppress these tendencies, otherwise in the future… wouldn’t she just run wild?