At the edge of the Eastern Sea, a streak of light shot through the air, coming to rest at “World’s End” – an unremarkable spot that wasn’t even worth visiting for Dao companions seeking photo opportunities.

The figure wore a cyan-blue Daoist robe, with a carefully disguised youthful face. His tall but somewhat thin frame seemed to validate his frequent claim of being a “Heavenly Court scholar, unskilled in combat arts.”

It was, of course, Li Changshou’s true form.

Lord Taiqing had shown him a vision… ahem!

Lord Taiqing had sent him a warning, instructing him to immediately gather here with other disciples of the Sages, then proceed together to the edge of the Three Thousand Worlds to deal with the matter of the Outer Demons.

These Outer Demons had breached the order of the Heavenly Dao, charging into that Minor World. As experts in causing chaos, they had directly infiltrated the souls of the local beings, mixing into the hearts of the cultivation practitioners to evade the strikes of the Purple Lightning of the Heavenly Dao.

The Heavenly Dao had already sealed off that Minor World and alerted the Sages, who each dispatched their disciples to gather at World’s End in the Eastern Sea.

Li Changshou represented the Human Teachings sect, as apart from him, the sect only had two servant boys, an ox, and a… budget-burning old mountain goat.

Just as Li Changshou arrived, several streaks of light shot out from the Eastern Sea. He turned to look, first catching sight of that graceful silhouette, which brought a gentle smile to his face. But as his gaze swept over the others, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

When selecting representatives, the Sage Lord of the Severing Teachings could easily deduce that the Human Teachings would send the Heavenly Court’s Water God, along with the Heaven-Earth Ruler and the Primordial-Yellow Pagoda. It required no calculation at all.

Thus, he had sent Fairy Yun Xiao, giving the two more opportunities to interact…

Well played, Lord Primordial of the Severing Teachings.

The other, less important Sage disciples were all familiar with Li Changshou, having at least fought together during the “Seven Emotions Tribulation.”

There was Master Many Treasures, ranked first among the Three Schools in treasures, whose earthen cave had entombed powerful beings throughout history;

Master Zhao Gongming, “Timely Rain” of the primitive world, the most active among the Eight Great Disciples of the Severing Teachings;

And from the Enlightenment Teachings came the Yin-Yang language expert and his silent partner – True Lord Taiyi and True Lord Yuding.

But when the five Dao powerhouses assembled, Li Changshou with his darkened face, and the five Sage disciples with their varied expressions all turned to look at the young Daoist riding a blue-haired dog, who dared not descend onto the island.

This young Daoist had a handsome face with an awkward smile. The blue-haired dog beneath him trembled constantly, it’s originally imposing bestial features now filled with fear…

It was Ground Bound of the Western Teachings.

Master Many Treasures snapped his fingers, holding two conch-shaped Primordial Spirit Treasures behind his back.

The Daoists suddenly heard the mental conversation between Ground Bound and his mount:

“It’s fine now, if I’m not afraid, what are you afraid of? We’re here on our teacher’s orders, doing good deeds for Heaven and Earth!”

“Master, can’t you go yourself? Can’t you give me a few days off? You’re a Sage’s disciple, they won’t kill you because they respect the Sages’ face, but I’m just an innocent beast you schemed into this. If I go over there, won’t the Water God skin me alive and extract my tendons… They’ve already taken out their cauldron! Don’t you know how dirty the Water God’s methods can be? Even our role model, Elder White Marsh, was no match for him!”

Ground Bound cursed, “That’s the Primordial Golden Measure! Quick, go over, or if Fairy Yun Xiao strikes, we’re both finished! That fierce one… Do you know how many Primordial Powerhouses she killed in ancient times? The Primordial Golden Measure can trace back to one’s origin, it can reduce a Golden Immortal of the Daluo Heaven to a mere Golden Immortal!”

“I was the one who told you this… Really! Master, why did you have to fight for this task…”

Complaining, the Divine Beast Diktat trembled all over as it slowly carried Ground Bound forward.

Ground Bound smiled, his eyes carrying a faint light, his whole being radiating a peaceful and compassionate aura, truly maintaining a dignified and outstanding bearing.

“Ha! Pfft!”

True Lord Taiyi couldn’t hold back, first letting out a laugh, then turning away with his shoulders shaking.

On the small island, Fairy Yun Xiao, who had been standing beside Li Changshou, revealed a gentle smile.

Zhao Gongming immediately stepped forward, about to summon his Twenty-Four Ocean-Stabilizing Zhenzhus.

Master Many Treasures transmitted, “Junior brother, junior sister, it’s not appropriate to kill Ground Bound in this situation.”

Zhao Gongming nodded and said, “We thank the two uncles from the Western Teachings for their concern. For this crisis of outer demons, we three schools of the Dao are sufficient. There’s no need to trouble fellow Daoists.”

Ground Bound calmly replied, “Though our Western Teachings are poor and austere, we too have the heart to protect the primitive world and its heavens. Please don’t make things difficult, fellow Daoist.”

Master Many Treasures thought for a moment and smiled, saying, “We should still consider the face of the two uncles. This…”

“This humble one is Ground Bound,” Ground Bound smiled from atop Diktat, “Greetings to all elder and sister disciples.”

Fairy Yun Xiao calmly put away the Primordial Golden Measure, while Li Changshou smiled, watching Diktat’s somewhat evasive beast eyes.

True Lord Taiyi clicked his tongue twice nearby: “Don’t claim false relations, just call us fellow Daoists. We dare not claim brotherhood with your Western Teachings – who knows when you’ll claim our cave treasuries have some karmic connection with your Western lands.”

Ground Bound became slightly awkward.

Master Many Treasures, having the highest seniority here, called out: “The situation is urgent, follow me over first.”

With that, Master Many Treasures drew a circle with his finger, and an earthen cave appeared in the void beyond the sky, extending toward some unknown destination.

Fairy Yun Xiao conjured a white cloud, carrying Li Changshou and Zhao Gongming as they followed;

True Lord Yuding also summoned a white cloud, taking True Lord Taiyi as they followed closely behind.

Ground Bound’s situation was impressive – because Diktat’s four hooves were trembling and could barely move, he as the master had to use immortal power to envelop Diktat before “unhurriedly” proceeding forward on his mount.

As soon as they entered the earthen cave, Diktat and Ground Bound heard laughter from ahead…

Li Changshou: “Elder Brother Many Treasures, your earthen cave seems to block out space and time, I wonder if the Sage Lords can see through it.”

Diktat immediately trembled several times, and Ground Bound’s face darkened.

Fortunately, Master Many Treasures laughed and said: “I’ve never actually tried that, but they probably can’t be blocked. The Sages have transcended the Great Dao, their various divine abilities are beyond comprehension.”

The two Western spirits both sighed in relief.

Many Treasures’ earthen cave could cross space and time, but their flying speed inside wasn’t particularly fast, otherwise with Ground Bound’s speed, he might not have been able to keep up.

Ground Bound couldn’t speak up now, only quietly following along, waiting to gain more presence later.

That he dared to come to participate in this matter showed Ground Bound indeed had some courage;

It was also because the Outer Demons were enemies of the primitive world and all living beings. This action was authorized by the Heavenly Dao, to eliminate some hidden dangers for Heaven and Earth. More experts could join, but not fewer, and the great schools of the world could not abstain.

If they were to fight among themselves during this matter, they would surely be punished by the Heavenly Dao and displease the Sage Lords.

Ground Bound admitted there was an element of gambling in his decision.

After all, he truly couldn’t guarantee whether the Water God would give him a chance to speak before killing him outright.

But Ground Bound soon discovered that he, or rather Diktat, could no longer pose much threat to the Water God;

Ever since the Water God had appeared in the world riding White Marsh, Diktat hadn’t dared to speak half a word about the Water God…

Suddenly, the discussion could be heard from ahead, as the six Sage disciples from the three Dao schools were now standing on the same cloud chatting.

Master Many Treasures asked: “Has Changgeng still been worried about the demon tribe’s matters lately?”

“Not worried, just waiting for His Majesty the Jade Emperor to return from his tribulation before launching the final offensive against the demon tribe,” Li Changshou sighed. “The Heavenly Court has been established for so many years, and His Majesty has always been waiting for a great battle to bring glory to the Court. I can’t do everything myself.”

“Hahaha!” Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and laughed heartily, saying: “Uncle Jade Emperor is truly a straightforward person. With Changgeng’s assistance, those minor troublemakers are nothing to worry about!”

This was basic Yin-Yang speak, just enough to make a certain Western disciple’s ears sting.

True Lord Taiyi snickered, “Come to think of it, those demon tribes were all outmaneuvered to death by Changgeng, a mere third-rank proper god. They’re truly worthless.”

This was advanced Yin-Yang speak, causing Ground Bound’s face to darken while Fairy Yun Xiao slightly furrowed her brows as she glanced at True Lord Taiyi.

Li Changshou narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled, “Elder Brother Taiyi, please don’t underestimate these forces opposing the Heavenly Court. They can’t be driven back with just a word or two.”

True Lord Yuding beside him nodded gently: “Junior Brother Changgeng speaks truly.”

True Lord Taiyi rolled his eyes, but thinking of how Spirit Zhenzhu Child studied under Li Changshou and wrote annually about how happy he was, he held his tongue.

These words falling on Ground Bound’s ears made him sigh inwardly.

The Water God had united the Three Schools together.

If so, he was truly their Western Teaching’s great enemy…

With Master Many Treasures’ earthen cave, even Fairy Yun Xiao’s several days of swift flight were shortened to half a day.

When the earthen cave reached outside the lightning barrier of that Minor World, Master Many Treasures and Zhao Gongming went ahead to scout the situation, letting the others wait briefly in the cave.

Ground Bound jumped down from Diktat and stepped forward, the faint light around him illuminating the somewhat dark cave.

Fairy Yun Xiao stood shoulder to shoulder with Li Changshou at the end of the cave.

Li Changshou had his hands behind his back, while Fairy Yun Xiao’s delicate hands were folded in front of her as they transmitted voices sharing some interesting matters.

Just as Li Changshou was talking about the clay figures causing problems in the Jade Emperor’s marriage palace, Yun Xiao was listening intently…

Ground Bound walked directly in front of Li Changshou, bowed with a Daoist salute, then stood straight and smiled:

“Water God, this humble one pays respects.”

Li Changshou paused his words, gave an apologetic smile to Fairy Yun Xiao, and looked at Ground Bound somewhat helplessly.

True Lord Taiyi stood aside with folded arms, clicking his tongue in wonder:

“Could this be the legendary mutual admiration between rivals? Perhaps Fellow Daoist Ground Bound can’t bear to see these two fine jade pieces deepen their feelings, and especially come to stir trouble?”

Ground Bound frowned and said: “Have I disturbed something?”

“Somewhat,” Li Changshou smiled, “Does Fellow Daoist have urgent business?”

Ground Bound smiled and said: “Within Heaven and Earth, you and I stand in opposition. After our previous indirect encounters, this humble one has developed a great respect for the Water God. Today, being able to work together dealing with the Outer Demons, I’d like to compare notes and see who can achieve the greatest merit. What do you say?”

Li Changshou smiled: “Fellow Daoist has Diktat’s assistance and can easily discern the voices of living beings. Victory is surely yours.”

“Cough, cough cough!”

In the corner of the earthen cave, Diktat tremblingly walked two steps forward and weakly coughed twice, speaking in the human tongue:

“This humble beast’s old wounds have flared up, and I’ll soon be unable to move. Master… take care. In the competition with the Water God, this humble beast fears it cannot help… you…”

Thud!

Diktat’s body, over twenty feet long, collapsed in the earthen cave, holding its breath with its immortal light fluctuating between strong and weak.

Ground Bound’s forehead was covered in black lines, True Lord Taiyi could barely contain his laughter, and even Fairy Yun Xiao’s eyes revealed traces of amusement.

Li Changshou spoke seriously:

“Fellow Daoist Ground Bound, we came here to protect Heaven and Earth. We shouldn’t harbor thoughts of comparison – each should contribute what they can. Striving for superiority isn’t the way to solve problems, and this matter won’t change our respective positions. There’s no need for too much interaction.”

With these words, Li Changshou clasped his hands and turned back to continue his transmitted conversation with Yun Xiao.

Ground Bound smiled and nodded, turned back to Diktat’s side, and looking at Diktat playing dead there, almost couldn’t resist kicking out.

Li Changshou’s peripheral vision swept over, causing Diktat to shudder all over and quickly sit up, its dignified face written with pure innocence.

Ground Bound transmitted an angry curse: “What are you afraid of!”

“Master, the Water God carries Elder White Marsh’s scent. Elder White Marsh could outmaneuver us easily, and now that Elder White Marsh and the Water God are working together unless the Sage Lords intervene, no one can outmaneuver them. Which is more important, face or life? The Water God might not truly want to kill you, Master, but I heard Elder White Marsh hint from afar that he truly wants to kill me.”

“Hmph,” Ground Bound coldly snorted, sitting quietly beside Diktat.

Just then, Master Many Treasures and Zhao Gongming returned… digging through.

Zhao Gongming said: “Changgeng, we’ve scouted the situation in this Minor World. Many living beings here already know about the Outer Demons mixing in, but overall there’s no panic. However, those whose dao hearts have been invaded by Outer Demons show little difference from normal beings, which is indeed troublesome.”

Master Many Treasures added: “There are many beings here who are descendants of the experts who once guarded Xuandu City. If we can protect their lives, we should.”

Li Changshou asked: “Is Xuandu City far from here?”

“There’s no concept of distance as such,” Zhao Gongming smiled, “Where the Heavenly Dao’s power is thinnest, you can find a gap, and Xuandu City is suppressing that gap.”

“That’s good,” Li Changshou said, “What we need to do today is to eliminate or expel the Outer Demons. I’ve never dealt with such enemies and dare not offer rash strategies. I request Elder Brother Many Treasures to take charge.”

Many Treasures looked toward True Lord Taiyi and True Lord Yuding.

True Lord Taiyi smiled: “Whatever Elder Brother Many Treasures decides, we two are ready to follow orders.”

True Lord Yuding also nodded gently.

“Good,” Master Many Treasures smiled warmly and said: “What we need to do next is to search out the Outer Demons’ whereabouts. Those possessed by Outer Demons mostly have darkened eye circles… Changgeng, do you have any good strategies? Searching one by one is truly troublesome, and there are indeed many beings here.”

Li Changshou smiled: “Fellow Daoist Ground Bound’s mount can be useful here. Perhaps this is the main reason why the two Western Sage Lords sent Fellow Daoist Ground Bound.”

“Oh?” Many Treasures raised an eyebrow, deliberately asking: “How should we use it?”

True Lord Taiyi clicked his tongue and smiled: “Surely not by refining its primordial spirit into a magical tool.”

Diktat immediately shuddered.

Li Changshou smiled: “What Elder Brother Taiyi said could be one use, but let’s let Diktat speak for itself. Hmm…”

Whoosh—

Ground Bound, sitting to the side, felt only a gust of wild wind sweep past as the divine beast that had been playing dead transformed into a blue light, using the speed that even Ground Bound had never seen before, appearing directly in front of Li Changshou.

This majestic divine beast shrank its form, sat on the ground, and lightly rubbed its head against Li Changshou’s leg.

“Water God, please arrange as you see fit. I’m most skilled at listening to the voices of all beings.”

Ground Bound’s eyes gradually lost their light as he pulled an iron pot from his sleeve, snapped his fingers with a clap, and lit a fire underneath…