A white cloud drifted slowly toward the horizon, carrying several figures upon it.

Bian Zhuang’s hands and feet were ice-cold, his pupils dilated, his eyes lifeless, his breathing erratic, and cold sweat continuously poured from his body…

He turned his head to look at the Water God beside him, who had transformed into a young Daoist. He wanted to say a few more words of persuasion, but his tongue trembled.

‘What does Water God’s frown mean? Is he annoyed at my excessive worry? But can this transformation technique fool others’ eyes? And Water God, isn’t your avatar made of paper? What could you possibly do at Sky’s Edge Pavilion—listen to music?’

“W-Water God,” Bian Zhuang asked softly, “are we going to my home?”

Li Changshou didn’t answer. His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression rather serious, as he found himself caught in a great dilemma.

After a while, Li Changshou turned his head to look at the other side, at the one who was smiling with anticipation…

“General Qin,” Li Changshou said in a low voice, “it seems somewhat inappropriate for you to accompany us.”

“Please don’t worry, Water God,” Qin Tianzhu cupped his hands. “This humble general is merely following you to broaden my horizons. I won’t overstep any boundaries.”

Li Changshou: ‘Why don’t I believe a word you’re saying?’

Bian Zhuang: ‘So you do know it’s inappropriate!’

Qin Tianzhu waved his large hand and smiled, “Water God should be more relaxed. This is for official business, not merely for sightseeing.”

Bian Zhuang’s eyes rolled, and he decisively stepped forward, whispering to Qin Tianzhu:

“How dare you lecture Water God? Doesn’t Water God know what kind of business my family’s Sky’s Edge Pavilion conducts? Doesn’t Water God know that if others learned of this, it would damage his reputation, affect his standing in the Three Realms, and displease his Dao companion and the Sage Lord behind her…?

Tianzhu, we’re both Heaven’s generals, so I’m just reminding you to watch your words. Water God knows what he’s doing! We should just focus on helping Water God complete this task.”

Qin Tianzhu smiled with narrowed eyes, nodding repeatedly: “General Bian speaks truly.”

Li Changshou secretly glared at Bian Zhuang before saying with a smile, “Since we’ve left Heaven together in disguise, let’s change our identities. How about this: we’ll pose as sworn brothers, with Brother Qin as the eldest brother, me as a second brother, and Deputy Commander Bian as the third brother? This is just a disguise, no need to take it too seriously.”

The hint couldn’t have been more obvious.

However, Bian Zhuang completely missed the signal and nodded along with Qin Tianzhu in agreement.

Afterward, Bian Zhuang continued to look worried and dejected.

Li Changshou was in a similar state of mind.

If the Queen Mother learned of this, or if word got out that the Jade Emperor’s avatar had visited a place like Sky’s Edge Pavilion, it would truly be the greatest joke in all of Honghuang.

Why was Qin Tianzhu here?

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, blaming himself for speaking too hastily…

After spending half a month planning the subsequent arrangements and reaching the appointed time with You Qin Xuanya, he took You Qin Xuanya to receive rewards at the Lingxiao Hall.

In Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor had conferred the title of Valiant General and bestowed golden armor for protection.

After the Jade Emperor had offered a few words of encouragement to You Qin Xuanya, Li Changshou’s [Water God] paper avatar led You Qin Xuanya away, returning to the Water God Manor.

Meanwhile, another of Li Changshou’s paper avatars had entered Lingxiao Hall, reporting to the Jade Emperor about the Western Teaching’s schemes regarding the Three Thousand Worlds, and discussing matters with the Jade Emperor for nearly two hours.

Li Changshou had proposed secretly building forces, using Heaven’s power to develop quickly, and competing with the West in the Three Thousand Worlds;

The Jade Emperor had agreed without hesitation, giving Li Changshou full authority to handle it, with access to all of Heaven’s resources without needing to go through the Hall of Clarity.

When the Jade Emperor asked if Li Changshou already had plans, Li Changshou explained his conceived framework for the [Temporary Heaven Palace], mentioned White Marsh and the couple Jiang Liner, and then spoke hastily:

‘Your humble servant thinks we could also rely on existing major powers in the Three Thousand Worlds, having them serve as auxiliaries. For instance, the Sky’s Edge Pavilion of Bian Zhuang’s family, though not a proper business, would be perfect for gathering intelligence. Your servant was planning to take Bian Zhuang to visit the Pavilion Master.’

The Jade Emperor immediately caught the key phrase—

Not proper!

Thus, Qin Tianzhu was dispatched to closely monitor Bian Zhuang’s movements.

When one of Li Changshou’s avatars took Bian Zhuang out of Heaven, Qin Tianzhu had “coincidentally” encountered them from the side while riding a cloud, smiling and saying:

“I’ll join you!”

And that led to the current situation on this cloud.

Li Changshou and Bian Zhuang both sighed, while the Jade Emperor’s third avatar Qin Tianzhu smiled with narrowed eyes, full of anticipation for the upcoming journey.

Sky’s Edge Pavilion, a chain of temporary karmic trial experience halls in Honghuang, was considered an industry leader;

In recent years, Sky’s Edge Pavilion has opened branch pavilions in the Eastern, Southern, and Western Seas of the Five Regions, dedicating themselves to providing quality karmic bond services to the vast community of Qi cultivators in Honghuang.

On the way, Li Changshou asked Bian Zhuang about the secret to Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s enduring success.

Bian Zhuang smiled sheepishly and said:

“We don’t create karmic obstacles.”

Qin Tianzhu asked curiously: “How can one avoid creating karmic obstacles in this line of work? If cultivators visit Sky’s Edge Pavilion and end up breaking up with their Dao companions, causing families to fall apart, wouldn’t Sky’s Edge Pavilion accumulate karmic obstacles?”

Bian Zhuang smiled and said: “General Qin—ahem, Big Brother, you don’t understand. Such matters don’t count against Sky’s Edge Pavilion. We merely open our doors to guests; whether they come or not is their own decision. Not creating karmic obstacles means we don’t force women or men into this line of work.”

Qin Tianzhu asked in surprise: “There are men too?”

“Indeed,” Bian Zhuang gave a light laugh, “There are some female immortals who are wealthy in spirit stones and restless in their Dao hearts, who wish to experience karmic trials, though their numbers are few. For these guests, Sky’s Edge Pavilion must also prepare some male karmic companions.”

Li Changshou asked puzzled: “Then where do you find so many… karmic companions?”

“Most of them come to us voluntarily.”

“Oh?”

“The situations in the Three Thousand Worlds vary,” Bian Zhuang said seriously. “In some Great Worlds, resources are abundant and spiritual energy is rich, with spirit veins everywhere, but this attracts the covetous eyes of various powers, leading to endless warfare and many desperate people.

When I had just attained Heaven Immortal cultivation, I followed several managers to a Great World. Within half a day of posting Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s notice, hundreds of women with cultivation came seeking us.

When we screen karmic companions, we comprehensively evaluate their temperament, appearance, and whether they carry karmic obstacles, then relocate them from their original Great World.

If they wish to leave Sky’s Edge Pavilion, they need only give two-tenths of their accumulated spirit stones and treasures to Sky’s Edge Pavilion to sever their karmic ties.

Besides these, some women from impoverished backgrounds actively seek out Sky’s Edge Pavilion for their cultivation… This cannot be compared to mortal brothels.”

“So that’s how it is,” Qin Tianzhu nodded slowly, falling into contemplation.

Li Changshou said: “Perhaps the situation your family elders showed you was somewhat one-sided.”

“No, definitely not.”

Bian Zhuang hurriedly said: “Second Brother doesn’t know, but I grew up cultivating among rouge and powder. The true decision-makers of Sky’s Edge Pavilion are my grandmother and several great-aunts.

In their youth, they were forced by violent men and fell into prostitution, but they secretly cultivated while enduring, and finally slew their oppressors.

Later, they connected with many women who shared similar experiences and established a renowned cultivation force—the Fierce Women Alliance, eliminating many powers that persecuted women.

Later still, my grandmother reluctantly discovered that… many women were simply desperate and just wanted a place to survive, so Sky’s Edge Pavilion was created, and the Fierce Women Alliance gradually moved into the shadows.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “They are all truly heroic women.”

Bian Zhuang gave a light sigh and didn’t say more, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

Qin Tianzhu asked from the side: “Third Brother seems to be recalling some sad matters.”

“Grandmother and the others made too many enemies, too many foes, and many of my relatives were… But things are peaceful now.”

Bian Zhuang smiled and said: “Those enemies no longer dare to provoke Sky’s Edge Pavilion.”

Qin Tianzhu felt somewhat moved upon hearing this and encouraged: “In the future, serve well in Heaven, and you too can bring glory to your family and put your grandmother’s heart at ease.”

Bian Zhuang hurriedly said: “In front of Water G—ahem, Second Brother, Big Brother shouldn’t speak of such things.”

Li Changshou smiled silently from the side.

This fellow had good fortune indeed—unknowingly, the position of Great Marshal of Heaven’s River Navy had become secure.

It’s just that his temperament still needed proper tempering, otherwise he couldn’t avoid ‘deserving to be a pig.’

Since Li Changshou wanted to meet Bian Zhuang’s grandmother, the true decision-maker of Sky’s Edge Pavilion, the three of them flew straight out of the Five Regions, heading east.

The journey alone took more than two months.

Qin Tianzhu, worried that Li Changshou’s paper avatar might lack immortal power, volunteered to drive the cloud; after Li Changshou’s repeated refusals proved futile, he finally relinquished control of the white cloud.

Some avatars can do anything;

Some avatars can do… nothing at all.

…

During these two months, Li Changshou naturally couldn’t remain idle;

He spent most of his time continuing to strategize about Western matters, and further perfecting the structure of the Temporary Heaven Palace in his mind.

Just before arriving at Bian Zhuang’s hometown, Li Changshou arranged for Jiu Yushi and Xiong Lingli to leave the Small Jade Peak card room, then invited White Marsh and the Forgotten Emotions Master to discuss his conception of the Temporary Heaven Palace.

“Developing forces in the Three Thousand Worlds?”

Jiang Liner blinked, asking puzzled: “Why do this? Cultivators in the Three Thousand Worlds are fighting tooth and nail to squeeze into the Five Regions, why would we want to develop in the Three Thousand Worlds?”

“This isn’t for the Gate of Ascending Immortality,” Li Changshou said seriously. “This is for Heaven’s Court. The Three Thousand Worlds are also part of the Three Realms, but Heaven’s influence there is too weak. If we rely on Heaven’s armies to conquer everywhere, it will easily cause cultivators to resent Heaven’s Court. Therefore, by the Jade Emperor’s command, I am to establish the Temporary Heaven Palace to pave the way for Heaven’s Court to govern the Three Thousand Worlds.”

Understanding dawned on Jiang Liner’s face as she sat there pondering.

White Marsh smiled and said: “Does Water God need this poor Daoist to handle external affairs?”

“Indeed. With the Great Calamity approaching, I have many matters dividing my attention,” Li Changshou smiled. “Sir White, you can seek fortune and avoid calamity. Having you oversee operations would be perfect.”

“If Water God arranges it so, this poor Daoist will naturally comply.”

White Marsh cupped his hands, his eyes revealing slight anticipation, his entire beastly form becoming energized.

The Forgotten Emotions Master asked: “Changshou, how do you wish to arrange for this poor Daoist?”

Li Changshou bowed and said: “I would like to request Ancestral Master and his wife serve as pathfinders for the Temporary Heaven Palace. Ancestral Master has some connections in the Three Thousand Worlds. Initially having Ancestral Master take the lead to connect with former friends and gather momentum would also help conceal the Temporary Heaven Palace’s background.

There are several matters I must make clear in advance.

The reason for advancing the Temporary Heaven Palace plan now is to deal with Western Teaching.

The Western Teaching controls many Great Worlds, creating divine kingdoms of incense and fire, using these to gather fortune and merit as a foundation for scheming about matters of reincarnation.

They have had at least several tens of thousands of years of arrangements and planning. We’re starting late and need to see results within several hundred years, gathering a force to balance out the Western Teaching’s advantages in this area.

The Five Regions have Sage Lords presiding, and now the Monster Tribe has lowered their banners and suffered great injuries, so there will be a period of peace ahead;

I will mobilize all the resources I can to get the Temporary Heaven Palace quickly on track.

Even if we must use some extraordinary measures, so be it.”

As Li Changshou’s words fell, the card room fell silent, everyone sinking into thought…

This was a matter that would affect Heaven and Earth, and the risks were not small.

“Hehe,” Jiang Liner crossed her arms and asked with raised eyebrows and blinking eyes, “Are there any benefits?”

Li Changshou laughed helplessly, knowing his Ancestral Master had already agreed to this matter.

However, the Forgotten Emotions Master frowned and said: “Liner, we are of the Human Teaching lineage, all disciples of the Human Teaching! Human Teaching has always taken supporting Heaven’s Court and benefiting all living beings as its duty. Now that we’re needed, how can we speak of benefits?”

Jiang Liner rolled her eyes and snorted:

“Yes, yes, my dear husband’s teachings are correct, I’m just being shallow, hmph!”

“Liner don’t be angry, principles are principles…”

“Ancestral Master need not worry,” Li Changshou smiled and said. “For working secretly for Heaven’s Court, I naturally won’t let our people suffer losses. Spirit stones, pills, magical treasures, merit—these cultivation resources won’t be lacking, and can benefit Ancestral Master’s friends. Most important are the two words ‘fortune fate.’ The Jade Emperor has already commanded the Wood Duke to secretly draft an edict. Once the edict is formed, we can receive Heaven’s fortune protection.”

White Marsh asked: “If targeted by the Western Teaching, how will we respond?”

“We must first choose our foothold well, avoiding the Western Teaching’s sphere of influence,” Li Changshou smiled. “I’ve thought through various other measures fairly thoroughly and will write them all down later. The initial stage is the most difficult but doesn’t need too many experts. I would like to request Ancestral Master and his wife take the lead, with Sir White directing operations from behind, and me coordinating plans from the rear.”

White Marsh immediately understood and smiled: “Palace Master of Forgotten Emotions—that name isn’t bad, sounds quite meaningful at first hearing.”

The Forgotten Emotions Master frowned slightly: “What virtue or ability does this poor Daoist have to serve as Palace Master? This poor Daoist is merely a mountain cultivator who has achieved the fruit of long life, completely unfamiliar with the ways of planning and leadership. Why not choose someone else?”

Li Changshou sighed: “Currently Heaven’s Court lacks experts, and among Long Life Immortals I can trust, there is only Ancestral Master. The Shamanic Tribe is too simple, the Dragon Tribe too proud, and I’m not familiar with other Human Teaching Immortal Sects.”

“This…”

The Forgotten Emotions Master frowned deeply.

White Marsh persuaded: “To gain Water God’s trust is already quite remarkable, a friend should not decline.”

“You only need to get through the initial stage, then the Palace Master can remain behind the scenes.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Moreover, the Palace Master is just the public face. Behind the scenes, it will still be Sir White and several others consulting together to handle various affairs. After all, Long Life Immortals with your extraordinary bearing and handsome elegance are truly rare, which would greatly benefit the Temporary Heaven Palace’s recruitment.”

The Forgotten Emotions Master smiled and sighed: “Changshou, when you put it that way, I truly cannot decline.”

Jiang Liner let out a laugh, while White Marsh and Li Changshou both revealed smiles.

“Um!”

Suddenly, a weak call came from the corner.

It was Jiu Jiu, who had been pretending to be well-behaved on the side, finally unable to contain herself and standing up.

“Can I help with anything in this?”

“Martial Aunt need not concern yourself,” Li Changshou said gently. “Just focus on cultivating in the mountains.”

“Always eating and drinking at your expense, I feel somewhat embarrassed.”

Perhaps because she was in front of her own master, Jiu Jiu showed some shyness, raising her hand to arrange the hair by her ears as she spoke.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “During the period before and just after I became immortal, Martial Aunt already helped me and my late master greatly. Don’t mind such small matters.”

However, the Forgotten Emotions Master said: “Let this poor Daoist’s few disciples also leave the mountain together. Though Little Five’s cultivation is insufficient, she understands human nature and is good at dealing with people; Yiyi and Xiaojiu have good cultivation, with the potential to achieve the Golden Immortal realm. Their working in the Temporary Heaven Palace could also increase their opportunities.”

Jiu Jiu jumped over in two steps: “Really! I definitely won’t be a hindrance!”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, letting out a light sigh and saying “Very well,” causing Jiu Jiu to jump up happily, the scene momentarily becoming somewhat uncontrolled.

…

Just as Li Changshou had established the core ‘team’ for the Temporary Heaven Palace’s initial stage, the other side arrived at a peaceful and quiet small world, and his consciousness shifted over.

Before they could enter this small world, the three of them were stopped by a team of immortal soldiers.

These soldiers were half men and half women, uniformly at True Immortal realm cultivation, with two Late Stage Heaven Immortal cultivators leading them.

Bian Zhuang stepped forward voluntarily, standing there calmly with his hands behind his back and legs slightly apart, his eyes gazing at that sea of stars…

He had returned.

However unexpectedly…

“Friend, what is your Daoist title?”

“Do you have our Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s Elder Token? This place is our Sky’s Edge Pavilion’s secret realm, only open to friends with Elder Tokens, please understand.”

Qin Tianzhu muttered: “They even made Elder Tokens?”

Bian Zhuang’s mouth twitched slightly, and he silently raised his hand to change his hairstyle, wiped under his eyes to create two dark circles, tiredly yawned, and released his dao aura…

The two Heaven Immortals first frowned as they observed, then became greatly shocked and called out:

“Young Pavilion Master! It’s the Young Pavilion Master!”

“Young Pavilion Master has returned! Quick, report to the Pavilion Master and the various grandmothers, Young Pavilion Master has come home!”

A moment later, streams of light flew out from the small world, including not a few Golden Immortal experts with profound auras;

The clouds and mist parted ahead, and a seven-colored rainbow bridge appeared before the three.

However, Bian Zhuang turned slightly sideways and smiled: “Big Brother, Second Brother, please, treat this as your own home!”

Qin Tianzhu immediately smiled with narrowed eyes, and Li Changshou’s paper avatar also revealed a smile.

However, just at this moment, a cold snort exploded in Li Changshou’s ear;

Li Changshou’s divine sense traced back and saw that among the continuous pavilions and halls of this small world, an elder wearing grey robes with a head full of grey hair was staring at him with an unfriendly expression.

This person’s cultivation level… he actually couldn’t see through it.

Li Changshou frowned as he looked back, his gaze clashing with this elder’s across an unknown distance, creating some sparks.

Suddenly he heard this elder transmit:

“What a fine paper avatar. In all of Honghuang, likely only Water God Changgeng could have a paper avatar with such cultivation. You dare come to this place behind Senior Sister Yunxiao’s back, truly not taking us Severing Teaching immortals seriously.”

Senior Sister Yunxiao? A Severing Teaching Expert?

Li Changshou transmitted back asking: “How should I address friend?”

“Nine Dragon Island, Lu Yue.”

Ha! The Plague God!