A single “That’s it?” caused the winds and clouds to change color.

The Sage’s pressure paused for a moment, his divine manifestation immediately showing traces of anger.

Master Yu Ding and Master Huang Long frowned with bitter smiles, while Patriarch Duo Bao and Elder Gong Ming focused their gazes intently. Immortal Yun Xiao looked worriedly at Li Changshou, while Immortal Jin Ling and Kong Xuan… nearly burst out laughing.

Looking at the Western Sect disciples around them, each had bristling hair and wide eyes. Some Great Luo Immortals gnashed their teeth, some Golden Immortals trembled with fury, and all the Sage’s direct disciples were enraged, itching to strike immediately and slay the red-robed immortal protected behind the various treasures.

By now, True Lord Taiyi had realized those two words of his carried excessive destructive power. Though they had indeed burst forth from his “frank and quick-tempered” nature, they were far too jarring for a Sage to hear.

More importantly, those two words had given Sage Zhunti the perfect opportunity to explode.

Earlier, when Li Changshou appeared with his entire speech, it was carefully calculated. He had set the rhythm for everyone present, throwing several weighty accusations to force Zhunti to appear and confront him directly.

Regardless of what schemes were in play, whichever Sage stepped onto the stage first had already lost half the battle.

Zhunti had originally planned to use his status as Sage to pressure Li Changshou, imprisoning him under Spirit Mountain for a thousand years. This punishment contained hidden barbs – it left him a way out while maintaining a sufficient “pressure buffer” between Taiqing Temple and Spirit Mountain.

Later, as soon as the Taiqing Sage spoke up – no, as soon as the Taiqing Sage appeared, Zhunti would have returned Li Changshou intact and actively apologized. But through this incident, Zhunti could prevent the Human Path from interfering with the Western Sect’s construction of their Second Samsara!

Li Changshou, skilled in the art of exhaustive analysis, had naturally calculated this possibility long ago. That’s why he had invited eight experts and various precious treasures to assist.

He had it all planned out – if fighting broke out, he would temporarily lend the Xuanhuang Pagoda and the Qiankun Ruler to his future senior sister-in-law Kong Xuan. With Kong Xuan wielding the Five-colored Divine Light, assistance from the Taiji Chart on the side, and support from various experts, they would likely be able to engage Sage Zhunti in a back-and-forth battle.

As long as they forced Zhunti to either hold back from attacking or if after attacking, he temporarily failed to subdue these nine “juniors,” then today would mark Zhunti’s defeat. In other words, it would be the Western Sect’s defeat.

They held complete initiative and could force the Western Sect to destroy this Samsara Tower.

At the very least, they could prevent the Western Sect’s Divine Kingdom of Incense – the Second Samsara system – from achieving its full potential, all without triggering a major war.

Everything had originally been steered onto the right track by Li Changshou.

He had even acted foolish and crazy, disregarding his face before Immortal Yun Xiao, using deliberately poor acting skills while relying on defensive treasures to draw the Western Sect’s hatred.

But unexpectedly…

Truly unexpected!

True Lord Taiyi’s final appearance, with just two words, had handed over the initiative of “reasonable anger” to Sage Zhunti.

Li Changshou: …

If this were his previous life playing games, he would have been yelling into his headset by now!

Who put together this Holy Light off-tank? Randomly taunting, recklessly hitting the Sage’s face, not building a single piece of blood equipment, all skills specced into Digital Monster Mutant Super Evolution, and even casting buffs on the enemy boss!

What? Did he organize it himself?

Well, never mind then.

Everything has two sides. Although True Lord Taiyi had disrupted the rhythm, the opponent’s hatred had shifted onto him.

The elegant and easy-going True Taiyi, frank and quick-tempered, splitting the aggro.

“Ah.”

Li Changshou sighed, and before the other side could act, he made a Daoist salute to True Lord Taiyi and said loudly:

“Forgive me, Senior Brother, forgive me. Earlier I was using the Taiji Chart to shift through space when I somehow crashed into this place. The environment here is lacking; let’s find a better scenic spot later for a drink.”

True Lord Taiyi, pale-faced and barely holding on, hearing these words, cast a grateful look at Li Changshou and hurriedly said:

“Right, right, who could drink in this dump? It’s so murky and chaotic!”

Slap!

A large hand struck from behind with lightning speed, landing on True Lord Taiyi’s mouth – it was Master Yu Ding taking timely action, sealing True Lord Taiyi’s mouth with immortal power.

Master Yu Ding said: “…My master is Primordial Heavenly Lord Yuan Shi.”

Beside them, Master Huang Long alertly watched in all directions, fearing Western Sect disciples might lose control and attack, triggering a great battle.

Li Changshou truly didn’t dare give True Lord Taiyi any more chances to speak. At this point, he could only deliberately create an opening, dig a hole for himself, and guide the topic back to the matter of the Samsara Tower.

If he didn’t know True Lord Taiyi was always like this, Li Changshou would truly suspect he had been “bought.”

Start it – force through with this broken team.

The Western Sect disciples around had recovered their senses, each drawing out magical treasures and preparing immortal power, ready for an all-out battle.

Li Changshou remained calm and unhurried, continuing to speak loudly:

“Uncle Master, you just said you would imprison this disciple under Spirit Mountain? And claimed this disciple disrespects the Sages? May I ask, Uncle Master… do you have any proof?”

“How dare you!”

An old Daoist near the Sage’s feet angrily rebuked: “Even now you dare talk back to our master, yet claim you respect the Sages?”

Li Changshou smiled and said:

“This fellow Daoist’s words are somewhat unreasonable. I am merely discussing facts and reason with Uncle Master. Perhaps the Western Sect’s rules are strict, and disciples dare not speak a word of disagreement before their teachers, needing to constantly guess at the Sage teachers’ intentions.

Our Human Path is naturally more relaxed. The first time my teacher summoned me to Taiqing Temple, I sat just three feet from him. The teacher discussed the Dao with me, chatted about family matters, and spoke of some ancient tales – it was quite a pleasant experience.

You all say I disrespect the Sages?

I hereby make a Great Dao oath: if I have even the slightest disrespect or irreverence toward my teacher, may I suffer the punishment of Purple Heaven Divine Lightning!”

Just then, a bolt of lightning flashed in the sky, dense power of the Heavenly Dao descended, illuminating Li Changshou’s figure hidden among his group of experts.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Respect for Sages is held in the heart, not displayed on the lips.”

Dizang laughed lightly: “Could it be that in Water God’s eyes, only Taiqing Uncle Master is a Sage? Why not make oaths for each?”

The trap was set, and someone indeed jumped in.

At this moment, the assembled immortals still didn’t realize that Li Changshou had already shifted the rhythm.

Li Changshou deliberately retreated another step: “Brother Dizang’s words are somewhat presumptuous. May I ask Brother Dizang, do you dare swear that you have not the slightest disrespect toward our Three Dao Path Sage Lords?”

Dizang’s eyes narrowed slightly. Sitting on Zhichen’s back, he slowly moved forward, full of spirit, his eyes glowing with divine light as he declared loudly:

“Water God is afraid, surely hiding something suspicious.

Thus, when our master judges you guilty of disrespecting the Sages, how can you quibble?

Our master is merciful – not beating or killing you, merely imprisoning you under Spirit Mountain. A thousand years is but the snap of a finger to an immortal of longevity, yet you dodge left and right, your heart harboring defiance, disobedience, and disrespect toward our master.

I should urge master to imprison you for another thousand years!”

Li Changshou’s brows furrowed deeply as if he had run out of ammunition.

Beside him, Zhao Gong Ming gave a look asking whether to attack, but Li Changshou’s lips curved slightly.

If they were to fight, it must be under conditions where their side held the moral high ground, wouldn’t suffer losses, and the Three Sage Lords of the Dao Path could reasonably intervene.

Li Changshou laughed lightly and sighed:

“I thought Brother Dizang would have profound insights on the battlefield, but you’re merely this level.”

Dizang’s brows furrowed slightly, while several old Daoists near Sage Zhunti’s manifestation’s feet showed slight gleams in their eyes.

Li Changshou glanced at Immortal Yun Xiao beside him, giving her a reassuring look, then stepped forward two paces to meet Dizang, walking to Master Huang Long’s front.

“Brother Dizang, do you remember when we fought the Outer Heavenly Demons together, drinking and talking freely, our hearts full of joy?”

Dizang gnashed his teeth and cursed: “Water God, your skill at spouting nonsense is truly admirable! When did I ever drink and talk with you!?”

“No matter, no matter, I know brother is shy,” Li Changshou smiled and said, “I said that day that the word ‘respect’ has more than one interpretation.”

“When did you say that?”

“Brother Dizang forgot? No matter, I’ll say it again.”

Li Changshou smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping across the many Sage disciples present, as the Xuanhuang Pagoda appeared above his head and the Taiji Chart flickered with light before and behind him.

He spoke loudly, his pace gradually quickening:

“All beings respect the Sages for their vast divine powers and profound Dao realm, viewing them as the strongest in heaven and earth – this respect stems from fear. But do we, the Sages’ disciples and attendants, respect the Sages out of fear?

No, this is naturally different.

We Dao Path disciples respect the Sages for their refined character and embrace of the Three Realms, for their transcendence beyond worldly bounds, and their profound Dao realm at the pinnacle of all beings.

Ancestral Master Dao established the origins of all paths, and our Sage teachers transmitted cultivation methods to us, teaching us how to be proper beings.

My respect for the two Uncle Masters of the Western Sect stems from respect for their Dao realm, respect for their very beings – how can you say I’m disrespectful? I merely have some immature opinions on certain matters.”

“How dare you!”

An old Daoist shouted angrily: “Li Changshou, you’re completely unbridled, daring to recklessly judge our master’s character!”

Li Changshou turned to look, radiating an indescribable authority, the precious treasures’ light growing even brighter.

He turned around and shouted back in anger:

“You’re the audacious one! Daring to use the Sages’ character as your spear to attack and shield to defend!

Do you still have Uncle Master Zhunti in your eyes? Do you still have your own Sage?

My teacher once said that in ancient times, the two Western Sect Sages made great vows. Though the Heavenly Dao is naturally emotionless, it was moved by the two Sages’ great vows, bestowing great merit that allowed them to become Sages.

What noble character, what lofty spirit!

But what about you?!

You Western Sect Sage disciples deceive those above and below, commit all manner of evil, recklessly tarnishing the two Uncle Masters’ reputation!

Seeing treasures, you seize them through trickery; seeing talented individuals, you claim they have predestined connections with you; even keeping ancient karmic demon beasts in secret, pursuing precious materials by any means, ambushing dragon-guarded sea eyes, bringing catastrophe to sea beings!”

An old Daoist cursed: “Nonsense! Water God, stop your slanderous accusations!”

“Let the Heavenly Dao bear witness,” Li Changshou raised his hand in invitation, “If you claim these weren’t done by you Western Sect Sage disciples, please make a Great Dao oath!

If the Heavenly Dao Lord says you didn’t do these things, I’ll kneel and apologize to you today!”

Dizang coldly laughed: “Water God, besides Great Dao oaths, have you no other moves?”

“I know,” Zhao Gong Ming stroked his beard and smiled, “This is called ‘one move to rule them all.’

If Brother Dizang disagrees, you’re welcome to find a way to counter it.”

“Elder Brother, you’re mistaken,” Li Changshou smiled and said, “I have no special moves, I simply have complete trust and utmost reverence for the Heavenly Dao.

The Heavenly Dao is supremely impartial, existing only for heaven and earth’s stability.

Thus, when the Heavenly Dao Lord said it would owe me some merit, I didn’t hesitate at all.

I trust in the Heavenly Dao.”

Several Dao Path immortals tilted their heads simultaneously, question marks hanging on their foreheads.

Kong Xuan asked puzzledly: “Can the Heavenly Dao owe merit to beings?”

“We can’t say ‘owe,'” Li Changshou smiled and said, “It’s merely delayed.”

As soon as his words fell, thunder suddenly rolled overhead, and a palm-sized grey cloud condensed above Li Changshou’s head, dropping down a hair-thin Purple Heaven Divine Lightning.

Neither the Taiji Chart nor the Xuanhuang Pagoda blocked it, letting the small lightning strike Li Changshou’s forehead, making his whole body tremble.

The Blood Sea bottom fell silent again.

Unlike the previous silence when the Sage appeared and Taiyi said “That’s it,” this was the third time… but this time…

Almost all Western Sect experts’ gazes carried deep confusion and shock.

That playful little lightning just now…

Was the Heavenly Dao supporting the Water God?

The Heavenly Dao owed Water God merit, and when Water God announced this publicly, he was merely caressed by Purple Heaven Divine Lightning!

Was this the world-ending lightning that even Quasi-Sages feared?

Li Changshou’s spirit had settled by now. Organizing the logic in his words, he called out again:

“Uncle Master Zhunti, look at this!

Now these Western Sect parasites are deceiving both Uncle Masters here, claiming they’re re-establishing Samsara for all beings, when they’re just consolidating their Divine Kingdoms of Incense!

Are they doing this for the Western Sect?

No, they’re just relying on your protection to suck mortals’ blood and imprison mortal souls, using this to cultivate and survive tribulations, becoming local powers!

Moreover, last time when traitors at Spirit Mountain plotted against our Dao Path, sowing discord between our Three Schools, Uncle Master you ordered Spirit Mountain sealed for a thousand years, but what about now?!

Is Spirit Mountain empty?

These Western disciples are the ones truly disrespecting the Sages, they’re the ones truly dragging down the West!

Uncle Master Zhunti!”

Li Changshou spoke passionately: “This minor god can’t stand it anymore!

This minor god boldly requests that you observe from the sidelines while I and our fellow Dao Path senior brothers and sisters teach them a lesson on your behalf!”

Pfft…

This wasn’t laughter – a Sage disciple to the side blacked out and spat blood.

Sage Zhunti’s divine manifestation increased its pressure, now naturally showing neither shock nor anger, saying calmly:

“Have you… said enough?”

Zhunti was now ready to negotiate terms, to make some concessions to the Dao Path.

What Li Changshou needed to strive for next was getting the Western Sect to abandon the Second Samsara of their own accord.

Today they didn’t need to fight – everything could wait for Purple Mystic Palace to settle the matter of Canonization, directly making the West enemies of the Dao Path. Acting early would only cause the Great Tribulation to lose control.

The ideal situation would be for this batch of Western Sect Sage disciples to all turn to tribulation ash, while the Heaven Court’s needed Divine Officials would be filled by the Dao Path’s second-tier top experts, with Heaven Court selecting the best qualified and following proper procedures.

At this moment, Li Changshou was about to step forward and make a Daoist salute in response…

True Lord Taiyi’s mouth was still sealed, and except for the hot-tempered Mother Goddess Jin Ling’s slight dissatisfaction, the other experts’ gazes toward him were full of approval.

Accomplishing things without fighting – that was true stability.

Charging through recklessly would just make them forgotten waves of the past.

Li Changshou stood firm, gathering qi from his dantian to his throat, just about to raise his hand in salute…

“Hold on, Changshou, keep scolding them!

That broken tower, your Uncle Master will help you destroy it later.”

That clear, relaxed voice!

Those calm, composed words!

The four Severing Sect experts’ spirits stirred as they turned simultaneously to look at the young Daoist who had appeared at some unknown time, a hundred zhang behind them in ‘mid-air.’

Look at this youth:

Sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes, a blue-green long robe and fluttering headband, his eyes containing pinpoints of stars, surrounded by faint Dao rhythms, as if he had always been there but simply hadn’t spoken.

Neither standing nor sitting, but lounging on a cloud, left foot slightly raised, left hand resting on a sheathed precious sword.

At this moment, Sage Zhunti’s divine manifestation’s expression completely collapsed, his majesty seemingly interfered with, now completely unable to gather…

Patriarch Duo Bao, Zhao Gong Ming, Mother Goddess Jin Ling, and Immortal Yun Xiao showed solemn expressions, making Daoist salutes and bowing together, saying:

“Greetings to Master!”

Li Changshou and the other Dao Path disciples also made Daoist salutes together, saying: “Greetings to Uncle Master!”

“Mmph mmph!”

— A certain Second True Lord’s sealed mouth.

Kong Xuan also made a shallow Daoist salute, his eyes still carrying some eagerness, and said: “Greetings to Patriarch Tongtian.”

That group of Western Sect Sage disciples also hurriedly made Daoist salutes, calling out greetings to Uncle Master Tongtian.

Patriarch Tongtian snorted:

“You dare call me Uncle Master? When did our Dao Path accept such conspiring individuals?

Changshou?”

Li Changshou hurriedly responded: “Disciple present.”

“Continue scolding, don’t stop, I was just getting into it. What’s this about negotiating terms with them?”

Patriarch Tongtian smiled and said: “Today if you can scold them for three hours straight, I’ll approve your marriage with Yun Xiao, how about that?”

Li Changshou: …

Yun Xiao’s brows furrowed slightly, she bit her thin lips and said softly:

“Master, how can you speak like this?

You often taught disciples that actions should be upright and open, not using divine powers to pressure others, not using authority to suppress the weak and that beings of heaven and earth must advance themselves to seize that thread of life opportunity.

Why today, Master, without asking the disciple a word, do you decide the disciple’s dao partner matters?

Can we not decide this matter ourselves?”

“Well…”

Patriarch Tongtian sat up straight and smiled warmly: “Yun Xiao speaks the truth, Master was caught up in the excitement, and my dao heart stirred somewhat.

If Changshou scolds them satisfyingly, Master will give him a treasure instead, how’s that?”

Yun Xiao bowed: “Disciple has offended Master, willing to accept Master’s punishment.”

Patriarch Tongtian secretly glared at Li Changshou, who hurriedly stepped forward, and lightly coughed, his mind rapidly considering how to adjust strategy.

A big leg had arrived, and attack and defense positions reversed.

Should he think about how to hurt the Western Sect most painfully now?

No, at this time he should think about maximizing Dao Path benefits while minimizing his own hatred value and trying to reduce karmic involvement.

Still…

Li Changshou looked at Dizang on Zhichen’s back, whose brows were now tightly furrowed as if facing a great enemy.

Never mind, focusing on just one target could backfire, better spread the attention, and give Dizang’s fellow disciples some “equal treatment” too.

“Today, let’s properly discuss this… Divine Kingdom of Incense!”