*Opening Verse:*

Through Blood Sea depths seeking secret ground,

The high tower brings Sage’s pressure down.

Half-laughed words, the scolding shall not cease,

All because this sword named Qingping gleams.

With Patriarch Tongtian making his direct appearance, the Samsara Tower was now destined to be destroyed today.

Li Changshou swiftly made the most stable modifications to the several plans that had developed in his mind.

Today, he would establish Divine Kingdoms of Incense as opposition to the righteous path, so that whether the Heaven Court directly intervened in the Three Thousand Worlds in the future or operated secretly through the Facing Heaven Palace, they would occupy the ‘righteous’ position.

When Li Changshou spoke the words “Divine Kingdom of Incense,” many skilled practitioners of the Western Sect changed their expression.

After speaking this phrase, Li Changshou turned and made another bow to Patriarch Tongtian.

“Uncle Master, before this debate, could you first sever the connection between the Samsara Tower and the Heavenly Dao? Otherwise, if I finish scolding them and this tower becomes a Heavenly Dao treasure, that would truly be awkward.”

Patriarch Tongtian narrowed his eyes with a slight smile, said ‘Good,’ and his right hand casually brushed across the sheathed precious sword at his side;

Amidst clear, resonant sword chimes, the Qingping Sword had already left its scabbard.

The sword’s body rippled like water, its edge containing the ultimate Dao.

Patriarch Tongtian sat upon the cloud, casually swinging his sword, the blade, body, and posture in perfect natural harmony.

The sword light from Qingping’s strike was initially just a dim grey, appearing incredibly slow, but with every hundred zhang it flew, it gained several measures of sharpness and brightness. By the time it passed over the heads of the assembled Sage disciples, it resembled a world-flooding tsunami!

The Great Dao trembled but did not shatter, space-time collapsed but repaired itself in an instant!

This single sword strike – Li Changshou saw endless cycles of life, Zhao Gong Ming saw the cutting of great momentum, Immortal Yun Xiao saw true ethereal intent, Mother Goddess Jin Ling saw the gaps between heaven and earth…

Kong Xuan’s face showed contemplation, his eyes unavoidably dimming.

Master Yu Ding fell into a slight trance, his eyes revealing an expression nearly identical to Kong Xuan’s.

Master Huang Long wanted to softly exclaim in praise but found himself as if fallen into a temporal vortex. Though his perception of time’s flow remained normal, when he tried to speak, his mouth only managed to open, unable to make a sound.

Only then did Huang Long realize that this sword strike was incredibly swift – the Sage had deliberately used a technique to give them, today’s adventurers, an opportunity to comprehend the Sage’s Great Dao.

The sword light finally transformed into a surging seven-colored sword tide, crashing against the great hand extended by Sage Zhunti’s manifestation.

But Sage Zhunti’s manifestation couldn’t block even a fraction; the sword tide seemed to merge with heaven and earth.

Boom!

The Samsara Tower shook, its Heavenly Dao power instantly dispersed, and its connection to the Heavenly Dao severed.

Sage Zhunti’s manifestation’s left hand slowly lowered, maintaining its precious, dignified bearing;

The old Daoist within the precious tower’s nostrils quivered slightly, but he didn’t release even half a cold snort.

Li Changshou and the other Dao Path immortals each gained their insights, that a single sword strike contained truly too many revelations.

But Patriarch Tongtian’s sword strike just now appeared very straightforward from the Western Sect Sage disciples’ perspective.

Sword leaves scabbard, sword light flashes, the tower’s connection to the Heavenly Dao…

Gone.

All their years of arrangements and preparations, from building the tower to entering this place to guard it, to cleverly calculating how to conceal this location…

Had turned to flowing water.

At this moment, several of Sage Jieyin’s disciples transmitted messages to the assembled Western Sect Sage disciples, instructing them how to respond to the Dao Path’s coming offensive.

From the moment Zhunti was forced to appear and confront the Heaven Court’s Water God, their Western Sect had fallen into a passive position;

Now with Patriarch Tongtian personally arriving, the Human Path’s supreme treasure Taiji Chart already manifested, and the Heaven Court’s Water God wanting to debate with them about ‘Divine Kingdoms of Incense,’ his intention was clearly to destroy the Western Sect’s tens of thousands of years of establishment in the Three Thousand Worlds.

They could only debate now.

And these disciples of Sage Jieyin were instructing them to avoid speaking carelessly later;

If they must speak, they should follow several key points, insisting that Divine Kingdoms of Incense serve to educate the common people, and so on.

The Western Sect Sage disciples carefully retreated beneath Sage’s manifestation, arranging themselves on the steps by rank, each sitting cross-legged and silently reciting scriptures, just as they would when listening to teachings at Spirit Mountain.

Dizang sat mounted on Zhichen at the highest central step.

The dozen or so others now occupying positions beside him, at the same level, would be the ‘main force’ in responding to Li Changshou’s coming offensive.

Looking at the Dao Path’s side…

The scene was rapidly going off track.

Zhao Gong Ming, as the man most skilled at playing with balls – ahem, controlling pearl-type magical treasures in the primordial world, was now employing his divine ability specialty, controlling twenty-four recording pearls distributed at various positions to create a complete record of the scene.

Master Yu Ding and Master Huang Long, not skilled in words, were now holding several specially crafted bronze mirrors, using their own magical power to connect with the main relay bronze mirror at the Heaven Court’s Water God Manor, projecting the scene here to various parts of the Heaven Court.

The Water God’s entertainment system had finally found its use.

In the Heaven Court, people first noticed the suddenly added livestream image, curiously taking a look.

Soon, someone recognized Zhao Gong Ming, who had visited the Heaven Court several times.

When this news spread, the Heaven Court quickly stirred, various bronze mirrors switching to this ‘channel,’ Heaven Court soldiers, generals, immortal ladies, and officials gathering in clusters to watch the Severing Sect’s outer disciples.

This watching led to the various experts appearing with Zhao Gong Ming being recognized one after another, with supreme treasures like the Taiji Chart and Xuanhuang Pagoda also being confirmed.

And when several Dao Path experts repeatedly addressed a young Daoist as ‘Changshou,’ the Heaven Court gradually grew excited.

“So Water God’s true form is such a handsome and elegant youth?”

“No wonder he could win Immortal Yun Xiao’s heart!”

Before long, news came from the Heaven River Navy that Ao Yi, who knew Water God best, had confirmed this young Daoist’s identity as their Heaven Court’s ordinary authority god.

He also mentioned that this wasn’t Water God’s original appearance.

The flames of gossip were already burning fiercely, but when Li Changshou turned around, accepted a bronze mirror, and began actively explaining what was happening here, the entire Heaven Court shook.

“The Western Sect wishes to establish a Second Samsara, fortunately with Uncle Master Tongtian’s intervention, their plot has been thwarted.

Next, I and several senior brothers and sisters of the Dao Path will jointly debate with the Western Sect regarding the matter of Divine Kingdoms of Incense.

Sharing this scene with everyone is to let those in the Heaven Court know that the Heaven Court is not fighting alone for all beings and that the Dao Path’s many experts and masters also always stand on the side of righteousness.

Transmit my order: other Heaven Court recorders are to close their broadcasts.

Today, Heaven Court recorder Li Changshou presents for you…

Uncle Master, would you like to make an appearance?”

“Come,” Patriarch Tongtian lightly flicked his finger, his body wrapped in sword light, though his outline and true form could be seen.

Li Changshou faced the bronze mirror seriously and said: “Everyone prepare yourselves, do not show disrespect before the Sage Lord. About to appear in the image is one of the Three Pure Ones of the Dao Path, Lord Patriarch Tongtian!”

The bronze mirror slowly turned toward Patriarch Tongtian. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother stood to make Daoist salutes, while various immortals, gods, and heavenly soldiers knelt in worship, not daring to even breathe loudly.

They truly hadn’t expected that watching a live stream would require kowtowing…

Ahem!

They truly hadn’t expected that in this life they would have the fortune to see the image of a true Sage!

Then Li Changshou was heard saying: “Thank you, Elder Brother Yu Ding, for helping me hold this bronze mirror, much appreciated.”

“Small matter,” Master Yu Ding smiled and held up two bronze mirrors to continue tracking Li Changshou’s form.

Thus, before all the Heaven Court’s immortals, gods, and heavenly soldiers, Li Changshou began explaining the key points of the debate.

This place had Patriarch Tongtian’s Dao rhythms, making it difficult for the Western Sect to investigate;

Even if there were Western Sect spies in the Heaven Court, the distance between here and the Heaven Court was vast, making it difficult for them to transmit messages or leak information.

“First, we can’t fall into their rhetoric traps. Even if we speak slowly, we must think clearly before speaking.

Most importantly, if their questions are full of traps, we’ll simply ignore them, no need to engage. We’re here to debate with them about Divine Kingdoms of Incense, not to play question and answer.

Our goal is to render them speechless, to make them realize their actions are wrong, failing in virtue toward heaven, earth, and all living beings.

Soon I will step forward first. If I cannot hold on, let Elder Brother Duo Bao take over. If Elder Brother Duo Bao can’t hold on, then we’ll have to trouble you…”

Immortal Yun Xiao nodded gently, her beautiful eyes full of light.

She had thought Li Changshou would still restrict her from appearing, preventing her from directly confronting the Western Sect.

True Lord Taiyi hummed thoughtfully, now somewhat lacking confidence, and said softly: “Then this poor Daoist…”

“Elder Brother, you’re our finale,” Li Changshou’s expression grew serious as he declared: “If we cannot out-argue them, Elder Brother should express yourself freely, say what you want to say, do what you want to do.”

Start the team fight!

With Patriarch Tongtian here, if we can start it, we can win it!

“Good!”

True Lord Taiyi’s eyes filled with light – he who had suffered two blows earlier suddenly regained the confidence befitting a Dao Path Sage disciple!

Li Changshou looked to the side; Mother Goddess Jin Ling and Kong Xuan showed remarkable tacit understanding as they shook their heads.

Mother Goddess Jin Ling smiled and said: “Call me for combat.”

Kong Xuan also said: “Rather than trying to reason with others, I’d prefer to fight against the Western Sect’s Second Patri-“

“Hey!”

Li Changshou hurriedly interrupted, saying seriously: “Friend, watch your words.”

Kong Xuan nodded with a smile, seeming unconcerned about this.

At present, Li Changshou further instructed several people about the harms and ills of Divine Kingdoms of Incense. As experts in their own right who had cultivated for many years, how could they not understand the principles involved?

All preparations complete, Li Changshou turned around, four figures stepping forward together.

To the side, Master Yu Ding used immortal power to position the bronze mirrors, steadily capturing the four figures’ images while also showing the Western Sect’s formation.

On the Western Sect’s side, twelve Sage disciples stepped forward simultaneously.

Dizang jumped down from Zhichen’s back. Though walking at the very edge, his gaze met Li Changshou’s, his eyes carrying traces of fighting spirit.

If their Western side lost this formation, their situation would become increasingly difficult afterward;

While the Dao Path had already won eighty percent today, for them to launch a desperate counterattack, they must…

“Come,” Li Changshou called gently, as a flash of green light passed by his side – it was a large green-furred dog arriving before Li Changshou, lying at his feet and nuzzling against him.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Master Baize asked me to send you his regards. You may return now.”

A certain divine beast swished its long tail, turned, and retreated behind Dizang.

Dizang’s forehead bulged with veins, covered in black lines as he turned to glare at Zhichen;

Zhichen seemed unconcerned, still wearing an excellent expression of ‘Master, I’m doing this for your good.’

[Before the battle: mess with their state of mind]

The old Daoist standing in the center of the Western Sect formation stepped forward and cupped his hands toward the four, saying: “This poor Daoist is…”

“A Western Sect Sage disciple,” Li Changshou said calmly, “You need not announce your Daoist title, lest you feel uneasy riding clouds outside in the future.

Today let me declare: Divine Kingdoms of Incense are a great harm to heaven and earth!

You all use Divine Kingdoms of Incense, use displays of divine abilities before people to delude the masses, and gather incense fire merit. Now you even want to build a Second Samsara to complete your Divine Kingdoms of Incense.

What’s this? If not for the various Dao Path experts taking action today, if not for Sage Lord Uncle Master Tongtian’s intervention, once this Second Samsara was established, were you planning to use it to restrain all beings, making all spirits into puppets for your collection of incense fire merit?

I truly must ask, what exactly does your Western Sect intend to do?

Could it be that you plan to use this system to bypass the Heaven Court, suppress the Dao Path, and thereby usurp and replace Heaven itself!”

Boom boom boom—

Divine thunder appeared at the bottom of the Blood Sea, bursting forth above Li Changshou’s head and beneath his feet, making his countenance appear increasingly solemn.

“Water God’s words are pure slander!”

That old Daoist declared firmly: “Our Western Sect is equally a great teaching of heaven and earth, originally guiding mortals toward goodness. How has it become, in Water God’s mouth, making all spirits into puppets for incense fire merit and restraining all beings?

Water God’s words are biased, the Heavenly Dao must not easily believe them.”

“Is that so?”

Li Changshou smiled calmly, pulling out a precious pearl from his sleeve, within which appeared scene after scene…

Before a Divine Kingdom of Incense temple in some great world, thousands upon thousands of mortals constantly worshipped, while in distant fields weeds grew wild, and many mortals were reduced to skin and bones.

Li Changshou said coldly: “Are you all truly so desperate for incense offerings?”

“Water God’s scene, we know nothing of this, this isn’t our Western Sect’s…”

“The Sages are right here!”

Li Changshou shouted firmly, “Both Sage Lords are present, yet you still dare to speak such nonsense!”

That old Daoist frowned and said: “Our Western Sect has many Divine Kingdoms in the Three Thousand Worlds. This is but one corner, surely the local manager was overeager for quick results, not our Western Sect’s intention.”

“Quick results?”

Li Changshou cursed: “You call the wishes of living beings ‘results,’ the incense fire of living beings ‘profit’?

Are the countless beings of heaven and earth merely profit and results in your Western mouths!”

This old Daoist’s brows furrowed into the character 川, already defeated…

Another old Daoist to the side spoke up: “Mortals are ignorant, not knowing heavenly numbers or recognizing heavenly mandate, wasting their hundred years of life. We merely provide guidance…”

“Indeed, mortals are ignorant, which is why they are taken advantage of by you all.

But since ancient times until now, the human race has long received the teachings of human sages, already knowing farming, knowing weather patterns, often having wise ones among mortals who teach others, having skills and crafts.

Open your eyes and look – how prosperous and wonderful is the mortal world of the Southern Continent!

Mortal ingenuity is no less than that of Qi practitioners, mortal songs, poems, and talents in all areas are no less than those of practitioners sitting in meditation in the mountains!

Wasting their hundred years of life? How thick must your face be to speak such words?

I see – it’s because they cannot be used by you, cannot provide you with incense fire merit, that’s why their hundred years are wasted, right?”

“How can Water God speak so…”

“Water God!” an old Daoist cursed, “You can establish a Sea God Religion to gather incense fire, but we cannot?

Water God has always been quite prejudiced against our Western Sect, and now it’s that you can but we cannot – what kind of reasoning is this?

Does Water God perhaps think you can now decide everything in heaven and earth with a single word!”

Li Changshou’s lips curved slightly as he took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and threw it directly in that old Daoist’s face, “These are my Sea God Religion’s teachings, which you must have secretly read already.

Take it and read carefully – if you don’t know how to properly run the Divine Kingdom of Incense, I can teach you.

But stop trying to confuse the issue here!

In my Sea God Religion, those who enter the temples are worshippers – they farm, fish, hunt, gather, and trade, all having a craft to support themselves, all knowing what it means to be self-reliant and constantly improving!

Worshipping the Sea God is merely for peace of mind, finding something to believe in.

Your Western Sect turns entire great worlds into your Divine Kingdoms, making countless mortals do nothing but worship and reproduce, providing you with endless incense fire!

Look!

Everyone look!”

Li Changshou casually threw out seven or eight precious pearls, light and shadows flowing within them, showing scene after scene.

“You tell your believers that crops need no tending, that worship alone will bring the harvest.

What’s the result?

When famine strikes and grain is insufficient, how many millions of mortals have starved to death in this great world?

Piles of white bones behind the temples, evil wolves, and corpse birds in the great cities!

If you had done even a bit of good, truly protected these places to ensure favorable weather, you wouldn’t be so passive today, unable to respond to my accusations!

Why did the Heavenly Dao establish the Heaven Court? To tell you long-lived immortals who have cultivation but no virtue the difference between immortals and gods!

Without the virtue to become gods, no matter how much longevity you cultivate, calling yourselves divine spirits makes you nothing but wild spirits and ghosts!

You just happened to be born in ancient times, being somewhat stronger than other beings nowadays!

I, Li Changshou, was born a mortal, having cultivated for less than five hundred years!

Where does your superiority come from, where does your self-satisfaction come from!”

The Western Sect’s twelve old Daoists’ eyes grew wide, several of them trembling.

But Dizang said: “Water God also seems to be a wild spirit who received Heaven Court’s recognition, yet now turns around saying this cannot be done, this is wrong – isn’t this too unbalanced?”

Li Changshou didn’t waste words arguing, saying calmly: “I follow the Sage’s command to assist the Heavenly Emperor – are you questioning my Sage teacher?”

Dizang also said: “We also follow our Sage teacher’s command to build Divine Kingdoms of Incense – are you insulting our Sage teacher?”

“Sages have sage virtue, being examples for all beings – how can you slander them so?”

Li Changshou declared loudly:

“Dizang, do you think that by splashing this dirty water onto the Sage Lords, you can silence the endless masses of heaven and earth?

Divine Kingdoms of Incense harm all directions, suppressing mortal nature, destroying mortal lives, making mortals into tools for your collection of merit – these are indisputable facts!

These scenes, these recording pearls – however many you want, I’ll give you that many. My Water God Manor already has several rooms full.

This matter brooks no argument, and I’ve already made clear that it’s you Western Sect Sage disciples who deceive those above and below, switch pillars and beams, operating in petty ways, using this matter to seek merit and fortune for yourselves, using it for your own cultivation, for your own plunder of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy!

May the Sages examine this!”

The Western Sect fell silent, and Sage Zhunti’s manifestation slowly spoke:

“This matter, this poor Daoist will investigate thoroughly. Today’s affairs, let us end here.”

Patriarch Tongtian snorted, saying coldly: “My Changshou has said so much, wasted so much breath, and you think to end it with just one sentence?”

Sage Zhunti said: “Today, do you and I truly need to have a battle?”

“I won’t use treasures,” Patriarch Tongtian said calmly, “This time don’t just talk – let’s fight beyond the heavens.”

Sage Zhunti’s manifestation immediately fell silent.

Seeing this, Li Changshou inwardly sighed slightly and voluntarily stepped back half a pace.

True Lord Taiyi, who had kept his eyes closed all along, understood and slowly opened them, light flashing in his gaze as his red robe billowed.

His face showed sudden realization as he spoke, though softly – as if muttering to himself:

“Almost forgot, even Sage Lords have their strong and weak ones.”