Above the Six Realms Pagoda, the benevolent elder who had just appeared was surrounded by wisps of rosy light. Simply sitting upon the clouds, he seemed to merge with heaven and earth, untainted by even a speck of dust.

Below the pagoda, several dozen disciples of the Western Sect had gathered over ten corpses, laying them out while glaring at Li Changshou and his companions.

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha opened his left hand, and seven or eight faint rays of light flew into his palm, protecting the spiritual essences of the Western Sect disciples who had died here. However, six Western Sect disciples had their spiritual essences shattered, their souls scattered to the winds.

The Heaven and Earth Formation that had temporarily trapped Kong Xuan was pierced through by the Five-Colored Divine Light, as there were no longer any masters maintaining it. Kong Xuan flew out from within, cautiously eyeing Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha as he landed behind Li Changshou.

After a while, Ksitigarbha spoke without moving his lips, his voice reaching everywhere: “Why do you cause chaos here?”

An elderly Daoist of the Western Sect called out loudly: “Please Master, bring justice for us! These Dao Sect disciples were unreasonable and brutal, killing our fellow disciples without cause!”

“Oh?” Golden Spirit Sacred Mother’s fine brows rose as she prepared to manifest her Battle Law Body, but was stopped by Patriarch Treasure’s raised hand.

Li Changshou also turned slightly, giving Golden Spirit Sacred Mother a meaningful look…

What would follow would be negotiations, with each side presenting their stakes and bottom lines.

As long as the Six Sacred Teachers didn’t truly go to war or engage in magic battles intended to determine life and death, this game board wouldn’t be overturned.

The Western Sect Daoists complained pitifully before Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha, but his expression remained unchanged.

Fairy Yun Xiao transmitted to Shou:

“If this Uncle Master makes trouble later and Master isn’t here, should we resist with all our might?”

Li Changshou frowned in thought and transmitted back:

“Don’t worry, Second Uncle Master should have arrived. His current silence means he’s watching to see how far we can negotiate with the Western Sect.”

“Mm,” Yun Xiao cautioned, “This is a game between Sacred Teachers. You’re already deeply involved, so be extra vigilant and don’t anger any Sacred Teachers.”

Anger Sacred Teachers…

For him, that was quite difficult to achieve.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, recalling his warm, comfortable, and joyful conversations with Master Supreme Clarity at the Supreme Clarity Temple.

[[‘For the Western Sect, only mind Ksitigarbha, don’t worry about the others.’

‘Yes, disciple obeys.’

‘His Way differs from ours.’

Then followed a half-month period of silent rest.]]

Master Supreme Clarity’s meaning was that regarding Western Sect matters, except for Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha, everything else would be this second disciple’s responsibility…

Both sides waited for a while, and the Western Sect Sacred disciples stopped their complaints.

Streams of light flew in from the horizon – it was the group of Western Sect disciples who had been chasing Supreme Unity True Person earlier.

They had calmed down by now and hurried before the pagoda to bow to Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha, then turned to glare into the distance.

There, a Daoist wearing a fire-red robe approached slowly. His face was handsome, his aura long and deep, riding two wheels of fire beneath his feet. From the front, he appeared perfectly normal.

As he landed behind Li Changshou’s group and was about to speak, his breath suddenly went awry. His eyes rolled back and he collapsed flat on the clouds!

Patriarch Treasure and Zhao Gongming looked down and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Supreme Unity True Person’s back…

His red robe was in tatters, his back covered in blue and purple bruises, and his long hair burned to look like it had been chewed by dogs, with wisps of green smoke rising from it!

Supreme Unity True Person took a breath, stuffed a handful of pills into his mouth, slowly floated up, put away his wind and fire wheels, and leaned against Perfect Jade True Person.

One against a hundred, he hadn’t lost!

He just hadn’t had the chance to curse to his heart’s content!

Li Changshou asked with concern: “Senior Brother, how are your injuries?”

“It’s nothing, won’t die,” Supreme Unity True Person smiled coldly. “Whatever doesn’t kill this poor Daoist only makes me more-!”

Slap!

Perfect Jade True Person’s left hand accurately covered Supreme Unity True Person’s mouth. First indicating for him to look at Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha above the pagoda, then clearing his throat and saying softly:

“…My Master, Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One.”

Li Changshou couldn’t help but smile, calmly taking out four specially made bronze mirrors – one for live broadcast, three for backup – and handed them to Perfect Jade True Person nearby, saying: “Trouble Senior Brother.”

“Very well.”

Perfect Jade True Person accepted with a smile, holding the mirrors while standing quietly.

Throughout the Heavenly Court, those immortal officials, heavenly soldiers, fairies, and Chang’e who had been guarding various bronze mirrors all held their breath and observed.

The situation had changed once again.

Another Sacred Teacher appeared above the Six Realms Pagoda, while immortal corpses lay on the cloud path before it.

It seemed the Western Sect had indeed invested enormous effort in this Six Realms Pagoda, otherwise, they wouldn’t have two Sacred Teachers appear together.

The magical treasures around the Dao Sect masters remained unsheathed, the battle intent in Golden Spirit Sacred Mother’s eyes undiminished.

Kong Xuan’s Five-Colored Divine Light retreated behind him, Perfect Jade True Person put away his treasure cauldron.

Patriarch Treasure’s smile grew increasingly gentle, yet conveyed an attitude of ‘whatever will be, will be’ composed indifference.

‘Confidence.’

Ksitigarbha still didn’t move his lips, but his faint voice rang out everywhere:

“Long Geng of the Human Sect, step forward and speak.”

Li Changshou stepped forward two paces and made a Daoist salute, while Patriarch Treasure and Fairy Yun Xiao simultaneously followed one step behind him.

“Uncle Master, this minor deity is here.”

Ksitigarbha said: “Why did you lead others to kill my disciples and damage my Western treasure?”

“This matter has been discussed before by this minor deity.”

Li Changshou cupped his hands. At this time, he used no rhetoric, no sophistry, and didn’t try to shift concepts.

But he still had to raise the banner of helping the Western Sect’s ‘Pure Sacred Faction’!

“Does Uncle Master know of the Incense Fire Divine Nations matter?”

“I know,” Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha said calmly. “Our Western lands are poor. Using this to gather more incense fire merit can strengthen our destiny, benefiting heaven and earth’s stability.”

Li Changshou’s heart skipped a beat, knowing he wouldn’t gain any advantage in this line of conversation.

At this point, Li Changshou leveled his mindset and sighed:

“The current situation above the Blood Sea, Uncle Master, you surely understand better than anyone.”

Before Ksitigarbha could answer, a trace of the Dao’s charm flowed forth.

In the hearts of all the Sacred disciples, scenes appeared simultaneously…

The originally vast Blood Sea had changed color, with countless faint figures floating about, shadows upon shadows impossible to distinguish clearly. These wandering souls had no physical form to begin with, and now many were merging into each other…

Many Blood Sea fierce beasts were attracted by the wandering souls and were devouring them, but the number of these fierce beasts compared to these wandering souls was completely insignificant…

The scene shifted to Fengdu City in chaos, with fierce ghosts and vicious souls wandering everywhere. Those ‘comets’ had blasted out this group of fierce ghosts, giving the Netherworld authorities a massive headache.

The Six Realms Wheel was affected, filled with souls waiting for reincarnation. The number of fierce ghosts and vicious souls here was not small either, and large numbers of wandering souls from the Blood Sea were being drawn to the Six Realms Wheel…

Ksitigarbha looked to the side and said calmly: “Since Fellow Daoist has come, why not show yourself?”

Another light laugh was heard as an auspicious cloud appeared above Li Changshou and the others.

Sitting on the cloud was a middle-aged Daoist wearing a tall crown and ornate robes, his features three or four parts similar to Patriarch Primordial.

As soon as this Daoist appeared, that elegant, auspicious dao charm that calmed people’s spirits flowed forth, easily neutralizing the pressure Ksitigarbha had placed on Li Changshou and the others.

Perfect Jade and Yellow Dragon hurriedly called out “Master”, while Treasure, Golden Spirit, Yun Xiao, and Zhao Gongming called out “Uncle Master”.

Kong Xuan still gave a slight bow, and Li Changshou still called out “Uncle Master”, but Supreme Unity True Person, upon seeing his master, was moved to tears and his legs almost gave out…

“Ah ah! Ah ba ah ba!”

Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One’s smile deepened as he pointed at Supreme Unity True Person and said: “With your master here, you may speak.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Supreme Unity True Person acknowledged, then looked at Li Changshou.

Continue?

This time he wouldn’t hold anything back.

Li Changshou didn’t dare even blink. The previous matters were under his control, but now he dared not express anything rashly.

Whatever Supreme Unity True Person did next had nothing to do with Little Jade Peak or the Water God Manor!

When Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One’s gaze swept over, Li Changshou felt somewhat uneasy.

“Long Geng.”

“Disciple is here.”

“Come visit Jade Void Palace more often,” Primordial Origin said gently. “With the great tribulation approaching, you are the one chosen by your Senior Brother to handle the main tribulation. Don’t show favoritism.”

Li Changshou said: “Disciple will visit Jade Void Palace soon to receive guidance from Senior Brothers and Sisters!”

Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One immediately showed a slight smile, then glanced at Fairy Yun Xiao before calmly shifting his gaze away.

“Go on,” this Jade Clarity Sacred Teacher said. “Whatever Ksitigarbha asks you, you answer. If his questions aren’t good, don’t answer. If you can answer, answer well.

In this world, when we three friends speak, it should count for something.”

“Yes.”

Li Changshou respectfully acknowledged and stepped forward two paces, returning to his previous position.

Conversing with Sacred Teachers was truly…

Exhausting.

There were too many implications in Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One’s words. Interpreting them in both positive and negative directions still left huge differences!

These Sacred Teacher lords, each had such distinct personalities.

In comparison, his own Supreme Clarity lord was the easiest to get along with, it’s just that getting along with him…

Was time-consuming.

Li Changshou said gently: “Uncle Master Ksitigarbha, do you have other questions?”

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha asked: “Why do you ruin my Western Sect’s destiny, kill my Western Sect disciples, and seize my Western Pagoda?”

“This matter has nothing to do with the Senior Brothers and Sisters behind this minor deity,” Li Changshou sighed. “They came to assist because of their friendship with this minor deity. This minor deity cannot implicate them.”

At these words, Treasure and Zhao Gongming immediately wanted to speak up but were steadied by Li Changshou’s gesture behind his back.

Li Changshou said:

“Uncle Master Ksitigarbha, this minor deity was born to the Human Sect, gaining Great Law Master Senior Brother’s appreciation to enter the Tusita Palace, and receiving Master’s favor to learn the Supreme Clarity Great Dao.

But this minor deity has another identity as a third-rank true deity of the Heavenly Court, a special envoy established by His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

Uncle Master’s Western Sect has Sacred disciples wreaking havoc in the Three Thousand Worlds, creating Incense Fire Divine Nations, heavily impacting mortal beings, and hindering the operation of Heaven’s Dao.

This Six Realms Pagoda is used to consolidate the Incense Fire Divine Nations.

This minor deity is following His Majesty’s orders, cultivating an anti-Incense Fire Divine Nations Immortal Alliance in the Three Thousand Worlds, so this matter cannot be ignored and must be handled, leading to the current situation.

This minor deity believes that whoever maintains the Incense Fire Divine Nations interferes with Heaven’s Dao and is an enemy of the Heavenly Court.”

Having spoken, Li Changshou stood quietly.

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha asked: “Who can explain to Long Geng about this Six Realms Pagoda?”

“Master,” Earth Store stepped forward and said softly, “Disciple once traveled the Three Thousand Worlds and saw they were far separated from the Primordial World. Countless souls could not report to the Netherworld before becoming wandering spirits.

Thus disciple proposed building this Six Realms Pagoda for the sake of all living beings in heaven and earth.”

Ksitigarbha lightly raised his hand, and Earth Store understood, turning to look at Li Changshou.

Light flashed in both their eyes as whirlwinds seemed to sweep past, overshadowing the brilliance of all the Sacred disciples present.

Earth Store strode forward half, half, half…

“Hmm?!”

Earth Store turned his head to glare at his heel. That Discerning Listen had shrunk to half its size and was now biting Earth Store’s robe hem, anxiously transmitting:

“Don’t go, Master! You’re no match for the Water Deity. Later you’ll just be pushed out to take the blame!”

“This is my last chance!”

Earth Store cursed in transmission: “If I don’t stand up now, are you expecting others to stand up?

They’re all quick to rush for credit but usually just scheme against each other!”

Li Changshou glanced at Discerning Listen, who trembled twice before immediately releasing Earth Store’s robe and following dejectedly behind.

Li Changshou cupped his hands, and Earth Store nodded with a smile.

Earth Store said: “Friend’s talk of Incense Fire Divine Nations and the Six Realms Pagoda is not the same matter. This poor Daoist doesn’t know where friends heard such rumors.

Our Western Sect built the Six Realms Pagoda for heaven and earth…”

“Friend, speaking frankly, if we set aside our positions, I would gladly share tea with you.”

Li Changshou suddenly said this, seizing the conversation while Earth Store showed contemplation in his eyes.

Li Changshou said: “Then can a friend explain why Fengdu City was attacked at this time?”

Earth Store said: “This poor Daoist doesn’t know of this matter. The fierce ghosts of the Netherworld causing trouble, such situations seem to have occurred several times before.”

Li Changshou asked again: “If so, why was the Six Realms Pagoda chosen for this location, and why didn’t my friend mention these things when I questioned earlier?”

“Earlier Water Deity was overbearing, and we all thought the Dao Sect came to spy on our Western Sect’s destiny.”

Earth Store’s gaze swept over the Dao Sect disciples behind Li Changshou, his smile quite confident.

Earth Store continued: “Rather, it’s Friend Long Geng who confuses the matter, deceiving the Sacred Teachers, causing a great battle here that cost our sect over ten lives. How should this be accounted for?”

“Friend needn’t divert the topic, we haven’t yet clarified the matter of the Six Realms Pagoda.”

Li Changshou said calmly: “Now fierce souls are troubling the Six Realms Wheel, countless human souls above the Blood Sea, and the Six Realms Pagoda is built, just lacking Heaven’s Dao’s acknowledgment.

Could a friend be telling me all this is a coincidence?

You say I deceive the Sacred Teachers, friend, but it’s you who’s fooling the Sacred Teachers.”

Earth Store’s brows furrowed slightly, their gazes met, and battle intent burned stronger.

Earth Store’s thoughts raced as he countered: “Friend, do you have proof these souls were released by our Western Sect?”

Li Changshou: …

With Ksitigarbha’s arrival, had this activated Earth Store’s hidden attributes?

Indeed much harder to deal with than before.

Supreme Unity True Person snorted with laughter: “Friend Earth Store, you speak of proof so easily.

Then if this poor Daoist stewed your mount today, as long as I dispose of your mount cleanly leaving no proof, I can deny this matter?”

Discerning Listen trembled at these words, eyes full of survival instinct.

A Western Sect elder immediately responded: “What Junior Brother Earth Store says is correct, how can you prove these souls were released by our Western Sect?”

Earth Store’s brows furrowed tightly, traces of annoyance flashing in his eyes, though he showed little else.

Patriarch Treasure sighed: “Rather than argue like this, we might as well let my Junior Brother Gongming take action.”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled: “Then today this poor Daoist would have to lie down.”

Half the Western Sect’s Sacred disciples immediately tensed as if facing a great enemy.

Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One spoke again from above: “Fellow Daoist Ksitigarbha, don’t let your disciples make trouble needlessly.

Even with heaven’s workings locked, if you and I deduce against Heaven’s Dao’s will, don’t we know what happened?”

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha said: “Fellow Daoist since you and I have appeared today, it’s to resolve this matter.

Since we can’t argue it out, our Western Sect is willing to jointly control the Six Realms Pagoda with the Heavenly Court, sending the souls above the Blood Sea into reincarnation. How about that?”

“Uncle Master,” Li Changshou suddenly looked up, “I have proof.”

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha frowned looking at Li Changshou, but Li Changshou lowered his head avoiding the other’s gaze, and made a Daoist salute.

“This minor deity’s sudden speech, please forgive any offense to Uncle Master.

This minor deity has proof, and the proof is right here!”

“Long Geng, speak,” Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One’s eyes crinkled with a smile.

This middle-aged Daoist now looked at Li Changshou with increasing fondness.

Li Changshou took a gentle breath, took out eight jade talismans from his robes, and arranged them in the Eight Trigrams positions before him, releasing streams of clouds that condensed into a ‘thumbnail map’ of the Three Thousand Worlds and Five Continents.

“Those flashing red lights are the Incense Fire Divine Nations already established by the Western Sect in the Three Thousand Worlds.

Those flashing blue lights are where the Western Sect holds absolute advantage and is building Incense Fire Divine Nations.

This minor deity’s first proof is to take the mortals above the Blood Sea to the Netherworld’s Hometown-Viewing Terrace, show them their hometowns, and see if they come from these Incense Fire Divine Nations!”

When Li Changshou said this, Earth Store’s brows furrowed tightly.

There was a trick, these words sounded very reasonable, but there must be a trick within, though Earth Store couldn’t think where for the moment.

Li Changshou continued: “Second proof!

This minor deity once marked the souls of over three thousand elderly mortals whose lifespans were nearly exhausted, please look.”

Li Changshou pointed to a spot on the map that was flashing with seven-colored light, “Previously these souls hadn’t reported to the Netherworld, but now they’re above the Blood Sea!

Western Sect, how do you refute this?”

The Western Sect fell silent.

Yun Xiao seemed lost in thought, a faint smile crossing her lips as she gazed at Li Changshou’s exceptionally straight back, her eyes peaceful as years passed, her heart clear as day.

At this moment, Earth Store seemed to grasp something key, his mind flashing with inspiration as he immediately spoke: “Water Deity, these two proofs of yours…”

“So what if we did it?”

Below Ksitigarbha, an elder sighed: “Water Deity, we merely detained these souls temporarily, nourishing them with incense fire merit, which is also good for them.

But there’s something this poor Daoist must remind Water Deity of – eighty percent of the souls here have been detained for at least several hundred years. Without the nourishment of incense fire merit, they will dissipate after seven days, and their true spirits will return to nothingness.

Our Master has already said he’s willing to jointly control the Six Realms Pagoda with the Heavenly Court, why does Water Deity still press…”

“Hahaha!”

Earth Store suddenly threw back his head and laughed, “Hahahahaha!”

The speaking elder’s brows furrowed: “Junior Brother Earth Store?”

“He’s using a trick! Water Deity is tricking you!”

Earth Store whirled around, pointing at that elder, unable to hold back from cursing:

“When those souls go before the Hometown-Viewing Terrace, how can they recognize their hometown’s scene, much less know where that scene is?

They’re just mortals! In their whole lives, they couldn’t walk beyond a thousand li!

Water Deity has cultivated for merely a few hundred years, his trips to the Three Thousand Worlds only began in the last ten or twenty years, where could he go, what could he do?

You all!

Lost everything! Lost everything!”

That elder frowned: “Junior Brother Earth Store, Water Deity always acts thoroughly. Don’t force the issue and lose our Master’s face.”

Many Western Sect disciples looked at Earth Store, their expressions rather unfriendly.

Earth Store smiled bitterly and shook his head, making a Daoist salute to Ksitigarbha who had closed his eyes at some point, saying: “Disciple willingly accepts the punishment.”

Then turning around, gazing at the now faintly smiling Li Changshou, he said softly:

“Water Deity, our Western Sect just wanted to regain some destiny, to have more bargaining chips.

With the great tribulation descending, many in our sect panicked and wanted to accumulate more merit, leading to tragedies in the mortal realm.

Our sect will investigate this matter thoroughly and give the Heavenly Court an explanation.

Last time when Mother Earth was troubled by the Seven Emotions, the Western Sect also used the power of Incense Fire Divine Nations to gather the thoughts of all beings, helping the greatly virtuous Mother Earth find herself again.

Please, Water Deity, when dealing with our Western Sect, have less of a Dao Sect stance and more impartiality.”

Li Changshou’s heart relaxed, knowing today’s matter was already won by their side.

Supreme Unity True Person smiled: “Friend Earth Store has it quite difficult.”

Earth Store turned around, walking somewhat desolately to the edge of the Western Sect’s Sacred disciples, the divine light gradually retreating from his eyes.

This was probably the closest he’d come to winning a fight.

Never mind.

That elder who had just given the “assist” finally came to his senses;

But in this world, the face was everything, especially after being pointed at and cursed by Earth Store, how could he swallow this anger?

This elder stepped forward half a step, turned to make a Daoist salute to Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha, and spoke: “Master, Junior Brother Earth Store is too…”

“Enough.”

Ksitigarbha said calmly.

That elder’s eyes showed unwillingness as he felt the gazes around him, these gazes seeming to mock him, and he said softly: “Master, disciple’s heart is all for the Western Sect’s prosperity!”

Slap!

With a loud crack and a flutter of Ksitigarbha’s sleeve, this elder’s form flew sideways, crashing into the foundation of the Six Realms Pagoda and falling to the ground in a sorry state.

Ksitigarbha sighed slowly, watching Li Changshou, and said calmly: “Does the Heavenly Court truly want this pagoda?”

The implication was, that it was time to give the Western Sect something back.

Li Changshou said: “Though I don’t know why the great tribulation comes, in the upcoming great tribulation, this minor deity can promise to give the Western Sect six positions of fifth-rank assistant deities for those who die, to save their spiritual essences.

The reason it’s six is because six Sacred disciples had their spiritual essences destroyed here.

But who to save then should be decided by His Majesty the Jade Emperor.”

A Western Sect member said: “This merely makes up for your wrongs today!”

Li Changshou continued: “Earlier this minor deity picked up a treasure flag, and is willing to exchange this flag made from a Chaos Azure Lotus leaf for that Sea-Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhu.”

Ksitigarbha shook his head slightly, flicking his finger to drop that Sea-Stabilizing Divine Zhenzhu before Zhao Gongming, returning it to its original owner.

Zhao Gongming made a Daoist salute and pushed out the Azure Lotus Treasure Flag with immortal power, while Li Changshou had Old Tu recall the Yin-Yang Qi from it midway.

Li Changshou continued: “If so, the Heavenly Court is willing to exchange merit and treasure materials for this Six Realms Pagoda.

How much merit and treasure materials should be decided by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, but this minor deity can promise it will match the value of the Six Realms Pagoda.”

Sacred Teacher Ksitigarbha nodded slowly, looked at Primordial Origin Heavenly Honored One, and smiled: “Leave this place to them to handle. Fellow Daoist, shall we go persuade them in the Chaos Sea?”

“Good.”

The images of the two Sacred Teachers faded away with these words.

They went to mediate in the Chaos Sea.

Only then did Li Changshou let out a breath, turning to give Yun Xiao a slight smile, their eyes meeting, everything understood without words…

“You dare!”

Golden Spirit Sacred Mother suddenly gave a light shout, her form turning to golden light shooting straight toward the Six Realms Pagoda.

At the Six Realms Pagoda, that elder who had just been slapped by the Sacred Teacher and fallen at the pagoda’s base had gray qi surrounding his brow as he struck the pagoda’s base with all his might, cursing:

“This poor Daoist would rather destroy this treasure pagoda made by my own hands than let the Dao Sect have it!”

Boom!

The pagoda’s base shook, but a pearl at the top level, under the protection of layers of restrictions, oddly shattered directly.

When Li Changshou turned around, all he saw was the sword light struck by Golden Spirit Sacred Mother, the light shadows of the Western Sect master moving to block, and…

That point of gray qi not yet dispersed on the elder’s forehead…

The tribulation’s destiny!

Heaven’s Dao, how had it come to this?