Beneath the Blood Sea, several streams of light shuttled back and forth, grinding the fierce beasts of the Blood Sea into powder.

Large groups of the Asura clan gathered in various places, gazing outward from the Blood Sea, not daring to show their heads.

Master Duobao, Elder Zhao Gongming, Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Maiden Yunxiao, and True Lord Yuding – the aura of these five experts pressed down on the entire Blood Sea. Whenever they discovered Asura clan experts approaching, they would either drive them back with a shout or kill them directly.

At the edge of the Blood Sea, Li Changshou sat cross-legged on a cloud.

A touch of worry, a hint of anxiety.

Before him was a three-zhang-tall treasure pagoda, still with three hundred and sixty layers, but now dim and lusterless, with cracks appearing in its foundation.

Below were vast swathes of soul shadows, like spring willow catkins – confused, their spiritual light fading, with less than seven days remaining.

One could say they were even more fragile than Willow catkins.

Just as that heartless, mindless Western Sect elder had said, a full eighty percent of these souls here wouldn’t last seven days. Due to years of ‘delay,’ without the nourishment of living beings’ power, their true spirits were also about to shatter…

Reincarnation was their only path to survival.

Now, this path lay before Li Changshou, yet it was already largely broken.

Fortunately, although the Blood Sea was where polluted springs converged, and the turbid forces tended to sink downward, it currently posed little harm to the souls.

Why not directly send them to the Six Paths of Reincarnation?

The Six Paths weren’t simply a matter of throwing souls into the reincarnation disc.

The Six Paths Reincarnation Disc, the Book of Life and Death, and the Judge’s Brush formed a complete reincarnation system – souls had to pass through all of these to reincarnate.

This meant there was always a ‘processing limit.’

No matter how one calculated, even with the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc operating at full power, it could only reincarnate one-tenth of the souls here.

Moreover, the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc was currently blocked…

But the Reincarnation Pagoda was different. It was divided into three hundred and sixty layers, unbound by the Book of Life and Death. Each layer could serve as ‘one path,’ with the destinations for rebirth being various Incense Fire Divine Nations.

If the Western Sect controlled the Reincarnation Pagoda and incorporated it into the reincarnation system, it would be equivalent to completely controlling those Incense Fire Divine Nations, imprisoning living beings, and using them as merit dharma instruments.

Now, the Western Sect’s schemes had been shattered.

Li Changshou had already negotiated terms with Jieyin Holy Man of the Western Sect on behalf of the Heavenly Court.

But unexpectedly…

One mentally deficient elder could turn this struggle into a loss for all sides.

It proved once again that the [Zero Point Two] which Li Changshou had always dreaded truly existed.

Even at this point, the primordial world remained incredibly dangerous.

By the way, when Golden Spirit Holy Mother struck in anger earlier, she had only slain that elder’s body – the Western Sect had rescued away a small portion of his primordial spirit.

But this fellow’s fate would likely be extremely miserable…

The Reincarnation Pagoda was destroyed by someone from the Western Sect, these souls were schemed against by the Western Sect, and they were all currently the main characters of the human race in the world.

Every soul here – if allowed to dissipate – would become a karmic burden for the West.

The Western Sect had already entered tribulation. Today was merely Heaven’s Dao taking advantage to scheme against the West. Anyone from the Western Sect who appeared today would have to bear this karmic burden.

So many living beings, so many human souls – who knew if even the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus could withstand it?

However…

The Heavenly Dao was emotionless, all things transformed and were born anew.

So many human souls could be casually used as catalysts to push the Western Sect into tribulation.

[Quietly muttering in the deepest corner of his heart: It truly lacks balance.]

Activating his Void-Bright Dao Heart and entering the sage mode, Li Changshou sat quietly thinking as strands of Dao rhythm circulated him.

This problem was truly difficult to solve.

A white figure flew over from the side, her skirts and long hair floating gently as she landed behind Li Changshou.

Li Changshou asked: “Where are the Western Sect people?”

Yunxiao said softly: “They’ve all left the netherworld, saying they’re returning to Spirit Mountain to devise countermeasures. But we shouldn’t count on them anymore.”

“These fellows,” Li Changshou’s mouth twitched, “If they don’t undergo tribulation, Heaven’s principles won’t allow it!

The various Holy Lords…”

“Should have already left,” Maiden Yunxiao said, “Master and the others also don’t wish to directly oppose the Heavenly Dao.”

Li Changshou raised his hand to wipe his face, sitting there deep in thought.

Yunxiao sighed softly, her slender fingers gently pressing on Li Changshou’s shoulder, “Don’t force yourself too much. Human power has its limits, and there are many things even Holy Lords cannot accomplish.”

“Let’s wait for Senior Brother Taiyi to return before discussing further.”

Just as Li Changshou finished speaking, space rippled slightly to the side as two figures emerged from the distortion.

Taiyi True Lord had changed into a light pink Daoist robe, appearing somewhat more radiant.

Yunzhongzi quickly stepped out behind him. When this Fortune Golden Immortal saw the scene before him, his body also trembled.

“Alas, why would the Western Sect commit such evil karma!”

“Senior Brother,” Li Changshou stood and made a Daoist salute, “Senior Brother excels in the Dao of artifact refinement. Please examine if this Reincarnation Pagoda can be repaired.”

Yunzhongzi returned the salute and stepped forward to carefully examine the pagoda.

Taiyi True Lord strolled over with his hands behind his back, unusually serious for once, trying to sound casual as he asked:

“What do you plan to do, Changsheng?

All these souls here can become karmic burdens for the Western Sect. After discussing the Canonization, when the Great Tribulation descends, the West will definitely lose at least half their power.”

Li Changshou pursed his lips, sitting there continuing to ponder.

Taiyi True Lord said: “If you do nothing now, no one will blame you. You’ve already done great merit for the Dao Sect.

Moreover, what can we do?

These souls have become extremely fragile. I just tested with merit – even the gentlest heavenly merit, they can’t withstand even a thread of it. They’re now like… willow catkins.

Apart from letting them reincarnate, there’s no other way to save them. The Western Sect’s considerations in this aspect were quite thorough.”

Li Changshou said: “But it’s still better than doing nothing.”

Yunzhongzi said: “The spirit of this treasure pagoda has been destroyed. There are a total of thirty-two thousand six hundred restrictions around it. Just understanding these restrictions would take at least several months.”

Li Changshou raised his hand to rub his brow, saying softly: “Please think of another way, Senior Brother.”

“Very well,” Yunzhongzi agreed, as golden light emanated from his forehead, covering the treasure pagoda.

Li Changshou turned his head to ask: “Is anyone from the Western Sect willing to come over?”

Taiyi True Lord cursed: “Still counting on them? Right now these fellows must be figuring out how to shirk responsibility!”

“The Western Sect can’t be relied upon,” Li Changshou said softly, “They don’t care about all living beings in the first place.

Don’t forget about the Incense Fire Divine Nations.

Their thinking is simple – no matter how much karma there is, when divided up it won’t be much, and they can quickly cleanse it with incense fire merit.”

A cold voice rang out:

“We should just slaughter them all.”

As the words were spoken, five-colored divine light burst forth from the horizon as Kong Xuan’s figure quickly rushed over, instantly dissipating his momentum as he slowly landed before Li Changshou.

“The Shang clan’s destiny is still insufficient,” Kong Xuan said, “That side can’t help much either.”

The atmosphere immediately became more oppressive.

Li Changshou pondered for a few sounds, sitting down to continue thinking.

Saving them would be equivalent to helping the West;

But the difficulty lay more in how to save them.

The souls here had become so fragile they couldn’t withstand any handling. Just now when Master Duobao tried to collect souls into a magical treasure that could nurture primordial spirits, thirty percent directly perished.

Yunxiao pressed her lips together: “If we use the power of these souls to protect their true spirits, and use the true spirits to reincarnate…

No, that won’t work either. Their true spirits are what’s damaged now.”

Kong Xuan said calmly: “When the Western Sect schemed this matter, they must have deliberately left only the path of reincarnation.”

“We only have seven days.”

Li Changshou rubbed his brow, “Please, everyone, let’s discuss this further together.”

As he finished speaking, a soft sigh floated out from the bracelet on Li Changshou’s wrist. A shadowy figure slowly condensed, startling Taiyi True Lord so much he nearly jumped away.

This shadow appeared to be in the prime of youth, with bound-up long hair and wearing a light blue Daoist robe. As soon as she appeared she seemed unsteady, looking like she might fall – it was naturally Little Ai herself.

Tears glimmered in her eyes as she said sorrowfully:

“I’m so miserable!

There are seven of them, yet they make me deliver the message… everyone.”

Little Ai’s voice suddenly changed, becoming much more steady – it was Lady Houtu borrowing Little Ai’s mouth to communicate with them.

“Do you have any good strategies?”

Li Changshou couldn’t help but fall silent, lowering his head without speaking.

Houtu sighed softly, turning to gaze at the layers upon layers of human souls above the Blood Sea, as tears still slid down from her eye sockets.

But Houtu didn’t say much more, only sighing softly: “In two days the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc will have some space. Save as many as we can.

Don’t trouble yourself too much, Changsheng. You’ve already done many things.”

With that, Houtu turned and gave Li Changshou a slight bow before flying back into the grass ring.

Li Changshou hastily returned the courtesy, knowing in his heart that this Lady didn’t want to pressure them.

Taiyi True Lord asked again: “What do our three teachers mean?”

Yunxiao answered: “Master is certainly not one who would ignore death or view the suffering of living beings with indifference. If we want to act, we may do so.”

“Senior Brother, let’s call everyone to discuss this.”

Li Changshou felt a slight spark of inspiration in his heart, but this spark passed too quickly to grasp.

Before long, streams of light flew back as their group of nine immortals plus the newly invited Yunzhongzi gathered to discuss the current situation.

Yet after half a day of discussion, they came to the same conclusion Li Changshou had stated earlier.

Do their best.

…

Spirit Mountain, within layers of grand formations, is in a somewhat lonely corner.

Dizang sat cross-legged under a tree, with Shifan using its long tail and body to shield Dizang’s figure, as leaves occasionally fell from above.

This tree was gradually withering.

By the spirit pool in the distance, a group of Western Sect disciples looked gloomy. Starting from half an hour ago, the disciples who had been close to that ‘mentally deficient’ elder were now cursing him the most viciously.

They were naturally also thinking of countermeasures, but after each spoke about the evil consequences of this matter, they fell silent.

“We have incense fire merit to protect us, there’s no need to worry too much.”

When an elder said this, most of the elders’ expressions eased somewhat.

Dizang looked down at the prayer beads in his hand, slightly lost in thought.

Shifan transmitted in a mutter: “Master, don’t think too much about it. The Great Holy Lord stands on your side, that’s enough.

Live peacefully and cultivate in the future. Even if the Western Sect loses troops and generals in the Great Tribulation, the master will still be able to survive.”

“When did it become like this.”

Dizang muttered to himself.

A leaf fell into his palm, causing waves to appear in Dizang’s eyes.

[‘Why is the Dao Sect the protagonist of heaven and earth, while we in the West are only supporting characters? Master, disciple must make the West prosper!’

‘They in the Dao Sect disdain to manage the three thousand worlds, but if we take root there, develop followers, we can naturally condense incense fire merit from this, and have the merit of educating humanity.’

‘Second Master, leave some leeway in everything. If we directly use Incense Fire Divine Nations to control the entire Great Thousand World, this doesn’t conform to the methods of the Heavenly Dao…’]

“Shifan, how many living beings were there above the Blood Sea this time?”

“I also cannot calculate precisely, as this matter was schemed for too long and these souls accumulated over long years,” Shifan transmitted, “Roughly equivalent to the total current human population of sixty Great Thousand Worlds.”

“Sixty…”

Dizang slowly clenched his fist, crushing the withered leaf in his hand.

Shifan said: “Master, don’t worry. The Holy Lords certainly won’t ignore this matter.”

“Just now it was the Heavenly Dao taking action. If the two masters directly intervened, it would be seen as opposing the Heavenly Dao.

The masters’ actions were probably to stabilize the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus.”

“If even Holy Lords can’t manage it, what can the master do?”

“I…”

Dizang’s words halted. He sighed somewhat dejectedly, both hands supporting his forehead as he lowered his head in silent contemplation.

His expression matched exactly that of Li Changshou above the Blood Sea at this moment.

A moment ago, Master Duobao had said beside him:

“Changsheng, I know you can’t bear this in your heart, but in this matter, it’s better not to act than to act poorly. As you said, doing our best is enough to be without regret – no need to force yourself so.

This is a variable, impossible to account for completely.”

“Senior Brother Yunzhongzi also said that the treasure pearl shattered strangely – none of the surrounding restrictions were damaged, yet the Reincarnation Zhenzhu itself just shattered.”

“This matter should be spoken of with caution.”

“Everyone,” Li Changshou lowered his head supporting his forehead, his two index fingers gently scratching his brow, “I…”

Two soft sighs, one above the Blood Sea, one beneath the tree on Spirit Mountain.

Then came a long silence.

The silence was for thinking;

The thinking was because they were unwilling to follow the flow, unwilling to believe in the so-called ‘Heaven’s ordained fate.’

‘What can I do?’

Li Changshou asked thus, and Dizang sought thus.

On Spirit Mountain, Shifan gently swayed its tail, as if driving away surrounding mosquitoes, and also as if signaling to the elders by the spirit pool not to come over and disturb them.

Above the Blood Sea, Yunxiao sighed softly, saying in a low voice:

“Senior Brother, please go with my elder brother to Fengdu City first, to suppress those fierce souls and free up the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc as soon as possible.”

“Very well!”

Duobao agreed, transforming into streams of light with Zhao Gongming and Golden Spirit Holy Mother, shooting toward Fengdu City.

Yunxiao continued: “I will continue keeping watch here. Please, everyone else return to the Blood Sea and prevent the fierce beasts from harming the living beings.”

Kong Xuan cupped his hands, transmitting: “Don’t worry, just take care of Changsheng.

He was born human and hasn’t seen the miserable state of living beings when Great Tribulation descends – he may find it hard to bear this sight.”

“Mm,” Yunxiao nodded slightly, “Thank you for your concern, fellow Daoist.”

Stream of light after stream of light, those who had gathered here to discuss without result dispersed once again, each busying themselves with what they could do.

Half a day later.

The sky of the Netherworld seemed increasingly low, and silence reigned above the Blood Sea, where helpless lonely souls wandered numbly, as if about to flood the Blood Sea.

Li Changshou slowly let out a breath, the confusion and hesitation completely retreating from his eyes as he muttered:

“There are still things I can do.”

Yunxiao asked gently: “Can you discuss it with me?”

“They’re just some ideas, I’m not sure if I can accomplish them,” Li Changshou stood up, “But anyway, it’s better than just waiting here – the longer we wait, the less time remains.

I’m going to Fire Cloud Cave for a while, I’ll return within an hour.

After an hour, please call Senior Brothers and the others back – I need to discuss something important.”

“Mm,” Yunxiao’s lips bore a faint smile, “Don’t leave regrets for your Dao’s heart.”

“Certainly.”

Li Changshou’s form was wrapped in the Taiji Diagram as he directly jumped into the realm beyond paintings, rushing from the Netherworld toward the Five Regions.

Half an hour later, before Fire Cloud Cave, Li Changshou hurriedly entered.

After just a moment, Li Changshou emerged hurriedly with a tall, sturdy man dressed as a fisherman!

Li Changshou opened a void gate with the Taiji Diagram and rushed toward the Blood Sea with Emperor Yu!

At Spirit Mountain, Dizang released his palm, scattering fine ashes, as the confusion completely retreated from his eyes, replaced by constantly flickering light.

He understood and comprehended it all.

This was tribulation.

This was the Western Sect’s tribulation, a tribulation descended by the Heavenly Dao; but it was equally an opportunity for the Western Sect!

The Holy Lords were still playing their game at this moment, still scheming!

Those living beings were the focus of the Holy Lord’s game at this moment, and the Holy Lord’s silence was waiting for disciples like them to step forward.

Would the Water God abandon those living beings?

No, not – as dirty as that fellow’s heart was, he had just as much sense of belonging to humanity in his bones. With the souls of humans from sixty Great Thousand Worlds, the Water God absolutely wouldn’t ignore it!

Dizang suddenly stood up and stepped forward.

Shifan trembled, hurriedly saying: “Master, what are you going to do now? Just stay put properly.”

“Silence!”

Dizang gave a light shout, his gaze fixed on that group of elders as he continued stepping forward, saying in a clear voice: “Fellow Senior and Junior Brothers, do you know how to repair the Reincarnation Pagoda?”

“In reply to Senior Brother Dizang, we don’t know…”

“Junior Brother Dizang, why do you ask this? Even if we could repair the Reincarnation Pagoda, it wouldn’t be the work of just a few days – everything would be too late.”

“Indeed, even if we’re tainted by karmic burden, we can use incense fire merit…”

Dizang’s face instantly darkened as he said calmly: “If no one knows, I’ll just go ask Master. No need for you all to say more.”

With that, Dizang cupped his hands in a Daoist salute and turned to head toward the depths of Spirit Mountain.

But Shifan stood up, its eyes full of hesitation. Despite the frantically jumping warnings in its heart, it still transmitted: “Master! The – the Holy Lords aren’t at home!”

Dizang replied: “Master must have an avatar guarding the Golden Lotus.”

“Ah! Mas-!”

Shifan wanted to say more, but glances like daggers shot over from the side, making Shifan tremble.

The divine beast instinctively looked over to see one of the elders by the spirit pool watching it with a smile, his eyes full of warning.

By the time Shifan came back to its senses, Dizang’s figure was already gone, having entered Spirit Mountain’s secret realm.

Shifan immediately made a bitter face, silently lying down and listlessly swaying its long tail.

Being an auspicious beast who ‘knows too much’…

Was truly difficult.

…

At the Blood Sea.

As soon as Li Changshou and Emperor Yu appeared, Duobao and the other immortals who had been waiting surrounded them.

Kong Xuan was still patrolling various areas of the Blood Sea, using his pressure to force the Blood Sea’s fierce beasts not to surface and the Asura clan not to make any moves.

Emperor Yu exchanged greetings with the various Dao Sect immortals, calling each other fellow Daoists. Li Changshou beside him directly cut to the main topic:

“I’ve thought of some methods.

We still have six days, and there are many things we can do. Let me first explain the approach.

We can work in three main areas. First is extending the lifespan of these souls – everyone can continue thinking in this direction.

The second is increasing the processing speed of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc. I’ve already made preparations, and inviting Emperor Yu here was for this purpose.

Third is repairing the Reincarnation Pagoda in time – this will depend on Senior Brother Yunzhongzi.”

To the side, Yunzhongzi, who was sitting cross-legged before the Reincarnation Pagoda, raised his head and gave an unhappy smile.

Master Duobao asked: “How can we increase the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc’s processing speed?”

“Don’t forget my divine authority position in the Heavenly Court.”

Li Changshou’s left hand swept out, drawing a long blue river, “I want to build a river, temporarily from the Blood Sea to Fengdu City. Later if this method works, we can also build them in various places throughout the Netherworld.

Previously I modified a river in the mortal realm to contain the true spirits of many Wu clan infants. With some modifications, this method can be used here.

I want to divide this river into upper, middle, and lower levels. If a soul’s merit and karmic burden offset each other, or if both merit and karmic burden are minimal, they go to the middle level – middle level flows at normal speed, directly connecting to the Ten Kings of Hell.

Those with more merit go to the upper level, which flows fastest, connecting to the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc!

The lower level flows slowest, directly connecting to the Eighteen Levels of Hell.

The most important aspect of this approach is letting the ‘good’ enter reincarnation early, using the Eighteen Levels of Hell and the space within the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc as buffers, thus greatly reducing pressure on the Book of Life and Death.

This way, we can save at least thirty percent of the souls here, with good people having priority!

Why are you all staring at me like that?”

“Hss—”

Master Duobao drew in a sharp breath, asking puzzledly: “How did you come up with so many ideas?”

Li Changshou smiled: “I’d heard mortal legends before about some Sanzu River in the underworld, but the underworld has no river – I was inspired by this.”

Joking aside, he couldn’t directly explain concepts like production lines and automatic sorting.

Li Changshou said: “Pardon my presumption, but may I give orders directly?”

Zhao Gongming smiled: “Of course! Speak!”

“Rather than rambling about these things, just tell us what to do,” Golden Spirit Holy Mother gave a light snort expressing dissatisfaction.

True Lord Yuding also said: “If we can save more living beings, it’s merit for both you and me.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, divine light flickering in his eyes as he activated his Void-Bright Dao Heart again in his heart, ensuring he wouldn’t be affected by tribulation destiny.

“Emperor Yu, I’ll have to trouble you with surveying the river course.”

Yu smiled and nodded, casually gripping his mountain-breaking axe to show this was his professional specialty.

“Senior Brother Duobao, Senior Brother Yuding, please assist Emperor Yu together,” Li Changshou said, “This river must connect from the edge of the Blood Sea to Fengdu City, and we must ensure sufficient distance for the souls to be sorted.”

“Very well.”

“Leave it to your brother.”

“Senior Sister Jingling, Senior Brother Taiyi, come with me to Fengdu City.”

Li Changshou said firmly: “The key to whether we can resolve this matter lies in whether I can use my Heavenly Court divine position to create river water that can distinguish souls’ merit and karmic burden.”

Zhao Gongming asked: “What about me?”

Li Changshou smiled: “Brother Gongming, go with Yunxiao to the Heavenly Court and directly meet the Jade Emperor. Tell him I need an army of a million to come here and arrange the river course.”

“Very well!”

But Maiden Yunxiao said: “No need for us to go request.”

Her slender hand slowly opened, clouds and mist surging forth from within – she was using the Cloud Mirror technique.

The Cloud Mirror technique directly shone to the edge of heaven and earth, the edge of the Eastern Sea, where countless streams of light descended straight down along the pillars of heaven. Among these streams of light were numerous heavenly soldiers and generals, numerous fairy maidens, and Chang’e.

At the very front, Wood Duke and several third-rank true gods rode clouds at high speed, and slightly behind them could be seen Qin Tianzhu’s figure.

Li Changshou was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t help but laugh.

“Everyone, let’s begin!”

“Ahem,” but Taiyi True Lord cleared his throat, “Changsheng, are you sure you want to do this? Saving the mortal souls here is helping the Western Sect resolve their future calamities.”

Li Changshou looked at Taiyi True Lord and smiled: “Consider it so we can righteously scold those Western Sect people in the future.”

Taiyi True Lord’s mouth twitched slightly.

Li Changshou looked toward the horizon, taking a gentle breath as he said: “What the Western Sect owes, we’ll make them pay back.

But…

Immortals and gods scheme, don’t harm mortals.”

At this moment, Maiden Yunxiao’s eyes were full of brilliance as the various immortals all nodded with slight smiles.

Soon.

The curtain of heaven opened as a million heavenly soldiers came from the east, each holding weapons and beginning the magnificent… digging of earth.

In Fengdu City.

Batches of disciples from both the Enlightenment Sect and Severing Sect rushed over upon hearing the news, helping stabilize the surroundings and kill troublemaking evil ghosts and fierce souls.

Li Changshou went in and out of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc area, constantly experimenting and modifying his approach.

He quickly discovered that trying to keep three completely different types of river water stably existing in layers was actually impractical – the souls were incredibly fragile, and river water flowing at different speeds could easily destroy these souls.

Therefore, he only needed one type of river water that could protect these souls, which greatly lowered the threshold.

But correspondingly, the design of this layered river course would need to be much more complex and troublesome.

Li Changshou summoned his Water God divine authority treasure and, after meeting with Qin Tianzhu, rushed straight to the ‘construction site,’ constantly pondering and researching, quickly proposing solution after solution, and just as quickly overturning them.

Qin Tianzhu was quite open-minded – when encountering difficulties, he would directly shout to those around that whoever could propose a solution would be promoted in rank upon returning to the Heavenly Court.

Truly mobilizing the wisdom of the masses.

The Netherworld suddenly became extremely lively. From the Blood Sea to the underworld, ghost officials and wandering souls, underworld Wu clan members, and even some Asura clan tribes all threw themselves into this river-digging project.

King Chu Jiang couldn’t help but jest that the Water God’s earlier request to gather an army truly showed foresight.

It made digging the river channels extremely convenient.

At the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc, ghost officials had begun ferrying wandering souls from the Blood Sea for reincarnation;

All the Kings of Hell rolled up their sleeves and joined in, the judges bustled about until they were sweating profusely, lesser and greater ghosts ran their legs off, and the ox-heads and horse faces worked their waists to exhaustion.

In just one day, the tributary channels receiving wandering souls from the Blood Sea were built;

In just two days, the main channel was eighty percent complete.

Li Changshou had countless new ideas and had now opened up a great marsh beside the Blood Sea. Using the Taiji Diagram to draw water from the Heavenly River, he immersed himself within, beginning to transform the water here into ‘living being water.’

Water benefits all things without contending, and moistens all spirits without obscuring.

This water was only to carry souls. Li Changshou wracked his brain, using his Water God’s divine authority to its limit, making the water here reach a certain ultimate purity.

Only thus could it not harm those souls.

By the third day, the ‘Three Ways River’ was complete overall, with only the final water-drawing portion remaining.

Li Changshou and over ten Dao Sect experts gathered by the great marsh, moving together to draw the marsh water into the river channels.

Along both sides of the river, following Wood Duke’s orders, a million heavenly soldiers began slowly accelerating the three layers of water flow as souls from the Blood Sea began entering the water.

When the first batch of several hundred souls merged into a ‘tributary,’ influenced by the three types of magical instruments pasted along the river course, they slowly separated into three layers as they flowed forward.

Deafening cheers erupted along the riverbanks, and Li Changshou also showed a faint smile, letting out a breath.

But Li Changshou’s smile quickly froze as he frowned slightly and shouted: “Slow down the main channel’s water flow!”

Just as his voice fell, several dozen souls from the tributary entering the upper layer of the main channel suddenly shattered in the slightly accelerated river flow.

The cheers quickly fell silent. The heavenly soldiers hurriedly stopped their spellcasting, and Zhao Gongming activated the Sea-Calming Zhenzhu to stabilize the water flow before letting it continue slowly.

The water flow couldn’t be too fast.

And this affected the overall efficiency.

Li Changshou gave a bitter laugh: “Like this, we can only save two and a half tenths.”

“A quarter is already quite good,” Master Duobao smiled, “This is a great merit, Changsheng, don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Qin Tianzhu said seriously: “Water God… sir!”

“Hm?”

Qin Tianzhu slowly raised his right hand and gave a thumbs up: “Mm!”

The Jade Emperor found it very praiseworthy.

“Ah,” Li Changshou smiled and sighed, standing by the river as his immortal awareness swept over, watching the living beings here as his voice carried for ten thousand li: “All sections open the gates and receive souls!

Heavenly Court’s true gods go to Fengdu City to assist the underworld in handling wandering souls.

May the Heavenly Dao permit the Book of Life and Death to be temporarily relaxed!”

With a boom, some thunder appeared in heaven and earth – it was the Heavenly Dao giving its response.

Suddenly!

“Water God, I have a method that can save the souls here.”

Li Changshou, the immortals, and the heavenly soldiers and generals turned to look, seeing golden light flash above the Blood Sea as a young Daoist riding a green-furred great dog descended with a smile.

Dizang.

Li Changshou’s brows furrowed slightly as he gestured to the experts behind who were about to rush up for battle to remain calm.

Li Changshou said in a clear voice: “Do you have a method to repair the Reincarnation Pagoda?”

“I do.”

Dizang agreed, instantly appearing a thousand li away. He looked down at the wandering souls above the Blood Sea, then jumped down from Shifan’s back and patted Shifan’s back.

A seal appeared in his palm, which Dizang casually shattered.

“Today I release you to freedom, our immortal contract is fulfilled. Go.”

Shifan was stunned for a moment, then lowered its head to kowtow to Dizang, clouds forming under its four feet as it remained in place.

Dizang rode clouds forward, his white robes floating gently, long hair drifting in the wind.

Master Duobao called out: “Dizang, why have you come alone?”

Dizang said calmly: “I already said, I have a method to repair the Reincarnation Pagoda.”

“This miserable situation here was all caused by your Western Sect!” Golden Spirit Holy Mother scolded, “Now what do you mean by acting so high and mighty?

Do you think this poor Daoist doesn’t dare to kill you!”

Dizang stared at Golden Spirit Holy Mother, then said softly: “I am different from them.”

But then he smiled gently and added: “I am also the same as them.”

With that, Dizang made a deep Daoist salute to Li Changshou from his cloud, saying in a clear voice: “From Western Spirit Mountain, Jieyin Holy Man’s disciple Dizang comes today to resolve karma for my Western Sect.

I hope the Water God, considering that we are somewhat old acquaintances, and considering these innocent souls here, will permit me to repair the Reincarnation Pagoda for the Heavenly Court!”

Li Changshou looked toward Qin Tianzhu, but the latter indicated that Li Changshou should decide for himself.

“How certain are you?” Li Changshou asked, “And how long will it take?”

Dizang said: “Completely certain, just a moment.”

“Oh?” Li Changshou’s eyebrow raised as he and Dizang gazed at each other across a hundred li.

One wore a green robe, one wore white cloth robes. When their eyes met, the previous tension was gone.

Li Changshou suddenly said something others couldn’t understand, “Swear an oath that the Reincarnation Pagoda will join the Six Paths of Reincarnation, interfered with by anyone, only following Lady Houtu’s commands.”

Dizang slowly nodded, sat cross-legged, raised his left hand, and shouted:

“I, Western Sect’s Dizang, swear a great Dao oath…”

As he shouted, a dark cloud flew from the sky, dense Heavenly Dao power enveloping Dizang as his voice echoed throughout heaven and earth…

Half an hour earlier, in Spirit Mountain’s secret realm, beside that Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus.

The figure who had knelt for three days still refused to rise. The elder sitting cross-legged by the lotus pond with his back turned had been silent for two days, but finally spoke again:

“Dizang, have you truly thought it through?”

“Disciple is willing to do this. Please, Master, grant me this and teach me the method to repair the Reincarnation Pagoda.”

“You were meant to inherit my mantle.”

“Master, is this something only I can do?”

The elder fell silent.

Dizang raised his head and smiled: “Is it because of the disciple’s unstained Dao heart?”

“Once you go, you will hardly be able to return to Spirit Mountain.”

“But Master, if I don’t go, living beings will suffer disaster. How can the Western Sect still stand in heaven and earth, how can it still await great prosperity? It was Master who brought disciple back here, disciple is willing to go…”

Dizang showed a faint smile, “Master, disciple has succeeded in cultivating the Dao, it is time to leave.”

“You truly… Very well.”

The elder slowly closed his eyes as a golden lotus seed flew from his hand.

“In the end, still cannot resist the Heavenly Dao’s intent.”

Dizang’s hand trembled as he caught the lotus seed and slowly placed it in his mouth, swallowing it.

Then, he made three bows before the Holy One, rose to take his leave, his figure no longer desolate as before, but straight and somewhat unrestrained.

Above the Blood Sea, the Heavenly Dao power receded.

Dizang slowly stood up and asked Li Changshou: “Is this acceptable?”

Li Changshou nodded and made a gesture of invitation, transmitting to signal Yunzhongzi to leave the area around the Reincarnation Pagoda.

Dizang raised his hand and pointed. The Reincarnation Pagoda slowly expanded, floating above the Blood Sea, restored to its majestic thousand-zhang height.

Dizang took a breath and raised his head to look at the Netherworld’s sky, thoughts crossing his eyes as he showed a serene smile.

He was about to leap down…

“Dizang.”

“Mm?”

Dizang turned his head to look at Li Changshou, who stood before the immortals. The latter cupped his hands, lowered his head, and made a deep Daoist salute.

“Finally receiving a salute from the Water God,” Dizang smiled, “How bitter – if they saw this, it would be impossible to explain.”

With that, Dizang returned a salute to Li Changshou, turned, and leaped from the cloud, his form swallowed by golden light.

He transformed into a golden sphere of light, illuminating the Netherworld’s dark sky as he sank into… the towering peak of the Reincarnation Pagoda.

Burning this Dao body, condensing this primordial spirit, melting the lotus seed, and transforming into the reincarnation pearl.

If I don’t enter hell, who will enter hell?

To verify this body, one must save all suffering beings over a long time.

Making a great vow, I wish that throughout future kalpas, for all beings with sin and suffering, I will broadly establish expedient means to enable their liberation.

Master, your disciple Dizang has not failed the West.

…

Five days later.

The mighty heavenly army returned to the Heavenly Court. After five days of digging the earth, they had completed the ‘Three Ways River’ transformation process.

Now the Three Ways River originated from the great marsh beside the Blood Sea, receiving water from the Heavenly River before flowing through the eastern and southern Ghost Gates toward Fengdu City.

Three halls from the Ten Kings of Hell’s courts were moved to the Three Ways River’s edge, with the Reincarnation Hall standing above the Three Ways River, and the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc beside it.

Thus, souls floating along the upper layer of the Three Ways River could directly enter the reincarnation process.

Additionally, the Three Ways River’s lower layer flowed through the underworld, while the middle layer flowed around the Reincarnation Immortal Island;

As the Three Ways River continued flowing forward, it left Fengdu City and reached fertile soil.

A tall pagoda stood here, shining with a faint light – the final place of rebirth for living beings.

At the pagoda’s peak, a young Daoist in white robes stood quietly, his form between solid and ethereal, gazing toward the edge of the Netherworld.

This was quite good too.

At least it was peaceful.

The Daoist thought of something else – thought of when the last batch of Blood Sea souls was sent away by the Reincarnation Pagoda and the Heavenly Dao bestowed streams of merit, yet uniquely dropped a small Purple Void Divine Thunder to strike that Water God’s head – and couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

What was wrong with that Water God?

Why didn’t the Heavenly Dao give him merit?

Could it be he owed a second debt?

“This fellow said he’d come later for tea, looks like he went with his Dao partner instead.

Ah… what should I do?”

“Oh? Feeling lonely?”

A familiar voice with a somewhat casual quality suddenly sounded in his heart. The young Daoist frowned and turned around.

A green-furred great dog sat crouched to the side, smiling with narrowed eyes, “Want this divine beast to listen to the three realms and help relieve your boredom?”

The young Daoist couldn’t help but laugh lightly.

“Let me be clear, this divine beast hasn’t come back to be your mount. We don’t have an immortal contract now – if I see any good family, I’m leaving directly.

If you call me grandfather a couple of times, I might reluctantly keep you company for a while.”

“Get lost!” Dizang cursed, “Go find your Holy Mother in the Severing Sect!”

“Look, look, getting angry, aren’t you?

You’re working for the Heavenly Dao Lord now, you have some status – composure, and dignity!

Hey, don’t sharpen that knife – I’ll leave, believe it or not! I’ll go be a mount for the Water God’s mount, believe it or not!

Hey hey, I was wrong, don’t die, master, let me tell you some good stories, master…”