Within the Wheel of Reincarnation, a few figures sat together. Grand Magus Xuandu sat with crossed arms, nodding continuously, while it was his junior brother who kept speaking from the side.

The Grand Magus felt quite emotional.

He had watched with his own eyes as Li Changshou gradually replaced him as the spokesperson of the Human Dao… ahem! He had witnessed Li Changshou’s steady progress to his current position, becoming the most trusted immortal of the Jade Emperor in Heaven, speaking confidently before the Sages, and earning the trust of Lady Houtu and several Sage Lords.

Looking back, everything seemed to have originated from the South Sea Divine Teaching.

The saying that a single opportunity can change one’s life was perfectly illustrated by Li Changshou;

The answer to how much effort it takes to seize such opportunities could likewise be found in him.

However, the Grand Magus was certain that he was still the Master’s favorite disciple!

Well… probably.

After Lady Houtu bid farewell to the Seven Emotion Avatars, she sealed the grass ring with her divine powers and handed it to Li Changshou.

Her gaze held reluctance as her slender fingers gently traced over the ring.

Li Changshou said, “My Lady, I intend to request the Holy Mother’s help in crafting a perfect Dao body, and then transfer Little Ai and the others through the Tower of Reincarnation.”

Houtu frowned slightly and said softly, “This goes against the Way of Reincarnation. All beings should be equal; none should be different because of me.”

“My Lady need not worry,” Li Changshou said seriously. “There should be flexibility within iron rules, or how can a stagnant pond maintain vitality?

Moreover, this isn’t solely due to My Lady’s great virtue. The Seven Emotion Avatars possess immense divine powers that only those with rock-solid Dao hearts can resist. They absolutely cannot reincarnate like ordinary beings.

Please be at ease, My Lady. I have already obtained His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s permission. After receiving the reincarnation souls from the Tower of Reincarnation, we will proceed to the Holy Mother’s palace.

With Senior Brother escorting, and my careful attention to every detail, please rest assured.”

Houtu revealed a faint smile and nodded gently, “Thank you, Changshou.”

“Ah…”

Li Changshou was caught off guard by the sudden use of his given name. He lowered his head to place the grass ring in a jade box and tucked it away, then smiled and said:

“My Lady, please call me Changgen.”

Houtu’s gaze grew even gentler as she said softly, “When receiving your Master’s soul back, I accidentally glimpsed some memory fragments. It wasn’t intentional.”

“By the way,” the Grand Magus asked, “is Fellow Daoist Qiyuan’s soul here?”

Li Changshou’s expression darkened, and somehow, in front of the Grand Magus, he inexplicably felt his nose tingling.

A moment later, the Grand Magus and Li Changshou stood with hands behind their backs beside the treasure pool, watching several golden orbs floating up and down in the water.

The Grand Magus sighed softly, made a Daoist salute toward the pool, and said gently:

“This isn’t bad either. Being able to reincarnate and cultivate again is better than withering away like fallen leaves.”

“Master was already caught in tribulation,” Li Changshou sighed. “Heaven’s will is hard to defy.”

Worried that Li Changshou’s spirit might be dampened, the Grand Magus encouraged: “Though Heaven’s will is hard to defy, it’s not impossible to resist. The Heavenly Dao is founded upon all beings and things, changing in a certain direction under their collective push.

This is the principle that while major trends cannot be changed, small matters are up to one’s heart.”

Li Changshou pondered carefully, “Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother.”

Grand Magus Xuandu smiled and said:

“Ah, in a few decades, I won’t be able to guide you anymore… All things in balance restrict the Heavenly Dao.

The path you’ve chosen, Changshou, is destined to contend with the Heavenly Dao;

But how to contend, and how much to contend, that’s up to you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself because of this, don’t forget that you too are just a being within Heaven and Earth.

Follow your heart, walk with the Dao, act naturally, and you’ll find your way from beginning to end.”

So, this is the theoretical support for your tendency to skip work whenever you want, Grand Magus?

Li Changshou bowed in thanks beside him, committing these words to memory.

The two stayed by the pool for a while, then strolled along the edge of the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation before leaving and heading to the Tower of Reincarnation.

With the Taiji Diagram’s concealment, no ghost could sense them, and no netherworld official could detect them.

Looking at the greatly changed layout inside and outside Fengdu City, Grand Magus Xuandu smiled and said, “Only you could use a million heavenly soldiers as craftsmen.”

Li Changshou smiled, “His Majesty the Jade Emperor is quite open-minded.”

“Speaking of this, you should be careful,” Grand Magus Xuandu transmitted his voice. “While I trust Uncle Master Jade Emperor’s character, he is the closest to the Heavenly Dao after the Dao Ancestor, influenced by it more than anyone else.

If the Heavenly Dao wants to bring tribulation upon you, Uncle Master Jade Emperor might give you some orders. You must be careful and considerate.”

Li Changshou pondered and transmitted back: “Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I’ve already prepared for this.

The things I do for Heaven are divided into two types. One type is what I actively plan for gaining merit… ahem, for maintaining Heaven’s stability.

The other type is what His Majesty the Jade Emperor directly assigns, like the position of Chang’e’s Chief Instructor.”

“It’s good that you can distinguish between them,” the Grand Magus stretched lazily. “Chang’e, Heng’e, and in the Moon Palace there’s also a human expert named Wu Gang.

He’s Heng’e’s guard and was also a beloved general of the Ancient Human Emperor. Be careful when climbing walls – he won’t be polite if he catches you.”

Li Changshou’s forehead was covered in black lines: “Senior Brother, why would I climb walls?”

“Oh? Do you plan to enter openly? Heng’e still carries the title of Houyi’s wife, you… your reputation, Junior Brother!”

The Grand Magus raised his eyebrows slightly, and Li Changshou’s mouth twitched.

Fine, I’ll endure it.

Later I’ll take you to the Shang tribe and create a romantic atmosphere, moving forward with the schedule of the two major Human Dao matters that Master entrusted us with.

Tsk, wonder what kind of heavenly beauty Kong Xuan will be after confirming their gender and transforming into Kong Xuan.

The Tower of Reincarnation came into view. Li Changshou and the Grand Magus exchanged glances, and without needing to discuss via voice transmission, they directly revealed their true forms, released their pressure, and floated over casually.

“Senior Brother, Dizang is ultimately a Western disciple.”

“Mm, let’s give him a warning this time, to prevent him from being biased in the future.”

Their tacit understanding was perfect.

…

In Heaven, the Jade Emperor’s Palace.

Civil and military officials gathered in the hall, and several famous Heaven recorders had sealed their bronze mirrors.

Though You Qin Xuanya was now quite active and had established initial “prestige” in Heaven, her official position was not yet sufficient to attend palace discussions, so she wasn’t present today.

Observe the scene:

The white-robed Jade Emperor sat on high,

The elder god presented awards to the Water God.

Second-rank divine title of Taibai,

Serving by the ruler’s side rather than among the stars.

Wood Duke spoke loudly: “Your Majesty, since joining Heaven, the Water God has repeatedly achieved remarkable feats, helping Your Majesty solve difficulties and working diligently for Heaven’s rise.

First stabilizing the Four Seas and summoning the Dragon Clan, standing forth at the Peach Banquet, eloquently debating Western Teaching disciples, then saving the Northern Continent’s shamans, repeatedly destroying demon plots, utterly destroying those demons who attempted to disrupt Heaven.

The Water God has reformed governance, revised Heaven’s laws, rectified the Netherworld, and clarified Heaven’s will.

To this day, the Water God’s achievements are worthy of Heaven’s second-rank divine position.

For the Water God to better assist Your Majesty, this old minister boldly requests Your Majesty to confer upon the Water God the title of Second-Rank True God!”

At these words, all immortals and gods fell silent.

Eastern Wood Duke, the old spokesman.

Whenever Wood Duke began passionately speaking about something, it meant that His Majesty the Jade Emperor was using Wood Duke’s mouth to convey the “result” to them.

The Water God’s promotion was the smallest of expected major events.

As if the authority in the hands of Heaven’s previous Second-Rank True Gods could compare to that of the Third-Rank Water God.

However, at this moment, these heavenly immortals and gods just listened, not daring to step forward to plead for the Water God; after all, Heaven was still ruled by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and the Water God was merely assisting His Majesty.

The Jade Emperor laughed twice and said, “It’s time to promote Changgen to second rank today. What divine position do you all think would be suitable?”

There was silence below for a moment, then a Heavenly General stood forth and shouted, “Your Majesty, why not appoint the Water God as Heaven’s Great Marshal of Armed Forces? This second-rank divine position, commanding Heaven’s military affairs, would suit the Water God well.”

A civil official immediately frowned and said, “Your Majesty, I believe this inappropriate.

The Water God is not a military officer, and with unmatched wisdom and strategy, should be a role model for Heaven’s civil officials.”

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, finding this reasoning sound, and said:

“Let all beloved ministers express their views. Let us properly discuss this matter today.”

Hearing this, Wood Duke immediately held back his words, knowing His Majesty wanted to hear if there were any better suggestions.

More immortals and gods spoke up. Some felt the Water God should become a Great Emperor of direction, one of the Four Defenders, a true regional authority of Heaven under the Jade Emperor.

But others immediately objected, saying the Water God should remain stationed in Heaven, not be ‘posted externally.’

Only after discussing all twelve second-rank true god positions did they feel none suited the Water God.

Ao Yi suggested creating a new second-rank position, letting his sect leader brother become something like the Great Dragon God of the Four Seas, which was instantly rejected by other immortals and gods hoping to gain an advantage.

—Whichever system the Water God belonged to would naturally receive more attention.

At this point, Wood Duke finally stepped forward as planned, presenting the arrangement previously discussed with the Jade Emperor, who nodded with satisfaction and let the immortals and gods continue their discussion.

Meanwhile, in the Tower of Reincarnation in the Netherworld.

The Grand Magus and Li Changshou sat on two wooden chairs, while Dizang sat on a meditation cushion by the window, now frowning deeply.

Dizang sighed, “Water God, your first visit to my Tower of Reincarnation is to ask me to show favoritism… This is underestimating me too much.”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist, that’s not quite right. How is this showing favoritism?

The great virtuous Houtu transformed her body into the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation, sacrificing herself for all beings. Now we merely wish to borrow the Tower of Reincarnation to do something for Lady Houtu. This is Lady Houtu’s private matter, but also public business for us beings who serve the Heavenly Dao.

Or perhaps, Fellow Daoist, are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for Lady Houtu?”

Dizang’s mouth twitched as he sighed:

“Water God, your words truly leave me speechless.

This poor Daoist avatar here once made a great vow to treat all beings equally, unmoved by various powers, and not to open convenient paths for Western Teaching.

Likewise, this poor Daoist must follow the rules previously set by the Water God. How can the Water God personally ask me to break such rules today?”

Grand Magus Xuandu said calmly, “Then let this matter fall on the Water God’s shoulders, just say the Water God made you do it.”

Dizang smiled slightly and said, “In the ranks of the Heavenly Dao, it seems the Water God still ranks after this poor Daoist at present, so the Water God cannot issue orders to me.”

Grand Magus Xuandu frowned and looked at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou shook his head helplessly – he was indeed only a Third-Rank True God, while at present, Dizang was a deity in the Netherworld’s Yinsi, second only to Lady Houtu in status.

Just then, a golden light flashed down onto Li Changshou, the dense power of the Heavenly Dao manifesting various phenomena.

Auspicious clouds like lingzhi mushrooms and rainbow light filled the area, while light musical notes floated from the top of the Tower of Reincarnation.

Li Changshou carefully sensed this, his eyes narrowing in a smile as he said calmly:

“Tower Master Dizang, hear my command.

Open the Tower of Reincarnation and transform the Seven Emotion Avatars into reincarnation spirits. This god will personally protect these spirits in finding their dwelling places.”

Dizang carefully sensed this and frowned, “The Heavenly Dao is so unbalanced…”

“Don’t misunderstand,” Li Changshou smiled, “Consider the timing – right now His Majesty the Jade Emperor is holding his regular assembly of immortals and gods, likely discussing rewards and conferring positions, promoting my divine rank.

Although the specific appointment needs to be solidified as an edict in the Tongming Palace, at this moment in the Heavenly Dao sequence, this god happens to be before you.”

Dizang was momentarily speechless, while the Grand Magus almost burst out laughing.

Tap tap tap tap, light footsteps came from the side as Dechen used his divine powers to carry a tray, coming forward to serve fragrant tea to Li Changshou and Grand Magus Xuandu.

“Please don’t be angry, Water God, don’t be angry…

My master is just stubborn, let me talk some sense into him. Please have some tea first, have some tea.

Now my master and you, Water God, both serve the Heavenly Dao, please be more understanding in the future. He doesn’t understand anything, still thinking he’s on Spirit Mountain.”

Dizang glared at Dechen, who swished his tail and raised his two front paws to gently massage Li Changshou’s legs.

The Grand Magus was amused at the sight and smiled, “This tea is quite good.”

Dechen trembled slightly, not daring to say more.

“I receive the Water God’s command,” Dizang squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, then turned to look out the window.

The Grand Magus gave Li Changshou a look, and Li Changshou understood, immediately standing up and walking to the windowsill, leaning against it with crossed arms.

Li Changshou said, “After all the contention, who would have thought it would turn out this way, with you and me becoming colleagues?

Let’s talk calmly – I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.”

“The Water God flatters me,” Dizang said calmly, “I’m merely your defeated opponent, clinging to life here to finish out my remaining days.”

Li Changshou smiled serenely, drawing upon the essence of the Three Great Classics of Stabilizing Teachings’ “Theory of Tactics,” organized his thoughts, and said slowly:

“How nice it would be if we weren’t on opposing sides, without our previous grudges.”

[Tactic One: Mutual Appreciation]

Dizang’s eyebrow twitched slightly as he said, “The Water God’s strategies surpass mine, this I must acknowledge.”

“No need to keep calling me Water God – just call me Changgen.”

[Tactic Two: Use Given Names to Close Distance]

Dizang seemed to hesitate, then sighed softly and said: “Changgen.”

“Dizang,” Li Changshou’s eyes twinkled as he smiled and asked, “Actually, my view of you changed when you jumped into the Tower of Reincarnation that day, with such serenity in your eyes, without the slightest wavering.

This is truly something ordinary immortals and gods cannot achieve, and you deserve my admiration.”

[Tactic Three: Flattery Never Fails]

Dizang smiled bitterly and shook his head, “It was merely being forced with no alternative – this poor Daoist became the best option in Master’s hands.

There was some lack of free will; this poor Daoist wasn’t thinking entirely of all beings.”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “When Lady Houtu transformed into the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation, she also considered stabilizing the last of the Shamanic Tribe’s fortune, but can we deny her great virtue? Certainly not.

You are similar…

In terms of virtue, I am inferior to you.

I apologize for pressuring you with my divine rank earlier. I just wanted to do something for Lady Houtu, I hope you can understand.”

[Tactic Four: Offer High Praise, Feign Retreat to Advance, Evoke Empathy]

Dizang’s voice softened considerably as he said, “I will handle this matter wholeheartedly. Earlier I was just being contrary with you, Changgen, as I still couldn’t quite accept the current situation in my heart.

How dare this poor Daoist compare himself to Houtu’s great virtue?

Today, even if this poor Daoist is punished by the Heavenly Dao, I will certainly help accomplish this matter.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and said, “We’ll share this responsibility then…

Dizang, do you have any ideas?

Or rather, before you encountered these power struggles in your cultivation, what did you think you were cultivating for?”

“Naturally for immortality and to explore the true meaning of the Dao… Why are you laughing, Changgen? Is it really that common?”

“Common it may be, but it’s honest.

I was much simpler – I just wanted to live until I died of old age, not daring to even dream of immortality when I first started cultivating.”

In the faint light of the Tower of Reincarnation, the two by the window chatted and laughed like old friends.

Behind them, the Grand Magus calmly drank his tea. Hearing movement to the side, he saw Dechen covering his eyes with one paw, sighing softly:

“My foolish master…”

The Grand Magus pointed a finger, freezing Dechen in place.

Stable.

…

Moments ago, in the Jade Emperor’s Palace.

“Send word to Tongming Palace, conferring upon beloved minister Changgen the title of Lord Taibai, Heaven’s Second-Rank True God, not among the Star Lords.

In charge of Heaven and Earth’s transformations, in charge of Heaven and Earth’s military matters, in charge of the Three Realms’ water affairs, with authority to oversee Heaven’s immortals and gods. For any divine position below the fourth rank, beloved minister Changgen may determine appointments and dismissals himself.

Additionally, beloved minister Changgen shall concurrently serve as Chang’e’s Chief Instructor in the Moon Palace, and the Water God Palace shall be renamed Taibai Palace.

When Tongming Palace’s edict is solidified, Taibai shall take his position, and the Three Realms shall celebrate together.”