Fortunately…

When encountering danger, Spirit Zhenzhu could instinctively step forward, standing before the Jade Rabbit maiden – this at least showed some sense of responsibility.

As for other issues, they still needed continued observation and active intervention. If that really didn’t work, they could only give respect.

At the gates of Vast Cold Palace, under the attention of many immortal senses.

Li Changshou led Spirit Zhenzhu stepping out, the former with white hair and eyebrows, wearing a kind smile, the latter changed into cyan Daoist robes, following behind his Uncle Master with head high and chest out.

Many Heavenly Generals, immortals, and immortal maidens secretly observing the place gradually discovered a key point—

Why had this young man changed clothes?

“Respectfully seeing Water God off.”

Chang’e’s gentle voice drifted out from the great formation. She stood with the young Jade Rabbit outside the palace gates but within the formation’s light barrier, hands folded before her, making a graceful bow to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou turned and returned the bow, saying in a clear voice:

“Many thanks for Star Lord’s assistance today. If Star-Lord has free time, please come visit my Water God Manor.

My nephew and Star Lord’s attendant are quite close in age – if this Jade Rabbit immortal has nothing to do, she may also come to my Water God Manor anytime.”

Jade Rabbit trembled, lowering her head and not daring to look at the Water God’s face.

Chang’e said softly: “Thank you for Water God’s invitation.”

But she didn’t say anything more.

Li Changshou gently shook his whisk, a white cloud forming under his feet as he took Spirit Zhenzhu flying out toward the edge of the Greater Yin Star.

Whether intentionally or not, Chang’e stood silently at Vast Cold Palace’s great gates for a long time, her eyes somewhat lost in thought…

This scene was witnessed by many immortals of the Heavenly Court, and the topic began to continuously derail.

“Immortal Chang’e is so beautiful.

She seems to have some unusual thoughts about the Water God, standing silently at the palace gates for so long after seeing him off.”

“Immortal Chang’e’s grace truly deserves the title of Number One Beauty of the Three Realms!

She must be falling for the Water God, this would be quite a fine match.”

“What? Water God and Immortal Chang’e are together? He went into Vast Cold Palace and came out with different clothes?”

Before Li Changshou could ride his cloud back to the Water God Manor, this matter had spread throughout the Heavenly Court in various versions.

Some Heavenly Court recorders had even begun discussing this in their bronze mirror broadcasts, attracting much attention…

As a popular Heavenly Court recorder, Bian Zhuang was extremely well-informed about such news;

Before Li Changshou returned to Water God Manor, Bian Zhuang had already heard several rumors, and stood by the Heavenly River raising his head in a long sigh, silently shedding tears.

Ao Yi, who had just returned to the Heavenly Court from the Dragon Palace yesterday and was in a good mood, was puzzled and made an exception to show concern for Bian Zhuang;

“What’s wrong?”

The breakdown of a mature man probably happens in an instant.

Bian Zhuang suddenly burst into loud sobs, turning to look at Ao Yi with tears flowing from his nostrils.

“I! Water God! Immortal Chang’e!”

“Hmm?” Ao Yi, who had been focusing solely on cultivation before, was instantly covered in question marks.

“I’ve lost…”

Bian Zhuang wiped his tears, his lips trembling:

“This romance that ended before it began has ultimately been defeated by power, status, and prestige!

Water God gave me everything I have now, how could I be so ungrateful as to compete with Water God for Immortal Chang’e’s heart?

These feelings that haven’t even occurred yet but have already become entangled in my heart, I… I withdraw!”

Ao Yi’s entire being was consumed by black lines, his mouth twitching.

“You’re sick!”

“Yes, I’m sick with incurable lovesickness.”

Bian Zhuang sighed dejectedly, saying softly: “Since ancient times, those with deep feelings are left only with regret!”

Ao Yi looked to the side, calmly interrupting Bian Zhuang’s recitation, saying indifferently:

“Elder Brother Principal told me before that he seemed to intend to promote you to Deputy Instructor of the Three Hundred Chang’e.”

Bian Zhuang’s spirit suddenly shook, both hands wiping his face, his eyes shining with brilliant light: “Really?”

Ao Yi: …

True Dragon Claw!

Flying Dragon in the Sky!

Bian Zhuang screamed as he became a black dot on the horizon, flying for a while before finally falling far downstream in the Heavenly River, eventually floating up with his back to the surface, gradually drifting away…

Ao Yi thought for a moment, took out a bronze mirror, collected some related rumors, and promptly sent them to Water God Manor.

When Li Changshou heard of this matter, he merely smiled slightly.

It was all within expectations.

He had originally planned to use the Heavenly Emperor’s Stele, that ‘rumor-crushing machine’ from before, to prove his innocence;

But then considered that such matters become more suspicious the more one tries to explain them away. If he overtly suppressed the matter, it would instead be taken as his tacit acknowledgment.

Let such rumors fly for a while, it didn’t matter. What could he do anyway with just a paper avatar in the Heavenly Court?

If he didn’t visit Vast Cold Palace later, the rumors would naturally collapse.

Moreover, he could take advantage of this wave of rumors to establish the Heavenly Court’s second banner – Number One Beauty of the Three Realms.

The Super Celestial Soldier Plan had shown significant effects. With Qin Xuanya’s activities and the Heavenly Court’s rise, batch after batch of wandering immortals joined the ranks of Celestial Soldiers and Generals.

They were even preparing to raise the minimum threshold for Celestial Soldiers from early-stage Element Immortal to the middle stage…

Although the Heavenly Court was still only the ‘Fourth Power of the Primordial World’ at this time, with overall strength ranking after the Dao Sect, Western Teaching, and Central Divine State Immortal Sects, the name of the Heavenly Court had spread throughout the Primordial World.

No one knew that the Heavenly Court’s Primordial Age was already in the past tense.

Next, competing with the Western Teaching for the Three Thousand Worlds would further enhance the Heavenly Court’s influence in those worlds.

Li Changshou gained many insights by examining the trajectory of the Heavenly Dao’s great prosperity for the Heavenly Court from a perspective outside heaven and earth.

The Heavenly Court’s rise couldn’t rely solely on the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe. From the perfection of internal systems, the elevation of external prestige, to the recruitment and organization of Celestial Soldiers and Generals, the acknowledgment of all beings…

These were all foundations of great prosperity.

Li Changshou became an assistant in this process, both gaining benefits and doing many things for the Heavenly Dao and Heavenly Court…

[That person has already become an indispensable link in the Heavenly Dao’s evolution]

Suddenly remembering these words from Goddess Nüwa, Li Changshou was startled, thinking of the two times his merits were deducted, his heart inevitably filled with more unease.

Would this Heavenly Dao dispose of him after using him?

He still needed to think of more backup plans; the current ones weren’t secure enough.

In the study of Water God Manor, Li Changshou activated a paper avatar in the form of a Heavenly General and sent that box of cosmetics, precious in every sense, to Kong Xuan…

Li Changshou, being somewhat of an expert in the dao of alchemy, could identify many precious materials in these cosmetics.

Calculating their value, it barely equaled two Nine Transformations Golden Pills, nothing too extraordinary…

These wasteful female immortals!

Already looking like that and still not satisfied!

Why not stew the Ten Great Primordial Spirit Roots into a beauty and youth preservation soup?

Li Changshou secretly exclaimed how frightening this was, as this paper avatar sat in the circular chair slowly closing its eyes, his consciousness moving elsewhere.

Half a day later, in the deep forest outside the largest city of the Shang tribe.

Li Changshou handed the box of cosmetics to Kong Xuan, who expressed thanks and said she would begin closed cultivation soon.

Her process of establishing yin-yang would take thirty-six years…

“This closed cultivation of mine isn’t for enlightenment, I will still divide my attention to watch over this place, you need not worry.

Whether it’s this Shang tribe or the Seven Emotions avatars, I naturally won’t let them come to harm.”

Kong Xuan paused, then asked: “Have you thought of names for the Seven Emotions?”

“Let them choose their names when they can speak,” Li Changshou shook his head and smiled. “Seven souls with seven personalities, whatever names we choose, someone would be dissatisfied.”

Kong Xuan laughed softly, her gaze somewhat complex.

After all, this closed cultivation would establish yin-yang, and how her own transformation and future path would be was full of unknowns.

Li Changshou said: “Master once said you had a tribulation in your destiny, telling Senior Brother and me to help you pass it when the time comes, before entering the Human Teaching.”

Kong Xuan’s eyes flashed with light as she cupped her hands to Li Changshou, turning to leave.

But just as she turned, she stopped her steps, turning her head to say:

“There’s one more thing. I have a third brother who is a Golden-Winged Peng Bird, who entered the Primordial World almost the same time as me.

His temperament is somewhat perverse, similar to how I was before meeting the Great Law Master.

A few days ago he came looking for me, trying to persuade me to submit to the Western Teaching…

If he makes a move against you, don’t show mercy for my sake, killing him wouldn’t matter.”

After speaking, Kong Xuan didn’t wait for Li Changshou’s reply, stepping forward twice before her form disappeared in a five-colored thin mist.

Golden-Winged Great Peng?

This name was familiar to Li Changshou – Kong Xuan’s third brother, the Winged Immortal of the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe. He hadn’t expected him to already belong to the Western Teaching and even come to persuade Kong Xuan to join the Western side.

Sure enough, after the West established Earth Store as their pillar of destiny, their heart for causing trouble began to stir.

What would Western Teaching most likely target next?

In the underground secret chamber of Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou pondered for a while, picked up his brush to write down several options, then crossed out the others one by one, leaving only one—

[First Alliance Meeting of Anti-Western Immortal Forces].

Looking at things now, war was unavoidable.

“Senior Brother!”

Spirit Moth called out softly, jumping over beside him, and lowering her head to look at the words on the desk.

“Worried about this?”

“Tsk,” Li Changshou put down his self-made brush, just about to raise his hand to rub his brows when two slightly cold little hands came up, gently massaging.

Spirit Moth said softly: “Are you worried about the Western Teaching causing trouble?”

“No matter how I calculate it’s unavoidable,” Li Changshou said. “Last time, Senior Brother Lü Yue and I used poison to eliminate a batch of their thugs. This time when they cause trouble, they’ll probably stop at nothing.”

“What if we make the meeting place more complex?” Spirit Moth softly suggested: “For example, we could first designate a gathering point, then when people arrive change to another location, repeating this several times…”

“Not feasible,” Li Changshou said deeply. “Not to mention such actions would damage the immortal alliance’s credibility and the Heavenly Court’s dignity, how can we ensure the Western Teaching’s planted eyes won’t transmit information?

When the Western Teaching dealt with the Dragon Clan, they showed the ability to collectively move large numbers of experts.

This method seems good but isn’t workable.”

“Senior Brother still considers things more thoroughly,” Spirit Moth responded with a giggle, continuing to help think of countermeasures.

Li Changshou remembered something and asked: “Tomorrow I’m going to refine a batch of pills, do you want… skin care and whitening pills?”

“Can you make those?” Spirit Moth was full of expectation.

“Of course,” Li Changshou couldn’t help laughing. “You care about this, wanting to become even more beautiful?”

“Senior Brother, please make some for me,” Spirit Moth hugged Li Changshou’s arm and acted coquettishly. “My cultivation has already fallen so far behind Sister Yunxiao, of course, I need to make up for it in other areas!”

Li Changshou: …

Fine, he did feel somewhat guilty about this matter.

“This Western Teaching,” Li Changshou mumbled, continuing to write and draw.

Spirit Moth watched for a while beside him, finding she gradually couldn’t understand her Senior Brother’s handwriting, increasingly unable to keep up with his changes in thought, so she obediently went to the side to do some relatively simple intelligence organization work.

The underground secret chamber was perfectly quiet, Senior Brother frowning in deep thought about matters of heaven and earth, Junior Sister busy but stealing moments of leisure, lying on the desk, secretly watching Senior Brother’s face from time to time…

To speak of peaceful times, perhaps it was like the seas turning to mulberry fields.

Spirit Moth kept some worries hidden in her heart, feeling that this was what made immortal life worthwhile, especially peaceful.

And so, nine years later.

A white cloud floated out of the Central Heaven Gate, drawing the attention of many Celestial Soldiers and Generals as it slowly flew northwest toward Mount Kunlun.

On the cloud stood an elderly Daoist in white robes, with kind eyes and white hair and eyebrows – naturally this was the Heavenly Court’s Water God himself, Certain Shou who in just over a decade would receive the edict to officially become Venus Star Lord.

Now in the Three Realms, he was known as Changsheng, and only the Great Law Master, Spirit Moth, and a few others would still use the name Changshou.

Behind Li Changshou stood Spirit Zhenzhu in cyan-blue robes.

This trip to Mount Kunlun had several purposes for Li Changshou:

First, to invite several experts from the Enlightened Teaching to participate in the upcoming “Immortal Alliance Conference” of the Three Thousand Worlds, preferably experts from Burning Lamp’s faction to lend their support;

—Behind this lay countless calculations.

Second, to respond to the Sage Lord’s invitation from that day;

Third, to show Spirit Zhenzhu’s face, letting the Enlightened Teaching discover Spirit Zhenzhu’s changes, then have this news transmitted to Master Taiyi’s ears.

—This way he could avoid personally taking Spirit Zhenzhu back to Mount Qianyuan and having Master Taiyi discover that Spirit Zhenzhu had been somewhat over-cultivated.

Since taking Spirit Zhenzhu to Vast Cold Palace last time, Li Changshou has paid special attention to him.

Gradually, Li Changshou also figured out that Spirit Zhenzhu hadn’t changed from an exclamation mark to a question mark, but rather had developed enthusiasm for battle techniques and physical combat methods.

He had become quite fond of fighting, and in nine years had fought his way from Water God Manor to the Heavenly River’s edge. Many Heavenly Court generals had become his defeated opponents, even one or two Golden Immortal realm generals had been defeated by him.

Tribal battle techniques, Spirit Zhenzhu’s body, plus Dao Sect magic arts, and the blessing of being a child of catastrophe’s destiny…

Spirit Zhenzhu’s progress was quite terrifying, his dao realm advancing by leaps and bounds. It was estimated he could face the Golden Immortal tribulation within a hundred years.

Li Changshou often wondered what kind of tribulation would force Spirit Zhenzhu to reincarnate as Nezha; now he vaguely sensed that Spirit Zhenzhu’s reincarnation might not be due to tribulation but to his cultivation.

Comparing him to Li Jing, who was currently cultivating at the Immortal Gate, progressing unimpeded with great destiny and recently reaching the mid-True Immortal realm…

With Spirit Zhenzhu’s combative nature, even if Li Changshou gave the Glazed Tower to Li Jing early, Li Jing might not be able to handle it.

Speaking of Li Jing, Li Changshou’s reformation plan never stopped, though his methods were quite gentle.

Those sect elders teaching Li Jing were quite earnest, giving Li Jing abundant warmth while instilling many concepts Li Changshou had arranged.

For instance, educating children shouldn’t rely solely on beatings and scolding, nor pure encouragement;

How to shoulder a father’s responsibilities, teaching and nurturing from birth, and that even if busy with affairs, writing a letter could have good results;

And so on.

Li Changshou had put great thought into Yang Jian and Nezha as well;

Whether he could successfully leave the Heavenly Court after the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe a thousand years later would depend critically on these two young generals.

The stronger these new young generals of the Heavenly Court became, the more likely His Majesty the Jade Emperor would be willing to let him go…

Thinking of this, Li Changshou said with a smile:

“Nephew, remember when we reach Jade Void Palace if anyone asks whether you have a dao partner or if you’re attracted to any immortal maiden, just smile without speaking. No need to answer, and don’t answer carelessly.”

Spirit Zhenzhu didn’t quite understand but still nodded in agreement: “Don’t worry, Uncle Master, I’ll remember.”

“Very good,” Li Changshou shook his whisk. Mount Kunlun was already in sight, and he had early on released his dao aura, flying unimpeded over many immortal sects, attracting the attention of many immortal senses following along.

Though he hadn’t used the Heavenly Court’s ceremonial escort or announced his title as Water God everywhere, his current appearance and dao aura had become the symbol of the Heavenly Court’s Water God.

Soon, arriving before Jade Void Palace, Li Changshou properly rode his cloud to the mountainside halfway up this immortal peak, standing before the immortal gate.

There were no great formations protecting the outer areas of Jade Void Palace. This was where the Sage taught the dao, and also the core area of the Enlightened Teaching. The auras of many experts resonated for thousands of miles around, and no one dared to cause trouble here.

Li Changshou smiled as he announced his title. The two Golden Immortal realm Daoists at the gate immediately invited Li Changshou inside, while a youth rode a crane to report to Jade Void Palace.

After walking just over a hundred feet, immortal light lit up the halls and pavilions throughout Jade Void Palace. Cranes carrying youths and elderly riding auspicious clouds could be seen everywhere, creating scenes of good fortune.

Dong—

Melodious bell sounds came from the Great Jade Void Hall, alerting all one or two hundred cultivators in Jade Void Palace who weren’t in closed cultivation.

Such a grand reception surprised even Li Changshou.

After all, he had only come in avatar form and hadn’t expected the Enlightened Teaching to show such respect.

Naturally, Li Changshou was clear about his position, calling elderly men Senior Brother and immortal maidens Senior Sister. Even if corrected about getting generations wrong, at least the proper attitude had to be shown.

After walking less than a thousand feet, several streams of light descended, transforming into two elderly Daoists and one woman Daoist with a dignified and elegant appearance, making the Daoist bow to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou hurriedly returned the greeting, naturally recognizing these three’s identities.

The female Daoist on the left was the Merciful Sailing Daoist of the Twelve Golden Immortals. Her appearance couldn’t be called beautiful, but she didn’t emphasize beauty like Heavenly Court female immortals, instead having a dignified countenance and clear features. Her Daoist robes were well-fitted and appropriate, and her Daoist crown and ornaments were just right.

The elderly Daoist in the middle was Red Essence Child, who had entered the sect early and had high enlightenment. The primordial spirit treasure he wielded, the Yin-Yang Mirror, was quite formidable, having the power to reverse yin and yang.

The elderly Daoist on the right was an old acquaintance, with a rather imposing build, white face without a beard, white-haired yet child-faced, now smiling as he stood there letting out a burst of laughter:

“Hahaha! Finally got you to come, Changsheng!”

It was Yellow Dragon True Person who once had a place in the Three Friends Courtyard!

Li Changshou smiled and sighed: “Heavenly Court affairs are numerous and busy, never having free time. Today I’ve come to visit abruptly, please don’t mind the disturbance, Senior Brothers and Sister.”

Yellow Dragon True Person burst out laughing again, while Red Essence Child also wore a gentle smile as he invited Li Changshou to talk in the hall.

Only then did Li Changshou stop climbing the steps, riding clouds with Spirit Zhenzhu, following behind the three direct disciples of the Enlightened Teaching’s Sage.

Along this path!

Looking at mountains, endless mountain colors; clouds, and mist rising with immortal shadows;

Looking at the water light, one or two treasure pools like the finishing touch among jade towers and halls, three or four clear springs adorning the mountain forests, with streams flowing, spreading out this place’s spiritual charm.

All that could be heard were sutra-chanting sounds, all that could be smelled was the fragrance of green wood.

Arriving before Jade Void Hall, couldn’t help looking back, seeming to see an immortal path left behind, oneself already placed at the peak of the immortal path.

Li Changshou sincerely praised: “Truly a good place to return to for cultivation.”

Yellow Dragon True Person smiled and said: “Then Junior Brother should come often, even stay here long-term.”

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Heavenly Court affairs are numerous, and daily cultivation gets delayed. Though now I have His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s trust, ultimately I’m somewhat not free to act as I wish.”

In the hall, Broad Completion Child led two of the Sage’s direct disciples forward to welcome them, exchanging greetings and titles with Li Changshou.

The slightly shorter Daoist was Fear Remaining Grandson, and the middle-aged Daoist was Spirit Treasure Law Master, whose presence among the Twelve Golden Immortals wasn’t very strong.

Li Changshou exchanged greetings with these two “Twelve Golden Immortals” and was invited inside by Broad Completion Child.

Before coming, Li Changshou had done thorough preparation.

The Enlightened Teaching valued propriety, so Li Changshou gave full propriety, from the seating order when sitting down, posture after being seated, to which topics to begin discussing when starting conversation… and so on, he had made complete preparations.

For a time, both host and guests were happy, and those disciples of Jade Void Palace called to accompany with tea, chat, and discuss the dao had quite a good impression of Li Changshou.

Just as the atmosphere became thick here, two more streams of light came from outside Jade Void Palace – it was Jade Tripod True Person and Master Taiyi arriving.

“Master!”

Spirit Zhenzhu called out softly, standing up to quickly welcome them, meeting Master Taiyi outside the hall and hurriedly making a Daoist bow.

Master Taiyi nodded with a smile, looking Spirit Zhenzhu up and down, feeling the earth-shattering changes in his disciple, and found his nose becoming somewhat sour.

Finally what he had hoped for had come, his good disciple’s masculine side!

Master Taiyi felt indescribably emotional, but his nature disliked fussing and he didn’t want to be sentimental. Now he put both hands in his sleeves and asked with a smile:

“How has cultivation been with your Uncle Master Changsheng?”

Spirit Zhenzhu said firmly: “Uncle Master Changsheng taught disciple many principles of being a person, broadened disciple’s horizons greatly, and let disciple make many good friends among the Heavenly Generals and tribal brothers.

Without Uncle Master Changsheng’s guidance, the disciple wouldn’t have today’s spirit!”

Master Taiyi’s eyes immediately crinkled in a smile, “Good, good.

So, besides making so many Heavenly General friends in the Heavenly Court, have you become close with any immortal maidens?”

“This…”

‘Whenever anyone asks if you have a dao partner or if you’re attracted to any immortal maiden, just smile without speaking, no need to answer.’

So, Spirit Zhenzhu smiled slightly and shook his head slightly.

Master Taiyi immediately became interested, pursuing the question: “How come you’re becoming shy with your master? Could it be you really like some young immortal maiden?”

Spirit Zhenzhu frowned slightly, continuing to smile without speaking.

Master Taiyi said curiously: “Why aren’t you speaking? Could it be I asked wrong? You haven’t fallen for any young immortal maiden, hehe, you couldn’t have fallen for some Heavenly General instead?”

“Cough!”

Inside the hall, Li Changshou who was drinking tea choked on a mouthful.

Outside the hall, Spirit Zhenzhu again smiled without speaking, his eyes showing some helplessness.

‘Where is Master’s mind wandering to.’

But Master Taiyi’s eyes widened and their mouth opened as he turned to stone on the spot.

The next instant, this great yin-yang master pulled out a golden brick from his sleeve and rushed impetuously into the Great Jade Void Hall.

“Li Changsheng, this poor Daoist will fight you to the death today!”