In the center of the Immortal Alliance Conference venue, on the Flying Platform, a certain unremarkable Heavenly Court deity and the noble Senior Brother Zhao Gongming were crouching in a corner, deeply absorbed in their work.

Lord Lu Yue stood to the side, genuinely unable to bear watching their activities.

“Changgeng, aren’t we going a bit too far with this?”

“Now that you mention it, Brother, I also think it’s somewhat excessive… Should we make the dimensions even larger? This size isn’t quite stable enough.”

“Excellent idea! Little Yue, come give us a hand, don’t just stand there!”

At Zhao Gongming’s call, Lu Yue hurried forward.

This great master of the Severing Sect, who had once discussed grand affairs with immortal maidens in the World’s Edge Secret Realm, now acted like an apprentice as he quickly moved to the ‘master craftsman’s’ side.

“Senior Brother, what do you need me to do?”

Zhao Gongming handed him a brush, smiling as he instructed: “Use the brush on this side, as Changgeng said, the colors need to be more prominent.”

Lu Yue quickly replied: “Sometimes when refining pills, we need to harmonize the medicinal properties similarly. Rest assured, Senior Brother, there won’t be any mistakes!”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard with a light laugh, moved to a different spot, and continued working beside Li Changgeng.

Li Changgeng looked up at Lu Yue, smiled warmly, then lowered his head to continue painting…

Before long, a massive thirty-zhang portrait slowly floated up, depicting none other than Master Burning Lamp.

Then, Li Changgeng added an inscription beside it:

[First Among the Three Realms in Opposition to the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom!]

Zhao Gongming jumped to the clouds to examine it, clicking his tongue in admiration: “Changgeng, your brush skills are truly remarkable.”

Lu Yue smiled and said: “Indeed, though it feels somewhat unsatisfying to earn such a reputation for this Alliance Leader.”

“Ah, Senior Brother Lu Yue, you shouldn’t say that.”

Li Changgeng said seriously: “Currently, the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom wreaks havoc throughout the Great Thousand Worlds. Our urgent task is to unite all forces we can unite to save the living beings of Heaven and Earth.

Come, let’s hang this portrait of the Alliance Leader beside the Flying Platform, and I’ll reinforce it with immortal power…”

Zhao Gongming and Lu Yue helped on both sides, once again adding a ‘Burning Lamp’ element to the venue.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Yue asked: “But there’s one question, Junior Brother Changgeng, have you considered this?

With us making such a grand display promoting Burning Lamp, if the forces coming to attend the Immortal Alliance Conference truly treat him as the authority, wouldn’t this backfire?”

“Eyes are good things to have,” Zhao Gongming chuckled.

Li Changgeng put away his brushes, pulled out his whisk, and rested it on his elbow, speaking slowly:

“Making Burning Lamp the Alliance Leader is itself a calculated move.

Previously, the Immortal Alliance and Western Teaching were in opposition throughout the Three Thousand Worlds. The Western Teaching would certainly use every means to destroy the Alliance’s first conference.

Inviting Burning Lamp into the game is to relieve this pressure, after all, everyone in the Dao Sect knows that Burning Lamp has good relations with some cultivators from the Western Teaching…

Thus, the Western Teaching will consider whether to place their bets on Burning Lamp, attempting to use the Immortal Alliance for their purposes, or as a path for negotiating with other Dao forces.”

Lu Yue asked again: “Would the Western Teaching fall for such a trick so easily?”

“They have no choice,” Zhao Gongming smiled, “Changgeng inviting us here is telling the Western Teaching that if they directly wage war against the Immortal Alliance, our Dao Sect can intervene in the affairs of the Three Thousand Worlds.

With the Great Tribulation approaching, if they dare provoke the Dao Sect, we and the Enlightenment Sect would gladly battle them, conveniently using some tribulation ash to fill the tribulation fate.”

“Brother speaks well,” Li Changgeng smiled, “When things escalate, it benefits no one. The Western Teaching currently also seeks to peacefully weather the Great Tribulation.”

Lu Yue still had concerns…

“But what if the Western Teaching doesn’t acknowledge the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom matter, or deliberately avoids fighting us…”

“Hahahahaha!”

Zhao Gongming’s laughter suddenly became extremely loud. He straightened his chest, raised his head, his face radiant, and with his peripheral vision glancing at Golden Spirit Supreme Mother who was arranging flying treasures for the vertical banners, he declared:

“This is exactly why I am here!

Changgeng’s calculations are known for their thoroughness, how could he overlook this matter?

I have a method that will leave the Western Teaching speechless, absolutely unable to act rashly, letting us firmly hold the initiative!”

Lu Yue stretched his neck asking: “What wonderful method?”

“Well…” Li Changgeng tried to intervene.

“Come closer, Junior Brother!”

Zhao Gongming was already excitedly beckoning Lu Yue over.

The two Severing Sect masters whispered for a while, with Li Changgeng only able to catch phrases like ‘lie down’, ‘Great Dao oath template’, and ‘looks like you want to start a war between great teachings’.

Li Changgeng: …

He swore to Fairy Cloud Maiden that inviting Zhao Gongming was purely to match the future God of Wealth with the Mother of the Big Dipper… Ahem!

Purely because he valued Brother Zhao and Mother Golden Spirit’s ability to flip the table at any moment!

Li Changgeng gazed in all directions, contemplating in his heart, and began designing the most important aspect of the venue.

The seating.

Around the large lotus platform that exuded an atmosphere of ‘rushed work’ and ‘poverty’, dozens of circles of low tables and meditation cushions had already been arranged, naturally prepared for the representatives of various Dao forces.

The various leaders of the Immortal Alliance would be seated in the central [Flying Platform].

Li Changgeng swept his whisk, and ripples appeared on the stone surface, condensing into two rows of chairs, with a circular chair two sizes larger in the middle position of these two rows.

Taking a piece of golden silk, he used immortal power to form the four large characters ‘Alliance Leader’s Throne’, surrounding this circular chair.

The golden light sparkled, quite eye-catching.

Li Changgeng smiled and said: “Let’s all think about where else we can add some traces of Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp’s presence. We must make our Alliance Leader radiate brilliance.”

While Lu Yue was still pondering, Zhao Gongming lightly clapped his palm, already struck with inspiration.

Thus, half a month later, on the opening day of the Immortal Alliance Conference…

…

A white cloud drifted through the void, not far from the Small Thousand World where the Immortal Alliance Conference was to be held.

On the cloud, two men who had transformed their appearances sat quietly in meditation.

But even with their transformed appearances, they still retained their most distinctive features – the middle-aged Daoist kept a strand of goatee, while the other was five chi tall…

These two were none other than the ancient beast saint White Marsh, and the former Little Qiong Peak’s external uncle, now the Chief Steward of the Temporary Immortal Palace – Jiu Wu.

Jiu Wu secretly transmitted: “Master White, was it that… ahem, that great person who sent us here?

Why do I feel so uncertain about this?”

White Marsh smiled and said: “Of course, otherwise how would this poor Daoist dare come to this place?

Right now, we should be focusing all our efforts on keeping a low profile.”

“Then why did we come here?”

White Marsh smacked his lips, his face full of helplessness, “Perhaps we’ve become just another ‘safeguard’ among many.

That great person probably wants me to sense if there’s any danger at this conference.

The path ahead seems peaceful and without worry, there should be no great calamity.”

Jiu Wu thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

White Marsh transmitted: “Later, we’ll say we’re independent immortals without any faction, coming here to join the Immortal Alliance.

By the way, let’s also try to infiltrate the Western Teaching’s spies and gather some useful information, so this trip won’t be wasted.”

“Whatever you arrange, sir,” Jiu Wu smiled, “Though my power is shallow, I can still run errands and do odd jobs.”

As they were communicating, dozens of streaks of light rapidly passed by their side, heading towards the Immortal Alliance Conference.

White Marsh said: “We should hurry too.”

He lightly pointed forward, and the white cloud-accelerated, following those dozens of streaks of light toward the conference venue.

Half an hour later, White Marsh and Jiu Wu had reached the edge of this small world’s sky, seeing the massive lotus platform covered by the formation’s light screen, and the white clouds floating around the platform.

The clouds were full of various immortals, currently mainly gathered in the southeast direction.

Inside the formation, it was empty, as the venue had not yet opened.

Outside the formation gate, dozens of immortal maidens danced gracefully, while two groups of musicians played melodious immortal music, ensuring the waiting immortals wouldn’t be too bored.

The Immortal Alliance was a union of Dao forces, and the various resources needed were ‘pooled’ from all participating forces.

Like some immortal sects donating hundreds of high-grade spirit stones, some immortal countries gift formation materials;

Forces skilled in artifact refining contributed some communication jade slips and transmission jade slips, while those skilled in pill refining contributed more healing and yang-strengthening pills.

As one of the main initiators of the Immortal Alliance, the famous temporary karmic tribulation experience venue, World’s Edge Pavilion, was impressive… they donated a group of immortal maidens and men to provide song and dance entertainment, serving as the ceremonial team for this conference.

Fortunately, World’s Edge Pavilion gave Li Changgeng a face and didn’t post any discount notices here.

When White Marsh and Jiu Wu arrived, eighty percent of the forces participating in the Immortal Alliance Conference had already gathered, with tens of thousands of cultivators assembled here.

The lowest was at the Heaven Immortal realm, with Gold Immortals found everywhere, and ninety-nine percent were humans.

But the formation covering the venue still hadn’t opened…

Jiu Wu thought for a while, but couldn’t figure out the key point, and transmitted to White Marsh: “Why is this? Isn’t this somewhat discourteous?”

“A very clever move,” White Marsh smiled, “You’ll understand soon, this is also that great person’s small calculation.”

Jiu Wu was lost in confusion.

After waiting another half day, as it approached the time for the conference to begin, suddenly colorful clouds surged from the edge of the small world’s sky, and a figure slowly approached sitting on a cloud.

This immortal had remarkable yet square features, with an innate immortal bearing and blessed fate. Wearing a long gray robe and an eight-cornered Daoist crown, he emanated dignity without speaking a word and radiated enlightenment without uttering a sound.

A green lamp rested on his shoulder, a string of prayer beads around his neck. If one asked this Daoist’s origin, he attained the Dao in Spirit Coffin Mountain.

Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp of the Enlightenment Sect had arrived.

Many immortals here were impressed by his noble bearing, bowing from afar and clearing a path in the clouds, allowing Burning Lamp to steadily reach the formation gate.

Throughout, Burning Lamp maintained a cold expression with half-lowered eyes, slightly frowning as he reached the formation gate.

He opened his mouth to say: “Has Changgeng not arrived yet?”

The surrounding immortals immediately fell silent, each weighing their worth and finding themselves unqualified to respond.

Burning Lamp spoke indifferently: “The Heavenly Court is so careless, actually letting various aspiring cultivators wait here in vain.”

Just then, a light laugh came from within the formation gate.

A middle-aged Daoist wearing battle armor and sporting a beautiful beard stepped out – it was Zhao Gongming coming to welcome him.

“Let the song and dance cease.”

At Zhao Gongming’s light command, the dancing immortal maidens withdrew to both sides, and the musicians stopped their strings and covered their flute holes.

Then, Zhao Gongming cupped his hands toward Burning Lamp, bowed to the figures in all directions, and smiled:

“Greetings to the Vice Sect Master and all immortal friends!

This poor Daoist Zhao Gongming of the Severing Sect, at the Water God’s request, is here to receive everyone.

I accidentally dozed off earlier, keeping everyone waiting. Please forgive me, forgive me.”

The surrounding immortals hurriedly replied:

“Greetings to Senior Gongming! We just arrived!”

“Senior, you truly humble us. My master once heard your teachings at Penglai Immortal Island!”

“We can wait a bit longer, wait a bit longer.”

Burning Lamp remained expressionless, sitting quietly there, completely separate from the scene of exchanging pleasantries with the surrounding immortals.

Zhao Gongming smiled: “This formation was set up to protect the arrangements inside. Everyone, please don’t rush in later, better to see first.”

The hint in these words scored full marks, and the representatives of the immortal sects gathered here were not foolish people.

Then, Zhao Gongming turned around, and lightly crushed a jade talisman in his hand, and the light screen covering the entire Great Lotus platform slowly dissipated.

The crowd of immortals looked carefully, all somewhat stunned;

Burning Lamp, who had already made full preparations, couldn’t help but deeply furrow his brows.

Looking ahead, colorful ‘circular fabric balls’ several zhang in diameter floated above the lotus platform, with red silk banners hanging below bearing large characters.

The front of each fabric ball depicted a Burning Lamp, with the characters below reading:

[Vice Sect Master of the Enlightenment Sect] [Vanguard Against the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom] [Fight the Western Teaching to the End] [This Poor Daoist and Western Teaching Cannot Coexist Under the Same Sky]… and so on.

A full-body portrait of Burning Lamp hung beside the central Flying Platform of the lotus platform;

The sea of flowers arranged in the venue formed Burning Lamp’s face with yellow flowers and green leaves.

With several “boom” sounds, the white clouds above scattered and condensed into a row of giant characters:

‘Warmly Welcome the Nemesis of Western Teaching, Ancient Great Power, Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp of the Enlightenment Sect, to Take the Position of Alliance Leader!’

Burning Lamp’s eyebrows kept twitching, his face black as a pot bottom, but he quickly stabilized his mindset, returning to his previous undisturbed appearance.

The surrounding immortals each sighed softly, intentionally speaking words of praise for Burning Lamp – after all, such words cost no spirit stones.

Jiu Wu in the crowd was puzzled, while White Marsh wore a slight smile, observing Burning Lamp’s expression.

It was, particularly amusing.

Zhao Gongming smiled: “Uncle Master Burning Lamp, are you satisfied with these arrangements?”

“Thank you for Nephew Changgeng’s efforts,” Burning Lamp’s voice was quite flat, then continued, “This poor Daoist merely has seniority by age, not worth Nephew Changgeng spending much effort.”

“Uncle Master Burning Lamp shouldn’t underestimate yourself,” Zhao Gongming said seriously, “We invited you this time mainly because you are the Vice Sect Master of the Enlightenment Sect, highly virtuous and respected.

Becoming Vice Sect Master of the Enlightenment Sect is no simple matter, definitely not as outsiders say that you relied on ancient friendships with the three teachers to reach today’s position!”

Burning Lamp showed a slight smile, asking: “May we enter now?”

“Please, Uncle Master Burning Lamp,” Zhao Gongming stepped aside with a welcoming gesture.

Burning Lamp slowly moved forward sitting on his cloud, but after flying only several dozen zhang, he stopped and turned to look at the mass of immortals…

Zhao Gongming secretly raised an eyebrow, recalling Li Changgeng’s earlier words…

‘When Burning Lamp arrives, he will certainly focus on winning people’s hearts.

Brother, after you invite him in, if he doesn’t speak, then let it be, follow the normal procedure.

If he speaks to invite the various forces inside, you just observe quietly, see how many people follow him into the venue, and arrange these people to sit in the western area.’

And now, Burning Lamp indeed spoke:

“Everyone needs not to wait outside in vain, why not enter together.”

After speaking, Burning Lamp rode his cloud toward the center of the lotus platform, and among the immortals behind, several hundred instinctively wanted to follow, but most were stopped by those beside them.

Gazes gathered on Zhao Gongming.

But Zhao Gongming just smiled silently, hands behind his back, standing quietly.

At this point, only several dozen people entered from various directions above the lotus platform, and among these people, half seemed to wake from a dream, each wanting to retreat but not knowing how to turn back.

Seeing this, Burning Lamp showed no reaction, slowly descending toward the Flying Platform.

After Burning Lamp sat alone on the Alliance Leader’s throne, those several dozen people were led by some immortal maidens sponsored by World’s Edge Pavilion to seats in the western direction.

Shortly after, several hundred more immortals stepped forward, voluntarily entering, and were similarly led to sit in the western area…

Their intention to support Burning Lamp couldn’t be more obvious.

Just then, a loud call was heard:

“The Heavenly Court envoys have arrived!”

The crowd turned to look, seeing a small shabby cloud flying from the horizon, carrying three unremarkable Gold Immortal realm heavenly generals.

As they flew closer, a crack opened in space beside them, forming a simple doorway, from which the white-haired, white-browed Water God of the Heavenly Court walked out, looking hurried and tired.

Li Changgeng sighed: “Fortunately we made it, generals, it’s been a hard journey.”

The three heavenly generals bowed together, shouting with full vigor:

“Greetings to Lord Water God!”

“Mm,” Li Changgeng turned around, from his eyes to the corners of his mouth showing some surprise, his acting truly refined to perfection, “Everyone has arrived?”

The gathered immortals all turned to bow, greetings coming in waves, quite chaotic.

“Lord Water God, we have come as agreed!”

“The Western Teaching persecutes us, Lord Water God, you must uphold justice for us!”

“My immortal sect was forcibly driven from our original territory by them!”

Li Changgeng descended his cloud to the same height as the crowd, calling out in various directions: “Everyone please quiet down, quiet down!

Today we gather here to form the Immortal Alliance, precisely to oppose the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom!

Today, whatever grievances you have, you can raise them.

The Heavenly Court has just risen and is truly unable to handle the Three Thousand Worlds alone, I hope everyone can understand and support us!

We all come from human origins, protecting mortals is our duty, how can we let mortals be fooled like this!”

For a moment, the immortals were agitated, with the appearance of wanting to fight the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom right now.

Li Changgeng raised both hands, slowly pressing down, and with his gesture, the immortals in the sky quieted again.

The crowd almost held their breath, making the place so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

An immortal called out: “Water God, for these ten years you’ve traveled everywhere, working hard in mind and body, only to gather us cultivation-focused immortals together, why don’t you take the position of Alliance Leader!”

“Everyone, please let me explain.”

Li Changgeng smiled and said: “First, I am a proper deity of the Heavenly Court, taking the position of Alliance Leader would violate Heavenly Court rules.

Second, although I received the Great Law Master’s guidance and became my teacher’s disciple, I am only a second-generation disciple of the Dao Sect, somewhat lacking in seniority to negotiate with the forces behind the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom.

Therefore, I went east and west, inviting Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp to serve as our Alliance Leader, and invited several senior brothers and sisters from the Dao Sect with powerful magic and vast divine abilities to be our vice leaders!

Rest assured, the Immortal Alliance is your alliance, an alliance to fight against the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom!

I invited these great powers from the Dao Sect only to give us presence, boost our prestige, and fight strong enemies!

The truly managing positions of vice leaders from seventh to eighteenth, twelve positions in total, will be elected by everyone today!

We’ll discuss the specific matters in detail later!”

As Li Changgeng’s words fell, the immortals in the clouds all agreed.

These contents were not much different from what they learned when meeting Li Changgeng’s paper avatar in the World’s Edge Secret Realm.

Zhao Gongming smiled: “Only because Changgeng came to invite, otherwise this poor Daoist wouldn’t take such a difficult task.”

Hearing this, most immortals showed smiles.

Li Changgeng led the three heavenly generals forward on their cloud, and the crowd of immortals retreated together, opening a wide path.

Li Changgeng spoke while walking:

“Without rules, nothing can take shape, the Immortal Alliance should also establish some rules today.

I can tell everyone plainly, that the Jade Emperor sent me and the three generals here just for show, not to directly participate in the Alliance’s operation, only to exercise supervisory rights.

This is just to prevent the Alliance from going astray, or being used by those with boundless ambition!

Therefore, today, here, the three generals will not enter the venue but will watch and listen from the clouds above, doing what we can to hear your requests.

May the Immortal Alliance prosper, protecting the Dao and guarding all living beings!”

Many immortals shouted together: “May the Immortal Alliance prosper, protecting the Dao and guarding all living beings!”

Li Changgeng nodded in approval, raising his hand in a welcoming gesture;

The three heavenly generals he had instructed along the way bowed to all directions, then rode the cloud with Li Changgeng, flying above the lotus platform.

Li Changgeng condensed a white cloud, brought out four chairs, and sat down with the three heavenly generals.

At this time, the crowd saw…

Above the lotus platform was the Flying Platform, and above the Flying Platform was the Cloud Platform.

Whether intentionally or not, the four Heavenly Court envoys sat in positions above and behind Burning Lamp…

The hierarchy was clear at a glance.

Li Changgeng shook his whisk, his voice reaching for thousands of miles: “Everyone please enter and find your seats.

For good fortune, if we can avoid sitting in the west, let’s not sit there.”

The crowd of immortals responded in unison, tens of thousands of immortals descending their clouds toward three sides of the precious lotus platform.

The east side was somewhat crowded, the south and north were fairly spacious, and of those several hundred immortals originally sitting in the western direction, most showed hesitation, with a small half standing up and hurrying with lowered heads to other positions.

This power was held firmly;

Yet this person had not entered the game.

But Li Changgeng also noticed… Burning Lamp sat on the Alliance Leader’s position without speaking, his expression normal now, clearly having anticipated such a situation.

His immortal awareness swept over White Marsh and Jiu Wu mixing among the immortals, and Li Changgeng’s heart immediately settled.

With White Marsh here, he could warn of danger, adding another layer of insurance.