At the Immortal Alliance Conference venue.

The venue was lively for a moment before quickly falling silent.

The immortals representing various forces sat in an orderly fashion on the south, north, and east sides.

Whether calculated beforehand by Li Changgeng or by coincidence, the meditation cushions and low tables on three sides were exactly filled, leaving those several hundred immortals who had been led to the western side with nowhere to move.

These several hundred immortals ‘supporting’ Burning Lamp were deliberately sent here by the Western Teaching, intentionally showing their stance early.

Li Changgeng naturally knew there must be more ‘spies’ from the Western Teaching mixed throughout.

They were waiting for suitable opportunities to dissolve this Immortal Alliance;

Or perhaps to lurk within the Alliance for other purposes.

Human hearts are hidden behind belly skin.

Even with repeated scrutiny by Li Changgeng and Ling E, they couldn’t determine whether the forces they had contacted over the past decade had Western Teaching backgrounds.

Comparatively speaking, this conference was indeed somewhat rushed.

According to normal Primordial Chaos efficiency, like the preparatory meeting before the Three Teachings Origin Conference of that year, it took a full hundred years…

Moreover, Li Changgeng’s methods for obtaining intelligence about Dao forces were limited, relying heavily on World’s Edge Pavilion, his foundation in the Three Thousand Worlds too shallow.

After the great lotus platform had completely quieted down, a woman with graceful bearing and conservative dress slowly ascended the ‘Flying Platform’, standing beside Burning Lamp’s giant portrait.

She gently parted her vermillion lips, her gentle voice reaching everywhere, like mountain springs trickling and gentle winds brushing forests, every word flowing from her lips was round and full, her speech unhurried yet naturally drawing people to listen attentively.

In two words – professional.

This immortal maiden spoke:

“Distinguished experts from over three hundred Great Thousand Worlds, this humble one is Bing Qingyue, fortunate to receive Lord Water God’s appreciation, here to make simple introductions for everyone.

Lord Water God in the clouds needs no extensive introduction, as everyone gathered here today must have had exchanges with him.

In case some are unfamiliar, let us first introduce the Alliance Leader behind me.”

As she spoke, this immortal maiden took out a small folding fan, stepped aside, and continued in her soft voice:

“The story begins from the time of heaven and earth’s creation, in the Primordial Awakening Cave of Spirit Vulture Mountain.

Our Alliance Leader cultivated and attained the Dao, transforming into a long-life immortal, awakening from that unique Spirit Coffin in the world, roaming freely in ancient heaven and earth, befriending various great powers and those with great divine abilities, seeking truth and discussing the Dao…”

This woman was also formidable.

From her mouth, even Burning Lamp’s wanderings through heaven and earth in ancient times could be described so vividly.

These stories weren’t fabricated, all being anecdotes Burning Lamp had mentioned to others or recorded in ancient texts, carefully compiled by Li Changgeng through mobilizing Heavenly Court deities.

It was giving face to the Enlightenment Sect, praising their Vice Sect Master on such an occasion.

Burning Lamp sat there in silence, showing no emotion.

Instead, Zhao Gongming, waiting below the Flying Platform, couldn’t help but transmit a message to Li Changgeng:

“Where did you find this immortal maiden, Changgeng? She’s quite eloquent.”

Li Changgeng smiled calmly, transmitting back: “Found talent nearby in World’s Edge Pavilion.”

Zhao Gongming was somewhat puzzled and transmitted to Lu Yue beside him.

After all, in the Severing Sect, no one understood World’s Edge Pavilion better than Lu Yue.

Lu Yue, holding back laughter, transmitted to Zhao Gongming:

“In World’s Edge Secret Realm, before a woman of both talent and beauty first receives guests, there’s a celebratory feast introducing her, and this Bing Qingyue hosts such feasts.

Through her clever tongue, we who experience karmic tribulations often end up spending several or dozens of times more spirit stones.”

Zhao Gongming pondered carefully, his mouth corners twitching involuntarily.

Lu Yue added: “Senior Brother, don’t mind, Changgeng only saw that Bing Qingyue had good bearing and exceptional speech, having her do the opening.

Though we don’t get along with Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp and dislike him, we wouldn’t take such small advantages in secret.”

“No,” Zhao Gongming shook his head, “Junior Brother, you still don’t understand Changgeng.”

Lu Yue seemed to want to say something but hesitated, wanting to say he and Changgeng were close friends, but such words reached his lips and couldn’t be directly stated.

After all, he couldn’t beat Senior Brother Gongming.

By this time, Bing Qingyue had finished introducing Burning Lamp, though speaking flowery words, she hadn’t said much content.

She changed her tone, calling out:

“Next, please welcome three great persons from the Severing Sect, who will serve as the Alliance’s First, Second, and Third Vice Leaders – please welcome Supreme Mother Golden Spirit, Senior Gongming, and Senior Lu Yue!”

Supreme Mother Golden Spirit, Zhao Gongming, and Lu Yue calmly rose on their clouds, but just as they flew to the Flying Cloud Platform, Golden Spirit turned her cloud and flew to the rightmost end of the two rows of chairs, calmly taking her seat.

Zhao Gongming cupped his hands to those around before going beside Golden Spirit;

Lu Yue looked at the positions to Burning Lamp’s left and right, also cupped his hands in greeting to all directions, then went to Zhao Gongming’s side.

Bing Qingyue reacted swiftly, immediately smiling and saying: “Today’s seating is arranged from right to left in sequence.”

But Golden Spirit said: “We three came only to assist, not to interfere with specific Alliance matters, and this poor Daoist doesn’t wish to sit too close to Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp.”

Bing Qingyue smiled: “Senior speaks frankly indeed.

As Lord Water God said earlier, the Alliance Leader and the first few Vice Leaders all came to assist us.

Alliance matters will still be managed by the twelve Vice Leaders elected later.”

At this point, all the immortals understood clearly what was happening –

Burning Lamp was the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Sect Master, not on good terms with the three disciples of the Severing Sect’s Sage, but for Lord Water God’s sake, they would work together for the Immortal Alliance.

Whether there were other calculations or considerations within, the vast majority of immortals here didn’t understand.

At most, they had only heard that Vice Sect Master Burning Lamp liked to fan flames, and there were conflicts between the Severing Sect and Enlightenment Sect;

While Water God, as one of only two disciples of the Human Teaching Sage Lord, should be trying to maintain a balance between them.

Bing Qingyue didn’t introduce the three immortals Zhao Gongming further but began speaking about the harm of the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom and the evil of the Western Teaching.

More cultivators who had been bullied by Western Teaching forces stood up to testify, the atmosphere becoming increasingly heated, the emotions of the crowd being continuously stirred up…

Just as the conference was progressing smoothly, preparing to enter the election of twelve Vice Leaders, a figure approached on a cloud from the horizon.

She had a dignified bearing and beautiful features, emanating a faint auspicious light, wearing a dark cyan Daoist robe and common immortal maiden ornaments of Primordial Chaos, but her bearing was incomparable to ordinary immortal maidens.

Li Changgeng transmitted a few instructions to Bing Qingyue, who changed her tone, first pausing various matters to wait for the arrival.

It was Compassionate Sailing Daoist of the Enlightenment Sect’s Twelve Golden Immortals.

Earlier, Burning Lamp had sent word saying Compassionate Sailing Daoist also wished to come to the Alliance, hoping to receive the same treatment as Zhao Gongming and others, and Li Changgeng naturally wouldn’t refuse.

Presumably, Burning Lamp also wanted to avoid awkwardness, bring an ally, and leave some room for maneuver.

With the Compassionate Sailing Daoist’s arrival, under Bing Qingyue’s introduction, she smoothly took the fourth chair, becoming the fourth-ranked Vice Leader.

What Li Changgeng found interesting was that Compassionate Sailing Daoists looked at the seats beside Burning Lamp, then at the seats of the three Severing Sect senior brothers and sisters, and finally…

Bowed to Burning Lamp and sat beside Lu Yue.

This left Li Changgeng somewhat puzzled, raising slight suspicion in his heart…

A heavenly general transmitted from the side: “Lord Water God, are we just sitting here?”

“No hurry,” Li Changgeng’s gaze fell on the crowd below, “Today a Western Teaching Sage disciple will certainly appear, the battle to be fought is still ahead.”

The heavenly general blinked, transmitting: “Lord Water God, this subordinate is not skilled in debate.”

“No matter,” Li Changgeng smiled quite kindly, saying no more, his gaze continuing to move through the crowd of immortals below.

At worst estimate, perhaps two-tenths of the immortals and forces here had connections to the Western Teaching or had been ‘bought’ by them in these ten years.

Never underestimating opponents could be considered one of Li Changgeng’s great ‘merits’.

Of course, sometimes this led to battling wits with thin air, which could only be called…

Unavoidable.

The reason Li Changgeng calculated so much this time was simply to transform what was destined to be a bloody open war into a more difficult shadow war.

The benefit was ensuring the Immortal Alliance could be established smoothly;

The drawback was missing an opportunity to intensify conflicts between the various Dao forces and Western Teaching.

By now, the Western Teaching hadn’t adopted aggressive tactics, and the various forces had initial acceptance of the Alliance…

Li Changgeng’s confidence in successfully establishing the Alliance today reached ninety-five or six percent.

Who would come today?

Li Changgeng kept pondering in his heart, though wanting to say ‘whoever comes, comes’, but still needed to be more steady.

…

“Master White, don’t you think Burning Lamp sitting there must feel awkward?” Jiu Wu transmitted in a mutter.

Beside him, White Marsh stroked his goatee with light laughter, not answering.

By now, Bing Qingyue had begun hosting the Vice Leader election process, starting with the ‘Seventh’ Vice Leader position, deliberately leaving the ‘Fifth’ and ‘Sixth’ positions empty.

The first elected was naturally World’s Edge Pavilion’s Master, Bian Zhuang’s grandmother, Elder Lady Bian.

This elder lady was also an industry veteran, and the first leader of a Three Thousand Worlds force to turn toward the Heavenly Court, most suitable for this position.

To consolidate this elder lady’s authority, Li Changgeng had arranged several previous contacts between Elder Lady Bian and other immortals capable of serving as Vice Leaders.

Besides Elder Lady Bian, the Alliance’s Vice Leader selection considered first one’s reputation, second one’s power and backing forces;

Having an irreconcilable grudge against Western Teaching was also a bonus point.

Of course, with Li Changgeng present, there was also a [Immortal Alliance Leadership Great Dao Oath Template – Concise Edition].

Though this made the Vice Leader selection process more complex, it gave the crowd peace of mind.

On the Flying Platform, chairs were gradually occupied, Great Dao power coming and going, and immortal scholars speaking endlessly.

After three days and nights total, the sun and moon rotating three times, all twelve executive Vice Leaders were complete.

Among them, eight were previously determined by Li Changgeng, the other four positions were deliberately left by Li Changgeng as room for flexibility, not completely blocking this opportunity.

However, what somewhat depressed Li Changgeng was…

Among these twelve veterans, nine were women, though fortunately, most were elderly or middle-aged in appearance.

After these twelve executive Vice Leaders took the stage in succession, each delivering speeches of varying lengths, the conference progressed to its most crucial step!

That Bing Qingyue lived up to the word ‘professional’, showing no fatigue after hosting for three days and three nights, and following Lord Water God’s previous instructions, said softly:

“Alliance Leader Burning Lamp, would you please announce the official formation of the Three Thousand Worlds’ Great Dao Alliance Against the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom!”

“Very well.”

Burning Lamp slowly rose, and Li Changgeng’s eyes on the cloud above showed a trace of expectation.

This was already the best opportunity for Western Teaching to make their move, and they likely wouldn’t let it pass…

Indeed.

After rising, Burning Lamp slowly ascended, flying up dozens of zhang, his gaze sweeping around, speaking indifferently:

“Today the Immortal Alliance is established, taking the elimination of the Mortal Faith Divine Kingdom as its duty, for the sake of all living beings under heaven.”

The venue was first quiet, then those several hundred immortals seated in the western direction began shouting enthusiastically.

At this moment, a somewhat grating voice rang in the ears of tens of thousands of immortals:

“How noble, ‘for the sake of all living beings.’ They say we of the Western Teaching have thick skin, but seeing today, we’re still not comparable to you all and Alliance Leader Burning Lamp!”

A great weight finally lifted from Li Changgeng’s heart.

They had come, Burning Lamp’s straight man… ahem!

In any case, it was someone from the Western Teaching.

Burning Lamp immediately frowned and replied: “Since you’ve come, why not show yourself? Is the Western Teaching only comprised of such timid folk?”

“Hahaha!”

A great laugh rang out from among those several hundred immortals in the west, a middle-aged male immortal stood up, slight mist rising around him, his features beginning to change rapidly…

Whoosh! Slash!

This middle-aged male immortal couldn’t react at all, blood blossoming on his chest, as he looked down at the hole in his chest with some bewilderment.

Just now, a ‘Changshou Lock’ had flown over, piercing his chest, and vanishing extremely quickly.

Li Changgeng spoke from the cloud above, saying indifferently: “The Western Teaching indeed snuck in spies. Alliance Leader Burning Lamp, please continue.”

However, just as Li Changgeng’s words fell, that middle-aged male immortal slowly raised his head, his mouth corners showing a faint cold smile.

The wound in his chest was rapidly condensing, his body becoming semi-transparent; though his primordial spirit should have been shattered, he seemed unaffected now.

Instantly, most of the immortals in the venue stood up, grabbing various magical treasures, ready to smash this person to bits.

This middle-aged male immortal first laughed several times, then said steadily:

“What’s this, Water God doesn’t even dare let me speak?

This is merely an avatar of mine, also learning from the Water God, having made such preparations.”

Li Changgeng replied: “When words don’t match, half a sentence is too many. How could I let you spread demonic words to deceive the crowd!”

After speaking, Li Changgeng was about to invoke his treasure again.

At this time, however, Burning Lamp spoke: “Water God, don’t be hasty. Why not give him a chance to speak, so everyone present can see clearly what kind of face the Western Teaching shows.”

Originally, Zhao Gongming, Lu Yue, and others familiar with Li Changgeng thought he would certainly ignore this and continue striking decisively.

But Li Changgeng now put away the heart-piercing lock and smiled:

“Since Alliance Leader Burning Lamp speaks up for him, let him speak then.

However, Alliance Leader Burning Lamp should remember, after he speaks, kill him – being able to destroy one of their avatars can still reduce their fighting power somewhat.”

Burning Lamp smiled and agreed, while that middle-aged Daoist had now changed his appearance, transforming into an elder with graying hair wearing a cloak, riding a cloud to fly before the Flying Platform, facing the gathered immortals.

Burning Lamp asked: “Who might friend Dao be?”

The old Daoist smiled slightly: “Spirit Mountain, Virtual Bodhi.”

The tens of thousands of immortals erupted in a ‘buzz’, turning into a market of immortal stalls.

Burning Lamp’s eyes immediately blazed with golden light as he cursed: “The chief culprit of these crimes, how dare you come here to cause trouble!”

Supreme Mother Golden Spirit, Zhao Gongming, and Lu Yue had wanted to act long ago but were stopped by Li Changgeng’s transmitted message, letting Virtual Bodhi’s avatar jump around a bit more.

Virtual Bodhi declared loudly: “Today this poor Daoist appears seeking peace!”

With these words, the various immortal scholars showed different expressions, while Burning Lamp frowned deeply, not saying more, seemingly weighing and considering.

Supreme Mother Golden Spirit’s mouth corners twitched, but she wasn’t impulsive now, even slightly turning sideways, resting her arm on the stone chair’s armrest, leisurely listening.

Hoping for a chance to cut someone down later.

That Virtual Bodhi clasped his hands behind his back, slowly rising on his white cloud, level with Burning Lamp, raised his head to look at Li Changgeng in the high clouds, and continued:

“What an ironic scene this is.

The Heavenly Court deities sit high in the clouds above, casually claiming supervisory authority, making various immortal scholars work for the Heavenly Court, while the Heavenly Court itself bears no karma, and carries none of the karmic obstacles here.

Water God lives up to his name, his methods so brilliant they make us sigh in admiration.

But everyone!

Will the Heavenly Court truly give you what the Water God promised?

Must the Three Thousand Worlds become dependent on the Five Continents?

Do you truly know what the Heavenly Court and this Water God want to do!”

The crowd of immortals fell silent, but Li Changgeng spoke gently:

“Oh? Please enlighten us.”

Virtual Bodhi’s gaze showed some wariness as he continued passionately…

“You should all know, that the Heavenly Court and our West previously competed for the fate of great prosperity, our Western Teaching reacted too slowly, letting the Heavenly Court gain the upper hand.

For its great prosperity, the Heavenly Court has now turned its gaze to the Three Thousand Worlds.

You choose to oppose our Western Teaching because our Western Teaching’s power in the Three Thousand Worlds threatens you all.

The great tribulation now sweeping across all of Primordial Chaos came from the Heavenly Court, initiated by the Jade Emperor!

And the Heavenly Court gathering various Dao forces, establishing such an alliance – is it truly to uphold justice for you all?

Ridiculous!

The Heavenly Court merely considers its interests, with even more calculations within!

They want to throw the Three Thousand Worlds into chaos without expending a single soldier, reducing the power of the Three Thousand Worlds’ cultivators!

Have you all forgotten that the Southern Continent is where human fate gathers?

If not to cut off our Western foundation for great prosperity, why would the Heavenly Court care about those present here?

But today, our Western Teaching is willing to compromise. This poor Daoist can swear an oath promising that besides existing Mortal Faith Divine Kingdoms, we will not expand any more Mortal Faith Divine Kingdoms!”

With these words, three or four out of ten immortal scholars showed changes in expression.

Virtual Bodhi looked at Li Changgeng, originally wanting to wait for Li Changgeng to speak before counterattacking, but now seeing…

Li Changgeng had closed his eyes to rest, his expression quite relaxed.

Hmph!

Virtual Bodhi changed his tone immediately, continuing:

“Our Western Teaching established Mortal Faith Divine Kingdoms merely to stabilize our teaching’s fate!

The Dao Sect is strong, the West poor – everyone should know this.

For this, our Western Teaching had no choice but to take some extreme measures, offending many of you.

This poor Daoist dares not hope for forgiveness from fellow Daoists, but also asks fellow Daoists to think carefully about what they, the Heavenly Court, truly want!

Is it fate?

Is it merit?

Is it treasure?

No, the Heavenly Court doesn’t lack these things. What they want is righteousness! Is order!

Righteousness lies not with you and me, not with immortal sects, not with various immortal countries, not with cultivators who can move mountains and fill seas, but with those mortals who pass through the mortal realm in a hurry with their hundred years of life!

And once the order the Heavenly Court pursues is established, it means the forces behind you all will either be purged or dismantled – you and I will have no way to survive!

The Heavenly Court, from the Jade Emperor and Water God to those heavenly generals and soldiers, speak of the living beings of the Three Realms with their mouths closed, treating you the same as mortals in fate no matter how high your talent or deep your blessed fate!

Even worse than a mortal!

If the Heavenly Court gains power in the Three Thousand Worlds, establishes a firm foothold, and all our Western Teaching’s Mortal Faith Divine Kingdoms are defeated, who will they target then?

You all!

Among forces that can dominate a region, how many can say they haven’t damaged private virtue?

At that time, you will become enemies of the Heavenly Court – what kind of fate awaits you then?

Don’t forget, that there must be a distinction between immortals and mortals.

The Heavenly Way wants heaven and earth’s stability, the Heavenly Court will always stand on the mortals’ side!

And you all are merely pieces in the Heavenly Court’s – merely this Water God’s – game to achieve their so-called ideals, stepping stones to prove the Dao, pieces that can be discarded at any time!

Today, our Western Teaching knows the Heavenly Court’s great momentum is hard to resist, yet we’re unwilling to quietly await slaughter, thus seeking reconciliation with various forces of the Alliance.

The forces of the Three Thousand Worlds should unite to resist the reaching arms of the Heavenly Court!”

As Virtual Bodhi’s words fell, five or six out of ten immortal scholars showed changes in their state of mind.

“Alas…”

A long sigh came from the clouds above as Li Changgeng stood up, looking down intently at Virtual Bodhi’s avatar.

Virtual Bodhi spoke indifferently: “Does the Water God think all immortals under heaven must sacrifice their lives for righteousness, abandon their freedom for mortals’ sake?”

Li Changgeng instead said: “Friend Dao is indeed formidable, able to speak such cold-blooded and indifferent words with such righteousness and neither humility nor arrogance.

However, I truly feel pain for Friend Earth Treasury.

That day before the Reincarnation Tower, you must have been there too – with such eloquence, yet you only watched coldly, letting Friend Earth Treasury sink step by step… The Western Teaching’s brotherly harmony has truly opened our eyes.

This debate has brought us to today.

Fellow immortal scholars, would you hear one more word from me?”