Below the now quiet and cold Great Lotus Platform, above the rippling water’s surface, a white cloud drifted slowly from north to south.

Li Changshou maintained his elderly immortal appearance with white eyebrows and hair, and his distance from Compassionate Navigation Daoist…

Was a full seven chi!

He kept his eyes straight ahead and his ears closed to unnecessary sounds. Although he had raised a barrier of immortal power around them, this barrier was transparent and clear, unlikely to cause any misunderstandings.

At the edge of the lotus platform, Zhao Gongming crossed his arms and asked puzzledly: “Junior Brother Lu Yue, why do you think Junior Sister Compassionate Navigation would seek to be alone with Changxu?”

“Senior Brother, I truly don’t know about this either.”

Lu Yue sighed and said: “I’ve only heard people say that among the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Enlightened Immortal Sect, Junior Sister Compassionate Navigation is gentle and upright, with admirable cultivation attainment.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother snorted: “Nothing good will come of it anyway.”

“Indeed,” Zhao Gongming said, “Things are becoming clear now—Changxu is the main force of this great tribulation.

Changxu is both a disciple of the Dao Sect and a deity of the Celestial Court; even the Heavenly Dao Lord owes him merit. The relationships are almost impossible to untangle. It’s only natural that the Enlightened Immortal Sect wants to draw him in.”

Hearing this, Lu Yue also began to worry: “Could it be that the Enlightened Immortal Sect wants to…”

Zhao Gongming and Golden Spirit Holy Mother exchanged glances, their expressions becoming serious, taking this matter quite seriously.

Elder Zhao said in a deep voice: “Junior Brother Lu Yue, let me ask you something, and you must answer honestly.”

“Just ask, Senior Brother Gongming. I’ll tell you everything I know.”

Zhao Gongming asked quietly: “That Horizon Mystery Realm, actually…”

Shing!

Golden Spirit Holy Mother’s treasure sword unsheathed three inches, her beautiful eyes full of warning.

Zhao Gongming’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and he smoothly changed course: “Has Changxu ever made any mistakes?”

“How could he make mistakes?”

Lu Yue hurriedly said: “Senior Brother, I can guarantee with my dao heart that in all these years in the Horizon Mystery Realm, Changxu has never touched any immortal maiden.

Even Old Lady Bian, who is today’s seventh-ranked Vice Leader and Master of Horizon Palace, sent people several times to ask if we should arrange some entertainment for Changxu, to help him relax from his busy official duties. I refused every time!

Changxu stays in the Horizon Mystery Realm to accomplish great things, for the sake of all living beings!”

Zhao Gongming nodded with satisfaction, “And then?”

Lu Yue’s old face reddened: “Old Lady Bian was too enthusiastic, arranging something for me every time…”

Clang!

Golden Spirit Holy Mother fully drew her sword, waves rippling along its blade;

Lu Yue shrank his neck, tightly pressed his legs together, and instinctively hid behind Zhao Gongming.

“Hmph!”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother sheathed her sword and looked down at the scene below.

Zhao Gongming clasped his hands behind his back and bumped shoulders with Lu Yue, who let out a long sigh of relief and stood nervously to the side.

Consider Lu Yue, the Severing Sect’s foremost poison expert—leaving aside battling great powers and top experts, his poison pills could lay waste to batches of Golden Immortals.

But before the Eight Great Disciples of the Severing Sect…

He was just a junior brother.

Just then, a flash of golden light streaked across the sky as Golden-Winged Great Peng returned, landing beside Zhao Gongming and the others, not going down to disturb those below.

Zhao Gongming asked: “Did you find Xu Puti’s whereabouts?”

“No,” Golden-Winged Great Peng shook his head in disappointment, “Seemed to be just a bit short—he escaped ahead of time.”

Master Water God had said it would be a great achievement.

“He is indeed a formidable character.”

Zhao Gongming gazed at the now westward-slanting sun and sighed: “Earlier when he made his move, I was truly worried for Changxu.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother said: “We should have killed his avatar right when it appeared.”

But Lu Yue said: “Senior Sister, Changxu likely wanted to use this villain’s pressure to smoothly speak those earlier words, thereby making the various forces of the Immortal Alliance completely give their hearts to the cause.”

“Is that so?”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother said somewhat dismissively: “I thought Changxu almost got too clever for his good.”

Zhao Gongming smiled and said: “Changxu is resourceful and rarely miscalculates.”

“Indeed!”

Golden-Winged Great Peng praised from the side: “Master is the wisest person I’ve ever met in my life!”

The three Severing Sect leaders each showed knowing smiles.

Zhao Gongming smiled and said:

“These days, every time the Western Faith schemes, they almost lose a sage disciple.

Now that Xu Puti is entangled by tribulation fate and wanted throughout the Three Realms by the Celestial Court, who knows what will become of him?

What are they still fighting for? They should just quietly wait for the great tribulation to fall.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother showed a faint smile: “If truly every time the Western Faith schemes, one of their sage disciples gets outmaneuvered by Changxu, that wouldn’t be bad at all.”

Lu Yue pondered for a moment, then said: “Judging from Xu Puti’s words today, the Western Faith still has quite a few capable people. We mustn’t be careless.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother looked down at Li Changshou and Compassionate Navigation, who had been talking for a while on the water’s surface.

At this moment, Li Changshou was frowning in thought, seemingly encountering something troubling; while beside him, Compassionate Navigation Daoist’s eyes showed slight guilt.

“What exactly are they talking about?” Golden Spirit Holy Mother seemed quite curious.

Just as Zhao Gongming was about to take out several treasure items he had wheedled from Senior Brother Duobao for eavesdropping;

Below, Li Changshou said a few words to the Compassionate Navigation Daoist, who smiled and agreed, made another Daoist salute to Li Changshou, and then turned and left on a cloud, leaving only a slight sigh.

Li Changshou returned the salute to Compassionate Navigation Daoist’s departing figure, also giving a half-sigh, before returning to the lotus platform on his cloud.

“What happened?” Zhao Gongming asked directly.

“Some matters concerning the Enlightened Immortal Sect,” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Nothing major. Let’s return to the Five Continents.

Today the Immortal Alliance has been established, and we’ve crossed the most difficult step. From now on, they’ll need to operate on their own…

Senior Brother Lu Yue, might I trouble you with an important matter?”

Lu Yue perked up and smiled: “Just say it directly, what’s this talk of trouble?”

“I may need you to permanently station yourself at the Horizon Mystery Realm,” Li Changshou said seriously.

Hearing this, Lu Yue was initially delighted, but then he saw the senior brother and sister behind Li Changshou, especially Golden Spirit Holy Mother’s sharp gaze…

“Well,” Lu Yue showed difficulty and said quietly: “Changxu, Junior Brother, your elder brother also needs… needs to rest sometimes.”

Hmm?

Suddenly he understood why there was a treasured medicine called “Unmoved While Sitting Together Pills”!

Li Changshou frowned and said: “I’m worried the Western Faith will cause trouble at the Horizon Mystery Realm later, and it will become a place where various forces of the Immortal Alliance exchange information.

Without Senior Brother Lu Yue guarding it, it would truly cause many problems.”

“Ahem, since it’s for official business—”

Lu Yue dragged out the words, weakly glancing at Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

“Why look at me?” Golden Spirit Holy Mother said indifferently, “Just be more careful in your actions outside. Your reputation is growing now, and your every move represents the bearing of our Severing Sect’s sage disciples.

If too many rumors spread outside, don’t blame me for disciplining you then!”

“Yes, yes, Senior Sister, please rest assured, I definitely won’t let any news spread out…”

“Oh?”

“I, Lu Yue, will not do anything to shame our Severing Sect’s reputation!”

That day, when Lu Yue made this promise, he was resolute and completely serious;

If Li Changshou’s paper avatar hadn’t witnessed it personally—Lu Yue barely sitting in meditation for two days before accidentally entering a tower full of fluttering beauties in red and green—Li Changshou might have believed him…

The Immortal Alliance meeting ended with tension but no danger. Lu Yue returned to guard the Horizon Mystery Realm, while Baize and Jiuwu had already retreated with the crowds.

The Celestial Temple had now entered a period of rapid development, and with Baize in charge, Li Changshou felt somewhat at ease.

Currently, the Western Faith’s attention in the Three Thousand Worlds was focused on the Immortal Alliance—this had been Li Changshou’s primary goal, and it could now be considered perfectly achieved.

Taking advantage of Golden-Winged Great Peng’s speed, at Golden Spirit Holy Mother’s suggestion, they once again visited various Divine Nations of Incense and Fire established by the Western Faith, causing destruction and killing experts.

Only when Golden Spirit Holy Mother lost interest did they finally set course for home.

One month after the successful conclusion of the Immortal Alliance meeting, at the Sea God Temple’s back hall on the South Sea shore.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother took her leave cheerfully, departing first.

Zhao Gongming, still not entirely at ease, made an excuse to stay for tea. After deliberately sending Golden-Winged Great Peng away, he asked Li Changshou once more:

“What exactly did that Enlightened Immortal Sect’s Junior Sister Compassionate Navigation want from you earlier?”

Li Changshou smiled and sighed: “It was very simple—she spoke on Dipankara’s behalf, wanting me to stop targeting him in the future. I didn’t agree.”

“That’s all?”

“That’s all,” Li Changshou said seriously, “I’ve only met Compassionate Navigation twice—what else could there be?”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and sighed long: “Then this old brother can rest easy. I shall take my leave, take my leave!”

Li Changshou could only shake his head.

What kind of person did they take him for?

After Zhao Gongming left, Li Changshou specifically summoned Golden-Winged Great Peng and asked: “Golden Peng, look at me—do I seem like someone who would be casually moved by feminine charms?”

Golden-Winged Great Peng smiled and said: “Master, you jest. How could you be bewitched by feminine charms?”

“How about this?”

Li Changshou turned around, transforming into a young Daoist appearance, seven parts similar to his original form.

Golden-Winged Great Peng hummed thoughtfully, he…

Clearly showed some hesitation and doubt.

…

Although Li Changshou had participated throughout the process of ‘taming’ Golden-Winged Great Peng and held five or six parts of trust in him;

He still couldn’t let Golden-Winged Great Peng detect the whereabouts of his true body.

After Golden-Winged Great Peng returned to cultivate at the Celestial Court’s Water God Palace, Li Changshou first took a tour of the South Sea, checking on the ‘fish’ life there in passing, then wandering around outside heaven for a couple of rounds before quietly returning to Little Qiong Peak.

He had been away for quite some time, and Li Changshou thought Ling’e would be worried.

But when he quietly returned to Little Qiong Peak, he found Ling’e happily swinging on a swing with Bear Lingli near the spirit beast enclosure…

A certain Celestial Court Water God silently took out the diagram of Little Qiong Peak’s compound formation, preparing to have Ling’e review her lessons later, requiring her to complete it in one stroke!

Now, regarding the Immortal Alliance’s affairs.

Over the next two years, the Western Faith was not peaceful at all.

Openly, the various Divine Nations of Incense and Fire tightened their defenses without expanding their sphere of influence;

The Western Faith’s originally scattered forces quickly gathered into the various Divine Nations of Incense and Fire, consolidating their defenses.

Under the Celestial Court Water God’s ‘guidance,’ the Immortal Alliance side trained immortal soldiers and gathered experts, beginning to prepare for the first great battle.

But in secret, the Western Faith’s schemes of cheating and stealing never stopped for a day, constantly attempting to break apart the Immortal Alliance through sneak attacks, bribery, division, and sowing discord—using every possible means.

The Immortal Alliance side, still under the Celestial Court Water God’s ‘guidance,’ began promoting the Celestial Court’s divine worship, gradually eroding from the edges of various Divine Nations of Incense and Fire.

Competing for worshippers from the Divine Nations of Incense and Fire could both shake their foundations and prevent these mortals from suffering collapsed faith and tragedy.

Both sides continuously clashed openly and secretly, though the Western Faith’s sage disciples had completely vanished from sight, and few experts were seen in the various Divine Nations of Incense and Fire.

During these two years, Wenjing Daoists came once to the Sea God Temple to pass information, delivering quite valuable news.

—Many Western Faith experts had entered the Blood Sea, seemingly searching for some treasure.

Li Changshou quickly thought of that blood-colored lotus…

Unfortunately, Wenjing Daoist only half-understood this matter, as the Western Faith hadn’t let her, who came from the Blood Sea, join this search.

Regarding this, Li Changshou could only tell Wenjing Daoist not to worry about it, as he had his own plans.

The Three Human Sect Treasures—the Taiji Diagram, the Qiankun Ruler, and the Xuanhuang Pagoda—had accompanied him for two years; even when he previously placed the treasures before his master’s portrait, his master hadn’t taken them back.

This was quite telling.

Also because of this, Little Qiong Peak, which had become somewhat quiet due to Baize, Jiujiu, and others going to manage the Celestial Temple, was very lively these two years.

Li Changshou and Ling’e’s spirit platforms had become like two ‘chat groups,’ with the Taiji Diagram, Qiankun Ruler, Xuanhuang Pagoda, Heart-Piercing Lock, and Flame Light Banner chatting about everything daily.

They discussed interesting stories from the sages’ early years, talked about spiritual treasures they had fought against, and debated the spirituality of various treasures.

Though this opened Li Changshou and Ling’e’s eyes, listening for long periods was quite exhausting.

Especially since Master Pagoda kept urging Li Changshou to bring over the混元金斗 and the Golden Crocodile Scissors to live together, expanding the size of the spiritual treasure chat group;

Fortunately, Li Changshou’s self-control was exceptional.

Considering the upcoming great tribulation from various angles, the current stage was indeed unsuitable for entering a passionate state with Fairy Yunxiao, to prevent her from being distracted during the great tribulation or being exploited by the tribulation fate.

On this day, Li Changshou was refining pills in the pill room, holding a porcelain bottle containing Lu Yue’s “Unmoved While Sitting Together Pills,” carefully analyzing their medicinal properties.

It was truly a “divine pill” with “tactical value” equal to his heart-burning technique!

If used together with the Hundred Beauties series magical items, it might even purify the ‘evil qi’ in Senior Brother Lu Yue’s divine soul!

After careful consideration, Li Changshou put away these pills and stared at the jumping furnace fire in the black pill furnace, somewhat lost in thought…

Should he go into closed cultivation for a period, quietly waiting for the Purple Void Palace to discuss the God-Conferring?

Trees desire calm but the wind doesn’t stop—the Western Faith would surely cause more trouble next, as the current situation was quite unfavorable to them.

Regarding that blood-colored lotus matter, although Li Changshou didn’t want to actively participate, he remained very concerned.

Based on the information obtained so far, he could deduce that that blood-colored lotus should be from a lotus seed of the destroyed Twelve-Petaled Karma Fire Lotus, Ancestor Minghe’s backup plan for resurrection.

According to Wenjing’s report, the Western Faith possessed one seed of the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus, which was the main reason the Asura Race had joined the Western Faith.

But the Western Faith would never easily hand over the seed.

—Ancestor Minghe had once defied heaven; helping him resurrect would surely invite boundless karmic retribution.

Further considering that the Western Faith was also likely searching for this lotus’s whereabouts, it was probably not the Western Faith manipulating things behind the scenes.

Then, where did this blood lotus come from? And who was scheming behind it?

Is the Asura Race acting on its own?

Even more impossible.

Now that the great tribulation’s fate had descended, how many kicks from a donkey would it take for the Asura Race to let their ancestor resurrect during the great tribulation…

For a long time, Li Changshou’s attention had been shifting between the Dao Sect, Western Faith, and Celestial Court;

But regarding this blood lotus matter, Li Changshou felt he must step outside the original framework and maintain several parts of vigilance.

“Let’s observe the situation for now.”

Li Changshou gave a light laugh and began reducing the furnace fire, preparing to collect the pills.

Just then, a force of the Heavenly Dao condensed in the Crossing Immortal Gate, making Li Changshou’s hand shake, nearly ruining a furnace of spirit pills.

This was?

Li Changshou looked toward the gourd-shaped peak surrounded by the Heavenly Dao’s power, revealing a slight smile.

Elder Wan had finally broken through.

…

Meanwhile, in a secret realm somewhere on Spirit Mountain in the Western Bull Continent.

“Please save me, two masters! Please save me!”

Before the treasure appearances of two sages, an old Daoist with gray-white hair continuously kowtowed, a strand of cyan-black tribulation fate exceptionally clear on his forehead.

“Alas.”

Sage Jieyin sighed, slowly closing his eyes, and said: “Junior Brother, why not pay a visit to the Celestial Court?”

“Senior Brother speaks true,” Sage Zhunti, holding a pot plant full of seven-colored divine light, smiled and said, “It’s time to visit the Celestial Court and meet today’s Jade Emperor.”