At the edge of the Five Continents of Primordial Chaos, a golden light leisurely streaked across the sky, flying toward Golden Turtle Island.

Where was the Azure Void Palace?

Li Changshou didn’t know, but following the three senior disciples of the Severing Sect, he couldn’t possibly lose his way.

Along the journey, Baize chatted enthusiastically with Zhao Gongming and Treasure Master about the art of battling gods. This Master Bai seemed to have completely forgotten that there was still a “secret organization” of the Primordial Chaos waiting for his leadership.

Glancing at Celestial Maiden Yunxiao beside him, she sat cross-legged half a zhang away, her thin skirts scattered around her as she read a book with a lowered head.

This helped conceal her earlier slight embarrassment.

As they approached Golden Turtle Island, Treasure Master stood up and took a few steps on the golden roc’s back, arriving before Li Changshou. With a wave of his sleeve, he cast out a seven-colored stream of light, opening a gateway in the space between heaven and earth.

Cloud palaces floated in ethereal golden mist, as immortals parted crystalline radiance layer by layer.

The golden roc spread its wings and flew into this gateway. The surrounding primordial qi gently trembled as they entered another small world created by a Sage, quite similar to Goddess Nüwa’s Holy Mother Palace.

However, the dao resonance flowing through this place was full of sharp edges and ringing clarity, containing an unyielding, upward-reaching intent that was particularly dazzling.

Celestial Maiden Yunxiao put away her book, rose gracefully, and softly advised Li Changshou: “When you meet my master shortly, don’t be too formal, or master won’t be pleased.”

“Alright,” Li Changshou nodded in agreement, though inwardly he smiled.

It wasn’t as if he would address Sage Tongtian as a brother, calling him “father-in-law” on one side and being called “son-in-law” on the other.

That would be far too inappropriate.

The basic courtesy of a junior generation must be observed;

The fundamental respect due to a Sage must be maintained.

The golden roc flew past layer upon layer of cloud palaces, alerting the Severing Sect immortals who had returned ahead of them. Streams of light flew toward the main hall of Azure Void Palace, with twenty or thirty figures standing before the hall.

Li Changshou’s left palm held up the Taiji Diagram, from which the red lotus slowly emerged, becoming palm-sized and slowly rotating.

There was a detail from before:

[When Red Pure Child and over twenty other masters from both sects charged into the ruins of the Ancient Asura City’s great hall, Li Changshou immediately had his paper avatar self-immolate, not participating in what followed.]

Why did he do this?

Because there was a rather thorny problem.

At that time, River of Forgetfulness Elder’s remnant soul and the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus were already under control. Should they continue letting the lotus absorb the karmic force of the Blood Sea, allowing this Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus to reach true perfection and return to its peak, or should they seal it immediately to prevent future troubles?

This question involved the conflict between the Enlightenment and Severing sects. Li Changshou truly couldn’t handle it and could only choose to remain neutral.

He had already done enough by then, without any debt or bias toward either the Enlightenment or Severing sects, doing what a disciple of the Dao School and Human Sect should do.

In the end, the immortals of both sects joined forces to seal the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus, cutting off its connection to the Blood Sea, ultimately leaving it with slightly less power than the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus of ancient times…

Li Changshou could only pretend ignorance about this, personally present the lotus to Sage Tongtian, and then take his leave.

Arriving before Azure Void Palace, several Holy Mothers led the Severing Sect immortals forward to give thanks and greetings. Li Changshou and Baize repeatedly returned the courtesies.

Qionxiao and Bixiao, who had specially come to wait here, watched Li Changshou with shining eyes.

This brother-in-law-to-be had style!

Treasure Master laughed heartily: “Master! Changgeng has brought the Red Lotus!”

A light laugh came from within the hall as Sage Tongtian’s figure gradually materialized from the clouds.

Li Changshou made a Daoist salute to the gathered Severing Sect immortals before the hall, his gaze catching sight of a middle-aged Daoist with long ears and a kindly face in the corner.

This was the Severing Sect’s greatest traitor, Long-Eared Definite Light Immortal.

“Brother-in-law!”

Qionxiao suddenly called out: “Now that you’re here at Azure Void Palace, why don’t you change from that elderly appearance!”

Hearing this, Yunxiao looked over. Qionxiao quickly shut her mouth, shrank her neck, shuffled her feet, and hid behind Zhao Gongming, completing the whole series of movements in one fluid motion.

Zhao Gongming calmly stroked his beard and smiled… then stepped sideways, exposing Qionxiao.

This matter, he – the Severing Sect’s outer door senior disciple, the chivalrous Zhao Gongming!

Cannot manage.

Just as Yunxiao was about to speak up and scold her sister, Li Changshou quickly interjected with a smile: “Age and youth are but matters of outward appearance. If the Celestial Maiden wishes to see, how could I refuse?”

With that, Li Changshou waved his fly-whisk. His white hair gradually turned black, his features transformed into an appearance of seven parts similar to his true face, his figure straightened by three parts, and his eyes contained several stars.

With Li Changshou now standing beside Celestial Maiden Yunxiao, one could truly say they were “well-matched” and praise them as “a perfect pair.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother gave a light laugh and urged: “Quickly go in, don’t keep Master waiting.”

Li Changshou accordingly entered the great hall, holding up the Red Lotus with both hands. Accompanied by Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao, he went to pay respects to the Severing Sect’s leader, Tongtian.

Baize did not enter, waiting outside with the Golden-Winged Great Roc.

In the hall, Sage Tongtian sat properly on the high platform’s throne. After all, this was Li Changshou’s first visit, so some sense of dignity was needed.

Play is play, jest is a jest, but Sage’s authority is no joke.

“Disciple Changgeng pays respects to Uncle Master Tongtian!”

“Hahahahaha!”

Sage Tongtian’s previously stern expression immediately broke down as he threw back his head in great laughter. He raised his hand to stroke his beard in a habitual gesture, then remembered he hadn’t grown one and smoothed his robe’s collar instead.

This youth who appeared to be of similar age to Li Changshou immediately stood up and declared in a clear voice:

“Nephew Changgeng, this time in the Tower of Reincarnation, you facilitated a non-aggression pact for the Dao School.

Then in the Blood Sea, you single-handedly prevented River of Forgetfulness’s resurrection, and were the first to solve the mirage difficulty, salvaging the Dao School’s reputation.

And now you’ve brought this Red Lotus to my Azure Void Palace to stabilize the Severing Sect’s destiny!

Does Nephew Changgeng have any reward he desires?

Your Uncle Master will certainly not be stingy!”

As he spoke, Sage Tongtian specifically glanced at Celestial Maiden Yunxiao. Seeing Yunxiao’s expression remain normal, his smile grew even more profound.

Li Changshou didn’t raise his head, only smiling as he said:

“Disciple was merely acting on Master’s orders and doesn’t dare ask for Uncle Master’s rewards.

Uncle Master, before coming here, the disciple first went to Supreme Clarity Observatory to pay respects to Master, then to the small courtyard behind Jade Void Palace to pay respects to Second Uncle Master, inquiring about the Red Lotus matter.

Second Uncle Master specifically instructed disciple to bring the Red Lotus to Azure Void Palace, to be used in stabilizing the Severing Sect’s destiny!”

“Oh?”

Sage Tongtian said warmly: “Did Second Elder Brother truly say so?”

“Before a Sage, disciple would not dare speak even half a false word.”

Li Changshou said seriously: “Now that the great tribulation approaches, the discussion of tribulation matters in the Purple Void Palace is imminent.

Master does not wish to see the Dao School taken advantage of by outsiders, and has repeatedly instructed disciples about this.

When Second Uncle Master was teaching disciples earlier, he also spoke of this matter…

May I ask Uncle Master’s thoughts?”

“Hahaha! Does Changgeng want this Uncle Master to make a statement?”

Sage Tongtian laughed several times, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked down the steps at a leisurely pace, saying:

“In the future, just speak directly about such matters.

If you make too many twists and turns, this Uncle Master won’t be able to understand.

Among the three leaders of the Dao School, I am the youngest, so naturally I follow my two Elder Brothers’ lead.

Whether my Second Elder Brother and I get along or not is our own business, that’s for arguing and fighting behind closed doors. If someone comes to break down our door, we naturally must first beat the person outside.”

“In that case, disciple can report back to Master with peace of mind.”

Li Changshou gently pushed the Red Lotus forward, and the Taiji Diagram retracted its yin-yang energies, returning to Li Changshou’s palm.

Sage Tongtian beckoned with his right hand, and the restrictions on the Red Lotus were unsealed layer by layer, with points of light floating around it.

Suddenly, the Red Lotus erupted with intense bloody light, and a shadow appeared before Sage Tongtian, frowning as it stared at him.

It was River of Forgetfulness Elder!

At this moment, River of Forgetfulness Elder spoke firmly:

“Friend Tongtian, do you truly not consider our shared nature as ancient beings, and instead commit this act of forceful seizure?

Search your heart – is there truly no karma between us that remains unresolved?”

Sage Tongtian’s brows furrowed slightly, with some hesitation visible in his eyes.

Just then, Celestial Maiden Yunxiao stepped forward, and from her Mixed Origin, Golden Dipper shone two golden beams that struck the River of Forgetfulness Elder’s remnant soul from behind.

The remnant soul was instantly sealed, and River of Forgetfulness Elder’s shadow transformed into a three-inch-long segment, floating in the center of the Red Lotus.

Celestial Maiden Yunxiao said softly: “Master, the great tribulation approaches.”

To the side, Golden Spirit Holy Mother drew a sword made of white jade, about to step forward and cut down this shadow on the Red Lotus.

Li Changshou immediately spoke up to remind them:

“It would be more appropriate for Uncle Master to handle this matter, as the Red Lotus and River of Forgetfulness Elder’s remnant soul have merged into one.”

Sage Tongtian pondered for a moment, folding his arms:

“What River of Forgetfulness says is correct – I have no karmic ties with him…

To directly extinguish his remnant soul and seize his treasure like this seems somewhat inappropriate.”

If someone else were in Li Changshou’s position at this moment, perhaps they would bring up the arguments that [River of Forgetfulness Elder is a great evil] or [River of Forgetfulness Elder is an existence that Heaven’s Way cannot tolerate].

But Li Changshou would never do so.

The Severing Sect’s doctrine was about seizing a lifeline for all living beings.

Why seize a lifeline?

It could be understood that while Heaven’s Way restricted, controlled, and determined the fate of living beings, the Severing Sect’s doctrine itself was filled with the spirit of ‘fighting against Heaven.’

Among the several Sages, Sage Tongtian was likely the one who cared least about Heaven’s Way.

Several ideas surfaced in Li Changshou’s mind, and he chose the most fitting and safest one, smiling as he said:

“Uncle Master, disciple dares to remind you of something.

River of Forgetfulness Elder understands your upright nature and deliberately speaks this way to seek survival.

He claims there is no karma – but is that truly so?

Disciple dares to ask further – Uncle Master, do you have a Red Lotus seed in your possession?”

“Indeed, I have one here.”

Sage Tongtian’s left hand shook slightly, and a shriveled lotus seed appeared in his palm. He smiled and said:

“It was a long time ago. While searching for the Chaos Bell in the Chaos Sea, this Uncle Master encountered and casually slew an ancient enemy, obtaining it from him…

Eh? Why is this lotus seed shriveled?”

Black lines appeared on the foreheads of all the Severing Sect immortals.

So you hadn’t even paid attention to this matter before?!

Now presenting the famous painting ‘I Want to Change My Sage Master.’

Li Changshou’s doubts were completely dispelled, and various conspiracy theories collapsed on their own.

He continued: “According to the disciple’s knowledge, there are three Red Lotus seeds in total. One is in the possession of the Western Religion’s Second Patriarch, which was revealed in the Heavenly Court earlier.

One is in your hands.

The third was planted in the Blood Sea, transforming into this Red Lotus.

Based on the disciple’s earlier observations, four vicious beings lurking in the Chaos Sea were assisting the River of Forgetfulness Elder.

Uncle Master, may the Heavenly Court’s General Golden Roc enter?”

Sage Tongtian agreed with a word: “Good.”

The Golden-Winged Great Roc, receiving Li Changshou’s voice transmission, transformed into human form and materialized a black spear, entering while holding it with both hands and making a Daoist salute to Sage Tongtian.

Li Changshou said: “Golden Roc, tell us about the background of that demon you intercepted and killed that day.”

“Yes!”

The Golden-Winged Great Roc said firmly: “When that demon was on the verge of death, he begged disciple to spare his life, claiming to be the son of an ancient demon general!”

Turtle Spirit Holy Mother said crisply:

“Master, disciple was also helping nearby at the time, and that demon indeed called out thus when begging for mercy.

That day, there were also two fierce beasts helping River of Forgetfulness Elder. One of them seemed to be Taotie who had appeared in ancient times – it swallowed a disciple’s divine ability with one bite.

Unfortunately, they managed to escape in the chaos.”

Speaking of this, Turtle Spirit Holy Mother still seemed somewhat disappointed.

Li Changshou continued from the side:

“A demon general’s son, the fierce beast Taotie, and conveniently reviving just as the great tribulation approaches…

This is enough to determine that the River of Forgetfulness Elder had arranged this in ancient times.

This great tribulation targets our Dao School, so isn’t River of Forgetfulness Elder choosing this time to cause chaos precisely calculating against the Dao School?

Moreover, it was because he went against the natural order, refusing to fade away and forcefully trying to revive using the Red Lotus, that the Enlightenment and Severing sects nearly came to blows. Is this not karma?

In the disciple’s view, this karma is substantial.”

“Hahahaha!”

Sage Tongtian’s laughter was quite hearty as he praised: “You’re something, Changgeng, to be able to reason it around this way.

Fine, fine. The sect’s destiny is most important, and the lives of this master’s disciples are most important. Breaking some principles is just breaking some principles.

Come, Green Ping Sword.”

A clear sword chime sounded as space split open with a crack, and a sheathed sword fell into Sage Tongtian’s palm.

This strongest young Daoist of the Primordial Chaos drew the sword from its sheath, faced the Red Lotus, and concentrated his power.

Li Changshou and the Severing Sect disciples held their breath, watching carefully, not wanting to even blink.

Suddenly a sword light flashed, streaking above the Red Lotus. The supreme principles of heaven and earth contained within it caused Li Changshou’s dao heart to continuously tremble!

Amidst the sword’s chime, the Green Ping Sword vanished from Sage Tongtian’s hand.

The Red Lotus showed no reaction, but River of Forgetfulness Elder’s remnant soul within it was rapidly weakening, like a candle in the wind that could go out at any moment.

But, ultimately it did not extinguish.

Treasure Master frowned and asked: “Master, can the connection between River of Forgetfulness Elder’s remnant soul and the Red Lotus not be severed?”

Sage Tongtian sighed: “This master knew in the instant of striking – if the remnant soul is destroyed, the Red Lotus will necessarily collapse.”

The surrounding Severing Sect immortals were quite disappointed.

After busy work for over half a month, they hadn’t expected such a result.

But then, Sage Tongtian smiled and said:

“Don’t all wear such dejected expressions. What is meant to be will be, and what isn’t meant to be won’t be. This lotus flower was obtained through Changgeng’s scheming to begin with.

Without this lotus flower, would our Severing Sect just collapse?

Let’s do this – Treasure Master, stay here with your junior brothers and sisters and carefully consider if there might be a way to break through this.

Changgeng, care to walk with this Uncle Master?”

Though somewhat puzzled, Li Changshou immediately lowered his head and made a Daoist salute, “Disciple obeys.”

“Master,” Yunxiao asked softly, “may disciple come along as well?”

“No,” Sage Tongtian waved his hand, “we are going to have a conversation between men. As a woman, it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to listen.”

Yunxiao pressed her lips together and bowed, responding: “Yes.”

Feeling the concern in Celestial Maiden Yunxiao’s eyes, Li Changshou inexplicably began to grow nervous…

And so, moments later.

…

Li Changshou had imagined that when he came to Azure Void Palace, Sage Tongtian might have tea with him;

Being more daring, he had even envisioned sharing cups and dishes with Sage Tongtian, chatting and boasting.

But this…

THIS!

Splash–

In the northwest corner of the small world containing Azure Void Palace, atop a fairy mountain wreathed in immortal qi, there was a three-zhang-square hot spring treasure pool.

Sage Tongtian sat in the pool, glanced at Li Changshou who stood at the poolside not daring to enter, and urged:

“What’s wrong, this Uncle Master invites you for a bath, and you won’t do me the honor?”

Li Changshou had a massive headache. He made a Daoist salute, took off his robe and boots, wearing long pants and a short shirt, folded his clothes into neat squares and placed them to the side, then hesitantly entered the pool at the corner farthest from Sage Tongtian…

Sage Tongtian frowned and said: “You like to bathe with your clothes on?”

Li Changshou inexplicably blushed, accompanied by the increasingly raucous laughter of Old Man Tu, Tower Lord, and Brother Chi, and had no choice but to strip off his clothes…

“Good, good.”

Sage Tongtian smiled with narrowed eyes, folded his arms, and said calmly: “Take good care of my disciple Yunxiao in the future. I won’t interfere much in your affairs, to avoid Yunxiao coming to lecture me again.”

“Ah, yes, certainly…”

Li Changshou agreed several times, and learning from Sage Tongtian, summoned some white mist to cover himself.

Sage Tongtian asked: “What did your Second Uncle Master tell you?”

“Well…”

“Did he say that my Severing Sect has too many and too mixed disciples, and express his disdain?”

Li Changshou said: “More or less.”

Sage Tongtian sighed, materialized a towel out of thin air, dampened it, and draped it over his forehead.

This sect leader leaned back, propped his elbows on the pool edge to lie more comfortably, and muttered with closed eyes:

“He still hasn’t said enough after all these years. If he hadn’t been so insistent with his incantations back then, would I have gotten angry with him and gone around spreading the dao everywhere…”

Li Changshou took the opportunity to ask about something that had puzzled him for a long time:

“Uncle Master, since you didn’t have suitable treasures to suppress destiny, and the great tribulation is considered an inevitability of Heaven’s Way’s operation, why did you back then…”

“Wasn’t I just angry at the time? Later when I found I’d spread the teaching too widely, I somewhat gave up on myself, thinking we could rely on having many people to forcefully endure when the great tribulation came.”

Li Changshou: …

Sage Tongtian sighed: “When the great tribulation comes, I fear all these disciples of mine will be caught up in it. Even if I ordered them to cultivate in the mountains, the tribulation’s destiny would drive them to go out and face it.

They call me Master with every breath, and I’ve watched many of them cultivate step by step until today. To let them face the tribulation like this truly pains me.

Changgeng, do you have any way to handle that Red Lotus? Even if it could only protect a few, that would be good enough.”

Li Changshou pondered for a while. Though moved by Sage Tongtian’s words, he ultimately decided…

It would still be better to play it safe.

“Disciple has one method, but there’s only a thirty-no, a ten percent chance of success.”