A cup of tea, a question of blame – though it seemed merely that Burning Lamp was being petty, in a world where face was paramount, this could indeed become an excuse to cause trouble.

A quite reasonable excuse, at that.

But just as Burning Lamp had uttered “Did you intentionally target” and was still building momentum to make trouble, a flash of green light crackling with lightning appeared. Today’s protagonist, the Heavenly Court’s Water God Li Changeng, who was about to be promoted to Second-Rank True God Taibai Star-Lord, appeared directly before Burning Lamp.

Without explanation, he sheltered Long Ji behind him and spoke with mockery, forcefully initiating conflict.

At this moment, the many immortals inside and outside the hall mostly felt that this authority god of the Heavenly Court was somewhat overbearing and completely refused to leave any face for the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch.

Of course, most immortals assumed that the Heavenly Court’s Li Changeng and Daoist Burning Lamp were naturally in an antagonistic relationship, with deep personal grudges, leading to this immediate confrontation.

Two words: Domineering!

But a few immortals thought carefully and pondered, discovering that this matter wasn’t so simple.

The elegant fairy maiden behind the Water God, setting aside her identity as a Heavenly Court Princess, was at least at the late stage of the Heavenly Immortal realm, not far from the Golden Immortal realm, with solid foundations and harmonious energy – how could she not steady a cup of tea?

At this moment, based on different immortals’ understanding of the situation and knowledge of the Daoist Burning Lamp, their depth of consideration could be divided into three, four, or five layers.

Those who considered the third layer felt this was Burning Lamp trying to deliberately put the Water God and Heavenly Court in their place due to personal grudges.

Those who considered the fourth layer felt this might be someone else’s scheme to worsen relations between the Enlightenment Sect and the Heavenly Court.

Those who could consider the fifth layer were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, mostly being major disciples of the Severing Sect and a few experts of the Enlightenment Sect who knew Burning Lamp had long since gone astray. They felt Burning Lamp was deliberately trying to poison the Jade Emperor’s mind against them, using this chance to cause trouble.

But Li Longshou was different…

He saw to negative three layers.

Looking past appearances to the essence, there was a very troublesome core issue here—

[What position in the Heavenly Order should the current Heavenly Emperor’s biological daughter occupy?]

Long Ji had no divine position and was only a wandering immortal in the Heavenly Court.

The Jade Emperor was different from mortal emperors; his descendants had no ‘legitimacy’ to become the next Heavenly Emperor, as the Heavenly Emperor was appointed by the Dao Ancestor, or rather by the Heavenly Dao.

Under these circumstances, Long Ji’s situation was somewhat awkward.

In the original catastrophe, Long Ji had been banished to the mortal realm just for failing in etiquette at a Peach Banquet;

Later she was schemed against by that old fellow Immortal Senior Fuyuan who no longer existed, forcibly matched with the defeated general ‘Hong Jin’, and in the subsequent battles, both she and Hong Jin perished, with a wisp of divine soul ascending to the Investiture of the Gods list.

Beginning as a carefree being, returning as a god on the list.

Regarding Long Ji’s story, Li Longshou had two conjectures when he first started calculating the Investiture of the Gods.

First, the Jade Emperor had done it intentionally, using Long Ji’s sacrifice to demonstrate his impartial execution of the Heavenly Dao’s will over the Three Realms, thereby establishing his authority and consolidating his position in the rapidly expanding divine authority system of the Heavenly Court after the Investiture catastrophe.

Second, Long Ji was schemed against, with someone using this to smear the Jade Emperor.

But after Li Longshou came to the Heavenly Court…

As his understanding of the Jade Emperor deepened, he directly negated the former; and was quite certain that someone had deliberately made things difficult for Long Ji to trouble the Jade Emperor.

Now Immortal Senior Fuyuan was dead, and Li Longshou had thought Long Ji’s story arc had been changed, but unexpectedly Burning Lamp had jumped out…

It was truly impossible to guard against everything.

On his way here, Li Longshou had calculated with all his might, analyzing three different ‘plot development routes’, and quickly understood the key point.

If he chose a relatively mild way of handling this, Burning Lamp might temporarily keep quiet, but this cup of spilled tea would become an excuse for Burning Lamp to cause trouble later.

It would only take one or two immortals and gods saying a few words later for Burning Lamp to [strike hard].

If Daoist Burning Lamp was determined to cause trouble today, he would use [what position should the Heavenly Court Princess occupy in the Heavenly Court] to further question [whether the Heavenly Court upholds the concept of Heavenly Dao’s impartiality].

All tricks of the trade.

If the Jade Emperor fell into such a trap, he would likely severely punish Long Ji and then inwardly go berserk.

So Li Longshou directly stepped forward, standing before Burning Lamp.

With two simple sentences, he claimed Long Ji as his disciple, a grand disciple of the Pure Clarity Dao, removing her from the Heavenly Court system.

What was wrong with his disciple walking in the Heavenly Court, assisting him in handling Heavenly Court affairs?

Blocking Burning Lamp’s excuse to cause trouble later was just one aspect;

Li Longshou took the opportunity to help promote Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s image, explaining that his dislike of Burning Lamp was due to Burning Lamp provoking conflict between the Enlightenment and Severing Sects, thereby preserving the Enlightenment Sect’s face – this was the second aspect.

Beyond this, Li Longshou had even deeper considerations.

[The Jade Emperor’s temperament].

Li Longshou had been observing and understanding the Jade Emperor all along. The Jade Emperor was the being most closely connected to the Heavenly Dao, and he had gained many insights from this.

Since the Jade Emperor’s leap at the East Sea’s eye, Li Longshou had been worried whether the Jade Emperor’s temperament would be influenced by the Heavenly Dao and gradually change.

Today’s Jade Emperor wore white robes, had a sense of responsibility as the Heavenly Emperor, and had grand aspirations to establish a fair order in the Three Realms, protect the weak, and restrict the strong.

Li Longshou actually felt some resistance, resisting the thought of His Majesty the Jade Emperor donning divine robes, his eyes losing their smile, becoming numb, only following heavenly laws and rules in handling matters, gradually becoming indifferent to living beings…

From this perspective, Li Longshou also couldn’t let Long Ji fall victim to schemes.

Before Burning Lamp could take advantage of the situation, directly flipping the table from the perspective of protecting Long Ji was the most stable approach.

This wasn’t underestimating Burning Lamp’s ‘Ancient Buddha’ status, nor abandoning his usual principles of conduct.

Stability was something carved into his marrow, and must be maintained unwavering for ten thousand years!

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, nothing can be perfect.

Li Longshou’s handling of this also had its drawbacks.

After all, it was a hastily decided strategy, so having flaws was understandable.

What were the drawbacks?

At this moment, he, Li Longshou, had essentially bullied the Daoist Burning Lamp in front of everyone;

Burning Lamp had only just asked a question and hadn’t yet moved against Long Ji, making it easy for him to use this to whitewash himself and raise his prestige.

Thoughts rapidly flowing through his mind, Li Longshou observed Burning Lamp’s reaction, while Long Ji behind him was still somewhat dazed.

Having lost face in front of everyone, Burning Lamp’s expression was inevitably somewhat cold.

But Burning Lamp’s deep scheming nature was also clearly displayed at this moment, completely as Li Longshou had predicted… he began playing the victim.

Daoist Burning Lamp heaved a long sigh and said slowly:

“I never thought the Water God’s prejudice against this poor Daoist ran so deep.

This poor Daoist received the appreciation of Lord Pure Void Sage and was added as the Enlightenment Sect’s Vice Patriarch, working only for the Enlightenment Sect’s prosperity, never intentionally targeting the Water God or the Severing Sect.

The Enlightenment and Severing Sects have different doctrines and have had conflicts since ancient times; this wasn’t provoked by this poor Daoist.

Perhaps the Water God, due to personal feelings, has grown too close to the Severing Sect and thus developed some bias.”

Li Longshou: …

Still underestimated this fellow’s thick skin.

At this moment, he needed to avoid the traps in the other’s words.

Li Longshou smiled and said: “Right and wrong, twists and turns lie in people’s hearts. Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp, did you come today deliberately to oppose me?

I know Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp has always had some opinions about me, but today His Majesty the Jade Emperor specially approved and invited so many famous immortals from the world to witness my promotion in divine rank.

Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp deliberately coming to pick fights and cause trouble, I’m afraid shows too little regard for the Heavenly Court and our Human Sect.

If so, I really must go cry to Second Senior Uncle about this.”

Burning Lamp’s eyes focused as he said calmly:

“Today this poor Daoist came to congratulate the Water God on his divine position promotion, I’ll say no more about this.

The misunderstanding between us will have its time to be resolved in the future.

Perhaps this poor Daoist is not a disciple of the Dao Sect and hasn’t cultivated the Sage’s great Dao, lacking some belonging to the Dao Sect, but the Patriarch once showed great kindness to this poor Daoist in ancient times, and this poor Daoist only thinks for the Enlightenment Sect’s benefit.”

If he didn’t know about the ‘Ancient Buddha’ matter, Li Longshou felt he might have believed this.

Unfortunately, the gazes of various immortals and gods around looking at Burning Lamp mostly carried several points of admiration and respect.

This was the price of strongly protecting Long Ji.

Li Longshou shook the fly whisk in his hand, dropped a sentence “Hope Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp’s actions match his words,” and led Long Ji away to one side.

Long Ji at this moment vaguely understood the key points, and she, who had just completed her ‘coming of age seclusion’, looked at Li Longshou’s back with several points of gratitude in her eyes;

Taking advantage of Li Longshou exchanging greetings with the Enlightenment and Severing Sects’ experts, Long Ji raised her hand and hit her forehead, secretly cursing herself as useless.

Just then, Li Longshou’s voice transmission entered Long Ji’s ears:

“Later no matter who asks, just say your hand slipped momentarily, only tell His Majesty the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother the specific circumstances. If I guess correctly, you just had a moment of divine sense distraction.

Go prepare another cup of tea. Today I’ve already acknowledged you as my disciple, and will formally bring you into the Human Sect’s Dao lineage here.

Don’t think too much about other things, Master will protect you.”

Long Ji started, her pretty face showing a slight flush of excitement. She bowed to Li Longshou and hurriedly left with a lowered head.

At this point, Li Longshou had successfully become the most dazzling old Daoist in the scene, using a few “Fellow Daoists” and Daoist salutes to completely move past the earlier matter with Burning Lamp.

He and Yunxiao exchanged glances and smiles, each performing proper etiquette.

He also chatted and joked with various personal disciples of the Enlightenment and Severing Sects’ Sages, using ‘his strength’ to slightly merge the divided Enlightenment and Severing Sect immortals.

Recalling various opening ceremonies, school speeches, and wedding hosts from his previous life, Li Longshou spoke loudly:

“Thank you, fellow Daoists, for taking time from your busy schedules to attend this ceremony. I, Changeng, am deeply grateful!

My good fortune today truly comes from my teacher’s guidance, and the care of my two Senior Uncles, and is inseparable from His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s constant trust, and even more from the support of my senior brothers and sisters from the Enlightenment and Severing Sects.

Since its establishment in ancient times until now, His Majesty the Jade Emperor has kept the world’s beings in his heart, cared for the suffering of immortals and mortals, upheld the concept of the Heavenly Dao’s supreme justice, working tirelessly, leading the Heavenly Court to its current position of imminent prosperity.

I, Changeng, hope here that all fellow Daoists will prosper together with the Heavenly Court, letting the light of righteousness shine upon this vast world!”

Echoes of polite compliments resounded around.

Afterward, Li Longshou moved about, first greeting and exchanging pleasantries with each Sage’s disciples, then finding the Human Sect’s ‘own people’ for some friendly chat.

In today’s setting, it wasn’t convenient to remind True Person Du’e to keep tight-lipped; they just exchanged greetings, calling each other Senior Brother.

When Li Longshou had made half a circle back to Fairy Yunxiao’s side and was about to say some intimate words to her, taking the chance to ease the awkwardness from the last time they were interrupted by a certain ‘River God’…

True Person Taiyi came over with crossed arms, bumped shoulders with Li Longshou, and smiled: “How stingy of the Heavenly Court, not even arranging a banquet with song and dance?

Should we invite Fairy Chang’e to dance a piece?”

Li Longshou: …

This troublemaker!

Though angry, Li Longshou still maintained his smile and said:

“I don’t know the specific arrangements; Wood Lord set them up.

Later we should invite senior brothers and sisters to the Jasper Pool for a feast. This place seems to be just for inviting various immortals and gods to observe the ceremony.

It seems His Majesty the Jade Emperor has gathered quite a few immortals and gods.”

“I was wondering why I didn’t see anyone from the Dragon Clan or the Underworld,” True Person Taiyi muttered, then asked, “What authority comes with being a Second-Rank True God?”

Li Longshou smiled: “It’s just selling one’s life to the Heavenly Dao, there’s no talk of authority.”

True Person Taiyi blinked and shook his head: “Then forget it, I was thinking of grooming Spirit Zhenzhu for a position in the Heavenly Court, seeing how he quite likes the atmosphere here.”

“Why isn’t Spirit Zhenzhu here today?”

“He said he was preparing a congratulatory gift for you, went to find his good brother earlier, and should see him later during the gift-giving.”

The corners of True Person Taiyi’s mouth twitched as he sighed: “A disciple turning his elbow outward is something this poor Daoist never expected… disciples truly can’t be kept when they grow up.”

“Probably related to personality and character,” Li Longshou winked, then walked toward the side with a light laugh.

True Person Taiyi laughed lightly, not angry, and turned to chat with Enlightenment Sect immortals.

Several Enlightenment Sect immortals had gathered around Burning Lamp, after all, on this public occasion, even though the Enlightenment Sect was privately divided into two factions forming cliques, they couldn’t show it directly.

The several Severing Sect fairy maidens were most dazzling, but when they gathered together their presence was so strong it made various immortals and gods keep ten zhang away.

Only Li Longshou could naturally blend in among them, exchanging a few voice transmissions with Fairy Yunxiao, resolving their previous awkwardness.

Yunxiao cautioned: “There are many guests here, don’t stay in one place too long.

Though reputation is like floating clouds and flowing water, the immortals who came here today are all to congratulate you, don’t be negligent and make them unhappy.”

“Ah, yes,” Li Longshou obediently responded, then made a Daoist salute holding his fly whisk, “This poor Daoist follows the fairy’s teachings, I’ll continue making my rounds now.”

Yunxiao’s eyes held three parts of tender blame, while Qiongxiao and Bixiao at the side covered their mouths in light laughter.

These sister pairs’ movements and expressions were quite similar and carefully dressed up, they were also a beautiful sight.

As Li Longshou turned to go attend to guests, Holy Mother Jinling said nearby: “Gongming… Zhao Gongming can only come later, he’s hurrying back from the Three Thousand Worlds.”

“Thank you for telling me, Senior Sister,” Li Longshou responded with a smile, while some gossip sparked in his heart, but he didn’t betray Elder Zhao.

After making two rounds in the hall, Ao Yi hurriedly came over and reported two matters to Li Longshou.

The first matter was today’s specific procedure.

As Li Longshou had said, this place was just for announcing the edict. Later after the edict was announced, a feast would be set here to entertain various immortals and gods.

At that time, Li Longshou could invite various Dao experts to feast at the Jasper Pool, where the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother would appear, while the Heavenly Court’s civil and military officials, Four Seas Dragon Palace, Underworld Kings of Hell, and Immortal Alliance representatives were already waiting at the Jasper Pool.

Li Longshou thought for a moment and transmitted to Ao Yi: “Don’t invite Burning Lamp, later we’ll coordinate to say the Jade Emperor is inviting disciples of the Dao Sects’ Sages.”

“Yes!” Ao Yi immediately agreed.

The second matter was related to Long Ji.

Just now Long Ji had hurriedly returned to the Jasper Pool, wanting to change into formal attire and report to Queen Mother about formally becoming a disciple. Queen Mother sent someone to ask if the discipleship ceremony could be arranged during the grand feast.

That would be more magnificent.

Li Longshou naturally agreed, but in his heart, he was considering how Long Ji would enter the catastrophe in the future.

Setting other things aside, as the Heavenly Emperor’s daughter, if no one schemed against her, she shouldn’t be forced to marry a defeated general just because of some ‘destiny’;

If no one went around saying the rise of Zhou was heaven’s mandate, forcibly setting good and evil distinctions between the Enlightenment and Severing Sects, Long Ji might not necessarily die in the great sects’ crushing conflict, with a wisp of divine soul ascending to the Investiture of the Gods list.

This matter was quite crucial.

Li Longshou felt that today there were still many undercurrents surging.

He didn’t know when Ground Sinking’s congratulatory message would appear, and this time, he didn’t know if the Western Sect was coming to congratulate him or cause trouble.

Boom boom boom—

Just as he was thinking this, sudden thunder rolled outside the hall, and auspicious clouds gathered in the sky, with the power of the Heavenly Dao growing thicker.

A procession slowly descended from high in the sky, with two rows of golden-armored war gods leading the way, and East Wood Lord wearing magnificent robes stepping on auspicious clouds, his left hand holding a gleaming golden imperial edict.

Finally, the main event had arrived.

…

Just as East Wood Lord appeared, descending with the imperial edict;

In a residence in some corner of the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor’s avatar, the Heavenly Court general Qin Tianzhu, who had been sitting with closed eyes in meditation, suddenly had his eyelids begin to tremble slightly.

Because this avatar had been exposed, the Jade Emperor hadn’t used it much;

But adhering to the principle of ‘not admitting it’, the Jade Emperor hadn’t dissolved this avatar, instead keeping it shut away in the residence, planning to patch it up and modify it later to use again as Avatar Number Five.

At this moment, Qin Tianzhu, who shouldn’t have awakened, suddenly opened his eyes, golden light flashing in them, quite sharp.

“Who dares to intrude upon the Heavenly Court!”

A light laugh was heard, and under a tree in a corner of the residence, a faint figure gradually solidified into a slightly fat form wearing patched robes, but with a somewhat blurry face.

This Daoist made a salute and smiled: “Your Majesty please forgive the offense, this poor Daoist came boldly and hid his tracks only to successfully see Your Majesty today…”

At this time, this Daoist was secretly sighing in his heart.

[Ground Sinking is truly too deeply controlled by the Water God, why must reconciliation with the Heavenly Court go through the Water God?]

“Western Sect disciple?” Qin Tianzhu asked coldly.

The Daoist slowly nodded and smiled: “Would Your Majesty give this poor Daoist half an incense stick’s time… Your Majesty?”

Qin Tianzhu closed his eyes, his form suddenly crumbling, turning into golden sand scattering in the wind.

On the throne in the Jasper Pool, the Jade Emperor opened his eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as he continued enjoying the song and dance before him, several points of amusement in his eyes.

These Western Sect fellows were truly foolish, still secretly seeking out his discarded avatar.

What if this made beloved official Changeng misunderstand?

Not even granting an audience, truly still living in a dream, coming to negotiate with him directly…

Taking Clear Wisdom Hall as decoration, taking these divine positions in the Heavenly Court as useless, taking him as some mountain bandit king?

At his side, Queen Mother asked softly: “Why is Your Majesty laughing?”

“Some small matters,” the Jade Emperor squinted and smiled, completely at ease.