The Jade Emperor of the Supreme Heavenly Golden Palace pronounced his decree:

“By the authority of the Jade Emperor of the Heavenly Golden Palace of Mysterious Being, We decree:

Li Changsheng, a disciple of the Supreme Pure One, possesses loyalty, kindness, and humility in character, excelling in strategy, truly a pillar of the Heavenly Court.

Since assuming the position of Water God in the Heavenly Court, Li Changsheng has repeatedly achieved merit – vanquishing demons, protecting righteousness, managing waters, stabilizing the Four Seas, securing the Underworld, and maintaining the cycle of reincarnation. He has upheld Heaven’s will and protected all living beings.

Today, We specially promote the Water God to the position of Venus Star of the Great Luo Stars of the Complete Heaven. He shall not be bound by the regular star positions but shall oversee reform, determine changes, and command executions. He shall have authority over the Four Departments of Thunder, Fire, Dipper, and Plague. He shall continue to oversee all water-related matters of the Heavenly Court, with command over the Celestial River Army, while also serving as Chief Instructor to Chang’e of the Moon Palace.

Furthermore, he is granted the privilege of standing without bowing in the Lingxiao Hall!”

“This humble deity accepts the decree and thanks Your Majesty for the honor!”

After Official Dongmu finished announcing the decree, Li Changsheng responded with a clear voice.

The decree in Official Dongmu’s hands transformed into streams of golden light. Among the assembled immortals, Li Changsheng performed a Daoist salute, and the golden streams merged into his body.

Suddenly, the sound of rushing water filled the air, as if the Four Seas had raised thousand-mile waves. Behind Li Changsheng appeared streams of water-blue light. Dense celestial power surged forth, condensing into a triangular banner.

Rivers and streams flowed across the banner, containing the might of the Four Seas, finally settling into a dark black color that fluttered behind Li Changsheng.

A great star rose behind the banner, which rapidly changed shape and added numerous details, slowly transforming into a black banner with blue highlights.

Li Changsheng felt a spark of understanding in his heart. He raised his right hand, and the treasure banner flew from behind him into his grasp, feeling as substantial as any physical object.

It contained the essence of Heaven and Earth, crystallized the divine authority of the Heavenly Court, and embodied the great power of the Celestial Way.

Its name: The True Warrior’s Black Banner!

Though Li Changsheng’s heart trembled, his expression remained as calm as still water. He continued with his original plan, gently waving the treasure banner to display the power of his heavenly position before the assembled immortals.

The world suddenly darkened, and a great star rose in the eastern sky. Though its light couldn’t compare to the sun and moon, it was dazzling nonetheless, heralding dawn before darkness.

As celestial power circulated, Li Changsheng and all the cultivators present witnessed this scene:

In the calm deep sea, massive waves suddenly rose. Azure dragons leaped from the water’s surface, sea creatures danced in celebration, and thunder and lightning filled the sky!

Venus had taken its position, and Heaven’s way would be renewed!

At the Jade Pool, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother watched the Sixth Heaven. The Jade Emperor threw back his head in laughter, repeatedly clapping his hands while the deities below rose to offer congratulations.

In the Tushita Palace, the Primordial Lord, who had been sitting before his furnace wondering “Why hasn’t the bull returned yet,” now showed a gentle smile.

At the Supreme Clarity Temple, the old Daoist’s eyes crinkled in a smile. In a small courtyard on Mount Kunlun, a Daoist frowned. On the cloud sea above the Azure Glory Palace, a young Daoist’s mouth twitched before sighing that the younger generation was indeed promising.

Soon after, peace returned to Heaven and Earth.

In the Palace of Venus, Li Changsheng held the divine treasure True Warrior’s Black Banner, privately pondering the meaning of the words “True Warrior” and whether they had any connection to the True Warrior Great Emperor.

The relationships in the Heavenly Court were complex, and Li Changsheng couldn’t fully grasp the direction of divine authority’s evolution. However, titles like “Great Emperor” and “Marshal” were somewhat exaggerated.

It was similar to how among the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Enlightenment Teaching, some disciples were called Heavenly Worthy, like “Heavenly Worthy of the Way and Stars” and “Heavenly Worthy of Universal Law Manjusri.” Though these titles sounded intimidating, their actual significance…

Was merely a Daoist title.

Within the Heavenly Court, what mattered was one’s position in the celestial hierarchy;

Outside the Heavenly Court, what counted was one’s magical abilities and foundational power, varying case by case.

Just as Li Changsheng put away the banner, congratulatory voices rose around him.

True Person Duer was the first to call out loudly: “Congratulations to Changsheng on becoming Venus, a Second-Rank True God of the Heavenly Court!”

“Congratulations to Venus!”

“Congratulations to Venus!”

“Changsheng is truly a model for us all, a pillar of the Heavenly Court, and a renowned figure of the Dao!”

“Hahaha! Since Changsheng is so highly regarded in the Heavenly Court, we Severing Teaching immortals should help the Heavenly Army whenever possible from now on, and not cause them trouble!”

Immortal Chijingzi called out: “The Enlightenment Teaching congratulates Changsheng on becoming Lord Venus, and we have prepared modest gifts!”

“Ah,” True Person Taiyi smiled, “No rush with the gifts, no rush. There’s something bigger coming later.”

The crowd fell silent with knowing smiles.

After the congratulations subsided, Official Dongmu stepped forward, bowed to all directions, and said with a smile:

“The Jade Emperor has prepared a banquet with wine, song, and dance for all Daoist friends. If there are any shortcomings in the Heavenly Court’s hospitality, please be understanding.

Also, His Majesty invites all disciples of the Daoist Sages to feast at the Jade Pool.”

Such a potentially offensive task naturally fell to Official Dongmu!

Li Changsheng smiled and said: “Thank you, Official Dongmu. Please guide my senior fellow disciples from the Enlightenment and Severing Teachings to the Jade Pool first. I will stay here to offer three cups of wine to all Daoist friends before going to thank His Majesty the Jade Emperor.”

Official Dongmu repeatedly praised this suggestion, and those masters from various immortal sects and schools who might have had objections to this arrangement raised no protests.

For Li Changsheng, this opportunity to gain goodwill was… simply there for the taking.

At present, among nearly a hundred immortals of the Enlightenment Teaching, only about ten came forward, and from several hundred Severing Teaching immortals, only about twenty stepped out. Official Dongmu led them toward the Jade Pool.

As the Original Teaching had fewer disciples, True Person Duer, and several registered disciples were all invited to the Jade Pool, helping to maintain the Original Teaching’s presence.

Ji Wuyou also followed with a lowered head.

Without an invitation, he had followed his master into the Heavenly Court, served as a doorkeeper at the Venus Palace for half a day, and then naturally followed behind his master, managing to secure a place at the Jade Pool immortal banquet…

This journey was truly worthwhile, absolutely worthwhile.

Subsequently, a large contingent of celestial soldiers arrived carrying low tables, setting up tables, and arranging the venue in one smooth motion.

Fairy maidens brought immortal fruits, fine wines, and delicacies, musicians struck up lively tunes, and more than ten Chang’e dancers entered to perform.

The Chang’e dancers’ performance was highly significant, but it wasn’t that more dancers meant higher status.

On the contrary, at such immortal banquets, fewer dancers meant the performance was more precious.

Among the Moon Palace’s Chang’e dancers, very few could qualify for solo performances – only those with truly supreme dancing skills.

Like Heng’e.

In the Venus Palace, Li Changsheng occupied the central position, offering three cups of wine and engaging in pleasant conversation, showing deep “reluctance to leave.”

Everyone understood the situation and actively encouraged Li Changsheng to go to the Jade Pool to thank the Jade Emperor for his grace and accompany the great powers of the Dao. After token resistance, Li Changsheng finally rose, made a Daoist salute in apology, and flew away on a cloud.

And so…

Dipamkara, who sat in a higher position but seemed somewhat out of place, appeared extremely awkward.

Yet Dipamkara’s exceptional quality lay in his ability to indefinitely thicken his skin.

At this moment, he neither left, spoke, ate, nor drank, just sat there silently with an expressionless face, making the local atmosphere extremely oppressive.

Li Changsheng’s divine sense captured this scene, and he naturally revealed a faint smile.

While flying toward the Jade Pool, Ao Yi, Golden-Winged Dapeng, and Bian Zhuang waited ahead, following behind Li Changsheng as they proceeded together.

In just a moment, the Jade Pool came into view.

Let’s not mention how groups of fairy maidens came out to welcome him, all addressing him as “Lord Star,” trying to catch his eye;

Nor how the Jade Pool was decorated with lanterns and colored banners everywhere, even more jubilant than when the Queen Mother secretly gave birth to a daughter.

Just as Li Changsheng was flying along, he happened to encounter an elderly Daoist being led by celestial generals from another direction.

Li Changsheng looked carefully and saw this elderly Daoist had righteous features, born with heavenly dignity, with a flowing white beard nearly a foot long, his own Dao charm perfect and profound, wearing an ancient-style Daoist robe with wide sleeves hanging almost to his knees, seeming to contain a world within.

Li Changsheng changed course, quickly flying up on his cloud to meet him, making a Daoist salute to the elderly Daoist with a smile:

“Greetings, Senior Zhenyuanzi!”

“Oh?” The white-haired Daoist carefully sensed for a moment, then recognized Li Changsheng’s Dao charm, and couldn’t help but stroke his beard with a light laugh, turning toward Li Changsheng and returning his Daoist salute.

The elderly Daoist said warmly:

“Lord Venus is too courteous. Earlier when Lord Venus sent a disciple to visit this poor Daoist’s temple, it happened to coincide with Lord Venus’s promotion. This poor Daoist had nothing pressing to attend to, so came to the Heavenly Court to look around and congratulate Venus.”

— The matter Great Immortal Zhenyuan spoke of referred to when Li Changsheng arranged for Ling’e’s training, and Ling’e went to visit Great Immortal Zhenyuan’s Five Elements Temple.

“Many thanks, Senior, many thanks,” Li Changsheng cupped his hands, bowing slightly, then turned and gestured invitingly, “Senior, please proceed to the high seat at the Jade Pool… Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang?”

“Present!”

“Quickly inform His Majesty the Jade Emperor that Senior Zhenyuanzi, Patriarch of Earth Immortals, has arrived at the Jade Pool.”

“Yes!” Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang responded in unison, hurrying forward.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother naturally knew of Great Immortal Zhenyuan’s arrival, but Li Changsheng’s action was to request that they show more regard for this ancient powerful being.

After all, in ancient times, Great Immortal Zhenyuan’s Five Elements Temple had been a sanctuary for humanity in times of crisis and had protected humanity’s final foundation.

When Great Immortal Zhenyuan heard Li Changsheng’s words, his smile immediately deepened, and he exchanged courteous gestures with Li Changsheng as they flew together toward the Jade Pool.

The two did not engage in idle chat, given their difference in status and lack of familiarity.

Upon reaching the Jade Pool banquet site, Li Changsheng deliberately stopped, inviting Great Immortal Zhenyuan to enter first, and Great Immortal Zhenyuan did not decline.

The Jade Emperor and various immortals and deities rose to welcome him. Great Immortal Zhenyuan showed considerable respect to the Heavenly Court, making a Daoist salute to the Jade Emperor and addressing him as “Your Majesty.” He was arranged in a position slightly ahead of the Three Schools’ disciples, level with Official Dongmu.

This was a matter of seniority.

Though Great Immortal Zhenyuan had stolen his thunder, Li Changsheng felt quite content. Looking inward from the Jade Pool entrance, his thoughts suddenly became somewhat complex…

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother sat high,

Heavenly Court immortals and deities lined the right.

Among the distinguished guests, none were ordinary,

All called for Venus to enter the celestial gallery.

Once drunk in Nine Heavens, grasping the bright moon’s light,

Now jade plates are hidden within sleeves so tight.

As if this world were free from catastrophic blight,

The immortal path is peaceful, bringing such delight.

Immortal Chijingzi held his wine cup, offering a toast to Golden Spirit Supreme Mother across from him. Qiongxiao and Bixiao accompanied Guilin, teasing True Person Taiyi about his embarrassing incident in the Ancient City of Asuras. Official Dongmu raised a distant toast to True Person Duer, while Fairy Yunxiao was drinking with Queen Mother on the high platform.

If only…

This world could be free of the so-called Great Tribulation.

Li Changsheng’s Dao heart trembled slightly, knowing his thoughts were somewhat naive.

“Why are you standing here?”

A familiar laugh suddenly came from behind. Li Changsheng turned his head to see a slowly rotating Taiji diagram appear in space, from which the Great Law Master stepped out.

“Senior Brother!”

Li Changsheng couldn’t help but smile, stepping forward to welcome him.

Beside him, the Golden-Winged Dapeng bird immediately lowered his head in a Daoist salute, calling out: “Greetings to the Great Law Master!”

Great Law Master Xuandu just laughed lightly, looking at Li Changsheng’s current appearance, and said: “With your elderly dragon appearance, I dare not casually acknowledge you.”

Li Changsheng immediately looked troubled and smiled: “Today I must maintain this elderly appearance.”

“Hahaha!”

Great Law Master Xuandu raised his hand, laughing as he punched Li Changsheng’s shoulder, then said with a mixture of amusement and exasperation: “You won’t even show your true form?”

“Well…”

Li Changsheng felt around in his sleeve, and this form suddenly shrank. A stream of light flew from his sleeve, and under the divine sense of various immortals, transformed into the appearance of the ‘Water God.’

“My true form has been here all along,” Li Changsheng smiled, “It’s just that my cultivation is insufficient, and I feared an ambush from some powerful experts, so I didn’t appear directly.”

The Great Law Master and the assembled immortals at the banquet: …

Then Official Dongmu called out: “Lord Venus, please quickly invite Great Law Master Xuandu to enter!”

Li Changsheng hastily agreed, inviting the Great Law Master to enter together.

Immediately, except for the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, all seated immortals and deities rose, with waves of congratulations surging forth like a tide, making Li Changsheng perform two Daoist salutes for every step, keeping him dizzyingly busy.

Finally, after Li Changsheng paid his respects to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, he sat together with Great Law Master Xuandu in the empty seat that had been Official Dongmu’s.

Great Law Master Xuandu looked carefully and discovered Fairy Yunxiao sitting in the guest seat opposite. He stood up and smiled, saying to the Jade Emperor with cupped hands: “Uncle Master, may this disciple take the liberty of changing seats?”

The Jade Emperor immediately understood Great Law Master Xuandu’s meaning and laughed heartily, saying: “Why not?”

So Great Law Master Xuandu stepped forward, walking straight to Fairy Yunxiao, and said calmly: “Junior Sister Yunxiao, shall we exchange seats?”

Yunxiao glanced to the side, her cheeks slightly flushed. After a moment’s hesitation, she rose gracefully and said:

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Then she gave a graceful curtsy and walked with a lowered head to Li Changsheng’s side, slowly sitting down, her posture proper and expression calm. When her gaze briefly met Li Changsheng’s, she immediately fixed her eyes straight ahead.

Li Changsheng calmly raised his wine cup, gently touching it to Fairy Yun Xiao’s jade cup, and transmitted:

“I’m sorry for your trouble today, Senior Brother meant no harm.”

Yunxiao gently shook her head and transmitted with a light sigh: “It’s nothing.”

Truly it was:

Wanting to speak yet shy and hesitant,

Sitting properly while emotions run deep.

True Person Taiyi teased from the side: “In this humble Daoist’s opinion, why not have double happiness today?”

“Pah!”

Fearing her elder sister would be embarrassed, Qiongxiao immediately counterattacked, “How can you talk of double happiness when nothing’s settled? You’ll have to ask if Fourth Sister and I agree!”

Bixiao laughed from the side: “We don’t agree, we don’t agree! My Brother-in-law hasn’t even come to the island to propose, and I haven’t gotten any benefits yet!”

Yunxiao frowned in their direction, and Bixiao instantly knelt, lowered her head, and pressed her lips together, her previously proud expression instantly becoming pitiful, causing the masters of both schools and the heavenly immortals to burst into laughter.

Just then, a celestial general came hurrying with a report, calling out loudly:

“Reporting to Your Majesty! Six disciples of the Western Teaching are at the Western Heaven Gate seeking an audience, saying they’ve come specially to deliver congratulations from the Master of the Reincarnation Tower, to congratulate Lord Venus on his promotion!”

Hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately thought of that divine consciousness that had secretly slipped away to find his avatar, and showed a slight smile, asking:

“Changsheng, do you wish to let them enter?”

Li Changsheng rose and cupped his hands, pondering for a moment, clearly hesitating.

At this moment, the heavenly immortals and deities dared not freely express their opinions, but the disciples of the Two Schools had no such reservations.

Golden Spirit Supreme Mother directly said: “Let them in, see who dares to speak nonsense today, with their mouths full of filth!”

“Indeed,” True Person Taiyi chimed in from the side, “This humble Daoist was just worried my divine powers would have no use, having a few people to berate would be quite entertaining.”

But Li Changsheng said: “Whether to allow the Western Teaching’s people to enter is entirely Your Majesty’s decision.

However, this humble deity believes that the Western Teaching’s coming here today is likely not to cause trouble.

If the lessons they’ve learned in recent years haven’t taught them their place, that would be good for our Heavenly Court.”

The Jade Emperor laughed lightly and said: “Then we’ll follow Changsheng’s view. Let them enter, Official Dongmu, and arrange their seating.”

That celestial general hurriedly transformed into a stream of light and flew to the Western Heaven Gate, while Official Dongmu also stood up, looking left and right, repeatedly seeking help from Li Changsheng’s eyes, and finally arranged the Western Teaching’s people’s positions in the most convenient location for traffic.

Near the entrance, at the end of the immortal banquet.

Just as Official Dongmu was about to return to his seat, True Person Taiyi prepared his ‘divine power starting position,’ Golden Spirit Supreme Mother also prepared some killing intent, and outside streams of light flashed continuously as batch after batch of celestial generals came to report.

“Reporting to Your Majesty! The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas have entered the Heavenly Court through the Eastern Heaven Gate, coming to present gifts to Lord Venus!”

“Your Majesty! The Ten Kings of Hell have entered the Heavenly Court through the Southern Heaven Gate, coming to present gifts to Lord Venus!”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Immortal Alliance of the Three Thousand Worlds sends congratulations from ten thousand immortals, with two Great Luo Golden Immortals waiting at the Eastern Heaven Gate to deliver the message.”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Holy Sage Emperor Yu of the Fire Cloud Cave awaits at the Central Heaven Gate, representing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of humanity to congratulate Lord Venus!”

The Jade Emperor clapped and laughed heartily, calling out: “Do not obstruct them, invite them all to the Jade Pool banquet!”

However, just as the Jade Emperor’s voice fell, there came a sound…

Moo~~

The assembled immortals started in surprise, hastily rising, and even the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother left their treasure thrones, coming down from the high platform.

Through the misty clouds, they saw an old Daoist riding a blue ox approaching.

This old Daoist had specially changed into purple robes today, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, the Dao charm around him extremely profound yet pure and unrestrained.

One glance encompassed nature, one word expressed all Dao methods.

The Supreme Lord Laozi!

Li Changsheng quickly circled the low table, hurrying forward, bowing low, and calling out: “Disciple Changsheng pays respects to Lord Laozi!”

“Good.”

Lord Laozi responded calmly, riding the blue ox directly to the Jade Pool banquet.

Li Changsheng took a quick step, using the Space Compression divine power, arriving beside the blue ox, bowing to support, his hands virtually supporting Lord Laozi’s left arm, welcoming him in.

Then came the familiar words: “Just tie the ox outside.”

“Yes,” Li Changsheng respectfully responded, watching Lord Laozi slowly enter, seeing the disciples of both schools paying their respects ahead, before leading the ox to that familiar rock.

Hmm?

Why did this ox feel different today?

Li Changsheng took out an immortal rope, threading it through the ox’s nose ring and tying it to the blue rock. The ox lowered its head with a sigh and transmitted in a childish voice:

“Senior Brother, when you have time, please call the ox back.”

Ah, it was Little Silver.