This decree…

In a hidden corner of the secret chamber beneath Little Jade Peak, unknown even to Lady Chang’e, Li Changshou’s miniaturized form sat in a tiny bamboo chair, toying with a golden scroll in his hands.

Was it because he had protected Dragon Princess Longji that the Jade Emperor had extended protection to Cloud Fairy Yunxiao?

This explanation seemed reasonable at first glance, but upon careful consideration, it wasn’t quite so simple.

It took considerable time to form a Heavenly Dao decree, especially one concerning the Great Tribulation. This decree must have begun forming before he took Dragon Princess Longji as his disciple.

From this, it seemed his “friendship” with His Majesty the Jade Emperor could be trusted… about seventy percent.

After all, given the Jade Emperor’s position, he was often bound by circumstances beyond his control.

This decree of tribulation exemption could serve as a betrothal gift for proposing at Three Immortal Island.

Just kidding.

Their relationship hadn’t reached that stage yet, and besides, this “exemption decree” only protected Cloud Fairy Yunxiao—what would Jade Fairy Bixiao and Zhenzhu Fairy Qiongxiao think?

This item could only be used as a life-saving measure at crucial moments, ensuring Cloud Fairy Yunxiao wouldn’t enter the tribulation. As for everything else… it remained uncertain.

Thinking carefully, whether this decree existed or not didn’t make much difference.

Since developing feelings for Cloud Fairy Yunxiao, his greatest concern had been that “the Three Xiao Sisters were originally one” and their deep bond with Elder Zhao.

That’s why Li Changshou had been working so hard to help Elder Zhao accumulate merit and escape his death tribulation.

To save Cloud Fairy Yunxiao meant saving all four of them.

If Cloud Fairy Yunxiao learned of this opportunity for sole survival in advance, her innate stubbornness might have led her to destroy it herself.

Fortunately, there had been some progress.

While Li Changshou couldn’t say he was certain of pulling Elder Zhao out of the Investiture of the Gods tribulation, there was at least some possibility of preserving his life now.

Better to proceed steadily.

The Great Shang hadn’t been formally established yet, and the Investiture of the Gods tribulation wouldn’t officially descend for at least several hundred years.

Due to varying degrees of intelligence gathering, the upcoming power plays between various factions would inevitably become extremely complex.

With the Heavenly Secrets obscured, even the Sages could only glimpse the tribulation’s matters as if “viewing a leopard through a tube,” and each Sage’s ability to perceive varied.

Decades later, once the Investiture List appeared, his Master Supreme Clarity would likely instantly understand everything about the tribulation.

Second Uncle Master should be able to calculate slightly more than Third Uncle Master, Sage Jieyin should be on par with both uncles and Goddess Nüwa was probably too absorbed in her reclusive powers to pay attention to this matter.

As for a certain Sage…

Best to maintain respect and refrain from further comment.

From the information revealed in this decree, the Jade Emperor already knew many details about the Investiture Tribulation. It was even possible that His Majesty and the Dao Ancestor had discussed how to expand the Heavenly Court and suppress the Dao sects.

Li Changshou still hadn’t confirmed what exactly happened when His Majesty went to cry at Purple Mystery Palace, or what was said with the Dao Ancestor.

This matter could easily rank among the “Ten Unsolved Mysteries of the Primordial World”…

Regardless, this decree was an extraordinarily precious item and could be considered a promise from the Jade Emperor to himself.

Carefully putting it away close to his body, Li Changshou spent some time lost in thought, scenes from the immortal banquet floating through his mind.

After the Jasper Pool Banquet, the Grand Magister immediately returned to Xuandu City.

During this period, the Outer Heavenly Demons had begun stirring again, these strange beings from the Chaos Sea seemingly trying to fish in troubled waters.

Cloud Fairy Yunxiao naturally returned to Three Immortal Island together with Jade Fairy Bixiao and Zhenzhu Fairy Qiongxiao.

Cloud Fairy Yunxiao received many congratulatory gifts at this celebration, which made Li Changshou somewhat embarrassed.

It rather reminded him of his previous life’s practice of “creating excuses to collect gifts.”

What Li Changshou found interesting was the behavior of Zhao Gongming and Golden Soul Holy Mother.

Who knew what was going on between those two—they had no interaction throughout the banquet, but their gazes would occasionally meet, and when leaving they each departed with their own friends.

Embarrassed to make it public?

This was understandable, as they were both great powers of the Primordial World. If they formed a Dao partnership like posterior beings, they would inevitably face some mockery behind their backs.

‘Would Cloud Fairy Yunxiao have similar concerns?’

Li Changshou pondered this question he had considered many times before, his consciousness returning to the Heavenly Court as he controlled his paper avatar to arrange formations in White Star Palace.

Add some small details!

His avatar traveled ten thousand miles while his true form sat at home.

The divine technique of creating paper humans, which Li Changshou had modified beyond recognition yet made extraordinarily mysterious, could truly be called miraculous now.

The Bean Soldiers technique was now widely used throughout the Heavenly Court’s departments, becoming standard equipment for the celestial army and greatly reducing casualties among the celestial soldiers and generals.

The upcoming arrangements regarding Yang Jian would also center around the paper avatar.

If Yang Jian truly killed celestial soldiers and generals, only to be pardoned by the Heavenly Court later, it would contradict the values promoted by the Heavenly Court…

After busying himself in the Heavenly Court for a while, he saw Dragon Princess Longji, dressed in a light casual gown, riding a cloud to White Star Palace and entering the main hall.

Li Changshou’s paper avatar found a place to sit, assuming the bearing of a “Human Dao expert” with white hair and eyebrows exuding casual elegance, his smile naturally kind and gentle.

Dragon Princess Longji gracefully bowed, her fair face tinged with pink, her bright eyes like autumn waters.

Li Changshou observed his senior disciple—this was the first time he had carefully examined Dragon Princess Longji since she had “matured” during her closed-door cultivation.

She was truly beautiful, bearing some resemblance to the Queen Mother of the West, yet lacking the Queen Mother’s imposing aura, possessing instead a gentle elegance.

“Master,” Dragon Princess Longji said softly, “is something the matter?”

“In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so much.”

Li Changshou casually summoned a meditation cushion, having her sit before him.

Then, Li Changshou took out a Human Dao text he had already sought approval for before Supreme Clarity’s portrait—the “Supreme Clarity Dao Containment” that the Grand Magister had previously passed to him.

Li Changshou said: “Today I will transmit to you the Supreme Clarity Dao methods. I hope you will study and cultivate them well.

You have now reached the Celestial Immortal realm, not far from Long Life. It would be inappropriate to have you change your fundamental path now, so you should maintain your original cultivation method as primary and use the ‘Supreme Clarity Dao Containment’ as a supplementary study.

The Dao has no high or low, no superior or inferior. The most important thing in cultivation is to walk your path. Do you understand this principle?”

Dragon Princess Longji quickly nodded, holding the jade token in her palms and answering quite seriously: “Disciple remembers Master’s teachings.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “No need to be so formal, just address me as you did before when calling me teacher.

You can’t fool me though—closed-door cultivation can only mature your Dao body, it’s difficult to change one’s nature.”

“Hehe!”

Dragon Princess Longji immediately broke character, making a face and saying softly: “Being able to formally become Master’s disciple is truly the best thing possible.”

“Why did you splash tea on Burning Lamp Daoist that day?”

Dragon Princess Long ji’s delicate brows furrowed as she said quietly:

“I truly don’t know. Just as you guessed before, Master, I did have a moment of confusion, and when I opened my eyes I had already caused trouble.

Ah, the Jasper Pool already has extremely strict rules.

If Master hadn’t protected me then, Burning Lamp could have used that opportunity to accuse me, and Mother would certainly have punished me severely. It’s possible I wouldn’t even have been able to stay in the Heavenly Palace.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly and said gently: “His Majesty and the Queen Mother rule the Heavenly Palace—they’re being overly strict with their children is understandable.”

“Dragon Princess understands, Master,” Dragon Princess Longji smiled and said, “Being born in the Heavenly Emperor’s family, this disciple certainly cannot disgrace Father and Mother.

Being able to take Master as my teacher also fulfills this disciple’s wish of many years.

Master, may I live here in White Star Palace?”

“You should spend more time with your mother.”

Li Changshou showed an apologetic expression and said: “Usually if there are no other matters, the Master must also cultivate, and can only regularly explain the Supreme Clarity Dao to you.”

“Oh,” Dragon Princess Longji puffed out both cheeks with her lower lip protruding, then suddenly blinked and asked: “Master, where does your true form cultivate? May I go serve at Master’s knee?”

Li Changshou’s mouth twitched, “You have a martial aunt taking care of me, no need to worry.”

“Martial aunt?” Dragon Princess Longji’s eyes lit up, “Is… is it a female martial aunt?”

“Correct.”

Gossip fires immediately blazed in Dragon Princess Longji’s eyes as she asked in surprise: “Master, besides Martial Aunt Cloud Fairy Yunxiao, you have another junior martial aunt?”

“Perhaps…”

“Cloud Fairy Yunxiao doesn’t mind?”

“She probably does mind, this is quite a thorny issue,” Li Changshou’s face was full of helplessness, “Don’t ask too much. If you can know in the future, you will naturally be told.”

“Oh, disciple spoke too much.”

Dragon Princess Longji stuck out the tip of her tongue, then couldn’t help blinking and asking softly: “Then, what about Immortal Chang’e?”

Pop!

Dragon Princess Longji let out an “Aiya” and covered her forehead with a guilty giggle.

Li Changshou shook his head and said: “Go look in that corner, Master has prepared some small surprises for you.”

“Oh? Master you went to such trouble?”

Dragon Princess Longji immediately became energetic, happily running to the corner and stepping into an illusion formation Li Changshou had just arranged. She saw a simple private room containing a bed, chairs, and a wooden wardrobe, arranged very elegantly.

Dragon Princess Longji hurriedly asked: “Master, is this disciple’s resting place?”

“That is where Master places his avatars. Your surprise is in the left corner—pick up the pink treasure pouch on the table… and open it to see.”

“Oh, there are three large boxes inside, they’re…”

Within the illusion formation, Dragon Princess Longji’s forehead was covered in black lines as she looked at the opened wooden box before her. Seeing the familiar style of ‘homework’ scrolls inside, the light gradually faded from her eyes.

Li Changshou’s calm voice drifted over:

“These are your unfinished strategy problems. Master has carefully organized them for you.

Complete them within a year, then come back after a year, and Master will test you on strategic methods, as well as your insights into the Supreme Clarity Dao Containment.”

Ding…

The fourth day of accepting disciples achievement unlocked: [Master’s Kindness, Disciple’s Filial Piety]

On the fourth day of accepting the disciples’ badge earned: [Master, Please Be Human!]

Just then, the Great Peng Bird with golden wings who had rushed to the hall showed endless envy in his eyes.

But he knew that with his poor enlightenment and inferior aptitude, although he was the child of the Original Phoenix, he temporarily didn’t qualify to formally become Master’s disciple!

He wasn’t worthy yet!

Li Changshou’s voice drifted from ahead: “Golden Peng seems hurried, is there some trouble?”

“Master!”

The Great Peng Bird immediately stopped his musings and took out a jade token from his chest, presenting it before Li Changshou, saying seriously:

“The Immortal Alliance just reported discovering several fierce demons in a Great Thousand World. They are extremely powerful and have already caused dozens of immortal casualties in the Alliance.

Vice Leader Madam Bian’s request for aid token is here, hoping you could dispatch one or two experts to assist.”

“Fierce demons?”

Li Changshou opened the jade token and looked at it for a while, then examined it carefully again, and couldn’t help but be speechless.

The dozens of immortal casualties in the Alliance were false—the subtext between the lines suggested that there was an ancient treasure where these fierce demons were located, and it was highly likely to be a fragment of the God-Slaying Spear.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then took out several paper avatars from his sleeve and used immortal power to pass them to the Great Peng Bird.

“Golden Peng, this matter is entrusted to you to handle. It should be related to the God-Slaying Spear fragments.”

“Thank you for trusting me, Master!”

Golden Peng bowed his head, his eyes showing slight excitement.

Li Changshou asked: “Don’t rush, how do you plan to handle this matter?”

Golden Peng thought carefully, knowing this was Master testing him, the golden rings on his ankles gently glowing with light.

He said: “Naturally, I will meet up with Madam Bian, then clarify the specific details of this matter, represent the Heavenly Court in comforting those injured immortals, then swiftly and decisively eliminate the fierce demons, proclaiming the might of the Heavenly Court.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Being able to think this far is indeed good, but it’s still not enough.

You must always remember three principles.

First, when traveling abroad, trust no one completely, and always maintain suspicion in your heart.

Second, constantly examine yourself, and ask yourself frequently whether your actions are risky or inappropriate.

Third, retreat immediately when encountering danger, utilize your extreme speed to its fullest, don’t be greedy for treasures, and don’t let anger overcome your heart. Currently, the tribulation’s influence is spreading—one can never be too careful.”

Hearing this, Golden Peng’s eyes were full of emotion, and he bowed deeply.

“Master, please rest assured, the disciple will seek victory while maintaining stability, and immediately retreat when encountering strong enemies!”

“Good,” Li Changshou nodded with satisfaction, “Go then.”

“Master, Senior Sister, disciple takes his leave.”

Golden Peng cupped his hands toward Dragon Princess Longji who had drifted over from the side, then turned and strode away, walking out with both the tragic heroism of the ‘howling wind’ and the remaining pride of the Phoenix tribe.

To the side, Dragon Princess Longji gently pursed her red lips, and couldn’t help tilting her head.

Was this really that ‘wild bird’ Golden Peng who had once forcefully broken into the Heavenly Court while laughing and talking, claiming he would taste Immortal Chang’e’s fragrance?

Dragon Princess Longji was deeply moved, her gaze toward her own master full of admiration, along with a touch of awe.

They say one’s nature is hard to change, but that’s only when they haven’t met a great master!

Master truly was…

Too stable.

Several months later, Li Changshou received good news from Golden Peng, successfully adding another fragment of the God-Slaying Spear to his collection.

Li Changshou didn’t wait long before taking Golden Peng to Touslai Palace.

This time, Lord Lao had gone out traveling again, but had already anticipated Li Changshou’s visit, telling Li Changshou to leave the small God-Slaying Spear and two fragments in Touslai Palace—Lord Lao would forge them upon his return.

Li Changshou couldn’t help but ask:

“Did Lord Lao… go looking for the Bull?”

Little Gold and Little Silver exchanged glances, the former burst out laughing while the latter made a bitter face.

Little Gold said: “Lord Lao left riding on a cloud this time. From his words, it seems he went to search for God-Slaying Spear fragments in the Chaos Sea, to help Senior Brother Changgeng forge a divine weapon.”

Little Silver sighed: “Senior Brother, when you have time, please go urge the old bull. Who knows where he’s gone, and there are no spirit pills or immortal peaches outside. Who knows what treasure has captivated him.”

It’s the silver-haired maiden, the silver-haired maiden ah.

Li Changshou thought for a moment, then agreed to this matter.

“I’ll find a way to track his whereabouts. Are there any useful treasures?”

“This!”

Little Silver took out an immortal rope that gleamed with golden light. “This is the Gold-Flashing Rope that Lord Lao uses to tie his robes. The rope’s end can point toward the direction of the being you’re seeking, and when it encounters this being, it can bind them.

We’ve already infused the Bull’s aura into it.”

“That’s good,” Li Changshou took the Gold-Flashing Rope and smiled, saying, “It will probably take some time.”

“Senior Brother Changgeng, please focus on your important matters first,” Little Silver chuckled, “Anyway, next time Lord Lao needs to use the bull, it should be Little Gold’s turn to go.”

Little Gold instantly made a bitter face, while Golden Peng laughed out loud beside them.

When leaving, Golden Peng exchanged bows with the two children.

The friendship boat of the three great demon kings of the Journey to the West tribulation thus began to drift…

Hmm, and even crossed mountain peaks.

…

Li Changshou naturally dared not delay the important matters at Touslai Palace.

After his paper avatar secretly delivered the Gold-Flashing Rope to near the Gate of Immortal Crossing, Li Changshou immediately began making arrangements, swiftly dispatching the First Paper Person Legion that was always ready outside Little Jade Peak.

Of course, the legion existed in a nested doll formation, and what went out was still the [Charioteer] paper avatar bearing a trace of the Primordial Tower’s power.

Holding the Gold-Flashing Rope in his palm, its tassel gently floating up, pointing toward the due south.

Li Changshou used his water traversing technique, rushing like wind and lightning, searching everywhere for traces of the Green Bull.

The bull was indeed unreasonable, only caring about pursuing his own happiness, setting aside his mount duties completely.

Traveling to a certain place along the coastline of the Eastern Sea in the Southern Jambudvipa Continent, Li Changshou had thought, his form emerging from the water and transforming into a gentle breeze, floating to a familiar area to check on…

The Little River God.

Last time he had deliberately taken revenge on the River God, taking him to see three good locations that had already been occupied by the Dragon Clan, probably depressing him quite a bit.

He had indeed been somewhat angry at the time, but now his anger had dissipated. He should give him a more normal place to gather some incense and merit to condense a simple merit dharma body.

How could the mighty Star of Supreme White, an ordinary deity of the Heavenly Court, hold a grudge against a little River God who didn’t even qualify for a rank and wasn’t even considered a scattered immortal of the Heavenly Court?

Before long, Li Changshou found where the River God’s weak divine power was located, just in time to see a young woodcutter passing by carrying a bundle of firewood.

Is divine power rippling slightly?

Li Changshou looked carefully, blue light blooming in his eyes, immediately seeing the scholar River God hiding by the river pier, using divine power to ‘steal’ an axe.

This?

Were the mythological story parables from his previous life created like this?

There came a thud as the axe fell into the river water.

That young woodcutter wasn’t moved at all, just sighed and turned his head somewhat wearily.

Just then, a golden light flashed on the river’s surface, and a figure wearing an elegant scholar’s robe emerged halfway from the water…

“Young woodcutter, did you drop this gold-inlaid jade axe, or this heavy dark iron axe, or this ordinary hereditary axe?”

The young woodcutter frowned, pursed his lips, and sighed:

“You act every time a woodcutter passes by here, always using magic to create these illusions, then secretly putting the axe back in our homes. What’s the point of doing this?

The young people in the neighboring village encounter immortals and ghosts who are all young maidens, but in our village just like you, a male immortal. Our village has completely lost face now, can’t hold our heads up for three hundred li around, and young women don’t want to marry into our village, afraid you’ll suddenly pop up when they cross the river!

You’ve been using this same routine for so long, can’t you try something different?”

With these words, the woodcutter shook his head and left carrying his firewood, leaving the River God looking down at the axes in his hands, shrinking back into the river water with utter dejection.

Failed again…

Thud!

Thud thud!

A series of heavy objects splashing into the river water.

The River God looked carefully and saw golden and silver axes covering the river bottom, while a spell incantation arose in his mind.

This, this is…?

Transformation magic!

At the same time, several light chuckles sounded in the River God’s ears, so familiar and also so warm.

“Being an immortal is all about having fun, after all.”

In the clouds, Li Changshou’s form flashed and disappeared, following the direction indicated by the Gold-Flashing Rope straight toward the depths of the Southern Sea.