Sleep through the sun and moon’s slow dance,

Awake when dusk does entrance.

Years unknown have slipped away,

As true nature finds its way.

This sleep left Li Changshou’s spirit scattered and his mind hazy, experiencing an unprecedented sense of security that triggered an avalanche of exhaustion.

Since entering this primordial world, all of Li Changshou’s hidden worries and anxieties had been suppressed – his concerns about the future, his vigilance regarding Master Lang’s erasure, and the mental strain from constantly calculating the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods…

Now, everything was finally released.

Li Changshou had always been under immense pressure.

Before leaving Crossing Immortal Gate, he could only console himself that the chances of being crushed like an ant were not too high.

After leaving the gate, he wanted to obtain more resources to strengthen himself while worrying that his activities would attract more attention.

Before successfully attaching himself to the Great Dharma Master, he was caught in the whirlpool of the Dragon Clan, Western Teaching, and Heaven Court due to the Sea God Church affair, knowing he was walking a tightrope.

Finally using the Sea God Church to enter Heaven Court and gaining the Great Dharma Master’s favor, his heart gained attachments, and his position forced him to turn and face…

The Infinite Kalpa.

The Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods was like an abyss, with the Saints’ game being its greatest danger. If one got too close, they could easily be torn apart by its forces; if too far, nothing could be done.

Unknowingly, he had walked to this day…

In three years, he would go to Purple Void Palace to witness the six Saints and the true ruler of the primordial world, Ancestral Master Hongjun, jointly seal the List of Gods, determining the destiny to elevate Heaven Court and diminish the Dao sects.

Wait, something’s wrong…

How long had he slept?

Why did it feel like just one nap, yet considerable time had passed?

The confused Li Changshou instantly awoke, his Primordial Spirit ‘opening its eyes’ to see the peaceful world of his Spirit Platform.

Yin and Yang’s energies chased each other playfully, the Merit Golden Pool rippled gently, strands of extremely pure spiritual energy floated back and forth, and the Spirit Platform seemed wrapped in a primordial membrane…

Li Changshou was stunned for a while as his consciousness gradually became clear.

His body felt soft, much like that time he had rested his head on the Immortal Maiden’s lap in the pavilion, experiencing that occasional comfort.

Master Li missed it.

Had he perhaps pushed himself too hard?

Collecting his thoughts, Li Changshou slowly opened his eyes. The Turtle Breathing Technique operated automatically, his Mysterious Body emitting a faint golden light before quickly fading. He saw the simple roof of the small temple in Pure Clarity Observatory and the back of Laozi sitting beside him.

Li Changshou finally realized that he had just fallen asleep beside his teacher due to the severe mental impact of the Taiji Diagram’s message!

Pushing aside the ‘Primordial Yellow Blanket’ covering him, Li Changshou hurriedly stood up and bowed:

“Teacher, disciple has been discourteous.”

He heard a light chuckle from the side and caught a glimpse of a familiar figure meditating in the small courtyard, his spirit jolting again.

Great Dharma Master Xuandu had returned at some point!

The Great Dharma Master smiled and said, “Teacher, Changgeng has awakened. There’s no need for this disciple to go to Purple Void Palace…”

“Go together.”

Old Master Pure Clarity’s voice resonated in both disciples’ minds:

“You shall support each other.”

The Great Dharma Master sighed helplessly, then raised his head with a somewhat forced smile.

Li Changshou briefly calculated his condition, learning the somewhat ridiculous fact that he had slept for nearly three years, and was surprised to discover his dao realm had taken a large…

To be precise, a medium step forward!

True Clear Stillness and Non-Action.

“Teacher,” Li Changshou picked up the meditation cushion that had returned to normal size, “disciple will sit outside.”

Laozi nodded slightly in response. Li Changshou quickly went to the Great Dharma Master’s side, sitting to his left, giving the Great Dharma Master a comfortable smile.

After a long sleep, his spirit felt incredibly light, feeling as if he could float while walking.

More importantly, in previous situations, if Li Changshou discovered he had accidentally slept for three years, he would have hurriedly investigated everything.

But in this small Pure Clarity Observatory, beside Teacher Pure Clarity, he felt no tension at all…

The Great Dharma Master elbowed Li Changshou, chuckling softly:

“Changgeng, what happened to you? Almost dropped the ball at the crucial moment.

The teacher didn’t want to disturb you and called your elder brother back. If you hadn’t woken today, tomorrow it would have been just me and the teacher going to Purple Void Palace.”

Li Changshou awkwardly said: “Suddenly felt sleepy…”

“Right, right?”

The Great Dharma Master clicked his tongue and whispered: “Your elder brother is the same way. Staying by the teacher’s side for too long, one unconsciously becomes drowsy and dozes off.”

“Elder Brother! How fares Xuandu City recently?”

Li Changshou quickly interrupted the Great Dharma Master’s words.

Meanwhile, the Great Dharma Master also felt the teacher’s gradually sharpening gaze from the side. His lips trembled, instantly changing his words:

“It’s thanks to the teacher showing a trace of Saint’s might in Xuandu City, frightening those Outer Heavenly Demons to flee millions of miles away. Things have been peaceful for now, otherwise, your elder brother couldn’t have returned in time.”

That sharp gaze immediately returned to calmness.

The Great Dharma Master shifted his bottom, moving closer to Li Changshou, giving him a slight wink.

Li Changshou laughed softly. Just as his spirit was about to move back and forth to check on Small Qiong Peak, Heaven Court, Shang Tribe, the Netherworld, and the Four Seas, the Great Dharma Master seemed to see through his thoughts.

“Junior Brother need not busy himself, all is peaceful everywhere.

At this juncture, none dare cause trouble.

While you slept deeply, your Small Qiong Peak was secretly protected by the teacher’s Taiji Diagram’s power, and with the Primordial Four Direction Banners guarding Ling’e, all is secure.

Three Immortal Island is also very peaceful. For this Purple Void Palace meeting, Sister Yunxiao likely won’t attend.”

“Thanks to the teacher’s care and elder brother’s protection.”

Though speaking thus, Li Changshou still divided a thread of consciousness to slowly check various places.

The Great Dharma Master smiled and asked: “Tomorrow in Purple Void Palace, how do you plan to balance things?”

Li Changshou looked toward Teacher Pure Clarity, seeing the teacher had already closed his eyes in meditation, and remembering the teacher’s previous reminder, could only sigh inwardly.

“Elder Brother, I can only stand with Heaven Court.”

Great Dharma Master Xuandu pondered briefly, saying: “This is also the more stable approach. Later, just speak freely. If you can’t argue against them, just give your elder brother a look.”

Li Changshou smiled and asked: “Does Elder Brother plan to debate with the Saint Uncles?”

“If unnecessary, why oppose the Saints?”

Xuandu shook his head calmly: “I’ll help pave the way for you, and you can take the opportunity to back down.

After all, our Pure Teaching isn’t involved in the tribulation, let them do as they please.”

“Elder Brother speaks truly. In this matter, we can only do our best. The real decisions still lie with the teacher and the Saints.”

“Don’t forget, there’s also Ancestral Master.”

Ancestral Master…

Li Changshou frowned in thought, feeling that Ancestral Master Hongjun wouldn’t make decisions directly, but would let the Six Saints discuss everything.

Probably.

The Great Dharma Master beside him didn’t disturb further, sitting quietly there, looking up at the thin clouds, light mist, and faint stars beyond the sky, slightly lost in thought.

Soon after, he yawned.

…

Sleeping for three years was truly excessively luxurious.

Li Changshou used the little time before going to Purple Void Palace to let his spirit roam around various places.

First connecting with Baize, he learned that the Immortal Alliance and Approaching Heaven Palace were stable everywhere, that Yang Jian’s training had successfully concluded, that Common Work’s essence blood had already merged with Yang Jian’s Mysterious Body, giving Yang Jian a great opportunity, and that the effects of various small stage plays were also notably effective.

Then connecting with Ling’e, telling her he had no major issues, was just cultivating beside the Saint teacher, and would soon return to Small Qiong Peak.

Then briefly patrolling heaven and earth.

He didn’t have a teacher’s divine abilities, but he had paper avatars in reserve.

Quickly checking various situations, and confirming that his previous arrangements hadn’t encountered any accidents, he could finally set his mind at ease and prepare for tomorrow’s affairs…

First, he needed to clarify his position – speak only when necessary;

Tomorrow’s protagonists were the Six Saints and the Jade Emperor of Heaven Court. He was merely a Saint’s disciple and the Jade Emperor’s subject.

Second, he needed to do his best to ease the relationship between Severing Teaching and Enlightenment Teaching.

But this matter couldn’t be forced. It involved fundamental contradictions between the two teachings and the fate of many disciples from both sides. He could only focus on self-preservation while doing his best.

Using the Dao sects to shake the Western Teaching was easy, but reconciling internal conflicts within the Dao sects was too difficult.

Li Changshou pondered carefully and considered thoroughly. His refreshed spirit had many new thoughts, but as he followed each thread of thought, he encountered barriers.

As he thought back and forth, the sun, moon, and stars rotated once overhead.

A light flashed in Li Changshou’s mind, seeming to touch upon a way to break through when suddenly he heard a light laugh:

“Junior Brother, we should set out.”

Li Changshou came back to his senses to see the Saint teacher already sitting on the wind-fire meditation cushion, flying out the door.

The Great Dharma Master beside him extended his left hand, pulling Li Changshou up. A white cloud condensed beneath their feet, and as Pure Clarity passed by, it carried the two behind him, flying out of Pure Clarity Observatory.

Li Changshou thought for a moment and was about to use transformation techniques to take on the appearance of Grand White Star when he was stopped by the Great Dharma Master’s raised hand.

“Changgeng, your true form should step forward,” Great Dharma Master Xuandu said seriously, “Today you mustn’t have too many concealments. Before Ancestral Master, even the slightest illusion is inappropriate.”

“This…”

Li Changshou pondered deeply.

Then heard the Saint Lord say one word: “Show.”

Li Changshou hesitated no longer, quickly removing the illusions on his body, revealing his true appearance, only maintaining the ‘physical disguise’ that reduced his conspicuousness, equivalent to light ‘makeup’.

He wasn’t going to disturb the hearts of heavenly maidens, so this bit of disguise needn’t be removed.

No need to be so handsome as to stand apart from the masses.

Seeing this, Great Dharma Master Xuandu squinted and smiled lightly, somewhat proudly, clearly planning to show off his little junior brother later.

Li Changshou had already begun to quiet his mind and adjust his breathing, pushing his vigilance to the highest level, and keeping himself at the fastest reaction speed.

The colorful clouds ahead were bright and clear. In a flash, they had flown out of the Nine Heavenly Courts and into the vast void.

Heaven and earth were like a canvas being pulled, quickly left behind.

Nothing could obstruct Pure Clarity Saint, and Li Changshou could vaguely sense that all the great Daos in heaven and earth were circling teachers.

The entire primordial world, including the Five Continents and Three Thousand Worlds, was generally flat in shape;

Now Pure Clarity Saint led them to fly out of the heavenly barrier above, breaking into the endless Chaos Sea.

Chaos was originally without order in its rules, where a strand of energy might evolve into a world.

But now, around Pure Clarity Saint, the Chaos energy seemed like ordinary mist, and the disordered rules became orderly.

Where I am, the Dao is.

Where I exist, the Dao exists.

This was a Saint!

Li Changshou’s dao heart stirred slightly. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he sensed the evolution of various rules around teachers, storing multiple insights in his heart.

Purple Void Palace, Ancestral Master’s dao field, the holy land of the Dao Gate.

After the Ancestral Master’s three lectures on the Dao, Purple Void Palace had hidden itself in the Chaos Sea, presiding over the ‘central hub’ position – the most core and powerful location of the Heavenly Dao.

As Li Changshou was contemplating the connection between Purple Void Palace and the Heavenly Dao, Great Dharma Master Xuandu softly reminded:

“We’ve arrived.”

Hurriedly looking forward from the teacher’s shoulder, he saw a fissure hundreds of thousands of miles deep appear in the directionless, dao-obscuring Chaos Sea, with endless rainbow light shining from its deepest part.

Pure Clarity Saint’s sleeves floated gently, and Li Changshou only felt a flash of light before his eyes before finding himself within the rainbow radiance, that majestic immortal palace right before him.

The surroundings were filled with almost viscous pure immortal power, with the Three Thousand Great Daos crisscrossing in perfect order!

Immortal consciousness could not spread, and his dao heart trembled slightly.

Looking down, he saw a light blue membrane ten thousand zhang below, beneath which were the Nine Heavenly Courts, with star-like points at the edges being the Three Thousand Worlds.

Purple Void Palace seemed not far from Heaven Court, allowing one to overlook the entire Three Realms from here.

Since Purple Void Palace was so close to Heaven Court, why did the teacher need to circle through the Chaos Sea to find its position?

Perhaps this was the teacher’s attitude toward the Heavenly Dao.

Pure Clarity Laozi led the Great Dharma Master and Li Changshou, slowly flying toward Purple Void Palace’s front;

Li Changshou continued earnestly observing everything, accumulating dao heart insights.

This immortal palace had no gates, only pale golden stone pillars, with clusters of golden auspicious clouds shaped like spiritual mushrooms beneath, like foundations.

The interior of the immortal palace was vast, with complete Heaven and Earth Dao passing through, allowing size and internal-external arrangements to follow one’s will.

In ancient times, this immortal palace had appeared in the primordial world three times.

The Ancestral Master’s three lectures on the Dao spanned half of the ancient times, establishing the foundation of the Primordial Spirit Dao and the beginning of the Dao Gate’s prosperity.

Li Changshou’s mind couldn’t help wandering through various scenes…

In ancient times, thousands of gods and demons gathered, with the politically correct Three Pure Ones transformed from Pangu’s Primordial Spirit occupying the front seats, none daring to provoke them.

Nuwa, possessing great fortune but not yet aware of her mission to create humanity, arrived together with her Fuxi who had not yet reincarnated as a future Human Emperor.

The good-natured Hongyun and gloomy Kun Peng also managed to grab seats first, occupying four cushions behind the Three Pure Ones along with Nuwa and Fuxi.

The spirited East Emperor Taiyi held the Chaos Bell, while the refined Emperor Jun wielded the Luo Book and River Chart;

The Twelve Ancestral Shamans came to join the excitement but found only a few meditation cushions, not enough for their brothers and sisters to share, so they snorted proudly and left with their heads held high.

When the two Western brothers entered, Zhunti, still a quasi-saint then, wailed loudly, saying the West where he was born had its spiritual foundation destroyed by the great war between Dao and Demons, now too impoverished, and thinking of how he and his elder brother had made various efforts for the West’s prosperity but were misunderstood by fellow Daoists, with no one understanding their compassionate wish to benefit their region…

The good-natured Hongyun, moved by this, stood up and spoke words he would regret for ten thousand years:

“Well then, fellow Daoist, why don’t you sit here?”

After Zhunti and Jieyin got a seat, looking left they saw Nuwa and Fuxi’s overwhelming fortune, looking right they saw the equally ill-reputed fierce beast Kun Peng, so they revealed their fierce nature, intimidating forward with one sentence:

“Fellow Daoist, why not help fulfill others’ wishes?”

This filled Kun Peng with evil fire, planting the seeds for his fatal ambush of Hongyun after the third lecture at Purple Void Palace.

The above was Li Changshou’s restoration based on Dao Gate classical records, with relatively high credibility.

That was how the Western Two Saints got their Primordial Purple Qi – through crying.

If today the Two Sect Masters of Western Teaching were to cry and whimper, there should be no surprise…

“Elder Brother Pure Clarity came so early.”

Suddenly a gentle soft laugh came from the side.

Li Changshou and the Great Dharma Master turned to look, seeing a ten-thousand-zhang rainbow light transform into a rainbow bridge, upon which an elegant female immortal walked slowly.

It was none other than the Human Race’s Holy Mother, Lady Nuwa.

Li Changshou and the Great Dharma Master simultaneously made dao salutes, each calling her Aunt Master.

Lady Nuwa nodded slightly in response, taking just two steps, her form flickering twice before appearing close by.

Nuwa called Pure Clarity Elder Brother, Pure Clarity called Nuwa Fellow Daoist, each nodding in mutual greeting.

Then, Holy Mother’s phoenix eyes looked toward Li Changshou, smiling:

“Today before Master, you must not play deaf and dumb, say what needs to be said.

If the human race itself doesn’t strive for its destiny, who can they count on?”

Li Changshou’s body leaned slightly forward, bowing his head and hurriedly saying: “With Elder Brother here, this disciple truly dares not speak carelessly.”

The Great Dharma Master, however, calmly clasped his hands behind his back, taking half a step back, the smile on his lips quite obvious.

Li Changshou made a bitter face, and Lady Nuwa laughed softly and continuously.

Then came a light exclamation, followed by Patriarch Tongtian’s clear and moist voice:

“What’s so joyful?

This Great Tribulation is almost making this poor Daoist’s hair turn white with worry.”

Do Saints all love to play the “voice arrives before a person” routine?

Only to see Patriarch Tongtian in a cyan robe flying in from another direction through the Chaos Sea, with the slightly plump Daoist beside him being none other than Duobao.

Master and disciple Tongtian transformed into a rainbow light, instantly landing before Pure Clarity Laozi. Daoist Duobao hurriedly made dao salutes greeting Pure Clarity and Nuwa, called Xuandu Elder Brother and called Li Changshou Junior Brother.

Patriarch Tongtian smiled: “Big Elder Brother, I’m a bit late.”

— Though the Three Pure Ones were all transformed from Pangu’s Primordial Spirit, essentially being three brothers, they addressed each other as ‘friends’, and after entering Ancestral Master Hongjun’s tutelage, they called each other Senior Brother and Junior Brother.

Pure Clarity Saint nodded with a smile, saying slowly: “Let us wait.”

Before the words fell, a white crane cried out high, as the Original Heavens Lord rode the crane here, his expression quite peaceful, with Enlightenment Teaching’s leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals, Guangcheng Zi, on the crane’s back.

Li Changshou secretly observed his teacher’s expression change, seeing the teacher indeed withdraw his smile.

He knew the teacher was still displeased with Original Heavens Lord’s contact with Western Teaching, but today would not speak of this matter.

Both palms and backs of hands are flesh – his teacher caught between two brothers was indeed somewhat difficult.

When the Original Heaven Lord came close, Saints and disciples exchanged greetings. Original Heaven Lord looked toward Patriarch Tongtian, saying softly:

“Junior Brother, today before Master, you must not lose propriety over disciples’ matters.”

Patriarch Tongtian nodded repeatedly, shifting his gaze elsewhere, saying: “Yes, yes, Senior Brother speaks truly.”

Original Heavens Lord’s brows furrowed as he sighed lightly, not saying more.

Just then, great rainbow light shone from the side and back, penetrating layers of chaos energy as two Saint shadows arrived simultaneously.

Li Changshou laughed inwardly.

If only Taiyi Zhenren were here, he would surely make some grand statements, like “Other Saint Lords all bring disciples, Western Teaching is impressive, bringing a Great Saint with a Small Saint” or such.

Of course, Li Changshou’s mastery of sarcasm never matched Taiyi’s, and his handling wasn’t quite appropriate.

As soon as Jieyin and Zhunti appeared in the rainbow light, Patriarch Tongtian’s lips curled, his gaze turning to the side.

These two Daoists also came forward, exchanging greetings with the various Saints.

Original Heavens Lord’s lips revealed a slight smile, addressing them as Fellow Daoists. Lady Nuwa didn’t even look at Zhunti, only calling Jieyin a Fellow Daoist, seemingly having some past grievances.

The four disciples of the Dao Gate present maintained complete courtesy, maintaining respect toward the Saints.

Li Changshou hid behind his elder brother, feeling two friendly gazes but only keeping his eyes on his nose, ears on his heart, making no response whatsoever.

Emphasizing stability above all.

Laozi said: “Enter.”

The other five Saints and four disciples each responded.

Among the Six Saints, Pure Clarity Laozi had the deepest dao cultivation, strongest power, and highest seniority, so naturally flew at the front now, leading his two disciples into Purple Void Palace first.

Then Original Heavens Lord and Daoist Jieyin stepped forward together, Patriarch Tongtian and Lady Nuwa following closely, while Daoist Zhunti waited a while longer before slowly entering.

Li Changshou was slightly puzzled in his heart…

Why did the Saints need to enter this simply arranged great hall in sequence? Rather than all entering together?

The answer came quickly.

Pure Clarity Saint flew directly to the deepest part of this vast hall, stopping before a grass-woven meditation cushion one zhang in diameter, putting away his wind-fire cushion, standing up, making a dao salute to the cushion, then turning to stand quietly on the left.

Li Changshou was about to imitate the teacher’s salute to the cushion but was stopped by the Great Dharma Master’s gesture, immediately understanding, and walked with head bowed behind the teacher along with the Great Dharma Master.

Original Heavens Lord and Daoist Jieyin then came forward, each making a dao salute to the cushion;

Original Heavens Lord took position on the left, a hundred zhang apart from Pure Clarity Laozi, while Daoist Jieyin stood at the corresponding position on the right side, also standing quietly.

The head position on the right side was left for Lady Nuwa.

Patriarch Tongtian and Saint Zhunti were arranged at the end positions on left and right, with Patriarch Tongtian looking over and Saint Zhunti smiling in response.

This arrangement had its principles, and only the Six Saints could salute this cushion.

In ancient times, when the Six Saints took their positions gathered at Purple Void Palace, the Ancestral Master had said:

‘Saints transcend the Three Realms and Five Elements, can reforge wind, fire, water, and earth, with no higher dao realm above, henceforth we need not maintain master-disciple courtesy, but be fellow daoists to each other.’

Today the Six Saints saluting this cushion firstly paid respects to the Ancestral Master, and secondly meant ‘requesting Master to appear.’

After the Six Saints stood in place, streams of flowing light arose from the cushion they had saluted, and an imposing figure nearly one zhang tall in sitting posture quickly condensed from virtual to real.

Li Changshou secretly raised his head to look, inwardly praising:

‘What a magnificent Ancestor of the Dao Gate!’

This tall figure must have been over two zhang in height, with white hair showing a Daoist’s vicissitudes, long arms, broad shoulders, a face unmasked and unrestrained, containing both dao and true meaning, the dao rhyme flowing through his pale gray robe was extremely complex yet simplified from complexity.

The elder just sat there, eyes not yet open, already containing endless mysterious meanings.

Mysterious beyond all spirits’ mystery, profound beyond heaven and earth’s profundity.

But the smile on this Daoist’s lips was like spring rain, making one feel no sense of pressure.

No, to be precise, one couldn’t feel any pressure from this Daoist at all!

It was just like ignorant mortals facing this heaven and earth, only knowing heaven’s endless height and earth’s endless breadth, yet feeling no pressure facing them.

Dao manifested, Dao transformed;

Dao Gate’s original beginning, Ancestral Master Hongjun!

At this time, the Ancestral Master spoke, his voice gentle, yet seemingly lacking distinctiveness.

“All be seated.”

Six streams of different-colored light appeared behind the Six Saints as they replied in unison: “Thanks to Teacher.”

Just then!

The virtual image of the Taiji Diagram appeared behind Pure Clarity Saint, black and white light illuminating half the great hall as this Saint again sat cross-legged on the wind-fire cushion.

A jade ruyi scepter’s virtual image appeared behind Original Heavens Lord, blue-green light illuminating a small half of the great hall;

The Demon-Slaying Sword Formation diagram floated behind Patriarch Tongtian, streams of blue-white sword intent light blazing forth, its momentum overwhelming!

Compared to the Three Pure Ones, the other side appeared somewhat lacking…

A red embroidered ball’s virtual image appeared behind Nuwa;

A golden divine banner appeared behind Daoist Jieyin – this item was similar to a ‘royal canopy’ but slightly longer, covered in sutras, a primordial treasure for saving people;

Behind Daoist Zhunti, unsurprisingly appeared the image of the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree.

As the Six Saints’ Great Daos spread out, the entire hall flickered with immortal light, surrounded by auspicious clouds, truly an incomparably magnificent sight.

Li Changshou secretly pondered when he and his elder brother should pay respects to the Ancestral Master, and how they should do so.

It should be a simple dao salute, as the Dao Gate in ancient times did not practice kneeling ceremonies.

That Daoist Hongjun, eyes still unopened, spoke again:

“Where is Haotian.”

A response came from outside Purple Void Palace: “Disciple is here.”

The various Saints looked toward the voice, seeing Heaven Court’s Jade Emperor striding forward, wearing white brocade robes and holding the Imperial Seal, with virtual images of nine five-clawed golden dragons coiling around him, advancing swiftly without pause even under the Six Saints’ pressure!

Daoist Hongjun raised his hand to point at the side, condensing a meditation cushion at a forward position beside him.

The Jade Emperor stepped forward, first making a dao salute to Daoist Hongjun, then turning to make a dao salute to the Six Saints;

When raising his head he winked at Li Changshou, not saying anything more, sitting straight-backed beside the Ancestral Master.

‘Backing!’

At this time, Great Dharma Master Xuandu made a gesture to Li Changshou, and the four Dao Gate disciples stepped back two paces from behind their respective Saint teachers, making dao salutes to the Ancestral Master.

The Great Dharma Master spoke clearly: “Disciple, bringing three junior brothers, greets Ancestral Master.”

Li Changshou, Daoist Duobao, and Guangcheng Zi called out in unison: “Greetings to Ancestral Master.”

Daoist Hongjun’s constantly calm face revealed a gentle smile, slightly opening his eyes, his gaze falling on Li Changshou as he said softly:

“Ninety-eight percent, come forward.”

Li Changshou’s whole body stiffened, nearly passing out.

What, what, what was this about?

The big shot’s tone seemed full of ill intent…

Looking up at Ancestral Master Hongjun surrounded by faint immortal light, without any imposing manner, even unable to sense any ‘physical substance’, Li Changshou reacted quite quickly, immediately lowering his head and walking forward, toward the Ancestral Master…

And His Majesty the Jade Emperor beside him.

Li Changshou used his gaze to seek help from the Jade Emperor, who lowered his head to examine the Imperial Seal in his hands.

What was this about?

Hadn’t they come to discuss the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods?

The Ancestral Master Lord called him forward by name, even using the super-aggressive phrase “Ninety-eight percent”!

Soon, Li Changshou stood beside the Jade Emperor, lowering his head and saying:

“Disciple listens to Ancestral Master’s teachings.”

Daoist Hongjun’s eyes were now fully open, pale blue pupils revealing slight playfulness as he said calmly:

“Come closer, nearer to this poor Daoist.”

“An-Ancestral Master,” Li Changshou’s forehead broke out in cold sweat, but he dared not disobey at this moment, could only step forward several more paces, standing before Daoist Hongjun.

Daoist Hongjun’s sitting posture was half a body taller than Li Changshou, now looking down, his right-hand opening to form a purple-red lightning whip.

Gulp!

Li Changshou couldn’t help swallowing, his face twisted in pretended fear as he stepped back half a pace.

“Ancestral Master, the disciple was just being a bit too careful… A disciple is willing to accept punishment!”

The smile on the Ancestral Master’s face grew deeper, hearing these words his eyes narrowed even more in amusement.

Suddenly swinging the lightning whip, a divine punishment thunderbolt struck Li Changshou’s posterior, sending him flying into the air, his body trembling chaotically.

The Ancestral Master struck like lightning, the whip in his hand dancing as his hair and beard all floated, streams of Purple Void divine thunder greeting Li Changshou’s bottom.

Li Changshou cried out miserably, his Primordial Spirit instantly sealed!

It hurt without injury – Heaven’s punishment indeed.

The scene looked unbearably tragic, the Jade Emperor covering his face unable to watch directly, only secretly appreciating this strange sight through his fingers.

The various Saints had different expressions, Original Heaven Lord and Patriarch Tongtian both showed slight smiles, while Saint Jieyin and Saint Zhunti’s expressions were truly gloomy.

Lady Nuwa propped her chin, watching this scene with great interest.

The Ancestral Master struck enthusiastically, each time swinging the divine punishment whip, gritting his teeth and exclaiming:

“Ninety-eight percent, ninety-eight percent, always muttering about ninety-eight percent!”

“Taking no risks at all, what kind of immortal cultivation is that? What kind of dao are you seeking?”

“A Heavenly Dao oath recited in thousands of words, you really think this poor Daoist doesn’t get tired of listening, disturbing my meditation every day!”

“And still you dare say merit is owed to you! Given you a Merit Golden Body and you still work for Heaven Court?”

After about thirty or forty divine punishments, Ancestral Master Hongjun finally crushed the lightning whip in his hand.

With a crash, Li Changshou fell from midair, landing before Ancestral Master Hongjun, his body completely blackened, eyes tightly closed, himself unharmed but completely paralyzed and unable to move…

Daoist Hongjun’s expression returned to serious as he adjusted his robes, not looking at Li Changshou but simply saying:

“Tribulations rise and fall by predetermined numbers, since primordial times many measured tribulations have come.

Now as the Great Tribulation rises, Heaven Court shall prosper, with Enlightenment Teaching, Severing Teaching, and Western Teaching entering the tribulation. Today we shall discuss the matter of establishing gods for Heaven Court.

In this Great Tribulation, there is a treasure born for the tribulation.

Heaven’s Book, appear.”

As the Ancestral Master’s words fell, a golden light flashed outside Purple Void Palace, a golden scroll and a wooden whip falling into the Ancestral Master’s palm.

“This treasure is named the List of Gods, this whip is named the God-Beating Whip.

Holding this list, one can determine which spirits in the Great Tribulation enter the list to ascend to Heaven; wielding this whip, one can strike the spirits named on this list.

Today, this poor Daoist shall bestow this List of Gods and God-Beating Whip upon…”

“Teacher!”

Western Teaching’s Saint Zhunti suddenly called out, hurriedly standing up and making dao salutes to Ancestral Master Hongjun, grief suddenly rising in his heart, his face full of sorrow.

“Teacher, our Western lands are impoverished, my elder brother and I have gone back and forth…”

“Eh?”

The Ancestral Master suddenly made a light exclamation, in front of all the Saints, his hands trembled, directly shaking the God-Beating Whip and List of Gods into the arms of Li Changshou lying on the ground.

Then, the Ancestral Master smiled and said:

“This poor Daoist’s hands trembled, thinking these items must have fate with grand disciple Changshou.

Since it is so, let Changshou wield the List of Gods and God-Beating Whip, and you all can discuss the names on this list yourselves.”

Having spoken, the Ancestral Master looked at Saint Zhunti, streams of flowing light appearing around him as he slowly vanished from sight.

In an instant, nine gazes in the hall fell upon Li Changshou, landing on the two highest Heavenly Dao treasures in his arms.

Li Changshou had just regained sensation, the numbness rapidly receding from his body;

Instinctively hugging the two treasures tight, yet feeling them quite hot to hold, for a moment only wanting to play dead on the ground.

Li Changshou had calculated for so many years, just to let the Jade Emperor compete for control of the List of Gods, but never imagined that in the end, it would be forced into his arms by the Ancestral Master in this manner.

This…

Seemingly absurd, yet powerful.

This move, the Ancestral Master was probably at level ninety-nine.