Bringing Mei Wenhua back to the Heavenly Court was actually the final… no, the second-to-last test for her.

The final test would be time itself. Li Changshou would devote some attention to observing her secretly over a long period before making his final judgment.

In his current position, while he wouldn’t say he was walking on thin ice, dangers still lurked everywhere. With so many eyes watching him, excessive caution was warranted.

When entering the Heavenly Gates, Mei Wenhua passed through safely, with the three divine swords showing no abnormalities. Rather, due to her beautiful features, graceful figure, and light clothing, coupled with the brilliant holy halo circling behind her, all the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals stared in a daze. When checking her identity, they were quite nervous.

If this was some new “companion” that the Star Lord had brought back, and they said something wrong, wouldn’t that be…

Fortunately, the quick-witted Bian Zhuang stepped forward to handle the situation, letting everyone know that she was Taibai Star Lord’s subordinate, with absolutely no unusual relationship.

The Heavenly Generals immediately understood most of the situation.

Back at the Taibai Palace, Li Changshou called Bian Zhuang forward to give some instructions, then “arranged” for Mei Wenhua to rest within a formation array.

In truth, this was indirect surveillance.

After completing these tasks, this paper avatar returned to Small Qiong Peak, transformed into paper form, became wrapped in strands of blood essence, and was recovered by Li Changshou, who infused it with immortal power.

These paper avatars all contained a strand of his blood essence, used to imitate the feeling of having a “flesh and blood body.” Only those of great power could see through this.

Previously in the Fire Cloud Cave, Ancestor Suiren had seen through this little trick at a glance, praising his robust physical body based on the judgment made through these blood essences.

Regarding the Kunpeng matter, he still needed to explain the details to the Jade Emperor, preferably gaining Heaven’s Dao assistance through the Heavenly Court.

To accomplish anything in the Primordial Realm, having Heaven’s Dao’s assistance would halve the effort required. If Heaven’s Dao opposed, it often doubled the effort needed – the difference was truly substantial.

The subsequent arrangements weren’t urgent; he held the initiative and needed to arrange everything properly.

Let us set aside how Taibai Gold Star rushed to the Lingxiao Hall for a cordial discussion with the White-Robed Jade Emperor before the jade steps.

Nor shall we elaborate on how, after Li Changshou’s departure, the retired Human Sovereigns gathered in the Fire Cloud Cave, deciding to maintain a relaxed exterior but remain internally vigilant, cutting off the cave’s communication with the outside world, focusing especially on the Xuanyuan family.

They only needed to create some tension, which would help build anticipation for the [Hongmeng Purple Qi’s emergence].

From this day forward, the retired Human Sovereigns all displayed their acting skills: Fu Xi calculated divinations daily, Shennong sighed constantly, the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan began training a force of “heroic spirits” within Fire Cloud Cave, and the other emperor lords also frowned frequently, often gathering to discuss matters.

Storm clouds were gathering.

Speaking of the Sacred Maiden Jiu of the Lingtian Palace, she had traveled stealthily and returned safely to the main hall of Lingtian Palace.

As soon as she returned, she was surrounded by the Lingtian Palace’s high-level members who were having a meeting in the main hall. They all gathered around her with “ill intentions,” exchanging meaningful glances.

In the past two hundred years, the Lingtian Palace had hidden away from the great war between the Immortal Alliance and the Divine Fire Nations, secretly becoming a hegemon.

Now, the Lingtian Palace was a major power spanning dozens of Great Thousand Worlds.

However, the Lingtian Palace hadn’t claimed any Great Thousand World as its own, only occupying half the resources. They allowed medium and small powers to exist and actively mediated conflicts between various forces.

They had the strength when needed, showed no mercy to provocateurs, and extended goodwill to those uninvolved with them.

This redefined what an “immortal faction” could be.

Naturally, these were requirements Li Changshou had given to Baize, who managed them himself, developing both soft and hard power.

As soon as Jiu arrived at the main hall of Lingtian Palace, several immortal ladies smiled at her.

Jiang Liner immediately said, “Couldn’t speak up again?”

Jiu quickly grabbed the paper avatar stuck to her short sleeve and stuffed it into her jade bracelet, snorting, “How could that be?”

Then, she calmly walked to her stone chair, as if nothing had happened.

The row of stone chairs in the deepest part of the Lingtian Palace had backs like upward-pointing stone swords, over ten zhang tall, adding considerable pressure to the main hall’s atmosphere.

Jiang Liner clicked her tongue and asked teasingly, “You definitely couldn’t speak up. Where’s your usual courage?”

Jiu conjured a long dress with immortal power and glared at her master’s wife, replying, “How can you baselessly tarnish someone’s reputation? What was I supposed to say? I just went back to take a look…”

Jiang Liner said, “Why does your voice sound less and less confident?”

“Enough, Liner,” the Forgotten Emotions Senior sitting in the main seat gently advised, helping her beloved disciple out of the situation.

Jiu lowered her head and sighed, sinking into the stone chair, her small face full of disappointment.

In Baize’s sleeve, Li Changshou’s paper avatar withdrew his immortal sense that had been monitoring her.

It was good enough that she had returned safely and reunited with Master Bai and the others; there was no need for further worry.

As for other matters…

Best to treat them as jokes.

During the conversation with Little Junior Uncle on the way, he deliberately detailed his feelings for Ling E, which was already a response to Little Junior Uncle.

Junior Uncle Jiu wasn’t stupid; she just liked to drink and was usually tipsy.

The main hall fell silent for a while, until two figures flashed inside, finally completing the gathering.

Baize spoke: “I’ve gathered everyone today to discuss important matters.

Recently, I’ve had an uneasy feeling in my heart. Yesterday, after careful sensing, it seems our Lingtian Palace might encounter some minor troubles.

Later, each department should restrain its members and slow down external expansion methods.

Let me ask one more thing – have any of you revealed your backgrounds so far?”

The immortals from the Mortal-Crossing Gate maintained silence.

Jiu Wu solemnly said, “I was once recognized by someone before, but that person has been secretly dealt with. I’ve reported this to Master several times.”

Baize nodded slowly, “That time I also secretly intervened; the matter was handled appropriately.”

The Forgotten Emotions Senior asked, “Recently, I’ve had some insights and should enter closed cultivation for a period to perfect my Golden Immortal realm.

Master Bai, if there are any changes, just have Liner call for me.”

“Very well,” Baize agreed with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction. He continued, “Today’s gathering to remind everyone of a few things is primarily because yesterday, that Great One spoke with me once, mentioning that Outer Realm Demons have been continuously attempting to approach the Five Continents.

Outer Realm Demons are easily drawn to heart demons. If there are gaps in one’s dao heart, or if one experiences significant emotional fluctuations, they might be taken advantage of by Outer Realm Demons.

You are all pillars of the Lingtian Palace. If Outer Realm Demons invade your dao hearts, our Lingtian Palace will have no more secrets.

These Outer Realm Demons have now been confirmed to be under the command of Demon Teacher Kunpeng.”

At this point, Baize let out a long sigh, “That one is no good person.”

“The Outer Realm Demons listen to Kunpeng?” Jiang Liner was slightly shocked. “How did Kunpeng manage that? Weren’t Outer Realm Demons said to be the remnant consciousness of beings from the Chaos Sea?”

“The Demon Tribe are living beings too, just different from us,” Baize explained simply, “In any case, what we need to do is prepare our defenses.

If any of you feel your state is unusual, immediately let me know.”

Jade talismans flew out from Baize’s sleeve, landing in everyone’s hands.

Baize continued, “That Great One also instructed that if you find yourselves in danger and unable to escape, take out these jade talismans to deter powerful enemies.

These talismans contain his mark and serve as a deterrent.”

Jiu Shi, in the corner, asked puzzledly, “Wouldn’t that expose Lingtian Palace’s background?”

Baize smiled, “Exposure has its developments. Though not as favorable as our current situation, Great One values your safety more than those losses.

Everyone, even if just to avoid distracting him, you should act cautiously – extremely cautiously.”

The Forgotten Emotions Senior let out a light sigh, and everyone fell silent.

Li Changshou saw this much and returned his consciousness to the Heavenly Court, not managing anything further.

With storms approaching, giving them a few more reminders couldn’t hurt.

…

To eliminate Kunpeng, the key was whether they could match Kunpeng’s extreme speed.

Li Changshou had experienced Kunpeng’s speed firsthand; Kunpeng’s true form was two levels faster than his old shed skin.

Whether he could match the current Kunpeng was still unknown.

Unwilling to take such risks, he naturally needed to make several preparations.

Kong Xuan had already set out for Xuandu City to jointly defend it with the Grand Master and could be considered one of the main combat forces for this encirclement of Kunpeng.

But Kong Xuan’s speed matched the Golden Roc’s, and in terms of flying prowess, the Golden Roc had more potential.

So, was there a way to increase the Golden Roc’s flying speed?

Li Changshou’s thoughts remained as clear as ever.

To increase speed, there were typically two main approaches: either reduce resistance or increase thrust.

There were also unconventional methods, such as “rewriting the track” – using the Dao of Space and Time to modify the space around the Golden Roc, similar to the Mustard Seed Space method, shortening the total distance.

This method consumed too much magical power and couldn’t be maintained for long.

With this question in mind, Li Changshou specially visited the Three Realms’ top master of pill refining and artifact forging, the Supreme Lord Laozi.

The Supreme Lord hadn’t gone out to travel this time, possibly because the ox in his courtyard had disappeared, but Li Changshou was more inclined to believe that his teacher also wanted him to eliminate this troublemaker Kunpeng.

What could be hidden from Teacher Taiqing?

After half an hour of discussion with the Supreme Lord, he had already provided the perfect solution.

Add some auxiliary saddle equipment for the mount.

For example, a bridle that could release Yin-Yang Qi and contain the true meaning of Taiji, forming a Taiji Diagram projection in front of the Golden Roc to reduce resistance from the Chaos Sea.

For another example, binding two “Qi Burst Treasures” to the Golden Roc’s feet, creating a “rocket vehicle” that would activate when the Golden Roc reached maximum speed, using rear-ejected matter to increase thrust.

Of course, for the latter to work in the Chaos Sea, it would require considerable strength to construct a complete domain of principles around the Golden-Winged Peng Bird, only then could it apply the principle of “action and reaction.”

Hmm…

It somehow felt like experiencing “Did I Get Something Wrong Pursuing Science in the Primordial Realm?”

There were several other minor approaches, all depending on how the Supreme Lord would develop them during the forging process.

With these items helping, could they make the Golden Roc catch up to Kunpeng?

Li Changshou wasn’t particularly optimistic about this.

Though he usually wasn’t very optimistic about any plan unless he had over ninety-five percent certainty.

For this reason, Li Changshou had organized five “teams” to pursue and intercept Kunpeng.

Team A consisted of himself and the Golden Roc;

Team B was composed of Uncle Zhao, Golden Spirit Supreme Mother, Celestial Maiden Yunxiao, and other Severing Sect immortals working together;

Team C would comprise whatever Enlightenment Sect immortals they could recruit, mainly responsible for predetermined ambush points.

Team D would be led by the Jade Emperor’s avatar along with second-tier Dao experts, carrying Heaven’s Dao artifacts to ensure they could deliver a fatal blow to Kunpeng.

And finally, there was the strongest team, consisting of a single powerhouse. After leaving the Doulu Palace, Li Changshou headed directly to this powerhouse’s residence.

Beyond the heavens, the Biyou Palace!

These days when Li Changshou visited Biyou Palace, there was no need for announcements. As soon as his true body arrived on his cloud near Golden Ao Island, auspicious clouds appeared ahead, supporting the entrance to Biyou Palace.

Duobao Daoist and Sacred Mother Guiling came out to welcome him, exchanging greetings with Li Changshou.

Duobao Daoist seemed even more rounded recently, pot-bellied and appearing more simple-minded, though his pressure had become more restrained.

“Ah, Changsheng, Changsheng, we’ve been longing for your visit. Why haven’t you come to see us in so many years? Are you deliberately avoiding suspicion?”

Li Changshou smiled somewhat awkwardly and sighed, “Heavenly Court affairs are busy, and I’ve been focused on cultivation recently, truly haven’t been moving about much.”

“Junior Brother Changsheng is quite the busy person,” Sacred Mother Guiling said softly, “The entire Heavenly Court is watching him, all three realms know he’s the main tribulation figure, naturally he must be careful in his daily activities.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Senior Sister.”

After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the main gate of Biyou Palace.

Ahead, immortal clouds swirled and auspicious cranes appeared, with various immortal maidens laughing and playing in the mists, while many elderly scholars gathered to discuss scriptures and principles.

How many blessed lands were there in the Primordial Realm? Only upon entering Biyou Palace did one understand what a truly wondrous realm was.

The faint pressure of a sage’s power circulated everywhere, capable of inspiring different insights, making it rare for cultivators here to encounter bottlenecks.

Duobao Daoist smiled as he asked about Li Changshou’s recent situation, while Li Changshou inquired about the current peace in the Severing Sect and the subsequent effects of the previous matter concerning the sect’s “registered disciples.”

As they communicated telepathically, they arrived at the great hall of Biyou Palace, but Patriarch Tongtian was nowhere to be seen.

“Third Uncle Master isn’t in the palace?” Li Changshou asked puzzledly.

Duobao blinked: “No, he isn’t.”

“Why didn’t Senior Brother say something earlier…”

“Well, you didn’t ask, did you?”

Li Changshou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but could only lament his poor timing.

He had considered the possibility that Patriarch Tongtian didn’t want to deal with Kunpeng or had other reasons for deliberately avoiding him.

But thinking again, Third Uncle should be the sage most eager to deal with Kunpeng among the Six Sages, there was no reason for him to avoid this matter.

Duobao asked, “Do you have some difficulty? If your elder brother can help, I certainly won’t hesitate.”

“This matter does require Senior Brother’s assistance, but finding Third Uncle is most crucial,” Li Changshou pondered for a moment, “When will Third Uncle return?”

Just as Duobao was about to reply, a light chuckle came from the side.

Azure light flashed in the great hall, a bolt of blue-purple lightning burst from the hall’s dome, striking the throne, and Patriarch Tongtian’s figure condensed before the throne;

In azure robes, hands behind his back, elegant and mysterious, truly bearing the bearing that only a sage could possess.

Duobao, Sacred Mother Guiling, and several figures in the corners of the hall rose and bowed to Patriarch Tongtian, addressing him as Master.

Li Changshou also hurriedly bowed, saying: “Disciple’s abrupt visit disturbs Uncle Master’s affairs, please forgive me, Uncle Master.”

“No matter, I was just idly wandering in the Chaos Sea,” Patriarch Tongtian waved his hand, “Changsheng, I already know why you’re here, come with me.”

“Yes,” Li Changshou inwardly praised, indeed each sage lord couldn’t be underestimated.

Patriarch Tongtian had been in the Chaos Sea earlier yet was well aware of all his arrangements, or perhaps had calculated it earlier – truly amazing.

What was the realm of a sage?

This was a Heaven’s, Dao Sage!

Thus, moments later, at the familiar Flower Pool beside Biyou Palace, Patriarch Tongtian lay comfortably in a corner, looking up and mumbling: “Speak, what’s the matter? Are you here to present the betrothal gifts?”

Li Changshou: …

Could he take back his earlier flattery?

He suspected the sage before him was an impostor!

No wonder Patriarch Tongtian’s disciples were so skilled at sassing sages – it all stemmed from Patriarch Tongtian himself!

Li Changshou grumbled inwardly but maintained a smile outwardly, saying gently:

“Disciple and Senior Sister Yunxiao still need some time.

Today, the disciple has come regarding the Kunpeng matter. Kunpeng has gone too far in bullying the Disciple and insulting the disciple’s intelligence. Disciple can no longer endure and has decided to set a trap to catch this fish.”

“Oh?” Patriarch Tongtian’s eyes lit up, “How did Kunpeng bully you?”

“Well,” Li Changshou pondered for a moment before saying: “He used ancient forbidden relics as bait, trying to lure me into the Chaos Sea for a sneak attack.”

Patriarch Tongtian smiled, “I know about that. Kunpeng indeed has some good items that might be very attractive to you, but you can simply not go – how does that count as insulting your intelligence?”

“He also sent several beautiful Outer Realm Demons to try to seduce me.”

Patriarch Tongtian immediately flew into a rage, gnashing his teeth: “This unfilial Kunpeng! He must die! Tell me your plan! Can’t I deal with him? How dare he target anyone’s son-in-law!”

This strong father-in-law vibe.

Li Changshou dared not be careless and detailed his plan.

Working with the retired Human Sovereigns from Fire Cloud Cave to create a situation, intending to use the ninth strand of Ancient Hongmeng Purple Qi from Elder Hongyun to set up an ambush for Kunpeng in Xuandu City…

Patriarch Tongtian pondered briefly and smiled, “This is indeed a clever plan. That Kunpeng is crafty and cautious, always careful. The only thing that could make him lose his reason would be this chance to become a sage.

However, how can we make Kunpeng believe there truly is such a final chance to become a sage?”

“Truth and falsehood, reality and illusion, it’s all just a psychological game.”

Li Changshou smiled, “Kunpeng doesn’t need to fully believe it, just thirty percent belief is enough.

As long as Kunpeng has greed, there’s a weakness to exploit.

This time, the disciple wants to request Uncle Master to personally take action. Kunpeng is no ordinary being and has extreme speed at his disposal. If he escapes this time, catching him again would be tremendously difficult – he’d likely flee far from the Primordial Realm.”

Patriarch Tongtian smiled, “It’s fine for me to act, it’s not a big matter.

I’m not like your Second Uncle Master, who thinks sages should maintain their dignity, not intervening in matters disciples can handle, avoiding too many appearances lest it diminish sage authority.

Aren’t sages also cultivating beings?

However, I do have one condition.”

A sage negotiating with himself…

“Uncle Master, you…” Li Changshou hurriedly said, “If Uncle Master has any instructions, just tell the disciple directly.”

“Can Kunpeng be spared?” Patriarch Tongtian was quite straightforward, smiling, “I need to borrow his extreme speed for something, to try catching up to the Chaos Bell.

This bell has eluded me countless times, always just by a hair’s breadth.

If we can get Kunpeng under control, with one of us pursuing and one blocking, we’d have an eighty percent chance.”

Li Changshou thought for a while, then nodded in agreement.

Then, he asked a question that had long puzzled him: “Uncle Master, why didn’t you seek disciple and the Golden Roc’s help before?”

“Seeking help from you, my little disciple…”

Patriarch Tongtian supported himself on the jade pool’s edge, looking up at the drifting clouds, “This poor Daoist is not like Zhunti, doing things without regard for face.”