Having to suddenly direct a sage lord made Li Changshou somewhat nervous.

Of course, this experience was limited to Patriarch Tongtian – there wouldn’t be chances to arrange things for other sages anyway.

Patriarch Tongtian was considered the most easy-going and down-to-earth among the sages.

To give the sage lord the best possible “being arranged experience,” Li Changshou decided to raise the level of detail in his prepared plans by several orders of magnitude!

The preparation time was also increased from three years to twenty years.

After all, the longer cultivators lived in the Primordial Realm, the weaker their perception of periods became. For these ancient beings, there wasn’t much difference between a few years and a few decades.

This was most apparent in his teacher, the Taiqing Sage.

Even taking three to five years just to consider a single sentence, truly proves the saying “time is not counted in the Primordial Realm.”

After his true body returned from Biyou Palace, Li Changshou spent two months hiding in the pill room modifying plan details and sent Bian Zhuang on a secret trip to Fire Cloud Cave to deliver the new plan adjustments.

Currently, Li Changshou’s paper avatars’ movements actually couldn’t guarantee secrecy anymore. No matter what appearance they changed into or how careful they were with blood essence details, they could easily be exposed when encountering those of great power and abilities.

It was time to start appropriately using some subordinates.

Regarding Bian Zhuang, Li Changshou knew him inside and out. Though the fellow was fond of flowers and romance, he was the type who had inappropriate thoughts but lacked the courage to act on them. Though somewhat dissolute by nature, he could be trusted when doing important tasks.

Moreover, Bian Zhuang’s entire family was now working for the Heavenly Court, making him politically reliable and easier to use without concerns.

More importantly…

Bian Zhuang was an important supporting character in the next tribulation, and Heaven’s Dao would not allow him to fall into trouble no matter how he calculated things.

Based on Li Changshou’s understanding of Heaven’s Dao, this was ninety-eight percent likely.

‘Was Senior Wanderer back then perhaps resentful of Heaven’s Dao because it arranged everything?’

In front of the pill room, Li Changshou sat in a rocking chair, recalling the “Chronicles of the Wanderer” he had read before, searching for clues he might have previously overlooked.

Regarding Senior Wanderer’s matter, Li Changshou’s current position leaned more toward Heaven’s Dao.

Why?

There was something Li Changshou had never mentioned before—Chang’e of the Moon Palace.

The world never lacked beautiful immortal maidens. For Heaven’s Dao to place the most beautiful woman of the three realms in the Moon Palace, or to have a Human Sovereign’s daughter marry Yi, neither would have been difficult matters.

Judging by the growth rate of current tribulation children, it would only take a few hundred years to develop.

Yet back then, as Senior Wanderer’s direct disciple and one of the figures most closely connected to him, Chang’e slept for ten thousand years, forgetting everything about Senior Wanderer, but still survived.

Until now, Chang’e was still seeking that missing “puzzle piece” of her dao heart, and Heaven’s Dao hadn’t struck her down.

In Li Changshou’s view, the Dao Ancestor had truly done everything possible.

“Ah, the past is past.”

Li Changshou sighed, gently fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, completely relaxed and content.

As the Investiture of the Gods tribulation drew closer bit by bit, the curtain on the Primordial Realm had fallen, and the tribulation energies in heaven and earth were ready.

First sacrificing Kunpeng to heaven might relieve some pressure from the Primordial Realm and add some variables and vitality for those destined to face tribulation.

‘Still need to take this opportunity to organize some Three Schools fellowship.’

This wasn’t Li Changshou’s first time bringing the Enlightenment Sect and Severing Sect together for fellowship activities, such as at Ancient Asura City or when pressuring Spirit Mountain;

But this time, circumstances were different.

The Enlightenment Sect’s stance on Yang Jian’s matter had been extremely subtle.

The immortals of both schools weren’t foolish – how could they not understand that the key lay in their sage teachers’ choices?

What Li Changshou wanted to do was simply create more goodwill between the immortals of both schools, so they might show some consideration when taking action later.

Though the idea might be somewhat naive, after careful consideration, Li Changshou felt this was all he could do.

“Senior Brother, are you busy?”

Ling E’s voice transmission drifted over from the side. Li Changshou collected his thoughts and smiled, shaking his head.

Outside the formation, Ling E, who had carefully dressed up, came riding on a cloud. Thinking of that previous scene, her cheeks turned slightly red, but her gaze was firm and her attitude resolute as she bravely flew through the layers of formations, landing at another side of the pill room entrance…

And waited.

Li Changshou waved his palm-leaf fan, wearing a faint smile as he continued contemplating the subsequent series of arrangements.

The enemy was in the Chaos Sea.

…

“What’s wrong? Why the troubled look?”

In a corner of the original Water God’s Manor, on two swaying swings, a youth and a maiden swung left and right, back and forth.

Looking at the left wing, the maiden was graceful and adorable, wearing small rabbit ear ornaments in her hair, with a sweet smile on her lips. Under her short skirt, her pair of jade feet were long and slender, yet gave people a feeling…

Of great strength.

It was naturally the Jade Rabbit maiden.

Hearing the Jade Rabbit ask this way, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy let out a deep sigh, leaning against the swing’s rope, his eyes losing their light.

“I probably won’t be Uncle Master’s favorite junior anymore.”

“Hm?” Jade Rabbit was completely confused, slowing her swinging frequency considerably, asking puzzledly: “Why do you say that? Taibai Star Lord values you greatly.”

“You don’t understand,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy sighed, “Just recently, that fellow Bian Zhuang was entrusted with important tasks by Uncle Master, even doing secret matters that I’m not allowed to know about.

After breaking through to the Golden Immortal realm, Ao Yi holds multiple positions, from the Heavenly River Navy to instructor of the Battle Division’s Heavenly Soldiers, and is also responsible for monitoring fallen dragon race water gods.

No need to mention Junior Brother Yang Jian, being protected by Uncle Master while smashing Spirit Mountain… that scene, that majesty.

Sigh, I was here first.”

“Hmm…”

Jade Rabbit thought for a while, then smiled, “Actually, Star-Lord still values you greatly.

Look, in Yang Jian’s matter, you were also entrusted with an important task by Star-Lord, playing the crucial role of stimulating Yang Jian’s emotions, and even performing the scene of the brothers parting and fighting to the death.

In my eyes, that was already very impressive.”

“Junior Brother Yang Jian was no match for me two hundred years ago.”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy sighed dejectedly, scratching his head. He wanted to avoid this topic and not discuss these troubling matters, but the complicated thoughts in his heart surged forth, making him even more downcast.

The feeling of being surpassed by others was indeed unpleasant.

Especially since Spirit Zhenzhu Boy had been stuck in the realm just before Golden Immortal recently, unable to achieve perfection no matter how he contemplated.

Even though he was a third-generation disciple of the Enlightenment Sect, a sage’s grand disciple, and Taibai’s nephew, he couldn’t make the bottleneck before him dissipate.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy knew that if he spoke up, he could obtain pills to break through the bottleneck. With his accumulation, passing the Golden Immortal tribulation wouldn’t be difficult.

But firstly, he was unwilling;

Secondly, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy had broad horizons, and all the seniors he had contact with were great powers of heaven and earth.

Even though his own master’s cultivation abilities seemed somewhat lacking, in the scope of the Primordial Realm, he was still undoubtedly a top expert.

Golden Immortal was just a starting point, followed by the nine grades of Golden Immortal, six turns of Daluo, and three corpses awaiting severance…

If he relied on external force to break through the bottleneck, he would surely be stuck early on later.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy sighed, “What’s the point of immortality if one cannot stand tall in the world?”

Jade Rabbit hurriedly said, “If you say that, should we small immortal maidens who just pass time in the Heavenly Court even continue living?”

“I am, after all, Master’s disciple,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy said helplessly, “Now that I’ve fallen far behind Junior Brother Yang Jian, Master must be under great pressure.

Though Master is very kind, speaks well, and is gentle with people, he’s also very proud at heart.

I should at least give Master something to be proud of.”

Jade Rabbit thought of the Heavenly Court rumors and some scenes she had witnessed following her master using cloud mirror techniques.

“The master you speak of is True Lord Taiyi of Mount Qianyuan?”

“Yes,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy blinked, “Do I have another master?”

“Never mind then,” Jade Rabbit immediately shut her mouth and turned away, rolling her eyes.

This fellow was good in every way – kind-natured and simple – except he couldn’t judge people accurately and always had all sorts of inexplicable misunderstandings.

“Bunny, let’s fight! My hands are itching!”

Jade Rabbit’s mouth twitched slightly as she stood up with a smile, her gaze showing faint disdain, “Don’t cry when I kick you.”

“Please!”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy made a gesture of invitation with one hand, sealing off most of his cultivation power to become slightly weaker than Jade Rabbit.

Jade Rabbit removed her cloth wrap, changed into a pair of well-fitting cloth shoes, and with an agile flip arrived at the center of the open space. Standing on the tip of one foot, her whole body was wrapped in an aura of agility.

Instantly, gazes from inside and outside the entire Water God’s Manor were drawn over.

Watching Jade Rabbit and Spirit Zhenzhu Boy play-fight had become an old show for the various Heavenly Soldiers and Generals here.

In a courtyard not far away, You Qin Xuan Ya appeared in an ice-blue long dress, standing on the courtyard wall quietly appreciating this scene.

She had been cultivating recently, and because the Heavenly Court worried about Western School’s revenge, they hadn’t let her go out to exorcise demons and advertise, so she had been quite free.

Before long, You Qin Xuan Ya’s figure disappeared as if she had never appeared…

Pah pah!

“That’s enough beating you for today, this rabbit needs to go serve master!”

Throwing down this playful remark, Jade Rabbit hummed a comfortable tune, her small feet lightly tapping as her figure leaped several times before disappearing in the direction of the Moon Palace.

In the back courtyard of the Water God’s Manor, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy lay on the ground and sighed, his body covered in footprints left by the little rabbit.

He wasn’t injured – after all, he was born from a spirit pearl, and his physical body was quite tough.

If he were truly simple-minded, it would have been Jade Rabbit lying there instead. He deliberately held back only because… he found that after being kicked by the little rabbit, the pain in his physical body would bring slight enhancements.

While others said he was slow-witted, he smiled at their inability to see through his act.

This method of strengthening his physical body was unique in the Heavenly Court, truly his secret technique.

He, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, was quite clever!

“This won’t do. If things continue like this, Uncle Master might forget about me.”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy pondered for a moment, sat up, and stroked his chin in thought.

According to his master’s teachings, his uncle’s master’s guidance, and his observations from mingling in the Heavenly Court for so many years, he should now actively seek some work in front of Uncle Master.

Even if it was just sweeping the ground, sprinkling water, or watering flowers, it would be better than his current state of having nothing to do.

No sooner thought than done, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy secretly went near Taibai Palace, finding a desolate mountain floating in the sea of clouds to cultivate quietly, waiting for the right opportunity…

After waiting and waiting, half a year passed in the blink of an eye before Spirit Zhenzhu Boy finally sensed something unusual near Taibai Palace.

The Golden Roc had returned from the Three Thousand Worlds to report!

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes brightened, and he immediately rode his cloud over, thinking to himself that if he could adventure through the Three Thousand Worlds with the Golden Roc, that would be quite a good assignment.

However, Zhenzhu’s calculations couldn’t match Changshou’s plans.

Just as Spirit Zhenzhu Boy arrived before Taibai Palace, he saw the Golden Roc reveal its true form within the formation, with Uncle Master busily moving back and forth, attaching various harnesses to the Golden Roc’s head, legs, and back.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy had just moved forward when he heard Li Changshou say gently: “Don’t get too close. Although these were forged by the Supreme Lord, their power hasn’t been tested yet. I don’t want you getting hurt later.”

“Oh… oh!”

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy agreed and immediately jumped back several hundred zhang, then quietly waited for half an hour, witnessing the Golden Roc’s first flight with its ‘new treasures.’

That extreme speed made even space and time continuously tremble; the golden line left by the Golden Roc’s flight couldn’t even maintain continuity.

Li Changshou revealed a satisfied look, then took out a jade talisman and began constantly recording.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy waited for a while, and when the Golden Roc returned, found he still couldn’t get a word in. Not daring to disturb them further, he respectfully made a bow and turned to walk along the Heavenly River to ease his boredom.

How could a true man easily admit defeat?

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy rallied his spirits and quickly returned to his original desolate mountain, beginning the next long wait.

Over the next year and more, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy witnessed dozens of the Golden Roc’s attempts, as it seemed Uncle Changsheng was busy helping the Golden Roc break through its speed limits.

Unable to help with this matter, he could only continue observing from nearby.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy secretly determined that later, even if there were just messages to deliver, he would rush to volunteer!

One day, Bian Zhuang suddenly arrived riding a cloud. Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes lit up, and he secretly followed behind, entering Taibai Palace’s main hall together with Bian Zhuang.

Sure enough, Uncle Master was holding a jade talisman – there must be a ‘messenger’ task!

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy hurried forward, quickly clasping his hands in a bow, saying: “Spirit Zhenzhu Boy pays respects to Uncle Master!”

“Mm,” Li Changshou smiled warmly and asked, “Do you have some difficulty, or perhaps questions about cultivation?”

“Neither,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes were full of eagerness, “I’m just a bit free.”

“Then go play more with Jade Rabbit,” Li Changshou beckoned to Bian Zhuang, passing him the jade talisman, “Same place, same rules, mind your tracks.”

“Yes! This humble general accepts the command!”

Bian Zhuang responded firmly, lowering his head and hurriedly leaving, his expression somewhat tense.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say; seeing Li Changshou’s gaze shift to him, he scratched his head with an awkward laugh, then bowed and took his leave.

His departing figure was rather desolate.

Li Changshou watched Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s somewhat disappointed figure, a trace of amusement passing through his eyes, but he didn’t say anything more.

Letting Spirit Zhenzhu Boy face some setbacks wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Being stuck at a bottleneck while possessing great fortune – if it wasn’t Heaven’s Dao deliberately making things difficult, then there must be some error in his cultivation.

As the future Nezha, there was no need to demand too much from him now.

Regarding Spirit Zhenzhu Boy, Li Changshou’s only concern was his method of reincarnation.

Spirit Zhenzhu Boy likely had a tribulation ahead, though it was unclear when this tribulation would manifest.

Speaking of which, the Golden Roc’s harness effects were quite good; next would be practical testing in the Chaos Sea.

Besides the Golden Roc, there were still many formations to arrange. He wasn’t sure if the twenty-year preparation period would be enough.

…

To test the harness effects in the Chaos Sea, they naturally had to choose a location far from Xuandu City.

Li Changshou figured that Kunpeng must be secretly observing every movement around Xuandu City, so testing flight speed outside Xuandu City would be too risky.

It wasn’t because he didn’t want to disturb his senior brother and sister-in-law!

He wondered how Kong Xuan was progressing – some time had passed, and if everything was going smoothly, perhaps he should be preparing to be called ‘uncle’ soon.

Ah, what about Wenjing?

To ensure Wenjing’s absolute loyalty to the Human School, he would inevitably need to make some empty promises later.

Then, after Wenjing absorbed the Golden Lotus and fell from twelve grades to three when it came time for rewards based on merit, she would suddenly see Kong Xuan and the Grand Master coming together in an embrace;

Just thinking about it was terrifying.

Even taking a huge step back, even if the Grand Master sacrificed himself for the Human School’s peace and his teacher’s credibility, boldly dealing with two extraordinary female immortals, when being intimate with Daoist Wenjing…

‘W-why are you so experienced at this?’

That scene…

Only children would cry out wanting it all; adults know what they can’t handle.

Neither Wenjing nor Kong Xuan were easy to deal with. If those two fought it out, his senior brother would immediately fall asleep, their teacher would drop down a word of “MEDIATE,” and wouldn’t he be the one to clean up the mess?

Thinking carefully, his own two seniors were truly reassuring. As long as he paid attention daily, nothing would go wrong.

With such complicated thoughts, Li Changshou’s paper avatar, hiding on the Golden Roc’s back, had arrived at their chosen ‘testing ground.’

The opposite corner from Xuandu City, at the other end of the Primordial Realm.

The main function of Heaven’s Dao barrier was to block Chaos beings and Chaos energy. For Primordial Realm beings recognized by Heaven’s Dao, as long as they had a powerful being leading the way, leaving and returning through Heaven’s Dao barrier wasn’t difficult.

For example:

If Kunpeng didn’t fear heavenly punishment and wanted to return to the Primordial Realm, he could approach from any direction.

But those Primordial Divine Demons and Outer Realm Demons who wanted to enter the Primordial Realm could only enter through the Heaven’s Dao gap at Xuandu City. They would be blocked by Heaven’s Dao power from other directions, even killed.

Having arrived here, it should be safe, although variables couldn’t be ruled out, but…

How many variables could there be in the Primordial Realm? With such vast heavens and earth, what struggling beings could they possibly encounter here?

Li Changshou took out the treasures prepared earlier, first having the Golden-Winged Peng Bird demonstrate its extreme speed and recording a value, then having it wear various harnesses for testing.

The results were unexpectedly good.

Especially the ‘Primordial Realm version propulsion device’ Li Changshou had conceived – after the Golden Roc reached high speed, it could push its flying speed up another level for a short time.

It just consumed precious materials.

After the Golden Roc experimented three or four times, Li Changshou painfully called for a stop, having the Golden Roc memorize the feeling before trying other harnesses.

Thus, they had their main force for pursuing Kunpeng.

After spending half a month, once the Golden Roc had adapted to the harnesses, Li Changshou wanted to head back.

But the Golden Roc said: “Master, may I use all these treasures together to try my current limit?”

Li Changshou wouldn’t refuse, his paper avatar hiding within Heaven’s Dao barrier while letting the Golden Roc take an unrestrained flight.

During this flight, the Golden Roc brought back news that left Li Changshou full of questions…

“Master, when the disciple was returning just now, I detected a location similar to Kunpeng’s cave dwelling from before – the layout is very close to Kunpeng’s dwelling, and there are complete principle fluctuations inside, though they’re not Kunpeng’s Great Dao.

Should disciple investigate in detail?”

“No,” Li Changshou instinctively rejected this suggestion, “Better to be cautious – I’m only here in avatar form, and you wouldn’t be able to handle it if you fell into danger.”

He pondered for a moment, then asked: “How far is it from the Primordial Realm?”

The Golden Roc quickly replied: “Disciple can reach it in moments, but it’s not particularly close.”

“Keep watch, don’t rush to investigate. Observe from a maximum distance whether any beings enter or leave. At any sign of movement, retreat immediately, don’t engage in battle.”

“Yes!”