Leaning against the balustrade of the dancing pavilion, looking back through the misty rain in long sleeves.

Li Changshou sent Spirit Zhenzhu to invite Chang’e, and Chang’e agreed without hesitation; if not for giving Li Changshou some time to prepare, she could have come to meet that very day.

That oath about “not being able to leave the Lesser Yin Star” had already been broken when the Jade Emperor issued the summons last time.

In other words, Chang’e now only needed a “legitimate” reason to leave the Vast Cold Palace and move about.

Meeting Chang’e alone… that wouldn’t be appropriate.

Li Changshou set up a sumptuous feast in the Great White Palace and specially invited Long Ji to accompany them. He also found a musician of rather special status – Ling E.

One could say his survival instinct was quite strong.

Behind screens beside the round banquet table, Bai Ze was hiding in a concealment formation, “playing with” the gourd bottom that had been mostly dismantled, with only a “ladle” structure remaining.

Tiny “components” hovered at the side like an asteroid belt. This Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife, representing the Demon Court’s [Highest Living Object Refining Technique], held no more secrets in Bai Ze’s hands.

Mister Bai had a flash of inspiration and took the opportunity to mix in two small squares he had left over from assembling this thing last time.

Nothing happened, nothing happened.

Honghuang’s natural laws differed greatly from Li Changshou’s old home Blue Star. Here, the sky was round and the earth square, with the Heavenly Dao projecting the sky curtain onto various square worlds, only the Five Continents of Honghuang being genuine.

As the warmth of the Sun Star gradually retreated, a bright moon hung high in the sky. A pure white path seemed to appear before the Great White Palace, sliding down from the Lesser Yin Star to the palace front.

The Moon Immortal came riding on clouds, her complexly structured yet mysteriously shoulder-and-leg-revealing immortal dress emanating soft immortal light, causing many Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to lose focus at one glance and become dizzy at two.

Fortunately, Bian Zhuang had gone back home, otherwise he would certainly have fainted from excessive nosebleeds today.

The Jade Rabbit and Spirit Zhenzhu naturally weren’t suitable to appear at this time. The two were drinking tea and eating snacks in the Vast Cold Palace, with Jade Rabbit listening to Spirit Zhenzhu vent his inner frustrations.

Roughly speaking, Golden Peng, Ao Yi, and Bian Zhuang all had tasks, but he could only run errands.

And only short-distance errands at that.

Speaking of Immortal Chang’e gracefully alighting before the Great White Palace, Li Changshou led Long Ji out to welcome her.

Maintaining his old immortal appearance, Li Changshou immediately made a Dao salute and smiled: “I trust the Star-Lord has been well?”

“My Lord need not be so formal,” Chang’e smiled and returned the salute, also using a Dao salute, though she covered her chest collar with her hand.

Chang’e asked directly: “My Lord’s summons this time, I fear it’s not as simple as just inviting me for a drink?”

“Eh, what makes the Star Lord say that?”

Li Changshou earnestly exchanged pleasantries: “Star-Lord occupies the important position of the Lesser Yin Star and is one of the Heavenly Court’s counted masters. I must invite the Star-Lord for a meal and maintain relations.

Please enter, Star-Lord. Though the wine is weak and the dishes humble, they express our respect.”

Chang’e smiled and nodded, stepping into the great hall.

Li Changshou activated the hall’s barriers, isolating this place from the outside.

Just then, a strain of sorrowful music suddenly came from the corner, slow in rhythm and containing endless grief, as if a woman were weeping and yearning, complaining and accusing.

“Ahem!”

Li Changshou cleared his throat and ‘scolded’ with his hands behind his back:

“What’s wrong with the musician? Change to something more cheerful.

What’s this? This poor Dao has been busy for several hundred years, can’t I enjoy myself a bit and discuss some Heavenly Court business with Star-Lord?”

Ling E in the corner couldn’t help rolling her eyes but didn’t expose her senior brother, responding softly:

“Yes, this humble immortal played wrongly. Star-Lord, please don’t be angry. If it’s not good enough, shall I invite my sister to play?”

Li Changshou: …

“It’s good that you know how to correct your mistakes. No need to make too much of it.”

Ling E naturally wouldn’t make things difficult for her senior brother. The tune quickly changed to the sound of mountain springs, quite effective at clearing the mind and purifying thoughts.

If not for the many rules in the Jasper Pool, with Long Ji being Mother Queen’s favorite child getting scolded daily, Long Ji would have lost control and turned around laughing.

Fortunately, Long Ji held it together. Not only held it together but took the initiative to explain to the confused Chang’e:

“To entertain Star-Lord, my master has brought out his most treasured possession.”

Chang’e immediately understood and curtsied to the little immortal who hadn’t shown herself in the corner, before continuing to chat with Li Changshou.

Regarding the situation in the Great White Palace, Chang’e had also heard some rumors.

Tsk, it wasn’t because she was too bored and had nothing better to do than watch heaven, earth, and mortals through cloud mirror techniques!

At the feast, Li Changshou displayed his excellent conversational skills, having quite an enjoyable discussion with Chang’e.

But now was a tense period of preparation for war, and Li Changshou didn’t want to waste too much time on the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife matter. He quickly steered the topic to ancient affairs.

“When I spoke with Star-Lord before, I seemed to hear that Star-Lord and the Great Shaman Yi of the ancient Shaman Tribe had no marital affection or reality as husband and wife, it was just a political marriage – a marriage in name only.”

Chang’e hadn’t expected Li Changshou to speak so directly. Her face slightly reddened as she said softly:

“Chang’e certainly didn’t lie, but this matter concerns the face of both the Human and Shaman tribes. Please, my Lord, don’t reveal this to others.”

“Star-Lord, rest assured,” Li Changshou said seriously, “I invited Star-Lord here today also to ask for your help.

This Great Shaman Yi, I have recently found him.”

After speaking, Li Changshou secretly observed Chang’e’s expression.

Chang’e’s gaze didn’t fluctuate much. The first emotion she revealed was comfort and joy, but not deeply.

Such a shallow degree would be difficult to achieve through acting.

Li Changshou determined that this comfort and joy came from ‘the empathy of beings from the same era.’

Chang’e said gently: “Yi wasn’t killed by the Demon Court? That’s fortunate.”

“It can hardly be called fortunate – living is worse than death,” Li Changshou sighed, “I now wonder just how many utterly unconscionable things the Demon Court did back then.

That Demon Teacher Kun Peng’s crimes are already enormous, but the Demon Court as a whole was even worse.”

Chang’e sighed: “Without experiencing the darkest times of antiquity, one cannot understand how hard-won humanity’s present state is.

The Shaman Tribe originally took pleasure in hunting all beings, though they were fierce, they acted openly and uprightly, hunting specifically for the strong.

The Demon Tribe was originally formed as a sacred tribe of all beings, receiving the Heavenly Dao’s protection to oppose the Shaman Tribe. But they didn’t govern internally or restrain themselves, using the Shaman Tribe’s rampant behavior as their standard of conduct, yet specifically bullying the weak.

When the Demon Court was at its peak, it was also the most suffering time for Honghuang’s beings.

Within the Demon Tribe, powerful clans oppressed weaker ones. Today’s Qing Qiu clan was merely a plaything of those strong clans back then.

Taking pleasure in exploiting other beings like this, not thinking of self-improvement or advancement, instead continuously lowering their bottom line – they were bound to face tribulation eventually.

No matter how talented the Demon Emperor was, no matter how elegant the Demon Empress’s character was, they couldn’t stabilize this Demon Court built on corruption.

Demon Teacher Kun Peng is merely a microcosm of it all.”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, bringing the topic back around:

“This Great Shaman Yi also suffered torture. Now his consciousness is unclear, only his spirit essence remains, refined into a treasure.

Would Star Lord like to see him?”

Chang’e smiled and said: “He and I are old acquaintances. If my Lord feels a meeting is necessary, please arrange it.”

Long Ji secretly admired from the side.

This immortal from the Vast Cold Palace was no simple character.

Li Changshou clapped his hands, and from behind the screen to the side, Bai Ze floated over carrying that “ladle.”

On the “ladle” was an altar platform, with Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence locked outside the bronze pillar. The upper half “immortal palace” that released sword energy had been temporarily dismantled, revealing only a small portion of the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife’s secrets.

Bai Ze’s dismantling and assembly skills were becoming increasingly superb.

“This…”

Chang’e frowned and stood up, walking to Li Changshou’s side and looking down at Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence’s miserable state, unable to help calling softly:

“Great Shaman, Great Shaman?”

Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence suddenly opened its eyes, those eyes full of frenzy and anger, then threw back his head in a silent roar, seeming about to burn himself up.

Li Changshou raised his hand and pointed, instantly sealing this spirit essence with Yin-Yang energy as it continued its silent cry.

Chang’e hurriedly asked: “What is he saying?”

“Nothing meaningful, just expressing anger,” Li Changshou sighed, “He has been mad for a long time and cannot communicate.

Does Star-Lord have any way to awaken his spirit essence?

If we cannot awaken Yi’s consciousness, this treasure can only be destroyed along with his spirit essence. Keeping it would only be a hidden danger, not very secure.”

“Alas,” Chang’e thought for a while and said, “I wasn’t particularly close to him, but I do know that the Great Shaman most enjoyed his first wife’s shamanic prayer dance.

Let me try and see if this method can bring back his consciousness.”

Li Changshou clasped his hands and said: “Thank you for your trouble, Star-Lord.”

“It’s just doing something for an old acquaintance.”

Chang’e said softly, walked to the side, and hesitated for a while before transmitting some inquiries to the ‘musician’ in the corner.

Ling E was also an expert in musical arts, Lesser Jade Peak’s strongest background music performer, skilled in hundreds of techniques. She quickly brought out a small drum and began beating it rhythmically.

Then, Li Changshou, Bai Ze, and Long Ji, as well as that deranged Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence, witnessed a…

Rather awkward prayer dance.

Who could have imagined that the elegant and beautiful Immortal Chang’e, wearing a more than ten-layered structured immortal dress just a moment ago, would suddenly spread her arms, lower her head, and hunch her back, jumping around barefoot while muttering…

The scene was unbearable to watch, leaving observers covered in black lines.

Chang’e had an unyielding streak in her bones, but the more she tried now, the more… heartbreaking it became.

That Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence remained unmoved, continuing to throw back his head and cry out.

A moment later…

“Please don’t speak of today’s events to others.”

Chang’e said this with a smile, her narrowed eyes full of sharp light, the short sword in her hand flickering with cold radiance, causing Long Ji and Ling E with their slightly weaker cultivation to shiver several times.

“Rest assured, Star-Lord, rest assured.”

Li Changshou repeatedly promised, then thought of something and asked: “If we were to ask someone from the Shaman Tribe to perform, playing the role of Yi’s wife, dancing this dance…”

Chang’e sighed: “Where would we find someone from the Shaman Tribe at this time?”

“No matter, there’s one in the back courtyard,” Li Changshou waved his hand, and Long Ji rose to hurry away, dragging out Xiong Lingli who had been sleeping in the mountains, too lazy to cultivate.

— The Sea God had arranged everything for her, so there wasn’t much use in her cultivating on her own.

Looking at Xiong Lingli with her twin ponytails and small limbs, Chang’e hummed softly and said: “She’s too thin like this. The Shaman Tribe considered robustness beautiful.”

“That’s easy to fix!”

Xiong Lingli took a gentle breath, raised her left hand, puffed up her cheeks, and blew a breath at her thumb. Her entire body instantly expanded to ten zhang tall!

Her muscles bulged all over as she transformed into her former ‘rockery-level’ state.

Li Changshou secretly wiped away cold sweat, thinking Xiong Lingli was going to transform into a giant, almost throwing out the miniature array specifically made for Xiong Lingli.

After some simple instructions, Xiong Lingli took a breath and began performing the prayer dance she had once shown Li Changshou before the Three Realms’ First Dancer ‘Immortal Chang’e’ – jumping around beside the banquet.

The Shaman Tribe itself was quite miraculous.

Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence was no longer agitated, instead showing a somewhat yearning expression.

As the drum beats became increasingly lively, Xiong Lingli danced more joyfully. Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence gradually became dazed, chains appearing around him, firmly binding him to the bronze pillar.

Until Xiong Lingli was dancing with sweat pouring down her face, Great Shaman Yi’s expression had become deep with emotion and nostalgia, with crystalline tears at the corners of his spirit essence’s eyes.

That deep and tender murmur, crossing countless years, also resonated in all their hearts…

“Is it you? Iron Hammer…”

Chang’e couldn’t help covering her face with her hand, almost bidding farewell and leaving directly.

A moment later.

“Xiong Lingli of the Shaman-Human Tribe pays respects to the elder.”

Besides the banquet, Xiong Lingli bowed deeply. Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence, having regained consciousness, now looked at Xiong Lingli with a complex expression, his voice resonating in the minds of the immortals present.

“Is there no place left in the world for my Shaman Tribe?”

Li Changshou said: “Great Shaman need not worry. Lady Houtu has sheltered a branch of the Shaman Tribe in the Netherworld, and the Shaman Tribe in the northern North Continent is also thriving.

Though not as prosperous as in the past and under Heaven’s Dao’s surveillance, the bloodline has not been severed.”

‘Chang’e is here, Demon General Bai Ze is here… then, who are you?’

Great Shaman Yi closed his eyes, but Li Changshou felt himself being watched by a sharp gaze, causing his dao heart to tremble slightly.

Worthy of being an ancient power that could complement the Twelve Ancestral Shamans’ formation.

“I am merely a Star-Lord in today’s Heavenly Court,” Li Changshou said with a smile.

Bai Ze spoke from the side:

“If you still have any feelings for the Shaman Tribe, you shouldn’t be discourteous to the immortal deity before you.

If not for him, the Northern Continent’s Shaman Tribe would likely have been extinct, and Lady Houtu would also have been in trouble…”

“Mister Bai, no need to say more,” Li Changshou raised his hand in gesture, his eyes fixed on Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence, saying calmly, “I actually don’t need to explain too much to you, and couldn’t explain clearly in a short time.

Let’s keep it simple between us – I’ll state my request, and you state your demands. If we can agree immediately, all the better.”

‘Speak.’

“I want to use the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife. In a thousand years, I’ll give you freedom and a chance at reincarnation.”

‘Agreed.’

“Then trouble Mister Bai to reassemble the gourd.”

Great Shaman Yi’s spirit essence opened his eyes, frowned while looking at Li Changshou, then moved his gaze to Chang’e.

Chang’e showed a faint smile, nodding to him in acknowledgment.

‘You’re still alive, those human generals didn’t give you trouble, that’s good.’

Chang’e sighed: “No need to mention past events. Even if they had given trouble, what of it? Father would have protected me.

It’s good that you can reincarnate. Star-Lord is the most interesting being in today’s world, his promises won’t be false.”

‘In the end, my Shaman Tribe lost,’ Great Shaman Yi sighed, his eyes carrying some distant nostalgia, ‘Congratulations.’

“Thank you.”

After speaking, Great Shaman Yi closed his eyes and said no more, being carried behind the screen by Bai Ze.

Li Changshou and Chang’e exchanged glances, the latter smiled helplessly, thinking of past events with some melancholy as she raised her wine cup to drink alone.

The Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife could finally be used with thirty percent peace of mind.

Having another treasure that could slay Great Luo Immortals and harm great powers was certainly a happy matter.

But Li Changshou didn’t waste much more time. After seeing Chang’e off and playing around with Ling E for a while, he threw himself into the tense arrangements.

Capturing Kun Peng was mainly divided into three stages:

Early stage momentum building, situation control, and fishing execution.

Once news of the Primordial Purple Qi appeared, the Honghuang powerhouses would explode;

But as long as they got the Dao Path masters active, creating an atmosphere of determination to obtain the Primordial Purple Qi, they could make various powerhouses maintain a wait-and-see attitude to some degree, preventing them from fighting early and increasing chaos variables.

What Li Changshou needed to do first was make those cultivators below the Great Luo realm ‘retreat in the face of difficulty.’

Whether in his previous life or Honghuang, wherever beings had bold ideas, there would be no shortage of opportunists.

For dealing with such situations, Li Changshou’s method was simple—

Define destiny.

They only needed to spread the news that [Primordial Purple Qi is about to manifest in the world] while simultaneously spreading [Heaven’s Mechanism shows the ninth strand of the eighth Primordial Purple Qi is destined for a Dao Path disciple], which would naturally make most cultivators step back.

If the ninth strand of Primordial Purple Qi truly manifested, it would be a treasure that even the Sage Lords would fight to obtain. Whichever great school it went to, that school would gain another half-sage…

Any rational Honghuang independent cultivator would not join in this commotion.

As for the ‘side effects’ of such actions, such as deepening the conflict between Dao Path cultivators and other cultivators, and increasing beings’ dissatisfaction with the Dao Path in the realm, all were within acceptable limits.

Later, if they caught Kun Peng, they would announce this matter to all and have the Heavenly Court actively apologize.

This would not only earn a reputation for the Heavenly Court but also deeply imprint the impression that the Heavenly Court was ‘strong enough to scheme against Kun Peng’ in people’s hearts – truly killing multiple birds with one stone.

Fifteen years countdown to the planned battle in Xuan Du City.

Honghuang began to see discussions about Primordial Purple Qi appear, many cultivators talking about matters they normally wouldn’t dare mention, speaking of the differences between Heavenly Dao Sages and Great Dao Sages.

That same year, various unusual phenomena appeared around the Human Sovereign Palace, with many rare ancient beasts appearing.

According to certain big shots who claimed to be “the one hundred and thirty-second generation great-grandson of Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s pillow companion’s nephew,” the atmosphere in the Human Sovereign Palace was very serious, with several human ancestors frequently gathering to discuss important matters.

The situation of mountain rain approaching with the wind filling the tower had quietly formed.

Ten years countdown.

A piece of inside information exploded across the Honghuang Realm and Three Thousand Worlds.

Elder Hong Yun’s Primordial Purple Qi wasn’t just divided into eight strands – nine was the extreme number. It was divided into nine strands, and the ninth strand was about to manifest. The continuous unusual phenomena at the Human Sovereign Palace were the harbinger!

After discovering the information leak, the Human Sovereign Palace immediately sealed off its connection with the outside world and closed its entrance.

Moreover, large numbers of Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s war generals stationed themselves around the Great Marsh, seemingly searching for something.

The Honghuang Realm experienced small-scale turbulence, with streams of information difficult to distinguish between true and false. Cultivators pricked up their ears and widened their eyes, wanting to witness what great events might occur in the realm.

Great powers who had been considered to have merged with the Dao in past years continually revealed their traces in various places.

The entire Honghuang was completely caught up in the rhythm of a strand of Primordial Purple Qi.

At this time, Li Changshou had already confirmed through Mei Wenhua and her three easily assimilated sisters’ sensing that Kun Peng had heard this news.

— Mei Wenhua sensed that Demon Lord was beginning to accelerate the ‘differentiation’ of demons.

The curtain had been fully raised, and Li Changshou was about to head to Xuan Du City to make various formation arrangements.

A large hand slowly opened, though Kun Peng was huge, he couldn’t escape this hand’s palm…

But what Li Changshou didn’t know was that as he extended this hand, another hand was opening below, encompassing him and the entire realm within it.