Just before Li Longshou was about to depart for Xuandu City;

At the eternal banquet on Mount Kunlun.

“Fellow Daoist Du’e, do you have any news? Why have there been such widespread rumors about the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos these past few years, as if it’s truly about to manifest in the world?”

“Well… this poor Daoist hasn’t received any such news,” True Person Du’e replied with a humble smile. He adjusted the golden embroidered collar of his elaborate Daoist robe, smoothed his luxurious whisk, and assumed a dignified posture before responding with a gentle laugh:

“This poor Daoist doesn’t hear all news, especially regarding matters in the Heavenly Court. Even my acquaintances there know nothing of this.”

At the mention of ‘Heavenly Court,’ all ears around them immediately perked up.

An elderly Daoist asked, “Is there truly no news from the Heavenly Court? How is it that these rumors seem to be coming from around Fire Cloud Cave?”

True Person Du’e stroked his beard and shook his head. A Daoist beside him continued:

“Oh, this poor Daoist has a good friend who just returned yesterday from sightseeing at Fire Cloud Cave. The supernatural phenomena around the cave can’t be suppressed anymore.”

“It’s the ninth strand of the eighth Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos about to manifest! The eight Human Sovereigns who possess the other eight strands are all within Fire Cloud Cave. Such phenomena are only natural.”

“Nine Grade-Nine Rainbow Lotuses around Fire Cloud Cave are about to bloom. The ninth strand of Purple Qi should manifest within a hundred years, perhaps even sooner.”

Seeing everyone analyzing the situation so thoroughly, True Person Du’e asked from the side:

“All this news, it came from Fire Cloud Cave?”

“How could it be merely hearsay? This poor Daoist witnessed it with his own eyes!”

True Person Du’e’s face showed sudden understanding. He furrowed his brow, looked at the sky, and muttered: “Could this be true? How is it that when I inquired in the Heavenly Court, no one knew anything…”

The elderly Daoists’ eyes lit up, and several new rumors instantly spread.

“If you ask this poor Daoist, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with this Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos. It’s not a treasure we could hope to obtain.”

“With so many masters in the Dao School and so many powerful beings in the world, we are merely Long Life and Peace Immortals. If we get caught up in such a whirlpool, being busy for nothing would be the least of our worries. If we turn to tribulation ash, we’d have nowhere to cry.”

“Isn’t there also a rumor that the heavenly portents show this ninth strand of the eighth Purple Qi will go to the second-generation disciple who contributed most to the Dao School? Could it be that the Heavenly Dao will directly bestow it upon Star Lord Taibai?”

“What great merit does Star-Lord Taibai have to directly receive the chance for sainthood?”

“Isn’t supporting the Heavenly Court great merit? Isn’t promoting the Dao School great merit? And wasn’t it Star Lord Taibai Li Changgeng who single-handedly brought about the Non-Combat Covenant of the Dao School? The Dao Ancestor is still the Dao Ancestor after all. In his heart, he ultimately favors the Dao School. It’s like skipping a generation in showing affection!”

“Speak no more of this, speak no more. The Heavenly Dao watches over us all.”

“Enough, this matter has little to do with us. We’re merely spectators.”

“Enough, enough indeed.”

Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos?

Star Lord Taibai?

True Person Du’e stroked his beard with furrowed brows, pondering briefly, feeling there was something unusual about all this.

He hadn’t come here today merely to chat.

Since becoming the Heavenly Court’s ‘propagandist’ and the world’s ‘megaphone,’ he had released many ‘big news stories.’ Now his every move would be interpreted as the Heavenly Court’s stance.

The reason for True Person Du’e’s outing was that he had received a jade message talisman from the Heavenly Court that morning.

The content was strange, merely instructing him to go out and move about, listen and observe, but after half an hour, his disciple Zheng Lun would come to find him…

Such detailed arrangements were likely from Star Lord’s hand, though the deeper meaning remained unclear.

“Master! You’ve come out drinking again!”

Suddenly, a call came from the mountainside. True Person Du’e stood up, made a Daoist salute to his old friends, and said with a smile, “My disciple has come looking. This poor Daoist must take his leave.”

“True Person, why leave so soon after arriving?”

“True Person, won’t you give your old friends a hint about whether the Purple Qi is real…”

True Person Du’e looked at the gathering crowd and sighed, “This poor Daoist truly doesn’t know about this matter, and even if I did know whether it was true or false, what difference would it make? There are so many powerful beings in the world, not to mention the Dao School masters. If the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos truly manifests, it will be released by the Heavenly Dao. Everyone must be careful.”

As Du’e spoke, a graceful, handsome young Daoist with sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes arrived on a cloud at the mid-mountain banquet.

The young Daoist first made a Daoist salute to those at the banquet, then transmitted his voice to True Person Du’e:

“Master, you should return now. Didn’t the Heavenly Court tell you to drink less and reduce your outings in recent years?”

This young Daoist was none other than Zheng Lun.

At this time, Zheng Lun was merely in the True Immortal realm, having not been reincarnated for long, but his identity had long since been ‘leaked’ by True Person Du’e.

The reincarnation of Season Wuyou, the Sect Master of the Degree Immortal Gate!

The former Sect Master was personally arranged by Star Lord Taibai of the Heavenly Court to reincarnate!

“Let’s go, let’s go,” True Person Du’e waved his whisk and stood up with a smile. “Let’s return. I haven’t been drinking, nor have I been saying anything improper to others.”

Zheng Lun gave a bitter smile, his expression remaining calm, his acting performance normal.

It was obvious that during his reincarnation, the Immortal Lady Meng Po’s hand had developed ‘Primordial Chaos Parkinson’s’ again, leaving barely a sip of soup.

By now, he had recovered his memories of his previous life.

As True Person Du’e arrived on his cloud, Zheng Lun lowered his head and jumped onto his master’s cloud. They floated away together, leaving behind a group of cultivators of various ages, all looking at each other in bewilderment.

Something was wrong, very wrong indeed!

News that the Heavenly Court wanted to spread might be hard to verify as true or false, but it was certainly beneficial to the Heavenly Court.

News that the Heavenly Court didn’t want to spread was naturally disadvantageous to them but was ninety-nine percent likely to be true…

An elderly Daoist muttered softly: “Could it be that the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos won’t be directly bestowed upon Star Lord Taibai? That the Heavenly Court needs to seize it?”

In an instant, the entire banquet ‘came alive,’ though, without loud commotion, undercurrents stirred.

…

“Senior Brother Longshou, have you heard about the matter of the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos?”

In the Heavenly Court, at the former Water God Manor, in that scenically elegant back garden.

A man and woman walked side by side, surrounded by an invisible barrier that appeared like frosted glass.

It was Li Longshou, who had restored his youthful appearance, and You Qin Xuanya in her long dress.

Li Longshou had just prepared to leave Taibai Palace when he received You Qin Xuanya’s message and hurried over to meet her.

He had thought she might be growing tired of staying in the Heavenly Court and wanted to chat with him, perhaps have a lesson; unexpectedly, after Li Longshou activated the immortal power barrier, You Qin Xuanya directly asked such a question.

A truly unexpected development.

“You’ve heard the rumors too?” Li Longshou asked with a smile.

“Yes,” You Qin Xuanya said, “Now all the immortals and gods in the Heavenly Court are discussing it, saying this ninth strand of the eighth Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos is about to manifest, and should be for you, Senior Brother.”

Li Longshou smiled and shook his head, saying: “I wouldn’t dare guess at the Heavenly Dao’s thoughts.”

In his heart, however, he silently apologized, worried that their current conversation might be overheard by others. Regarding this calculation, he couldn’t reveal even half a word to You Qin.

You Qin Xuanya asked: “Then this time… does Senior Brother have a good grasp of the situation?”

“It’s acceptable,” Li Longshou said, “But everything is still unknown. This Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos, it all depends on whether fate favors me.”

“Is there anything I can help with?” You Qin Xuanya’s expression turned serious as she declared firmly, “Even if it means climbing blade mountains or diving into seas of fire, Xuanya won’t hesitate!”

Li Longshou: …

Should they set up an incense altar here and become sworn siblings?

Still, this was her heartfelt intention, and Li Longshou felt warmth in his heart. He smiled and said: “You can just cultivate peacefully in the Heavenly Court, don’t worry too much about these matters. By the way, Xuanya, why haven’t you visited Small Qiong Peak? Ling’e has been begging to come out and play with you, and I’ve had to punish her more than ten times.”

You Qin Xuanya was stunned for a moment and asked in return: “Am I free to go to Small Qiong Peak?”

Li Longshou smiled and said: “Why wouldn’t you be?”

She said softly: “Isn’t that the back garden of Taibai Palace…”

“You’re my fellow disciple and good friend. Among the Degree Immortal Gate, you, Little Junior Uncle, and our siblings are the closest. Who would dare stop you?”

Li Longshou secretly thought ‘I knew it would be like this’ and took out a stack of paper human figures from his sleeve, instructing:

“These are newly made paper avatar bodies, much stronger than before. Keep them with you. The Heavenly Palace has been heavily guarded these past hundred years, and you’ve been in closed cultivation unable to go out and slay demons, your heart must be somewhat depressed. Feel free to go to Taibai Palace. If you want to go anywhere in the Heavenly Court to walk around and look, just take out my paper avatar. No one will dare stop you.”

“Mm,” You Qin Xuanya put the paper figures into her bracelet, seeming somewhat hesitant to speak, her beautiful eyes glancing about, words delayed.

“Ah…”

Li Longshou slowly sighed, “The Heavenly Court is gradually getting on track, its dominion over Heaven and Earth grows ever broader, and the divine hierarchy becomes increasingly strict.”

“Isn’t this what Senior Brother has been working toward?” You Qin Xuanya’s beautiful eyes were full of light, becoming more animated as she spoke of this.

“Senior Brother, your vision for the Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, your classification of humans, immortals, demons, monsters, and ghosts—it all represents a completely new order. Even now, there are many achievements. In the Southern Continent, monsters have vanished, immortals dare not casually interfere, and mortals live in peace without being bullied by immortals.

The power structure in the Three Thousand Worlds is becoming clear. Although there is constant warfare during this Great Tribulation, it’s foreseeable that once the tribulation dissipates, the Heavenly Court’s power will transcend the Three Realms, bringing this order to all creation. Even ordinary Long Life Immortals or so-called Primordial Powerhouses would consider themselves successful in accomplishing half of what you’ve arranged in mere hundreds of years… Senior Brother?”

Li Longshou stretched lazily and smiled, “Seeing the light in your eyes as you speak of these things, do you enjoy being a Heavenly General?”

“Yes, yes,” You Qin Xuanya nodded gently, humming softly with her hands behind her back, noticeably more lively than before. “I just feel that working here allows me to contribute something to all living beings in creation. When I was lost and confused before, it was Senior Brother who enlightened me. In this life, I wish to serve justice. And also…”

She glanced to the side, lowering her voice to a whisper: “The Heavenly Court has Senior Brother.”

Li Longshou smiled, “What if one day I leave the Heavenly Court, what then?”

You Qin Xuanya’s delicate brows furrowed, unsure how to answer for a moment.

“My fault, that question was too difficult for you,” Li Longshou chuckled lightly, then said seriously, “Being able to pursue one’s ideals is quite a good thing. The world is extremely dangerous, and the weak cannot even guarantee their basic right to survival—this was the most prominent problem before. But as the Heavenly Dao operates and the Great Dao remains inconstant, when the Heavenly Court rises, today’s most prominent problems will be resolved, only for new problems to become the main contradictions. The righteous path is not immutable; it likewise depends on your stance. But your beliefs shouldn’t change—what you protect isn’t the weak of the world, but the flame in your heart.”

You Qin Xuanya nodded solemnly: “Senior Brother, I understand.”

“Good, I still have some important matters to attend to.”

Li Longshou instinctively raised his hand to pat You Qin Xuanya’s shoulder but stopped three inches above it…

This was purely a habit from encouraging Bian Zhuang and the others!

You Qin Xuanya looked somewhat confused, trying to tilt her head and actively bringing her cheek closer.

Li Longshou had a flash of inspiration and produced a jade pendant of spiritual protection, using immortal power to attach it to her nearly translucent earlobe.

“A small gift… I’m going.”

You Qin Xuanya stood still, smiling lightly, not finding anything wrong with the previous gesture, and wondering why Senior Brother Longshou’s departing figure seemed somewhat hurried.

“Oh, right.”

Li Longshou had already stepped onto a cloud and risen into the air, but turned back, smiled at her, and transmitted:

“You came to the Heavenly Court because of my arrangements. If you ever grow tired of staying here or feel something isn’t right, you can return anytime.”

You Qin Xuanya nodded gently and made a Daoist salute to Li Longshou: “Wishing Senior Brother victory in battle!”

Li Longshou smiled and shook his head, his figure transforming into a rainbow light, departing for the Crystal Palace.

‘This Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos was something he participated in creating, what’s the point in seizing it?’

When going out to make trouble, naturally he had to bring the Jade Emperor’s avatar along.

At least to give some sense of participation.

…

Three days later, near Fire Cloud Cave.

Li Longshou and the Jade Emperor’s avatar Quan Dong hid in the shadows, observing the supernatural phenomena throughout the great marsh.

Treasure lotuses bloomed with colorful clouds, while celebration clouds connected to the heavenly dome.

Not only outside Fire Cloud Cave, but inside was also quite lively, after all, according to Li Longshou’s requirements, if they were going to put on a show, they needed to do it properly.

The area within a thousand li was especially bustling, with many cultivators coming to observe, mainly those at the Heavenly Immortal realm, but mixed among them were countless big fish.

Li Longshou and Quan Dong exchanged glances, quietly departing.

The momentum-building was going smoothly.

The two made gestures of invitation, secretly leaving the vicinity of Fire Cloud Cave, and heading toward the outer heavens. Several days later, they arrived at an array of illusions carved into the void, meeting up with the Golden-Winged Great Peng and connecting with White Marsh, who had returned to preside over affairs at the Approaching Heaven Palace, all traveling together toward Xuandu City.

Quan Dong smiled and said: “Now that things are largely settled, I wonder if that Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos can deceive Kun Peng.”

“Your Majesty,” Li Longshou smiled and said, “For the sake of certainty, besides the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos, I’ve prepared another fish hook. If this calculation fails, we can immediately activate the backup plan.”

“Oh?” Quan Dong asked curiously, “There can even be a backup plan? What grudge, what enmity do you have with Kun Peng, Changgeng?”

“There’s no real grudge,” Li Longshou smiled and said, “Actually, this plan is also an unexpected joy, namely the four Heavenly Demons I’ve currently placed in Taibai Palace. It all started with Mei Wenhua—the Heavenly Demons underwent an anomalous transformation into the purest of beings. The Dao principles that created the Heavenly Demons are incomplete, so most Heavenly Demons have destructive tendencies, but after this anomalous transformation, they went to the other extreme, their hearts full of salvation and protection.”

“That’s a good thing too,” Quan Dong smiled and said, “Stop calling them Heavenly Demons, give them a new name.”

Li Longshou said gently: “If Your Majesty would bestow a name, that would be their honor.”

“They were originally Heavenly Demons, but transformed into such immortal spirits—why not call them the Little Magic Fairy tribe.”

Little!

Li Longshou gave a thumbs up, using this to express his boundless admiration inside, quickly bringing the topic back to the main matter.

“To put it briefly, Your Majesty, Mei Wenhua, and the others can threaten the Demon Venerable. According to various pieces of information this humble deity has obtained, Kun Peng’s ability to obtain spiritual power in the Chaos Sea relies on devouring the Demon Venerable’s avatars. If we move against the Demon Venerable, no matter how cold-hearted Kun Peng is, he’ll have no choice but to appear and rescue them. However, this backup plan carries greater risk, requiring entry into the Chaos Sea—we don’t know what difficulties we might encounter.”

“Good.”

Quan Dong’s face showed deep feeling as he praised: “In terms of deep planning, Changgeng must be first below the Saints.”

“Speaking of this, this humble deity does have some subtle worries.”

Li Longshou looked at the constantly flashing spots of light in the void ahead, “If the Western Teaching deliberately sabotages things, there could be some trouble.”

“How could they sabotage it?”

Quan Dong smiled and said: “They couldn’t possibly spread news saying that Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos must be fake?”

“Let’s hope so,” Li Longshou smiled and said, “If they’re also interested in the Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos, they naturally wouldn’t want too many people to act, as this would increase their chances. If they spread such news, it would be a good thing, directly increasing the credibility of this matter. What I’m worried about is them suddenly having an inspiration and creating some unexpected major event.”

“Oh?”

Quan Dong seemed to half-understand, but quickly adopted an expression of squinting and smiling.

A universal technique of those in high positions.

At the same time, at the foot of Spirit Mountain.

That slightly chubby Daoist stood in the shadows, wearing his perpetual smile, and said calmly to the more than ten figures bowing before him:

“Just do as this poor Daoist just said, spread it as quickly as possible. Whether that Purple Qi of Primordial Chaos is real or fake, there’s an eight out of ten chance it involves the Heavenly Court’s calculations, and what this poor Daoist most enjoys is not letting the Heavenly Court have its way. Remember to act carefully, don’t let the news leak out, this poor Daoist has many more arrangements to follow.”

The group of masters led by Wen Jing Daoist unanimously agreed.

In the Chaos Sea, at an immeasurably distant place from the world, that immense body whose size could not be measured was surrounded by clusters of black shadows, that mouth as black as an abyss slowly opened, swallowing countless black shadows into its belly…

A strand of divine thought transmitted: ‘Master, are you going to the world? This might be a trap—they are most cunning.’

Kun Peng’s fish eyes slowly opened a crack.

‘This is my last chance. They… cannot hold me.’