In the cave-dwelling, half of Wen Jing’s face was illuminated while the other half remained in shadow, her eyes never losing their contemplative and worried expression.

To be honest, she felt somewhat anxious.

Many years had passed since she was secretly recruited by Star Lord Tai Bai. In the beginning, Star-Lord Tai Bai was still the Sea God, gathering merits from prayers at the South Sea shore, preparing for his meteoric rise.

She still wondered why Star-Lord had targeted her then, though thinking back now, it must have been because of her small scheme against the Du Xian Sect.

She had been among the elite of the Primordial Fierce Beasts, the Big Sister of the Blood Sea, who back then only feared Ancestor Ming He. Yet she never expected to fall prey to such a simple scheme.

Master Wen Jing still remembered her miserable experience from back then.

First, she inexplicably encountered Zhao Gongming, who collapsed without a word. Then Qiong Xiao came from the side, crying and wailing, leaving her caught off guard and confused.

Though she eventually escaped by pretending to be a kind-hearted woman, her dao heart had already become unbalanced, allowing the Sea God to easily breach her mental defenses…

It was all calculated!

This was Star Lord’s method!

Wen Jing had always believed that all the Western Teaching’s sage disciples combined were no match for the Star Lord’s schemes.

Reality had proven this true.

There was no need to mention those unimportant old priests. From Jin Chan Zi to Xu Puti to Di Zang and Mi Le – which of them hadn’t been utterly defeated, crippled, or humiliated by the Sea God?

If this chess game had continued, in another thousand or eight hundred years, likely all the Western Teaching’s core disciples would have fallen.

Of course, her main reason for being loyal to the Human Teaching was still her Great Consort…

Wen Jing covered her lips and giggled softly, standing at the cave entrance lost in thought.

However, during her time infiltrating Western Teaching, her status rose steadily, even reaching the position of head of the secret division.

Though her life still hung on a single word from the Sage, she could now attend many gatherings previously restricted to core disciples only.

Having reached such a position, why hadn’t Star-Lord let her take action?

Even when she actively brought valuable intelligence, Star-Lord would remind her not to worry about such minor matters, to focus on staying hidden and avoid arousing Sage’s suspicion.

In other words, what Star-Lord wanted her to do was hundreds or thousands of times more important than passing information.

Correspondingly, the danger and difficulty must also be hundreds or thousands of times greater.

How could she not be anxious?

Master Wen Jing truly couldn’t imagine what abilities she possessed that made Star-Lord value her so highly, placing an unknown heavy responsibility on her delicate yet commanding shoulders.

Sister-in-law couldn’t handle this.

Now the Heavenly Army had directly surrounded Spirit Mountain. The Heavenly Court’s army, fresh from defeating the demon race’s main force, had arrived with overwhelming momentum, clearly intending to settle old scores with Spirit Mountain.

Master Wen Jing couldn’t help but think more deeply…

She even rather looked forward to receiving a whispered message now, instructing her how to proceed;

To reveal all the evidence she had collected over these years, exposing Spirit Mountain’s secret deeds to the public.

Afterward, Great Sage Tai Qing would announce her acceptance as a small acolyte at Tai Qing Temple, and after a thousand years or so, she would head to Xuan Du City.

To fight to the death with Kong Xuan of the Phoenix Clan!

Hmph!

‘How could I, the great queen, lose to that newly gender-decided… woman!’

Suddenly!

A flute melody echoed in her mind. Master Wen Jing’s spirits lifted as she vigilantly scanned her surroundings from the cave entrance, calmly closing her eyes.

On a secret beach by the South Sea, a handsome ‘young lady’ was playing a flute.

Soon, several fish swam to the shallow waters. The young lady transmitted eight words to them while playing:

[Stay calm, self-preservation comes first.]

Afterward, the young lady’s figure vanished into the reef below, leaving no trace.

The fish also turned and returned to the sea, leaving no trail behind.

At the foot of Spirit Mountain, in a hidden cave dwelling, Master Wen Jing felt dizzy. Her slender fingers pressed against her forehead as her crimson lips parted slightly, feeling somewhat light-headed.

As expected…

Star-Lord surely wanted her to slap Sage’s face!

Today’s situation had nothing to do with her. Besides directly humiliating the Sage, she truly didn’t know what else she could do for the Human Teaching, the Dao School, or Star-Lord…

Surely they couldn’t expect her to become the Western Teaching’s Vice Leader and then announce Spirit Mountain’s dissolution while the Main Leader was away?

“Ah.”

Master Wen Jing sighed somewhat dejectedly, her expression tinged with melancholy.

“Wen Jing.”

A call sounded in her ear. Master Wen Jing’s delicate hand trembled slightly, but she immediately straightened her posture, striking an alluring pose with her hands folded before her belly, and responded softly:

“Second Master, Wen Jing is here.”

“Mm,” the voice acknowledged, seeming somewhat hesitant before continuing, “When the Heavenly Court makes its move shortly, I need you to do something.”

“Please instruct me, Second Master,” Master Wen Jing sighed softly. “In this world, without this place, I fear Wen Jing would have nowhere to belong.”

The voice fell silent for a moment before continuing to give several instructions in whispers.

Master Wen Jing’s face showed sudden understanding as she agreed with a smile, her eyes full of determination, yet deliberately revealing a trace of contemplation.

After all, for someone of her status, immediately agreeing to a task from a Sage and pledging life and limb would truly be suspicious.

At this moment, showing a bit of hesitation in her gaze, coupled with some reluctance, then made a somewhat helpless compromise amid the hesitation.

Truly worthy of being one of the strongest contenders for the title of Great Immortal Realm’s Best Actress.

…

Meanwhile, after dissolving the paper avatar that had actively sent the message to Master Wen Jing, Li Chang Shou began arranging subsequent matters.

Li Chang Shou had already seen the recording sphere brought back by Golden Peng, and the effect was very good – clearly the result of Golden Peng, Grand Magus, and Kong Xuan’s joint efforts.

The only drawback was the lack of backup copies, making it vulnerable to damage.

Fortunately, Li Chang Shou had long since developed the ‘recording sphere content-copying’ divine ability and made ninety-nine copies of these three recording spheres.

To be honest, the Immortal Realm had no concept of ‘video editing,’ so these recording spheres couldn’t be falsified.

Over these six months, Li Chang Shou had carefully selected a batch of bold and aggressive commanders in the Heavenly Court and specifically notified Yang Jian to come observe at Spirit Mountain today.

Li Chang Shou’s divine consciousness checked on the cultivating Ling E calculated the firmness of her current dao foundation and nodded with satisfaction.

Then, his true body carrying the Primordial Yellow Pagoda and the Ground Flame Banner, floated out of Tai Bai Palace on a cloud, ordering Golden Peng to lead those dozens of heavenly generals to Spirit Mountain first, while he concealed his traces and headed toward Mount Emei.

Colorful clouds accompanied him, with immortal cranes occasionally circling.

Arriving before Luo Fu Cave, Li Chang Shou shook his whisker fan, took out the jade token Brother Zhao Gongming had given him last time, and entered the formation.

Mount Emei’s scenery was pleasant, with distant mountains like forests and clouds like seas. As a top-tier blessed land of the Immortal Realm, the cave-dwelling occupancy rate here was quite shocking, though the best locations were all occupied by powerful beings like Zhao Gongming, and no one dared say anything.

Compared to certain powerful beings who proclaimed themselves lords of extraordinary mountains, Zhao Gongming’s behavior of merely occupying a cave-dwelling was already quite modest.

— There was no particular reference to Spirit Vulture Mountain here.

Just after entering Zhao Gongming’s formation, Li Chang Shou saw two men lying in front of the cave…

Don’t misunderstand – this was Zhao Gongming teaching Bian Zhuang some unique positions for fighting against the Immortal Realm’s evil forces.

Zhao Gongming propped himself up on one hand and smiled:

“Little Zhuang, demonstrate it once more for Brother Chang Geng to see.”

Bian Zhuang jumped up with a start, only now noticing Li Chang Shou’s arrival, and hurriedly bowed in greeting.

Li Chang Shou asked gently: “How is the learning going?”

Bian Zhuang quickly replied: “This subordinate is trying his utmost just to learn a fraction of Senior Gongming’s skill, but still hasn’t grasped the essence.”

“Ah, you’re being too modest,” Zhao Gongming waved his hand in praise. “Little Zhuang has already grasped the core of this technique.”

Bian Zhuang smiled shyly, keeping his hands at his sides, not daring to show any arrogance.

Li Chang Shou smiled and said: “In that case, as Brother said, let’s see a demonstration.”

“Yes!”

Bian Zhuang agreed and was about to fetch a stool for Li Chang Shou when Li Chang Shou waved his hand, saying the situation was urgent and no need for such effort.

Shortly after, Zhao Gongming rose to join Li Chang Shou while Bian Zhuang stood before the cave entrance, holding his breath and concentrating, searching for that subtle feeling.

Zhao Gongming bumped Li Chang Shou’s shoulder and smiled: “Shall this poor Daoist also take a stroll around later?”

“Brother, you need to avoid disaster and tribulation.”

“Can this be avoided?” Zhao Gongming smiled. “Better to walk about openly and face tribulation with composure when it comes.”

Li Chang Shou asked: “By the way, Brother, that disciple of Senior Sister Jin Ling you mentioned last time, the one called Wen Zhong, what do you think of him?”

Zhao Gongming immediately gave a thumbs up, “Excellent character, excellent comprehension, and born with the divine ability to distinguish right from wrong, quite impressive…

He’s cultivating in Bi You Palace, Jin Ling taught him some dao methods but didn’t manage much else, his prospects should be quite good.”

Li Chang Shou nodded with a smile but said no more, as Bian Zhuang had already raised his hand to indicate he was ready.

As for Master Wen, another man with three eyes, who would steadfastly support the final dynasty of Shang, he was indeed a remarkable figure.

It’s just a pity… his looks couldn’t compare to Yang Jian.

Watch as Bian Zhuang took a light breath, his expression very calm, his gaze unfocused, casually taking two steps forward.

Suddenly!

Li Chang Shou seemed to hear a soft ‘crack,’ as if seeing a blood light strike Bian Zhuang’s heart meridian. Bian Zhuang instinctively raised his left hand to cover his chest, veins bulging on the back of his hand, white knuckles clutching his collar, his figure weakly slanting, collapsing…

Poof—

Blood spray scattered, his figure haggard, eyes carrying anger and unwillingness as he slowly fell to the ground, weakly mumbling:

“My lord, let’s go back, their forces are too strong…”

“How was that?”

Zhao Gongming waggled his thumb, “This kid is truly a fucking genius!”

“Mm, he’s got the essence of it.”

Li Chang Shou nodded with satisfaction, then called out: “Get up and prepare yourself. Later, when you see me make this gesture, no matter who’s in front of you, perform this act exactly.

Don’t worry, the Heavenly Dao will protect you.”

“Understood!”

Bian Zhuang responded excitedly, springing to his feet.

This was the ultimate technique he had mastered after six months of arduous study!

However, what made Li Chang Shou somewhat uncomfortable was Brother Zhao’s insistence on coming along, hiding his presence to watch the excitement at Spirit Mountain.

Li Chang Shou understood that Zhao Gongming was worried he might encounter trouble when confronting Spirit Mountain, and at a crucial moment, Zhao could represent the Severing Sect to take a stand against Western Teaching.

But many things couldn’t be explained in just a few words.

This visit to Spirit Mountain wasn’t about starting any great battle – the Heavenly Court currently had neither the strength nor the standing for such action.

His visit to Spirit Mountain was simply to sincerely offer some development suggestions, ensuring harmony in the greater environment of the Immortal Realm, and preventing Spirit Mountain from extending its reach too far as the Heavenly Court established a new order in the future.

That system of long-arm jurisdiction hadn’t even worked on the Blue Star in his previous life.

Unable to dissuade Zhao Gongming, Li Chang Shou simply took out a jade token, and casually wrote “Tai Bai Palace Special Guest Elder” on it, giving Zhao Gongming a Heavenly Court background.

Zhao Gongming agreed happily, though not taking the position seriously, tucking the jade token into his sleeve and urging Li Chang Shou to hurry.

Li Chang Shou frowned and still offered a few more words of advice…

Moments later, Li Chang Shou rode his cloud while Zhao Gongming transformed into the appearance of a heavenly general. Bian Zhuang also donned armor, and they flanked Li Chang Shou on either side.

Along the way, Zhao Gongming repeatedly reminded Bian Zhuang not to be nervous, making the originally calm Bian Zhuang actually become nervous.

But Bian Zhuang had his confidence.

Who knew how he had spent these past six months?

Practicing blood-spitting!

To achieve that perfect “poof” sound, Bian Zhuang had given his all, each mouthful of fresh blood forced out from within his body.

A late-stage Celestial Immortal realm cultivator had nearly become anemic!

Though the road from Mount Emei to Spirit Mountain was long, for Bian Zhuang it seemed but a moment before he saw that majestic mountain covered in golden light.

The highest point in the Western Cattle Gift Continent is Western Spirit Mountain.

“Bian Zhuang, start getting into character.”

Li Chang Shou transmitted. Bian Zhuang nodded firmly, touching the sword at his waist, his eyes clear and bright.

Father, Mother, Grandmother, and all those immortal sisters he might meet in the future but hadn’t yet – he, Bian Zhuang, would make them proud today!

He was about to confront the Western Teaching!

This was the peak of immortal life!

If a man couldn’t bloom like a forest, he should at least do something earth-shattering!

A glint flashed in Bian Zhuang’s eyes, and then his face instantly became deathly pale, his forehead bearing slight cold sweat, his gaze growing unfocused, and his posture becoming much more hunched.

Recently recovered from severe injuries, vitality not yet restored.

Just then, streams of light flew in from the side, led by the Golden Winged Great Peng Bird, surrounding Li Chang Shou’s group as they descended toward Spirit Mountain.

Looking at Spirit Mountain now, golden light blazed brilliantly as dozens of sage disciples and hundreds of senior, middle-aged, and young priests stood smiling before the mountain gates, maintaining a superficially cordial appearance.

Thus it was:

Chang Geng leads troops to Spirit Mountain, all busy with their schemes and divine machinations.

As Li Chang Shou led dozens of heavenly generals to the foot of Spirit Mountain, quickly ascending the winding mountain path, celestial armies advanced from all directions, vast heavenly might pressing down from all sides.

But Spirit Mountain’s golden light remained completely unmoved, the sage’s pressure within subtly resisting the heavenly might.

Golden Peng strode forward quickly, being the first to step onto the final stair before Spirit Mountain’s gate. His handsome face now completely expressionless, he simply said:

“Lord Star-Lord Tai Bai of the Heavenly Court, by Jade Emperor’s decree, has come to thoroughly investigate the matter of our Heavenly River Navy’s Vice Commander being secretly injured by a Western Teaching disciple. We request Western Teaching disciple Mi Le to come forth and answer.”

Getting straight to the point, Golden Peng initiated the confrontation.

An old priest stepped forward, bowing with clasped hands and frowning: “There must be some misunderstanding about this matter.

Because of previous widespread rumors in the Immortal Realm that Senior Brother Mi Le is the second primordial spirit of the ancient great evil Kun Peng, Senior Brother Mi Le has been avoiding the world to cultivate, and we do not know his whereabouts.

But secretly injuring a heavenly general, it seems, is not something Senior Brother Mi Le would do.

He is proud by nature – if he were to fight, it should be against someone like Tai Bai Gold Star, a powerful expert with old grudges.”

Golden Peng’s brow furrowed slightly. Though the other’s noncommittal words were quite clever, he had followed Li Chang Shou for no short time and had some way of dealing with this. He said calmly: “Whether it is true or not, let him come out and face questioning, then we’ll know the result.”

Another old priest smiled and said: “Though our Western Teaching is now weak and specifically targeted by Star Lord Tai Bai, in the end, this is still a Sage’s sacred ground.

Could it be that you all have lost even the most basic respect for the Sages?

Is this Immortal Realm about to rebel?”

As Golden Peng was about to speak, a light sigh came from behind.

Li Chang Shou came forward slowly with his whisker fan, sighing:

“Over and over about respect for the Sages, time and again about the Sages’ face, why don’t you all search your consciences and think about how much face you’ve made our two Uncle Masters of the Western Teaching lose, how much you’ve damaged it.”

The gathered old priests exchanged glances.

As the saying goes, things don’t go beyond three times. This wasn’t Li Chang Shou’s third visit to Spirit Mountain, and each time was more egregious than the last.

But this time, the Western Teaching’s priests were prepared, having discussed all the key points Li Chang Shou might challenge today, and selected six old priests to form the ‘Western Teaching’s Best Debate Team’ to face Tai Bai Gold Star.

Now, as Li Chang Shou reached the platform, those six old priests confidently stepped forward.

The wind blew their gray or silver hair, and rustled the patched corners of their robes, their composure and confidence somehow radiating brilliantly.

Come on, let’s debate!

Today, even if this Tai Bai Gold Star spoke endless great principles, the six of them could push back. As long as they stuck to their story that Senior Brother Mi Le wasn’t on the mountain and they knew nothing of this matter, the Heavenly Court couldn’t do anything to them!

An old priest took the initiative: “Star-Lord Tai Bai…”

“May I ask, are the two Uncle Masters on the mountain?”

Li Chang Shou asked with furrowed brows and deep concern, then sighed:

“I don’t want to create any conflict today.

I know that previously I was perhaps too aggressive, magnifying every flaw of the Western Teaching, and had some misunderstandings about the Western Teaching.

To achieve the fruit of Sagehood must be acknowledged by the Heavenly Dao as greatly virtuous and wise. The two Uncle Masters are also highly respected ancient experts, chosen by the Heavenly Dao to become six of its great cornerstones.

Today, I come with a sincere attitude of resolving issues and understanding conflicts, seeking an audience with the two Uncle Masters.

I won’t speak of much else, just ask the Uncle Masters to thoroughly investigate the matter of a very small portion of Spirit Mountain disciples acting recklessly and disturbing the Heavenly Court’s peace.

Everyone, could you pass along this message?”

The six old priests looked at each other, each frowning, falling silent.

This script was completely different from what they had expected earlier.

A Spirit Mountain disciple smiled and said: “Why does Star-Lord need to use such methods for subtle mockery?”

Li Chang Shou said seriously:

“As they say, whatever color light is in your eyes is the color you see in this world.

Don’t use your own heart to assume every being is like yourself.

I, Li Chang Geng, seek to have a clear conscience, a clear sky and earth, to establish order in the world and end the chaotic ages since the primordial and ancient times, letting every being live out their fated lifespan.

This is also the will left by God Pan Gu.

Life has dreams, each brilliant in its way!

Now, can you pass along my message and ask if the Sage Masters will see me?”

The group of Spirit Mountain sage disciples stared at each other in confusion. Though they felt something was wrong with Li Chang Shou’s words, they couldn’t find a point to refute.

Silence fell over today’s Spirit Mountain.

Li Chang Shou’s brows furrowed slightly as he clasped his hands behind his back. Just as he was about to call out loudly, he made a ‘yeah’ gesture behind his back.

Bian Zhuang suddenly clutched his chest, his expression instantly reaching maximum intensity as he lowered his head and spat fresh blood.

Poof—

Then his figure swayed as if about to collapse, supported by several heavenly generals rushing to help from all sides.

“General Bian! General Bian!”

“General Bian, wake up! Hold on, General Bian!”

“Spirit Mountain!”

The heavenly general who was Zhao Gongming jumped out, pointing at the mountain gate and cursing loudly, tears in his tiger eyes as he glared in fury: “You executioners who harbor evil criminals!

If anything happens to General Bian, we’ll make each of you pay with your life!”

Li Chang Shou also approached with concern at this moment, feeding Bian Zhuang a medicinal pill, then patting his shoulder before turning to face the Spirit Mountain priests.

“Everyone, do you truly refuse to pass along my message? Can the Jade Emperor’s decree not enter Spirit Mountain’s gates?”

“This…”

“Ah.”

A light sigh sounded as Spirit Mountain’s golden light wavered everywhere, golden lotus shadows floating about as Ancestor Ji Ying’s projection appeared in Spirit Mountain’s main hall.

“Please enter and speak with us, Star-Lord Tai Bai.”