‘Has Wen Jing gone too far this time?’

In Spirit Mountain’s Great Hall, Li Chang Shou sat near the entrance, pondering this in his heart. He briefly activated his Clear Spirit Dao Heart to suppress his complicated thoughts.

This was before Sage Jie Yin, after all. Better to stay steady and not let his mind wander.

What if Sage Jie Yin had some mind-reading ability…

No, that wasn’t realistic. If Sage Jie Yin could truly see through a cultivator’s Dao Heart, Wen Jing wouldn’t have lived until today.

The so-called ability to see through people’s hearts mostly came from having a detailed understanding of the target’s temperament, character, and past, then deducing their inner thoughts.

A typical case of ‘experience domination.’

The strength of a Sage lay in their realm and level of existence.

When Wen Jing’s cave dwelling was exposed, Li Chang Shou had secretly observed through his paper avatar hidden among the Heavenly Generals and discovered that this Wen Jing…

Had decent taste. Her cave-dwelling had mountains and waters, simple yet elegant while showing hints of personality.

It was just that when surrounded by the Golden Peng and Heavenly Generals, she appeared somewhat domineering.

The mighty Kun Xuan of the Phoenix Tribe, the fierce Wen Jing of the Blood Sea – Li Chang Shou suddenly realized that while these two great figures were indeed beautiful and both deeply attracted to the Grand Magister, they were very ‘forceful’ in nature.

Ah, things had come to this point. He could only wish the Grand Magister well.

After brief contemplation, Li Chang Shou quickly arrived at the most stable solution.

When Wen Jing came, he would leave her hanging.

Let her stand outside the hall for a while, wait until the Heavenly Army outside had mostly cleared out the fierce beasts and demons, then call Wen Jing in to give her a chance to explain herself, leaving enough face for the Western Teaching.

They couldn’t force the Sages into anger and humiliation after killing the fierce beasts and eliminating the demons, could they?

Just as he was thinking this, Wen Jing was brought to the hall entrance by the Golden Peng.

With her divine soul sealed, she appeared even more delicate at this moment.

The Golden Peng bowed with clasped hands and reported loudly: “Master, this fierce beast is from the Black Mosquito Clan of the Blood Sea, with extraordinary power.”

Li Chang Shou didn’t even turn his head as he said: “One must not be discourteous before a Sage’s presence. There are large groups of demons and fierce beasts lurking around Spirit Mountain, intending harm. This can be considered our unexpected harvest. Capture all these fierce beasts and take them back to the Heavenly Court for judgment later. Go now.”

“Yes!”

The Golden Peng acknowledged and quickly withdrew after paying respects, leaving Wen Jing standing alone at the hall entrance.

She maintained her composure as she looked into the hall, showing hesitation on her face, unsure whether she should bow to the Great Sage.

The atmosphere in Spirit Mountain’s Great Hall suddenly became somewhat strange.

The Sage in the depths of the hall sat with eyes closed in meditation, the ‘old Daoist’ inside the entrance remained silent, and the fierce beast ‘representative’ stood outside with uncertainty in her eyes.

This composition could be titled…

‘Maitreya.’

Li Chang Shou’s offensive started with Maitreya, who was now hiding and hadn’t appeared, and even the Western Teaching’s Great Sage was deliberately shielding him.

Spirit Mountain’s Senior Brother indeed lived up to his reputation.

Li Chang Shou observed Wen Jing’s expression with his divine consciousness, trying to guess her thoughts, but no matter how he pondered, he couldn’t find a way in.

If he were Wen Jing, he would probably be thinking about how to preserve himself at this moment.

She truly was in a difficult position.

…

In the Jade Emperor’s Hall, the white-robed Jade Emperor opened his eyes with a frown, wisdom flickering in his gaze as he pondered carefully.

Why among so many fierce beasts… had Minister Chang Geng specifically met this Wen Jing?

Could it be?

Enlightenment struck – he understood everything and made arrangements accordingly.

Before the high platform, Minister Dong Mu, who had been observing the Jade Emperor’s movements, immediately asked:

“Your Majesty, do you have any concerns?”

The Jade Emperor smiled and asked: “Minister Mu, did you see the scene at Spirit Mountain?”

“Yes, yes I did.”

The Jade Emperor spoke slowly: “Hmm, go to the Moon Elder’s place and check the marriage fate of this fierce beast woman.”

“Your- Your Majesty,” Minister Mu was greatly shocked and asked quietly, “This matter… shouldn’t we first ask the Empress?”

“Why ask her?” The Jade Emperor glared at Minister Mu, “I’m just asking you to check, not telling you to do anything!”

“Yes, this old minister will go right away.”

East Minister Mu turned and walked a few steps, then couldn’t help but turn back to ask: “But such fierce beasts are mostly Primordial Beings, the Marriage Hall likely won’t have any results.”

“Then think of something with the Moon Elder,” the Jade Emperor waved his hand, “Go quickly and return quickly.”

“Ah, this minister accepts the command.”

Minister Mu acknowledged and hurriedly left with a lowered head, mounting his cloud to rush toward the Marriage Hall as soon as he left the Jade Emperor’s Hall.

The Jade Emperor sat on the high platform nodding with a smile, contemplating future arrangements.

You Qin Xuan Ya and Chang Geng clearly had something between them, and they were even fellow disciples, but General You Qin… was a bit stubborn, and inflexible, her personality clearly didn’t match with Chang Geng.

The Jade Emperor had checked the Marriage Hall – their marriage fate showed the woman taking initiative, but the red string would only entangle, not tie into a knot.

This was what the Moon Elder called [Lacking the ability to end ambiguous relationships].

The Jade Emperor didn’t want to meddle too much in this matter.

As for Chang’e Immortal, the Jade Emperor had investigated that fairly thoroughly too. Chang’e’s marriage to the Great Shaman Yi of the ancient Shaman Tribe was a political alliance, arranged just before the decisive battle with the Demon Court to stabilize morale.

After defeating the Demon Court, the Human Tribe and Shaman Tribe’s main forces began their decisive battle. Chang’e’s position became awkward – she was forced by the Human Tribe generals to the Vast Cold Palace and swore never to step out of the Tai Yin Star.

But Chang’e Immortal seemed to be connected to some taboo within the Heavenly Dao, which made the Jade Emperor hesitant to intervene and help arrange matters for his beloved Minister Chang Geng.

He couldn’t harm his trusted general.

Being the Heavenly Emperor meant being generous.

As for why he had so much free time to arrange these matters… there wasn’t really anything specific for him to do in the Heavenly Court.

The Heavenly Emperor was different from the Human Emperor – he only needed to sit in the Jade Emperor’s Hall, nod at crucial moments, and move the power of the Heavenly Dao a bit, and there weren’t any specific affairs that required his attention.

“Your Majesty?”

The Jade Emperor came back to his senses and asked: “What is it?”

Below, the rotating deity of Tongming Hall, temporarily in charge of Thunder Department affairs, smiled and said: “Your Majesty, after this battle, we are truly in awe of Star-Lord Taibai and greatly admire him.”

“Oh?” The Jade Emperor became interested, “Why is that?”

This unimportant old immortal smiled and said:

“Previously when observing Chang Geng, this minister only felt he was thorough in his affairs and mature in handling matters, calculating three steps ahead while never failing to act at the right moment due to overthinking. For thorny problems, he could often quickly provide different solutions from different angles.

It’s just that Star-Lord Taibai is sometimes too cautious, lacking courage in certain major matters. When coming to discuss affairs at the Jade Emperor’s Hall daily, he wouldn’t even let his true body come.

Sometimes this minister wanted to ask Star Lord Taibai – what dangers could there be within the Heavenly Court?

As a proper deity of the Heavenly Court, the divine official you trust most, could he be ambushed within the Heavenly Court and helplessly forced to reincarnate?”

A certain future Pure Yang Sword Immortal felt very annoyed.

That old immortal changed his tone and declared loudly:

“But unexpectedly, Star-Lord Taibai could also be so firm!

Step by step surrounding Spirit Mountain, facing the Sage directly, first setting verbal traps, then turning the blade toward the fierce beasts and demons hidden in Spirit Mountain, catching them completely off guard!

Pointing out the state of affairs before Spirit Mountain’s hall, maintaining composure before the Sage’s presence.

Star-Lord Taibai is truly a brave warrior!

Ahem, this minister speaks nonsense, please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

“Eh, how can this be considered nonsense? It’s an analysis based on reasoning, but these words are wrong.”

The Jade Emperor waved his hand and smiled: “He’s a brave warrior?

If he were truly brave, he would have directly stormed Spirit Mountain, leaving the Western Teaching no room to maneuver, capturing all the evil spirits within Spirit Mountain in one fell swoop, and incidentally confronting the Sage with some words, making the Western Teaching stumble and fall.

These two Sages dare not move because they are bound by the Heavenly Dao, even their Sage positions were given by the Heavenly Dao.

If roles were reversed, if Elder Brother Taiqing were sitting in Spirit Mountain, he would probably just say one word – ‘scram’ – who would dare provoke him?

In the end, Chang Geng is still seeking stability, his nature is thus, unchanging for ten thousand years.”

The several old immortals exchanged glances, each bowing their heads in respect, truly not having considered so much.

The Jade Emperor smiled and said: “Look, Chang Geng is about to speak.”

They quickly looked into their palms to observe, while the Jade Emperor closed his eyes to personally witness the scene.

…

In Spirit Mountain’s hall, after a long silence, Li Chang Shou finally asked:

“Uncle Master, does this fierce demon outside have any connection to Spirit Mountain?”

Outside the hall, Wen Jing truly breathed a sigh of relief. Earlier her Dao Heart had almost developed a demonic deviation, with various good and bad thoughts arising in her heart. For a moment she completely couldn’t see through what Star-Lord intended to do.

In the depths of the great hall, Sage Jie Yin half-opened his eyes and spoke slowly: “She is Spirit Mountain’s Dharma Protector.”

Li Chang Shou frowned and asked: “Why does Spirit Mountain use demons as Dharma Protectors?”

A circle of precious light appeared behind Jie Yin as his voice floated ethereally, resonating with the Great Dao:

“All beings have appearances, none have self-nature. Fierce beasts, shamanic demons, humans – if they have hearts inclined toward goodness, they can all enter our gate.”

Li Chang Shou smiled and said: “This humble deity truly cannot comprehend the Sage’s true meaning.”

At this point, he had begun referring to himself as a ‘humble deity.’

Sage Jie Yin said gently: “Wen Jing, enter. Whatever you wish to say to Star-Lord Taibai, speak freely.”

“Yes,” Wen Jing lowered her head to accept the command. With lotus steps and proper bearing, she entered the great hall softly, deliberately walking past Li Chang Shou. She went more than ten steps toward the Sage before bowing her head in respect.

Precious light bloomed from Sage Jie Yin’s fingertip, and the seal on Wen Jing’s divine soul immediately dispersed.

“Thank you for your protection, Sect Leader.”

Wen Jing said softly, then turned around and gave Li Chang Shou a slight bow.

“Spirit Mountain’s Dharma Protector Wen Jing greets Star Lord Taibai of the Heavenly Court.”

Li Chang Shou revealed a slight smile and said: “You seem to have disturbed my Human Teaching’s Immortal Ascension Gate.”

Wen Jing remained composed and said quietly: “This poor Daoist knows nothing of any Immortal Ascension Gate. I merely cultivate in the mountains, helping the two Sect Leaders handle some internal sect affairs. Rather, why did Star-Lord Taibai start arresting our Western Teaching’s disciples without a word?”

Li Chang Shou frowned and said: “Fellow Daoists should speak more carefully. Do these fierce beasts and demons truly have connections to the Western Teaching?”

Wen Jing paused in her speech, frowned slightly, then quickly smiled, sighing out the words that the Second Sect Leader had previously instructed:

“Star-Lord Taibai probably doesn’t know our Western Teaching’s doctrines. Our teaching saves those in suffering, those who are lost, and those who are evil, persuading them toward goodness and giving them blessings – this too is contributing to Heaven and Earth. Take this poor Daoist for example. Initially in the Blood Sea, I was ignorant and committed many killing sins. The Blood Sea itself was about proving the Dao through killing – how can one speak of right and wrong there? Upon leaving the Blood Sea, this poor Daoist, fortunately, received guidance from the two Sect Leaders, understood the Great Dao’s true meaning, knew right from wrong, returned from straying, accumulated virtue and did good deeds, and now has cleared away karmic obstacles. Star Lord Taibai, the Heavenly Dao has divine punishment for those heavily burdened with karmic obstacles. This poor Daoist’s karmic obstacles are gone – must I still suffer divine punishment?”

Li Chang Shou’s brows furrowed tightly as he said calmly:

“According to Fellow Daoist’s meaning, if one commits karmic obstacles, doing many good deeds can offset the crimes?”

But Wen Jing said: “These words need to be interpreted from different angles. Star-Lord directly uses the part to cover the whole – I’m afraid that’s inappropriate. Our Western Teaching’s doctrine is to persuade evil toward good, to consider all living beings under heaven, and to consider Heaven and Earth’s stability. It’s not about using good deeds to offset evil deeds. This poor Daoist dares to ask Star Lord one question. Is everything you’ve done a good deed, never having had an evil thought? Or perhaps after doing some non-virtuous things, you just tell yourself you have no guilt and let it pass?”

Light flashed in Li Chang Shou’s eyes as his imposing aura suddenly emerged, reinforced by the divine authority of the Heavenly Dao.

Wen Jing unconsciously stepped back half a step, her eyes carrying some weakness, corners of her mouth bearing a faint smile.

Behind her, the Sage’s pressure manifested, easily countering Li Chang Shou’s divine authority.

Wen Jing felt somewhat proud inside.

Although [Starting from Western Teaching’s doctrine] was a ‘task’ given by the Second Sect Leader, being able to win against her respected Sea God in a confrontation truly felt satisfying.

However, Wen Jing saw the contemplative look that flashed in Li Chang Shou’s eyes and inexplicably felt somewhat…

Unsure.

Li Chang Shou had already adjusted his mindset in an instant and smiled:

“Unexpected, truly unexpected, that Spirit Mountain would hide such debating talent. The two Uncle Masters found a treasure.”

Sage Jie Yin spoke slowly: “Does Star-Lord find something inappropriate in her words?”

“No, nothing inappropriate. On the contrary, it’s quite reasonable,” Li Chang Shou sighed lightly and smiled, “Actually, this humble deity has also been pondering this question. In the Three Realms, the Heavenly Court is the center, with the Netherworld, Dragon Palace, and others as support – the Three Realms’ order has taken shape. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. The Heavenly Court’s laws are to restrict cultivators’ words and deeds, preventing the strong from acting recklessly and allowing the weak to live and grow in peace. Those eighteen levels of hell in the Netherworld have become the Heavenly Dao’s prison, where the evil is suppressed.”

Pausing in his speech, Li Chang Shou looked at Wen Jing and smiled:

“Then let me ask Fellow Daoist Wen Jing something. If the Western Teaching’s doctrine spreads throughout Heaven and Earth, and some evil one slaughters living beings, then when pursued by the Heavenly Dao, seeks refuge in the Western Teaching. They say they have committed great evil but sincerely wish to turn toward good – will the Western Teaching accept them or not?”

Wen Jing’s delicate brows furrowed slightly as she showed a thoughtful expression, but found that no matter how she answered, she would face Star Lord Taibai’s refutation and immediately become extremely passive.

Wen Jing: “Specific matters need specific…”

“So you mean it depends on the person, correct?”

Li Chang Shou narrowed his eyes slightly. Though his voice was gentle, it fell in Wen Jing’s ears like great bells and drums, startling and enlightening.

“This humble deity dares not rashly discuss Western Teaching’s doctrine – it was authored by the Sage, and this humble deity cannot fully comprehend it. But this humble deity knows that if the Heavenly Court is to establish order in the Three Realms, punishing evil and pursuing the wicked is the foundation of everything. Of course, the Heavenly Laws also have human considerations. If someone was previously evil but makes great contributions to Heaven and Earth, the Heavenly Court can make exceptions, though they must still be constrained. Today’s words need not be excessive. This time many demons and fierce beasts were discovered at Spirit Mountain, many of them evil by nature with no heart for goodness. Now, most fierce beasts have already been suppressed by the Heavenly Dao – they are still alive, and questioning will reveal what they have done. The two Uncle Masters are revered Sages. Although there has been some oversight and lack of supervision over disciples, Sages have their considerations that we common folk cannot fathom. Uncle Master, how about this?”

Li Chang Shou lifted the hem of his Daoist robe, stood up, made a Daoist salute to Jie Yin, and smiled:

“After this humble deity returns to the Heavenly Court and reports to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, we’ll announce that Spirit Mountain was besieged by ancient fierce beasts and demons, and the Heavenly Court led troops to assist, preventing these beasts from disturbing the Sage’s presence. How does that sound?”

Sage Jie Yin frowned slightly and closed his eyes without speaking.

Li Chang Shou didn’t say more, made another Daoist salute to the Sage, looked at Wen Jing, and smiled:

“Fellow Daoist, take care of yourself.”

Wen Jing pursed her lips, her Dao Heart trembling slightly, but forced herself to say some pleasantries:

“We Western Teaching will take this day’s events as a warning and remember the Heavenly Court’s kindness in our hearts.”

“That’s good,” Li Chang Shou nodded with a smile, and retreated several steps before turning around, holding his whisk, and walking away leisurely.

In this, he was operating on the fifth level.

Whew…

After Li Chang Shou walked away, Wen Jing let out a light breath, her eyes full of lingering fear.

Suddenly she heard an instruction from behind:

“Wen Jing, move your cave-dwelling up to the mountain.”

Wen Jing was startled, hurriedly showed joy on her face, and turned to look into the depths of the great hall, but saw that the Sage’s shadow was already gone, leaving emptiness.

…

“The Western Teaching is too weak, and I thought I would see a good show.”

In Goddess Nu Wa’s Palace, in a small tower, a certain Sage Lady was comfortably reclining in a pool, watching the floating cloud mirror before her, showing somewhat waning interest.

This little Shou was good in every way, just too steady.

What face did this matter leave for Western Teaching?

The Western Teaching’s demons and fierce beasts committed many evils, using incense and merit to wash away their karmic obstacles – equivalent to exploiting a loophole in the Heavenly Dao.

Today, the Heavenly Dao repaired this loophole.

Young people these days, when they gain power don’t take the chance to show off – later when they lose power, they’ll still be targeted all the same.

Nu Wa laughed lightly and casually dispersed the cloud mirror. Her slender fingers beckoned, summoning a ‘little people book’ from which related memories had been previously cleared, and she yawned.

Should have him come make some new content too.

Just then, wind chimes sounded beside the tower, and Sage Nu Wa’s mouth twitched slightly as she asked calmly: “Master, why have you come to my place?”

Outside the window, a gray shadow slowly condensed into the silhouette of an old Daoist.

Sage Nu Wa smiled and said: “I thought Master had come in person.”

The gray shadow spoke:

“The West has been damaged, its teaching fortunes broken. It matches the signs of Fu’s great prosperity. The opportunity for the West’s great prosperity should arrive.”

After speaking, the gray shadow silently dispersed, leaving not a trace.

Sage Nu Wa frowned in thought, then sighed lightly as her figure disappeared.

On this day, while Li Chang Shou was busy here and there at the Western Teaching, in the coastal area of East Divine Continent near the border of South Jambudvipa Continent, layers of mist arose.

A fairy mountain seemed to fly in from the sea, landing in this mist. Its dense forests and abundant spiritual qi made it seem like a blessed land of immortals.

This mountain contained many natural formations and cave dwellings, hiding many spiritual roots, wonderful medicines, treasured materials, and spiritual veins.

In an inconspicuous corner, a ten-foot-tall spirit stone stood quietly, its seven-colored light quietly retreating, spiritual thoughts seemingly fluctuating within.

In the East Continent, Flower Fruit Mountain appeared.