In front of the Moon Palace.

Li Changshou, controlling a paper puppet in the form of the white-browed, white-haired Star Lord Tai Bai Jin Xing, looked at Bian Zhuang who hung from the main hall’s rear beam. The latter was badly beaten, his breath as thin as gossamer. Thinking of what Princess Long Ji had told him on the way, Li Changshou could only smile bitterly.

Given Princess Long Ji’s sensitive status, it wasn’t appropriate for her to appear further. She had returned to the Jade Pool to await news.

Bian Zhuang had ultimately fallen prey to his weakness for feminine beauty.

He had thought that even if the Celestial Court’s immortals weren’t particularly refined individuals, they should at least have some basic principles…

In the end, he had overestimated them and misplaced his trust.

Let him die then, there’s no saving him.

The trial difficulties of the Journey to the West weren’t unchangeable. They could still cultivate a new Second Master at this point, especially since the true form was that nine-toothed rake.

In the hall, the immortal maidens who had earlier gathered around Bian Zhuang had now arranged themselves in neat rows, collectively bowing to Li Changshou.

“Greetings, Star-Lord.”

Though he already understood the general situation, Li Changshou still had to follow procedure and ask:

“What happened here? Why is General Bian hanging up there?”

The immortal maidens were filled with righteous indignation. Several team leaders stepped forward and painfully recounted what had transpired.

Behind the Moon Palace was a restricted area called the [Moon Essence Pool], which would only open when no male immortals were present on the Tai Yin Star.

Usually, these maidens enjoyed grooming themselves by the Moon Essence Pool, soaking their immortal bodies in the misty spiritual waters while gossiping about recent events and discussing interesting matters of the Celestial Court.

Today, this Bian Zhuang had secretly infiltrated the Moon Essence Pool.

The incident was extremely serious and its nature particularly vile. It was no longer a matter of punishment by reincarnation as a pig—it was now a matter of life and death.

Li Changshou’s expression quickly turned cold as he asked:

“How dare Bian Zhuang be so presumptuous?”

“Star-Lord, we know General Bian is your valued officer, but this matter is true.”

An immortal maiden angrily declared: “If I hadn’t known that Bian Zhuang had been to the Doulu Palace and was your right-hand man, I would have killed him with my sword today!”

Li Changshou frowned deeply and asked: “Are there any direct victims?”

“Star-Lord, there were more than ten sisters at the Moon Essence Pool at the time, but there are restrictions placed around the pool by the Tai Yin Star Lord personally.

General Bian stepped into these restrictions, and he was already very close to the pool at that time.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, frowning in contemplation.

Without direct victims, this matter was more troublesome. Today, Bian Zhuang would likely have to pay with his life.

Other options?

Seeing maidens bathing, then being forced to take responsibility?

Wouldn’t that be just like Tu Xing Sun’s behavior?

If there were clear victims, they could severely punish Bian Zhuang—beat him within an inch of his life, erase this part of his memories, even cast him down to the mortal realm, and strip him of his cultivation. This would both spare Bian Zhuang’s life and maintain the Celestial Court’s dignity.

But without specific victims, it meant the entire Moon Palace and all maidens who had used the Moon Essence Pool were victims.

Though this matter might not seem serious enough to warrant death, it was tied to the greater situation of the Celestial Court.

The Celestial Court was on the eve of its rise to prominence. In just a few hundred years, once the封神榜 (Investiture of the Gods Register) was in place, the Court would truly flourish and become the authority maintaining stability across the Three Realms.

At this critical juncture, all cultivators were paying close attention to the Celestial Court.

Any negative news about the Court would be completely magnified.

Bian Zhuang, though low in rank as the Deputy Commander of the Celestial River Navy, held a complex position and had extremely high visibility in the Celestial Court due to the bronze mirror broadcasting system.

If they allowed an immortal official who peeped at bathing women to continue serving in the Celestial Court, the Court’s reputation would be completely ruined…

The current favorable situation would suffer significant damage from this incident.

The consequences would be endless.

With these thoughts crossing his mind, Li Changshou’s expression grew solemn as he stepped forward twice. His figure flashed, and this paper puppet appeared before Bian Zhuang, coldly asking:

“Did you intrude?”

Bian Zhuang’s spiritual heart trembled: “This subordinate seems to have intruded, but Star-Lord! Before I came to my senses, I only remember drinking with some friends!”

Li Changshou’s eyes flashed like lightning as if trying to see through Bian Zhuang’s spiritual heart.

Bian Zhuang struggled to maintain eye contact with Li Changshou.

He knew well that at this moment, only Star Lord Tai Bai could save him.

And he had truly been drunk and confused earlier. When he regained consciousness, his mind was completely blank, with no idea how he had ended up at the Moon Essence Pool.

What’s more.

Bian Zhuang knew very well that with his reputation for fickle attraction to young male immortals, this situation was completely inexplicable.

Li Changshou closed his eyes in concentration, suddenly realizing in his heart that this matter might not be so simple.

He said:

“Chang’e immortals, hear my command.

First, bring long tables and chairs to set up an interrogation hall here.

Then send someone to the Tongming Palace to invite two available proper deities who are on duty.

Call all the Chang’e immortals who are concerned about this matter. Today, this Star Lord will interrogate this Bian Zhuang right here. Once the truth is determined, he will be severely punished!”

Bian Zhuang kept his head down in silence, his eyes full of regret.

The immortal maidens were delighted upon hearing this, each bowing in acceptance before quickly dispersing to their tasks.

Soon, Li Changshou, along with East Wood Lord and the Old Man Under the Moon, sat behind a long table.

Bian Zhuang, wrapped in layers of chains, knelt weakly below. Not only was his body covered in injuries, but he also dared not raise his head.

How could he be so unfortunate…

Bang!

Li Changshou struck his judgment block, and all the immortal maidens around let out cold snorts.

Bian Zhuang trembled several times, wanting to raise his head but not daring to.

Then Wood Lord asked: “The one kneeling below, are you the Deputy Commander of the Celestial River Navy, Bian Zhuang?”

“Yes… it is this subordinate…”

The Old Man Under the Moon on Li Changshou’s other side calmly asked: “Was it you who intruded into the Moon Palace’s Moon Essence Pool?”

“This, this, ah!”

Bian Zhuang’s Adam’s apple trembled several times, his bruised eyelids also shaking, his beaten and swollen mouth struggling to open, revealing two missing front teeth.

“But this subordinate truly doesn’t know why I appeared in the Moon Palace!”

“Alright, case solved.”

The Old Man Under the Moon waved his hand dismissively, grabbed the wooden tablet beside him with a black face, and threw it forcefully at Bian Zhuang.

“Execute!”

Bian Zhuang shook like a sieve, while the surrounding immortal maidens were also visibly startled, not expecting the matter to be so serious.

Li Changshou and Wood Lord both turned their heads to look at the Old Man Under the Moon.

The Old Man Under the Moon rolled up his sleeves and cursed through gritted teeth:

“What’s the point of keeping him alive?

Never behaves properly, changing affections as quickly as he sees new immortals!

Even beautifies it by saying he has eyes skilled at discovering beauty!

This poor deity has to cut his red strings every ten days or half a month, and these red strings piled up could make over a hundred wedding robes!

Now he finally couldn’t control the color demon in his spiritual heart and dared to peep at the Chang’e immortals’ bathing place!

Simply outrageous!”

Wood Lord glanced at Li Changshou’s expression and hurriedly said:

“Old Man Under the Moon, one matter at a time. Today we need to investigate General Bian’s accidental intrusion into the Moon Essence Pool, unrelated to previous matters.”

The immortal maidens immediately cast wronged glances at Wood Lord.

They weren’t fools and naturally understood that Wood Lord’s words about ‘accidental intrusion’ were meant to provide an excuse for Bian Zhuang.

The Old Man Under the Moon also just realized that he had overstepped his bounds and been too aggressive.

There was no help for it; this scoundrel had already been too annoying to the deities before coming to the Celestial Court.

The Old Man Under the Moon pondered for a moment and said: “Wood Lord speaks reasonably. This minor deity was too hasty in judgment.”

Wood Lord smiled and said: “Why don’t we hear more of what General Bian has to say?”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, looked down, and spoke:

“Bian Zhuang, do you have anything to say?”

“This subordinate truly doesn’t know why I was here…”

Bian Zhuang lowered his head and sighed, struggling to remember, the alcohol on his body having mostly dissipated.

After a long while, he finally said softly:

“Star-Lord, I—this subordinate has brought shame to you and the Celestial Court. At this point, I dare not say whether I fell into someone’s trap.

Today’s matter is already settled, and there’s no way to explain it.

The Moon Palace is where the Celestial Court’s Chang’e immortals practice their dances, and the Celestial Court has a complete set of celestial rules. My appearance in the forbidden Moon Essence Pool has brought shame to the Celestial Court’s military officials.

I am willing to accept punishment, even if it means losing this divine position and rank or being demoted to a celestial soldier, I accept it.

But one thing.

Though I am a person who loves beauty, it’s true, but a gentleman’s love of beauty should follow proper ways!”

Bian Zhuang shouted: “If I were clear-minded, I would not do something so completely without principles!”

Li Changshou’s mouth twitched slightly.

No, you actually would.

Who knows how many thousands of years later on the Journey to the West, when those spider spirits were bathing, who was it that joined in with a leering laugh…

Li Changshou directly said: “If you simply accept punishment, you’ll be charged with drunkenly intruding into the Moon Essence Pool with ill intent. Today you cannot escape death—this is not as simple as losing position and rank.

The Celestial Court sets an example for the Three Realms and cannot tolerate immortals with such vile conduct.

Otherwise, what face would we have to govern the beings of heaven and earth?

Think carefully.

Please, Wood Lord, go bring those who were drinking with Bian Zhuang earlier… nevermind, Wood Lord, don’t move.

Chang’e team leaders, take my jade tokens and bring celestial soldiers to investigate quickly!”

As he spoke, Li Changshou threw out three Tai Bai Palace jade tokens. Several female team leaders responded quietly and hurriedly left with the tokens.

Seeing that East Wood Lord seemed to want to speak but held back, Li Changshou calmly said:

“Once this matter is investigated, if Bian Zhuang truly acted recklessly while drunk, he will be severely punished.

If Bian Zhuang was framed, but we cannot catch who framed him, Bian Zhuang would still receive heavy punishment.

The greater situation of the Celestial Court cannot be compromised.”

Bian Zhuang’s expression was quite dark as he knelt there, his hands constantly trembling.

In the Moon Palace, the atmosphere gradually became oppressive.

As those immortal maidens led celestial soldiers to search and question throughout the Celestial Court, the matter that was already spreading quickly became even more lively.

Everyone in the Celestial Court knew that Bian Zhuang was Li Changshou’s confidant.

Now that such a scandal had erupted, it naturally attracted many immortals and deities to come to observe, though they only dared to investigate from afar, not willing to wade into these troubled waters.

The first to rush over was Ao Yi, who had returned to the East Sea.

Ao Yi maintained his dragon form and flew directly into Tai Yin Star, furiously taking just two or three steps to jump to Bian Zhuang’s side.

Taking human form, Ao Yi kicked Bian Zhuang to the ground and cursed through gritted teeth:

“You’ve completely disgraced Elder Brother Patriarch!”

Bian Zhuang could only smile bitterly, simply lying on the ground and closing his eyes with a long sigh.

Ao Yi turned to face the three proper deities, kneeling on one knee with clasped hands and firmly said:

“Patriarch, Star-Lord, Wood Lord, Old Man Under the Moon!

Bian Zhuang has worked with me for many years. Though he usually speaks without restraint, he is absolutely not a vicious person, nor has he ever acted frivolously toward the immortal maidens.

This matter must have some misunderstanding. Please, Star-Lord, investigate thoroughly.”

Li Changshou closed his eyes and said: “Stand aside. This matter is not as simple as you think.”

The difficulty wasn’t in investigating the truth of this matter, but in who would step forward for others to believe.

Ao Yi was stunned, turning to look at Bian Zhuang, and then at the surrounding immortal maidens.

Though the young dragon’s perspective was insufficient and he didn’t understand the matters here, he didn’t ask further, quickly standing up and moving to stand quietly at the side.

Li Changshou continued: “Before the matter is cleared up, whoever else pleads for Bian Zhuang will receive thirty lashes with the thunder whip in the Hall of Celestial Punishment.

Summon a troop of soldiers to guard the Moon Palace. No one except Moon Palace Chang’e immortals may enter.”

In the Moon Palace, the atmosphere once again returned to its previous oppressiveness.

Another half hour later, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy hurriedly arrived on a cloud, accompanied by the young Jade Rabbit.

However, they were stopped by the celestial soldiers and could only watch from outside the hall along with several proper deities who were off duty from the Celestial Court.

Jade Rabbit’s eyes rolled thoughtfully before she whispered something in Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s ear. With a push of her delicate yet unusually strong legs, her graceful figure quickly vanished.

Far away in the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor watched this scene with slightly furrowed brows.

He and his avatars were not in a position to appear at this time; everything had to be left to his beloved minister Changgeng to handle.

If Bian Zhuang had truly caused trouble while drunk, for the sake of maintaining the Celestial Court’s authority, there was an eighty percent chance that they would have to arrange a reincarnation for him.

But Bian Zhuang was also connected to the Immortal Alliance…

Lady Bian held considerable prestige within the Immortal Alliance, and Bian Zhuang was her only beloved grandson…

This matter was truly thorny.

The Celestial Court had been peaceful for over a hundred years, and suddenly there was such an incident, with oddities at every turn.

…

“General Bian was drinking with this minor deity, and we were completely drunk.

What did General Bian say before?

This minor deity also can’t remember… clearly… General Bian did say something about how it wouldn’t matter even if he entered the Moon Palace, but that was just drunken boasting.”

“Star-Lord, this subordinate knows Bian Zhuang’s character well. He’s not that kind of person—he must have been secretly harmed in this matter!”

“Deputy Commander Bian drank with us for half a month, everyone was drunk, and the banquet guests changed twice. Deputy Commander Bian left about half a day ago.

Our drinking party hasn’t even ended yet…”

In the Moon Palace, more than ten low and middle-ranking minor deities from the Celestial Court who had been drinking with Bian Zhuang gave their ‘testimonies’ one by one.

The problems emerged accordingly.

When drinking, Bian Zhuang had indeed boasted about having many close friends in the Moon Palace, saying that entering the Moon Palace wasn’t difficult at all.

When men drink too much, boasting is standard procedure.

But Bian Zhuang’s words had now become damning testimony.

The situation developed in the worst possible direction, and Bian Zhuang had almost no chance of turning things around.

Drunkenly intruding into the Moon Palace, stumbling into the restrictions around the Moon Essence Pool, intending to peep at more than ten Chang’e immortals bathing…

If a mortal drunkard from the Southern Continent had done this, he would likely have been caught and severely beaten.

But when done by a Celestial Court immortal and Deputy Commander of the Celestial River, it became an enormous crime.

The Great Tribulation of Gods Investiture lay not far ahead on their path, with countless eyes watching the Celestial Court.

Li Changshou raised his hand to support his forehead. Though he excelled at calculations and had already detected various oddities in this matter, he paradoxically couldn’t do much.

Any action beyond conducting the trial would be seen as protecting his confidant.

Soon, all questions that needed to be asked had been asked, and all that needed to be said had been said.

Li Changshou looked at Bian Zhuang’s extremely dark expression and sighed softly. Finally showing some mercy, he gave him one last chance.

“Bian Zhuang, do you have anything else to say?”

Bian Zhuang raised his hand and slapped himself, opened his mouth, and then smiled bitterly again.

“This subordinate has failed Star Lord’s cultivation of my talents. For disturbing all the immortal maidens, I ask for everyone’s forgiveness.

This subordinate is willing to pay with his life.”

Wood Lord said: “Deputy Commander Bian, you must think this through clearly!

This matter cannot be handled with rash emotion. I know what kind of person you are—you’re quite honest at heart.

Did you truly come to intrude upon the Moon Essence Pool because your mind was clouded by lust?”

Bian Zhuang’s lips trembled several times. He stood up, his chains clanking noisily, causing several nearby immortal maidens to unconsciously step back.

“I have never had such covetous thoughts!”

Bian Zhuang shouted tremulously:

“What I pursue is the truth and beauty that exist in this world.

I have the flaw of falling in love with everyone I meet, but each time, I pour all my passionate enthusiasm of those few days or hours into these relationships that are destined to end naturally, fighting on with increasing vigor, never slacking!

In my view, the feelings between men and women are sacred! They are what I earnestly yearn for!

How could I possibly do something as low and vulgar as peeping at immortal maidens bathing?

If I were truly such a lecherous and despicable person, how could I have maintained my pure yang until now?

Grandmother, Master of the Sky’s Edge Pavilion!”

Li Changshou’s brows were tightly knitted, the Old Man Under the Moon’s eyes were full of disbelief, while Wood Lord at the side nodded quite emotionally.

Wood Lord said: “The Sky’s Edge Pavilion is a famous place in the primordial chaos for experiencing temporary romance trials, and Bian Zhuang is indeed its junior master.

Even now, General Bian still retains his primal yang and remains in his initial immortal state, which is enough to prove his character.”

“This cannot convince everyone.”

Li Changshou said coldly, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. “The Celestial Court has complete celestial rules. If the Celestial Court cannot govern itself effectively, how can it convince the beings of the Three Realms to submit?

Afterward, I will naturally report to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, but today, we must give the Moon Palace an explanation and account of the celestial rules.

Bian Zhuang, I ask you one last time, do you admit your guilt?”

“Star-Lord, Bian Zhuang has caused you trouble! Bian Zhuang admits—”

“He is innocent.”

Suddenly, a gentle call interrupted Bian Zhuang’s words, and Li Changshou’s furrowed brows suddenly relaxed considerably.

Outside the hall, it was already a starry night. The osmanthus trees emitted a faint jade light, and various parts of the Tai Yin Star were suffused with pure white radiance.

The immortal maiden who spoke appeared out of thin air outside the hall, walking slowly through this moon radiance.

Her skin surpassed frost and snow in fairness, her countenance could topple nations, and her slender and graceful figure was nearly perfect, without any exaggeration or flaw.

It was as if her existence was meant to define the upper limit of feminine beauty in the Three Realms;

Heaven and earth had exhausted their creative powers, using her to show countless beings what beauty should be like.

This was true:

The Moon Palace’s immortals lost their colors,

Now knowing this immortal comes from Vast Coldness.

Bian Zhuang stared at this scene in a daze, his throat making hoarse sounds.

The celestial soldiers and generals near the Moon Palace, and the Celestial Court’s immortals and deities all lowered their heads. The immortal maidens in the hall collectively bowed, and even the Old Man Under the Moon had to stand up and address her as Star-Lord.

Who was this arrival?

It was none other than the Celestial Court’s proper deity, the Three Realms’ premier beauty, daughter of the Human Sovereign, Senior Lang’s disciple, current Tai Yin Star-Lord, Immortal Maiden Chang’e.

She wore a rainbow immortal dress, incomparably beautiful yet sacred and elegant, without a touch of vulgarity.

When she spoke those earlier words, she was still in the Vast Cold Palace, but by the time her voice fell, she was already at the Moon Palace’s entrance.

This display of space manipulation divine power also caused those who recognized it to secretly marvel at its formidability.

In the scene, only Li Changshou and Wood Lord remained seated. At this moment, Li Changshou dispensed with pleasantries and directly asked:

“Why does the Tai Yin Star Lord say he is innocent?”

“Greetings to Star-Lord Tai Bai, greetings to Wood Lord,” Chang’e bowed slightly, glanced at Bian Zhuang, and walked directly to Li Changshou.

Her delicate hand turned over, and a cloud mirror appeared at the hall’s ceiling, showing the situation at the Moon Essence Pool.

“Star-Lord Tai Bai, please look, these are the formation arrangements of the Moon Essence Pool.

This place was personally arranged by me for all the sisters earlier, and I fear there aren’t many in the entire Celestial Court who understand this formation.

This formation is called the Six Harmonies Return to Origin Formation, created by a formation grandmaster from ancient human times. It can remain activated year-round without closing, using the spiritual power of the osmanthus trees.

The formation’s only entrance and exit is the side door behind you.

If someone were to force their way into this formation from outside, the outer formation wall would necessarily be damaged.

I have checked all the formation arrangements—the killing formation in the second layer and the maze formation in the third layer were not activated, and the outermost formation wall remains perfectly intact.

But this General Bian was discovered in the trapping formation of the fourth layer.

Beyond the trapping formation is the edge of the Moon Essence Pool.

In this situation, either Bian Zhuang brazenly entered the Moon Essence Pool through the Moon Palace, or he was placed by someone at the pool’s edge and thrown into the trapping formation to frame him, putting Star Lord Tai Bai in a dilemma.”

At this point, a Chang’e team leader immediately stepped forward to report:

“Star-Lord, when there is no one in the Moon Palace, the outer protective formation is necessarily activated. Today more than ten Chang’e immortals were bathing, as they were tired from dance practice earlier.

There have been people in the hall continuously these past few months.”

“Let’s go.”

Li Changshou slowly let out a breath and stood up, the long table before him suddenly collapsing into a pile of jade powder.

His tone remained calm as he said: “Everyone here, except for the Tai Yin Star-Lord, go to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall to seek an audience with His Majesty the Jade Emperor.”

After speaking, Li Changshou made a ceremonial bow to Chang’e:

“This time, many thanks to the Tai Yin Star-Lord.”

“Star-Lord is too kind,” Chang’e smiled, “The Moon Palace is under my governance, so such an incident is also related to me, and it was worth my making this trip.

Bian Zhuang is Star Lord’s valued officer, so Star-Lord should naturally avoid suspicion. I hope everyone understands this point and doesn’t think Star-Lord Tai Bai has forgotten old friendships.

It seems this Moon Palace has also hidden some impurities that should be cleaned out.”