“Many thanks to Immortal Maiden for this.”
“Oh? After receiving help from Star-Lord Tai Bai once, you change from addressing me as Star-Lord to Immortal Maiden? Star-Lord Tai Bai is…”
Half a day later, in the Vast Cold Palace of Tai Yin Star.
Accompanied by starlight, two figures walked slowly in a corner of the Vast Cold Palace;
Li Changshou maintained his appearance as Tai Bai Jin Xing, while Chang’e remained as graceful and elegant as before.
Hearing Chang’e’s somewhat dissatisfied critique, Li Changshou could only smile awkwardly.
Chang’e said softly: “It was just a small matter, Star Lord Tai Bai need not take it to heart.
I examined that formation—the exterior was indeed undamaged. Bian Zhuang was brought in from the inside.”
Pausing briefly, her eyes gleamed with interest:
“Does Star-Lord Tai Bai also understand the Six Harmonies Return to Origin Formation?”
“I don’t, it was pure guesswork. I couldn’t exactly go inspect the Moon Essence Pool myself,” Li Changshou sighed. “The reasons and explanations weren’t important—what mattered was who did the explaining and who spoke of such matters.
Today in the vast Celestial Court, only you, Immortal Maiden, could save Bian Zhuang.”
Chang’e asked: “Was this matter truly so serious?
Even if he had such lustful thoughts and the audacity to intrude upon the Moon Essence Pool, couldn’t Bian Zhuang’s previous military achievements offset this transgression?”
“If merits could truly offset faults, what would become of the Celestial Court’s rules? Merit is merit, fault is a fault.”
Li Changshou clasped his hands behind his back and sighed: “Those in power cannot act on personal feelings—this is the Heavenly Dao’s requirement for the Celestial Court, though many immortals and deities fail to sense this.
The Celestial Court must maintain an image of absolute impartiality under the Heavenly Dao for it to grant the Court authority to govern the Three Realms.
Though today’s incident may seem minor compared to greater matters of heaven and earth, it struck at the Celestial Court’s weakness.
Namely, the varying qualities of immortals and their abundance of personal feelings.
Those scheming behind this have grand ambitions, exceptionally clever minds, and will be quite difficult to deal with.”
Chang’e nodded gently and smiled: “These intricacies are beyond Chang’e’s understanding.”
Li Changshou made a welcoming gesture, and the two slowly walked into the lakeside pavilion where they had first met. Unconsciously, Li Changshou became the host rather than the guest.
He asked: “What does Immortal Maiden think of Bian Zhuang’s character?”
“If we set aside matters between men and women, he’s quite acceptable.”
Chang’e’s mouth twitched slightly before continuing, “But… for someone so consumed by personal desires to speak such principles—it’s truly difficult to know how to evaluate him.
Star-Lord should use such officers sparingly, lest their reputation be tarnished by association.”
Li Changshou smiled without speaking, taking a seat with Chang’e.
Nearby, Jade Rabbit came running with head lowered, bringing tea and refreshments. Li Changshou and Chang’e maintained a tacit silence until Jade Rabbit left before continuing their conversation.
“There is one thing Chang’e doesn’t understand. May I ask Star-Lord to enlighten me?”
“Please ask, Immortal Maiden. I will consider carefully and answer honestly, withholding nothing.”
Chang’e said: “Why did Star Lord’s message insist that I appear last? Wouldn’t this harm Star Lord’s reputation, earning you a name for being cold-hearted?”
Li Changshou pondered for a while, finding it rather difficult to answer.
He had been waiting to see if, besides his arrangements, the Heavenly Dao would show any other changes to save half of the protagonists of the Journey to the West trials.
Unfortunately, Li Changshou never saw any such changes.
The Celestial Court’s immortals could not help, and Bian Zhuang, in a surge of hot-blooded emotion, was ready to admit guilt…
And his arrangements seemed to be the Heavenly Dao’s chosen method of rescue.
Quite subtle.
But these things couldn’t be explained to Chang’e, so Li Changshou could only say: “I took this opportunity to let Bian Zhuang suffer a bit, to prevent his continued inflation of ego.
People need some pressure, otherwise they easily become ungrounded.
Hopefully this time he’ll learn his lesson. A bit of reputation means nothing to me; I’ve never cared about such things.
No matter how perfectly you handle matters, many people will still curse you behind your back—this is determined by one’s position.”
“However…”
Chang’e lifted her tea and frowned: “The way Bian Zhuang looked at me in the Lingxiao Hall at the end was truly disgusting.”
“That’s of no concern,” Li Changshou said seriously. “After this matter blows over, if necessary, I can have Bian Zhuang kneel before the Vast Cold Palace… and accept you as his adoptive mother, how about that?”
“Pff! Cough, cough cough!”
Chang’e, a mighty Golden Immortal of the Great Luo Heaven, choked on her tea, her face either flushed from coughing or embarrassment. She shot Li Changshou a fierce glance, then filled with resentment.
Her mouth twisted as she huffed: “Today Chang’e is feeling unwell, Star-Lord should come another day.
No need to see you out!
Really!”
“Ah, Immortal Maiden…”
Li Changshou raised his hand wanting to retain her, but Chang’e had already turned and left, her figure disappearing into the side pavilion.
He shook his head with a smile, dispersed the barrier around them, and floated away on a cloud.
Half a day earlier.
Li Changshou had led three hundred Chang’e immortals, along with Wood Lord and the Old Man Under the Moon, escorting Bian Zhuang to the Lingxiao Hall.
The Jade Emperor personally presided, with Chang’e vouching for Bian Zhuang, confirming he had been framed. But the subsequent investigation reached a dead end, as all the Chang’e immortals could prove they hadn’t acted alone.
Among them, at least two or perhaps several were lying, but the matter couldn’t be investigated too vigorously.
It would be as Li Changshou had said—if they discovered Bian Zhuang had been framed but couldn’t find the perpetrator, Bian Zhuang would still face heavy punishment.
However, this heavy punishment was now quite different from the earlier prospect of losing his life.
The Jade Emperor decreed that the Marriage Hall would forbid Bian Zhuang from romance for a thousand years. This meant no relationships for a millennium, as punishment for his drunken carelessness.
Li Changshou added a supplement, removing Bian Zhuang from his position as Deputy Commander of the Celestial River Navy and confining him to his mansion for a hundred years. If he drank again within those hundred years, he would be cast down to the mortal realm.
As for Bian Zhuang’s reaction to this…
His reaction…
“Hehehe, Immortal Maiden Chang’e, the Tai Yin Star-Lord, she just came like that.”
In his low-key yet luxurious mansion that exuded wealth from every corner, Bian Zhuang sat at the end of a corridor, hugging a vermillion-lacquered stone pillar, his face flushed and eyes misty.
Beside him, Ao Yi’s face was full of exasperation as he scolded: “You’ve lost your position and you’re still going on about the Immortal Maiden!”
Bian Zhuang giggled: “Minor matter, minor matter.”
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy folded his arms and muttered: “This matter can’t end like this. We know Second Brother was framed, yet we can’t find out who did it—how can we accept this!”
Bian Zhuang sighed contentedly: “If all schemes were like this, I wouldn’t mind a few more times, hehe, the Immortal Maiden spoke up for me, who could argue with that?”
Ao Yi snorted: “Obviously Elder Brother Patriarch arranged it.
In this Celestial Court, whoever spoke up about this matter would be seen as currying favor with Elder Brother Patriarch. Only Immortal Maiden Chang’e, with her reputation and status, could step in to save you.
Do you know how much risk Elder Brother Patriarch took in this?
If Immortal Maiden Chang’e were to speak of this matter and mock Elder Brother Patriarch a few times, he could be branded as one who favors perverts, perhaps even being called a starving ghost of lust, with people saying you invaded the Moon Essence Pool under his orders!”
“Well,” Bian Zhuang rubbed his nose, “Star-Lord is also the Head Instructor of the Chang’e immortals, surely it wouldn’t be spread like that.”
“Public opinion is fearsome,” Ao Yi’s mouth twisted slightly.
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s eyes showed some indignation as he asked:
“Are we letting this matter end here?
What about those Chang’e immortals—why can’t we continue investigating? Question them one by one, or if necessary, lead them into dreams to search their memories.
We must find out who did it!”
Bian Zhuang said softly: “The Celestial Court’s Chang’e immortals are famous throughout the Three Realms—making trouble like that would be serious.”
Spirit Zhenzhu Boy’s face was full of helplessness: “Second Brother, you’re still being tender-hearted toward beauties?”
But Ao Yi said: “Indeed, this matter shouldn’t be blown up. We should suppress it publicly while investigating secretly.
Don’t worry, Elder Brother Patriarch definitely won’t let this matter go. Spirit Zhenzhu, don’t act rashly… Look at this fool, his face full of happiness—for him, this is probably the greatest blessing in disguise.”
“Hehehe, little Yi Yi understands me best.”
Bian Zhuang hugged the vermillion-lacquered pillar, giggling in intoxication: “The Tai Yin Star-Lord, I owe her my life. This debt of gratitude couldn’t be repaid in three lifetimes.”
“It was Elder Brother Patriarch who saved you!”
“That’s different—my life has long belonged to Star-Lord.”
“I’m going to discuss with Bunny,” Spirit Zhenzhu Boy clenched his fists, “If we find out who framed Second Brother, we’ll drag them out for a beating first!”
With that, he turned and hurried away, leaving Bian Zhuang staring blankly.
Bian Zhuang came to his senses and hurriedly shouted:
“Wait! They’re all immortal maidens, Third Brother, don’t use force!”
“Rest assured, if anything is improper, Elder Brother Patriarch will stop him,” Ao Yi leaned against the side. “But this matter, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy might be the right one to investigate.
He’s a disciple of the Enlightenment School, not a Celestial Court immortal, and has no interest in women—everyone in the Celestial Court knows this.”
“Ah,” Bian Zhuang shook his head, “Youth doesn’t understand what’s good, the elderly grieve in vain—Third Brother is still too young… Today, receiving the Tai Yin Star Lord’s defense made my time in the Celestial Court worthwhile.”
Ao Yi rolled his eyes in exasperation at this, cursing: “You’re beyond saving!”
“I will forever admire Immortal Maiden Chang’e!”
“Get lost! You still haven’t learned restraint, spreading your twisted reasoning everywhere. Sooner or later you’ll ruin your future with such matters!”
“Minor matter, minor matter.”
“Cast you down to the mortal realm!”
“Minor matter, minor matter.”
“Remove that troublesome root of yours!”
“Pah! Death at worst!”
…
Who was causing trouble?
At Xiao Qiong Peak, before the pill-refining chamber.
Li Changshou increasingly enjoyed sitting idly at his doorway, watching the sky, water, clouds, and the Chang’e immortals, perhaps because his mindset had matured, giving him something of an elderly gentleman’s demeanor.
Concluding this matter with Bian Zhuang’s punishment was his secret suggestion to His Majesty the Jade Emperor.
It would serve as punishment for Bian Zhuang’s habitual lack of careful speech and conduct.
When sitting in the Moon Palace presiding over this case, Li Changshou initially couldn’t rule out the possibility that Bian Zhuang had acted out of pure lust.
There was no help for it…
[You can always trust Bian Zhuang, except in matters involving beautiful women].
This time, if he hadn’t maintained some friendship with Immortal Maiden Chang’e, he would have truly been caught in a dilemma, forced to resort to backup plans like involving Lady Bian.
But if others had stepped forward, even with perfect explanations, the effect would have been greatly diminished.
When Li Changshou sat in the Moon Palace and arranged this matter through silent communication with Chang’e, he had already begun considering whether to investigate afterward and how to do so.
If the Western Paradise was behind this mischief, then all would be well.
But if it wasn’t the Western Paradise, how should this end?
Indeed, the Western Paradise was the most likely culprit, after all, Bian Zhuang had previously staged that blood-spitting incident at Spirit Mountain, so their grudge was understandable.
Uh…
Suddenly thinking about it, after the Journey to the West trials, Bian Zhuang became an Altar Purifier, not even achieving Arhat status—could this be related to his previous offense against Spirit Mountain?
No, that’s not right. The Spirit Mountain of that time was likely not the same as the current one.
But thinking carefully, would the Western Paradise truly dare to continue targeting the Celestial Court at this time?
Those two Sages were the type to pursue their goals by any means necessary, but precisely because of this temperament and operational philosophy, they only saw “benefit” in their eyes, and would maintain restraint at this time.
If they continued opposing the Celestial Court, the Western Paradise would lose everything they had.
The Celestial Court’s rise was the greater trend. For the Heavenly Dao, its priority far exceeded the Western Paradise’s prosperity—this was something those two venerable Sages should understand.
Looking at it from another angle, after the Celestial Court’s hundred years of stability, why would Bian Zhuang suddenly be targeted?
Li Changshou pondered, as various possibilities emerged in his mind, these options interconnecting to form more than ten possibilities.
At this time, he would use stillness to control movement, using constancy to respond to changes.
If today’s frame-up of Bian Zhuang wasn’t Spirit Mountain’s doing, then this matter certainly wouldn’t end here—the other party would have follow-up actions.
Bian Zhuang himself had too many vulnerabilities, making him easy to scheme against…
If everything was as he predicted, those who framed Bian Zhuang would likely step forward themselves; then it would become obvious that targeting Bian Zhuang was meant to draw him, Star-Lord Tai Bai, into the fray.
Though the matter seemed minor, those behind it likely had no small ambitions.
“Hmm?”
Li Changshou frowned slightly, watching Spirit Zhenzhu Boy rush impetuously toward Tai Yin Star, causing him to furrow his brows in thought.
Never mind, letting him team up with Jade Rabbit to intimidate those Chang’e immortals might be good.
As Head Instructor, he should also make an appearance at the Moon Palace.
However, before that, he should consult with His Majesty the Jade Emperor.
This was a major Celestial Court matter and a rare significant event during these peaceful days. His Majesty the Jade Emperor was already rolling up his sleeves, eager to have some sense of involvement in the story.
As a minister wielding power, he naturally had to consider the Emperor’s perspective and arrange for His Majesty’s participation.
Thus, three days later.
Li Changshou’s paper puppet appeared in the Moon Palace with a smile, taking his usual seat, setting up a barbecue grill, and enjoying a jar of Jade Spring ice wine, completely at ease.
He smiled and said:
“Please don’t mind me, I suddenly remembered that I still hold the position of Head Instructor entrusted by His Majesty the Jade Emperor.
With the Celestial Court’s various affairs keeping me busy, I haven’t been able to fulfill these duties, and feel quite guilty about it, quite guilty indeed.
Come, continue the music, continue the dance!”
After speaking, Li Changshou flipped the meat skewers in front of him, squinting with a slight smile.
The Chang’e immortals in the hall showed no unusual reaction, as they knew Star Lord Tai Bai had come to intimidate those who had plotted against Bian Zhuang.
Since it had been confirmed that someone had framed him, Star-Lord Tai Bai’s consideration for their dignity, using this gentle method of pressure, was already quite merciful.
These past few days, Spirit Zhenzhu Boy and Jade Rabbit had also been wandering outside the Moon Palace, watching every passing immortal maiden, similarly putting pressure on the various maidens.
Li Changshou sat in the Moon Palace, while Spirit Zhenzhu Boy and Jade Rabbit patrolled outside, for several months.
Just as Li Changshou was privately muttering that this might truly be simple revenge from the Western Paradise, several immortal maidens in the Moon Palace showed unusual behavior, missing dance practice twice in succession.
These maidens happened to be among the dozen or so who had been bathing that day.
Finally, movement…
Li Changshou pondered, knowing that if he ordered them brought in for questioning, subsequent events might develop in various unimaginable directions.
It might even involve the Three Schools of the Dao Path or the Queen Mother of the West.
But discovering such obvious abnormalities and ignoring them would be impossible to justify to the Celestial Court’s immortals…
Who had arranged this scheme?
It was so difficult to deal with, and completely unlike the Western Paradise’s style.
Li Changshou suddenly thought of an old friend—the Master of the Reincarnation Tower, A Cang.
This was the first time since his previous chess match with Ksitigarbha over the East Sea, where he had fallen half a move short, that Li Changshou felt so passive.
The time wasn’t right to break through this situation.
The waters were still murky, obscuring the bottom of the pool.
Li Changshou didn’t rush to act, first thinking through the aftermath, and preparing remedial measures and backup plans for each possibility. Only then did he summon Ao Yi, and with a cold face, order him to “invite” those “suspicious” Chang’e immortals for questioning.
This investigation indeed uncovered a chain of subsequent events.
Those Chang’e immortals were “invited” to the Moon Palace, and under everyone’s watchful eyes, within three hours, one immortal maiden’s spiritual heart couldn’t withstand the pressure and broke down, revealing the events of that day.
Four people had acted, plotting for half a year until they finally found an opportunity to secretly take the drunken Bian Zhuang and place him beside the Moon Essence Pool.
One mastermind, three accomplices.
The mastermind was precisely the immortal maiden who had said that day, [If I hadn’t known Bian Zhuang was Star-Lord Tai Bai’s right-hand man, I would have killed him with my sword].
Li Changshou gave lenient punishment to the three accomplices, merely confining them for a hundred years.
Then, Li Changshou wanted to let the matter slide, saying the mastermind had an old grudge against Bian Zhuang, making it a personal revenge act, intending to minimize and resolve the matter.
Unexpectedly, many Chang’e immortals had strong senses of justice, stepping forward to denounce the mastermind, saying she had tarnished the Moon Palace’s reputation and should be removed from the Chang’e register.
This woman quickly broke down, crying out:
“I had no choice, they took my younger sister’s entire family hostage, forcing me to do this!”
Li Changshou: …
This twist was entirely within his expectations.
By now, most of the dozen or so possibilities in his mind had dissipated, leaving only a few deductions leading to the true answer.
Li Changshou spoke slowly: “Immortal maidens, don’t be hasty, let this Star Lord ask… who are these ‘they’ you speak of?”
The mastermind was dispirited, tears in her eyes, truly appearing pitiful and moving.
She murmured:
“I don’t know who they were. They captured me during my last visit home, and my sister’s family is in their hands.
However, I overheard them say something, something…
My Lord, I dare not speak of it.
Just punish me severely, but please, in your great mercy, save my sister’s family.”
“Just speak,” Li Changshou said gently, “If your sister’s family is truly being held hostage, the Celestial Court will not ignore it.”
“Thank you, my Lord, thank you.
I heard them mention inadvertently that this time they must cause discord between you and Immortal Maiden Chang’e, to prevent the Three Realms’ premier beauty from ruining their Senior Sister Yun Xiao’s… good marriage prospects.”
Disciples of the Severing School?
This was only the surface answer.
Li Changshou didn’t rush, his heart relaxing, as half the matter had become clear.
But having walked this far along the path designed by the other party was one thing—continuing to be led by the nose would be a tactical error.
The schemers behind this wanted to escalate matters?
Then let’s escalate them completely.
If they wanted to provoke conflict between the Three Schools of the Dao Path, then let the Three Schools conflict, escalating things until they became too “big” for the other party to bear.
Scheming and plotting had come to involve Yun Xiao.
Did they think he would only act carefully, not daring to flip the table?
Steady now.
Void-Bright Dao Heart: Activate.
Li Changshou very quickly examined himself internally, judging whether he had been affected by tribulation fate, and finding no trace of Heavenly Dao power, knowing this wasn’t the Heavenly Dao trying to bring forward the Investiture of the God killing tribulation.
There was an eighty percent chance someone couldn’t wait and wanted to trigger the Great Tribulation early.
Below, a Chang’e team leader asked: “Star-Lord, how should this matter be handled?”
“Send her to the Lingxiao Hall,” Li Changshou said, “This matter involves Yun Xiao, who is my dao partner, so I shouldn’t continue to handle it directly but will go to rescue this Chang’e’s family members.
Please report this to His Majesty on my behalf.
This matter must be investigated thoroughly, no matter who it leads to, we must not stop. The Celestial Court’s dignity cannot be compromised.
I want to see who has such audacity to challenge the Celestial Court, to challenge the Heavenly Dao, to challenge the Purple Void Palace!”
After speaking, Li Changshou rose and left with a sweep of his sleeves, appearing calm but actually burning with fury, leaving behind a group of Chang’e immortals with phoenix eyes wide open, all kinds of unease in their beautiful eyes.
They were just dancers, how could they withstand Star Lord’s anger?
Li Changshou left the Moon Palace, heading straight beyond Tai Yin Star on a cloud, his face black as a pot bottom.
A stream of light flew from the side, transforming into the shape of the Golden Roc, who approached Li Changshou and said softly: “Master, there’s a small matter.”
“What is it?”
“Lady Bian has sent three hundred beautiful young women, who are now waiting outside the East Heaven Gate,” Golden Roc’s mouth twisted, “According to the Bian family messenger, their Young Master has never suffered such grievance.
Lady Bian is quite angry about this matter but also understands the Celestial Court’s rules. These three hundred young women will enter Bian Zhuang’s mansion, just dig a treasure pool, and bathe in it daily without wandering out much.”
Li Changshou couldn’t help but laugh, saying:
“This old lady truly has her ways. Go and reprimand the Bian family messenger a few times, but don’t be too harsh.”
Then, Li Changshou transmitted: “Act secretly afterward. I’m going to investigate a Chang’e immortal’s family members and will deliberately slow my pace, giving you the information in advance. Try to see if you can save this family.
If they can be saved, protect them well and bring them directly back to the Celestial Court.
If they cannot be saved and you only find corpses, burn the bodies and eliminate all traces, leaving not the slightest evidence.
Don’t ask why.”
“Yes!”
Golden Roc acknowledged via transmission, then smiled and cupped his hands: “Master, rest assured, I know my limits and won’t let the Bian family suffer too much.”
After speaking, Golden Roc turned and vanished.
Li Changshou’s eyes narrowed as his paper puppet continued to maintain a sour face, returning to the Tai Bai Palace.
When it came to using issues to create leverage, he was an expert.