On the way back to Heaven’s Court, Li Changshou thought carefully.

He was still displeased with Elder Guangcheng.

This entire incident was completely Elder Guangcheng’s operation, with at least six or seven layers of objectives.

If Elder Guangcheng’s goals were divided into three stages, the highest objective was to naturally destroy the Dao Schools’ non-aggression pact, thereby allowing the Enlightenment School to gain a certain degree of initiative in this Great Tribulation.

The middle objective should have been to give Heaven’s Court and the Severing Sect a warning, using this matter as a pretext to launch appropriate counterattacks when he, as Star-Lord Taibai, made judgments unfavorable to the Enlightenment School.

The shallowest objective was to use Heaven’s Court to take advantage of the situation to deal with Burning Lamp’s faction, ensuring that Burning Lamp wouldn’t be too active in the upcoming Investiture of the Gods tribulation and thus affect Elder Guangcheng’s own arrangements.

The Enlightenment School’s First Senior Brother was truly an old schemer of the primordial world.

This should also reflect Uncle Master Yuanshi’s attitude.

Li Changshou had finally found the answer to why this Second Uncle Master trusted Elder Guangcheng so much.

Simply because he was useful.

However, Li Changshou didn’t plan to let Elder Guangcheng off so easily.

Actually, the best method would be to break through Ju Liusun’s psychological defenses and make this matter completely transparent, which would put Elder Guangcheng in an extremely awkward position.

The Three Schools’ First Senior Brothers couldn’t possibly die—even in the original Investiture of the Gods tribulation, his own sect’s Senior Brother Grand Mage, Duo Bao Daoist, and Elder Guangcheng had never been seriously injured.

Anyone who could sit in the First Senior Brother position had a Sage’s backing, and couldn’t be allowed to fail.

Of course, with fewer disciples in the Human School, their teacher’s care was more abundant.

The impact Elder Guangcheng had caused him this time was on a personal and emotional level.

—This would become a thorn between himself and Yun Xiao, and he would need to find a way to comfort Little Yun later.

If he were to take equivalent countermeasures… he would first need to arrange a Dao partner for Elder Guangcheng, which was too unrealistic.

The Enlightenment School’s customs were more rigorous and completely different from their Human School.

Therefore, Li Changshou chose another path of revenge—inviting three senior disciples each from the Enlightenment and Severing Schools to come to Heaven’s Court and jointly observe the questioning of Burning Lamp Immortal and Ju Liusun.

This time, he truly needed to find a way to torment this Enlightenment School’s First Senior Brother.

Although the Heavenly Dao was watching now and he couldn’t disrupt the rhythm of the Investiture of the Gods, he could try to push Burning Lamp’s position down even further.

Moreover, the key objective was to obtain Burning Lamp’s Heaven and Earth Ruler, which was crucial for one of his subsequent major plans.

Not only that, but that weakened Heaven and Earth Ruler in Burning Lamp’s possession was also critical to Li Changshou’s thousand-year plan “The Disappearance of X.”

Relatively speaking, whether Burning Lamp lived or died wasn’t important—what mattered most was to outmaneuver him completely and keep him from causing trouble.

On this point, Li Changshou and Elder Guangcheng had reached an unspoken understanding.

Li Changshou: …

As they say, [old foxes whose wisdom shines like glittering coins] can’t become friends with their kind, they can only become mounts or subordinates.

He still preferred dealing with straightforward immortals like Brother Gongming and True Lord Yellow Dragon.

“Hmm?”

At the rear of Heaven’s Court’s army, Zhao Gongming raised his eyebrows, strangely feeling as if someone had just insulted him.

Beside Zhao, Gongming were naturally Golden Spirit Holy Mother and Fairy Qiong Xiao, the Severing Sect’s “observing immortals.”

Speaking of which, the Severing Sect group was quite depressed. They had originally thought that selecting elite troops this time was to facilitate escape and subsequent rescue operations after a fight at Mount Kunlun.

Unexpectedly, they had made two trips and kowtowed once, only witnessing Star Lord Taibai instantly capturing Ju Liusun and Heaven’s Court’s Uncle Master Jade Emperor [successfully showing off], with no other effect.

Fortunately, they could contribute to dealing with Burning Lamp, this sworn enemy of the Severing Sect, in the subsequent proceedings; how satisfying it would be to help cut off an arm or dismember a leg then!

While one group rejoiced, another worried. Not far behind the three Severing Sect experts in the clouds, Elder Guangcheng, True Lord Yuding, and True Lord Yellow Dragon were sighing.

Elder Guangcheng was frowning in thought, pondering the two sentences Li Changshou had said when inviting him to Heaven’s Court moments ago.

The first was:

‘Elder Brother Guangcheng is the Enlightenment School’s First Senior Brother, and today Heaven’s Court is questioning the Enlightenment School’s Vice Patriarch and a Sage’s disciple. If Elder Brother Guangcheng doesn’t come, wouldn’t this matter lose some of its significance?’

The second was when Li Changshou turned to ride his cloud, hurrying to follow beside the Nine-Dragon Carriage, then turned his head after flying more than ten zhang to say:

‘Isn’t Elder Brother curious about what Teacher said to me in Supreme Clarity Temple?’

This couldn’t help but make Elder Guangcheng overthink.

Could it be that Changgeng already knew the cause and effect?

Although heaven’s mechanisms were now confused and this poor Daoist was by Teacher’s side, although Grand Elder Brother was the strongest Sage, he hadn’t been able to break through the world’s shackles back then and had still been forced to accept the Primordial Purple Qi, so he shouldn’t have been able to transcend the Heavenly Dao’s rules.

Why could he calculate so much?

No, that’s not right either. Junior Brother Changgeng was quite intelligent and might have guessed something, trying to test me.

Elder Guangcheng sighed inwardly, wondering whether having such a brother who could stir up the Three Realms joining the Human School was good or bad for the Enlightenment School.

However, he had a clear conscience, only seeking to live up to Teacher and the Enlightenment School.

“First Senior Brother? First Senior Brother?”

From within True Lord Yuding’s sleeve, True Lord Taiyi, who had transformed to just over three cun tall and wore a light red flamboyant robe, was calling out through voice transmission.

Elder Guangcheng frowned and looked over, asking strangely: “Junior Brother, why did you come along too?”

True Lord Taiyi clicked his tongue and smiled, glancing at the large contingent of celestial soldiers ahead, then transmitted: “Naturally, I wanted to join in the excitement and pay respects to a certain Vice Patriarch’s eloquent performance in Linxiao Hall.”

“Didn’t Junior Brother Changgeng tell you not to get involved in this matter?”

Elder Guangcheng sighed: “If that mouth of yours lets out something that makes the situation irreparable…”

“No way, no way,” True Lord Taiyi smiled sheepishly, “Surely no one thinks I can’t control my mouth?”

“First Senior Brother, please don’t worry,” True Lord Yuding smiled and took out a magical treasure.

This treasure appeared in the form of a collar, made from Northern Sea evil dragon sinews, with its core being a pearl strung on the dragon sinew. Though it appeared only the size of a dragon’s eye, it could be adjusted at will.

This treasure didn’t have any resounding name but could be called the ‘Silence’ device. Its Dao rhythms specifically counteracted True Lord Taiyi’s cultivation, capable of instantly collaring True Lord Taiyi’s mouth and cutting off his supernatural powers.

A Doushuai quality product, personally gifted by Star Lord Taibai.

This magical device was fully supervised in production by Heaven’s Court’s immortal Lingzhu.

True Lord Taiyi’s forehead was covered in black lines upon seeing this treasure, while Elder Guangcheng and True Lord Yellow Dragon both sighed in relief.

Elder Guangcheng glanced around at various places ahead and transmitted: “Since you want to go, then go openly and properly, don’t do such timid things.

Today our Enlightenment School’s reputation has already been damaged, don’t let people laugh at us further.”

“Fine,” True Lord Taiyi’s form flew out, transformed to normal human size, and calmly stood with his hands behind his back.

Yellow Dragon smiled: “Heaven’s Court only wants three positions. Why don’t I give my spot to Junior Brother Taiyi? I wouldn’t know what to say if I went, it would be awkward.”

“Ah, just go,” True Lord Taiyi smiled, “Can Changgeng drive us away?”

Elder Guangcheng smiled and nodded, his eyes showing some satisfaction.

True Lord Yuding seemed to want to say something but held back, and after being secretly pulled by the sleeve of his Daoist robe by True Lord Taiyi, could only sigh lightly and say no more.

On the clouds ahead, the three Severing Sect immortals all fell into contemplation.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother transmitted: “Why did they add another person? Isn’t this cheating?”

“Ah,” Zhao Gongming said gently, “Don’t get caught up in these small details. Besides, those who came are all people we’re familiar with. Except for Taiyi’s unpleasant way of speaking, both Yuding and Senior Brother Yellow Dragon are quite good.”

Golden Spirit Holy Mother frowned: “What if arguments arise later?

If it comes to fighting, I could handle all four of them, but there definitely won’t be any fighting in Heaven’s Court, and we can’t let Changgeng openly favor us.

How can our three mouths out-talk their four mouths?”

Zhao Gongming pondered: “This…”

Suddenly, immortal power fluctuations came from the side. Golden Spirit Holy Mother and Zhao Gongming turned their heads to look and saw Qiong Xiao, wearing a light yellow long dress, had already crushed the jade talisman in her hand and said to the dissipating immortal power:

“Sister! Come quickly to Heaven’s Court! I heard news that someone is planning to ambush my brother-in-law in Linxiao Hall later!”

After speaking, Qiong Xiao clapped her small hands, her brow slightly raised.

[Done].

The secretly married couple at her side had their mouths twitching in sync.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother asked with a wry smile: “In Linxiao Hall? Ambush a Heaven’s Court minister ranked in the top ten of the Heavenly Dao sequence, including the Sages?”

Zhao Gongming also said: “Couldn’t you come up with a better excuse? Who would believe this?

Second Sister has been intelligent since she first gained awareness. When I was still a gust of wind pushing you three little cloud spirits floating in the sky, she had already begun comprehending the fundamental Dao of heaven and earth.

How could she fall for this?”

Qiong Xiao rolled her eyes: “If I told you that Senior Sister Jinling was ambushed, that the Western School had mobilized three hundred experts to encircle and kill Senior Sister Jinling, what would your reaction be?”

Zhao Gongming replied without thinking: “What reaction could there be? Cry out for the Teacher’s help and rush over there with my Sea-Stabilizing Zhenzhu!”

“Isn’t it the same?”

Zhao Gongming’s face suddenly showed realization, while Golden Spirit Holy Mother beside him had rosy cheeks and looked to the side, her lips showing a faint smile, not daring to say another word.

Qiong Xiao’s eyes turned, immediately catching a small weakness.

…

The Jade Emperor’s confrontation with the Sage, Heaven’s might press down on Yuxi Palace, forcing the Enlightenment School to hand over the mastermind ‘Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp Immortal’—this matter was already sufficient to quell the anger of Heaven’s Court and the Severing Sect immortals.

After all, Burning Lamp’s seniority and experience were what they were, and with the Sage already stepping forward and the Jade Emperor having displayed Heaven’s Court’s dignity.

At this time, countless beings observing this great matter of heaven and earth most had already understood that next they only needed to openly and transparently try this case, determine the crimes of Burning Lamp and Ju Liusun, and the matter would be considered settled.

What Heaven’s Court had lost was a relative of Fairy Chang’e, what they gained was prestige and authority over a Sage’s great school.

This had already become a very important stepping stone on Heaven’s Court’s path of development.

However, when the seven immortals from the Severing Sect and Enlightenment School were about to enter the Heaven Gate, Li Changshou still stepped forward to stop his Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters, and sister-in-law.

The Nine-Dragon Carriage had returned to Heaven’s Court, and the various celestial armies quickly and orderly returned to their respective camps.

Several celestial generals were concealing the three divine swords, allowing passage for Elder Guangcheng and the six other immortals.

Taking this opportunity, Li Changshou’s Star-Lord Taibai paper avatar rode a cloud back, with a solemn expression requesting the seven of them to come forward and discuss the upcoming matters.

Naturally, he didn’t mind such a small matter as why the Enlightenment School had brought four people.

Li Changshou activated a layer of immortal power barrier and asked straightforwardly:

“Elder Brother Guangcheng, does the Enlightenment School want to protect Senior Brother Ju Liusun or Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp?

After this trial, there must be one primary and one secondary culprit, and the punishments will be one heavy and one light.”

Elder Guangcheng pondered for a moment, truly caught off guard by Li Changshou’s sudden directness.

He said: “We still request Heaven’s Court handle this fairly while considering our Enlightenment School’s reputation.

Junior Brother Ju Liusun is the Teacher’s personal disciple, also beloved by the Teacher. This time being driven by Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp, he actually had no choice in the matter.

If this poor Daoist were to choose based on personal feelings, naturally I would want Junior Brother Ju Liusun to receive less punishment.

But Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp is our Enlightenment School’s Vice Patriarch, the only ancient powerhouse within the school of the same generation as Teacher, and today he even flew out from Teacher’s small courtyard, seeming to have been called over for a lecture.

In this situation, ah…

This poor Daoist truly cannot decide.”

Li Changshou: …

Indeed, communication was quite difficult—this was equivalent to saying nothing while expressing a desire to protect both.

If the supposed number one team from his previous life’s Blue Star homeland had half of Elder Guangcheng’s ‘ball-playing’ skills, Li Changshou probably would have had one less regret before dying in his previous life.

True Lord Taiyi smiled: “First Senior Brother, since when did you become so thorough?”

Elder Guangcheng glared at Taiyi, who silently raised his hand to wipe his mouth, placing a restriction that could be broken at any time.

Li Changshou turned to ask Zhao Gongming: “Does the Severing Sect have any opinions?”

“Deal with Burning Lamp!” Golden Spirit Holy Mother cursed, “This Burning Lamp is no good thing. Ju Liusun is still decent, but Burning Lamp is the mastermind and should naturally bear the blame!”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, giving Golden Spirit Holy Mother a thumbs up. He looked at Elder Guangcheng and smiled:

“Since Senior Brothers and Sisters have expressed their opinions, Elder Brother Guangcheng is fine with either, and Senior Sister Jinling says to focus on questioning Burning Lamp’s crimes, then this Junior Brother will proceed accordingly.”

After speaking, Li Changshou clasped his hands, dispersed the surrounding barrier without giving Elder Guangcheng a chance to speak, and floated away with a smile.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother smiled: “Changgeng handles matters thoroughly, actually asking for our opinions beforehand.”

True Lord Yellow Dragon couldn’t help but praise: “Yes, working with Changgeng truly requires little worry, he arranges everything perfectly, haha!”

True Lord Taiyi’s mouth twitched several times as he moved away from True Lord Yellow Dragon and Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

Soon after, Ao Yi and Lingzhu hurriedly arrived to escort the seven Sage disciples through the Heaven Gate, with celestial generals and soldiers guarding both sides.

Returning to Heaven’s Court, all seven immortals could directly sense that Heaven’s Court was noticeably different from hundreds of years ago.

First, there were more beings.

The once endless sea of clouds now had numerous immortal mountains and pavilion universes visible wherever one looked.

This was according to Li Changshou’s requirements—below Heaven’s Court’s Seven Heavens, areas were developed in an orderly manner, with large numbers of collective cultivation residences, single immortal apartments, standalone pavilions, small buildings with courtyards, and small palaces with formations built according to immortal and divine ranks.

These naturally didn’t cost spirit stones but were awarded according to divine position rank, considered part of the rewards in Heaven’s Court’s new star incentive plan.

Secondly, the power of the Heavenly Dao in Heaven’s Court was several times more concentrated than before.

These seven experts had no karmic obstacles and were all somewhat prestigious figures in heaven and earth, but here they felt the Heavenly Dao’s obvious repelling force.

It seemed to want to push them away.

Lingzhu followed beside True Lord Taiyi, who patted his head and rubbed his Dao ring, showing various forms of concern.

It was only at such moments that the Great Yin-Yang Master would set aside his unwavering pursuit of the Yin-Yang Great Dao and enjoy the pure father-son relationship between master and disciple.

Letting Lingzhu gain experience in Heaven’s Court had now shaped him into a handsome and strong-willed young man…

It was also because of this that True Lord Taiyi no longer held a grudge about being tricked by Li Changshou in the past, stirring up the anger of the Seven Emotions.

Halfway through their flight, they suddenly heard drums thundering ahead, streams of light appearing throughout Heaven’s Court as thousands of immortals and deities rushed toward Linxiao Hall, creating quite a spectacular scene.

“Let’s fly faster,” Zhao Gongming smiled and made a welcoming gesture, his sleeve waving as a strand of Dao rhythm carried the celestial soldiers and generals escorting them to ‘observe’ at Linxiao Hall, rushing forth like wind and lightning.

When they arrived, they witnessed what could be called Heaven’s Court efficiency.

Celestial soldiers filed through in succession, taking only half an hour to set up a ‘great assembly hall’ in front of Linxiao Hall.

Heaven’s Court’s civil and military officials stood quietly on both sides, with the Jade Emperor seated on the throne at Linxiao Hall’s entrance, leaving an empty seat beside him for the Queen Mother.

On those steps before the hall, each Heaven’s Court deity was given a jade circular chair;

Before the steps of Linxiao Hall’s entrance, three long tables were slightly separated, covered with golden cloth, and the chairs were changed to golden ‘master chairs.’

The Sun Star’s light scattered down, countless stars showing faint traces, dropping points of immortal light.

Banners fluttered as tens of thousands of celestial soldiers formed arrays on the left and right, their battle formations showing images of dragons and tigers.

Amid rolling drums, two rows of vertical drums were neatly arranged like a great roc spreading its wings, with dozens of celestial generals drumming out thunderous beats.

Such a grand scene naturally couldn’t lack Heaven’s Court’s long-standing official, Elder Mu of the East.

Elder Mu wore a dark red robe, his gray-white hair quite elegant, as he walked to the rightmost of the three long tables and announced in a clear voice:

“Would the Dao Schools’ Sage disciples please come forward and be seated!”

As soon as he finished speaking, seven celestial generals flew over carrying circular chairs, arranging them three left and four right below the three long tables.

Elder Guangcheng, Golden Spirit Holy Mother, and the other immortals calmly went forward to take their seats, naturally not showing any timidity at such a scene.

Elder Mu said seriously: “At Star Lord Taibai’s suggestion and with the Jade Emperor’s approval, seven immortals represent the Dao Schools to observe today’s Heaven’s Court trial of Enlightenment School Vice Patriarch Burning Lamp and Enlightenment School disciple Ju Liusun.

If any of you feel there are any improprieties, mistakes, or inappropriateness during the trial of the ‘Chang’e’s False Accusations Against Celestial General’ case, please first signal to request the chief judge’s permission before speaking.”

The seven Enlightenment School immortals each nodded.

Then, Elder Mu called out: “Please welcome Chief Judge Star Lord Taibai!”

As his voice fell, a beam of immortal light shot down from the side, and Li Changshou, rarely dressed in ‘court robes,’ first paid respects to the Jade Emperor before the hall, then walked forward slowly.

Wearing a white robe with flowing gold trim, a silvery-white bright crystal Dao ring in his hair, holding a gray whisk picked up from Doushuai Palace;

Li Changshou’s eyes flashed like lightning, and with each step, faint pressure rippled outward.

Not just the celestial soldiers, generals, and minor officials, but even powerful beings like Zhao Gongming and Elder Guangcheng felt that Li Changshou’s Dao realm was no longer to be underestimated.

Li Changshou walked to the table, exchanged bows with Elder Mu of the East, and they sat down together.

He continued: “Today’s matter concerns Chang’e of the Moon Palace, and thanks to Star-Lord Taiyin’s exceptional insight, today’s assistant judge, specially approved by His Majesty, please welcome Star Lord Taiyin of the Vast Cold Palace!”

Before Li Changshou’s words had fallen, a graceful figure had already appeared before Linxiao Hall, with heaven and earth Dao rhythms gently rippling around her.

Before the crowd could see her appearance and form, a thin mist scattered, her figure swaying slightly as she arrived at the long table beside Li Changshou.

Heng’e of the Vast Cold Palace.

Unfortunately, Heng’e now concealed herself in light white clouds, not revealing her true form.

She made a bow to the Jade Emperor, then bowed slightly to Li Changshou, sitting down without a word.

Aloof.

Li Changshou smiled, composed his expression, divine light flashing in his eyes as he raised the judgment block in his hand, then brought it down heavily.

“Bring forth Ju Liusun, Burning Lamp, Bian Zhuang, and all related parties!”

Footsteps sounded from the side as Yang Jian and Golden Peng each led a team of celestial generals, escorting Ju Liusun and Burning Lamp forward together.

Burning Lamp’s expression was normal, while Ju Liusun’s face was ashen.

A flash of killing intent passed through Li Changshou’s eyes, but he showed a smile.

“Someone, first bring a seat for the Immortal Alliance’s Leader.”