“Ai!”

First summoned by the Dao Ancestor to find Master, then by Master to find Uncle Master, then by Uncle Master to find the Goddess…

No, the Goddess and Uncle Master were summoning simultaneously.

He was Supreme Clarity’s disciple, not Heaven Dao’s disciple!

Li Changshou…

Could neither be angry nor speak out.

Other transmigrators defied Heaven with immortal maidens favoring them, embracing beauties left and right amid romance and intrigue, with opportunities arriving in abundance.

Yet when it came to him, he was reduced to seeking survival in the gaps between the Dao Ancestor’s fingers, seeking development in the surging currents of the Great Tribulation, written as one large character in every direction:

[DIFFICULT].

Now he had layers of concerns and many people he cared about, becoming exactly what he had never wanted to become in his past life—making it [DOUBLY DIFFICULT].

Everything needed calculation, everything needed consideration of cause and effect.

Just like now—when simultaneously summoned by Goddess Nüwa and Ancestor Original Teachings, Li Changshou had to make choices and devise methods to ensure neither Sage would mind his true body visiting the other first, while smoothly handling both situations.

The deception was impossible—when facing Sages, everything must be reported truthfully.

This was the basic condition for communicating with Sages.

At Ancestor Original Teachings’ place, it was likely about the Chaos Bell matter, and who knew how long that would take.

At Goddess Nüwa’s place, it should be relatively simpler matters, plus there was the time-stopping divine ability…

Moreover, regarding relationships, Ancestor Original Teachings was indeed closer to him and should have a higher tolerance threshold for him.

After all, there was that connection through Cloud Cloud.

After brief consideration, Li Changshou prepared explanations for both sides and took out two [True Body·Modified] paper avatars from his sleeve.

His true body randomly entered one, and then they “went separate ways” toward the two Sages’ domains.

Using paper avatars that had fooled Master Illumination to challenge Sage’s discernment?

Li Changshou dared not attempt such an unstable act.

Though he now moved freely in realms below the Sages, Li Changshou had sufficient understanding of just how powerful Sages were.

Except for a certain Sage whose foundation was originally unstable and whose Dao cultivation had been reduced once by his own Master, all the Sage Lords represented transcendence in both the Dao realm and life level, infinitely approaching the critical point of transcendence.

Half a day later, at Azure Void Palace’s secret realm, Li Changshou bowed outside the hall without entering, only announcing:

“Uncle Master, the disciple was previously summoned by Goddess Nüwa and is on the way to Holy Mother Palace. I will come immediately after finishing matters there, please do not blame me.”

On the throne inside the hall, Ancestor Original Teachings, who was playing with a pile of ‘giant eggs,’ laughed.

“No matter, this poor Dao has no urgent business here. Go handle your proper business first.”

The implication being—that this wasn’t proper business?

Li Changshou sighed in relief, bowed outside the hall, and then his paper avatar transformed into a foot-tall paper figure form and sat down against the wall.

Meanwhile, in Holy Mother Palace’s Lakeside Pavilion, a trace of Dao rhythm flowed, and Li Changshou was pulled into the Holy Mother Goddess’s divine ability domain.

He sat honestly in his designated seat, drawing stories he had prepared in advance, neither speaking much nor daring to ask questions.

Nüwa was currently reclining in a pool, spirit fruit slices on her face, wearing a pearl-and-agate-decorated hairband with artistic design in her long hair, her snake tail gently swaying in the spirit pool.

Nearby, a device similar to a memory orb played soothing, relaxing melodies, and Goddess Nüwa followed the rhythm’s rises and falls: inhale, exhale, exhale, exhale…

Li Changshou: …

A Sage’s life could be this simple, and dull.

Outside only moments passed, but in the time-stop domain, who knew how long had gone by?

The pile of drawings before Li Changshou was already three inches thick, and he began binding them into volumes.

Suddenly Holy Mother Goddess spoke: “In the original Investiture of the Gods story, did Master Illumination have a grudge against Cloud Void?”

Li Changshou’s movements paused, and then he realized Holy Mother Goddess must have heard about the Investiture of the Gods from Senior Wanderer, but asking him this way suggested she didn’t know much.

Li Changshou smiled: “The Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation still lies ahead, disciple also doesn’t know the specifics.”

“Playing dumb.”

Nüwa said calmly: “Whether you know or not, I naturally understand completely. Since you don’t want to say more about this, let it be—I can’t force a junior. Master Illumination’s death was somewhat unexpected. I had thought Heaven Dao would protect him.”

“In the disciple’s humble opinion, Heaven Dao’s purpose is the stability of Heaven and Earth. The process may not be so important compared to the result.”

Li Changshou efficiently bound the drawings, made a cloth cover, and placed preservation and protection restrictions on it.

He said slowly: “Besides the drawings, does Uncle Master have matters to instruct about in this summons?”

“What, can’t I just have you come to sit with me?”

Goddess Nüwa said calmly: “Now Great White Gold Star is too busy, my Holy Mother Palace has become quite lonely.”

“How can Uncle Master start teasing disciple,” Li Changshou smiled. “After returning to the Celestial Court, the disciple only cultivates quietly, waiting for the Great Tribulation’s arrival. Whatever Heaven Dao wants disciple to do, disciple naturally does.”

Goddess Nüwa smiled, her phoenix eyes opening slightly as she said: “Scared?”

“Yes, very scared.”

Li Changshou sighed slowly, then said: “But being scared changes nothing. Though disciple has not the slightest intention of causing trouble, in Ancestral Master’s eyes, disciple fears I will forever be a variable. Fortunately, Senior laid such a good foundation, tsk.”

Nüwa immediately smiled with narrowed eyes, the spirit fruit slices on her face vanishing without a trace.

The pool waters stirred as she transformed into human form and walked out, dense sage light falling with a water-blue long dress, covering the flawless figure of this sole female Sage.

A soft couch flew over, and Goddess Nüwa sat behind two curtains, giving a somewhat lazy yawn.

This time, the Sage Goddess asked calmly: “Now that the final killing tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation draws ever closer, how do you view the current situation of the three teachings facing tribulation?”

Hmm?

Li Changshou felt slightly confused inside, looked up at Goddess Nüwa behind the curtains, and thought it strange.

When Goddess Nüwa spoke with him, she was usually quite casual, very peaceful, and easy to feel close to.

Though this question seemed normal, it didn’t match Goddess Nüwa’s personality. Normally she would say something like—

[You’ve crippled the Western Teaching’s destiny, are you planning to have the Dao Gate eliminate the Western Teaching first, then fight internally?]

Was Heaven Dao questioning him?

Or was there some other issue?

Li Changshou’s spirit tensed, and just as he was about to answer, Goddess Nüwa’s voice transmission sounded in the depths of his heart:

“Having you come this time was actually to remind you of something. Previously when you damaged the Western Teaching’s destiny, it happened to satisfy their need to experience tribulation before their great rise. Heaven Dao has already had me make arrangements. Just answer me in your heart—operating with split attention doesn’t seem difficult for you.”

So it was indeed related to the monkey.

That heaven-mending stone was placed by Goddess Nüwa herself, and she said [Heaven Dao] rather than [Dao Ancestor].

This likely referred to that will which had watched him for eleven or twelve years in the Primordial Golden Measure during the opening phase of the Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation years ago.

Li Changshou smiled calmly, saying aloud: “The current situation of the three teachings remains very unclear…”

He gave only formulaic, official answers without substantial content.

In his heart, Li Changshou produced a few thoughts:

“Goddess, I don’t want to interfere in matters after the Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation. It’s already decided—after the Investiture ends, I will take those I wish to take and leave the Primordial World.”

“Oh?”

Goddess Nüwa transmitted inquiringly: “You want to take Cloud Void, Spirit Moth, and the others to flee far away?”

“Yes, after all, I remain somewhat dangerous in the Primordial World. Of those close to me who wish to come along, I will take all who aren’t bound by Heaven Dao—at most seven or eight people.”

“That is indeed not a bad choice. You are much more reliable than that fellow,” Goddess Nüwa laughed softly, then sighed slightly, seeming somewhat disappointed.

She might as well have directly said ‘quickly ask what’s wrong.’

Li Changshou was very clever and didn’t ask half a word.

He continued rambling on the surface while secretly waiting in his heart.

Before long, Goddess Nüwa continued transmitting calmly: “Not even picking up the conversation, how can we chat like this?”

“Disciple knows his place and has no way to help Goddess solve her troubles,” Li Changshou showed an ashamed expression. “After all, you are a Sage, one of only six Sages in Heaven and Earth.”

“I used too much merit when achieving Sagehood. Now my Dao fruit is almost completely locked by Heaven Dao.”

Goddess Nüwa transmitted somewhat helplessly:

“I can feel Heaven Dao’s constraints on me becoming increasingly obvious. Li Changshou, you are that fellow’s fellow townsman—do you have any way to help me escape this predicament?”

“This…”

Li Changshou couldn’t help but feel caught between laughter and tears.

Goddess Nüwa transmitted again: “I can ally with you, to advance and retreat together in the coming Great Tribulation.”

“You honor disciple far too much!”

Li Changshou nearly burst into tears—how could such words be spoken casually?

“Disciple is now just a slightly stronger ant. Allying with you, this… this is improper!”

But Goddess Nüwa snorted lightly in his heart:

“You can deceive Elder Brother Supreme Clarity and Teacher Dao Ancestor, but you can’t deceive me.

Back then, that Senior of yours and I were quite familiar, often playing cards together… um… discussing the Dao.

People like you and him are most skilled at pioneering new paths. Since you arranged Yang Jian’s affairs, I could roughly guess what you intended to do.

The current you are no longer someone Teacher Dao Ancestor can simply destroy—this was your first step plan, deeply binding yourself to Heaven Dao.”

“Isn’t that right?”

Li Changshou: …

Stay steady, don’t speak first—see just how much Goddess Nüwa had guessed.

Goddess Nüwa continued: “On one hand, you express your intention to leave to Teacher, while on the other hand making various arrangements to leave the Primordial World. Combined with your cautious, thorough nature, it’s all to deceive Teacher and facilitate your actions…”

“Disciple swears to Heaven Dao, there is no deception in this!”

Li Changshou’s face turned serious. Though outwardly silent, in his heart, he spoke righteously:

“Goddess, you may have some misunderstandings. I admit I am doing these things you mention, but the disciple’s ultimate goal is truly just to safely escape. The Chaos Sea’s conditions are harsh, but survival is possible, and Senior left clues about returning home—these are all worth exploring. On this point, you are truly mistaken.”

“Oh?” Goddess Nüwa crossed her legs, her eyes emanating overwhelming divine light.

Li Changshou met her gaze calmly, his expression somewhat helpless.

“Do you think I’m testing you?”

“I wouldn’t dare—what about disciple is worth testing?”

Li Changshou said: “Please don’t blame me, Uncle Master. Disciple only wants to steadily manage the Investiture of the Gods Great Tribulation, without any inappropriate ambitions.”

Goddess Nüwa leaned sideways, one hand supporting her on the soft couch’s armrest, gently holding her forehead.

“If that’s the case, I won’t force you.”

“Thank you for understanding, Uncle Master,” Li Changshou added, “But if in the future, the disciple has the opportunity and ability to help Uncle Master, as long as Uncle Master asks, the disciple will never refuse.”

Goddess Nüwa waved her hand lightly, and the surrounding light and shadows shifted. Li Changshou found himself already outside the pavilion, sitting on a cloud boat.

A light sigh flowed through his heart, tinged with desolation.

Li Changshou stood up, and made an immortal salute on the cloud boat, knowing he would likely have difficulty visiting Holy Mother Palace again.

He had been careless before, even entertaining thoughts of having Spirit Moth cultivate at Holy Mother Palace. Now it seemed that idea had been quite dangerous.

As for the immortal mountain by the East Sea, he was no longer in a hurry to visit.

Goddess Nüwa had already told him—that was Flower Fruit Mountain, with a stone atop it from which a stone monkey would emerge.

Everything was indeed Heaven Dao’s arrangement.

On the way back to the Five Continents, Li Changshou moved through the void, his heart long unable to calm.

Goddess Nüwa suddenly seeking alliance was something Li Changshou truly hadn’t expected.

And Goddess Nüwa nearly seeing through his plans had almost scared him into a cold sweat.

Fortunately, the Sage Goddess had only guessed the beginning—her later reasoning had gone astray, still having great limitations.

The alliance Goddess Nüwa proposed was something Li Changshou could never accept, no matter what.

On the surface, he could gain Sage’s absolute support, but careful analysis showed the matter was unreliable through and through.

The Sage Goddess wanted to break free from Heaven Dao—wasn’t that true transcendence?

This was something he absolutely couldn’t and shouldn’t do.

Thinking carefully, how were living beings any different?

Sages stood at the peak of all beings, yet each had their worries.

The Western Teaching’s two Sages worried about “repaying their loan,” Ancestor Original Teachings fretted about “containing the Great Tribulation,” Primordial Beginning Heavenly Lord was concerned about “his junior brother being dragged down.”

Goddess Nüwa had used too much merit when achieving Sagehood, leading to Heaven Dao’s control, hence her vision of escaping the Primordial World’s order and Heaven Dao’s constraints…

And his own Master, for the sake of the Dao Gate and Heaven and Earth, had his little disciple worried sick.

Eh? Something seemed off there.

Never mind, no need to mind such details.

What he had to arrange went far beyond Yang Jian.

‘Brother Monkey, Brother Monkey, you’re truly remarkable~’

Humming such a tune in his heart, Li Changshou moved ever more swiftly, not disturbing any flowers or grass, directly entering the Five Continents’ world, heading for Azure Void.

At Holy Mother Palace, shortly after Li Changshou left.

Goddess Nüwa sat lost in thought on the soft couch. Wind chimes sounded by the window, and bamboo groves swayed gently outside.

A somewhat blurry grey shadow appeared outside the windowsill, seemingly an old Daoist, though his features were unclear.

“Are you reassured now?”

Goddess Nüwa snorted: “I told you, this little one truly fears death and won’t do anything risky.”

The old Daoist outside nodded slightly and said: “Learn from past lessons—we cannot be careless.”

With these words, the old Daoist figure wavered several times and dispersed into nothingness, leaving not a trace.

…

“Long Galaxy, look, how are your Uncle Master’s gains from the Chaos Sea this time?”

In Azure Void Palace’s main hall, surrounded by Severing Teaching disciples, Li Changshou walked among dozens of huge ‘eggs,’ constantly sensing the forms of life within, continuously expressing admiration.

What secret realm had Uncle Master Original Teachings found, to obtain so many Primordial World strange beasts?

However, speaking of which…

“Uncle Master, weren’t you going to find traces of the Chaos Bell?”

Ancestor Original Teachings gave an embarrassed smile at these words, lowering his crossed arms behind his back, and raising his head with a long sigh:

“Our Severing Teaching, it seems, is destined to forge a path through this Great Tribulation without relying on treasures to stabilize our teaching’s fate.”

Li Changshou: …

If you didn’t find it, just say so directly. As a dignified Sage Lord, speaking such grandiose words—aren’t you afraid of being teased by your disciples?

However, as far as Li Changshou could see, the Severing Teaching’s Sage disciples and grand-disciples were quite moved, speaking of holding hands and standing shoulder-to-shoulder, saying all tribulations would disperse like clouds!

[Teaching Culture].

Ancestor Original Teachings winked at Li Changshou, then said: “Treasure Supremacy, distribute these strange beasts among your junior brothers and sisters, as mounts or combat pets—they’re all quite good. Long Galaxy, you come… scrub this poor Dao’s back.”

“Yes, disciple obeys.”

Li Changshou made an immortal salute, honestly following behind Ancestor Original Teachings as they rode clouds to the rear mountain formation—the Sage’s Bathhouse.

Treasure Supremacy belatedly agreed, then stared somewhat lost at the departing backs of Li Changshou and Master.

Ai, this new generation replacing the old—Master didn’t even use him for scrubbing anymore.

Moments later, in Azure Void’s Splendor Pool.

Ancestor Original Teachings first laughed heartily, then gestured for Li Changshou to turn around, personally scrubbing Li Changshou’s back.

“Not bad, Long Galaxy, eliminating Master Illumination so easily and arranging the Heaven-Earth Ruler for Gongming. Cloud Void didn’t misjudge—you’re truly reliable.”

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Uncle Master, disciple eliminated Master Illumination for private revenge, private revenge.”

“No matter, no matter. Did Elder Brother tell you about that stone coffin?”

“Master told me part of it,” Li Changshou said. “Disciple only knows that the great one buried in the stone coffin once fought against Demon Ancestor Luohou, losing by half a move and being killed. His corpse didn’t decay, remaining at Spirit Vulture Mountain. That spirit coffin lamp spontaneously developed consciousness, refining the stone coffin and corpse into one, becoming Master Illumination.”

“Indeed it was so—knowing this much is enough.”

Ancestor Original Teachings changed topics, asking: “How long until the killing tribulation?”

“One to two hundred years, or two to three hundred years,” Li Changshou said. “Uncle Master should be able to calculate this yourself.”

Ancestor Original Teachings said: “Too lazy to calculate… Would it be convenient for you to venture into the Chaos Sea during this time, accompanying me to intercept that Chaos Bell? We can return in fifty years at the latest. We’ll only try once—if we can’t succeed this time, I’ll give up.”

Li Changshou blinked: “Uncle Master, you’ve found traces of the Chaos Bell?”

“Naturally,” Ancestor Original Teachings smiled calmly. “I’ve fought with it for so many years, so I understand it well, though it wasn’t convenient to say directly earlier. How about this—you find a reason, an excuse, for us to openly venture into the Chaos Sea, and secretly retrieve the Chaos Bell, and after success, you get seven parts and I get three. As long as the Chaos Bell helps our Severing Teaching pass through this tribulation, that treasure will be yours in the future. How about it?”

Li Changshou: …

He would make the plans, and pilot the Kun Peng ship—wasn’t he doing all the work?