The Primordial Bell was truly… well, quite the character.

Heavenly Lord Tongtian didn’t seem to be in any hurry. The return journey would take at least seventeen or eighteen years – plenty of time to let the Primordial Bell cool down before gradually winning its favor.

However, judging by the Primordial Bell’s attitude, it seemed rather resolute, preferring to ‘stay in the past’ rather than help stabilize the Severing Sect’s destiny.

Was that even a proper task for a treasure?

Whoever went would be overkill!

As the Primordial Bell had stated, it had no subordinate relationship with Heavenly Lord Tongtian, nor any predetermined karmic ties. At worst, it could simply maintain this state indefinitely.

After all, drifting was drifting, whether here or there. The Primordial Sea was getting boring, and it had been thinking about changing locations and scenery anyway.

From this point on, its existence would be different.

Though they could keep it perpetually sealed within the Taiji Diagram’s power through the Heaven-Earth Prison, making it serve the Severing Sect…

There was no way. Not a chance.

Regarding this, even Heavenly Lord Tongtian was somewhat helpless.

Even an Enlightened Being had to be reasonable, and this venerable Enlightened One didn’t want to use force against the Primordial Bell.

Li Changshou could sense that pride deep in Third Master Uncle’s bones.

The most crucial part of this operation to intercept the Primordial Bell had been tracking down its whereabouts.

Being able to force the Primordial Bell to constantly change its escape route was the foundation for intercepting it in the Primordial Sea.

Without Heavenly Lord Tongtian, even with Kun Peng’s extreme speed, they probably couldn’t have even found the Primordial Bell’s shadow.

Therefore, the Primordial Bell should rightfully belong to Heavenly Lord Tongtian.

Heavenly Lord Tongtian only needed to give Li Changshou a few supreme spiritual treasures as thanks, and that would have been more than enough.

But Heavenly Lord Tongtian had spoken up first, saying it would be Shou Seven’s. He only needed the Primordial Bell to stabilize the sect’s destiny until the end of the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe, and then this Primordial Treasure – the most mysterious of the three artifacts from the world’s creation – would belong to Li Changshou.

This dowry would be enough for Yun Xiao to marry ten times over.

Why such generosity?

Simple – Heavenly Lord Tongtian felt he had taken advantage of his junior, and firmly didn’t want to take this advantage, even if it meant giving away the Primordial Bell just like that, free and unrestrained.

He surely didn’t treat Li Changshou as an outsider.

Li Changshou understood this clearly in his heart, feeling quite touched.

The Severing Sect truly was the kind of immortal organization that could make people “devote themselves to it without regret.” It had a strange sort of charm.

But the deadly tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods would arrive in just over two hundred years at most. If counting from when Li Changshou planned to formally begin intervening, there were only a hundred years left.

Next, he had to maintain distance from the Severing Sect, even if only as an act for Heaven’s Way to see.

Thus, on the return journey, they found themselves in this rather awkward situation regarding the Primordial Bell.

In the main seat of the Great Hall aboard the Kun Peng vessel, Heavenly Lord Tongtian sat quietly in meditation, ignoring the Primordial Bell.

Li Changshou sat in a corner of the hall with the Taiji Diagram open before him, continuously monitoring various parts of the primordial world, holding a volume of Elder Lang’s “Academic Notes” and also not engaging with the Primordial Bell.

Zhao Gongming sat not far from Li Changshou, focusing intently on comprehending the Heaven-Earth Ruler in his hands, the Dao patterns around him fluctuating subtly.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother and Turtle Spirit Holy Mother sat in meditation nearby.

Golden Peng, who had nothing to do with the Primordial Bell matter, was reading some books on tactics and strategy as per Li Changshou’s request.

That set of “Sea God’s Art of War” written by Ao Yi was also a masterpiece of the teaching, capable of occupying Golden Peng for many years as he comprehended its essence.

It was, naturally, centered on a great big character meaning “steady”- ahem, stability.

The Four Plum Generals needed no explanation – they were just there for appearance’s sake, specialized spirit treasures for later dealing with the Heavenly Demon Lord.

At present they knelt near the hall entrance, praying with very devout expressions, adding four rays of sacred light to the great hall.

Then, therefore, thus…

Hum! Hum!

Dong dong dong dong!

The Primordial Bell reached its limit of patience and released a spiritual sense bombardment.

“Hey! What’s wrong with you all? You went to such trouble to capture me, so try to persuade me, move me, conquer me! How do you know I definitely won’t agree if you don’t even try? Is this how all the great beings of the primordial world act now? You! Little disciple of the Great Pure Enlightened One! I’m talking to you!”

“Oh?” Li Changshou put down the book in his hands. “What guidance does Senior have?”

“What’s your deal? Giving me the cold shoulder, wearing down my patience?”

“Junior would never dare,” Li Changshou said with a smile. “The Pan Gu Deity is the primordial god junior most admires, the Three Teachers are the primordial beings junior most respects, and similarly, the Three Creation Treasures are the artifacts junior most reveres. However, Junior only did a small bit of blocking and lacked the virtue to earn Senior’s favor, so I dared not engage in conversation. It’s not any kind of scheming.”

Just as the Primordial Bell was about to transmit its spiritual sense, Heavenly Lord Tongtian slowly opened his eyes and said leisurely:

“What’s this, Changgeng? You won’t even listen to your Master Uncle now?”

Li Changshou quickly stood and made a Daoist salute to Heavenly Lord Tongtian.

“Disciple heeds Master Uncle’s teachings.”

“Didn’t I say the Primordial Bell belongs to you,” Heavenly Lord Tongtian said seriously. “This poor Dao has only borrowed it for a few hundred years, so naturally you should be the one to subdue it.”

“Master Uncle,” Li Changshou said, “Disciple only made a tiny, insignificant contribution to this expedition. If I were to forcefully take this bell, it would damage both my Dao heart and virtue, making me truly uneasy.”

“What is there to be uneasy about? Without your Kun Peng, we couldn’t have settled this in one stroke.”

“The Primordial Bell was found by you, Master Uncle, and you were the one pursuing it. Disciple merely set a trap.”

Turtle Spirit Holy Mother quietly added from the side: “And gave it a kick…”

Li Changshou and Heavenly Lord Tongtian both turned to look at her. Turtle Spirit Holy Mother shrank her slender neck, her small face full of fear.

Heavenly Lord Tongtian laughed and said: “Changgeng, stop arguing with this poor Dao. You are now the first authority under the Jade Emperor of the current Heaven, and you’re also Big Senior Brother’s beloved junior disciple, and you have the favor of Heaven’s Way and the Teacher. You have cultivated the Dao of Balance – if you could gain the Primordial Bell’s assistance, your future achievements would be limitless.”

However, Li Changshou frowned slightly upon hearing this.

This Primordial Bell was too noisy… no, that’s not it!

“We are outside the Primordial Sea now, so disciple can speak these words to Master Uncle. Please, Master Uncle and Senior Brothers and Sisters, do not spread this around. Disciple’s Dao of Balance is already under Heaven’s Way’s suspicion and surveillance. If a disciple took the Primordial Bell, it would only be seeking death.”

Li Changshou sighed and said:

“The Taiji Diagram can observe the future. Then disciple boldly deduces that the Primordial Bell can observe the ancient past. The Taiji Diagram can use its calculating power to predict many possibilities of the future; while the Primordial Bell can penetrate the river of years and observe many circumstances from the remote and ancient past that Heaven’s Way considers taboo. If disciple took it, with the Dao of Balance in my possession, I’m afraid there would be no returning to the primordial world.”

Hearing this, Heavenly Lord Tongtian frowned slightly, crossed his arms in thought for a moment, and said:

“What you say is indeed reasonable. The Taiji Diagram’s calculating power is the strongest among all treasures, and the Primordial Bell can reverse the years and possibly affect ancient times. However, you should still take this bell. How could this poor Dao let you make this trip for nothing?”

“Doing a small service for Master Uncle, a disciple is willing.”

“Ah, stop refusing. Being so hesitant is unpleasant – just take it and subdue it.”

“Master Uncle, disciple also has no way to subdue such a Primordial Treasure, my realm is insufficient… you should do it, Master Uncle.”

“You do it.”

“Master Uncle should do it.”

“You just do it. Or should this poor Dao have Yun Xiao come to subdue it?”

“This…”

Hum—

Dong!

Suddenly there was an earsplitting explosion, and they saw the Primordial Bell materialize from the void, violently trembling several times, its spiritual sense becoming a gnashing rebuke:

“Enough! You two are bullying this treasure too much! Am I invisible to you? Aiya! What are you doing!”

Before the words were finished, as soon as the Primordial Bell emerged from its “retreat an instant” divine ability, Heavenly Lord Tongtian’s figure flashed and he appeared directly beside the Primordial Bell, left hand behind his back and right hand pressing down on top of the bell, his long hair floating behind him, both eyes blazing with green light!

“Still!”

With one light command from the Enlightened Being, the Primordial Bell instantly stopped shaking, surrounded by green light, and in the blink of an eye shrank to the size of a palm, spinning round and round.

“Damn! Despicable!”

The spiritual sense transmitted by the Primordial Bell carried a hint of weakness, tinged with a crying tone: “Tongtian, I misjudged you! You’ve become just like your Big Senior Brother! Scheming, it’s all scheming…”

Li Changshou’s eyes lit up and he smiled: “Congratulations to Master Uncle on obtaining such a precious treasure.”

At this point, being able to restrain the Primordial Bell meant that for an Enlightened Being, whether taming its spirit or altering its spirit nature, there were no more obstacles.

However, Heavenly Lord Tongtian smiled and shook his head, saying: “This poor Dao wasn’t lying before. You should refine this bell, this poor Dao will just borrow it.”

“Master Uncle, what disciple said before wasn’t false either.”

Li Changshou sighed softly and transmitted his voice to Heavenly Lord Tongtian: “Before the disciple went to Biyou Palace, Holy Mother summoned me for an audience. When I hurried to her palace, Holy Mother asked the disciple a question.”

“Oh? What kind of question?”

Heavenly Lord Tongtian spread his Enlightened Being’s Dao essence, enveloping himself and Li Changshou, indicating Li Changshou could speak normally without needing voice transmission.

Not forthright.

“The Holy Mother asked if I would be willing to ally with her during the great catastrophe.”

Hearing this, Heavenly Lord Tongtian’s sword-like eyebrows rose. He tossed the Primordial Bell back to its original position and paced with his hands behind his back, moving closer to Li Changshou.

Soon, this Enlightened Being who disliked calculations and divinations had a flash of divine light cross his eyes.

“Her question carries deep meaning. You may not know, but among the six of us, Nu Wa has the deepest connection to Heaven’s Way. This great catastrophe originates from the Human Race, and she is the Holy Mother of Humans. Though destined to be involved, she has never wronged the Human Race – on the contrary, humans owe her boundless karmic debt. Therefore, Nu Wa isn’t bound by the catastrophe – why would she be eager to form alliances?”

Li Changshou said: “Holy Mother’s explanation to disciple was that she wishes to break free from Heaven’s Way’s control.”

“She’s willing to give up such Dao fruit?”

Heavenly Lord Tongtian’s lips curved slightly as he said calmly: “How did you answer?”

“Disciple naturally spoke what was in my heart, not daring to hide anything from an Enlightened Being.”

Li Changshou sighed:

“Disciple said that after managing the Investiture of the Gods, I would leave the primordial world with my loved ones, retiring in Heaven, not wanting more, nor able to gain more. Having Yun Xiao and my junior sister as companions means I’m no longer alone. Having attained the Dao fruit of longevity, what more could I be unsatisfied with?”

“Is that truly how you feel?”

Li Changshou’s gaze flickered slightly, but he said nothing more.

“That answer of yours was quite good, it should dispel Heaven’s Way’s suspicions about you,” Heavenly Lord Tongtian smiled and said. “After this great catastrophe, this poor Dao also wants to shake off the various affairs of the primordial world and explore the boundless Primordial Sea. The Primordial Sea is incredibly vast, and though utterly chaotic, after the world’s creation, under the influence of the primordial world, it has transformed from its original complete disorder into today’s half-ordered, half-chaotic state. Many Primordial Beings are quite interesting. Shall we travel together then?”

“Well…”

Li Changshou’s expression became somewhat awkward as he said quietly: “With disciple engaged in a romance with them, having you nearby, Master Uncle… might be a bit constraining.”

“Hmm?” Heavenly Lord Tongtian’s face darkened. “Now you’re finding fault with this poor Dao?”

“It’s just that I’m worried you might feel awkward then.”

“Fine, I won’t disturb you then. Now this poor Dao has become a burden, how absurd!”

Heavenly Lord Tongtian flicked his sleeve and snorted lightly, turning back to sit in meditation in the main seat of the hall.

Li Changshou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, made a Daoist salute to Heavenly Lord Tongtian, and returned to his original position. He observed the primordial world through the Taiji Diagram for a while, then continued reading what was in his hands.

Though Elder Lang’s character might be questionable, these strange research materials were quite precious.

For example, the piece he was currently reading, “Three Hypotheses on the Formation of the Primordial Sea and the Unity of Inflation Theory,” was quite profound.

“Hey…”

In the center of the hall, the Primordial Bell restrained by Heavenly Lord Tongtian swayed gently, weak spiritual sense continuously spreading toward Li Changshou and Heavenly Lord Tongtian.

“Could you please show some respect for this bell.”

“Creation’s supreme treasure, defense supreme treasure, the Dao of Years…”

“How has the primordial world become like this? Where’s that spirit you all had back then, fighting bloodily over a few broken lotus flowers?”

“Talk to me… I might help you, but the Severing Sect’s destiny would be the death of this treasure, I really can’t stabilize it. Changgeng, right? With me, you needn’t fear Heaven’s Way – I can take you to hide in the Primordial Sea at any time. Great Immortal, let’s talk! Though I don’t want to acknowledge you as a master, we could work together like I did with Donghuang Taiyi back then. Great Immortal Changgeng, don’t make me go to the Severing Sect, it would truly be the death of this treasure.”

Li Changshou put down his book somewhat helplessly, gave an apologetic smile to the Primordial Bell, and then…

Closed his spirit platform and carefully savored the notes in his hands.

Thus, several decades later.

Not far from the Five Continents, still outside Heaven’s Way’s sphere of influence, Heavenly Lord Tongtian summoned several disciples and Li Changshou to gather around the Primordial Bell.

The moment to decide the bell’s fate had arrived.

…

Meanwhile;

In a grand stone hall in some great world, Lingian Temple’s experts stood in neat formation below, streams of immortal power filling the space.

In the central high platform, over ten Golden Immortals of the Great Luo Heaven sat in stone chairs with towering backs;

Behind this row of stone chairs were several more seats, occupied by Lingian Temple’s core figures who had gradually retreated behind the scenes – White Marsh, Jiang Liner, and Wine Nine.

Of course, White Marsh had always kept himself hidden in the mist, never revealing his true identity.

Under Heaven’s secret support, Wood Lord’s diligent supply, White Marsh’s single-handed planning, and Li Changshou’s established strategy, Lingian Temple became a regional hegemon-level power in the Dao.

Their influence radiated across dozens of great worlds, establishing an unshakeable Dao rule in a corner of the primordial world’s three thousand realms.

Clear rules, teachings aligned with Heaven’s laws, simple and efficient operating modes, clear reward and punishment systems, abundant resources in terms of dharma, wealth, companions, and location…

But they weren’t satisfied with this.

Or rather, the mission Li Changshou had set for them was far more than just maintaining peace in one region.

At this moment, Immortal Forgetting Emotions stood before the highest throne, hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping about, his graying temples floating gently, his being emanating dense authority.

After all, being a boss for so many years had naturally cultivated extraordinary bearing.

His voice was light and cold as he spoke of Lingian Temple’s next action targets, reiterating their core teachings.

Carrying out Heaven’s will!

Protecting Heaven’s way!

Their territory expansion had already threatened the Western Teaching’s divine kingdoms of incense and fire, and there had been friction before.

Today, Lingian Temple’s experts gathered together, with various hall leaders assembled here, all for the purpose of launching a full-scale war against the divine kingdoms of incense and fire, catching them completely off guard.

After a calm speech, Hall Master Wang Fugui kept back a hundred Lingian Temple core members.

Having a small meeting after the big one was an old tradition of Lingian Temple.

Next came the arrangement of specific tactics and strategies – usually White Marsh would prepare the complete plan, with Wine Crow speaking on his behalf.

To the side, Wine Nine casually picked up a wine pot and shook it gently, her lips showing a trace of helplessness.

She transmitted her voice to Jiang Liner beside her: “Master’s Wife, I’ll head back first.”

“Little Nine…”

Jiang Liner seemed to want to say something but held back, as Wine Nine had already transformed into a black shadow and quietly left the hall.

Wine Nine’s residence was a small courtyard protected by layers of great formations. She was no longer what she used to be, now an important ‘symbol’ of Lingian Temple, holding considerable prestige within.

However, in the past hundred years, she had gradually withdrawn from ‘management,’ focusing on cultivation and dealing with the upcoming Golden Immortal tribulation.

The small courtyard was somewhat cold and quiet, with several treasure lamps emanating soft light. Wine Nine’s room was still somewhat messy as before.

She went to the wine cabinet, searching through various collected fine wines from different places, her slender hand somewhat listless throughout.

She casually took a pot of fruit wine and took a sip at her lips, but couldn’t taste anything.

‘Master Uncle, why not say something when you’re short on wine?’

“Ah!”

Wine Nine suddenly turned around but saw only the open door of her room.

Quickly walking to the doorway, she saw only the empty courtyard and leaves stirred by the wind.

The fruit wine’s flavor finally spread on her lips, slightly bitter.

The wind blew, scattered leaves fell, and she raised her hand to grasp a wandering green leaf, but accidentally crushed it, becoming slightly lost in thought…

What’s wrong with me?