The wind brushed past his ears as spiritual energy swirled around him. Below, it felt like he was lying on soft cushions as if floating on clouds.

Spirit Zhenzhu’s eyelids flickered as the restrictions around his divine spirit slowly dissipated… Indeed, he was lying on clouds.

Beside him sat an elderly Daoist, with kind eyes and white eyebrows and hair—the familiar appearance of the old immortal.

“Uncle Master…”

Spirit Zhenzhu called out softly. As immortal power flowed through him, his fatigue vanished, and he slowly sat up.

They were on the cloud path returning to the Heavenly Court from Mount Qian Yuan.

Just like years ago, when Uncle Master first took him to the Heavenly Court.

“How is your state of mind?” Li Changshou asked gently.

Spirit Zhenzhu froze, as the dark emotions in his heart surged up again. With a sigh of dejection, he sat cross-legged but couldn’t muster any spirit.

He smiled bitterly and said softly, “Uncle Master, Spirit Zhenzhu has disappointed you…”

“You haven’t disappointed anyone, there’s no need to speak that way,” Li Changshou said warmly. “The only one who has disappointed you is yourself.

Do you remember why I took you to the Heavenly Court?”

Spirit Zhenzhu thought carefully before answering, “It was at Master’s request, asking Uncle Master to take me to gain experience in the Heavenly Court and develop some masculine spirit.”

“Do you still lack masculine spirit now?”

Li Changshou asked with a smile, causing Spirit Zhenzhu to fall into contemplation again.

Li Changshou continued gently: “Several hundred years is both long and short. Since ancient times, countless beings have passed through this world, but very few have left their mark on the Primordial World.

People look up to those who sit in high positions.

Yet the ones in high positions in the Primordial World are all victors from the ancient past, so beings born into this world, looked down upon by these long-ago victors, will naturally feel stifled.

Therefore, this state of mind you have isn’t yours alone—all beings share it.

This frustration born from being unable to advance in the Dao isn’t yours alone—all beings share it.”

Spirit Zhenzhu was stunned.

Li Changshou gently waved his whisk, making the cloud move slower to give Spirit Zhenzhu time to process.

Letting Spirit Zhenzhu reincarnate as Nezha while carrying regret and disappointment would leave lasting effects, perhaps even affecting his future cultivation progress and personality.

Li Changshou still hoped that his future nephew disciple, whether called Spirit Zhenzhu or Nezha, could be more cheerful and optimistic.

Meanwhile, in the cave-dwelling on Mount Qian Yuan.

Three True Persons of the Enlightenment Sect sat around a chess table, where a cloud mirror technique displayed the scene of Li Changshou’s paper avatar returning to the Heavenly Court with Spirit Zhenzhu. True Person Taiyi’s expression was extremely awkward.

Without comparison, there would be no harm.

True Person Yuding had just muttered: “Look, this is how you should guide juniors!”

True Person Yellow Dragon, afraid Taiyi would lose face, smiled and consoled: “Junior Brother Taiyi, don’t take it to heart. We all know Changgeng’s abilities, they’re incomparable, incomparable.”

True Person Taiyi spread his hands and sighed: “Truly… different fields are like mountains apart.”

“Listen,” said True Person Yuding, “Nephew Spirit Zhenzhu is speaking.”

Taiyi held his breath and leaned forward, adopting a humble learning posture.

On that cloud, Spirit Zhenzhu asked quietly: “But Uncle Master, if one doesn’t reach the heights, and others can’t see your form, how can one leave their mark in the world?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Let me ask you, do you cultivate and seek to become stronger for fame, to make others look up to you?”

“Master says cultivation is to seek truth, seek the Dao, seek oneself, to understand the meaning of life…”

“I’m asking you, not what Senior Brother Taiyi taught you.”

Li Changshou said gently: “What do you cultivate for?

At this moment when you’re eager to face the Golden Immortal tribulation and step into the Golden Immortal realm, what does your heart desire most?”

Spirit Zhenzhu’s delicate brows furrowed tightly.

Li Changshou waited patiently, maintaining a gentle smile as the cloud drifted slowly across the azure sky.

After a while, Spirit Zhenzhu said softly:

“Disciple… um… disciple doesn’t know.”

“Hahaha!”

Li Changshou laughed heartily and lightly tapped Spirit Zhenzhu’s forehead with his whisk.

“This is the root of your mental block!

You don’t even know why you seek longevity and the Great Dao, you simply feel it’s good and right, so you set foot on the path of cultivation.

When you encounter difficulties in cultivation while your friends successfully break through one after another, your heart develops a sense of disparity.

Spirit Zhenzhu, you’re not troubled by your inability to break through, nor are you dejected because you’re not as good as your friends. You’re just worried that if you’re not strong enough, not capable enough, you won’t receive the same recognition from others as before.

This brings us to a question: what exactly are you living for…”

On the cloud, Li Changshou analyzed methodically, step by step guiding Spirit Zhenzhu out of his predicament.

On Mount Qian Yuan, in the Golden Light Cave.

True Person Taiyi was filled with emotion, standing up to pace back and forth. With a wave of his hand, he took out a red cloth and wrote a banner.

It read:

[Guide of Lost Youth, Beacon of the Long Night of Cultivation]

“How about it?”

True Person Taiyi praised endlessly: “If only I had Brother Changgeng’s skill in counseling, to match my verbal prowess.”

True Person Yuding shook his head with a smile and continued watching the scene in the cloud mirror, pondering every word Li Changshou said to Spirit Zhenzhu.

When Li Changshou said:

“…because only by becoming strong yourself can you care for others.

It’s like when several mortals are walking and one falls into water crying for help; only if you can swim well can you go in to save them, otherwise it would just be a pointless sacrifice.

When establishing your life ideals and principles, you must remember this.

Be willing to help others but act within your means, be kind to others but don’t take on everything;

You needn’t feel responsible for others’ difficulties that you didn’t cause, but you can protect those in trouble when it’s within your ability.

Remember, gaining others’ recognition and feeling satisfied from it is essentially just another way of pleasing yourself.”

Spirit Zhenzhu countered: “Then according to Uncle Master, do the weak have no right to help other weak ones?”

“That’s a different question—what defines strong and weak?”

Spirit Zhenzhu answered: “In the Primordial World, strength is naturally determined by magical powers and treasures.”

“That’s the most unreasonable aspect of the Primordial World.”

Li Changshou looked up at the heavens, his gaze peaceful, and asked slowly:

“If a being has achieved mastery of creation and reached the peak of living beings’ power, yet relies on their magical power to bully the weak, oppress mortals, exploit mortal faith, and seek personal fame—is this being strong?”

Spirit Zhenzhu couldn’t answer.

Li Changshou continued:

“And if another being, though only half-enlightened and living primitively, dares to fight stronger beasts to survive and protect the few tribesmen in their cave—is this being weak?”

“This…”

“True strength lies in self-improvement, independence, and self-discipline, keeping the flame in one’s heart eternally burning, fearless of adversity and hardship, not forsaking small acts of kindness, not committing small acts of evil.

One who can reach high positions in the world and possess the power to protect the weak will use their strength to draw boundaries that other powerful beings dare not cross to arbitrarily bully the weak.

This is true strength.

Spirit Zhenzhu, Uncle Master hopes you can become truly strong in the future.”

Li Changshou paused, reached out to ruffle Spirit Zhenzhu’s head, and smiled:

“Your cultivation difficulties—Senior Brother Taiyi has already thought of a solution, and will soon help you rebuild your foundation to ascend step by step.

But what you need to strengthen more is your heart of Dao, not your realm of Dao.

At the end of cultivation lies the cultivation of the heart;

At the end of the Dao lies virtue.

This is the true meaning of Supreme Clarity, may you contemplate it well.”

Spirit Zhenzhu stood and bowed deeply to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou accepted it naturally, instructed him to bid farewell to his friends in the Heavenly Court, and explained in detail the process he would soon experience, setting the date to begin helping him reincarnate and rebuild his foundation.

Three months later.

When Spirit Zhenzhu rose, where was Li Changshou’s figure?

The Middle Heaven Gate loomed in the distance. Spirit Zhenzhu kowtowed several times toward the gate, then stood up on the cloud, slightly dazed, digesting Li Changshou’s words.

“Strong…”

Spirit Zhenzhu murmured, his eyes full of contemplation.

Inside the Golden Light Cave on Mount Qian Yuan, the three True Persons now wore contemplative expressions, with True Person Yuding even entering a state of Dao enlightenment.

‘At the end of cultivation lies the cultivation of the heart; at the end of the Dao lies virtue.’

True Person Taiyi thought of something unknown, his lips twitching slightly as he sighed inwardly. These two disciples of Senior Uncle Supreme Clarity… They were truly monsters of the Dao realm.

At Small Jade Peak, Li Changshou opened his eyes and exhaled softly. He hoped his high-sounding words would help Spirit Zhenzhu somewhat. His definition of strong and weak was rather narrow, but Li Changshou dared not carelessly spread the spirit of self-sacrifice in the Primordial World. These immortals pursuing cultivation and transcendence were already quite pure compared to today’s mortals. If he dared say something, Spirit Zhenzhu would truly believe it! Arranging matters for a little nephew disciple was truly troublesome…

Well, he could use helping Spirit Zhenzhu refine his magical power as an excuse to stay on Three Immortals Island for some time.

‘Wonder how Brother Gongming is progressing with his comprehension of the Heaven-Earth Ruler.’

Stretching lazily, Li Changshou rose from his rocking chair, changed into an indigo robe, secured his Daoist headband, disguised his appearance, and quietly left Small Jade Peak. Before leaving, Li Changshou thought carefully and still requested his master bestow the Ground Flame Light Banner to protect Ling’e.

There was no choice—although Ling’e had seemingly become the Dao Ancestor’s favorite child and could float carefreely through the Primordial World without anyone daring to scheme against her, it was still better to take precautions.

‘Should I take her out for a stroll?’

Li Changshou pondered.

Previously, he had been unwilling to let Ling’e get involved in the Investiture of the Gods affair, feeling it was too dangerous for her even slightly. This was originally a tribulation she could have perfectly avoided; getting caught up in it would be a purely unwarranted disaster. But after the Dao Ancestor’s previous performance of ‘grandfather doting on granddaughter,’ Ling’e had already formed a weak connection to the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, unable to stay completely outside it.

Li Changshou naturally knew that Ling’e and he were one. Rather than hiding her away, it would be better to take her out strolling openly. This might help dispel some of the Dao Ancestor’s suspicions about him.

So let the Jade Emperor wait a while longer. Fortunately, he hadn’t mentioned going out to the Jade Emperor before; otherwise, the one in the Jade Capital’s Treasure Hall would probably be unable to contain himself by now.

Thus, Li Changshou lay back down, his divine consciousness moving back and forth through the world. A thought arose, and he was already wandering beyond heaven and earth; his mind stirred, and he went to play two rounds of chess with Baize. In days like these, as the footsteps of the Great Tribulation grew ever more urgent, he had truly stolen a moment of leisure.

And so, three months later…

‘Spirit Zhenzhu, though this method can work, it has some minor drawbacks. After becoming a fetal spirit, you won’t be able to retain your current memories. We’ll need to make your memories and magical power into a separate pearl and return these memories to you after your reincarnation when your divine spirit stabilizes. Moreover, there will certainly be other risks, and problems might arise at any step. Overall, there’s only about an 85-86% chance of successfully rebuilding your foundation smoothly. However, there’s no risk to your life at minimum.’

By the Celestial River’s edge, Spirit Zhenzhu was lost in thought, remembering Uncle Master Changgeng’s earlier words. Not far behind him, Ao Yi, who had especially rushed from the Dragon Palace to bid him farewell, and Bian Zhuang, who was confined to the Celestial River’s vicinity, were sighing deeply.

Bian Zhuang wiped his eyes, forcefully showing a slight smile, and said softly: “Third Brother, don’t worry. You’ll slowly recover your memories after reincarnation, right? You’ll still be you, nothing will change.”

After speaking, Bian Zhuang secretly kicked the distracted Ao Yi, who was staring absently at the fire. Ao Yi understood and smiled: “This fellow’s right, it’s just transforming your manifested body into a true human Primordial Dao body—it’s a good thing.”

“Mm, I know.”

Spirit Zhenzhu turned around, his expression quite relaxed, and smiled: “Two elder brothers, thank you for taking care of me all these years. No matter what, Spirit Zhenzhu will always be Spirit Zhenzhu. Even if I lose some memories, I’ll still be your sworn brother!”

“Look at what you’re saying,” Bian Zhuang wiped his tears and turned his head, muttering, “Making me all emotional.”

“Come, let’s drink.”

Ao Yi took out three jugs of Dragon Palace’s special wine from his sleeve, tossing one to each of them. The three looked at each other and smiled, opening the jugs and drinking deeply.

Soon came three sounds:

“Ah—”

“Sigh,” Ao Yi smiled and sighed, “A true man should have aspirations to rectify heaven. When we three brothers meet again in the Heavenly Court, who knows what circumstances we’ll be in.”

Bian Zhuang said: “Didn’t they say rebuilding the foundation plus reincarnation would only take about a hundred years? A hundred years will pass quickly, in the blink of an eye.”

Spirit Zhenzhu smiled: “With Uncle Master helping with everything, nothing should go wrong. Two elder brothers needn’t worry.”

“Third Brother, are you not going to say goodbye at the Moon Palace?”

Ao Yi asked softly: “Earlier, an immortal from the Moon Palace said Jade Rabbit had cried her eyes swollen, but the Tai Yin Star Lord confined her and she couldn’t come bid you farewell…”

“Well,” Spirit Zhenzhu scratched his head, “I don’t know…”

Suddenly feeling Dao rhythms flowing in his heart, he sensed the shadow of the Taiji Diagram and found his Uncle Master Changgeng’s spiritual presence, forming a single character in his heart.

[Go].

“Alright,” Spirit Zhenzhu sighed and said softly, “I’ll go see Jade Rabbit and say goodbye.”

Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang’s eyes lit up, quite amazed.

A certain ordinary court official of the Heavenly Court, trying Dao rhythm character transmission for the first time, revealed a faint smile.

Hmm…

It did feel quite good.

Thus, two hours later.

Ao Yi transformed into an azure dragon, carrying Spirit Zhenzhu to the Vast Cold Palace.

Before the Vast Cold Palace, hundreds of Chang’e immortals were scattered about the osmanthus tree’s leaves, which resembled immortal islands, each waiting to see what would happen. Several female immortals raised bronze mirrors, and various parts of the Heavenly Court learned of what was happening there.

Spirit Zhenzhu jumped down from the azure dragon’s back, cupped his hands in thanks to Ao Yi, and then quickly walked to the palace gates. A blue and white Daoist robe concealed his muscular physique, while the headband he had specially changed into made his features appear even more delicate. To be honest, many immortal maidens’ beautiful eyes sparkled continuously.

Spirit Zhenzhu reached the palace steps, moved to take a step forward, then hesitated.

Behind him, Bian Zhuang, hiding in Ao Yi’s mane, called out softly:

“Don’t hesitate, go for it! Just do it!”

Spirit Zhenzhu pursed his lips, stamped his foot, and jumped directly to the palace gates. He raised his hand to knock and called out softly:

“Is… is anyone there?”

Throughout the osmanthus tree, hundreds of Chang’e immortals mostly covered their mouths and laughed softly.

In the Vast Cold Palace, on the lakeside pavilion where Li Changshou had once brought Spirit Zhenzhu, Jade Rabbit was kneeling on a cushion. Hearing this small call, her fragrant shoulders trembled slightly, and she immediately jumped up.

“Master, Spirit Zhenzhu is here!”

“Sit down.”

Chang’e Immortal spoke methodically from the side, “Have you forgotten what sister told you earlier?”

“But, but, oh.”

Jade Rabbit puffed her cheeks and grievously knelt back in place.

“You’re just too foolish.”

Chang’e ate melon seeds, her slender feet crossed under her thin clothes as she sighed: “This Spirit Zhenzhu is just an unenlightened pearl, and you’re a timid little rabbit. Do you just want to remain good brothers with him forever?”

“Um… well… Master, we have fun together.”

Chang’e said: “Then think about it—if Spirit Zhenzhu reincarnates and rebuilds his foundation, then develops feelings with some Butterfly Immortal or Hundred Flowers Immortal, becomes enlightened by someone else, has his heart taken by another—how would you feel? Either settle things now and establish your relationship, or cut ties now and avoid suffering later.”

Jade Rabbit froze and knelt there thinking for a while, tears unconsciously welling up in her eyes.

Just then, suddenly from outside the Vast Cold Palace came Spirit Zhenzhu’s shouted cry:

“Jade Rabbit! Are you in there?! I’ve come to say goodbye! I have to go cultivate anew, and won’t be able to return for over a hundred years! I have to reincarnate, and don’t know if I’ll still be the same Spirit Zhenzhu afterward! I! I… I don’t know what to say. I want to become strong, become truly strong! I want to protect the weak, and set boundaries for beings who act arbitrarily! I want to be acknowledged by all beings! Thank you for taking care of me all these years! I’ve been very happy, very happy in my days in the Heavenly Court! I will keep our memories, I’ll take them with me to become stronger! I will definitely…”

Spirit Zhenzhu’s voice choked, and he was somewhat startled by his emotional state as he used his arm to wipe away the tears on his face. The Vast Cold Palace gates remained tightly shut, the formation’s light flowing quietly. Spirit Zhenzhu took a breath, made himself show his earlier smile, made a Daoist bow to the gates, and turned to jump back onto the azure dragon’s back.

“Big Brother, let’s go back, I’ve said goodbye.”

Bian Zhuang said: “Let’s wait a bit longer…”

“Let’s go.”

Spirit Zhenzhu lowered his head and said: “She must be angry with me.”

The azure dragon’s body slowly swayed, its form gradually gliding away from beneath the osmanthus tree, about to fly beyond the Tai Yin Star’s bounds.

“Ao Yi! Ao Yi stop!” Bian Zhuang suddenly shouted, “She’s come out! Jade Rabbit’s come out!”

“Spirit Zhenzhu—”

Before the Vast Cold Palace, the young woman who had forgotten to wear her rabbit ear ornaments called out loudly: “I won’t forget you! We’ll… we’ll be good brothers, for life!”

Spirit Zhenzhu turned back, raising his left fist toward the Vast Cold Palace in the distance.

The young woman held back her tears, gently waving her small fist at Spirit Zhenzhu…

In the Marriage Palace, one of Li Changshou’s paper avatars calmly arrived holding a whisk and riding a white cloud, having a friendly…

Work guidance meeting with the Old Man Under the Moon.