Why did Li Changshou feel a tinge of regret?

He had failed to get Jiang Shang to directly become a disciple under the Jade Emperor, to be a student of the Heavenly Emperor. Moreover, it was blocked by the Heavenly Dao.

After his master’s reincarnation, would it mean he was destined to have no connection with immortality?

According to Heavenly Dao’s script, would Jiang Shang only be able to enjoy ‘mortal blessings’ without achieving immortality?

This…

Even though Lu Ya had perished, and the Seven Arrow Curse Book had mysteriously disappeared, following the original Investiture of the Gods script, the scene of “Lu Ya offering strategy with the curse book, Master Yin vowing to curse Lord Gong Ming” shouldn’t occur anymore.

One truly couldn’t be careless.

In the original catastrophe of the Investiture of the Gods, both Master Yin and Lord Zhao Gong Ming had lost.

Above the Jiang residence, atop a white cloud, beneath countless stars.

Li Changshou stood behind Quan Tong, gazing at Broad Achievement Elder’s silhouette, letting out a soft sigh.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see Senior Brother Duo Bao, but Duo Bao had directly tunneled away, leaving no trace to follow.

In the Jiang residence, the ‘house-sitting’ immortal maiden bowed to the sky before returning to her quarters to rest.

Quan Tong notably relaxed, “Long Geng, let’s take a walk.”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, then said:

“This minor deity has been hiding without appearing to meet Your Majesty, please forgive my offense. Earlier, the Holy Mother had constraints, asking this disciple to sever karmic ties with Jiang Shang, which was also this disciple’s intention. I merely placed some paper avatars here to prevent Jiang Shang from being captured and used to threaten this minor deity…”

“Ah!” The Jade Emperor waved his hand, smiling: “I understand your difficulties.”

Li Changshou performed a deep Daoist bow.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s understanding!”

Afterward, the emperor and minister pair walked leisurely through the night sky above the human city called ‘Shenhua City,’ accompanied by starlight and the dim glow of street lanterns.

Quan Tong smiled: “The conflict between the Orthodox and Severing Sects will finally be brought to light.”

“The killing catastrophe has arrived,” Li Changshou said slowly. “Facing the will of the Heavenly Dao, even beings who have cultivated to Great Luo Golden Immortal find it difficult to resist or oppose. They have no choice but to tear off their masks now.”

“The Heavenly Dao always prioritizes the stability of Heaven and Earth.”

Quan Tong smiled as he spoke, and the two exchanged glances, their understanding contained within their laughter.

This emperor-minister duo’s conversation began to revolve around the Orthodox and Severing Sects, from the conflict in their teachings to the discord between the two Sages years ago.

They chatted about whatever came to mind, now free of taboos and constraints, protected by the power of the Heavenly Dao from being overheard by the Sages.

Tonight, the impromptu “Meeting of the Three Teachings’ Representatives” in the Jiang family’s backyard ended in discord, just like the discussion about the Investiture of the Gods’ outcome in the Purple Void Palace.

The contradiction between the Orthodox and Severing Sects had become nearly irreconcilable.

The matter was simple.

The Orthodox Sect wanted the Severing Sect to bear the brunt of the catastrophe, with several hundred immortals dying to resolve the Orthodox Sect’s predicament;

The Severing Sect’s bottom line was to allocate the quota of those who must face the catastrophe proportionally—whether the fallen could become deities in Heaven could be discussed later, but they needed to first determine how many would die on each side, all under the Sages’ supervision.

Of course, these were just the core disciples’ thoughts, which absolutely couldn’t be stated openly.

According to the Sages’ judgment, this catastrophe shouldn’t endanger their direct disciples, with about a dozen people from both the Orthodox and Severing Sects who must not perish.

The Western Teaching was also involved in this.

The Severing Sect had the strength to fight two opponents, which meant they would inevitably face such a situation, which in turn made the contradiction between the Orthodox and Severing Sects even more acute.

Broad Achievement Elder was clever, but Duo Bao wasn’t foolish either.

In Li Changshou’s view, these two senior brothers’ competition for Jiang Shang today was mutual probing, and when they discovered neither side would yield, there was nothing more to say.

No luck, time to abandon false hopes.

After years of preparation, Li Changshou had never fantasized about reconciling this contradiction between the two sects.

There’s nothing trivial about life and death.

In the Dao School, which sect would sacrifice their disciples’ lives in exchange for another sect’s goodwill, praise, and acclaim?

Warning from the Taiji Diagram.

Warning from the Pangu Banner.

Warning from the Chaos Bell… and the Demon-Slaying Array Diagram.

The Investiture of the Gods catastrophe was the will of the Heavenly Dao, the need of Heaven and Earth, and the concentrated outbreak of Orthodox-Severing contradictions, settling accounts for how the Sage’s great teachings had shortchanged humanity, the protagonist race of Heaven and Earth.

The [Cause] had been planted when the Three Pure Ones separated.

Therefore, from the very beginning, Li Changshou focused his attention on how to save people rather than how to resist the catastrophe.

His self-awareness had always been good.

“Long Geng, tell me…” Quan Tong suddenly muttered: “Today’s competition between Broad Achievement Elder and Duo Bao for Jiang Shang—was it purely because Jiang Shang is your master’s reincarnation, or have both sects already discovered that this Jiang Shang is also an important figure in the upcoming catastrophe?”

The Jade Emperor’s daily behavior of secretly checking the ‘answers’ was truly…

Well done.

Li Changshou pondered carefully for a while.

This way, the Jade Emperor might be able to reveal some risks arranged by the Heavenly Dao in the future; having such information would be best, but without it wouldn’t make things worse.

Li Changshou said: “Senior Brother Duo Bao’s purpose was simpler, but I can’t see through Senior Brother Broad Achievement’s intentions.”

“Oh?”

Quan Tong smiled: “Don’t underestimate the Sages. Patriarch Tong Tian’s abilities are quite formidable.”

“Well,” Li Changshou could only respond with a bitter smile.

Uncle Master Tong Tian’s temperament…

Compared to other Sages, Patriarch Tong Tian had many shining points, as well as some shortcomings. If one had to summarize, it could only be described with one word.

Proud.

This was not something he dared to say aloud, just a thought in his heart.

Although Patriarch Tong Tian liked to mingle with his disciples, if this were said out loud, he would probably end up being thoroughly “mingled with”…

Quan Tong suddenly sighed, his expression slightly helpless.

He said: “The catastrophe, the Heavenly Dao, the Heavenly Court, the three teachings, beings vast and numerous—where can peace be found?”

Li Changshou softly replied beside him: “Your Majesty is testing this minor deity.”

“How am I testing you?”

“What Your Majesty asks reflects the divine authority of this Venus Star-Lord.”

Li Changshou spoke slowly: “From the perspective of balance, peace and chaos are also in mutual equilibrium.

When there is long-lasting peace, mortals’ private desires continuously expand, and dissatisfaction with what they have, and demands that cannot be met gradually lead to chaos.

When chaos persists too long when mortals cannot feed or clothe themselves properly, their hearts yearn for stability, and peace again becomes the trend of greater forces.

The Venus Star governs change, and Your Majesty has also commanded me to control the killing force. This great star is called the Morning Star by mortals, and all these meanings are reflected in the constant alternation between chaos and peace.

When Your Majesty had me become this Venus Star Lord years ago, this minor deity naturally understood Your Majesty’s profound intention.”

Quan Tong revealed a calm smile and nodded slightly to Li Changshou:

“It’s good that you understand, my efforts haven’t been wasted.”

After speaking, he turned to continue walking, afraid of revealing any flaws.

Then he heard Li Changshou sigh:

“Though this is the principle, and the reasoning is such, what lies hidden behind this reasoning are lives, one after another.

The Heavenly Dao is emotionless, thus Heaven and Earth can remain stable.

The waxing and waning of beings’ private desires correspond to the rise and fall of the Nine Filthy Springs, each drink and peck fitting perfectly together.

Your Majesty, what role do you think the order established by the Heavenly Court plays in Heaven and Earth?”

Quan Tong blinked, suddenly realizing…

He was being taught.

And it was his most trusted minister earnestly explaining some principles to him.

To this, Quan Tong’s first reaction was: “Long Geng, are you leaving?”

“Hasn’t this already been decided…”

“Well, alright.”

Quan Tong’s expression was rather dim as he walked through the night sky for a while, thinking of various things from these three years, gaining some insights into his heart.

The Jade Emperor’s avatar spoke seriously:

“The order of the Heavenly Court is to maintain the stability of the Three Realms.

Its most important and direct effect is to reinforce the Heavenly Dao and strengthen its power.

Furthermore, this order can suppress mortals’ private desires, constrain beings’ conduct, prevent immortals from oppressing and exploiting mortals, and maintain the rules between Heaven and Earth.

And of course, to guard against the chaos caused by demons and monsters.”

Li Changshou immediately gave a thumbs up: “Your Majesty’s understanding is truly profound.”

Quan Tong’s eyes crinkled with pleasure.

“However, if we could add some minor points and some less important details, it would be even more perfect.”

Quan Tong’s face instantly darkened as he glared at Li Changshou: “What insights does the teacher have?”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

Though Li Changshou’s words were humble, his hands were tucked in his sleeves as he smiled: “You’re certainly the teacher when it comes to cultivation, but this minor deity is still relatively young among immortals and deities.”

“Show off! Speak quickly! Or I’ll deduct your merits!”

Li Changshou: …

Could we not bring this up?

The Merit Golden Body was an eternal pain—afraid it wouldn’t be resolved even after balancing the Heavenly Dao.

Li Changshou smiled: “Actually, there’s just one point—the order shouldn’t suppress mortals’ private desires but rather create a stable environment, then ease and guide them, reducing how these desires affect other beings, so they won’t impact the order itself.”

“Oh?”

Quan Tong frowned: “I don’t quite understand this. Long Geng, explain in detail.”

“Since you’ve asked so sincerely!”

“Hmm?”

“Then this minor deity will report to you in detail.”

Li Changshou made a welcoming gesture, descending with Quan Tong into a forest outside the city. They lit a bonfire and brewed two cups of clear tea as he explained in detail the development blueprint for the Heavenly Court that he had long envisioned.

The starry night slowly passed, constellations rotating overhead.

The Jade Emperor’s avatar listened very attentively, nodding from time to time, showing confusion when he didn’t understand, and asking detailed questions about certain points.

“Beings’ private desires, in most cases, can be explained as beings’ needs. For mortal groups, needs are divided into four levels…”

This wave, ah, this wave was:

Earth lecturer’s primitive world enlightening the Heavenly Emperor, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs achieving extraordinary merit!

The Jade Emperor was by no means a foolish person.

With some guidance from Li Changshou, the Jade Emperor began to extrapolate, and even came up with completely different approaches.

“Long Geng, hiss!

Why can’t we design the needs of beings?”

Quan Tong’s eyes were full of brightness, and Li Changshou’s heart suddenly became alert as four characters appeared in his mind.

—Amusing Ourselves to Death.

Quan Tong was already ‘high’ with excitement, smiling:

“To put it simply, it’s about not letting beings have idle time, and when they do have idle time, giving them enough entertainment to distract their attention.

Like the bronze mirror livestreaming system you designed.

We just need to guide beings to generate more needs beyond their basic needs. Wouldn’t that divide and transform their private desires? Reduce their threat to Heaven and Earth?

Brilliant, Long Geng!”

Li Changshou hurriedly said: “Your Majesty, this approach… isn’t exactly wrong, but has some drawbacks.”

“Oh? What drawbacks?”

“This is an approach that weakens beings’ overall strength, lowers their achievable upper limits while keeping them happy.”

Li Changshou carefully considered then said seriously:

“But Your Majesty, over time, beings would gradually lose vitality, moving only in pursuit of pleasure each day, not knowing hardship or seeking advancement, their upper limits getting lower and lower…

The Heavenly Court would likely have no immortals to use.”

“That’s true,” the Jade Emperor’s avatar nodded slowly, “Designing it this way would indeed be unconscionable.

After all, the Heavenly Court exists for beings, not for Heaven and Earth.

If Heaven and Earth were empty and hollow, with beings all like walking corpses, there would be no need for the Heavenly Court to exist.”

Pausing his words, Quan Tong looked up at the night sky, his lips slightly twisted.

Didn’t he need a face?

Earlier he had wanted to speak about taking Jiang Shang as his disciple, making Jiang Shang a student of the Heavenly Emperor, but the Ancestral Master directly struck down with a lightning bolt, making him quite embarrassed.

Secretly sulking.

Li Changshou pondered for a while, then continued to outline the Heavenly Court’s development blueprint and direction of reform after his departure.

Amidst the chirping of insects in the forest and the dancing flames of the bonfire, these two men who could influence the primitive world’s situation to some degree chatted more and more happily, drinking tea with increasing spirit.

…

Three Immortal Island, in a pavilion.

Master Duo Bao sighed, sitting on a stone bench, slightly lost in thought.

All eight major disciples were already here, but Li Changshou’s main body had gone to rest in Cloud Peak Palace, his consciousness not present here.

As Master Duo Bao spoke of his southern journey, his meeting with Broad Achievement Elder, and their brief verbal exchange, Golden Spirit Holy Mother did not react, while Jade Void kept cursing the Orthodox Sect under her breath.

Cloud Void was also present now, as this was a discussion of major sect matters, not directly related to Li Changshou.

Turtle Spirit Holy Mother sighed softly: “Ah, it seems we can’t avoid a battle with the Orthodox Sect.”

Wudang Holy Mother said slowly: “The problem now is that we don’t know exactly how many immortals from the three teachings must die in the great catastrophe.”

“There probably isn’t a fixed number,” Lord Zhao Gong Ming crossed his arms, his vermillion armor reflecting starlight, his expression quite solemn. “The death of top experts versus the casualties of ordinary disciples makes an enormous difference in the reduction of vital force.

What I’m worried about now is that the Heavenly Dao might move against us to maintain Heaven and Earth’s stability.”

Duo Bao shook his head: “No need to worry too much. The catastrophe not endangering core direct disciples was a consensus reached by the Sages in the Purple Void Palace years ago.

The Ancestral Master also agreed.

By the way, how are Wen Zhong and Fire Spirit doing in the South?”

“No progress at all,” Golden Spirit Holy Mother said softly, “After they went south, they didn’t know exactly what to do.

We’re all outsiders, how would we understand the rules of the Shang Kingdom?

At worst, we could just bring the Shang Kingdom’s ruler here!”

“That’s the current Human Emperor, don’t mess around.”

Master Duo Bao rubbed his brow, sighed again, and stood up: “I’ll go report this matter to Master and see if there’s any solution.

Cloud Void?”

“Senior Brother, please speak.”

“I know you don’t want to involve Long Geng, but there’s something you can do,” Master Duo Bao smiled, “Go ask Long Geng how we Dao School should arrange things to challenge the Western Teaching.

It seems Golden Spirit was right, taking the Western Teaching by surprise is our urgent priority.”

Cloud Void pondered silently, then nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile;

Behind Jade Void Palace, at the Flying Waterfall Tower.

Seven or eight Orthodox Sect experts gathered at Broad Achievement Elder’s residence, having heard about the matter with Master Duo Bao, all looking worried.

Broad Achievement Elder sank deep into his round chair, his eyes seemingly dim and lifeless.

But the Orthodox Sect experts who knew him well all knew this was Broad Achievement Elder concentrating intensely on thinking about problems.

After a long while, Broad Achievement Elder slowly exhaled: “The Severing Sect will likely move against the Western Teaching.”

Pure Yang Elder quickly asked: “What do you mean?”

Broad Achievement Elder sighed continuously: “First, there was an old monk from the Western Teaching hiding near Jiang Shang, which has already violated the current taboo.

Second, Brother Long Geng has been advocating this matter for several hundred years.

Third, it’s still about the mutual unyielding between this poor Dao and Friend Duo Bao…”

True Lord Tai Yi twisted his mouth, about to speak, but was scared back by a glance from True Lord Yu Ding.

True Lord Yellow Dragon asked: “Senior Brother, must we ally with the Western Teaching?”

“Otherwise?”

Broad Achievement Elder gave a bitter laugh: “What capital do we have to exchange lives with the Severing Sect? The catastrophe is imminent, this poor Dao can already smell the blood permeating the mortal world of the South.

There’s no chance for us to find a solution that satisfies both sides.

Since Master let us discuss on our own, we must make a decision now!

Should we use the Western Teaching’s hand to consume the Severing Sect’s strength, or join hands with the Severing Sect to destroy the Western Teaching, drawing the Western Teaching Sage’s wrath onto the Severing Sect?

We don’t even need to draw it.

The key question now is only how we should respond when the Severing Sect takes action next.”

The Daoists fell silent for a moment.

Yellow Dragon asked quietly: “Is there any possibility that the Severing Sect and Western Teaching might join hands to suppress us?”

“That would be great,” True Lord Tai Yi sneered with a laugh, “If the Severing Sect had half your wisdom, Senior Brother, they probably would have dominated the primitive world and trampled the Heavenly Court long ago.”

True Lord Yellow Dragon immediately smiled embarrassedly and said softly: “Brother Tai Yi, don’t praise me so. Senior Brother was just having a sudden thought, with occasional insight.”

The Orthodox Sect experts: …

Great sarcasm is ineffective against straightforwardness.

True Lord Yu Ding said: “Where is Long Geng now? Why not go discuss it with him?”

Broad Achievement Elder casually pointed, casting the Cloud Mirror technique, which revealed only a sea of clouds.

Three Immortal Island?

Broad Achievement Elder thought for a moment, then pointed several times in succession. The Cloud Mirror revealed a vast ocean and extensive ice fields floating not far away.

In the center of the image, two blurry figures stood side by side, seemingly searching for something.

True Lord Yu Ding raised his hand and pointed at the Cloud Mirror, which immediately transmitted Li Changshou’s voice:

“Old guard of Xuan Yuan, Human Tribe’s Bo Jian, I am the Heavenly Court’s righteous deity Li Chang Geng, quickly show yourself!”