“This…”

“Ah, this…”

In the Jade Void Palace of Mount Kunlun, at Master Guangcheng’s Waterfall Tower.

The Enlightened Sect immortals watched the scene displayed in the cloud mirror, where the golden-armored general Bai Jian was digging foundations on the level immortal island. For a moment, they couldn’t quite process what they were seeing.

Since they couldn’t hear Li Changshou’s whispered instructions to Bai Jian, they didn’t know exactly what had transpired, but this Bai Jian…

In the middle of a conversation, he suddenly knelt, and after some hesitation, became lame!

After Li Changshou brought out the God-Striking Rod and the Heavenly Dao bestowed great merit, cleansing Bai Jian of the fire poison and transforming his primordial spirit into a stable spiritual body, appointing him as the guardian general of the Deity Listing Platform, Bai Jian was overwhelmed with gratitude.

He was just short of kneeling and calling out “My Lord!”

Besides Bai Jian’s swift genuflection, there were other perplexing matters.

Master Chijing puzzled: “The Heavenly Court doesn’t lack precious materials, and has countless celestial soldiers and generals. Why not dispatch troops to build the Deity Listing Platform? Why make Bai Jian build it bit by bit with his own hands?”

Master Guangcheng said: “There must be careful consideration behind this.”

Master Taiji squinted with a smile and casually remarked: “Why do I feel that Changgeng is simply taking revenge on Bai Jian for not giving him face initially?”

“Hey!”

Master Huanglong said seriously: “Brother, don’t speak with such sarcasm. Changgeng isn’t that kind of person! As an authority in the Heavenly Court, he must be broad-minded and speak with magnanimity!”

Beside him, Master Yuding revealed a gentle smile, everything was understood without words.

Master Guangcheng rubbed his brow and said: “Let’s set this matter aside for now. The Heavenly Court wishes to build the Deity Listing Platform, and a great catastrophe is imminent. The Severing Sect’s move against the Western Sect is inevitable. We must make our decision soon. Time waits for no one—summon our junior brothers and sisters. Today we shall establish a proper plan.”

Master Chijing asked: “Senior Brother, should we summon Master’s direct disciples, or all disciples?”

“We don’t need too many people discussing this matter, lest it create chaos.”

With Master Guangcheng’s words, Master Chijing immediately understood. He rose and walked outside the tower, instructing several young attendants to deliver messages.

The Enlightened Sect had already begun strategizing before taking action. They had predicted the Severing Sect’s impending attack on the Western Sect even faster than the Severing Sect had decided to make such a move.

In the Jade Pool of the Azure Glory Palace;

Multitreasure, comfortably soaking in his bath, quietly reported the matter of Jiang Shang and inquired whether his teacher, Patriarch Tongtian, wished to move against the Western Sect.

Patriarch Tongtian smiled and said: “Today, learn from Changgeng. List out the pros and cons, one, two, three, four, five, six, and let your teacher see your calculating abilities.”

Multittreasure waved his hands repeatedly, chuckling:

“Master, you know me. I just hunt for treasures—what do I know about strategizing?”

“Just speak freely,” Patriarch Tongtian closed his eyes, “We’re not strangers, you and I. Don’t I know all your little tricks?”

Multittreasure patted his slightly protruding belly, thought carefully, and slowly said:

“Then let me speak more on this matter.”

“Go on.”

“This time when I intended to move against Western Sect’s three disciples, it was actually to create a legitimate reason for war with the Western Sect. At the time, Guangcheng’s direct intervention was truly unexpected. I had thought Guangcheng would at least consider the unity of the Dao sects, but he showed no concern and stopped me directly. Clearly, he was showing his stance toward the Western Sect.”

Patriarch Tongtian, eyes still closed, asked: “You mean to say Guangcheng is also in contact with the Western Sect?”

“Master, haven’t you seen it yet?”

Multittreasure lowered his voice: “Those in contact with the Western Sect aren’t just Dipankara, Juliu, or Manjusri—these are just the ones we know about. The alliance with the Western Sect is likely a long-established strategy of the Enlightened Sect, Second Uncle’s intention. Dipankara is merely a pawn in the Enlightened Sect’s hands, doing their dirty work. Master doesn’t usually concern yourself with these trivial matters, but in the tens of thousands of years of recent conflict between the Enlightened Sect and us, most of the blame has fallen on Dipankara—this is Second Uncle’s most frightening aspect. With First Uncle not taking action, Second Uncle’s calculations are practically unmatched in the primordial world. I’ve been grinding my teeth at Dipankara for a long time before suddenly understanding this key point. We all know Dipankara is a piece arranged by the Western Sect, how could Second Uncle not know? This isn’t just playing dumb. If one were to say that Dipankara and the Western Sect were also arranged by Second Uncle, it wouldn’t be surprising at all.”

Patriarch Tongtian smiled and said: “Don’t think of your Second Uncle that way. He’s just a bit rigid, but not harsh. You’re still holding a grudge because he scolded you a few times back then. Since the creation of heaven and earth, haven’t I been scolded by him countless times?”

“Yes, yes,” Multittreasure made a bitter face, “I overthought it… it’s all because Changgeng has corrupted me.”

“Hahahaha!”

Patriarch Tongtian laughed heartily, then waved his hand and said: “Continue. Why target the Western Sect at this time?”

“Master,” Multittreasure said seriously, “This is our last chance.”

“Oh? That’s an interesting statement. Continue.”

Multittreasure deliberated for a moment, knelt in the water, and bowed his head: “My words might be offensive, but this is what I’ve deduced after ten thousand years of contemplation. In this great catastrophe, Changgeng has already given us many hints, both obvious and subtle. Why did Changgeng establish the non-aggression pact between Dao sects in the Reincarnation Tower? Why does Changgeng consistently suppress the Western Sect? There must be reasons behind all this. When I was controlled by the Heavenly Dao years ago, I lost some memories. An important person vanished from my mind, and no matter how I calculate, I can only remember one sentence: The Enlightened and Severing Sects must battle, with the Western Sect emerging as the greatest victor. This sentence is likely what Changgeng has been trying to drive home all along.”

Patriarch Tongtian’s expression grew serious as he nodded slowly, murmuring: “That person told you this? Years ago, I received a warning from my First Elder Brother to keep my distance from that person. After he was erased by the Heavenly Dao, I watched as your memories were erased by Master. Back then, you often went to play cards with him, and even this hot spring bathing pleasure was something you brought back from him.”

Multittreasure asked: “Master, who exactly was that person?”

Patriarch Tongtian’s eyes revealed traces of remembrance and emotion.

“He was just a wandering lonely soul, but of extremely high seniority, a close friend of the Pangu God. We Three Friends were transformed from Pangu God’s primordial spirit, lowering ourselves by one generation, so we still had to address him as Uncle. Back then, when Master found the method to merge with the Dao, he was still somewhat hesitant; It was precisely because this fellow suddenly went mad and wanted to destroy the primordial world that Master was forced to decide to merge with the Heavenly Dao, and only their combined force could completely erase him… Enough, let’s not discuss such taboo matters, speaking too much might displease Master. Now, where were we? The Enlightened and Severing Sects must battle, with the Western Sect as the greatest victor—why do you feel this is our last chance?”

“At this time, the great catastrophe is approaching but hasn’t fallen, the catastrophic forces have fully activated, and the power from killed living beings can all be counted as filling what the catastrophe lacks. This is the first point.”

Multittreasure continued slowly:

“The Enlightened Sect cannot directly wage war against us at this time—they lack a suitable reason. But Master, you mentioned before that the Heavenly Dao showed that the Deity Listing catastrophe should occur during the dynasty transition in the South Jambudvipa Continent. A new dynasty’s establishment must be built upon the ruins of the old dynasty. I believe this is a clear indication that we and the Enlightened Sect must each choose a side to support. Between us and the Enlightened Sect, like these two dynasties, only one can survive.”

Patriarch Tongtian smiled and said: “Treasure, you’ve done well to see this far.”

“However, I’ve secretly investigated, and the Shang nation’s power remains strong, with eight hundred feudal states having eight hundred domains, none able to challenge the Shang nation.”

Multittreasure pondered: “I feel we shouldn’t rush this matter. The new replacing the old is a rule of the Heavenly Dao, and there are many benefits to occupying the new nation’s side. That’s a matter for later, at least waiting until a nation rises, then we and the Enlightened Sect can compete over this matter. Now is the most opportune time to move against the Western Sect, and indeed, this opportunity will slip away quickly. This is the second point. The third, and most crucial point, is Changgeng’s attitude, or rather, First Uncle’s attitude. Currently, the great catastrophe hasn’t officially begun. Although we have private motives in targeting the Western Sect, as long as we find a suitable reason to start the battle, the Enlightened Sect absolutely cannot stop us. If the Second Uncle moves, then the First Uncle moves. Master, as long as you can contain the Western Sect’s two saints, we disciples will empty the Western Sect’s experts, and then the Deity Listing competition will be just between us and the Enlightened Sect.”

Multittreasure pondered for a moment, seeing his master still hesitating, and continued:

“Master, Changgeng certainly can’t tell us these things directly. I can sense that this is Changgeng’s intention… Although Changgeng cannot favor either us or the Enlightened Sect during the great catastrophe, he will support eliminating the Western Sect first, such a calamity!”

“But the Western Sect is destined to rise greatly.”

“But the Western Sect is destined to rise greatly.”

Patriarch Tongtian sighed, “Moreover, we have no direct conflict with the Western Sect. Acting this way would go against righteousness.”

“Master!” Multittreasure said urgently: “What time do you think this is? How can we still talk about righteousness with them?”

“Without righteousness, what difference does it make whether the Severing Sect exists or not?”

Patriarch Tongtian gestured for Multittreasure to say no more. “Let your teacher think about it. You may withdraw. I will decide within half a day.”

“Ah, yes.”

Multittreasure acknowledged and turned to leave the Jade Pool, but couldn’t help turning back to mutter:

“Master, the disciples of the Western Sect and Enlightened Sect combined are no match for our Severing Sect disciples. But with three saints combined, plus those disciples, their strength surpasses our Severing Sect. The Enlightened Sect and Western Sect are destined to join forces. If we don’t clip their wings early, we might truly face danger later…”

“Go.”

Patriarch Tongtian waved his hand. Multittreasure bowed in acknowledgment, put on his Dao robe, and gradually walked away with a soft sigh.

After Multittreasure left, Patriarch Tongtian’s finger parted the cosmos, taking out a small bell and placing it by the pool’s edge. He remained silent, eyes closed in deep contemplation.

His senior disciple’s words made sense.

But as a saint, he had naturally seen through all these matters long ago.

Without reaching sainthood, one couldn’t understand how terrifying the Heavenly Dao was.

The Severing Sect had no precious treasure to suppress its destiny, like a great city without walls—no matter how prosperous, it remained extremely vulnerable.

Multittreasure wanted to use this opportunity to have the Human Sect pressure the Enlightened Sect, forcing them to show their stance or preventing them from acting rashly, then strike at the Western Sect’s vitality, planning for the aftermath of the great catastrophe.

But in doing so, the Western Sect’s saints could directly intervene afterward. If he were held up by Jieyin, and Zhunti raised the butcher’s knife against the sect’s disciples, while Second Elder Brother persuaded First Elder Brother…

Things would spiral out of control.

The Demon-Slaying Sword Formation couldn’t be broken without four saints, but that required him to strike first, drawing the opponent into the formation, or having other saints walk in voluntarily.

Except for Zhunti.

At the root of it all…

Patriarch Tongtian looked toward the Primordial Bell, revealing a gentle smile.

Ding ling~

The Primordial Bell, now the size of a small bell, trembled several times, seemingly shivering with anxiety and unease.

…

What was the most painful thing in the world?

Before these past few days, Li Changshou would certainly have said it was being a good Blue Star youth suddenly descending into the cruel primordial world where power knew no limits.

But now, the most painful thing had changed to…

His true body was right there in Lady Yunxiao’s chamber!

Ling’e was in the next room discussing music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and prose with Yunxiao!

Yet his consciousness had to be elsewhere, “touring mountains and waters, discussing philosophy, wandering north and south” with his superior.

Never mind, he would consider this an early “lesson” for His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

He would soon need to devote himself fully to arranging and preparing for the great catastrophe, and opportunities to converse with the Jade Emperor like this would be few.

By the way, there was still one major matter, as Li Changshou had told Bai Jian before—they needed to create detailed “Rules of the Great Catastrophe” to restrict the powerful experts from entering the catastrophe, preventing the South Continent from becoming a bloodbath.

After several days of research between ruler and minister, Li Changshou had written several hundred rules in total, which would later be presented to the Grand Old Master by His Majesty the Jade Emperor at the Purple Void Palace.

The Heavenly Dao might disregard mortal lives, but the Heavenly Court could not.

Benevolence, standardization, rigor, and stability would be the four basic requirements for the Heavenly Court’s future actions.

Having settled this major matter, the Jade Emperor’s avatar finally showed signs of leaving.

This greatly excited Li Changshou.

But Quantong quickly doused him with a bucket of day-old winter foot-washing water, leaving Li Changshou feeling quite “desperate.”

“Changgeng, tell me, who will win in the conflict between the Enlightened and Severing Sects?”

Another new topic!

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and smiled: “Your Majesty has truly stumped me. I honestly don’t know who will win or lose. Even though I once saw some circumstances, many have already been changed by my own hands.”

“I’ve been watching your struggle with the Heavenly Dao.”

Quantong chuckled, continuing to stroll with Li Changshou along the rocky seaside cliff.

The Jade Emperor gazed at the sea surface and said slowly:

“In the Heavenly Dao sequence, my faction now stands first, even before the Six Saints. Master has given me many special privileges, allowing me to transcend the great catastrophe at any time and observe the changes in the Heavenly Dao. But even so, sometimes I can’t see through what you want to do, Changgeng. Is your true wish really for the Dao sects to prosper eternally? If so, I can lend you my support.”

Li Changshou’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, light flickering in his eyes, but he smiled and said: “Your Majesty, that is Master’s wish. My wish is just two words: Peace and stability.”

Quantong asked: “Will the world after the Deity Listing catastrophe make you feel unstable?”

“Yes,” Li Changshou said, “Your Majesty actually can’t understand… the Heavenly Dao doesn’t trust me, I am a fellow townsman of some taboo. Being able to withdraw safely now is already quite satisfying.”

“You…”

Quantong shook his head with a bitter smile, “My minister Changgeng is too cautious.”

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, calmly changing the topic.

“Your Majesty, it seems Longji is also involved in this great catastrophe.”

“Yes,” Quantong nodded slightly, his expression somewhat solemn as he said softly, “I’ve known about this for a long time, but can’t interfere—how else could I convince others? But with you as her teacher protecting her, I have no worries.”

Li Changshou: …

Should he say the Jade Emperor was too carefree, or that the Jade Emperor trusted him too much?

Perhaps this was the sacrifice necessary to be the Heavenly Emperor—able to save all living beings under heaven, but unable to save one’s flesh and blood, having to rely on others instead.

Just as Li Changshou was about to make a more reassuring guarantee, he suddenly felt a slight surge in his heart.

He had suddenly heard some unexpected dialogue!

He quickly said: “Your Majesty, there seems to be something unusual with my true body.”

Quantong showed concern and told Li Changshou to handle it as needed, without standing in the ceremony. Li Changshou cupped his hands and shifted his consciousness back to his true body.

As soon as he arrived, he immediately walked to the window and looked toward the pavilion.

He caught sight of Lady Yunxiao riding a cloud over there—the Eight Great Disciples of the Severing Sect were gathering!

Just now, his true body had heard through the Wind Speech Spell, Senior Brother Multittreasure’s words—”Master will make a decision within half a day, let’s prepare ourselves. If Master agrees to destroy Spirit Mountain, how should we go about destroying it!”

When had the Severing Sect become so sharp?

Could it be that Uncle Master Tongtian had calculated something again?

In the cool pavilion, the Eight Great Disciples each expressed their views. Golden Spirit Holy Mother was for an all-out push, Lady Yunxiao advocated a gentle approach with minimal killing, and Zhao Gongming suggested “Why don’t we talk to Changgeng first”… various opinions abounded.

Li Changshou quickly determined!

This could be the best opportunity for the Deity Listing situation to take a “brand new version”!

Should he make some moves, stirring things up while ensuring his safety?

Just then!

A sword light split the clouds above Three Immortals Island, and a small jade sword fell in the pavilion, bearing a somewhat glaring, dark red character for “kill.”

The Eight Great Disciples’ spirits were roused. Multittreasure’s face lit up with joy as he immediately stood, holding the small sword in his palms, and turned to shout!

“Jinling, Wudang!

In the name of the Dao Discussion Assembly, gather all disciples of the Third-Grade Golden Immortal realm and above at Golden Tortoise Island!

Guiling, Qiongjiao, quickly go make arrangements at Golden Tortoise Island!

Gongming, you and Yunxiao please take the trouble to tell Changgeng about our plan to move against the Western Sect, ask his opinion, and better yet get some suggestions from him.

Bixiao!”

“Here!” Bixiao immediately stood straight, her maiden figure appearing so graceful at this moment.

Finally, finally, there was something to think of… her!

“You should continue cultivating on Three Immortals Island,” Multittreasure revealed a gentle smile. “This time, you won’t need to take action. Focus on polishing your Great Dao instead.”

Bixiao’s little face immediately fell, as her senior brothers and sisters all cast loving gazes at her.

Since ancient times, the youngest has been most cherished, especially when cute.

In Yunxiao’s chamber, Li Changshou observed this situation and fell into deep thought.

In his mind, boxes representing various options and possibilities lit up one by one.

Since the Severing Sect had such resolve, he naturally couldn’t lag.

The Western Sect.

Before the great catastrophe, it was time to settle accounts.