The Welcoming Immortals Hall, as its name suggested, was the Heavenly Court’s reception area, located just inside the Central Heaven Gate.

The Welcoming Immortals Hall was primarily used to receive prominent unaffiliated immortals who sought to join the Heavenly Court. Occasionally, as in this instance, it also served as a place for formal meetings between official deities and independent cultivators.

The definition of independent cultivators varies. In the primordial world, it typically referred to lone practitioners who cultivated without the constraints of any sect. However, in the Heavenly Court’s context, anyone not registered in the celestial records was considered an independent cultivator.

When Li Changshou requested to use the Welcoming Immortals Hall, the divine officials in charge became quite nervous. They hurried back and forth, sprinkling water and arranging flowers, striving to make everything appear both grand and elegant.

Half an hour later, the Holy Mother Fire Spirit was guided to the location. She looked around, appearing somewhat reserved.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit cultivated the Great Dao of Fire and favored wearing red dresses. Her figure appeared enchanting beneath the thin dress, truly a stunning immortal maiden.

The celestial general respectfully cupped his hands and said, “Please wait here. The Star-Lord will arrive shortly to meet with you.”

“Thank you,” Holy Mother Fire Spirit returned the courtesy without hesitation and sat directly in the nearest round chair.

After the celestial general went to wait outside, the Holy Mother Fire Spirit let out a slight sigh of relief.

This visit to the Heavenly Court had given the Holy Mother Fire Spirit an inexplicable sense of pressure.

This pressure became particularly apparent the moment she stepped through the Heaven Gate, instinctively making her consider how to retreat if she encountered an ambush.

However, she concluded that there was nowhere to retreat.

The dense power of the Heavenly Dao, the openly displayed ‘Immortal Grand Formation,’ and the vast, seemingly endless heavenly might kept triggering thoughts of retreat in the Holy Mother Fire Spirit.

Her strength should not be considered low among the Three Realms.

Inside the Heaven Gate, patrolling celestial soldiers could be seen everywhere, orderly and disciplined. The faces of these celestial soldiers and generals radiated a kind of composure as if they weren’t merely in the True Immortal realm or slightly below.

They carried themselves with impressive vigor and the bearing of Heavenly Immortals.

How many years had it been?

Fire Spirit sighed inwardly, recalling how the celestial general had just mentioned the term ‘Star-Lord’ with such genuine respect and reverence…

Suddenly.

“Paying respects to Star-Lord!”

“Paying respects to Star-Lord!”

“Ah, no need for formalities. You generals have worked hard, please take a rest.”

Voices suddenly came from outside the hall. Holy Mother Fire Spirit quickly stood up and went to welcome Li Changshou, bowing in greeting.

“Fire Spirit pays respects to Uncle Master Changgen!”

“Mm,” Li Changshou smiled and waved his hand. “No need for formalities, come sit over here and talk.”

With that, Li Changshou and the Holy Mother Fire Spirit sat down nearby, without regard for host-guest hierarchy.

He wore his elder immortal appearance, with a smile on his lips and kindly features, his eyes carrying a questioning look while seeming to say ‘No need to hurry.’

A harmonious Dao rhythm spread out, and a faint fragrance refreshed the spirit.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit discovered her heart settling, and the pressure she had felt in the Heavenly Court quietly dissipated.

This…

How long had it been?

How had she become unable to see through even Uncle Master Changgen’s paper avatar?

Holy Mother Fire Spirit had interacted with Li Changshou several times before, when his ‘permanent office location’ was in the back hall of the Sea God Temple in Anshui City, beneath the Primordial Heavenly Lord’s painting.

At that time, Holy Mother Golden Light had secretly given her heart to Elder Brother Zhao Gongming, but considering the difference in their status within the sect and cultivation realms, she hadn’t dared to speak up for many years.

Due to the matter with Fairy Yun Xiao, Li Changshou had successfully established himself as an ’emotional counselor’ within the Severing Sect.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit had accompanied Golden Light then, and Li Changshou had given her some clever strategies. Later, they finally managed to help Golden Light fulfill her wish and try becoming dao companions with Brother Zhao Gongming.

The outcome, however, was full of regret.

Emotions in the primordial world were no child’s play. When two people were incompatible and couldn’t find that dao companion feeling, there was no point in staying together, so they ended it.

The failed romantic experience with Holy Mother Golden Light had opened Zhao Gongming’s heart, creating a bit of restlessness.

Later, it was Zhao Gongming and the Holy Mother Golden Spirit who developed feelings for each other, secretly becoming dao companions, though they hadn’t announced it publicly yet.

—Holy Mother Golden Spirit was an inner disciple of the Severing Sect, nominally the sect’s senior sister, ranked second only to Duobao Daoren, known for being fierce with few words—the hot-headed sister who possessed many treasures.

Holy Mother Golden Light was an outer disciple of the Severing Sect, the only female immortal member of the Ten Heavenly Lords combination, ranked beyond the hundredth position, belonging to the type who could either attend or skip the meetings of the Jade Pleasure Palace’s disciples.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit was Duobao Daoren’s disciple, and close friends with Golden Light, and her abilities surpassed those of Holy Mother Golden Light.

Thus, when Li Changshou chose a topic, he asked: “How has Senior Sister Golden Light been lately?”

“She has moved on,” Fire Spirit pursed her lips. “Besides, regarding Uncle Master Gongming and Uncle Master Golden Spirit… Uncle Master Golden Light understands and won’t dwell on it anymore.”

“Incompatible personalities are truly an unsolvable problem.”

Li Changshou shook his head with a sigh. Seeing the atmosphere was set, he asked directly: “Did you suddenly come seeking me because Senior Brother Duobao had important instructions?”

“This, not exactly…”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit bit her lip somewhat nervously and glanced at the hall’s entrance.

She transmitted her voice: “Uncle Master, this time your niece has come to seek help and learn from your experience.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou’s expression showed a hint of confusion as he smiled: “Are there some scriptures or classics you don’t understand? I’m afraid I can’t guide you in that.”

“It’s not about cultivation matters, um…”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit was typically straightforward, but now she hesitated, stammering for a while before finally expressing her purpose clearly.

As Li Changshou had anticipated, it was about matters in the South Jambudvipa Continent.

Previously, the Holy Mother Fire Spirit and Wen Zhong, the two leading third-generation disciples of the Severing Sect, had been sent to the Southern Continent to gather information about the succession of mortal authority and find opportunities to gain a foothold there.

This was considered the Severing Sect’s proactive response to the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods.

However, both Fire Spirit and Wen Zhong were cultivators who were used to practicing in the mountains. Even with their astonishing comprehension and quick wit, when they went into the mortal world, they became confused by all the Three Excellencies, Nine Ministers, Grand Masters, and ceremonial protocols.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit spoke softly:

“At present, this disciple still doesn’t quite understand how the Shang Kingdom manages its personnel, or how this Great Tribulation operates.

Master divined that the Great Tribulation corresponds to the succession of mortal authority in the South Jambudvipa Continent, meaning a new king will rise and the old king will fall. But the current Shang Kingdom is at its zenith, with eight hundred vassal states beyond the Shang settlements!

Who can say for certain who will replace the Shang?

Moreover, with the Shang Kingdom so prosperous, where are the signs of decline? Will this succession of power be the destruction of the dynasty, an internal power grab, or a rebellion like that of the Four Seas Dragon Tribes?

This disciple is truly confused.”

“Hahaha!”

Li Changshou clapped and laughed heartily. Holy Mother Fire Spirit raised her hand to smooth the hair by her ears, appearing somewhat embarrassed, a slight blush crossing her pretty face.

“Uncle Master, please don’t tease your disciple…”

“Ahem, asking an ancient cultivator who rarely enters the mortal world to ponder such matters is indeed quite challenging for you.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “I understand something of the Shang Kingdom’s system, but it’s difficult to explain clearly in such a short time. Let me ask you, do you want to figure out which vassal state will rise in the future, or do you want to know how to establish a foothold in the Shang Kingdom?”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit smiled: “I’d like to understand all of these things. If Uncle Master could give this disciple some guidance, that would be wonderful.”

“Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed.”

Li Changshou spoke slowly: “If you want to understand this aspect, I can explain it to you in detail. However, before that, you need to first understand: what is the significance of establishing your foothold in the Shang Kingdom?”

“Isn’t it similar to how those immortal sects from Central Divine Continent previously intervened in the mortal world of the Southern Continent?”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit spoke seriously: “This disciple wishes to first gain some influence in the Shang Kingdom, preferably to be able to influence the Human Emperor’s decisions regarding the Great Tribulation in ways that benefit our Severing Sect when necessary. Only by grasping the changes in the situation and understanding the direction of the Great Tribulation’s operation can we seize that thread of survival within it.”

Li Changshou hummed lightly and smiled:

“Your thinking is quite clever. However, speaking in the Heavenly Court about how to influence the current Human Emperor—if others were to hear this, it would be considered a grave offense of challenging the Heavenly Court.”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit hurriedly said: “This disciple only wishes to help our Severing Sect survive the Great Tribulation, absolutely without any thoughts of manipulating the Human Emperor!”

Li Changshou waved his hand, indicating she need not be nervous, then sat in silence.

He was considering how to guide the Severing Sect in this matter, while also pondering how much of this was driven by the Heavenly Dao.

For Fire Spirit to dare ask this examining teacher for some answers truly showed her boldness.

If so, he could also take this opportunity to make some arrangements.

“Fire Spirit, this matter is of no small consequence. If I guide you alone, others might say I’m showing intentional favoritism. Let’s do it this way. Three days from now, I will descend to the mortal realm and give a detailed introduction about various permissible matters regarding the mortal world to two third-generation disciples each from the Enlightenment Sect and Severing Sect. Even for playing chess, rules must be set in advance. Also, there should be a major announcement coming soon, which I need to confirm with His Majesty the Jade Emperor.”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit hesitated for a moment and asked softly: “Uncle Master Changgen, must this matter include disciples from the Enlightenment Sect as well?”

“Of course,” Li Changshou smiled. “Fairness and justice are the unwavering pursuit of the Heavenly Court.”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit seemed to want to say something but held back, feeling that this trip to the Heavenly Court not only failed to gain any advantages from this Uncle Master but, to some extent, had even helped the Enlightenment Sect…

Never mind, it would still be far better than her and Junior Brother Wen Zhong wandering around aimlessly like headless flies.

With the same starting point as the Enlightenment Sect, what did the Severing Sect have to fear?

They would simply compete.

“Fire Spirit thanks Uncle Master for your guidance!”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit stood up and made a Daoist bow. “Then this disciple will wait in the mortal world.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou said gently: “At noon three days from now, I will appear in the capital of the Shang Kingdom. I will bring along one or two good friends, as well as an ancestor of the Shang Kingdom. However, I will only introduce you to the situation in the mortal world, without any hints or guidance.”

“Yes, disciple understands!”

Fire Spirit acknowledged and took her leave from Li Changshou.

Li Changshou also reminded her not to report this matter to the Jade Void Palace, as it concerned the fate of their sect, and even small matters couldn’t be decided lightly.

Holy Mother Fire Spirit solemnly agreed, feeling some anticipation in her heart, and hurriedly bid farewell and left the Welcoming Immortals Hall.

Li Changshou didn’t delay either, heading straight to the Lingxiao Palace to report this matter to His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor naturally had no objections.

Letting the Enlightenment Sect and Severing Sect understand the structure of mortal power would also help reduce mortal casualties.

Previously, the Jade Emperor had visited the Purple Void Palace to pay respects to the Dao Ancestor and requested an imperial decree to protect innocent lives during the Great Tribulation.

That decree from the Dao Ancestor was currently in the Tongming Palace, ready to be proclaimed whenever the time was right.

“What does Changgen think, is the timing appropriate for this?”

“This time we shouldn’t make a grand display of it, as it’s equivalent to giving the Severing Sect and Enlightenment Sect advance notice,” Li Changshou pondered. “This decree should have the best effect if proclaimed just before the killing tribulation truly erupts.”

“Then we’ll follow Beloved Official Changgen’s advice,” His Majesty the Jade Emperor smiled in agreement, then asked for detailed information about the ‘descending to give a lecture’ matter.

Marshal Quantong might be late, but he would never be absent.

Thus, three days later.

Li Changshou’s paper avatar appeared near the South Heaven Gate, riding a white cloud and bringing several figures down to the mortal realm.

Standing beside him was naturally the Jade Emperor’s avatar, Marshal Quantong, while behind him were Long Ji and You Qin Xuanya. The group concealed their auras as they slowly descended toward the Shang Kingdom’s capital.

Li Changshou deliberately revealed a trace of his aura and soon received a response as several streaks of light rose from two corners outside the city, transforming into two men and two women.

From the Severing Sect came Fire Spirit and Wen Zhong;

From the Enlightenment Sect came Yang Jian in casual attire and an unimportant female immortal from the Jade Void Palace.

Both parties came from different directions, and upon meeting, immediately bowed to Li Changshou, addressing him as Uncle Master.

Li Changshou smiled in response and took the initiative to formally introduce his companion ‘Senior Expert on Primordial World Order’ Marshal Quantong, and the ‘Founding Ancestor of the Shang Kingdom’ You Qin Xuanya.

Having seen many grand occasions, Quantong merely smiled and nodded at such a situation, letting Li Changshou jest.

But You Qin Xuanya…

She seemed somewhat nervous, and after Li Changshou introduced her relationship with the Shang royal family, she voluntarily explained:

“I entered the Human Dao Immortal Sect to cultivate in my childhood; the Shang ancestor was only my nephew.”

Seven or eight gazes converged on her, waiting for You Qin Xuanya to continue.

However, You Qin Xuanya just nodded quite seriously, walked back behind Li Changshou, and said nothing more.

Li Changshou could roughly understand her peculiar train of thought; what she meant was…

This immortal had never been married before.

“Let’s go.”

Li Changshou shook his whisking brush. “Let’s each transform into mortal appearances and walk around this great city. I will explain to you in detail about the mortal dynasty’s system and official positions, and you can report everything you hear today to your senior brothers and sisters of each sect. Speaking of the Shang Kingdom’s system, we must start from the rise of the ancient human race…”

…

Meanwhile, in a secluded tavern in this great city.

“Sigh.”

In an upstairs private room, a young ‘swordsman’ sighed softly, draining the wine from his cup, then gazed out the window lost in thought.

An immortal, reduced to such a state in the mortal world, truly!

Li Jing sighed again, looking at the sword standing by the table, thinking of all his experiences here, and suddenly felt quite depressed.

After leaving his sect’s mountain to venture forth, he first returned to Chen Tang Pass, driving away, sealing, or slaying the demon kings around Chen Tang Pass, then observed mourning for three years at his parents’ old graves.

Remembering Star Lord Taibai’s reminder, Li Jing pondered ways to ‘give back to his hometown through cultivation’ and ‘become stronger to protect his hometown,’ acting as a righteous hero and punishing evil around Chen Tang Pass.

Originally, he was quite carefree, with a formidable reputation within thousands of miles of Chen Tang Pass, searching for the opportunities that the sect elders had mentioned before he left the mountain.

Then…

He encountered it.

It was on a rainy afternoon when Li Jing stood silently on a bamboo treetop, concealing his form, waiting for a group of bandits to appear and commit crimes.

Just then, quite unexpectedly, that female general rode past on horseback at the edge of his vision, cutting a heroic and beautiful figure.

Initially, Li Jing didn’t pay much attention to this, only thinking that the young woman’s features were quite beautiful.

After that, his dao heart inexplicably began to think of this young woman;

By the time Li Jing came to his senses, he discovered that even his dao heart had been affected by this.

Love had taken deep root.

Who exactly was she? Was she a female general guarding the border, or did she simply like dressing that way?

For more than half a year, Li Jing had been searching through the vast sea of people, each time seeming to find some clues, but the trails would mysteriously disappear.

Until yesterday, when he arrived at the Shang Kingdom’s capital, this most prosperous place in the mortal world, he silently resolved in his heart.

If he couldn’t find that beautiful maiden here, he would cut away these memories, return to the mountain to cultivate for a hundred years, and then venture into the mortal world again.

“Sigh, keep searching.”

Li Jing looked out the window again, but was slowly extending his immortal sense, searching every corner of this great city, not missing any possible figure, striving to find his destined one!

“Star-Lord?!”

Li Jing was startled, instantly sobering up.

Hope blazed in his eyes as he tossed down several Shang Kingdom common coins and his form transformed into a streak of light heading straight for the west city gate!

The sect elder’s instructions were still fresh in his ears. This time he would show Star Lord the essence he had comprehended from the classics Star Lord had left behind!

‘Father’!