On a main street in the Shang Kingdom’s capital.

Li Changshou maintained his elderly immortal appearance with white eyebrows and hair, holding his whisking brush as he walked slowly. Behind him on either side was a group of ‘young men and women.’

Following Li Changshou’s recent request, all immortals had concealed their auras but didn’t hide their whereabouts.

The immortal maidens had exchanged their otherworldly robes, whose materials weren’t of mortal origin, for more ordinary long dresses. You Qin Xuanya was no exception, changing into a blue and white dress, and her hair transformed from her usual cool and refreshing ponytail into flowing cloudy tresses.

Quantong, Yang Jian, and Wen Zhong also wore casual attire—after all, no one was watching, so they just wore whatever.

Yet even with changed attire and concealed auras, this group was still too eye-catching.

Thus, Li Changshou employed some minor techniques, deliberately using these arts to spread his aura and dao rhythm through heaven and earth.

This made mortals unaware of who this group was, assuming they were great scholars visiting the royal capital to study;

While also let the immortals of heaven and the great powers of heaven and earth know that he was treating both the Enlightenment and Severing Sects fairly, providing them with the same information.

This was essentially putting on a show.

When Li Changshou arrived here, he naturally noticed Li Jing’s presence. Following the principle of looking after Human Dao disciples, Li Changshou actively gave Li Jing some hints, wanting him to come and join the group.

But Li Jing seemed focused only on drinking away his depression, not noticing these subtle movements.

Fortunately, just as Li Changshou was about to directly transmit a voice reminder to Li Jing, Li Jing finally noticed their group and excitedly ran over.

Mm, the youth was teachable, just a bit impetuous.

The future Great Marshal of the Heavenly Court’s Army, Little Li the Pagoda Bearer, still needed proper tempering and more trials.

Star-Lord Taibai was an old hand at tempering.

At present, Li Changshou thought Li Jing would come forward to pay his respects and exchange simple greetings—surely nothing could go wrong.

How could he turn things upside down with just one sentence?

Thus, Li Changshou continued in a peaceful tone, speaking of human history, explaining the power structure of the Shang Kingdom and the social contradictions in the mortal world of the South Jambudvipa Continent…

“After the Yellow Emperor’s great victory over Chi You, two major trends in human society became irreversible: the separation of immortals and mortals, and the independent development of various tribes.

Within these two trends exists a relationship of mutual promotion.

It was precisely because of the separation of immortals and mortals that humans found it difficult to overcome vast distances. The connections between tribes gradually decreased, which left the Human Emperor’s rule lacking a crucial foundation—orders couldn’t be transmitted effectively, and remote regions knew nothing of the king.

The separation of immortals and mortals was completed gradually, so we can see that from the end of ancient times, and especially after the recent decline of the Xia Kingdom, mortal human society has shown a trend of continuous regression—this was inevitable due to the immortal-mortal separation.

By the time of the Shang Kingdom, stable methods of message transmission became the foundation for the Shang Kingdom’s ability to govern vast territories.

However, the transmission of government orders still requires a rather lengthy process, which determined that outside the Shang Kingdom’s vast territories, self-governing vassal states were primarily, submitting to the Shang King, paying regular tribute, and making formal visits. Not paying tribute represented rebellion, and the Shang King would send troops to attack.

The Shang Kingdom has two concepts.

First is the core region centered on this royal capital, radiating across one-sixth of the South Jambudvipa Continent’s territory. This is the Shang Kingdom’s core region dominated by the Shang people, which can be understood as the largest vassal state.

Beyond this are the vassals who submit to the Shang Kingdom, supposedly eight hundred vassal states, led by the Four Hegemon Lords of East, West, South, and North, with their own hierarchy of size and rank.

This is the Shang Dynasty.”

Holy Mother Fire Spirit’s face showed sudden understanding as she smiled: “So if among these eight hundred vassals, one house grows powerful and takes the Shang Kingdom’s central position, that would be the new dynasty, the dynastic succession predicted by the Heavenly Dao?”

“That’s generally how it works.”

Li Changshou smiled and gave the Holy Mother Fire Spirit an approving look, which made her feel inexplicably…

A bit proud.

Wen Zhong asked: “Then Uncle Master, what about within the Shang Kingdom? Is it not simply that the Shang King reigns supreme?”

“The Shang King is supreme, yet not purely supreme.”

Li Changshou deliberately created some suspense, leading them to continue strolling as he spoke slowly:

“The Shang King is the power center of the entire Shang Kingdom, but around this center are many limiting factors.

The great ministers, the priestess groups, royal family forces, and even the various vassal states all serve to check the Shang King’s authority…

Otherwise, wouldn’t he ascend to heaven?”

The immortals all laughed lightly, while You Qin Xuanya and Quantong’s eyes were full of brilliance.

Even Wen Zhong and that unimportant female immortal from the Enlightenment Sect, who had just met Li Changshou, now had eyes full of admiration.

Except…

‘Why is Star-Lord lecturing about the Shang Kingdom?’

Li Jing stood at a street corner not far ahead, head lowered respectfully while waiting for Li Changshou’s group to pass by, his heart slightly puzzled.

Should he do this?

Why did he have a tiny feeling that something wasn’t quite right about this?

But thinking carefully, the instructions from several Supreme Elders before he left the mountain were quite reasonable and flawless.

At its root, it was just one question!

[Why did Star-Lord Taibai show such care for him?!]

Li Jing firmly believed that under heaven, there was no hatred without cause, nor giving without reason.

The elders had pulled strings to check in the Netherworld—in his previous life, the life before that, and nine lives back, he hadn’t performed any great deeds to save the primordial world, nor had any connection with the Human Dao.

In fact, in his fifth life back, he had even been a donkey.

Being of ‘humble’ birth, why had he repeatedly received Star Lord Taibai’s favor?

When he went to join the Degree Immortal Gate as a disciple, though he hadn’t qualified, why had Star-Lord Taibai spent great effort to create a new path of fate-based discipleship to accept him into the Degree Immortal Gate?

And why had the reincarnation of the deceased sect master, the Kunlun Mountain cultivator Zheng Lun, said those meaningful words to him when he visited:

Everything was due to Star-Lord Taibai’s care.

Star-Lord Taibai’s group was now just over ten zhang away from him.

Li Jing took a deep breath, stood straight, put away his sword, and pressed down his long robe with both hands, his eyes showing only final hesitation.

‘Sigh, Li Jing, you must know to accept the favor.

Though Star-Lord is from the Degree Immortal Gate, what the gate gave him was only the care given to any ordinary disciple, while what he has given the gate is already far too much—he owes the Degree Immortal Gate nothing.

Moreover, why among so many disciples and sect members does the Star Lord guide you alone?

And give you so many hints about yourself?

If you were a woman, we wouldn’t make such guesses—Star-Lord is just a young cultivator of a thousand some years, having a bit of restlessness in his heart, we all understand.

But you’re a man, Li Jing.

Look at those books Star-Lord left for you—do you not understand?

By the Great Clarity Above, why are you still putting on airs before Star-Lord? You’re many years younger than Star-Lord!’

Li Jing: …

Ten Zhang, nine zhang, Star-Lord was getting closer and closer to the alley entrance.

In Li Jing’s heart appeared the titles of those few books, and the earnest writing within them that detailed the principles of being a father.

‘Fatherly Love as Great as Mountains’;

‘How to Be a Successful Father’;

‘Being a Patient Good Father’.

Li Jing, ah Li Jing, everything you have now, your immortal destiny, were all given by Star-Lord.

Star-Lord had already indicated clearly that he was prepared to become a father, and common knowledge in the primordial world included the fact that great powers found it extremely difficult to have offspring…

Star-Lord had treated him so well!

Moreover, Star-Lord had already taken ninety-nine steps—he was just waiting for him to take that one step. Star-Lord was a high official of the Heavenly Court, a current great power and master of mystic arts in heaven and earth, someone who could play chess with Sages. He naturally needed to maintain some face.

Father, Mother, your son has not forgotten his flesh and blood kin;

Uncle, Aunt, the reason he, Li Jing, could meet you both was ultimately due to Star Lord’s arrangements.

Three zhang!

Li Jing suddenly opened his eyes, filled with determination, his resolute face now shining with glory.

Stepping forward!

Fearless!

For such great kindness that could never be repaid, he must follow his heart!

Today, he would do something momentous!

Li Jing strode out of the alley like a shooting star. Though he had already been noticed by several immortals, he paid no attention to this, directly weaving through the crowd, his gaze fixed firmly on Li Changshou’s face!

Li Changshou was privately puzzled, not knowing why Li Jing seemed to be ‘bursting with anger’—he didn’t think he had done anything to wrong this fellow. Even that Yin family maiden had been properly arranged, with the Old Man Under the Moon tying an extremely tight knot of dragon-phoenix harmony, just waiting for some trials and tribulations…

Thump!

Li Jing suddenly dropped to one knee, cupping his hands and bowing to Li Changshou!

Li Changshou instinctively wanted to dodge, and the several immortals who were about to act also stopped their movements, and in the next moment…

“Father above! Please accept your son’s bow!”

Li Jing changed from one knee to kneeling on both, prostrating himself with his head lowered in kowtow, his movements resolute, revealing his strong determination.

It was just that, what he had just called out…

Father?!

Li Changshou’s paper avatar was instantly stunned, while You Qin Xuanya, Holy Mother Fire Spirit, and that certain Enlightenment Sect female immortal behind him uniformly tilted their heads.

Seeing this, Wen Zhong’s face showed contemplation, while Yang Jian frowned in silence.

Quantong’s eyes were full of bright light, even bumping Li Changshou’s paper avatar’s shoulder, his expression seeming to say ‘Not bad, quietly raised such a big son.’

Li Changshou: …

This was just, just very awkward.

What kind of situation was this? The future father of Nezha suddenly bowing to him as father?!

Who could he reason with about this?!

If this got out—Li Jing’s surname was Li, Li Changshou’s surname was also Li, and his alias was Li Changgen—the matter would be completely inexplicable!

What if Yun Xiao misunderstood?

Wouldn’t Ling’e, who was looking forward to having children with him, cry again?

What if Master was watching this situation? Given Master’s eagerness for grand disciples, he might just give him a big “Accept” command!

This Li Jing, looking so honest with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, how could he pull such a move of recognizing a father?

If you were the primordial world’s version of Lu Bu, couldn’t this be treated as attempted murder?

Calm down, calm down.

In nearly a hundred years, this was the first time Li Changshou’s dao heart had such great waves—it was truly like a thunderclap in clear skies.

He spoke slowly: “Nephew…”

Just then!

A strand of dao rhythm flowed, and Li Changshou felt a slight comprehension in his heart, which condensed into one large character.

[Accept].

Senior Brother, did you think I wouldn’t recognize you pretending to be Master?!

Deliberate revenge!

Li Changshou’s voice didn’t stop, continuing: “What are you doing? Nephew, please rise and explain, this poor dao is still… ahem, how did I become your father?”

Beside him, from Li Changshou’s ‘tone and word choice,’ Quantong already understood that this Li Jing had no blood relation to his beloved official.

As the Heavenly Emperor, at such a moment, he must firmly stand in the position of protecting his own minister.

Quantong smiled: “Worthy Nephew Li Jing, directly calling out ‘father’ can easily cause misunderstandings. You should call him godfather, godfather.”

Li Changshou’s just-emerged smile instantly froze.

Li Jing awakened as if from a dream, and after rising, kowtowed again: “Son pays respects to Godfather!”

Li Changshou was about to refuse again, but in his heart truly arose the dao rhythm of Great Clarity, this time condensing into three large characters.

[Not Bad Either].

This…

He came down to give a small lecture and inexplicably gained a son.

Where did Li Jing get this idea from? Had he misjudged Li Jing’s character? Was this fellow outwardly honest with his thick eyebrows and big eyes but inwardly calculating?

Uh, could it be that the books he gave him led to a reverse understanding…

Never mind.

Li Changshou gazed at Li Jing’s figure, still considering in his heart to observe further.

This fellow’s position as Great Marshal of the Heavenly Court’s Army was as secure as could be.

Thus, half a month later…

…

“Hey, have you heard? Star-Lord Taibai has taken a godson named Li Jing.”

“Friend, did you just come out of closed cultivation? No news in your cave? This was already a chat from several days ago. He says godson, but he might be Star-Lord Taibai’s biological son that he can’t openly acknowledge. Otherwise, why would his surname be Li?”

“Why can’t he acknowledge him?”

“Fairy Yun Xiao is Star-Lord Taibai’s dao companion, have you forgotten? What kind of status and power does Fairy Yun Xiao have? Wouldn’t Star-Lord Taibai be too inconsiderate of Fairy Yun Xiao’s face?”

“Hiss… thinking carefully, there’s much to this story.”

At Kunlun Mountain, during a banquet.

The Heavenly Court’s official wide-mouthed bottle, the Human Dao Sage’s registered disciple, the Distinguished Immortal Du’e, had just arrived here not long ago. Upon hearing this news, he hurriedly rode a cloud back to his cave.

Inside the Eight Treasures Cave, Du’e woke up his disciple Zheng Lun who was striving to comprehend the dao, explained this matter in detail, and asked Zheng Lun:

“Disciple, what do you think of this? Your previous life’s memories are mostly recovered—do you remember if Li Jing had any relationship with Senior Brother Changshou?”

“Well…”

Zheng Lun pondered for a while, his handsome face full of reminiscence, and after a while spoke heavily: “Eight parts out of ten, it’s probably really biological.”

“Oh? Really?”

Distinguished Immortal Du’e’s eyes lit up.

“Master, please don’t spread this outside.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, your master’s mouth is as sealed as… a thin-necked corked glass bottle!”

“How did Li Jing become Master’s registered disciple? Behind this, it was all Changshou arranging in secret, even bringing a fate-testing treasure for this.

Regarding Li Jing, Changshou cared.

Especially one point, Master, do you know?

Back then, Changshou instructed me to arrange a pair of True Immortal realm dao companions with limited lifespan as Li Jing’s foster parents, and required that these True Immortal realm dao companions give Li Jing the most warmth, letting Li Jing feel the warmth of home.”

“Really?”

“It all matches,” Zheng Lun’s eyes were full of emotion. “Everything matches.”

Suddenly, Zheng Lun even felt a sense of enlightenment.

He worriedly advised again: “Master, absolutely don’t spread this outside, these are secrets that only I, the former head of the Degree Immortal Gate, knew… Ah, where’s Master?

Master! Come back, Master! Master, this could cost immortal lives!”

Meanwhile, on the Three Immortals Island.

“Kneel!”

At Yun Xiao’s light shout, Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao’s legs went soft, and they unconsciously knelt.

Li Changshou, who had just been troubled by these two, stood aside with a bitter smile, taking out from his sleeve a copy of the Book of Life and Death borrowed from the Netherworld, which had the Heavenly Dao’s record of Li Jing’s background.

Although Yun Xiao probably wouldn’t just follow others’ words, it was still better to come over just to be safe.

With a bit of consciousness falling on his paper avatar, glancing at Li Jing’s current situation, Li Changshou’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch a few times.

This fellow was truly blessed.

This was how many times now? A master would pass by, pat Li Jing’s back, and say with kindly features:

“Strange cultivator friend, is this post-heaven merit divine treasure yours?

Oh, it’s not? It should have a karmic fate with you, why don’t I give it to you, to form a good karmic bond.”

The Primordial World;

Exceptionally real.