What exactly was going on with Li Jing?

In the Maiden’s Chamber of the Three Immortal Islands, Li Changshou paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his eyes filled with confusion.

Yun Xiao sat quietly to one side, a faint smile on her lips. Seeing Li Changshou still somewhat worried, she said, “Don’t fret about it. This won’t affect the course of the great calamity. I trust you completely.”

“This might not be a small matter.”

Li Changshou sighed softly as he walked back to his previous seat, merely three feet away from Yun Xiao. Her unique, subtle fragrance was quite enchanting.

Li Changshou said, “I know Li Jing well. Since his youth, he entered the Crossing Immortal Gate, blessed with great fortune and the bearing of a great general. He’s not one to deliberately take advantage of situations.”

“Take advantage…”

Yun Xiao carefully considered these words and smiled, “Now that you put it that way, this matter does require careful handling. If others tried to secure a position in the Heavenly Court or use your name to deceive others, that would be quite inappropriate.”

“That won’t happen. Li Jing’s situation was purely coincidental.”

Li Changshou seemed to hold back his words, hesitating before deciding not to voice his inner thoughts. No need to make her worry too much.

His careful nurturing of Li Jing was ultimately for his game against the Heavenly Dao.

His current thoughts differed greatly from before, but before this incident in the Royal Capital, Li Changshou had always believed his molding of Li Jing was a brilliant move.

Never did he imagine…

Li Jing would misinterpret things to such an extent!

Most likely, the elders of the Crossing Immortal Gate had played some subtle role in this process.

Ah, if he had known this would happen, after gradually changing Li Jing’s original personality, why did he bother with the whole ‘Men in Black teaching’ business?

Sometimes being too careful could lead to unnecessary complications.

“The subsequent handling is also troublesome,” Li Changshou looked at the Book of Life and Death’s subsidiary volume on the table. “The more we try to explain now, the more people will think we’re hiding something.

Public opinion… the masses mostly speak of what they believe to be true. The facts and truth don’t matter to those involved. They only seek the satisfaction of being involved and getting attention, nothing more.”

Yun Xiao pondered for a moment and smiled, “How did you suddenly become so profound?”

“Just some reflection from constantly manipulating public opinion for calculations,” Li Changshou slumped in his chair and sighed slowly. “Being called father… it’s rather embarrassing.”

Yun Xiao covered her mouth and laughed softly, continuing to read the book in her hand.

Li Changshou closed his eyes to rest, his consciousness beginning to shift between his various paper avatars.

To be thorough, he still needed to investigate this matter completely, to see if anyone’s schemes lay behind it.

If Li Jing had truly done this deliberately, he wouldn’t mind putting this fellow through an urgent re-education.

This trend absolutely could not be allowed to continue.

Setting aside Li Changshou’s paper avatar returning to the Crossing Immortal Gate, let’s speak of the current situation in the Jade Emperor’s Palace.

Below the high platform, Elder Wood and several Heavenly Court officials watched the white-robed Jade Emperor above with some concern.

“Elder Wood,” an old deity inquired through divine communication, “His Majesty has been smiling for half a month now, has something joyous happened?”

“Could the Empress be with child again?”

“Hey, don’t speak nonsense!”

Elder Wood glared at the deity who had just spoken and transmitted, “We are Heavenly Court officials. Why spend every day ignoring official business and focusing on His Majesty’s family matters?”

The old deities chuckled, and coincidentally, the Jade Emperor smiled while touching the corner of his mouth.

The atmosphere in the Jade Emperor’s Palace immediately became extremely pleasant.

“Elder Wood,” the Jade Emperor called out, and Elder Wood along with several officials hurriedly came forward to receive orders.

“Your old subject is here.”

“Tell me, is there any possibility that Li Jing could be Star-Lord Long Geng’s offspring?”

“This…”

Elder Wood pondered for a moment before saying, “Based on your old subject’s understanding of Star-Lord Taibai, he’s not the type to deliberately conceal his children, and besides, there would be nothing to conceal.

Currently, everywhere is spreading rumors that Star-Lord Taibai concealed Li Jing out of fear of Immortal Yun Xiao, which is even more absurd.

Your Majesty, in your old subject’s opinion, why don’t we officially issue an edict to correct what’s currently being spread throughout the immortal realm?”

“What Elder Wood says is indeed correct.”

The Jade Emperor hummed thoughtfully, putting down the memorial he was holding for the show, his eyes full of mirth as he said, “Whether Li Jing is truly Star Lord Long Geng’s offspring or not doesn’t really need deep investigation.

The innocent will prove themselves innocent, and I have complete faith in Long Geng’s character.

But now that Long Geng has essentially accepted Li Jing as his adopted son, why don’t we use this situation to our advantage and reverse the rumors in one fell swoop?”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

“Your Majesty! This absolutely must not happen!”

An urgent cry came from outside the palace as Li Changshou’s paper avatar rode a white cloud directly into the hall, dismounting only after reaching his position inside, and hurriedly stepping forward.

“Star-Lord Long Geng has arrived at just the right time,” the Jade Emperor smiled, “How to handle this matter should naturally be your decision.

Ah ha ha ha ha!”

Elder Wood came forward to exchange greetings with Li Changshou, while the other old deities each bowed their heads and addressed him as Star Lord.

Li Changshou responded with a smile but immediately became serious, bringing out the same set of explanations he had used with Yun Xiao.

At this point, any explanation would seem like an attempt to cover up something.

Li Changshou smiled bitterly and said, “I truly never imagined Li Jing would have such a misunderstanding. This is indeed my failure.

Too many calculations, too perfect, ended up being inappropriate.”

The Jade Emperor asked, “Then does beloved official think there’s still a need to clarify this matter?”

“Naturally there is,” Li Changshou said seriously, “Though this appears to be my private matter, it could easily lead to an unhealthy trend.

Claiming fathers everywhere.

One’s body and hair are received from one’s parents, and the title of parent should come from blood relations.

If Li Jing’s matter is misunderstood by others, and those seeking benefits throughout the immortal realm all go to claim high-ranking officials as fathers, how would that be acceptable?”

The Jade Emperor smiled and said, “It probably won’t be as serious as you say. Li Jing has quite a history with you, and others couldn’t apply this same situation.

However, since you have such concerns, then handle it as you see fit.”

Li Changshou sighed inwardly but detailed what the Heavenly Court should do in this matter.

It was simple – the Heavenly Court would maintain silence for now and speak up when the time was right.

Afterward, Li Changshou began a month-long operation.

His approach was simple, following the principle that “extremes lead to reversal, prosperity leads to decline.” When all uninvolved beings in the immortal realm wanted to watch his spectacle, he would fan the flames.

This time, Li Changshou personally orchestrated events using his new type of paper avatar, his presence active in various towns and markets, beginning to spread various pieces of information.

Initially, he ‘leaked’ a series of event details, with the ‘Crossing Immortal Gate’ spreading first-hand materials, crafting the image of ‘father’s love and son’s filial piety’ between Li Changshou and Li Jing.

At this point, Li Jing stepped forward, publicly declaring his background and apologizing to all parties for the misunderstanding caused by his momentary impulse.

Along with this, he explained the circumstances of that day, saying that he had been accepted as an adopted son by the magnanimous Star Lord Taibai.

Then…

Li Jing was almost convinced by random passersby to start doubting whether he had been fostered in Chen Tang Town and whether everything was part of his honorary father’s plan.

As attention to this matter slightly receded, the news began to shift toward another explosive point—Li Jing’s mother.

Various rumors sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain, with speculation about Li Jing’s mother ranging from ‘Human Sect disciple’ to ‘Heavenly Court female war god,’ then to ‘female demon,’ ‘Mother of All Demons,’ ‘Luohou’s princess,’ ‘Outer Realm Devil’ and so on…

The initial gossip began to develop in a suspense and horror direction, stirring up wave after wave of commotion throughout the immortal realm.

However, this wave of controversy lasted a bit too long, with new information spreading everywhere daily, causing many cultivators to become suspicious.

“Why does it feel like someone is pushing this from behind, deliberately smearing Star Lord Taibai?”

“This is too absurd. Everything about this situation seems unreliable.”

“It must be someone exaggerating the adoptive father-son relationship, deliberately trying to ruin Star Lord Taibai’s reputation, perhaps even plotting against the relationship between Star-Lord Taibai and the Severing Sect.”

A small group of cultivators felt they had discovered the truth through the fog and began refuting various messages that had appeared.

As time passed, fewer and fewer people paid attention to the matter. Most cultivators had noticed something unusual about it and treated it as a joke.

At this point, the Heavenly Court issued an official announcement.

With Li Jing’s consent, they published detailed information about his background and announced severe punishment for those maliciously spreading rumors and defaming the image of Heavenly Court officials.

Li Jing made a Heavenly Dao oath, proving he had no blood relation to Star-Lord Taibai, and that he had only taken him as an honorary father out of gratitude for Star-Lord Taibai’s special regard for Human Sect disciples.

Li Changshou played his trump card by hosting a banquet at the Taibai Palace, inviting various immortals and deities to formally accept Li Jing as his adopted son.

The farce finally came to an end.

Through this series of operations, Li Changshou unexpectedly gained a rather useless reputation, earning a name for “caring for juniors” and “magnanimity.”

And the gossiping mouths of the Three Realms each gained something.

Those who discussed the matter attracted sidelong glances from others, gaining oral satisfaction;

Those who thought they saw through the fog to the truth gained a sense of superiority;

Those bored with cultivation found some entertainment to adjust their mood.

With the conclusion of the immortal banquet at Taibai Palace, the matter was considered settled, and Li Jing’s name spread throughout the immortal realm in a way he had never imagined.

A few days later, near the Shang Dynasty capital, two young Daoists walked one after another through the suburban forest.

“Oh Li Jing, Li Jing, you’ve truly given me quite a challenge.”

Li Changshou sighed, while Li Jing, aware of his previous mistake, showed an embarrassed expression, too ashamed to contain himself.

“Honorary Father…”

“In private, just call me Uncle-Master. You’re Senior Brother Du’e’s disciple, and I entered the sect many years after Senior Brother Du’e.”

Li Changshou waved his hand: “We appear so close in age, it’s strange that you can even call me that.”

Li Jing lowered his head and sighed, not knowing how to respond.

The Supreme Elder had truly caused him such trouble…

“Uncle Master,” Li Jing said, “Has this matter troubled Immortal Yun Xiao? If so, should I go before Immortal Yun Xiao and make an oath in person?”

—Li Changshou and Master Du’e called each other Senior Brother out of mutual respect, hence Li Jing’s address of ‘Uncle-Master.’

“No need, she never believed there could be any connection between us from the very beginning,” Li Changshou sighed, “During this time, I’ve also secretly investigated and found the source was with those several Crossing Immortal Gate elders.

They misunderstood, and that’s all there is to it.

However, Li Jing, from now on, your every word and action will be seen as my instruction, so you must be cautious in everything and avoid causing trouble.”

Li Jing immediately bowed and said softly, “Disciple will certainly be careful in word and deed, and absolutely will not tarnish Uncle-Master’s reputation.”

“Ah, what a situation.”

Li Changshou smiled and sighed, beckoning Li Jing to walk together as he actively steered the conversation to Chen Tang Town.

“Li Jing, have you had any success in slaying demons and eliminating evil in your hometown?”

“In reply to Uncle Master, the disciple’s achievements have not been many,” Li Jing said seriously, “Only because the disciple discovered that these demon tribes seem impossible to eliminate.

Where there is spiritual energy and living beings, domestic animals and wild beasts, birds and insects, ghosts and remnant souls can all transform into demons and harm human lives.

Especially in Chen Tang Town’s northeastern direction facing the Eastern Continent, with vast wilderness and forests connecting to the Eastern Continent, powerful demons are always migrating here.

Chen Tang Town can only achieve temporary peace, but lasting stability is difficult.”

Li Changshou asked, “Have you thought about how to resolve the current situation?”

“Uncle-Master, disciple is foolish,” Li Jing lowered his head and said, “The only solutions I could think of were setting up formations and such, but the spirit stone consumption would be far beyond what Chen Tang Town could afford, and it’s not a long-term solution.

Uncle Master, do you have any strategies?”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “This matter is both difficult and not difficult. Let me be brief and tell you just what needs to be done.”

“Thank you for Uncle Master’s guidance!”

Li Jing bowed with excitement, and Li Changshou organized his thoughts before speaking slowly:

“First, you need to borrow fortune.

Chen Tang Town is in a remote location and has long been outside the Shang Dynasty’s rule. Although Shang troops have been there before, currently there are no effective governmental orders, making it impossible to receive the Human Emperor’s fortune’s protection, leading to demons and evil spirits causing havoc.

You can be a leader, gathering the mortals within a thousand li of Chen Tang Town, establishing a great city, or building a mighty fortress.

Then pledge allegiance to the Shang King, borrowing the Human Emperor’s fortune.

Second, establish Chen Tang Town’s reputation. This requires you to stay in your hometown for a long time, establishing Chen Tang Fort as a bastion against demons, making demon tribes tremble at its name, thus protecting the region completely.

Furthermore, I will secretly assist you with Heaven’s power, ensuring you won’t face too much resistance in accomplishing these things.”

“Thank you, Uncle-Master! Thank you, Uncle-Master!”

Li Jing rushed forward a couple of steps, turned around, and repeatedly bowed to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, gesturing for Li Jing to follow as he began discussing his previous words in detail.

Half a day later, the confusion in Li Jing’s eyes had completely retreated, replaced by ambition and eagerness to take action immediately.

Li Changshou changed the subject, smiling as he asked, “Nephew, do you have someone you fancy?”

“How did you know… uh, well,” Li Jing immediately started scratching his head, “Actually, she’s not someone I fancy, I just saw that lady once, but I don’t know her name or where she is now.”

“Here.”

Li Changshou took out a jade slip from his sleeve and stuffed it into Li Jing’s hand.

“All the information about Miss Yin is in here. I can’t let you call me an honorary father for nothing.

Remember, don’t rush this matter, and don’t use immortal methods to force anything.

Whether you can move the fair lady’s heart depends entirely on you.”

Li Jing’s spirits soared, and he clutched the jade slip speechlessly, feeling as if his whole being was floating, his feet barely knowing what ground was.

Li Changshou patted Li Jing’s shoulder, laughed heartily, and strode toward the great city ahead.

This city also had the character ‘Yin’ in its name.

After walking a few steps, Li Changshou suddenly thought of something.

Wouldn’t he now nominally be the grandfather of Jin Zha, Mu Zha, and little Nezha?

Would the immortal realm’s large-scale ethical drama ‘The Zhas’ become a small entertainment piece ‘Where is Grandfather Going?’

This…

Li Changshou’s mouth twitched frantically for a moment.

Never mind, don’t think too much about it. There’s always a way forward, and all roads lead to Purple Void.

Better stick to the plan first, become a Shang Dynasty minister, and lay some groundwork around the yet-to-be-born King Zhou dozens of years in advance.

Should he go to Su Daji’s side and monitor Su Daji’s great-grandfather?

That wouldn’t be necessary.

After all, in the ‘Kingdom-Destroying Evil Consort Daji,’ Su Daji was just a beautiful shell, with the soul inside being the fox girl Xiao Lan.

Ah, and there’s also the connection between Jiang Shang’s previous life and Xiao Lan.

This Investiture of the Gods’ killing劫 has some complicated relationships.

…

“Hahahaha! Hahahaha *hic*!”

“Stop laughing, you’ve been laughing for so long, still haven’t had enough?”

In Xuandu City, in an elegant courtyard recently built in the city, on a soft couch in the warm pavilion of the back garden, the Grand Master laughed so hard he pounded the bed.

Kong Xuan reproached: “Your junior brother went to such great lengths to finally calm the situation down, yet you’re still laughing so hard here, it’s quite unseemly.”

“Ah, you don’t understand,” the Grand Master laughed and sighed, “It’s truly rare to see Changshou at a loss once.

You also saw from the Taiji Diagram, that when Li Jing appeared and knelt down calling him father, Changshou was stunned, his expression at that time was like… eh?

Hahahaha!”

Kong Xuan also laughed softly, then looked tenderly at the Grand Master and said quietly, “Speaking of this matter, don’t you want to be a father?”

The Grand Master’s laughter stopped abruptly, and he said seriously, “This mainly depends on fate, we’ll take things as they come, can’t force it.”

“I know that, husband~”

The Grand Master shuddered for a moment, the corners of his mouth showing a calm smile.

What is there to fear?

It’s all just the Great Dao.