Holding a minor official position in the mortal realm was merely for amusement. When it came to real power, even a common court official in the Celestial Court wielded more influence.
Li Changshou didn’t particularly care about these matters. His paper clone’s involvement in the mortal realm was simply a small diversion before the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe arrived. Incidentally, he had established a faction in the Shang court, gathering supporters who could influence the kingdom’s direction to some degree.
In his first three years in the Shang kingdom, through some “backdoor methods,” he had risen to become one of the Six Ministers—a feat that would have shocked mortals. But given Li Changshou’s masterful understanding of human nature, this progress was actually…slow.
At this time, though the Shang kingdom had a relatively complete court system, there was no clear system for official promotions. As long as the Shang King was pleased, one could easily become a Senior Official.
Moreover, Li Changshou gained fame as a “Great Scholar” in the Great Yin City through his storytelling of “The Yellow Emperor’s Battle with Chi You,” becoming the king’s favorite.
The position of Grand Historian was similar to the Imperial Historian but didn’t involve the Shang kingdom’s divination and sacrificial rites. The right to interpret divine matters remained firmly in the hands of the “Female Divination Group”—a legacy of the Shang ancestor You Qin Xuan Ya’s influence.
After court sessions, Li Changshou would tour his office, handling various affairs within half an hour before returning to his residence for “research.” His research primarily focused on the ancient history of human prosperity.
He would deliberately fragment otherwise smooth historical narratives, inserting obscure phrases to create stories that seemed both plausible and questionable. The more abstruse and difficult to comprehend, the more others would consider him a “master” with real substance.
In reality, once Li Changshou closed his study door, he would set up simple formations and, seated behind his desk, transfer his consciousness to other realms to continue arranging matters related to the great catastrophe.
To avoid suspicion, Li Changshou decided not to assist Wen Zhong, letting this future Grand Tutor Wen climb the ranks on his own, especially with the Heavenly Dao’s backing.
However, watching Fire Spirit Holy Mother, who was struggling in the military camp, Li Changshou couldn’t help but feel amused. This Third Generation Senior Sister of the Severing Sect, First Disciple of Duobao Daoren, and Primordial Being of the Great Wilderness were now wearing coarse cloth while tending fires for cooking in the Shang army camp—truly unprecedented.
Fire Spirit had her approach, using magic to create a scar on her face, hoping to make a name for herself through “martial prowess.” Li Changshou refrained from commenting, as his path of “publicity” could be considered opportunistic, and he shouldn’t mock such practical, down-to-earth efforts.
However, with Emperor Xin’s birth approaching, starting from the bottom at this point seemed rather untimely.
The essence of Shang rule was the extension of family power. If one couldn’t establish a solid network of influence within the Shang kingdom before the catastrophe arrived, coming to the mortal realm would be meaningless.
Yet compared to the Third Generation disciples sent by the Enlightenment Sect, at least the Fire Spirit and Wen Zhong were responsible and patient. Li Changshou was truly at a loss for words regarding those Third Generation “young masters” from the Enlightenment Sect.
They had been in Great Yin City for over two years, staying in taverns at the city’s edge, occasionally gathering information but showing no interest in infiltrating the Shang power core—or rather, having no idea how to begin.
Just as Li Changshou refrained from guiding Wen Zhong, he also wouldn’t guide the Enlightenment Sect disciples, merely observing both sides’ progress in “conquering” the Great Shang like an outsider.
Another half year passed this way.
After another promotion, Wen Zhong hesitated for a long while before visiting Li Changshou at the Grand Historian’s mansion. Li Changshou drank and talked with him, discussing court matters and giving subtle hints. Wen Zhong was quick to understand, beginning to grasp certain “unwritten rules.”
However, just as Li Changshou was enjoying this sense of participating in mythological historical processes, strange rumors began circulating in Great Yin City:
“A sage has emerged in Great Yin!
Zi Xian lacks virtue and only knows pleasure, while Prince Bi Gan is intelligent and most suitable for succession.
In half a month, an immortal will descend to grant Bi Gan sage-like abilities.”
Li Changshou was puzzled.
Why would the Enlightenment Sect support Bi Gan?
Li Changshou was suspicious, but he had observed that those “tavern immortals” were spreading these messages.
What was Senior Brother Guangcheng Zi planning?
The Shang throne’s succession had already been settled, with Zi Xian—Emperor Xin’s father—as heir. The surname “Zi” had been adopted by Shang rulers, though Li Changshou hadn’t noticed exactly when this change occurred, presumably around the time of Tang of Shang.
“King Zhou” was the derogatory posthumous title given to Emperor Xin by the Zhou kingdom after overthrowing Shang rule. His given name was Zi Shou, the third son of Zi Xian.
At this delicate moment, with Emperor Xin about to be born, his grandfather about to pass away, and Zi Xian about to ascend the throne, the Enlightenment Sect suddenly made such a move.
Did they believe the throne could be claimed simply by virtue and wisdom?
Zi Xian had long been groomed as the next ruler. The court officials and powerful families controlling Shang’s military and political affairs, such as Huang Feihu’s “seven generations of loyal service Huang family,” had already sworn allegiance to Zi Xian.
Attempting to have Bi Gan compete with Zi Xian for the throne at this point was a fool’s dream unless they planned to completely purge the Shang core.
Li Changshou could only smile and shake his head as he continued to observe developments.
Within half a month, an unusual phenomenon appeared in Great Yin City’s sky: a seven-colored auspicious cloud flew from the horizon, circling above Bi Gan’s mansion.
Bi Gan, then just a youth with a handsome face and eyes full of divine light, showed some potential for cultivation.
He had been napping when he heard a gentle female voice calling him. Still drowsy, he walked into the courtyard and was immediately enveloped by the seven-colored cloud, slowly rising into the air.
The entire city watched as Bi Gan gradually absorbed the auspicious cloud.
A white-robed female immortal appeared in the sky, her face dignified and surrounded by immortal light. Her gentle voice spread throughout the great city:
“Bi Gan, today I grant you the Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart, bestowing upon you the ability to perceive worldly matters. May you see through illusions and benefit the mortal realm.”
After speaking, the female immortal’s figure dispersed like clouds and mist. The unconscious Bi Gan slowly descended back to the courtyard, surrounded by guards.
High in the clouds, Cihang Daoren nodded slightly, turning to return to Jade Void Palace to report her mission’s completion.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard a gentle call from the side: “Why doesn’t Senior Sister Cihang stay a few more days to see what unfolds?”
Cihang Daoren’s dao heart trembled. Hearing the voice and sensing its dao rhythm, she knew immediately who had arrived.
She turned to face the young Daoist who had appeared nearby without notice, who was smiling and making a Daoist salute.
Cihang returned the greeting, looking somewhat embarrassed, and said softly:
“I didn’t know Brother Changgen was here as well. I’ve been quite presumptuous.”
“Planning for the catastrophe is something both the Enlightenment and Severing Sects can do. How is this presumptuous?” Li Changshou smiled and said, “I’ve revealed myself because I don’t understand why the Enlightenment Sect chose to support Bi Gan as king?”
“Well…” Cihang wanted to say something diplomatic, such as how Bi Gan was quick-witted and blessed with good fortune, suitable to be a human sovereign.
But seeing Li Changshou’s meaningful smile, Cihang Daoren knew further explanation was pointless and said softly:
“I don’t know the specifics either. It was all arranged by Senior Brother.”
“Ah,” Li Changshou smiled and sighed, “The struggle for mortal power isn’t so simple, and the fortune of human sovereigns can’t be manipulated at will.
Would Senior Sister be willing to wait here with me for a few days, no more than half a month, to witness something?”
“Oh?” Cihang smiled, “What are we to witness?”
“Senior Sister will know then. Please allow me to keep it a mystery for now.”
Though puzzled, Cihang nodded in agreement. She sent out a message jade talisman and sat beside Li Changshou in the clouds, watching the changes in the great city below.
Bi Gan receiving the Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart from an immortal caused an enormous stir throughout Great Yin City.
After regaining consciousness, the previously shy youth suddenly became eloquent and perceptive of worldly matters.
When noble families gathered at Bi Gan’s mansion to test him with various difficult questions, he usually provided solutions immediately.
When officials brought several complex criminal cases, Bi Gan could quickly reveal the truth and identify the real culprits.
Within three days, Bi Gan had solved all the difficult cases in Great Yin City.
A few days later, Bi Gan spoke about state affairs in court, enlightening many royal ministers.
Within just half a month of Bi Gan receiving the Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart, the core Shang territory centered around Great Yin City began praising Bi Gan’s virtue and talent.
News spread from the royal court that the Shang King was considering changing his successor.
In court, the officials split into two factions. Eighty percent supported Zi Xian, defending his right to succession based on the “eldest legitimate son” system that had developed over years of Shang inheritance.
The marginalized officials supported Bi Gan, arguing that since he had received an immortal blessing and was a sage of the Shang kingdom, the king should change his appointed heir.
The two sides argued fiercely.
When Bi Gan heard the news, his Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart immediately understood what would happen next. He rushed to go to court.
But he was a step too late—before he could leave his mansion, a large contingent of soldiers blocked his path, confining him to his residence.
That night, wails of grief came from the Shang palace—the old king’s illness had suddenly worsened, and he passed away. The new king, Zi Xian, ascended to the human sovereign’s throne and mourned his father’s death.
After the mourning period, when the new king first held court, Bi Gan knelt alongside his “illegitimate” elder brother Xu Yu, pledging loyalty to the new king.
Zi Xian treated them with apparent generosity, rewarding them generously. He granted Xu Yu an idle marquis title, and given Bi Gan’s outstanding talents, put him in charge of criminal justice.
The succession of the throne concluded smoothly.
“This…”
In the clouds, Cihang Daoren frowned as she watched the scene unfold below, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Their Enlightenment Sect’s first calculated move had ended without achieving anything.
“What are Senior Sister’s thoughts?” Li Changshou asked with a smile. Cihang Daoren could only shake her head and sigh.
“Though there are only mortals in the secular world, the hidden machinations here are even more fearsome than those of immortal sects.”
“Human hearts are inherently complex, and the mortal realm is treacherous.”
“Hm?”
“Ah, it’s nothing, just a small observation,” Li Changshou said gently. “Does Senior Sister wish to watch further?”
Cihang Daoren smiled, “Our Enlightenment Sect’s plan has failed, so it’s not appropriate for me to linger here. However, from your words, Brother, it seems you have more arrangements in store?”
“They’re not arrangements, just some preparations,” Li Changshou smiled. “Earlier, I received a heavenly warning and entered the mortal realm to protect a future Shang ruler. In a few days, there will be another interesting scene to witness.”
Cihang Daoren blinked gently and smiled, “Then this poor Daoist shall observe and see what methods a Celestial Court authority figure employs.”
“Good,” Li Changshou nodded slowly.
Having given Wen Zhong guidance once before, today he would provide some hints to the Enlightenment Sect as well. Maintaining the balance of forces in the ancient wilderness.
Thus, Cihang Daoren and Li Changshou silently watched Great Yin City from the clouds. Clouds passed by, night fell and day broke, and another half month went by.
One night, joyous news came from the royal palace: Zi Xian’s third son was born, named Zi Shou.
The court stirred again. Using the kingdom’s security as a justification, the officials requested Zi Xian to name an heir. By this time, Zi Xian’s eldest son, Prince Wei Zi Qi, was already grown, talented, and charismatic.
Zi Xian intended to make Wei Zi Qi his heir. However, the Grand Historian stepped forward from the crowd, stating that although Wei Zi Qi was the eldest son, he wasn’t the eldest legitimate son.
An official asked in surprise: “All three princes—Qi, Yan, and Shou—were born of the same mother. What distinction could there be?”
The Grand Historian, who was Li Changshou’s paper clone, smiled and said:
“Minister, that’s an excellent question. Your Majesty!
When the first two princes were born, you were still a prince, and their mother was a concubine. A concubine’s sons are considered born of secondary wives.
But Zi Shou is the son of the Queen, making him the legitimate eldest son.
Passing the throne to legitimate sons rather than those of secondary wives, to sons rather than brothers, was established when Emperor Wencheng moved the capital to Yin City. This rule ended succession disputes in our Shang kingdom, stabilized all directions, and extended our heavenly mandate.
I humbly request Your Majesty to consider this carefully.”
On the throne, the vigorous King Di Yi pondered for a moment before saying, “The Grand Historian makes sense. However, my son Zi Shou is still in swaddling clothes. How can we know if he will be a worthy ruler to entrust the kingdom to?”
Li Changshou remained silent. At his side, a middle-aged woman wearing dark robes and a Dark Bird cloak stepped forward, kneeling to report:
“The king’s doubts are for the king to decide, but for the king’s uncertainties, heaven shall provide guidance.”
Di Yi said, “Then let us divine the answer.”
The officials stepped back as more than ten strangely dressed priestesses came forward barefooted, dancing and jumping to the rhythm of bells and drums.
It somewhat resembled the spirit possession dances of the Xiong Lingli.
The middle-aged woman sat before a fire basin, rolling her eyes back while holding a turtle shell, shaking it up and down before placing it on the burning coals.
The “squares” on the turtle shell were inscribed with several characters.
Soon, cracks appeared in the heated shell, running through one of the characters…
Thus concluded a divination ceremony that would determine national affairs.
The woman knelt again and called out: “Your Majesty, heaven’s will points to Zi Shou.”
Di Yi smiled, “If that is so, then Zi Shou shall be my heir.”
The officials praised his wisdom, and the entire hall was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
In the clouds, Li Changshou smiled, “Does Senior Sister understand now?”
Cihang Daoren frowned slightly and asked softly, “Their divination method isn’t based on calculations at all. Why do they believe in it so firmly?”
“Because it’s heaven’s will,” Li Changshou pointed upward. “This divination method may lack rationality, but it’s the direct way heaven guides human sovereigns. The mandate falling to Zi Shou is heaven’s intention.”
“Then, what did Brother calculate in this matter?” Cihang Daoren smiled. “Could it be you merely wanted to tell me that heaven’s will is inviolable and the Heavenly Dao cannot be opposed? Such principles I’ve long known.”
Li Changshou pointed at Great Yin City and said, “Watch further, Senior Sister.”
Cihang Daoren looked down to see the court session ending. The Grand Historian who had spoken about legitimate succession gave a faint smile toward the sky.
Cihang Daoren was slightly startled.
But that wasn’t all.
As she watched the Grand Historian more closely, she suddenly noticed subtle eye contact between him and the divining priestess.
Looking more carefully, she saw the priestess had another turtle shell hidden in her sleeve, with cracks through the same character as the one used in the ceremony.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Is this heaven’s will or human intention?”
“Heaven’s lack of intervention is itself heaven’s will and human calculations are indeed human will,” Li Changshou’s form slowly dispersed into mist, leaving Cihang Daoren with a few final words as his figure scattered with the wind.
“Please tell Senior Brother Guangcheng Zi that mortal schemes differ entirely from immortal calculations. Sometimes doing less is better than doing more.”
Cihang Daoren stood silently in the clouds for a while before shaking her head with a sigh and riding the clouds toward Mount Kunlun.
…
Several years later.
‘Lonely… so lonely.’
At the intersection of the South Continent, East Continent, and Middle Divine Continent, in a quiet valley, a cave appeared in the cliff face. A middle-aged Daoist stepped out, hands behind his back, gazing at various points on the horizon.
Perhaps he should go out for another walk?
Black Panther felt somewhat restless in his heart. Though his cultivation had progressed smoothly here, achieving levels even higher than his previous life, his dao heart grew increasingly unsettled.
Though the world was vast, where did he belong?
In his previous life, he had been a Severing Sect immortal, but in this life, he was just an ordinary black panther—too ashamed to return to Golden Turtle Island to cultivate.
In the current world, humans are the protagonists of heaven and earth. As a demon, he didn’t dare wander freely, as he could easily fall victim to demon-slaying.
Over these years, he had visited demon territories several times.
He had served as a minor vanguard general under a Demon King in the North Continent, but after the Celestial Court suppressed the North, he had drifted to the East Continent, always remaining frustrated and unfulfilled.
Ah…
He deeply missed those shameless days spent with Miao Miao.
But missing them was all he could do.
He should go for another walk—cultivation without companionship was truly too torturous.
So Black Panther took out a bronze mirror and adjusted his carefully maintained hairstyle, deliberately adding a few strands of white hair to emphasize maturity and steadiness.
“Hm?”
In the nearby bushes, a pair of eyes slowly opened, watching Black Panther’s departing figure as he rode away on clouds, revealing thoughtful consideration in their gaze.
The Black Panther had finally made his move.