“The red sun just rises over the mountain~”

Humming a tune deeply embedded in his memories, Li Changshou strolled through the spirit beast enclosure with his hands behind his back, clearly in quite good spirits.

Having offered guidance to Zi Shou once had somehow given him a small sense of achievement.

Perhaps because the ‘King Zhou’ from his Earth homeland was so infamous, he inevitably had a subtle feeling of having witnessed ‘history’ and such.

Thinking of this, Li Changshou smiled crookedly and continued humming his tune, completely at ease.

Zi Shou’s temperament didn’t seem particularly brutal—at most he was somewhat quick to anger and prone to rash action, and he had a strong ‘sense of family duty,’ wanting to lead the Shang state to revival.

Why call it a sense of family duty?

In the understanding of mortal rulers like Zi Shou and Emperor Yi, the current state was their family’s private property.

It’s nonsense to discuss ideological advancement or backwardness outside of the broader context, but in Zi Shou, Li Changshou indeed saw something different from rulers like Emperor Yi and Emperor Ding.

This was perhaps the reason why Wen Zhong, at Zi Shou’s side, had gradually become ‘too deeply invested’ in his role.

Of course, it was too early to draw such conclusions.

The current Zi Shou still had a long road ahead, and what kind of ‘flower bud’ he would ultimately bloom into was anyone’s guess.

Not to mention, there was still Su Daji, who would act like a ‘stimulant.’

Could it be a Heaven’s Way hardcore script like “Thousand-Year Fox, Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit,” where this burden was destined to be carried by a beautiful woman who brings disaster?

That would be a bit too despicable.

Of course, these thoughts were just private grumblings—impossible to speak aloud.

His immortal awareness spread out like ripples on water…

Hmm?

What was wrong with You Qin?

She seemed somewhat dejected, walking out of the chess room with a dispirited expression, gathering her skirts to sit on the threshold, leaning against the doorframe lost in thought…

Several question marks appeared above Li Changshou’s head—he had never seen You Qin Xuan Ya in such a state.

His immortal awareness swept through and saw a Primordial Treasure throwing back its head in laughter inside the room, along with several pouches of spirit stones and the Fire Qilin Sword case arranged before its spiritual manifestation. Li Changshou immediately felt powerless to criticize.

What could this Chaos Bell do with spirit stones? Throw them around to hear them jingle?

It had corrupted the atmosphere of his chess room!

After some thought, Li Changshou took advantage of the moment before he disturbed the joyful atmosphere in the chess room to turn and slip away.

A few days later, he found another time when the chess room was empty and secretly placed a warning sign.

[Competition with love, gambling without mercy].

The fight against gambling in the Primordial Sky Palace begins in the White Tiger Palace’s backyard!

Li Changshou looked around with satisfaction, nodding his head before turning to stroll toward his thatched cottage.

With each step he took, he naturally moved forward two chi;

But to others watching, every time he lifted and placed his foot, his form would naturally appear a hundred zhang away.

Without flashing, without pause, space entirely undisturbed, as if he had merged with nature, or as if this was simply how the rules of walking worked.

Shou’s mastery of the Dao was becoming increasingly profound, heading irreversibly toward a certain realm…

Li Changshou didn’t know if he had taken the wrong path, but having received the method of severing the three corpses from the Dao Ancestor, he had already decided not to use it.

That wouldn’t be very stable.

Returning to his cottage, Li Changshou sat properly behind his low table, took out a blank silk scroll, and wrote a small line of characters on it.

“Records of Great Shang’s Notable Ministers.”

He hadn’t spent these years in Chaoge City for nothing. From this moment on, he would observe the ministers around the Shang ruler, selecting those with talent, expertise in governance, care for the common people, and compassionate hearts.

Since he was to preside over the Great Tribulation of Canonization, he should act the part of the tribulation’s master.

The Celestial Court would not accept those who only stood on the right side to gain victory, without any real talent or learning.

For positions as proper deities, better to have too few than unworthy ones.

“Senior Brother~”

Ling E’s soft call came from outside the door. Li Changshou responded with a smile, his brush continuing without pause, writing the opening preface.

Wearing a light green immortal dress, Ling E approached gracefully, carrying a bowl of chilled soup—her recently learned culinary skill.

Kneeling on the cushion beside Li Changshou, Ling E leaned her little head close and asked curiously:

“Senior Brother, are you planning to turn mortal ministers into Celestial Court officials?”

“During the Great Tribulation, this is the only chance.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Between immortals and mortals, the only difference lies in immortal destiny and roots. Some immortals aren’t even as clever or thoughtful as mortals.

The Way of Heaven doesn’t care about the strength of living beings. It can directly bestow merit and enlightenment, allowing mortals to ascend in broad daylight—what’s wrong with that?

At least a third of the positions on the Canonization List should be reserved for worthy people of the current human race. This is a necessary symbol of the Celestial Court representing humanity, and also the merging of the destinies of the Celestial Court and humanity.”

Ling E blinked, not quite understanding, and smiled:

“My my, in the blink of an eye, Senior Brother has become a mature immortal.”

Li Changshou glared at Ling E, who made a face and giggled as she came closer to hug his arm, deliberately making some physical contact while strongly suppressing her inner shyness.

She was actively adapting to a more intimate relationship, and Li Changshou naturally wouldn’t refuse this, sometimes taking the initiative himself.

Who wouldn’t love a sweet, lovable junior sister who was devoted to him with all her heart?

“By the way, did Senior Sister You Qin lose all her spirit stones?”

“Uh… Senior Brother, you saw that?”

Ling E moved away slightly with some guilt, saying softly: “It’s my fault too, I didn’t stop Big Sister Bell in time.”

“Hahaha!”

A wild laugh simultaneously rang out in Li Changshou and Ling E’s minds.

Li Changshou’s forehead darkened, and his left hand curved to flick lightly. A clear bell sound suddenly rang out by the lake, followed by a mental “Ouch!”

The Chaos Bell roared with spiritual indignation: “You dare strike me, junior!”

Just then, a trace of yin-yang energy quietly bloomed.

The Chaos Bell, which was about to return to its original size and come over to protest, instantly shrank back, returning to just over three cun tall, hanging on a willow branch by the lake, swaying back and forth, its spiritual response still carrying a hint of defiance.

“How annoying! Why keep disturbing Big Brother Tu for no reason? We can resolve our family matters ourselves.”

“Heh!”

“Who dares to laugh!”

The small tower beside Li Changshou’s primordial spirit instantly sealed itself, withdrawing all its radiance, not daring to move.

The hierarchy among treasures was truly quite strict—even Tower Lord had days of being a junior.

After some laughter, spiritual light flickered in Li Changshou’s mind, and he slowly broke this enlightenment down into insights, gradually dispersing them in his Dao’s heart, closing his eyes and humming softly.

Comfortable.

This hard-won sudden enlightenment.

The frequency of sudden enlightenment was becoming lower and lower now, after all, there were fewer and fewer things that could give him insight.

“Senior Brother, can I make instruments beside you?”

“Mm,” Li Changshou lifted the jade bowl for a sip, smiled gently at Ling E, and lowered his head to continue writing vigorously.

After all, this was something for the Jade Emperor to see, and it would change many people’s fates, so he should be cautious and thorough.

Suddenly thinking…

Had the Western Religion truly become peaceful?

Unlikely.

Li Changshou always felt that Western Religion was preparing some revenge against him, and this revenge might appear at various subsequent points.

When would they make their move?

Li Changshou thought for a while, then directly employed his old skill.

Perspective taking.

[If I were the Sixth Sage, what would I scheme next to vent my anger while also igniting the war between the Orthodox and Severing Sects?]

In Li Changshou’s mind, an imagined scroll slowly unfurled, revealing a clear storyline connecting various option blocks.

The Severing Sect, the Killing Tribulation, the Orthodox-Severing War, himself as the Grand White Star…

Foster father and son, Li Jing?

A moment later, Li Changshou closed his eyes in concentration, standing as still as a withered stone, his aura becoming somewhat faint.

Ling E looked up at her senior brother, sighing softly in her heart, but her lips showed a happy smile.

She still couldn’t help him much.

…

Three months after Li Changshou’s night meeting with Zi Shou.

The Shang state’s expeditionary army returned to Shang territory, with most of the commanders rushing back to Chaoge City overnight to report Zi Shou’s crime of ‘executing victorious generals in the army.’

The next morning.

All officials gathered in the Great King’s Hall. Zi Shou, wearing armor, knelt silently before the hall, while Emperor Yi sat expressionless on his high throne.

Sixteen expedition generals knelt on one knee together, describing the circumstances before and after Zi Shou’s execution of the generals, their words passionate and filled with indignation.

The ministers immediately erupted in discussion, with many senior officials saying this would damage military morale and inevitably reduce the army’s fighting spirit.

The Grand Steward, head of the inner court and closest to the ruler, stepped forward and said:

“Executing victorious generals in the army—there has never been such a precedent since ancient times.

This matter requires careful handling from Your Majesty. We cannot dishearten these soldiers who have shed blood in battle.”

Emperor Yi nodded slowly and spoke: “My beloved ministers, is there anyone who will speak in Zi Shou’s defense?”

Minister Wen Zhong stepped forward from the crowd, bowing as he said: “Your Majesty, there are other circumstances to this matter. Why not hear Zi Shou’s words?”

Several ministers spoke up in succession:

“Whatever the circumstances, how can there be a reason to execute a victorious general?”

“The Prince’s groundless execution of generals is now a fact.”

“The Great Shang was established through military might. Our ancestors conquered in all directions to achieve today’s prosperity—how can we abandon our foundations?”

Wen Zhong frowned slightly, now realizing he had stepped forward too early.

“Ahem!”

A light cough suddenly came from the front corner of the great hall. Half the ministers fell silent, their gazes turning toward the increasingly elderly minister.

It was Li Changshou’s [Official] paper clone, one of the Six Ministers, the Grand Historian of Shang.

Li Changshou spoke slowly: “Your Majesty, why not let Lord Bi Gan handle this matter? Lord Bi Gan’s judgments are divine—there have been no wrongful cases in Chaoge City for long.”

Bi Gan turned his head to look at Li Changshou, internally muttering about how this old Grand Historian normally had no connection with him, yet unexpectedly recommended him.

His Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart turned once, and Bi Gan instantly understood this might be his elder brother’s intention.

This old fox of a Grand Historian usually kept a low profile, but he had extremely good relationships in court. Many officials’ promotions had his shadow behind them—he wasn’t someone to offend.

Emperor Yi’s lips revealed a faint smile as he looked toward Bi Gan on the left, speaking gently:

“Royal Brother, how do you think this matter should be handled?”

Bi Gan stepped forward.

Looking at this royal brother who had once received the Orthodox Teaching’s support for half a month—tall and graceful, with a jade-like face—he had now entered middle age, losing much of his sharp edge while gaining some steadiness.

He had the Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart, yet never used it to be diplomatic on all sides, remaining extremely upright;

He was skilled at reading the depths of human hearts, yet never showed leniency to the powerful and noble.

Everyone in Chaoge City sang: [Chaoge has a Father Justice, Seven Apertures Spiritual Heart distinguishes loyal from treacherous]—speaking of Bi Gan.

Bi Gan pondered for a moment, bowed to Emperor Yi, then said:

“Your Majesty, this humble brother believes that regardless of the case, we should hear both sides and gather sufficient evidence before making a reasonable judgment.

We should invite nephew Zi Shou inside to explain the circumstances.”

Emperor Yi smiled and said: “Since Royal Brother has spoken thus, let Zi Shou enter and explain.”

Outside the hall, Zi Shou first raised his head in a bow, then slowly stood.

Gripping the sword at his waist, he walked slowly into the great hall. His eyes were clear, his bearing relaxed, but when his gaze swept across the ministers on both sides, there was a sharp light surging in his eyes that made many senior ministers feel quite uneasy.

Then, following Li Changshou’s guidance, Zi Shou first established benevolence and righteousness, promoting martial virtue, and then confused the two military commanders’ crimes. He changed their “switching uniforms to incorporate prisoners” to “putting dead enemy soldiers’ robes on civilians for military merit,” without specifying whether they were taken as prisoners or killed outright, simply saying “how cruel their actions were.”

Then Zi Shou shifted the conflict, saying these two military commanders had become arrogant with their achievements, were dissatisfied with his initial punishment, and attempted to incite mutiny among the troops. They had secretly communicated with many of the kneeling commanders present, intending to undermine Prince Zi Shou’s authority.

What he said happened to all be true, just deliberately vague in some places, never mentioning the slave issue.

As Zi Shou’s words fell, a deadly silence filled the great hall.

Emperor Yi’s face was as black as a pot bottom. Zi Shou’s voice remained calm, giving no chance for rebuttal as he sighed:

“With the army in the field, I was the commander.

I know many in this court wish to kill me for their benefit.

But such power struggles have already infiltrated the military!

The eight hundred feudal lords are watching from outside!

How many among them are waiting for our Great Shang to rot from within, and then rise to replace us?

Right here in this great hall, how many care only for themselves, only for their children and grandchildren’s futures, yet forget that this territory of Great Shang was carved out piece by piece with axes and blades by our Shang ancestors!

Those who wish to kill me, why not do it here today, rather than plotting those dirty tricks in secret!”

Clang!

Zi Shou drew his sword and threw it in the center of the great hall, his eyes like a hawk’s, his sword-like eyebrows radiating cold light!

His sharp gaze swept across all areas, making most court officials tremble in fear, not daring to meet his eyes.

“Alas…”

Zi Shou sighed, seeming to release a breath, threw his scabbard aside, stepped forward to make a deep bow to his father king on the high seat, and without giving Bi Gan a chance to speak, said directly:

“Father King, at that time to prevent army mutiny and establish the commander’s authority, your son had no choice but to painfully execute those two commanders.

In today’s matter, your son is willing to accept punishment, and also asks Father King not to pursue these generals’ crimes—most of them simply didn’t know the truth and felt empathy.

I believe all officials present have the Great Shang in their hearts, just that sometimes there exist certain differences and misunderstandings between us.”

Emperor Yi couldn’t help but smile with narrowed eyes.

Beside him, Li Changshou secretly raised an eyebrow, also quite moved that Zi Shou could speak those final few sentences.

This fellow was naturally suited to be a ruler, already understanding how to control people’s hearts.

What a pity…

Never mind.

Zi Shou’s speech in court today caused an earthquake in Chaoge City.

That night, news spread from the palace that Emperor Yi, who had recently had a poor appetite, heartily enjoyed a meal, and after drinking said “Great Shang can endure long” several times, clearly quite satisfied with Zi Shou.

Soon after, Bi Gan also publicly stated that the execution of the generals was not Zi Shou’s fault and that power struggles among princes must be suppressed.

Many ministers who had been watching from the sidelines began to lean toward this suddenly brilliant young prince.

Meanwhile, Wei Zi Qi and Wei Zhong Yan kept their mansion gates tightly closed, refusing visitors, seemingly quietly observing.

In the Grand Historian’s mansion, Li Changshou closed his eyes in his study, his spirit about to return to the Celestial Court when the ‘Directed Wind Word Spell’ brought him a conversation…

It was Zi Shou and Wen Zhong.

“Minister, what kind of expert is this Grand Historian?

For so many years, I’ve been squeezed by those old ministers in court and truly never been so proactive. Following the Grand Historian’s words once, I actually scared them speechless.

This time was truly satisfying!”

“Zi Shou, careful, careful. This Grand Historian isn’t someone I can casually recommend.

He is a true expert, unmoved by power or wealth.

Some things I cannot tell you in detail, but Zi Shou, remember: unless it’s a matter of life and death, absolutely do not trouble the old sir, otherwise it will only backfire.”

“Is the Grand Historian also one of the immortals?”

“With one hand, he can cover the sky.”

“Hiss— Then why did he come to our Great Shang?”

“For amusement, perhaps, though there are rumors that Great Shang is just one of his chess pieces. I can’t see clearly into these matters, and you definitely shouldn’t know about them. Don’t speak carelessly.”

Hearing this, Li Changshou’s mouth twitched uncontrollably.

This Wen Zhong had indeed fallen in too deep, even secretly telling Zi Shou about his extraordinary nature.

But it made sense—after all, hearts are made of flesh, and Wen Zhong had been a mentor for some years, practically inseparable from Zi Shou.

Could this cause any hidden troubles?

Li Changshou fell into thought again, reviewing matters related to Wen Zhong back and forth.

And at this time, he wasn’t the only one thinking about Wen Zhong.

…

In the Waterfall Pavilion behind Jade Void Palace.

“This Wen Zhong sounds somewhat familiar.”

Guangcheng Zi rhythmically tapped his fingers on the table before him, frowning in thought.

Chijing Zi said: “He’s that disciple of Golden Spirit Sacred Mother, the third generation of the Severing Sect. Previously he attended lectures with our nephew Yang Jian and others from our junior brother Changgen and walked in Chaoge City.

At the time we were only watching the Human Sect’s Li Jing, and forgot about this.

Unexpectedly, while we weren’t paying attention to Chaoge City for a while, he has already become the Junior Preceptor.”

Beside them, True Person Yellow Dragon asked puzzled: “What thing is a Junior Preceptor?”

Chijing Zi said: “According to this poor Dao’s investigation, whenever a new human emperor ascends, the Junior Preceptor usually becomes Grand Preceptor, holding considerable power in the mortal court, able to influence military and political matters.”

True Person Taiyi tucked both hands in his sleeves and smiled:

“Teacher to the human emperor—hasn’t our eldest senior brother done it before? He just didn’t manage much, why worry?”

Guangcheng Zi glared at Taiyi, throwing the jade talisman in his hand onto the table, saying firmly:

“We cannot be so careless. The Severing Sect has made a good move this time.

This Wen Zhong looks to become an important figure in the Great Tribulation—we must carefully consider how to deal with him.”

True Person Yuding said solemnly: “Better to do less than more. Wait until Heaven’s mechanisms are clearer, then act—it’s not too late.”

True Person Taiyi habitually pursed his lips, his face full of world-weariness: “Fine, let’s see which current prince is unfortunate enough to get our support for half a month.”

The other eight immortals in the pavilion all cast helpless glances at him, and True Person Taiyi shrugged.

Leaning on Yuding, he naturally had no fears.

…

Meanwhile, inside Jade Lily Palace.

Duo Bao Dao Person wandered over, intercepting Golden Spirit Sacred Mother who had just returned looking for precious materials for refining tools.

“Junior Sister Golden Spirit, has your disciple had any gains in the recent dozen years? Fire Spirit hasn’t sent word for a long time, making me worried about them.”

“Hmm…”

“It’s fine if he’s met obstacles. The core area of the Great Tribulation isn’t easily infiltrated. The mortal realm is polluted, human hearts are complex—returning without achievement is understandable.”

“Been busy, haven’t asked. I’ll send a jade talisman to ask him later.”

“Alright then, no rush.”