“Hmm, Changshou is good in every way, except this congratulatory speech seems a bit… hastily written.”
Before making his appearance, Patriarch Tongtian sat beside the Lotus Pool on the side peak, reading the jade slip before him repeatedly, somewhat hesitant.
Looking at the beginning of the congratulatory speech, which aimed to create an image of an approachable patriarch, used many simple phrases like ‘fine weather,’ ‘gentle breeze,’ and ‘honored guests gathering here from the three thousand realms.’
Who was he?
Currently one of the most prominent figures in the Primordial World, one of the Three Pure Ones!
How could he use such plain and common language?
He should first expound upon the Great Dao, then speak briefly of magical arts, recount some embarrassing stories of when his two disciples first entered the sect, and reminisce about himself as a master sitting beside tall grain mounds, telling them colorful stories.
Don’t misunderstand—that was a required course in the Severing Sect: “The Multiple Applications of Different Colored Rainbow Light in Combat.”
This approach would better suit Sage’s dignity.
Patriarch Tongtian tucked the jade slip into his sleeve, clasped his hands behind his back, and gazed at the bustling main hall.
The Great Tribulation could wait.
The “Ancestral Master” sent his disciples disciples to fill the tribulation roles. As their master who couldn’t defeat the Ancestral Master, he could only endure silently and watch for any chance of turning things around.
What else could he do?
He had originally thought about joining forces with the Second Senior Brother to persuade the First Senior Brother to fight their teacher.
But when he had this thought, Second Senior Brother had already taken the opposite stance.
In truth, he, the most ‘impetuous’ of the three friends, understood that Second Senior Brother’s temperament was quite steady—he wouldn’t act without sufficient certainty, was easily persuaded, and was more protective of his own than himself.
The conflict between the Severing Sect and the Enlightenment Sect had evolved into discord among the Three Pure Ones. Their teacher’s scheme was truly masterful.
‘Trying to contend with the teacher, I’m still too young.’
Patriarch Tongtian sighed softly, hands behind his back, watching the male and female immortals making a commotion. His gaze was distant yet seemed to shine with light.
What was Changshou’s true attitude toward their teacher?
This was Patriarch Tongtian’s greatest concern at the moment.
He felt that in recent years, little Changshou had suddenly become more assertive, when previously he had been quite cautious, always thinking of survival first.
In Patriarch Tongtian’s view, this was actually an extremely precious quality, far better than his disciples who would cry “How dare they insult our Dao!” at the slightest provocation.
Could it be that Changshou had acquired some means to ensure he wouldn’t be eliminated by their teacher?
Did such means truly exist?
Patriarch Tongtian frowned slightly.
Within the realm of the Heavenly Dao, their teacher was an invincible existence, with only the First Senior Brother able to check him somewhat.
The six Sages could barely maintain balance with the power of the Heavenly Dao, but as the Heavenly Court grew stronger, he increasingly felt powerless.
As a Sage, he could see their teacher’s plans regarding the Heavenly Court over the past several eons.
For the Three Realms, the Heavenly Court represented order, and its rise represented the advancement of order.
But for their teacher, the Heavenly Court was a weight—one that could break the balance between ‘Sages and the Heavenly Dao.’
Patriarch Tongtian smiled and shook his head.
He could already feel the obvious pressure from the Heavenly Dao. Surely… the two Sages of the Western Religion must be struggling to breathe.
He smiled.
These several great Sage sects—the three Daoist sects plus the Western Religion—were actually supports for the Sages themselves.
In this world, the order since ancient times had been upheld by the great Sage sects.
The Six Sages being the foundation of the Heavenly Dao meant two things: first, the Sages promoted the evolution of the Heavenly Dao, forming an important component of the Heavenly Dao’s power through the Primordial Purple Qi.
Second, the order of the Heavenly Dao in previous ages was implemented through the influence of the great Sage sects.
The rise of the Heavenly Court marked the Heavenly Dao’s beginning to directly intervene in worldly order.
When the positions of the Heavenly Court’s proper deities were filled by the Great Tribulation, the Heavenly Dao would approach perfection, and even if all six Sages joined forces, they wouldn’t be their teacher’s match.
Moreover, the six of them could never unite, nor did they have any reason to do so.
Now, the Sages were on the verge of being eliminated by the Heavenly Dao.
‘I wonder how much Changshou understands about the Heavenly Dao.’
Patriarch Tongtian’s brow furrowed deeper.
When he previously saw Suiren attacking Heaven, Li Changshou was also in the Human Race camp, which was somewhat unwise.
Their teacher couldn’t be defeated by force—why did Changshou need to contest this moment of pride?
Actually, it would be good enough if Changshou could lead away several of his disciples; there was no need to do more, as doing more meant bearing greater risks.
‘Hmm, I should remind him once more later to remember his original intent, stay consistent, remain steady to the end, and retreat when necessary.’
The future of the Primordial World…
This Primordial World lost its future when the Primordial Purple Qi was distributed in the Purple Void Palace.
Leaving was the best choice.
“The wedding begins, please come forth, Master!”
Fat Treasure’s call had risen—it was time for him as the master to make his appearance.
Patriarch Tongtian looked down at his formal attire—which was just a long vest over his Daoist robe, decorated with some Dao patterns that Golden Immortals couldn’t understand.
Taking a step forward, light and shadow flowing around him, he instantly appeared before the throne, facing his disciples and guests.
He raised his hand in welcome as Zhao Gongming led the truly resplendent Golden Spirit Sacred Mother forward. Under everyone’s gaze, they stepped onto the high platform and knelt before Patriarch Tongtian.
Zhao Gongming, overwhelmed with emotion, called out loudly: “Disciple Gongming pays respects to Master!”
Golden Spirit Sacred Mother was also amused by Zhao Gongming’s excitement, unprecedentedly showing her gentle side, saying softly:
“Disciple Jin Ling thanks Master for years of guidance.”
“Good, good! Haha! Rise, rise.”
Patriarch Tongtian laughed heartily with his hands behind his back, looking at these two precious disciples before him, starlight in his eyes, his young face bearing a warm smile.
He sighed with a smile and said… said…
Uh, what was he going to say again…
“Ahem, today the weather is fine and the breeze gentle, honored guests have gathered here at my Biyou Palace from the three thousand realms to witness my beloved disciples’ wedding—truly a joyous occasion for our Severing Sect.”
Below the platform, Li Changshou showed a faint smile.
The speech he wrote was indeed appreciated by his Uncle’s Master.
…
“Star-Lord, will you come this way?”
“Brother-in-law! Won’t you come over here?”
“Junior Brother Changshou, come drink with us!”
After Patriarch Tongtian finished his “Father’s Speech,” and Zhao Gongming and Golden Spirit Sacred Mother had paid respects to their master and Heaven and Earth, they drank a cup of union wine under the escort of the two “wine-serving immortals” Bixiao and Qiongxiao, and held two conjoined lotus flowers—after that, the wedding had little to do with the newlyweds.
Patriarch Tongtian naturally wouldn’t mingle with the younger generation; after presiding over the wedding, he disappeared on his own.
Zhao Gongming was dragged away by the Severing Sect immortals to drink at the round tables, while Golden Spirit Sacred Mother was pulled away by the immortal maidens, occupying half the space of Biyou Palace’s main hall.
When Li Changshou was looking for a seat, such a situation immediately arose.
Those who dared to speak directly were no ordinary Golden Immortals, but rather notable figures from various forces.
Li Changshou smiled and politely declined the invitations from the vice-presidents of the Immortal Alliance, then shook his head at Bixiao, refusing Lu Yue’s call. He calmly walked to the Heavenly Court’s exclusive seats and sat beside the Heaven General whose mouth had been covered earlier.
As he approached, the Old Man of the Moon and several Celestial Soldiers and Generals hurriedly stood up to greet Li Changshou.
After they were seated, Li Changshou winked at that Heaven General and transmitted: “Your Majesty, my apologies, but your transformation technique has become so remarkable that perhaps only Uncle Master Tongtian has recognized your true identity here.”
“Hmph!”
That Heaven General turned his head to look at the Old Man of the Moon, causing three mushroom-like question marks to slowly appear on the latter’s forehead.
What was going on?
Li Changshou smiled without speaking and began urging his Heavenly Court colleagues to drink and eat.
That Heaven General, who was the Jade Emperor’s newest transformation, quickly adjusted his mindset, coughed once, and took the initiative to toast Li Changshou, saying softly:
“This humble general is Dong Deqi! It’s my great honor to share a table with Star-Lord.”
Li Changshou: …
Was His Majesty the Jade Emperor hoping that his unruly subject would “understand and rise”?
“General Dong is too polite. Thank you for escorting the Old Man of the Moon here.”
The Old Man of the Moon frowned at Dong Deqi, wondering how this general could be so inconsiderate—when the Star Lord came over, he didn’t even think to offer his seat to him, a proper deity.
Was a seat next to the Star Lord something one could casually occupy?
Truly excessive—if there weren’t so many great immortals and deities here, he would have had to reprimand this fellow.
The Old Man of the Moon carefully raised his wine cup to Li Changshou, smiling: “Star-Lord, please be at ease, this minor deity will drain his cup.”
“Let’s drink together,” Li Changshou said with a smile, actively clinking cups with the Old Man of the Moon.
The two then had a not-so-intense discussion about various problems currently facing the Marriage Palace, though it was just for show, finding a topic of conversation.
When the Severing Sect immortals began presenting wedding gifts to Zhao Gongming and the Golden Spirit Sacred Mother, the Old Man of the Moon represented the Heavenly Court, leading two female immortals to present some colorful garments and cloudy capes.
The Dragon Clan indeed lived up to expectations—although only two elders came, treasure chests gleaming with flowing light filled the corners of Biyou Palace.
This made many male and female immortals of the Severing Sect exchange glances, harboring some bold thoughts about marriage fraud.
Li Changshou’s gift was simply placed in a treasure pouch and tucked into Zhao Gongming’s arms, not taken out for display.
Ling’e gave Golden Spirit Sacred Mother several personally sewn dresses from her flower basket, making Golden Spirit Sacred Mother smile from ear to ear, praising Ling’e’s skillful hands and thoughtful heart.
Ling’e giggled and took out several baby clothes from the flower basket, making Golden Spirit Sacred Mother’s fair face flush red as all the female immortals laughed together.
Taking advantage of the gift-giving moment, Yellow Dragon Daoist brought his junior brothers Jiang Shang and Shen Bao over to Li Changshou’s side.
Yellow Dragon said softly: “Junior Brother, let’s join tables.”
“Please, Senior Brother,” Li Changshou stood up and gestured welcome, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Shang and Shen Bao without lingering.
True Person Yellow Dragon gave a bitter smile, sat beside Li Changshou, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Before coming, he had already felt enormous pressure, but only after arriving did he truly experience what it meant to be ‘on pins and needles’ in the intensive class.
With salt sprinkled on those pins.
Before Li Changshou arrived, Severing Sect immortals would occasionally pass by Yellow Dragon’s side, snorting or glaring.
Some Severing Sect immortals would deliberately discuss matters between the Enlightenment and Severing sects, saying how ruthless the Enlightenment Sect was, and how they had taken advantage in previous battles by being prepared while others weren’t.
True Person Yellow Dragon just lowered his head in silence, and his two junior brothers beside him didn’t dare even breathe heavily.
Finally enduring until Li Changshou arrived, finding a spot beside him, True Person Yellow Dragon had thousands of grievances and hundreds of frustrations in his heart that he wanted to confide to Li Changshou.
Just as True Person Yellow Dragon opened his mouth: “Sigh…”
“Ah! This wedding feast is truly uncomfortable to eat.”
Shen Bao sighed to himself, looking at the wine goblet before him with a bitter smile, “I had wanted to make my own effort for the three schools, but now I know everything is illusory, irretrievable.
Star-Lord has a talent for managing heaven and earth, do you have any way to do something for the three schools?”
“Well…”
Li Changshou looked somewhat troubled, sitting there pondering for several sounds.
That Shen Bao would ask such a question was actually within his expectations. This black panther had an extremely fuzzy self-positioning, and due to his complex background, he couldn’t distinguish whether he sided with the Enlightenment Sect or the Severing Sect.
Beside them, Dong Deqi smiled: “Fellow Daoist’s question is currently the greatest problem in the world. My Star-Lord is troubled by it day and night, his heart heavy with worry.
Fellow Daoist, in such an occasion, it’s better not to mention this matter, lest it spoil everyone’s mood.”
Shen Bao frowned at Dong Deqi and said firmly: “Fellow Daoist… you don’t understand.”
A certain Heavenly Emperor immediately glared.
The Old Man of the Moon also said: “General Dong, you’ve only been in the Heavenly Court for several decades and don’t understand the inner situation. Our Heavenly Court should maintain neutrality and should not interfere with matters of the Great Tribulation.
Come, let’s drink, today we won’t speak of troubling matters, only talk of carefree pleasures.”
“Oh?”
Jiang Shang raised his wine cup, examining the Old Man of the Moon in his festive robes, seeing the round moon and osmanthus tree embroidered on his robes, and thinking of some legends, asked quietly: “Could you be the deity in charge of marriages? The Old Man Under the Moon?”
“My apologies for my rudeness,” the Old Man of the Moon’s eyes immediately creased in a smile, “And you are?”
“Jiang Shang, style name Ziya.”
“Oh my!”
The Old Man of the Moon perked up, glanced at the smiling Li Changshou beside him, and wanted to say some polite words, but feared saying something wrong.
He was too familiar with the name Jiang Shang!
Years ago, Star-Lord had come to find him, asking him to arrange some marriage destiny for Pure One Qi Yuan’s reincarnation.
The old muddy immortal hadn’t enjoyed blessings in his previous life, so naturally, this life should make up for it—this was also Star-Lord showing care as a disciple.
But Star-Lord had also said that the reincarnated soul no longer had connections with him, this was also set by Goddess Nüwa back then. The Old Man of the Moon immediately became alert that he indeed couldn’t speak of such matters.
Yes, he still needed to help Star-Lord cover things up.
The Old Man of the Moon sighed: “So you’re Jiang Shang? Haha, truly a great holder of marriage destiny that I’ve seen!”
Jiang Shang straightened his back somewhat, feeling quite peculiar.
“Still must thank the Old Man of the Moon for his care.”
“Ah, those words aren’t quite right. This old one only handles official business officially,” the Old Man of the Moon smiled, “Our Marriage Palace never forcefully ties marriage destinies, we only trim them—it’s Fellow Daoist’s deep blessings.”
Jiang Shang stood up with his wine: “I toast you.”
“You’re too kind,” the Old Man of the Moon naturally raised his cup in response.
Yellow Dragon snorted laughter but didn’t expose the twists and turns here, only saying: “Junior Brother Changshou, I also toast you… thank you for the Dragon Clan matter.”
Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, not saying much, casually throwing out a topic about which Primordial Mighty Ones from ancient times had formed Dao partnerships and what the etiquette was like then.
Yellow Dragon took the opportunity to talk at length, showing off the style of an Enlightenment Sect immortal, successfully livening up the atmosphere at the table.
Soon, Zhao Gongming and Golden Spirit Sacred Mother began toasting, and they came first to Li Changshou’s table.
Li Changshou and the other immortals raised their cups in response. Zhao Gongming’s face was already completely red, his animated expression making people feel quite festive.
“Changshou, we’re… all in the wine!”
Li Changshou smiled and nodded, then took out another treasure pouch from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Gongming.
Zhao Gongming asked puzzledly: “Why are there two gifts? Is there some meaning to this?”
“The previous one was from the Human Sect for Big Brother and Sister-in-law,” Li Changshou smiled, “What’s in here is my gift for Big Brother and Sister-in-law.”
“Then I must have a good look,” Zhao Gongming looked curiously at the treasure pouch in his hand, while Golden Spirit Sacred Mother beside him also curiously sent her immortal sense into it.
Then, Golden Spirit Sacred Mother’s fair face reddened as she saw those three hundred and sixty ‘familiar’ scroll paintings.
Zhao Gongming’s eyes lit up when he saw the bottles and jars in the corner.
Li Changshou smiled meaningfully: “Here, I wish Big Brother and Sister-in-law an early birth of noble children!”
“Haha, hahaha!”
Zhao Gongming immediately burst into hearty laughter, carefully putting away the treasure pouch.
Beside him, Golden Spirit Sacred Mother also lowered her head and bowed slightly: “Thank you, Brother-in-law.”
Just then.
Lu Yue hurriedly came from outside the hall and whispered something in Multiteasure Daoist’s ear, and Multiteasure Daoist raised his eyebrows, quickly walking toward Li Changshou.
Li Changshou swept his immortal sense, confusion flashing through his eyes.
Emperor Yu?
Judging by Multiteasure and Zhao Gongming’s reactions, the Severing Sect probably hadn’t sent an invitation to Fire Cloud Cave, so why would Emperor Yu appear here?
Moreover, Emperor Yu currently showed a worried expression, as if urgently wanting to see someone.
Stay steady.
As Multiteasure Daoist came forward, before he could speak, Li Changshou had already transmitted:
“Please trouble Senior Brother to go out first and confirm Emperor Yu’s identity.”
Multiteasure slowly nodded and smiled: “You all keep drinking and chatting, Senior Brother will go receive the honored guest.”
After speaking, he quickly left with Lu Yue, hurrying to Golden Turtle Island outside Biyou Palace.