Shen Bao’s intervention, Jin Ling’s joy;

The war in the Southern Continent approached step by step, and the Heavenly Dao’s script seemed unstoppable.

At this crucial moment, Li Changshou took time to use his paper avatar, without employing many concealment techniques, to make an almost open visit to the Approaching Heaven Palace, bidding farewell to Elder Wan Linyun, and speaking with Jiu Gou and the Degree Immortal Gate members about leaving the Primordial World.

How would the Dao Ancestor view this matter?

The Dao Ancestor would certainly think:

‘Could this little thief be willing to flip the table completely for Zhao Gongming?’

This was precisely Li Changshou’s intention.

Of course, the Dao Ancestor’s thoughts would certainly run very deep, likely rotating and jumping between layers.

[This youngster’s strategies run deep, he must have other considerations. This could be an attempt at misdirection, trying to make this poor Dao hesitate.]

[Upon careful consideration, making such arrangements benefits him in every way without any drawbacks.]

[He must be deliberately expressing his attitude, applying reverse pressure on this poor Dao, forcing this poor Dao to make choices.]

[At a deeper level, he’s testing just how much control this poor Dao has over heaven and earth, and how much this poor Dao understands about his trump cards.]

[Additionally, he’s gambling on whether this poor Dao will believe he would bet his life…]

And so on.

But no matter how the thoughts jumped, one essence of this matter was [Shou’s Pressure].

Li Changshou was pressuring the Dao Ancestor by showing his determination, thereby increasing Zhao Gongming’s chances of survival in the upcoming Great Tribulation.

One of Li Changshou’s major trump cards was to have the Supreme Clarity Sacred One directly intervene, using the Taiji Diagram to suppress Zhao Gongming, Jin Ling, Cloud Maiden, Jade Maiden, and Azure Maiden, sending them to the Outer Xuandu City.

However, this would mean these five major disciples of the Severing Sect would essentially be deserting in battle, making them unable to face their fellow sect members, and they would suffer greatly in their hearts.

Especially for Zhao Gongming, who would rather die than flee.

Such was the corporate culture of the Severing Sect.

Li Changshou scratched the stubble on his chin, calculating the weight of the smokescreens he had released, feeling that what he had done was far from enough.

His attitude wasn’t strong enough, nor was the determination he expressed sufficient.

After brief consideration, Li Changshou continued his busy work.

His main body left Little Jade Peak and went directly to the Nine Heavens, staying in the Supreme Clarity Temple for several months.

Actually, he didn’t discuss much, just listened to his master’s rambling about the future of the human race.

One thing certain at this point was that the Dao Ancestor couldn’t spy on the situation within the Supreme Clarity Temple.

Moreover, the Supreme Clarity Sacred One could temporarily blind the Dao Ancestor’s perception and surveillance of heaven and earth by disturbing the celestial mechanisms.

When leaving the Supreme Clarity Temple, Li Changshou keenly sensed that the atmosphere of heaven and earth seemed somewhat different.

The big shot in the Purple Void Palace had begun watching him closely.

Li Changshou continued his usual activities, first observing the situation in the Southern Jambudvipa Continent through his paper avatars deployed throughout heaven and earth.

The mortal drama had reached the stage of [King Zhou Orders Bo Yikao to Drive the Chariot].

A Shang minister had suggested that since Bo Yikao was immersed in music, why not groom him as the next Western Duke, thus eliminating the threat from the Zhou state for several decades?

King Zhou quite approved of this plan, first deliberately leaving Bo Yikao with psychological trauma, then agreeing to release Ji Chang back to Western Qi, and even planning to send Bo Yikao back to Western Qi.

Bo Yikao was already the eldest legitimate son, and with his ‘heroic deed’ of saving his father, inheriting the position of Western Duke was as certain as Jiang Lin’er’s nickname—Set in Stone!

But on the second night, Bo Yikao was mysteriously poisoned to death in the official inn, surrounded by heavy Shang army guards.

Rumors immediately spread through Chaoge City, saying Bo Yikao had been cruelly killed by King Zhou and so on.

King Zhou thundered with rage in court, immediately sending people to intercept Ji Chang, but when news reached Youli, Ji Chang had already disappeared.

King Zhou ordered checkpoints along the way to kill Ji Chang, but Ji Chang had immortal protection and narrowly escaped…

Li Changshou briefly deduced the circumstances of Bo Yikao’s death, quickly identifying several suspicious masterminds behind it, one of whom was King Zhou’s eldest brother, Weizi Qi, who had once been just one step away from becoming the Shang ruler.

Now a secret alliance had formed in Chaoge City, led by Weizi Qi, gathering many nobles whose interests had been shaken by King Zhou’s new policies.

This undercurrent was deeply hidden at present, with Bo Yikao’s poisoning being merely a test of their abilities, their true purpose not yet revealed.

Bo Yikao’s death and Ji Chang’s successful return to Zhou left King Zhou worried.

Now, among the original eight hundred feudal lords, the most prestigious Eastern Duke Jiang Huanchu had already been killed by himself, and Western Duke Ji Chang had the highest seniority and prestige, with a reputation for wisdom, becoming the leader of the feudal lords in his place.

After several generations of accumulation, the Zhou state now had the strength to challenge the Shang.

A few days later, when Wen Zhong secretly returned to Chaoge City, King Zhou summoned Prince Uncle Bi Gan, Martial Completion King Huang Feihu, Fei Zhong, You Hun, and more than ten trusted ministers for lengthy discussions.

A stranglehold against the Zhou state was slowly unfolding.

Li Changshou calculated the days, concluding that within three years, the war between Shang and Zhou would inevitably break out.

If any accidents occurred during this period, such as King Zhou offending his brother’s wife while drunk and so forth, it would also become the spark for war between Shang and Zhou.

In his predictions, Elder Brother Zhao Gongming’s tribulation wasn’t far ahead.

Indeed, he still needed to continue showing his determination and stirring things up.

Since the Dao Ancestor was already watching him, he needed to put in even more effort.

His main body didn’t return to the Great White Palace but took a detour to the Water God Manor. Passing by You Qin Xuan Ya’s small courtyard, he quietly looked in, saw You Qin diligently cultivating, and didn’t disturb her further. He went to the study and took two treasure pouches.

Inside were blueprints for the Heavenly Court’s development after the Great Tribulation of Conferring Godhood. Previously intended as a ‘pleasant surprise,’ now they could only be used as tools.

Leaving the Water God Manor, Li Changshou headed straight for the Jade Emperor’s Palace.

The Jade Emperor was discussing Three Thousand Worlds matters with several senior ministers. Seeing Li Changshou hurrying in, he immediately raised his hand.

“My beloved ministers, please withdraw first. Minister Long Geng must have urgent matters.”

Minister Wood and several other senior divine officials bowed together: “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Li Changshou said seriously: “Your Majesty, please let them all stay. This minor deity has rather complex matters to report today.”

The Jade Emperor’s smile froze, and he blinked at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou smiled and made a Daoist salute, taking several treasure pouches from his sleeve. With a flash of immortal light, he arranged more than ten piles of memorials around him, numbering several hundred scrolls.

Li Changshou smiled as he introduced them, asking Minister Wood and others to note which batch concerned the Heavenly Court’s internal structure, which the Three Thousand Worlds order, which the human mortals, which the human cultivators…

There were many categories, too numerous to list individually.

Minister Wood and others exchanged glances, each taking Li Changshou’s instructions to heart.

Minister Wood’s eyes held confusion as he asked softly: “Star-Lord, why are you… why is this…”

“Some things will happen soon, and I may no longer be able to serve the Heavenly Court and Your Majesty alongside you all.”

Li Changshou bowed to both sides, made a Daoist salute to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and said slowly: “This matter has nothing to do with you all, and little connection to the Heavenly Court. It is something I must do, a path I must inevitably walk.”

Minister Wood seemed to want to say something but held back.

A True Divine Official nearby seemed to have deduced something and said softly:

“Star-Lord, why must you walk this path?

Now our Heavenly Court is the manifestation of the Heavenly Dao’s will, the maintainer of order in the Three Realms. This minor deity feels that within the Heavenly Court, we can better look after the human race and influence the Heavenly Dao’s choices to some degree.

This could be another path.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “I’ve considered this path too, but it’s not quite suitable.

Some things need people to stand firm for, some flames need torches to carry them.

I actually can’t do much, but I must make those who act arbitrarily show some restraint—this is the path my cultivation has taken.

If I changed course now, my Dao realm and cultivation would be wasted.”

That True Divine Official didn’t try to persuade him further, only making a deep Daoist salute to Li Changshou.

“Long Geng, you see…” the Jade Emperor sat on the high platform watching Li Changshou and said softly:

“I could talk to Master, or try to find a loophole in the Heavenly Dao’s operations, like we did for Cloud Maiden, to make something for Zhao Gongming, Jin Ling, Azure Maiden, and Jade Maiden as well…”

“Your Majesty.”

Li Changshou called softly, and the Jade Emperor paused, then smiled somewhat dejectedly and waved his hand.

“Beloved ministers, take Long Geng’s memorials away to organize them. Long Geng, please stay.”

“Yes.”

“Your old servant obeys.”

Minister Wood and the other senior ministers acknowledged, carefully sorted, and collected these memorials by category, then bowed to both the Jade Emperor and Li Changshou before withdrawing from the Jade Emperor’s Palace with lowered heads.

“Ah—”

The Jade Emperor let out a long sigh, sitting on his throne, but with a slight glimmer in his eyes.

He said: “Long Geng, have you already decided?”

“Yes,” Li Changshou’s eyes revealed some guilt. “Not being able to see the day when the Heavenly Court fully governs the Three Realms, not being able to see the world Your Majesty once described while boating in the Western Sea, this minor deity deeply regrets it.”

“Just for one Zhao Gongming?”

“Your Majesty, it’s not just for Zhao Gongming, not just for the Three Immortal Islands, and not just for the Severing Sect or the Dao Gates.”

Li Changshou slowly sighed:

“The divergence between my Ancestral Master and me has become irreconcilable. I stand on the side of living beings, while the Ancestral Master stands with heaven and earth.

There’s no longer any balance between the two, and I have no chance of winning this game. Despite years of careful calculation, I can only rely on the fundamental Dao, the ‘Escaping One,’ to protect myself.

But Your Majesty, you are the true ruler of the Three Realms who must balance heaven and earth with living beings.

What this minor deity cannot accomplish, I can only entrust to Your Majesty. All I can do is provide a weight, while Your Majesty holds the balance beam.”

The Jade Emperor seemed about to speak but held back, his eyes showing some inner struggle.

Suddenly, Li Changshou lifted the hem of his robe and knelt before the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor immediately stood up, circling the jade desk, hurriedly saying: “Long Geng, what are you doing? Between us, why use such a mundane ceremony!”

“Your Majesty, this is the most solemn ritual from ancient human times.

I know you cannot oppose the Dao Ancestor, I know your position is difficult, and I cannot ask you to do anything.

But Your Majesty, does the Heavenly Court govern heaven and earth, or living beings?

If Long Geng is forced by the Dao Ancestor to leave the Primordial World, you will be the only one left who can help these living beings!”

“Long Geng… Master isn’t…”

The Jade Emperor’s arms trembled slightly as he slowly clenched his fists. Having almost descended the steps, he looked at Li Changshou’s form wrapped in clouds, his eyes full of bitterness.

“Very well, I promise you.

If heaven and earth groundlessly oppress living beings, simply eliminating them for the sake of stability,” the Jade Emperor’s eyes surged with divine light as he declared firmly, “I shall shoulder the responsibility of Heaven’s Emperor! And plead for the living beings!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Li Changshou sighed lightly in his heart but maintained his apologetic expression as he slowly stood up.

The Jade Emperor raised his hand to rub his brow, slowly sat down on the steps, and gestured for Li Changshou to sit as well.

Following their old custom, Li Changshou deliberately sat two steps lower, sighing simultaneously with the Jade Emperor, both frowning with worry…

The Jade Emperor said: “If Master moves against Zhao Gongming, what do you plan to do? Surely you don’t intend to fight Master?”

“Fighting against the Heavenly Dao, a few minor deities wouldn’t be enough to die,” Li Changshou pondered for a moment. “It depends on the situation.

If the Great Tribulation operates meticulously, making events follow a natural course that leaves me speechless, I naturally won’t take any excessive actions.

But if in a battle that Elder Brother Gongming could win, the Heavenly Dao uses dishonorable means to make him lose, I will certainly intervene.

Though this minor deity’s trump cards are few, protecting Elder Brother Gongming is still within my capabilities.

Right now, I’m taking precautions. If I anger Master by protecting Elder Brother Gongming, Master will certainly force me to leave…”

The Jade Emperor calculated with his fingers, closed his eyes in thought, then quickly shook his head and smiled:

“You’re thinking too seriously about this.

Zhao Gongming indeed faces tribulation, but even if you intervene to save him, Master probably won’t force you to leave. I would also speak up for you then.”

“Your Majesty, you shouldn’t get involved in this matter.”

Li Changshou said:

“After the Great Tribulation will be your time to govern heaven and earth. Which direction the Heavenly Court takes will need Your Majesty’s guidance then.

If Your Majesty enters the game now, it would be losing the greater for the lesser.”

“Long Geng, Master isn’t as bad as you think,” the Jade Emperor smiled bitterly. “There are many things I cannot explain to you, but you seem to view Master as an enemy.”

Li Changshou thought carefully: “Even now, I haven’t treated Master as an enemy.

What Master has sacrificed to maintain the Primordial World is beyond my imagination, but it’s also undeniable that Master is deliberately suppressing the power of living beings.

Your Majesty, you must know the murmured words of the Pangu God on his deathbed.

The world Pangu God wanted to establish was one where individual true spirits could laugh freely. Though such a world may be difficult to exist, the individuality and independence of living beings shouldn’t be stripped away like this.

Mortals living mundane lives, not knowing the end point of heaven and earth, not understanding why the sun, moon, and stars constantly change—this is a state both Master and I acknowledge.

But those beings who want to grasp the Dao, who seek to know the truth, who aren’t content with mediocrity—do they deserve to be directly eliminated?”

The Jade Emperor said: “Heaven and earth are the foundation for living beings’ existence while living beings are the meaning of heaven and earth’s existence. Between the two, which is truly more important—there’s no way to reach a general answer.

Everything needs balance, everything has a degree, isn’t this your Way of Balance?”

Li Changshou said seriously:

“If the Heavenly Dao and Great Dao were hidden, if there wasn’t so much spiritual energy in the world if living beings’ cultivation couldn’t reach levels that could destroy the Primordial World, that might also be a solution.

But then, with spiritual energy receding, the Primordial World would be compressed by the Chaos Sea, and the Heavenly Dao would be severely weakened.

In the end, it’s simply that the Dao Ancestor is unwilling to give up.”

The Jade Emperor fell silent, then let out a gentle sigh.

“This matter I cannot answer either, nor have I comprehended the connections within.

Long Geng, in this world, with right and wrong, positions left and right, who exactly is wrong?”

Li Changshou: …

“My predecessor from the same hometown was wrong.”

The Jade Emperor shook his head with a slight smile, not saying more.

In the Jade Emperor’s Palace, the ruler and minister sat quietly like this, and after a long silence, they spoke of amusing incidents from when they first met.

In the Purple Void Palace, among the bamboo grove.

That imposing elderly Dao was also lost in thought as he gazed at the Creation Jade Plate.

After a long while, he sighed softly, his finger lightly tapping, and a gray shadow in the grove silently dispersed, leaving the Purple Void Palace.

“If you and your fellow townsman had switched places, why would this poor Dao need to take such trouble?”