Leaves rustled endlessly as they fell upon Little Jade Peak.

Li Changshou remained wordless.

He had simulated Di Xin’s death countless times, and this outcome had appeared in every scenario, so he wasn’t particularly moved.

But for Di Xin to die in this manner…

Li Changshou truly hadn’t anticipated it, causing a slight ripple in his dao heart.

“Ancestor’s primary purpose in visiting Little Jade Peak was to prevent this disciple from interfering with the Zhou’s replacement of Shang, wasn’t it?”

Li Changshou spoke slowly: “Actually, Ancestor need not have come. My foremost consideration has always been the Dao School, and I had already given Di Xin numerous hints. I won’t further meddle in mortal affairs.”

Hongjun laughed: “You’re beginning to resemble the orchestrator of the Investiture of the Gods.”

Li Changshou exhaled softly and withdrew several jade talismans from his sleeve, arranging them before himself.

“Ancestor won the second round. Shall we proceed to the third?”

“Changgeng, there’s no need for such formality,” Hongjun smiled. “We’ve each claimed one round. Let’s leave the third undecided.”

“Let’s still conduct the third round, Ancestor. It’s rare to have the advantage on my side.”

Li Changshou revealed a slight smile, his finger lightly tapping across the talismans, causing them to shatter in succession.

In that instant, across the Three Thousand Worlds, two jade talismans shattered within the sleeves of beings closely connected to Little Jade Peak – Forgotten Emotions Immortal, Jiang Lin’er, Wine Nine, White Marsh, and others.

Hongjun smiled: “The third round holds little meaning. The Enlightenment and Severing Sects won’t fight to mutual destruction anymore.”

“Ancestor, I have several questions.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

Li Changshou asked: “Had Broad Achievement not forcefully intervened, would Shang have emerged victorious?”

“Yes,” Hongjun responded without hesitation. “This poor Dao had carefully considered what letting Shang continue for several more centuries might entail. But calculations showed the Human Dao’s resurgence would pose too great a threat to the Heavenly Dao. This poor Dao dared not let matters proceed unchecked.”

“Was Ancestor’s influence behind Broad Achievement’s actions?”

“This poor Dao took no direct action regarding Broad Achievement,” Hongjun stated. “I merely allowed him to accidentally glimpse the calculation results a few times. His comprehension is keen, and he holds deep concern for the Enlightenment School.”

Li Changshou raised his head to look at Hongjun, his eyes betraying slight resignation.

He suddenly found it amusing.

So be it – in this grand game of Heaven and Earth, achieving ninety-eight percent certainty of victory was truly challenging.

“Ancestor, I will proceed as you anticipated and address Senior Brother Broad Achievement’s crimes of plotting against the Human Emperor and interfering in mortal affairs. But I request that from this moment forward, Ancestor cease intervening in South Continent’s mortal realm.”

Li Changshou continued steadily: “The Ji Dynasty’s reverence for the Heavenly Court and the integration of the mortal realm under Heaven’s rule – this is the outcome Ancestor desired, and Ancestor has achieved it. I won’t disrupt this arrangement, as doing so would harm South Continent’s mortals and implicate countless common people. But henceforth, let immortal matters be resolved by immortals.”

Hongjun’s smile gradually faded as he spoke: “Do you understand what you’re saying?”

Li Changshou’s gaze grew sharp as he replied: “Let us reach an agreement – henceforth, the Heavenly Dao shall cease disturbing mortal affairs. As leverage, I can at any time have humanity ignite the Eternal Flame against Heaven. The ancestor should know that Suiren has passed the Flame to this disciple. However, if Ancestor agrees, I will actively prosecute Broad Achievement’s crimes, causing the Enlightenment School to drift from the Dao School!”

Hongjun smiled: “If so, your carefully cultivated harmony among the three schools can no longer be maintained.”

“Isn’t this precisely Ancestor’s intention, exactly what Ancestor desired?”

Li Changshou’s eyes flashed with spiritual light.

He continued: “The Enlightenment School’s doctrine has always been to follow Heaven’s way and explicate Heaven’s principles. From the very beginning, when calculating all possibilities of victory, I had already counted Second Uncle as being on Heaven’s side. Ancestor, after today’s parting, we may become complete opponents. Henceforth, I can only address Ancestor as Fellow Daoist, and I request Fellow Daoist address me by my name.”

Having spoken, Li Changshou slowly rose to his feet.

He had been waiting for the Shang-Zhou war to conclude, waiting for the Dao Ancestor to complete this script.

Only thus could the mortal realm avoid the coming whirlpool, allowing human mortals to become Heaven’s weakness rather than his vulnerability.

With matters settled, there was no need for excessive courtesy.

Li Changshou clasped his hands: “I won’t detain Fellow Daoist further.”

“Have you thought this through?”

Hongjun’s eyes held traces of puzzlement, “Changgeng, you could continue delaying, comprehending Heaven and Earth in the primordial world, gaining more assurance before inevitably facing this poor Dao.”

Li Changshou replied: “Fellow Daoist has already pressed matters to this point. If I fail to recognize the gesture, I would be showing too little respect for the strongest being in the primordial world.”

Hongjun fell silent, sitting in contemplation before asking:

“Changgeng, this poor Dao has some uncertainties. You pursue stability in all matters and possess such a steady nature – why did you recklessly slay a sage to fulfill Heaven’s will over Golden Light’s death? And why have you become so angered over Di Xin’s death? They shouldn’t have been close friends to you. When you killed Ready Provision, it already contradicted your entire plan to oppose the Heavenly Dao. Moreover, if you truly prosecute Broad Achievement’s crimes now, the situation will ultimately spiral beyond control, causing the Dao School to split. Both times, the outcome favored this poor Dao. As I regard you as both an opponent and my most beloved junior, I ask you these additional questions.”

“Because I am not Fellow Daoist, nor do I wish to be Fellow Daoist’s opponent. I lack the qualification to move pieces, as I simply felt something was amiss with Heaven and Earth and wanted to attempt correction. It was merely an attempt.”

Li Changshou gestured invitingly, making his second farewell gesture.

He said: “I will now have uninvolved friends and family leave the primordial world. Should Fellow Daoists move against them, I shall reveal my second trump card beyond the Nine Filthy Springs.”

Hongjun stood with hands behind his back, studying Li Changshou as he smiled and asked:

“What might that be?”

“Fellow Daoist considers your position unshakeable, but in truth, the primordial world system you built is riddled with holes.”

Li Changshou spoke calmly: “I have long known the location of the Undying Volcano. The Kun Peng vessel can go there at any time to strike down the Origin Phoenix in its near-death state, using Kun Peng’s remnant body as fuel for the Origin Phoenix’s rebirth through nirvana.”

Hongjun’s expression suddenly turned cold.

“Changgeng, you truly spared no effort in opposing the Heavenly Dao.”

“Often, I merely regarded these as means of self-defense.”

Hongjun asked: “Then why did you not act just now to save Di Xin?”

Li Changshou replied:

“Saving Di Xin would mean preserving the Great Shang, promoting human prosperity. I’ve long wished to do such things. Especially after Ancestor Suiren’s sacrifice, I calculated many possibilities, thinking of how to protect Great Shang, and even considering how to nurture Di Xin’s third son, Prince Geng. But this would only draw humanity deeper into the game between Fellow Daoists and myself. And because Fellow Daoist has no bottom line, killing mortals and slaughtering beings without needing any reason, I dared not save him. Could not save him. Rather than have mortals stand with me only to be decimated again, better to let Fellow Daoists have your way, letting the mortal realm become part of Heaven’s operation. Going forward, as long as I don’t disturb mortal affairs, the mortal realm will remain ninety-eight percent stable. Moreover, in this primordial world where even immortals suffocate, what can mortals do? What can they change? They need only focus on living well. My contest with Fellow Daoists need not rely on human radiance, nor must they sacrifice unknowingly without cause. Weighing all factors, we can only let the current Human Emperor suffer some grievance. This is the plan with minimal harm.”

“Well said.”

Traces of emotion showed on Hongjun’s face as he revealed a faint smile, “You truly differ completely from that predecessor of yours.”

Li Changshou made a Daoist salute, and Ancestor Hongjun returned the gesture.

In the next instant, Hongjun transformed into a beam of light, vanishing from Little Jade Peak in the blink of an eye.

Li Changshou stood quietly for a while before turning to look at the chess room, finally speaking after a long moment:

“Bell, take Ling’e and Little Jade Peak to Xuandu City. Take everyone you can connect with.”

Before the Chaos Bell could respond, Li Changshou’s form had already dispersed with the wind.

…

‘Father King, your child was useless.’

‘I was not, it seems, Heaven’s Mandate.’

Who!

In the Water God Manor’s rear courtyard, You Qin Xuan Ya opened her eyes; as she sat in meditation, she inexplicably felt pain constricting her heart.

What was happening? Those scenes she had just witnessed…

Dawn arrived over Chaoge City which had burned through the night. Large armies poured into the smoke-filled city, and in the center of the procession sat an unfamiliar man.

Silent commoners lined the streets, bright swords gleamed along the roadside, and soldiers emanated thick killing intent…

In the distance, the now charred tower, and atop it, that quietly seated corpse…

The procession suddenly halted as a large group of richly robed figures appeared ahead in the street, most kneeling by the roadside.

An elder whom You Qin Xuan Ya sensed had a faint blood connection to herself knelt on the ground, crawling forward on his knees, baring his chest and raising both hands as he cried out:

“Di Xin was without virtue! This subject pledges allegiance to the Great King!”

Weizi Qi.

You Qin Xuan Ya sprang to her feet, golden light flashing as battle armor covered her previously thinly-clad voluptuous figure.

Sword in hand, You Qin Xuan Ya knew not where to go, but felt an impulse to strike down that unfilial descendant crawling forward on his knees!

—Her elder brother’s unfilial descendant!

Just as she pushed open the door, she saw that figure standing before her.

“Senior Brother Changshou…”

“Come with me.”

Li Changshou extended his right hand, and You Qin Xuan Ya reached out her left without hesitation.

As soon as her delicate hand touched Li Changshou’s palm, You Qin Xuan Ya felt light flashing around them, constantly shifting like illusions.

Heaven and Earth Displacement!

In the next instant, they stood above a sea of clouds.

Before You Qin Xuan Ya could react, Li Changshou had already spoken: “Xuan Ya, will you come with me? Decide now.”

“Senior Brother… I… what’s wrong?”

Li Changshou spoke gently: “Nothing. It’s just that I should be leaving.”

“Would you prefer to remain in the Heavenly Court, or join me in the Chaos Sea? Choose the former, and you can continue working with me on what comes next. Choose the latter, and you’ll be taken beyond the heavens now to await me.”

You Qin Xuan Ya froze momentarily before asking: “Does Senior Brother need me to stay?”

“The Shang nation needs you.”

“Then… then I’ll stay.”

You Qin Xuan Ya gently bit her lip, her gaze somewhat scattered, but then she raised her head to look at Li Changshou.

“Senior Brother, I want to stay. Not just for what needs to be done next, but because Xuan Ya feels… Senior Brother has no shortage of companions, while Xuan Ya can do many meaningful things in the Heavenly Court.”

“Very well,” Li Changshou showed a slight smile, taking out a treasure pouch and handing it to You Qin Xuan Ya. “Keep this safe, consider it my parting gift. Come with me, I’ll briefly explain what has happened and what you must do. You need to kill someone, and must not hesitate…”

As he spoke, Li Changshou rode the clouds with You Qin Xuan Ya, descending through the Nine Heavens, and unconsciously arriving near Chaoge City.

Li Changshou made a gesture, conjuring a cloud mirror, watching the scene alongside You Qin Xuan Ya.

The mirror showed the area before the Great King’s Palace in Chaoge City, where a temporary wooden platform had been erected.

Drum beats thundered like lightning, and crowds of people gathered.

Over ten great drums resounded, as rings of Shang civilians surrounded the high platform, watching the figures upon it.

This was an execution platform.

An elder sat before several large banners, wearing purple official robes and bearing a weary expression – it was Zhou Nation’s Grand Preceptor Jiang Shang.

Before Jiang Shang, a woman of supreme bearing and matchless beauty knelt, bound tightly by immortal ropes, her eyes now hollow as she kept her head lowered without speaking.

It was Da Ji.

A military commander stepped forward, daring not to look much at Da Ji, and announced loudly:

“Grand Preceptor, it has been confirmed that this is Di Xin’s demon consort! She has wreaked havoc on court affairs and implemented numerous cruel tortures – her crimes are unforgivable! I request the Grand Preceptor execute her immediately!”

Yet Jiang Shang frowned slightly, stroking his beard in contemplation.

“Grand Preceptor!”

Below the platform, Earth-Walking Immortal jumped up and shouted: “This demon woman must die!”

A light rebuke came from the side – it was Ne Zha, who had just arrived at Chaoge City riding his Wind Fire Wheels, and irritably scolded:

“What are you shouting about? Is it your turn to speak?”

Earth-Walking Immortal forced an ugly smile and retreated with a lowered head.

Jiang Shang asked: “Da Ji, do you acknowledge your crimes?”

“I acknowledge no crime.”

Da Ji answered coldly, still not raising her head, her voice though soft could be heard clearly by all present.

“If I were to acknowledge guilt, it would be tarnishing the Great King’s name. The Great King was Shang’s resurgent ruler, of great talent and strategy, resolute and determined, who gave everything for Great Shang. You merely won through the despicable advantage of immortal power. You may kill me but cannot humiliate me, may execute me but cannot ascribe even half a crime to me. You are not worthy.”

“You demon woman!”

That military commander glared in anger, immediately moving to draw his sword.

But Jiang Shang made a restraining gesture, watching Da Ji.

Another military commander jumped up onto the platform – handsome in appearance, tall and graceful, holding a Three-Point Double-Edge Spear – it was Yang Jian.

Yang Jian spoke calmly: “Grand Preceptor, why not grant Da Ji’s wish and send her to the God-Making Platform to reunite with Di Xin?”

“Very well,” Jiang Shang nodded slowly.

“No!”

A Zhou official suddenly called out loudly, “We must first establish her crimes!”

Yang Jian looked at that Zhou official and countered: “Does establishing crimes matter?”

The Zhou official shouted: “She was Di Xin’s favored consort who caused the death of the virtuous Queen Jiang – we must establish her crimes, otherwise the world will not be convinced!”

Da Ji kept her head lowered and said:

“Queen Jiang colluded with her father and brothers, plotting rebellion, and privately sent letters to Jiang Huan Chu, having the Jiang family create a threatening situation for Chaoge City. The Great King’s purge of the Jiang family was merely for state affairs. If Queen Jiang was truly virtuous, why did she need to use her father and brothers’ influence to pressure the Great King?”

That Zhou official declared firmly: “Demonic words to confuse the masses! Shameless! How could you slander the old Eastern Earl of such high virtue and prestige!”

Yang Jian cast a cold eye: “Anyone present today should not speak of shame.”

“What does the Grain Supervision Marshal mean by this?”

“What do I mean?”

Yang Jian removed his helmet and threw it at that Zhou official’s feet. “Now that Zhou has gained the world, and the Military King has gathered the Human Emperor and Son of Heaven’s fortune, the master’s command has been fulfilled. I, the Heaven Court’s Clear Origin Wonderful Dao True Lord, say that Zhou’s victory was inglorious. Do you have any objection?”

“You! You!”

“Hmm?” Yang Jian watched coldly.

“Hmph!”

That Zhou official flung his sleeve and stepped back half a pace.

“Nephew Yang Jian, Nephew Yang Jian,” Jiang Shang hurriedly rose to mediate, “Don’t be like this…”

Before Jiang Shang could pacify Yang Jian, Ne Zha jumped out again, shouting: “I’m done too! The job’s finished anyway, I’m going back to find my father!”

“You, you all!”

Jiang Shang was suddenly at a loss, saying: “We haven’t even discussed rewards and honors, how can you resign so playfully…”

Just then, a light laugh was heard as an immortal lady wearing a flame-patterned long dress rode the clouds from the side of the sky.

Fire Spirit Holy Mother.

The Fire Spirit Holy Mother spoke calmly:

“This poor Dao just took a short nap, and the Enlightenment School has already taken Chaoge City – truly impressive. Only, I wonder what elixirs and miraculous medicines these hundred thousand Zhou troops used, and how much lifespan they have left. For the sake of victory, the Enlightenment School truly used every method at their disposal, even against mortal rulers.”

Jiang Shang frowned at Fire Spirit Holy Mother, knowing she must be a high-ranking member of the Severing School, and declared:

“Immortal Lady is mistaken – it was our Zhou army that took Chaoge City.”

“Is there a difference?”

Fire Spirit Holy Mother spoke calmly: “This poor Dao doesn’t wish to meddle in other matters, but today just wants to see how you establish Da Ji’s crimes, and what crimes she has. If you don’t know, this poor Dao has long served as a general in Great Shang and can testify. Though Da Ji was ordered to cause chaos, she never interfered with Di Xin’s decisions. You contested the throne with Di Xin, and Di Xin has already slit his throat atop Star-Plucking Tower – why must you further trouble such a woman?”

A Zhou army commander said: “This Da Ji presented many cruel tortures! This alone is an unforgivable crime!”

“Shang already had many cruel tortures,” Fire Spirit Holy Mother said. “Di Xin used cruel tortures to intimidate those who overstepped, not for pleasure, and those subjected to torture were Shang nobility. The deeds these nobles committed in their daily lives would earn them worse in the eighteen layers of the underworld – they merely experienced it early.”

Yang Jian watched Fire Spirit Holy Mother and asked: “Has Fellow Daoist come to save Da Ji?”

“This poor Dao has no acquaintance with Da Ji, but merely couldn’t stand by watching, so came to say a few words,” Fire Spirit Holy Mother said calmly. “If you want to kill her, just do it. Can’t you see? She now seeks death wholeheartedly, only wishing to find her dao partner.”

“Husband and wife!” Ne Zha said softly. “Mortals call it husband and wife.”

Fire Spirit frowned: “But she is also a demon tribe qi cultivator.”

Suddenly a clear, faint voice came from high in the sky: “A demon tribe woman occupying a human body is itself a great crime.”

Fire Spirit looked up and her expression changed.

There, Broad Achievement held his left hand behind his back while his right hand held a great seal, his form slowly descending.

The heaven and earth around Fire Spirit remained locked.

“Fire Spirit, do you acknowledge your crime?”

“Broad Achievement!”

A crown of condensed flames appeared atop Fire Spirit’s head, her long dress sparkled with fire, and her beautiful eyes held traces of anger:

“You’ve gone to such extremes this time – do you truly not fear heaven’s punishment!”

The Heaven-Turning Seal in Broad Achievement’s hand suddenly enlarged, and an invisible barrier appeared in the heaven and earth around the Fire Spirit.

This leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals spoke coldly:

“Since you show such disrespect, don’t blame this poor Dao for being merciless.”

As he finished speaking, Broad Achievement was about to unleash the Heaven-Turning Seal, and the Fire Spirit Holy Mother’s breathing became somewhat constricted.

Yang Jian frowned slightly and stepped forward, calling out: “Great Senior Uncle, now that the God-Making tribulation is over, the two schools need not fight to the death!”

Ne Zha, still retaining some childish nature and not yet entered an angry state, dared not speak, only watching the Fire Spirit Holy Mother and Yang Jian with concern.

“Yang Jian, Ne Zha, you two step back.”

Broad Achievement spoke calmly as the Heaven-Turning Seal blazed with light, pressing horizontally toward Fire Spirit.

Yang Jian’s form leaped up without any hesitation, striking at the Heaven-Turning Seal with a punch!

Golden Light’s death had taught him one thing.

To persist in one’s beliefs, act according to those beliefs without the slightest hesitation!

Broad Achievement’s brows furrowed tightly as he immediately moved to point a finger at Yang Jian!

But in that instant.

Yang Jian’s form suddenly halted, hitting an invisible ‘air wall’; the Heaven-Turning Seal strangely shot high into the sky, rapidly accelerating from slow to fast, transforming into a beam of light in an extremely brief moment!

A trace of astonishment crossed Broad Achievement’s face as he looked up, just in time to see his great seal grow to mountain-like size.

But atop this mountain-like seal, a somewhat blurry figure stood with hands behind their back, seeming to effortlessly stamp down with their right foot.

Bursting sounds rose in succession as cracks appeared across all sides of the Heaven-Turning Seal!

In the next instant, this great seal shattered in the high sky with rolling thunder!

The countless fragments that exploded outward strangely hung motionless!

While that figure who had stepped and shattered the Heaven-Turning Seal flickered slightly and vanished, a presence appeared behind Broad Achievement.

Broad Achievement’s throat trembled and spiritual sense chaos, immediately crying out loudly:

“Junior Brother Changgeng!

This matter has hidden circumstances, please let Senior Brother explain…”

The word ‘explain’ had no chance to emerge.

Behind!

Right behind Broad Achievement!

Heaven and earth split open with a crack, and a large hand reached out, pointing directly at Broad Achievement’s back.

Immortal light erupted around Broad Achievement as he turned and flung out several streams of light.

However, the several streams of light easily passed through that ‘large hand’, immediately revealing the pulp-like color within.

Paper person!

Broad Achievement suddenly felt a chill at his neck, then his primordial spirit was sealed and soul confined. His final perception was being gripped by the neck and lifted, casually thrown toward the ground.

‘Junior Brother Changgeng should have been, confined by the Ancestor…’

…

Almost simultaneously, in an opulent mansion in Chaoge City.

Weizi Qi, whose face had been beaming just a moment ago, now had his forehead covered in a cold sweat.

A broad-bladed long sword pressed against Weizi Qi’s neck, followed by a cold snort, as the sword swept across, drawing a crimson line.

“This son shall not enter the ancestral shrine.”