Chapter 302: White-Clad Jade Emperor Explains the Emperor's Heart

Clear spirit liquid dripped from the stalactite into a small, clear pool.

On the edge of the Five Continents, deep within the earth, in a cavern radiating a seven-colored glow, Jin Chanzi sat cross-legged beside a spiritual pool. His face was pale, his robe stained with blood, and his body was tense, trembling slightly from time to time. A faint, forced smile played on his lips.

Was he afraid?

What a joke! A mighty Primordial Fiend, whose true form was the Six-winged Golden Cicada, possessing innate Cosmic divine abilities, and who was only subdued by the Western Sect because a Saint personally intervened to capture him!

Could that be called fear?

He was merely... feeling terror.

And this feeling of terror came entirely from instinct, originating from the indistinct figure beside Jin Chanzi.

Beside Jin Chanzi, the woman in blood-red gauze robes swayed lightly as she stepped. Her alluring figure seemed to be formed from mist. A slender finger gently touched Jin Chanzi's forehead, slowly tracing a path.

"Senior," Jin Chanzi said with a smile, "Thank you for saving my life."

"Hehehe..."

This laughter, light and airy yet with a hint of languid charm, though so soft and melodious, fell on Jin Chanzi's ears, sounding exceptionally harsh.

Jin Chanzi believed that if he hadn't been injured, he wouldn't have feared this Black-winged Blood Mosquito. Even if they fought, the odds would be fifty-fifty, and he could escape using his divine abilities.

But now, he had been wounded by the divine sword from the Heavenly Court immortal's eyes, and this woman beside him had seized the initiative...

"I saved you?"

"Of course."

Jin Chanzi replied with a smile, but no sooner had his words fallen than his Adam's apple trembled slightly.

Daoist Wen Jing placed one jade-like foot on the stone slab beside him, slowly leaning down. Her face, beautiful enough to captivate all beings, showed a hint of amusement.

She leaned slightly closer to Jin Chanzi's cheek and sniffed softly.

"Tsk, your blood," she murmured, "why is it so foul-smelling? It gives me no appetite..."

Jin Chanzi's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you for your concern, Senior," he said. "We both serve the same two masters, so we naturally shouldn't have internal strife."

"Heh."

Daoist Wen Jing's figure flickered lightly, appearing on the other side of the pool, a faint disdain showing in her phoenix-like eyes.

"Don't keep calling me 'Senior' this and 'Senior' that. I'm not familiar with you. Saving you today was just a coincidence of passing by; if I hadn't saved you, I'd fear being blamed by the sect. Remember, don't be too absolute in your actions; if there's good meat, leave a bite for others. Otherwise, the next time I see you like this, it won't be as simple as... taking a wisp of your primordial spirit."

As she spoke, Daoist Wen Jing slowly raised her left hand. Wisps of bloody aura wrapped around her slender, jade-like fingertips, forming the phantom image of a blood cicada.

She gently squeezed her slender fingers, and the blood cicada immediately shattered.

When?!

Jin Chanzi's face instantly paled a few shades, his body trembled slightly, and a fierce glint appeared in his eyes.

But Daoist Wen Jing let out a cold snort, no longer sparing him a glance. Her supple waist swayed slightly, and her figure vanished, leaving behind only a faint chuckle, a trace of blood-red, and a sound that Jin Chanzi found somewhat grating...

Jin Chanzi's delicate face trembled slightly, his left hand clenched into a fist, and the depths of the earth within a thousand-mile radius continuously rumbled.

'Wen Jing should know what to do next.'

Li Changshou mused in his heart.

He trusted Daoist Wen Jing's competence more than he trusted Uncle Zhao's knack for staging accidents.

Letting Daoist Wen Jing come here today was certainly not just for the Jade Emperor to observe.

No one could predict future events, and human hearts were the most unpredictable. Regarding matters related to Daoist Wen Jing, Li Changshou had to keep a trump card hidden from the Jade Emperor.

The ultimate beneficiaries of the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods were the Heavenly Court and the Western Sect. So, if one were to say the two had some 'collaboration' during the Investiture, there would be no need for surprise.

If the Jade Emperor knew in advance that Daoist Wen Jing was a hidden chess piece of the Human Sect planted in the West, she might become a 'bargaining chip' in the future.

During the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, the Jade Emperor was also a player in the game, and he absolutely could not be judged solely by 'humanity'.

This point had already become perfectly clear to Li Changshou when he formulated his strategy for the Dragon race in those years.

Today, by letting Daoist Wen Jing act according to the situation, if Jin Chanzi could escape, she would go to meet him. This would appear to be offering help in dire straits, but in reality, it would simply be adding embroidery to a brocade, thereby putting on a show for the Western Sect.

In subsequent handling, if Daoist Wen Jing lacked foresight, she would show goodwill to Jin Chanzi. If Wen Jing considered things more comprehensively, she should take the opportunity to give Jin Chanzi a couple of punches, warning him not to hog all the credit in the future. This way, she could gain more trust from the Western Sect...

An extra layer of insurance meant an extra measure of security.

At this moment, Li Changshou, in his capacity as the Sea God, accompanied by the Jade Emperor and Dong Mu Gong, who had transformed into two auxiliary gods, had arrived on the Dragon race's immortal vessel.

The large contingent of troops from the West Sea Dragon Palace, who had arrived upon hearing the news, had already surrounded the place completely.

Several dragon princes stepped forward to salute, and Ao Shi, from the West Sea Dragon King's family, was even more tearful, claiming he had been careless in choosing friends and had unwittingly invited a wolf into the house.

"Chang Geng, my beloved minister," the Jade Emperor transmitted via voice, reminding him, "The primordial spirits of these dragon princes seem a bit unusual."

Li Changshou transmitted his reply, "Your Majesty, this is a common tactic used by them. The Dragon race's experts have already noticed the anomaly, so it would be inconvenient for us to inquire further about this."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile and said no more.

Soon, the Jade Emperor discovered that the situation was even more troublesome than Li Changshou had stated.

At this moment, among the large number of personnel surging out from the West Sea Dragon Palace, two-thirds of those whose cultivation realms were equivalent to or above that of a human Qi refiner's Celestial Immortal realm had some issues.

In other words...

They were surrounded by a large number of double-crossers.

Afterwards, the Jade Emperor watched Li Changshou there, exchanging pleasantries and jokes with these puppets of the Western Sect, handling every situation.

This was truly...

Close up, it was a scene full of laughter and joy, but from afar, it was all hidden daggers.

The Jade Emperor's eyes showed a hint of contemplation and a touch of resolve, but then, they returned to their previous clarity.

Dong Mu Gong, who was beside him, keenly noticed that at this moment, His Majesty the Jade Emperor seemed slightly different.

Li Changshou exchanged pleasantries for a while at the front. Soon, hundreds of Azure Dragons flew in from the south and north, transforming into human forms as they nearing the immortal vessel.

"Elder Brother Guru!"

Ao Yi arrived with hundreds of experts and bowed to Li Changshou from afar with clasped fists.

Li Changshou calmly nodded, without revealing the Jade Emperor's identity.

This time, Li Changshou spared no praise for Ao Yi's 'foresight', and in front of the Jade Emperor, he heartily... praised Ao Yi for a while.

After the Dragon race's experts stepped forward to thank Li Changshou, the Jade Emperor transmitted his voice:

"Chang Geng, let's return," he said. "There's nothing interesting here."

Li Changshou then bade farewell to the Dragon race's experts, and before leaving, he instructed Ao Yi not to forget to arrange for junior sea patrol gods to patrol the four seas.

Before parting, Li Changshou also said to Ao Yi:

"After you've handled all matters," he said, "Ao Yi, come to Anshui City; I have something to give you."

"Understood!"

Ao Yi bowed his head and clasped his fists, saluting as he saw Li Changshou and the other two depart.

A moment later, Li Changshou, steering the wooden boat, continued to wander around the West Sea.

He and Dong Mu Gong both noticed that the Jade Emperor's expression was somewhat off, completely different from the calm and serene demeanor he had when he first descended to the mortal realm.

He seemed to have something on his mind...

Dong Mu Gong and Li Changshou exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat confused.

A moment later, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, stopping the music and dance, and drained the cup of 'Jiu Jiu's special brew'.

"Enough!"

Li Changshou and Dong Mu Gong stood up simultaneously.

The Jade Emperor sighed softly, rose and looked at Li Changshou, then raised a hand to pat Li Changshou's shoulder.

"The Heavenly Court is just starting now," he said, "and it has made you suffer, my beloved minister Chang Geng."

Li Changshou thought: *Not suffering. Just add more merit.*

The Jade Emperor said: "Today, I witnessed how you, my beloved minister, dealt with the Western strongmen and exchanged pleasantries with those treacherous individuals from the Dragon race, and my heart is filled with indignation! How could a key minister of my Heavenly Court be so bullied by a mere fiend! How could the Righteous Gods of the Four Seas, whom I have appointed, have to interact with such despicable beings with a smile! Mu Gong, where are you!"

Dong Mu Gong immediately bowed and accepted the order. "This old servant is here!"

The Jade Emperor stood within the somewhat low boat canopy, pacing back and forth, contemplating carefully, then slowly began to speak.

"Upon returning to the Heavenly Court," he commanded, "immediately draft an imperial decree. For Minister Chang Geng's benevolent deeds to the four seas and for upholding the Heavenly Court's prestige, his divine rank shall be elevated by three levels, and his stipend increased by sixty percent. Effective immediately, the Heavenly Court shall establish another Heavenly Court naval force, stationed at the Heavenly River, training day and night, to be at the disposal of Minister Chang Geng! The decree shall be drafted within twelve years, and the Heavenly Court naval force shall be deployed immediately!"

Dong Mu Gong firmly replied, "Your humble servant obeys!"

"Chang Geng, where are you?"

Li Changshou lowered his head and said, "This humble god is here."

"I had an oversight before," the Jade Emperor said, "thinking that with your Senior Brother Grand Pure's protection, the Western Sect wouldn't dare bully you outright. This was my mistake."

Apology showed in the white-robed Jade Emperor's eyes.

Li Changshou's smile, however, was quite warm, and he replied, "Your Majesty, this humble god actually finds it quite interesting to contend with them in this manner."

The Jade Emperor chuckled lightly, then said seriously, "But Chang Geng, you also have a shortcoming, which is being too cautious in your actions. You are a disciple of the Human Sect, and in this regard, you are quite similar to Senior Brother Grand Pure, which is understandable. Chang Geng, now look."

As he spoke, the Jade Emperor pushed open the boat cabin window, gazing at the vast expanse of mist and waves outside, and continued:

"The wind can be gentle, or it can be fierce. Clouds can drift leisurely, or they can gather abruptly. All things in heaven and earth have principles of urgency and slowness. Matters of the Dragon race should be handled similarly."

Upon hearing this, Li Changshou immediately put on a deeply moved expression, nodded slowly, and made a Daoist salute.

"This humble god has been enlightened!"

"Regarding the Dragon race's affairs," the Jade Emperor stated, "I shall directly issue an order to you, Chang Geng, today: you temporarily do not need to concern yourself much with the Dragon race. Twelve years from now, the Heavenly Court will hold a Peach Banquet, and I will invite the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas to the Heavenly Court to partake in the banquet. If they willingly submit to the Heavenly Court, I will not wield the Dragon-Slaying Sword. If they still harbor rebellious intentions and do not recognize the will of Heaven, I will personally go to the Purple霄 Palace and ask the Dao Ancestor to inflict Heavenly Punishment upon the Dragon race!"

Li Changshou and Dong Mu Gong exchanged glances, both slightly shaken, and simultaneously bowed, acknowledging the order.

The Jade Emperor closed his eyes and slowly exhaled, then opened them again, gazing at the expanse of clear water and blue sky.

His white robe was like snow, his long hair gently swaying.

As Li Changshou looked at the back of the Lord of the Three Realms at this moment, he inexplicably felt...

...he was rather dashing.

Li Changshou called out, "This humble god thanks Your Majesty for your understanding!"

The Jade Emperor chuckled and said, "Chang Geng, Mu Gong, you may not know that I am actually not interested in the divine authority of the Heavenly Emperor. When the Demon Court shattered back then, the Dao Ancestor and the Six Sages appeared to mend the broken mountains and rivers after the war of the three races. They melted down the ancient Demon Court and refined it into the current Heavenly Court. At that time, Senior Brother Zhunti of the Western Sect implored the Dao Ancestor that the Heavenly Court should be governed by a Saint. How could Master not know Zhunti's intentions?"

The Jade Emperor's gaze was infinitely distant, as if he could see through the sea and the sky. As he continued to speak, a wisp of Heavenly Dao's profound aura had already enveloped the wooden boat, so there was no need to worry about being overheard.

The Jade Emperor continued:

"The Three Pure Ones, my Senior Brothers, are pure and detached, indifferent to worldly affairs. If Master had agreed then, the Heavenly Court would have become a magical treasure for Senior Brothers Zhunti and Jieyin to fulfill their grand vows, and the Three Realms would never have found order. Therefore, Master drew my junior sister and me from the Purple霄 Palace. Without telling us anything specific, he appointed my junior sister and me as the Heavenly Court's Emperor and Empress—I as the Jade Emperor, and she as the Queen Mother—to oversee the affairs of the Three Realms. When I first became the Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Court was empty, everywhere was just clouds and mist. My junior sister and I sat in front of the Lingxiao Palace, dazed, unsure what we should do or what the position of Heavenly Emperor truly symbolized. My junior sister and I had merely served Master by bringing tea and water, delivering messages, and guarding the gate; how could we have ever been Heavenly Emperor or Queen Mother? Even until today, I still constantly ask myself: What exactly did Master intend for me to do by making me this Heavenly Emperor? Today, I've roughly understood."

Li Changshou said in a low voice, "This humble god dares to ask to hear more of Your Majesty's words."

Dong Mu Gong beside him couldn't help but fall into deep thought. *How could he not have thought of such words?*

The Jade Emperor said, "Heaven, Earth, and all living beings. The Three Realms have many powerful beings. Saints can easily reshape wind, fire, water, and earth; the disciples of Saints possess the power to overturn seas and sink lands; and mighty individuals from various races can move mountains, fill seas, and turn the universe upside down. I need to restrain them. All true spirits originate from nothingness before their manifestation, but after manifestation, they are divided into strong and weak. My Heavenly Court is to ensure that the strong cannot remain eternally strong and the weak can live out their Heavenly mandate in peace. I need to control. Chang Geng, Mu Gong, are you willing to follow me forward?"

Mu Gong firmly replied, "This old servant is willing to lay down his life and serve Your Majesty with all his might; death would not be a pity!"

Li Changshou, however, sighed softly and chuckled, "Having just become a god, the road ahead is long and arduous. I am willing to witness it together with Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor turned around and nodded to Li Changshou with a smile.

Mu Gong, beside him, couldn't help but fall into deep thought once more...

*He truly couldn't think of such words.*

The Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Court, the Dragon race's exclusive Peach Banquet twelve years later, and Heavenly Punishment if they didn't submit...

After seeing off the Jade Emperor and Dong Mu Gong, Li Changshou settled the paper-figurine Daoist in Anshui City, then fell into deep thought in his underground secret chamber on Little Qiong Peak.

Twelve years was a bit short.

And the timing of the Jade Emperor taking proactive measures was also slightly earlier than he had anticipated.

Rising from behind his desk, Li Changshou walked to a bookshelf in the corner. He took out two treasure pouches and from them, retrieved two stacks of cloth scrolls, which he slowly unfurled, spreading them across the entire secret chamber.

This was the 'strategy guide' he had written when he first accepted the 'Dragon race ascends to Heaven' task.

Most of it had already been erased.

And today, after careful consideration, Li Changshou rolled up more than half of the cloth scrolls, held them before him, and burned them to ashes with a burst of Samadhi True Fire.

These were all useless now.

Turning around, Li Changshou looked at the three remaining cloth scrolls behind him and the arrows marked haphazardly on them.

"Finally," he murmured, "I can use this part."

Subsequently, Li Changshou took another piece of cloth and drew on it a chicken drumstick, a bamboo basket, an orchid, a slingshot, and a luminous cup. This time, he thought for a moment and added a hairpin. Then he sat cross-legged in the air, letting the nearby cloth scrolls float around him, and continued writing and drawing with his brush.

The more critical the moment, the more one must avoid acting purely on impulse, disregarding everything.

In these twelve years, there was still much he could do. The Jade Emperor wanted to cut the Gordian knot and was even willing to use Zixiao Palace resources.

And what he needed was to quickly sort out this tangled mess, so that when the Jade Emperor made his move, there wouldn't be too much resistance, nor too many lingering problems.

He glanced at Ling'e's secluded cultivation spot and swept his gaze over the few people playing in the chess and card room.

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head, then began to concentrate on his thoughts.

The Jade Emperor actually didn't know...

His Dao was not one of inaction; it was just that sometimes he had to make choices that aligned with his 'chicken drumstick' preference.