Chapter 324: Immortal Life Is Just a Play

“Ao Yi, that scoundrel! He's at the Peach Banquet today, and I swear I'll...”

In front of the High Heavens Palace, Bian Zhuang, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Forces, clad in bright silver armor, was privately grinding his teeth.

Twelve times!A full twelve times!

He had been drunk twelve times during his visits to the Dragon Palaces of the East, South, and North Seas over the years. Each time he woke up, he was lying on a large bed, and what greeted his eyes were... some... truly indescribable, bizarre creatures!

At first, it wasn't so bad; they were just heavily made-up old sea-race women. Later, Ao Yi, who arranged these pranks, seemed to have gotten more creative, gathering all sorts of...

Who has ever seen a sea-race woman with an octopus head but a very alluring figure? Or a burly man with an incredibly graceful back, but when he turned his head, his face was covered in stubble!

Bian Zhuang shivered a few times; the images were truly unbearable to recall. He then gnashed his teeth and cursed under his breath.

But despite his anger, he stood there today with orders to act as an "acquaintance of the Dragon Palace" and host the Dragon Clan delegation well. Direct action was out of the question; he could only put on a welcoming smile, hoping to earn the Sea God's praise.

"Why is Ao Yi deliberately trying to antagonize me?" Bian Zhuang muttered to himself, as suddenly, thunderous drumbeats echoed from the Central Heavenly Gate. Several white clouds, gilded with golden light, rapidly approached, carrying the Dragon Clan delegation.

Heavenly soldiers cleared the way ahead, while heavenly generals surrounded them. The High Heavens Palace itself now shimmered with brilliant golden light, infused with formidable Heavenly Dao power, making it even more majestic.

Bian Zhuang and the fifteen heavenly generals beside him simultaneously puffed out their chests and held their heads high. As the Dragon Clan experts approached, they fanned out to the sides, and, as the Sea God had previously instructed, all wore gentle smiles.

Inside the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor sat upright and composed on his high platform, a faint smile playing on his lips. Dong Mu Gong, accompanied by dozens of civil and military officials, lined up on either side. These officials were all current Heavenly Court official deities, practically all the "experts" the Heavenly Court could currently muster. Most were of ancient human lineage, and among them, over a dozen were skilled generals and capable ministers who had followed the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

When the Dragon Clan delegation arrived before the palace, Dong Mu Gong went out to greet them on behalf of the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor himself descended half the jade steps, radiating an intense divine majesty. The Four Dragon Kings exchanged glances, then entered together, walking to the center of the High Heavens Palace where they all performed a Daoist bow.

The East Sea Dragon King stepped forward, his brocade robe shimmering faintly, its wide sleeves, almost reaching the floor, swaying slightly. Almost simultaneously, the East Sea Dragon King, the Jade Emperor, Dong Mu Gong on one side, and all the Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods on the other, all heard, to varying degrees, in their minds...

...Shou's voice.

Except for the dragons from the West Sea Dragon Palace, which of these figures present hadn't been instructed by Li Changshou at least three times? At this moment, though Li Changshou had not yet appeared, he was omnipresent.

The East Sea Dragon King produced a golden invitation, speaking in a deep, resonant, unhurried voice. The East Sea Dragon King then said:

"Our Dragon Clan has specifically come to attend the Peach Banquet at the Heavenly Court's invitation. We now respectfully submit this petition to the Heavenly Emperor, expressing our gratitude for Your Majesty's benevolence. Our clan was born at the dawn of chaos and, along with the Phoenix and Qilin clans, once disregarded the lives of all beings, and thus incurred the karmic burden of shattering the primordial world. Fortunately, the Heavenly Emperor did not abandon us, and the Sea God lent us support, granting our clan the opportunity to break free from these karmic shackles. All members of our clan are profoundly grateful for this Heavenly Grace. Today, we have specially come to express our thanks to Your Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor!"

With his words, the golden invitation transformed into a wisp of golden light and returned to the High Heavens Palace.

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and sighed: "The Dragon Clan hails from ancient times and shares a slight connection with Us. Although they previously committed the error of shattering the primordial world, they have long guarded the Sea Eyes of the Four Seas and protected all living beings, thereby earning their own merit. There are no major Heavenly and Earthly matters today; We merely invited the Four Dragon Kings to visit the Heavenly Court for a discussion. Is the Jade Pond ready?"

Dong Mu Gong replied, "Your Majesty, everything is prepared at the Jade Pond."

"Then let's not wait for Beloved Minister Chang Geng for now," the Jade Emperor chuckled. "My dear ministers, accompany Us and the esteemed Dragon Clan heroes to the Jade Pond for the banquet."

All the Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods bowed in unison to express their gratitude, their movements perfectly synchronized.

—This entire scenario, including the recent dialogue between both parties, was actually orchestrated by a certain ordinary influential minister. Especially the Jade Emperor's words: if he were to declare, "The Dragon Clan's karma is absolved," the Heavenly Dao might truly absolve their karma, which would then render all prior efforts futile.

Immediately, the Jade Emperor stepped forward, personally invited the East Sea Dragon King to join him outside the palace. Together, they boarded the Jade Emperor's Nine-Dragon Divine Chariot, and with the Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods, nearly a hundred members of the Dragon Clan, and tens of thousands of heavenly soldiers and generals, they proceeded majestically towards the Jade Pond.

Aboard the divine chariot, the East Sea Dragon King sat diagonally opposite the Jade Emperor, and at this moment, he transmitted his voice, saying: "Your Majesty, please rest assured, this humble dragon knows how to proceed; the Sea God has already made all the necessary arrangements."

The Jade Emperor smiled, "Dragon King, you also hail from ancient times; there's no need to refer to yourself in such a humble manner, whether among others or privately."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," the East Sea Dragon King rose and performed a Daoist bow, then sat back down at the Jade Emperor's gesture.

This scene, observed by the younger members of the Dragon Clan behind them, made the dragon princes and princesses feel as if a spice jar had overturned in their hearts, leaving them with a deeply complicated mix of emotions. Was this still the same contemporary clan leader of the Dragon Clan who enjoyed lounging on his throne, being gently massaged by sea maidens? Their Dragon Clan, today, was truly going to... Even though everyone knew that the Dragon Clan's allegiance to the Heavenly Court at this time brought countless benefits and no harm, when faced with the reality, they couldn't help but feel a certain resistance in their hearts.

As the Jade Emperor's chariot approached the Jade Pond, rows of female immortals flew out from within the pond. Half of them held flower baskets and palace lanterns, stationed on either side. The other half played music and danced on the clouds, their long sleeves fluttering gracefully like rising mist.

"Dragon King, please."

"Your Majesty honors this humble one too greatly, Your Majesty, please."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, stepping down from the chariot. The East Sea Dragon King naturally followed closely behind the Jade Emperor. The Dragon King's originally majestic frame now seemed a little hunched. A hundred immortals and a hundred dragons followed behind, entering the Jade Pond together.

The Queen Mother, accompanied by several Jade Pond female immortals, stood still above the immortal island where the Peach Banquet was being held. Her demeanor was peerless, and her grace unparalleled.

The Jade Emperor approached, and the Queen Mother bowed slightly. The Jade Emperor also performed a slight Daoist bow and smiled: "Junior Sister, this is the East Sea Dragon King, the current leader of the Dragon Clan."

The East Sea Dragon King lowered his head and performed a Daoist bow, saying, "Greetings, Queen Mother."

"The Dragon Clan leader needn't be so formal," the Queen Mother replied softly. She then said no more, accompanying the Jade Emperor to the thrones below.

This venue, of course, had been subtly reconfigured by Li Changshou. Originally, the Four Dragon Kings' seats were placed behind those of Dong Mu Gong and Li Changshou. Now, Li Changshou had arranged them to be on two separate sides, with the Dragon Clan members seated on the right.

Both parties took their seats. Rows of fairies gracefully approached, offering fine wine and immortal fruits. Another dozen or so Moon Palace Chang'e fairies came forward to perform a dance, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

The Jade Emperor smiled and asked, "Junior Sister, when will the Flat Peaches of Immortality be ready?"

"Your Majesty, the Flat Peaches still need several more hours to ripen. I have already ordered people to wait in the Peach Garden to pick them as soon as they are ripe; that is when they are at their best."

"Good," the Jade Emperor nodded with a smile. This was a veiled way of encouraging the dragons to be patient.

Just then, a heavenly general swiftly came to report. "Your Majesty, Zhao Gongming, the renowned cultivator from Luofu Cave on Mount Emei, has entered the Heavenly Gate and is heading towards the Jade Pond!"

"Oh?" The Jade Emperor smiled, "Gongming and Beloved Minister Chang Geng are close confidants. Add a seat next to Beloved Minister Chang Geng's. Mu Gong, go greet him on Our behalf; be sure not to slight him."

"This old minister obeys!"

Dong Mu Gong accepted the order and turned, just about to fly out on a cloud when a burst of boisterous laughter was heard from ahead.

Zhao Gongming, riding on a cloud with Ao Yi, swiftly arrived. In but a moment, he was there, bowing and saluting in various directions, then stepping forward to perform a Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother. "Greetings, two Revered Uncles."

The Jade Emperor's brow held a smile, and he said little, merely gesturing for Zhao Gongming to take his seat. However, Zhao Gongming's address of "Revered Uncles" made many of the Dragon Clan members' expressions change. Previously, most of the Dragon Clan had felt a sense of melancholy at the prospect of living under others. Now, with Zhao Gongming's arrival and his addressing them as "Revered Uncles," it reminded them that the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were still peers of the Six Sages, and considered fellow disciples of the Three Pure Ones... From a background perspective, their allegiance to the Heavenly Court wasn't actually a loss of face. One by one, the dragons' sentiments grew nuanced.

Ao Yi's divine rank in the Heavenly Court was somewhat low, not qualifying him for the Peach Banquet, so he took a seat on the Dragon Clan's side.

The singing and dancing continued leisurely, as the Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods began to clink glasses, and the dragons conversed in small groups. The Jade Emperor enjoyed the Chang'e fairies' dance, perfectly at ease, seemingly with no important matters to attend to today. Meanwhile, Li Changshou's seat remained empty, and there was no sign of him.

Zhao Gongming, however, felt quite uncomfortable next to him. He thus concealed his aura and Dao rhythm, trying to minimize his presence, and occasionally glanced at Old Man Yue, who was clad in a festive red robe. Old Man Yue, the matchmaker, also muttered to himself internally... Why did this senior disciple of the Jie Sect's outer gate keep looking at him? Could he be here to question the sudden surge in Jie Sect marriages over the past decade? This had nothing to do with him. So many Golden Immortals who originated from post-primordial beings in the Jie Sect had found their own partners by extending their own red strings and intertwining them. Even if Old Man Yue had a hundred Sea Gods' worth of courage, he wouldn't dare to interfere with the Jie Sect's affairs randomly. However, it must be said that with its absolute advantage in numbers and the "number of Golden Immortal realm cultivators" who had formed marital bonds, the Jie Sect's trend of forming Daoist partners had firmly surpassed that of the Human Sect.

Suddenly, drumbeats sounded from the Central Heavenly Gate again, and another heavenly general rushed to report that six disciples of the Western Sect's Sages had come to seek an audience with the Jade Emperor. Many dragons immediately perked up their ears; those with fiery temperaments already flared with anger. Fortunately, Li Changshou had just briefed the Four Dragon Kings beforehand; the Four Dragon Kings each transmitted their voices, instructing the dragons not from the West Sea Dragon Palace to remain quiet.

The Jade Emperor frowned. Although he had been informed by Li Changshou earlier that members of the Western Sect would come to cause trouble, at this moment, he had to express his attitude and deliberately show a degree of annoyance. "The Western Sect?" The Jade Emperor said displeasedly, "We did not invite them, why have they come? Do not let them enter the Heavenly Gate."

The Queen Mother hastily interjected, "Your Majesty, our Heavenly Court has not yet fully risen to power. The Western Sect has two Sages; we cannot disrespect the Sages' prestige. Today is the Peach Banquet anyway; why not let them join the feast as well?"

"Very well," the Jade Emperor glanced at the Four Dragon Kings, giving them a reassuring look, and then ordered them to be admitted.

A moment later, six old Daoists clad in tattered robes flew in on clouds. They were initially furious, seemingly intending to confront the Jade Emperor with questions. These six old Daoists flew to the Jade Pond Peach Banquet. Just as they disembarked from their clouds, one of them already displayed the arrogant demeanor befitting a Sage's disciple...

"Cough!" A certain inconspicuous Zhao Gongming cleared his throat, stroking his beard with a smile, and the six old Daoists' expressions all changed simultaneously. Their imposing aura, like a balloon, was immediately deflated by Zhao Gongming's simple gesture.

"Fellow Daoists," Zhao Gongming chuckled, "Are you craving peaches?"

The six old Daoists frowned and remained silent, immediately transmitting their voices to discuss a few words, temporarily holding back their outburst. Under the Queen Mother's arrangement, they took their seats on Zhao Gongming's side. The dragons opposite them cast furious gazes, but these six old Daoists remained utterly oblivious. Meanwhile, the dozen or so "two-faced dragons" from the West Sea Dragon Palace had all received telepathic messages, waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble.

Thus, all the main participants of today's Peach Banquet had arrived.

The Flat Peaches in the Peach Garden had not yet ripened, and the singing and dancing resumed. The Jade Emperor maintained a displeased expression, closing his eyes to meditate; the Four Dragon Kings remained silent, quietly awaiting the opportune moment arranged with Li Changshou. Zhao Gongming only knew that something "big" was about to happen today, nothing specific. At this moment, he even toasted the six old Daoists beside him with a cup of wine. The six old Daoists each frowned in contemplation, their minds racing with various conjectures, fearing they had been entrapped in another scheme...

In truth, Venerable Zhao's presence here was purely by chance; ever since Li Changshou received a secret message from Daoist Wen Jing half a year ago, he had prepared several contingency plans. Within the Heavenly Court, under the Heavenly Dao's blessing, the Jade Emperor was not to be trifled with; there was no need for Venerable Zhao to personally intervene.

A moment later, an old Western Daoist, clad in tattered robes, stood up...

Meanwhile, Bian Zhuang, who had been waiting for a long time outside the immortal banquet at the Jade Pond, finally received a telepathic message from the Sea God!

At the immortal banquet, the tattered-robed old Daoist began, "Your Majesty, the Jade Emperor, this humble Daoist has come today because there is a matter—"

"Your Majesty!" Bian Zhuang suddenly burst in, his emotions incredibly fervent, his voice exceptionally loud, "The Sea God, he!"

The Jade Emperor immediately stood up, completely ignoring the old Daoist, and hastily asked, "What's wrong with Chang Geng?"

Bian Zhuang cried out, his voice choked with emotion, "The Sea God, he's back!"

"Quick!" The Jade Emperor was overjoyed. He waved away the dancing Chang'e fairies, swept around his throne, and quickly walked out of the banquet hall.

The Queen Mother, standing nearby, secretly snorted in her heart. Just now, he had transmitted a message saying her acting was a bit stiff, yet his own acting wasn't much better! How theatrical!

All the Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods stood up one after another and quickly followed. The dragons also rose, gazing out towards the immortal island. The ignored, tattered-robed old Daoist, a disciple of the Western Sect's Sage, was now utterly bewildered, wanting to express his anger but unsure how to begin. As for Venerable Zhao, there's no need to say more; he was completely stumped at this moment.

Two figures appeared from an unknown direction, already outside the immortal island. One was white-haired and clad in a somewhat worn Daoist robe, clearly Li Changshou's Sea God paper avatar. Beside him, Princess Longji had also changed into a somewhat dirty Daoist robe, its hem stained in places. Her fair face showed a hint of fatigue, and in her arms, she held the gleaming Heavenly Emperor's Demon-Slaying Sword...

"Chang Geng!" the Jade Emperor cried out, "Beloved Minister, you have suffered!"

Li Changshou performed a deep Daoist bow forward and declared in a clear voice, "This humble deity is delighted to alleviate Your Majesty's worries; it was no hardship at all! Your Majesty, please allow this humble deity to report! Over twelve years of exploration in the Southern Continent, this humble deity, guided by the Great Yu's Flood Control Map and wielding the Demon-Slaying Sword bestowed by Your Majesty, visited various parts of the Southern Continent, thoroughly surveyed its main waterways, slaying evil creatures and cleansing impurities, ultimately clarifying all the principal waterways of the South Jambudvipa Continent! Having rushed here from before the Peach Banquet today, I present to Your Majesty 1,232 hydrological maps of the Southern Continent!"

With his words, Li Changshou took out two treasure pouches from his robes, then opened them. Two towering stacks of scrolls appeared by his side.

The Jade Emperor's eyes gleamed as he smiled, "From this day forward, the waterways of the South Jambudvipa Continent shall be under the centralized governance of the Heavenly Court!"

As the Jade Emperor's words fell, ten thousand beams of golden light surged around him. From above his head appeared the Supreme Seal of the Heavenly Emperor, which emitted two golden rays that shone upon the two piles of scrolls.

Suddenly, the roar of water resounded! The two piles of scrolls directly dissolved in the golden light. However, rivers of various lengths and lakes of diverse shapes floated within the golden light, slowly swirling around Li Changshou and Longji. A moment later, these miniature representations of rivers, streams, and lakes surged towards the Heavenly Emperor's Seal, completely absorbed by it.

A beam of golden light flashed and vanished from the High Heavens Palace!

That was... Heavenly Merit descending!