Chapter 326: Peach Banquet Chang Geng Jin San, Receiving the Dragon Clan's Four Seas Tianfeng

Outside the Peach Feast, the Green Ox's entire face was etched with depression. Lying next to the stone, which was wrapped round and round with celestial ropes, its tail twitched slightly with boredom. It was truly tethered.

Longevity—oh, no, Master had instructed him to call him Senior Brother Chang Geng. Senior Brother Chang Geng was truly too cautious; he would carry out even the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord's casual remark to the very end! It wasn't as if it lacked intelligence. To put it bluntly, among those present, no more than ten could outmatch its (the ox's) combat prowess in a fight! Never mind, a mount should act like a mount. Wherever it's tied, it'll just rest there. Moo—

The Green Ox opened its mouth, and a vortex appeared in its throat, from which a flat peach flew out. It then closed its mouth, bit it into pieces, and comfortably chewed.

Inside the Peach Feast, Li Changshou, having tethered the ox, hurried back. As he stepped into the outer perimeter of the immortal banquet, he distinctly felt that the atmosphere had already become extremely solemn.

The dragons who had been relatively relaxed were now all sitting upright, their expressions taut. The Four Dragon Kings, too, had shed their previously subservient demeanor, displaying faint, gentle smiles, adopting a dignified elder's air. The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, however, remained unchanged. The former sat majestically on the central throne, while the latter accompanied him gracefully by his side. Uncle Zhao had abandoned his slouching posture, transforming from his previous 'who dares touch me here' abandon to the serious and earnest demeanor of 'I am a Jie School disciple'. As for the Heavenly Court immortals and gods, it went without saying: every single one was on high alert. Even the Moon Elder, whose eyes were naturally small, had them wide open like miniature brass bells. The six old Taoists from the West sat upright, each with a smile, as if they had put previous matters behind them.

Why the change? Naturally, because the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord was present! Within just four or five steps, Li Changshou had clearly analyzed why the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord had come. First, he ruled out the shallow and unsophisticated option that the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord was merely there to watch the show! Considering how the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord had just looked at him, allowed him to assist, and even sent him to tether the ox, all signs indicated that the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord was there to support him! And, incidentally, to guard against an attack from the Western Sect's saints, to explicitly state his stance towards the Dragon Race, and to ensure the Dragon Race's allegiance to the Heavenly Court today!

Confirming this, Li Changshou immediately pondered what he should do next to submit a performance as close to perfect as possible. Hmm... With the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord now present at the banquet, the original chess game had drastically changed; their side held an infinite advantage. Avoid: Being overly aggressive. Avoid: Overcomplicating matters and creating vulnerabilities. Recommended: Maintain a balance of tension and relaxation. Recommended: Solidify the foundation and remain unwavering! Especially at this moment, he must adhere even more firmly to the guiding principles of the 'Scripture of Steadiness,' fully leverage the value of the 'Theory of Routines,' and uphold the principle of Human School interests first, Heavenly Court interests second, unwavering for an entire epoch!

Therefore, as Li Changshou approached his seat, he slowed his pace, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and said: "Your Majesty, these six individuals here, who claim to be disciples of Western saints, have not yet proven their identities. To be safe, your humble god will continue." The Jade Emperor smiled and nodded, saying, "With the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord here, even if some imposters disguised as saint disciples have infiltrated, there's no need to worry." "Your Majesty, if these six truly are saint disciples, they would probably be eager to prove their identities now." Li Changshou turned to look at the six shabby old Taoists, his gaze full of warmth. Either Li Changshou had secretly calculated the angle, or it was purely coincidental, but when the six old Taoists from the West looked at Li Changshou, they happened to catch sight of the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord, sitting serenely in a corner of the high platform. This Sea God in front, with white hair and white robes, had a benevolent expression; and the old Taoist behind him remained silent, his eyelids half-closed. An inexplicable pressure emanated from them, making the six old Taoists' Dao hearts nearly unstable. The old Taoist who had spoken the most previously couldn't help but force an awkward smile and calmly said, "Why would my fellow disciples and I not dare to prove ourselves? We will now make a Great Dao Oath..." "Hold on!" Li Changshou interrupted, looking at Zhao Gongming, his gaze seeming to say: 'If not now, when?' Uncle Zhao, however, hesitated, frowning in thought, his eyes seeming to say: 'Do you really want to bring *that thing* out in front of the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord?' Li Changshou's gaze immediately grew quite firm; Zhao Gongming no longer hesitated, pulling out a somewhat tattered scroll from his sleeve and pushing it to Li Changshou with immortal power. If you're going to stir things up, stir things up.

Li Changshou petitioned the Jade Emperor, and after receiving his permission, he leisurely carried the scroll to the six old Taoists and placed it before them. As soon as the scroll appeared, the six old Taoists from the Western Sect exchanged glances; first, they saw 'annoyance' on each other's faces, then each was 'shocked,' confirming that the other had actually been touched by Zhao Gongming! This scroll was the evidence of their crimes! Incontrovertible evidence! But then again, at this moment, the six old Taoists all felt like long-married couples who suddenly discovered they were childhood friends separated for many years... It was certainly subtle. "Please, gentlemen." Li Changshou offered a shallow Taoist bow, then stood silently holding his whisk. One old Taoist, his left hand trembling slightly, unrolled the scroll on the low table; as he looked at the familiar words, the familiar format, and the many new additions to the writing, he couldn't help but recall those unbearable years... At that moment, the old Taoist suddenly understood—why so many fellow disciples and masters had been gloomy and irritable during that period; and why some fellow disciples had directly announced seclusion for two hundred to five hundred years, temporarily abstaining from sect affairs. The root of it all was right here! Li Changshou patiently guided them from the side, saying gently, "Fellow Taoist, you read from this point to this point, and then conclude at this point. It's just for self-identification; the middle part can be omitted."

Around them, curious gazes and divine senses converged, all wondering what 'treasure' Zhao Gongming had brought out. A moment later, the old Taoist from the Western Sect spoke in a deep voice, drawing forth the surging power of the Heavenly Dao within the Heavenly Court. Beginning with the 'Incantation of Grateful Oaths,' he recited a Great Dao Oath thousands of characters long! It took the six old Taoists a full hour to make their oaths. The power of the Heavenly Dao came and went, verifying each of their self-proclaimed identities. The Great Dao Oath template was repeated six times, allowing all the immortals, gods, dragons, the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother, and even Princess Long Ji who arrived later, to hear it six times at the Peach Feast. They didn't have much to say, simply feeling that their horizons had broadened and a door to a new world had opened. Some uncultured generals muttered, 'Can a Great Dao Oath really be this elaborate?' While the cultured civil officials would be more eloquent: 'By the gods, is this even possible?'

When the sixth old Taoist finished reciting the oath, Li Changshou retrieved the scroll and mumbled: "Actually, one person proving their identity would have been enough, after all, how could a saint's disciple conspire with imposters? Seeing how eager you all were, I didn't want to say too much." The Western Sect saint's disciple who had previously coughed up blood had his face flush red, but he forcibly swallowed the mouthful of fresh blood back down. At this moment, dozens of high-ranking Heavenly Court officials, the celestial generals around the Peach Feast, and the Four Dragon Kings along with the other dragons, all had their foreheads lined with expressions of acute exasperation. Most immortals and gods looked at Li Changshou with awe, branding him with the label 'absolutely not to be offended.' Who couldn't see by now? The six old Taoists from the Western Sect were simply no match for the Sea God. From the Sea God's return and sudden change of demeanor, the entire rhythm of events was effortlessly controlled by him. Step by step, he suppressed the six old Taoists until they couldn't recover, and with just a few words, he made them lose all face. Even the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord's presence didn't affect the Sea God's performance in the slightest! The Western visitors were not incompetent; to become saint disciples and corner the Dragon Race so badly, they naturally possessed some abilities. But they, full of clever rhetoric, had nowhere to unleash it... *Cough*, they were full of schemes, but found no opportunity to act. Just as they were formulating their first move, the Sea God opposite them had already taken his fifth, even digging four pitfalls ahead of them. How could they possibly contend? It's true that after this round of confrontation, Li Changshou seemed to have gained no direct benefit, only causing the six old Taoists to lose some face and now daring not to speak further. But from another perspective, had the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord not come today, Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor would have had to deal with the Western provocation. Having been dealt with by Li Changshou in such a manner, the six old Taoists from the Western Sect had their morale crushed and their sharpness dulled. Whatever they said or debated later, its effect would be greatly diminished, and it would be even less likely to influence the Dragon Race's judgment! Every calculation made by the Sea God today was paving the way for subsequent calculations! Even Princess Long Ji, now dressed in a pink immortal gown with two celestial ribbons tied around her wrists, seated in front of Duke Dongmu, watched the Sea God whom she had followed for twelve years. As she comprehended what had just transpired, she couldn't help but whisper to herself: 'Terrifying.'

Li Changshou turned to report to the Jade Emperor, stating that the identities had been confirmed; they were indeed six distinguished individuals from the Western Sect. The Jade Emperor praised him a few words, then raised his wine cup to toast the six old Taoists, quickly moving past the matter. Finally, Li Changshou returned to his seat at the Peach Feast, flanked by Duke Dongmu and Zhao Gongming, yet inwardly, he dared not relax in the slightest. The Western Sect's true agenda was still to come. The real show was just about to begin.

As soon as Li Changshou sat down, Zhao Gongming, from beside him, reached under the low table and grasped Li Changshou's arm. In the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord's presence, normal voice transmission might not be foolproof, but direct physical contact for transmission was the most secure method. "Changshou, when will you be formally accepted?" Li Changshou shook his head with a smile, transmitting his voice: "I am already a Human School disciple." Zhao Gongming suddenly seemed thoughtful, while Li Changshou had already transmitted a message to Duke Dongmu beside him: "Duke Mu, it's time to lead the Heavenly Court immortals and gods in toasting His Majesty, Her Majesty, and the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord separately." Duke Dongmu seemed to awaken from a dream, immediately rising to set the mood.

A moment later, music resumed, and thirty-six Moon Maidens performed a synchronized dance. With the exception of the renowned Chang'e herself, this was the highest standard of music and dance in the Heavenly Court. (Note: "Moon Maidens" refers to the female immortals cultivating on the Lunar Star, specializing in dance and music; 'Chang'e' refers to the one who ascended to immortality in broad daylight in ancient myths. The myth is somewhat biased; the actual story is more complex. She was conferred the title of Lunar Star Lord, managing the Moon Maidens, residing in Guanghan Palace, and rarely appearing in public.) Even if the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord disliked such displays, the Heavenly Court's etiquette still had to be observed perfectly.

Before long, immortals and gods everywhere were clinking cups again. The flat peaches would not be ripe for another two hours, and the atmosphere gradually grew lively. It seemed as if nothing else would happen.

Half an hour before the formal start of the Peach Feast, the East Sea Dragon King cast a glance at Li Changshou. Li Changshou slowly nodded, put down his wine cup, and rose from his cross-legged position. Instantly, numerous gazes converged upon him. The graceful and beautiful Moon Maidens also subconsciously paused their movements. The music, however, did not stop, becoming even more melodious. Li Changshou bowed to the Jade Emperor, saying, "Your subject has a memorial he wishes to present to Your Majesty!" The Jade Emperor smiled, "Today is the grand Peach Feast, my dear subject. You may present your memorial tomorrow." "Your Majesty," Li Changshou replied earnestly, "It is precisely because it is the Peach Feast today that your humble god wishes to present this memorial, to congratulate the Heavenly Court, and to congratulate Your Majesty!" The Jade Emperor asked again, "Whence comes this joy?" Beside them, Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and chuckled softly. The interplay between sovereign and subject was truly amusing. Li Changshou stepped away from the low table, bowed to the Jade Emperor, then bowed to the Four Sea Dragon Race, before standing tall, his hair and beard gently swaying.

"Your humble god has been entrusted by Your Majesty with the weighty responsibility of Sea God of the Four Seas. However, the Four Seas were already under the control of the Four Sea Dragon Race. Dragons, sea folk, marine creatures, and even demonic races, all obeyed these four Dragon Kings. Since your humble god took office, the Four Dragon Kings have offered their full support, helping your humble god govern the Four Seas, thus ensuring the Four Seas' peace. But your humble god is truly ashamed." Li Changshou let out a long sigh, then immediately bowed deeply to the Jade Emperor: "Today, your humble god humbly requests that his divine position be transformed into the divine positions of the Four Sea Gods, and that the Heavenly Court officially bestow upon the Four Dragon Kings the titles of Sea Gods of the Four Seas! Your humble god is willing to step back!"

As soon as Li Changshou spoke, many Dragon Race members and Heavenly Court immortals were greatly surprised. The Jade Emperor, however, frowned and said, "Chang Geng, why do you say this? Who in the Heavenly Court is unaware of Chang Geng's achievements? Who does not know? How can there be a principle of abdication without fault!"

Duke Dongmu rose from beside them, quickly walked to Li Changshou's side, and also bowed deeply: "Your Majesty! Your subject petitions! The Sea God has governed the Four Seas, his efforts and merits are immense! He has offered counsel to Your Majesty, his contributions are outstanding! Furthermore, he investigated and cleared the waterways of Nanzhou, his achievements will last for a thousand autumns! Why does Your Majesty not establish the Sea God in a new position, and then, according to the Sea God's petition, divide his divine authority into four!"

The Jade Emperor was overjoyed, "Duke Mu's request deeply pleases me! Issue an edict! I hereby confer upon my beloved subject Chang Geng the title of Heavenly Court Water God, ranked third-tier, to oversee all water matters in the Three Realms!" No sooner had the Jade Emperor's voice fallen than a golden light streamed from the High Heavens Palace, swiftly merging into Li Changshou's body. Li Changshou flipped his left hand, and a gleaming golden trident appeared in his grasp. Holding it with both hands, the trident transformed into streams of light and returned to the Heavenly Realm. Duke Dongmu smiled, "Your Majesty, the edict will officially solidify in twenty years. However, regarding the positions of the Four Sea Gods, the Four Dragon Kings, I wonder what their intentions are..."

"I have something to say!" The East Sea Dragon King rose, slowly walked to Li Changshou's side, and also bowed to the Jade Emperor. The old Dragon King actually became quite impassioned: "Reporting to Your Majesty the Jade Emperor! Our Dragon Race, bearing ancient karma, has long filled the Four Sea Eyes and managed the Four Seas. In ancient times, the Demonic Court was mighty and forcibly made our Dragon Race their guest ministers. How much our Dragon Race resented this! However, since the Sea God established his position at the South Sea shore, by Your Majesty's decree, he has shown our race every kind of care. When our race campaigned against rebels, the Heavenly Court assisted; when our race struggled, the Heavenly Court helped. The Sea God has even toiled and worried for the prosperity of our race, never mentioning a word of recompense. Our race has witnessed this, and our hearts are filled with gratitude! Today, I, Ao Guang, patriarch of the Dragon Race, am willing to lead the Four Sea Dragon Race in pledging allegiance to the Heavenly Court! We shall abide by the Heavenly Court's regulations! We shall uphold the Heavenly Court's divine might and obey the Heavenly Emperor's commands!"

The Dragon Kings of the West Sea, North Sea, and South Sea all stepped behind Ao Guang, bowed in unison, and declared loudly: "Our Dragon Race is willing to pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Court, abide by the Heavenly Court's regulations, uphold the Heavenly Court's divine might, and obey the Heavenly Emperor's commands!"

"Good!" The Jade Emperor rose, his entire body radiating golden light, his imperial majesty intensely profound. "Now that the Dragon Race has offered its assistance, why should our Heavenly Court not prosper? Now that the Dragon Kings have spoken, why should our Heavenly Court's might not be established!" At the Dragon Palace seating area, Ao Yi was the first to stand up, followed by most of the Dragon Race members, who moved behind the Four Sea Dragon Kings, preparing to salute the Jade Emperor.

However, the six old Taoists from the Western Sect remained calm and composed, showing no change in expression. Just then, a long sigh suddenly echoed, and an elder from the West Sea Dragon Palace also stood up, frowning and saying: "Your Four Majesties, does this matter truly not require consultation with the Grand Elders guarding the Sea Eyes? Is such an easy decision truly appropriate? This Heavenly Court is nothing more than this." Instantly, many dragons frowned, and numerous Heavenly Court immortals and gods rose, glaring angrily at the elder. Ao Yi's eyes widened, wishing he could tear apart this dragon from the West Sea. The smile on the Jade Emperor's face also gradually faded, his eyes radiating an imposing divine light.

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou calmly stepped forward again, "May your humble god be granted full authority to handle this matter?" The Jade Emperor nodded, settling back into his throne, and said, "Chang Geng, it's in your hands." "Thank you for Your Majesty's trust."

Thereupon, Li Changshou turned around. The Four Sea Dragon Kings and the many Dragon Race experts in front of him stepped aside, allowing Li Changshou to face the dragon-headed elder directly. Many Heavenly Court immortals and gods couldn't help but think: 'Looks like there's another good show about to unfold.' Zhao Gongming's eyes narrowed in a smile, the six old Taoists from the Western Sect once again began to frantically exchange glances, and both Ao Yi and Long Ji's eyes gleamed. Long Ji, maintaining her excellent habit, took out a jade slip, preparing to record every word spoken by the Sea God.

Turning to Li Changshou, he took two steps forward, holding his whisk, looked directly at the dragon-headed elder, and asked: "Fellow Taoist, are you affiliated with the West Sea Dragon Palace?" The dragon-headed elder, calm and composed, clasped his hands behind his back and smiled, "Indeed. May I ask what instructions the Sea God has for me?"

Li Changshou smiled, but then his smile vanished, his expression became cold, and his eyes glinted. Suddenly, he roared: "Celestial Generals, where are you?! Seize this dragon! Take him to the Divine Punishment Hall, behead him, and obliterate his divine soul!"

The Peach Feast instantly fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. The stillness lasted for a few breaths, then hundreds of celestial generals responded with a resounding roar!