Chapter 435: The Beginning of the Calamity

The heavenly secrets were in disarray, and a great tribulation was imminent.

Li Changshou, who held several "indicators" of the Investiture of the Gods tribulation, was truly caught off guard.

The lightning bolt that had just struck in front of Bai Ze not only caused Bai Ze to break out in a cold sweat, but also shook Li Changshou's Dao heart.

The lightning's appearance was certainly not meant to "kill the spoiler," but rather a genuine Zixiao Divine Thunder warning!

The Heavenly Dao was warning Bai Ze to be cautious when divining heavenly secrets and calculating fortunes; if he interfered with the tribulation's progression, genuine Zixiao Divine Thunder would indeed strike him.

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, arms crossed, as a strange thought surfaced in his mind.

Why now?

Wasn't the Investiture of the Gods tribulation initiated by the Dao Ancestor after the Jade Emperor was insulted by disciples of the three sects and subsequently complained in Zixiao Palace?

If analyzed from this perspective:

At this moment, the power of living beings between heaven and earth had reached a critical threshold, thus triggering the Heavenly Dao to initiate a great tribulation. But was the tribulation still brewing, its "form" and "content" not yet determined?

The room for maneuver here...

Another lightning bolt, as thick as a thumb, appeared out of thin air, illuminating Black Pool Peak and striking directly in front of Li Changshou's toes!

This?!

Not even allowed to think about it?

Li Changshou immediately discarded that bold idea, bowing respectfully towards the sky, also breaking out in a cold sweat.

A moment later, Li Changshou and Bai Ze crouched by the pond, hands tucked into their sleeves. They wanted to speak, but hesitated for a moment.

What if they said the wrong thing...

"Mr. Bai," Li Changshou began, and Bai Ze immediately shivered, looking left and right, his eyes filled with alarm.

Bai Ze quietly asked, "Water God, what were you just thinking about?"

"Can I say that..."

"Oh, right, right. If we say it, we'll both surely turn to ashes of tribulation," Bai Ze said, letting out a soft breath. By then, even his speech had become cautious, unsure how to begin.

Li Changshou asked again, "Mr. Bai, do you feel an urge... to leave this place?"

"No," Bai Ze replied, after carefully sensing for a moment, shaking his head seriously. "I find it quite comfortable here."

"By means of your divine ability?"

"Yes, this place is exceptionally peaceful."

A partial weight lifted from Li Changshou's heart.

There should be no crisis at the Immortal Du Sect at this moment, but Bai Ze's divine ability is closely tied to heavenly secrets. It couldn't be ruled out that Bai Ze's senses were distorted due to the chaotic heavenly secrets...

Bai Ze studied Li Changshou for a moment and asked with a smile, "Water God, are you perhaps a little flustered?"

"No, it's just a bit sudden," Li Changshou smiled, and continued to crouch there in thought.

Regardless, the tribulation's aura had already appeared.

Heavenly secrets were obscured, making methods of deduction and divination unreliable. The Heavenly Dao had just directly warned him and Bai Ze.

All signs indicated that his path ahead would be anything but easy.

The two crouched for a while longer. Bai Ze then said, "How about we go discuss it with the Saint?"

"If the Saint has something to say, he always instructs me directly.

Never mind. I'll return to the Heavenly Court first to see the situation. Mr. Bai, please help me keep a close eye on the Immortal Du Sect."

"Water God, you needn't worry too much," Bai Ze said solemnly. "It should be some time before the great tribulation truly descends. At this moment, only the aura of tribulation has formed.

Presumably, those skilled in divination and currently practicing it have already sensed the changes in heavenly secrets.

Among the three Daoist sects, there are many experts; they should all have noticed the difference here."

"I'm just going to the Heavenly Court to see if there are any anomalies. Mr. Bai, there's no need to worry; I naturally understand the principle that overacting can often lead to more mistakes."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and flew back to Xiaoqiong Peak on a cloud.

He first sent a voice transmission, instructing his master and junior sister not to go out during this period. If they had any strange thoughts, they must discuss them with him before deciding whether to act.

Subsequently, Li Changshou's consciousness shifted among his paper effigies, with the first one rushing to the Heavenly Court.

The Heavenly Court was a vital place for the Heavenly Dao; if the Heavenly Dao became turbulent or heavenly secrets changed, the Heavenly Court should logically be the first to be affected...

His immortal sense spread from the Water God's Mansion to various places. Li Changshou saw Ling Zhuzi happily wrestling with a heavenly general, patrolling heavenly soldiers passing by in the distance, and immortal maidens accompanied by joyous laughter...

Everything seemed normal.

There was also no abnormality in the Lingxiao Palace; golden light enveloped it, and auspicious signs accompanied it. His Majesty the Jade Emperor's true form lay quietly within, experiencing a "real dream."

Holding his whisk, Li Changshou flew out of the Water God's Mansion on a cloud.

If not for fear of unsettling the heavenly generals guarding the Water God's Mansion, he would now want to use multiple minds at once, directly sending several paper effigies out of the mansion to quickly search various places.

By the Heavenly River, near the Heavenly Gates, in the Tushita Palace, at the Heavenly Court's bean sprout cultivation center...

Everything was as usual, with no anomalies, not the slightest unusual sign.

As the Heavenly Court did not have many experts, it had not yet discovered the chaos in heavenly secrets at this time. —It was also not easy to divine heavenly secrets.

'Was he being too sensitive?'

Li Changshou muttered to himself.

If the Investiture of the Gods tribulation was to occur 800 to 1,000 years later, was it normal for tribulation clouds to start appearing and heavenly secrets to be sealed now?

Beyond its energy-saving, normal, and performance modes, had the Heavenly Dao activated a high-end "Great Tribulation" mode?

From that lightning bolt just now, he could infer that the Investiture of the Gods tribulation had already been decided by the Heavenly Dao...

To be safe, Li Changshou's paper effigies were already in action.

One paper effigy went to seek out Zhao Gongming and Huang Long Zhenren, while another rushed to the East Sea to visit the Dragon Palace and the Three Immortal Islands.

His consciousness split to various locations, by the shores of the South Sea and within the mortal realm, searching for the answers Li Changshou sought.

A moment later, one of Li Changshou's paper effigies flew on a cloud high in the sky, looking down at the land.

This was the northeastern part of the Southern Continent. This particular paper effigy of Li Changshou had only just "awakened," but its immortal sense, upon extending outwards, had already discovered this situation.

Across a vast wilderness, large groups of mortals were lined up in long queues, moving northwest along a river.

Among these mortals, half were clad in leather and bronze armor, wielding long halberds and sabers, while the other half were dressed in rags, driven like cattle or sheep.

Slaves?

Although the mortal realm of the Southern Continent had existed for tens of thousands of years, due to its immense size and the limited 'foot power' of mortals, the development situations in various regions differed.

But most tribes and square nations had not yet abolished slavery; war captives mostly became slaves, and the children of slaves would also become slaves.

The mortals being escorted below were slaves captured after a great battle, being sent to a newly emerging tribe—

Li Changshou's immortal sense swept over, and he found that within the Shang tribe, a heaven-worshipping ceremony had just concluded. A burly man was assisting a beautiful female priestess down from the high platform.

In recent years, due to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's tribulation experience, Li Changshou had indeed neglected surveillance here. After all, with Kong Xuan, the Elder Sister, always guarding this place, no accidents would naturally occur.

From the Shang tribe to the Shang Kingdom, there should still be hundreds of years to go.

Was the appearance of the tribulation's aura related to this matter?

Li Changshou observed secretly for a while. Once his other paper effigies had successively reached their respective destinations, he then withdrew his consciousness and began to visit his friends.

It didn't take much effort. With Li Changshou's hint, Zhao Gongming and Huang Long Zhenren each performed divinations with their fingers, then were startled to find the heavenly secrets in disarray.

Zhao Gongming and Huang Long Zhenren were both old spirits who had experienced two great tribulations, but their levels of shock at this moment were completely different.

Zhao Gongming was very calm, as Grandmaster of Heaven had previously enlightened him on this matter.

Huang Long Zhenren, in a hurry, left his immortal cave with Li Changshou. Li Changshou's paper effigy naturally returned to the Southern Continent, while Huang Long Zhenren rushed directly to Kunlun Mountain's Jade Void Palace to warn the experts of the Chan Sect.

These developments were all within Li Changshou's expectations.

What surprised Li Changshou was that before he even reached the Three Immortal Islands, just after emerging from the Dragon Palace, Fairy Yun Xiao was already waiting on the sea surface, riding a cloud...

Before he could even speak about the matter, Fairy Yun Xiao said softly:

"The situation is somewhat unusual. Heavenly secrets are obscured, and the aura of tribulation is already brewing; it's unclear where it will manifest."

Li Changshou couldn't help but smile gently.

He had originally intended to inform Fairy Yun Xiao, but instead, she ended up cautioning him.

She also said that a great tribulation was likely imminent, and advised Li Changshou to minimize his outings, suggesting it would be best if his true form could go to the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou agreed with a smile, listening carefully as Yun Xiao spoke these words of concern.

Because it was a paper effigy here, Li Changshou did not take a stroll or chat with Yun Xiao. Instead, he transformed this paper effigy into the shape of a paper figurine and let it float into Fairy Yun Xiao's hand.

The paper figurine conveyed Li Changshou's voice:

"I've pondered for many years, wanting to create a Qiankun magic treasure to transmit messages, but haven't quite grasped the knack.

Let this paper figurine serve for communication. If there's anything urgent, discuss it with me immediately."

Li Changshou spoke earnestly, and Fairy Yun Xiao listened attentively.

She took a treasure box, placed the paper figurine inside, and kept it close to her person.

With his consciousness withdrawn, Li Changshou regarded this paper figurine as a means of voice transmission, and would not use it to pry... *cough*, he still needed to maintain a sense of distance and mystery.

Bidding farewell to Fairy Yun Xiao, Li Changshou's consciousness returned to his secret room on Xiaoqiong Peak.

So many years of preparation were about to come in handy!

Although he couldn't openly create an "Investiture of the Gods Tribulation Encyclopedia Guide," the plans Li Changshou had made could now be advanced step by step.

First, he needed to make a detailed activation plan...

"Hmm?"

Li Changshou's immortal sense detected movement from the thatched hut by the spirit lake. His master, Daoist Qiyuan, had now changed into a brand-new indigo Daoist robe and, holding his whisk, was flying out of the hut and heading towards the alchemy room.

In the adjacent thatched hut, Ling'e also poked her head out the window, looking curiously at her master's retreating figure.

Master was going out?

An alarm instantly rang in Li Changshou's mind. He actively came out from the secret room to greet him and led his master into the alchemy room.

"Changshou," old Daoist Qiyuan chuckled, "This master is about to go to the Heavenly Court to report for duty. You previously sent a voice message instructing me to inform you if anything happens, so I specifically came to tell you."

Go to the Heavenly Court? Report for duty? At this time?

Li Changshou quickly said, "Master, just don't report for duty. I'll help you convey a message in the Tongming Hall."

"How can that be?"

Qiyuan frowned, "Heavenly Court matters must be handled according to regulations! Is your master now not even allowed to leave the sect gate?"

Li Changshou was speechless and explained:

"The Heavenly Court is currently very busy, Master, why don't you wait a while...

Go on, go on, don't glare and touch your whisk every time."

Qiyuan said, "Your master is merely going to Tongming Hall to report for duty. You are a righteous god of the Heavenly Court, so your master also needs to show some spirit as a teacher of a righteous god!

Changshou..."

"Yes, Master."

"This master suddenly had a breakthrough," Qiyuan chuckled, and with a gentle flick of his whisk, he smiled, "Rather than living in dejection, it's better to live more freely, travel around and see things.

How is living not living? Why always dwell on past events?

Look forward, this master still has plenty of time to live freely and happily, and see more of the primordial wilderness's sights."

Hearing this, Li Changshou first felt a wave of relief, followed by a slight unease.

It was precisely when the great tribulation was brewing, and his master very likely was influenced by the tribulation's aura. And because his Dao heart realm was lower, this restlessness might be even stronger.

Keep his master confined to the mountain?

This... might not be appropriate...

Immediately, Li Changshou offered his master two Golden Immortal-level paper effigies as guardians.

He then brought his master to Bai Ze and asked Bai Ze to fully sense what fortune or misfortune awaited his master if he were to go out.

It was not Qiyuan's first time seeing Bai Ze. He also knew that Bai Ze was a chef of considerable cultivation and extraordinary skill, and was quite courteous to Bai Ze.

Bai Ze knew the importance of Li Changshou's master Qiyuan and junior sister Ling'e in Li Changshou's Dao heart.

He immediately manifested his true form, transforming into the appearance of an auspicious beast. A long feather slowly extended forward, reaching towards old Daoist Qiyuan's chest.

Qiyuan was somewhat puzzled but said nothing more, simply letting Li Changshou and Bai Ze do as they pleased.

Before long, Bai Ze smiled:

"I just envisioned going out with Daoist friend, and felt no apprehension in my heart.

If my divine ability is not mistaken, it seems there's even a fortuitous encounter awaiting Daoist friend."

Li Changshou's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "What kind of fortuitous encounter?"

Bai Ze was about to habitually perform a divination with his fingers, but his fingers stiffened, and he gave a wry laugh. "This... is also hard to say."

"What kind of fortuitous encounter could this humble Daoist have?" Old Daoist Qiyuan said with a smile, "Perhaps it's going to the Heavenly Court to receive some commendation. For this humble Daoist, that would already be a rare blessing."

Bai Ze smiled without speaking, but Li Changshou was still a little uneasy.

But his master wanted to go out, and was going to the Heavenly Court, and Bai Ze had spoken as such...

"Master, let me escort you to the Heavenly Court."

"Why bother escorting me!" old Daoist Qiyuan sighed. "Your master isn't a three-year-old infant!

Just wait here. I'll take your paper effigies with me and be back in half a day."

Having said that, old Daoist Qiyuan slowly ascended on a cloud, exiting the grand formation on Black Pool Peak, and headed towards the sect gate, then on to the East Heavenly Gate.

Li Changshou naturally dared not be careless.

Now that the tribulation's aura had just arrived, and his master "inexplicably" wanted to report for duty in the Heavenly Court, how could Li Changshou dare to take it lightly?

One paper effigy performed a transformation art, turning into a spirit bird, and spread its wings, chasing after Qiyuan.

The journey was uneventful. Qiyuan arrived safely and passed through the East Heavenly Gate with his small mountain god seal.

Li Changshou breathed a sigh of relief. The paper effigy in the Heavenly Court continued to track his master's whereabouts with its immortal sense.

Subsequently, Li Changshou's mind stirred. Once his master had entered the Tongming Hall, he diverted some of his consciousness and guided a paper effigy to check on the situation of the "great supporting character of the Investiture of the Gods."

The black panther, unlucky in love, he wondered what changes it would undergo now, influenced by the tribulation clouds.

But Li Changshou was soon a little disappointed; the black panther was still cultivating in its cave. Although its cultivation realm had improved considerably, there were no other anomalies.

Li Changshou observed secretly for a long time, finding that the black panther had no intention of leaving seclusion. However, a small commotion appeared in the Heavenly Court's Tongming Hall, and his consciousness immediately shifted back.

He then saw Duke Dongmu holding his master, old Daoist Qiyuan's wrist, stepping out from the hall. The two were engrossed in pleasant conversation.

"Daoist friend Qiyuan, let me escort you a ways!"

"Lord Dongmu is busy with many affairs," Qiyuan replied. "This humble deity can return by myself."

"Ah, no, that won't do," Duke Dongmu said with a chuckle, leaning closer. "Both you and I are close friends with the Water God."

Old Daoist Qiyuan immediately offered various apologetic smiles, wanting to break free but not daring to. He could only stare at the curious gazes around them and walked with his head down beside Duke Dongmu.

Duke Dongmu arranged for a troop of heavenly soldiers to guard them, making old Daoist Qiyuan even more constrained.

Li Changshou chuckled quietly. His paper effigy, transformed into a spirit bird by transformation art, followed not far behind. His master's sleeves still contained two Golden Immortal-level paper effigies and one Heavenly Immortal-level paper effigy.

Exiting the East Heavenly Gate, they headed straight for the Eastern Divine Continent.

Along the way, Duke Dongmu chatted happily with old Daoist Qiyuan, and Li Changshou's eyes were full of mirth.

He suddenly felt a subtle "old father" mentality...

Disrespectful, this was disrespectful.

Just then!

Li Changshou suddenly heard a peculiar 'xun' sound in his ear. His spiritual sense trembled slightly, as if danger was approaching.

His immortal sense suddenly caught a wisp of white light, shooting upwards from below, directly towards Duke Dongmu!