Chapter 451: 一点,小底牌

Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan self-destructed in the High Heavens Palace, his spirit and immortal body instantly reduced to ashes.

Li Changshou stood before the assembled gods and immortals with downcast eyes, saying nothing, his expression stern.

An uneasy atmosphere permeated the hall.

The Jade Emperor snorted coldly, his eyes flaring with a dazzling golden light as he swept his gaze across the immortals below.

Immediately, over a dozen more gods and immortals convulsed and collapsed, unable to rise, as wisps of black smoke dissipated around them.

Duke Mu shouted, "What demon dares to cause trouble in the Heavenly Court!"

All the gods and immortals simultaneously channeled their immortal power, looking vigilantly in every direction.

Large numbers of Heavenly soldiers and generals rushed up the jade steps, surrounding the High Heavens Palace, their expressions extremely solemn.

This was the first time such an anomaly had occurred in the High Heavens Palace.

"It's fine," the Jade Emperor said slowly, his clenched fist in his sleeve gradually relaxing. "The adversary has been scared away by my beloved Chang Geng."

Li Changshou bowed with a Taoist salute, his mind churning with thoughts, yet maintaining his stern expression as he spoke clearly:

"Your Majesty, Immortal Yunhua's family was ambushed by these demons. Yang Tianyou and her eldest son died violent deaths. My avatar is currently escorting Immortal Yunhua back to the Heavenly Court."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's brow furrowed, and he slammed his palm on the jade table, exclaiming, "These demons have truly gone too far in deceiving me! Are Yunhua's children safe?"

"For now, they are," Li Changshou said, bowing his head in a Taoist salute and sighing, "Your humble servant has failed Your Majesty's trust. I await your punishment!"

The Jade Emperor gently waved his hand, closed his eyes, and remained silent for a long time.

Li Changshou stood there quietly, carefully considering the next steps.

These few exchanges between him and the Jade Emperor were intentional, meant for the Heavenly immortals to ponder deeply.

As for what couldn't or shouldn't be said next, not a single word was to be mentioned.

Incidentally, Li Changshou had also ensured Immortal Yunhua's safety, making the other party dare not attack her a second time.

Otherwise, the Heavenly Court would not hesitate to fight.

At that moment, however, most gods and immortals were preoccupied with what Li Changshou had whispered to Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan when his lips barely moved.

It must have been a very short phrase, yet it caused the 'demon' impersonating Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan to self-destruct in such a panic...

"That's too much, Martial Uncle."

This was Li Changshou's heartfelt thought, and also a warning he delivered after thorough consideration.

Why did the adversary retreat so abruptly?

For no other reason than that the two words 'Martial Uncle' uttered by Li Changshou directly struck the weak point of the mastermind behind it.

This wasn't because the person behind it feared Li Changshou; it was purely...

...that they feared the strongest Saint standing behind Li Changshou.

Of course, 'fear' was only part of the reason; another part was likely:

A Saint personally taking action, yet being exposed by the opposing Saint's disciple—if Li Changshou wasn't merely guessing, but had already grasped clues to the Saint's identity, that would give the Dao Sect and the Heavenly Court an opportunity to cause trouble.

Thus, the Saint hastily self-destructed and withdrew from this simple scheme.

Before Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan self-destructed, Li Changshou was only about 70% certain that a Saint was directly involved in micro-managing the situation.

But even with that, Li Changshou couldn't directly determine which Saint had taken action.

The tragic state of old Daoist Fu Yuan at that moment, however, gave Li Changshou a clear answer: the one who had schemed against Immortal Yunhua and Yang Tianyou was the Sixth Saint from the West, who wished to remain anonymous!

Firstly, considering the outcome, the Western Sect was the ultimate beneficiary of this matter.

Li Changshou knew Yang Jian's trajectory: he would most likely join the Chan Sect, cultivate the Eight-Nine Arcane Art, quickly become a powerful expert, cause havoc in the Heavenly Court, and cleave Mount Peach with his might.

This matter appeared to be Yang Jian's 'personal story,' but behind it, it would deepen the antagonism between the Chan Sect and the Heavenly Court, igniting a greater conflict.

Ultimately, the Western Sect's Saint was employing the same old tactics this time.

Exaggerating the Chan Sect's crisis, sowing discord within the Dao Sect, weakening the Heavenly Court's power and prestige, and subtly setting the stage for future cooperation with the Chan Sect against the Jie Sect.

Secondly, there was the Heavenly Court's unique nature.

The Heavenly Court is crucial to the operation of the Heavenly Dao. Although Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan did not hold a significant position, he was still a righteous god of the Heavenly Court, and certainly not someone any powerful being could casually harm.

Otherwise, the Heavenly Court would have been hollowed out long ago!

Furthermore, when the other party orchestrated this scheme, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were undergoing their tribulation.

The location of their tribulation bodies had always been protected by the power of the Heavenly Dao, and even as the Grand Tribulation approached, they could still act precisely.

Only Saints would dare to scheme in such a manner.

Most importantly, it was the unique nature of Saints themselves.

Saints are indestructible through countless tribulations and undying even in grand calamities.

This was a sensitive period when the Grand Tribulation had not yet fully unfolded. Any disturbance in the Heavenly Court could influence its course and potentially drag the perpetrator into an irreversible abyss.

At such a time, daring to act against the Heavenly Court—even Grand Master Xuandu wouldn't dare claim he could escape unscathed...

But Saints are different. At this time, aside from having their heavenly secrets obscured, they are not inherently affected by the Grand Tribulation. If they wish to observe from the sidelines, they can do so directly.

Adhering to the principle of 'bold assumptions, careful evidence collection,' Li Changshou had kept this possibility in mind seven years ago, deducing and verifying it step by step, which led to those simple five words just now.

Indirectly engaging in a game of wits, face-to-face, with a Saint...

...was also quite thrilling.

Based on this, the three Heavenly soldiers Li Changshou had briefly encountered in the mortal realm earlier were likely not personally controlled by the Saint.

When Li Changshou fought, he faintly sensed their presence. To him, their strength was significantly weaker than Old Man Zhao's, indicating they were likely disciples of a Western Saint.

The adversary clearly intended to kill Immortal Yunhua, Yang Tianyou, and Yang Tianyou's eldest son, Yang Jiao, to plant a seed of hatred in Yang Jian's heart.

And Yang Jian's identity as one of the 'Calamity Children' of the Investiture of Gods Tribulation should have been calculated by the West long ago.

"Alas..."

Li Changshou suddenly sighed.

The gods and immortals in the High Heavens Palace, who had just relaxed, became tense once again.

Li Changshou was thinking that for a dignified Saint to scheme against two mere mortals, using such methods to plant seeds of hatred for the Heavenly Court in the fated Yang Jian...

...it was truly beyond belief.

Another half an hour later, a squad of Heavenly soldiers streamed in from outside, escorting Immortal Yunhua into the High Heavens Palace.

All the gods and immortals looked over. Immortal Yunhua's long hair was disheveled, and she looked utterly distraught, as if she had lost her soul, her beautiful eyes devoid of luster.

Upon reaching the center of the hall, Immortal Yunhua collapsed onto the clouds that covered the white jade floor.

The Jade Emperor glanced at Li Changshou, who then had no choice but to step forward and ask in a cool, flat tone:

"Immortal Yunhua, do you admit your guilt?"

Immortal Yunhua showed no reaction, sitting there quietly, completely dejected.

Li Changshou sighed softly in his heart. All that remained for him now was strategy.

To play the villain.

"Immortal Yunhua, you secretly descended to the mortal realm and secretly married a mortal, living with him for several years. You even attempted to deceive His Majesty the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. Your crime is unforgivable."

Immortal Yunhua whispered softly, her voice somewhat hoarse.

"Is this why you killed my husband...?"

Li Changshou remained silent.

Duke Mu, standing nearby, whispered, "Immortal, surely you know!"

"Duke Mu, stand down," the Jade Emperor said calmly, his eyes still closed. "This matter is entrusted to my beloved Chang Geng."

East Duke Mu turned and assented, saying no more.

Those immortals who had originally intended to explain that 'His Majesty the Jade Emperor merely ordered you to be brought back' now dared not utter a single word.

Li Changshou asked again, "Do you admit your guilt?"

Immortal Yunhua smiled mournfully, tears streaming down her face. She slowly stood up; her frail body, only at the True Immortal realm and tainted by mortal impurities, now possessed an ineffable strength.

Her hoarse voice roared and cursed, venting the hatred in her heart as she pointed at Li Changshou and reviled him:

"This is the Heavenly Court... this is the Heavenly Emperor... and this is the benevolent Water God!"

"Do you admit your guilt?"

Li Changshou asked with a frown.

"If you want to kill, kill me! But why kill my husband, why kill my eldest son!"

Li Changshou said calmly, "If you admit your guilt, I can guarantee the safety of your two children."

Immortal Yunhua's body trembled as if waking from a dream. Her previously defiant figure trembled slightly, but she ultimately lowered her head and prostrated herself, her forehead touching the white jade slab.

"Please, I beg you, do not harm my children. They are innocent in this matter. It was I who defied the heavenly rules; it is all my fault... Water God, please don't kill them."

Li Changshou closed his eyes and sighed softly, then turned and bowed to the Jade Emperor, requesting a decree.

"Your Majesty, Immortal Yunhua has admitted her guilt. Your humble servant dares to request Your Majesty to order that Immortal Yunhua be suppressed within the Heavenly Court, near the Jade Pool, for a thousand years!"

The Jade Emperor, with closed eyes, said, "Granted."

Li Changshou waved his sleeve, and Heavenly soldiers and generals naturally stepped forward to escort Immortal Yunhua away.

Li Changshou secretly sent a message, and East Duke Mu immediately excused himself and followed behind.

"Let's adjourn for today."

The Jade Emperor stood up, his expression unreadable, and his figure transformed into mist, dissipating as he left the High Heavens Palace.

The gods and immortals below collectively bowed and silently dispersed.

As if nothing had happened, Li Changshou rode a cloud back to the Moon Palace, returning to his position as chief instructor to continue his remaining half-year term.

In less than half a day, the 'tragedy' of Immortal Yunhua's family began to circulate throughout the Heavenly Court.

The moon fairies dancing in the Moon Palace, when facing Li Changshou, showed less enthusiasm and more reverence.

More accurately, it was fear.

Li Changshou paid little heed to this and continued to attend to his duties.

In the High Heavens Palace, he had promised Immortal Yunhua not to harm Yang Jian and Yang Chan. Although Li Changshou knew Yang Jian would likely be fine, he still summoned the Xuanhuang Pagoda.

He casually dispatched a paper effigy army, taking the Xuanhuang Pagoda to the underground of Quezhou City.

He did not appear before Yang Jian again but secretly watched over him and observed him from the shadows.

The Yang residence had just suffered a great calamity, and chaos naturally ensued. Though merely a child, Yang Jian quickly made a decision and, with his younger sister, 'forced' their escape from the residence.

The siblings endured half a month of wandering. The once lively Yang Jian became silent and reserved, sleeping on the streets with his sister every day, unsure where to go or what to do.

Fortunately, they always encountered one or two kind people who gave them food and blankets...

These were not Li Changshou's paper effigies; it was Yang Jian's destiny at play.

When sleeping on the streets in the dead of night, Yang Jian hugged his sister, the two small figures huddled together under a tattered blanket.

Yang Jian couldn't close his eyes for a long time. Since the incident, he had never shed a tear, but now he merely gently patted his sister's back, comforting her frightened spirit.

Perhaps, these were the trials one must endure for a rapid rise.

Half a month later, a Chan Sect immortal passing by thousands of miles away was unexpectedly surprised by the destiny emanating from Yang Jian and brought this news back to the Jade Void Palace.

On that day, over a dozen immortals arrived at the Jade Void Palace, including True Lord Yellow Dragon, True Lord Yuding, True Lord Taiyi, and True Lord Chijing.

True Lord Chijing used his aura-gazing technique and determined that Yang Jian would certainly be extraordinary in the future. The other True Lords all considered taking him as a disciple, but only True Lord Yuding was the most calm, not competing or rushing.

He had merely been dragged along by True Lord Taiyi.

True Lord Taiyi had offended many with his sharp tongue. With the Grand Tribulation imminent, he wouldn't dare venture out recklessly without a highly cultivated expert by his side.

Affected by the tribulation's destiny, divination methods were currently forbidden, so the Chan Sect experts couldn't deduce Yang Jian's origins.

But as soon as they inquired in the city, they connected it to the recent widespread news in the Primordial World about the 'Jade Emperor's sister descending and secretly marrying.' Each of them found themselves in a difficult position.

True Lord Chijing said, "Currently, the Heavenly Court dominates the Grand Tribulation. We still need to consider the Jade Emperor, our Martial Uncle, and his reputation."

"This humble Daoist genuinely wishes to take him as a disciple; such great destiny is truly rare," True Lord Taiyi sighed. "Unfortunately, this fellow carries too much karma, and he is bound to be at odds with the Heavenly Court in the future. With this humble Daoist's mouth, I'm afraid I cannot protect him."

"Let this humble Daoist do it."

True Lord Yuding said in a low voice. Without waiting for True Lord Yellow Dragon to speak, he had already ridden a cloud and slowly floated down.

True Lord Yellow Dragon thought: He actually wouldn't mind...

Not long after, True Lord Yuding rode a cloud and brought Yang Jian and Yang Chan back to the heavens. Yang Jian looked at the old Daoists somewhat warily, so True Lord Yuding raised his hand, causing him to fall into a deep sleep, and supported him with immortal power behind him.

True Lord Chijing seemed to have something to say but stopped himself, not saying much, only stating:

"Let's go back."

The True Lords each rode their clouds and flew north.

True Lord Yuding felt something in his heart. He turned his head and peered towards a certain street in the mortal city below, saw a fleeting figure, and showed a slight smile.

True Lord Taiyi rode his cloud closer, his hands tucked in his sleeves, examining Yang Jian and Yang Chan as he muttered:

"Junior Brother, are you sure you want to take on this karma?"

"It's fine," Yuding said, retracting his gaze from the street. "Trust Chang Geng."

True Lord Taiyi sniffed, somewhat puzzled.

The day after Yang Jian was taken by True Lord Yuding, Li Changshou carried out a major undertaking he had long prepared for.

He took one hundred and eight demon soldiers to the Underworld to seek help from Empress Houtu!

He protected his main body with the Xuanhuang Pagoda, borrowed a large ship from the Dragon Palace, and majestically set off with one hundred and eight demon soldiers towards the east of the East Sea, bound for the Netherworld and Fengdu City.

He aimed to use Empress Houtu's Seven Emotions Dao Fruit to see if he could save the Dao hearts of these demon soldiers.

Meanwhile, on Three Immortals Island.

Qiong Xiao, Bi Xiao, and Han Zhi Xian, carrying rumors they had just heard, hurried to Immortal Yun Xiao's pavilion and informed her of the circulating matter concerning Immortal Yunhua in the Primordial World.

In the version currently circulating, whether by intentional design or distortion through word of mouth, the deaths of Yang Tianyou and his eldest son were attributed to the Heavenly Court's malicious hand.

In this story, the Heavenly Water God Li Chang Geng had become a complete villain, convicting Immortal Yunhua, personally escorting her to the heavens, and requesting her suppression for a thousand years.

Qiong Xiao frowned. "Logically, brother-in-law — hehe — this Water God fellow is our Senior Martial Uncle's favorite disciple. There's no need for him to do such dirty work for the Jade Emperor."

"I also feel something is amiss," Immortal Bi Xiao muttered quite seriously.

Immortal Yun Xiao hummed softly, then said gently:

"Why do I feel that his escorting of Immortal Yunhua was actually a form of protection, that her suppression was for her future safety, and that his convicting her was him willingly bearing the infamy to suppress this matter...? There must be something else at play here. Third Sister, I permit you to go out and investigate the full cause and effect of this matter. If others intentionally spread slander, I cannot stand idly by."

"Alas, it's truly troublesome not being able to use divination!"

Qiong Xiao grumbled, summoned her Golden Dragon Scissors, and soared through the air.

Half a day later, Qiong Xiao brought back the full story, stating that the Jade Emperor had merely ordered their family of five to be brought to heaven, but some Heavenly soldiers had been controlled.

A righteous god, Immortal Venerable Fu Yuan, was 'spoken to death' by the Water God in a single sentence, directly turning into ashes, and over a dozen Heavenly immortals seemed to have had their minds controlled...

Yun Xiao pondered for a moment, then whispered, "No wonder he had to step forward and take the blame for this; there must have been a Saint involved here."

The other immortals exchanged glances.

"A Saint? For such a minor matter? Surely not..."

"Do not bring up this matter again. I cannot yet fully discern the scheme behind it. Just notify all the immortal islands in our sect about the full sequence of events."

Yun Xiao cupped her cheek and pondered for a moment, then took out her brush and ink, wrote a letter, and handed it to Qiong Xiao.

"If Eldest Brother is still with him, ask him to help me deliver this letter. Even if he doesn't care about others' misunderstandings, I should at least give him some support."

Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao exchanged glances, then chuckled aloud. Before their elder sister could rebuke them, they hastily excused themselves and each sent out a message via jade talisman.

Meanwhile, within the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc.

Li Changshou stood by the pool where his master Qi Yuan's soul was immersed, waiting for Empress Houtu to 'slowly' approach.

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou said, turning and bowing with a smile, "Could you please help me with one more thing?"

Empress Houtu smiled. "Is it about the ancient human demon soldiers? I already promised you on that matter, so there's no 'one more time' about it."

"It's this..."

Li Changshou flipped his left hand, and a pearl in his palm gently shimmered with light. "Here is one soul and one spirit of a certain human. I wonder if, with the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc, this soul and spirit can be made whole?"

Empress Houtu gently asked, "Are the other souls shattered?"

"Shattered," Li Changshou nodded in reply. "Not even a speck remains, so to speak. Fortunately, I managed to extract one soul and one spirit moments before."

"If they are shattered, they can be repaired. But if the other souls were still intact, the Heavenly Dao would not permit it," Empress Houtu said. "As long as he has reincarnated through the Reincarnation Disc before, there will be traces of his imprint left behind. If we gather these imprints, connect the shattered souls, and use this one soul and one spirit as a guide, he can recover in just one to two hundred years. Place him in the pool. What is his name?"

Li Changshou carefully placed this one soul and one spirit beside his master's soul and replied aloud:

"Yang Tianyou."

Empress Houtu asked curiously, "Is this your fellow disciple?"

"No," Li Changshou thought for a moment, then smiled. "He could be considered my nominal disciple, plus a little... trump card."