Chapter 456: From the Summons of [Taiqing]

"Did you gain anything from your trip to the Lunar Palace, junior nephew?" Li Changshou asked as they slowly departed the Moon Palace on the clouds.

Ling Zhuzi pondered for a moment before replying, "Uncle-master, that immortal goddess Chang'e is incredibly beautiful, but she gives me a sense of being unfathomably deep... Are all Heavenly Court goddesses like that?"

Hearing this, Li Changshou was filled with emotion. He patted Ling Zhuzi's back and transmitted a message:

"Some are, some aren't, and it's not just goddesses. Some immortals appear innocent and harmless, but they have more thoughts in their minds than hairs on their heads; others seem incredibly cunning, but in reality, they might just be unwitting fools being used. From now on, when you judge people, you must be more vigilant. Think more, observe more, and don't easily trust... Oh, and don't repeat any of this."

Ling Zhuzi blinked and quietly asked, "What about my master? How do you view him, Uncle-master?"

"Senior Brother Taiyi," Li Changshou mused, then sighed, "He's quick-tongued and somewhat dark-hearted."

Ling Zhuzi's eyes lit up. He happily exclaimed, "So that's how Uncle-master Chang Geng evaluates Master! Straightforward and... uh, dark-hearted. I think Master is quite good..."

"Hahahaha!" Li Changshou couldn't help but burst into laughter, though inwardly he was pondering.

Ling Zhuzi couldn't stay in the Water God Manor forever, wrestling and playing games with minor Heavenly Generals who barely qualified as extras. Ling Zhuzi had been in the Heavenly Court for many years, and the promise Li Changshou made to True Immortal Taiyi hadn't shown significant results; any improvements had been quite limited. It was time to initiate the true Ling Zhuzi development plan.

"I've kept you from going out of the Water God Manor all these years; have you been bored stiff?" Li Changshou chuckled. "In another year or two, once I've resolved the matters at hand, I'll introduce you to some friends."

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle-master Chang Geng," Ling Zhuzi replied with a smile, his face radiating innocence. This even gave Li Changshou a strange, faint sense of... guilt.

Upon returning to the Water God Manor from the Lunar Palace and settling Ling Zhuzi, Li Changshou hurried back to the Osmanthus Palace to await the end of his tenure. Two developments following this trip to the Lunar Palace were somewhat beyond Li Changshou's expectations...

Firstly, his composed demeanor when facing Chang'e and his serene observation of her entire dance earned him a good reputation. This news quickly spread throughout the Great Wilderness, surprisingly diminishing some of the negative notoriety he had gained from condemning Immortal Yunhua, portraying him as a 'Heavenly Dao righteous god devoid of emotion.' This... Li Changshou felt a little helpless to complain. He needed Yang Jian to come knocking at his door, not a tacit understanding from him. What if Yang Jian grew up and genuinely said, "I understand you, Water God"? Wouldn't his plan—to sow a seed in Yang Jian through the Sage Zhunti, enabling Yang Jian to rise rapidly like those demon soldiers—be completely ruined? However, Li Changshou had no good way to handle this, so he could only be more careful in the future and ideally prevent any rumors about him from spreading.

Secondly, the concept of 'bronze mirror live broadcasting' quickly gained popularity in the Heavenly Court. The bronze mirrors Li Changshou created were simply a clever adaptation, using relatively simple artifact refining techniques to combine cloud mirror spells, display mirror spells, and a few minor restrictions, making them easy to imitate. Many immortals and gods created similar artifacts, initiating a wave of 'one-on-one' live streaming activities in the Heavenly Court. Seeing this, Li Changshou was immediately inspired. Wasn't this the video-recording sphere viewing system he had been searching for and envisioning? By integrating bronze mirrors, glazed mirrors, and other multi-terminal artifacts with the video-recording sphere's recording and dissemination system, limited entertainment throughout the Great Wilderness could be achieved, couldn't it? And wouldn't the Super Heavenly Soldier project be smoothly promoted then? Li Changshou pondered the matter, concluding that it had pros and cons, but the benefits definitely outweighed the drawbacks. No sooner said than done!

After obtaining the Jade Emperor's permission and registering it in the Tongming Hall, Li Changshou led Heavenly Court immortals and gods in a round-the-clock effort, swiftly developing a 'one-to-many-to-one' bronze mirror primitive network system! He erected a gigantic immortal bronze mirror artifact in front of the Water God Manor. This artifact, the result of hundreds of Heavenly Court immortals, gods, and skilled craftsmen brainstorming for dozens of days and nights, was named the 'Grand Transmit Bronze Mirror'. This mirror could simultaneously receive live broadcasts from three hundred individuals and transmit the content to thirty thousand other bronze mirrors. Connected to this grand mirror were two types of smaller complementary bronze mirrors: the first was for creating content, and the second was solely for playback. Immortals and gods had to actively apply for the first type of mirror, and after approval by the Tongming Hall, they would be granted the title of 'Heavenly Court Recorder' and permitted to conduct green and harmless live broadcasting activities. The second type of mirror was priced at three hundred spirit stones, could only be used within the Heavenly Court, allowed users to choose their preferred mirror size, and freely select currently broadcasting content. The Water God Manor recommended group purchases. All rights of interpretation for these bronze mirrors belonged to the Water God Manor.

Just like that, the lively 'bronze mirror entertainment' quickly rose in the Heavenly Court. The thirty thousand bronze mirrors sold out swiftly. After Li Changshou distributed dividends to the immortals and gods who participated in the research and development, and allocated a portion to replenish the Heavenly Court's treasury, he netted... merely a million spirit stones. This was but a trifle, barely enough to complete one of Little Qiong Peak's 'firepower satellites'. As a quasi-disciple of the Grand Pure One and a middle-ranking authority god in the Heavenly Court, would Li Changshou still care about such small gains now? Of course, he would. The sooner he could complete the 'Little Qiong Peak - Full Form' he envisioned, the more sense of security he would have!

The number of immortals and gods applying to be 'Heavenly Court Recorders' quickly surpassed a hundred. Li Changshou drafted a 'Recording Code' for them, outlining important guidelines. It stipulated that they must not seek sensationalism, deviate from the norm, undermine the Heavenly Court's dignity, or broadcast any content that would cause discomfort to others. Violators would be dealt with by the Thunder Punishment Hall.

Another half month passed, and several Heavenly Court immortals and gods, skilled at self-expression, quickly gained popularity, becoming the first 'Mirror Idols' in the Heavenly Court. The most popular among them was Bian Zhuang, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Navy, who aimed to boost his visibility and interact more with Heavenly Court goddesses. His live broadcast style was roughly like this... Several Heavenly Soldiers beat gongs and drums nearby, while Bian Zhuang, clad in gleaming silver armor, showcased his damned charm, rhythmically chanting towards the bronze mirror: "Greetings, comrades! I am Bian Zhuang, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Navy! Here's a song for you, 'White Dragon in the Waves'! Hope you enjoy it! The nine-toothed rake burns in fire! The armor accompanies me bravely on the battlefield! I lead the charge by the Heavenly River! I scratch this green dragon! Hah! Ao Yi, watch out for the rake!" Ao Yi, who had been leisurely reading military scrolls, clutched his arm where the nine-toothed rake had scraped his skin, turned around with a dark expression, summoned a long spear, let out a dragon's roar, and lunged forward... Bian Zhuang that day, as always, departed peacefully.

Through the bronze mirror system, Golden Immortals shared alchemy and artifact refining techniques, goddesses live-streamed embroidery and clothes-making, and even Yaochi fairies broadcasted sword dances, full of fierce aura. The slogan Li Changshou set was also inspired by the Chang'e incident... "Break stereotypes, redefine immortals and gods!"

Incidentally, Li Changshou ordered two bronze mirrors to be sent to the Lunar Palace. One reason was to amuse that fierce recluse—*ahem*—the most beautiful woman in the Three Realms, and the other was to encourage her to join the ranks of those showcasing themselves, allowing for some interaction with the outside world. Not long after, a 'Jade Rabbit Eating Carrots' live stream appeared, featuring the young Jade Rabbit hugging a basket of radishes, munching on them while wiping away tears. Because one of Chang'e's feet appeared in the frame, this broadcast attracted a massive number of viewers, almost overheating the Grand Transmit Bronze Mirror at the Water God Manor.

The Heavenly Court became more vibrant and lively than usual due to the mirror broadcasting. When an immortal or god suggested adding interactive features, such as sending treasures or spirit stones to their favorite 'Heavenly Court Recorders,' Li Changshou immediately vetoed it. Such 'tipping' could easily foster uncontrollable forms of entertainment, and immortals, gods, and Heavenly Generals should still prioritize cultivation. Mirror broadcasting was merely for amusement and occasional propaganda; Li Changshou would naturally not allow it to degenerate.

While the Heavenly Court grew more bustling internally, Li Changshou dispatched dozens of teams of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to occupy the most prominent rooftops in dozens of towns and markets across the East Continent. There, they erected large bronze mirrors displaying clear images, which began to loop the first Heavenly Court recruitment video, starring Youqin Xuanya. The content was simple: Youqin Xuanya, riding a celestial horse and clad in somewhat tattered armor, soared into the gloomy clouds in the dim sky, shouting, "Light of the Heavenly Court!" Golden light erupted, the dark clouds dispersed, and the sky instantly turned azure, sunlight illuminating the roaring hordes of demons below. Embarrassing as it might be, the effect was indeed good.

Li Changshou sat quietly in the Osmanthus Palace, steadily advancing these 'small plans' while calculating grand schemes for ninety and nine hundred years into the future.

In the Southern Continent, the Shang tribe was developing at an astonishing pace, rapidly annexing tribes and advancing towards the prosperous central regions of the continent. The human race's fortune was converging on the Shang tribe, and the Human Emperor's fortune was beginning to re-coalesce, closely linked to the Heavenly Court. As the totem of the Shang tribe, Kong Xuan had been patiently hidden within, guarding them. Any assassins dispatched by immortal sects or schools attempting to cause trouble would silently dissipate. When the Shang army marched out and two armies clashed, any qi refiners involved would be instantly annihilated. Consequently, the Phoenix clan's fortune finally began to improve.

On this day, Li Changshou summoned Youqin Xuanya and informed her that she would soon be going to the Heavenly Court. Youqin Xuanya, without hesitation, was about to pack her belongings. However, Li Changshou stopped her, smiling, "Since this opportunity presents itself, I also have some matters to instruct within the sect. Xuanya, please invite the sect master to gather on Black Pool Peak; consider it a farewell for you." "Understood, Senior Brother, whatever you arrange." Youqin Xuanya nodded slightly and flew back to Sky-Shattering Peak. Li Changshou then transmitted a message, summoning the true "big shots" from Little Qiong Peak's card room to gather by the lake, and then proceed together to the adjacent peak.

In the Great Wilderness, time is immeasurable, and years flow like water. The last time Black Pool Peak was so lively was when Yun Xiao visited. Li Changshou felt as if it had been only yesterday, a mere blink of an eye. Indeed, after entering the Golden Immortal realm, one's 'sense of time' undergoes a subtle change.

Bai Ze, Li Changshou, and Zhao Gongming were busy in the kitchen first. Daoist Priest Kongxu, Ji Wuyou, who arrived later, could only share the same treatment as Zhao Gongming, assisting the two head chefs. To balance the yin and yang qi in the area, Li Changshou even asked his grand-aunt Jiang Liner to invite his grand-uncle, Immortal Oblivion. When Immortal Oblivion first arrived, he saw several female immortals playing a floating wine cup game by the pond. At that moment, his brows furrowed. His wife, truly! Regardless of seniority, she was there, chatting and playing with his disciples Jiu Jiu and Jiu Yushi, the sect master's registered disciple Xiong Lingli, and his grand-disciples Xuanya and Ling'e... Immortal Oblivion smoothed the two strands of white hair at his temples. Dressed in white like snow and radiating immortal aura, he was about to step forward to reprimand his disciple. However, just as he was about to move, he heard the sect master's deliberately hushed call from behind: "Oblivion, over here, over here." Immortal Oblivion frowned as he looked, startled inwardly. The sect master was actually wearing strange clothing over his daoist robe, holding an iron pot, and... using magic to conjure water to rinse the residual oil from inside the pot! From within, a voice called out, "Little Ji, the pot!" "Coming!" Sect Master Wuyou, Ji Wuyou, replied with a laugh, turning and running back. Immortal Oblivion: ... What, what is this?

Before long, Immortal Oblivion also joined the ranks of assistants. He sat cross-legged in front of a stove, carefully controlling the changes in the heat, his Dao heart churning. The senior next to him, wearing battle armor, with a large beard, and constantly causing mischief, was the powerful Jie Sect figure Zhao Gongming. Immortal Oblivion also knew about Bai Ze, but to see this ancient top ten demon marshal, a wise figure recorded in ancient texts as possessing unparalleled wisdom, so completely focused on... flipping a wok... What's more, he had just confirmed that the disciple he had highly valued and wanted to give more benefits to a few years ago was now the renowned Water God of the Heavenly Court, the bane of the demon race, and the second disciple of the Human Sect's Sage! Immortal Oblivion suddenly felt a pang of frustration, as if he had wasted all these years.

"Is your name Fugui?" A greeting came from the side. Immortal Oblivion looked up and saw Zhao Gongming, beaming, and quickly tried to stand and bow. "Carry on, carry on." Zhao Gongming raised his hand in a gesture to stop him, then squatted down nearby, handing Immortal Oblivion a jade talisman. "A small insight into cultivation, consider it a greeting gift." Immortal Oblivion was instantly somewhat agitated and bowed, "Thank you, Senior." "It's nothing, keep busy." Zhao Gongming patted Immortal Oblivion's shoulder, stood up, hummed the tune Ling'e was playing, and turned to leave. Guiding Changshou's grand-uncle-in-law—the joy in this was truly beyond what others could imagine... Though it was prone to attracting things like Purple Heaven Divine Lightning.

It was dusk again, and a group of people gathered by the pond, drinking, making merry, and laughing. Li Changshou spoke of Youqin Xuanya's upcoming departure for the Heavenly Court and instructed the sect master to keep the news as tightly sealed as possible within the sect, preventing any information from leaking out. Incidentally, Li Changshou also offered the sect master a suggestion: to send some disciples with outstanding potential to the Heavenly Court for appointments later. With Li Changshou looking after them, they wouldn't easily be in danger. Ji Wuyou hesitated, not immediately agreeing. Qi refiners still harbored a certain resistance towards the Heavenly Court.

Bai Ze, however, said, "The Great Tribulation is approaching. I fear this calamity will not only befall the disciples of the Chan, Jie, and Western Sages. Everyone, consider this carefully: how many immortal sects and Golden Immortals are there in the Central Continent today? I have recently made calculations, and I fear that half of the immortal sects will become the ashes of this Great Tribulation." Ji Wuyou and Immortal Oblivion's expressions turned solemn. Zhao Gongming puzzled, "What does the Great Tribulation have to do with them?" "The so-called Great Tribulation refers to the immeasurable calamity for all living beings," Bai Ze stated gravely. "During the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation, most ancient beings died; during the War between the Lich, sixty percent of all living beings perished. However, the human race now is somewhat different from the previous protagonists of heaven and earth. Mortals should not be affected, but human qi refiners are intricately linked with the Dao Sect and should all be part of the Tribulation. I have recently sensed that the murderous qi from battles and fights across the Five Continents and Three Thousand Worlds is indeed several times greater than a century ago."

"Then our Immortal Ascension Sect will seal its mountains starting tomorrow," Ji Wuyou declared. Immortal Oblivion nearby also advised bringing back all disciples currently outside the sect as soon as possible. Zhao Gongming laughed, "Don't overthink it, let's drink! When the Great Tribulation comes, there's no hiding from it, just face it." Ling'e, beside Li Changshou, couldn't help but whisper, "Brother Gongming, you should also be careful..." "Hahahaha!" Zhao Gongming, filled with emotion, couldn't resist teasing, "I never expected Ling'e to care about anyone other than your senior brother!" Ling'e pouted, "I'm worried that if you get involved in the tribulation, it will surely implicate Sister Yun Xiao, which in turn will involve my senior brother." Dark lines appeared on Zhao Gongming's forehead, and the few people drinking nearby couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Li Changshou raised his hand and lightly tapped Ling'e's head. "Don't say what's on your mind! Old Brother Gongming is much more stable in his actions now; after all, it's been many years since he went out seeking trouble." Zhao Gongming feigned anger, laughing as he scolded, "Do you believe I'll go lie down in front of the Spirit Mountain gate today?" Li Changshou's eyes lit up. "Spirit Mountain has a gate?" "Of course it does," Bai Ze frowned. "Is the Water God perhaps planning something again?" "Not really... just a little interested." Li Changshou's smile deepened. He pulled out several treasure pouches from his sleeve and, using immortal power, passed them to the 'newcomers' present, chuckling, "Regarding the rules of Black Pool Peak, familiar as we are, you must still swear a Great Dao oath not to speak of today's matters to outsiders. This is a serious matter, not a trifle. And everyone, remember to always keep the small items inside on your person, at least no more than three zhang away, to prevent your inner thoughts from being overheard." Jiu Jiu took a treasure pouch and rummaged through it for a moment, wondering, "Didn't you give us these jade pendants before?" Li Changshou smiled. "These are all spares, just in case. There's a divine beast called Di Ting that can hear the thoughts of all beings, and its stance is opposed to ours. Our Immortal Ascension Sect's two recent attacks are related to the forces behind Di Ting." The work to guard against Di Ting must not be relaxed for a moment. Everyone agreed and successively made their oaths, reminding themselves not to easily reveal this matter.

The banquet concluded at dawn, with the wine ceasing and people dispersing. According to Li Changshou's arrangements, Youqin Xuanya would depart for the Heavenly Court in three days. During these three days, Li Changshou allowed himself to relax appropriately... His method of relaxation was simple: guiding Ling'e in her cultivation, and giving her appropriate encouragement and rewards. Ling'e was extremely happy about this, hugging her stone tablet and crying tears of joy, almost pouncing on her senior brother to give him a good bite.

Calculating the timing, Li Changshou sent a paper effigy, transformed into the guise of a middle-aged Daoist priest, a junior Human Sect mage, to the northwest of the Central Continent to find True Immortal Yu Ding. To be safe, he still needed to monitor Yang Jian's current path of cultivation. He had already altered the original trajectory of the Investiture of the Gods, and he genuinely worried that under his influence, Yang Jian might not cultivate the Eight-Nine Arcane Art or become the Heavenly Court's second-generation God of War. Li Changshou had calculated so much regarding this matter, using the Sage as a tool to plant an obsession in Yang Jian and painstakingly saving Yang Tianyou's soul; naturally, he had a bit of self-interest. If he didn't prepare in advance and help the Heavenly Court cultivate a few pillars of talent, how would he retire later? After saving those he wished to save during the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, he couldn't possibly stay immersed in the Heavenly Court forever. At that time, with a pot of tea and a cup of wine, he could pilot the fully transformed Little Qiong Peak to drift beyond the heavens... Just thinking about it was comfortable.

At this moment, a wisp of Dao charm flowed through his mind. Li Changshou's spirit vibrated, and he quickly dispersed his thoughts, calmly waiting for this exceedingly obscure Dao charm to coalesce into two large characters in his mind. Grand Pure? Li Changshou was also stunned for a moment. Grand Pure Teacher used the Grand Pure Dao to transmit Grand Pure Dao charm, forming the characters 'Grand Pure.' Did this mean he was being asked to visit the Grand Pure Temple? Fortunately, at least it wasn't the characters for "hehe."