Chapter 475: Opening the Show

What is "realm"? This is it!

Whether profound or not, that single sentence was the truth. Literally, it merely stated a fact known to all.

Yet, at this moment, in this place, and under these circumstances, that slightly enlightened tone, revealing the fact that 'Saints also vary in strength'...

When it came to passive-aggressive remarks, Taiyi never disappointed!

Li Changshou couldn't help but marvel.

For the art of veiled sarcasm, Taiyi Zhenren was undoubtedly the best in the Primordial World! While everyone had their forte, Li Changshou, as an ordinary powerful minister of the Heavenly Court, merely reasoned, stated facts, and possessed a slight knack for sophistry, making a negligible contribution to the day's proceedings.

Although Taiyi Zhenren had been overly aggressive in initiating the confrontation earlier, once their side gained powerful reinforcements and seized the initiative, a single, perfectly timed sarcastic remark fundamentally altered the entire situation!

Saint Zhunti, caught in an inescapable predicament, had no choice but to step forward and respond to Sect Master Tongtian's challenge.

Such was the charisma of a true linguistic artist of the Primordial World!

This was the true power of the second-generation disciples of the Chan Sect!

Hmm, it would be best for Lingzhuzi to stay in the Heavenly Court more often from now on. Otherwise, he'd need to be advised to minimize solo outings with his master, Taiyi Zhenren. This child's next reincarnation would most likely be a consequence of his master's honeyed, yet problematic, words...

Li Changshou now truly believed that the words of living beings could indeed make one vomit blood in frustration.

At that moment, while the Dharma form of the Western Sect Saint showed no immediate signs of emotion, all the disciples of the Western Sect flushed crimson, unable to refute the words.

Sect Master Tongtian squinted and chuckled softly, then calmly stated, "If you are unwilling, let your senior brother come."

"Alas..."

Amidst a long sigh, the Saint's Dharma form at the Reincarnation Pagoda gradually dissipated, and the swirling clouds rapidly receded. The three-hundred-and-sixty-story pagoda shone with a faint light, its connection to the Heavenly Dao completely severed.

An old Daoist, gaunt-faced and with dim, emotionless eyes, slowly flew out from the top of the pagoda, sitting cross-legged on an auspicious cloud.

The old Daoist replied, "If that is the case, then a journey beyond the heavens."

Tongtian's eyebrow twitched. The Azure Edge Sword in his hand was thrown forward, landing before the clouds, and he then rose to his full height, meeting the gaze of Saint Zhunti, who now resembled the old Daoist.

The Great Dao tensed, and Heaven and Earth fell silent!

The cosmos around them seemed to solidify, and all the Saint disciples present felt their own Great Dao tremble slightly. It was as if, in a lush, dense forest, two colossal trees suddenly appeared, so immense they overshadowed the sky and the sun...

"Hmph!"

Saint Zhunti left with half a cold hmph, while Sect Master Tongtian left with a faint chuckle.

Just as Li Changshou wondered if the Saints' contest had concluded, the two Saints' figures flickered and eerily vanished from sight! No aura or even a hint of fluctuation remained; their figures vanished as if they had never been there at all!

The next instant!

The Great Dao trembled, Heaven and Earth quaked, the Blood Sea was almost entirely overturned, and countless spirits in the Underworld were shattered into true spirits!

All the Saint disciples present turned pale; those with slightly weaker cultivation immediately bowed their heads and vomited blood... In the hearts of everyone present, fragments of the Saints' battle emerged to varying degrees.

What Li Changshou saw in his mind's eye:

The handsome and dashing young Daoist, with his left hand behind his back and his right hand forming a sword-finger gesture, a smile on his face and an air of vitality, unleashed sword qi from his fingertips that stretched eighty thousand li, severing the void, stirring up wind and clouds, and constantly shattering the chaotic energy at the edge of the void.

Meanwhile, Daoist Zhunti, the Sixth Saint who had always been secretly disparaged, now manifested his sixteen-foot-tall golden body. Countless arms appeared behind him, while various illusions flickered around him, wielding formidable treasures such as the Divine Pestle and the Seven Treasure Tree. For a moment...

Saint Zhunti was merely suppressed by the sword qi, not directly broken, managing to parry every attack launched by Sect Master Tongtian!

Jokes aside, the might of Saints was truly extraordinary. A battle between two Saints was exceedingly rare in the heavens and earth; it was likely the first time such a major confrontation had erupted within the perception of all living beings since the six ancient Saints successively returned to their positions.

The two Saints rapidly broke through the void, moving far away from the Primordial World, and the impact on the Primordial World quickly subsided...

Feeling the fluctuations of the Great Dao, Li Changshou truly felt like a small, broken boat adrift on a sea of surging waves.

Fortunately, Immortal Yunxiao arrived in time, using her own Dao charm to alleviate most of the pressure on Li Changshou. At the same time, Zhao Gongming, Daoist Duobao, Jade Cauldron True Man, and Golden Spirit Holy Mother all raised their hands, enveloping all nine immortals of their group.

Taiyi Zhenren, whose cultivation realm was not significantly higher than Li Changshou's, silently walked to Jade Cauldron True Man's side, glanced at Li Changshou, who was protected by Immortal Yunxiao, and sighed:

"Not as good, truly not as good."

"Hmm," Jade Cauldron True Man offered a gentle smile, then, carrying the bronze mirror, walked to Li Changshou's side to join the other masters in discussion.

Taiyi Zhenren: ...

Daoist Duobao chuckled, "Master is truly at a disadvantage by not using magic treasures."

Golden Spirit Holy Mother calmly replied, "Rest assured, Master is not being overconfident."

"A Saint's battle," Yellow Dragon True Man mused with a sigh, his eyes full of emotion as he clasped his hands behind his back. "Such a spectacle was perhaps only seen occasionally in ancient times. I never imagined we'd witness it now."

Li Changshou, of course, did not forget the 'important matter' at hand. He took a bronze mirror and continued to provide a live commentary into it.

"...As you have seen, a Saint's battle has now erupted. The future course of events can only be determined once the Saints conclude their fight and return. Since we are beneath the Blood Sea, maintaining this magical artifact requires a large amount of immortal power. I will temporarily turn it off and share it with you again when necessary. Regarding the debate on the Incense God Kingdom, it was much shorter than I expected. They were completely unprepared to defend themselves, and their intention to bully with power was more obvious than ever. How could the Western Sect be so arrogant? Alas... I am Li Chang Geng, the Heavenly Court's chronicler. Join me in witnessing the history of the Primordial World and be a dutiful and happy immortal."

After speaking, Li Changshou sealed the restrictions on the bronze mirror.

His sigh echoed throughout the Heavenly Court. From the Heavenly Gate to the Jade Pool, from the Water God's residence to the Human-Celestial Nation, everyone in the Heavenly Court began enthusiastic discussions.

A Saint's battle!The debate over the Incense God Kingdom!The Second Reincarnation!Taiyi's mouth!

The Water God, in places they couldn't see, was actually busy with so many momentous affairs, toiling tirelessly for the stability of Heaven and Earth!

Especially Bian Zhuang, who had harbored various conjectures about the Water God choosing their Tianya Pavilion as a bridgehead for the anti-Western Immortal Dao alliance. Perhaps the Water God valued the environment of their Tianya Pavilion, and with the venomous Grand Immortal Lü Yue residing there, it was partly for official business, and partly for... well.

Heh heh.

But now, Bian Zhuang suddenly realized that the gap between him and the Water God was not merely a matter of realm, cultivation, or breadth of vision. Their very levels of existence were vastly different!

Ao Yi, who had been influenced by the 'Stability Sutra,' had already begun pondering how many layers of profound meaning were hidden in his Sect Master elder brother's decision to broadcast this live. Ao Yi could only discern five layers, but he felt what he saw was far from enough...

In the High Heavens Pavilion, the Jade Emperor paced back and forth before his jade desk. Below, Duke Mu and several other righteous gods merely lowered their heads, not daring to speak. The Jade Emperor's avatar, Qin Tianzhu, had already gone to the Water God's residence, wanting to inquire if there was anything he, as the Heavenly Emperor, could assist with, but Li Changshou did not actively seek him out... The Jade Emperor, fearing that he might distract Li Changshou and thus affect the important matters at hand, hesitated for a while. Ultimately, he decided not to let his avatar disturb him, waiting instead for his beloved subject Chang Geng to actively request aid.

Now, back beneath the Blood Sea.

The nine masters, with Li Changshou at their center, had now settled into a cross-legged position, quietly awaiting the outcome of the Saints' battle. That group of Western Sect Saint disciples and their hidden masters all stood guard before the Reincarnation Pagoda... Although Sect Master Tongtian had severed the connection between the Reincarnation Pagoda and the Heavenly Dao, Saint Zhunti's earlier action had, in fact, protected the pagoda itself.

—The Saint's Dharma form had not grasped at empty air when it raised its hand.

Daoist Duobao chuckled, "Chang Geng, why didn't you just curse them for three hours straight earlier? Junior Sister, don't misunderstand, I have no other intentions; I merely hope you two can be harmonious and beautiful."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Li Changshou replied generously, then glanced at Immortal Yunxiao beside him. Their gazes met for a fleeting moment before quickly averting. Yunxiao appeared perfectly serene, yet her posture subtly betrayed a lack of complete ease.

Li Changshou sighed, "They had no power to parry. That's just how it was; it was hard to keep cursing for the full duration."

Yellow Dragon True Man asked curiously, "Chang Geng, when did you gather so much evidence?"

"During those ten years serving in the Moon Palace," Li Changshou explained, "His Majesty the Jade Emperor was punishing me for assisting him during his mortal tribulation, by making me the chief instructor for three hundred Chang'e. Having nothing else to do, I sent my avatar to travel through the three thousand worlds."

Yunxiao nodded in deep agreement, gently saying, "You enjoy planning and are adept at strategizing; it truly must have been difficult for you to stay in one place for so long."

Zhao Gongming at the side let out a scoff, then turned his head, stroking his beard.

Taiyi Zhenren muttered, "Immortal, were you... serious about what you just said?"

Yunxiao looked somewhat confused.

Li Changshou calmly replied, "If the heart wavers, the eyes waver; if the heart holds no evil thoughts, the eyes reflect no evil."

"This humble Daoist is but a mortal," Taiyi Zhenren chuckled. "I truly admire your composure, Junior Brother."

Li Changshou chuckled, "It is this Junior Brother who admires Senior Brother more; one sentence from you is worth half a day of my own talking."

"Ah, don't mention it!"

Taiyi Zhenren raised a hand to rub his brows, sighing, "I don't know if it's the influence of the tribulation luck, but lately, this mouth of mine has been a bit faster than my thoughts."

Kong Xuan couldn't help but ask, "Is that a divine ability?"

"Certainly not a divine ability," Taiyi Zhenren chuckled. "Often, I come across things I can't stand, but I can't speak directly, so I ponder how to be sarcastic. Over time, I've developed this speaking skill."

Daoist Duobao chuckled, "Junior Brother Taiyi, may I test you?"

Taiyi Zhenren couldn't help but sit up straight. When it came to his 'lifelong domain,' he naturally couldn't show timidity. After all, he represented the image of the second-generation disciples of the Chan Sect! Though perhaps the Chan Sect disciples might not want him to represent them.

Daoist Duobao chuckled, "Let's just consider this a joke to test your true abilities, Junior Brother Taiyi. So, if you can say one sentence that makes this humble Daoist feel particularly stifled, I will give you a very suitable spiritual treasure. How about that?"

Taiyi Zhenren frowned, saying, "Hearing Senior Brother ask this, I suddenly feel that the level of one's cultivation realm truly has no relation to one's intelligence. Who asks to be cursed at and gives a spiritual treasure in return?"

Daoist Duobao's face darkened, then he let out a mock scold with a laugh, pulling a wooden shuttle from his sleeve and pushing it towards Taiyi with immortal power.

Taiyi Zhenren hastily refused, "Senior Brother, I did not agree to this."

Daoist Duobao's face instantly darkened further. "Just consider it for those two sentences you said to the Saint earlier, Junior Brother!"

Taiyi Zhenren was about to decline again when Li Changshou calmly intercepted the shuttle mid-air and placed it into Taiyi Zhenren's hand. If they continued, it might really turn into a fight.

Li Changshou chuckled, "Senior Brother Taiyi, you really must properly refine this shuttle."

Taiyi Zhenren's lips twitched slightly, and he muttered a soft curse, "You rascal, inviting me here surely had ill intentions."

"Alas," Li Changshou sighed, "This matter is of great importance, so I simply invited all the masters I trust. Senior Brother, please don't misunderstand. Although I did have other considerations when inviting you, it was certainly not primarily because I wanted to invite Senior Brother Jade Cauldron."

Taiyi Zhenren's eyes widened, and he made a threatening gesture to hit, even with Kong Xuan between them.

Li Changshou chuckled, pretending to dodge to the side, and seizing the opportunity to move a tiny bit closer to Immortal Yunxiao.

The conversational atmosphere in the area was quickly enlivened by Li Changshou; even Golden Spirit Holy Mother, who had been meditating and preparing for battle, opened her eyes and joined the conversation.

Compared to their lively group, the Western Sect disciples were gloomy and disheartened, with many gathering to discuss countermeasures. Ksitigarbha and Di Ting appeared somewhat isolated, remaining beneath the Reincarnation Pagoda. No one greeted them, nor did anyone invite them to join the discussions.

Seeing this situation, the Daoist sect's side also began discussing the master and servant pair.

Daoist Duobao asked, "Chang Geng, you've repeatedly targeted Ksitigarbha of the Western Sect; why didn't you find an opportunity to kill him?"

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, then transmitted his voice to the other eight:

"He acts quite carefully, never giving me a chance to strike. Moreover, Ksitigarbha and I are merely on opposing sides; I hold no deep-seated grudge against him. Compared to him, I'd rather get rid of his mount."

Taiyi Zhenren said, "Wasn't Di Ting almost ridden by you right in front of Ksitigarbha?"

"It was merely that Di Ting sensed my killing intent," Li Changshou shook his head. "To be safe, even if I don't kill it later, I must find an opportunity to force Di Ting to make a Great Dao oath, or cripple its divine ability."

Zhao Gongming chuckled, "I heard Old Bai say that Di Ting is quite sensible; there's no need to worry."

"Currently, our Daoist sect is in power," Li Changshou said seriously, "but we must not be unprepared; there might come a day when we lose our advantage."

All the Daoist Saint disciples were more or less moved by these words, each showing signs of contemplation.

Kong Xuan chuckled, "With you, Chang Geng, it's unlikely."

Li Changshou's smile at that moment deliberately appeared somewhat forced. He lowered his head, sighed softly, closed his eyes, and concentrated, uncharacteristically offering no reply. Even Kong Xuan couldn't help but wonder if he had said something wrong. Consequently, Duobao and the others pondered more deeply.

The aftershocks of the Saints' battle continued incessantly. Sect Master Tongtian, fighting without magic treasures, seemed to have completely suppressed Daoist Zhunti, but for the moment, he couldn't directly determine the victor.

Yunxiao turned her head and glanced at Li Changshou's slightly helpless profile, then gently tapped the back of his hand before withdrawing her own. This indicated that she had understood the crucial point.

And this was also the second major reason Li Changshou had invited these Chan and Jie Sect masters here today.

The Great Tribulation had arrived, and the Western Sect was showing signs of defeat. Due to Li Changshou's continuous mediation, the relationship between the Heavenly Court and the Daoist sect grew increasingly close, and the Heavenly Emperor harbored little blame towards the Daoist disciples.

But there was a very realistic problem: even if their Daoist sect annihilated the Western Sect and all its Saint disciples became tribulation ashes, could they truly avert the Great Tribulation?

Li Changshou had calculated, and based on the tragic state of the Jie Sect in the original Investiture of the Gods story as he knew it, the conclusion was: no.

The Daoist sect would always need major sect disciples to become tribulation ashes, to dissipate their cultivation and become puppets of the Investiture of the Gods list; just as Jade Cauldron True Man's profound insights in the back hall of the Seagod Temple in Anshui City on that day revealed, both the Chan and Jie Sects established their teachings based on human destiny, yet did not do much to enlighten humanity, especially the Jie Sect. Furthermore, the Jie Sect lacked treasures to suppress its destiny. The Azure Edge Sword used by Sect Master Tongtian to achieve Dao, and the Four Immortal Slaying Swords and Immortal Slaying Sword Array diagram bestowed by Dao Ancestor Hongjun, were all supreme killing treasures, unsuitable for suppressing a sect's destiny.

The divergence between the Jie Sect and the Chan Sect was unavoidable; the two sects were destined for a battle. Even if Li Changshou mediated further, he couldn't conjure enough masters to extinguish the tribulation.

These words were not suitable to be spoken directly, so Li Changshou remained silent, allowing them to carefully ponder the implications. Those present were all intelligent immortals, and almost all could grasp the key.

Except for...

"Junior Brother Chang Geng," Yellow Dragon True Man said with a serious expression, "Don't feel too much pressure. Your senior brothers and sisters all fully support you."

Li Changshou could only force a smile, trying to lift his spirits. Well, another one 'on the verge of missing the point.'

Duobao chuckled, changing the subject:

"Chang Geng, are we just going to wait like this? Why don't we, while Master and Uncle Zhunti are sparring in the Chaos Sea, we..."

As he spoke, Daoist Duobao made a fist with his five fingers. Fortunately, there were not many female disciples from the Western Sect present; otherwise, it could have easily led to misunderstandings.

Li Changshou glanced at the pagoda and transmitted his voice:

"Let's wait for a moment. If an anomaly appears later, we'll immediately strike with full force and seize that Reincarnation Pagoda."

"Oh?" The faint golden light around Golden Spirit Holy Mother brightened considerably. "Is there another battle today?"

Li Changshou continued to transmit his voice:

"They didn't anticipate how clearly I understood the intricacies of their Incense God Kingdom, allowing us to easily gain the upper hand for now. However, this should also be within the Western Sect's calculations. Those who devised this plan must be Saints; how could they be underestimated? There's another stage coming: they will release a large number of mortal souls to fill the Underworld and the Blood Sea, causing the Six Paths of Reincarnation to become blocked, thus forcing us to retreat and establish a second reincarnation. Therefore, seizing this Reincarnation Pagoda is key! Once they release those souls, you and I will immediately go and seize this pagoda! If we can seize it, then establishing a second reincarnation today won't matter. By integrating this pagoda directly into the Underworld, these problems will naturally be resolved, and we can even gain merits from the Heavenly Dao!"

Upon hearing this, the immortals' eyes all lit up.

Zhao Gongming praised, "Brilliant."

Yunxiao, however, softly asked, "Why didn't you tell this to Empress Houtu?"

"I actually did," Li Changshou said gently, spreading his hands. "We do our best. This matter requires adaptability, and at that time, I could only express it in that manner."

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Yunxiao's mouth. Meanwhile, Daoist Duobao, recalling the treasures he had given away at the time, felt a tinge of resentment and wanted to complain a few words about Li Changshou...

Suddenly!

A low hum—A faint ripple of Dao charm suddenly spread across the Blood Sea. The immortals carefully perceived it, feeling a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "Here already?"

Li Changshou closed his eyes, and two scenes simultaneously appeared in his mind, both seen through his paper Daoist clone.

Above the Blood Sea, crisscrossing spatial fissures opened, from which faint glowing orbs surged out, forming a torrent across the sky!

Above Fengdu City, 'comets' emitting black smoke frantically smashed towards the city's core, causing layers of great arrays to crumble like paper!

The landing points of these comets were... Reincarnation Immortal Island, the Six Paths of Reincarnation Disc!

"Seize the pagoda!" Li Changshou's eyes snapped open, green light flickering within them as his figure transformed into a mere wisp of afterimage.

Striking at the root of the problem was the true way to break the deadlock!