Chapter 481: Feng Taibai, Stabilize Dizang

Inside the Wheel of Reincarnation, two or three figures sat facing each other. Grand Master Xuandu nodded continuously, arms crossed, but it was his junior brother at his side who kept speaking.

The Grand Master was filled with emotion. He had, in a sense, watched Li Changshou gradually take his place as the spokesperson for the Human School… *cough*! He had personally witnessed Li Changshou's journey, step by step, to his current position: the Jade Emperor's most trusted immortal official, someone who could converse freely before Saints, and who enjoyed the deep trust of Empress Houtu and several revered Saints. Looking back, it seemed everything had originated from the South Sea Sea God Sect. The idea of one opportunity changing a lifetime was perfectly exemplified by Li Changshou. Yet, the immense effort required to seize such opportunities could also be seen in him. Still, the Grand Master was certain that *he* was the teacher's favorite disciple! Well... probably.

After Empress Houtu bid farewell to the Seven Emotions Incarnations, she sealed the grass ring with her great divine ability and handed it to Li Changshou. A hint of reluctance was in the Empress's eyes as her delicate fingers gently traced the grass ring.

Li Changshou said, "Empress, I intend to ask the Holy Mother to create a perfect Dao body, and then use the Reincarnation Pagoda to transfer little Ai and the others to be reborn into it."

Houtu frowned slightly and softly said, "This would violate the Way of Reincarnation. All living beings should be treated equally; they should not receive special treatment because of me."

"Empress, there's no need to worry," Li Changshou replied earnestly. "Even under ironclad rules, there must be flexibility, otherwise, how can a stagnant pool have vitality? Moreover, this isn't solely due to your immense virtue, Empress. The Seven Emotions Incarnations possess great divine powers that cannot be resisted by those whose Dao hearts aren't as firm as rock. They absolutely cannot reincarnate like ordinary beings. Please rest assured, Empress. I have already received His Majesty the Jade Emperor's permission for this. Once the Reincarnation Pagoda releases the reincarnated souls, we will proceed to the Holy Mother's Palace. With my senior brother escorting me, I will be cautious every step of the way. Please don't worry."

Houtu offered a faint smile and nodded gently. "Thank you, Changshou."

"Ah..." Li Changshou was slightly caught off guard by the sudden use of his given name. He lowered his head, placed the grass ring into a jade box, tucked it into his robes, and smiled. "Empress, please call me Chang Geng."

Houtu's gaze softened further. She softly said, "When your teacher's soul returned, I inadvertently glimpsed a few memory fragments. It wasn't intentional prying."

"Oh, by the way," the Grand Master asked, "Is Fellow Daoist Qiyuan's soul here?"

Li Changshou's expression darkened. For some reason, in front of the Grand Master, his nose inexplicably stung.

A moment later, the Grand Master and Li Changshou stood with their hands behind their backs beside the treasure pond, watching several golden orbs of light floating up and down in the water. The Grand Master sighed softly, offered a Daoist salute towards the pond, and said gently, "This is also good. To be able to reincarnate and cultivate anew is better than withering away like a fallen leaf."

"Master was always in a tribulation," Li Changshou sighed. "The will of Heaven is hard to defy."

Concerned that Li Changshou's spirit might be dampened, the Grand Master encouraged him, "The will of Heaven being hard to defy doesn't mean it's impossible to defy. The Way of Heaven is based on all living beings and myriad things, evolving in one direction through their collective push. This is precisely the principle that the grand trend cannot be changed, but minor matters can be influenced by one's own will."

Li Changshou pondered his words carefully. "Thank you for your guidance, senior brother."

Grand Master Xuandu chuckled. "Ah, in a few more decades, I won't be able to guide you anymore... The balance of all things restricts the Way of Heaven. The path you've chosen, Changshou, is destined to contend with the Way of Heaven. But how much and how you contend is up to you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself because of it. Don't forget, you are ultimately just a living being in this world. Do everything according to your heart, walk with the Dao, and act naturally and freely. Only then can you find ultimate success."

*So, this is the theoretical justification for you to skip work whenever you please, Grand Master?* Li Changshou bowed his thanks, committing these words to memory.

The two lingered by the pond for a while, then strolled along the edge of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc for a moment before exiting and heading to the Reincarnation Pagoda. Protected by the Taiji Map, they naturally went unnoticed by ghosts and overlooked by underworld officials.

Grand Master Xuandu surveyed the vastly altered layout inside and outside Fengdu City and chuckled, "To be able to use a million Heavenly soldiers as craftsmen, I suppose only you could manage that."

Li Changshou smiled, "His Majesty the Jade Emperor is quite enlightened."

"Speaking of which, you should also be careful," Grand Master Xuandu transmitted. "As your senior brother, I naturally trust Uncle Jade Emperor's character. However, Uncle Jade Emperor is the closest to the Way of Heaven, influenced by it only second to Ancestor Dao. If the Way of Heaven intends to bring down a tribulation upon you, Uncle Jade Emperor might give you certain commands. You must be extremely cautious and consider them carefully."

Li Changshou mused for a moment, then transmitted back, "Senior brother, don't worry, I've prepared for this beforehand. My actions for the Heavenly Court are actually divided into two types: one is my own active calculations to earn merit for myself—*cough*—for the stability of heaven and earth. The other is what His Majesty the Jade Emperor actively assigns, such as the position of Chief Instructor Chang'e."

"As long as you can distinguish between them, that's fine," the Grand Master stretched. "Chang'e, Heng'e... there's also a human expert named Wu Gang in the Moon Palace. He is Heng'e's guardian and a beloved general of the ancient Human Emperor. Be careful if you try to sneak over the wall; he won't be polite if he catches you."

Li Changshou's forehead furrowed with lines of exasperation. "Senior brother, why would I be scaling walls?"

"Oh, so you'd enter openly? Heng'e, at least, has the status of Da Yi's wife. But you... your reputation, junior brother!" The Grand Master raised an eyebrow slightly, and Li Changshou's mouth twitched.

*Fine, I'll endure it. Later, I'll take you to the Shang Tribe and create a suitable atmosphere, moving up the schedule for the two important Human School matters Master assigned you. Tsk, I wonder how incredibly beautiful Kong Xuan will be once she determines her gender and transforms into Kong Xuan (female form).*

With the Reincarnation Pagoda in sight, Li Changshou and the Grand Master exchanged a look. Without needing to transmit a discussion, they simply revealed their true forms, released their spiritual pressure, and calmly floated over.

"Senior brother, Dizang is a Western disciple after all."

"Mhm, let's give him a little shake-up this time, lest he favor his own side later."

Their understanding was indeed perfect.

***

Heavenly Court, High Cloud Palace.

Civil and military officials gathered, and several well-known Heavenly Court record keepers sealed their bronze mirrors. Although Youqin Xuanya was quite active and had established preliminary 'prestige' in the Heavenly Court, her immortal rank was not yet sufficient to attend discussions in the High Cloud Palace. She was not seen today.

At this moment:

The Jade Emperor, in white robes, sat upon a high platform, as an old immortal presented a petition to commend the Water God. A second-rank divine position named Taibai, not among the constellations, served by the ruler's side.

Mu Gong spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, since the Water God entered the Heavenly Court, he has repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats, alleviating Your Majesty's concerns and working tirelessly for the Heavenly Court's rise. He first pacified the Four Seas and summoned the Dragon Race, bravely stepped forward at the Peach Banquet, eloquently debated with disciples of the Western Grand Sect, rescued the witches of North Continent, and repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the demon race, utterly annihilating the demons who sought to disrupt heaven. The Water God reformed governance, revised heavenly laws, rectified the underworld, and illuminated the will of Heaven. To this day, the Water God's achievements are sufficient to grant him a second-rank divine position in the Heavenly Court. For the Water God to better assist Your Majesty, this old subject dares to humbly request that Your Majesty confer upon the Water God the title of a second-rank immortal official!"

As soon as these words were spoken, all the immortal officials fell silent. Eastern Mu Gong, the old mouthpiece. Every time Eastern Mu Gong began to speak passionately about something, it meant His Majesty the Jade Emperor was using Mu Gong's words to convey the 'outcome' of the matter to them. The Water God's promotion was a minor matter that was entirely expected. It was as if the authority held by previous second-rank Heavenly Court officials could compare to that of the third-rank Water God. However, at this moment, these Heavenly Court immortal officials just listened; they dared not step forward to petition for the Water God. After all, the Heavenly Court was still presided over by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and the Water God merely assisted him.

The Jade Emperor chuckled twice and said, "It is indeed time to promote Chang Geng to the second rank today. Which divine position do you all deem suitable?"

Silence fell for a moment, then a Heavenly General stepped forward and declared, "Your Majesty, why not confer upon the Water God the title of Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Army? This second-rank divine position, overseeing all military affairs of the Heavenly Court, aligns quite well with the Water God."

A civil official immediately frowned and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this is improper. The Water God is not a Heavenly General. The Water God possesses unmatched wisdom and should serve as a model for the Heavenly Court's civil officials."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, finding this reasonable, and said, "All my esteemed ministers, please speak your minds. Let us properly discuss this matter today."

Upon hearing this, Mu Gong immediately reined in his words, knowing that His Majesty the Jade Emperor wished to hear if there were any other better suggestions. Immortal officials spoke one after another. Some believed the Water God should become a Great Emperor, specifically one of the Four Imperials—a true high official governing a large territory in the Heavenly Court, ranked below the Jade Emperor. But others immediately countered, stating that the Water God should remain stationed in the Heavenly Court and not be 'dispatched' elsewhere. They went through all twelve second-rank immortal official positions before finally concluding that none of them truly suited the Water God. Ao Yi suggested whether a new second-rank divine position could be created, such as a Great Dragon God of the Four Seas, for his sect master brother, which other immortal officials hoping to benefit immediately rejected. —*Whichever system the Water God is part of, that system naturally receives significant attention.* At this point, Mu Gong seized the opportunity to step forward and present the arrangement he had previously discussed with the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor nodded in satisfaction, allowing the immortal officials to continue their discussion.

***

Meanwhile, in the Reincarnation Pagoda in the Underworld.

The Grand Master and Li Changshou sat on two wooden chairs, while Dizang sat on a cushion by the window, his brow tightly furrowed. Dizang sighed, "Water God, your first visit to my Reincarnation Pagoda is to ask me to play favorites... This is truly underestimating me."

Li Changshou chuckled, "It's a bit unfair for you to say that, Fellow Daoist. How is this playing favorites? The greatly virtuous Empress Houtu transformed into the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc, disregarding her own gains and losses for the sake of all beings. This is merely using the Reincarnation Pagoda to do something for Empress Houtu. This is Empress Houtu's private matter, and also a public matter for those of us who serve the Way of Heaven. Or perhaps, Fellow Daoist, you deliberately wish to make things difficult for Empress Houtu?"

Dizang's mouth twitched, and he sighed, "Water God, I truly cannot out-talk you. When I incarnated here, I made a grand vow to treat all living beings equally, not to be swayed by various factions, nor to open doors of convenience for the Western Sect. Likewise, I must act according to the rules the Water God previously established. Why would the Water God personally ask me to break such rules today?"

Grand Master Xuandu calmly said, "Then attribute this matter to the Water God. Just say the Water God made you do it."

Dizang gave a slight smile and said, "Within the ranks of the Heavenly Dao, the Water God still seems to be ranked below me at this moment. The Water God cannot, therefore, give me orders."

Grand Master Xuandu frowned, looking at Li Changshou. Li Changshou shook his head helplessly. He was indeed only a third-rank immortal official, while in terms of status, Dizang was a deity in the Underworld, second only to Empress Houtu.

Just then, a golden light flashed, landing on Li Changshou, and dense power of the Heavenly Dao manifested various auspicious phenomena. Auspicious clouds like ganoderma appeared, radiant light spread everywhere, and cheerful music drifted from the top floor of the Reincarnation Pagoda. Li Changshou carefully perceived it, his eyes narrowing in a smile. He calmly said, "Dizang, Lord of the Reincarnation Pagoda, heed my command. Open the Reincarnation Pagoda, transform the Seven Emotions Incarnations into spirits of reincarnation, and I will personally escort these spirits to find a suitable host body."

Dizang carefully sensed it, frowning as he said, "The Way of Heaven is so imbalanced, how could..."

"Don't misunderstand," Li Changshou chuckled. "Calculating the time, His Majesty the Jade Emperor is currently holding his regular assembly of immortal officials to discuss matters. It should be a reward for merit, promoting my divine rank. Although the specific appointment requires a formal decree from the Tongming Hall, at this moment, within the Heavenly Dao sequence, I happen to be ranked above you."

Dizang was speechless for a moment, and Grand Master Xuandu almost burst out laughing.

*Pat-pat-pat-pat*, light footsteps approached from the side. Diting, holding a tray with its own magic, came forward to offer fragrant tea to Li Changshou and Grand Master Xuandu. "Water God, please don't be angry, don't be angry... My master just has a stubborn temper. Let me talk to him properly. Please drink some tea first, drink some tea. Now my master and you, Water God, are both working for the Heavenly Dao. Please be more lenient with him in the future; he doesn't understand anything, he still thinks he's on Spirit Mountain."

Dizang glared at Diting, which swept its tail, then propped its two front paws up and gently patted Li Changshou's leg. The Grand Master was amused and chuckled, "This tea is quite good." Diting shivered, not daring to say anything more.

"Under the Water God's command," Dizang squeezed out through gritted teeth, then turned around to look out the window.

The Grand Master gave Li Changshou a look, and Li Changshou, understanding, immediately stood up, walked to the window, leaned against the sill, and crossed his arms. Li Changshou said, "After all that contention, I didn't expect such a result. You and I have become colleagues. Let's have a calm chat. I've actually been waiting for this day for a long time."

"Water God overpraises me," Dizang said calmly. "I am merely the Water God's defeated opponent, lingering here to live out the rest of my days."

Li Changshou calmly smiled, drawing on the essence of the "Theory of Routines," one of the three great texts of the Stable Teaching. He organized his thoughts and slowly said, "How wonderful it would be if we weren't on opposing sides and had no past grudges."

*Tactic 1: Expressing mutual appreciation.*

Dizang's eyebrow twitched slightly. "The Water God's strategies are superior to mine; this is something I must admit."

"There's no need to keep calling me 'Water God.' Just call me Chang Geng."

*Tactic 2: Using the given name to foster intimacy.*

Dizang hesitated, then let out a soft sigh and said, "Chang Geng."

"Dizang," Li Changshou said with starlight in his eyes, smiling, "Actually, my impression of you changed when you leaped into the Reincarnation Pagoda that day. The serenity in your eyes was completely unshaken. That is truly something no ordinary immortal or deity could achieve. You earn my respect."

*Tactic 3: Flattery never fails.*

Dizang shook his head with a bitter smile. "It was merely out of helplessness; I myself became my teacher's best plan. I was somewhat beyond my own control, and I wasn't entirely considering all living beings."

Li Changshou chuckled, "When Empress Houtu transformed into the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc, she also considered stabilizing the last bit of fortune for the Wu Clan. But can that deny her great virtue? Of course not. You are actually much the same... In terms of virtue, I am inferior to you. I apologize for using my divine rank to pressure you just now. I merely wished to do something for Empress Houtu, and I hope you can understand."

*Tactic 4: Offering high praise, playing hard to get, retreating to advance, and evoking empathy.*

Dizang's voice softened considerably. He said, "I will wholeheartedly carry out this matter. Before, I was merely vexed with you, Chang Geng, and my heart still struggled to accept the current situation. Empress Houtu's great virtue—how could I dare compare myself to her? Today, even if I am punished by the Way of Heaven, I will certainly see this matter through."

Li Changshou smiled and nodded. "Then let us share this responsibility... Dizang, do you have any ideals? Or rather, when you first began cultivating, before you encountered these grand power struggles, did you ever consider why you cultivated?"

"Naturally, it was for eternal life and to explore the true meaning of the Dao... Why are you laughing, Chang Geng? Is it truly too mundane?"

"Mundane it may be, but it's the truth. I was much simpler. I just wanted to live to old age and die. When I first started cultivating, I didn't even dare to dream of eternal life."

In the faint glow of the Reincarnation Pagoda, the two by the window chatted and laughed, like old friends of many years. Behind them, the Grand Master calmly sipped his tea. Hearing a stir to the side, he saw Diting covering one eye with a paw, sighing softly: "Oh, my foolish master..."

The Grand Master pointed a finger, freezing Diting in place.

***

A moment earlier, in the High Cloud Palace.

"Issue an imperial decree to Tongming Hall: Confer upon beloved minister Chang Geng the title of Grand White Star Lord, a second-rank immortal official of the Heavenly Court, not counted among the constellations. He shall oversee matters of heavenly and earthly transformation, matters of heavenly and earthly conflict, and all water affairs in the Three Realms. He shall have the authority to oversee immortal officials of the Heavenly Court, and for any divine rank below the fourth, beloved minister Chang Geng may personally decide appointments and dismissals. Furthermore, beloved minister Chang Geng shall concurrently serve as Chief Instructor Chang'e of the Moon Palace, and the Water God's Residence shall be renamed the Grand White Hall. On the day the Tongming Hall's decree is finalized, when Grand White assumes his position, the Three Realms shall celebrate together."