Chapter 487: Immortal Alliance Leader

The Jade Void Palace was in disarray. Bricks flew, Longevity dodged, and the Twelve Golden Immortals quickly intervened to mediate. Ling Zhuzi tried to stop him, while True Immortal Taiyi exclaimed, "Retribution!"

Li Changshou spent quite some time explaining telepathically, eventually managing to temporarily calm True Immortal Taiyi. He then drew True Immortal Taiyi to sit beside him, whispering detailed explanations of the recent misunderstanding. Ling Zhuzi had merely become a bit more belligerent, which wasn't a major issue.

The immortals of the Chan Sect didn't quite understand the situation, but seeing that their junior brother Chang Geng from the Human Sect was quite close with their own True Immortal Taiyi, they were content. Chang Geng, a disciple of the Human Sect, was the primary orchestrator of this great tribulation; this was personally declared by Yuanshi Tianzun, the leader of the Chan Sect, so it was undeniably true.

What concerned the Chan Sect most was that Li Changshou, due to his relationship with Fairy Yunxiao, might show favoritism towards the Jie Sect, potentially undermining the Chan Sect while protecting the Jie Sect in the uncertain progression of the upcoming great tribulation. But now, seeing this... The Jie Sect had Fairy Yunxiao, but their Chan Sect also had Taiyi. Although the two couldn't really be compared.

Thus, as Li Changshou, True Immortal Taiyi, and Ling Zhuzi huddled together, communicating telepathically face-to-face, the Chan Sect immortals, led by Guang Chengzi, did not interrupt. Instead, they observed them with a gaze full of... tolerance.

True Immortal Taiyi telepathically asked Ling Zhuzi, "Good disciple, tell me honestly, what kind of Dao companion are you truly looking for?"

Ling Zhuzi gave a wry smile and quickly replied telepathically, "This disciple is solely devoted to seeking the Dao and has no thoughts of a Dao companion. Master, why is it that so many senior uncles and aunts within the sect have no Dao companions, yet when it comes to me, I must have one?"

"Hmm, that's a valid point," True Immortal Taiyi nodded calmly, then gave Li Changshou a rather serious look.

Li Changshou, puzzled, telepathically asked, "Senior brother, hasn't this all been explained clearly?"

"My disciple only said he's not interested in Dao companions *right now*; he didn't specify if he's uninterested in male or female Dao companions. Isn't that still a fifty-fifty possibility?"

Upon hearing True Immortal Taiyi's words, Li Changshou pondered inwardly. There was indeed some logic to it... though the reasoning felt fundamentally flawed.

Li Changshou telepathically reassured him, "Senior brother, don't worry, I will arrange to verify this matter later. However, I have an important reason for visiting Jade Void Palace today, and I ask for your assistance."

True Immortal Taiyi raised an eyebrow, whispering telepathically, "You truly don't come without a purpose. Tell me what it is; this humble Daoist, like yourself, will do his utmost and respond thoughtfully."

Li Changshou chuckled softly, then telepathically explained a few details to True Immortal Taiyi. He outlined the specifics.

True Immortal Taiyi quickly nodded in agreement, then led Ling Zhuzi to a nearby meditation mat, where he quietly questioned Ling Zhuzi about his experiences in the Heavenly Court over the years. Ling Zhuzi spoke with glowing eyes, and True Immortal Taiyi nodded continuously, quite satisfied.

Li Changshou smiled and said, "Senior brother Guang Chengzi, have you heard about the Western Sect establishing divine kingdoms based on incense offerings?"

Guang Chengzi smiled and replied, "Of course I've heard. These divine kingdoms based on incense offerings deceive mortals and bring harm to regions; they are truly despicable to Qi Refiners."

"Alas," Li Changshou sighed, then continued, "The two Western Saint Uncles turn a blind eye to this matter. These divine kingdoms absorb merit and increase fortune for the West, but... thinking carefully, our Grandmaster has already explicitly stated that the Western Sect and two major sects within our Daoist Path are destined for this tribulation. If the Western Sect evades it, our Daoist Path will suffer greater losses. In truth, for some time now, I've been distressed about these divine kingdoms based on incense, finding no peace each day. These divine kingdoms have become a sharp sword plunged by the Western Sect into the human race's fortune. This matter must be addressed preemptively."

Chi Jingzi stroked his beard and smiled, "What's so difficult about that? Chang Geng, why don't you launch a punitive expedition in the name of the Heavenly Court and coordinate with the Jie Sect to act together? The Jie Sect is known to have 'Myriad Immortals Coming to Court,' and our Chan Sect also has immortals available. With your planning and strategy, what's to stop us from dismantling those divine kingdoms one by one?"

Li Changshou replied earnestly, "Thank you for your insight, senior brother, but this matter involves many concerns. For one, this is merely the prelude to the great tribulation. You and I could be affected by karmic destiny at any moment, and the specifics of the tribulation are not yet settled. If we act overtly, any casualties among our fellow disciples would simply turn to karmic ash. This tribulation is named 'Investiture of the Gods,' signifying the great prosperity of the Heavenly Court. Senior brothers and sisters, consider this carefully, very carefully..."

Guang Chengzi pondered for a moment, "Could it be that if one perishes in the great tribulation, there's still a glimmer of hope for reincarnation as a Heavenly Court deity?"

Li Changshou smiled, "I suspect that might indeed be the case."

True Immortal Huanglong said, "If that's true, then the Heavenly Court in this great tribulation..." He paused, then True Immortal Huanglong looked at Li Changshou, suddenly chuckled, and exclaimed in admiration, "Our Grandmaster is truly unparalleled in his calculations! To have you, Chang Geng, serve in the Heavenly Court in advance!"

Li Changshou said, "Master didn't wish to see the Daoist Path decline from its peak, so he arranged for me to join the Heavenly Court early on. Initially, I didn't understand Master's true intent, thinking the Heavenly Court lacked soldiers and generals, and that Master's avatar even personally took charge there. I believed it was the duty of my Human Sect to support the Heavenly Court. Thus, I diligently served the Jade Emperor, accomplishing a few minor tasks. But when this great tribulation descended, I realized that Master had this foresight as far back as ancient times. The Human Sect's support for the Heavenly Court was also to ensure that the Daoist Path and the Heavenly Court remained connected, thereby providing an extra layer of security for the Daoist Path during this tribulation. All of you should understand that this great tribulation originated from the human race and will conclude in the Heavenly Court."

Knowing when to stop and not revealing everything was Li Changshou's usual rhetorical approach. Otherwise, stating before so many Chan Sect disciples that the Chan Sect established itself on the human race's fortune but rarely educated humanity, and asking who stood up against the Demon Court during the human race's ancient tribulation apart from the Human Sect, would be unproductive. Such a statement would be unsettling and ultimately meaningless.

Daoist Cihang then asked, "So, according to Junior Brother Chang Geng's view, how should we proceed to resolve this great tribulation?"

Li Changshou replied, "This junior brother is of limited talent and knowledge; I truly do not dare to answer such a profound question."

"The matter of the great tribulation cannot be foreseen by any single person," Guang Chengzi sighed deeply. "During the ancient war between the Witch and Demon clans, we merely observed from the sidelines. Afterward, the Daoist Path flourished and the human race prospered. Now, this great tribulation has descended upon the Daoist Path, and there is nothing we can do but face it."

Grandmaster Lingbao calmly remarked, "The Heavenly Dao is merely gradually restricting the power of living beings."

True Immortal Huanglong sighed, "What good is longevity? There are still three calamities and five misfortunes. What good is being a Grand Unity Golden Immortal? The boundless tribulation cannot be evaded."

True Immortal Taiyi chuckled, "What Senior Brother said... is quite poetic."

True Immortal Huanglong instantly lost his composure, casting a helpless glance at True Immortal Taiyi, who repeatedly offered apologetic smiles, indicating he hadn't intended to undermine him. He was simply straightforward, straightforward.

Li Changshou steered the conversation back to the divine kingdoms based on incense, stating that if this matter wasn't resolved promptly, the Western Sect would become a significant threat to the Daoist Path. The reasoning was simple: at its core, it was about ensuring others suffered, not oneself. Everyone present was astute... with a few notable exceptions. Li Changshou's point today was to first maintain unity within the Daoist Path, minimize the threat posed by the Western Sect, and incidentally have Western Sect experts bear some of the brunt of the great tribulation.

Guang Chengzi then asked three crucial questions. "Junior Brother Chang Geng, this great tribulation is orchestrated by Saints, and we are merely their disciples. If a Western Saint intervenes in the future, will all our carefully laid plans be rendered useless?"

Li Changshou replied, "Senior brother, since we are disciples of Saints, we should naturally share the burdens of our three masters and consider their dignity. If any of our actions displease them, they will surely remind us. Western Sect Saints have intervened several times; each time they actively participated, it caused the Western Sect to lose some crucial opportunities. As the great tribulation approaches, we cannot allow the Western Sect's numerous Saint disciples to gain the upper hand over us."

Guang Chengzi then inquired, "Regarding this tribulation, setting aside the Western Sect for a moment, our Daoist Path is already destined to be entangled. Junior Brother, have you considered how to balance the affairs of the three Daoist sects in the future?"

Li Changshou smiled, "My primary concern is always the Daoist Path, so naturally, I aim to minimize the losses incurred by our three Daoist sects."

Guang Chengzi nodded with a gentle smile, then asked again, "Junior Brother, you wish to confront the Western Sect's divine kingdoms based on incense. How can you be certain that this matter isn't already being guided by the great tribulation itself?"

Li Changshou replied, "When the great tribulation descends, all schemes and calculations are indeed under the watchful eye of the Heavenly Dao and influence the tribulation. The issue of the divine kingdoms based on incense has already shaken the Heavenly Court's future foundation for governing the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and it extinguishes the innate nature of mortals. Therefore, they must be destroyed."

Guang Chengzi pondered for a few moments, sinking into thought in his prominent seat. All the Chan Sect immortals present remained silent, secretly pondering. Only a handful truly grasped the full implications of what these two were discussing: the Daoist Path and the West, the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect, the great tribulation and the human race.

Finally, Guang Chengzi smiled and asked, "Chang Geng, do you have a good strategy for dealing with these divine kingdoms based on incense?" He had clearly been persuaded by Li Changshou and decided to participate in the matter.

Li Changshou, however, sighed and said, "Speaking of this, I feel rather disheartened."

The Chan Sect immortals immediately became interested, curious to see what kind of difficulty could stump Li Changshou.

Li Changshou sat upright behind the low table, slowly outlining the difficulties. He explained that he was operating under the Jade Emperor's command to establish an alliance of immortal powers against the divine kingdoms based on incense offerings throughout the Three Thousand Worlds, to be known as the Immortal Alliance. Various immortal factions had already contacted one to two hundred groups, and the first Immortal Alliance Conference was scheduled to begin in a few months...

"I've considered it from every angle: how could the Western Sect possibly miss such an opportunity? They will surely dispatch a large number of experts for a sneak attack, both to cripple the Immortal Alliance and to eliminate the key figures of the opposing forces in one swift blow. This truly presents a significant challenge! Although the Heavenly Court already possesses numerous soldiers and generals, where can we find experts capable of deterring such formidable scoundrels?"

Li Changshou paused, then scanned the room and smiled, "Therefore, I came to Jade Void Palace today with a personal request: I hope to invite a venerable and highly respected mighty immortal from the Chan Sect to serve as the leader of this Immortal Alliance..."

At this point, Guang Chengzi calmly picked up the tea from the low table before him and took a sip, understanding that Li Changshou was implicitly inviting him to take up the role. The title of 'leader' was merely superficial fame. Beside him, Chi Jingzi also picked up his tea, thinking that while the various immortal factions across the Three Thousand Worlds were numerous and influential, they were somewhat difficult to command. He suspected this position would most likely fall to him, the second of the Twelve Golden Immortals and Yuanshi Tianzun's third disciple. The title of 'leader' was merely a ceremonial matter.

Li Changshou took a breath, then delivered the latter part of his statement with a truly heartfelt expression, "I wonder if Vice-Sect Leader Randeng has been in seclusion recently? If Vice-Sect Leader Randeng could assume the position of Immortal Alliance Leader, it would be absolutely perfect!"

Chi Jingzi genuinely couldn't hold it in; he turned his head and spat a mouthful of tea to the side, moistening True Immortal Huanglong's lower face. Guang Chengzi, however, possessed profound cultivation; he forcefully suppressed his reaction, and his expression instantly reverted to its previous smiling demeanor.

"Junior Brother wishes to invite Vice-Sect Leader Randeng to become the Immortal Alliance Leader?"

"Precisely," Li Changshou said with a serious expression. "Of course, Vice-Sect Leader Randeng is busy with many affairs. It would be enough for him to simply lend his presence to this Immortal Alliance Conference."

Guang Chengzi pondered for a few moments, truly unable to fathom why this was the case. While ordinary Chan Sect immortals might not know, how could he, the leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals, be unaware of Randeng's true nature? Guang Chengzi knew that Li Changshou was well aware of Randeng's past. Wasn't it this second disciple of the Human Sect, the Heavenly Court's Water God, who previously most delighted in confronting Randeng? Back then, Randeng's scheme against the Immortal Du Sect in Dongsheng Divine Continent was thwarted by the combined efforts of Li Changshou, Kong Xuan, and Zhao Gongming, costing him his pagoda and his reputation. Since then, he had been much more subdued. So why now...

Li Changshou smiled subtly inwardly, having long anticipated the reactions of the Chan Sect immortals. This was neither a brilliant nor a risky move, but rather a standard, well-considered strategy Li Changshou had devised after extensive thought.

Guang Chengzi asked with a hint of uncertainty, "Truly?"

Li Changshou smiled, "Indeed."

"Junior Brother Huanglong," Guang Chengzi smiled, "Go and inform Vice-Sect Leader Randeng of this matter and see if he agrees."

Just as True Immortal Huanglong was about to stand, True Immortal Taiyi, from his corner, calmly interjected, "There's no point in asking; it's better not to. Let our Vice-Sect Leader work with Chang Geng... he might even lose his coffin."

Several immortals let out soft chuckles.

Ju Liusun, however, said, "Senior Brother Taiyi, the Vice-Sect Leader was, after all, appointed by our Master; we should still show proper respect."

True Immortal Taiyi, however, seemed energized. He curled his lip, rolled his eyes, and his light red Daoist robe seemed to flutter with a touch of flamboyance. "But Master taught us to respect those who are worthy of respect, and honor those who are worthy of honor."

True Immortal Huanglong quickly interjected, "Junior Brother Taiyi, please don't speak like that! Of course, Junior Brother Taiyi isn't speaking ill of Vice-Sect Leader Randeng; please don't take it to heart, everyone, and ensure these words don't reach the Vice-Sect Leader's ears."

True Immortal Taiyi shrugged, displaying a masterful expression of indifference, as if to say, "I couldn't care less." True Immortal Taiyi said to Li Changshou, "Junior Brother, you need to be more discerning with people..."

This sound must have been caused by an extremely heavy staff striking the ground. At that moment, a golden light flashed from the side. Daoist Randeng, seated on a cloud, entered through a side door of the main hall. His gaze swept over True Immortal Taiyi as he calmly stated, "This matter, this humble Daoist accepts."

Li Changshou smiled and bowed to Randeng, "Vice-Sect Leader Randeng, what noble conduct!"

True Immortal Taiyi, completely unfazed by Randeng's gaze, still smiled as he asked, "Chang Geng, are there any Vice-Leader positions left in your Immortal Alliance?"

Li Changshou smiled, "Currently, twelve Vice-Leaders are planned: Senior Brother Gongming from the Jie Sect, Senior Sister Jin Ling from the Jie Sect, and Senior Brother Lü Yue from the Jie Sect, ranked one, two, and three respectively. Additionally, there are key figures from several major powers across the Three Thousand Worlds, as well as important Heavenly Court officials. As for how many Vice-Leader positions there are, if any senior brothers or sisters wish to join, they need only speak up."

The expressions of the Chan Sect immortals immediately varied, and the old Daoist Randeng now frowned deeply, completely silent.

Daoist Cihang then asked, "And Chang Geng, what position will you hold?"

"Heavenly Court Special Envoy." Li Changshou smiled faintly, met Randeng's gaze, then calmly offered a Daoist bow before continuing, "I will merely be responsible for overseeing the entire Immortal Alliance, involving myself in every aspect. Vice-Sect Leader Randeng, rest assured, your position will be quite comfortable."

Randeng nodded slowly and asked, "When do we depart?"

"Alliance Leader Randeng, please accept this jade talisman," Li Changshou said, producing a communication jade talisman and slowly pushing it towards Randeng's hand. "I will inform the Alliance Leader of the location one month in advance."

Randeng took the jade talisman, managed an awkward smile at Li Changshou, then turned and flew away.

True Immortal Taiyi raised an eyebrow at Li Changshou, "This Heavenly Court Special Envoy position is truly ingenious."

Beside them, Guang Chengzi and Chi Jingzi exchanged glances, barely suppressing their laughter.

***

**Author's Note:**I've hit my monthly goal of averaging 10,000 characters per day!Additionally, in June, a wave of special benefits will be released. Three or four illustrations are already in progress, and I've even commissioned a young lady to perform a Jade Rabbit dance for everyone! This will be available tomorrow as an end-of-chapter bonus on the Qidian Reading app.This author didn't spend any effort, just a colossal amount of money. My heart aches... Remember, the video will be available at...