Chapter 488: Wild Bird Golden Roc

A white cloud, carrying several figures, slowly flew out from Jade Void Palace, heading towards Taiyi True Person's Mount Qianyuan. Li Changshou's trip to Jade Void Palace was quite successful, despite almost being hit by Taiyi True Person with a golden brick. He managed to trick Randeng, secure the Chan Sect's current support, and extend goodwill to immortals like Guangchengzi.

However…

The Yellow Dragon True Person, who had specifically followed them, sent a spiritual message to the others as soon as they left the Kunlun Mountain area: "Chang Geng, why did you insist on making Vice Sect Master Randeng the alliance leader? I've heard that Vice Sect Master Randeng seems to have close ties with the Western Sect. If he were to secretly hinder you, wouldn't that be..."

Jade Ding True Person smiled, "Chang Geng has his own plans, Senior Brother; there's no need to worry."

"I'm still not entirely clear about this," Taiyi True Person said, hands in his sleeves, frowning at Li Changshou. "Though I helped you expose Randeng, and I know you have your own intentions, after much thought... Junior Brother Chang Geng, aren't you just creating problems for yourself?"

Ling Zhuzi was a little bewildered, unable to grasp what the "elders" were discussing.

Li Changshou slowly sighed, "This was a last resort; I needed to use Randeng to break the current deadlock. Initially, I was reluctant to involve my Dao Sect senior brothers and sisters, to spare them from potential calamity. However, nothing is perfect. Without leveraging the power of Dao Sect masters, my strategies against the Western Sect would truly be constrained."

Jade Ding True Person nodded in understanding, but a playful smile lingered on Taiyi True Person's lips.

"Constrained?"

"I don't believe that for a second!"

The Yellow Dragon True Person, quite perplexed, asked, "What do you mean by 'breaking the deadlock'?"

"It's a bit convoluted, but the original intention was to provide the Western Sect with more options. The Immortal Alliance is formed to oppose the Western Sect's Incense God Kingdom. The two are absolute adversaries, destined for a fight to the death. Originally, the Western Sect's strategy only considered one option: a direct assault. Now that I've personally elevated Randeng and invited Dao Sect masters to hold the fort, I'll soon publicize Senior Brother Lü Yue's potent poison abilities to exert pressure on the Western Sect. They will naturally weigh their options. If everything proceeds smoothly, the Western Sect will most likely choose not to use force. Instead, they'll opt for a softer approach, utilizing Vice Sect Master Randeng to interact with the Heavenly Court."

Li Changshou paused, lightly tapped his finger, and traced a long river in the air in front of him as he explained: "If a river's downstream channel narrows, its current becomes more turbulent. However, if you divert part of the flow from the side, creating an alternate channel, and then rejoin it downstream, the pressure on the original channel will significantly decrease."

The Yellow Dragon True Person thought for a moment, then chuckled, "One can scheme in such a way? This is truly enlightening."

"The Western Sect has managed the Three Thousand Worlds for tens of thousands of years; it would be hard to win without something unconventional." Li Changshou continued, "Naturally, there are several other considerations for this matter. Vice Sect Master Randeng and I have a significant past grievance. He's currently recuperating, but if he were to challenge me in the future, he'd be on the offensive. This also serves to bring him into the spotlight. If he genuinely allies with the Western Sect, he will undoubtedly draw their attention..."

Li Changshou did not reveal his true intentions. This was related to the Immortal Alliance's actual purpose. The Immortal Alliance was always intended as a temporary chess piece to draw the Western Sect's attention and engage them. The true hidden strategy lay with the Lintian Hall, overseen by Bai Ze. The forces that joined the Immortal Alliance were also future targets for Lintian Hall to conquer.

The Incense God Kingdom was like a fierce tiger, while other independent immortal forces were like a pack of wolves. Li Changshou's current strategy was to incite conflict between the tiger and the wolves, then use the wolves to drive out the tiger. The best outcome would be the Western Sect's defeat and retreat from the Three Thousand Worlds, followed by Lintian Hall fully absorbing the Immortal Alliance. At that point, the Immortal Alliance leader would become the primary scapegoat, and naturally, he couldn't allow one of his own people to assume that role.

All of this was merely a typical scheme by a powerful yet ordinary deity of the Heavenly Court. Over the past few years, Li Changshou and Ling'e had meticulously arranged this matter together, even preparing nine backup plans. Li Changshou proposed the plans, and Ling'e reviewed them multiple times, pointing out any unstable aspects. Their division of labor was clear, and their efficiency was high. They meticulously calculated every angle, determining that the worst possible outcome of this plan would simply be the Heavenly Court losing some prestige. With a resolute sigh, Li Changshou decided to undertake this trip to Jade Void Palace, inviting Randeng into the scheme.

Randeng was certainly not an easy opponent, but with a wide gesture, Li Changshou had already grasped Randeng within his palm. If Randeng became too troublesome, he could simply have Old Man Zhao subdue him by force, then attribute it to a sneak attack by Western Sect masters, "accidentally" eliminating Randeng. If Daoist Lu Ya could die, why not Daoist Randeng? These two were notorious for causing trouble for the Dao Sect during the original Investiture of the Gods calamity. If they weren't dealt with beforehand, Li Changshou felt his plans wouldn't be truly secure, and he would fall short of Grand Pure One's expectations. Only by tearing up the script could he truly break the deadlock.

Upon their arrival at Mount Qianyuan, Taiyi True Person had prepared a banquet. The three immortals continued to chat with Li Changshou about the Immortal Alliance and the Incense God Kingdom. Li Changshou answered every question carefully. As long as he didn't reveal the existence of Lintian Hall, he could truthfully disclose his other strategies. When Taiyi True Person asked which other significant Heavenly Court figures were involved, Li Changshou hesitated briefly, then transmitted a message to them: "A general named Qin Tianzhu, an incarnation of His Majesty, the Jade Emperor. This must remain absolutely confidential. Otherwise, His Majesty the Jade Emperor would have to create another incarnation, which would be quite troublesome for him."

The three 'Twelve Golden Immortals' exchanged glances, each silently acknowledging the Jade Emperor's cleverness.

Li Changshou smiled, "Let's not dwell on these bothersome matters. Every aspect here involves meticulous planning; all of it requires considerable effort. By the way, Senior Brother Huang Long, have you visited the Dragon Clan recently? The Dragon Clan is reportedly planning a grand ceremony to honor the Ancestral Dragon, hoping to gain some protection during the impending calamity."

"They extended an invitation, and I'm still deciding whether to attend." The Yellow Dragon True Person's eyes filled with emotion, and he was easily drawn into a nostalgic mood, reminiscing about past hardships and present comforts.

Half a day later, the Yellow Dragon True Person bid farewell and returned to Magu Cave to cultivate, while Jade Ding True Person hurried back to Yuquan Mountain to instruct Yang Jian. Before Jade Ding True Person departed, Li Changshou produced a jade talisman from his sleeve and smiled, "Senior Brother, these are some insights on cultivating the Eight-Nine Arcane Art. See if they might be of use to you." Jade Ding True Person offered a gentle smile, nodded at Li Changshou, and said nothing further.

Taiyi True Person inquired, "Chang Geng, have you perhaps cultivated such a profound physical cultivation technique?" Li Changshou simply smiled without a word. He neither denied nor admitted it.

Ling Zhuzi was to stay for a while at Golden Light Cave on Mount Qianyuan, cultivating under his direct teacher, Taiyi True Person. Li Changshou specifically advised Ling Zhuzi not to overly emphasize physical cultivation, reminding him that the Primordial Spirit Dao was the true foundation. Ling Zhuzi readily agreed. As Li Changshou was about to depart, Ling Zhuzi caught up to him and whispered: "Uncle-Master, please remember to tell Little Rabbit. She said she'd come to play with me again in a few days."

"Alright," Li Changshou replied, flicking his whisk. "Do you want me to convey any additional messages to her?"

Ling Zhuzi smiled and shook his head. Along with his teacher, he saw Li Changshou off from Golden Light Cave, watching him fly away from the grand formation surrounding the area. From a distance, Li Changshou could still sense Taiyi True Person's slowly kindling flames of curiosity and gossip.

"'Little Rabbit? Who is that? Could it be the Jade Rabbit from the Guanghan Palace? Disciple, have you befriended her?'"

"Yes, she's quite endearing and particularly fun to be around."

Ling Zhuzi smiled, "After I visited Guanghan Palace last time, Little Rabbit came to the Water God Mansion to bring Uncle-Master some pastries. I was in a sparring match then, and she came over. Unexpectedly, she's also skilled in combat, with powerful leg techniques. She even left a bloody mark on me with a single kick..."

Taiyi True Person's eyes gleamed as he pressed for more details, and Ling Zhuzi answered truthfully. The grand formation of Mount Qianyuan closed, cutting off Li Changshou's spiritual perception. Li Changshou focused on riding his cloud, his thoughts shifting to other matters.

The next year proved to be just as busy. Three months later, news that Daoist Randeng, Vice Sect Master of the Chan Sect, had assumed leadership of the Immortal Alliance in the Three Thousand Worlds spread rapidly across the Primordial World, causing a stir. The morale of the various factions intending to form the anti-Western Immortal Alliance surged. However, most of the Western Sect's Saint disciples, unaware that Randeng was "one of their own," regarded this as a grave threat. The situation instantly became subtle and treacherous. What were once clearly distinct currents now harbored surging undercurrents.

One day, Li Changshou sat in a rocking chair in front of his alchemy room, gently fanning himself with a cattail fan, seeking the feeling of a "military strategist." He watched the unfolding affairs of the Three Realms with a smile, navigating among immortals and saints. Except... Ling'e passed by carrying a tray, muttering, "Why am I constantly losing strands of hair lately?" At such a young age, she was bearing pressure she shouldn't have to.

Li Changshou pondered deeply, savoring the intricacies of each scheme while multitasking. His paper effigies were active in both the Heavenly Court and the Underworld. Li Changshou certainly hadn't forgotten the matter of the bloody lotus; but since the other party had made no moves, he didn't want to act rashly. Currently, all attention in the realms was on the Immortal Alliance conference. He also needed to guard against anyone causing trouble amidst the chaos or using the Blood Sea incident to divert their attention. The struggles between the great sects were indeed challenging.

"Hmm?" A slight premonition stirred within Li Changshou, and his paper effigy in the Underworld slowly opened its eyes. This paper effigy was in a small, low wooden house, which served as his usual cultivation spot in his role as a minor, less busy judge. A spiritual message entered Li Changshou's mind...

"Water God, Lord Water God, it's Di Ting."

Li Changshou was genuinely puzzled, unsure why this individual had suddenly sought him out. Di Ting continued his transmission, "Please be careful. Just now, an incredibly arrogant individual came to the Samsara Pagoda seeking my master. He claimed to be the Golden-Winged Great Peng, son of the First Phoenix, determined to restore the Phoenix Clan's prestige. Just form a thought in your mind, and I will naturally hear it."

Li Changshou nodded slowly and asked mentally, "Why are you tipping me off?"

"Please don't blame me, Water God. I simply don't want my master to be dragged back into the maelstrom of sectarian conflict. He's already in this state, and the Western Sect continues to exploit him..."

"What did he want with your master?"

"To provoke," Di Ting replied, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "This fellow even brought along a disciple of a minor saint from the Western Sect, and that disciple kept instigating trouble. The Golden-Winged Great Peng declared... 'What my master couldn't achieve, he would accomplish.' 'What my master dared not handle, he would take care of.' 'Born with extreme speed, free and unfettered in the Three Realms, able to traverse heaven and earth unimpeded by anything... and then he just left.'"

Li Changshou was speechless. Come to think of it, is his Grand Sister-in-law's younger brother truly that audacious? How much punishment has he avoided in the Three Realms to cultivate such an arrogant temperament? He showed not an ounce of respect even when meeting Ksitigarbha, utterly wasting all the fortune Ksitigarbha has garnered for the Western Sect!

"Your master... is he alright?"

"He almost died of anger," Di Ting sighed, then continued his transmission. "This fellow said he intends to directly target you, Lord Water God, so please be extra careful."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then a thought gently stirred in his mind, and he smiled: "No matter. The Immortal Alliance conference is still half a year away. If he wants trouble, I'll confront him." While he spoke of a confrontation, he was already mentally strategizing how to counter such "extreme speed." All this, without his true form appearing.

Kong Xuan had previously stated that if the Golden-Winged Great Peng ever opposed him, even killing him would be acceptable. While seemingly ruthless, this statement actually reflected the Phoenix Clan's inherent pride and Kong Xuan's pragmatic choices. With the Phoenix Clan's fortune currently diminished, Kong Xuan personally protected human tribes to help revive their luck and ensure the clan's continued prosperity and reproduction. Yet, the Golden-Winged Great Peng had chosen a different path, aligning himself with the Western Sect, supposedly to "boost the Phoenix Clan's prestige." What prestige is there to gain when the clan itself is dwindling? Kong Xuan's words that day implied that if the Golden-Winged Great Peng pushed things too far, there was no need to consider his background; he could be allowed to continue until it resulted in his demise.

But how could Li Changshou act so rashly? If for no other reason, the Golden-Winged Great Peng was Kong Xuan's biological younger brother. Even if Li Changshou were to cripple him, he would spare his life. It's better to value harmony and subdue the bird through virtue.

However, just as this thought crossed Li Changshou's mind, a subtle ripple appeared in his heart again: Ao Yi was calling out to "Sect Master Brother" via spiritual transmission. Was there an emergency? He had previously arranged with Ao Yi that if anything important arose, Ao Yi should contact him directly at the Water God Mansion, and that spiritual communication was only necessary for emergencies. Had the Western Sect begun its offensive?

Li Changshou dared not be careless. He immediately used the main divine statue in Anshui City to create a dream realm, drawing Ao Yi into it.

"Sect Master Brother!" Ao Yi rushed forward, forgetting to bow, and immediately said, "The Golden-Winged Great Peng of the Phoenix Clan just appeared in a market town in Central Divine Continent, declaring that he wants to challenge you, Brother. He also declared that tomorrow at noon, he would enter the Heavenly Court through the South Heaven Gate, proceed directly to the Guanghan Palace, and kiss Chang'e!"

Li Changshou was stunned. So brazen?

Li Changshou asked, perplexed, "Is this truly happening?"

"To be honest, Brother, although my Dragon Clan doesn't wish to reignite a war with the Phoenix Clan, we always keep a close watch on them," Ao Yi explained. "The Grand Elder just informed me of this news, so it can't be false. The Golden-Winged Great Peng's extreme speed is likely second only to that of the ancient Kunpeng Demon Master. If he forcefully breaches the Heavenly Court, he would indeed be difficult to stop."

Li Changshou's brows furrowed slightly as he paced back and forth at the base of his divine statue. What exactly is this fellow trying to achieve? Li Changshou suddenly realized what Kong Xuan had meant by "regardless of life or death." Kong Xuan knew exactly what kind of creature the Golden-Winged Great Peng was, which was why he had made his stance clear beforehand.

Ao Yi asked, "Sect Master Brother, should I immediately request Dragon Clan masters to deploy defenses in the Heavenly Court?"

"No rush," Li Changshou murmured. "If this fellow actually gets close to Guanghan Palace, he'll likely either be cleaved by an axe or be adopted by Chang'e as a pampered pet."

"Huh?"

"Ahem, it's nothing," Li Changshou waved his hand. "Please ask the Dragon Clan to help spread a message far and wide, ensuring this fellow hears it. Tell him... 'The Heavenly Court's Water God smiled faintly upon hearing this, and when discussing it with Mu Gong, he remarked: Who in the Primordial Three Realms doesn't know that only the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother are truly great powers in the Heavenly Court? To travel from the South Heaven Gate to the Moon Palace, conveniently avoiding the High Heavens Palace, Jade Pond, and Tushita Palace, is something any other great power could achieve. It's hardly an act of heroism. However, if he can rush from the South Heaven Gate to the main entrance of Guanghan Palace without harming a single soul, *that* would be true extreme speed.'"

Ao Yi pondered the words, his eyes lighting up. He chuckled, "Sect Master Brother, do you really think he'll fall for it?"

"I don't know. We'll see if he's truly that arrogant." Li Changshou sighed, "Go ahead. I'll wait at the Water God Mansion. Once the news spreads, His Majesty will summon me."

Ao Yi agreed, and their spiritual connections withdrew, each returning to their respective duties. The Golden-Winged Great Peng's arrogant pronouncements, secretly promoted by the Western Sect, quickly circulated throughout the Three Realms. Qin Tianzhu was enraged. The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals in the Heavenly Court were equally furious, rushing to Tongming Hall to volunteer for tomorrow's defense at the South Heaven Gate. Li Changshou was soon summoned to the High Heavens Palace to offer counsel alongside Mu Gong and several other righteous gods.

The Jade Emperor's expression was naturally grim. The Primordial World was rife with schemes; arrogant individuals like this rarely survived for long. This Golden-Winged Great Peng was so arrogant, treating the Heavenly Court as a mere stepping stone to fame. If he truly managed to breach the Guanghan Palace, the Heavenly Court's reputation would be severely tarnished.

Mu Gong said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes this could be a diversion! We should deploy heavy forces at all five Heavenly Gates and not take it lightly."

"Indeed," the Jade Emperor stated, suppressing his anger and cursing. "This Golden-Winged Great Peng is seeking his own demise; I shall grant it to him!" He paused, and His Majesty the Jade Emperor's expression softened slightly. He looked at Li Changshou and said gently, "Chang Geng, rest assured, I will not let him get a single step closer to Chang'e."

Li Changshou was speechless. What was that supposed to mean?

Mu Gong added, "Water God, rest assured. Our Heavenly Court is not what it once was; we will ensure this son of the First Phoenix never returns!"

Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly. Nine years had passed; they still remembered that rumor?

Just then, a bellowing sound came from outside the High Heavens Palace. A green ox leisurely approached, transforming into a sturdy, simple-faced middle-aged man with ox horns and a nose ring right at the palace entrance. The Green Ox grinned, remaining outside the hall, and called out loudly in front of the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals: "Senior Brother Chang Geng, Old Monarch sent me to help you catch a bird!"

Li Changshou couldn't help but palm his forehead. The enemy had only released a single piece of news, yet it had thrown their entire formation into disarray. All these immortals and gods, except Old Monarch, clearly needed some training.

Meanwhile, beside the Spirit Pool on Spirit Mountain. A handsome young Daoist was showing off his newly acquired treasure—a golden cloak, a look of smug triumph plastered across his face. Beside him, numerous old Daoists offered generous praise, and while flattering him, they also advised him against such an aggressive confrontation with the Heavenly Court. The young Daoist, however, waved a hand dismissively and calmly stated, "The Heavenly Court's Water God is full of schemes. If we try to outwit him, we'll only bring trouble upon ourselves and end up at a disadvantage. Why not use our strengths to exploit his weaknesses? I will make him realize tomorrow that even if he hides within the Heavenly Court, he won't find peace. I shall enter and exit the Heavenly Court as if it were nothing!" The old Daoists immediately nodded with knowing smiles, verbally praising him with "As expected of you," while perhaps harboring different thoughts internally.

In the corner originally reserved for Ksitigarbha and Di Ting, Daoist Wenjing stood in the shadows, while the silver-haired girl sat beside her, clutching her treasured sword, quietly observing the scene. The silver-haired girl transmitted a question, "Is the son of the First Phoenix very powerful?"

Daoist Wenjing shook her head, thinking to herself how uninteresting it all was. She couldn't even be bothered to tip off Lord Water God or claim credit for this matter. If Lord Water God were to even glance at this fellow, it would count as a partial defeat for him.

"Foolish."

The silver-haired girl, clutching the Yuantu Sword, tilted her head slightly. Was Aunt Wen referring to her? A hint of confusion flickered in her pale red eyes.