Chapter 492: The Eve of the Immortal Alliance Conference

After the successful implementation of the "Virtue Subdues Birds" plan, Li Changshou naturally put away his various contingency arrangements.

These included images like the Golden-Winged Great Peng being scared away by the Demon-Slaying Sword before even attempting to enter the Heavenly Court; or him hanging from an unknown old tree on the Taiyin Star, pointed at and whispered about by passing immortal maidens; or him hitting his head and bleeding in the consecutive arrays of the Fourth Heaven.

Now that he was one of them, some of these embarrassing past incidents naturally had to be destroyed, with only key details retained for future contingencies.

The news that the Golden-Winged Great Peng had been successfully recruited by the Heavenly Court and had become Water God Chang Geng's disciple did not spread widely across the world. Li Changshou requested that the immortal gods keep it a secret. Those within the Heavenly Court who knew of the matter had all been present in the Lingxiao Palace that day. With the Great Tribulation looming, even Heavenly Court immortals who might be inclined to disloyalty had to consider their own situations.

Consequently, discussions about the matter in various towns across the Five Continents quickly subsided.

"Wasn't that Golden-Winged Great Peng of the Phoenix race going to challenge the Heavenly Court? So much time has passed, why is there no news?"

"He was probably just grandstanding, trying to gain fame that way. How could the Heavenly Court be so easy to breach?"

"Something's not right about this."

The Western Sect also feigned ignorance. Li Changshou surmised that they must have known about the Golden-Winged Great Peng, but they dared not mention it, lest they give the Jade Emperor an excuse to unleash his fury.

Li Changshou settled the Golden-Winged Great Peng in his Water God's Mansion for cultivation, gifting him two spirit treasures and the nominal position of Heavenly Court Golden Peng Marshal. What Li Changshou found somewhat ironic was that the fortune accumulated by Kong Xuan diligently caring for the Shang tribe was less than the fortune gained by the Golden-Winged Great Peng when he was enfeoffed as a Heavenly Court Marshal. It was clear at a glance who the Heavenly Dao's favored child was.

The Heavenly Court had gained a new general, and the Jade Emperor was naturally delighted. He had planned to host a banquet for the Golden-Winged Great Peng, but Li Changshou timely dissuaded him. The Golden-Winged Great Peng shouldn't be overly praised or merely flattered. Although he had gained some enlightenment in the consecutive arrays, his personality had not fully transformed. Too much praise could lead to him becoming conceited again, so he needed regular tempering.

Another month later, in the Lingxiao Palace, Li Changshou formally made a request in front of all the Heavenly Court immortals. The Jade Emperor waved his hand, appointing Li Changshou as a special envoy of the Heavenly Court to lead several Heavenly Generals to organize and supervise the Immortal Alliance Assembly in the Three Thousand Worlds.

Li Changshou accepted the order and then secretly pushed for the news to spread rapidly throughout the Five Continents and Three Thousand Worlds. This move was mainly intended to boost the morale of the Immortal Alliance and preemptively consolidate its power, preventing any Immortal Alliance leader from suddenly feeling overly important.

Three days later, Li Changshou's paper avatar in the Heavenly Court, accompanied by several Golden Immortal-level Heavenly Generals and a large contingent of Heavenly Soldiers, ostentatiously departed the East Heaven Gate. They were expected to arrive at the assembly venue just one day before it began.

At the same time, in the Tianya Secret Realm, Li Changshou's paper avatar departed with Lu Yue, directing the immortal soldiers secretly recruited by Tianya Pavilion to construct the venue for the first Immortal Alliance Assembly. Although Li Changshou anticipated that this Immortal Alliance would "peak at its debut" and be "strongest at its first meeting," he still wanted to conduct it seriously to avoid any mishaps.

Three more days passed. On the shores of the South Sea, at the Sea God Temple. A white cloud slowly arrived, carrying a man and a woman, who looked quite compatible from a distance. The male immortal had a handsome beard, was imposing, and his face was handsome with a hint of ruggedness. Dressed in light red battle armor, he exuded even more authority. He was none other than the great disciple of the Jie Sect's outer teachings, the Myriad-Pottery King of the Primordial World, Zhao Gongming himself.

Beside Master Zhao was the Holy Mother of Golden Spirit, the "pseudo-senior sister" Li Changshou had specifically invited from the Jie Sect. Today, she wore light makeup, which softened her usual heroic demeanor, adding a touch of natural charm. Her slender and beautiful figure, enveloped in a long gown embroidered with pale gold phoenixes, exuded a full aura of power.

Li Changshou had already gone out to greet them, using his Heavenly Court Water God appearance, but the one standing there was Li Changshou's true body. Initially, Li Changshou had planned to hold the Immortal Alliance Assembly covertly, uniting various forces, in which case his true body wouldn't be needed; a paper avatar would suffice. However, after repeated deliberations, Li Changshou realized that a covert approach wouldn't work. He decided to actively draw Randeng into the game as a pawn, but to do so, he needed to invite two trustworthy Jie Sect experts in case of unforeseen circumstances. Since both Master Zhao and the Holy Mother of Golden Spirit had been invited, it would be inexcusable for his true body to remain hidden. Therefore, Li Changshou brought out the Li Di Yan Guang Banner to protect Xiaoqiong Peak, held the Taiji Diagram, carried the Xuanhuang Pagoda, wielded the Qiankun Ruler, and tucked away the Heart-Piercing Lock, cautiously departing Xiaoqiong Peak. There was no other way; the Primordial World was too perilous. His Merit Golden Body had been obstructed twice, leaving him with a deep sense of crisis.

"Hahaha!" Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and laughed. "Chang Geng, you are truly mischievous! To invite Daoist Randeng to be the Immortal Alliance Leader, aren't you just putting that old coffin on the fire?"

Li Changshou smiled with a hint of casualness, saying, "It's just a small scheme, I hope Senior Brother and Senior Sister don't mind."

"It's fine," Jin Ling Shengmu's lips curved into a faint smile. "I was a bit confused by your arrangement, but once Gongming explained it, I understood your ingenious plan."

When did Master Zhao become so smart? Most likely, he visited the Three Immortals Island and inquired about it. But none of that matters! "Gongming"?! Where's the suffix? Had the relationship between these two Jie Sect powerhouses progressed so rapidly? What a fascinating interaction between powerful figures in the Primordial World.

Li Changshou led them into the main hall, where servants brought fragrant hot tea. They were familiar enough to skip pleasantries. Zhao Gongming asked when they should depart. Li Changshou smiled, "Let's wait here. I've just informed Vice-Sect Master Randeng to meet us here. It would be best if we all travel together later."

Zhao Gongming pursed his lips. "Traveling with Randeng is truly unpleasant."

Jin Ling Shengmu, however, said, "No matter what, outwardly, he is a senior figure of our Daoist sect. We should give him due respect in front of outsiders. But if he doesn't know his place, hmph!"

"Senior Sister, we should still prioritize peace," Li Changshou said gently, exchanging a slight smile with Zhao Gongming. Jin Ling Shengmu snorted and turned to drink her tea.

Zhao Gongming asked, "Where did Mister Bai go? I went around your mountain peak earlier but didn't sense Mister Bai's aura, so I just came back."

Li Changshou smiled, "He said he went to visit a friend. It's not appropriate to ask too much about it."

"Understood," Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled, lightly dismissing the topic. "Chang Geng, I heard there was a Golden-Winged Great Peng who openly challenged the Heavenly Court. Why has there been no news since then? Was that Golden-Winged Great Peng really just grandstanding?"

Li Changshou said earnestly, "Elder Brother, don't think that way. The Golden-Winged Great Peng possesses extreme speed and is quite formidable. He did indeed go to the Heavenly Court that day, and even reached the Guanghan Palace."

"Oh?" Zhao Gongming and Jin Ling Shengmu exchanged glances, each expressing concern, but their points of interest were clearly different. Zhao Gongming first asked, "What happened next?" Jin Ling Shengmu, however, frowned and asked, "Are you truly as the rumors say, having an extraordinary relationship with Chang'e, the immortal maiden of Guanghan Palace?"

Li Changshou hastily said, "Senior Sister, don't believe such rumors! I don't have much interaction with the Taiyin Star Lord. I merely have a bit more authority in the Heavenly Court, which is why I can enter Guanghan Palace."

Jin Ling Shengmu pondered carefully, finding his words quite reasonable.

Zhao Gongming asked again, "Then what exactly happened to that Golden-Winged Great Peng?"

"Elder Brother, please see," Li Changshou pointed to the servant standing in the corner of the inner hall, "Isn't he right here?"

The servant turned around, smiling and smoothing his brow. Although he still had a hooked nose and a chiseled face, he didn't give off too much of a sharp impression. Sunlight from outside the window cast a faint halo around him, making his smile like a spring breeze, gentle with a touch of shyness.

Just as Li Changshou was about to formally introduce him, a streak of light broke through the air from the northwest. The Golden-Winged Great Peng's brows furrowed. He left several afterimages in place, his figure rushing out of the inner hall with extreme speed and flying into the sky. A hundred miles away, he grasped the streak of light in his palm, then swiftly retreated, perfectly overlapping with the afterimages he had left behind.

In just one or two breaths, the Golden-Winged Great Peng stood before Li Changshou, bowing respectfully and presenting a jade slip.

"Master, it has been verified; there are no tricks or schemes."

"Good," Li Changshou nodded with a smile, accepting the jade slip with hands enveloped in immortal power. His immortal sense probed the message within. Li Changshou sighed lightly, "Vice-Sect Master Randeng is truly extraordinary. He claims to be at a crucial point in his enlightenment and asks us to go ahead, promising he won't be late for the Immortal Alliance Assembly. He also says he will bring Daoist Cihang along and asks me to reserve a Vice-Alliance Leader position for Daoist Cihang."

Zhao Gongming looked at the Golden-Winged Great Peng with surprise and smiled, "Randeng is quite cunning."

"Then let's go," Jin Ling Shengmu stood up. "It's better to arrive early and prepare. I'd like to see what tricks the Western Sect plans to play!"

Li Changshou stood up and said, "Jinpeng, I trouble you this time."

The Golden-Winged Great Peng hastily replied, "Master, just give the order."

With that, he quickly exited the inner hall and manifested his true body in the backyard: a golden-feathered great peng with a wingspan just over ten zhang. On Jinpeng's back, three cushions were materialized with immortal power: one at the front, and two side-by-side behind it. The foremost cushion resembled a lotus treasure platform, its exquisite beauty comparable to treasures found in an earthly emperor's palace; the two cushions behind it were much simpler, like two tree stumps.

Li Changshou frowned. "Jinpeng, your state of mind is unstable."

Jinpeng was startled, then carefully considered his words, his bird-like face filled with shame. "Jinpeng has disappointed Master. I will immediately restore your seat to..."

"No need," Li Changshou gestured, smiling, "Please, Senior Sister Jin Ling, take the front seat."

Jin Ling Shengmu chuckled faintly and said nothing more. With a flutter of her skirt, she was already seated cross-legged on the exquisite treasure cushion. Li Changshou and Zhao Gongming settled onto the two cushions behind her, exchanging smiles.

Li Changshou said, "Thanks to Jinpeng's extreme speed, we have the opportunity to visit various places. Let's go see those Incense Divine Kingdoms."

The Golden-Winged Great Peng's high cry pierced through the high-altitude clouds and mist. With a gentle flap of his wings, he shot into the sky with a fierce gust of wind, almost instantly disappearing into the horizon, leaving only a faint afterimage. Feeling the subtle sensation of spatial compression, Zhao Gongming couldn't help but transmit his voice to Li Changshou: "How did you manage this? Rumor has it that Golden-Winged Great Peng is arrogant and untamed. How... how did he become so docile?"

Li Changshou transmitted back, "Simply subduing others with virtue."

"This?" Zhao Gongming looked down at the Golden-Winged Great Peng. "Is there such a big difference in our virtues? I, at least, have the reputation of being righteous and loyal, yet I haven't encountered such a powerful mount."

Li Changshou smiled without answering. Zhao Gongming clicked his tongue in wonder.

Along the way, concerned that the Golden-Winged Great Peng might get tired, Li Changshou borrowed two wisps of yin-yang energy from the Taiji Diagram, forming a phantom Taiji Diagram to support the Golden-Winged Great Peng... This nearly brought tears to the Golden-Winged Great Peng's eyes. Unexpectedly, Li Changshou found that this simple act allowed the Golden-Winged Great Peng's extreme speed to break through his limits. The Taiji Diagram's ability to reduce spatial resistance was indeed reasonable. And the Golden-Winged Great Peng, enjoying the pleasure brought by his new extreme speed, flew with even more vigor, his gaze becoming even more resolute.

Now, back to business. "This is the Western Sect's masterpiece?" In a Great Thousand World, Zhao Gongming frowned as he looked at a massive Incense Temple thousands of miles away. The grand temple was built atop a mountain peak, where hundreds of Daoists chanted scriptures in unison, and golden rays emanated from around the temple. From outside the temple down to the foot of the mountain, and even across the plains and forests visible from the temple, commoners knelt in worship, most looking famished. Above this grand temple, vast incense merit condensed into golden clouds, eventually disappearing into the depths of the high sky. There seemed to be a crack there...

Jin Ling Shengmu snorted coldly, summoned a long sword, and was about to smash the place, but Zhao Gongming stopped her.

"Why do you stop me!"

"Jin Ling, if you act this way and smash this temple, those mortals won't thank you; they'll resent and hate you. Why bother with such an unpleasant task?"

Jin Ling Shengmu cursed, "Why should I care about mortal opinions? This place worships wild gods like monstrous Taotie, it truly sickens me to see it!"

Li Changshou, however, said, "Let Senior Sister act. Don't refrain from doing good, however small."

"See?" Jin Ling Shengmu tilted her head slightly, lightly tapped her foot, and her figure transformed into a ball of golden light, shooting into the sky. A few roars and screams were heard. A palace appeared in the sky, where figures flew about. Jin Ling Shengmu, without even revealing her dharma body, fought alone with her sword, overturning their forces.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng asked, "Master, why do mortals believe in such wild gods?"

Zhao Gongming answered him: "Mortals are weak, their lives lasting barely a hundred years. They always have a sense of awe and worship for powers beyond their comprehension. Destroying an Incense Divine Kingdom is also troublesome, not because those Western Sect Qi Refiners are difficult to handle, but because of how to resettle these mortals. Chang Geng, have you ever considered this dilemma?"

"Naturally," Li Changshou said gently. "Actually, there are two main approaches. One is to establish a new divine religion to replace it. This has short-term effects and allows these mortals to worship different gods. Then, with relatively gentle doctrines, one can persuade mortals to focus on farming and production, rather than constantly thinking that worshiping deities can lead to ascension. However, this approach has potential drawbacks; those in power could easily be tempted by self-interest and revert to the old ways of Incense Divine Kingdoms. The second approach is more troublesome."

Zhao Gongming smiled, "I'm eager to hear the details."

Li Changshou gazed at the palace in the sky where the battle raged, and slowly said: "The second approach is to educate mortals, using books to carry knowledge, record the wisdom of mortals, broaden the horizons of all beings, let them understand what heaven and earth are, what is real and what is illusion, reduce their ignorance, and guide them to think. This way, they can avoid the disaster of Incense Divine Kingdoms. Unfortunately, the second approach is too one-sided, and just something I've rambled about."

Zhao Gongming slowly nodded, saying, "If everyone cultivated, it might be another disaster for heaven and earth."

"Therefore, everything needs balance, and this matter is no different." Li Changshou put his hands in his sleeves and softly said, "I intend to replace these Incense Divine Kingdoms with Heavenly Court incense, so that all beings respect the Heavenly Emperor and Earth Queen, distinguish good from evil, establish justice, and comprehend life and death. Cultivation would be considered an extracurricular matter, and Heavenly soldiers would be regularly stationed in various realms."

Zhao Gongming gave a thumbs up. Li Changshou said nothing more. It was understandable that Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, not being of human origin, could not fully empathize with this.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng suddenly stated firmly, "Master, this disciple understands!"

Under... understands what?

Just then, a silver sword light flashed across the sky, slicing the palace in two. The ruins plummeted from high above, crashing into a barren wheat field. Streaks of light appeared from beyond the sky, but Jin Ling Shengmu snorted, didn't even glance at them, and directly returned to the Golden-Winged Great Peng's back.

Jin Ling Shengmu cursed, "There aren't even half-Saint disciples here; killing more is useless, it only sullies my sword."

Li Changshou said, "Let's go, let's visit other places."

The Golden-Winged Great Peng let out a loud cry, instantly flying away from this Great Thousand World, leaving those who wished to pursue far behind.

In this manner, they detoured and visited eighteen Incense Divine Kingdoms. Jin Ling Shengmu took action three times, then grew too lazy to continue. Li Changshou collected some "evidence" with a recording orb, then gave the Golden-Winged Great Peng a new direction.

It had been barely half a month since they departed from the shores of the South Sea when Li Changshou's group arrived at a certain Minor Thousand World, seeing the pervasive watery blue that filled this small realm from afar. This Minor World was dominated by the element of water, with only sky and sea. The Immortal Alliance Assembly venue was located here and was already set up. Li Changshou had drawn inspiration from the Dragon Clan's grand ceremonies he once attended, designing the entire main venue in the shape of a treasure lotus. But it must be said, it wasn't as grand as the Dragon Clan's casually arranged events back then... Limited funds, limited funds.

Li Changshou's paper avatar, who was in this world, gave Lu Yue a reminder and then discreetly withdrew. Lu Yue, who had been boredly meditating and reminiscing about his easy days in the Tianya Secret Realm, perked up immediately upon hearing that Zhao Gongming and Jin Ling Shengmu had arrived. He jumped up and actively went to greet them at the edge of the sky, a 'junior brother's smile' appearing on his face.

Li Changshou had already ordered the Golden-Winged Great Peng to transform into human form and conceal his aura, preparing to give Randeng and the Western Sect a surprise later. What other arrangements should be made? Li Changshou surveyed the surroundings, pondering whether to arrange some flying magical artifacts to display banners, perhaps reading "Warm Welcome to Senior Randeng as Immortal Alliance Leader," or "Senior Randeng and the Western Sect are Irreconcilable Enemies." That scene should be quite interesting.