Chapter 494: Immortal and Mortal Debate (Part 1)

The venue for the Immortal Alliance Assembly.

The hall was lively for a moment, then quickly quieted down.

Immortals representing various factions, who had gathered there, sat in an orderly fashion on the south, north, and east sides.

Whether by Li Changshou's prior calculation or mere coincidence, the meditation cushions and low tables on the three sides were just completely filled, leaving the hundreds of immortals who had initially been directed to the west side with no other place to move to.

These hundreds of immortals, openly 'supporting' Randeng, were clearly sent by the Western Sect on purpose, intentionally revealing their stance in advance.

Li Changshou naturally knew that there were certainly more 'spies' from the Western Sect mixed in various places.

They were waiting for the right opportunity, attempting to dismantle this Immortal Alliance;

Or, perhaps, to lie dormant within the Alliance for other purposes.

It's hard to know what's in someone's heart.

Even with repeated scrutiny by Li Changshou and Ling'e, it was impossible to ascertain whether the factions contacted over the previous decade had any Western Sect connections.

Relatively speaking, this assembly was indeed somewhat rushed.

According to the normal efficiency of the Primordial World, for example, the preparatory meeting before the Three Sects Origin Assembly back then took a full century...

Furthermore, Li Changshou had limited means to gather information on immortal factions, relying heavily on the Tianya Pavilion, and his foundation in the Three Thousand Worlds was too shallow.

Once the grand lotus platform completely quieted down, a female immortal, graceful in bearing and conservatively dressed, slowly ascended the 'Soaring Platform,' standing beside the enormous portrait of Daoist Randeng.

She gently parted her lips, and her soft voice spread throughout the hall, like the tinkling of a mountain spring or a breeze rustling through a forest. Every word spoken was round and full, her delivery unhurried, yet it made everyone instinctively lean in to listen.

In two words: professional.

The female immortal then spoke:

"Distinguished individuals and extraordinary talents from over three hundred Great Thousand Worlds, I am Bing Qingyue. I am fortunate to have gained the Water God's appreciation and am here to give you a brief introduction.

As for the Water God, who is above the clouds, there is no need for excessive introduction. Since you are all gathered here today, you have undoubtedly had interactions with the Water God before.

However, in case some of you are unfamiliar, let me first introduce the Alliance Master behind me."

As she spoke, the female immortal took out a small folding fan, stepped two paces to the side, and continued softly:

"From the time of creation, within Lingjiu Mountain, there is Yuanjue Cave.

Our Alliance Master cultivated the Dao and achieved immortality, transforming into an immortal being. He awoke from the world's only spiritual coffin, roamed freely in the ancient heavens and earth, befriended powerful cultivators, and sought truth through philosophical discussions..."

This woman was truly remarkable.

Through her words, Randeng's ancient journeys through the heavens and earth were depicted so vividly.

These stories were not fabricated; they were anecdotes Randeng had mentioned to others or tales recorded in ancient texts, which Li Changshou had painstakingly compiled with the help of Heavenly Court immortals.

It was a gesture to save face for the Chan School, to praise their Vice-Sect Master on such an occasion.

Randeng sat silently, showing no emotion.

On the contrary, Zhao Gongming, who was waiting below the Soaring Platform, couldn't help but transmit a message to Li Changshou:

"Chang Geng, where did you find this female immortal? She's quite eloquent."

Li Changshou smiled calmly and transmitted back, "I found talent nearby at Tianya Pavilion."

Zhao Gongming was somewhat puzzled and then messaged Lu Yue, who was beside him.

After all, within the Jie School, no one understood Tianya Pavilion better than Lu Yue.

Lu Yue, suppressing a laugh, transmitted to Zhao Gongming:

"In the Tianya Secret Realm, before a woman of exceptional talent and beauty receives her first guest, there's a celebratory banquet introducing her. This Bing Qingyue is the one who presides over such banquets.

With her eloquent tongue, we who undergo trials of love often end up spending several, or even tens of, times more spirit stones."

Zhao Gongming pondered carefully, and his lips twitched a few times.

Lu Yue added, "Brother, don't mind it. Chang Geng just saw that Bing Qingyue had good temperament and extraordinary eloquence, so he asked her to do the opening.

Although we don't get along with Vice-Sect Master Randeng and don't quite like him, we wouldn't stoop to taking such petty advantages secretly."

"No," Zhao Gongming shook his head, "Junior Brother, you still don't understand Chang Geng."

Lu Yue hesitated, wanting to say that he and Chang Geng were confidants, but such words were difficult to state directly.

After all, he couldn't beat Senior Brother Gongming.

At this moment, Bing Qingyue had finished introducing Randeng. Although she spoke glowingly, she hadn't actually conveyed much substantial content.

Changing her tone, she called out:

"Next, I invite the three esteemed masters from the Jie School to appear. They will soon assume the positions of First, Second, and Third Vice Alliance Masters of the Immortal Alliance. Please welcome Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Senior Gongming, and Senior Lu Yue!"

Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Zhao Gongming, and Lu Yue calmly rose on their clouds, but just as they reached the Soaring Platform, Golden Spirit Holy Mother turned her cloud and flew to the far right end of the two rows of seats, calmly taking her place.

Zhao Gongming, after cupping his hands to the surroundings, then went to Golden Spirit Holy Mother's side;

Lu Yue glanced at the seats to Daoist Randeng's left and right, also cupped his hands in greeting to the surroundings, and then went to Zhao Gongming's side.

Bing Qingyue reacted swiftly, immediately smiling and saying, "Today, our seating arrangement is from right to left."

Golden Spirit Holy Mother, however, replied, "The three of us are merely here to lend assistance and will not interfere with the specific matters of the Immortal Alliance. This poor Daoist also does not wish to be too close to Vice-Sect Master Randeng."

Bing Qingyue laughed, "Senior is truly straightforward.

As the Water God previously stated, the Alliance Master and the initial Vice Alliance Masters are all here to assist us.

The Immortal Alliance's discussions will still be presided over by the twelve Vice Alliance Masters elected later."

By this point, all the immortals clearly understood what was happening—

Randeng was the Vice-Sect Master of the Chan School, not quite on good terms with the three Saint disciples of the Jie School, but for the Water God's sake, they were all contributing to the Immortal Alliance.

Most of the immortals present did not understand if there were other calculations or considerations at play.

At most, they had only heard that Vice-Sect Master Randeng liked to stir up trouble, and that the Jie School and Chan School had conflicts;

And the Water God, being one of only two disciples of the Human School's Saint, was likely trying to strike a balance.

Bing Qingyue did not elaborate further on the three immortals including Zhao Gongming, but instead began to speak of the harms of incense-based divine kingdoms and the evils of the Western Sect.

Many cultivators who had been previously bullied by Western Sect forces stood up to share their experiences, making the atmosphere increasingly fervent, and the emotions of the immortals were successively stirred.

Just as the assembly was smoothly progressing and about to move into the selection of the twelve Vice Alliance Masters, a figure arrived on a cloud from the horizon.

She had a dignified posture and beautiful features, emanating a faint auspicious glow. She wore a deep green Daoist robe and common Primordial World female immortal hair ornaments, but her aura was incomparable to ordinary fairies.

Li Changshou transmitted a few instructions to Bing Qingyue, who immediately changed her tone, pausing various matters until the newcomer arrived at the lotus platform.

The newcomer was none other than Ci Hang Daoist, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan School.

Earlier, Randeng had sent a message stating that Ci Hang Daoist also intended to come to the Immortal Alliance and hoped to receive the same treatment as Zhao Gongming and others. Li Changshou naturally would not refuse.

Presumably, Randeng also wanted to avoid awkwardness, bring an assistant, and leave some room for maneuver.

Since Ci Hang Daoist had arrived, she smoothly took the fourth seat after Bing Qingyue's introduction, becoming the fourth-ranked Vice Alliance Master.

What Li Changshou found interesting was that Ci Hang Daoist looked at the seats beside Randeng, then at the seats of the three senior brothers and sister from the Jie School, and finally...

She saluted Randeng and then sat next to Lu Yue.

This left Li Changshou somewhat perplexed, a hint of suspicion arising in his heart...

A Heavenly General on one side transmitted a question: "Water God, are we truly just sitting here?"

"No rush," Li Changshou replied, his gaze falling upon the crowd below. "A Saint's disciple from the Western Sect will certainly arrive today. The real battle of Dao is yet to come."

The Heavenly General blinked and transmitted, "Water God, this humble general is not skilled in debate."

"No matter," Li Changshou smiled kindly, saying nothing more, his gaze continuing to shift among the immortals below.

At the worst estimate, perhaps twenty percent of the immortals and factions here were connected to the Western Sect, or had been 'bought over' by them in the past decade.

Never underestimating an opponent was one of Li Changshou's significant 'strengths.'

Of course, sometimes this led him to outsmart thin air, but one could only say...

It was unavoidable.

The reason Li Changshou had calculated so much this time was simply to transform what was destined to be a bloody, open conflict into a more challenging covert struggle.

The advantage was that the Immortal Alliance could be smoothly established;

The disadvantage was missing an opportunity to further intensify the conflict between various immortal factions and the Western Sect.

By this time, the Western Sect had not adopted a strong offensive strategy, and the various factions already had an initial sense of recognition for the Immortal Alliance...

Li Changshou's confidence in the successful establishment of the Immortal Alliance today reached ninety-five to ninety-six percent.

Who would arrive today?

Li Changshou pondered endlessly in his heart. Although he wanted to say 'who cares,' he still needed to be more stable.

"Mister Bai, don't you think Daoist Randeng is embarrassed sitting there?"

Jiu Wu transmitted a whisper, while Bai Ze beside him chuckled softly, stroking his goatee, without answering.

At this point, Bing Qingyue had already begun presiding over the election of the Vice Alliance Masters, starting with the 'Seventh' Vice Alliance Master, deliberately leaving the 'Fifth' and 'Sixth' positions vacant.

The first to be elected was naturally the Pavilion Master of Tianya Pavilion, Old Madam Bian, Bian Zhuang's grandmother.

This old madam was also a renowned figure in the industry, and the leader of the first Three Thousand Worlds faction to side with the Heavenly Court, making her perfectly suited for this position.

To solidify the old madam's influence, Li Changshou had arranged for her to have several interactions with other immortals capable of serving as Vice Alliance Masters.

Apart from Old Madam Bian, the Immortal Alliance's selection of Vice Alliance Masters considered primarily their personal reputation, and secondly, their strength and backing factions;

If they had an irreconcilable feud with the Western Sect, that was also considered a bonus.

Of course, with Li Changshou present, a 'Grand Dao Oath for High-Ranking Immortal Alliance Officials - Condensed Template' was indispensable.

Although this made the process of selecting Vice Alliance Masters more cumbersome, it greatly reassured the immortals.

On the Soaring Platform, chairs began to be occupied one by one, the power of the Heavenly Dao ebbed and flowed, and the voices of immortals from all corners never ceased.

In total, over three days and nights, as the sun and moon rotated three times, the twelve powerful Vice Alliance Masters were all appointed.

Eight of them were pre-selected by Li Changshou, while the other four seats were intentionally left as room for maneuver by Li Changshou, not entirely sealing off this opportunity.

However, what made Li Changshou a little depressed was...

Among these twelve renowned figures, nine were actually women. Fortunately, most were elderly or middle-aged in appearance.

Once these twelve powerful Vice Alliance Masters had taken the stage one by one and delivered their respective speeches, long or short, the assembly reached its most crucial step!

Bing Qingyue truly lived up to her 'professional' title, presiding for three days and three nights without showing fatigue. Following the Water God's previous instructions, she softly said:

"Alliance Master Randeng, would you please announce that the Great Immortal Alliance of the Three Thousand Worlds against Incense-based Divine Kingdoms is officially formed!"

"Good."

Randeng slowly rose. A hint of anticipation flickered in Li Changshou's eyes from above the clouds.

This was the Western Sect's best opportunity to make a move, and they were very likely not to miss it...

Indeed.

After rising, Randeng slowly ascended into the air, flying dozens of feet higher. His gaze swept around, and he calmly stated:

"Now that the Immortal Alliance is established, its responsibility shall be to eradicate incense-based divine kingdoms and work for the welfare of all beings under heaven."

First, there was a moment of silence in the hall, and then the hundreds of immortals seated in the direct west began to loudly cheer.

Just then, a somewhat grating voice resonated in the ears of tens of thousands of immortals:

"What a noble intention for the welfare of all beings! Everyone says our Western Sect members are thick-skinned, but upon seeing you today, you and Alliance Master Randeng are far more so!"

A heavy stone finally fell from Li Changshou's heart.

Here he comes, Randeng's straight man... *cough*!

In short, it was someone from the Western Sect.

Daoist Randeng immediately frowned and retorted, "Since you've arrived, why not show yourself? Is the Western Sect merely a group of timid cowards?"

"Hahahahaha!"

A loud laugh erupted from among the hundreds of immortals in the direct west. A middle-aged male immortal stood up, a slight mist swirling around him, and his face rapidly began to change...

Whoosh! Swish!

The middle-aged male immortal couldn't react at all; a bloody flower blossomed on his chest. He looked down, somewhat startled, at the bloodied hole in his chest.

Just moments before, a 'Longevity Lock' had flown in, pierced his chest, and then vanished extremely quickly.

Li Changshou spoke from above the clouds, calmly saying, "As expected, a spy from the Western Sect has infiltrated. Alliance Master Randeng, please continue."

However, no sooner had Li Changshou spoken than the middle-aged male immortal slowly raised his head, a faint sneer playing on his lips.

The wound on his chest rapidly regenerated, and his body became semi-transparent; his primordial spirit, which should have been shattered, seemed unaffected.

Immediately, more than half of the immortals present stood up, grabbing various magical treasures, ready to instantly pulverize this person.

The middle-aged immortal first laughed a few times, then stated firmly:

"What, Water God, do you not even dare let me speak?

This is merely a clone of mine, prepared in imitation of the Water God."

Li Changshou replied, "When words fail to connect, half a sentence is too much. How could I allow you to spread malicious rumors and mislead the masses!"

With that, Li Changshou was about to summon his magical treasure again.

At this moment, Randeng interjected, "Water God, no need to rush. Why not give him a chance to speak, so that everyone present can clearly see the true face of the Western Sect?"

Originally, those familiar with Li Changshou, such as Zhao Gongming and Lu Yue, thought that Li Changshou would simply ignore Randeng and decisively continue his attack.

But Li Changshou put away his Heart-Piercing Lock and chuckled:

"Since Alliance Master Randeng has spoken on his behalf, let him speak.

However, Alliance Master Randeng must remember to slay him as soon as he finishes speaking. Destroying one of their clones can also slightly diminish their fighting strength."

Randeng smiled and assented, while the middle-aged Daoist had by then changed his appearance, transforming into an old man with grizzled hair, dressed in a cloak, and flew on a cloud to the front of the Soaring Platform, facing the assembled immortals.

Randeng asked, "Who are you, fellow Daoist?"

The old Daoist smiled faintly, "From Spirit Mountain, Subhuti."

The tens of thousands of immortals buzzed, erupting into a chaotic marketplace of voices.

Randeng's eyes instantly burst with golden light, and he cursed, "The chief culprit of this place, how dare you come here to cause trouble!"

Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Zhao Gongming, and Lu Yue had long wanted to act, but were restrained by Li Changshou's transmitted message, allowing Subhuti's clone to prance around a bit longer.

Subhuti declared loudly, "This poor Daoist has appeared today to seek peace!"

Upon these words, the expressions of the immortals varied. Randeng, however, frowned deeply, saying nothing more, seemingly weighing his thoughts.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother curled her lip. She wasn't impulsive at this moment; she even leaned slightly to the side, resting her arm on the stone chair's armrest, listening at her leisure.

Hoping for a chance to strike someone later.

Subhuti, with his hands clasped behind his back, slowly ascended on a white cloud, reaching the same height as Randeng. He looked up at Li Changshou in the high sky and continued:

"What a cynical sight this is.

Heavenly Court immortals and gods sit high above the clouds; a casual mention of their supervisory authority makes all immortal cultivators serve the Heavenly Court, while the Heavenly Court itself incurs no karma and bears no responsibility for the karma here.

The Water God truly lives up to his name; his methods are so brilliant, they command our admiration.

But everyone!

Will the Heavenly Court truly give you what the Water God once promised?

Are the Three Thousand Worlds truly destined to become subordinates of the Five Continents?

Do you truly know what the Heavenly Court and this Water God intend to do?"

The immortals fell silent, but Li Changshou spoke softly:

"Oh? I'd like to hear more."

Subhuti's eyes showed a hint of wariness, and he continued with passionate fervor:

"You all should know that the Heavenly Court and our Western Sect previously contended for the fortune of great prosperity. Our Western Sect reacted too slowly, allowing the Heavenly Court to gain the upper hand.

To achieve great prosperity, the Heavenly Court then turned its gaze to the Three Thousand Worlds.

You chose to oppose our Western Sect because our influence in the Three Thousand Worlds threatened you.

The great tribulation currently sweeping across the entire Primordial World originated from the Heavenly Court, initiated by the Jade Emperor!

And is the Heavenly Court truly gathering various immortal factions and forming such an Immortal Alliance to uphold justice for you all?

A joke!

The Heavenly Court is merely acting for its own considerations; there are many more schemes at play!

They want to plunge the Three Thousand Worlds into chaos without deploying a single soldier, thereby reducing the strength of the cultivators in the Three Thousand Worlds!

Have you all forgotten that the Southern Jambudvīpa is the true gathering place of humanity's fortune!

If not to cut off the foundation of our Western Sect's great prosperity, why would the Heavenly Court bother with any of you present?

But today, our Western Sect is willing to make concessions. This poor Daoist can swear an oath and promise not to expand any more incense-based divine kingdoms beyond those already existing!"

Upon these words, three or four out of ten immortals showed a change in expression.

Subhuti looked at Li Changshou, intending to wait for Li Changshou to speak before retaliating, but what he saw at this moment was...

Li Changshou was closing his eyes and resting, his expression quite leisurely.

Subhuti's tone shifted, and he immediately added:

"Our Western Sect established incense-based divine kingdoms merely to stabilize our sect's fortune!

The Daoist sects are powerful, while the West is barren; you all should know this.

For this, our Western Sect had to resort to some extreme measures, which have offended many of you.

This poor Daoist dares not hope for your forgiveness, but I ask all of you to consider carefully what the Heavenly Court truly wants!

Is it fortune?

Is it merit?

Is it treasures?

No, the Heavenly Court does not lack these. What they want is righteousness! It is order!

Righteousness is not in you or me, not in immortal sects, not in various immortal kingdoms, not in cultivators who can move mountains and fill seas, but in those mortals who live for a mere century and pass fleetingly through the mortal world!

And once the order pursued by the Heavenly Court is established, it means that the factions behind all of you will either be purged or dismantled, leaving no way out for you or me!

From the Jade Emperor and the Water God down to the Heavenly Generals and Heavenly Soldiers, the Heavenly Court speaks of all beings in the Three Realms and all beings under heaven. No matter how high your talent or profound your fortune, your destiny will be no different from that of a mortal!

Perhaps even worse than a mortal!

If the Heavenly Court gains power and establishes itself in the Three Thousand Worlds, and all our Western Sect's incense-based divine kingdoms are defeated, who will the Heavenly Court then strike at?

You all!

Among all the immortal factions that can dominate a region, how many can truly say they haven't compromised their personal virtues?

By then, all of you will become enemies of the Heavenly Court. What kind of fate awaits you then!

Do not forget, immortals and mortals are fundamentally different.

The Heavenly Dao desires peace and stability in the heavens and earth. The Heavenly Court always stands on the side of mortals!

And you, everyone, are merely pawns for the Heavenly Court, for this Water God of the Heavenly Court, to achieve their so-called ideals. You are steps on their path to enlightenment, expendable pieces at any time!

Today, our Western Sect knows that the Heavenly Court's momentum is unstoppable, yet we are unwilling to passively await slaughter. Therefore, we seek reconciliation with all factions of the Immortal Alliance.

The factions of the Three Thousand Worlds should unite to resist the Heavenly Court's encroaching long arm!"

As Subhuti's words fell, five or six out of ten immortals among the various factions showed a change in their state of mind.

"Alas..."

A long sigh came from above the clouds. Li Changshou rose, looking down at Subhuti's clone.

Subhuti calmly said, "Does the Water God perhaps think that all immortals in the world should sacrifice themselves for righteousness, abandoning their carefree lives for the sake of mortals?"

Li Changshou, however, replied, "Fellow Daoist is indeed impressive, able to speak such cold-blooded and indifferent words so righteously and with unwavering confidence.

However, I truly feel sorry for Fellow Daoist Ksitigarbha.

That day before the Tower of Reincarnation, Fellow Daoist must have been present. With such eloquent debating skills, yet you merely stood by coldly, letting Fellow Daoist Ksitigarbha gradually fall... The Western Sect's brotherly kindness truly opens one's eyes.

This debate has led me to today.

Esteemed immortals, would you be willing to hear another word from me?