Chapter 499: [Go]

"Can you verify the identity of the person who appeared that day and confirm that he was indeed Cihang Bodhisattva?"

Inside the High Heavens Palace, all the immortal gods fell silent. When a Saint personally visited the Heavenly Court, only the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother, or the seldom-seen Saint's incarnation, Grand Pure One, could converse with him. Even Li Changshou, despite his multiple identities as a disciple of the Grand Pure One, a powerful Heavenly Court deity, Chief Instructor of Chang'e, rumored Dao-partner of Heng'e, and prospective Dao-partner of Immortal Yun Xiao, could only speak a few words after being explicitly called upon by the Jade Emperor.

The Saint Zhunti's rhetorical question drew all eyes back to Li Changshou.

Li Changshou lightly furrowed his brow and slowed his breathing, seemingly deep in thought and facing a dilemma. (Though in reality, he was discreetly interacting with his junior sister, engaging in playful banter that didn't cross any lines.)

The immortals all felt that while Saint Zhunti's question was somewhat simplistic and not particularly profound, it was indeed difficult to answer. The Western Sect Saint merely needed to insist that the person who appeared that day was not Cihang Bodhisattva, thereby having the Heavenly Court withdraw its pursuit of him. This would seem both reasonable and well-founded. However, Li Changshou remained calm and composed.

"Revered Zhunti, may I offer a brief explanation concerning this matter?"

"Very well," Zhunti replied impassively.

Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow, then slowly adjusted his horsetail whisk, seemingly using this small gesture to extend the time he had to think. His brows furrowed slightly, his lips pressed together briefly before relaxing, and his body stooped a little. In truth, this was merely a deliberate reaction to ensure he wouldn't be interrupted by the Saint later.

Soon, Li Changshou's eyes brightened. Like an agitated old immortal, he hastily explained, "When this junior deity condemned Cihang Bodhisattva that day, the Heavenly Dao responded by bringing down a tribulation! The tribulation initially fell upon that avatar, then dissipated with it, rushing to the main body that released the avatar! How could there be any mistake in this?"

Saint Zhunti calmly stated, "You invoked Cihang Bodhisattva's name, exercising the divine authority of the Heavenly Court. The power of the Heavenly Dao was mobilized by you, and thus, the outcome was determined by you. Is it not somewhat rash, and perhaps biased, for the God of Water to attribute this matter to a disciple of my sect without further investigation?"

Li Changshou appeared speechless, his brow furrowed as if trying to force out a few drops of cold sweat.

At this moment, a collective sigh resonated in the hearts of the immortals within the hall. Even the esteemed God of Water seemed unable to withstand the Saint's challenge. This further stirred a sense of shared indignation among the immortals. A Heavenly General, who had accompanied Li Changshou to the Immortal Alliance Assembly that day, almost stood up instinctively.

But Duke Dongmu was a step ahead. He rose, bowed his head, making the deepest Daoist salute while speaking with the least confidence. "Reporting to Your Majesty! This old subject previously reviewed the scrolls compiled in the Tongming Palace. They clearly showed that it was a Saint from the Western Sect, a Saint... "

A gaze fell upon Duke Mu, causing him to tremble uncontrollably and lower his head even further. Saint Zhunti had slightly lifted his half-closed eyelids, casting a glance at Duke Dongmu. Duke Mu's Adam's apple bobbed. With only the power of an normal Golden Immortal, how could he withstand such a Saint's majesty?

Yet, at this moment, in the Heavenly Court, within the High Heavens Palace, as the most senior and second most trusted minister by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and once a role model for all the Heavenly Court immortals, how could he shrink back or remain silent?

"The scrolls clearly showed it was a disciple of the Western Sect Saint, Ci... Cihang Bodhisattva!"

As those two gazes withdrew, Duke Dongmu's legs turned to jelly, and he broke out in a cold sweat, nearly collapsing into his seat. However, a large hand reached out from the side, supporting Duke Mu's arm and gently helping him back into his seat.

With a light chuckle, Li Changshou stepped forward two paces, positioning himself in front of Duke Dongmu. His previously stooped figure straightened, divine light surged in his eyes, and his silvery-white hair floated around him. His current appearance was merely that of a benevolent, slender old man, yet it captivated the immortals in the High Heavens Palace. Several young generals, notably Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang, felt their hearts swell with emotion, almost unable to contain themselves. (It was a pity that only male immortals were present in the High Heavens Palace.)

"Actually, this junior deity can be absolutely certain that the one who disrupted the Immortal Alliance Assembly that day was indeed Cihang Bodhisattva, a disciple of the Western Sect Saint!" Li Changshou turned sideways, cupped his hands to the sky, and declared, "Due to certain reasons that are difficult to state directly in front of Revered Zhunti, but which everyone should inherently understand, when the Immortal Alliance Assembly reached its crucial stage, this junior deity anticipated that a great sect, whose name couldn't be directly mentioned, would come to cause trouble for the Alliance. Revered Zhunti, please don't be alarmed; this junior deity has no malicious intent in speculating about the Western Sect.

"At that time, the Vice Sect Master of the Chan Sect and current Immortal Alliance Leader, Senior Randeng, was about to announce the official formation of the Immortal Alliance. Suddenly, a spirit stepped forward and began to ridicule. Senior Randeng, for some reason, granted the other party an opportunity to speak. This junior deity pondered... 'Huh? Something's off with this Vice Sect Master Randeng; isn't he deliberately setting up an opening for a certain nameless great sect to cause trouble?'

"Faster than words could describe! A wisp of Dao韵 appeared in this junior deity's Daoist mind. This Dao韵 was ethereal and subtle, slowly unfolding, simultaneously obscure yet purely clear, as if all the great truths of the world could be deciphered by it. Guess what happened next?"

Immediately, a righteous deity asked, "What happened?"

Li Changshou quickly responded, "It was actually a reminder from my teacher, the strongest Saint in the world today, the Grand Pure One! My heart was pounding, my spiritual platform felt hazy, and I didn't have time to fully comprehend those Dao韵, but five big words had already formed in my mind: 'This fellow is Cihang Bodhisattva!'"

Hearing this from behind, Duke Dongmu couldn't help but make a quick calculation on his fingers, puzzled. "Isn't that seven words?"

"That's not important," Li Changshou calmly said. "Saintly Elder just claimed that the Heavenly Dao's recognized transgression was baseless. Since this junior deity is also a disciple of a Saint, why can't I say seven is five? What kind of logic is that?"

The Jade Emperor nearly burst out laughing. Below, several Heavenly Generals were vigorously pinching the thighs of their neighbors. Saint Zhunti merely snorted coldly, closing his eyes without a word.

Li Changshou continued, "Therefore, the moment this junior deity saw that avatar, I knew he was Cihang Bodhisattva. This was stated by my teacher, the Grand Pure One Saint of the Dao Sect. If Revered Zhunti believes I am lying, you can go to the Grand Pure One Monastery and question him. Alas, this junior deity truly hadn't expected it. Cihang Bodhisattva's arrogance at the time was extreme. He believed he had seized the Immortal Alliance's weakness. When I asked him who he was, he brazenly revealed his true form and stated his name. Tens of thousands of immortals heard it then: he was Cihang Bodhisattva, the Western Sect Saint's favorite disciple, and the senior brother of Ksitigarbha, the master of the Reincarnation Pagoda in the Underworld."

"Enough," Zhunti spoke again. "Cihang Bodhisattva acted on his own initiative and deceived the Saint. Later, my Western Sect will provide an explanation to the Heavenly Court."

Li Changshou knew when to stop and didn't press further. He performed a Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor. "Your Majesty, that is the situation. This junior deity will now return to my seat."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand and smiled, "Revered Zhunti, do you have any other important matters today? Although I, too, wish to sit and discuss Dao with Revered Zhunti, as you can see, the Heavenly Court is newly established and its affairs are busy..." This was clearly a hint for Zhunti to leave.

Saint Zhunti, however, stated, "This humble Daoist has another important matter for visiting the Heavenly Court today."

In a secluded corner of the Jade Pool Palace, Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor exchanged glances, their alertness simultaneously heightened. Logically, Li Changshou had already invoked the Grand Pure One Saint, and Saint Zhunti had conceded, making it impossible for him to continue the offensive. Li Changshou merely needed to repeatedly raise the banner of the Grand Pure One, and Saint Zhunti would be metaphorically grinding an iron rod with his face—a long and tedious task, but eventually, an iron rod can be ground into a needle with enough effort.

Yet, Zhunti was about to speak again, claiming another important matter. Something was amiss; they couldn't be careless.

Within the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor smiled, "May I ask what other important matter Revered Zhunti has?"

Zhunti, without opening his eyes, slowly said, "Does Your Majesty know that in the ancient and primeval eras, there was a formidable and malevolent powerful being who controlled the Sea of Blood, known as Patriarch Styx?"

"Indeed, I am aware," the Jade Emperor pondered slightly, then replied solemnly, "Patriarch Styx created the Asura race in the Sea of Blood and proclaimed himself their leader. In ancient times, he obstructed the cycle of the Six Paths of Reincarnation, for which he suffered a Heavenly Punishment."

"Precisely, that Patriarch Styx," Zhunti opened his eyes to a slit. "Before Patriarch Styx suffered Heavenly Punishment, he had already sensed his impending downfall. This being attained Dao from primordial times, possessing profound cunning. He wielded two treasured swords that allowed the slaughter of beings without incurring karma, one named Yuan Tu and the other Abi. He also possessed a supreme treasure called the Twelve-Grade Karmic Red Lotus. When Patriarch Styx faced Heavenly Punishment, he did not use the Red Lotus to resist the punishment. Instead, he severed the Red Lotus with a sword, scattering its karmic power into the Sea of Blood, and then flung out three Red Lotus seeds for his future resurrection. This humble Daoist obtained one of these three seeds, while the other two are nowhere to be found..."

The Jade Emperor interrupted, "Was Revered Zhunti also in the Sea of Blood at that time?"

"That lotus seed was fated for me," Zhunti replied.

"I see," the Jade Emperor smiled. "I would certainly not think that Revered Zhunti, being a Saint, would go to the Sea of Blood to pick up scraps. Revered Zhunti, please continue."

Zhunti showed no offense and proceeded, "Some time ago, this humble Daoist suddenly felt a premonition and took out that lotus seed to examine it." As he spoke, Zhunti's left hand emerged from beneath his wide sleeve and slowly opened. A shriveled, dark red lotus seed, like a small stone, lay in his palm. A wisp of the innate spiritual treasure's Dao韵 remained within it, but it had lost all vitality.

In Li Changshou's mind, the spiritual perception from the Taiji Diagram conveyed a message, forming a single sentence: "It is indeed a lotus seed from that Red Lotus, but its spiritual energy has dissipated now."

Zhunti continued, "The dissipation of this humble Daoist's lotus seed's spiritual energy is a sign that one of the three lotus seeds is about to mature. That lotus seed, absorbing the karmic power scattered in the Sea of Blood, can once again form the Twelve-Grade Red Lotus. Once the Red Lotus appears, karmic fire will sweep through the Three Realms, inevitably causing immense suffering to living beings. Patriarch Styx could also be resurrected through it, becoming a great menace to the Underworld. I hope Your Majesty the Jade Emperor will dispatch troops soon to the Sea of Blood and destroy it promptly before the Red Lotus is fully formed."

The Jade Emperor slightly furrowed his brow, staring at the lotus seed in contemplation.

Li Changshou muttered under his breath, "So, when the Underworld reported that a large number of Western Sect experts had entered the Sea of Blood to search for something, it wasn't to seize the Red Lotus for themselves, but to uphold the righteousness of the Three Realms."

"Precisely," Zhunti calmly affirmed, his expression unchanged. "Although my Western Sect is dedicated to the prosperity of the West, we also care deeply for the living beings of the world. On this point, the Western Sect and the Heavenly Court can seek common ground while reserving differences."

This was a direct hint to the Jade Emperor. If this were the Western Sect during the original Investiture of the Gods tribulation, and Zhunti had given such a hint, the weak Heavenly Court would surely have accepted it, leveraging the West to alleviate the immense pressure from the Dao Sect. However, now, the Western Sect was already embroiled in the tribulation...

The Jade Emperor stated directly, "If you truly care for the living beings of the world, then why doesn't Revered Zhunti restore all those incense-powered divine kingdoms to their original state?"

"That matter was merely the doing of one or two disciples from my sect. This humble Daoist is also investigating who acted in such a manner."

"Hmph!" The Jade Emperor let out a displeased snort. After a moment of thought, he said, "Regarding the Red Lotus, I will address it cautiously. If this matter is true, the Heavenly Court will do its utmost to prevent such evil from occurring. I also ask Revered Zhunti to lend significant assistance later, working together for the welfare of all beings."

"It shall be so." Saint Zhunti offered a gentle smile, his figure gradually fading. "Since this matter has been conveyed to the Heavenly Court, this humble Daoist can return to Mount Meru for cultivation with peace of mind. One last reminder to the God of Water. Of those three lotus seeds from back then, one eventually found its way into the hands of the Jie Sect Saint. Now, with the great tribulation approaching, the Jie Sect, though boasting 'ten thousand immortals coming to court,' is in reality a mixed bag of good and evil. Furthermore, it lacks a supreme treasure to suppress its sect's destiny, placing its fate in peril. However, that Red Lotus can absorb endless karma and shares the same origin as the Twelve-Grade Golden Lotus, thus it could suppress the sect's destiny... destiny... destiny..."

The Saint's fading words echoed throughout the High Heavens Palace.

Li Changshou's lips couldn't help but twitch. Had Zhunti not been beaten enough by Martial Uncle Tongtian last time? Yet, it had to be said, those few sentences were indeed an incredibly shrewd divisive tactic. The Red Lotus, the Jie Sect, Patriarch Styx, three lotus seeds... It was incredibly wise that during the time the Heavenly Dao had hinted at him so frantically, he had remained steady and not interfered!

Whether Martial Uncle Tongtian was scheming, perhaps secretly cultivating a Red Lotus for the sake of reputation, to suppress his sect's destiny, or if this was a ploy within a ploy by the Western Sect itself—perhaps having obtained more than one Red Lotus seed and now using this to sow discord between the Heavenly Court and the Jie Sect, thereby slandering the Jie Sect—Li Changshou's involvement in any of these scenarios would be inappropriate.

One point had to be clear: he needed to protect a few experts from the Jie Sect who were related to him, not the entire Jie Sect. That was beyond Li Changshou's capabilities; he honestly believed he could never accomplish what even Saints found difficult. If he became entangled in this Red Lotus incident, he would fall into a quagmire of dilemmas. He had to adhere to four principles, five requirements, six points of attention, and seven action guidelines...

In this situation, only one couplet could express his resolve.The first line was: If you don't go, and I don't go, someone will always go.The second line was: If I say I won't go, I won't go, even if I could go, I still won't go.The horizontal scroll read...

Li Changshou stumbled, nearly falling onto a table in the High Heavens Palace, and almost tumbling off his rocking chair on Little Qiong Peak. He gazed at the vast, profound word that had formed in his mind, imbued with boundless Dao韵, and his heart full of emotion transformed into a gentle smile. Ah, for justice.

"Chang Geng, do you believe the Red Lotus matter is true or false?" Qin Tianzhu's voice transmitted from the corner of the palace. "Saint Zhunti actually came forward to speak of this; could the Western Sect be unable to locate the Red Lotus and wish to use us?"

Li Changshou, looking dejected, sighed softly, "Who knows? The Primordial World is full of schemes. Since ancient times, countless types of schemes have unfolded. Under the light of the sun, there's nothing new."

The Jade Emperor's avatar pondered carefully, then stated definitively, "Your analogy is quite good, my dear minister. Then, this Red Lotus matter shall be entirely entrusted to your handling!"

Li Changshou: "..."

"Your Majesty, this matter for this junior deity is like the filling in a pie. It would be better if the Heavenly Court officially sent another righteous deity to lead, while this junior deity assists in secret."

The Jade Emperor's avatar chuckled, "Are you afraid it would be difficult to explain to the Jie Sect, dear minister?"

"It's not that it would be difficult to explain," Li Changshou mused, then transmitted, "My greatest concern now is that if this matter escalates, the Jie Sect won't come out to actively explain themselves. The Jie Sect, from top to bottom, has an inherent arrogance and looks down upon the Western Sect. If the Western Sect spreads rumors, the Jie Sect might be too lazy to defend themselves... and the Chan Sect might seize that opportunity to strike. Under the great tribulation, each sect is primarily concerned with self-preservation. Although the Dao Sect claims to be one family, in the past tens of thousands of years, with the efforts of certain individuals, a rift has formed between the Chan and Jie Sects. This must be guarded against. Your Majesty, before the Western Sect's accumulated power and strength are largely destroyed, it is not advisable for the Chan and Jie Sects to go to war."

The Jade Emperor's avatar said solemnly, "That is indeed true... It's rare to see, dear minister, that you are not blindly siding with the Jie Sect."

Li Changshou gave a wry smile, "Your Majesty, putting aside my Heavenly Court status, I am first a disciple of the Human Sect, and then a disciple of the Dao Sect."

"Then, as my dear minister suggests, let this avatar of mine take the lead in this matter!"

"Your Majesty, do you have any other avatars?"

Qin Tianzhu wondered, "Of course, I do. Has this avatar already been exposed?"

"It should have been exposed for a long time now..."

"Ahem," Qin Tianzhu coughed, then calmly said, "Then, let's officially assign this matter to... General Wei Shenmo!"

Li Changshou immediately felt a wave of relief. Fortunately, His Majesty the Jade Emperor's fourth avatar was not named Wei Zhentian; otherwise, Li Changshou would genuinely suspect that the Jade Emperor himself had some issues.

How to handle this matter?Stay steady. Secretly invite Grand Master Xuan Du back, gather the Human Sect's mounted divine guard, and maintain enough strength at all times to mediate and deter the three sects involved in the tribulation!