Chapter 524: Rolling, Dark Waves

A cup of tea and a pointed question might seem like Randeng was being petty, but in the esteemed Primordial World, where reputation was highly valued, it could indeed serve as a plausible pretext for an attack—a perfectly reasonable one at that.

However, just as Randeng uttered, "Is this intentional?" and was setting the stage for his offensive, a flash of blue light with electric arcs appeared. Li Changshou, the Heavenly Court Water God and the day's protagonist, about to be promoted to a Second-Rank True God, Grand White Star, instantly materialized before Randeng. Without a word, he shielded Long Ji behind him, then sarcastically provoked Randeng, forcefully initiating a confrontation.

At that moment, most of the immortals inside and outside the hall felt that this powerful Heavenly Court God was overly domineering and showed no respect for the Vice-Sect Master of the Chan School. Naturally, most immortals assumed that Li Changshou and Daoist Randeng were already enemies with deep personal grievances, leading to their immediate confrontation.

Sheer audacity!

However, a few observant immortals pondered the situation and realized it was not that simple. The elegant female immortal behind the Water God, putting aside her identity as a Heavenly Court Princess, was still a late-stage Heavenly Immortal, not far from the Golden Immortal realm. With a solid Dao foundation and peaceful aura, how could she have failed to hold a cup of tea steady?

At this point, depending on their understanding of the situation and Daoist Randeng, immortals could analyze the depth of the matter on three, four, or even five levels.

Those considering the third level believed Randeng was acting on personal grievances, aiming to intentionally undermine the Water God and the Heavenly Court.

Those considering the fourth level thought it might be a scheme by others, intended to worsen the relationship between the Chan School and the Heavenly Court.

Only a handful of immortals reached the fifth level of understanding—chief disciples of the Jie School and a few Chan School masters who knew Randeng's true intentions were already skewed. They believed Randeng was deliberately trying to undermine the Jade Emperor of the Heavenly Court and stir up trouble.

But Li Changshou was different…

He saw the negative third layer.

Looking beyond the surface, there was a crucial and complex core issue: What position should the current Heavenly Emperor's biological daughter occupy in the Heavenly Dao's hierarchy?

Long Ji did not hold a divine position; she was merely a rogue immortal in the Heavenly Court. Unlike mortal emperors, the Jade Emperor's children had no 'legitimacy' to become the next Heavenly Emperor. The Heavenly Emperor was appointed by the Dao Ancestor, or rather, by the Heavenly Dao itself. Against this backdrop, Long Ji's situation was somewhat awkward.

In the original calamity, Long Ji was banished to the mortal realm simply for a lapse in etiquette at a Peach Banquet. Later, she was manipulated by the now-deceased old man, Immortal Fu Yuan, and forcibly betrothed to her defeated opponent, Hong Jin. In a subsequent major battle, both she and Hong Jin died, and a wisp of their primordial spirits ascended to the Investiture of the Gods. She began as a carefree immortal, only to return as a deity on the Heaven-bound Investiture.

Regarding Long Ji's story, Li Changshou had two initial conjectures when he began planning the Investiture of the Gods. First, that the Jade Emperor had acted deliberately, using Long Ji's sacrifice to demonstrate his impartial and selfless rule of the Three Realms on behalf of the Heavenly Dao, thereby establishing his prestige and consolidating his position within the rapidly expanding Heavenly Court divine authority system after the Great Tribulation of Investiture. Second, that Long Ji was actually being manipulated by someone who used her to tarnish the Jade Emperor's reputation.

However, after Li Changshou ascended to the Heavenly Court… as his understanding of the Jade Emperor deepened, he directly rejected the first conjecture and became quite certain that someone was intentionally causing trouble for Long Ji to inconvenience the Jade Emperor. Now that Immortal Fu Yuan was dead, Li Changshou had believed Long Ji's story arc had changed, but unexpectedly, Randeng had emerged again… It truly was impossible to guard against everything.

On his way, Li Changshou fully calculated and analyzed three different 'plot development routes,' quickly grasping the crux of the matter. If he had chosen a relatively gentle approach, Randeng might have remained silent for a while, but the spilled tea would have become an excuse for Randeng's future attacks. In fact, if just one or two immortals spoke a few extra words later, Randeng could launch a powerful counterattack. If Daoist Randeng was determined to cause trouble today, he would certainly use the Heavenly Court Princess's position to further question whether the Heavenly Court truly upheld the Heavenly Dao's principle of impartiality.

It was all a scheme. If the Jade Emperor fell into such a trap, he might severely punish Long Ji, then inwardly go into a frenzy.

Therefore, Li Changshou stepped forward directly, standing before Randeng. In two simple sentences, he declared Long Ji his disciple, a grand-disciple of the Grand Pure One's lineage, effectively separating her from the Heavenly Court system. What was wrong with his own disciple moving about in the Heavenly Court, assisting him with Heavenly Court affairs? Blocking Randeng's future excuses for trouble was just one aspect; Li Changshou also took the opportunity to 'promote' Vice-Sect Master Randeng by explaining that his dislike stemmed from Randeng's instigation of discord between the Chan and Jie Schools, thereby preserving the Chan School's reputation. This was the second aspect.

Beyond this, Li Changshou had an even deeper consideration: the Jade Emperor's temperament. Li Changshou had always been observing and understanding the Jade Emperor, who was the being most closely connected to the Heavenly Dao. From this, he had gained many insights. Ever since the Jade Emperor leaped onto the Eastern Sea Eye, Li Changshou had worried if the Jade Emperor's temperament would be influenced by the Heavenly Dao, gradually changing. Today's Jade Emperor, dressed in white, bore the responsibility of a Heavenly Emperor, holding the grand aspiration of establishing fair order in the Three Realms, protecting the weak, and restricting the powerful.

Li Changshou was actually somewhat resistant to the idea of His Majesty the Jade Emperor donning divine robes, losing the twinkle in his eyes, becoming numb and indifferent, merely acting according to heavenly laws and regulations, gradually growing cold towards living beings… From this perspective, Li Changshou could not allow Long Ji to fall victim to schemes. Before Randeng could exploit the situation, directly overturning the table and protecting Long Ji was the safest approach. This was not a sign of him underestimating Randeng 'the Ancient Buddha,' nor was it a departure from his usual principles of conduct. Steadiness was ingrained in his very bones; he had to uphold it for ten thousand years without wavering!

Everything had its pros and cons; perfection was rarely achieved. Li Changshou's handling of the situation also had its drawbacks. After all, it was an impromptu strategy, so imperfections were to be expected.

What were the drawbacks? At that moment, Li Changshou had, in front of everyone, essentially bullied Daoist Randeng by leveraging his authority. Randeng had only questioned, not directly attacked Long Ji, making it easy for him to use this opportunity to clear his name and boost his prestige.

Thoughts swiftly swirled in his mind as Li Changshou observed Randeng's reaction, while Long Ji behind him was still somewhat dazed. Having been publicly humiliated, Randeng's expression was inevitably grim. However, Randeng's cunning and depth of character were now undeniable, exactly as Li Changshou had predicted… he began to play the victim.

Daoist Randeng sighed deeply and slowly said, "I never imagined the Water God harbored such deep prejudice against me. Honored by the Jade Pure Saint and appointed as Vice-Sect Master of the Chan School, my actions are solely for the prosperity of the Chan School. I have never intentionally targeted the Water God or the Jie School. The doctrines of the Chan and Jie Schools differ, and conflicts have existed since ancient times; this is not my instigation. Perhaps the Water God, due to personal affiliations, has grown too close to the Jie School, leading to bias."

Li Changshou: …He still underestimated this fellow's shamelessness.

At this moment, he needed to navigate around the trap in the other party's words. Li Changshou smiled and said, "Right and wrong are judged by people's hearts. Vice-Sect Master Randeng, have you come today specifically to oppose me? I know you have always had some opinions about me, but today, His Majesty the Jade Emperor has specifically permitted so many renowned figures from the Primordial World to witness my ascension to divine rank. If Vice-Sect Master Randeng intentionally seeks trouble, it seems you hold neither the Heavenly Court nor my Human School in high regard. If that's the case, I might truly have to go cry to my Second Martial Uncle about this."

Randeng's eyes narrowed, and he calmly said, "Today, I came solely to congratulate the Water God on his divine promotion, and I shall say no more on this matter. Any misunderstandings between us will naturally be resolved in due time. Perhaps I am not a direct disciple of the Dao Sect and have not cultivated the Sage's Grand Dao, thus feeling less belonging to the Dao Sect, but the Sect Master once showed me great kindness in ancient times, and I merely act wholeheartedly for the Chan School's sake."

If he didn't know about the 'Ancient Buddha' matter, Li Changshou felt he might actually have believed him. Unfortunately, most of the immortals and gods around looked at Randeng with a mix of admiration and respect. This was the cost of forcefully protecting Long Ji.

Li Changshou flicked his whisk, left a parting remark, "May Vice-Sect Master Randeng's words and actions be consistent," and led Long Ji to the side. Long Ji now vaguely understood the crux of the matter. Having just emerged from her 'growth seclusion,' a hint of gratitude appeared in her eyes as she looked at Li Changshou's back. While Li Changshou exchanged greetings with the high-ranking immortals from the Chan and Jie Schools, Long Ji lightly tapped her forehead, secretly chastising herself for being useless.

Just then, Li Changshou's voice transmission entered Long Ji's ear: "Later, no matter who asks, just say you momentarily fumbled. Only tell His Majesty the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother the exact circumstances. If I'm not mistaken, you just experienced a momentary lapse in concentration. Go prepare another cup of tea; today I have acknowledged you as my disciple, and right here, I will formally admit you into the Human School's lineage. Don't worry about anything else; your master will protect you."

Long Ji was startled, a slight blush of excitement coloring her pretty face. She bowed to Li Changshou, then quickly lowered her head and departed.

By this point, Li Changshou had successfully become the most radiant old Daoist in the hall. With a few greetings and bows, he completely swept aside the earlier incident with Randeng. He and Yun Xiao met each other's gaze, smiled, and exchanged courtesies. He then chatted and laughed with the direct disciples of the Saints from both the Jie and Chan Schools, using his 'own power' to slightly bring together the distinct immortals of the Chan and Jie Schools.

Recalling various opening speeches, commencement addresses, and wedding ceremonies he had heard in his previous life, Li Changshou announced loudly: "Thank you, fellow Daoists, for taking the time to attend this ceremony! I, Chang Geng, am deeply grateful! That Chang Geng has achieved this fortune today is truly due to my teacher's guidance, the care of my two martial uncles, the unwavering trust of His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and the support of my martial brothers and sisters from both the Chan and Jie Schools. Since its establishment in ancient times, the Heavenly Court, under His Majesty the Jade Emperor, has been concerned with all beings in heaven and earth, caring for the suffering of immortals and mortals alike, upholding the principle of impartiality of the Heavenly Dao, working tirelessly, and guiding the Heavenly Court to its current state of impending prosperity. Here, Chang Geng hopes that all fellow Daoists will prosper alongside the Heavenly Court, allowing the light of the righteous path to shine upon the vast Primordial Land!"

The surroundings echoed with continuous polite flattery.

Afterwards, Li Changshou moved around, first greeting and chatting with each direct disciple of a Saint, then finding his 'own people' from the Human School for a relaxed conversation. In this setting, it was inconvenient to remind the discreet Daoist Du'e; they simply exchanged courtesies and addressed each other as "Martial Brother."

After Li Changshou completed half a circuit and returned to Immortal Yun Xiao's side, he was about to say a few intimate words to her, taking the opportunity to ease the awkwardness from the last time they were interrupted by a certain 'River God.'

Daoist Taiyi, with arms crossed, approached and playfully bumped Li Changshou's shoulder, smiling, "Why is the Heavenly Court so stingy? No banquets or dancing? Should we invite Immortal Chang'e to perform a dance?"

Li Changshou: …Is this scoundrel looking for trouble?

Though annoyed, Li Changshou tried his best to maintain a smile and said, "I don't actually know the specific arrangements; Minister Mu set them. Later, martial brothers and sisters should be invited to a banquet at the Jade Pool. This place is likely just for various immortals and gods to witness the ceremony. It seems His Majesty the Jade Emperor has also summoned quite a few immortals and gods."

"No wonder I don't see any Dragon Race or Netherworld beings here," Daoist Taiyi muttered, then added, "What powers do Second-Rank True Gods possess?"

Li Changshou chuckled, "It's merely working for the Heavenly Dao; there's no talk of specific powers."

Daoist Taiyi blinked, shook his head, and said, "Then forget it. I was thinking of training Nezha for a position in the Heavenly Court; he seems to like the atmosphere there."

"Why isn't Nezha here today?"

"He said he was preparing a gift for you and went to find his good brother earlier. You should see him during the gift ceremony later."

Daoist Taiyi's lips twitched, and he sighed, "Even disciples can turn their elbows outwards. This is truly something I hadn't considered before… a grown apprentice can't be kept."

"It's probably related to character and disposition," Li Changshou winked, then chuckled as he moved aside.

Daoist Taiyi let out a light laugh, not at all offended, and turned to chat with the Chan School immortals. A few Chan School immortals also gathered around Randeng. After all, this was a public occasion; even if the Chan School was privately divided into two factions and forming cliques, they couldn't openly show it.

The Jie School's immortal ladies were the most dazzling, but their collective aura was so strong when gathered together that various immortals and gods kept a distance of ten zhang. Only Li Changshou could naturally blend in, communicating a few words to Immortal Yun Xiao via voice transmission, resolving the previous awkwardness.

Yun Xiao instructed, "There are many guests here; don't stay in one place for too long. Although reputation is but fleeting clouds and flowing water, the immortals who came today are here to congratulate you. Do not neglect them and cause them displeasure."

"Ah, yes," Li Changshou obediently replied, then performed a Daoist bow with his whisk, "I shall heed the Immortal's teachings and continue to circulate."

Yun Xiao's eyes held a hint of amusement and slight exasperation, while Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao beside her lightly covered their mouths, chuckling. The two sisters' movements and expressions were quite similar, and having dressed meticulously, they were a beautiful sight.

Li Changshou turned to entertain the guests, and Holy Mother Golden Spirit said from the side, "Gongming… Zhao Gongming will only be able to arrive later; he's currently rushing back from the Three Thousand Worlds."

"Thank you for the reminder, Martial Sister," Li Changshou replied with a smile, a slight flicker of gossip igniting in his heart, though he did not betray 'Old Master Zhao.'

After circling the hall twice, Ao Yi hurried over and reported two matters to Li Changshou. The first matter concerned the day's precise schedule. Just as Li Changshou had said, this place was for the proclamation of the decree. After the decree was announced, a banquet would be set up here to entertain various immortals and gods. At that time, Li Changshou could invite the Daoist masters to a banquet at the Jade Pool, where the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother would both appear. Heavenly Court civil and military officials, the Dragon Palaces of the Four Seas, the Yama Kings of the Netherworld, and representatives from the Immortal Alliance were already waiting at the Jade Pool.

Li Changshou considered for a moment, then transmitted a message to Ao Yi: "Do not invite Randeng. Later, we'll standardize the message: say that His Majesty the Jade Emperor is hosting a banquet for the Daoist Saints' disciples."

"Yes!" Ao Yi immediately agreed.

The second matter concerned Long Ji. Long Ji had just rushed back to the Jade Pool, intending to change into formal attire and report to the Queen Mother about formally becoming a disciple. The Queen Mother had sent someone to inquire if Long Ji's discipleship ceremony could be arranged during the grand banquet. That would be more magnificent.

Li Changshou naturally agreed, but his mind pondered how Long Ji would enter the tribulation in the future. Putting other matters aside, as the Heavenly Emperor's daughter, if she hadn't been schemed against, she wouldn't have been coerced into marrying a defeated opponent simply because of a "predestined connection." If no one had claimed that the rise of the Zhou Dynasty was Heaven's will and forcibly imposed a distinction of good and evil between the Chan and Jie Schools, Long Ji might not have died amidst the conflict between the great schools, with a wisp of her primordial spirit ascending to the Investiture of the Gods. This matter was quite crucial. Li Changshou clearly sensed that many undercurrents were still stirring today. He wondered when Kṣitigarbha's congratulatory message would appear, and whether the Western Sect was here to offer congratulations or to cause trouble.

RUMBLE! Just as he was thinking this, thunder suddenly rumbled outside the hall, and auspicious clouds gathered across the sky, with the power of the Heavenly Dao growing increasingly dense. A procession of honor guards slowly descended from high above, with two rows of golden-armored war gods leading the way. Duke Dongmu, clad in splendid robes, arrived on auspicious clouds, holding a gleaming golden imperial decree from the Heavenly Emperor in his left hand.

Finally, the main event was beginning.

The moment Duke Dongmu appeared, descending with the Heavenly Emperor's decree; in a courtyard in a corner of the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor's avatar, General Qin Tianzhu, who had been meditating with closed eyes, suddenly felt his eyelids tremble slightly. Since this avatar had been exposed, the Jade Emperor no longer used it extensively; but adhering to the principle of 'resolute denial,' the Jade Emperor did not dissolve this avatar. Instead, it remained shut in the courtyard, to be repaired and modified later, ready to be brought out again as the fifth avatar.

At this moment, Qin Tianzhu, who should not have awoken, suddenly opened his eyes, which shone with a sharp golden light. "Who dares to trespass in the Heavenly Court!"

A faint chuckle was heard. Under a tree in the courtyard corner, a translucent figure gradually solidified. It was slightly plump, clad in patched robes, but its face was somewhat blurry. The person performed a Daoist bow and smiled, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. This humble Daoist's presumptuous visit and concealed presence were merely to ensure a smooth meeting with Your Majesty today…"

At this moment, this Daoist was sighing inwardly. Kṣitigarbha was truly too deeply restrained by the Water God. Why bother going through the Water God to negotiate peace with the Heavenly Court?

"A Western Sect disciple?" Qin Tianzhu asked coldly.

The Daoist slowly nodded and smiled, "Your Majesty, could you grant this humble Daoist half an incense stick's time… Your Majesty?"

Qin Tianzhu closed his eyes, and his form suddenly disintegrated, turning into a pile of golden sand that scattered with the wind.

On his throne in the Jade Pool, the Jade Emperor opened his eyes, a faint smirk playing on his lips, and continued to enjoy the singing and dancing before him, a hint of amusement in his gaze. These Western Sect fellows were truly foolish, even secretly seeking out his discarded avatar. What if this caused his beloved Chang Geng to misunderstand? They didn't even offer a proper request for an audience, truly living in a dream, even attempting to negotiate directly with him… Did they think the Tongming Hall was just for show? That the divine positions in the Heavenly Court were useless? Did they take him, the Jade Emperor, for some mere mountain bandit chief?

Beside him, the Queen Mother softly asked, "Why are you laughing, Your Majesty?"

"Just some minor matters," the Jade Emperor said with a slight chuckle, quite content.