Chapter 525: People Connections

By imperial decree of the Jade Emperor, Sovereign of the Haotian Golden Palace, who exists wondrously by nature:

Li Chang Geng, a disciple of the Sage of Grand Purity, is loyal, kind, humble, and well-mannered. He is highly skilled in strategy, truly a pillar of the Heavenly Court.

Since assuming the position of Water God in the Heavenly Court, Li Chang Geng has eliminated demons, protected the righteous path, managed water systems, stabilized the Four Seas, brought peace to the Underworld, and maintained the cycle of reincarnation. Upholding the will of the Heavenly Dao and safeguarding all living beings, he has repeatedly rendered exceptional service to the Heavenly Court.

Therefore, the Water God is hereby specially elevated to the rank of Tai Bai Jin Xing, a Great Luo Star Lord of the Zhou Tian, though not counted among the common constellations. He shall oversee innovation, direct changes, wield the power of retribution, and command the four divisions of Thunder, Fire, Conflict, and Plague. He shall also be the overall head of all water affairs in the Heavenly Court, with the Heavenly River Navy obeying his commands, and concurrently serve as the Chief Instructor of the Moon Palace Chang'e.

Furthermore, he is granted the privilege of not bowing in the Lingxiao Palace!

"Your humble servant accepts the decree and thanks the Jade Emperor for this great honor!"

After Dong Mu Gong finished proclaiming the decree, Li Chang Geng responded in a clear, resonant voice. The decree in Mu Gong's hand transformed into streaks of golden light. Amidst the gathered immortals, Li Chang Geng bowed in obeisance, and the golden lights merged into his body.

Suddenly, a roaring sound of water echoed, as if the Four Seas had unleashed ten thousand miles of surging waves. Streaks of aquamarine light materialized behind Li Chang Geng, as potent Heavenly Dao energy surged forth, coalescing into a triangular banner. Great rivers and streams swirled upon the banner, imbued with the might of the Four Seas. Finally, it solidified into a profound black, fluttering majestically behind Li Chang Geng. Then, a great star ascended behind the banner. The banner itself rapidly shifted shape, acquiring intricate details, and slowly transformed into a grand flag of profound black interwoven with blue.

A subtle understanding dawned in Li Chang Geng's heart. He raised his right hand, and the treasured banner flew from behind him, settling into his grasp, identical to a physical object. It was forged by the creation of heaven and earth, solidified divine authority of the Heavenly Court, and imbued with the mighty power of the Heavenly Dao.

Its name: the True Warrior Black Banner!

Li Chang Geng's Dao heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained as calm as an ancient well. As he had planned, he gently waved the treasured banner in his hand, displaying the power of his Heavenly Court divine position before the assembled immortals.

The heavens and earth suddenly darkened. A great star ascended in the eastern sky; though its brilliance did not rival the sun or moon, it was dazzling, heralding the dawn before the darkness. As the power of the Heavenly Dao flowed, a vision emerged in the minds of Li Chang Geng and all the cultivators present:

Colossal waves arose in the calm deep sea, Azure Dragons leaped from the ocean surface, sea creatures danced joyfully, and lightning flashed with thunder rumbling in the sky!

Tai Bai has taken his place; the Heavenly Dao undergoes renewal!

At the Jade Pond, the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother watched the Sixth Heaven. The Jade Emperor threw back his head and laughed heartily, clapping his hands repeatedly, while the gods below rose to offer their congratulations. In the Tushita Palace, Lao Jun, who was sitting before his alchemy furnace pondering 'why isn't the ox back yet,' now revealed a gentle smile. The old Daoist in the Grand Purity Temple smiled, his eyes narrowed. The Daoist in the small courtyard on Kunlun Mountain frowned. The young Daoist lying on his back with an arm under his head amidst the cloud sea of the Biyou Palace pursed his lips, then began to lament the formidable capabilities of the younger generation.

A moment later, the heavens and earth returned to tranquility. In the Tai Bai Palace, Li Chang Geng held the divine artifact, the True Warrior Black Banner, secretly pondering in his heart whether the name 'True Warrior' had any connection to the True Warrior Emperor. The Heavenly Court's various relationships were chaotic, and Li Chang Geng couldn't quite discern the direction of divine power evolution. However, titles like 'Great Emperor' and 'Marshal' often contained an element of exaggeration. Just like among the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, some disciples were also referred to as 'Heavenly Venerates,' such as 'Daoist Heavenly Venerate' and 'Manjushri Heavenly Venerate.' They sounded intimidating, but their actual significance was merely a Daoist appellation. Within the Heavenly Court, what mattered was one's position in the Heavenly Dao hierarchy; outside the Heavenly Court, it was one's cultivation level, divine abilities, and background that counted, with no single standard applying to all.

No sooner had Li Chang Geng put away the treasured banner than he heard a wave of congratulations from all around. Immortal Du’e was the first to exclaim loudly, "Congratulations to Chang Geng on his promotion to Tai Bai Jin Xing, a Second-Rank Righteous God of the Heavenly Court!"

"Greetings, Tai Bai Jin Xing!""Congratulations, Tai Bai Jin Xing!""Chang Geng is truly a paragon of our generation, a stalwart of the Heavenly Court, and a renowned figure of the Daoist Sect!""Hahahaha! Given how highly Chang Geng is regarded in the Heavenly Court, whenever we Jie Sect immortals encounter Heavenly soldiers and generals from now on, we should help them and not make things difficult!"Chi Jingzi called out, "The Chan Sect congratulates Chang Geng on his inauguration as Tai Bai Star Lord and has prepared a small token of our esteem!""Ah," Tai Yi Zhen Ren laughed, "Don't rush to present them, don't rush! There's a grander event still to come."The immortals present immediately smiled without speaking.

After the surrounding congratulations subsided, Dong Mu Gong stepped forward, cupped his hands, bowed to various directions, and chuckled: "His Majesty the Jade Emperor has prepared a feast with wine, songs, and dances for all fellow Daoists. If there are any shortcomings in the Heavenly Court's hospitality, we ask for your kind indulgence. Additionally, His Majesty requests all disciples of the Daoist Sages to attend the banquet at the Jade Pond."

It was an ungrateful task, but Mu Gong was obligated to handle it!

Li Chang Geng smiled and said, "Elder Mu Gong, please trouble yourself to lead my Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters from the Chan and Jie Sects to the Jade Pond first. I will offer three toasts to all fellow Daoists here before going to thank His Majesty the Jade Emperor."

Mu Gong repeatedly praised his suggestion. The experts from other immortal sects and factions who had initially had some reservations about the arrangement also did not voice their objections. For Li Chang Geng, this kind of favor-earning act was entirely effortless.

Immediately, more than a dozen immortals from the nearly hundred present in the Chan Sect emerged, and only about twenty from the hundreds of Jie Sect immortals also stepped forward. Led by Mu Gong, they hurried towards the Jade Pond. As there were fewer disciples of the Human Sect's Sage, Immortal Du’e and a few other registered disciples were also invited to the Jade Pond, lending some presence to the Human Sect. Ji Wuyou also followed, his head bowed. He had no invitation, yet he had managed to sneak into the Heavenly Court with his master, served as a doorman in front of the Tai Bai Palace for half a day, and then opportunistically followed his master to snag a spot at the Jade Pond Immortal Banquet. This trip was indeed worthwhile, truly worthwhile.

Soon after, large groups of Heavenly soldiers arrived carrying low tables. They set up the tables and arranged the venue in one swift, seamless motion. Fairies brought immortal fruits, fine wines, and exquisite dishes. Musicians played cheerful melodies, and over a dozen Chang'e entered to dance. There was great subtlety to the Chang'e dances; it wasn't that more dancers meant a higher standard. On the contrary, at such immortal banquets, the fewer the dancers, the more precious the performance. Among the Chang'e of the Moon Palace, very few were qualified for solo dances, only those with the most exceptional dance skills. For instance, Heng'e.

In the Tai Bai Palace, Li Chang Geng sat in the central main seat, offering three toasts and chatting casually, displaying a strong sense of 'reluctance to part.' Everyone present was discerning, and they proactively urged Li Chang Geng to go to the Jade Pond to thank the Jade Emperor for his grace and to accompany the Daoist Grand Elders. Li Chang Geng politely demurred a few times before rising, bowing in apology, and drifting away on a cloud.

Consequently...

Daoist Randeng, seated in a prominent position yet feeling somewhat out of place like a crane among chickens, appeared exceptionally awkward. However, Randeng's exceptional quality lay in his infinitely thick skin. At that moment, he neither moved nor spoke, neither ate nor drank, simply sitting there with his head down, his expression calm and unruffled, creating an unusually oppressive atmosphere in that corner. Li Chang Geng's immortal consciousness caught this scene, and he naturally showed a faint smile.

As he flew on a cloud towards the Jade Pond, Ao Yi, the Golden-Winged Great Peng, and Bian Zhuang were waiting ahead, following behind Li Chang Geng as they proceeded together. In merely a moment, the Jade Pond was already in sight. Not to mention the throngs of fairies who came out to greet him, each addressing him as 'Lord Star,' trying to make an impression on Li Chang Geng; nor to mention the Jade Pond was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations, making it even livelier than the Queen Mother's unannounced childbirth celebration back then.

To focus on the matter at hand, as Li Chang Geng flew on his cloud, he coincidentally encountered a white-haired old Daoist being led by a Heavenly General from another direction. Li Chang Geng looked closely, seeing that the old Daoist had a dignified and upright appearance, with a full and noble celestial countenance. His nearly foot-long white beard flowed gracefully, and his own Daoist charm was profound and complete. The Daoist robe he wore was a common ancient style, its wide sleeves nearly reaching his knees, as if containing a miniature world within.

Li Chang Geng veered off course, quickly flying to greet the old Daoist. He cupped his hands in obeisance and smiled, saying, "Greetings, Senior Zhenyuanzi!"

"Oh?" The white-haired old Daoist carefully sensed him, then recognized Li Chang Geng's Daoist aura. He stroked his beard and chuckled softly, turning towards Li Chang Geng and returning the bow. The old Daoist said gently: "Tai Bai Star Lord, you are too polite. Earlier, Tai Bai Star Lord sent a Human Sect disciple to visit my humble temple. As it happens, the Star Lord has been promoted, and I had nothing else to do, so I came to the Heavenly Court to visit and offer my congratulations to Tai Bai."

"Many thanks, Senior, many thanks," Li Chang Geng cupped his hands, leaned slightly, and turned to gesture, "Senior, please take a high seat at the Jade Pond... Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang?"

"Here!"

"Quickly go and inform His Majesty the Jade Emperor that Senior Zhenyuanzi, the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, has arrived at the Jade Pond."

"Yes!" Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang responded in unison, hurrying forward.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were naturally aware of Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi's arrival. Li Chang Geng's action was to subtly prompt the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother to show greater respect to this ancient powerful being. After all, in ancient times, Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi's Wuzhuang Temple had served as a refuge for fleeing humans and protected humanity's last remaining essence. Upon hearing Li Chang Geng's words, Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi's smile deepened. He and Li Chang Geng exchanged gestures, then flew together towards the Jade Pond. The two did not engage in small talk; after all, there was a generational gap, and they were not particularly close. Upon reaching the Jade Pond Immortal Banquet, Li Chang Geng proactively stopped and invited Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi to enter first, which Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi did not decline. The Jade Emperor and various immortals and gods rose to greet him. Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi, giving considerable face to the Heavenly Court, bowed to the Jade Emperor, addressed him as 'Your Majesty,' and was then seated slightly ahead of the disciples of the Three Sects, on par with Mu Gong.

Though Grand Immortal Zhenyuanzi had somewhat stolen the limelight, Li Chang Geng felt quite content. As he gazed inwards from the Jade Pond entrance, his thoughts suddenly grew complex...

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother sat on their high thrones, Heavenly immortals and gods arrayed on the right.The hall was filled with esteemed guests, no ordinary beings, all calling for Tai Bai to enter the Celestial Pavilion.Once, I soared drunk across the nine heavens, embracing the bright moon; now, the moon disk is concealed within my sleeve.It's as if this world is free from calamities, and the immortal path is eternally peaceful, worthy of such joy.

This scene... Chi Jingzi raised his wine goblet, toasting the Golden Spirit Holy Mother beside him. Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao, accompanied by Gui Ling, were teasing Tai Yi Zhen Ren about his sleeping posture in the ancient city of Asura. Dong Mu Gong remotely toasted Immortal Du'e, while Immortal Yun Xiao was drinking with the Queen Mother on the high platform.

If only...How wonderful it would be if there were no so-called great calamity in this world.

Li Chang Geng's Dao heart wavered slightly, knowing his thoughts were perhaps too naive.

"Why are you standing here?"

A familiar laugh suddenly came from behind. Li Chang Geng turned his head and saw a slowly rotating Taiji Diagram appear in the cosmos, from which the Grand Master stepped forth.

"Senior Brother!"

Li Chang Geng couldn't help but smile, stepping forward two paces to greet him. The Golden-Winged Great Peng beside him also immediately bowed in obeisance, exclaiming, "Greetings, Grand Master!"

Grand Master Xuan Du chuckled a few times, looking at Li Chang Geng's current appearance. He said, "With that aged appearance, I wouldn't dare casually agree to anything."

Li Chang Geng immediately looked a bit troubled and said with a laugh, "Today, I must maintain this elderly appearance."

"Hahahaha!"

Grand Master Xuan Du raised his hand and, laughing, playfully punched Li Chang Geng's shoulder. He then said, somewhat exasperated, "You won't even show your true form?"

"Well..."

Li Chang Geng fumbled in his sleeve, and his current body suddenly shrank. A stream of light flew out from his sleeve, transforming into the appearance of 'Water God' under the detection of various immortal senses.

"My true form has always been here," Li Chang Geng said with a smile. "It's just that my cultivation is insufficient, and I worry about being ambushed by some masters, which is why I haven't directly revealed myself."

The Grand Master and the immortals at the banquet exchanged speechless glances.

Then they heard Mu Gong call out, "Tai Bai Star Lord, please quickly invite Grand Master Xuan Du inside!"

Li Chang Geng immediately assented, inviting the Grand Master to enter with him. Immediately, all the immortals and gods present, except for the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, rose in unison. Waves of congratulations surged forth, forcing Li Chang Geng to make two bows for every step he took, making him dizzy with activity. Finally, after Li Chang Geng bowed to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, he and Grand Master Xuan Du took the vacant seats previously occupied by Mu Gong.

Grand Master Xuan Du looked carefully and saw Immortal Yun Xiao sitting in a guest seat directly opposite. He then stood up, cupped his hands to the Jade Emperor, and chuckled, "Uncle, may this disciple take the liberty of changing seats?"

The Jade Emperor immediately understood Grand Master Xuan Du's intention. He laughed heartily twice and said, "Why not?"

So, Grand Master Xuan Du stepped forward, walking directly to Immortal Yun Xiao and calmly said, "Junior Sister Yun Xiao, shall we switch seats?"

Yun Xiao looked sideways, her cheeks slightly flushed. After a moment's hesitation, she gracefully rose and said, "Many thanks, Senior Brother." She then bowed gracefully, lowered her head, and walked to Li Chang Geng's side, slowly taking her seat. Her posture was dignified, her expression serene. Their gazes briefly met, then she immediately looked straight ahead. Li Chang Geng calmly picked up his wine cup, lightly tapping it against Yun Xiao's jade goblet, and transmitted a message: "You've been put in a difficult spot today, but Senior Brother meant no harm." Yun Xiao gently shook her head, sighing softly as she transmitted a message, saying, "It's nothing."

Indeed, it was:Hesitant to speak, yet shy and timid; sitting upright, profound sentiments swell within.

Tai Yi Zhen Ren, from the side, joked, "In my humble opinion, why not make it a double blessing today?"

"Hmph!" Qiong Xiao, fearing her elder sister's embarrassment, immediately retorted, "A double blessing when it's not even confirmed? You'll have to ask if my fourth sister and I agree!"

Bi Xiao, from the side, laughed, "No, no! Brother-in-law hasn't even come to the island to propose yet, and I haven't received any benefits!"

Yun Xiao frowned at her. Bi Xiao immediately knelt, lowered her head, and pursed her lips, her previously triumphant expression instantly turning into a pitiable one, amusing the experts from both sects and the Heavenly Court immortals and gods to a burst of laughter.

Just then, a Heavenly General quickly rushed in to report, shouting loudly: "Reporting to Your Majesty! Six Sage disciples from the Western Sect are seeking an audience at the West Heavenly Gate, stating they have come specifically to convey congratulations from the Lord of the Samsara Pagoda, to congratulate Tai Bai Jin Xing on his promotion!"

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor immediately thought of the divine thought that had secretly sought out his incarnation. He revealed a slight smile and asked, "Chang Geng, do you wish for them to enter?"

Li Chang Geng rose, cupped his hands, and pondered for a few moments, clearly hesitating. At this moment, the Heavenly Court immortals and gods dared not express their opinions carelessly, but the Sage disciples of the two sects had fewer reservations. Golden Spirit Holy Mother directly declared, "Let them in! Today, let's see who dares to speak nonsense or utter obscenities!"

"Precisely," Tai Yi Zhen Ren chimed in, "I was just worrying that my divine abilities had no use. It would be good fun to have a few people to scold."

However, Li Chang Geng said, "Whether to allow members of the Western Sect to enter is entirely Your Majesty's decision. However, this humble immortal ventures to believe that the Western Sect's visit here is likely not for causing trouble. If the losses they've suffered over the years still haven't taught them a lesson, then for our Heavenly Court, it would actually be a good thing."

The Jade Emperor chuckled twice and said, "Then, as Chang Geng suggests, let them in. Mu Gong, arrange their seating."

The Heavenly General swiftly transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the West Heavenly Gate. Mu Gong also stood up, looked around, and kept giving Li Chang Geng pleading glances for help. Ultimately, he arranged the Western Sect's seating in the most easily accessible spot, near the entrance, at the very end of the immortal banquet.

Just as Mu Gong was about to return to his seat, Tai Yi Zhen Ren prepared his 'divine ability starting posture,' and Golden Spirit Holy Mother also readied a hint of killing intent. Outside, streaks of light flashed incessantly, as Heavenly Generals rushed in batches to report:

"Reporting to Your Majesty! The Dragon Kings of the Four Seas have entered the Heavenly Court through the East Heavenly Gate, come to offer congratulations to Tai Bai Star Lord!"

"Your Majesty! The Ten Yama Kings of the Underworld have entered the Heavenly Court through the South Heavenly Gate, come to offer congratulations to Tai Bai Star Lord!"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Immortal Alliance of the Three Thousand Worlds has sent myriad immortal congratulatory messages, and two Grand Luo Golden Immortals are waiting at the East Heavenly Gate to deliver them."

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Sage Emperor Yu the Great of Fire Cloud Cave is waiting at the Central Heavenly Gate, representing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of humanity, to offer congratulations to Tai Bai Star Lord!"

The Jade Emperor clapped his hands and laughed heartily, proclaiming in a clear voice, "Do not obstruct them! Invite them all to the Jade Pond for the banquet!"

However, no sooner had the Jade Emperor's voice faded than another sound was heard...

All the immortals were startled and quickly rose. Even the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother left their thrones, descending to the foot of the high platform. Through the swirling mists, an old Daoist was seen approaching, riding a green ox. Today, the old Daoist had specially changed into a purple robe, a faint smile gracing his lips. The Daoist aura around him was extraordinarily profound yet effortlessly expansive. With a single glance, he encompassed all of nature; with a single word, he explained all of Daoist law.

Grand Supreme Lao Jun!

Li Chang Geng quickly moved around the low tables, stepped forward briskly, and bowed deeply, calling out, "Disciple Chang Geng greets Lao Jun!"

"Good." Lao Jun responded with a calm word, riding the green ox directly to the front of the Jade Pond banquet. Li Chang Geng took a swift stride, employing the Universal Spatial Shrinkage divine ability, and arrived by the green ox's side. He bent down to assist, his hands lightly supporting Lao Jun's left arm, guiding him inside.

Then he heard a familiar phrase: "Just tie the ox outside."

"Yes," Li Chang Geng responded respectfully, watching Lao Jun slowly enter. After seeing the disciples of the two sects pay their respects, he then led the green ox to the familiar stone.

Why did this ox feel different today?

Li Chang Geng took out an immortal rope, threaded it through the ox's nose ring, and tied it to the green stone. The ox lowered its head with a sigh, then transmitted a message in a childish voice: "Senior Brother, when you have time, please call the ox back."

Oh, it was Xiao Yin.