Chapter 526: Taibai Toasts

The moment the Grand Supreme Elder arrived, the entire immortal banquet’s atmosphere became incredibly solemn.

The fairies, who had been laughing and chatting, dared not speak or smile, and the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother also became much more serious.

The Chang’e fairies, who were preparing to dance, quickly adjusted their breathing and put on their most perfect smiles, repeatedly telling themselves in their hearts that the old immortal on the high platform was merely a statue, a statue...

Of course, the most nervous attendees were certain registered disciples of the Human School.

They dared not breathe deeply, bowing and then sitting with their heads down in their seats, terrified of the Grand Supreme Elder asking, ‘Who are you?’

That would truly be a formal demise, leaving them with no future.

Even the direct disciples of both the Chan and Jie schools sat upright and carefully considered their words at this moment.

Notably, True Immortal Taiyi, who had just moistened his lips, ready to unleash some 'underworld' and 'mortal realm' insults on the Western Sect envoys, could only obediently shut his mouth the moment the Grand Supreme Elder appeared. For good measure, he even proactively sealed his own lips.

The Grand Supreme Elder, an incarnation of the Grand Pure Saint, was essentially equivalent to the Grand Pure Saint appearing in person.

Among the Daoist masters present, only Grand Master Xuandu’s expression remained unchanged.

After bowing to the Grand Supreme Elder, the Grand Master calmly looked left and right, appreciating the excellent expressions of the Daoist disciples and Heavenly Court immortals.

The other Daoist disciples were increasingly tense.

Although the Jie School disciples were quite relaxed and outspoken in front of the Primeval Lord of Heaven, they now consciously displayed a gentle, modest, and amiable side before the Grand Supreme Elder.

The Chan School disciples, however, were the opposite; they worried if their excessive adherence to etiquette might displease the Grand Supreme Elder, who advocated tranquility and non-action.

The Heavenly Court immortals were relatively better off, merely very afraid rather than terrified, and secretly marveled at the Water God’s great reputation—or rather, influence.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother organized the celebration, immortals from all directions came bearing gifts, the Grand Supreme Elder of Tushita Palace arrived on an ox, and Daoist disciples sat upright.

After securing Little Silver, who was forced to impersonate the Green Ox, Li Changshou quickly returned to the banquet hall. His mind was occupied with how to use this opportunity to boost the Heavenly Court's favorability among his senior Daoist brothers and sisters.

If they willingly ascended to the list in their physical bodies, it would be much better than having only a wisp of their primordial spirit 'trapped' by the Investiture of the Gods.

The Jade Pond Immortal Banquet was divided into three venues this time. Besides the main hall where various powerful figures gathered, there were two additional halls on either side for the Heavenly Court generals, loose immortals, and a small number of river gods and earth deities outside the Heavenly Court.

A ceremony of this scale had, in fact, surpassed all previous Peach Banquets.

This was primarily because the Heavenly Court simply didn't have so many mouths to feed during earlier Peach Banquets.

Upon entering the banquet grounds, Li Changshou looked up to see that the Grand Supreme Elder was already seated.

The Grand Supreme Elder remained in his 'usual spot,' seated behind the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's thrones, eyes closed in meditation, as if the surrounding events had nothing to do with him.

Before long, a white cloud carrying six disciples of the Western Sect swiftly flew in.

Upon their arrival, seeing the grand setup and the presence of the Grand Supreme Elder, their composure couldn't help but falter.

It was merely a Human School disciple's promotion in the Heavenly Court. Was it really necessary to alarm the incarnation of the strongest Saint, who normally never showed himself, to make an appearance?

Disciples of major sects versus disciples of major sects...

To say they were the same was actually untrue; to say they were different was also true.

These four elderly Daoists and two middle-aged Daoists bravely stepped forward, about to quickly recite their congratulatory message, when they heard Li Changshou call out, "Wait!" Their scalps tingled, and they nearly turned to flee.

Li Changshou said sternly:

"Since the six of you have come to the Heavenly Court, why do you not bow to His Majesty the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother?"

At this moment, how could these six Saint disciples of the Western Sect dare utter a single 'no'?

By now, who didn't know the formidable power of the Heavenly Court's Water God?

If the Heavenly Court's Water God, now known as Grand White Chang Geng, caught even a minor flaw, it would immediately be escalated, as if the karma from the shattering of the ancient primordial world would be blamed on them!

As the saying goes, one may follow one's heart's desires without overstepping boundaries.

The six envoys from the Western Sect honestly stepped forward and bowed to the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, appearing calm and magnanimous, seemingly a bit more composed than before.

Li Changshou didn't make things too difficult for these six ordinary Western disciples, but he kept the matter of the 'Western Sect's senior disciple' in mind, wondering if the other party had any hidden moves or secret plans.

To be safe, he always had to keep a few tricks up his sleeve.

Li Changshou's earlier prediction was correct; the Western Sect had begun to take Jizo's current 'special status' seriously.

In other words, Jizo was now considered one of the few respectable figures the Western Sect could present.

After the six Western Sect members finished reciting the simple congratulatory message written by Jizo, Duke Dongmu proactively rose and, smiling, led them to a secluded spot near the entrance.

This group of Western Sect disciples immediately cast grateful glances at Duke Dongmu.

—This was also one of the rare times Duke Dongmu received gratitude for doing such thankless tasks.

As soon as this minor interlude concluded, streams of light flew in: the Four Dragon Kings, each accompanied by a beautiful dragoness and a handsome dragon prince, entered the Jade Pond and bowed before the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.

After the greetings, Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, along with the three other Dragon Kings and eight dragon children, turned and bowed respectfully to Li Changshou, offering countless blessings.

Li Changshou repeatedly returned the bows and expressed thanks with a very kind smile, but both sides deliberately maintained a certain distance, not appearing overly intimate.

Although the Heavenly Court did not have the concept of a subordinate's merit overshadowing the lord, no one wanted to see a powerful minister establish a strong faction.

The Dragon race had originally been supported into the Heavenly Court by Li Changshou alone, and Li Changshou was considered the direct superior of the Four Dragon Kings, overseeing all water affairs in the world. Showing some distance between them was the wisest choice.

As soon as the Dragon Kings and princes were seated, a cool breeze swept through the Jade Pond, and the Ten Yama Kings entered in succession.

Shortly after, Emperor Yu, dressed in splendid robes, arrived gracefully and was also assigned a prominent seat.

The Jade Emperor waited a while longer, and seeing that most of the guests had arrived, he called out:

"Chang Geng."

Li Changshou, who was just clinking wine cups with Fairy Yun Xiao, quickly snapped back to attention, stood up, and said:

"This minor deity is here!"

"Everyone is here today to celebrate with you," the Jade Emperor said with a smile. "Feel free to move around, drink, and chat merrily with your senior brothers and sisters. Don't be bound by the etiquette between sovereign and subject."

Li Changshou smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Thereupon, Li Changshou raised his wine cup and surveyed the surroundings, which immediately fell silent.

Returning favors was something Li Changshou most enjoyed doing.

He moved out from behind the low table, holding his wine cup with both hands, and went to the center below the high platform. He bowed to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, then spoke clearly:

"I recall that back then, this minor deity was merely a loose cultivator of the Human School. By Grand Master's command, I established the Sea God Temple in the South Sea, aiming to educate mortals and continue the flow of destiny.

I remember that day, His Majesty the Jade Emperor and Duke Dongmu came to the mortal realm on inspection, seeking a way to save the common people from suffering. They happened to visit the Sea God Temple, allowing this minor deity to have a thorough discussion with Your Majesty.

Without Your Majesty's appreciation, and without Grand Master's continuous guidance, this minor deity would not have achieved today's prominence, nor would I have had the fortune to become a disciple of my teacher.

For the first cup, Chang Geng toasts Your Majesty and the Queen Mother.

May the Heavenly Court prosper, the Three Realms be peaceful, and Your Majesty's virtue benefit both immortals and mortals!"

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother smiled and raised their wine cups, clinking them from afar with Li Changshou.

The Queen Mother, naturally, took a graceful sip, while the Jade Emperor waved his hand and downed his cup in one gulp, his eyes full of emotion, as he spoke clearly:

"When Chang Geng and I first met in the mortal realm's South Sea, the twelve strategies he presented have now all come to fruition!

I actually didn't know how to be this Heavenly Emperor, nor how to educate all beings, uphold the Heavenly Dao, or stabilize the heavens and earth.

At that time, how weak was the Heavenly Court?

Who in the Primordial World knew of it? Where in the three thousand worlds was it even heard of?

Chang Geng in the Heavenly Court is like Chang Geng's divine position today: Grand White, the Morning Star!

How fortunate I am to have Chang Geng's assistance!"

Duke Dongmu stood up, and all the immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court, including the Dragon Kings and Yama Kings, simultaneously raised their cups to toast the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.

Duke Dongmu loudly proclaimed: "To celebrate Your Majesty gaining the assistance of a wise minister, may the Heavenly Court last forever and the Three Realms know peace!"

All the immortals and gods shouted in unison: "May Your Majesty's virtue benefit both immortals and mortals!"

The Jade Emperor ordered wine to be poured, then stood and drank three cups heartily with the Heavenly Court immortals. Although he tried to restrain himself, his immense pride was still evident.

The disciples of the major sects and several powerful figures watched from the side, faintly perceiving the unstoppable momentum of the Heavenly Court.

Following this, Li Changshou returned to his seat, and a serving fairy quickly brought him a second cup of immortal brew.

Li Changshou held his cup high, swiftly walked to the side of the high platform, and bowed deeply to the Grand Supreme Elder.

"For this second cup, your disciple presumptuously toasts the Grand Supreme Elder.

This disciple cultivates the path of tranquility and non-action passed down by Teacher, and walks the road of yin-yang balance.

Without this path, how could I have achieved this result?

This disciple can face numerous dangers entirely thanks to Teacher's name.

This disciple's cultivation today is entirely due to Teacher's teachings and guidance.

Whenever this disciple had doubts, lacked clarity, or was confused, it was always Teacher who pointed the way and resolved this disciple's bewilderment.

Grand Supreme Elder, you do not need to hold a cup; this disciple merely expresses his sincerity."

After speaking, he tilted his head back and drained the cup.

The Grand Supreme Elder revealed a faint smile and slowly said, "You have always been excellent."

A warmth flowed through Li Changshou's heart. He bowed three more times, then returned to his seat, picked up another cup of wine, and moved aside.

The third cup was for Grand Master Xuandu.

The fourth cup was for Emperor Yu and several powerful seniors.

The fifth cup was for Duke Dongmu and the various righteous gods.

The sixth cup was for all his senior brothers and sisters from both the Chan and Jie Schools.

Each toast contained heartfelt words. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the Grand Master and spared no praise for his senior brothers and sisters who had helped him.

His words and actions were measured, and his compliments were always appropriate.

His toasts were both polite and unrestrained, completely devoid of affectation or worldly shrewdness.

With just a series of toasts and a few words, Li Changshou perfectly exemplified the meaning of thoroughness, leaving many immortals and gods with the same thought:

'If it were me, I really couldn't do it.'

No wonder Grand White Chang Geng was valued by the strongest Saint.

For the seventh cup, Li Changshou walked a little further, to a corner, standing before Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang, and the Golden-Winged Great Peng, raising his cup to them.

The three generals were initially taken aback, then quickly raised their wine cups.

A bright light flickered in Ao Yi's eyes, and a faint smile played on his lips; no more needed to be said.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng's handsome face was full of emotion. He sighed and lowered his head, his eyes unexpectedly reddening.

It was Bian Zhuang, the popular Heavenly Court record-keeper, who, 'having seen much of the world,' said with a smile:

"Star Lord, you flatter us brothers too much... We'll drain our cups; please take your time, please take your time."

This almost made Li Changshou lose his composure.

After the seventh toast, Li Changshou returned to his seat, gave a shallow bow to the Jade Emperor, and sat beside Yun Xiao.

The Jade Emperor understood, stood up, and first said:

"The Heavenly Court's beginnings were difficult, beset by countless obstacles and dangers on all sides. It is entirely thanks to the Grand Supreme Elder's suppression that we have reached this state today.

All my beloved officials, join me in toasting the Grand Supreme Elder!"

The Queen Mother and all the Heavenly Court immortals and gods rose again and toasted the Grand Supreme Elder together.

The Grand Supreme Elder nodded with a smile, showing little other reaction.

After drinking the cup, the Jade Emperor was in high spirits, a smile never leaving his lips.

Duke Dongmu rose and reported: "Your Majesty, the Chang'e fairies have been ready for some time. Shall we have them perform a dance to celebrate Star Lord Grand White's promotion?"

"Granted!"

Duke Dongmu made a gesture, and joyous music immediately drifted from the side.

A layer of white mist spread over the jade-paved ground, and two rows of Chang'e fairies gracefully approached, bowing to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother. As they rose, they transitioned into their dance.

Li Changshou watched for a while with a scholarly mindset, then turned to look at Yun Xiao.

"Hmm?" Yun Xiao blinked softly, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

Li Changshou smiled, raised his wine cup, and whispered, "May I toast you with the eighth cup?"

Yun Xiao's slender fingers lifted the jade cup before her, and a serving fairy nearby quickly refilled her wine.

Yun Xiao softly asked, "Why do you need to toast me? Is there a special meaning?"

"This cup is different from the previous seven," Li Changshou said warmly, his eyes full of emotion. "The first seven cups were for past events; this cup is for you and me in the future.

May we still drink and be merry together ten thousand millennia from now."

Yun Xiao's gaze lingered, her eyes shimmering. She gently clinked cups with Li Changshou, raised her cup, covered it with her sleeve, and drained it.

Many Jie School experts nearby skillfully took out their jade talismans and scrolls, recording these words, which left the Chan School immortals somewhat dumbfounded.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother exchanged glances, each with a slight smile.

The Queen Mother then said, "Your Majesty, since it is such a rare grand occasion today, why not invite Chang'e from the moon to perform a celebratory dance for our beloved Chang Geng?"

The Jade Emperor transmitted his voice: "Is that... appropriate? Fairy Yun Xiao is here, after all."

The Queen Mother's delicate brows furrowed slightly, her gaze carrying a subtle depth.

The Jade Emperor seemed to understand and not understand, but he felt his junior sister must have a reason for doing this. So, he cleared his throat and beckoned Duke Dongmu to discuss the matter.

Duke Dongmu, however, said: "Your Majesty, Fairy Chang'e seems to be bound by a vow and cannot leave the Lunar Star."

"Vows are inherently powered by the Heavenly Dao," the Jade Emperor said. "My decree can naturally dissolve them."

"Yes," Duke Dongmu replied, bowing his head without further doubt, and swiftly rode a cloud to the Lunar Star.

Amidst the songs and dances, immortals and gods began to move around, finally initiating the public gift-receiving segment that Li Changshou had long anticipated.

The first to move was Immortal Chijingzi of the Chan School, who brought a brocade box before Li Changshou. Li Changshou rose, made a brief polite refusal, then accepted the box without opening it.

Subsequently, immortals and gods from various factions approached Li Changshou in turns, those with gifts promptly presenting them.

Gifts from Heavenly Court immortals were exquisitely packaged, but rarely contained significant treasures.

Gifts from the two great schools of immortals were simply packaged, yet they shimmered with immortal light and radiated treasure auras, clearly extraordinary items.

Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang moved behind Li Changshou, helping him receive and count the gifts, while Li Changshou focused on exchanging pleasantries and expressing thanks.

Gradually, grand gifts began to appear, and somehow, the immortals from the Chan and Jie Schools started another round of rivalry.

True Immortal Taiyi of the Chan School presented innate Yin-Yang spiritual materials, while Holy Mother Jinling of the Jie School offered innate Five-Element spiritual treasures.

True Immortal Yuding of the Chan School gave fragments of powerful treasures, and Fairy Qiong Xiao of the Jie School presented scattered spirit holy water.

Following this, Immortal Wuyun of the Jie School presented six spiritual treasures, another Jie School immortal offered a pile of precious materials, and yet another gave two ten-thousand-year spiritual herbs.

Due to their numerical advantage, the Jie School immortals quickly gained the upper hand.

After this round of competition, Li Changshou naturally reaped significant rewards. However, the Grand Master, who had originally prepared a few trinkets for Li Changshou, silently took out his most cherished jade talisman of divine ability.

The main event, however, was yet to come.

The Dragon King of the East Sea waved his hand, and eight dragon princes and princesses collectively stepped forward, each holding an open brocade box.

The immortals looked closely and saw that each of the eight brocade boxes contained eight rings of different designs, totaling sixty-four rings.

Upon closer inspection, these rings were all high-grade storage magical treasures!

The Four Dragon Kings stroked their beards and chuckled, believing they had surely secured the top spot for gift-giving today.

Suddenly, King Qin Guang from the side rose, walked calmly to Li Changshou's side, glanced around, and then somewhat reservedly took out three rhomboid jade stones.

King Qin Guang smiled apologetically and whispered:

"Star Lord, the Netherworld is in the underworld; we don't have many other treasures, and some of our specialties aren't suitable for presentation. These are the most precious treasures of our Witch race.

Please, do not refuse them. Ancestor told us to bring these to you, saying they would be of great use.

Each contains three drops of primeval essence blood left by the Ancestors from ancient times; one drop can create a Great Witch.

These three drops are from Ancestor Gonggong, these three are from Ancestor Houtu, and these three are from Ancestor Dijiang. Ancestor Houtu said they would be useful to you in subtle ways."

Li Changshou: ...

All eyes converged from around, and even the Grand Supreme Elder cast a glance towards the scene.

"Star Lord," King Qin Guang pressed the three rhomboid jade stones into Li Changshou's hand, "Please don't refuse us. You've helped us far too much."

"Thank you," Li Changshou said slowly, solemnly putting away the three jade stones. "I will surely go to the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc another day to thank Great Virtue Houtu."

"You're welcome, you're welcome."

King Qin Guang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, bowed to Li Changshou, and calmly returned to his seat.

This round, they definitely won.

Immediately, whispers erupted throughout the venue, moving from the ancestral witch essence blood to tales of ancient times.

Just then, in a corner beside the immortal banquet, two figures preparing to perform a dance were timidly observing the various powerful figures in the hall.

Ling Zhuzi was dressed in a fitted long robe, while beside him, the young girl Jade Rabbit wore a cute short skirt. Both of their faces were somewhat pale at this moment.

Ling Zhuzi whispered, "What should we do?"

*Chattering teeth* —

Jade Rabbit's two rows of silver teeth chattered gently, and she stammered:

"When you asked me to help choreograph the dance... you didn't say we'd be performing it in front of the Grand Supreme Elder today... Let's just... let's just forget it..."

"I'll go dance by myself then," Ling Zhuzi sighed. "I already promised the Chang'e sisters that we'd be up after their performance. We can't just not go."

Jade Rabbit quickly said, "Have you thought this through? If you make a fool of yourself, you won't be able to get by in the Primordial World anymore!"

"What's there to be afraid of!"

Ling Zhuzi puffed out his chest and raised his head, "What good man fears making a fool of himself?"

Jade Rabbit mumbled, "Your master might lose face completely."

"Uh..."

Ling Zhuzi immediately became conflicted; he was indeed quite concerned about True Immortal Taiyi's reputation.

Jade Rabbit thought for a moment, bit her lip, then raised a hand and patted Ling Zhuzi's shoulder twice, saying clearly, "As good friends, I can't not help you. If you can find a way to make me not afraid, then dancing shouldn't be a problem.

After all, I was raised by my master and have practiced dancing in the Moon Palace for many years."

Ling Zhuzi carefully considered for a moment, then whispered, "I know a secret technique of the Witch race that can make one forget fear."

"What is it?"

"Pain," Ling Zhuzi hesitated, "How about I punch you to try?"

Jade Rabbit blinked, "Is it really effective? Don't hit too hard, though... Go ahead!"

"Hah!"

Ling Zhuzi gave a light shout and delivered a straight punch to Jade Rabbit's chest. The latter stumbled back three steps, then sat down on the ground with a thud.

The young girl opened her mouth, a trickle of blood emerging from the corner, her face full of despair.

"I didn't even use much strength; why did you fall down?"

Ling Zhuzi hurried forward to help her up, asking, "Are you still scared?"

Jade Rabbit weakly tilted her head: "Scared... scared you'll beat me to death..."

"Hmm?"

A deep voice suddenly came from the side. Ling Zhuzi and Jade Rabbit flinched, quickly turning their heads, just in time to see Zhao Gongming, looking travel-worn, flying past, muttering something as he went.

"Why do young Daoist couples nowadays like to play these sorts of games?"

Jade Rabbit and Ling Zhuzi exchanged glances. The young girl's pretty face flushed, and she quickly turned her head away, a blush spreading to her earlobes.

Ling Zhuzi, however, chuckled and said:

"It seems this senior has misunderstood. We are brothers, not Daoist companions! What Daoist companion could be more important than a brother?"

Jade Rabbit: ...

This world is just too difficult.