Chapter 559: Illusory World Seed Mind Demon, Jade Emperor Knows Everything

In a minor world shrouded by the power of the Taiji Diagram, several figures were observing a spherical object three feet in diameter.

With Daoist Duobao present, there was no shortage of magical treasures; such an illusion-type artifact was perfectly suited for breaking through Bodhi's mental defenses.

Of course, the knee-pad-like magical artifact was purely coincidental.

With Yun Zhongzi also there, he examined it for a moment, hands behind his back, tiptoeing slightly, muttering, "Let me see..."

"Hmm, learned it. Next."

Inside the sphere, Li Changshou stood with his hands behind his back, his body shrunk several times.

Before Li Changshou lay a dying old Daoist priest, the transparent holes in his body already sealed by immortal power.

At this moment, with the help of this spherical illusionary treasure, Li Changshou successfully infiltrated the old Daoist priest's spiritual consciousness, just as the old Daoist priest had infiltrated Yang Jian's.

Bodhi was truly miserable at this moment.

His Dao heart had been planted with inner demons by Li Changshou, his Dao body was confined layer by layer, and ancient talismans capable of detonation at any time had been inscribed onto his primordial spirit. He had yet to regain even a shred of consciousness.

Outside the sphere, five figures stood quietly, all male immortals.

Yun Xiao, Bi Xiao, and Jin Ling, three Jie School immortalesses, along with Kong Xuan, the Phoenix clan leader, were gathered by a nearby pond. They had laid out soft cushions, sat chatting and laughing, surrounded by faint mist, which made the male immortals on this side dare not look too long.

Clearly, their conversation had already strayed from the day's events.

Kong Xuan, who had initially not wanted much interaction with the immortals of the Three Religions, found herself unable to refuse Yun Xiao's invitation to chat.

After all, they also shared another relationship: soon-to-be sisters-in-law.

Zhao Gongming glanced towards the pond, then fixed his gaze on the spherical magical artifact before him, watching the two figures inside, one standing and one lying. He murmured, "What could they be talking about over there?"

"Why don't you go ask them?" Duobao retorted curtly, a hint of dejection still lingering on his slightly chubby face.

He had waited in vain for so long, and when the action finally began, he hadn't experienced any thrill.

Jin Ling and Kong Xuan were the ones who directly engaged. Yun Xiao and Zhao Gongming opened the Qiankun rifts and set up various formations. Bi Xiao, Yun Zhongzi, Taiyi Zhenren, and even the Jade Emperor's avatar were guarding several transit formations.

He, the dignified head disciple of Jie School and the favorite disciple of Sect Master Tongtian, had been benched for several days in this gloomy, remote, desolate minor world!

It was even grandly named: guarding the most crucial area.

In reality, he was just watching the show!

If not for Daoist Duobao's abundance of treasures, and his casual use of an illusionary artifact to play a small part, he, the eldest disciple of Jie School, would have lost face this time.

Duobao asked, "Why didn't Changshou just kill this person directly? Didn't Bodhi oppose Changshou and the Heavenly Courts several times before?"

The Jade Emperor's avatar, Quan Tong, smiled and said, "Changshou... *cough*, Lord Taibai Star explained this to this humble general. Bodhi is more useful alive than dead at this moment."

The four male Daoist immortals nearby immediately cast understanding glances.

It was better not to expose him.

It wasn't easy for the Jade Emperor to venture out; exposing his identity would not only embarrass him but also force them to bow and address him as "Martial Uncle" or "Your Majesty."

"I know a little about this matter," Taiyi Zhenren said, holding his arms.

Taiyi Zhenren, holding his arms, explained, "This time, it was mainly Bodhi himself who ran into the blade. Our Chan School has a junior greatly valued by Changshou, who was ensnared by Bodhi's divine sense manipulation. This happened just over twenty days ago when Changshou and I stumbled upon it. Although Bodhi had opposed and schemed against the Heavenly Courts several times before, he also suffered retaliation from the Heavenly Courts and was in quite a predicament. So, both sides could be considered even. Changshou's action this time was purely because of that junior's situation."

Zhao Gongming asked curiously, "Which junior?"

Yun Zhongzi, however, seemed to realize something, showing a look of enlightenment. He asked, "Is it the Jade Emperor's nephew?"

Quan Tong blinked, his eyes filled with surprise.

"Precisely," Taiyi Zhenren said with a calm smile.

Taiyi smiled calmly on the surface, but inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. After all, Changshou hadn't said whether this matter could be revealed to others. What if he said too much and ruined Changshou's arrangements, affecting Yang Jian's opportunities? That would be bad. He himself wasn't afraid of Changshou; at most, it would just be a cry of 'Yu Ding, save me!'

Taiyi Zhenren glanced at Quan Tong and smiled: "To cultivate Yang Jian into a Heavenly General, Changshou has endured undeserved infamy for years, and he has allowed Yang Jian to harbor much resentment towards him. This obsession has driven Yang Jian to cultivate desperately. Do you all know how long it took Yang Jian to reach the Heavenly Immortal realm? Less than a hundred years. Moreover, he broke through each realm step by step, without ascending through the primordial spirit path. Yang Jian has been diligently refining his physical body every day, without the slightest slack."

Quan Tong's gaze was filled with emotion.

Daoist Duobao's eyes lit up, and he chuckled, "Yang Jian's character must be incredibly resilient."

"This child is indeed outstanding, but you must keep this matter confidential, so as not to spoil Junior Brother Changshou's arrangements." Taiyi Zhenren, serious for once, continued: "Bodhi targeted Yang Jian because of his identity as the Jade Emperor's nephew. This wasn't the first time he secretly tempted him, believing his actions were flawless, but in fact, they were all under our observation. Changshou was eager to act against Bodhi precisely because he feared Yang Jian might be provoked into anger by him, thus prematurely ending his cultivation through obsession."

Daoist Duobao asked, "Then why not just kill Bodhi directly?"

"I am not Changshou; how can I fully understand his thoughts?" Taiyi Zhenren shook his head. "One thing is certain, though: Changshou wants to use Bodhi's identity. Or rather, to continue provoking Yang Jian through Bodhi's mouth. Turning an uncontrollable variable into a trump card in his hand... Perhaps this is just the first layer of Lord Taibai Star's calculations."

"Hiss—"

Quan Tong stroked his chin, falling into thought, and murmured, "How many layers of calculation did Lord Star Monarch use this time?"

The Daoist immortals exchanged glances, each smiling without a word.

Daoist Duobao raised an eyebrow at Taiyi Zhenren, who let out an awkward laugh. His explanation was purely to secure more benefits for Yang Jian in the future, not to praise that heartless Li Changshou! Lord Taibai Star, if you cut him open, he'd be all black, black to the point of being dazzling and colorful!

Laughter, cackles, and distant chatter—everything felt like a dream encountered before one began cultivating.

The moment Bodhi regained consciousness, his heart sank. His immortal consciousness was confined, his six senses sealed, and his primordial spirit was inscribed with blood-colored patterns.

'Am I being held captive?' This somewhat absurd thought sprang to his mind, and Bodhi wanted to sneer twice, feeling that the other party truly didn't respect his two teachers. He was different from those mere holy disciples by the Spirit Mountain treasure pond; he held too much damaging information about the Western Sect.

But then, Bodhi fell into deep thought. He seemed to have been captured by the other party for a long time, and his teachers hadn't come to his rescue. Who was this opponent, and why had they captured him instead of killing him? Bodhi tried to make some movement, but the feeling of having his six senses sealed was quite unpleasant. Suddenly, he heard a cold laugh, and Bodhi felt light, shadows, and sounds flood in simultaneously. Patches of light appeared before his eyes, and his primordial spirit barely managed to 'open its eyes.'

He instantly saw that he was lying on a mirror-like lake surface, which reflected countless stars.

An illusion.

Bodhi, being experienced and knowledgeable, recognized the setup of the place at a glance, but his body suddenly tensed when he saw the figure seated cross-legged not far away.

Eldest... Eldest Senior Brother?!

Wasn't the slightly plump figure sitting a dozen zhang away Maitreya?

Bodhi's Dao heart was utterly bewildered, unsure why Maitreya would ambush him. But if that were truly the case, it would explain why his teachers hadn't intervened to protect him. Or perhaps, this was his teachers' intention?

The 'Maitreya' figure, with a faint smile on his lips, spoke, "Junior Brother, have you awakened?" This somewhat chilling smile... It was indeed his Eldest Senior Brother.

"What is the meaning of this, Senior Brother?" Bodhi's primordial spirit 'sat up' in the illusion, continuing to discern the authenticity of the Maitreya before him. His Dao heart was completely taut.

The 'Maitreya' merely smiled without speaking, his form gradually dissipating, leaving only one sentence: "Think for yourself why I attacked you."

Bodhi's primordial spirit trembled slightly. He hesitated, wanting to speak, but when the 'Maitreya' figure disappeared, he couldn't help but look down at his 'hands.' What had he done wrong?

Starlight twinkled overhead as the illusion rapidly collapsed, finally shrinking to a few zhang in size, like a cage.

Outside the illusion, the spherical spiritual treasure flickered with light, and Li Changshou emerged from it, letting out a soft sigh. Had he made any mistakes while impersonating Maitreya just now? Maitreya's characteristics and demeanor had been 'obtained' by Golden Winged Great Peng from Di Ting. From Bodhi's initial reaction, there seemed to be no errors or omissions. Golden Winged Great Peng had held the Small God-Slaying Spear to Di Ting's forehead at the time, and given Di Ting's nature, what it said should contain no falsehoods. After all, if it lied, it would only ruin a part of his calculations; what he could do was a grand feast for divine beasts.

Daoist Duobao quickly asked, "Changshou, how did it go?"

"The first step is steady," Li Changshou chuckled. "Next, we'll gradually break down his Dao heart and conceal the growth of his inner demons. Many thanks to all Senior Brothers for your righteous assistance this time."

Taiyi Zhenren pursed his lips, "This verbal commendation, typical of the old Heavenly Courts' powerful gods."

Quan Tong was about to speak, but Li Changshou seized the opportunity and said, "We still have some time to wait. Why don't we drink and sing here, and discuss matters concerning the Great Tribulation?"

The immortals agreed, and Taiyi Zhenren gave an awkward chuckle as Li Changshou assigned him the task of setting up the venue. So, this handsome male immortal in a red robe tossed down prayer mats and a pile of wine vessels and glazed cups, then rolled his eyes as he went to cut down trees to make a natural wooden round table. He wasn't skilled in the art of creation and materialization.

Li Changshou invited Qiong Xiao to help, bringing out pre-prepared ingredients, wine, and immortal fruits to host a banquet. It was as if Taiyi Zhenren had truly guessed correctly: dealing with Bodhi was merely a side task; the real purpose of the day was for the representatives of the Three Religions to gather for a meal.

Before long, the banquet's aroma filled the air, accompanied by continuous laughter and chatter. The five male immortals gathered together, and the four female immortals gathered together, while Li Changshou's paper avatar scurried about, busying himself like the 'Foremost Househusband of the Primordial World'.

Quan Tong ate the dishes meticulously prepared by his beloved minister. Although it wasn't his first time tasting them, his eyes still lit up, and he praised them endlessly. Immortaless Yun Xiao sampled most of the dishes with a smile, then focused on conversing with Kong Xuan, doing her best to ensure Kong Xuan didn't feel neglected by the Daoist immortals. Ling'e would have handled this more naturally and appropriately. Qiong Xiao helped with cooking for quite a while, then lazily ran over to tease Saintess Jin Ling, occasionally giving her elder brother a glance that made Zhao Gongming squint and chuckle, his old face flushing at times.

Duobao chuckled, "Changshou, stop bustling about and come drink with us."

Only then did Li Changshou stop, bringing the last two dishes, and naturally sat beside Immortaless Yun Xiao. Naturally, his immortal consciousness had been monitoring Bodhi's condition the entire time.

"Come, Changshou toasts all Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, and General Quan Tong. Many thanks to everyone for coming to assist amidst your busy schedules, allowing us to capture this villain so smoothly."

The immortals raised their cups in response, each drinking fine wine.

Zhao Gongming leaned forward and quietly asked, "Changshou, how many layers of calculation did you use this time?"

"This time," Li Changshou calculated carefully, deliberately omitting several layers of less probable considerations, "just three or four layers, primarily for Yang Jian's matter. Senior Brother Taiyi must have been unable to resist earlier, explaining the full story to everyone, which saves me from having to say much."

Taiyi Zhenren's forehead immediately filled with black lines. He cursed, "Am I really that easy to guess?"

The immortals couldn't help but smile and laugh.

Yun Zhongzi asked from the side, "Changshou, the Great Tribulation is still shrouded in mystery. What should we pay attention to?"

Saintess Jin Ling also said, "The Three Thousand Worlds are already ravaged by war, with heavy casualties among living beings. In Middle Divine Continent, undercurrents are surging, and immortal sects are constantly clashing... Is the Heavenly Courts allowing this to unfold, or have they found a way to stop it?"

Li Changshou said, "What you two are discussing is actually the same thing. However, I regret to inform you that I don't know the answer to this, and neither do the Heavenly Courts."

"Cough," Quan Tong promptly stepped forward to support his beloved minister, smiling, "Lord Star Monarch, this humble general heard an elder in the Heavenly Courts say that this Great Tribulation will most likely be divided into three stages, corresponding to the three ancient Witch-Demon Wars."

Li Changshou: ...

He had intentionally played dumb with his 'family' members! Never mind. If His Majesty the Jade Emperor wanted to say these things, then let him. There were no outsiders here. The Daoist title of the avatar His Majesty the Jade Emperor painstakingly came up with this time was indeed apt. Quan Tong, which means "all-knowing," implying he knew the Heavenly Emperor.

The Jade Emperor's avatar then chuckled: "Using the Zixiao Palace discussion as a dividing point, the period before that was the initial brewing and activation stage of the Great Tribulation. Since then, meaning the present era, has been the stage where the tribulation accumulates casualties among living beings and alleviates the burden on heaven and earth. The final stage is when the true tribulations descend."

"The Heavenly Courts aren't going to meddle much with these immortal sect conflicts?" Saintess Jin Ling asked, frowning.

Quan Tong pondered for a few moments, then said, "The Heavenly Courts cannot possibly oppose the Heavenly Dao and interfere with the tribulation's operation. Better a short, clear understanding than prolonged suffering. The number of Qi Refiners in the world is truly excessive. In the eyes of the Heavenly Dao, Qi Refiners are essentially no different from mortals, and they occupy too much spiritual energy and vitality in the world. Therefore, during the Great Tribulation, the Heavenly Courts' main role is to protect mortals and incidentally recruit virtuous, loyal, and benevolent individuals into the Heavenly Courts, without over-interfering with the various aspects of the tribulation."

The immortals slowly nodded.

Taiyi Zhenren, holding his wine cup, shook his head, then couldn't resist setting it down. "Allow me to interject. The Heavenly Courts' meaning is to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, reaping the benefits of the conflict, right? And they'll just ignore the fact that this tribulation was originally initiated by the Heavenly Courts?"

"It cannot be said that we are simply reaping the benefits," Quan Tong stated. "Although the Great Tribulation was initiated by the Heavenly Courts, its root cause does not lie with the Heavenly Courts. True Man, do not forget that calamities first existed in the world. Calamities targeted the demon race and the Heavenly Courts, and even destroyed the master of beloved minister Changshou, forcing Changshou himself into the tribulation to slay the last Golden Crow. Only after that did the Heavenly Courts embark on a campaign against the demon race, and during this process, calamities intervened again, leading to a series of subsequent tribulations. In other words, the Heavenly Courts were merely chosen by the Great Tribulation to be the catalyst for its legitimate descent. The root cause of the Great Tribulation lies in the rapid proliferation of humanity after the ancient wars, the widespread flourishing of Daoist lineages, and the swift expansion of the number of Qi Refiners. Now, the total power of living beings has exceeded the burden the world can bear."

Saintess Jin Ling asked, "I've always been a bit puzzled by this: why does an increase in the power of living beings affect the stability of heaven and earth? Although the matter of the Nine Filth Springs is always mentioned, why was it never heard of in ancient times? Surely, in ancient times, the total power of living beings in heaven and earth far exceeded what it is today... Could it be simply because the Heavenly Dao willed it to be this way?"

Li Changshou quickly said, "Senior Sister, be careful with your words."

Saintess Jin Ling pursed her lips but didn't express dissatisfaction.

Yun Zhongzi said, "I believe that the so-called 'power of living beings being unbearable for heaven and earth' refers to a situation where, if the power of living beings spiraled out of control and triggered a war like those of ancient times, heaven and earth would be utterly shattered."

"Not so," Zhao Gongming said, stroking his beard and shaking his head. "With six Saints present, how could heaven and earth be shattered? Saints can re-refine wind, fire, water, and earth; this is a level that a hundred great experts could never achieve."

Quan Tong, however, chuckled, "Just as Taiyi Zhenren once said, Saints also vary in strength, so this matter cannot be generalized. However, while I'm here, I can reveal one more thing. The danger of the Nine Filth Springs indeed exists and is related to the fall of the Demonic Ancestor in ancient times. The Demonic Ancestor's Dao was not completely shattered, adding some unstable variables to heaven and earth. The Demonic Ancestor's Dao was to pursue the destruction of heaven and earth, with all living beings returning to the true spirit river. Dao Ancestor Lord's Dao is the opposite."

Daoist Duobao said solemnly, "Then, how will the final calamity proceed? Is there a fixed outcome?"

"There is no fixed outcome for now; we can only wait for the tide to recede for the truth to be revealed." Quan Tong stated earnestly, "But it will likely unfold among the Three Religions facing the tribulation. Therefore, if the Western Sect can be swiftly cleared out when the killing tribulation descends, the Daoist sects should suffer fewer casualties."

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and sighed softly, "The Western Sect also has two Saints protecting it, especially the Second Martial Uncle... How can it be easy?"

Taiyi Zhenren frowned, saying, "Say what you will, laugh as you please, but don't joke about our teachers."

Li Changshou immediately interjected to smooth things over: "We are just chatting casually today; let's not involve Saints, nor do we need to bring in future stances. The Great Tribulation is what it is, and you and I are still ourselves. Since the Great Tribulation has not fully descended yet, there might still be some leeway in all matters. Elder Brother Gongming, may I borrow your Sea-Pacifying Divine Pearls to examine them?"

"Take them!" With a wave of Zhao Gongming's hand, twenty-four precious pearls flew before Li Changshou, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Zhao Gongming chuckled, "Not to mention just examining them, what harm would it do if you took them to use, my dear brother?"

"These are your personal treasures, Elder Brother; they can't be lent out casually," Li Changshou specifically cautioned, then proceeded to examine the Sea-Pacifying Divine Pearls. He was contemplating how to remind Zhao Gongming that these items could evolve into the Twenty-Four Heavens.

Qiong Xiao wiped her lips and chuckled, "They're just treasures; what enlightenment could one gain from them?"

"It's not about enlightenment," Li Changshou chuckled. "These Sea-Pacifying Divine Pearls are named 'Sea-Pacifying,' but they aren't simply water-element magical artifacts. Each pearl seems to contain an endless world. By the way, is this set of pearls missing something?"

Zhao Gongming pondered for a few moments, then murmured, "I've always felt that perhaps twelve are missing. If there were thirty-six Sea-Pacifying Divine Pearls, their power would be incalculable."

"May this humble general have a look?" Quan Tong interjected. Li Changshou was slightly taken aback, but Zhao Gongming had already agreed with a smile. Truly righteous and loyal was Elder Gongming, completely unafraid of others tampering with his natal magical treasure.

Quan Tong took one pearl, examined it carefully, then closed his eyes. A rich aura of Heavenly Dao power shimmered in his palm. Soon, he let out a soft exclamation and murmured something under his breath. That single remark, however, made Zhao Gongming's hand, holding his wine, tremble slightly. Daoist Duobao beside him frowned deeply, while Li Changshou smiled. Everyone else's gaze turned towards them.

The reason was none other than the Jade Emperor's whispered phrase, a famous idiom in the Primordial World: "This treasure actually has a connection with my Heavenly Courts."