Chapter 600: Confronting the Western Sage, Taibai Searches Ling Mountain

Upon hearing Saint Jieyin's voice and sensing his Dao charm, Li Changshou secretly raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. He hadn't expected Saint Zhunti's appearance, but rather Saint Jieyin's. Could it be because Saint Zhunti was... by his teacher?

Hmm, no need to overthink it. A saint is still a saint, even if their cultivation was affected. They are not to be underestimated or disrespected.

Ahead, the Western Sect disciples parted, clearing a path.

Li Changshou turned and said, "Generals, please wait here and look after Deputy Commander Bian. I will go meet Saint-Uncle and explain the gravity of this situation."

The generals replied in unison.

Zhao Gongming wanted to accompany Li Changshou inside, hoping to offer some support, but Li Changshou dissuaded him with a glance.

Li Changshou was 97.5% certain that his venture would be entirely safe. It wasn't inflated self-confidence that made him believe he could directly confront a saint; on the contrary, this was his most prudent choice at the moment: to minimize losses for the Heavenly Court, preserve its vital energy, and avoid direct conflict with the saint.

In Zixiao Palace, Dao Ancestor did not pursue the matter of the Grandmist Violet Qi. Instead, he promised Li Changshou a life of freedom and unrestraint after the Tribulation of the Gods. This unspoken promise held several layers of meaning. The most straightforward interpretation was for Li Changshou to continue supporting the Heavenly Court, establishing complete order throughout the cosmos, and assisting the Jade Emperor in becoming the supreme ruler of the Three Realms. Whether it was his earlier grand demon-extermination campaign to awe the Three Realms, or his current endeavor to 'prune the branches' of Spirit Mountain, all were Li Changshou's way of expressing his stance to Dao Ancestor.

He wasn't causing trouble or making mischief; he was solely focused on retirement and clocking out early. All of this had been carefully calculated by Li Changshou before his visit to Zixiao Palace. By elevating the Heavenly Court to a position of great prosperity and waiting for the various righteous gods of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation to assume their roles, the Heavenly Court would then be unassailable.

Moreover, his return from the Chaos Sea and subsequent visit to Zixiao Palace were unlikely to escape the notice of the two Western Sect Saints. His swift and decisive actions after leaving Zixiao Palace could be interpreted as direct orders from Dao Ancestor. If the Western Sect Saints wished to intervene, they would first have to consider whether they were prepared to face Dao Ancestor's wrath.

Li Changshou sighed inwardly. Originally, upon returning from the Chaos Sea, his first priority should have been to visit Taiqing Palace to pay his respects and report his experiences to his teacher. But... alas, it's a long story. His teacher's words were too vague, and Li Changshou worried that a visit might last for years. It seemed better to first resolve the Heavenly Court's internal threats before explaining everything to his teacher.

With more than half of the Shang Dynasty's fate remaining before the final Tribulation of the Gods, resolving the threats from Spirit Mountain, the demon race, and the Three Thousand Worlds now would allow him to cultivate peacefully and make further arrangements for the next few centuries, dedicating his efforts to self-cultivation and planning the Investiture of the Gods. Playing it safe would also allow him to later seek a time-stopping divine ability from Empress Nuwa, granting him more opportunities for cultivation and enlightenment.

But back to the present matter.

Li Changshou slowly inhaled, seemingly striving for composure, before stepping into the "encirclement" of the Western Sect's saint disciples. His mind was taut; the Xuanhuang Pagoda above his primordial spirit spun rapidly, and his immortal sense transformed into fine threads, weaving around him. At the slightest disturbance, he, Taibai Star Lord, the Heavenly Court's seemingly ordinary but powerful official, would show them with his divine abilities! He'd show them what true professional evasion and a legitimate Heavenly God truly meant!

After walking a dozen yards, Li Changshou suddenly paused and chuckled, "The scenery of Spirit Mountain is rather elegant. Would you mind if I broadcast the situation of the saint's Dao field? It would certainly broaden the horizons of the Heavenly Court's immortals." Without waiting for the Spirit Mountain Daoists to respond, Li Changshou already had several bronze mirrors hovering around him. Holding his whisk, he continued to slowly walk deeper inside.

The Heavenly Generals at the mountain gate quickly followed suit, pulling out their own bronze mirrors. Some watched, others live-streamed, aiming their mirrors at the Spirit Mountain Daoists.

The Spirit Mountain assembly: ...

Why did they feel so offended?

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court.

"Star Lord is live!"

"Spirit Mountain! Star Lord has entered Spirit Mountain!"

"Has he fought his way in, or is it already over? Did Spirit Mountain fall?"

"To witness such a grand event in my lifetime, I truly have no regrets."

Amidst the clamor, from the Heavenly Gate down to the third heaven, from the calloused palms of the guards at the High Heavens Palace to the soft, wide sleeves of the Jade Pool Fairies, Li Changshou's leisurely stroll through Spirit Mountain was observed by countless eyes.

Inside the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor rested with closed eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips. Below him, several elder ministers held their own bronze mirrors, watching the scene within with some tension. The Jade Emperor's avatar was, of course, personally present at Spirit Mountain, merely hidden among the Heavenly Generals and not showing himself.

An elderly immortal chuckled, "Spirit Mountain here is quite well-maintained."

"After being smashed by True Monarch Qingyuan Miaodao, the renovations certainly look much better than before."

Duke Mu chuckled, "Let's not dwell on that; it's improper."

The other elder Heavenly Court ministers simply smiled, remaining silent as they continued to observe the scene in the mirror.

Li Changshou ambled along, unhurried and leisurely, trying to emulate the relaxed gait of an old man walking his bird in a park from his previous life, though he felt he still lacked a certain flair. He passed the secluded corner once reserved for Ksitigarbha and Di Ting, walked by the white jade fountain and spirit pond, and finally reached the main hall of Spirit Mountain.

As if to emphasize the Western Sect's 'poverty,' the Great Hall of Spirit Mountain was rather unassuming, constructed entirely from immense grey rocks. Yet, countless treasures seemed to be hidden in its intricate corners, and its interior layout was exceptionally refined.

Saint Jieyin's figure sat in the center of the main hall, with the divine statues of the two Western Sect Saints behind him. However, the entire hall, including the statues, was enveloped in a layer of golden mist. The saint's Dao charm flowed throughout, pure and orderly, yet imbued with the profound truths of heaven and earth.

Li Changshou adjusted the angle of his bronze mirror, not daring to capture the saint's true visage. He performed a Daoist bow in front of the hall, then stepped inside, made another bow after three paces, and declared loudly: "I, Li Changgeng, Taibai Star Lord and Water God of the Heavenly Court, greet Your Holiness."

Before Jieyin could speak, Li Changshou straightened up, holding his whisk and smiling gently. "I have come to Spirit Mountain by His Majesty the Jade Emperor's command to seek the villain Maitreya," he said softly, "with no intention of offending Your Holiness."

Daoist Jieyin's eyes were half-open as he slowly spoke: "Whether it is an offense or not, that is known in one's own heart. Li Changgeng, tell me what transgression my disciple has committed, why the Heavenly Court has condemned him, and how it has passed judgment."

"Well..." Li Changshou mused for a moment, then countered, "Does Saint-Uncle truly not know? Hmm, I assumed you were aware."

"There's no need to play the fool in front of this poor Daoist," Jieyin said, frowning slightly. He waved his hand, and the surrounding golden mist shimmered with faint light, isolating the area from the Three Realms.

Li Changshou's bronze mirrors instantly lost their signal.

"Saint-Uncle, what is the meaning of this?" Li Changshou took two steps back, a hint of vigilance in his eyes. He whispered, "Your disciple came today with the utmost sincerity. Saint-Uncle, are you perhaps intending to... The Heavenly Dao protects this humble god. Saint-Uncle, please reconsider." He spoke as if his purity was about to be compromised.

Saint Jieyin replied, "Our discussion today need not be known by outsiders."

Li Changshou solemnly rejoined, "The Heavenly Dao knows, my teacher knows, and you and I know. There is nothing that cannot be revealed. Saint-Uncle, your character is noble, and your disciple has nothing to hide. Why be so secretive?"

Saint Jieyin narrowed his eyes slightly. Li Changshou smiled and lowered his head, his posture appearing somewhat stooped, yet his eyes remained perfectly serene.

"Very well." Daoist Jieyin spoke softly. The surrounding golden mist dissipated, and Li Changshou's bronze mirrors re-established their connection with the Heavenly Court's broadcasting mirrors. However, if outsiders peered in, they would only see Li Changshou's figure; Saint Jieyin remained obscured by mist.

Saint Jieyin raised a hand, summoning a futon that settled near the hall entrance. Li Changshou thanked him, then sat cross-legged on the futon. Getting straight to the point, he chuckled, "Saint-Uncle, how much do you know about Maitreya, the senior disciple of Spirit Mountain?"

"Are you interrogating this poor Daoist?"

"I wouldn't dare, merely a small query," Li Changshou replied, taking three recording orbs from his sleeve. He placed them in a row before him, and three distinct scenes materialized within them.

The first image displayed an ancient cave containing simple tables and chairs, upon which lay scattered wisps of spiritual dust. This "spiritual dust" was fine powder formed from solidified spiritual energy, a substance that could only accumulate over hundreds of thousands of years. This place was clearly ancient. The scene shifted, indicating that the person holding the orb had spotted something and moved closer. A hidden mechanism in the side stone wall revealed a secret door, leading to a small treasury overflowing with rare ancient materials. Most striking, however, was a portrait hanging on the wall. The Daoist in the painting was slightly stout, with a faint smile that crinkled his eyes, giving him a kind and approachable demeanor. His dark Xuan-colored Daoist robe was particularly striking. His face and expression bore a striking resemblance to Maitreya. The scene then slowly rotated as the treasures were collected into a sleeve, and the camera slowly withdrew from the ancient cave. But as the view pulled back, it was revealed that this ancient cave was, in fact, on the back of a Kun fish...

The image from the first recording orb silently faded.

A deathly silence fell over Spirit Mountain.

Li Changshou asked, "On second thought, this might not be entirely proper. Saint-Uncle, perhaps we should close the doors, and your disciple will listen to your counsel?"

Saint Jieyin opened his eyes, his expression unreadable as he glanced at Li Changshou. "There is nothing that cannot be revealed," he said. "Your words, nephew, hold some truth. Let it be so."

"As you wish," Li Changshou smiled, his finger pointing to the second recording orb, which promptly displayed its recorded scene. This time, the 'Li Changshou' depicted was, of course, Grand Master Xuandu or Kong Xuan in disguise. Kunpeng's primordial spirit floated before 'Li Changshou', radiating faint streams of light. The spirit itself stretched over ten yards, emitting a constant humming sound. 'Li Changshou' formed hand seals, sealing Kunpeng's primordial spirit, and intoned softly: "Grand Soul Search!" Streams of light surged around Kunpeng's primordial spirit. 'Li Changshou' raised a hand, caught one, and crushed it between his fingers. Another scene then appeared before him. The black-robed 'Maitreya' flew out of Kunpeng's internal abode, laughed three times with his head tilted back, then clasped his hands behind his back and vanished into the Chaos Sea.

The scene abruptly cut off. Li Changshou held down the second recording orb, covertly observing the saint's reaction. The saint's expression betrayed no hint of emotion, leaving Li Changshou feeling quite uncertain. Without any feedback, it was easy to misinterpret the situation.

"Saint-Uncle, shall we view the third orb?"

"No need," Daoist Jieyin shook his head slightly. "There must be some misunderstanding in this matter. This poor Daoist knows Maitreya thoroughly; perhaps Kunpeng intended to falsely accuse him."

Li Changshou nodded. Just as everyone expected him to argue vehemently and press Spirit Mountain to surrender Maitreya, Li Changshou suddenly changed his tone and said gravely: "I also find this matter rather peculiar. Kunpeng is an ancient Demon Master; his escape into the Chaos Sea occurred at the end of the ancient era. If he held a grudge against Daoist Maitreya, it's not impossible that he would deliberately frame him with this incident. In that case."

Li Changshou paused, then shattered the three recording orbs before him, and chuckled: "I've destroyed these items. Saint-Uncle, please have Maitreya come out for a confrontation. If he can prove he's not the imposter disciple who attacked Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, your disciple will immediately withdraw with my forces and return another day to apologize."

Jieyin slowly replied, "Maitreya is not on the mountain."

"Can he not be recalled?" Li Changshou asked, feigning concern.

"He is out training and cultivating; he should not be within the primordial lands," Jieyin replied. "Let us put today's matter aside. When Maitreya returns to the mountain another day, this poor Daoist will personally ensure he clarifies everything to the Heavenly Court."

Li Changshou deliberated for a moment, his gaze appearing somewhat troubled: "This... I'm afraid it might not be entirely proper. His Majesty the Jade Emperor is furious and absolutely demands an explanation from your disciple. Your disciple serves the Heavenly Court, treading on thin ice and constantly trembling with trepidation. The Heavenly Court's current standing was hard-won. If its prestige were to be damaged by this matter concerning Maitreya, making all Heavenly Soldiers and Generals feel insecure; then all the hard work His Majesty the Jade Emperor and we humble servants of the Heavenly Court have put in would truly be in vain."

"Star Lord, what do you propose?"

"You may just call me by my name," Li Changshou chuckled. "How about allowing the Heavenly Court's soldiers and generals to conduct a thorough search of Spirit Mountain, both inside and out? Once it's confirmed that Maitreya isn't here, I can return and give a proper report."

Search Spirit Mountain?

The expressions of the Spirit Mountain Daoists shifted, while the eyes of the Heavenly Court generals gleamed, some even breathing a little heavier. This was a masterclass in feints and hidden maneuvers – building an open road while secretly crossing through a hidden pass, a dagger concealed in a smile, a deceptive thrust. Taibai Star Lord had ostensibly come to confront Maitreya, diverting everyone's attention to him. Yet, he suddenly stepped back, revealing the true Dragon Slaying Sword in his hand, its blade now pointing directly at the various fierce beasts and demon beasts concealed within Spirit Mountain! This was the true objective behind the Heavenly Court's encirclement of Spirit Mountain!

Following the demon extermination in the Northern Continent, the Heavenly Court's second wave of assault targeted the peripheral forces of the Western Sect! Suddenly, many of the elder Daoists of the Western Sect had an epiphany. Why had the Heavenly Court, supposedly dealing solely with the demon race, suddenly blockaded the Five Continents? Why had the Heavenly Court previously conducted extensive searches in West Niu Hezhou, yet deliberately left clear paths leading only to Spirit Mountain? This was the true cunning of Taibai Star Lord!

No matter how formidable Maitreya was, he was merely a master. But if the Western Sect were to lose its formidable primordial fierce beasts and the ancient demon masters who had pledged allegiance to it, it would be akin to breaking an arm and a leg. To stabilize its fortunes and ease the burden on the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus, the Western Sect had previously drastically reduced the strength of its covert forces. Now, those gathered at Spirit Mountain were virtually their last remaining elites!

With just a few words, Li Changshou struck Spirit Mountain's most painful point and the Western Sect's most vulnerable nerve.

In the main hall, Li Changshou waited with a smile, his expression consistently respectful. Daoist Jieyin's face remained as still as an ancient well, yet his prolonged silence seemed to underscore the saint's hesitation at this very moment. Li Changshou waited patiently. When the moment felt opportune, he spoke again: "Your disciple previously lost a wisp of Grandmist Violet Qi, and for that, Ancestor reprimanded me severely, summoning me to Zixiao Palace for a thorough scolding. If I cannot accomplish something for the Heavenly Court to please Ancestor, this second-rank righteous god may very well be demoted by a rank."

Silence once again fell over the Great Hall of Spirit Mountain.

At this moment, Li Changshou made no attempt to guess Daoist Jieyin's thoughts. A saint's methods were extraordinary; his own teacher, in particular, could acquire vast amounts of information in a short time, approaching a state of near omniscience and omnipotence. While Saint Jieyin's power might not match that of his own saintly teacher, their realms of attainment were not significantly different. Yet, despite the convoluted facade of this matter, its essence was a single, unspoken truth. Had Dao Ancestor truly sanctioned the weakening of the Western Sect, and would the Western Sect Saints comply? Of course, this 'Dao Ancestor's sanction' was a claim Li Changshou had made himself, operating on the principle that the Heavenly Dao's silence implied consent. The fact that Li Changshou sat there, uttering these words without intervention from Dao Ancestor, meant that in the saint's eyes, everything was indeed Dao Ancestor's arrangement.

Thus, Daoist Jieyin slowly conceded, "Since that is the case, the Heavenly Court may conduct its search."

"Teacher!"

"Teacher, why?"

In front of the mountain gate, two elder Daoists couldn't help but exclaim, but their protests were stifled by a hand.

Li Changshou rose and performed a Daoist bow, then turned and walked to the front of the hall, addressing the mountain gate loudly: "Where are the Heavenly Generals of the Eight Divisions?"

The dozens of generals, suppressing their excitement, cupped their fists and knelt on one knee: "We are here, Your Excellency!"

"By His Majesty the Jade Emperor's decree, I now command you to search the Saint's Dao field of Spirit Mountain. From outside the mountain gate, you are to search the land all the way to the very top of the Underworld! Six thousand Heavenly Soldiers are to enter through Spirit Mountain's gates and conduct a meticulous search everywhere, taking care not to harm a single tree or flower on Spirit Mountain. Generals of the Plague Department, pay heed: do not habitually spread plague or smallpox. Jinpeng, arrange for some nimble hands to sweep Spirit Mountain and change the water in the fish ponds, as a gesture of respect from us, the Heavenly Court's servants, to the Saint."

With that, Li Changshou turned back to Jieyin and asked, "Saint-Uncle, how does this arrangement seem to you?"

Daoist Jieyin slowly nodded, closing his eyes without speaking.

Li Changshou returned to the futon and settled into a cross-legged position.

Outside Spirit Mountain's gates, dozens of Heavenly Generals transformed into streaks of light, shooting off in all directions to gather Heavenly Soldiers for the mountain search. The Golden-winged Great Peng was about to lead a contingent himself when Zhao Gongming raised a hand to stop him.

"Marshal Jinpeng, arrange a contingent for us as well."

The Golden-winged Great Peng, having already received a voice message from Li Changshou identifying this unassuming general as Zhao Gongming, chuckled, "General, please follow me. You may choose any elite soldiers and powerful generals you wish." Zhao Gongming smiled and drifted out behind him.

'Star Lord is truly formidable, even daring to set a trap for a saint. He is indeed worthy of being that man's junior brother.'

In her cave, Daoist Wenjing sat on her bed. Dressed in red, her phoenix eyes held a hint of allure, and her gaze was completely serene. She suddenly understood the true meaning of the eight words Li Changshou had specifically whispered to her earlier. This time, the victims of the tribulation were the fierce and demonic beasts of Spirit Mountain. These remnants of the ancient era were to be purged by the Heavenly Dao today. Who made them unstable elements in the world?

Daoist Wenjing sighed inwardly, her smile growing even more serene. She was guaranteed to win. However, the two Saints had previously instructed her to step forward under appropriate circumstances and attempt to refute the Heavenly Court. Daoist Wenjing naturally had to agree. In any case, Star Lord wouldn't single her out. Perhaps today, Star Lord might even allow her to gain some prominence, thus solidifying her position within the Western Sect.

What Star Lord wanted her to do... That wasn't important. What mattered was that Daoist Wenjing believed in Saint Taiqing's promise and the vision Li Changshou had outlined. The true disparity between the Western Sect and the Human Sect lay in a single word: credibility.

A rumbling sound echoed— The sound of heavenly thunder reverberated from all directions around Spirit Mountain. A million Heavenly Soldiers cast a vast net from above and below, drawing upon the power of the Heavenly Dao. Divine thunder of heavenly punishment crackled nearby, guarding them. It was like casting a net into a pond to gather fish.

What would become of Spirit Mountain after today? Wenjing couldn't foresee the exact outcome, but she sensed that when the Tribulation of the Gods fully descended, the Daoist sects' internal strife would simultaneously drag the overt saint disciples of the Western Sect into the vortex. And she, a hidden agent within the Western Sect, might deliver a fatal blow at a crucial moment. The Western Sect had long plotted against the Daoist sects, and it seemed they had finally enraged Saint Taiqing. This was the Human Sect's counterattack, and the most terrifying aspect of Saint Taiqing.

"Stop! Who are you?! Heavenly Court search!"

"Bring the Demon-Revealing Mirror!"

"It's the ancient fierce beast, the Flying Mantis! Seize it!"

Outside her cave, a sudden burst of shouts erupted. Wenjing's immortal sense swept out, revealing that a fierce beast hidden in the outer perimeter at the foot of Spirit Mountain had been discovered. Dozens of Heavenly Court generals, wielding Heavenly Dao artifacts, moved to strike. The increasingly formidable Golden-winged Great Peng soared nearby, and in a flash, they severely wounded the creature and bound it tightly with immortal ropes. A bolt of blue-purple celestial thunder struck, forcing the fierce beast back into its original form and severely damaging its primordial spirit. Heavenly retribution.

Daoist Wenjing's delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she pursed her lips. Though she felt a certain confidence, she remained somewhat uneasy in the face of such a situation. Before long, two more fierce beasts' abodes were discovered. They struggled fiercely, but with the descent of Heavenly Might, they couldn't even harm the lesser Heavenly Immortal generals. The Heavenly Court's battle formation techniques were also remarkably sophisticated.

Wenjing waited quietly, not rushing to reveal herself. She even changed into a red dress, applied light makeup, and settled back onto her throne. Perhaps this was what was meant by the end of days. The world had been this way since ancient times. Every certain period, a tribulation would descend. Races once favored by the Heavenly Dao could, overnight, become the bane of existence, easily annihilated by a newly risen species. Originally, karma and merit held no inherent good or bad. The conflicts among living beings, which generated karma, were once acknowledged by the Heavenly Dao as a means to 'maintain the stability of heaven and earth,' and karma itself was recognized. But gradually, karma became a symbol of 'evil.' The strong prevailing and feeding on the weak was once an implied rule of the Heavenly Dao; yet, in the end, the Heavenly Court began to protect the weak. And she, a proud overlord of a bygone era, was now merely a fierce beast living under another's patronage, enduring humiliation just to survive.

The clamor intensified. Heavenly Soldiers searched the heavens and the earth, unearthing fierce beasts one by one, who were then suppressed by the Heavenly Dao. Some seven or eight fierce beasts even secretly banded together, launching a sudden attack. After devouring hundreds of Heavenly Soldiers, they were obliterated by countless streams of light and divine thunder that filled the sky.

'One cannot win against Heaven.' If faithlessness, fickleness, and inconstancy were qualities, the Heavenly Dao would surely be paramount.

Daoist Wenjing raised an eyebrow, suddenly hearing voice transmissions from a few fierce beasts she recognized. She considered for a moment, then transmitted a message back, instructing them to secretly hide in the hidden cave behind her own dwelling. Wenjing couldn't say for certain if they would survive. After all, they were acquainted, and they were considered her direct subordinates. If she emerged unscathed later, they might still prove to be of great use.

The fierce beasts secretly fled to her, inadvertently exposing Wenjing's cave dwelling. Wenjing calmly crossed her legs, sitting quietly and waiting. Two Heavenly Generals, leading a large contingent of Heavenly Soldiers, searched back and forth near her cave. They soon discovered the outer concealing formation and breached it.

"General! There's a cave here!"

"The bloodlust here is immense; proceed with caution! Surround it, and send for the Demon-Revealing Mirror and Marshal Jinpeng!"

Daoist Wenjing: ...

Star Lord's soldiers were quite cautious.

A moment later, a cry echoed throughout Spirit Mountain. Jinpeng arrived, holding a blood-stained miniature God-Slaying Spear, landing before the cave. He unleashed a black ray that tore through the layers of restrictions. The clatter of armor intensified. Daoist Wenjing looked up at the cave entrance, where numerous figures surged in, each wielding long spears and swords, their gazes fixed on her. What are you looking at? Aren't you afraid of my Queen's consort getting jealous?

A flash of golden light, and the Golden-winged Great Peng appeared before the Heavenly Generals. He made a gesture, a hint of apprehension in his eyes. "Who are you?"

Wenjing smiled but remained silent, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. A general held up a Demon-Revealing Mirror, casting a golden light upon Daoist Wenjing. As the light flashed, a round mirror appeared behind Wenjing, revealing black wings adorned with faintly shimmering golden patterns, a sight that made the Heavenly Generals' scalps tingle.

The Golden-winged Great Peng took a half-step forward, spear in hand, radiating a chilling aura. He stated firmly: "Blood Sea Fierce Mosquito! Capture!"

"Marshal, may I ask you to relay a message?" Daoist Wenjing began slowly, as a wisp of Dao charm emanated from her, making the Golden-winged Great Peng's expression grow even sterner. "This poor Daoist, Wenjing, though born a fierce beast, has cultivated virtue and accumulated good karma over many years. I wonder if I might request an audience with Taibai Star Lord. There's a matter I find quite perplexing, and I wish to discuss it with him."

The Golden-winged Great Peng scoffed. That's all? Just a troublesome fierce beast, yet she dared to demand an audience with his teacher! His spear alone was enough for today!

"Bring her over. One shouldn't be too extreme in all matters."

As Li Changshou's voice transmission finished, the Golden-winged Great Peng immediately pursed his lips and withdrew his spear. "Bind your primordial spirit. My teacher has agreed to see you. Hmph! If you dare to be insolent later, I'll ensure you'll wish for death but cannot find it!"

Wenjing subtly raised an eyebrow, her phoenix eyes filled with amusement.