Chapter 605: Biān Zhuāng's Dead End

In front of the Moon Palace.

Li Changshou, controlling the paper effigy shaped like the white-browed, white-haired Grand White Venus, looked at Bian Zhuang, who was strung up on the rear beam of the main hall, bruised and swollen, barely breathing. Remembering what Long Ji had told him on the way, a bitter smile was all that remained in his heart.

Given Long Ji's sensitive identity, it was inappropriate for her to remain. She had returned to the Jade Pool to await news. Bian Zhuang, it seemed, had ultimately fallen victim to lust. He had thought that even if Heavenly Court immortals and gods weren't exactly refined, they should at least have some moral boundaries... He had overestimated and misplaced his trust. Just kill him; he's beyond saving. The Journey to the West tribulation wasn't entirely unchangeable; a new second disciple could still be cultivated, as his true form was, after all, the nine-toothed rake.

In the hall, the fairies who had initially gathered around Bian Zhuang had now formed neat lines, bowing in unison to Li Changshou. "Greetings, Lord Star Monarch."

Although he already understood the general situation, Li Changshou still went through the motions and asked: "What happened? Why is General Bian hanging like this?"

The fairies were indignant. Several leaders immediately stepped forward, recounting the events with profound distress.

Behind the Moon Palace was a forbidden area called the Moonlit Pond, which only opened when there were no male immortals on the Lunar Star. On ordinary days, these fairies often enjoyed washing and dressing by the Moonlit Pond, immersing their immortal bodies in the misty spiritual water, chatting about recent gossip, and discussing interesting Heavenly Court anecdotes. Today, Bian Zhuang had secretly intruded into the Moonlit Pond. The circumstances were extremely serious, and the nature of the offense was truly heinous. It was no longer a matter of simply being punished as a pig, but genuinely risking his life.

Li Changshou's expression quickly turned cold as he asked: "Is Bian Zhuang truly so audacious?"

"Lord Star Monarch, we know General Bian is your favored subordinate, but this matter is absolutely true." A fairy indignantly stated, "If we didn't know Bian Zhuang had entered the Tushita Palace and was your right-hand man, Lord Star Monarch, I would have killed him with a single sword stroke today!"

Li Changshou frowned deeply and asked again, "Is there a specific victim in this matter?"

"Lord Star Monarch, there were over a dozen sisters in the Moonlit Pond at the time, but the Moonlit Pond was surrounded by restrictions personally set by the Lunar Star Monarch. General Bian stepped into the restrictions and was already very close to the pond."

Li Changshou slowly nodded, frowning in thought for a few moments. Without a specific victim, the matter became even more complicated. Today, Bian Zhuang might have no choice but to atone with his life. Other ideas? To forcefully take responsibility for a girl after watching her bathe? Isn't that exactly what Tu Xingsun would do? If there had been a clear victim, then Bian Zhuang could be severely punished, beaten almost to death, have this part of his memory erased, or even be banished to the mortal realm with his cultivation crippled. This would both spare his life and uphold the Heavenly Court's dignity. But without a specific victim, it meant that the entire Moon Palace and all the fairies who used the Moonlit Pond were victims.

This matter, though seemingly not serious enough to cause death, was in fact linked to the Heavenly Court's overall stability. The Heavenly Court was on the eve of its rise; with the Investiture of the Gods List returning to its place in a few hundred years, the Heavenly Court could flourish completely, becoming the power structure maintaining stability in the Three Realms. At this critical juncture, all cultivators were naturally paying immense attention to the Heavenly Court. Any negative rumor about the Heavenly Court would be completely magnified.

Bian Zhuang, Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Army, though not high in rank, had a complex identity and was extremely well-known in the Heavenly Court due to the bronze mirror live broadcast system. If an immortal or god who spied on women bathing were allowed to continue serving in the Heavenly Court, its reputation would likely be completely ruined... The current excellent situation would also be partially damaged by this incident. The repercussions would be endless.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Li Changshou took two steps forward with a solemn expression. His paper effigy flickered and appeared in front of Bian Zhuang, asking coldly: "Did you truly intrude?"

Bian Zhuang's Dao heart trembled. "This humble general seemed... seemed to have intruded, but Star Monarch! Before I woke up, I only remembered drinking with a few friends!"

Li Changshou's eyes were like lightning, as if he wanted to see through Bian Zhuang's Dao heart. Bian Zhuang tried hard to meet Li Changshou's gaze. He knew deep down that only the Grand White Star Monarch could save him now. And he really had been muddled with drink before; after sobering up, his mind was completely blank, and he had no idea why he was in the Moonlit Pond. What's more, Bian Zhuang knew very well that his reputation for falling in love with younger male immortals was well-known, and this matter was simply unexplainable.

Li Changshou closed his eyes, concentrating, and suddenly realized that this matter might not be simple. He said: "All Chang'e, heed my command. First, bring a long table and chairs to set up an interrogation hall here. Then send someone to the Tongming Hall to invite two righteous gods who are free and on duty. Call all the Moon Palace Chang'e fairies who are concerned about this matter. Today, this Star Monarch will conduct an inquiry into Bian Zhuang here, and once the facts are ascertained, he will be severely punished!"

Bian Zhuang lowered his head in silence, his eyes filled with regret. The fairies' faces brightened. They bowed in assent and quickly dispersed to carry out the orders.

Soon, Li Changshou, along with Dong Mu Gong and the Old Man Under the Moon, sat behind a long table. Bian Zhuang, bound by layers of chains, knelt weakly below, covered in injuries and momentarily afraid to lift his head. Why was he so unlucky...

Li Changshou struck the gavel, and the surrounding fairies, large and small, collectively snorted. Bian Zhuang shivered a few times, wanting to look up but daring not. Then he heard Mu Gong ask, "Is the one kneeling below the Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Army, Bian Zhuang?" "Y-yes, it's this humble general..."

The Old Man Under the Moon, seated on Li Changshou's other side, calmly asked, "Was it you who intruded into the Moonlit Pond in the Moon Palace?" "This, this... oh!"

Bian Zhuang's Adam's apple bobbed a few times, his bruised eyelids trembled, and his swollen lips struggled to part, revealing two missing front teeth. "But this humble general truly doesn't know why I appeared in the Moon Palace!"

"Alright, case closed." The Old Man Under the Moon waved his hand dismissively, his face dark, grabbed a wooden plaque nearby, and forcefully threw it at Bian Zhuang. "Beheaded!"

Bian Zhuang trembled like chaff. The fairies beside him were visibly stunned, not expecting the matter to be so serious. Li Changshou and Mu Gong both turned to look at the Old Man Under the Moon.

The Old Man Under the Moon rolled up his sleeves and cursed through gritted teeth: "If he's not beheaded, what's he being kept for?! He's been misbehaving every single day; his speed of falling in love with new fairies matches the speed at which he sees them! And he shamelessly claims he has a pair of eyes that are good at discovering beauty! This humble Daoist has to cut his red threads every ten days to half a month; the pile of these red threads could make over a hundred wedding robes! Now he finally can't control the lust demon in his Dao heart, daring to spy on the Moon Palace Chang'e fairies bathing! What an utter scoundrel!"

Mu Gong glanced at Li Changshou's expression and quickly said: "Old Man Under the Moon, one thing at a time. What we need to investigate today is General Bian's accidental intrusion into the Moonlit Pond, which is unrelated to previous matters." The fairies immediately cast resentful glances at Mu Gong. They weren't foolish; they naturally knew that Mu Gong's use of "accidental intrusion" was an attempt to excuse Bian Zhuang.

The Old Man Under the Moon only just realized that he seemed to have overstepped his authority and been too aggressive. There was nothing he could do; this scoundrel had already been exasperating even before coming to the Heavenly Court. The Old Man Under the Moon pondered for a few moments and said, "Mu Gong's words are reasonable. This humble deity was too rash."

Mu Gong smiled and said, "Why not hear what General Bian Zhuang has to say?"

Li Changshou slowly nodded, looked down, and said: "Bian Zhuang, do you have anything to say?"

"This humble general truly doesn't know why I'm here..." Bian Zhuang lowered his head and sighed, trying hard to remember. Most of the alcohol smell on him had dissipated. After a long while, he finally whispered: "Lord Star Monarch, this humble general... I have brought shame upon you and the Heavenly Court. At this moment, I dare not even claim if I was caught in someone else's scheme. What happened today is a done deal and cannot be explained away. The Moon Palace is where the Chang'e fairies of the Heavenly Court cultivate and practice dances. The Heavenly Court has a complete set of heavenly regulations. My presence in the Moonlit Pond, where I absolutely should not have been, has brought shame upon the Heavenly Court's martial generals. I am willing to accept punishment, even if it means losing this divine position, or my divine rank, and being demoted to a Heavenly Soldier, I accept it. But there's one thing. It's true that I am a lecher, but a gentleman loves beauty in a proper way!"

Bian Zhuang shouted, "If I were of sound mind, I would never do such a despicable thing!"

Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly. No, you really could. Who knows which fellow grinned and joined those spider demons bathing on the Journey to the West thousands of years later...

Li Changshou directly said, "If you directly accept punishment, you will be charged with the crime of drunken intrusion into the Moonlit Pond with ill intent. Today, you will hardly escape death; it's not a minor matter like losing office or being demoted. The Heavenly Court is an example for the Three Realms and cannot tolerate such ill-behaved immortals or gods. Otherwise, how can it have the face to regulate the beings of heaven and earth? Think carefully. Mu Gong, please find the individuals who were drinking with Bian Zhuang earlier... No, Mu Gong, stay put. All Chang'e squad leaders, take my jade talisman, lead the Heavenly Soldiers, and investigate immediately!"

As he spoke, Li Changshou flicked out three jade talismans from the Grand White Palace. Several female squad leaders quietly assented, each taking a talisman and hurrying away.

Seeing Dong Mu Gong hesitate as if to speak, Li Changshou calmly said: "If this matter is investigated and Bian Zhuang truly acted recklessly while drunk, he will be severely punished. If Bian Zhuang was framed, and the framer cannot be caught, Bian Zhuang will still face severe punishment. The Heavenly Court's grand momentum cannot be lost."

Bian Zhuang's face was quite ashen. He knelt there, his hands trembling incessantly. In the Moon Palace, the atmosphere gradually became oppressive.

As those fairies led Heavenly Soldiers to search and question throughout the Heavenly Court, the matter, which had already spread quickly, became increasingly lively. Everyone in the Heavenly Court knew that Bian Zhuang was Li Changshou's confidant. Now that such a scandal had erupted, it naturally attracted many immortals and gods to observe, but they merely investigated from a distance, unwilling to get involved in this messy situation.

The first to rush over was Ao Yi, who had returned to the East Sea. Ao Yi, maintaining his dragon form, flew directly into the Lunar Star, angrily leaping to Bian Zhuang's side in a few steps. Manifesting his human form, Ao Yi kicked Bian Zhuang to the ground and cursed through gritted teeth: "You've completely shamed Grand-Teacher Brother!"

Bian Zhuang gave a bitter smile, then simply lay on the ground, closing his eyes with a long sigh.

Ao Yi turned to face the three righteous gods, kneeling on one knee, clasping his fists, and firmly stated: "Grand-Teacher, Star Monarch, Mu Gong, Old Man Under the Moon! Bian Zhuang has worked with me for many years. Although he is usually careless with his words, he is by no means a malicious person and has never acted frivolously or recklessly towards the fairies. This matter seems to be a misunderstanding. I request Lord Star Monarch to investigate thoroughly."

Li Changshou closed his eyes and said, "Stand aside. This matter is not as simple as you think." The difficulty wasn't in investigating the matter thoroughly, but in who could step forward to make others believe. Ao Yi was startled. He turned to glance at Bian Zhuang, then looked at the many fairies around. Although this little dragon's insight was insufficient and he didn't understand the situation, he didn't ask further questions. He quickly stood up and moved to stand quietly to the side.

Li Changshou then said, "Before the matter is thoroughly investigated, if anyone else pleads for Bian Zhuang, they will receive thirty strokes of the Heavenly Punishment Hall's lightning whip. Summon a squad of soldiers to guard the Moon Palace; no one except the Moon Palace Chang'e fairies may enter."

In the Moon Palace, the atmosphere once again became as oppressive as before.

Half an hour later, Ling Zhuzi arrived hastily on a cloud, accompanied by the young Jade Rabbit. But they were both stopped by Heavenly Soldiers and could only watch from outside the hall, alongside several off-duty righteous gods of the Heavenly Court.

The Jade Rabbit's eyes darted. She whispered a few words into Ling Zhuzi's ear, then with a kick of her slender yet surprisingly powerful leg, her graceful figure swiftly vanished.

Far away in the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor watched this scene, also slightly frowning. He and his avatars were currently unsuited to appear; everything could only be handled by his beloved subject, Chang Geng. If Bian Zhuang truly caused trouble while drunk, then considering the need to uphold the Heavenly Court's authority, he would most likely be arranged for a reincarnation. But Bian Zhuang also had ties to the Immortal Alliance... Old Madam Bian held considerable prestige in the Immortal Alliance, and Bian Zhuang was her only beloved grandson... This matter was truly tricky. The Heavenly Court had been peaceful for over a hundred years, and suddenly such an incident occurred, with strangeness in every detail.

"General Bian was drinking with this humble deity, and we were absolutely drunk. What did General Bian say before? This humble deity also can't quite remember... General Bian did indeed mention to us that it would be fine even if he intruded into the Moon Palace, but that was just drunken bragging." "Lord Star Monarch, this humble general knows Bian Zhuang's character well; he's not that kind of person. This must have been a plot against him!" "Deputy Commander Bian drank with us for half a month. Everyone was drunk, and the guests at the banquet changed twice. Deputy Commander Bian left over half a day ago. Our banquet hasn't even ended yet..."

In the Moon Palace, over a dozen low- to mid-ranking Heavenly Court deities who had previously drunk with Bian Zhuang successively gave their 'testimonies.' Problems then arose. When Bian Zhuang drank, he indeed boasted that he had many close friends in the Moon Palace and that entering and exiting the Moon Palace was not difficult for him. For men, boasting when drunk is a basic operation. But Bian Zhuang's words now became fatal testimonies.

The situation was developing in the worst possible direction; Bian Zhuang had almost no chance of turning the tables. Drunkenly intruding into the Moon Palace, crashing into the restrictions around the Moonlit Pond, intending to peek at over a dozen Chang'e bathing... If a mortal drunkard from Southern Continent had done this, most likely he would have been caught and severely beaten. But for a Heavenly Court immortal, a Deputy Commander of the Heavenly River, to do it, it was an immense crime. The Great God-Conferring Tribulation was not far ahead, and countless eyes were fixed on the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou raised a hand to support his forehead. He was indeed skilled at strategizing, and at this moment, he had already sensed various anomalies. Yet, he couldn't do much. Any action he took outside of the interrogation would be seen as favoritism towards his confidant.

Soon, all questions had been asked, and all statements had been made. Li Changshou looked at the exceedingly ashen Bian Zhuang, sighed softly, and ultimately, unable to bear it, gave him a chance. "Bian Zhuang, do you have anything else to say?"

Bian Zhuang raised a hand and slapped himself, opened his mouth, then gave another bitter smile. "This humble general has failed your nurturing, Lord Star Monarch, and I apologize to all the fairies I've disturbed. Please be magnanimous. This humble general is willing to pay with his life."

Mu Gong said, "Deputy Commander Bian, you must think clearly! You can't act impulsively on this matter. I know your character; at heart, you are actually quite honest. Did you truly come to the Moon Palace and intrude into the Moonlit Pond because you were completely overwhelmed by lust?"

Bian Zhuang's lips trembled a few times. He stood up, his chains clanging, and the surrounding fairies instinctively took half a step back. "I have never harbored such covetous intentions!"

Bian Zhuang cried out with a trembling voice: "What I pursue is the truth and beauty that exist between heaven and earth. I have the flaw of falling for everyone I see, but each time, I pour my full enthusiasm for those few days or hours into these relationships that are bound to end without resolution, becoming more courageous with each attempt, never slacking! The affection between men and women, in my eyes, is utterly sacred! It is something I yearn for immensely! How could I possibly do something so despicable as secretly watching fairies bathe? If I truly were such a lewd and perverted individual, how could I still maintain my pure Yang until now?! My grandmother, the Pavilion Master of the Horizon Pavilion!"

Li Changshou frowned deeply. The Old Man Under the Moon's eyes were filled with disbelief, while Mu Gong, standing beside him, nodded with considerable emotion.

Mu Gong said, "The Horizon Pavilion is a famous temporary love tribulation experience place in the Primordial World, and Bian Zhuang is indeed its young pavilion master. And now, General Bian's true Yang essence is still intact; he is still a nascent immortal, which is enough to prove his character."

"This is not convincing to the public." Li Changshou said coldly, his gaze sweeping around, "The Heavenly Court has complete heavenly regulations. If the Heavenly Court cannot govern itself effectively, it will not earn the trust of the beings in the Three Realms. Afterward, I will naturally report to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, but today, an explanation must be given to the Moon Palace, and an account must be given to the heavenly regulations. Bian Zhuang, I ask you one last time: Do you know your guilt?"

"Lord Star Monarch, Bian Zhuang has caused you trouble! Bian Zhuang knows!"

Suddenly, a soft call was heard, directly interrupting Bian Zhuang's words. Li Changshou's furrowed brow suddenly relaxed by more than half. Outside the hall, it was already a starlit night. The osmanthus tree emitted a faint jade light, and a pure white glow diffused throughout the Lunar Star. The fairy who spoke appeared out of thin air outside the hall and slowly walked forward in the moonlight. Her skin defied frost and snow, her face was captivating enough to overthrow kingdoms, and her slender, graceful figure was nearly perfect, without a hint of exaggeration or flaw. It was as if her existence was meant to define the upper limit of gentle feminine beauty in the Three Realms; Heaven and Earth exerted their utmost creation to use her to tell countless beings that a beauty should be thus. This was precisely: The fairies of the Moon Palace lost their luster, only then knowing this fairy came from Guanghan.

Bian Zhuang stared blankly at this scene, a 'ho ho' sound escaping his throat. All Heavenly Soldiers, Generals, and Heavenly Court immortals and gods near the Moon Palace lowered their heads. Inside the hall, all the fairies bowed in unison, and even the Old Man Under the Moon rose to say, "Lord Star Monarch." Who was the newcomer? It was none other than the Heavenly Court's righteous god, the Three Realms' foremost beauty, the Human Emperor's daughter, Senior Lang's disciple, and the current Lunar Star Monarch, Fairy Chang'e. She wore an ethereal rainbow-colored fairy gown, indescribably beautiful, yet also sacred and elegant, without a hint of vulgarity. When she spoke the previous sentence, she was still in the Guanghan Palace. By the time her voice faded, she was already at the Moon Palace gate. This display of spatial divine power also made those who recognized it secretly acknowledge its formidable nature.

Only Li Changshou and Mu Gong remained seated in the hall. Li Changshou didn't bother with pleasantries and directly asked: "Why does the Lunar Star Monarch say he is innocent?"

"Greetings, Grand White Star Monarch, greetings, Mu Gong," Chang'e bowed, glanced at Bian Zhuang, and walked directly to Li Changshou. With a flick of her slender hand, a cloud mirror appeared on the hall ceiling, displaying the situation of the Moonlit Pond. "Grand White Star Monarch, please see, this is the array setup of the Moonlit Pond. This place was personally set up by me for my sisters previously. In the entire Heavenly Court, I fear not many understand this array. The array is called the Six Harmonies Reversion Array, created by an ancient human array master. It can be activated year-round, never closing, utilizing the spiritual power of the osmanthus tree. The only entrance and exit to the grand array is the side door behind you. If one were to intrude into this array from the outside, the outer array wall would certainly be attacked. I have inspected all array arrangements. The second layer's killing array and the third layer's illusion array were not activated, and the outermost array wall was completely intact. However, General Bian Zhuang was found in the fourth layer, the trapping array. Further inside the trapping array is the edge of the Moonlit Pond. In such a situation, either Bian Zhuang brazenly entered the Moonlit Pond from the Moon Palace, or he was placed by the pond and thrown into the trapping array to frame him, putting the Grand White Star Monarch in a difficult position."

Immediately, a Chang'e squad leader stepped forward to report: "Lord Star Monarch, when there is no one in the Moon Palace, the outer protective grand array is certainly activated. Today, over a dozen Chang'e were bathing because they were tired from dance practice earlier. For the past few months, there has always been someone in the hall."

"Let's go." Li Changshou slowly exhaled, stood up, and calmly said, "Everyone here, except the Lunar Star Monarch, go to the High Heavens Palace to seek an audience with His Majesty the Jade Emperor." After speaking, Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow to Chang'e: "Thank you, Lunar Star Monarch."

"You are too kind, Star Monarch," Chang'e said seriously, "The Moon Palace is under my governance, so such an incident occurring is also related to me. I will make the trip. Bian Zhuang is your favored general, Star Monarch, and you should naturally avoid suspicion. Please understand this point; do not think that the Grand White Star Monarch is disregarding old affections. This Moon Palace also seems to harbor some impurities; it's time for a thorough cleansing."