Chapter 608: Counterattack Storm

Sizzle—

A piece of tender, evenly thick spirit beast meat, crispy on the outside, sizzled on the griddle, spitting tiny droplets of oil.

A pair of tongs, crafted from exquisite spirit-nullifying snowflake jade, periodically flipped and pressed the meat.

High-quality ingredients often require only simple searing and simmering.

The perfect accompaniment to this spirit beast meat was a mere sprig of a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit root, possessing the ability to relax the primal spirit and uplift the mind.

Sniff, sniff.

Bai Ze twitched his nose, stroked his goatee, and smiled faintly.

The Hall of Heavenly Approach was now running smoothly, with dozens of individuals, from the Hall Master to the strategists, involved in making ordinary decisions. However, only their original small group of masters from the Immortal Ascension Sect knew the Hall of Heavenly Approach's true origins.

Days of leisure had once again become wonderfully comfortable, pleasant, and filled with a sense of ritual.

"Mr. Bai, your food looks quite good."

A sudden shout from his sleeve made Bai Ze tremble, almost dropping the tongs.

Then, a familiar figure flashed out from his sleeve, landing before him.

"Lord Water God!"

Bai Ze hastily said, "There's been nothing urgent at the Hall of Heavenly Approach recently, so I'm here honing my culinary skills. I hope to showcase them to you, Fairy Yun Xiao, and Fairy Ling'e sometime soon."

Li Changshou: ...

Alright, quick-witted speech and adaptability could grudgingly be considered a traditional skill.

Li Changshou asked, "Mr. Bai, have you been paying attention to Heavenly Court matters recently?"

"Of course," Bai Ze replied with a smile, "I heard that the Water God went to the Grand Pure Temple, which made me think the matter was resolved, so I decided to rest for a while and ponder over my cooking. What? Has the situation changed? Even the Grand Pure Saint doesn't know who's behind this?"

Li Changshou smiled without a word, then sighed softly, settling himself to the side and signaling Bai Ze to continue grilling.

He said, "My teacher is my greatest backing and trump card. The reason I asked him to intervene is that the clues provided by the opponent this time were truly too few and they were extremely cautious. The one who coerced that Chang'e was a group of rogue cultivators. Behind this group of rogue cultivators, the ones who gave them the task were a few other rogue cultivators. When tracing these few rogue cultivators, one of them had relatives with a Jie Sect background, but they were just obscure Qi Refiners on Nine Dragon Island. The trail completely ended there because those rogue cultivators had already been secretly killed. The opponent's methods were so brilliant, leaving no flaws, capable of pre-planning and meticulous strategizing, severing the entire chain of clues before I even began investigating. Truly formidable."

Bai Ze pondered carefully and asked, "Could it be that this time, it's not the Western Sect's doing?"

"I wish it were, that would make things much simpler." Li Changshou shook his head and gave a bitter smile, "I've already crippled more than half of the Western Sect's dark forces. Even with two Saints supporting them, their influence and strength among the three sects facing the tribulation are now completely at the bottom."

Bai Ze looked stunned and said, "Is it truly the Jie Sect, in a moment of confusion, plotting this themselves?"

"Among the Jie Sect, only a very small number of individuals are capable of such detailed planning and knowing how to use a minimal force to achieve a maximum effect." Li Changshou shook his head and explained, "How could these Jie Sect disciples not know that doing this would only enrage me?"

"This..." Bai Ze pondered for a few moments, then hesitantly posed a few questions, mentioning the Monster race, the Witch race, even ancient great powers, and outer-realm demons.

Li Changshou dismissed them all.

Bai Ze immediately fell silent.

Li Changshou asked in return, with keen interest, "Mr. Bai, you seem to have deliberately avoided mentioning the Chan Sect."

Bai Ze also gave a bitter smile at this point: "If it were indeed the Chan Sect, unable to resist making a move, trying to sow discord between the Water God and the Jie Sect, or even to create a rift between the Water God and Fairy Yun Xiao—given the power the Water God mobilized, the resources deployed, and the momentum created this time... I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if this seemingly minor incident became the fuse for the Investiture of the Gods tribulation. This matter is serious."

Li Changshou smiled without speaking, observing the grilled meat on the griddle, and remarked, "An ordinary griddle, mundane charcoal, premium spirit meat, and precious seasonings—this dish has a certain allure."

Bai Ze also chuckled, saying, "Simple calculations, serious consequences—that's what makes this matter interesting. Water God, what do you plan to do?"

"Investigate what needs investigating, kill what needs killing," Li Changshou said. "Whoever did this, is responsible. If the two sects get into a dispute, then let them dispute. The schemer's plot might succeed, but the cost will be beyond their control. Consider it a warning to those who are restless. Mr. Bai, return to Heavenly Court. Once you arrive at Heavenly Court, that will be my moment to act... The meat is almost burnt."

"Oh," Bai Ze quickly moved the spirit beast meat to the side, "Aren't you going to try some?"

Li Changshou's figure had already transformed into a streak of light and vanished into Bai Ze's sleeve, leaving only the words: "What can a paper effigy taste? Once this matter is resolved, Mr. Bai can prepare a meal then. No need to return too quickly, I'll let that person stew for a few more days."

"Understood," Bai Ze said with a knowing smile. Feeling Li Changshou's divine sense dissipate, he then quietly exhaled.

The Chan Sect?

Bai Ze's expression was slightly bewildered.

What exactly were these fellows so anxious about?

At the same moment;

In Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.

In a celestial pavilion by a mountain stream and waterfall, faint zither music drifted on the wind, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

The zither music suddenly ceased. On the celestial zither, which was originally a precious artifact, a string suddenly snapped.

Guang Chengzi sat quietly, a thoughtful expression on his dignified face. He picked up the string, a touch of light emanating from his fingertip, and slowly reconnected it.

A streak of light flew in from beyond the heavens, taking the form of Chi Jingzi. His footsteps were somewhat hurried, and when he arrived before Guang Chengzi, the jade pendants at his waist were still gently swaying.

Chi Jingzi said, "Senior Brother, it seems the Golden Peng bird has discovered something; it's returning from the Three Thousand Worlds."

Guang Chengzi calmly nodded, then released his fingers; the zither string was already reconnected. He asked, "What about the subsequent handling?"

"Alas," Chi Jingzi said, "Everything that needed to be destroyed has been. Logically, no clues should have been left behind. However, based on my deduction, the Golden Peng entered the Three Thousand Worlds first, and only then did Junior Brother Chang Geng's avatar arrive with others. One clear and one hidden, one loose and one tight—this was to confuse matters. It's possible they might actually find something."

"Junior Brother Chang Geng has already visited the Grand Pure Temple, spending eighteen or nineteen days there." Guang Chengzi showed a gentle smile and slowly said, "What could be hidden from Senior Uncle? Chang Geng probably already knows the answer. Now, it's up to him to decide what to do."

"Then why are you still so leisurely, Senior Brother?"

"Junior Brother Chang Geng has a steady temperament and always considers the bigger picture," Guang Chengzi said. "He was instrumental in forging the non-aggression pact between the three sects, precisely to preserve more of Daoism's vital energy during the great tribulation. In this regard, you and I are inferior; we only see the benefits for the Chan Sect. Moreover, it is precisely because we destroyed all the clues that Junior Brother Chang Geng was forced to go to the Grand Pure Temple. Every cause has its effect, everything is destined."

"But this!" Chi Jingzi slapped his palm with the back of his hand. "Now, the entire Jie Sect is seething with indignation, and the Heavenly Court is furious. If they were to attack our Jade Void Palace directly, the situation would undoubtedly spiral out of control. Our teacher's reputation absolutely cannot be tarnished!"

"Then hand over the culprit." Guang Chengzi flicked his sleeve, stood up tall, his face stern yet awe-inspiring, and said firmly: "Since you and I were aware of this matter from the beginning but failed to stop it in time, we are already at fault. What did I say before? If we try to conceal it again, even if it's done flawlessly, Junior Brother Chang Geng's suspicions will fall upon us! Our teacher has the Pangu Banner to sever heavenly secrets. The Pangu Banner and the Grand Ultimate Chart share the same origin, so Senior Uncle might be able to trace it back to us, but not to the specific individual responsible. However, after Junior Brother Chang Geng emerged from the Grand Pure Temple, whoever he says is plotting, is plotting. Whoever he names as the mastermind, is the mastermind! Why didn't he directly announce that it was done by someone from our Chan Sect? This is Junior Brother Chang Geng's method! This is where he is most brilliant! He's giving us a chance, waiting for us to step forward and admit our mistake. Junior Brother, stop protecting those with ulterior motives for the sake of the Chan Sect's reputation. We should give Chang Geng an explanation. Junior Brother Chang Geng won't target the entire Chan Sect; he always acts with appropriate measure."

The old Daoist Chi Jingzi's brows were tightly furrowed. He stood there watching Guang Chengzi's back, a thoughtful expression in his eyes, and finally let out a long sigh.

"Senior Brother, are we truly going to let this go unaddressed?"

"Junior Brother, do not let one or two individuals drag our Chan Sect into the mire." Guang Chengzi sighed lightly and said, "Do not intervene further. The matter of killing those malevolent rogue cultivators should be treated as if it never happened."

"Alas, it can only be this way."

"We shouldn't have interfered with this in the first place," Guang Chengzi shook his head, a hint of regret in his eyes.

Chi Jingzi sighed, "But if we don't do something, and those ill-intentioned individuals incite a war between the three sects, wouldn't the situation become uncontrollable?"

"The great tribulation is upon us." Guang Chengzi clasped his hands behind his back, gazed at the waterfall outside the window, watching the rainbow, and said in a deep voice: "Before doing anything, you must consider whether what you are doing is truly what you want to do, or what the Heavenly Dao wants you to do. Junior Brother Chang Geng's deadline for us shouldn't be too long. Summon all our junior brothers and sisters from their various caves. Let us await Chang Geng's arrival here in Jade Void Palace. Also, keep a close eye on Randeng and Ju Liusun. Don't let them make any more small moves."

"Alas..." Chi Jingzi let out a soft sigh, then turned and quickly left the pavilion.

Guang Chengzi's eyes narrowed slightly. A hint of hesitation flickered across his dignified, middle-aged face, but it quickly solidified into determination, and his left fist slowly clenched.

And so, three days later.

The Golden Peng bird's high-pitched cry echoed across the Primordial World, reigniting the rumors that had already been burning like a furnace, stirring up new waves.

There were developments in the matter of Heavenly Court Chang'e falsely accusing a Heavenly General!

The pent-up anger throughout Heavenly Court, from the Heavenly soldiers to the officials in the High Heavens Hall, from the Jade Pool to the Moon Palace, finally found its target.

As soon as the Golden Peng arrived at the Grand White Palace, a crowd of male and female immortals rushed to its vicinity.

The Chang'e immortals of the Moon Palace hated the offending Chang'e for ruining their reputation, and even more hated the villains who used such despicable means as threatening the lives of relatives to force their sisters to commit wrongdoings.

Unfortunately, after entering the Grand White Palace, the Golden Peng only emerged a day and a night later, then hastily rushed to the Hall of Penetrating Brilliance.

Subsequently, the Grand White Star Lord appeared, riding a cloud towards the High Heavens Hall.

It seemed everything had become clear.

As the immortals' spirits soared, they suddenly remembered that the Grand White Star Lord had already sought guidance from the Saint at the Grand Pure Temple and had a definitive answer in his heart.

At that moment, all the Heavenly Generals followed, and all the fairies joined in.

Two days later, Heavenly Court suddenly dispatched a large contingent of Heavenly soldiers. The Five Continents of the Primordial World were once again sealed by the power of the Heavenly Dao, invoked by the Heavenly soldiers. All remote corners and small paths to the Underworld were completely blockaded by Heavenly Court.

Last time this happened, the Monster race suffered greatly, and the Western Sect lost a wing.

This time, with such a commotion again, all forces and Qi Refiners across the Primordial World immediately knew that another major event was about to unfold.

Who was the true schemer behind this?

The atmosphere between heaven and earth gradually grew tense.

A century later, Heavenly Court's authority grew increasingly significant.

Over these hundred years, as Heavenly Court's unstoppable rise had been proven, destined to become the future power center of the Primordial World, many Qi Refiners rushed to join it.

This time, to blockade the Five Continents, Heavenly Court no longer needed the Dragon Palace's cooperation.

In fact, it was even more tightly sealed than the previous blockade.

Ten days later, a propitious beast glowing with an aquamarine light appeared from the ends of the earth in the West Sea. The Heavenly soldiers and generals dared not block it, watching this esteemed figure return to the Primordial World's Five Continents.

The propitious beast was Bai Ze, the second in line as a mount for the Human Sect, and a strategist for the Grand White Star Lord. For years, he had been hiding in the Three Thousand Worlds, searching for premium ingredients, earning him the title of the Primordial World's foremost culinary grandmaster.

Bai Ze's return undoubtedly became the signal that the Grand White Star Lord was about to act.

As expected, just as Bai Ze flew to the Central Heavenly Gate, Li Changshou appeared and landed on Bai Ze's back.

Bai Ze turned and headed straight south of the Sea of the East, while Li Changshou's face was extremely grim, with several bronze mirrors floating around him, as they made their way towards Jinao Island.

Across Heavenly Court and in the major towns of the Central Divine Continent, all mirrors connected to the three hundred and sixty broadcasting bronze mirrors in the Water God's residence displayed the same scene:

The Grand White Star Lord's beard and hair fluttered, his face was grim, and his eyes showed deep weariness, as if he had been under immense pressure during this time.

Meanwhile, Bai Ze, full of vigor and pride, walked with elegant strides, shallow ripples blossoming beneath his feet, demonstrating what it meant to be a high-class propitious beast.

Jinao Island was soon in sight.

Faintly, behind Li Changshou, it seemed as if there was a volcano, carrying the collective rage of Heavenly Court, an emotion that seemed poised to erupt upon the small island.

The Jie Sect immortals immediately grew tense. Hundreds of streaks of light flew out from Jinao Island, waiting in the air, each gazing towards the horizon.

A auspicious cloud also appeared high in the sky, revealing the palace gates of Biyou Palace. Several figures flew out from within: Daoist Duobao, Zhao Gongming, Holy Mother Golden Spirit, and Holy Mother Guiling.

Duobao muttered, "Did that scoundrel really act on his own initiative and cause such huge trouble?"

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and shook his head, transmitting his voice, "Impossible. If that were the case, Junior Brother Chang Geng would surely have informed us early."

The other three great disciples nodded in unison, waiting quietly.

In Jade Void Palace, over a hundred figures stood or sat. All Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect were present, several Blessed Golden Immortals had also emerged from seclusion, and many second-generation disciples and Chan Sect members had gathered here.

If their blessings could be seen, auspicious light would ripple through the place, signifying individuals of pure lineage and deep blessings.

On the ground in the center of the main hall, several masters created a cloud mirror, displaying the scene above Jinao Island.

Daoist Huang Long sighed, "Who would have thought that this major event, which has shaken the entire Three Realms, is merely a farce. It seems to be someone from the Jie Sect, worried that Junior Brother Chang Geng and Fairy Chang'e were getting too close, and used such a clumsy scheme."

Chi Jingzi, who was seated above Daoist Huang Long, gave a bitter smile and lowered his head without speaking.

On the other side of Realized Person Huang Long, Realized Person Taiyi, an earlier initiate, cast his gaze around, then crossed his arms and muttered: "Why do I feel this isn't about calling them to account, but rather about finding help? Does this really have nothing to do with us?"

Guang Chengzi said, "Junior Brother, don't overthink it. What does this have to do with our Chan Sect at this moment?"

The immortals in the hall nodded in agreement.

Guang Chengzi's gaze swept over the short, old Daoist sitting in the corner, but he said nothing more.

"Huh? What is Bai Ze doing?" Daoist Ci Hang quietly asked, and all eyes immediately focused on the scene in the cloud mirror.

They saw Bai Ze, carrying Li Changshou, hovering above Jinao Island. Li Changshou's eyes were closed, silent, while the three long feathers on Bai Ze's forehead floated up and extended forward, as if he were sensing something.

The Chan Sect immortals looked puzzled, but Realized Person Yuding gave a bitter smile: "Chang Geng remained calm until today, waiting for Bai Ze to return, to divine the fortunes of the three sects' destinies. As long as the fortune of Jinao Island isn't extremely ominous, it means this incident won't trigger the final tribulation of slaughter. He's truly thoughtful."

Chi Jingzi was quite moved, and said in a deep voice, "Alas, Junior Brother Chang Geng is truly in a difficult position."

"What do you mean?" Realized Person Taiyi frowned, "Second Senior Brother, this matter couldn't possibly be truly related to someone here, could it?"

Chi Jingzi remained silent, and Jade Void Palace was quiet. Many immortals' gazes scanned back and forth, but no one showed any abnormality.

In the scene, Li Changshou opened his eyes, Bai Ze retracted his long feathers, and a declaration of 'minor misfortune' spread everywhere.

Li Changshou nodded and said, "I trouble a few influential senior brothers and sisters from the Jie Sect to accompany me on a trip to the west, to serve as witnesses and to represent the Jie Sect's stance."

To the west?

The Chan Sect immortals breathed a sigh of relief. A hint of doubt flashed in Guang Chengzi's eyes.

The Jie Sect immortals, on the other hand, collectively breathed a sigh of relief. This matter was clearly unrelated to the Jie Sect; on the contrary, the Jie Sect had also become a victim, and their anger needed to be vented.

"How dare they scheme against Martial Ancestor Yun Xiao!"

"Martial Ancestor Yun Xiao's destined marriage must not be slandered!"

"Who exactly is that scoundrel!"

Curses erupted over Jinao Island, but Daoist Duobao did not let a large number of disciples accompany them, instead selecting a group of masters.

Led by Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Golden Spirit, accompanied by Holy Mother Guiling, more than twenty Jie Sect masters including the Ten Heavenly Lords went along.

In addition, Qiong Xiao from the Three Immortal Island also arrived and soon followed.

Daoist Duobao not going was actually quite astute, giving the Jie Sect room to maneuver in this matter and preventing them from easily going 'all in'.

Bai Ze turned around, with Li Changshou leading the way. Over twenty streaks of light headed directly west, plunging into the southern part of the Southern Jambudvipa Continent.

Seeing this, the bells of Spirit Mountain rang loudly. The entire Western Sect was a mix of laughter and tears, and the faces of those old Daoists turned ashen.

At this moment, those witnessing this scene with a broader perspective all assumed that Li Changshou, for the sake of stabilizing Daoism, would, without question, unleash this fury upon Spirit Mountain.

Li Changshou could indeed do it. In fact, at this moment, Spirit Mountain had no way to defend itself, unless a Saint appeared and directly tore off all pretense with Daoism.

In Jade Void Palace, the Chan Sect, the short Daoist's mouth curved into a slight smile.

The old Daoist Chi Jingzi's face showed a hint of shame, and he lowered his head with a soft sigh.

However, what a pity!

Suddenly—

These more than twenty streaks of light flew incredibly fast for two hours, then abruptly turned around in the Southern Continent, heading straight north. Their direct path was Kunlun Mountain!

Right towards Jade Void Palace!

In Jade Void Palace, the immortals were alarmed. The Chan Sect immortals all began to question, while Guang Chengzi closed his eyes, silent.

And the short Daoist in the corner suddenly turned a little pale.

"Tsk?" Realized Person Taiyi chuckled softly, his handsome face having, at some point, moved closer. He calmly scrutinized the Daoist from head to toe: "Junior Brother, why have you gone pale? Where's Vice-Sect Master Randeng? This wouldn't actually be our doing, would it?"

The old Daoist forced a smile and whispered, "How could it be?"

"What, what kind of situation is this?" Daoist Huang Long, watching the cloud mirror, anxiously stood up, "Are they coming to our Kunlun Mountain? They're not coming to Jade Void Palace, are they? Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, have you been hiding something from us?"

Guang Chengzi remained silent, while Chi Jingzi covered his face with his hand.

Realized Person Taiyi curled his lips, stating calmly, "We were enjoying the spectacle of someone else's house on fire, never realizing, upon closer inspection, that it was our own roof ablaze. Amusing, very amusing indeed."

"Alright," Guang Chengzi sighed, "Let's discuss everything once Chang Geng arrives."

The Chan Sect immortals all frowned, and many old Daoists from Spirit Mountain broke out in cold sweat, feeling as if they had narrowly escaped danger.

Another hour later, outside Jade Void Palace, Holy Mother Golden Spirit's furious shouts echoed through the sky!

"Ju Liusun! Get out here now!"