Chapter 610: The Price of Playing Too Much

"This is really troublesome."

On Bai Ze's back, the paper effigy of Grand Pure One sat silently, with the true body of Li Changshou hidden in the paper effigy's collar.

Li Changshou showed no hint of joy at this moment; instead, he wore a troubled expression. He gestured for Bai Ze not to fly too fast, muttering these words softly.

Bai Ze, too, frowned slightly. Having observed everything from the sidelines, he now understood why Li Changshou would say it was troublesome.

How could the events of today be summarized by a mere "trouble"?

This was a considerably significant problem.

To put it grandly, this was the Heavenly Court's rise, challenging the authority of the Three Sects of Daoism. Li Changshou was caught in the middle, needing to balance his position as a Daoist disciple with considerations for the Heavenly Court's authority.

Fortunately, Li Changshou had already devised a solution: he bowed before acting, piling several "big hats" onto Ju Liu Sun, categorizing his actions as purely personal, and striving to preserve the reputation of the Chan Sect.

However, Bai Ze clearly sensed…

A single Ju Liu Sun was far from enough to extinguish the anger of the Heavenly Court and the Jie Sect.

Although Ju Liu Sun was one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, a great mighty figure in the Primordial World, and had indeed diminished the Chan Sect's prestige while increasing the Heavenly Court's fortune this time, there was still something lacking.

And was Ju Liu Sun really to be killed?

This was unrealistic. If a direct disciple of a Daoist Saint were truly killed, retaliation from the Saint would inevitably follow.

Who could ensure that there wasn't a profound master-disciple bond between Ju Liu Sun and the two Daoist Saints? Moreover, even if the Saints took no action, it would trigger a series of crises within the Chan Sect.

Even Saints, standing at the forefront of the tide, weighed down by numerous concerns, could not easily turn back.

Bai Ze estimated that, at most, Ju Liu Sun would be suppressed, or his crimes enumerated and he would be expelled from the Five Continents.

Alternatively, Ju Liu Sun might be handed over to Primordial Heavenly Venerable for punishment. Primordial Heavenly Venerable might indeed inflict a severe penalty to uphold the Chan Sect's reputation.

The indignation of the Heavenly Court's immortals and gods was difficult to appease.

This was a prime opportunity for the Heavenly Court to become the center of power in the Three Realms, and everything hinged on how Ju Liu Sun would be handled.

'The trouble the Water God spoke of is probably this.'

Bai Ze sighed inwardly, already beginning to ponder countermeasures in this direction, intending to offer some constructive advice later.

This was his responsibility as the intellect of the Human Sect's mount.

Behind Bai Ze, Yang Jian slowly flew forward, carrying the unconscious Ju Liu Sun.

Yang Jian appeared expressionless, but a hint of thought flickered in his eyes.

How was he exposed?

He had made significant progress in studying transformation techniques recently.

Yang Jian naturally understood the various difficulties of today's events. He had watched from the shadows for a long time, worried that the Chan Sect and Heavenly Court would clash.

He didn't have much admiration for the Chan Sect, having spent most of his cultivation time on Mount Yuquan. However, his master had given him his Chan Sect background, so Yang Jian naturally felt a need to uphold its position.

Yet…

Watching Li Changshou single-handedly face hundreds of Chan Sect immortals, and recalling various incidents, a sense of indignation arose in Yang Jian's heart.

This powerful Heavenly Court god, who had once slapped him onto a cloud from which he couldn't be peeled off, now inspired nothing but reverence in Yang Jian's heart.

Although he had been thoroughly and clearly manipulated by this senior uncle, who liked to act old, making it impossible for him to cause any trouble and nearly causing his Dao heart to become unhinged, he could now face the Western Saint;

He could directly confront Guang Chengzi today;

He could strive and toil to establish the Heavenly Court's authority and implement a just order to protect the weak, even expressing such noble aspirations today as the Heavenly Court's prosperity and his own reclusion…

Yang Jian couldn't help but reflect internally: had he been too impulsive in his past efforts to save his mother?

Probably.

'If I get the chance, I should apologize to Senior Uncle Chang Geng.'

Senior Uncle Chang Geng had directly issued an order using divine authority, commanding him to bring Ju Liu Sun back to the Heavenly Court. This did not violate his earlier declaration of "heeding calls but not summons," as this was a summons from the Heavenly Court.

As Yang Jian pondered this, the Middle Heavenly Gate was already in sight.

Bai Ze suddenly stopped, and Yang Jian immediately followed suit.

On Bai Ze's back, Li Changshou raised his hand to retract the Heart-Piercing Lock, then used another immortal rope to re-bind Ju Liu Sun.

"Yang Jian?"

"Your subordinate is here!"

Li Changshou said, "Take Ju Liu Sun to the High Heavens Palace and seek an audience with His Majesty the Jade Emperor. Report that Ju Liu Sun is the instigator of this plot, but he needs to be thoroughly interrogated to ascertain the causes, events, and all details so that the truth can be proclaimed to the Three Realms."

"Yes!" Yang Jian answered firmly, then frowned and asked, "Where are you going, Star Lord?"

"To find a secluded place," Li Changshou sighed, "to ponder how to handle the subsequent matters. I'll join you later."

With that, Li Changshou waved his hand, pushing the floating bronze mirrors towards Yang Jian. He then rode Bai Ze, swaying gently, into the Middle Heavenly Gate.

One by one, the Heavenly Generals and Heavenly Soldiers knelt, bowing their heads in silent reverence.

As Yang Jian carried Ju Liu Sun forward, these Heavenly Soldiers and Generals immediately rose, glaring fiercely at Ju Liu Sun, as if they wished to skin him alive.

Leaving aside Yang Jian, who, surrounded by the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, swiftly headed to the High Heavens Palace with Ju Liu Sun, let's turn to Li Changshou and Bai Ze, who quickly returned to the Grand White Palace.

Upon entering the Grand White Hall, Li Changshou dismounted from Bai Ze, instructing him to transform into human form and wait in the corner.

A moment later, the Jade Emperor's avatar, Quan Dong, arrived in a hurry. Li Changshou immediately activated several layers of arrays. Seeing Quan Dong beaming with joy and his eyes full of delight, Li Changshou poured cold water on his enthusiasm, like a basin of Chang'e's overnight foot-washing water in winter.

"Your Majesty, this matter has spiraled out of control."

Quan Dong was momentarily stunned. Beside him, Bai Ze showed an understanding smile.

As the Water God's mount and chief strategist, he naturally understood the Water God's difficulties.

Bai Ze bowed respectfully. Quan Dong nodded in response and hurriedly asked, "Chang Geng, isn't this matter… something we instigated?"

"It has already gone out of control."

Li Changshou sighed, a hint of worry in his eyes, his voice slightly faster than usual:

"Senior Brother Guang Chengzi is too impetuous, completely unable to maintain composure!

Now, not only has he put us in a very passive position, he himself will also be very passive going forward."

Bai Ze: ?

Quan Dong: ???

Quan Dong said, "Although Guang Chengzi's intervention at that time put pressure on the Heavenly Court, from his position as the Chan Sect's senior disciple, it was something he had to do.

If he hadn't even tried to stop you and simply allowed you to bring the person back, his authority as the senior disciple would be completely lost."

"Your Majesty, you might not know the specifics," Li Changshou said solemnly. Just as he was about to speak, he raised his hand and gestured.

Quan Dong understood, immediately activating the power of the Heavenly Dao to envelop the area, isolating it from any possible observation except by the Heavenly Dao itself.

Li Changshou even paced back and forth, to convey his current agitation.

After pacing for a while and organizing his thoughts, he dispelled his Void-Calm Dao Heart and began to explain the gravity of the problem:

"The Chan Sect outwardly appears harmonious, but it is actually divided into factions!

Senior Brother Guang Chengzi is the head of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, a disciple who strikes the golden bell in the Jade Void Palace. However, he is not the second senior uncle's eldest disciple; the second senior uncle's eldest disciple is Antarctic Immortal Weng, who rarely appears and doesn't participate in major affairs of heaven and earth.

According to information revealed to me by Senior Brother Taiyi, the Chan Sect is divided into at least three factions: one neutral, one loyal to Guang Chengzi, and one loyal to Randeng, the Vice Sect Master of the Chan Sect.

Guang Chengzi is the nominal senior disciple, on par with Daoist Duobao in status, and slightly inferior to my Senior Brother Xuan Du in the Dao Sect.

As for Randeng, he is an elder mighty figure and is on good terms with the second senior uncle;

He has extensive connections and an impure stance, leaning towards the Western Sect, yet the Twelve Golden Immortals still call him 'teacher.'

These two factions have been constantly vying. Randeng intends for the Chan Sect to oppose the Jie Sect. Guang Chengzi neither supports nor expresses an opinion on this matter. It's difficult for us to discern the layers of meaning within.

Ju Liu Sun's actions this time undoubtedly have Randeng's shadow behind them. This type of calculated scheme is a common tactic of Randeng and Maitreya.

My initial guess was Randeng!"

Quan Dong wondered, "Well, Ju Liu Sun has been captured. If interrogation reveals Randeng's instructions, what's the problem then?"

Bai Ze, however, gasped:

"Your Majesty, although Randeng's character isn't great, he is indeed the Vice Sect Master of the Chan Sect, personally appointed by a Saint.

Capturing Ju Liu Sun can be seen as Ju Liu Sun being controlled by the Karma Tribulation, committing a foolish act;

But if we were to capture Randeng, this matter would truly escalate.

Water God, is this how it's gone out of control?"

"No."

Bai Ze blinked, suddenly feeling… a little awkward.

"Capturing Randeng was already within my calculations. Even if Ju Liu Sun didn't speak, I would have found a way to bring him back," Li Changshou shook his head. "The problem lies with Guang Chengzi.

This senior brother is truly too impetuous!

He told me to wait at the time and gave me a look. I immediately understood that he wanted to act like a senior brother.

But his performance was excessive!

He completely ignored how little room there was for easing the situation, shallow enough for only a single fish or shrimp! He completely ignored the emotions of the Heavenly Court and the various immortals and gods of the Jie Sect!

When I captured Ju Liu Sun, Ju Liu Sun wasn't his direct subordinate. He could have just glossed over it with a few polite words. Later, when I brought people to capture Randeng, he could then show such anger, signifying a break with me, thus transforming the conflict between the Chan Sect and the Heavenly Court.

Then, the two of us could find an opportunity to meet again, laugh off our past grievances, creating a pleasant anecdote while minimizing damage to the Chan Sect's reputation.

But just now, he already brought up the Daoist non-aggression pact, and he insisted on using this Daoist non-aggression pact!

If I go to capture Randeng again, what more can he say?

Publicly draw a clear line with Randeng? Then his position as the Chan Sect's senior disciple would be at an end!

The very first step he took was so large that it completely blocked off any room for maneuver. How can he advance further?

His threat just now must be taken seriously.

How can a dignified senior disciple, a figure ranking among the top three below the three Saints, be so utterly un-prudent?!"

Bai Ze and Quan Dong exchanged glances, looking at each other in dismay.

A certain mount silently slapped his own primordial spirit in his mind.

Quan Dong asked in a deep voice, "Why didn't you transmit a message to him at that time?"

Li Changshou sighed, "This matter must be handled openly and fairly, without any favoritism, otherwise it would be overdoing it and inevitably backfire.

Moreover, our senior brothers and sisters from the Jie Sect were present.

Although Senior Brother Duobao didn't come, who can be sure whether his treasure, which can detect others' transmitted messages and divine sense communications, wasn't present?"

As he spoke, Li Changshou gave a bitter smile:

"This is my fault. After I injured Ju Liu Sun, I should have immediately interrogated him about any instigator behind him and brought them back to the Heavenly Court together.

Now, if we don't proceed to capture Randeng, all previous efforts will be in vain. The matter will be resolved in a clumsy, anticlimactic way. It will be a good outcome if the Heavenly Court merely maintains its current prestige, let alone increases it.

However, if we do capture Randeng, Senior Brother Guang Chengzi will be pushed to the edge of a cliff by his own actions, forcing him to express his stance to uphold the Chan Sect's dignity.

The schism between the Chan and Jie Sects will occur today.

The Heavenly Court and the Three Sects will inevitably show bias, and the Chan Sect will openly begin to align with the Western Sect.

The general trend of the Heavenly Dao has been established. The Three Sects will form left and right camps, with roughly balanced strengths, and the ensuing conflict will undoubtedly be incredibly fierce…"

Bai Ze softly asked, "Could this be a scheme of the Western Sect?"

"Very unlikely," Li Changshou shook his head. "Guang Chengzi is no ordinary mighty figure; he is profoundly hidden and has a deep cunning. It is that he was too eager to display the demeanor of the senior disciple.

Ultimately, it still stems from the internal factional disputes within the Chan Sect.

It's estimated that at this moment, this senior brother hasn't realized it yet. He's probably quite pleased with himself, thinking this matter can now be concluded."

Quan Dong asked, "What if we don't let Ju Liu Sun expose Randeng and instead point the finger at the West?"

"A Saint's direct disciple secretly colluding with the Western Sect? That would truly make the Chan Sect a laughingstock.

Ju Liu Sun wouldn't have enough lives for the second senior uncle to lop off. Ju Liu Sun, eight times out of ten, would indeed bring up Randeng to make us retreat from difficulty."

Thus, in the Grand White Hall, the number of people pacing back and forth increased from one to three.

The three thought long and hard, pondering countermeasures and the subsequent consequences.

It was at this moment that Li Changshou deeply understood how difficult it was to control the grand narrative, especially while operating entirely within 'open schemes,' without resorting to any secret whispers or subtle actions.

The more he thought about it…

The Heavenly Dao was terrifying.

The Dao Ancestor was terrifying.

And that second senior uncle, who sat in the Three Pure Ones' small courtyard, observing all of this from beginning to end, was also terrifying.

Among the three, Quan Dong was the first to give up, abandoning thought and quietly waiting on the side.

Bai Ze, at this moment, finally showed a glimpse of his past self as an ancient demon commander and the Demon Court's chief strategist. The few suggestions he offered gave Li Changshou a sense of expanded思路.

Suddenly…

"Chang Geng, let me interrupt you for a moment," Quan Dong pondered for a few moments, "what you said earlier in front of the bronze mirror at the Jade Void Palace, about retreating into seclusion after the Investiture of the Gods calamity is complete, was that true?"

A hint of a smile appeared in Li Changshou's eyes, and he nodded, "Of course, it's true."

"You! No, I won't allow this!"

"Your Majesty!"

Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow, bringing out the argument he had prepared for over two hundred years, stating solemnly:

"After the Investiture of the Gods calamity, the number of Heavenly Court Immortals will greatly increase.

This humble deity is the one presiding over the calamity, the one bestowing titles on their behalf of the Heavenly Dao. Afterwards, these Immortals will inevitably have a very close relationship with this humble deity.

If this humble deity remains in the Heavenly Court, how will Your Majesty establish your authority?

However, Your Majesty, rest assured, this humble deity will slowly fade from the Heavenly Court at that time, and will not be too far from the Heavenly Court. Your Majesty can summon me anytime you wish."

He paused, then Li Changshou smiled, "Your Majesty, you must understand one principle: founding an enterprise and preserving it are two completely different concepts. This humble deity is not skilled in preserving an enterprise."

Quan Dong's face showed hesitation, and he closed his eyes, sighing deeply without speaking.

Bai Ze, standing to the side, had a glint in his eyes, looking at Li Changshou's expression as if he were looking at the most precious and delicious dish in the world.

Ascending a mountain is not easy;

Descending it is even harder.

Half a day after Ju Liu Sun was brought into the Heavenly Court by Yang Jian;

In the pavilion by the flowing waterfall in the back mountains of Jade Void Peak, Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, Taiyi Zhenren, Yuding Zhenren, and Huanglong Zhenren were each seated, while the rest of the Chan Sect immortals had returned to their respective cave dwellings.

Huanglong Zhenren said, "This farce has finally passed."

"This humble Daoist once helped Senior Brother Ju Liu Sun conceal the aftermath," Chi Jingzi whispered. "At the time, I don't know what I was thinking, I just felt that if this matter were discovered, it would be our Chan Sect's reputation that suffered.

But I never expected the Heavenly Court to attach such importance to this matter, to the extent that Junior Brother Chang Geng had to seek an audience with Senior Master.

Senior Brother, should this humble Daoist go to the Heavenly Court later to explain about the killing of those rogue cultivators?"

"No need," Guang Chengzi waved his hand, "Chang Geng is smarter than you and I. If he discovers anything unusual, he will make a decision.

Previously, this humble Daoist just gave Chang Geng a look, and he immediately understood. No matter how much pressure this humble Daoist exerted, he firmly refused to yield.

Thus, our Chan Sect's reputation is preserved.

That Senior Brother Ju Liu Sun would do such a thing, this humble Daoist cannot shirk responsibility. I will go to Master later to beg for forgiveness."

"Beg for forgiveness?" Taiyi Zhenren curled his lip, "You mean beg for credit, Senior Brother."

Guang Chengzi frowned and said, "Junior Brother Taiyi, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing, I just said it casually," Taiyi Zhenren picked up the tea beside him and took a sip. "Honestly, Senior Brother, your emotions were excessive this time.

You shouldn't have mentioned the Three Sects' non-aggression pact."

"No…"

Yuding Zhenren suddenly spoke, opening his eyes and looking at Guang Chengzi, asking in a deep voice, "Senior Brother, do you have other calculations?"

Guang Chengzi frowned and said, "What calculations could this humble one have? It was merely for the reputation of our Chan Sect."

Yuding sighed, "Then if Senior Brother has no other calculations, the pressure Senior Brother put on Chang Geng earlier might cause problems."

Every team inevitably has one or two dense members.

For example, at this moment, Taiyi Zhenren, Guang Chengzi, and Chi Jingzi were all deep in thought.

Huanglong, displaying the traditional characteristic of the Dragon Clan to ask when confused, asked in puzzlement, "Could Junior Brother Chang Geng have an emotional reaction? And thus show favoritism to the Jie Sect?"

Taiyi Zhenren: "Senior Brother, this is not the time for jokes."

"How could this humble Daoist joke about such an important matter? Junior Brother Yuding, what exactly is wrong?"

Yuding slowly exhaled, then briefly and concisely countered with a question:

"If Ju Liu Sun reveals that someone was behind him, and the Heavenly Court cannot appease the public's anger, they will inevitably send troops to demand his handover. What will we do?"

Chi Jingzi's face showed shock, Guang Chengzi's expression immediately turned incredibly grim, and Taiyi Zhenren also looked enlightened.

Huanglong Zhenren now finally realized the gravity of the situation and whispered, "Can't Chang Geng handle this matter well?"

"Public anger is difficult to appease," Guang Chengzi uttered these four significant words.

Taiyi Zhenren scoffed, "Is Chang Geng a disciple of our Chan Sect? Is he supposed to consider us at every turn?"

Huanglong couldn't help but become a little anxious.

The person who could instigate Ju Liu Sun, and whom Ju Liu Sun would reveal, must be Randeng, Randeng, Randeng…

Chi Jingzi said in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Ju Liu Sun should know that this matter is no small thing. How would he allow it to escalate further?"

"Is his backbone very hard?" Taiyi Zhenren sighed, "If it were very hard, he wouldn't float and sway with the wind."

As if to confirm Taiyi's words, no sooner had he spoken!

Rumble!

Thunder suddenly roared above the Jade Void Palace. The five Chan Sect experts discussing there instantly rose to their feet.

The power of the Heavenly Dao rapidly intensified. Dozens of golden dragons roared, and a black cloud carrying vast heavenly might rushed towards them. Upon it were the Heavenly Emperor's carriage, several Heavenly Court ministers, and hundreds of thousands of Heavenly Soldiers!

The Jade Emperor had personally arrived!