Chapter 611: Jade Emperor's Heavenly Might Suppresses Kunlun

The Jade Emperor came personally.

Could it have been otherwise? Guangchengzi had almost sealed off all paths. At such a critical moment, if the Celestial Court's leader didn't make an appearance, would they have let it escalate to alarm the ultimate authority of the Heavenly Dao?

Li Changshou curled his lips, silently muttering a few more complaints. Then, he activated his Empty-Minded Dao Heart, a flicker of indifference crossing his eyes before it was replaced by a gentle smile.

Life is like a play; it all depends on acting.

Feeling the oncoming gust of wind and contemplating the day's overarching strategy, Li Changshou sat on Baize's back, trailing beside the Nine-Dragon Chariot. He even felt somewhat leisurely, completely devoid of tension.

The Jade Emperor had no choice but to come. According to his and Baize's calculations, this was the only way to minimize the possibility of Chan Sect and Jie Sect completely falling out.

His immortal sense detected that the immortals of Jie Sect were hurrying towards Jade Pure Palace from the direction of Mount Emei. They hadn't gone far previously; Zhao Gongming had one of Li Changshou's paper effigies in his sleeve. While the Jade Emperor was rushing dramatically towards Jade Pure Palace, they continued to come and bear witness, if only to gain some sense of involvement. If today's events were truly to escalate into another conflict between the Three Sects, then there had to be Jie Sect immortals present, otherwise, Jie Sect immortals would be extremely passive later on.

Originally, Li Changshou had planned to use a delaying tactic, hoping to find an opportunity to resolve this Daoist sect crisis, but he never expected...

In less than half a day! This Ju Liusun, he caved in less than half a day! Li Changshou was still discussing the follow-up with Baize, had just found some ideas, and was about to rush to the High Heavens Palace! This Ju Liusun, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect, was merely interrogated for a while in the High Heavens Palace by Mu Gong and a few other Golden Immortals. His Majesty the Jade Emperor hadn't even applied the slightest bit more pressure...

Ju Liusun confessed everything.

Were Mu Gong and the others very terrifying? If Ju Liusun hadn't been restrained and severely wounded, he could have sent Mu Gong on 'the destined path' with a single encounter! It was just... outrageous! Especially ridiculous.

Ju Liusun confessed that he was merely following orders, specifically those of Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master, Daoist Randeng. But Ju Liusun was also clever; he didn't mention any major cosmic matters, which would have left Chan Sect no room to retreat. Ju Liusun merely stated: "The Vice-Sect Master feared that the Primary Calamity Bearer, Grand White Venus, was too close to Fairy Yun Xiao of Jie Sect, and that during the Great Calamity, Chan Sect would be targeted everywhere by Grand White Venus."

"Subsequently, the Vice-Sect Master told him this scheme: to find some rogue cultivators, secretly coerce Chang'e of the Moon Palace, and set a trap to frame Bian Zhuang, the Vice-Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Army and Grand White Venus's trusted subordinate. As long as something happened to Bian Zhuang, and the blame was pointed at Jie Sect, it would surely create a rift in the relationship between Grand White Venus and Yun Xiao..."

He completely sold out Randeng. Li Changshou smiled bitterly to himself. Although such an explanation, if spread, would surely harm Yun Xiao's inherently sensitive and gentle Dao Heart, making her feel that she had become a burden to him; but the overall impact was better than Ju Liusun saying something like, 'Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master just wanted the Three Sects to start fighting as soon as possible.' That would have been the ultimate bombshell.

If Li Changshou hadn't known that this Ju Liusun would later become Ju Liusun Buddha in the original Investiture of the Gods narrative, following the same path as Daoist Randeng... He would have every reason to believe that Ju Liusun, at this very moment, was deliberately sent by Guangchengzi to set up Randeng!

The more Li Changshou thought about Ju Liusun's immediate confession and lack of backbone, the angrier he became, almost losing control of his Empty-Minded Dao Heart. If Ju Liusun had merely held out for another half-day, he and Baize would have already found a solution, and perhaps could have even lessened that guy's culpability! He just completely gave up!

Forget it, it's useless to say all this now. There might be countless schemes involved, but all he needed to do was achieve his own goal. The waters of Chan Sect were much murkier than he had previously imagined.

As Li Changshou calculated thus in his mind, the outline of Kunlun Mountain already appeared ahead. Kunlun Mountain, like the spine of an ancient Ancestral Dragon, rose abruptly from the gentle terrain, sprawling and winding across the earth. It was riddled with spiritual veins, rich in spiritual energy, and the shadows of the Great Dao were visible everywhere.

Before long, the Nine-Dragon Chariot arrived before Jade Pure Palace, but did not directly intrude into its precincts. Gazing outwards from Jade Pure Palace, one could see black clouds rolling and Azure Dragons roaring, which caused many immortals' expressions to change. Hundreds of thousands of heavenly soldiers stood upon the black clouds, arrayed in three layers—upper, middle, and lower—and nine formations on the left and right. The power of the Heavenly Dao was concentrated to an extreme!

The surrounding immortal light dissipated, and the nine Azure Dragons lay prostrate upon the cloud-mountains. The Jade Emperor, clad in white robes and maintaining his youthful appearance, slowly rose from within his chariot. Merely by clasping his hands behind his back, he exuded an indescribable majesty. Golden clouds formed around the Jade Emperor, entwined with colorful auspicious light. His figure appeared to be directly above Jade Pure Palace, yet maintained a distance of three li.

At this moment, figures flew out from Jade Pure Palace; most wore expressions of suspicion, while a small portion had rather stern countenances. Guangchengzi led five or six of the Twelve Golden Immortals who had not yet returned to their respective cave-dwellings forward, and together they made Daoist bows in the clouds.

Guangchengzi said loudly: "Disciples of Jade Pure Palace, greetings to Martial Uncle Haotian! Martial Uncle's presence is truly a rare visit. Please come inside the palace to rest."

A rare guest? The Jade Emperor's face showed displeasure; he stood in his chariot and let out a cold snort, making the Chan Sect immortals feel very uncertain in their hearts.

The Jade Emperor said, "There's no need to enter the palace. I came today merely to apprehend a key criminal of the Celestial Court. Where is Daoist Randeng?"

Guangchengzi maintained a faint smile and said: "Martial Uncle, Daoist Randeng is our Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master, personally appointed by Master in ancient times, and he doesn't usually preside over sectarian affairs. Martial Uncle says he is a key criminal of the Celestial Court, but we are unaware of what crime he has committed."

Beside the chariot, Li Changshou, who had been patiently refraining from stepping forward, also appeared thoughtful upon seeing this. As expected, no matter how fiercely they fought amongst themselves on ordinary days, at such a moment, Guangchengzi had no choice but to protect Randeng. But, was it really that simple?

Li Changshou quietly watched this scene, remaining on Baize's back without moving forward or speaking. The script had already been prepared for His Majesty; there were no specific lines, only 'guidelines.' This time, it was the Jade Emperor who exerted pressure on Kunlun Mountain, and it had no direct relation to the Three Sects. At this moment, the Jade Emperor was also quite overbearing.

Hearing Guangchengzi's words, the Jade Emperor merely stated indifferently, "Do I need to report this matter to you?"

"I wouldn't dare," Guangchengzi said earnestly, "Your disciple has no intention of interfering with Celestial Court affairs, but Vice-Sect Master Randeng is our Chan Sect's sole Vice-Sect Master, and was personally appointed by Master in ancient times... Martial Uncle, did that Ju Liusun say something nonsensical?"

"Good, if that's the case!" The Jade Emperor waved his large sleeve, directly flinging a scrying orb onto the cloud path in front of Guangchengzi. "Then everyone, come and see! This, is your Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master."

Guangchengzi frowned deeply, raised his hand to draw the scrying orb into his palm. Before he could even beckon, dozens of immortals crowded closer. Guangchengzi, who was somewhat hesitant, could only open the scrying orb now, releasing the images within. When the Chan Sect immortals saw it, their expressions were a sight to behold.

The scrying orb recorded the scene of Ju Liusun's recent interrogation. The portly, unassuming old Daoist sat on a prayer mat, neither kneeling nor suspended. Around him, six jade pillars from the High Heavens Palace emitted light, completely suppressing Ju Liusun's primordial spirit and Dao body. Directly in front of Ju Liusun were several figures, all appearing benevolent on the surface. One heard Mu Gong asking: 'Daoist Ju Liusun, do you still not wish to speak? This stalemate is not a solution.' The tone was also polite. Various details indicated that Ju Liusun had not encountered too much trouble in the Celestial Court. Although the surrounding heavenly soldiers and generals guarding him looked fierce, Ju Liusun's injuries were all old ones from being struck by the Heart-Piercing Lock.

Just as the Jade Pure Palace immortals were wondering why His Majesty the Jade Emperor had personally come for this matter, Ju Liusun in the image let out a long sigh...

"'It was our Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master who instructed this poor Daoist to do so.'"

The image abruptly stopped.

The Chan Sect immortals first frowned, attempting to analyze the impact of the matter, then immediately reacted as if provoked, stirring up a thousand waves with one stone!

"Where is Vice-Sect Master Randeng? Where is he?!"

"This Ju Liusun really answered with such nonchalance! Didn't he think it through?! Ah! Never mind!"

"What shall we do now? Ju Liusun was already at fault, and now he's implicated Master Randeng... Could it be that Master Randeng also has to be taken to the Celestial Court for interrogation?"

Taiyi Zhenren and Yuding Zhenren exchanged glances from the back of the crowd; the former pursed his lips, the latter shook his head. The two martial brothers did not speak, merely standing there to make up numbers. The weakness of their Chan Sect could almost be summarized in four characters: 'too concerned with face.' Even on ordinary days, when they would secretly scold and criticize Randeng indirectly, or even wish to extinguish his Spirit Coffin Lamp with a single immortal breath, they still had to step forward at this moment to try and protect Chan Sect's reputation. Thinking carefully, what kind of thing couldn't Vice-Sect Master Randeng, this ancient mighty figure, do? Scheming against a Celestial Court minor general was a basic operation, no need to make a fuss.

"Cough! Cough, cough!" Li Changshou stood before the chariot and cleared his throat, drawing all eyes towards himself. Only then did he cup his hands towards the Jade Emperor and said warmly, "Your Majesty the Jade Emperor has come personally today, knowing that this matter is extremely troublesome and its nature utterly vile, and will have a certain impact on Chan Sect as a whole. Senior Brothers and Sisters, His Majesty has already arrived. With Ju Liusun's personal confession, is it possible that the Celestial Court would intentionally frame Chan Sect? This junior brother has always held Chan and Jie Sects in immense respect. I admit, I indeed have old grievances with Randeng, but this matter is official business; I have not mixed in personal feelings. And His Majesty the Jade Emperor has always treated the Daoist sects with abundant courtesy. Then, where is Vice-Sect Master Randeng? Regardless of whether today's purpose is to apprehend him or not, His Majesty the Jade Emperor is present here; why does he still not come forth to pay respects?"

The Chan Sect immortals looked at each other, then cleverly turned their gaze to Guangchengzi. Daoist Ci Hang quietly asked, "Senior Disciple Brother, how should this matter be handled?"

Guangchengzi frowned in thought, looked at the scrying orb in his hand, then raised his head to look at Li Changshou, appearing hesitant to speak. This Senior Disciple Brother of Chan Sect also seemed to be in a difficult position; meanwhile, in Li Changshou's mind, he had already prepared a simple multiple-choice question for Guangchengzi's subsequent actions. If, at this moment, Guangchengzi were to say something like, 'Please allow me to consult Master,' it would prove that the assessment of Guangchengzi as 'extremely cunning' was somewhat inaccurate. If Guangchengzi merely said, 'Daoist Randeng is our Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master,' it would prove that Guangchengzi was leveraging the situation to scheme against Randeng. And as long as Guangchengzi said, 'Would the Celestial Court so easily conclude that this matter is related to Vice-Sect Master Randeng?' then it would prove that... Guangchengzi's standing was higher than he had anticipated.

Daoist Huang Long prompted from the side, "Senior Disciple Brother, say something."

Guangchengzi sighed, then made another Daoist bow towards the Jade Emperor. His eyes were full of helplessness, his face slightly despondent, as if he had made a difficult decision in a short time. He took two steps forward and slowly said: "Martial Uncle, Changshou. This poor Daoist knows that the Celestial Court is extremely enraged by this matter, but Randeng is our Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master. If we do not protect him, Chan Sect might bear the infamy of being unfeeling and unable to establish itself in the world. I ask for Martial Uncle's understanding, and also ask Changshou not to take offense. May I ask!" Guangchengzi raised his voice, imbued with the righteous qi of heaven and earth, and declared, "Is the Celestial Court going to condemn our Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master based solely on Ju Liusun's one-sided testimony? This would truly show too little regard for our Chan Sect!"

"Guangchengzi," the Jade Emperor said, a sword-like gleam in his eyes, "Are you implying that even with my personal presence, I cannot take your Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Master back to cooperate with the interrogation?"

Guangchengzi's clenched fist relaxed, and he lightly exhaled, gazing directly at the Jade Emperor's chariot. "For this matter, I request that the Celestial Court investigate thoroughly and present convincing evidence!"

"Good! What audacity!" The Jade Emperor's figure suddenly shot skyward, standing high in the air, drawing countless purple heavenly lightning bolts. His white robes gently trembled, and the lower front hem rapidly turned golden. In an instant, the Jade Emperor was clad in the Grand Golden Robe of the Heavenly Emperor, wearing a golden beaded crown, his body encircled by phantom images of Ancestral Dragons.

In an instant! Within a radius of ten thousand li, lightning flashed and thunder roared. The heavens and earth were filled with the aura of a supreme emperor, and the Heavenly Dao manifested countless phantom images of fierce beasts. The silver armor of the heavenly soldiers and generals was dyed golden-yellow!

The Jade Emperor cast a sidelong glance down at Guangchengzi, but at this moment, he no longer spoke further to Guangchengzi, instead looking directly at the Three Friends' Courtyard. He spoke slowly, his voice piercing through heaven and earth, divine light flickering around him. Without any magical enhancements or divine abilities surrounding him, the Jade Emperor's figure appeared so magnificent at this moment, standing tall between heaven and earth, and heaven and earth obeyed his commands!

"Senior Brother Yuanshi, I came personally, precisely because I did not wish to put Chan Sect in a difficult position. I have given Senior Brother face. But where is the dignity of my Celestial Court?"

"Alas..." A soft sigh emanated from the Three Friends' Courtyard, and a wisp of cloud and mist rose, upon which stood a middle-aged Daoist, with his hands clasped behind his back. Yuanshi Tianzun!

All the Chan Sect Qi Refiners turned in unison, prostrating themselves before the Saint's image. Guangchengzi and the other senior disciples were no exception. Upon seeing this, Li Changshou hesitated slightly, but bowed his head in a Daoist salute. With his divine position now, he could not easily prostrate himself. Facing the might of a Saint, the heavenly soldiers and generals instinctively wanted to prostrate themselves and kowtow, but the golden light imbued upon their bodies seemed to tell them not to kneel, that they could not kneel, for at this moment they represented the Celestial Court, representing the dignity of the Heavenly Dao.

Zhao Gongming and the others were rather unlucky. They had rushed at full speed from Mount Emei, hadn't even managed to say half a sentence. As soon as they arrived, they encountered the Jade Emperor displaying his might and a Saint appearing. They could only, according to Jie Sect's rules, obediently kneel on the clouds and perform salutes, paying respects to their Martial Uncle. No help for it; after all, Sect Master Tongtian was the youngest in seniority and had to listen to his two elder brothers — under normal circumstances.

Yuanshi Tianzun's gaze swept across the surroundings, revealing a slight, gentle smile towards Li Chang Geng, then he distantly watched the Jade Emperor and sighed: "Junior Brother has taken much trouble. This poor Daoist was also struggling with this matter and did not meet with Junior Brother in time. This matter concerns this poor Daoist's Vice-Sect Master of Chan Sect, and also concerns the disciple this poor Daoist mistakenly trusted. This poor Daoist truly could not bear it. However, the great rise of the Celestial Court is necessary for the Heavenly Dao's operation and the continuation of living beings. This poor Daoist naturally will not add any hindrance to the Celestial Court's prosperity. Randeng."

From within the Three Friends' Courtyard, the emaciated old Daoist flew out on a cloud. He made a Daoist bow to Yuanshi Tianzun without a word, then turned and flew towards the Nine-Dragon Chariot. Li Changshou made a gesture, and several Golden Immortal-ranked Heavenly Generals stepped forward, activating the power of the Heavenly Dao. When Randeng flew closer, they surrounded him. They did not employ any forceful means. Randeng sealed his own primordial spirit and sat quietly, fully cooperative. If he didn't cooperate, he would be defying a Saint's decree.

The Jade Emperor's expression softened slightly, the golden light around him receded into his body, the Ancestral Dragon phantom vanished, and he once again returned to his white-robed appearance. This nominal supreme sovereign of the Three Realms revealed a faint smile and chuckled, "The matter concerning a Celestial Court general has disturbed Senior Brother's cultivation. This matter also reflects a lapse in the Celestial Court's oversight. Beloved Chang Geng?"

Li Changshou immediately stepped forward, bowing his head and saying, "This humble deity is present."

The Jade Emperor smiled and said, "Later, regarding the handling of Randeng and Ju Liusun, you must be impartial and reasonable. You must also consider Chan Sect's contributions to stabilizing the heavens and earth, and consider Senior Brother Yuanshi's reputation. You must both provide an explanation to the Celestial Court and ensure that Chan Sect is not gossiped about."

Li Changshou gave a bitter smile, his expression looking rather troubled, but he still bowed his head and accepted the order. The script he had written, he could only grudgingly swallow it. "This humble deity obeys."

The Jade Emperor slowly nodded, cupped his hands towards Yuanshi Tianzun, and turned to walk towards the Nine-Dragon Chariot. Yuanshi Tianzun nodded with a smile, his figure dissipating with the wind, leaving only wisps of profound Dao rhythm circulating between heaven and earth.

At this moment, Li Changshou looked at Guangchengzi again, and coincidentally, Guangchengzi also looked at Li Changshou. In just an instant, their gazes met, and a sense of unspoken understanding arose between them, as if they were old friends of many years. By this point, Li Changshou was completely certain that when he captured Ju Liusun, Guangchengzi had deliberately blocked all paths and intentionally brought up the Dao Sect's Non-Aggression Pact. The purpose was to destroy the Non-Aggression Pact, create a pretext for the relationship between the Celestial Court and Jie Sect to worsen, and then allow Chan Sect and Western Sect to openly join forces.

When Li Changshou had previously considered various issues, he had actually overlooked one point: Chan Sect's demands. Chan Sect was indeed under great pressure; it couldn't compete with Jie Sect in terms of strength, and he, the Primary Calamity Bearer, had formed a Daoist couple with Jie Sect's senior disciple and had many friends within Jie Sect. However, he had already figured this out on his way back to the Celestial Court previously. When discussing this matter in the Grand White Palace with Quan Tong and Baize, he deliberately paced back and forth, feigning impatience. That was merely for the Heavenly Dao to see, to transmit some incorrect information, ideally to make the Dao Ancestor think that his 'stable rear' (his reliability) was nothing special.

Li Changshou had long understood that the key to breaking the deadlock today was the Jade Emperor. When Mu Gong interrogated Ju Liusun, he merely secretly guided Baize to offer this suggestion through Baize's words. The Jade Emperor came personally, bypassed Guangchengzi, denied Guangchengzi the opportunity to bring up the Non-Aggression Pact, and directly negotiated with the Saint, thus causing Guangchengzi's scheme to fail.

Life is like a play; it all depends on acting.

However, a doubt had always lingered in Li Changshou's heart, unable to be resolved. Was it that Randeng schemed first, and Guangchengzi, upon discovering it, went along with the flow and waited for Li Changshou to come knocking; or was it Guangchengzi himself who gave instructions to Randeng, or even directly to Ju Liusun? If it was the latter, then this Senior Disciple Brother of Chan Sect was truly an old schemer...

The two gazed at each other for a moment. Guangchengzi sighed softly, a helpless smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow and was about to turn and leave.

*Hum—* Li Changshou's mind trembled, and he instinctively closed his eyes. In his spiritual platform, the Dao rhythm of Grand Pure permeated, revealing a scene. A scene where Li Changshou, before leaving Grand Pure Temple, asked his Master for help with calculations.

In a pavilion with a flying waterfall behind Jade Pure Palace, Guangchengzi held a jade scissors, pruning the branches before him, yet his eyes showed signs of deep thought. A moment later, a phantom image materialized behind him, revealing a somewhat short and stout old Daoist. Ju Liusun.

"'Bian Zhuang, the Vice-Commander of the Heavenly River Naval Army, is Junior Brother Chang Geng's confidant, and his reputation is already somewhat flawed. We can make use of this.'"

"'Yes, Senior Disciple Brother.'"

Just then, the voices of Daoist Huang Long and Guangchengzi's conversation drifted from behind. Huang Long asked: "Senior Disciple Brother, what should we do? This Vice-Sect Master is truly a bit... It's really unexpected for the Jade Emperor to come personally to apprehend someone."

"Don't speak carelessly." Guangchengzi frowned slightly and whispered, "Vice-Sect Master Randeng was merely afflicted by the heart of the calamity. All junior brothers and sisters, return to the hall to discuss how to rescue Vice-Sect Master Randeng and Junior Brother Ju Liusun. This poor Daoist will go and pay respects to Master." The Chan Sect disciples quietly agreed, their eyes mostly showing respect for Guangchengzi.

Li Changshou: ... As expected, none of the senior disciples of the Three Sects were simple individuals; this 'Infernal Affairs' played out beautifully. But why did he still feel so uneasy in his heart?

Li Changshou turned his head to glance at Guangchengzi, feigning sudden realization, then turned to look at the Nine-Dragon Chariot, which was about to ascend skyward, and hurriedly called out: "Your Majesty! This humble deity has just had a sudden thought! May we invite three Saint's disciples from both Chan and Jie Sects to observe the entire trial process at the Celestial Court, thereby demonstrating that the Celestial Court's prosecution is open, transparent, and utterly impartial!"

"Granted!" The Jade Emperor's light chuckle came from within the chariot. "My beloved minister, just make the decisions. If you need me to step in, just say the word."

Confronting a Saint, that too was quite interesting.