Chapter 612: Ling Xiao Holds Court, Properly Judging Ran Deng

On the way back to the Heavenly Court, Li Changshou thought carefully. He was still annoyed with Guangchengzi.

This entire incident was entirely a maneuver by Guangchengzi, with at least six or seven layers of objectives. If Guangchengzi's objectives were divided into three stages, the highest goal was to naturally break the Taoist non-aggression pact, thereby allowing the Chan Sect to gain some initiative in this great tribulation. The middle-tier objective was to warn the Heavenly Court and the Jie Sect, using this incident as a pretext to launch a suitable counterattack if he, the Grand White Star Lord, made judgments unfair to the Chan Sect. The shallowest objective was to utilize the Heavenly Court to seize the opportunity to destabilize Randeng's faction, ensuring Randeng wouldn't cause too much trouble in the upcoming Investiture of the Gods tribulation, thus preventing him from interfering with Guangchengzi's strategic moves.

The Chan Sect's Senior Disciple-Brother was an old schemer of the Primordial World. This was likely also the attitude of Martial Uncle Yuanshi Tianzun. Li Changshou had finally found the answer as to why this second martial uncle trusted Guangchengzi so implicitly. It was simply because he was effective.

However, Li Changshou had no intention of letting Guangchengzi off so easily. In fact, the best way would be to break through Ju Liusun's psychological defenses and make the whole affair completely transparent, which would put Guangchengzi in an extremely awkward position.

It was impossible for the Senior Disciple-Brothers of the three sects to die; even during the original Investiture of the Gods tribulation, his own Senior Disciple-Brother Grand Master, Daoist Duobao, and Guangchengzi were not fundamentally harmed. Those who held the position of Senior Disciple-Brother had the unwavering support of the Saints, ensuring their safety. Of course, with fewer disciples in the Ren Sect, their master's care was more abundant.

The impact Guangchengzi had on him this time was on a personal emotional level. This would become a thorn between him and Yunxiao, and he would later need to find a way to comfort little Yun. If he were to retaliate in kind... he would first have to arrange a Dao companion for Guangchengzi, which was simply too unrealistic. The Chan Sect's customs were more rigorous, completely different from those of the Ren Sect.

Therefore, Li Changshou chose another path of revenge: inviting three senior disciples from both the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect to the Heavenly Court to observe the interrogation of Daoist Randeng and Ju Liusun. This time, he genuinely intended to make things difficult for the Chan Sect's Senior Disciple-Brother. Although the Heavenly Dao was watching, and he couldn't disrupt the main rhythm of the Investiture of the Gods, he could try to demote Randeng further. Moreover, the key objective was to acquire Randeng's Qiankun Ruler, which was crucial for one of his major future plans. Not only that, but the weaker Qiankun Ruler in Randeng's possession was also quite critical to Li Changshou's millennium plan, "The Disappearance of X." Relatively speaking, killing Randeng was not important; ensuring Randeng was strategically neutralized and prevented from causing trouble was paramount. On this point, Li Changshou and Guangchengzi had once again reached a consensus.

Li Changshou: ...

It goes to show that those old, shrewd individuals who radiate wisdom shouldn't befriend their own kind; they can only be mounts or subordinates. He still preferred dealing with straightforward immortals like Brother Gongming and True Person Huanglong.

"Hmm?" Behind the Heavenly Court's forces, Zhao Gongming raised an eyebrow, inexplicably feeling as if he had been cursed at.

Beside Zhao Gongming were naturally Lady Jin Ling and Fairy Qiongxiao, serving as the Jie Sect's "observing immortals." The Jie Sect group was quite frustrated; they had initially thought that choosing elite forces this time was to facilitate escape and subsequent rescue after a fight in Kunlun Mountain. Unexpectedly, they made two trips and prostrated themselves, serving no other purpose than witnessing the Grand White Star Lord instantly capture Ju Liusun and seeing Martial Uncle Jade Emperor successfully assert his authority. Fortunately, they could still choose to deal with Randeng, the Jie Sect's sworn enemy; helping to chop off an arm or a leg would be immensely satisfying!

While one party was joyful and the other sorrowful, Guangchengzi, True Person Yuding, and True Person Huanglong stood quietly on a cloud not far behind the three Jie Sect masters. Guangchengzi was currently frowning in thought, pondering the two sentences Li Changshou had spoken moments earlier when inviting him to the Heavenly Court. The first sentence was: "Senior Brother Guangchengzi is the Chan Sect's Senior Disciple-Brother. Today, the Heavenly Court is to interrogate the Chan Sect's Deputy Leader and a direct disciple of a Saint. If Senior Brother Guangchengzi doesn't come, wouldn't this matter lose some of its significance?" The second sentence was spoken when Li Changshou turned, rode his cloud to follow the Nine-Dragon Chariot, flew for over a dozen zhang, then turned his head to say: "Senior Brother, aren't you curious what Master said to me in the Grand Pure Temple?"

This naturally made Guangchengzi ponder deeply. Could it be that Chang Geng already knew the full story? Yet today, the Heavenly Secrets were muddled, and he himself was beside his master. Although Grand Master Uncle was the strongest Saint, he hadn't broken through the shackles of heaven and earth back then, still being forced to accept the Grandmist Purple Qi, and therefore shouldn't be able to transcend the rules of the Heavenly Dao. Why then, could so much be deduced? No, that's not right. Junior Brother Chang Geng is quite intelligent; it's highly probable he guessed something and is trying to bluff him. Guangchengzi sighed inwardly. With such a junior brother in the Ren Sect, capable of stirring up trouble across the Three Realms, he wondered if it was a blessing or a curse for the Chan Sect. However, he had a clear conscience, only wishing to be worthy of his master and the Chan Sect.

"Senior Disciple-Brother? Senior Disciple-Brother?" From True Person Yuding's sleeve, True Person Taiyi, transformed into a three-inch-tall figure in a flamboyant light red robe, transmitted his voice.

Guangchengzi frowned and looked, asking curiously, "Junior Brother, why did you also come along?"

True Person Taiyi chuckled, glancing at the large group of Heavenly Soldiers ahead. He transmitted his voice with a smile: "Of course, I want to join the fun and pay my respects to a certain Deputy Leader's eloquent debate in the High Heavens Palace."

"Didn't Junior Brother Chang Geng tell you not to get involved in this matter?" Guangchengzi sighed, "If something comes out of your mouth that makes things uncontrollable..."

"No way, no way," True Person Taiyi chuckled awkwardly, "Surely no one truly believes I can't control my mouth?"

"Don't worry, Senior Disciple-Brother," True Person Yuding said with a smile, taking out a magic treasure. This treasure was shaped like a collar, refined from the sinews of a demonic dragon from the Northern Sea. Its core was a pearl strung along the dragon sinew, appearing to be only the size of a dragon's eye, yet it could be adjusted at will. This treasure had no grand name but could be called the "Speech-Closing" artifact. Its Dao charm specifically countered True Person Taiyi's cultivation, capable of instantly clamping his mouth shut and severing his divine abilities. A fine product from Doushuai Palace, personally bestowed by the Grand White. This artifact was fully supervised by Ling Zhuzi, an immortal from the Heavenly Court.

True Person Taiyi's forehead immediately furrowed with dark lines upon seeing the treasure, while Guangchengzi and True Person Huanglong simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

Guangchengzi looked around at the front and transmitted his voice: "If you want to go, step forward openly. Don't act so timidly. Our Chan Sect's reputation has already been damaged today; let's not give others more reason to laugh at us."

"Alright," True Person Taiyi flew out, reverting to human size, and stood calmly with his hands behind his back.

Huanglong laughed, "The Heavenly Court only needs three slots. How about I give my slot to Junior Brother Taiyi? If I go, I wouldn't know what to say, it would be quite awkward."

"Oh, just come along," True Person Taiyi chuckled, "Can Chang Geng really turn us away?"

Guangchengzi nodded with a smile, his eyes showing a hint of relief. True Person Yuding seemed about to speak but was subtly pulled by True Person Taiyi's Daoist robe sleeve, so he could only sigh softly and say no more.

On the cloud ahead, the three Jie Sect immortals simultaneously fell into contemplation. Lady Jin Ling transmitted her voice: "Why do they have an extra person? Isn't that cheating?"

"Ah," Zhao Gongming said gently, "Don't get bogged down by such minor details. Besides, those who came are all familiar faces. Aside from Taiyi's unpleasant words, Senior Brothers Yuding and Huanglong are quite amiable."

Lady Jin Ling frowned, "What if a dispute arises later? If it came to a fight, I could handle all four of them, but we definitely can't fight in the Heavenly Court, nor can we expect Chang Geng to openly side with us. How can our three mouths argue against their four?"

Zhao Gongming pondered for a moment: "This..."

Suddenly, a ripple of immortal power came from the side. Lady Jin Ling and Zhao Gongming turned their heads to see Qiongxiao, dressed in a pale yellow long dress, had already crushed the jade talisman in her hand and said to the dissipating immortal power: "Elder Sister! Please come to the Heavenly Court quickly! I heard news that someone is planning to ambush Brother-in-law later in the High Heavens Palace!"

Having spoken, Qiongxiao clapped her small hands, her eyebrows subtly raised. *Mission accomplished.*

A certain secretly married couple beside them simultaneously twitched their lips. Lady Jin Ling asked, caught between laughter and tears, "In the High Heavens Palace? Ambushing a Heavenly Court minister who is among the top ten in the Heavenly Dao sequence, including a Saint?"

Zhao Gongming also said, "You couldn't find a better excuse? Who would believe that? Second Sister has been incredibly intelligent since she first gained sentience. While I was still just a gust of wind, pushing you three little cloud spirits to drift in the sky, she had already begun to comprehend the fundamental Dao of heaven and earth. Would she fall for your trick?"

Qiongxiao rolled her eyes: "What if I told you that Senior Sister Jin Ling was cornered, and the Western Sect mobilized three hundred masters to besiege and kill Senior Sister Jin Ling, what would your reaction be?"

Zhao Gongming said without hesitation, "What reaction could there be? I'd shout for Master's help and charge straight over with my Sea-Calming Divine Pearl!"

"Isn't it the same?"

Zhao Gongming suddenly had a look of realization, while Lady Jin Ling's cheeks flushed beside him. She looked away, a faint smile on her lips, but dared not utter another word. Qiongxiao's eyes darted, immediately catching a slight weakness.

The Jade Emperor's confrontation with the Saint, and the Heavenly Might suppressing Yuxu Palace, forcing the Chan Sect to surrender the mastermind behind the incident, 'Deputy Leader Daoist Randeng'—these events were sufficient to quell the anger of both the Heavenly Court and the Jie Sect immortals. After all, Randeng's seniority and qualifications were undeniable, the Saints had emerged, and the Jade Emperor had asserted the Heavenly Court's prestige. Most of the countless beings observing this momentous event had already understood that the next step was simply a public and transparent trial of the matter, assigning guilt to Randeng and Ju Liusun, and then the affair would be considered closed. What the Heavenly Court lost was a relative of Fairy Chang'e; what it gained was a reputation and prestige that surpassed even that of the Saints' great sects. This was, in fact, a very important stepping stone on the path of the Heavenly Court's development.

However, as the seven immortals from the Jie Sect and Chan Sect were about to enter the Heavenly Gate, Li Changshou still stepped forward and stopped his seven senior brothers, senior sisters, and sister-in-law.

The Nine-Dragon Chariot returned to the Heavenly Court, and all branches of Heavenly Soldiers swiftly and orderly returned to their respective barracks. Several Heavenly Generals were concealing the three divine swords, allowing the seven immortals, including Guangchengzi, to pass. Seizing this opportunity, Li Changshou's Grand White Star Lord paper effigy rode his cloud back, solemnly inviting the seven to come forward and discuss the upcoming matters. He naturally paid no mind to the minor detail of why there were four people from the Chan Sect.

Li Changshou activated an immortal power barrier and asked directly: "Senior Brother Guangchengzi, is the Chan Sect aiming to protect Senior Brother Ju Liusun, or Deputy Leader Randeng? After this interrogation, there will inevitably be a primary and a secondary perpetrator, with differing degrees of guilt."

Guangchengzi pondered for a few moments, truly unaccustomed to Li Changshou's sudden directness. He said, "I still request the Heavenly Court to handle this impartially, while also considering the reputation of my Chan Sect. Junior Brother Ju Liusun is a direct disciple of our Master and is favored by him. His actions under Deputy Leader Randeng's coercion were actually unavoidable to some extent. If I were to choose based on personal feelings, I would naturally wish for Junior Brother Ju Liusun to receive lighter punishment. However, Deputy Leader Randeng is the Deputy Leader of our Chan Sect and the only ancient mighty figure within the sect who is of the same generation as our Master. Today, he even flew out from our Master's courtyard, seemingly having been called over for a lecture. In this situation, alas... This humble Daoist truly can't make a decision."

Li Changshou: ...

Indeed, communication was quite difficult. This was equivalent to saying nothing while simultaneously expressing a desire to protect both. If a certain top-ranked void-traveling team from his previous life on Earth had half of Guangchengzi's "ball-playing" skills, Li Changshou might have had one less regret before his death in his past life.

True Person Taiyi chuckled, "Senior Disciple-Brother, when did you become so thorough?"

Guangchengzi glared at Taiyi, who quietly raised a hand to wipe his mouth, setting a restriction that could be broken at any time.

Li Changshou turned and asked Zhao Gongming, "Does the Jie Sect have any opinions?"

"Deal with Randeng!" Lady Jin Ling cursed, "This Randeng is simply no good. Ju Liusun is relatively alright, but Randeng is the primary instigator and naturally bears the main responsibility!"

Li Changshou slowly nodded, giving Lady Jin Ling a thumbs-up. He glanced at Guangchengzi and smiled: "Since Senior Brother and Senior Sister have expressed their opinions—Senior Brother Guangchengzi is fine with either, and Senior Sister Jin Ling wishes to focus on interrogating Randeng's guilt—then I, your junior brother, shall proceed accordingly."

With that, Li Changshou cupped his hands, immediately dispelling the surrounding barrier without giving Guangchengzi a chance to speak, and drifted away with a smile.

Lady Jin Ling chuckled, "Chang Geng is truly thorough in his work, to even ask us in advance."

True Person Huanglong also couldn't help but praise, "Indeed, if one can work with Chang Geng, there's truly no need to worry much; everything is already arranged, hahaha."

True Person Taiyi's lips twitched a few times, moving further away from True Person Huanglong and Lady Jin Ling.

Before long, Ao Yi and Ling Zhuzi arrived swiftly, ushering the seven Saint disciples of the Dao Sect through the Heavenly Gate, with Heavenly Generals and Soldiers guarding them on both sides. Upon returning to the Heavenly Court, the seven immortals could intuitively sense a clear difference compared to centuries ago. Firstly, there were more beings. What was once an endless sea of clouds now revealed numerous immortal mountains and vast expanses of pavilions and realms as far as the eye could see. This was in accordance with Li Changshou's requirements: below the Heavenly Court's Seven Heavens, areas were systematically developed, with large numbers of collective cultivation houses, single-room immortal dwellings, detached pavilions, small courtyard houses, and minor formation halls built according to the immortal and divine ranks. These were naturally not given for spirit stones but awarded according to divine rank, considered part of the Heavenly Court's New Star Incentive Program.

Secondly, the power of the Heavenly Dao within the Heavenly Court was several times more concentrated than before. The seven masters, free of karmic obstruction, were figures of some renown in the heavens and earth, yet here, they felt a clear repulsive force from the Heavenly Dao. It was as if it sought to push them away.

Ling Zhuzi walked beside True Person Taiyi, who patted his head, rubbed his Daoist hairband, and offered various warm greetings. At this moment, the Grand Yin-Yang Master would put aside his unwavering pursuit of the Grand Yin-Yang Dao, enjoying the pure father-son-like affection between master and disciple. Letting Ling Zhuzi experience trials in the Heavenly Court had now shaped him into a handsome, strong-willed man... It was precisely because of this that True Person Taiyi no longer minded being tricked by Li Changshou back then, which had led to his minor outburst of seven emotions.

As the seven immortals flew midway, they suddenly heard a loud drumming sound ahead. Streaks of light appeared from various parts of the Heavenly Court, and thousands of immortals and gods rushed towards the High Heavens Palace, creating a spectacular sight. "Let's fly faster," Zhao Gongming said with a smile, making a welcoming gesture. With a wave of his sleeve, a wisp of Dao charm lifted the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals escorting them to "observe the ceremony" at the High Heavens Palace, and they sped towards it like lightning.

Upon their arrival, they once again witnessed the efficiency of the Heavenly Court. Heavenly Soldiers filed in one by one, and in just half an hour, a "grand assembly hall" had been set up in front of the High Heavens Palace. The Heavenly Court's civil and military officials stood silently on either side. His Majesty the Jade Emperor took his seat on the throne at the entrance of the High Heavens Palace, with an empty seat left for the Queen Mother beside him. On the steps before the palace, each Heavenly Court true god was provided with a jade-crafted armchair. In front of the High Heavens Palace's main steps, three long tables were slightly separated, draped with golden cloth, and the chairs had been replaced with golden "Grand Tutor chairs." Sunlight streamed down from the sun, and scattered stars faintly appeared in the sky, casting specks of immortal light. Banners fluttered, and tens of thousands of Heavenly Soldiers arrayed on both sides, their battle formations resembling dragons and tigers. Drumbeats reverberated. Two rows of vertical drums were neatly arranged on either side, like a great roc spreading its wings, and the deafening drumming by dozens of Heavenly Generals filled the air.

Such a grand spectacle naturally wouldn't be complete without the Heavenly Court's long-standing influential minister, Duke Dongmu. Duke Mu, clad in a dark red robe with his flowing gray-white hair, walked to the far right of the three long tables and declared loudly: "Please, disciples of the Dao Sect Saints, come forward and take your seats!"

As soon as he finished speaking, seven Heavenly Generals arrived carrying armchairs, arranging them three on the left and four on the right, below the three long tables. Guangchengzi, Lady Jin Ling, and the other immortals calmly stepped forward and took their seats, certainly not intimidated by such a display.

Duke Mu said solemnly, "Upon the Grand White Star Lord's suggestion, and with His Majesty the Jade Emperor's permission, seven immortals representing the Dao Sect have come to observe today's Heavenly Court interrogation of Chan Sect Deputy Leader Randeng and Chan Sect disciple Ju Liusun. Should any of you find anything inappropriate, incorrect, or improper during the trial of the 'Chang'e Accuses Heavenly General' case, please first signal for the chief interrogator's permission before speaking."

The seven Chan Sect immortals each nodded. Afterwards, Duke Mu called out, "Presenting the chief interrogator, the Grand White Star Lord!"

As his voice fell, a beam of immortal light shone down from the side. Li Changshou, having rarely changed into his "court attire," first bowed to the Jade Emperor before the palace, then slowly walked forward. He wore a wide, white robe with gold trim, his silver-white hair adorned with a shining Daoist hairband, and in his hand, he held a gray whisk he had picked up from Doushuai Palace. Li Changshou's eyes gleamed like lightning. With every step, a faint pressure rippled outwards. Not to mention the Heavenly Soldiers, Heavenly Generals, civil officials, and minor functionaries, even mighty figures like Zhao Gongming and Guangchengzi felt Li Changshou's Dao attainment, which was no longer to be underestimated.

Li Changshou walked behind the long table, exchanged Daoist salutes with Duke Dongmu, and they both took their seats. He then said, "Today's matter concerns Chang'e of the Moon Palace. Thanks to the remarkable insight of the Grand Yin Star Lord, His Majesty has specially approved her as co-interrogator today. Please welcome the Grand Yin Star Lord of Guanghan Palace!"

Before Li Changshou had finished speaking, a graceful figure had already appeared before the High Heavens Palace, with the Dao charm of Qiankun slowly rippling around her. Before the immortals could clearly see her face and figure, a thin wisp of smoke drifted away. With a gentle sway, she was already behind the long table beside Li Changshou.

Chang'e of Guanghan Palace. Unfortunately, Chang'e concealed herself within a light white mist at this moment, not revealing her true form. She bowed to the Jade Emperor, then curtsied to Li Changshou, and without a word, sat down. Distant and aloof.

Li Changshou smiled, then straightened his face, his eyes flashing with divine light. He picked up the gavel in his hand and then brought it down heavily. "Bring forth Ju Liusun, Randeng, Bian Zhuang, and all other relevant parties!"

Footsteps sounded from the side. Yang Jian and Jin Peng, each leading a team of Heavenly Generals, escorted Ju Liusun and Randeng forward together. Randeng's expression was as usual, while Ju Liusun's face was ashen. A fleeting murderous intent flashed in Li Changshou's eyes, quickly replaced by a hint of a smile.

"Someone, first bring a seat for the Immortal Alliance Leader."