Chapter 614: Situation Changes Suddenly, Deadly Calamity of the Burning Lamp

No one had expected Li Changshou to suddenly change his strategy.

As everyone's attention converged on Bian Zhuang's false accusation by Chang'e, curious to see how the Heavenly Court would stand firm against the Saint sects, and how the always-thorough Grand White Venus would 'thoroughly' manage the current predicament…

From the perspective of Heavenly Rules, considering the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Court's principles that spirits have no noble or base distinctions, and that might should not determine respect, the deaths and injuries of over twenty or thirty beings were sufficient to convict Randeng and Ju Liusun.

However, this was just wishful thinking.

Everyone believed that framing Bian Zhuang was not a particularly grave offense for Deputy Sect Master Randeng and Ju Liusun.

For the Heavenly Court to step forward and adopt an accusatory posture towards the Chan Sect was already considered satisfactory.

Li Changshou, leveraging the severe punishment of that Chang'e and working in concert with the Lunar Star Lord, had blocked Ju Liusun and Randeng's paths to Dao advancement and confiscated their treasured artifacts. This was an outstanding achievement, making full use of the current pretext.

Regardless of the perspective, the Heavenly Court had secured a resounding victory and submitted a report that was, at minimum, excellent.

But little did anyone expect…

This was merely an appetizer.

Randeng, having come to the Heavenly Court this time, was surely in for a difficult ordeal.

At this moment, most beings, like Perfected Huang Long, perceived only the first layer, sensing that Li Changshou's apparent purpose was not his actual one; he intended to thoroughly disgrace Randeng today.

Individuals such as Zhao Gongming and Holy Mother Golden Spirit, who were roughly at the same level as the Heavenly Court's main deities, grasped the second and third layers. They believed that Lord Star had made exhaustive preparations, breaking his heart to establish the Heavenly Court's dominance over the Saint sects on this very day.

As for Qiongxiao, Taiyi, and Perfected Yuding, they naturally saw the fourth layer: Li Changshou was attempting to ascertain if he could eliminate Randeng, treating him as mere 'calamity ash'.

The recent trial of the Bian Zhuang-Chang'e case could be fully described as preparatory work for the subsequent escalation, achieving a series of objectives.

It raised a righteous banner for the Heavenly Court's governance of the Three Realms and established a precedent for the Heavenly Court to judge powerful beings.

More importantly, to save Randeng and Ju Liusun, Guangchengzi had already expended one instance of 'Chan Sect merit,' rendering him unable to use such an excuse again later.

—Using such a justification twice would severely diminish the Chan Sect's credibility and reputation, matters which the Primeval Lord of Heaven regarded with great importance.

What made Guangchengzi feel even more helpless was that his recent act of pulling Ju Liusun back to his side signified the Chan Sect's acceptance of the Heavenly Court's prior conviction of both a deputy sect master and a Saint's disciple.

In other words, from this point forward, provided there was a legitimate charge against Randeng, Guangchengzi would be unable to intercede for him.

The Chan Sect could no longer shield its Deputy Sect Master Randeng.

Guangchengzi sighed inwardly, a feeling of vexation already brewing within him…

Why had he needlessly drawn Chang Geng into his calculations? It felt somewhat like self-inflicted humiliation.

Perhaps he simply felt an itch to test a few moves.

Who had initiated this second wave of events?

It was Youqin Xuanya, the Heavenly Court's legendary goddess of war and the executor of the Super Heavenly Soldiers project!

And the contemporary Human Emperor, the monarch of the Shang Kingdom!

The annihilation of the Youqin Kingdom was undeniably Randeng's doing.

At that time, Randeng, seeking to probe the depths of Li Changshou and the Immortal Ascension Sect, had meticulously devised a scheme over twenty years, instigating a secular war under the guise of a territorial dispute between the Daowei Immortal Sect and the Immortal Ascension Sect.

However, Li Changshou reacted promptly, and with the assistance of experts Kong Xuan and Zhao Gongming, he managed to subdue Randeng, dealing him a significant blow.

Since then, Randeng had become considerably more restrained, and this incident was frequently recounted as a humorous anecdote among cultivators within and beyond the Daoist sects.

The Human Emperor accusing the Chan Sect's Deputy Sect Master, especially when the Chan Sect's very foundation rested upon humanity…

The entire Youqin clan, from its elders to its youngest, had been massacred, leaving only the child in Youqin Xuanya's sister-in-law's womb…

Guangchengzi's inability to speak, given the precedent established by the earlier trial…

With the Jade Emperor himself presiding, Li Changshou serving as a witness, and the inevitable presence of even more compelling physical evidence, it would be exceedingly difficult for Randeng to overturn his predicament…

Yet, none of this represented the ultimate layer of the scheme.

Guangchengzi gazed at Li Changshou, a flicker of helplessness in his eyes, and a hint of a bitter smile on his lips.

He finally understood what his junior brother from the Human Sect truly intended.

Astute, truly astute.

Indeed, he was precisely the one Master claimed was the most challenging to deceive…

This move, then, was this junior brother's attempt to reinforce the efficacy of the Daoist non-aggression pact, severing the ties between the Chan Sect and the Western Sect, thereby fulfilling the vision he once articulated:

When the Great Tribulation descends, the Daoist sects would unite to first deal with the Western Sect.

Guangchengzi had once inquired of his Master whether Chang Geng would genuinely show favoritism towards the Chan Sect, but his Master had dismissed his concerns.

Li Changshou's disposition dictated that he would never truly align with the Jie Sect, but would instead always occupy a point of equilibrium between the Chan and Jie Sects.

Guangchengzi vaguely recalled that occasion: when the Jade Emperor had lamented in the Purple Heavens Palace, precipitating the Investiture of Gods Tribulation, he had visited his Master in the small courtyard and engaged in a lengthy discussion.

His Master had once stated that as early as three millennia before the Great Tribulation's onset, several Saints had already perceived its imminent arrival.

Uncle Tongtian appeared unconcerned, confident in his numerous disciples, but in truth, he was deeply troubled, secretly searching for the whereabouts of the Chaos Bell time and again;

The Western Sect began to diligently accumulate merits, attempting to forge a great number of false merit-endowed Golden Bodies, hoping to weather this tribulation by means of them.

The Chan Sect, conversely, possessed the most confidence: its destiny remained untainted, it owed no merits, its sect's fortune was ancient, and its blessings ran deep. Therefore, the Chan Sect proceeded as normal, calmly awaiting the official arrival of the Great Tribulation before initiating its response.

However, everything suddenly shifted.

According to his Master's calculations, the Great Tribulation, which had initially possessed a clear trajectory, intended to deplete the vital essence of both the Chan and Jie Sects and primarily diminish the power of beings in the world, suddenly became shrouded in mystery;

The previously clear threads became chaotic and incomprehensible; fixed destinies transformed into variables, laden with unknown implications.

It wasn't until much later, when Junior Brother Chang Geng's identity as 'Li Changshou, disciple of the Immortal Ascension Sect,' was exposed, that his Master finally deduced what had caused the Heavenly Dao's obscurity.

—Most likely, it was Junior Brother Chang Geng's Heavenly Tribulation for achieving immortality.

For the evolution of the Heavenly Dao, that seemed to be a rather pivotal juncture.

Suddenly feeling a gaze fall upon his face, Guangchengzi followed its direction and saw Randeng, who was visibly on the verge of collapsing.

However, Guangchengzi said nothing further, simply closing his eyes and sighing deeply, an expression of utter helplessness on his face.

He truly had no solution left.

While acting desperately at this moment might indeed save Randeng, the Chan Sect would subsequently become incredibly passive, and he would be unable to provide a satisfactory account to his Master.

When Randeng had previously appeared, he was in his Master's small courtyard; Guangchengzi had no idea what his Master had conveyed to him.

Presumably, however, his Master had long foreseen this scene and made some preliminary arrangements…

“Senior Brother?”

Suddenly, Perfected Huang Long's transmitted voice inquired, "Are we truly not going to do anything?

Although we ordinarily dislike Deputy Sect Master Randeng, he is, ultimately, our Deputy Sect Master…”

“At a time like this, do not be a bleeding heart,” Guangchengzi transmitted back helplessly. “Junior Brother Chang Geng's schemes are far too intricate; it's likely he envisioned today's predicament as early as the Youqin Kingdom incident.

This matter is beyond our capacity to resolve; we can only await Master's directive.

Fortunately, we bear no past grievances with Junior Brother Chang Geng.”

Huang Long was indeed taken aback, turning to gaze at Li Changshou, then Randeng, and then Zhao Gongming across the hall, finding himself utterly perplexed…

Perfected Yuding suddenly rose, drawing the attention of all the immortals, and swiftly strode to the base of the High Heavens Palace steps.

Li Changshou, from his elevated position, observed this. He first bowed to the Jade Emperor in apology, then, having received the Jade Emperor's assent, quickly made his way over.

Li Changshou inquired with a smile, “Senior Brother Yuding, what troubles you?”

Yuding asked, “Is it convenient for us to step away and speak privately for a moment?”

Li Changshou's brows furrowed slightly, then he subtly gestured to his sleeve.

Yuding's expression shifted to one of understanding, and he nodded solemnly, then turned and walked away from the gathered assembly.

Due to the incident involving Yang Jian years ago, one of Li Changshou's paper effigies had been left with Yuding.

Even though a considerable amount of time had passed, the paper effigy in Perfected Yuding's possession still retained some spiritual energy, making communication with Perfected Yuding straightforward.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou returned to the Jade Emperor's side, offered a gentle smile to Yun Xiao, who was quietly observing him, and then resumed discussing how to have the Human Emperor formally 'lodge a complaint'.

Youqin Xuanya's 'status in the cultivation world' was indeed somewhat lacking. In contrast, a contemporary Human Emperor accusing the Chan Sect's Deputy Sect Master of slaughtering his own ancestors carried significantly more weight.

Either way, it amounted to the same thing.

After a brief wait, Li Changshou heard Perfected Yuding's telepathic call in his mind, and thus multitasked, responding with his divine sense.

He transmitted, “Senior Brother Yuding, please speak plainly. Even if you intercede on Randeng's behalf, it will not affect our friendship.”

Perfected Yuding pondered for a few moments, his transmitted voice sounding rather grave.

He said, “Chang Geng, are you intent on destroying Randeng today because our Senior Brother's previous machinations filled you with indignation, or because you were already prepared and simply seized the opportunity to set a trap?”

Li Changshou remained silent for a moment, then replied, “Perhaps a bit of both. I simply accelerated some plans by riding the momentum.”

“Good,” Perfected Yuding raised a hand to rub his brow, his somewhat ordinary features now etched with a touch of concern.

Perfected Yuding sighed, “I am not eloquent, but I merely wish to offer two reminders to my junior brother.

Master is perfectly aware of Randeng's issues. For all these years, Master has consistently turned a blind eye and never summoned Randeng, which is highly unusual.

Master likely still has a future use for Randeng. If you plot to kill him today, it will undoubtedly draw a messenger from Master afterwards.

Moreover, when Randeng last appeared, he emerged from the small courtyard... Chang Geng, you should be more circumspect. Unless absolutely necessary, you must not put yourself in opposition to Master.”

Li Changshou: …

Inexplicably, he felt a sudden surge of emotion.

How many years it had been!

How many ages had passed!

Finally, a friend, at such a crucial juncture, was not urging him to strike when appropriate, but rather to exercise caution!

My path is not solitary! What a relief!

Perfected Yuding's words, initially sounding as if they considered Randeng's plight, upon closer examination, were clearly meant for Li Changshou's well-being.

Li Changshou replied, “Senior Brother Yuding, please rest assured. I haven't truly resolved to kill him, and I've made exhaustive preparations.

If I can kill him, that's best; if not, it's still acceptable.

As for what will transpire later, I have already made my predictions.

I'll give you a clearer picture, Senior Brother.

If the first to arrive to rescue him is a messenger from Second Martial Uncle, then Randeng is sure to perish;

If, however, a prominent figure from the Western Sect is the first to come to his rescue, then Randeng may live, but the West will pay double the price.”

Perfected Yuding blinked in confusion, asking, “What do you mean by that?”

“Many matters are difficult to explain all at once; allow me to elaborate in detail afterwards,” Li Changshou instructed. “Also, please manage Senior Brother Taiyi later. I hadn't intended for him to come along, but he managed to sneak in himself.

Should the situation later escalate beyond control, under no circumstances must you allow him to utter a sound.

Otherwise, a battle among Saints could erupt!”

Perfected Yuding's spirit was greatly stirred by these words. He frowned, focused intently, and nodded very seriously, pushing the paper effigy deeper into his sleeve before quickly returning to his original seat.

Upon returning to his seat, he immediately turned and fixed his gaze on Perfected Taiyi.

Perfected Taiyi, who had been telepathically discussing scriptures with Lingzhuzi, instinctively shuddered, then turned his head to glance at Perfected Yuding.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Hmm…”

Perfected Yuding's eyes narrowed, a flicker of resolve crossing their depths.

He suddenly struck, moving with lightning speed, pressing Perfected Taiyi onto his chair with blinding swiftness, and in a flurry of hands and feet, secured him with a unique magical artifact!

The assembled immortals looked towards the commotion, witnessing Perfected Taiyi struggling and kicking, Perfected Yuding pressing him down, while the former emitted a series of muffled sounds.

Many immortal maidens' faces flushed, secretly musing that Chan Sect masters were indeed so utterly oblivious to proper decorum;

The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, however, frowned and tilted their heads, bewildered as to why Perfected Yuding had suddenly subdued Perfected Taiyi…

A moment later, Taiyi was disheveled, his mouth sealed, immortal power suppressed, and his hands and legs bound by immortal ropes, his face a picture of utter resignation.

It was settled.

Perfected Yuding let out a sigh of relief, tidied his disheveled attire, and sat upright with proper decorum nearby.

Tsk, another day of silently saving the Great Desolation.

Less than two hours had passed since Youqin Xuanya's appearance to accuse Randeng.

The Jade Emperor personally issued an edict, initiating a 'Heavenly Dao interrogation'—an official investigation—into the case of the Youqin Kingdom being plotted against by Randeng years ago.

Youqin Xuanya was taken under the Heavenly Court's protection, temporarily resting on the side, awaiting her reappearance when the formal interrogation commenced.

The Daoist forces implicated in this matter included both the Immortal Ascension Sect and the Daowei Immortal Sect.

Li Changshou distinctly recalled that Daoweizi, the founding patriarch of the Daowei Immortal Sect, had also been present that day and was the one who directly issued orders to the Daowei Immortal Sect.

This Daoweizi was the crucial figure in this matter.

Therefore, Li Changshou requested the Jade Emperor's decree and dispatched the Golden-Winged Roc, leading over a dozen Heavenly Generals (without accompanying Heavenly Soldiers), to the Jade Pure Palace to invite the founding patriarch of the Daowei Immortal Sect for questioning at the Heavenly Court.

Furthermore, Li Changshou provided an edict of immunity from death: as long as Daoweizi spoke truthfully at the Heavenly Court, there would be no risk whatsoever, and the Heavenly Court would show understanding for his predicament.

Concurrently, two other detachments of troops were dispatched, heading respectively to the Shang Kingdom in the Southern Continent and the Immortal Ascension Sect.

They proactively sought a Human Emperor's proclamation from the Shang Monarch, to serve as the Shang Monarch's official complaint.

The Jade Emperor had initially intended for the Human Emperor to ascend to heaven, thereby seizing the opportunity to proclaim the Heavenly Court's authority.

However, firstly, he feared the Human Emperor might develop a desire for immortality, which would be detrimental to the current situation. Secondly, it would consume too much time, proving far less efficient than conveying a few warnings through dreams.

Of course, most importantly, a formal proclamation was a more secure approach.

For the Human Emperor's proclamation to be handled by Youqin Xuanya, the Human Emperor's ancestor, was entirely logical and perfectly fitting.

Before Golden-Winged Roc departed, Li Changshou gave him no specific instructions, but en route, a paper effigy whispered a series of critical points into the roc's ear.

Whether Daoweizi could be 'invited' was the decisive factor in whether Randeng could be successfully suppressed today.

Golden-Winged Roc dared not be negligent, committing all his teacher's words to memory, and led the Heavenly Generals back to the Jade Pure Palace.

Mount Kunlun that day was indeed a vibrant hub of activity.

The Heavenly Court's immortals and gods visiting the Jade Pure Palace three times had become a 'major event' for the loose cultivators gathered on Mount Kunlun.

Fortunately, given its proximity to the Chan Sect's Jade Pure Palace, no one dared to openly criticize the Chan Sect. However, as the news spread, a dazzling array of interpretations began to circulate.

Some suggested the Chan Sect intentionally yielded, wishing to avoid conflict with the Heavenly Court;

Still others claimed this marked the Heavenly Court's ascendancy, and that the era of the Six Saints was nearing its end.

In such momentous affairs of heaven and earth, there was naturally no dearth of 'senior figures' who, despite their modest cultivation, possessed profound insight. They would passionately discuss the situation, analyze its advantages and disadvantages, and subsequently arrive at conclusions utterly irrelevant to their everyday cultivation practices.

Overall, the shifts in public opinion remained within Li Changshou's calculations.

As the Chan Sect typically avoided accumulating animosity, and its immortals were comparatively more low-key than those of the Jie Sect or Western Sect, there weren't an excessive number of individuals mocking the Chan Sect at this particular moment.

Meanwhile, upon Golden-Winged Roc's arrival at the Jade Pure Palace, Perfected Red Essence and several of the Chan Sect's Twelve Golden Immortals were awaiting him on the clouds.

Following Li Changshou's instructions, Golden-Winged Roc directly stated his purpose, elaborating on the Youqin clan's accusation against Randeng before the Jade Emperor, and emphasizing that the Youqin clan was indeed the lineage of the contemporary Human Emperor…

Perfected Red Essence's face showed his dilemma; he asked Golden-Winged Roc to be patient, then turned and flew directly to the back mountain.

Soon, Perfected Red Essence entered and exited the Three Friends' small courtyard, then hurried to a secluded corner of the Jade Pure Palace, bringing Daoweizi back with him, quietly giving him a few instructions along the way.

Though Daoweizi was considered an expert, discovering he was now entangled in a conflict between the highest powers of heaven and earth due to an old score, he could only offer a series of wry smiles.

Golden-Winged Roc spoke of the order of immunity from punishment, a statement heavy with implication.

Daoweizi could only offer a bitter laugh in response, yet he resolved to first telepathically inquire with Senior Brother Guangchengzi upon reaching the Heavenly Court, to ascertain how to proceed with this matter.

He was merely a minor immortal from a great sect; he dared not utter a single errant word.

Meanwhile, in the Three Friends' small courtyard, beneath a tree, lay a rocking chair.

The middle-aged Daoist reclining there sighed softly. From behind the tree emerged an old Daoist with a rather auspicious peach-shaped head, white hair, white eyebrows, and benevolent eyes—it was, of course, the Immortal Elder of the South Pole.

“Master, it seems Junior Brother Chang Geng has somewhat exceeded your expectations.”

“This nearly perfect plan has indeed presented a challenge for your Master. Arrangements spanning several eons might be partially undone.”

“Perhaps we should tell him outright that we are secretly plotting against the Western Sect?”

“There's no need,” the Primeval Lord of Heaven waved his hand. “You make a trip to the Heavenly Court. If you can save him, then do so; if not, so be it.

He has his own method of safeguarding the Daoist sect, and I have my own considerations for its perpetuation.

As long as his heart remains with the Daoist sect, let him scheme as he wishes. If I were to contend with him, wouldn't Junior Brother Tongtian mock me, saying I lack magnanimity?

Chang Geng possesses pure origins and profound blessings; he is both adaptable and meticulous. This Daoist finds him quite admirable.”

As he spoke, the Saint chuckled softly twice, then added:

“Cause and effect, a single sip, a single peck—if he disrupts this move of mine, he will naturally need to find a way to compensate for it later.

He understands this principle as well. Since he is so determined, let him proceed.

To have a bit of tranquility during this Great Tribulation would not be unwelcome.”