Chapter 636: This is a Lie, No One Yields

"Ah, the flowers in the courtyard are blooming again."This thought arose in Quan Dong's mind, a hint of weariness in his eyes.

Three years...Do you know what he's been through in these past three years?This mortal world, shrouded in mist and smoke, is filled with treacherous hearts, lingering spirits, worldly defilement, and the unbearable aspects of human nature. It's as if they're reminding him, the Jade Emperor, that the path ahead is arduous and long!

Fortunately, there weren't many affairs in the Heavenly Court that required his direct attention. Minor issues went to Mu Gong, and major ones to Chang Geng. However, recently, over the last millennium, significant events in the Heavenly Court have erupted in concentrated bursts.Before, his presence was too low, and with saintly avatars presiding, he, the Jade Emperor, could have an informal memorial sitting by his side for thousands of years.

Back then, he merely managed natural phenomena, disasters, and plagues in the Southern Continent, nothing like now...Beneath the Nine Heavens, no one dares defy the Heavenly Court's decrees.Within the Three Realms, even the great sects of saints must yield.

Those great myriad worlds gradually came under the Heavenly Court's control. Every single Heavenly Decree issued by him, if even slightly amiss, could lead to immeasurable consequences.This is how he truly became the Emperor of Heaven.Likewise, he also shouldered the heavy burden of the Emperor of Heaven.

Quan Dong was actually under considerable pressure. After all, he had merely been a boy servant before Dao Ancestor, and this was his first time as Emperor of Heaven, with no systematic training.Fortunately, he had a stress-relief method designated by Dao Ancestor and approved by Senior Brother Taiqing!He could find Chang Geng.

Chang Geng truly was a remarkable person.As Quan Dong thought of this, his mood instantly improved significantly.

As far as his eyes could see, the mortal city at sunset held a unique charm.Mortal merchants, carrying their burdens, headed home. Wealthy families closed their main gates, and children played boisterously in the streets and alleys.These, in fact, were only a partial glimpse of the situation.

Quan Dong suddenly understood why his beloved Chang Geng had repeatedly brought up the word "character" when discussing many details of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation with him.Leaving aside other matters, just considering this Jiang family residence, those with excellent character gave the Jade Emperor a comfortable feeling; while those with poor character made the Jade Emperor feel an impulse to strike them down with a single palm.

But he was, after all, the Lord of the Three Realms; what propriety would it be to quarrel with mere mortals?From now on, when the Heavenly Court appointed civil and military officials, true gods, and loose immortals, character should be the primary consideration, followed by intellect and appearance, and only then divine abilities and magic power.

What good is immense magic power and vast divine abilities if one is still dust before the Heavenly Dao?A better appearance, at least, could increase some personal charm.

Thus, Quan Dong was not entirely without gain here. Although Li Changshou did not arrive, he gained a deeper understanding of his role as the Emperor of Heaven.

It's just..."Could Chang Geng really not want to meet this Jiang Shang?"The Jade Emperor's avatar mused for a moment, then decided to wait another half a year. If Li Changshou didn't come, he would take the initiative to go to the Grand White Hall.

He would bring warmth directly to Chang Geng!Just imagining his beloved Chang Geng revealing his true self before him...

"Hmm?"Quan Dong's eyes opened a slit, a glint of light flashing within them as he looked to his left.There, a swirl of mist slowly solidified, obscuring the view of mortals.

A vortex appeared in the cosmos, from which a slightly plump Daoist slowly emerged. He wore a loose long robe, had a flowing hairstyle, and immediately bowed to Quan Dong upon appearing."Greetings, Uncle Jade Emperor."

"Oh?" Quan Dong's eyebrow arched, and his eyes opened fully. "I was wondering who could disturb the cosmos even slightly. I didn't expect it to be Nephew Duobao.Nephew, why have you come here?"

Daoist Duobao offered a slightly simple smile, hands tucked into his sleeves and held before him, and chuckled:"Uncle Jade Emperor, this time, I've come with good news."

"What good news?"Daoist Duobao spoke gently:"This child, Jiang Shang, is intelligent and possesses great destiny. I wish to recommend him to my master to be accepted as a disciple, so he may be taught the marvelous methods of immortality and helped on his path to enlightenment.That is the good news."

"Oh," Quan Dong nodded, then chuckled softly, understanding Duobao's intention.The Jie teaching was targeting the reincarnated form of Chang Geng's master, intending to bring him into their sect to deeply bind themselves with Chang Geng.

They truly didn't take him, the Jade Emperor, seriously. He wouldn't even mention the mutual affection between Fairy Yunxiao and Chang Geng.Taking Jiang Shang as a disciple, wasn't it just to make Chang Geng favor the Jie teaching when overseeing the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation?

The Jade Emperor's avatar's expression immediately turned cold.He didn't need to feign compliance with anyone, nor did he need to cater to anyone's whims. Even before the Dao Ancestor, he could speak his mind with integrity. So, facing the representative of the Jie teaching now, he didn't need to show any deference.This was the Emperor of Heaven.

Quan Dong slowly said, "I observe that Jiang Shang's destiny is acceptable, but his aptitude is merely ordinary, and his comprehension isn't exceptional. How could Senior Brother Tongtian have taken a liking to him?"

Daoist Duobao seemed to have anticipated this and chuckled beside him, "Uncle, you misunderstand. It is I, your disciple, who will take Jiang Shang to Biyou Palace to formally request master to accept him as a disciple."

Quan Dong's expression was somewhat stern."Your meaning is that whether Senior Brother Tongtian will accept him as a disciple is still unknown?It's possible that Jiang Shang, if he goes to your Jie teaching, might only become a third-generation disciple?"

Duobao now understood that Quan Dong viewed Jiang Shang as 'one of their own' in the Heavenly Court and was annoyed by the Jie teaching's perceived disregard for Jiang Shang.Duobao hastily said, "Uncle, my speaking this way is only because I haven't yet informed master.But rest assured, once I bring Jiang Shang back to Biyou Palace, master will certainly accept him as a disciple. Our entire Jie teaching will cherish him immensely and carefully guide him, so he may soon attain the Dao and immortality..."

"Heh, well said."Quan Dong's lips curled slightly, but his gaze shifted to another part of the Jiang residence as he calmly said:"Come out, all of you. Why hide and conceal yourselves?I've been sitting here idly for three years; do you truly think I didn't know you were here?"

As Quan Dong's words fell, the aura of the Emperor of Heaven, perceptible only to true masters, emanated from him.The various parts of the Jiang residence were quiet for a moment, then immortal light swept through, causing all mortals within the mansion to fall into a deep sleep. After that, immortal light......illuminated from all directions and corners.

From the roof of a side room, two flying insects emerged, transforming into two dragon-headed elders.From a flowerpot in the living room, three streams of light shot forth, revealing three old Daoists in patched robes.The watchdog in the backyard trembled a few times, transforming into a wisp of immortal energy, revealing an elderly demoness radiating the light of merit.

Another maid, who had been feigning sleep, gave an awkward smile, rose, looked around, and took out a jade token from the Saintess Palace...From a corner floated two Netherworld ghost generals, now gaping and looking left and right in astonishment.

And that wasn't all.From the forest outside the city, a middle-aged Daoist rose, stepped forward, and instantly appeared above the Jiang residence, bowing to Quan Dong. It was Guangchengzi, the foremost among the twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan teaching.

Quan Dong: ...So many?He hadn't paid attention before... *cough*, that's not important.

Quan Dong snorted coldly, divine light flashing in his eyes.The two ghost generals immediately knelt and kowtowed, their forms dissolving into a wisp of smoke.The fairy from the Saintess Palace bowed, then ascended into the air, taking her place behind Daoist Duobao.

The three old Daoists from the Western teaching said nothing, bowed, and attempted to retreat. Daoist Duobao, seeing this, immediately moved forward.How could he not seize such easily obtained tribulation ashes?

But Guangchengzi smiled faintly and said, "Junior Brother Duobao, you're a step too late."He subtly blocked Daoist Duobao.

The three old Daoists lowered their heads and hurried away, instantly fleeing hundreds of miles, vanishing in a flash.Daoist Duobao wasn't annoyed and chuckled, "Senior Brother Guangchengzi, what a coincidence to find you here too?"

"It's no coincidence," Guangchengzi said gently. "I have been waiting here for a long time, by my master's command, secretly guarding the thirteenth Golden Immortal of the Chan teaching."A sharp glint flashed in Daoist Duobao's eyes.

Quan Dong, observing from the side, couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.Although His Majesty the Jade Emperor had little experience in handling the Heavenly Court's governmental affairs, he had lived through ancient and prehistoric times, serving before the Dao Ancestor for a long time, and had witnessed countless such subtle taunts and veiled contests.

The Jade Emperor wasn't sure if Guangchengzi had a saint's decree.But in this round, the terms Guangchengzi offered clearly surpassed Daoist Duobao's. Daoist Duobao had suffered from being impetuous and eager to act, failing to notice Guangchengzi hiding outside the city.In this exchange, the Chan teaching had already won.

But from Daoist Duobao's appearance, he seemed ready to put up a fight.Sure enough, Daoist Duobao chuckled, "I didn't expect Second Martial Uncle to favor such a disciple.Logically, since Second Martial Uncle has already taken a liking to him, I shouldn't say much more, but shouldn't we ask Junior Brother Chang Geng about this matter?After all, Jiang Shang's identity is known to both of us, and he has a rather close relationship with Junior Brother Chang Geng."

Guangchengzi, however, said, "Jiang Shang's previous life has already severed karmic ties with Junior Brother Chang Geng. Junior Brother Chang Geng personally promised Martial Aunt Saintess, and conveniently, a fairy from Nuwa Palace is here; you can ask her and you'll know."

Daoist Duobao looked at the fairy, who merely smiled faintly, eyes slightly narrowed, neither speaking nor leaving.Who didn't have a saint backing them?

The situation suddenly reached a stalemate.Quan Dong, never one to shy away from escalating matters, raised a hand and directly shielded the sleeping child, Jiang Shang. A bold idea suddenly sparked in his mind.Perhaps...Hmm?

A moment later, Guangchengzi broke the silence above the Jiang residence and chuckled:"Junior Brother Duobao, it seems you haven't given up yet?"

"Alas," Duobao cupped his hands and sighed with a smile, "Actually, I shouldn't contend with Senior Brother for this junior brother, but as Jiang Shang hasn't yet entered the Chan teaching, I still have some thoughts."

Guangchengzi's smile faded, and he calmly said, "Daoist friend, are you intentionally trying to make things difficult today, deliberately harming the Chan teaching's destiny?"

"Daoist brother, your words are mistaken," Daoist Duobao responded with a smile, meeting Guangchengzi's gaze. It was as if two tiny lightning bolts clashed in mid-air.The entire great city suddenly felt like an ice cellar!

On Three Immortals Island, Li Changshou, who was awkwardly chatting with the two fairy sisters, now frowned deeply and said to Saintess Jinling and Saintess Wudang:"Something has happened in the Heavenly Court. I'll go and handle it."Then, he stepped back, closed his eyes outside the immortal pavilion to focus his mind, and his consciousness shifted... to the Southern Continent...To the Jiang residence.The backyard.

The maid responsible for feeding and watering the young master of the Jiang family opened her eyes, but then closed them again.In the kitchen, the Jiang residence's head chef stretched, stood up, chopped his cleaver onto the cutting board, and casually walked out.

Throughout these three years, those thoughts..."Master is naturally protected by the Heavenly Dao; I don't need to interfere much.""No matter, Master and I no longer have any ties; it wouldn't be good for me to show myself."There really was no other way.

The Heavenly Dao is ultimately imperfect, incomplete. Of the fifty Great Daos, one escaped; even the creation of heaven and earth involved only forty-nine ax strokes—all with specific principles.The Heavenly Dao's protection over Jiang Shang could only reach 98 percent.His attempt to make up that remaining 0.2 percent was merely a simple matter, just placing a tiny, concealed Golden Immortal-level Golden Core Paper Daoist nearby as a precaution, which was perfectly normal.

Look, wasn't this the perfect time for him to step in and save the day?The chef flew into the air, transformed, and assumed Li Changshou's usual disguise as a young Daoist. He then offered a slightly awkward smile to the Jade Emperor's avatar, Daoist Duobao, and Guangchengzi, who were all looking utterly flustered.

"Well..."Quan Dong's figure flashed, appearing directly behind Li Changshou's paper Daoist. His eyes burned with red light, and a pair of vice-like hands gripped the paper Daoist's neck, shaking Li Changshou like seaweed..."Three years! You hid right under my nose for three years!"

"Your Majesty... pardon me... your concealment abilities are too potent, your humble servant didn't detect your presence here until you deliberately revealed your aura just now... *cough cough*!""Oh?"Quan Dong instantly deflated, released Li Changshou's paper Daoist's neck, and chuckled, "Is that so?"

"Indeed," Li Changshou offered a genuine smile.Seeing this, Duobao lowered his head and pursed his lips, Guangchengzi clasped his hands behind his back and looked up at the sky, and the fairy from the Saintess Palace covered her mouth and chuckled.His Majesty the Jade Emperor...He was simply too easy to deal with.

A moment later, in the backyard of the Jiang residence.The starlight was faint, and the moonlight flowed like water. Li Changshou used his immortal power to gently lift the sleeping mortals from their various spots to their original residences, and then enveloped a small building in the backyard with immortal energy.

The child Jiang Shang was sound asleep on the second floor of the small building.Li Changshou invited the Jade Emperor's avatar, Guangchengzi, Daoist Duobao, and the fairy from the Saintess Palace to sit together downstairs.

He set out the banquet prepared earlier for Jiang Shang's grandparents, brought out some common mortal wine, and cheerfully invited his two senior brothers to drink and eat.Li Changshou was so composed, as if he had never said those words about "not interfering here."As long as he wasn't embarrassed, then others would be.

Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao both looked a little awkward at this moment.Daoist Duobao, in particular, had a slightly flushed face;In contrast, Guangchengzi was much calmer, but still dared not meet Li Changshou's eyes.

Clearly, both of these senior brothers had come here without a saint's decree, intending to use Jiang Shang to scheme against him, the Grand White Planet.

And at this moment, Daoist Duobao's embarrassment was genuine.Guangchengzi's display of awkwardness was likely an attempt to set the stage for an apology later, avoiding Li Changshou asking about the whereabouts of a saint's decree.He was purely feeling a bit guilty.

At this time, the Jade Emperor's avatar sat in the main seat, simply observing how the two grand master brothers of the great sects would handle the current situation.He watched their passive reactions when facing his beloved Chang Geng;He enjoyed the subtle and intriguing expressions of these powerful and mighty figures who had once disregarded the Heavenly Court, but now had to consider the consequences of offending it;It was very interesting.

After three rounds of wine, the food went unnoticed.The fairy was the first to speak: "Lord Star Monarch, may this servant say something off-topic?""Please, fairy, speak your mind."

The fairy's charming face bloomed with vitality, her beautiful eyes shone, and she almost lunged forward, restraining herself as she whispered:"Have you been making all the meals these past few years?Fairy Yunxiao and Fairy Ling'e are truly too blessed!"

Li Changshou smiled and shook his head.Their happiness, you simply couldn't imagine.*Cough*, back to business."Fairy, why are you here?"

"I'm merely here by Her Ladyship's command to secretly guard Jiang Shang, with no other intentions," the fairy replied, immediately raising her hand. "I can swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao!"

Quan Dong's finger moved slightly, and a rumbling of thunder immediately echoed above the small building.Watching the fairy's face instantly blanch, stuttering "th-this" unable to speak, almost rising to kneel before Li Changshou...It was quite amusing.

Li Changshou chuckled, "Then I shall trouble the fairy to continue guarding him.""Oh, it's my duty, my duty. As long as you don't blame this humble servant, that's enough."

Li Changshou nodded, then shifted his gaze to Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao, a slight smile on his lips, his voice gentle and soft.But the weight of his words caused both Guangchengzi and Daoist Duobao to change their expressions slightly.

"Two senior brothers, overseeing the affairs of the Chan and Jie teachings, and most trusted by our two Martial Uncles—if I hadn't appeared today, were you planning a magical duel here?Is there no longer any opposition outside the Dao Sect?For so many years, I've gradually clipped the wings of the Western teaching, diminished their fortune, and compressed their space for maneuver.Do you two senior brothers truly only see your respective sects, unwilling to look at the character 'Dao' above your heads?First there was the Dao Sect, and only then the Human, Chan, and Jie teachings.Don't we all refer to ourselves as Dao Sect disciples?"

"Chang Geng, this..."Daoist Duobao hesitated, then sighed softly, "Senior Brother was too hasty and made a mistake. I apologize to you again."

Guangchengzi, however, said, "With the Great Tribulation at hand, beyond self-preservation, there's no time for other concerns."

Li Changshou chuckled, "Senior Brother, are your words perhaps laying the groundwork for an alliance between the Chan teaching and the Western teaching?"

"Junior Brother, your words are too sharp," Guangchengzi said with a serious expression. "My Chan teaching disciples have pure backgrounds and deep blessings; they all take pride in being accepted by our master.Now, with the Great Tribulation upon us, the Jie teaching, which instigated this tribulation, has gathered momentum like a surging flood!Are you suggesting that my Chan teaching should truly be besieged and overwhelmed by the multitude of junior brothers and sisters from the Jie teaching, thus fulfilling the Great Tribulation and your intentions toward the Jie teaching?"

"When has my Jie teaching ever had such a thought!"Daoist Duobao frowned and said, "If it weren't for the Chan teaching's unwillingness to sacrifice a single disciple in Zixiao Palace, which led to the saints parting ways in displeasure, perhaps a method to deal with the Great Tribulation would have already been decided today."

Guangchengzi said, "The Great Tribulation is fundamentally aimed at the karmic obstacles of heaven and earth, and the karmic obstacles of living beings. My Chan teaching disciples have cultivated purely until now, rarely committing acts of slaughter, and have even contributed to the enlightenment of humanity.I have a disciple who is one of the human ancestors from Fire Cloud Cave.The Jie teaching owes humanity the most; why should my Chan teaching also be dragged into this Great Tribulation to suffer losses with you?According to Martial Uncle Tongtian's intention that day, the Jie teaching would lose three thousand, and the Chan teaching three hundred.What then?The Jie teaching has tens of thousands of immortals, while my entire Chan teaching has only a few hundred disciples! How could Master agree!"

Daoist Duobao firmly stated, "Are my Jie teaching disciples not Dao Sect disciples?The Chan teaching is picky about accepting disciples; are you blaming us for that? When has my Jie teaching ever prevented the Chan teaching from accepting disciples?"

"Junior Brother, your words are a bit of sophistry.""It's just that your words, Senior Brother, are too unpleasant. Is it a crime that my Jie teaching has many immortals?!"

Guangchengzi's brows furrowed, and Daoist Duobao's face flushed. Although neither displayed any pressure, they gave the fairy an immense sense of oppression."Two senior brothers...""Junior Brother, you decide."

Guangchengzi stepped back half a pace and sighed softly, "Which sect Jiang Shang joins, and whose saint's disciple he becomes."

Li Changshou: ..."Enough, stop arguing!" Quan Dong tossed his wine cup. "This disciple, Jiang Shang, I..."

Crack!Rumble!A purplish-red divine lightning bolt suddenly appeared outside the small building, followed by a series of dull thunderous blasts.

Quan Dong blinked, his words changed, and he smoothly said:"Ahem, I believe there's no need to reach a conclusion for now. Why don't both teachings take a step back and let Heavenly Will decide?Surely, neither teaching would defy even Heavenly Will, would they?"

Li Changshou genuinely breathed a sigh of relief, though a slight regret lingered in his heart.