Chapter 637: Heavenly Emperor Guide Teacher

Why did Li Changshou feel a hint of regret?

It stemmed from his inability to get Jiang Shang directly under Yu Di, to be a follower of the Heavenly Emperor.

And this was clearly obstructed by the Heavenly Way.

In that case, after his master reincarnates, is he not destined to have no connection with immortality?

According to the script of the Heavenly Way, will Jiang Shang only enjoy the blessings of a life with wives and concubines, unable to attain the Dao and eternal life?

This...

Lu Ya is already dead. Although the Nailhead Seven Arrows Book has mysteriously disappeared without a trace, even following the original Investiture of the Gods plot, it's impossible for Lu Ya to offer the strategy of the nailhead book or for Ziya to make a vow to curse Gongming.

One must not take this lightly.

In the original Investiture of the Gods calamity, Jiang Ziya and Zhao Gongming clearly both ended up as losers.

Above Jiang's residence, on a white cloud beneath the myriad stars, Li Changshou stood behind Quan Dong, gazing at the back of Guang Chengzi, and let out a soft sigh.

It wasn't that he didn't want to look for his senior brother Duobao; it was just that Duobao had directly tunneled away, leaving no trace to follow.

In the Jiang residence, the fairy who had been left to guard the place bowed respectfully to the air and returned to her quarters to rest.

Quan Dong clearly breathed a sigh of relief. "Changgeng, let's just wander around casually."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and added,

"This humble god has been hiding and not appearing to meet Your Majesty—please forgive me.

It was because the Holy Mother had previously imposed restrictions, severing the karmic ties between this disciple and Jiang Shang. That was also my own intention.

I only left some paper effigies here to prevent Jiang Shang from being captured, which could then threaten this humble god..."

"Ah!"

Yu Di waved his hand and laughed. "You have your difficulties, and I—we—are well aware of that."

Li Changshou bowed deeply in salute.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding!"

Then, the ruler and his minister strolled through the air above the human city known as Shen Hua City, accompanied by the starlight and night shadows, with the faint glow of lanterns in the streets and alleys below.

Quan Dong chuckled. "The conflict between Chan and Jie Teachings is finally going to be out in the open."

"The killing calamity has arrived," Li Changshou said slowly. "In the face of the Heavenly Way's will, even creatures who have achieved Daluo Jinxian find it hard to resist or oppose.

They have no choice but to tear off their facades."

"The Heavenly Way is ultimately for the stability of the world."

Quan Dong smiled as he spoke, and the two exchanged a glance, their understanding conveyed through laughter.

This pair of ruler and minister began discussing the Chan and Jie Teachings, starting from the conflicts in their doctrines and moving on to the disagreements between the two saints in the past.

They chatted about whatever came to mind, free from any taboos or constraints. With the Heavenly Way's power protecting them, they wouldn't be overheard by the saints.

That night, the impromptu meeting of the three teachings' leaders in the Jiang family backyard ended just as unhappily as the discussions in Zixiao Palace about the Investiture of the Gods.

The rift between Chan and Jie had become nearly irreconcilable.

The matter was straightforward.

Chan Teaching wanted Jie Teaching to bear the brunt of the great calamity, letting hundreds of Jie immortals die to resolve Chan's dilemmas.

Jie Teaching's bottom line was to allocate the number of those doomed to perish proportionally; as for whether the fallen could become gods in the Heavenly Court, that was secondary. First, they needed to agree on how many from each side would die, with the saints overseeing everything.

Of course, these were just the thoughts of the core senior disciples and absolutely couldn't be said openly.

Based on the judgments of the various saints, this great calamity shouldn't endanger the major direct disciples. Both Chan and Jie Teachings had around a dozen who were untouchable.

Mixed into this was the Western Teaching.

Jie Teaching had the strength to take on two opponents at once, so such a scenario was inevitable, which in turn made the rift between Chan and Jie even sharper.

Guang Chengzi was clever, but Duobao Daoist was no fool.

In Li Changshou's view, the two senior brothers were essentially competing over Jiang Shang today as a way to test each other. Once they realized neither would back down, there was nothing left to say.

No more illusions, no more wishful thinking.

Li Changshou had been laying plans for so many years and never deluded himself into thinking he could reconcile such contradictions between the two teachings.

Life and death are no trivial matters.

In the Daoist tradition, which teaching would sacrifice the lives of its disciples to gain the goodwill, praise, or acclaim of another?

The Taiji Chart warns.

The Pangu Banner warns.

The Chaos Bell... the Zhuxian Array warns.

The Investiture of the Gods calamity is the will of the Heavenly Way, the need of the world, and the concentrated eruption of the contradictions between Chan and Jie, settling the great teachings' debts to the human race as the protagonists of the world.

This seed was planted when the Three Pure Ones parted ways.

So, from the very beginning, Li Changshou focused on how to save people, not how to fight against the calamity.

He always had a clear self-awareness.

"Changgeng, what do you think..."

Quan Dong suddenly murmured, "Today, when Guang Chengzi and Duobao fought over Jiang Shang, was it simply because Jiang Shang is the reincarnation of your master, or have the two teachings already realized that Jiang Shang is a key figure in the upcoming calamity?"

His Majesty's habit of secretly peeking at the "answers" from the Heavenly Way was truly...

Impressively done.

Li Changshou pondered carefully for a moment.

In this way, His Majesty might be able to timely reveal some risks arranged by the Heavenly Way; if there are any, it's for the best, and if not, it won't make things worse.

Li Changshou said, "Duobao senior brother's motives are relatively straightforward, but as for Guang Chengzi senior brother, I can't quite see through him."

"Oh?"

Quan Dong laughed. "Don't underestimate the saints. Tongtian Jiaozhu's abilities are quite formidable."

"Well," Li Changshou could only respond with a bitter smile.

Tongtian Shuzu's temperament...

Compared to the other saints, Tongtian Jiaozhu had many shining qualities, but also some shortcomings. If he had to sum it up, it could only be described with one word.

Arrogant.

Of course, he definitely wouldn't say that out loud; he'd just mutter it in his heart.

Although Tongtian Jiaozhu liked to get along with his disciples, if he actually said it, he'd probably get beaten to a pulp by Tongtian Jiaozhu...

Quan Dong suddenly sighed, his expression showing a touch of helplessness.

He said, "The great calamity, the Heavenly Way, the Heavenly Court, the three teachings, the vast multitude of creatures—where can there be peace?"

Li Changshou said warmly beside him, "Your Majesty, you're testing this humble god."

"How am I testing you?"

"What Your Majesty asks is precisely what this humble god's authority as the Taibai Star Lord embodies."

Li Changshou continued slowly, "From the perspective of balance, peace and chaos are in mutual equilibrium.

In times of prolonged peace and prosperity, human desires swell endlessly. When their gains fall short and their demands go unmet, chaos gradually arises.

If chaos persists too long, with people starving and inadequately clothed, their hearts will yearn for stability, and peace will become the prevailing trend.

The Taibai Star governs change, and Your Majesty has tasked me with authority over warfare. This great star is also known by mortals as the Morning Star, and all its meanings align with the constant alternation of chaos and peace.

When Your Majesty appointed this humble god as the Taibai Star, I fully understood the profound intent behind it."

Quan Dong smiled calmly and nodded gently to Li Changshou.

"It's good that you know. It wasn't in vain that I put in so much effort."

With that, he turned and continued walking, afraid of revealing any flaws.

Then he heard Li Changshou sigh,

"Though that's the case, and the reasoning holds, what it conceals beneath is a trail of lives.

The Heavenly Way is emotionless, thus ensuring the world's stability.

The rise and fall of creatures' desires correspond to the fluctuations of the Nine Filths Springs—one sip and one peck, all meticulously balanced.

Your Majesty, what role do you think the order established by the Heavenly Court plays in the world?"

Quan Dong blinked, suddenly realizing...

He was being lectured.

By his most trusted minister, who was earnestly imparting some truths to him.

His first reaction was: "Changgeng, are you really going to leave?"

"This matter is already decided..."

"Well, alright."

Quan Dong's face darkened a bit, and he walked with his hands behind his back in the night sky for a while, reflecting on the events of the past three years, gaining some insights.

The incarnation of Yu Di said seriously,

"The order of the Heavenly Court is to maintain stability in the three realms.

Its most important and direct role is to reinforce the Heavenly Way and strengthen its power.

Furthermore, this order can suppress human desires, restrain the behavior of creatures, prevent immortals from oppressing and exploiting mortals, and uphold the rules of the world.

Of course, it also serves to guard against external demonic chaos."

Li Changshou immediately gave a thumbs-up. "Your Majesty's understanding is truly thorough."

Quan Dong's eyes narrowed with a smile.

"However, if we could add some minor details, some unimportant extras, it would be even more perfect."

Quan Dong's face instantly darkened, and he glared at Li Changshou. "Do you have any brilliant ideas, sir?"

"How could I dare? How could I dare?"

Li Changshou feigned humility with his words, but his hands were tucked in his sleeves as he smiled. "You are the teacher, Your Majesty. Among immortals and gods, this humble god is still quite young."

"Showing off! Speak up! Otherwise, I'll deduct your merits!"

Li Changshou: ...

Could we not bring that up?

The meritorious golden body was a lasting pain; even balancing the Heavenly Way probably couldn't fix it.

Li Changshou laughed. "Actually, it's just one point: order shouldn't suppress human desires but should create a stable environment, then ease and guide them, reducing the impact of those desires on other creatures without letting them disrupt the order itself."

"Oh?"

Quan Dong frowned. "I don't really understand that. Changgeng, explain it in detail."

"Since you've asked so sincerely!"

"Hmm?"

"Then this humble god will report to you in detail."

Li Changshou made a gesture of invitation, and the two descended to a forest outside the city. They lit a campfire and brewed two cups of tea, as he elaborated on the blueprint for the Heavenly Court's development that he had long envisioned.

The night stars shifted slowly.

The incarnation of Yu Di listened attentively, nodding from time to time. When he didn't understand, he'd show a puzzled expression, and for certain details, he'd ask in depth.

"The private desires of creatures, in most cases, can actually be explained as their needs.

For the human population, needs are divided into four levels..."

This time, it was:

A Blue Star lecturer influencing the Great Wilderness, with the theory of needs levels achieving remarkable success!

Yu Di was no fool.

With Li Changshou providing some guidance, Yu Di began to think creatively, even coming up with entirely different ideas.

"Changgeng, hmm!

Why can't we design the needs of creatures for them?"

Quan Dong's eyes sparkled, and Li Changshou's heart suddenly alerted, flashing with four big characters.

— Entertainment to Death.

Quan Dong was getting excited now, laughing. "To put it simply, just keep creatures from being idle, and when they are idle, give them plenty of distractions to occupy their attention.

Like the bronze mirror live broadcast system you designed.

We only need to guide creatures, making them develop needs beyond the basics, right? That way, we can divide and dissipate their private desires, reducing the threat they pose to the world?

Brilliant, Changgeng!"

Li Changshou quickly said, "Your Majesty, this idea... it's not wrong, but it has some drawbacks."

"Oh? What drawbacks?"

"This is essentially a way to weaken the overall strength of creatures, lower their potential limits, and keep them content."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said seriously,

"But Your Majesty, if we continue this long-term, creatures will gradually lose their vitality. They'll spend their days only pursuing pleasure, unaware of hardship, uninterested in progress, with their limits dropping lower and lower...

I'm afraid the Heavenly Court will have no immortals left to use."

"You're right," the incarnation of Yu Di nodded slowly. "Designing it this way would indeed go against our conscience.

After all, the Heavenly Court exists for the creatures, not just for the world.

If the world is empty and creatures are all like walking corpses, then the Heavenly Court would have no reason to exist."

He paused, looked up at the night sky, and smirked slightly.

Didn't he have any pride?

Earlier, he had wanted to take Jiang Shang under his wing, making him a disciple of the Heavenly Emperor, but the Dao Ancestor had struck down a thunderbolt, leaving him quite embarrassed.

He was sulking in secret.

Li Changshou thought for a while, then continued to outline the blueprint for the Heavenly Court's development and reforms after his departure.

The insects chirped in the forest, and the campfire flames danced. These two men, who could influence the Great Wilderness to a certain extent, chatted more and more enjoyably, their tea growing more invigorating with each cup.

On Sanxian Island, in the pavilion,

Duobao Daoist sighed and sat on the stone bench, lost in thought for a moment.

The eight great disciples were all there, but Li Changshou's true body had gone to rest in Yunxiao's chambers, so his mind wasn't present.

As Duobao Daoist spoke of their trip to the Southern Continent, his meeting with Guang Chengzi, and their brief verbal sparring, Jinling Shengmu showed no particular reaction, while Qiongxiao quietly cursed the Chan Teaching.

Yunxiao had also arrived, as this was a matter of the teaching's affairs and had no direct relation to Li Changshou.

Gui Ling Shengmu sighed softly, "Alas, it seems we and the Chan Teaching are inevitably heading for a conflict."

Wudang Shengmu said calmly, "The problem now is, we don't know exactly how many immortals from the three teachings need to perish in this great calamity."

"There should be no fixed number," Zhao Gongming said with his arms folded, his crimson armor reflecting the starlight, his expression grave. "The loss of vital force from a top expert falling is vastly different from that of ordinary disciples.

What I'm worried about is that the Heavenly Way might act against us to maintain the world's stability."

Duobao shook his head. "There's no need to worry too much. The great calamity won't endanger the core direct disciples—that was the consensus reached by the saints in Zixiao Palace back then.

Our master also tacitly agreed.

By the way, how are Wen Zhong and Huo Ling doing in the Southern Continent?"

"No progress at all," Jinling Shengmu said gently. "After they went to the Southern Continent, we don't know exactly what they're supposed to do.

We're all outsiders; how would we understand the rules of the Shang Kingdom?

At worst, we could just abduct the Shang ruler!"

"But that's the current human emperor—don't act recklessly."

Duobao Daoist rubbed his brow and sighed again, standing up. "I'll go report this to our master and see if there's any solution.

Yunxiao?"

"Senior brother, please speak."

"I know you don't want to involve Changgeng, but there's something only you can do," Duobao Daoist said with a smile. "Go ask Changgeng how we in the Daoist tradition can make a move against the Western Teaching.

As Jinling said, striking the Western Teaching off guard is the priority."

Yunxiao pondered quietly, then nodded in agreement.

At the same time,

Behind Yuxu Palace, in the flying waterfall pavilion,

Seven or eight high-ranking Chan Teaching experts gathered in Guang Chengzi's residence. Now that Guang Chengzi had told them about the matter with Duobao Daoist, they all looked worried.

Guang Chengzi sat deeply in his armchair, his eyes seeming a bit dim and unfocused.

Those who knew him well in the Chan Teaching understood that this meant he was concentrating on thinking.

After a long while, Guang Chengzi slowly said, "The Jie Teaching is likely going to strike at the Western Teaching."

Chijingzi quickly asked, "How so?"

"First, there's a Western Teaching old Daoist lurking near Jiang Shang, which is already taboo at this time.

Second, Changgeng junior brother has been advocating for this since hundreds of years ago.

Third, it's because of the impasse between me and Duobao Daoist..."

Taiyi Zhenren pursed his lips, about to speak, but was silenced by a look from Yuding Zhenren.

Huanglong Zhenren asked, "Senior brother, do we have to ally with the Western Teaching?"

"Otherwise?"

Guang Chengzi gave a bitter laugh. "What capital do we have to trade lives with the Jie Teaching? The great calamity is imminent; I can already smell the blood in the Southern Continent's mortal world.

There's no opportunity left for us to find a way that benefits both sides.

Since our teacher told us to discuss it ourselves, we must make a decision now!

Should we use the Western Teaching to wear down the Jie Teaching's strength, or ally with the Jie Teaching to wipe out the Western Teaching and draw the Western Teaching saints' wrath onto the Jie Teaching?

Actually, we don't even need to draw it.

The key issue now is, once the Jie Teaching makes a move, how should we respond?"

The group of Daoists fell silent.

Huanglong asked quietly, "Is it possible that the Jie Teaching and Western Teaching will join forces against us?"

"That would be ideal," Taiyi Zhenren snorted. "If the Jie Teaching had half your cleverness, senior brother, they probably would have dominated the Great Wilderness and trampled the Heavenly Court long ago."

Huanglong Zhenren chuckled awkwardly and said softly, "Don't praise me like that, junior brother Taiyi. I was just having a whimsical thought, nothing more."

The Chan Teaching experts: ...

Irony doesn't work on the straightforward.

Yuding Zhenren said, "Where is Changgeng right now? Why not consult him?"

Guang Chengzi waved his hand casually, casting a cloud mirror technique, but it only showed a sea of clouds.

Sanxian Island?

Guang Chengzi thought for a moment, then tapped his fingers several times. The cloud mirror revealed a vast ocean and a distant floating ice field.

In the center of the image, two vague figures stood side by side, as if searching for something.

Yuding Zhenren raised his hand and pointed at the cloud mirror, and it transmitted Li Changshou's voice:

"The remnants of Xuanyuan, human Bo Jian, I am Li Changgeng, a rightful god of the Heavenly Court—show yourself at once!"