Chapter 650: Father is Above

In the capital of Shang Guo, on a main thoroughfare.

Li Changshou maintained his appearance as an elderly immortal with white eyebrows and white hair, holding a dust whisk as he walked slowly forward. Behind him and to his sides followed a group of “young men and women.”

As per Li Changshou’s recent instructions, all the immortals had restrained their auras but were not hiding their presence.

The immortal maidens had changed out of their otherworldly robes into simpler long skirts—materials that looked more ordinary. You Qin Xuanya was no exception; she had switched to a dress with blue and white patterns, and her hair, usually in a cool ponytail, was now styled in flowing clouds and waves.

Quan Tong, Yang Jian, and Wen Zhong were also dressed in casual attire, as no one was paying much attention anyway, so it didn’t matter what they wore.

Even with their outfits changed and auras hidden, the group still stood out conspicuously.

Thus, Li Changshou cast a few minor spells and deliberately used them to spread his aura and Dao rhythm throughout the heavens and earth.

This made mortals unaware of who was doing this, assuming it was some great scholar visiting the royal capital for studies.

It also allowed the immortals in the sky and the major figures of the world to know that he was treating the Chan and Jie sects fairly, providing the same information to both.

This was essentially a show.

When Li Changshou arrived here, he naturally noticed Li Jing’s whereabouts. Out of concern for a disciple of Ren Jiao, he took the initiative to give Li Jing some hints, hoping to draw him over.

But Li Jing seemed preoccupied with drinking and brooding, missing these subtle signals.

Fortunately, just as Li Changshou was about to send a direct voice transmission to remind him, Li Jing finally noticed their group and hurried over excitedly.

Hmm, the young man shows promise, though he’s a bit impulsive.

The future Marshal of Heavenly Troops in the Heavenly Court, that little Li under the Pagoda, still needs plenty of polishing and trials.

Taibai Xingjun, the old master of tempering.

In the moment, Li Changshou thought that if Li Jing came forward to greet him and exchange a simple hello, nothing should go wrong.

After all, could one sentence flip the world upside down?

So, Li Changshou continued in a calm tone, discussing the history of the human race, explaining the power structure of Shang Guo, and describing the social conflicts in the mortal world of Nanbuzhou...

“After the Yellow Emperor’s great victory over Chi You, two major trends for the human race became irreversible: the separation of immortals and mortals, and the independent development of various tribes.

These two trends have a mutually reinforcing relationship.

Precisely because of the separation of immortals and mortals, humans found it hard to overcome vast distances, leading to reduced connections between tribes. This undermined the foundational basis of the human emperor’s rule, making decrees ineffective and remote areas unaware of the king’s authority.

The separation of immortals and mortals occurred gradually, so we can see that from the late ancient era and especially after the fall of the Xia state in recent years, human mortals have shown a continuous decline—this is an inevitable result of that separation.

In Shang Guo, the establishment of stable communication methods became the foundation for ruling such vast territories.

However, conveying decrees still requires a lengthy process, which means that beyond Shang Guo’s core domains, governance is mainly through autonomous vassal states. These states submit to the Shang king, pay tribute at fixed intervals, and failure to do so is seen as rebellion, prompting the Shang king to send troops.

Shang Guo actually has two concepts.

First, centered on this royal capital, it radiates over one-sixth of Nanbuzhou’s territory. This is the core area dominated by the Shang people, essentially the largest vassal state.

Beyond that, there are the various vassals who submit to Shang Guo, numbering eight hundred in total, led by the four regional lords of east, west, south, and north, with their own ranks and hierarchies.

This is the Shang dynasty.”

Huo Ling Shengmu showed a look of sudden realization and laughed. “So, if one among these eight hundred vassals grows strong and takes the central position of Shang Guo, that would become a new dynasty, as foretold by the Heavenly Dao’s cycle of dynastic change?”

“More or less.”

Li Changshou smiled in response, giving Huo Ling Shengmu an approving glance, which left her feeling a bit... inexplicably proud.

Wen Zhong asked, “Then, Uncle-Master, what’s the internal situation in Shang Guo? Is it not solely under the Shang king’s authority?”

“It is under the Shang king’s authority, yet not purely so.”

Li Changshou teased them with a bit of suspense, leading them to continue strolling as he said softly,

“The Shang king is the core of power in the entire Shang Guo, but around this core, there are many constraining factors.

The various ministers, the priestess groups, the royal family forces, and even the regional vassal states all check the Shang king’s power...

Otherwise, how could he not ascend to the heavens?”

The immortals chuckled lightly, with You Qin Xuanya and Quan Tong’s eyes full of admiration.

Even Wen Zhong and that insignificant Chan Jiao female immortal, who had just met Li Changshou, now looked at him with full respect.

As for...

‘Why is Lord Xingjun talking about Shang Guo matters?’

Li Jing stood at the street corner not far ahead, standing humbly with his head bowed, waiting for Li Changshou’s group to pass by, and feeling a bit puzzled in his heart.

Is this really the way to go?

Why does he have this slight feeling that something’s not right?

But upon careful thought, the advice from those senior elders before he descended the mountain was quite reasonable and flawless.

At the root, it all boils down to one question!

Why is Taibai Xingjun so attentive to me?!

Li Jing firmly believed that in all the world, there is no unfounded hatred, nor unmotivated kindness.

The elders had checked through their connections in the underworld, and in his past lives—going back nine lifetimes—he, Li Jing, had done nothing to save the great wilderness, nor had any ties to Ren Jiao.

In fact, five lives ago, he had even been a donkey.

So, why, as someone from a humble background, does he repeatedly receive Taibai Xingjun’s favor?

Back when he went to Du Xian Men to seek discipleship, why was he, who didn’t qualify, able to have Taibai Jinxing go to such lengths to create a new path for destiny-based disciples and bring him in?

And why did Zheng Lun, the reincarnated master of Kunlun Mountain and a Qi refiner, say those meaningful words to him when he visited?

Everything traces back to Taibai Xingjun’s care.

Taibai Xingjun’s group was now only about thirty feet away from him.

Li Jing took a deep breath, straightened his posture where he stood, put away the sword in his hand, smoothed his long robe with both hands, and his eyes held only the last trace of hesitation.

‘Oh, Li Jing, you must know how to appreciate kindness.

Though Taibai Xingjun comes from Du Xian Men, what that sect gave him was no more than what they’d give any ordinary disciple. What he gave back to Du Xian Men is far more, so he owes them nothing.

Moreover, why among so many disciples and followers does the Xingjun single you out for guidance?

And give so many hints?

If it were a woman, we wouldn’t guess like this—after all, the Xingjun is just a young Daoist of over a thousand years, and might have a bit of restlessness in his heart, which we all understand.

But it’s a man, Li Jing.

Haven’t you really understood from the books the Xingjun left you?

In front of Taibai Xingjun, why put on airs? You’re actually younger than him by many years!’

Li Jing...

Twenty feet, nineteen feet—the Xingjun was getting closer to the alley entrance.

In Li Jing’s heart surfaced the titles of those books, and the lines of earnest, detailed text explaining the principles of fatherhood.

*“Father’s Love Like a Mountain”*;

*“How to Be a Successful Father”*;

*“Being a Patient Good Father.”*

Oh, Li Jing, all of this immortal fate you have now comes from the Xingjun.

The Xingjun has already made it clear; he’s prepared to be a father. And as common knowledge in the great wilderness goes, it’s extremely difficult for great powers to have offspring...

The Xingjun has treated you so well!

In fact, he’s taken ninety-nine steps; it’s up to you to take the last one. The Xingjun is a high minister of the Heavenly Court, a great power and divine expert in the world today, someone who can contend with saints—he needs to save face, after all.

Father, mother, I haven’t forgotten my blood ties;

Uncle, aunt, the reason you two met is ultimately due to the Xingjun’s arrangements.

Ten feet!

Li Jing suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze full of determination, his resolute face now shining with glory.

He stepped forward!

Fearlessly!

Great kindness must be repaid by following his intent!

Today, he would do something monumental!

Li Jing strode out of the alley, already noticed by the immortals, and now he completely disregarded it, weaving through the crowd with firm eyes fixed on Li Changshou’s face!

Li Changshou was inwardly puzzled, wondering why Li Jing seemed so “full of anger”—he didn’t recall doing anything to wrong this fellow. That young lady from the Yin family had been properly arranged, and the Old Moon God had tied a dragon-phoenix harmonious knot; it was just a matter of some trials...

Thud!

Li Jing suddenly dropped to one knee, cupping his fists and bowing to Li Changshou!

Li Changshou instinctively wanted to dodge, and the immortals who were about to act stopped, but in the next instant...

“Father above! Please accept this bow from your child!”

Li Jing switched from one knee to both, prostrating himself with his head bowed, his movements incredibly firm, revealing his strong will.

Wait, what he just shouted was...

Father?!

Li Changshou’s paper avatar was completely stunned, and behind him, You Qin Xuanya, Huo Ling Shengmu, and that Chan Jiao female immortal all tilted their heads in unison.

Wen Zhong looked thoughtful upon seeing this, while Yang Jian frowned in silence.

Quan Tong’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and he even bumped his shoulder against Li Changshou’s paper avatar, his expression seeming to say, ‘Not bad, quietly fathering such a big son.’

Li Changshou...

This was just awkward.

What on earth was going on? The future father of Nezha suddenly bowing to him as father?!

How could he explain this? If it got out, Li Jing was named Li, and he, Li Changshou, was also named Li—his alias was even Li Changgeng—this would be impossible to clarify!

What if Yun Xiao misunderstood?

Wouldn’t Ling’e, who was hoping to have children with him, end up crying again?

If his teacher was watching this, given the teacher’s eagerness for grandchildren, he might just give him a big “accepted”!

Li Jing looked honest and harmless with his thick eyebrows, but how could he pull this “adoption” trick?

If this were the wilderness version of Lü Bu, could this be considered patricide?

Stay calm, stay calm.

For the first time in nearly a hundred years, Li Changshou’s Dao heart was greatly disturbed—it was like a thunderclap out of the blue.

He said steadily, “Nephew...”

Right then!

A wisp of Dao rhythm flowed, and Li Changshou’s heart gained a slight insight, which condensed into a single character.

Senior brother pretending to be the teacher—did he really think he wouldn’t recognize it?!

Deliberate revenge!

Li Changshou continued without pause, “What is this about? Nephew, please rise and explain. I am still... ahem, how have I become your father?”

Quan Tong, from Li Changshou’s weighted tone, already understood that this Li Jing had no blood relation to his minister.

As the Heavenly Emperor, at this moment, he had to firmly stand on the side of protecting his own official.

Quan Tong laughed. “This Li Jing nephew, calling him father directly is easy to misunderstand.

He should say ‘adopted father,’ adopted father.”

Li Changshou’s just-emerging smile froze instantly.

Li Jing, as if waking from a dream, stood up and bowed again. “Your child greets adopted father!”

Just as Li Changshou was about to refuse again, his heart truly felt the Taiji Dao rhythm, which this time formed three characters.

Not bad.

This...

Was he really going to inexplicably gain a son from teaching a class in the mortal world?

Where did Li Jing get this idea? Had he misjudged Li Jing’s character? On the surface, he seemed honest, but maybe he was full of schemes inside?

Or perhaps, was it the books he gave him that led to this misunderstanding...

Forget it.

Li Changshou gazed at Li Jing’s back, deciding to observe a bit more.

This guy’s position as Marshal of Heavenly Troops was secure and elegant.

And so, half a month later.

“Hey, did you hear? Taibai Xingjun took in an adopted son named Li Jing.”

“Daoist friend, just out of seclusion? Your cave doesn’t have any communication arrays? This is old news from days ago. They say he’s an adopted son, but who knows, he might be Taibai Xingjun’s real son that he can’t openly acknowledge.

Why else would he have the same surname, Li?”

“Why can’t he acknowledge it?”

“Yun Xiao Xianzi is Taibai Xingjun’s Dao companion, remember? What kind of status, power, and abilities does Yun Xiao Xianzi have? Isn’t Taibai Xingjun just being careful for her sake?”

“Hiss... that does seem suspicious.”

On Kunlun Mountain, at a banquet.

The Heavenly Court’s standard wide-mouthed bottle, the named disciple of Ren Jiao’s saint, the Zhenren Du E, who had just arrived, heard these rumors and hurriedly rode the clouds back to his cave.

In the Eight Treasures Cave, Du E woke his disciple Zheng Lun, who was diligently comprehending the Dao, and explained the matter in detail, asking Zheng Lun,

“Disciple, what do you think of this? Your past life memories are mostly restored—do you remember any connection between Li Jing and Senior Brother Changgeng?”

“This...”

Zheng Lun pondered for a moment, his handsome face full of recollection, and after a while, he said seriously, “It’s probably real blood relation.”

“Oh? Truly?”

Du E Zhenren’s eyes lit up.

“Master, please don’t spread this.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, your master will keep it as tight as a... sealed glass bottle with a cork!”

“Master, how did you become my named disciple? Behind it all, it was Changshou arranging things, even bringing in a destiny-measuring treasure for it.

Changshou really cares about Li Jing.

And one more thing, Master, do you know?

Back then, Changshou instructed me to arrange a pair of true immortals with short lifespans as Li Jing’s foster parents, and required them to give Li Jing the utmost warmth, so he could feel the comfort of home.”

“Really?”

“It’s a perfect match,” Zheng Lun said with emotion, “everything fits.”

Suddenly, Zheng Lun felt a sense of clarity.

He cautioned again, “Master, you must not tell anyone—this is a secret only I, the former sect leader of Du Xian Men, know... Hey, Master?

Master! Come back, Master! This could cost you your immortal life, Master!”

Meanwhile, on Sanxian Island.

“Kneel!”

Yun Xiao’s light command made Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao’s legs go weak, and they knelt down subconsciously.

Li Changshou, who had just been teased by the two of them, stood by with a bitter smile, taking out a sub-volume of the Book of Life and Death he had borrowed from the underworld, which recorded Li Jing’s background as noted by the Heavenly Dao.

Although Yun Xiao probably wouldn’t believe idle gossip, it was better to be safe, so he came over.

A bit of his mind returned to the paper avatar, glancing at Li Jing’s current situation, and Li Changshou couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.

This guy was really fortunate.

How many times was this now? Some expert passed by, patted Li Jing on the back with a kind smile, and said,

“This unfamiliar Daoist friend, did you drop this acquired merit treasure?

Oh, it’s not yours? Well, it must be fated for you. I’ll give it to you as a good karma.”

The great wilderness;

Exceptionally real.