Chapter 659: Wind Rises in the South Continent

The fiery red sun had just risen over the mountains.

Humming a tune from the depths of his memory that he never forgot, Li Changshou strolled with his hands behind his back in the spirit beast enclosure, his mood clearly quite good.

He had given some guidance to Zi Shou, and unexpectedly felt a small sense of accomplishment.

It was probably because the "Zhou Wang" from his old home on Earth was so famous that it inevitably created a subtle mindset, making him feel like he was witnessing "history" firsthand.

Thinking of this, Li Changshou smirked and continued humming his tune, feeling relaxed and carefree.

Zi Shou's temperament didn't seem particularly violent; at most, he was quick to get worked up and impulsive, and he had a strong sense of "family mission," wanting to lead the Shang nation to revival.

Why a family mission? In the understanding of Zi Shou and Di Yi, these mortal emperors, the current nation was essentially their family's private possession.

It was nonsense to discuss whether ideas were advanced or backward in isolation from the broader environment, but in Zi Shou, Li Changshou did see something different from Di Yi and Di Xin, the Shang rulers.

This might be the reason why Wen Zhong was gradually getting too deeply immersed while staying by Zi Shou's side.

Of course, it was too early to draw such conclusions now.

Zi Shou still had a long way to go, and no one could say for sure what kind of "bud" he would ultimately bloom into.

Not to mention, there was that "stimulant" like Su Daji.

Could it really turn into a hardcore heavenly script like "The Millennium Fox and Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit," where the pot would inevitably be placed on the shoulders of the seductive temptress?

That would be a bit too despicable.

Of course, such thoughts were just private complaints in his mind; he would never say them out loud.

His immortal sense spread out like ripples on water...

What was wrong with You Qin Xuanya?

She looked a bit down, her face dejected as she walked out of the gaming room, gathered her skirt, and sat on the threshold, leaning against the doorframe in a daze...

Question marks popped up over Li Changshou's head—he had never seen You Qin Xuanya like this before.

Sweeping his immortal sense over, he saw the innate treasure inside the room laughing with its head thrown back, and in front of its spiritual illusion, there was a stack of treasure pouches and a Huo Lin Sword case. Li Changshou couldn't help but feel exasperated.

What did the Chaos Clock need spirit stones for? Just to throw them around and make noise?

It was ruining the atmosphere in his gaming room!

After thinking for a moment, Li Changshou slipped away before disturbing the joyful vibe in the gaming room.

A few days later, he found a quiet moment in the gaming room and secretly placed a warning sign.

Competition with love, gambling without mercy.

The Great Wilderness Heavenly Court against gambling, starting from the backyard of the Tai Bai Palace!

Li Changshou looked around, nodded in satisfaction, and turned to walk toward the thatched hut.

With each step he took, he naturally moved forward about two chi.

But to others, every time he lifted and lowered his foot, his figure would naturally appear over a hundred zhang away.

No flickering, no pauses, the balance of heaven and earth remained undisturbed, as if he had merged with nature, or as if walking was simply the rule of the universe.

Clearly, Li Changshou's cultivation was becoming more profound, heading irreversibly toward a certain realm...

Li Changshou didn't know if he had taken the wrong path, but after receiving the method of severing the three corpses granted by the Dao Ancestor, he had no intention of using it.

It just wasn't steady enough.

Back in the thatched hut, Li Changshou sat at his low table, took out a blank cloth scroll, and wrote a line of small characters on it.

"Record of Distinguished Ministers of the Great Shang."

He hadn't been idling away his time in Zhaoge City all these years. From now on, he would observe the ministers around the Shang ruler, selecting those who were talented, skilled in governance, devoted to the people, and compassionate.

Since he was in charge of the Investiture of the Gods calamity, he needed to act like the one overseeing the disaster.

The Heavenly Court wouldn't accept those who had only sided with the right faction to win and had no real skills or talents.

For the positions of true gods, better to have too few than too many.

"Senior Brother."

A soft call came from outside the door. Li Changshou smiled in response, his pen never stopping as he continued writing the opening preface.

Ling E arrived gracefully in a light green immortal skirt, holding a bowl of cool soup that she had recently learned to make.

She knelt on the cushion beside Li Changshou, leaned her little head over curiously, and asked,

"Senior Brother, are you trying to turn the mortal ministers into ministers of the Heavenly Court?"

"It's just this one opportunity during the great calamity."

Li Changshou laughed. "The difference between immortals and mortals is only in immortal fate and roots. Some immortals aren't as clever or scheming as mortals.

The Heavenly Dao doesn't care about the strength of living beings. It can directly grant merit and enlightenment, allowing a mortal to ascend in broad daylight. Why not?

The Investiture of the Gods List originally reserves at least one-third of its spots for the worthy of the current human race. This is a necessary symbol of the Heavenly Court representing the human race, and it's also the fusion of the Heavenly Court's and human race's destinies."

Ling E blinked, not quite understanding, and smiled,

"Ah, in the blink of an eye, Senior Brother has become such a mature immortal."

Li Changshou glared at Ling E. She made a face, giggled, and snuggled up to hug his arm, deliberately making some physical contact while suppressing her inner shyness.

She was actively adapting to a more intimate relationship, and Li Changshou certainly wouldn't refuse. Who wouldn't love a well-behaved, devoted junior sister like her?

"By the way, did You Qin Senior Sister lose all her spirit stones?"

"Uh... Senior Brother, you saw?"

Ling E moved back a bit, feeling a little guilty, and whispered, "This is also my fault; I didn't stop Big Sister Clock in time."

"Hahaha!"

A burst of wild laughter echoed in both Li Changshou and Ling E's minds.

Li Changshou's forehead darkened as he flicked his left finger lightly, and a clear bell ring suddenly came from the lake, accompanied by an "ouch" in his mind.

The Chaos Clock roared through its spiritual sense, "You little brat, how dare you hit me!"

Just then, a wisp of yin-yang energy quietly unfolded.

The Chaos Clock, which had been about to return to its original size to demand an explanation, instantly shrank back. It turned into a three-inch-tall form, hanging on the willow branches by the lake, swinging back and forth, its spiritual sense carrying a hint of stubbornness.

"Annoying! Why always bother Old Master Tu for nothing? We can handle our own affairs, right?"

"Hmph!"

"Who dares to laugh!"

The small pagoda by Li Changshou's yuan shen quickly sealed itself, concealing all its light, not daring to move.

The hierarchy among treasures was truly strict; even the pagoda lord had to act like a junior.

After the laughter died down, a faint spiritual light arose in Li Changshou's mind. He slowly unraveled it into insights, gently dispersing them in his Dao heart, and closed his eyes with a light hum.

What a relief—this hard-earned epiphany.

These days, epiphanies came less and less frequently, as the things that could touch him were becoming fewer.

"Senior Brother, can I play some music nearby?"

"Mm," Li Changshou replied, picking up the jade bowl for a sip, smiling gently at Ling E, then lowering his head to continue writing busily.

This was something meant for the Jade Emperor to see, and it would change many people's fates, so he had to handle it with utmost care and thoroughness.

Suddenly, he thought...

Was Western Teach really that quiet?

Not likely.

Li Changshou always felt that Western Teach was preparing a retaliation against him, which could appear at various points later on.

When would they make their move?

After thinking for a while, Li Changshou resorted to his old reliable skill.

Empathy.

If I were the Sixth Saint, what would I scheme next to vent my anger and stir up the conflict between Chan and Jie?

In Li Changshou's mind, a imagined scroll slowly unfolded, revealing a clear storyline connected by option boxes.

Jie Teach, the killing calamity, the Chan-Jie war, and himself as Tai Bai Jinxing...

Adoptive father and son, Li Jing?

A moment later, Li Changshou closed his eyes and concentrated, standing still like a withered stone, his aura even fading slightly.

Ling E looked up at her senior brother and sighed softly in her heart, though a happy smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

She still couldn't help him much.

Three months after Li Changshou's night meeting with Zi Shou.

The Great Shang expeditionary army returned to their territory, and most of the generals rushed back to Zhaoge City overnight, accusing Zi Shou of "killing victorious generals" in the army.

The next morning.

Hundreds of officials gathered in the Great King's Hall. Zi Shou, clad in armor, knelt silently before the hall, while Di Yi sat expressionless on the high throne.

The sixteen expeditionary generals knelt on one knee together, recounting the events surrounding Zi Shou's execution of the generals, their words fierce and full of indignation.

The ministers immediately buzzed with discussion, and many veteran officials said that this would damage morale and weaken the army's fighting spirit.

The Grand Chancellor, as the head of the inner court and closest to the ruler, stepped forward and said,

"Killing victorious generals has never been done in history.

Your Majesty must handle this carefully, so as not to chill the hearts of these warriors who have shed blood on the battlefield."

Di Yi nodded slowly and asked, "My dear ministers, does anyone wish to defend Zi Shou?"

Wen Zhong stepped out from the crowd, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, there are other circumstances to this matter. Why not hear Zi Shou's side?"

Several ministers quickly spoke up,

"Even with other circumstances, how can we justify executing a victorious general?"

"The prince's killing is already a fact without cause."

"The Great Shang was founded on military might; our ancestors expanded the realm through conquest. How can we abandon our foundations?"

Wen Zhong frowned slightly, realizing he had stepped forward too early.

"Ahem!"

A light cough came from a corner near the front of the hall, and half the ministers fell silent, their gazes turning to the increasingly aged veteran minister.

It was Li Changshou's paper effigy, one of Di Yi's six advisors and the Grand Historian of the Great Shang.

Li Changshou said slowly, "Your Majesty, why not leave this matter to Lord Bi Gan? Lord Bi Gan is a master of judgment, and Zhaoge City has had no unjust cases for a long time."

Bi Gan turned to look at Li Changshou, wondering in his heart why this Grand Historian, who usually had no dealings with him, was recommending him now.

With his seven-orificed exquisite heart turning, Bi Gan quickly realized this might be his elder brother's intention.

This old fox of a Grand Historian was usually very low-key, but he had excellent connections in court, with many officials owing their promotions to him—he was not someone to offend.

Di Yi smiled faintly and looked at Bi Gan on his left, saying warmly,

"Wang Di, what do you think should be done with this matter?"

Bi Gan stepped forward.

This wang di, who had received Chan Teach's support for half a month, had a tall and straight figure, a face like jade, and though he had entered middle age, he had lost some of his sharpness and gained more steadiness.

He had a seven-orificed exquisite heart but was never one to be slick; he was extremely upright.

He was skilled at discerning treacherous hearts but never showed favoritism or mercy for the powerful.

In Zhaoge City, everyone sang praises of him: "Zhaoge has a living Qingtian, with a seven-orificed exquisite heart to distinguish loyalty from treachery."

Bi Gan pondered for a moment, bowed to Di Yi, and then said,

"Your Majesty, I believe that for any case, we should hear both sides, gather sufficient evidence, and then make a fair judgment.

We should summon Nephew Zi Shou inside to explain the circumstances."

Di Yi laughed. "Since Wang Di says so, let Zi Shou enter the hall and state the facts."

Outside the hall, Zi Shou first bowed his head in respect, then slowly stood up.

He gripped the sword at his waist, walked steadily into the hall, his eyes clear and his demeanor relaxed, though a sharp glint flashed in his gaze as it swept over the ministers on both sides, making many veteran officials feel uneasy.

Following Li Changshou's advice, Zi Shou first upheld benevolence and military virtue, then blurred the crimes of the two generals. He changed their "reassigning captives in enemy uniforms" to "for the sake of merit, dressing civilians in the robes of fallen enemy soldiers," without specifying whether they killed them, and simply said, "How cruel this act is."

Then, Zi Shou shifted the conflict, saying that the two generals were arrogant in their achievements, disobeyed his initial punishment, tried to incite a mutiny in the army, and had secretly communicated with many of the kneeling generals here, aiming to undermine his authority as prince.

What he said was all true, but some parts were deliberately vague, completely avoiding any mention of slaves.

As Zi Shou finished speaking, a solemn silence fell over the hall.

Di Yi's face turned as black as a pot bottom, but Zi Shou's voice remained steady, not giving them a chance to retort, as he sighed,

"The army is in the field, and I am the commander.

I know that in this court, many people want to kill me to protect their own interests.

But such power struggles have infiltrated the army!

The eight hundred vassals are watching from outside!

How many of them are waiting for the Great Shang to rot from within and then rise up to replace us!

Right here in this hall, how many people only care about themselves, about their children's futures, yet forget that the Great Shang's territory was carved out by our ancestors with knives and axes!

Those who want to kill me, why not do it here today instead of plotting dirty schemes in the dark!"

Zi Shou drew his sword and threw it to the center of the hall, his eyes like those of a hawk, his sword brows furrowed with a cold light!

His sharp gaze swept around, and most of the court officials felt a chill, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Ah..."

Zi Shou sighed, as if releasing pent-up breath, tossed the sheath aside, and bowed deeply to his father on the throne. Without giving Bi Gan a chance to speak, he said directly,

"Father, at the time, to prevent a mutiny and to establish my authority as commander, I had no choice but to painfully execute those two generals.

For today's matter, I am willing to accept punishment. I also ask that you not pursue the faults of these generals; most of them were simply unaware of the truth and acted out of sympathy.

Surely, among the ministers here, all have the Great Shang in their hearts; it's just that sometimes, there are differences and misunderstandings between us."

Di Yi couldn't help but narrow his eyes with a smile.

Beside him, Li Changshou raised an eyebrow slightly, quite moved by Zi Shou's final words.

This guy was truly born to be a ruler; he already knew how to grasp people's hearts.

Pity...

Never mind.

Zi Shou's speech in the court that day shook Zhaoge City to its core.

That night, news spread from the palace that Di Yi, who had recently had a poor appetite, enjoyed a hearty meal and, after drinking, repeatedly said, "The Great Shang will endure forever," clearly very satisfied with Zi Shou.

Soon after, Bi Gan also publicly stated that the killing of the generals was not Zi Shou's fault and that power struggles among princes must be curbed.

Many ministers who had been observing began to side with this suddenly prominent young prince.

Meanwhile, Wei Zi Qi and Wei Zhong Yan kept their doors shut and refused guests, seemingly just watching quietly.

In the Grand Historian's residence, Li Changshou closed his eyes in his study, his mind about to return to the Heavenly Court, but the "directed wind incantation" brought a snippet of conversation...

It was between Zi Shou and Wen Zhong.

"Adviser, who exactly is this Grand Historian? A great master?

All these years in court, I've been pushed around by those old ministers, but I've never been so proactive before. Just repeating what the Grand Historian said left them speechless.

This time, it was truly satisfying!"

"Zi Shou, be careful with your words. This Grand Historian isn't someone I can casually recommend.

He is a true master, unmoved by power or wealth.

I can't tell you the details, but remember, unless it's a matter of life and death for our survival, never trouble him, or it will only backfire."

"Is the Grand Historian also an immortal?"

"With one hand, he can cover the sky."

"Hiss—that's incredible. Why has he come to the Great Shang?"

"For amusement, I suppose. But there are rumors that the Great Shang is just one of his chess pieces. I can't see through it all, and you shouldn't know either, Zi Shou. Don't speak recklessly."

Hearing this, Li Changshou couldn't help but twitch his mouth.

Wen Zhong had truly gotten in too deep; he had even revealed that he wasn't an ordinary person to Zi Shou.

Well, after all, hearts are made of flesh, and Wen Zhong had been Zi Shou's adviser for years, almost inseparable.

Would this create any hidden risks?

Li Changshou fell into thought again, reviewing all matters related to Wen Zhong.

But at that moment, Wen Zhong wasn't the only one on someone's mind.

In the rear mountain of Yuxu Palace, in the pavilion by the flying waterfall,

"This Wen Zhong sounds familiar."

Guang Chengzi tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table in front of him, frowning in thought.

Chi Jingzi said, "He's the disciple of Jin Ling Shengmu from Jie Teach, a third-generation member. He previously attended Master Chang Geng's lectures with Yang Jian and the others, and walked around Zhaoge City.

At the time, we were focused on Li Jing of our Ren Teach and overlooked this.

Who knew that without our attention for a while, he had already become the adviser."

Huang Long Zhenren asked in confusion, "What's an adviser?"

Chi Jingzi explained, "From what I've checked, when a new emperor ascends, the adviser is often appointed as Grand Tutor and holds significant power in the mortal court, able to influence military and political affairs."

Taiyi Zhenren, with his hands in his sleeves, laughed,

"The emperor's teacher—hasn't our eldest senior brother done that before? He just doesn't manage it much, so why worry?"

Guang Chengzi glared at Taiyi and threw the jade talisman in his hand onto the table, saying firmly,

"We can't be so careless. Jie Teach has played a good move this time.

This Wen Zhong seems like he'll be an important figure in the great calamity. We need to think carefully about how to counter it."

Yuding Zhenren said solemnly, "Better to do less than more. Wait until the heavenly secrets are clearer before acting."

Taiyi Zhenren habitually pursed his lips, looking utterly resigned. "Fine, let's see which current prince is unlucky enough to get our half-month support."

The other eight immortals in the pavilion all gave him helpless looks, and Taiyi Zhenren shrugged.

With Yuding as his backer, he had nothing to fear.

At the same time, in Biyou Palace,

Duobao Daoist wandered over and stopped Jin Ling Shengmu, who had just returned to fetch refining materials.

"Jin Ling Shimei, has your disciple made any gains in the past decade or so? I haven't heard from Huo Ling in a while; I'm a bit worried about them."

"Um..."

"Even if he hit a snag, it's fine. The core of the great calamity isn't easy to infiltrate; mortals are filthy and hearts complex. No success isn't his fault."

"I was busy and didn't ask. I'll send a jade talisman to check later."

"Alright, no rush."