Chapter 660: Chaoge City is Buzzing with Heir-Seizing, Manjusri Suddenly Arrives at Chentang Pass

Recently, Zhaoge City has been quite lively.

Li Changshou, who had shifted his attention to several key passes in the Shang territory, found himself reluctantly turning his gaze back.

The aftermath of Zi Shou’s killing of the general continued to ripple out.

Li Changshou detected a message jade talisman arriving from the southeast, landing in the residence of the young master Wen Zhong. Less than half an hour later, Wen Zhong secretly left his residence and headed in the direction the talisman had come from.

It was likely he was returning to Biyou Palace to report on his duties.

No sooner had Wen Zhong departed than several streaks of light flew into the night sky over Zhaoge City. It was those Chan Jiao immortals from the tavern, returning once more and slipping into the city.

Li Changshou raised an eyebrow.

His intuition told him that a good show was about to unfold, so he continued to observe quietly and wait.

Wen Zhong returned after three days, looking quite content.

If Li Changshou's guess was correct, Wen Zhong had gone to Biyou Palace to recount his achievements over the years in the mortal world. He had recommended Zi Shou as the "king" piece in Jiejiao's mortal game and received Jiejiao's support.

To be thorough, Li Changshou sent a message to Zhao Gongming to confirm the matter.

It aligned closely with his deduction.

Upon returning to Biyou Palace, Wen Zhong first paid respects to Shengmu Jin Ling, and then was taken by her to meet Daoist Duobao.

Wen Zhong knelt and confessed his faults, describing what he had seen and heard in the Shang state. He analyzed the power structures within and outside Shang, explaining in detail the relationships between the Shang people and the eight hundred vassal lords.

Among this, there was one matter related to Li Changshou.

Wen Zhong directly cited the debate between the Grand Historian and Di Yi, which established Zi Shou as the heir, and used it to claim that Li Changshou supported Zi Shou as the next Shang ruler.

As a result, Jiejiao, without much hesitation, set a "strategic plan" to fully support Zi Shou as the Shang ruler.

Li Changshou: ...

Fortunately, Zhao Gongming's reply also included a remark from Daoist Duobao after Wen Zhong left.

What Daoist Duobao said was:

"Wen Zhong, my nephew, clearly has a strong affection for Zi Shou as the heir, like a teacher doting on his student. His words are credible but not entirely trustworthy.

For this matter, we should prepare on two fronts. On one hand, support Zi Shou as the Shang ruler; on the other, continue to observe which vassal lords might suddenly rise, especially in the east, like the wealthy and powerful Jiang family. The Shang king has even used marriage alliances to stabilize Jiang Hanchu.

Bet on both sides, and at least we won't lose."

Only then did Li Changshou feel relieved, truly afraid that Jiejiao might impulsively decide the future path.

It's always better to explore and observe before making a decision.

Shortly after Wen Zhong returned to Zhaoge City, the Chan Jiao "immortals from the tavern" began to become active in secret.

They first displayed their mystical arts to attract the attention of the city's high officials and nobles, then built relationships with these elites. By giving them pills that didn't extend life or cure illnesses, and talismans for disaster relief, they quickly became honored guests in Zhaoge City's aristocratic circles.

What mortals desire most is nothing more than a longer life, good health, and freedom from disasters. Although this approach was somewhat underhanded, it was executed with perfect precision.

From this, Li Changshou deduced that it must be several Chan Jiao seniors guiding them from behind.

The reason was likely because Wen Zhong and Zi Shou had grown too close.

And so, Li Changshou played it safe once more.

He sent a letter to the cave of Zhenren Taiyi and soon received a reply.

In Zhenren Taiyi's letter, he mentioned that Chan Jiao was indeed concerned about the position and future potential of the Jiejiao third-generation disciple Wen Zhong in Zhaoge City.

According to Shixiong Guang Chengzi's intention, Chan Jiao at least needed to "match" Jiejiao in this matter.

Thus, Chan Jiao also made two preparations.

First, support Wei Ziqi and promote his status as Di Yi's eldest son.

Second, place Chan Jiao disciples around Zi Shou and gradually gain his trust to counterbalance Wen Zhong.

Chan Jiao was truly a master of balance.

The succession battle in Zhaoge City officially began.

The first players on both sides were third-generation disciples. After being guided twice by Li Changshou, Wen Zhong quickly adapted to the days of intrigue and scheming.

At this stage, their clashes mainly focused on winning over court officials and generals.

Zi Shou and Wen Zhong made a smart move.

They selected Huang Feihu, the son of the military family Huang Gun, and nurtured him carefully.

Zi Shou and Huang Feihu had been acquainted since childhood. The latter was skilled in military strategy, excelled in martial arts, and possessed the strength to tear tigers and leopards apart, making him a rising star in the army.

Zi Shou strongly supported Huang Feihu, helping him rise steadily in the military.

Huang Feihu proved himself capable, achieving successive victories in several expeditions over three years.

Huang Gun was already the commander-in-chief at Jie Pai Pass, a high-ranking official with close ties to many established families.

When Zi Shou recommended him in court, Di Yi readily approved, appointing Huang Feihu as a tiger and wolf general, responsible for guarding Zhaoge City and commanding the outer city forces.

This was equivalent to handing half of Zhaoge City over to Zi Shou in advance.

In response, Chan Jiao sent the "Three Great Sages" group: Puxian and Cihang, along with Chijingzi, to jointly plot matters in Zhaoge City.

Not long after, rumors spread throughout the city, and soon another familiar tactic from Li Changshou appeared...

On the north side of Zhaoge City, a great river dried up for three days, and an ancient stele emerged from the riverbed mud. Inscribed on it were four large characters:

Shang Duan Zi Shou.

This caused a massive uproar in Zhaoge City.

A few days later, the tombs of successive Shang rulers developed cracks, and even two tombs completely collapsed.

Di Yi tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

In the Honghuang world, mortals had to be superstitious and believe in gods and ghosts.

In the young master's residence, Wen Zhong was so anxious that his hair turned white. He urgently sought aid from Yuxu Palace, inviting Shengmu Gui Ling and Shengmu Wudang.

Fortunately, Shengmu Jin Ling didn't come directly to Zhaoge City with a sword...

Both sides exchanged blows from afar, with no regard for whether the moves were underhanded or not—just as long as they worked.

Li Changshou was purely watching the spectacle, sitting on a small stool in the Grand Historian's residence every day, extending his immortal sense outward to observe all sorts of situations.

The show was entertaining, but it was taking a toll on Di Yi.

Originally able to hold the Shang ruler position for a few more years, Di Yi was aging visibly, his health deteriorating daily. The handover would likely happen within the next three or four years.

This further intensified the power struggles in Zhaoge City.

When top immortal forces began interfering with mortal royal power, it was bound to disrupt the existing order and lead to a series of bizarre events.

And when a Chan Jiao immortal suggested they secretly approach the palace and alter Di Yi's memories...

Even Li Changshou, who had been just watching, had to step in.

Play around if you want, but don't mess with the human emperor.

In the current order of heaven, earth, and humanity, the human emperor, though mortal, could not be toyed with arbitrarily.

With a wave of his sleeve, Li Changshou sent the guards and servants of the Grand Historian's residence scrambling. The hidden network woven throughout Zhaoge City quickly surfaced, catching both Chan Jiao and Jiejiao off guard.

First, in the great hall, twenty-nine ministers jointly submitted a memorial, stating that rumors were rampant in Zhaoge City, with sorcerers causing chaos and intending to disrupt the court. They demanded a thorough investigation.

Then, the priestess group petitioned to advance the heavenly sacrifice, originally scheduled for three years later, to an auspicious date next month, to worship the ancestors and pray to the Heavenly Emperor for national prosperity, good weather, and bountiful harvests.

After much thought, Di Yi approved the matter, and Zhaoge City inside and out immediately bustled with activity.

Chan Jiao targeted this grand sacrifice, making various arrangements outside to make Zi Shou embarrass himself and lose his position as heir.

Jiejiao, having anticipated this, secretly protected him to ensure Zi Shou completed the sacrifice smoothly.

However, on the day of the event,

As Di Yi slowly climbed the central platform in Zhaoge City and before Zi Shou could step forward, golden light suddenly filled the air, and muffled thunder echoed from all directions.

Di Yi, overjoyed, tremblingly recited the prayer text. The golden light transformed into two teams of golden-armored divine generals, charging down from the sky.

Following was a vast heavenly might!

Leading them was a figure in a light red long skirt, overlaid with chainmail, her slender figure exuding fiery allure, yet carrying an undeniable aura of authority that made mortals afraid to look directly.

It was You Qin Xuanya.

For this mission allowance: thirty thousand spirit stones.

You Qin Xuanya flew into the air, looking down at the aged Di Yi below, her gaze sweeping over the city. Her calm voice, like that of a hundred birds, spread everywhere:

"By the decree of the Haotian Jinque Supreme Jade Emperor!

The Shang state is under heavenly protection in the mortal realm. Any who dare use sorcery to disrupt the Shang court's order shall be deemed demons and enemies of heaven."

With that, You Qin Xuanya turned and left, her ponytail swinging in the air with a carefree and imposing flair.

"Ancestor!"

Di Yi recognized You Qin Xuanya's identity and couldn't help but shout aloud:

"Ancestor, will you take me with you?"

You Qin Xuanya furrowed her brows slightly, glancing down at the trembling Di Yi. Not knowing how to respond at first, she heard a faint transmission and replied:

"As the human emperor, how can you abandon your people?

The immortal and mortal worlds are separate. Humanity has its own path to prosperity, and the immortal path has its own hardships. Rule well as your king, and if you act with conscience, heaven and earth will not treat you unfairly."

With that, the golden light in the air converged, and You Qin Xuanya, along with the two teams of divine generals, ascended and vanished.

As soon as You Qin Xuanya left, both Chan Jiao and Jiejiao immediately halted their plans for the day. The disciples they had placed withdrew from Zhaoge City for the time being, to be discussed later.

Both sects, of course, knew her identity.

Although her cultivation was not high, she was the heavenly war goddess, a disciple of Renjiao's Xianmen Duxian, and highly trusted by Taibai Xingjun Li Changgeng as his junior sister.

Her appearance in Zhaoge City could be interpreted in several ways, essentially equivalent to the master of the great calamity whispering in the ears of the two sects' senior brothers:

You've overstepped; stop for now.

Upon closer reflection, it was also a reminder to Chan Jiao and Jiejiao that the succession struggle must not involve the current human emperor himself.

After the grand sacrifice, Zhaoge City finally calmed down.

But this calm lasted only two months before unrest erupted in the military again—Huang Feihu's deputy was assassinated in a highly suspicious manner.

The succession war had now drawn blood.

Li Changshou turned a blind eye to this, allowing Chan Jiao and Jiejiao to continue their tussle while upholding his role as the "referee."

His principles were simple:

First, absolutely no attacks on the human emperor.

Second, no harm to innocent mortals.

And finally:

Only Chan Jiao and Jiejiao are allowed to compete in Zhaoge City.

In the dead of night, at Chentang Guan by the sea,

In the Li residence's backyard, Li Changshou's paper effigy, the senior servant Wang Chang'an, had returned to his own quarters and was lying in bed, asleep.

Recently, he had taken on a new task: teaching Jinzha to read and write.

Although he didn't want to admit any father-son relationship with Li Jing, when he looked at Jinzha, it felt a bit like looking at a grandson.

Remember the pure yang mission, keep a young mindset!

The night breeze carried some voices—it was Li Jing and Madam Yin chatting intimately.

Chentang Guan was on the edge of the mortal world, almost cut off from Zhaoge City, with news and orders arriving only every half month through official couriers, and taxes sent once every three years due to the distance.

The external threats here weren't just bandits or barbarians; there were also frequent demonic beasts.

Moreover, since the time of Chentang Town, many human cultivators had settled here, though their skills were not advanced, rudimentary cultivation methods were passed down.

Madam Yin was originally from an ordinary noble family in Dayin City, knowing nothing of cultivation, but with Li Jing's help, she had now entered the path, gaining a longer life and an eternal youth with a touch of mature charm.

Li Jing and Madam Yin were as loving as ever; whenever he wasn't dealing with military or governmental affairs, he was at home with her.

It was truly...

Nightly revelry, whispers of affection, lost in dreams, as if the sun would never rise again the next day.

If Li Changshou's wind language spell wasn't retracted in time at night, it always left him flushed and embarrassed.

And now, Muzha was already on the way.

That night, Madam Yin sighed softly: "Ah, when will the chaos in Zhaoge City end? It's even spreading to the military now."

"The eldest prince is discontent, and the third prince's rise to power is a bit forced. Though they share the same parents, due to the timing of their births, one is a subject and the other a ruler..."

Li Jing sighed lightly and chuckled: "My dear, let's not worry about that. We're far from the capital; just focus on guarding Chentang Guan."

"But we still have many relatives serving as officials—how can I not worry?"

Madam Yin asked: "Husband, you're an immortal. Do you know if there are really immortals causing trouble in Zhaoge City?"

"Of course there are, but they're all hiding in the shadows, so it's not good to say more," Li Jing said gravely. "My dear, you know our foster father is one of the top figures among immortals.

He set the rule long ago: immortals and mortals must be separate—immortals can't interfere with mortals, and mortal rulers can't seek immortals.

That's also the ancestral teaching of the Shang state. Earlier, when the great king begged the Shang ancestor to take him away, it violated the taboo, and he suffered nightmares for several nights because of it."

"Husband, how much longer do you think the great king can hold on?"

"It's hard to say, but my dear," Li Jing laughed lightly, "if we don't undress and rest soon, I might not be able to hold on myself."

What followed was content that Li Changshou judged unsuitable for broadcast.

He temporarily shut off the wind language spell, and just as he was about to withdraw his mind, he suddenly sensed a streak of light approaching from the horizon.

Upon closer sensing, it was an immortal from Chan Jiao.

Wenshu?

Coming to take Jinzha?

At this late hour, aren't they afraid of interrupting a couple's intimacy?

Li Changshou sat up, pondering whether to alert Jiejiao, but Wenshu had already changed to riding clouds, slowly descending from the sky toward the commander's residence.

Wenshu had a middle-aged appearance, wearing an elegant gray daoist robe with a refined aura around him, and a warm smile that exuded Approachability.

At about thirty zhang above the ground, Wenshu stopped on his cloud and called out, his voice echoing throughout the Li residence:

"Is Nephew Li Jing at home?"

In the backyard of the Li residence, Madam Yin hurriedly fastened her half-undone skirt, and Li Jing quickly put on his armor. Once they were presentable, they dispelled the several layers of barriers around their house and stepped out together.

They looked rather disheveled.