Chapter 671: Felling Heaven Midpart

“Sister, what’s wrong? Why are you just standing there lost in thought?”

On Three Immortals Island, before the jade statue, Yunxiao floated silently in the air. Hearing a call from behind, she instantly composed her features, hiding a trace of worry, and offered a gentle smile. She turned to face Qiongxiao, who was flying towards her, and spoke softly:

“I was just pondering what recently transpired in Nanzhou.”

“Is it that peculiar incident involving the Human Emperor’s poem?” Qiongxiao, dressed in a short, goose-yellow skirt, chuckled, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. “This Human Emperor is truly ignorant and audacious. Perhaps the separation between human immortals and mortals has caused mortals to lose their reverence for saints. He, as Human Emperor, has surely reached the end of his reign.”

Yunxiao hummed softly, then asked, “Have you heard any news regarding this incident?”

“I came to find you precisely because of this.” Qiongxiao continued, “I just heard from Biyou Palace that Wen Zhong sent word. Apparently, Human Emperor Di Xin was suddenly deluded; he fell into a deep sleep upon leaving the Nuwa Temple and woke up with no recollection of what had transpired. Someone orchestrated a scheme against the Human Emperor, but the Holy Mother’s Dao aura has already manifested in Nanzhou, clearly placing the blame on the current Human Emperor. It’s a done deal, isn’t it?”

Yunxiao sighed softly, “That’s exactly what I’m concerned about. Given his nature, he would likely be observing this from the sidelines. Seeing someone scheme against the Human Emperor and pen an insulting poem to the Human Race’s Holy Mother, he would undoubtedly intervene to stop it. If even he couldn't prevent it, and if it could directly affect a Human Emperor protected by Imperial destiny, could it be the tribulation itself, or perhaps even the Heavenly Dao intervening...”

Qiongxiao chuckled, “Sister, there’s no need to worry. What you’re saying is just speculation. The Heavenly Secrets are currently veiled, so no one can divine anything. Besides, even if the tribulation descends and the Heavenly Dao intervenes, it's quite normal during a great tribulation. We've been cultivating since ancient times; it's not as if we haven't witnessed such situations before.”

“But he hasn't seen it.” Yunxiao’s lips pursed slightly. She seemed about to go find Li Changshou, but then realized that it wasn't appropriate for her to appear at this moment.

“Will brother-in-law be alright?” Qiongxiao blinked and whispered, “Should we go check on him?”

“He has deeply calculated for the great tribulation,” Yunxiao sighed. “All his calculations are within the rules established by the Heavenly Dao. If this time the Heavenly Dao truly violates its own rules and directly targets the Human Emperor, it will undoubtedly be a tremendous blow to him. Given his temperament, he would find such a situation utterly unacceptable. If I were to go now, he might force himself to endure it, but if he acts impulsively, it would be entirely to his detriment, yielding no benefit whatsoever.”

“Oh, I see...” Qiongxiao thoughtfully pinched her chin for a moment, then smiled. “Sister, don’t worry. I’ll contact my friends in the Heavenly Court and inquire about the situation. Besides, I don’t believe brother-in-law is someone who can be easily disheartened. Just wait here, I’ll go contact them right away.”

Yunxiao asked, surprised, “What kind of friends do you have in the Heavenly Court?”

“Hehe,” Qiongxiao said playfully, taking out a communication jade slip and sending it off. “Sister, just wait for my message!”

Half an hour later.

Qiongxiao watched the jade slip in her hand vibrate, and as words slowly appeared within it, the corner of her mouth couldn't help but twitch.

“Sister, you worried for nothing.”

“What is it?”

“Brother-in-law is perfectly fine! Hmph! He entered Guanghan Palace an hour ago and still hasn't come out!” Qiongxiao bit her lip, muttering, “These male immortals are all unfaithful! Is the Three Realms' most beautiful woman really so amazing?!”

Yunxiao, however, replied, “Don’t dwell on such thoughts. I trust his character.”

Then, Yunxiao stood before the jade statue, quietly pondering for a moment. Why would he go to Chang'e in Guanghan Palace? That, too, is rather perplexing... Hmph.

Meanwhile, in Guanghan Palace.

Chang'e nervously glanced at the man sitting by the round table, her mind wandering. She could clearly sense that Li Changshou was not in his usual state. He had been there for an hour, merely sitting at the table, neither speaking nor making a sound. He occasionally took a sip of tea, and the light in his eyes flickered rapidly. Even the Jade Rabbit was trembling in the backyard, too frightened to come anywhere near them.

“Star Lord?” Chang'e couldn't help but ask.

“Ah, nothing, just lost in thought.” Li Changshou closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing his mind to gradually relax. He had been calculating how far he needed to go, which trump cards to abandon, and which pieces to remove from the board. Emotionally, he needed to display a suitable amount of anger later, portraying the aspect of himself that 'mistakenly believed he was the current pillar of the Human Race.' Yes, it *had* to be a mistaken belief.

Li Changshou first sighed, then spoke: “Star Lord, you probably aren't aware, but a major event has just occurred among the Human Race!”

A strange expression appeared on Chang'e's beautiful face as she carefully asked, “The Holy Mother's temple?”

Li Changshou slapped the table and stood up, causing Chang'e's delicate frame to tremble slightly. Why did she always feel that Star Lord Taibai was plotting something... Li Changshou's face flushed with anger. Recalling the emotions he had inadvertently shown before his teacher, he 'performed' them once more. His nostrils flared, eyes wide, and breathing became slightly heavy. The sound of his voice came from deep within his chest, beneath his vocal cords, resonating with the anger of a 'promising young man of the Human Race.' Sometimes, such a seemingly powerless outburst actually appears less threatening.

“What is this? This is outright bullying! What exactly does the Heavenly Dao take our Human Race for?!”

Chang'e frowned and murmured, whispering, “For this matter, why don't you ask His Majesty the Jade Emperor...”

“His Majesty the Jade Emperor is likely in a difficult position as well,” Li Changshou sighed, looking up. He then recited a poem: “The path is arduous, truly arduous. From its rise in ancient times until now, the Human Race's journey has been exceedingly difficult. The Heavenly Dao arbitrarily manipulates the Human Emperor today; tomorrow it will arbitrarily manipulate the entire Human Race! What does the prosperity of the Human Race depend on? It depends on continuous struggle, on the Human Race's ancestors shedding their blood and sacrificing their lives! The Heavenly Dao was, at that time, backing the Demon Court!”

Chang'e whispered, “The Primordial World is simply like this, Star Lord. Don't be so indignant. The Human Race's destiny has always been thus. Mortals can hardly defy the will of Heaven.”

Li Changshou retorted angrily, “If saints are not virtuous, how can they be saints? If the Heavenly Dao harbors partiality, how can it establish morality?!”

Chang'e's beautiful face turned pale. H-he dares to say such words?

Li Changshou slowly exhaled, then glanced at the sky with a hint of trepidation. After waiting a moment and seeing no anomalies, he finally relaxed slightly. As expected, the Heavenly Dao's intention this time must be to force him to act prematurely and reveal his hand.

Chang'e pondered for a moment, then quickly said, “If Star Lord Taibai is merely complaining, then complain here with Chang'e. The Heavenly Court is filled with chatter, and these words absolutely must not get out.”

“What is there to fear? The Heavenly Dao controls the Human Emperor and instigates calamities right before my eyes.” Li Changshou's smile was filled with desolation. “You might think that the Heavenly Dao, even through others' hands, is still the Heavenly Dao pushing events. But this is different; it's not merely a superficial distinction, but a fundamental difference in principle. The Heavenly Dao establishes rules, safeguards them, and uses them to influence the world—that is the unspoken understanding that should exist between the Heavenly Dao and all living beings. If we don't demand an explanation from the Heavenly Dao today, then the concept of 'balance' is nothing but a hollow mockery. Star Lord Taiyin, do you recall the matter you entrusted to me when we first met?”

Chang'e froze, instinctively rising to her feet. Her eyes inexplicably reddened, and she rushed two steps forward, reaching out to grasp Li Changshou's right arm, but her delicate hand stopped short. She wore no makeup, but in that state, her beauty was truly captivating. Li Changshou, too, felt a pang of pity.

“W-who is he...”

Li Changshou transmitted his voice, “I intend to use you for a task, Star Lord. In return, I will let you indirectly learn about the events of that year. This is a transaction. If you don't agree, I will cease here.”

“Yes, I agree to anything.” Chang'e said, her voice trembling with a hint of pleading. Her raised hand had already grasped Li Changshou's arm, seemingly forgetting that voice transmission was even an option. “Tell me, who is he? What is he to me? What exactly is the flaw in my Dao heart...”

“Follow me.” Li Changshou said in a low voice, then conjured a white cloud with a flick of his wrist. “Don't ask too many questions, don't do too much. Just observe and feel carefully. I will tell you what to do.”

“Understood,” Chang'e replied, stepping onto the edge of the white cloud ahead of him.

Li Changshou leaped to the center of the cloud. He then ascended, making no attempt to conceal their presence, and flew directly towards the Middle Heavenly Gate. Immortal senses probed from all directions, leaving most of the Heavenly Court immortals and gods bewildered. Chang'e was distracted, forgetting to adjust her appearance or conceal herself. She simply stood silently beside Li Changshou, a slender hand pressed against her chest.

Halfway there...

“Star Lord! Both Star Lords!” Mugong called out loudly, arriving swiftly on a cloud.

Li Changshou halted the cloud. He cupped his hands to Mugong, his expression somewhat grim, yet he managed a strained smile and said, “What is it, Mugong?”

“Star—Chang Geng,” Mugong asked, frowning. “Where are you going? What do you intend to do?”

Li Changshou's smile faded, and he stated calmly, “To the Fire Cloud Cave, to consult with the Human Race's ancient sages on a matter.”

“Is it related to the Human Emperor's poem in the Holy Mother's Temple?” Mugong's face showed concern. Without waiting for Li Changshou's reply, he stated directly, “Chang Geng, please reconsider. This matter is no small affair; the Heavenly Dao is orchestrating events from above...”

“Mugong,” Li Changshou sighed, “Serve His Majesty well.” With that, he steered the cloud around Mugong and descended directly towards the Middle Heavenly Gate.

Dong Mugong was visibly startled. He was about to raise a hand and call out to Li Changshou, but the words died on his lips, unsure how to articulate them. This matter, it seemed, was beyond his comprehension.

In the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor on his lofty throne frowned deeply. He leaned forward, propping his forehead with both hands, his eyes revealing a constant turmoil of hesitation and struggle. Outside the hall, a colorful cloud slowly approached, bearing the figure of the Queen Mother.

In the bamboo grove of Zixiao Palace, the burly old Daoist wore a faint smile, gazing at the jade plate on the low table before him. It displayed the scene of Li Changshou leading Chang'e as they flew out of the Heavenly Gate. The burly old Daoist gently tapped a rhythm on his thigh, his smile deepening.

Above the East Sea, in Biyou Palace, the Saint's Dao sanctuary. The young Daoist, who was toying with four miniature swords, now abandoned his usual carefree demeanor, frowning in deep thought. The swirling mists before him revealed the same scene that the Dao Ancestor observed in the Creation Jade Slip.

On Kunlun Mountain, behind Yuxu Palace, in the Courtyard of Three Friends. The middle-aged Daoist now sat with his eyes closed in contemplation, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his bamboo chair, his brows occasionally furrowing. Beside him, 'Old Immortal Peach' couldn't help but be secretly astonished, not understanding why the situation could be so dire as to cause his teacher such painstaking contemplation. For how many years had his teacher not delved so deeply into a divination...

On a certain Spirit Mountain.

“Senior Brother, this is an opportunity, Senior Brother! As long as Li Chang Geng falls out with the Heavenly Dao.”

“Don't make any reckless moves, or you will perish.”

“What?”

“Alas... just be content with what you have.” The old Daoist sighed softly, his eyes filled with helplessness, and simply closed them, saying nothing more.

Beyond the Five Continents, in the depths of the void, within the Holy Mother's Palace. The female Saint, who had just returned from Nanshanbuzhou, leaned somewhat languidly against her bookshelf, her delicate brows subtly furrowed as she, too, pondered the same matter. She subconsciously glanced out the window, her fingers tracing the spines of the books on her shelf, and shook her head slightly.

“None of them ever make things easy.”

Amidst her gentle complaint, the female Saint's figure quietly vanished. A wisp of Dao aura flowed through the depths of the cosmos, swiftly traversing to the Five Continents of the Primordial World, locating the two figures speeding on a cloud towards the Fire Cloud Cave. Immortal light swayed and shimmered; an auspicious cloud coalesced from the colorful mists, and myriad petals blossomed within a hundred-li radius. Then, a voice called out:

“Li Chang Geng, where do you intend to go?”

Li Changshou halted, looking up to see Saint Nuwa, clad in a light red gown, slowly descending from the sky. Her posture, her bearing, her exquisite Dao aura—even Chang'e seemed somewhat diminished in comparison. Li Changshou dared not meet Saint Nuwa's gaze directly. He bowed deeply in a Daoist salute and stated in a solemn voice, “Reporting to the Holy Mother, this disciple harbors reluctance, indignation, and an unbearable matter, and therefore wishes to go to the Fire Cloud Cave.”

Nuwa smiled gently, surrounded by trails of immortal light, and asked slowly: “Li Chang Geng, you are a crucial minister of the Heavenly Court, beloved by immortals and gods, esteemed by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, and your prestige within the Dao Sect is currently at its zenith. Why are you reluctant and indignant? What is it you must endure? Do not stray from the correct path in a moment of impulse and jeopardize your promising future.”

Li Changshou said directly, “You should know the answer to that.”

Saint Nuwa sighed, “The current Human Emperor was arrogant and conceited, and deserved punishment. This matter is thus settled.”

“But this matter shouldn't be so simply concluded.”

“It wasn't easy for the Human Race to reach its current state...”

“The Human Race has endured until today precisely because of its spirit! If that spirit is lost, then there's no situation to even speak of.” Li Changshou stated firmly, “You are the Holy Mother of the Human Race, and you have your own difficulties. This disciple would not dare to use the Human Race to coerce you into any action today, but I implore the Holy Mother not to obstruct me. The Chinese character for 'person' (人) is formed by two strokes: the first, a downward left stroke, represents a frail body, while the second, a downward right stroke, represents unyielding pride. Only then can one be truly called a person. This disciple respects Heaven and Earth, and reveres the Heavenly Dao. But if the Heavenly Dao so disregards the dignity of the Human Race, how can this disciple accept it? How can I not be indignant?!”

Saint Nuwa's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she gazed intently at Li Changshou. A hint of apology flickered in Li Changshou's eyes, yet he met Saint Nuwa's gaze directly.

Saint Nuwa suddenly said, “Since your mind is set, I ought not to obstruct you in this matter. However, you must remember to exercise restraint and not let things spiral out of control, as that would be detrimental to the Human Race. Furthermore, let Chang'e return; it is not appropriate for her to participate in today's events.”

Li Changshou replied, “Your Majesty, I'm afraid this disciple cannot agree to that.”

Saint Nuwa sighed, “Using such a frail woman as leverage, while the Heavenly Dao might indeed show some apprehension, it could tarnish your reputation as a hero.”

“What this disciple does is not for fame.” Li Changshou glanced at Chang'e, who still seemed somewhat disoriented. She gently shook her head, and Li Changshou slowly nodded in response, then turned back to Nuwa with a wry smile. “I am a person who fears death and wishes to avoid excessive karma; I am destined not to be a hero.”

With that, Li Changshou performed a Daoist salute to Saint Nuwa, then steered his cloud around her. Saint Nuwa sighed softly, and her form dissolved into countless petals, vanishing from sight.

When Li Changshou returned to his original path, the Fire Cloud Cave was already close at hand. Li Changshou looked at Chang'e and transmitted his voice: “There was once a Heavenly Dao forbidden being who, in ancient times, inexplicably went mad, intending to destroy the Primordial World and return everything to chaos. He was your master, my fellow countryman, and an existence unknown to all beings in Heaven and Earth today—a name most Saints prefer to avoid. This senior possessed the method of the Second Primordial Spirit. In those days, he operated openly in the Primordial World under a legitimate identity, while his true self remained hidden behind it. What can be found now is that same Second Primordial Spirit, who knows nothing of the past events. After the Dao Ancestor and the Heavenly Dao jointly suppressed and eliminated this Heavenly Dao forbidden being, they erased all traces of his existence, including your memories. Chang'e, do you want to know who he is?”

“Yes,” Chang'e replied, her beautiful eyes wet with tears, nodding emphatically.

Li Changshou said in a deep voice, “Later, come with me to Zixiao Palace. You only need to weep there, and you will discover the entire truth.”

“Weep?”

“Yes, weep,” Li Changshou said, looking down at the Fire Cloud Cave. He added in a low voice, “Don't ask too many questions; it's not convenient for us to discuss too much via voice transmission. Wait here for a moment; I'll invite some help.”

Help... Chang'e's bewilderment deepened. Li Changshou, meanwhile, leaped down, hovering over the vast marsh. He gazed at the entrance of the Fire Cloud Cave and bowed deeply towards it. He rose and called out loudly! His teacher had told him to act freely, but even acting freely didn't mean he could simply rant publicly. He still had to consider the long-term repercussions, securing the maximum benefit for the Human Race and himself, both in the present and the future.

“Li Changshou, a child of the Human Race, respectfully invites all ancient sages. The Heavenly Dao has lost its impartiality, using the great tribulation as a pretext to arbitrarily manipulate the Human Emperor and insult the Holy Mother. The Three Realms—Heaven, Earth, and Man—are imbalanced; the three existences—Immortal, Human, and Ghost—are out of order. I, Shou, wish to journey to Zixiao Palace, seeking a resolution to this matter! The Human Race's fighting spirit is inextinguishable; how can Humanity lack valiant souls!”

Boom—

Suddenly, muffled thunder rumbled in the clear sky, and a black cloud appeared high above, within which streaks of purplish-red lightning flashed, as if to inflict divine punishment upon Li Changshou! Li Changshou looked up, divine light surging in his eyes, his long hair billowing behind him. This time, he stood proudly, showing no inclination to retreat. When he himself was undergoing tribulation, a few playful remarks were inconsequential. But now, speaking on behalf of the Human Race, he could not allow himself the slightest levity.

Come on, let's make a scene first. If the path ahead is already a dead end, then let's carve out a glimmer of hope!

Li Changshou roared with conviction: “I summon the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors!”

The surface of the great marsh suddenly erupted. A volcanic phantom faintly emerged, from which black qi surged forth. Boundless black qi coalesced into a sky-spanning hand that plunged directly into the calamity cloud above. Streaks of flame swept across Heaven and Earth, instantly vaporizing the dark cloud! From the volcanic crater, a somewhat emaciated figure slowly drifted out. Its withered flesh rapidly plumped up, and its eyes snapped open, revealing twin pupils ablaze with raging demonic flames!

Hooo—Rumble, rumble, rumble—

The blare of horns, the thunder of war drums, the synchronized tramp of footsteps. Beside the emaciated figure, several armies surged forth from thin air, their numbers momentarily incalculable. Rows of bronze chariots rolled forward, bearing figures that were somewhat ethereal yet possessed unwavering gazes and resolute expressions.

Upon the first three chariots: Xuanyuan, the Yellow Emperor, clad in golden battle armor; Emperor Shennong, draped in a cloak of a hundred herbs; and Emperor Fuxi, ethereal and transcendent in a green robe—each exuded dazzling divine might!

From Nanshanbuzhou, nineteen streaks of light streaked towards their location. Beneath the Middle Heavenly Gate, a burly man carrying a massive boulder lowered his head in stunned disbelief. He dropped the boulder, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Before the Fire Cloud Cave, Suiren, who had slowly risen, cast a warm, gentle gaze upon Li Changshou. The elder raised a finger and slowly pointed forward. The cosmos itself seemed to collapse layer by layer, forming a path ablaze with flames. At the end of this path lay a expanse of chaos, and beyond that chaos stood a majestic palace. Zixiao Palace, beyond the heavens!

Suiren slowly stepped forward, leaving behind blossoms of flame with each stride. Behind him, an army of myriad heroic spirits surged. At this moment, Li Changshou merely stood by, sighing with downcast eyes, a hint of sorrow in his gaze. He bowed deeply towards Suiren's retreating back.

For Li Changshou, this was not a decisive battle. This was merely a forced counter-attack, aimed at restricting the Heavenly Dao; it could, at best, add a mere sliver of certainty for when the opportune moment arrived in the future. But for Suiren, this was faith, and it was dignity! Indeed, it might even be Suiren's final exertion of power.

Inexplicably, as Li Changshou gazed at that somewhat solitary figure and the clusters of flames, he saw a series of visions...

During the Human Race's darkest hour, the Demon Court, empowered by destiny, wantonly slaughtered and stripped souls, leaving hardly one in a hundred humans alive, staining the Primordial World with blood. Their leader gritted his teeth and endured, guiding the last remnants of humanity as they struggled to survive on the land, using his own hands to rub a rough wooden handle, striving to coax the last glimmer of light from the darkness. He succeeded. He stood in endless darkness, allowing himself to merge with it, becoming a demon. He fought the demon race for a sliver of survival, letting out continuous roars at the heavens!

When I am a demon, the Human Race shall not be defeated.When I am an Emperor, the Human Race shall not fall!

O, future generations, I cannot bestow upon you divine fire that burns for ten thousand years. I can only tell you that fire can be birthed by human hands, through drilling wood. There is no need to implore the heavens, no need to beg the gods. If gods are unjust, then extinguish them. If Heaven is unfair, then defy Heaven! May the flame of our Human Race burn eternally, passed down through generations, contending with Heaven and Earth, preferring to break rather than bend.

Xuanyuan, the Yellow Emperor, drew his Xuanyuan Sword, the Kongtong Seal resting on his shoulder, and ancestral dragon qi swirling around him. His sword-like brows furrowed with fury as he commanded his three armies!

“Advance!”