Chapter 720: Shou Lin [Zhong Cup]

On Xiaoqiong Peak, leaves rustled and fell continuously.

Li Changshou remained silent.

The death of Di Xin had been calculated countless times in his divinations, always leading to the same outcome, so it didn't affect him much.

But Di Xin dying in this way...

Li Changshou truly hadn't expected it, causing a slight ripple in his Dao heart.

"Shizu, your main purpose in coming to Xiaoqiong Peak is probably to ensure that I don't interfere in the process of Zhou replacing Shang," he said slowly.

"Actually, Shizu, you didn't need to come. My first thought is always for the Dao sect, and besides, I've already given Di Xin many hints. I won't intervene further in mortal affairs."

Hongjun laughed. "You've got a bit of the air of someone managing the Investiture of the Gods."

Li Changshou let out a soft breath and took out several jade talismans from his sleeve, placing them before him.

"In the second round, Shizu, you won.

Shall we start the third round?"

"Changgeng, there's no need to be so serious," Hongjun said with a smile. "We've each won one round, so let's just call the third one off."

"Let's still play the third round, Shizu. It's finally my strong suit."

Li Changshou also showed a faint smile, his fingers gently tapping as the jade talismans in front of him shattered one after another.

In that instant, across the three thousand worlds, beings closely connected to Xiaoqiong Peak—like Wangqing Shangren, Jiang Lin'er, Jiu Jiu, and Bai Ze—each found two jade talismans in their sleeves breaking.

Hongjun laughed. "The third round doesn't really mean anything. After all, the Chan and Jie sects won't fight to the death anymore."

"Shizu, I actually have a few questions."

"Oh? Go ahead."

Li Changshou said, "If Guangchengzi hadn't interfered, would Shang have won this time?"

"Yes," Hongjun Daozu replied without hesitation. "I've thought it through carefully—what if Shang lasted another few hundred years? But the calculations showed that it would lead to a revival of human principles, posing too great a threat to the Heavenly Way. I couldn't just let it happen."

"Did you influence Guangchengzi's actions?"

"I didn't do anything to Guangchengzi," Hongjun Daozu said. "I just let him accidentally see a few glimpses of the calculations. He's quite perceptive and cares deeply about the Chan sect."

Li Changshou looked up at Hongjun, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

It suddenly amused him.

Well, in the grand game of the heavens, it's always about achieving an overwhelming victory rate of ninety-eight percent.

"Shizu, next, I'll proceed as you expected and punish Guangchengzi for plotting against the human emperor and interfering in mortal conflicts.

But please, from this moment on, don't interfere anymore in the mortal world of Nanzhou."

Li Changshou continued steadily, "Ji Tianzi will honor the Heavenly Court, and the mortals will come under its rule—that's the result you want, and you've already achieved it.

I won't disrupt this situation, because it would harm the mortals of Nanzhou and involve countless ordinary people.

But from now on, matters of immortals should be handled by immortals."

Hongjun's smile gradually faded. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

Li Changshou's gaze sharpened as he replied,

"You and I can reach a consensus from now on: the Heavenly Way should no longer disturb mortals and ordinary people.

As a threat, I can have the human race ignite the fire of rebellion against heaven at any time. Shizu, you know I've received the fire from Suirenshi.

But if you agree, I'll personally punish Guangchengzi's crimes and drive a wedge between the Chan sect and the Dao sect!"

Hongjun said, "If you do that, the three-sect balance you've worked so hard to maintain will collapse."

"Isn't that exactly what you want, Shizu? Isn't that your intention?"

A glint flashed in Li Changshou's eyes.

He said,

"The Chan sect's teachings are about following the heavens and explaining the principles of the universe. From the very beginning, when I calculated everything, I already counted Er Shishu as being on the Heavenly Way's side.

Shizu, after today, we might be completely opposed.

From now on, I'll only address you as Dao friend, and please call me by my name."

With that, Li Changshou slowly stood up.

He had been waiting for the Shang-Zhou war to end and for Daozu to finish this script.

Only then could he keep the mortals out of the coming vortex, turning the human race's ordinary people into a flaw in the Heavenly Way, not his own weakness.

Now that it was done, there was no need for politeness.

Li Changshou cupped his hands and said, "I won't keep you any longer, Dao friend."

"Are you sure about this?"

Hongjun Daozu looked at him with a hint of confusion. "Changgeng, you could still drag things out, experiencing the vast wilderness and gaining more leverage when you have to face me."

Li Changshou replied, "Dao friend, you've pushed things this far. If I don't show some backbone, it would be disrespectful to the strongest in the wilderness."

Hongjun Daozu fell silent, sitting there in thought for a while, then asked,

"Changgeng, there's something I don't quite understand.

You always pursue stability and have such a steady nature, so why did you disregard everything to kill a saint and complete the Heavenly Way for Jin Guang's death? And why are you so angered by Di Xin's death?

They're not your close friends or family, after all.

That time you killed Zhunti, it went against your entire plan to oppose the Heavenly Way.

And this time, if you really punish Guangchengzi, you won't be able to control the fallout, leading to the Dao sect's split.

Both times, it ended up benefiting me.

I see you as an opponent, but also as a favored junior, so I'm asking you a few more questions."

"Because I'm not like you, and I don't want to be your opponent.

I don't have the qualifications to play this game; I'm just someone who feels that the heavens are off-kilter and wants to try fixing it.

Just an attempt, that's all."

Li Changshou gestured invitingly, sending off his guest for the second time.

He said, "I'll have my unrelated friends and family leave the wilderness now. If you act against them, I'll reveal a second trump card beyond the Nine Filthy Springs."

Hongjun stood up with his hands behind his back, gazing at Li Changshou, and smiled as he asked,

"And what would that be?"

"Dao friend, you think your wilderness system is as solid as Mount Tai, but it's full of vulnerabilities."

Li Changshou said calmly,

"I've already located the Undying Volcano. The Kunpeng ship can head there anytime, colliding with the dying Yuanfeng and using the Kunpeng's remains as fuel for her rebirth, forcing Yuanfeng to rise again."

Hongjun Daozu's face turned cold in an instant.

"Changgeng, you've truly gone to great lengths to oppose the Heavenly Way."

"Sometimes, it's just for self-defense."

Hongjun asked, "Then why didn't you save Di Xin just now?"

Li Changshou replied,

"Saving Di Xin would mean preserving Shang and promoting the flourishing of human principles.

I've always wanted to do something like that.

Especially after Suirenshi's sacrifice, I calculated many possibilities, wanting to protect Shang and even considering how to nurture Di Xin's third son, Zi Geng.

But that would only drag the human race deeper into my game with you.

Because you have no bottom line—you'd kill mortals without any reason, slaughtering lives indiscriminately.

I didn't dare save him.

I couldn't save him.

Better to let you get what you want and make mortals a part of the Heavenly Way's operation.

From now on, as long as I don't touch the mortals, they'll be stable at ninety-eight percent.

To put it another way, in this suffocating wilderness where even immortals struggle, what can mortals do? What can they change?

They just need to live well.

In my contest with you, I don't need to rely on the glory of human principles or let them sacrifice unknowingly.

After weighing it all, it's better to let the current human emperor suffer a bit.

That's the plan with the least damage."

"Good."

Hongjun's face showed a touch of emotion as he smiled faintly. "You're completely different from your predecessor after all."

Li Changshou bowed in a Dao salute, and Hongjun returned the gesture.

In the next instant, Hongjun Daozu transformed into a beam of light and vanished from Xiaoqiong Peak in the blink of an eye.

Li Changshou stood quietly for a while, then turned to look at the teahouse, murmuring after a long pause,

"Zhong, take Ling E from Xiaoqiong Peak to Xuandu City, and bring along anyone you can."

Before the Chaos Bell could respond, Li Changshou's figure dissipated with the wind.

"Father, I was useless."

"It turns out, I was not favored by heaven."

In the backyard of the Water God Mansion, Youqin Xuanya opened her eyes. She had been meditating, but now felt an inexplicable pain in her chest.

What was that? The scenes she had just seen...

As Chaoge City, which had burned all night, welcomed the dawn, large troops surged into the smoky ruins. On the central carriage sat a stranger, sitting upright.

The silent civilians lined the streets, the gleaming swords at the roadside, the soldiers radiating killing intent...

In the distance stood a charred high building, and on it, a body sat quietly in meditation...

The procession suddenly halted as a crowd in luxurious robes appeared ahead, most of them kneeling by the road.

An elder, whom Youqin Xuanya felt a faint blood connection to, knelt and crawled forward, baring his chest and raising his hands as he shouted,

"Di Xin was tyrannical and without virtue! I am willing to honor the great king!"

It was Weizi Qi.

Youqin Xuanya sprang up, and in a flash of golden light, her previously scant attire was covered by form-fitting armor.

Grasping her sword, she didn't know where she was going, but she felt an urge to strike down that unworthy descendant crawling forward!

That unworthy descendant of her brother!

As soon as she pushed the door open, she saw the figure standing before her.

"Changshou Shixiong..."

"Come with me."

Li Changshou extended his right hand, and Youqin Xuanya reached out her left without hesitation.

The moment her slender hand touched his palm, she felt the surroundings flicker like illusions, constantly shifting.

It was the Great Shift of Qiankun!

In the next instant, they were above a sea of clouds.

Before Youqin Xuanya could react, Li Changshou said, "Xuanya, do you want to come with me? Decide now."

"Shixiong... what's wrong with me?"

Li Changshou said gently, "Nothing's wrong. It's just that I should be leaving soon.

Do you want to stay in the Heavenly Court or come with me to the Chaos Sea?

If you choose the former, you can continue what we're doing next. If the latter, you'll be taken outside heaven to wait for me."

Youqin Xuanya was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Shixiong, do you need me to stay?"

"Shang needs it."

"Then... I'll stay."

Youqin Xuanya bit her lip lightly, her gaze a bit scattered, but then she looked up at Li Changshou.

"Shixiong, I want to stay.

Not just for what comes next, but I feel... there are plenty of people to accompany you, Shixiong, while I can do many meaningful things in the Heavenly Court."

"That's fine," Li Changshou said with a light smile, handing her a treasure pouch. "Keep this well; it's my parting gift.

Follow me, and I'll briefly explain what's happened and what you need to do.

You have to kill one person—don't hesitate at all..."

As he spoke, Li Changshou rode the clouds with Youqin Xuanya, descending from the nine heavens, and before they knew it, they were near Chaoge City.

Li Changshou made a gesture, conjuring a cloud mirror, and together they looked into it.

The mirror showed the scene before the royal palace in Chaoge City, where a temporary wooden platform had been set up.

Drums thundered, and crowds gathered.

More than a dozen large drums boomed, with rings of Shang civilians surrounding the platform, watching the figures on it.

It was an execution stage.

An elder sat before several banners, dressed in purple official robes and looking weary—it was Zhou's grand tutor, Jiang Shang.

Directly in front of Jiang Shang knelt a woman of unparalleled beauty and grace, bound tightly with immortal ropes, her eyes vacant and head bowed.

It was Daji.

A general stepped forward, avoiding her gaze, and declared loudly,

"Grand Tutor, we've confirmed this is Di Xin's demonic consort! She disrupted the court and devised many tortures—her crimes are unforgivable! Please execute her immediately!"

But Jiang Shang frowned slightly and stroked his beard in thought.

"Grand Tutor!" shouted Turensun from below the platform. "This demoness must be killed!"

From the side came a light rebuke—it was Nezha, who had just arrived in Chaoge City on his wind-fire wheels, scolding irritably,

"What's all your yelling about? Is it your turn to speak?"

Turensun forced an ugly smile and retreated with his head down.

Jiang Shang asked, "Daji, do you know your crimes?"

"I do not."

Daji replied coldly, still not lifting her head, her voice soft but clear to everyone present.

"If I admit guilt, it would smear the king's name.

The king was a revitalizing ruler of Shang, with great talent, decisiveness, and resilience—he gave everything for Shang.

You only won through despicable means with immortal forces. You can kill me, but you can't insult me. You can execute me, but you can't pin a single crime on me.

You're not worthy."

"You wicked demoness!" the general snarled, about to draw his sword.

But Jiang Shang made a stopping gesture and gazed at Daji.

Another general jumped up, handsome and tall, holding a three-pointed, double-edged spear—it was Yang Jian.

Yang Jian said calmly, "Grand Tutor, why not just grant Daji's wish and send her to the Investiture of the Gods to reunite with Di Xin?"

"Very well," Jiang Shang nodded slowly.

"No!" a Zhou minister shouted from the side. "We must first determine her crimes!"

Yang Jian turned to the minister and retorted, "Does it matter whether we determine crimes or not?"

The minister yelled, "This is Di Xin's favored consort! She harmed the virtuous Queen Jiang—it must be established, or the people won't be convinced!"

Daji, head still lowered, said,

"Queen Jiang conspired with her father and brothers to rebel and even sent letters to Jiang Hunchu, pressuring the king.

The king purged the Jiang family for the sake of the state.

If Queen Jiang were truly virtuous, why would she use her family's power to coerce the king?"

The minister declared firmly, "Demon words to confuse the crowd! Shameless! Old Duke Jiang was a man of great virtue—how dare you slander him!"

Yang Jian looked at him coldly. "Anyone here today shouldn't talk about shame."

"What do you mean, Supervisor of Provisions Marshal?"

"What do I mean?"

Yang Jian removed his helmet and tossed it at the minister's feet. "Now that Zhou has the world, King Wu has gathered the qi of the human emperor and Son of Heaven. My master's orders are fulfilled.

I, the True Lord Qingyuan Miaodao of the Heavenly Court, say that Zhou's victory isn't honorable.

Do you have any objections?"

"You! You!"

"Hmm?" Yang Jian stared coldly.

"Hmph!"

The minister flung his sleeve and stepped back.

"Yang Jian, my nephew," Jiang Shang quickly stood to mediate, "don't be like this..."

Before Jiang Shang could calm Yang Jian, Nezha jumped out and shouted, "I'm quitting too! The job's done—I'm going back to my father!"

"You all... this is..." Jiang Shang was at a loss, saying, "We haven't even rewarded merits yet—how can you resign so casually..."

Just then, a light laugh came from the sky nearby, as a female immortal in a flaming skirt arrived on clouds.

It was Fire Spirit Shengmu.

Fire Spirit Shengmu said indifferently, "I took a short nap, and the Chan sect has already taken Chaoge City. How impressive.

But I wonder, what elixirs or miraculous medicines did those over a hundred thousand Zhou troops use? How much lifespan do they have left?

The Chan sect really pulled out all the stops to win, even against a mortal king."

Jiang Shang frowned at Fire Spirit Shengmu, knowing she was likely a Jie sect expert, and said loudly,

"Immortal, you're mistaken—it's the Zhou army that took Chaoge City."

"Does it make a difference?" Fire Spirit Shengmu replied coolly. "I don't want to meddle in the rest, but today I want to see how you determine Daji's crimes and what her sins are.

If you don't know, I served as a general in Shang, so I can testify.

Daji was sent on a mission to cause chaos, but she never influenced Di Xin's decisions. You fought Di Xin for the throne, and he's already taken his own life on the Star-Picking Tower—why trouble this woman further?"

A Zhou general said, "This Daji offered up many tortures! That's an unforgivable crime!"

"Shang already had many tortures," Fire Spirit Shengmu said. "Di Xin used them to suppress rebels, not for pleasure. Those who proposed them were Shang's nobles.

Those nobles' daily deeds would lead to worse suffering in the eighteen levels of hell—it's just that they experienced it early."

Yang Jian watched Fire Spirit Shengmu and said, "Dao friend, are you here to save Daji?"

"I'm not acquainted with Daji; I just can't stand this and came to say a few words," Fire Spirit Shengmu said calmly. "If you want to kill her, just do it.

Don't you see?

She's only seeking death now, to join her dao companion."

"Couple," Nezha whispered. "Mortals call it couple."

Fire Spirit frowned. "But she's also a demon race cultivator."

Suddenly, a clear voice came from above: "A demon race woman occupying a human body is a grave crime in itself."

Fire Spirit looked up, her expression changing.

There, Guangchengzi descended slowly, his left hand behind his back and his right holding a large seal.

The space around Fire Spirit was instantly sealed.

"Fire Spirit, do you know your crimes?"

"Guangchengzi!"

Fire Spirit's head manifested a crown of flames, her long skirt dotted with sparks, her beautiful eyes filled with anger:

"You've gone to such extremes this time—aren't you afraid of heavenly retribution?"

Guangchengzi's Fantian Seal suddenly enlarged, creating an invisible barrier around Fire Spirit.

The head disciple of the Twelve Golden Immortals said coldly,

"Since you're so rude, don't blame me for being ruthless."

With that, Guangchengzi was about to unleash the Fantian Seal, making Fire Spirit's breathing stall.

Yang Jian frowned slightly and stepped forward, declaring loudly, "Senior Uncle, the Investiture calamity doesn't require the two sects to fight to the death anymore!"

Nezha, still childish at heart, hadn't yet entered his rage state and didn't dare speak, only watching Fire Spirit Shengmu and Yang Jian worriedly.

"Yang Jian, Nezha, both of you, step back."

Guangchengzi said indifferently, and the Fantian Seal glowed brightly as it pressed down on Fire Spirit.

Yang Jian leaped up without hesitation, punching straight at the Fantian Seal!

The death of Jin Guang had taught him one thing: to uphold his beliefs, he must act on them without a shred of hesitation!

Guangchengzi frowned and was about to point at Yang Jian.

But in that instant,

Yang Jian's figure halted abruptly, colliding with an invisible "air wall"; the Fantian Seal veered strangely upward, slowing at first then accelerating rapidly, turning into a streak of light in the blink of an eye!

Guangchengzi looked up in astonishment, just in time to see his seal expand to the size of a mountain.

Atop the mountain, a somewhat blurry figure stood with hands behind their back, seemingly effortlessly stomping down with their right foot.

Cracking sounds erupted everywhere as fissures spread across the Fantian Seal!

In the next moment, amid rolling thunder, the seal shattered explosively in the air!

The countless fragments hung strangely suspended!

The figure that had shattered the Fantian Seal flickered and vanished, but an aura appeared behind Guangchengzi.

Guangchengzi's throat tightened, his spiritual senses in turmoil, and he shouted,

"Changgeng Shidi!

There's more to this—please hear me out..."

But the word "explain" never left his lips.

Behind him!

Right behind Guangchengzi,

The void ripped open, and a large hand reached out, grabbing straight for his back.

Guangchengzi's immortal light surged as he turned and flung out several streams of light.

However, the streams easily pierced the "hand," revealing it as made of paper pulp.

It was a paper figure!

Guangchengzi suddenly felt a chill at his neck, his primordial spirit sealed and his divine soul trapped. His last sensation was being grabbed by the neck and flung to the ground.

"Changgeng Shidi shouldn't be trapped by Shizu..."

Almost simultaneously, in a luxurious mansion in Chaoge City,

Weizi Qi, who had been beaming just a moment ago, now had beads of cold sweat on his forehead.

A broad-bladed sword pressed against his neck, followed by a cold snort, and the sword slashed, drawing a line of crimson.

"This descendant shall not enter the ancestral temple."