Chapter 526 Taibai’s toast
Once the Grand Supreme Elder arrived, the atmosphere of the immortal banquet became extremely solemn. The fairy, who was originally chatting and laughing, did not dare to laugh. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother also became much more serious. The Chang’e who were preparing to dance hurriedly adjusted their breathing and put on the most perfect smile. They repeatedly told themselves that the old immortal on the platform was a statue, a statue…
Of course, the most nervous ones were still some in-name disciples of Ren School.
They did not even dare to breathe loudly. After bowing, they lowered their heads and sat in their seats, afraid that the Grand Supreme Elder would say, “Who are you?”
That would really be a formal death. There would be no future!
Even the personal disciples of Chan School and Jie School were sitting upright and weighing their words. In particular, Perfected Taiyi had originally licked his lips and was prepared to give the Western Sect some common words for the “Yin Realm” and “Yang Realm”.
Once the Grand Supreme Elder arrived, the Grand Unity Immortal could only shut up obediently. To be safe, he took the initiative to seal his mouth.
The Grand Supreme Elder, the incarnation of the Grand Pure One, was basically equivalent to the Grand Pure One appearing directly. Among the experts of the Dao Sect, only the Great Daoist Master Xuan Du’s expression did not change.
After the Great Daoist Master bowed to the Grand Supreme Elder, he looked around calmly and admired the expressions of the disciples of the Dao Sect and the immortals of the Heavenly Courts. The other disciples of the Dao Sect were increasingly nervous.
Don’t think that the disciples of Jie School are rather relaxed in front of the Grandmaster of Heaven. It’s fine to speak frankly. However, in front of the Grand Supreme Elder, they had to take the initiative to show a gentle, respectful, and easy-going side. On the other hand, the disciples of Chan School were the opposite. At that moment, they were worried that they would be too polite and upset the Grand Supreme Elder, who advocated peace and quietness… The immortals and G.o.ds of the Heavenly Courts were still fine. They were only very afraid. They could not be considered afraid. At the same time, they felt that the Water G.o.d commanded great respect. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother held a celebration. The immortals from all directions came to congratulate them. The Grand Supreme Elder of Tus.h.i.+ta rode an ox over. The disciples of the Dao Sect sat upright. After tying up Little Silver, who was forced to act as the green ox, Li Changshou quickly rushed back to the Immortal Banquet. In his heart, he was thinking about how he should take advantage of this opportunity to make the Heavenly Courts have a good impression of him.
At that time, if they could willingly enter the rankings with their bodies, it would be better than having a wisp of their essence soul trapped by the G.o.d roll.
The Jade Pool Immortal Banquet was divided into three venues. Apart from the main venue where all the mighty figures gathered, there were two venues on the left and right that could accommodate the Heavenly Courts’ Heavenly Generals, Itinerant Immortals, and a small number of river G.o.d lands outside the Heavenly Courts. The scale of the ceremony had actually exceeded the previous immortal peach banquets. Of course, the main reason was that the Heavenly Courts did not have so many members when they held the Immortal Peach Banquet previously. After entering the immortal banquet, Li Changshou looked up and saw that the Grand Supreme Elder had already sat down. The Grand Supreme Elder was still sitting in his “usual seat”. He was resting in the throne at the back of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, as if the surrounding matters had nothing to do with him. Not long after, a white cloud flew over with six disciples of the Western Sect. After they arrived, they saw the array formation and the figure of the Grand Supreme Elder. Their mentality could not help but change. It was just a promotion of the Deity Position of the disciples of Ren School in the Heavenly Courts. Why did they have to alarm the incarnation of the strongest Saint who usually did not appear?
Disciples of the great sects and sects…
Although it was the same, it was actually different. The four old Daoists and two middle-aged Daoists braced themselves and walked forward. They immediately took out congratulatory words and hurriedly recited the matter. However, they heard Li Changshou’s slow voice. Their scalps turned numb and they were about to turn around and escape! Li Changshou said seriously, “Fellow Daoists, since you have come to the Heavenly Courts, why don’t you wors.h.i.+p the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother?”
How could the six disciples of the Western Sect dare to say no? Now, everyone knew how powerful the Heavenly Courts’ Water G.o.d was. If the Heavenly Courts’ Water G.o.d, Taibai Changgeng, caught onto a small problem, it would immediately be discussed. He could not wait to blame the destruction of the Primordial World on them! As the saying goes, he would do whatever he wanted. The six people from the Western Sect walked forward obediently and bowed to the Jade Emperor.
The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile. He appeared calm and magnanimous. He seemed to be more stable than before.
Li Changshou did not make things difficult for the six ordinary Western Sect disciples. He was worried about the “Eldest Senior Brother of the Western Sect” and did not know if the other party had any hidden tricks.
To be safe, he had to hold back.
Li Changshou had expected it. The Western Sect began to take Ksitigarbha’s current “speciality” seriously.
In other words, Ksitigarbha was one of the few things that the Western Sect could be proud of.
When the six members of the Western Sect finished reading the simple congratulatory words written by Ksitigarbha, General Dongmu took the initiative to stand up. He chuckled and led them to a remote spot near the door.
The disciples of the Western Sect immediately looked at General Dongmu gratefully.
That was also a rare occasion for General Dongmu to do such dirty work. It was time for the other party to be grateful. As soon as the small episode ended, streams of light flew over. The Four Sea Dragon Kings each brought a beautiful dragoness and a handsome dragon son into the Jade Pool and bowed to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother. After the ceremony, the Dragon King of the East Ocean, Ao Guang, turned around with the three Dragon Kings and the eight dragon children. They bowed to Li Changshou in unison and gave him all kinds of blessings.
Li Changshou thanked him repeatedly with a friendly smile. However, both of them deliberately kept a distance and did not appear too intimate.
Although the Heavenly Courts did not have the saying that one’s merits would shock the ruler, no matter who it was, they did not want to see their subordinates establish a firm faction.
The dragon race was originally supported by Li Changshou into the Heavenly Courts. Li Changshou was also the boss of the Four Sea Dragon Kings. He was in charge of the water affairs of the world. It was the wisest choice to show some distance between the two.
As soon as the dragon kings sat down, a cool breeze blew in the Jade Pool. Ten Yama Lords entered… Not long after, the Great Yu Emperor, who was dressed in a luxurious robe, arrived gracefully. He was also arranged to stand out. The Jade Emperor waited for a while longer. When he saw that most of the guests had arrived, he called out,
“Changgeng.” Li Changshou, who was rubbing wine bottles with Fairy Yun Xiao, hurriedly snapped back to reality and stood up. “I’m here!”
“Everyone is here to congratulate you today,” the Jade Emperor said with a smile. “Just walk around more and chat with your senior brothers and sisters at will. Don’t be restrained by the etiquette of a ruler and minister.”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty!” At that moment, Li Changshou picked up the wine bottle and looked around. Everything immediately fell silent.
Repaying the favor was Li Changshou’s favorite thing to do.
At that moment, he walked out of the short table and hugged the wine bottle with both hands. He walked to the center of the platform and bowed to the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. “Back then, I was just an itinerant cultivator of Ren School. Under the orders of the Great Daoist Master, I established the Sea G.o.d Temple in the South Ocean with the intention of educating mortals and continuing the destiny.” “I still remember that day, the Jade Emperor and General Dongmu came to the mortal world to patrol. They wanted to find a way to save the people and the fire and water. They happened to arrive at the Sea G.o.d Temple and allowed me to talk to the Emperor.”
“If not for His Majesty’s appreciation and the Great Daoist Master’s guidance, it would have been difficult for me to achieve my current glory. It would have been difficult for me to have such an opportunity to become a disciple of Teacher.” “The first toast is to His Majesty and the G.o.ddess. I hope that the Heavenly Courts will prosper and the Three Realms will be peaceful. Your Majesty, please bless the immortals and mortals!”
The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother smiled and picked up the wine bottle in front of them. They clinked gla.s.ses with Li Changshou from afar. The Queen Mother naturally took a sip gracefully. However, the Jade Emperor waved his hand and took a sip. His eyes were filled with emotions. “Back then, Changgeng and I met in the South Ocean of the mortal world. Changgeng offered twelve strategies, and now, they are all realized! I actually don’t know how to be the Heavenly Emperor, nor do I know how to teach all living beings, how to adhere to the Heavenly Dao, and how to stabilize the world. How weak was the Heavenly Courts at that time? Who knew about the Primordial World? There was nothing about the trichiliocosm. Changgeng, like Changgeng’s Deity Position today, Taibai, will rise! I’m so lucky to have Changgeng’s help!” General Dongmu stood up. The Immortal G.o.ds of the Heavenly Courts, the Dragon King and the Yama Lord, raised their cups and toasted the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. General Dongmu shouted, “Your Majesty, you have received the help of a good minister. May the Heavenly Courts live forever and the Three Realms be peaceful.” The immortals shouted in unison, “Your Majesty, please forgive us!”
The Jade Emperor poured wine and stood up to drink three cups with the Heavenly Courts’ immortals. Although he tried his best to restrain himself, he was still filled with pride.
The disciples of the great sects and a few mighty figures watched from the side. They vaguely saw the power of the Heavenly Courts. Now, it was unstoppable.
Then, Li Changshou walked back to his seat. The fairy who was serving him at the side hurriedly delivered a second cup of immortal wine. Li Changshou raised his wine cup high and quickly walked to the side of the platform. He bowed deeply to the Grand Supreme Elder. “This second cup of wine is for the Grand Supreme Elder. I cultivate the Dao of peace and quietness that my teacher has taught me. I walk the path of balance between Yin and Yang. Without this Dao, how could I obtain this fruit? I can face many dangers because of Teacher. I was only able to achieve my current cultivation because of Teacher’s teachings. Every time I have doubts, confusion, and confusion, it’s all because of Teacher’s guidance. Grand Supreme Elder, you don’t have to hold a cup. I’ll express my sincerity.”
After saying that, he raised his head and gulped it down.
The Grand Supreme Elder smiled faintly and said slowly, “You’ve always been good.”
Li Changshou felt warmth in his heart. He lowered his head and bowed three times. He returned to his seat to get some wine and turned to the side.
The third cup was to the Great Daoist Master Xuan Du.
The fourth cup was to Emperor Da Yu and the other eminences.
The fifth cup was to General Dongmu and the righteous G.o.ds. The sixth cup was to the seniors of Chan School and Jie School.
Every cup had words of “digging out one’s heart”. He was naturally full of grat.i.tude and grat.i.tude to the Great Daoist Master. He was not stingy with his praises for his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters who had helped him before.
His words and actions were all appropriate. He would not stop praising.
When he was toasting, his actions were polite and carefree. He did not have any pretentiousness and did not make others feel that he was worldly.
After a toast and a few sentences, Li Changshou vividly explained the word “thorough”. Many immortals felt the same emotions. I really can’t do it myself.
No wonder Tai Bai Changgeng is valued by the strongest Saint. Li Changshou walked further away from the seventh gla.s.s of wine. He walked to the corner and stood in front of Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang, and the Golden-Winged Roc. He raised his gla.s.s at the three of them.
The three Heavenly Generals were stunned at first. Then, they hurriedly held their wine cups.
Ao Yi’s eyes lit up and he smiled slightly. There was no need to say anything else. The handsome face of the Golden-Winged Roc was filled with emotions. It lowered its head and sighed. Its eyes were red. It was still Bian Zhuang, the popular Heavenly Courts record holder who had experienced many things.
He smiled and said, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, you think too highly of us… We know everything. You can do whatever you want.” Li Changshou almost failed. After the seventh toast, Li Changshou returned to his seat. He bowed slightly to the Jade Emperor and sat beside Yun Xiao.
The Jade Emperor understood and stood up.
“The beginning of the Heavenly Courts was difficult. There were various dangers along the way. The left and right were filled with ferociousness. It was all thanks to the suppression of the Grand Supreme Elder that the situation today ended up like this. Dear ministers, follow me to toast the Grand Supreme Elder!”
The Queen Mother and the immortals of the Heavenly Courts stood up again and toasted the Grand Supreme Elder together.
The Grand Supreme Elder smiled and nodded.
After drinking a cup, the Jade Emperor was in a good mood. He did not stop smiling.
General Dongmu stood up and began to report. “Your Majesty, the Chang’e have been preparing for a long time. Should we let them dance to celebrate the promotion of Venus Sovereign?”
“Yes!”
General Dongmu made a gesture and a cheerful tune floated over from the side.
A layer of white fog covered the jade ground. Two rows of Chang’e walked over and bowed to the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. When they stood up, they had already changed into a dance…
Li Changshou looked at it with the mindset of an academic researcher for a while before turning to look at Yun Xiao. “Huh?” Yun Xiao blinked slightly, her eyes filled with curiosity. Li Changshou smiled and picked up the wine bottle. He whispered, “Can I toast you with the eighth cup?” Yun Xiao raised the jade bottle in front of her with her slender fingers. A fairy serving her hurriedly poured wine for Yun Xiao.
Yun Xiao asked gently, “Why do you have to respect me? Do you have anything to say?” “This cup is different from the previous seven cups.” Li Changshou’s eyes were filled with emotions as he said warmly, “The previous seven cups were to the past. This toast is to you and me in the future. I hope that after tens of thousands of years, we will still be drinking and having fun together.” Yun Xiao’s eyes flickered. She clinked her gla.s.s with Li Changshou’s, raised her cup, and covered her sleeve before downing it. Many experts of Jie School at the side took out jade talismans and jade slips skillfully and memorized those words. The immortals of Chan School were stunned.
The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother looked at each other and smiled.
However, the Queen Mother said, “Your Majesty, it’s rare for such a grand event to happen today. Why don’t you invite Heng’e from the moon to come and give Changgeng a dance gift?” The Jade Emperor said, “That’s not good, right? Fairy Yun Xiao is here.”
The Queen Mother frowned slightly and her gaze was deep. The Jade Emperor seemed to understand, but he felt that his junior sister must have a reason for doing so. He immediately cleared his throat and summoned General Dongmu to tell him about it.
General Dongmu said, “Your Majesty, Fairy Heng’e seems to have been bound by an oath and cannot leave the moon.”
“The oath is the power of the Heavenly Dao,” the Jade Emperor said. “My will can be resolved.” “Yes.” General Dongmu no longer had any doubts. He lowered his head and answered. He hurriedly rode a cloud to the moon. In the singing and dancing, immortals and G.o.ds began to move around. Finally, Li Changshou’s long-awaited public ceremony began. The first to move was Immortal Chi Jingzi of Chan School. He took a brocade box and brought it to Li Changshou. Li Changshou stood up and rejected it. He put the brocade box away and did not open it. Then, the immortals walked towards Li Changshou. Those who should give gifts hurriedly gave them gifts. The gifts from the immortals of the Heavenly Courts were the most exquisite, but it was very difficult to have any treasures. The gifts from the immortals of the two sects were simple. However, they were extraordinary. Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang circled behind Li Changshou and helped him collect and count the gifts. Li Changshou was only in charge of exchanging pleasantries and thanking him. Gradually, Zhongli ascended the platform and intercepted the immortals of the two sects. For some reason, another round of compet.i.tion began.
Perfected Taiyi of Chan School had given him Connate Yin-Yang treasures. The G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit of Jie School had also given him Connate Five-Element treasures.
Perfected Yu Ding of Chan School had given him the remnant of a treasure. Fairy Qiong Xiao of Jie School had given him the Spirit Dispersing Holy Water… After that, the Black Clouds Immortal of Jie School sent six numinous treasures. The immortals of Jie School sent a pile of precious materials, and the immortals of Jie School sent two ten-thousand-year-old spiritual herbs… Due to the advantage of having more people, the immortals of Jie School quickly gained the upper hand.
After the compet.i.tion between the two sides, Li Changshou naturally gained a lot. However, the Great Daoist Master, who had originally prepared a few trinkets for Li Changshou, silently took out his trump card, the mystical ability jade token…
The main event was yet to come.
The Dragon King of the East Ocean waved his hand, and the eight dragon children walked forward together. They each held a brocade box that was still open.
The immortals looked at it and saw that there were eight rings of different styles in the brocade boxes. There were a total of 64 rings. When he took a closer look, he realized that those rings were actually high-grade storage Dharma treasures!
The four Sea Dragon Kings stroked their beard and chuckled. They thought that they had firmly taken the lead in giving gifts today. King Qinguang, who was at the side, suddenly stood up and calmly walked to Li Changshou’s side. He looked around and cautiously took out three diamond-shaped jade stones. King Qinguang smiled in embarra.s.sment and whispered, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, the Netherworld do not have many other treasures. It’s not appropriate to use some specialties to embarra.s.s ourselves. This is our greatest treasure. Please don’t decline. Our ancestors asked us to bring this to you. They said that it’s very useful to you. There were three drops of essence blood left behind by ancient ancestors. One drop could create a Grand Magus. These three drops are the essence blood of Ancestor Gonggong. These three drops are the essence blood of Ancestor Houtu. These three drops are the essence blood of Ancestor Di Jiang. Ancestor Houtu said that you have your own uses.”
Li Changshou was rendered speechless.
The surrounding gazes gathered. Even the Grand Supreme Elder looked over.
“Lord Taibai Jinxing.” King Qinguang stuffed the three diamond-shaped jade stones into Li Changshou’s hands. “Don’t reject us. You’ve helped us too much.”
“Thank you,” Li Changshou said slowly and put away the three jade stones solemnly. “I will definitely go to the Six Paths of Reincarnation to thank the Lady of Earth.”
“You’re welcome.”
King Qinguang heaved a sigh of relief. He bowed to Li Changshou and calmly returned to his seat.
He would definitely win this round. Everyone began to discuss the ancient past. At that moment, in the corner of the immortal banquet, two figures were preparing to go on stage to dance. They were watching the various big shots weakly.
Ling Zhuzi was dressed in a long, slender robe. The young girl beside him, Yu Tu, was wearing a cute short skirt. At that moment, her face was a little pale. Ling Zhuzi said softly, “What should we do?”
Da da da da…
The jade rabbit’s silver teeth trembled slightly.
“When you asked me to help you rehea.r.s.e previously… you didn’t say that you were going to dance in front of the Grand Supreme Elder today… Forget it… forget it…” “I’ll go and dance by myself.” Ling Zhuzi sighed. “I’ve already told Sister Chang’e that we should go up after they dance. We can’t not go.”
Jade Rabbit hurriedly said, “Have you thought it through? If something embarra.s.sing happens, you won’t be able to survive in the Primordial World in the future!”
“What are you afraid of!?!”
Ling Zhuzi raised his head and puffed out his chest. “Why would a good man be afraid of being embarra.s.sed?”
Jade Rabbit muttered, “Your master might be embarra.s.sed.”
“This…”
Ling Zhuzi immediately felt conflicted. He was rather concerned about Perfected Taiyi’s reputation. Yu Tu thought for a while and bit her lips. She raised her hand and patted Ling Zhuzi’s shoulder twice. She said in a clear voice, “We’re good brothers. I can’t not help you. If you have a way to make me not afraid, there shouldn’t be any mistakes in dancing. After all, I was raised by my master. I’ve been practicing dancing in the Moon Palace for so many years.” Ling Zhuzi pondered carefully and said softly, “I know that the Magi have a secret technique that can make people forget their fear.”
“What?”
“Pain.” Ling Zhuzi hesitated. “Why don’t I punch you?”
Jade Rabbit blinked. “Is it really useful? Don’t use too much strength… Come on!”
“Ha!”
Ling Zhuzi shouted softly and punched Yu Tu’s chest. The latter took three steps back and sat on the ground.
The young girl opened her mouth and a wisp of blood seeped out from the corner of her mouth. Her face was filled with despair. “I haven’t used any strength. Why did you collapse?” Ling Zhuzi hurriedly supported him and asked, “Are you still afraid?”
The jade rabbit tilted her head weakly. “I’m… I’m afraid of being beaten to death by you…”
“Huh?”
A deep voice suddenly sounded from the side. Ling Zhuzi and Yu Tu shuddered and hurriedly turned their heads. They happened to see the travel-worn Zhao Gongming flying over. He muttered and dodged to the side.
“Why do young Dao companions nowadays like to play such tricks?”
Yu Tu and Ling Zhuzi looked at each other. The young girl blushed and quickly turned her head away.
Ling Zhuzi chuckled and said, “This senior seems to have misunderstood. We are brothers, not Dao companions. Dao companions are not as important as brothers!” Jade Rabbit was speechless. The world is too difficult.