Chapter 700: Taibai Jinxing’s Bow
Shen Bao entered Jie School, the G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit is pregnant.
The war in the South Continent was approaching. The script of the Heavenly Dao seemed to be unable to stop it.
At that crucial point, Li Changshou took the time to use his paper effigy. He did not use too many hidden methods and almost went to the Heaven Ascension Hall openly to bid farewell to Elder Wan Linyun, Jiu Jiu, and the Immortal Du Sect. He told them about leaving the Primordial World.
What would the Dao Ancestor think if he saw that?
The Dao Ancestor would definitely have such a thought…
‘Could it be that this little thief will really flip the table for Zhao Gongming?’
That was Li Changshou’s goal.
Of course, the Dao Ancestor’s thoughts would definitely be very far-reaching. He should be spinning and jumping between levels.
“This child has a deep plan. He must have other considerations. This might be a way to cover up and make me wary.”
“If you think about it carefully, this arrangement is actually beneficial to him.”
“He should be deliberately expressing his att.i.tude and putting pressure on me to make me make a choice.”
“There must be something more. He’s testing how much I can control the world and how much I know about his trump cards.”
“At the same time, he’s gambling on whether I will believe that he will put his life at stake…”
Wait, wait, wait.
However, no matter how it jumped, one of the essence of this matter was the pressure of lifespan.
Li Changshou was using his determination to pressure the Dao Ancestor, increasing Zhao Gongming’s chances of survival in the subsequent Great Tribulation.
One of Li Changshou’s trump cards was to let the Grand Pure One attack. He would use the Taiji Painting to suppress Zhao Gongming, the G.o.ddess of Golden Spirit, Yun Xiao, Qiong Xiao, and Bi Xiao and send them to the Outer World’s Xuandu City.
However, in that case, the five disciples of Jie School would be equivalent to escaping at the last minute. They would naturally not have the cheek to face the immortals of Jie School. They would also be in pain.
Especially to Zhao Gongming, he would rather die than escape.
That was the culture of Jie School.
Li Changshou scratched the stubble on his chin and calculated the amount of smoke he had released. He felt that what he had done was far from enough.
His att.i.tude was not enough, and his determination was not enough.
After some thought, Li Changshou continued to get busy.
His main body left the Little Qiong Peak and rushed to the Nine Heavens. He stayed in the Grand Pure One Temple for a few months.
Actually, he did not talk much. He just heard his teacher nag a little and talk about the future of the human race.
At that moment, he was certain that the Dao Ancestor could not detect the situation in the Grand Pure One Temple.
In fact, the Grand Pure One could temporarily blind the Dao Ancestor’s perception and monitoring of the world through disturbing the heavenly secrets.
When he left the Grand Pure One Temple, Li Changshou keenly sensed that the atmosphere in the world seemed to be different.
Clearly, the big shot in the Purple Cloud Palace had already begun to stare at him.
Li Changshou acted as usual. First, he observed the situation of the South Continent through the paper effigies arranged everywhere in the world.
The mortal show had already reached the stage of Di Xin ordering Bo Yikao to drive.
With Shang Chen’s suggestion, he felt that Bo Yikao was obsessed with music. Why not nurture Bo Yikao into the next Marquis of the West? That way, he could avoid the threat of the Zhou Nation for decades.
Di Xin agreed with this plan. He first deliberately left a psychological trauma in Bo Yikao and allowed Ji Chang to return to Xiqi.
Bo Yikao was originally the eldest son of the first wife. He also had the “magnificent feat” of saving his father. The position of Marquis Xi Bo was already Jiang Lin’er’s nickname—it was fixed!
However, on the second night, Bo Yikao was strangely poisoned and died in the official post of the Shang army.
Rumors immediately spread in Chaoge City. They said that Bo Yikao had killed Emperor Xin Xin.
Di Xin flew into a rage and immediately sent someone to intercept Ji Chang. However, the news was sent to Ji Chang, whose whereabouts were unknown.
Di Xin ordered the checkpoints along the way to kill Ji Chang, but Ji Chang was protected by an immortal and was lucky to escape…
Li Changshou deduced the situation when Bo Yikao died and quickly locked onto a few suspicious backers. One of them was Di Xin’s elder brother, Wei Ziqi, who was only one step away from the position of the King of Shang.
Now, Chaoge City has already formed a secret alliance. With Wei Ziqi as the leader, a large number of n.o.bles whose interests had been shaken by the new government of Di Xin had gathered.
This undercurrent was currently lurking quite deeply. Poisoning and killing Bo Yikao was just a small test. Their true goal had yet to be exposed.
The death of Bo Yikao and Ji Chang’s smooth return made Di Xin worried.
Now, the East Marquis, Jiang Huanchu, who was the most famous among the eight hundred va.s.sals, had been killed by him. The Marquis of the West, Ji Chang, had the highest seniority and reputation. He was also known as a sage. He had been replaced and became the role model of the va.s.sals.
After several generations of acc.u.mulation, the Zhou Nation had the ability to challenge the Shang Nation.
A few days later, when Wen Zhong secretly returned to Chaoge City, Di Xin summoned Uncle w.a.n.g Bigan, Huang Feihu, Fei Zhong, You Hun, and more than ten ministers whom he trusted. They discussed it for a long time.
A ma.s.sacre against the Zhou Nation was slowly spreading.
Li Changshou counted the days. In less than three years, the Shang Nation would definitely start a war against the Zhou Nation.
If anything happened during this period, such as Di Xin offending his brother’s wife after drinking, it would also become the fuse for the war between the Shang Nation and the Zhou Nation.
According to his deduction, Zhao Gongming’s calamity was not far ahead.
Indeed, he had to continue expressing his determination and cause some trouble.
Since the Dao Ancestor was already watching him, he had to work harder.
His main body did not return to the Grand White Palace. He turned a corner and went to the Water G.o.d Residence. When he pa.s.sed by the small courtyard where Youqin Xuanya was staying, he secretly took a look. He realized that Youqin Xuanya was cultivating hard, so he did not disturb her. He went to the study and took away two treasure pouches.
There were some blueprints of the Heavenly Courts’ development after the Great G.o.d-Conferment Tribulation. Previously, he had wanted to use them as an “unexpected surprise”. Now, he could only use them as tools.
After leaving the Water G.o.d Residence, Li Changshou headed straight for the Lingxiao Hall.
The Jade Emperor was discussing the matters of the trichiliocosm with a few old officials. When he saw Li Changshou rus.h.i.+ng over, he immediately raised his hand and gestured.
“Dear ministers, please leave first. Minister Changgeng must have something urgent.”
General Dongmu and the other old immortals bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Li Changshou said seriously, “Your Majesty, let the few of you stay behind. I have something complicated to report today.”
The smile on the Jade Emperor’s lips froze. He blinked at Li Changshou.
Li Changshou smiled and bowed with a Dao salute. He took out a few treasure pouches from his sleeve. A little immortal light flickered, and there were more than ten piles of memorials around him. There were hundreds of them.
Li Changshou introduced with a smile and asked General Dongmu and the others to remember which batch was the internal structure of the Heavenly Courts, which batch was the order of the trichiliocosm, which batch was about the mortals of the human race, and which batch was about the human Qi Refinement cultivators…
They were different.
General Dongmu and the others looked at each other and remembered Li Changshou’s instructions.
General Dongmu’s eyes were filled with confusion. He asked softly, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, why… why…”
“Something will happen later. I might not be able to serve the Heavenly Courts and His Majesty with you.”
Li Changshou bowed from left to right and bowed to the Jade Emperor. He said slowly, “This matter has nothing to do with you. It has nothing to do with the Heavenly Courts. It’s a path that I have to take.”
General Dongmu hesitated.
A G.o.d at the side seemed to have guessed something and whispered, “Lord Taibai Jinxing, why do you have to take this path? Now, our Heavenly Courts are the embodiment of the Heavenly Dao’s will. We are the ones who maintain the order of the Three Realms. I feel that in the Heavenly Courts, we can actually better take care of the human race. Only then can we interfere with the choice of the Heavenly Dao to a certain extent. That might be another path.”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “I’ve thought of this path before, but it’s not suitable. Some things should be defended by others, while some flames should be supported by torches. I actually can’t do much, but I have to make those who act recklessly fear me. Is this the path that I have taken in cultivation? If I change it, my Dao Realm and cultivation level will be crippled.”
That G.o.d did not persuade him. He only bowed deeply to Li Changshou.
“Changgeng, look…”
The Jade Emperor sat on the platform and looked at Li Changshou.
“I’ll go and talk to Teacher. Or I’ll try to see if I can find an opening in the operation of the Heavenly Dao. I’ll make one for Zhao Gongming, Jin Ling, Bi Xiao, and Qiong Xiao like I did for Yun Xiao…”
“Your Majesty.”
Li Changshou called softly. The Jade Emperor paused and smiled dejectedly. He waved his hand.
“Everyone, take Changgeng’s memorial and organize it. Changgeng, stay behind.”
“Yes.”
“As you wish.”
General Dongmu and the other old officials agreed and put away the memorials. Then, they bowed to the Jade Emperor and Li Changshou before bowing their heads and leaving the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.
“Ah…”
The Jade Emperor sighed deeply and sat on the throne. However, his eyes flickered.
He said, “Changgeng, have you decided?”
“Yes.” Li Changshou’s eyes were filled with guilt. “I did not see the day when the Heavenly Courts completely ruled the Three Realms. I did not see the world that His Majesty had described when he was sailing in the West Ocean. I’m deeply regretful.”
“Just for Zhao Gongming?”
“Your Majesty, it’s not just for Zhao Gongming, the Three-Immortal Island, or the Jie School and the Dao Sect.”
Li Changshou sighed slowly.
“The differences between Grandmaster and I are irreversible. I’m on the side of the living beings, and Grandmaster is on the side of the world. There is no balance between the two. I have no chance of winning this game. After carefully plotting for many years, I can only use the bottom-level Great Dao to protect myself. However, Your Majesty, you are the true ruler of the Three Realms who wants to balance the world and living beings. If I can’t do it, I can only entrust it to Your Majesty. What I can do is only provide support while you are in control.”
The Jade Emperor wanted to say something but hesitated. He seemed conflicted.
Li Changshou suddenly lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down to the Jade Emperor.
The Jade Emperor immediately stood up and walked around the jade table. He hurriedly said, “Changgeng, what are you doing? There’s no need for such formalities between us!”
“Your Majesty, this is the most important gift in the ancient times of the human race. I know that you can’t resist the Dao Ancestor. I know that you are in a difficult situation. I can’t ask you to do anything. However, Your Majesty, the Heavenly Courts are in charge of the world and living beings! If I am forced to leave the Primordial World by the Dao Ancestor, only you can help these living beings in this world!”
“Changgeng… Teacher is actually not…”
The Jade Emperor’s arm trembled a few times and he slowly clenched his fists. He, who was about to walk down the steps, looked at Li Changshou’s figure that was wrapped in the clouds. His eyes were filled with bitterness.
“Forget it, I promise you. If the world oppresses living beings for no reason and kills living beings just to pursue the stability of the world,” the Jade Emperor said firmly, his eyes surging with emotions. “I will naturally shoulder the responsibility of the Heavenly Emperor! I will pet.i.tion for the living beings!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Li Changshou sighed softly in his heart, but he still maintained an apologetic expression and slowly stood up.
The Jade Emperor raised his hand and rubbed his eyebrows. He slowly sat down on the steps and gestured for Li Changshou to sit down.
Li Changshou naturally followed the old rules and took the initiative to sit two steps lower. He sighed softly with the Jade Emperor and frowned in confusion…
The Jade Emperor said, “If Teacher attacks Zhao Gongming, what are your preparations? Could it be that you really want to fight with Teacher?”
“A few little G.o.ds are not enough to die when fighting the Heavenly Dao.” Li Changshou pondered for a while. “There are also a few scenarios. If the Great Tribulation is carried out carefully, everything will be logical. I will not do anything overboard if there is nothing wrong. However, if the Heavenly Dao uses some dishonorable methods to make Brother Gongming lose in the battle that Brother Gongming can win, I will naturally stop him. Although I don’t have many trump cards, I can still protect Brother Gongming. At this moment, I’m taking precautions. If I anger Grandmaster because I protected Brother Gongming, Grandmaster will definitely force me to leave…”
The Jade Emperor pinched his fingers and deduced. He closed his eyes and pondered. Soon, he shook his head and smiled.
“You’re thinking too seriously. Zhao Gongming is indeed in trouble. However, even if you save Zhao Gongming, Teacher should not force you to leave. At that time, I will stand up for you.”
“Your Majesty, you should not be involved in this matter.”
Li Changshou said, “After the Great Tribulation, you will be in charge of the world. The Heavenly Courts will have to be led by Your Majesty. Your Majesty has entered the game now. It can only be considered a small loss.”
“Changgeng, Teacher is actually not as bad as you think.” The Jade Emperor smiled bitterly and said, “There are many things that I can’t tell you, but you seem to see Teacher as an enemy.”
Li Changshou thought carefully. “Up to now, I have not treated Grandmaster as an enemy. In order to protect the Primordial World, Grandmaster had done something that I could not imagine. However, it was undeniable that Grandmaster was deliberately suppressing the power of living beings. Your Majesty, you should know the words that the Pangu G.o.d muttered during his death. The world that the Pangu G.o.d wanted to establish is a world that could make a single True Spirit laugh wantonly. Although it is difficult for such a world to exist, the personalities and independence of living beings should not be deprived like this. Mortals live their lives in mediocrity. They don’t know the end of the world or why the sun, moon, and stars keep changing. This is actually a fact that Grandmaster and I have recognized. However, should those living beings who want to grasp the Dao, understand reason, and are unwilling to be ordinary really be killed?”
The Jade Emperor said, “The world is the foundation of living beings. Living beings are the reason for the existence of the world. It’s actually impossible to determine which is more important between the two. Everything needs to be balanced. There is a limit. Isn’t that your Great Dao of Equalization?”
Li Changshou said seriously, “If the Heavenly Dao and the Great Dao are hidden, there will not be so much spiritual energy in the world. The upper limit of the cultivation of living beings cannot reach the extent of destroying the Primordial World. It might not be a solution.
However, in that case, the spiritual energy would dissipate, and the Primordial World would be compressed by the Chaos Sea. The Heavenly Dao would be severely weakened. In the end, the Dao Ancestor is just unwilling.”
The Jade Emperor fell silent and sighed softly.
“I can’t answer that either. I haven’t figured out the connection between us. Changgeng, tell me, who is wrong in this world?”
Li Changshou was rendered speechless.
“It’s the fault of that senior from my hometown.”
The Jade Emperor shook his head and chuckled. He did not say anything.
In the Lingxiao Hall, the two of them sat quietly. After a long silence, they talked about the interesting things that happened when they first met.
In the bamboo forest of the Purple Cloud Palace, the burly old Daoist priest was also in a daze as he looked at the Creation Jade Disc.
After a long time, he sighed softly. With a light tap of his finger, a gray figure in the forest quietly dissipated and left the Purple Cloud Palace.
“If you want to swap places with your fellow countryman, why would I bother?”