Chapter 481: Seal Tai Bai, Steady Ksitigarbha

In the Six Paths of Reincarnation, several figures sat facing each other. Xuan Du Great Mage sat with his arms folded, nodding repeatedly, but it was his junior brother beside him who kept speaking.

Xuan Du Great Mage felt a bit emotional. He had watched firsthand as Li Changshou gradually took his place as the key figure in Renjiao... Ahem! He had seen with his own eyes how Li Changshou advanced step by step to his current position, becoming the most trusted immortal official of the Jade Emperor in Heavenly Court, speaking confidently before saints, and earning the deep trust of Houtu Niangniang and several saints.

Looking back, it all seemed to stem from the South Sea Sea God Cult. The idea that a single opportunity could change a lifetime was perfectly embodied in Li Changshou. Yet, the effort required to seize such opportunities was equally evident in his story.

Still, Xuan Du Great Mage was certain that he was the teacher's favorite disciple! Well... probably.

After bidding farewell to the Seven Emotions Incarnation, Houtu Niangniang sealed the grass ring with her great divine powers and handed it to Li Changshou.

Houtu Niangniang's gaze held a touch of reluctance as her slender fingers gently brushed over the grass ring.

Li Changshou said: "Niangniang, I intend to ask Shengmu to create a perfect Dao body, and then use the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower to reincarnate Xiao Ai and the others into it."

Houtu frowned slightly and said softly: "This goes against the way of reincarnation. All living beings should be equal and not receive special treatment because of me."

"Niangniang, there's no need to worry," Li Changshou replied seriously. "Rules must allow for flexibility, or stagnant waters would lack vitality. Besides, this isn't solely due to your great virtues. The Seven Emotions Incarnation possesses immense divine powers that only those with an unshakeable Dao heart can withstand, so they cannot reincarnate like ordinary beings. Rest assured, I already have the Jade Emperor's approval. We'll soon arrange for the souls to come from the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower and head to Shengmu Palace. With my senior brother escorting us, I'll be extra cautious, so please don't worry."

Houtu smiled faintly and nodded gently. "Thank you, Changshou."

"This..."

Li Changshou was caught off guard by being addressed by his personal name. He lowered his head, placed the grass ring into a jade box, tucked it into his robe, and said with a smile: "Niangniang, just call me Changgeng."

Houtu's gaze grew even gentler as she said softly: "When I helped retrieve your master's soul, I accidentally glimpsed some memory fragments. It wasn't intentional."

"By the way," Xuan Du Great Mage asked, "Is Qi Yuan Daoist's soul here?"

Li Changshou's expression darkened, and for some reason, in front of Xuan Du Great Mage, he felt a sudden sting in his nose.

A moment later, Xuan Du Great Mage and Li Changshou stood side by side by the treasure pool, watching several golden light orbs floating in the water.

Xuan Du Great Mage sighed lightly, bowed toward the pool, and said warmly: "This isn't so bad. Being able to reincarnate and cultivate again is better than withering away like dead leaves."

"Master was caught in the calamity," Li Changshou sighed. "Heaven's will is hard to defy."

Xuan Du Great Mage, worried that Li Changshou might lose his spirit, encouraged him: "Heaven's will being hard to defy doesn't mean it's impossible. The Heavenly Dao is based on all living beings and things, evolving in a direction pushed by them collectively. That's why the greater trends are unchangeable, but minor matters can be calculated by the heart."

Li Changshou pondered this deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, senior brother."

Xuan Du Great Mage laughed: "Ah, in a few decades, I might not be able to advise you anymore... All things are in balance, limiting the Heavenly Dao. The path you're on is destined to challenge the Heavenly Dao. But how you challenge it and to what extent is up to you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, you're ultimately just a being in this world. Follow your heart, align with the Dao, and act naturally—that's the way to endure."

So, is that the theory you use to skip work whenever you want, senior brother?

Li Changshou thanked him from the side and committed those words to memory.

The two lingered by the pool for a while, then strolled along the edge of the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation before leaving and heading to the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower.

With the Taiji Diagram's protection, they passed unnoticed by ghosts and underworld officials alike.

Xuan Du Great Mage surveyed the greatly altered layout of Fengdu City and chuckled: "Using a million Heavenly Court soldiers as laborers—probably only you could pull that off."

Li Changshou laughed: "The Jade Emperor is quite open-minded."

"Speaking of that, you should be careful," Xuan Du Great Mage transmitted. "I trust the Jade Emperor's character, but as the one closest to the Heavenly Dao after the Dao Ancestor, he's heavily influenced by it. If the Heavenly Dao brings calamity upon you, the Jade Emperor might issue orders. You must be cautious and deliberate."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and transmitted back: "Senior brother, don't worry. I've prepared for this. The things I do for Heavenly Court fall into two categories: one is my own schemes, for earning merits... Ahem, for stabilizing the world. The other is tasks directly assigned by the Jade Emperor, like the Chang'e chief instructor position."

"As long as you can distinguish them," Xuan Du Great Mage said, stretching lazily. "Chang'e, or Heng'e—there's also a human expert named Wu Gang in the Moon Palace. He's Heng'e's guard and a favored general of the ancient human emperors. Watch out if you're climbing walls; he won't go easy on you."

Li Changshou's forehead was covered in black lines: "Senior brother, why would I be climbing walls?"

"Oh? So you're planning to walk right in? Heng'e at least has the title of Dayi's wife, but you... Think about your reputation, junior brother!"

Xuan Du Great Mage raised an eyebrow playfully, and Li Changshou's mouth twitched.

Fine, I'll endure it. Later, I'll take you to the Shang tribe and create a more... atmospheric setting. I can move up the schedule for the two major Renjiao matters that the teacher assigned. Hmm, I wonder what Kong Xuan will be like after confirming her gender and becoming Kong Xuan—as stunning as can be, no doubt.

As the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower came into view, Li Changshou and Xuan Du Great Mage exchanged a glance, needing no transmission to coordinate. They revealed their true forms, released their auras, and drifted over calmly.

"Senior brother, Dizang is still a disciple of the West."

"Mm, let's give him a little nudge this time, so he doesn't keep favoring his own side."

Their understanding was perfect.

In Heavenly Court, at the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, civil and military officials gathered, and several famous Heavenly Court recorders sealed their bronze mirrors.

Although Qin Xuan Ya was quite active and had built some initial prestige in Heavenly Court, her official rank wasn't high enough for this assembly, so she wasn't present.

At that moment:

The Jade Emperor in white sat on the high platform, while the old god reported on rewarding the Water God.

The second-tier divine position was Taibai, not among the constellations, serving directly under the ruler.

Mu Gong spoke loudly: "Your Majesty, since the Water God joined Heavenly Court, he has achieved remarkable feats, alleviating your burdens and working tirelessly for Heavenly Court's rise. He first stabilized the Four Seas and summoned the Dragon Clan, stood firm at the Peaches of Immortality banquet to debate the Western teachings' disciples, rescued the witches of the North Continent, thwarted the demon clan's schemes multiple times, and utterly destroyed those who plotted against heaven. He reformed governance, established heavenly laws, rectified the underworld, and upheld heavenly ambitions. By now, the Water God's accomplishments are sufficient for a second-tier divine position. This humble official dares to request that Your Majesty promote the Water God to a second-tier orthodox god, so he can better assist you."

As soon as he spoke, all the immortals and gods fell silent.

Mu Gong from the East was basically the messenger. Whenever he spoke passionately about something, it meant the Jade Emperor was conveying the decision through him.

Promoting the Water God was an expected matter.

They all thought: It's as if the previous second-tier orthodox gods had more authority than the third-tier Water God.

But at this point, the Heavenly Court immortals and gods just listened; none dared to step forward and advocate for the Water God. After all, Heavenly Court was still under the Jade Emperor's rule, with the Water God merely assisting him.

The Jade Emperor chuckled and said: "It's time to promote Changgeng to the second tier today. What divine position do you all think would suit him?"

After a moment of silence, a heavenly general stepped forward and shouted: "Your Majesty, how about appointing the Water God as the Great Marshal of Heavenly Court's armies? This second-tier position would oversee military affairs and fit him well."

A civil official immediately frowned and said: "Your Majesty, I disagree. The Water God is not a military general, and his unparalleled wisdom makes him a model for Heavenly Court's civil officials."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile, finding this reasonable, and said: "Let all my ministers share your views and discuss this properly today."

Upon hearing this, Mu Gong held back his own words, knowing the Jade Emperor wanted to hear other opinions.

Immortals and gods spoke up one after another. Some suggested the Water God should become a great emperor, one of the Four Sovereigns, a true territorial lord in Heavenly Court, ranking just below the Jade Emperor. But others quickly countered, arguing that the Water God should remain in Heavenly Court and not be "assigned elsewhere."

They went through all twelve second-tier orthodox positions, but none seemed quite right for the Water God.

Ao Yi suggested adding a new second-tier position, like the Great Dragon God of the Four Seas, to honor his brother the teacher, but other immortals who wanted to benefit immediately rejected it.

—In whichever system the Water God was placed, that system would gain importance.

Only then did Mu Gong stand up smoothly and present the arrangements he had discussed earlier with the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor nodded in satisfaction and let the immortals continue their discussion.

Meanwhile, in the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower of the underworld, Xuan Du Great Mage and Li Changshou sat in wooden chairs, while Dizang sat on a cushion by the window, his brows tightly furrowed.

Dizang sighed: "Water God, your first visit to my Wheel of Reincarnation Tower is to ask me to bend the rules... This is rather disappointing."

Li Changshou laughed: "Daoist, that's not quite right. How is this bending the rules? Houtu Niangniang transformed into the Six Paths Wheel of Reincarnation for the sake of all beings, disregarding her own gains and losses. Now, we're just using the tower to handle a matter for her—this is her personal affair and also our duty as those who serve the Heavenly Dao. Or are you intentionally making things difficult for Houtu Niangniang?"

Dizang's mouth twitched, and he sighed: "Water God, your tongue is truly sharp; I can't match it. I made a great vow when I took this role, to treat all beings equally, without favoring any forces or opening doors for Western Teachings. So, I must follow the rules you yourself set earlier. Why are you asking me to break them today?"

Xuan Du Great Mage said calmly: "Then just attribute it to the Water God. Say he made you do it."

Dizang smiled slightly and replied: "In the Heavenly Dao hierarchy, the Water God is still ranked below me at the moment, so he can't give me orders."

Xuan Du Great Mage frowned and looked at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou shook his head helplessly. He was indeed only a third-tier orthodox god, while Dizang was now second only to Houtu Niangniang in the underworld's hierarchy.

Just then, a golden light flashed onto Li Changshou, manifesting various phenomena with dense Heavenly Dao power. Auspicious clouds blossomed like fungi, radiant light filled the air, and cheerful music drifted from the top of the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower.

Li Changshou sensed it carefully and smiled: "Wheel of Reincarnation Tower Master Dizang, heed my command. Open the tower and turn the Seven Emotions Incarnation into a spirit of reincarnation. I will personally protect it and find a vessel for it."

Dizang sensed the change and frowned: "The Heavenly Dao is so unbalanced that..."

"Don't misunderstand," Li Changshou laughed. "By the timing, it's probably during the Jade Emperor's routine assembly of immortals. They must be discussing merits and rewards, promoting me to a new divine position. Though the official decree from Tongming Hall is needed, in the Heavenly Dao sequence, I now rank above you."

Dizang fell silent for a moment, while Xuan Du Great Mage nearly burst out laughing.

Light footsteps approached—Ditian carried a tray with its magical power, offering fragrant tea to Li Changshou and Xuan Du Great Mage.

"Water God, please don't be angry... My master is just stubborn. Let me talk to him properly. Have some tea first. In the future, as you both serve the Heavenly Dao, please look after him. He doesn't know much and still thinks he's on Spirit Mountain."

Dizang glared at Ditian, who swept its tail and gently pawed at Li Changshou's leg.

Xuan Du Great Mage watched with amusement and said: "This tea is quite good."

Ditian trembled but didn't dare say more.

"As ordered by the Water God," Dizang muttered through gritted teeth, then turned to look out the window.

Xuan Du Great Mage gave Li Changshou a look, and he understood. Li Changshou stood up, walked to the windowsill, leaned against it, and crossed his arms.

Li Changshou said: "After all the rivalry, I never expected we'd end up as colleagues. Let's talk openly—I've been waiting for this day for a while."

"Water God, you're too kind," Dizang replied calmly. "But I'm just a defeated subordinate under your command, lingering here to finish out my days."

Li Changshou smiled steadily and said: "It's a shame we're on opposite sides with past grudges. Things could have been different."

Dizang's eyebrow twitched slightly. "Your strategies surpass mine—that's something I have to admit."

"No need to keep calling me Water God. Just say Changgeng."

Dizang hesitated, then sighed and said: "Changgeng."

"Dizang," Li Changshou said, his eyes twinkling, "I started to see you differently when you leaped into the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower that day—your calm expression didn't waver at all. That's not something ordinary immortals can do. I respect that."

Dizang shook his head with a bitter smile. "It was just necessity. I became a pawn in my teacher's hands. I'm not entirely acting for all beings; it's partly out of my control."

Li Changshou laughed: "Houtu Niangniang transformed for the witches' luck, but does that diminish her virtues? Of course not. You're the same... In terms of virtue, I can't compare to you. I apologize for using my divine rank to pressure you earlier. I just wanted to help Houtu Niangniang and hope you understand."

Dizang's voice softened: "I'll handle this matter carefully. I was just venting my frustration with you before; I haven't fully accepted the current situation. How could I compare myself to Houtu's great virtues? Today, even if it's Heavenly Dao's punishment, I'll see it through."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile: "We're in this together then... Dizang, do you have any ideals? Or, before you got caught in these great struggles, why did you start cultivating?"

"Of course, for immortality and to seek the true meaning of the Dao... Why are you laughing, Changgeng? Is that too ordinary?"

"Ordinary it may be, but it's honest. I'm even simpler—I just wanted to live out my life. Back when I started cultivating, I didn't even dare dream of immortality."

In the soft light of the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, the two by the window chatted and laughed like old friends.

Behind them, Xuan Du Great Mage sipped his tea calmly. Hearing a sound nearby, he saw Ditian covering one paw over its eyes and sighing softly: "Oh, my foolish master..."

Xuan Du Great Mage pointed a finger, freezing Ditian in place.

A moment earlier, in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall:

"Decree from Tongming Hall: Promote my beloved Changgeng to Taibai Star Lord, a second-tier orthodox god, not part of the constellations. He shall oversee matters of heavenly change, heavenly warfare, and the waters of the three realms. He has the authority to monitor Heavenly Court immortals and gods, and may appoint or dismiss any below fourth tier. Additionally, Changgeng shall concurrently serve as the chief instructor of Chang'e in the Moon Palace, with the Water God Residence renamed Taibai Hall. When the decree from Tongming Hall is finalized, Taibai shall return to his position, and the three realms shall celebrate together."