Chapter 493: Chang Geng Stabilizes Power

In the central Feitian Tai of the Xianmeng Dahui venue, a certain ordinary authority god from the non-famous Heavenly Court, along with the righteous and chivalrous Senior Gongming, were squatting in the corner, busily tinkering away.

Lü Yue stood nearby, truly unable to bear watching the scene.

“Changgeng, are we going a bit too far with this?”

“Brother, now that you mention it, I do feel it's a bit excessive… Maybe we should make it larger? This size still isn't stable enough.”

“Excellent! Xiao Yue, come lend a hand, don't just stand there!”

Zhao Gongming called out, and Lü Yue hurried forward.

The great Jie Jiao master, who had once chatted and laughed with the immortal maidens in the Tianya Secret Realm while pointing out the rivers and mountains, now looked like an apprentice as he quickly moved to the side of his 'master craftsman'.

“Shixiong, what do you need me to do?”

Zhao Gongming handed over a brush and smiled warmly as he instructed, “Use this to outline this part. Changgeng said the colors need to be more vivid.”

Lü Yue replied busily, “When refining pills, we sometimes have to balance the properties like this. Shixiong, rest assured, I won't make any mistakes!”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard with a light smile, stood up, and moved to the other side of Li Changshou to continue working.

Li Changshou looked up at Lü Yue, gave a gentle smile, and then lowered his head to keep painting...

Before long, a massive portrait three zhang long slowly floated up, depicting none other than Ran Deng Dao Ren.

Then, Li Changshou added a title beside it:

The number one figure in the anti-Xianghuo Shanguo of the Three Realms!

Zhao Gongming leaped into the clouds for a better look and clicked his tongue in admiration. “Changgeng, your brushwork is truly remarkable.”

Lü Yue laughed. “Exactly! This is giving that alliance leader a wave of fame, which feels a bit unsatisfactory!”

“Ah, Shixiong Lü Yue, you can't say it like that.”

Li Changshou said seriously, “Now, the Xianghuo Shanguo is causing havoc in various great thousand worlds. Our top priority is to unite all possible forces and save the beings of heaven and earth.

Come on, let's hang this portrait of the alliance leader on the side of the Feitian Tai. I'll reinforce it with my immortal power…”

Zhao Gongming and Lü Yue worked together on either side, adding a bit more 'Ran Deng' flair to the venue.

After thinking for a moment, Lü Yue asked, “But there's one issue, Changgeng Shidi, have you considered it?

If we make such a big show of building up Ran Deng Dao Ren, and the forces coming to the Xianmeng Dahui really see him as the decision-maker, won't that backfire on us?”

“The eyes are a good thing,” Zhao Gongming said with a tsk and a smile.

Li Changshou put away his various brushes, tucked his duster over his elbow, and said slowly,

“Having Ran Deng as the Xianmeng alliance leader was always part of the plan.

Before, it was the Xianmeng versus the Western Teachings in the three thousand worlds, and the Western Teachings would surely use every trick to sabotage the first assembly.

Bringing Ran Deng in is to ease that pressure, since everyone in the Daoist sects knows he has good relations with some Western Teaching cultivators...

This way, the Western Teachings will have to think twice—whether to bet everything on Ran Deng, try to use the Xianmeng for their own purposes, or as a path to negotiate with other Daoist forces.”

Lü Yue asked again, “But would the Western Teachings fall for it so easily?”

“They have no choice,” Zhao Gongming laughed. “That's why Changgeng asked us to come—it's to tell the Western Teachings that if they directly go to war with the Xianmeng, we Daoist sects can interfere in the three thousand worlds.

With the great calamity approaching, if the Western Teachings dare to provoke the Daoist sects, we're more than happy to fight them and rack up some calamity karma in the process.”

“What my brother said is right,” Li Changshou laughed. “Escalating things won't benefit anyone. What the Western Teachings really want now is to weather the great calamity in peace.”

Lü Yue still felt a bit worried...

“But what if the Western Teachings deny the Xianghuo Shanguo matter, or deliberately avoid fighting us…”

“Ha ha ha ha!”

Zhao Gongming's laughter boomed loudly, his chest puffed out and his face radiant. With a glance from the corner of his eye at Jinling Shengmu, who was setting up the Feitian magical treasures, he declared,

“That's exactly why I'm here!

Changgeng's schemes are always thorough—how could he overlook this?

I have a method that will leave the Western Teachings speechless, too afraid to act rashly, and keep us firmly in control!”

Lü Yue stretched his neck and asked, “What kind of brilliant plan is it?”

“This…” Li Changshou tried to interject.

“Shidi, come here and listen!”

Zhao Gongming eagerly beckoned Lü Yue closer.

As the two Jie Jiao masters whispered together, Li Changshou could only catch snippets like 'lie down', 'great dao oath template', and 'it looks like you'll have to start a great sect war'.

Li Changshou: ...

He had sworn to Yunxiao Xianzi that inviting Zhao Gongming was purely to connect with the future God of Wealth and Doumu Yuanjun… um, cough!

No, it was simply because he valued Zhao Daye and Jinling Danniang for their ability to flip the table at any moment!

Li Changshou gazed out in all directions, pondering in his heart, and began designing the most important element of the venue.

The seating.

Around this large lotus platform, filled with a rushed and makeshift atmosphere, dozens of circles of low tables and meditation cushions had already been set up, naturally for the representatives of the various immortal forces.

The Xianmeng's key figures were to sit on the central Feitian Tai.

With a sweep of his duster, Li Changshou made the stone surface ripple like water, forming two rows of chairs. In the middle of these rows, there was a larger chair.

He took a bolt of golden silk, used immortal power to shape it into the words 'Alliance Leader's Throne', and draped it around the chair.

It shimmered with golden light, quite eye-catching.

Li Changshou said with a smile, “Let's all think about where else we can add some shadows of Deputy Leader Ran Deng. We have to make this alliance leader shine brightly.”

Lü Yue was still deep in thought, but Zhao Gongming gently smacked his palm, struck by inspiration.

And so, half a month later, on the day the Xianmeng Dahui opened...

A white cloud drifted through the void, not far from the small thousand world hosting the assembly.

On the cloud, two men with altered appearances sat quietly in meditation.

Even with their features changed, they kept their most distinctive traits—the middle-aged Daoist had a goatee, and the other was just five chi tall…

These two were, of course, the ancient demon saint Bai Ze and the former unofficial uncle of Xiao Qiongfeng, now the chief steward of Linxian Hall—Jiu Wu.

Jiu Wu whispered through a voice transmission, “Mr. Bai, is it really that adult who sent us here? I just feel so unsure about this.”

Bai Ze laughed. “Of course, otherwise, would a poor Daoist dare come? This is exactly the time we should keep a low profile.”

“Then why are we here?”

Bai Ze smacked his lips, his face full of helplessness. “Probably, we've become the 'hand' in a steady hand.

That adult wants me to sense if there's any danger at this assembly.

If the path ahead is peaceful and free of major disasters, all is well.”

Jiu Wu thought for a moment and chuckled.

Bai Ze transmitted, “Later, we'll say we're unaffiliated scattered immortals coming to join the Xianmeng.

While we're at it, let's see if we can infiltrate the spies from the Western Teachings and get some useful information, so this trip isn't in vain.”

“Whatever you arrange, Mr. Bai,” Jiu Wu said with a smile. “My strength is limited, but I can handle running errands and odd jobs.”

As they were transmitting, dozens of streams of light flashed by on the side, cultivators hurrying to the Xianmeng Dahui.

Bai Ze said, “We should hurry too.”

With a light tap of his finger ahead, the cloud sped up, following those streams of light toward the assembly venue.

Half a shichen later, Bai Ze and Jiu Wu arrived at the edge of this small world, seeing the massive lotus platform enveloped in a grand array's light curtain, with clusters of white clouds floating around it.

The immortals were mostly gathered in the southeast direction.

Inside the array, it was empty, and the venue hadn't opened yet.

Outside the array gate, dozens of immortal maidens danced gracefully, while two groups of musicians played melodious immortal music, making the wait less tedious for the crowd.

The Xianmeng was a united body of immortal forces, and all the resources it needed were pooled from various sides.

For example, some immortal sect donated a hundred cubes of top-grade spirit stones, or some immortal kingdom gifted array materials;

Forces skilled in refining tools provided communication jade talismans, while those good at alchemy supplied healing and yang-strengthening pills.

As one of the main organizers of the Xianmeng, the famous temporary emotional tribulation site of the Honghuang, Tianya Ge, pulled out all the stops… they donated a group of immortal maidens and men for singing and dancing, serving as the ceremonial team for this assembly.

Fortunately, Tianya Ge gave Li Changshou face and didn't put up any 'welcome guests' signs here.

When Bai Ze and Jiu Wu arrived, about eighty percent of the forces attending the Xianmeng Dahui had already gathered, drawing tens of thousands of cultivators to this place.

The weakest were at least in the Tianxian realm, with Golden Immortals everywhere, and over ninety-nine percent were humans.

But the grand array covering the venue still hadn't opened...

Jiu Wu pondered for a while, unable to figure out the key point, and transmitted to Bai Ze, “Why is that? Isn't this rude?”

“It's a clever move,” Bai Ze laughed. “You'll understand soon. It's one of that adult's little schemes.”

Jiu Wu was baffled.

After waiting another half a day, as the assembly's opening time approached, a vast expanse of colorful clouds suddenly appeared on the horizon of the small world, and a figure slowly approached on a cloud.

This immortal had a clear and square face, with the bearing of one born with good fortune, wearing a gray robe and an eight-cornered Daoist crown. Without speaking, he exuded a majestic and profound aura, as if embodying many insights.

On his shoulder was a green lamp, and around his neck, a string of prayer beads. If asked his name, it was from Lingjiu Mountain that he attained the Dao.

Chan Jiao's deputy leader, Ran Deng Dao Ren, had arrived.

Many immortals here were captivated by his dignified presence and bowed from afar, clearing a path through the clouds for him to approach steadily.

Ran Deng remained expressionless throughout, his eyes half-closed, and upon reaching the array gate, he frowned slightly.

He spoke first: “Has Changgeng not arrived yet?”

The surrounding immortals fell silent, each realizing they weren't qualified to respond.

Ran Deng said indifferently, “The Heavenly Court handles things so carelessly, making all these dedicated individuals wait in vain.”

At that moment, a light laugh came from inside the array gate.

A middle-aged Daoist in armor and with a handsome beard stepped out—it was Zhao Gongming coming to greet him.

“Stop the music and dance.”

Zhao Gongming called out lightly, and the dancing immortal maidens withdrew to the sides, while the musicians silenced their instruments.

Then, Zhao Gongming cupped his hands toward Ran Deng and nodded to the figures all around, saying with a smile,

“Deputy Leader and fellow immortal friends, greetings!

This poor Daoist is Zhao Gongming of Jie Jiao, here at the Water God's request to receive you all.

I accidentally dozed off just now, making everyone wait. Please forgive me, forgive me.”

The surrounding immortals quickly responded:

“We pay respects to Senior Gongming! We're just arriving ourselves!”

“Senior, you're too kind—my master once heard you lecture on Penglai Immortal Island!”

“We can wait a bit longer.”

Ran Deng remained impassive, sitting quietly while the others exchanged pleasantries, as if in a different scene altogether.

Zhao Gongming laughed. “This grand array was set up to protect the arrangements inside. Everyone, please don't rush in later—take a good look first.”

His words were full of implication, and the representatives of the immortal forces gathered here were no fools.

Then, Zhao Gongming turned around, crushed a jade talisman in his hand, and the light curtain enveloping the entire lotus platform slowly dissipated.

The immortals fixed their eyes on it and were all somewhat stunned;

Even Ran Deng Dao Ren, who had prepared himself, couldn't help but furrow his brows deeply.

Looking ahead, colorful spherical banners, each several zhang in diameter, floated above the lotus platform, with large red silk characters hanging below them.

The fronts of the banners depicted Ran Deng Dao Ren, and the characters below read things like:

Chan Jiao Deputy Leader, vanguard against the Xianghuo Shanguo, standing firm against the Western Teachings to the end, this poor Daoist shares no common ground with the Western Teachings… and so on.

On the side of the central Feitian Tai, there was also a full-body portrait of Ran Deng Dao Ren;

The flower sea in the field was arranged with yellow flowers and green leaves to form his face.

Then, with a few bangs, clouds above exploded, and the mist condensed into a row of enormous characters:

“Warmly welcoming the Western Teachings' nemesis, the ancient great power, Chan Jiao Deputy Leader Ran Deng Senior, to take the position of Xianmeng Alliance Leader!”

Ran Deng's brows twitched repeatedly, his face darkening like the bottom of a pot, but he quickly regained his composure, returning to his earlier calm demeanor.

The surrounding immortals sighed lightly, some intending to offer praises to Ran Deng Dao Ren—after all, such words cost nothing in spirit stones.

In the crowd, Jiu Wu was puzzled, while Bai Ze smiled, observing Ran Deng's expression.

It was, quite entertaining.

Zhao Gongming said, “Ran Deng Shishu, are you satisfied with this setup?”

“It's been a lot of trouble for Changgeng Shizhi,” Ran Deng Dao Ren said flatly. “This poor Daoist is just older than most, not worth such effort from Changgeng Shizhi.”

“Don't underestimate yourself, Ran Deng Shishu,” Zhao Gongming said seriously. “We invited you mainly because you're the Chan Jiao Deputy Leader, highly respected.

It's no small feat to hold that position—certainly not just because of your ancient ties with the three teachers, as some outsiders claim!”

Ran Deng Dao Ren smiled faintly. “May we go in now?”

“Please, Ran Deng Shishu,” Zhao Gongming said, stepping aside with a gesture of invitation.

Ran Deng sat on his cloud and moved forward slowly, but after flying just a few dozen zhang, he stopped, turned, and looked at the gathered immortals...

Zhao Gongming raised an eyebrow inwardly, recalling what Li Changshou had said earlier...

'When Ran Deng Dao Ren arrives, he'll focus on winning hearts.

Brother, after you invite him in, if he doesn't speak, just follow the normal procedure.

If he invites the forces in, watch how many follow him and arrange them in the western section.'

And now, Ran Deng indeed spoke:

“Everyone, don't wait outside any longer. Why not come in together?”

With that, Ran Deng flew toward the center of the lotus platform, and behind him, hundreds of immortals instinctively moved to follow, though most were held back by those beside them.

Gazes turned toward Zhao Gongming.

But Zhao Gongming just smiled silently, hands behind his back, standing still.

In the end, only dozens entered from various directions, and among them, half seemed to snap out of a trance, hesitating to retreat but not knowing how.

Ran Deng showed no reaction, slowly descending toward the Feitian Tai.

Once Ran Deng sat alone in the alliance leader's throne, those dozens were led by a few immortal maidens from Tianya Ge to the western seating area.

Soon after, another few hundred immortals stood up and entered on their own, also being guided to the western area…

Their support for Ran Deng was obvious.

Just then, a loud call rang out:

“The Heavenly Court envoy has arrived!”

The immortals turned to look, seeing a small, shabby cloud approaching from the horizon, carrying three unremarkable Golden Immortal realm heavenly generals.

As they drew near, a rift opened in the space beside them, forming a simple portal, and the white-haired, white-browed Heavenly Court Water God stepped out, looking hurried and tired.

Li Changshou sighed. “Good thing I made it. You've all worked hard on the journey, generals.”

The three generals bowed in unison and shouted with full energy:

“We pay respects to Water God!”

“Mm,” Li Changshou turned, his expression from his eyes to his lips showing genuine surprise, his acting flawless. “Everyone's here?”

The immortals here bowed one after another, their voices overlapping in a chorus.

“Water God, we've come as promised!”

“That Western Teachings oppressed us—Water God, you must seek justice for us!”

“My immortal sect was forcibly driven from our territory!”

Li Changshou flew down on his cloud to the same level as the immortals and called out, “Everyone, please quiet down!

We're gathered here today to form the Xianmeng to fight against the Xianghuo Shanguo!

No matter what grievances you have, you can raise them today.

The Heavenly Court is just starting out and can't fully manage the three thousand worlds yet, so I hope you'll understand and support us!

We're all from the human race—protecting mortals is our duty. How can we let them be deceived like this!”

For a moment, the immortals were stirred up, ready to charge off and battle the Xianghuo Shanguo right then.

Li Changshou raised his hands and slowly pressed them down. As he did, the immortals quieted again.

The crowd held their breath, making the place so silent a pin drop could be heard.

One immortal shouted, “Water God, you've traveled everywhere for the past ten years, working tirelessly to bring us cultivators together. Why not take the Xianmeng alliance leader position yourself!”

“Please, everyone, hear me out.”

Li Changshou smiled. “First, I'm a Heavenly Court official, so serving as Xianmeng alliance leader would violate Heavenly Court rules.

Second, though I've been mentored by the Grand Pure One and am a second-generation Daoist disciple, when dealing with the forces behind the Xianghuo Shanguo, my seniority might still fall short.

That's why I've traveled east and west to invite Ran Deng Deputy Leader to be our Xianmeng alliance leader, and brought in some powerful and capable Daoist shixiong and shijie as vice alliance leaders!

But don't worry— the Xianmeng belongs to all of you, it's for fighting the Xianghuo Shanguo!

The Daoist great powers I've invited are just here to bolster our presence, build our reputation, and take on strong enemies!

In daily operations, the seventh through eighteenth vice alliance leader positions—twelve in total—will be elected by you all today!

We'll discuss the details shortly!”

As Li Changshou finished, the immortals on the clouds voiced their agreement in unison.

These points matched what they had learned from their meetings with Li Changshou's paper avatar in the Tianya Secret Realm.

Zhao Gongming laughed. “That's just like you, Changgeng, to handle it this way. Otherwise, I wouldn't take on such a troublesome role.”

The immortals mostly smiled at that.

Li Changshou led the three generals forward on the cloud, and the crowd parted to make way.

As he walked, he said,

“Without rules, nothing can be accomplished, so the Xianmeng needs to establish some today.

I'll be straightforward with you—Jade Emperor His Majesty sent me and these three generals here just for show. We won't directly involve ourselves in the Xianmeng's operations, only oversee it.

This is to prevent the Xianmeng from going astray or being used by those with grand ambitions!

So, today, right here, the three generals and I won't enter the venue. We'll stay up here on the clouds, watching and listening, and do our best to address your requests.

May the Xianmeng prosper and protect the Dao and all beings!”

Many immortals shouted in unison, “May the Xianmeng prosper and protect the Dao and all beings!”

Li Changshou nodded in approval and made a welcoming gesture;

The three generals, who had been instructed by him along the way, bowed and saluted in all directions before joining Li Changshou on the cloud, flying to a position directly above the lotus platform.

Li Changshou condensed a white cloud and set out four chairs, sitting down with the three generals.

From the immortals' perspective...

On the Feitian Tai of the lotus platform, and above that, another cloud platform.

Whether by design or accident, the four Heavenly Court envoys sat in a position higher than Ran Deng Dao Ren…

The hierarchy was clear at a glance.

Li Changshou flicked his duster, his voice echoing for miles: “Everyone, please enter and find your seats.

For good luck, let's avoid the west as much as possible.”

The immortals responded loudly, and tens of thousands flew down on clouds, landing on three sides of the lotus platform.

The east was a bit crowded, the south and north more spacious, while in the west, the hundreds of immortals who had been sitting there mostly hesitated, with a small group standing up and hurrying to other areas.

This move was steady;

Yet he himself remained outside the game.

But Li Changshou also noticed that Ran Deng sat silently in the alliance leader's seat, his expression unchanged—he had clearly anticipated this.

With his immortal sense, Li Changshou spotted Bai Ze and Jiu Wu mixed in with the immortals, and his heart settled.

With Bai Ze here, any danger could be foreseen, adding an extra layer of security.