Chapter 523: Taibai Palace Taibai Hall

"Shui Shen Daren, Shui Shen Daren?"

In his heart, Li Changshou suddenly heard Diting's call, and his mind instantly returned to the paper effigy hidden in a corner of Fengdu Cheng.

Diting whispered in his heart,

"Shui Shen Daren, don't respond to this avatar of yours, I'm worried the other side might notice.

Today, a plump Daoist came to see my master. My master addressed him as senior brother, but I've never seen this spirit on Ling Shan before. He must be one of Western Cult's hidden heavyweights.

His cultivation is profound, and his Dao realm makes me feel oppressed, yet he seems almost nonexistent. What arrived today was likely just a divine sense.

He forced my foolish master to write a congratulatory message, which will probably be sent to the Heavenly Court soon, though I'm not sure if it's to cause trouble or to mend ties between Western Cult and the Heavenly Court.

I thought I'd report this to you in advance. My master has been diligently managing the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower lately, not getting involved in any Western Cult affairs at all. That message was written under duress.

Once again, congratulations on your promotion to Taibai Xingjun, the second-tier orthodox god of the Heavenly Court. I'll lay low for now—if you need anything, just call..."

That mysterious voice gradually faded, leaving Li Changshou momentarily silent.

This Diting...

How had it turned itself into an unofficial informant for Human Teach?

Western Cult's senior brother? A plump Daoist?

He'd truly never heard of such a figure—could it be someone like Mile who might appear later?

It made sense; with Dizang already saying 'If I do not enter hell, who will?', Mile's appearance wouldn't be surprising.

Yet, he'd never heard of any connection between Mile and the Investiture of the Gods calamity...

In a shadowy corner, Li Changshou's miniature form stood with arms folded, lost in thought once more.

Just as he had anticipated, with this celebration centered on him, various forces were eager to stir up trouble.

Western Cult's attempt to reconcile or even ally with the Heavenly Court was within his expectations.

It was one of the three strategies they could use to break their predicament.

The other two were:

To exploit the pieces they had hidden earlier and desperately provoke conflicts between the Heavenly Court and Daoism, or between Chan and Jie.

Or, to cut off a limb for self-preservation, play the victim in Zixiao Palace, and retreat three steps.

This time, His Majesty the Jade Emperor had widely distributed invitations, giving opportunists a chance to enter the Heavenly Court and providing Western Cult with room to maneuver.

So...

Was this intentional on the Jade Emperor's part, or accidental?

If intentional, from the perspective of the Heavenly Emperor, it was undoubtedly a brilliant move.

—The Heavenly Emperor's task at this juncture was to balance the powers of all major sects, letting them check each other, so that in the upcoming great calamity, the Heavenly Court could gain more benefits and solidify its position.

This was perfectly reasonable, and Li Changshou could understand it.

If it was unintentional, like that title of Chief Instructor for the Three Hundred Chang'e of the Heavenly Court, simply meant as a perk for this 'employee'...

Then it was pure chaos.

He, the one involved, would have to clean up the mess himself.

Consider it the price to pay for becoming an ordinary authority god in the Heavenly Court.

Praise the Jade Emperor.

His mind shifted back to the alchemy chamber on Xiaoqiong Peak, where the paper effigy looked toward the spiritual lake nearby. He saw Ling E meditating under the tree, and...

On her shoulder, a small three-inch tower slowly rotating.

A gentle breeze blew, making Ling E's long hair dance lightly, her thin training robe emitting a faint soft glow.

A slight, serene smile appeared at the corner of Li Changshou's mouth.

Bring it on.

Scheming, calculations, plots, and strategies;

The path to a peaceful life was always tumultuous.

Today's exhaustive efforts ensured that what he experienced wouldn't disturb those behind him.

Tomorrow's steady victories were just to save those he wanted to save and leave no regrets in the vast Honghuang world.

Hmm, how did he suddenly develop this fatherly mindset...

With a light chuckle, Li Changshou's mind returned to the Shui Shen Mansion in the Heavenly Court.

The Golden Immortal realm paper effigy, soon to make its appearance, sat quietly behind the desk, focusing his spirit.

This paper effigy was crafted from the sap of an ancient spiritual tree, equipped with three core golden pills, and incorporated Li Changshou's latest array of prohibitions.

Additionally, the spotless white robe he wore was a spiritual treasure armor, greatly compensating for the paper effigy's inherent fragility.

For this grand ceremony, he also represented the image of the Heavenly Court's immortals, so he had to pay attention to the details to avoid ridicule.

Thus, ten days later.

As dawn approached...

As if by prior agreement, streams of light rose from various parts of the Honghuang Five Continents—from Kunlun Mountain, from the four seas' immortal islands, from Yuxu Palace, from Biyou Palace, from beyond the heavens—converging toward the Heavenly Court's five great heavenly gates.

At each heavenly gate, heavenly soldiers and generals stood tall, clad in gleaming armor and gripping shining spears, their auras united as one, showing no deference even to Golden Immortals.

Above the white jade gates, three divine swords encircled with divine light, fully displaying the Heavenly Court's majesty!

The first to arrive at the Heavenly Court were the sect leaders, mountain masters, and elders from the major immortal sects of Central Divine Continent.

—Any immortal sect connected to Daoism had received invitations from the Heavenly Court and sent representatives of their sects' top experts.

For a time, among those entering and exiting the heavenly gates, hardly any were at the Heavenly Immortal level!

This gave a glimpse of how many long-lived immortals had accumulated in Honghuang since ancient times.

Following them were some less prominent disciples from the Three Teachings of Daoism.

Yuxu Palace of Chan Teach sent dozens of immortals, while Jie Teach's various immortal islands selected hundreds of men and women.

Interestingly, among these immortals from the two major sects, quite a few were at the Heavenly Immortal realm;

Yet, when the representatives from Central Divine Continent and East Divine Victory Continent saw these Heavenly Immortals, they all treated them as seniors.

Daoist lineage determined hierarchy, a rule of Honghuang.

This was a form of order radiating from the six saints.

Once the guests entered the heavenly gates, cloud paths guarded by heavenly soldiers and generals lay ahead, guiding them to proceed on clouds toward Taibai Palace, with no wandering allowed.

To avoid disrupting the Heavenly Court today, Taibai Palace, originally on the edge of the seventh and eighth heavens, was temporarily relocated to the center of the sixth heaven.

Gradually, more and more immortals from various paths arrived, evoking the grandeur of the ancient Three Teachings assembly.

The celebration was set to begin at noon, so the major experts would arrive later to make a proper entrance.

However, today, a few experts arrived early and together.

They were humble, greeting the heavenly soldiers and generals with warm smiles and kindness, even volunteering to help the Shui Shen host the guests.

They were the nominal disciples of the Human Teach saint, including the renowned Zhenren from Kunlun Mountain who had many friends, as well as sect leaders and gate masters.

Along with them, Du'e Zhenren had summoned the Du Xian Men gate master, Ji Wuyou—an ordinary Golden Immortal combat unit—who had arrived early at the West Heavenly Gate, even though he hadn't received an invitation.

The Shui Shen's promotion to a second-tier orthodox god was a major event for Human Teach immortals!

Indeed, before dawn, Du'e Zhenren was bustling in his Eight Treasures Cave.

He chose a bright cyan silk robe, stepped into a pair of eight-step cloud boots, and neatly tied up his gray-white long hair, not a strand out of place;

He carefully selected a duster, a cloud, a jade pendant, and a square cloud scarf, and hid the innate dual qi in his orifice. If anyone caused trouble later, he'd just hum or haw at them.

That would surely make the troublemakers' Golden Immortal primordial spirits wilt, or even suppress a Da Luo's divine might!

Of course, if the dual qi technique wasn't mastered well, it could backfire and injure himself, leaving incurable damage to his primordial spirit...

As previously arranged, Du'e Zhenren met up with several Human Teach nominal disciples. Upholding Honghuang tradition, they maintained constant laughter while swaying as they headed toward the West Heavenly Gate, attracting many immortal senses along the way.

From afar, Ji Wuyou spotted his master and the Human Teach seniors, so he quickly rode his cloud to greet them.

Du'e Zhenren flicked his duster and laughed heartily,

"Ha ha ha ha!

Wuyou, you must stay sharp today. When you see the experts from Chan Teach or Jie Teach, remember to greet and host them properly—the etiquette must be impeccable!

I hear that Senior Brother Changgeng hasn't taken any disciples, so today, you can act as half a disciple for him and handle everything accordingly."

"This disciple understands."

Ji Wuyou bowed his head in response, suppressing a cough, his gaze complex.

Human Teach slang.

What kind of situation was this?

A disciple taught by Du Xian Men, their own gate master, now had to address someone as 'senior uncle' and serve as a welcoming attendant at the celebration!

Ji Wuyou sighed inwardly, glancing at the elaborate and flashy Daoist robe he wore, which suited the occasion.

—This outfit was insisted upon by Du'e Zhenren's message, and he had no choice.

If Shui Shen Changgeng's true identity and rise to prominence became known...

Ji Wuyou's Dao heart trembled. He suddenly felt like turning and leaving, shutting himself away and stepping down from his gate master position early.

Their group entered the West Heavenly Gate and joined the other guests heading toward Taibai Hall, with many immortals exchanging greetings along the way, laughter echoing through the nine heavens.

By the time Du'e Zhenren and Ji Wuyou's group reached Taibai Hall, over a thousand immortals from the Three Teachings and their sects had already gathered inside and outside, with more arriving continuously.

Ji Wuyou gazed at Taibai Hall from afar, truly impressed by its splendor.

The hall measured over a hundred zhang in length and width, with rows of white jade pillars that three people could barely encircle, supporting the blue-tiled, jade-ridged roof.

The four sides had few stone walls, replaced by high-quality spiritual wood crafted into vermilion red walls, intricately carved with a myriad of spirits and phenomena. Immortal light surrounded the exterior, projecting shadows of the myriad spirits inside and adding a touch of ethereal energy.

The hall's interior was not overly ornate, but every detail was exquisite, with carved beams, painted rafters, and vibrant colors.

The floor consisted of large three-zhang square 'starlight stones', polished to a mirror sheen, with a foot-thick layer of immortal mist to prevent any awkwardness for female immortals.

Viewed from inside, the dome was divided into eight layers.

Nine was the ultimate number, so eight layers symbolized the status of a high minister below only one.

At the highest point of the dome, carvings depicted the sun, moon, and stars; below that, pavilions and palaces; further down, old men playing chess, children riding cranes, dragons soaring, phoenixes dancing, and auspicious beasts bringing good fortune...

The various murals were diverse, with masterful strokes and divine charm beyond count.

The dome also featured abundant Taiji elements, with yin-yang fish symbols everywhere, and repeated appearances of the Qiankun Ruler and Xuanhuang Pagoda.

At that moment, the immortals in the hall were mostly appraising the dome's paintings, each offering their own interpretations.

No high platform was set up inside the hall, and no seats were added, as it was merely for observation.

In front of the hall, thirty-six layers of white jade steps led down to a neat square plaza, surrounded by railings with an incense burner at the center.

In terms of grandeur, it far surpassed Doushuai Palace.

When Li Changshou's immortal sense observed this, he felt slightly puzzled.

He lived alone—did he really need such a vast place?

It felt like the Jade Emperor and Mu Gong were hinting at something wildly.

As Du'e Zhenren and Ji Wuyou's group ascended the steps under the watchful eyes of the heavenly soldiers and generals,

The two young generals standing at the hall's entrance both brightened up. Ao Yi on the right hadn't reacted yet when Bian Zhuang on the left dashed forward in one swift step.

Family tradition—expert at welcoming guests!

Bian Zhuang kept bowing and cupping his hands, exchanging pleasantries with Du'e Zhenren, and casually revealed his nine-tooth rake, proving he was also a Human Teach disciple.

Thus, moments later...

The veteran Human Teach nominal disciples like Du'e Zhenren entered the hall, while Ji Wuyou was left behind by Du'e Zhenren, standing beside Bian Zhuang and Ao Yi, smiling as he welcomed and saw off guests.

His robe was too eye-catching, and with his handsome and refined appearance, plus his aura of serene inaction, many fairy maidens stole glances at him.

Ji Wuyou felt an overwhelming desire to smash his head against something.

Fortunately, not long after, a white cloud flew in from the Shui Shen Mansion, carrying a tall figure who joined the 'attendants'.

The Heavenly Court's Golden Peng Marshal, the great Peng bird expert from the Feng race, had transformed into an elegant young man and stood at the most prominent spot in front of the hall, drawing much of the attention away from the flamboyant Ji Wuyou.

Honghuang wasn't just about looks; stronger figures garnered more focus.

Then, immortal music rang out as over a dozen Yue Gong musicians played in the hall;

Accompanied by the music, a hundred Chang'e flew in, lining up on both sides of the hall, then danced gracefully with flowing sleeves, adding a multitude of beauties.

As noon approached, another few hundred fairy maidens from Yao Pond arrived, each carrying trays laden with exquisite delicacies and fine Yao Pond wines.

They cast spells to let these jade plates, dishes, and wine vessels float on their own in the sea of clouds within the hall, circulating around the periphery for the guests to enjoy.

This skyrocketed the organization costs for the ceremony!

Half an hour later, the influx of guests slowed, and groups of renowned experts began to appear.

Suddenly, a gong sounded outside the hall, and Bian Zhuang, clad in silver-white armor, stepped to the front of the steps and shouted toward the distant clouds,

"The renowned figures of Jie Teach, the Ten Heavenly Lords of Jin'ao Island, have arrived!"

Immortals inside and outside the hall turned to look, seeing Qin Heavenly Lord and Jin Guang Holy Mother leading the Ten Heavenly Lords toward Taibai Palace on the clouds!

Although the Ten Heavenly Lords were a group that once tried to rival Chan Teach's Twelve Golden Immortals and ended up as a laughingstock, they still had their due presence.

As Bian Zhuang's voice fell, he returned to his position, and Ao Yi immediately stepped forward half a step, calling out,

"Chan Teach's Twelve Golden Immortals: Taiyi Zhenren, Yuding Zhenren, and Daohang Heavenly Lord, have arrived!"

With that, the two young heavenly generals alternated their announcements,

"Jie Teach's renowned figures, the Four Immortals of Jiulong Island, have arrived!"

"Chan Teach's Fude Golden Immortal, Yunzhongzi, has arrived!"

"Jie Teach's outer gate senior disciple, Qiongxiao Fairy and Bixiao Fairy, have arrived!"

"Chan Teach's Twelve Golden Immortals: Chijingzi and Nanji Xianweng, have arrived!"

"Jie Teach's saint's attendant immortals, Wuyun Daren and Pilu Immortal, have arrived!"

One announcement after another, as if Chan and Jie Teach were competing to see who had more experts and who had stronger ones.

The Golden Peng Bird and Ji Wuyou watched with growing worry, fearing that Bian Zhuang and Ao Yi might start fighting amid the calls.

"Chan Teach's deputy leader, Ran Deng..."

Ao Yi paused slightly, lowering his voice to add, "Has arrived."

Bian Zhuang then spotted three graceful figures approaching from the distance. Just as he was about to get excited, the overwhelming Dao rhythm made his Dao heart tremble. Recognizing the arrivals, he quickly shouted,

"Jie Teach's inner gate senior disciples, Jinling Holy Mother, Wudang Holy Mother, and Guiling Holy Mother, have arrived!"

After speaking, Bian Zhuang raised an eyebrow at Ao Yi, as if claiming victory.

Ao Yi smiled confidently and shouted at the top of his lungs,

"Jie Teach's outer gate senior disciple, Yunxiao Fairy, has arrived!"

This announcement truly startled everyone inside and outside, instantly drawing all attention to the horizon.

A white cloud drifted slowly, carrying a graceful figure.

Jie Teach's Yunxiao!

She hadn't concealed her face or figure today; in fact, she had dressed up specially, even applying light makeup, clearly taking the event very seriously.

Her eyes like autumn waters, sleeves like flowing clouds, brows holding the essence of creation, and the spirit of heaven and earth gathered upon her.

Her slender, delicate form seemed fragile, her cascading black hair swaying in the wind, exuding neither charm nor authority, yet captivating all who saw her, though no one dared to stare directly, only sighing inwardly,

'What enviable deep fortune the Shui Shen has.'

Before Yunxiao Fairy landed in front of the hall, the Golden Peng Bird, Bian Zhuang, and Ao Yi had already rushed forward, bowing with fists clasped and heads lowered in unison,

"We greet Yunxiao Fairy!"

Ao Yi said, "Shui Shen Daren is still in the Shui Shen Mansion and hasn't arrived yet. Will you go meet him there, or wait here with the others?"

Yunxiao Fairy replied softly, "Thank you, generals. I'll wait here with my fellow disciples."

Bian Zhuang bowed his head and said, "If you need anything, please let us know."

Then, the three stepped aside, inviting Yunxiao Fairy inside.

The two rows of Chang'e standing on either side now scrutinized her closely, all convinced in their hearts, understanding why their chief instructor could ignore Heng'e's beauty and avoid Guanghan's troubles.

The two leading fairies exchanged glances, suddenly changing their dance steps and leading a few Chang'e to approach, circling around Yunxiao Fairy the moment she landed in front of the hall, dancing elegantly at her sides.

Yunxiao watched with some curiosity, standing quietly at the hall's entrance, unaware that she was now enveloped in immortal light, appearing as a dreamlike vision of beauty.

At the Shui Shen Mansion, Li Changshou's immortal sense witnessed this scene and couldn't help but...

Smile foolishly.

With his limited vocabulary, he could only think of the word "beautiful," and knowing Yunxiao preferred tranquility, her appearance like this was entirely to give him more face.

Not to mention, she rarely wore makeup, yet today she had applied light cosmetics.

It must have been difficult for her.

Li Changshou sat in his study waiting for a while, his immortal sense detecting Mu Gong's hurried approach. After a brief thought, a mischievous smile tugged at his lips.

Soon, Mu Gong's voice came from outside the door,

"Changgeng! Changgeng, are you there? Oh, why haven't you shown up yet?"

The door opened, and Li Changshou stepped out with his duster, deliberately showing a puzzled expression. "Mu Gong, what's the matter? Where do I need to appear?"

"This..."

Mu Gong widened his eyes; he had changed into a luxurious robe for the decree reading today.

"Changgeng, are you teasing me? Don't you know what's happening?"

"What's happening?"

Li Changshou asked innocently, "I've been focusing on cultivation lately, and there are no major issues in the Heavenly Court, Immortal Alliance, or the Three Teachings of Daoism."

"How can that be!"

Mu Gong stamped his foot in frustration and urged, "Quick, go to Taibai Hall. His Majesty has arranged a grand ceremony for you, inviting experts from across Honghuang. Today, you'll be promoted to the second tier..."

Suddenly, Li Changshou raised his hand, interrupting Mu Gong.

He furrowed his brows, closed his eyes, and said,

"I was just joking with Mu Gong earlier—wait a moment, something's happened over there."

Mu Gong was baffled and about to speak when Li Changshou's expression changed. He tapped his toe and vanished in a flash, leaving ripples in the surrounding space.

In Taibai Hall, the immortal music stopped, and the dancing Chang'e paused, along with the various immortals and gods, all looking toward the deepest part of the hall...

There, a pretty and spirited fairy stood awkwardly, holding a tray with a teacup that had tipped over, spilling most of the tea on Ran Deng's robe.

This fairy was both familiar and somewhat unfamiliar to Li Changshou—Long Ji, who had emerged early for today.

Near Ran Deng stood several Jie Teach senior disciples. Long Ji had been on her way to offer tea to Yunxiao Fairy when she accidentally spilled it passing by.

"Senior, I'll fix this right away..."

Long Ji quickly put away the tray, flustered.

Ran Deng's eyes narrowed, and he said indifferently, "Heavenly Court Princess, are you deliberately targeting me?"

He released his aura, his eyes sharp.

Long Ji frowned slightly, knowing she had to handle this calmly to avoid discourtesy or shaming the Heavenly Court, but she didn't know how to explain properly.

Just then, Taiyi Zhenren frowned, about to speak out, but was stopped by Chijingzi's glance.

—Ran Deng was the deputy leader, after all; they could disregard him privately, but not in such a setting, lest they become a joke.

Nearby, Jinling Holy Mother snorted coldly, her eyes fixed on the scene as she stepped forward.

She wasn't one to tolerate Ran Deng.

But as Jinling Holy Mother took half a step, a flash of green light burst into the hall, with arcs of green light scattering and the hall's space trembling slightly.

A white-robed, white-haired elderly Daoist appeared before Ran Deng, with kind brows, benevolent eyes, and a faint smile at his lips.

The star of the day, the Heavenly Court's Shui Shen, Li Changgeng!

Li Changshou had to act quickly.

In the original Investiture of the Gods calamity, Long Ji had been demoted to the mortal world for a 'breach of etiquette.' If Ran Deng escalated this, it would not only harm Long Ji but also make His Majesty the Jade Emperor resent Chan Teach.

Provoking a rift between Chan Teach and the Heavenly Court was that simple.

Beneath the calm surface, dangers lurked everywhere!

Li Changshou's thoughts raced, and he found the most stable solution.

"Ran Deng deputy leader, please don't blame her," Li Changshou said calmly. "My disciple is straightforward and detests evil. She's heard me speak too much about how you deliberately stir up conflicts between Chan and Jie Teach, so she couldn't hold back.

Consider this cup of tea as her offering.

Long Ji, step aside."