Chapter 526: Taibai Proposes a Toast

As soon as Laojun arrived, the entire atmosphere at the immortal banquet turned extraordinarily serious.

The fairies, who had been chatting and laughing, fell silent; even Yudi and Wangmu became much more solemn.

The Chang'e maidens preparing to dance quickly adjusted their breathing, put on their most perfect smiles, and repeatedly told themselves in their hearts that the elderly immortal on the high platform was like a divine statue, nothing more...

Of course, the most nervous were the nominal disciples of Renjiao.

They barely dared to breathe, bowed after paying their respects, and sat with their heads down at their seats, fearing that Laojun might say something like "Who are you?"

That would mean instant demise, with no future left!

Even the direct disciples of Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao sat up straight and chose their words carefully at that moment.

In particular, Taiyi Zhenren, who had already moistened his lips and was preparing to deliver some "underworld and mortal world" rhetoric to the Western Teachings visitors,

now had to shut his mouth obediently with Laojun's arrival, and for extra caution, he even placed a seal on his own lips.

Laojun, as the incarnation of the Taiqing Saint, was essentially the same as the Taiqing Saint appearing in person.

Among the Daoist experts present, only Xuandu Great Mage showed no change in expression.

After bowing to Laojun, the Great Mage leisurely looked around, appreciating the excellent expressions on the Daoist disciples and heavenly immortals.

The other Daoist disciples were more nervous than one another.

Don't be fooled by how relaxed the Jie Jiao disciples were in front of Tongtian Jiaozhu, speaking freely without restraint; in front of Laojun, they had to actively show themselves as gentle, respectful, frugal, and elegantly amicable.

The Chan Jiao disciples, on the other hand, were the opposite; at this time, they worried whether being too formal in their rituals might displease Laojun, who advocated for quietude and inaction...

The heavenly immortals were a bit better off, feeling only extreme fear, not outright terror, and in their hearts, they couldn't help but marvel at how much face the Water God had—er, how much influence.

Yudi and Wangmu had organized this celebration, with immortals from all directions coming to offer congratulations, and Laojun riding his ox to attend, while the Daoist disciples sat upright.

With Xiao Yin reluctantly playing the role of the green ox, Li Changshou hurried back to the banquet area, his mind focused on how to use this opportunity to boost the heavenly court's goodwill in the hearts of the Daoist elders and seniors.

That way, if they were to be listed on the Investiture of the Gods, it would be better for their physical bodies to go willingly, rather than just a wisp of their primordial spirits being trapped by the Investiture List.

The Yaochi Immortal Banquet was divided into three venues: the main one where the great powers gathered, and two others on the sides to accommodate the heavenly generals, scattered immortals, and a few river gods and land spirits from outside the court.

This grand event had already surpassed the scale of previous Pan Tao Banquets.

Of course, it was mainly because the heavenly court didn't have as many "mouths to feed" back then.

Entering the banquet area, Li Changshou looked up to see that Laojun was already seated.

Laojun was in his usual spot, on a throne slightly behind Yudi and Wangmu, with his eyes closed in meditation, as if the surroundings had nothing to do with him.

Not long after, a white cloud carried six disciples from the Western Teachings, flying swiftly.

Upon arriving and seeing the grand setup, as well as Laojun's figure, their mindsets couldn't help but shift.

It was just a promotion for a Renjiao disciple in the heavenly court—was it really worth drawing out the incarnation of the strongest saint, who rarely appeared?

Disciples of great teachings and disciples of great teachings...

They might seem the same, but they're not; or not the same, but they are.

The four elderly Daoists and two middle-aged ones gritted their teeth and stepped forward, about to recite a perfunctory greeting,

when they heard Li Changshou call out "Wait a moment," making their scalps tingle and nearly turning them around to flee!

Li Changshou said seriously,

"Six fellow Daoists, since you've come to the heavenly court, why not bow to His Majesty Yudi and Lady Wangmu?"

At that moment, the six Western Teachings disciples didn't dare utter a single word of refusal.

Who didn't know by now how formidable the heavenly court's Water God was?

If caught in even a minor fault by the Water God—now Taibai Changgeng—it would be exaggerated to the extreme, as if they were responsible for all the karmic debts from the ancient shattering of the primordial world!

As the saying goes, follow your heart without overstepping bounds.

The six Western Teachings visitors obediently stepped forward and bowed to Yudi with a Daoist salute.

Yudi nodded with a smile, appearing composed and magnanimous, seeming even more steady than before.

Li Changshou didn't make things harder for these ordinary Western disciples; he was preoccupied with the matter of the "Western Teachings senior brother," wondering if the other side had any hidden moves.

For safety's sake, he needed to keep a few countermeasures ready.

As Li Changshou had anticipated, the Western Teachings had started to pay attention to Dizang's current "special status."

In other words, Dizang was now one of the few presentable figures the Western Teachings could put forward.

After the six from the Western Teachings recited the simple greeting written by Dizang, Dongmu Gong took the initiative to stand up, smiling as he led them to a remote spot near the entrance.

The group of Western Teachings disciples immediately cast grateful glances at Dongmu Gong.

—This was one of the rare times Dongmu Gong did such menial tasks and still received thanks.

As this minor interlude ended, streaks of light flew in—it was the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, each bringing a beautiful dragon princess and a handsome dragon prince, entering Yaochi and bowing to Yudi and Wangmu.

After the bows, East Sea Dragon King Ao Guang led the three other Dragon Kings and the eight dragon princes and princesses to turn and bow neatly to Li Changshou, offering all sorts of blessings.

Li Changshou returned the courtesies and thanks with a smile, appearing quite kind, but both sides intentionally maintained a certain distance, not showing excessive closeness.

Although the heavenly court had no saying like "Gōng gāo zhèn zhǔ" (merit overshadowing the ruler), no one wanted to see a powerful minister under them build a solid faction.

The Dragon Clan was originally brought into the heavenly court through Li Changshou's efforts, and he was effectively the superior overseeing all water affairs for the Four Seas Dragon Kings, so showing some distance was the wisest choice.

As soon as the Dragon Kings and their offspring sat down, a cool breeze blew through Yaochi, and the ten Yan Kings filed in...

Not long after, Great Yu Emperor Jun arrived in elegant robes, his demeanor refined, and he was arranged in a prominent seat.

Yudi waited a while longer, seeing that most of the guests had arrived, and spoke up:

"Changgeng ah."

Li Changshou, who had been clinking wine cups with Yunxiao Xianzi, quickly snapped to attention and stood up:

"This humble god is here!"

"Today, everyone is here to celebrate for you," Yudi said with a smile. "Go around and freely drink and chat with your senior brothers and sisters; don't be bound by formalities of ruler and subject."

Li Changshou replied with a smile: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

He then picked up his wine cup and scanned the area, and everywhere fell silent.

Returning the favor was one of Li Changshou's favorite things to do.

He stepped out from behind the low table, holding the wine cup in both hands, went to the center below the high platform, bowed to Yudi and Wangmu with a Daoist salute, and spoke clearly:

"Looking back to those days, this humble god was merely a scattered cultivator of Renjiao, following the Great Mage's orders to establish the Sea God Temple in the South Sea, aiming to educate mortals and extend its destiny.

I still remember that day, when Your Majesty Yudi and Mu Gong came to the mortal world for inspection, seeking ways to save the people from disaster, and happened upon the Sea God Temple, allowing this humble god to have a heartfelt conversation with Your Majesty.

Without Your Majesty's recognition, without the Great Mage's guidance along the way, this humble god could not have achieved today's glory or this opportunity to enter the teacher's gate.

This first cup, Changgeng toasts to Your Majesty and Lady Wangmu.

May the heavenly court prosper, the three realms be at peace, and Your Majesty's virtue benefit immortals and mortals alike!"

Yudi and Wangmu smiled and raised their cups in response, toasting from afar.

Wangmu elegantly took a sip, while Yudi waved his hand and downed it in one go, his eyes full of emotion, and declared:

"When I first met Changgeng in the South Sea of the mortal world, the twelve strategies he offered have all been realized today!

I truly don't know how to be this Heavenly Emperor, nor how to educate the beings, uphold the Heavenly Dao, or stabilize the world.

Back then, how weak was the heavenly court?

Who in the primordial world knew of it, and where in the three thousand worlds could it be heard?

Changgeng in the heavenly court is like his current divine position, Taibai, the Morning Star!

To have Changgeng's assistance, how fortunate I am!"

Mu Gong stood up, and the heavenly court's immortals, Dragon Kings, and Yan Kings all raised their cups to Yudi and Wangmu.

Mu Gong called out: "Celebrate His Majesty for gaining a loyal minister's help; may the heavenly court endure forever, and the three realms be at peace."

The crowd of immortals shouted in unison: "His Majesty's virtue benefits immortals and mortals alike!"

Yudi poured another cup, stood up, and drank heartily with the heavenly immortals, though he tried to restrain himself, his full enthusiasm was still evident.

The disciples of the great teachings and the great powers watched from the side, vaguely seeing that the heavenly court's momentum was now unstoppable.

Then, Li Changshou returned to his seat, and the attending fairies quickly served him a second cup of immortal brew.

Li Changshou raised the cup high and hurried to the side of the high platform, bowing deeply to Laojun.

"This second cup, this disciple dares to offer to Laojun.

This disciple cultivates the path of quietude and inaction passed down by the teacher, walking the road of yin-yang balance.

Without this path, how could there be this result?

This disciple can face many dangers thanks to the teacher's name.

This disciple's current cultivation is entirely due to the teacher's guidance and instruction.

Whenever this disciple has doubts, confusion, or perplexity, it is the teacher who points the way and resolves them.

Laojun, you need not raise your cup; this disciple merely expresses his intent."

With that, he tossed it back in one gulp.

Laojun smiled faintly and said slowly: "You have always been very good."

Warmth flowed through Li Changshou's heart; he bowed three more times, then returned to his seat for another cup, and went to the side.

The third cup was for Xuandu Great Mage.

The fourth cup was for Great Yu Emperor Jun and the senior powers.

The fifth cup was for Mu Gong and the various upright gods.

The sixth cup was for the senior brothers and sisters of Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao.

Each cup came with heartfelt words: full of gratitude and thanks for the Great Mage, and generous praise for the senior brothers and sisters who had helped him.

His words and actions were measured, with praise kept just right.

In toasting, he conducted himself with perfect etiquette yet freely and naturally, without any pretense, and without making anyone feel worldly or insincere.

Through this simple act of toasting and a few speeches, Li Changshou exemplified the essence of thoughtfulness, leaving many immortals with the same sentiment:

If it were me, I couldn't do it.

No wonder Taibai Changgeng is valued by the strongest saint.

For the seventh cup, Li Changshou went a bit farther, to the corner where Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang, and the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird stood, raising his cup to them.

The three heavenly generals were first taken aback, then quickly picked up their cups.

Ao Yi's eyes sparkled with light, and his lips held a shallow smile—everything went without saying.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird's handsome face was full of emotion; he sighed and lowered his head, his eyes even turning slightly red.

It was Bian Zhuang, this popular heavenly court recorder "well-versed in the ways of the world," who laughed and said:

"Star Lord, you're honoring us brothers too much... We're just ordinary folks; please, help yourself."

Almost making Li Changshou break his composure.

After the seventh cup, Li Changshou returned to his seat and gave a slight bow to Yudi before sitting beside Yunxiao.

Yudi understood and stood up, saying first:

"The heavenly court started with great hardship, facing dangers on all sides, surrounded by evils, all thanks to Laojun's suppression that we have today's situation.

My dear subjects, join me in toasting Laojun!"

Wangmu and the heavenly immortals stood again, toasting Laojun together.

Laojun nodded with a smile, without much response.

After the toast, Yudi was in high spirits, his smile unwavering.

Dongmu Gong stood and reported: "Your Majesty, the Chang'e maidens have been prepared for some time. Shall we have them perform to celebrate Star Lord Taibai's promotion?"

"Approved!"

Dongmu Gong signaled with his hand, and cheerful music floated in from the side.

A layer of white mist spread over the jade-paved ground, and two rows of Chang'e maidens gracefully arrived, bowing low to Yudi and Wangmu; as they rose, they shifted into dance poses...

Li Changshou watched with an academic mindset for a while, then turned to Yunxiao.

"Hmm?" Yunxiao blinked lightly, her eyes carrying a hint of curiosity.

Li Changshou smiled, picked up his wine cup, and whispered: "May I offer you the eighth cup?"

Yunxiao lifted her jade cup with slender fingers, and the attending fairy quickly poured wine for her.

Yunxiao asked softly: "Why toast me? Is there some special meaning?"

"This cup is different from the previous seven," Li Changshou said with emotion in his eyes. "The first seven toasted the past events; this one toasts to our future.

May, after ten thousand years, you and I still drink and rejoice together."

Yunxiao's gaze was affectionate, her eyes gently rippling, as she lightly clinked cups with Li Changshou, raised it, covered her mouth with her sleeve, and drank it all.

Many Jie Jiao experts nearby skillfully took out jade talismans and jade slips to record these words, leaving the Chan Jiao immortals a bit stunned.

Yudi and Wangmu exchanged glances and each showed a slight smile.

Wangmu then said: "Your Majesty, it's a rare grand occasion today. Why not invite Heng'e from the moon to come and perform a dance as a gift for Minister Changgeng?"

Yudi transmitted: "Is that appropriate? Yunxiao Xianzi is right here."

Wangmu furrowed her brows slightly, her gaze carrying subtle meaning.

Yudi seemed to understand but not quite, yet he felt his junior sister must have a reason, so he cleared his throat and summoned Mu Gong to discuss.

Mu Gong said: "Your Majesty, it seems Heng'e Xianzi is bound by a vow and cannot leave Taiyin Star."

"Vows are of the Heavenly Dao's power," Yudi said. "My decree can undo it."

"Yes," Mu Gong replied without further doubt, bowing and hurrying off to Taiyin Star on a cloud.

Amid the singing and dancing, immortals began to move around, and the long-awaited public gift-giving segment finally began.

The first to act was the Chan Jiao immortal Chijingzi, who brought a brocade box to Li Changshou; Li Changshou stood, politely declined once, then accepted it without opening it.

Soon, immortals from various sides approached Li Changshou in turn to present their gifts.

The heavenly court's gifts were the most exquisitely wrapped, but rarely contained treasures;

The gifts from Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao immortals were simply packaged, yet radiant with immortal light and treasure aura, all extraordinary items.

Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang moved behind Li Changshou to collect and tally the gifts, while Li Changshou focused on exchanging pleasantries and thanks.

Gradually, the heavy gifts piled up, and the Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao immortals unknowingly started another round of competition.

Taiyi Zhenren from Chan Jiao presented innate yin-yang materials; Jinling Shengmu from Jie Jiao offered an innate five-elements spiritual treasure;

Yuding Zhenren from Chan Jiao gave fragments of a great treasure; Qiongxiao Xianzi from Jie Jiao presented scattered spiritual holy water...

Then, Wuyun Xian from Jie Jiao offered six spiritual treasures; other Jie Jiao immortals gave piles of rare materials; yet another gave two strains of ten-thousand-year spiritual herbs...

Thanks to their numbers, the Jie Jiao immortals quickly gained the upper hand.

After this bout of rivalry, Li Changshou reaped a bountiful harvest, but the Great Mage, who had originally prepared a few small trinkets for him, quietly pulled out his most treasured divine ability jade talisman...

The main event came later.

East Sea Dragon King waved his hand grandly, and the eight dragon princes and princesses stepped forward together, each holding an open brocade box.

The immortals fixed their eyes and saw that each of the eight boxes contained differently styled rings, totaling sixty-four;

Upon closer inspection, these rings were all high-grade storage treasures!

The Four Seas Dragon Kings stroked their beards and smiled, confident they had secured the top spot in gift-giving today.

Suddenly, Qin Guang Wang stood up, calmly walked to Li Changshou's side, glanced around, and somewhat awkwardly produced three diamond-shaped jade stones.

Qin Guang Wang smiled a bit sheepishly and whispered:

"Star Lord, the underworld is in Youming, and we don't have many treasures; our local specialties aren't fit to present. These are the Witch Clan's most prized possessions.

Please don't refuse; our ancestors instructed us to bring them for you, saying they'd be of great use.

Each contains three drops of primordial essence blood from our ancestors: three drops from Gonggong Ancestor, three from Houtu Ancestor, and three from Dijiang Ancestor. Houtu Ancestor said you'd find a wonderful use for them."

Li Changshou: ...

Gazes converged from all around, even Laojun glancing over.

"Star Lord," Qin Guang Wang pressed the three diamond-shaped jade stones into Li Changshou's hands, "don't hesitate with us; you've helped us so much."

"Thank you," Li Changshou said steadily, carefully putting away the three jade stones. "One day, I will go to the Six Paths of Reincarnation to thank the great virtuous Houtu."

"You're too kind," Qin Guang Wang replied.

He let out a silent breath of relief, bowed to Li Changshou with a Daoist salute, and calmly returned to his seat.

This move sealed the win.

Discussions erupted everywhere, shifting from the essence blood of the Witch Ancestors to tales of ancient times.

Just then, in a corner beside the banquet, two figures preparing to perform were timidly observing the great figures in the hall.

Lingzhuzi was dressed in a fitted long robe, and the girl Yutu beside him wore a cute short skirt; both had pale faces.

Lingzhuzi whispered: "What should we do?"

Yutu's teeth chattered lightly as she stammered: "When you asked me to help with the dance before... you didn't say we'd be performing in front of Laojun... Maybe... maybe we should skip it..."

"I'll go dance myself," Lingzhuzi sighed. "I already told the Chang'e sisters we'd go on after them; we can't back out now."

Yutu quickly said: "Think it through! If you mess up, you won't be able to show your face in the primordial world anymore!"

"What's there to fear!" Lingzhuzi puffed out his chest. "A real man isn't afraid of embarrassment!"

Yutu muttered: "Your master might lose all face."

"That..." Lingzhuzi hesitated, clearly caring about Taiyi Zhenren's reputation.

Yutu thought for a moment, bit her lip, patted Lingzhuzi's shoulder twice, and said crisply: "As brothers, I can't leave you hanging. If you can make me not afraid, dancing should go fine.

After all, I've been raised by my mistress and practiced in the Moon Palace for years."

Lingzhuzi pondered and whispered: "I know the Witch Clan has a secret method to make someone forget fear."

"What is it?"

"Pain," Lingzhuzi hesitated. "How about I punch you and test it?"

Yutu blinked: "Will it really work? Don't hit too hard... Go ahead!"

"Ha!"

Lingzhuzi let out a light shout and threw a straight punch to Yutu's chest; she staggered back three steps and sat down hard.

The girl opened her mouth, a trace of blood at the corner, her face full of despair.

"I didn't even use much force; how did you fall?" Lingzhuzi rushed forward to help her up. "Are you still afraid?"

Yutu weakly tilted her head: "Afraid... afraid you'll beat me to death..."

"Hmm?"

A deep voice suddenly came from the side; Lingzhuzi and Yutu jumped, turning to see Zhao Gongming arriving in a hurry, muttering to himself as he passed by.

"The young couples these days, playing such games?"

Yutu and Lingzhuzi exchanged glances; the girl's face flushed red, and she quickly turned away, the blush spreading to her ears.

Lingzhuzi chuckled: "That senior must have misunderstood. We're brothers, not a couple—brothers are more important than any couple!"

Yutu: ...

This world is just too tough.