Chapter 528: Tai Bai Versus

In the Tai Bai Dian, behind two chairs, two figures sat cross-legged on the ground, unwrapping the surrounding gift boxes while engaging in some rather serious discussions.

When Youqin Xuan Ya arrived, the entire grand hall was only protected by a single isolation array.

The Yu Di's incarnation, Wei Shen Mo, was present here, so the hall was fortified with layer upon layer of arrays—isolation arrays, outer defensive formations, illusion arrays, and all sorts of others, a dazzling array of protections that were the painstaking creations of the Heavenly Court's immortals and gods.

"...Has someone from the Western Cult appeared?"

"That person's cultivation and divine abilities must be quite formidable. He addressed my incarnation, Qin Tian Zhu, directly, asking if he could spare the poor Daoist half an incense stick's time."

Wei Shen Mo shook his head, smirking slightly. "I would have preferred to give him three sticks of clear incense."

Li Chang Shou chuckled. "This is likely the Western Cult's attempt to seek peace with Your Majesty and form an alliance to scheme against the Dao Sect's Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao."

"Now, Your Majesty controls the flow of the great calamity. Later, during the discussions at Zi Xiao Gong, Your Majesty's words will carry immense weight. So, the Western Cult has no choice but to try currying favor with the Heavenly Court."

Wei Shen Mo pondered for a moment, then grumbled, "This bunch of profit-driven schemers—where were they when our Heavenly Court was at its weakest? They fought us for the Dragon Clan, incited the demon clan against the Heavenly Court, constantly tripped us up, and obstructed our rise, all while harming mortals without a second thought just to advance their own interests. The Western Cult, hmm, it's already a sinking ship, rotten to the core."

Li Chang Shou mused for a bit before saying, "There's no need to get angry, though. The river of time flows forward relentlessly and isn't stopped by external forces. Without the gradual taotai of old things, there can be no progress. The ways of ancient times are no longer feasible now. In this great calamity, if it's destined to claim many experts, then for the sake of this world, it's time to eliminate those forces that still refuse to adapt."

"Chang Geng, you're absolutely right," Wei Shen Mo said with a smile, his eyes filled with emotion. "The Western Cult is a mixed bag, with no principles whatsoever, let alone any self-restraint. The Chan Jiao emphasizes propriety and a reputation for uprightness, which is beneficial to the world. As for the Jie Jiao, it has its own issues... Chang Geng, there's something I've wanted to discuss with you for a while, but I didn't know how to bring it up. Today, why don't you try guessing what's on my mind? If you get it right, I'll give you a fine treasure as a gift. What do you say?"

Li Chang Shou couldn't help but feel that their ruler-subject relationship was starting to feel a bit off-kilter.

Let's keep it serious.

Li Chang Shou pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty is probably worried about whether I might let personal feelings interfere with the great calamity."

"Exactly," Wei Shen Mo sighed. "I don't really care about that, though. With the great calamity looming and the divine positions at stake, I understand that this disaster will undoubtedly require Dao Sect experts to fill the Heavenly Court's god positions—it's just a matter of how it unfolds, and we'll likely find out during the Zi Xiao Gong discussions. However, Chang Geng, your answer is a bit too vague."

Wei Shen Mo laughed and said, "The gift I have for you is truly extraordinary. If you don't dig deep into your bag of tricks, I won't hand it over so easily."

Li Chang Shou thought carefully for a moment and said slowly, "Your Majesty wants to test whether I can make an objective and fair judgment between Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao. Indeed, the immortals of Jie Jiao value loyalty and camaraderie, treating their disciples like family, which makes them more likable. The immortals of Chan Jiao are more bound by rules and etiquette, and their disciples tend to be more calculating, which can make them less appealing compared to those of Jie Jiao. But from the Heavenly Court's perspective, or as the one in charge of the great calamity, we can't show bias just because Jie Jiao immortals emphasize emotions and loyalty. Compared to Chan Jiao, Jie Jiao has far too many disciples, many of whom carry heavy karmic burdens, so a significant number are likely to face the calamity. Actually, Your Majesty doesn't need to worry about this."

As he spoke, Li Chang Shou let out a soft sigh.

"In the conflict between the Dao Sect and the Western Cult, I stand firmly with the Dao Sect. But in this great calamity, when it comes to Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao, I'll only take the perspective of a Human Sect disciple. While seeking more talented individuals for the Heavenly Court, I'll look for ways to minimize overall losses for the Dao Sect. Otherwise... I wouldn't have spent all these years devising strategies."

Wei Shen Mo patted Li Chang Shou on the shoulder and said with a smile, "It's tough on you. But regarding this matter, even the Saint masters have no solutions, so don't dwell on it too much. There's something you might not know—Saints are nearly all-powerful, but they must operate within the rules of the Heavenly Dao. When they accepted the Hong Meng Purple Qi, they became bound to the Heavenly Dao's sequence. This great calamity involves multiple layers: the competition among the great sects, the rivalry among the Saints, and the deeper struggle between living beings and the heavens. Naturally, Chang Geng, your understanding of these things is deeper than mine. As long as you have it figured out, that's what matters. No matter what decisions you make later, even if I don't understand them, I'll do my best to support you—just explain it to me afterward. Here."

With that, Wei Shen Mo reached into his sleeve and pulled out a golden scroll, pressing it into Li Chang Shou's arms.

"This Heavenly Emperor can't give you much, but this is something I managed to secure from the Heavenly Dao's sequence. Yun Xiao Shi Zhi is a fine woman, and she's quite compatible with you."

Li Chang Shou was startled and slowly unrolled the scroll. A surge of Heavenly Dao power rushed toward him, prominently displaying the massive seal of the Heavenly Emperor, though the content was straightforward...

"Upon investigation, Yun Xiao Xian Zi is of exemplary character, pure Dao heart, and noble origins, being an outstanding innate spirit who has made significant contributions to the purity of the Three Realms and the stability of the heavens. Yun Xiao Xian Zi is hereby exempted from all karmic burdens, granted the protection of the Heavenly Dao, appointed as a blessed immortal of the Heavenly Court, excluded from the Feng Shen Da Jie, unbound by the Tian Shu Feng Shen Bang, immune to the Da Shen Bian, and free from the entanglements of calamity."

Li Chang Shou stood up and bowed deeply to the Yu Di.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Yu Di sighed and said, "This is also to keep you out of trouble. Given today's situation, if Yun Xiao really ended up in the calamity, you'd probably turn the Heavenly Dao upside down trying to balance it."

In response, Li Chang Shou sighed inwardly, his gaze complex.

He tucked the "Exemption Decree" into his sleeve and sat back in his original spot.

The two exchanged a glance, each with words stuck in their throats, yet both knowing they couldn't speak too openly. In the end, they just shared a light laugh.

At that moment, Li Chang Shou finally confirmed one thing.

The decree mentioned two treasures that shouldn't be known at this time—the Tian Shu Feng Shen Bang and the Da Shen Bian.

This Yu Di Majesty had long been aware of the great calamity's details but had remained silent, quietly awaiting the Zi Xiao Gong discussions on the Feng Shen matter.

To be chosen by the Dao Ancestor as the ruler of the Three Realms was no mere coincidence of being his attendant.

Rather, the Dao Ancestor had selected the ruler long ago, keeping him close to refine his character and bide his time, plotting from ancient eras up to today.

Anyone who underestimates this Heavenly Emperor is truly foolish.

Wei Shen Mo said, "Since the Western Cult wants to beg for mercy, we'll string them along and adapt as needed during the Zi Xiao Gong discussions. In the coming decades, the Great Desolation and the Three Thousand Worlds should remain relatively stable. Chang Geng, is there anything else the Heavenly Court needs to do?"

"No need for too much—just continue expanding the troops and recruiting experts."

Li Chang Shou said seriously, "Your Majesty arranged today's grand ceremony partly to gauge the relationships between the Dao Sect's three teachings and their various immortal sects, right? I've been considering this, and the conclusion isn't optimistic."

"Oh..."

Wei Shen Mo's eyes sparkled with brilliance. "That's it, exactly!"

Li Chang Shou thought to himself...

Well, okay, if you didn't think of it, then you didn't.

Wei Shen Mo pondered carefully for a while and asked, "But Chang Geng, what's the point of having so many heavenly soldiers and generals? Even with a million of them, against experts above Da Luo, if the opponent doesn't care about karma, it's just a wave of a sleeve."

Li Chang Shou replied earnestly, "The purpose of rapidly expanding the Heavenly Court's forces is to establish a stable order in the future. This is key to whether the Heavenly Court can truly rise and avoid being controlled by the great sects later."

"Hold on."

Wei Shen Mo furrowed his thick brows and widened his eyes, suddenly laughing and scolding, "You sly one, you've been holding back! Why didn't you mention this before? Was giving me this decree as a gift part of your plan? If I hadn't brought out this exemption decree, were you going to use these strategies to pressure me?"

Li Chang Shou laughed. "Your Majesty, you can't think of me as that calculating."

"I've changed my mind—give the decree back! I'll decide later whether to give it to you!"

Li Chang Shou flashed to a spot three zhang away and said with an awkward smile, "Even in the mortal world, they say a ruler's word is law. Your Majesty, as the Heavenly Emperor, how can you go back on your word?"

"You crafty, benevolent-looking thief of a Chang Geng!"

Wei Shen Mo laughed and scolded, "Quick, explain yourself. If it doesn't satisfy me, I'll revoke that decree right away and nullify the exemption one!"

"Don't worry, Your Majesty—I'll make sure everything is crystal clear."

Li Chang Shou chuckled, maintaining his appearance as a young Daoist, and carefully set up another layer of barrier around them.

"Today, I'll lay out the follow-up to the original Twelve Strategies for Your Majesty, to help the Heavenly Court achieve full prosperity. Let's start from today's events. Your Majesty knows many details of the great calamity, though you might not be able to speak of them openly... What I'm about to say is all my speculation and guesses. If I happen to hit the mark, Your Majesty, just pretend you didn't hear it."

Wei Shen Mo waved his hand, and waves of golden light rippled around them, enveloping the area with Heavenly Dao power.

"Speak freely."

Li Chang Shou organized his thoughts, paced briefly nearby, and began, "After the Zi Xiao Gong discussions, Zhong Shen Zhou and Dong Sheng Shen Zhou will surely descend into chaos. The Western Cult's strategies will likely fall into three to six categories, which I've already outlined—the most probable one is exploiting the three teachings' immortal sects. These sects have intricate ties with the three teachings' disciples and are linked to their overall strength and reputation. The Western Cult will secretly stir up trouble, using the conflicts among the Zhong Shen Zhou's two teachings' sects to gradually pit Jie Jiao against Chan Jiao, building up mutual resentment. Human emotions are unpredictable—though Jie Jiao has many Saint disciples, compared to the qi refiners of Zhong Shen Zhou and the Three Thousand Worlds, their numbers are minuscule. In other words, this is bound to happen; it's just a matter of timing and scale. If Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao become irreconcilable enemies, the Western Cult can seize the opportunity to align with Chan Jiao, targeting Jie Jiao together and safely navigating the great calamity. This aligns with the Heavenly Dao's expectations for the calamity, namely, reducing the power of living beings."

Wei Shen Mo nodded slowly and said, "In that case, what should we do?"

Li Chang Shou continued, "Just as I said before—expand the heavenly soldiers and generals; that's all we can do. While Zhong Shen Zhou is in turmoil, the Heavenly Court can more easily conscript some Golden Immortal realm experts, rapidly strengthening our forces. As part of the Heavenly Dao, the Heavenly Court's immortals and soldiers aren't seen as a 'burden on the heavens'; instead, they're viewed as forces that reinforce it. From the perspective of heavenly stability, the faster and stronger the Heavenly Court develops during this great calamity, the fewer living beings will need to perish. Of course, this is up to the Heavenly Dao to decide. Once our forces reach a certain level, with the support of the Immortal Alliance or the Lin Tian Dian, we can intervene at any time to quell the chaos, restore order, and firmly establish control over Zhong Shen Zhou."

Wei Shen Mo's eyes gleamed with divine light as he asked, "What kind of order?"

"The immortal sects must respect the Heavenly Court's decrees and be bound by them! Establish Heavenly Court checkpoints between Zhong Shen Zhou and Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, erect walls of the Heavenly Dao, and regulate the pathways for immortals entering the mortal world. Combined with the development of the Shang tribe, which has received the mandate of heaven in Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, once the Shang tribe unifies the prosperous lands there and clears out those rulers and nobles who use immortal elixirs to extend their lives, the immortal pact I made with the Shang leader years ago can fully take effect. This dual approach will allow human mortals to completely break free from exploitation by immortal forces! But Your Majesty must remember to keep open the paths for mortals to travel north in search of immortality—don't cut off their path to ascension, so that the Heavenly Court's and human clan's destinies remain linked. By then, if immortal sects want to take disciples, they'll need to apply to the Heavenly Court first before entering Nan Zhan Bu Zhou to select talents. If demons cause trouble in the mortal realm, cultivators can slay them and earn Heavenly Dao merit. At that point, the immortal sects of Zhong Shen Zhou will continuously provide ascended disciples as recruits for the Heavenly Court; with our forces complete and our army mighty, when the great calamity of the three teachings arrives and the god positions are filled, the Heavenly Court will truly prosper! Thus, the immortal and mortal realms can be separated, yet still connected to the heavens!"

Wei Shen Mo clapped his hands and laughed, pondering it carefully before asking, "What about the Three Thousand Worlds? Though the mortals of Nan Zhan Bu Zhou are the foundation of heavenly destiny, the beings in the Three Thousand Worlds are also living creatures, with their own destinies, not to mention the incense god nations, lurking demons, and immortal sects ruling their own territories..."

Li Chang Shou smiled. "Your Majesty should know better than I do what the second-tier god positions entail."

"Are you referring to the Four Sovereign Emperors?"

"As long as the Heavenly Court stabilizes the order of the Five Continents, the Three Thousand Worlds are just a matter of time—perhaps with some differences in form."

Li Chang Shou paused, looking at Wei Shen Mo, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I am a disciple of the Human Sect and also from a Dao Sect immortal lineage. Some of these strategies may conflict with the Dao Sect's interests, but they benefit the heavens, living beings, and the future of the Dao Sect. Please always remember what you said to me during our voyage in the West Sea, in the ship's cabin. The authority over the heavens, the Three Realms, and all beings will rest in your hands—if Your Majesty's thoughts ever deviate, living beings will suffer catastrophe."

Wei Shen Mo pondered for a moment, his eyes full of emotion, and looked at Li Chang Shou with a complex gaze.

He said with a smile, "As long as Chang Geng is always by my side, I won't stray from the path."

Li Chang Shou smiled warmly but said no more on the matter.

After all, he pursued the fruit of non-action.