Chapter 566: One Wave Unsettled, Another Arises

Many things in life cannot be explained to those who fail to understand you, and in the world, the people who truly get you are often just one or two close confidants.

So, sometimes, it's better not to say too much—just take action.

The voice of that man lingered in his ears as he departed, and Yang Jian furrowed his brow slightly, his expression growing serious.

Is this what Taibai Jinxing is really like?

At the gates of Xi Tian Men, having just returned, Yang Jian gazed in the direction where Li Changshou's figure had vanished, lost in thought for a long time.

He was a young Daoist who appeared unaged but spoke with deep weariness, his words provoking profound reflection;

He was a benevolent elder immortal of the Heavenly Court, seemingly unfathomable and in harmony with heaven and earth, making any opposition feel utterly futile;

And there was another, seemingly hidden between the two, unintentionally revealing a sense of serene detachment, as if uninterested in worldly affairs—a disciple of Taiqing...

In the end, which one was the true Taibai Jinxing?

"Not understood by others?"

Yang Jian's brows knitted tightly, and he stood there with a vague sense of melancholy.

He drew his sword and looked around, but his heart was filled with confusion.

What should he do next, how should he proceed, which path should he take, and where would that path lead?

Ahead, Yunhua Xianzi arrived on clouds with Yang Chan, accompanied by Yuding Zhenren and Taiyi Zhenren, followed by a group of heavenly soldiers carrying various silks, satins, and chests of treasures.

—Earlier, though Yang Chan had been knocked unconscious by Lingzhuzi, she was still taken by Yuding and Taiyi to Yunhua Xianzi.

Yuding Zhenren's action could be seen as Chan Jiao's stance, allowing Yunhua Xianzi to firmly escape her confinement.

Along the way, they had also checked her living conditions, which were quite comfortable.

Yang Jian took a couple of steps forward, then suddenly stopped.

Yunhua Xianzi's eyes were brimming with tears as she softly called out, "Jian'er," and hurried forward on her cloud, arms outstretched to embrace her son.

But Yang Jian instinctively stepped back half a pace, lifted the hem of his tattered Dao robe, and knelt deeply before Yunhua Xianzi in a bow.

Yunhua was at a loss, and beside her, Yang Chan sensibly ran to Yang Jian's side and knelt to perform the ritual.

"What are you doing? My child, rise quickly—it's your mother who is useless and has burdened you..."

At Xi Tian Men, many heavenly soldiers and generals witnessed this scene and felt a wave of emotions.

Deep within Taibai Palace, Ling E, who had changed to a lounging position on her cloud bed and was snacking on dried fruits and seeds while watching a copper mirror, wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

How wonderful—a family reunited...

Senior Brother really didn't disappoint me!

Though Senior Brother can be a bit troublesome with his cautious nature, he's ultimately kind-hearted, full of compassion and loyalty.

Among all sentient beings in the Great Desolation, Senior Brother is the best—no arguments accepted!

Then, Ling E let out a soft sigh, staring blankly at the scene of Xi Tian Men in the copper mirror.

Yet, she wasn't the most outstanding fairy in Senior Brother's heart...

In the mirror, Longji Gongzhu arrived on behalf of Yaochi Wangmu to offer congratulations, with two rows of fairies behind her, holding gifts that shimmered with light.

Ao Yi and Jin Peng also approached slowly on clouds, followed by several heavenly soldiers carrying a few gifts, representing Taibai Palace's felicitations.

Lingzhuzi and Bian Zhuang hurried over from afar to join the festivities, but their greetings were simple, just verbal blessings.

As for gifts, Bian Zhuang could have given Yang Jian a "lifetime pass" to his family's business, but he feared being hung up and flogged by Taibai Jinxing and the Jade Emperor...

Upon reaching Xi Tian Men, Bian Zhuang caught sight of the gentle and delicate Yang Chan, and his eyes lit up.

But then, he recalled Yang Jian's heroic charge through hundreds of thousands of Dao soldiers, and felt he might not be worthy. After imagining a brief romantic future in his mind, he lowered his head and dared not look further.

He unilaterally declared that he and Yang Chan might have mutual feelings, but external pressures would prevent it—they were fated but not destined.

As he thought about it, he made himself feel sentimental...

After all these years in the Heavenly Court, seeing so many fairies and honing his skills, he still hadn't even held a fairy's hand, let alone shared a bed with anyone.

"Wait until I achieve Golden Immortal realm, this general must take a three-month leave to visit home!"

Once ignorant of such pleasures, now he's become quite the lecher.

Words can't express his regret—when will he ever...

"By the way," Lingzhuzi suddenly remembered something and glanced at Bian Zhuang, "Earlier, Changgeng Shishu said that becoming a Golden Immortal might be difficult for you, as your body has too much za yang and your Dao heart is filled with distractions."

Bian Zhuang tensed up immediately: "What should I do?

My biggest goal now is to achieve immortality this year."

Lingzhuzi smiled faintly and said, "Shishu mentioned he's working on a custom cultivation method for you, something called Kuihua Xuan Gong."

"Really?"

"Really, I just thought of it seeing Yang Jian's current cultivation level, and it made me reflect a bit."

Lingzhuzi showed a hint of envy in his eyes and laughed, "To receive personal guidance from Changgeng Shishu is truly extraordinary.

I'm no match for Yang Jian Shidi now; I need to think of a way myself."

Bian Zhuang patted his chest, "If Lord Jinxing grants the method, we brothers should share it!"

Lingzhuzi brightened up, but then shook his head: "No need; personal fate is different."

Still, a touch of frustration lingered in his eyes.

As they chatted, they arrived at Xi Tian Men, where many immortals and gods had gathered on clouds to make acquaintances with the Heavenly Court's rising star.

This Yang Jian...

Anyone with clear vision can see it?

He's the Heavenly Court's war general being fully cultivated by the Jade Emperor and Taibai Jinxing!

Even with his bold claim of 'obeying orders but not proclamations,' the Jade Emperor just smiled and agreed, his eyes full of elder-like affection!

Yang Jian is still a bit hot-headed now, but once Taibai Jinxing polishes his edges and his cultivation advances further, he'll undoubtedly become a great general in the Heavenly Court.

Before long, Xi Tian Men grew lively, and Yang Jian felt a bit awkward, but with Taiyi Zhenren's reminder, he didn't turn and leave right away.

In situations like Yang Jian's, it's always good to build more positive connections.

Unlike the bustle at Xi Tian Men, Lingxiao Hall was enveloped in golden light, extraordinarily quiet.

The dense power of heavenly tribulation isolated the place completely.

The Jade Emperor, dressed in white, sat on a high white jade step, watching the two veteran immortals below, chuckling occasionally, in high spirits.

"Delightful, absolutely delightful!"

The Jade Emperor laughed and clicked his tongue, "Why did those Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Jiao rush over? I was already prepared to appear at any moment and confront the Second Sage of Western Teachings.

It would have been perfect to show my might in front of my nephew!

Ha! Ha ha ha!"

Li Changshou glanced at Dongmu Gong, who immediately understood.

It was his role as a loyal old minister to curb the Jade Emperor's impulsive nature.

Dongmu Gong advised, "Your Majesty, sages are still sages; we must not be too careless."

The Jade Emperor's smile faded slightly as he said, "You're right; I've been too successful lately, all thanks to my dear minister Changgeng. What are your thoughts on Western Teachings' responses today?"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said, "I'm afraid trouble is brewing."

The Jade Emperor and Dongmu Gong both looked serious, frowning at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou bowed his hands, his face grave as he chose his words carefully, and spoke slowly:

"Your Majesty, do you still remember the Dragon Clan's earlier ordeal?

After Western Teachings suffered setbacks in the Heavenly Court, they recalled Ksitigarbha to take charge and launched a surprise attack on the Dragon Clan, breaching the East Sea eye and causing heavy casualties among their experts.

Now that they've taken such a big loss this time... in their view, they'll want to reclaim some ground."

Dongmu Gong asked hurriedly, "Changgeng, do you think they'll retaliate against the Heavenly Court?"

"Will Yang Jian be targeted?" the Jade Emperor asked.

Li Changshou replied, "Yang Jian probably won't be.

From today's events at Ling Mountain, it's clear that Western Teachings and Chan Jiao have grown closer than before.

No matter how the disciples below clash or create conflicts, alliances ultimately depend on the sages' word.

That Second Sage of Western Teachings, who doesn't care about face, struck Yang Jian from the shadows, yet Yang Jian only spat out a mouthful of stagnant blood without even a minor injury, which shows Western Teachings' goodwill toward Chan Jiao.

I believe that even if Yang Jian moved to live near Ling Mountain, his family would remain safe.

Instead, Western Teachings will likely send people to offer apologies and compensation, sacrifice a couple of scapegoats, claim it was their own initiative, emphasize the old grudges between Western Teachings and the Heavenly Court, and say it was aimed at us, not Yang Jian—all to put on a show for Chan Jiao."

Li Changshou paused, shaking his head slightly with an expression of resigned amusement.

The Jade Emperor sighed, "Such tactics are exactly what Western Teachings would do... Alas, in the struggles of great sects, our Heavenly Court seems to have the upper hand now, but we still can't influence the sage-led sects.

We're ultimately just supporting players in the world."

"Your Majesty, don't think that way. Though the Heavenly Court has momentum now, it's only a framework; we lack the strength to claim otherwise.

For now, we should be cautious in words and actions, keep our distance from the great sects, and extend goodwill."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and continued, "I feel Western Teachings might strike at us in a few areas."

The Jade Emperor's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "I knew you'd have countermeasures; go on."

"One is using the Dragon Clan's corruption to tarnish the Heavenly Court's reputation; another is counterattacking the Immortal Alliance in the Three Thousand Worlds; and the third is... well, I'm hesitant to say."

"Why hesitate?" the Jade Emperor asked curiously. "Speak freely; there's no need for reservations between us."

Li Changshou glanced at Dongmu Gong and gave an awkward smile.

Dongmu Gong was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized, his face showing panic as his Adam's apple trembled.

With a glimmer of hope, Dongmu Gong whispered, "Changgeng, are you saying Western Teachings might retaliate against the Heavenly Court by targeting... me?"

"That's right," Li Changshou nodded slowly, and the Jade Emperor fell into thought.

Dongmu Gong: ...

A huge "danger" sign loomed over Dongmu Gong's forehead.

"This... what can be done?"

Dongmu Gong trembled as he spoke, then his legs went weak, and he knelt before the Jade Emperor, crying out:

"Your humble servant is of little consequence!

Having served Your Majesty for so many years, I am content and willing to face death to avoid being schemed against and bringing shame to the Heavenly Court!"

"Nonsense!"

The Jade Emperor frowned and scolded gently, then said warmly, "Rise, Dongmu Gong. If I can't even protect you, I might as well not be Emperor of Heaven.

This is just Changgeng's speculation; it doesn't mean Western Teachings has already targeted you. As long as you stay within the Heavenly Court and don't go out, who can plot against you?"

The Jade Emperor then glared at Li Changshou, signaling him to comfort this veteran minister.

Li Changshou quickly helped Dongmu Gong up and reassured him:

"Don't worry, Dongmu Gong; you're a long-lived Golden Immortal with heavenly authority protecting you.

This is just a possibility, maybe only ten or twenty percent. Later, ask His Majesty to partially seal the Five Great Heavenly Gates, monitor the entry and exit of immortals, gods, and soldiers, and with His Majesty presiding over Lingxiao Hall, who would dare bully you?"

Only then did Dongmu Gong steady his emotions.

But thinking about the possibility of being smacked into pulp by a sage's incarnation, he still looked worried and unsettled.

Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor each offered a few words of comfort, and Li Changshou briefly outlined strategies to guard against Western Teachings' moves.

For Dongmu Gong, the best defense is strict security; as long as he doesn't go out, that's the safest.

For the Dragon Clan's issues, the Heavenly Court just needs to issue a warning edict in advance, urging them to self-reflect, value their current situation, and clarify our stance.

As for the chaos in the Three Thousand Worlds, the Heavenly Court can't reach that far; we can only give prior warnings and provide more pills and spirit stones as 'combat supplies.'

Besides, the more chaotic the environment, the better for the rise of the Heavenly Court.

That's the trade-off in all things.

Li Changshou also suggested a few key matters for the Heavenly Court's development, and the Jade Emperor agreed one after another. Seeing Dongmu Gong's anxiety, he handed most affairs to him.

Li Changshou, for his part...

Silently gave a thumbs-up and cast an encouraging look at Dongmu Gong.

The main covert purpose of this meeting among the Heavenly Court's three leaders was to discuss how to use the 'Yang Jian rampaging at Ling Mountain' incident for publicity and momentum, leveraging it to boost the Heavenly Court's prestige and attract more experts into the Heavenly Dao sequence.

On this topic, Li Changshou had to recommend someone—none other than Du E Zhenren from Kunlun Mountain.

Over the years, much of the Heavenly Court's released information came from Du E Zhenren's firsthand control, spreading with incredible speed and precision, often catching Li Changshou's various 'little Du E' networks off guard.

Incidentally, Ji Wuyou's reincarnation had already been arranged to Kunlun Mountain.

Li Changshou had seen him off, but with his busy schedule, he couldn't personally plan Ji Wuyou's next life; thankfully, the two Yan Kings handled it, designing a solid rebirth blueprint.

After watching the former sect leader enter the Wheel of Reincarnation, Li Changshou casually asked about his next name. When he heard "Zheng Lun," and cross-referenced his own memories, for a moment, he...

Couldn't even complain; it was beyond words.

Isn't that the Hmph General from the Hum and Ha duo?

In other words, the former sect leader went from an ordinary Golden Immortal—a basic unit in the Great Desolation—to a destined Heavenly Court door god on the Investiture of the Gods list, the Hmph General?

His next life is fated for calamity.

Whether that's good or bad, Li Changshou couldn't say.

The elder has his own fate; as a junior, he couldn't interfere.

In truth, Li Changshou wasn't just scaring Dongmu Gong; he'd calculated various scenarios beforehand.

When the 'Yang Jian causing chaos at Ling Mountain' event occurred, there was a ninety percent chance the Heavenly Court would face a full counterattack from Western Teachings.

Most immortals and gods in the Heavenly Court subconsciously thought Western Teachings, having been pushed around by them, weren't much of a threat, but Li Changshou never let his guard down.

After all, he was the man who had kept Immortal Lin Peak under watch for a hundred years even after dealing with Kuai Si Daoist.

Western Teachings' strength was not to be underestimated.

First, a Taiqing disciple smashed their mountain gate, and then a Chan Jiao third-generation disciple did the same, causing their prestige to plummet.

How is prestige gained? Only through force.

All major forces in the Great Desolation might wave the banners of benevolence and righteousness, but their status relies on divine powers and treasures.

By making Western Teachings suffer repeated defeats, they—whether for internal stability, external reputation, or future alliances with Chan Jiao—must 'flex their muscles.'

A sage who doesn't dare act would be the biggest joke in the Great Desolation, and Western Teachings would gradually fall apart and lose loyalty.

Though no one would say it outright.

In the Heavenly Court, who would Western Teachings target for the greatest benefit with the least cost?

The answer is obvious.

Plus, Dongmu Gong's fate involves a pure yang calamity, so Li Changshou was genuinely worried he'd be hit in this counterattack, hence the direct reminder in front of the Jade Emperor.

Thus, after the Lingxiao Hall discussions, Dongmu Gong grew increasingly anxious, becoming paranoid every day.

He added layers to his residence's great array and temporarily moved near Li Changshou's Taibai Palace;

The heavenly soldiers and generals in his residence were replaced with his trusted, personally trained elites;

His several wives were told they couldn't share his bed lately, leaving them equally uneasy.

Fortunately, Dongmu Gong stayed focused on Heavenly Court affairs, moving only between his residence and Tongming Hall, living a strict two-point routine.

Li Changshou was quite satisfied with this. After decades of busyness, he could finally take a break.

He had prepared comprehensive countermeasures against Western Teachings' counterattack years in advance.

After cultivating on Xiao Qiong Peak for several months, Li Changshou appeared in the gaming room, sometimes joining Ling E, Lingli, and Longji for a game, or spending more time with Ling E to deepen their bond, playfully urging her cultivation and offering insights for her enlightenment.

Along the way, he helped her overcome her 'vapor' attribute.

With some rare free time, Li Changshou added a visit to San Xian Island to his schedule.

With the Yang Jian matter settled, he could finally set aside one worry; the only lingering regret was that missed heavenly eye from years ago...

Thinking about it, he really lost out.

Unfortunately, the last drop of Dijiang's original essence blood remained, and Li Changshou didn't want to 'waste' it on himself.

—He had already used two and a half drops of ancestral witch essence blood, and further use would have minimal effect.

That day, Li Changshou changed into a new robe, hid his true body in his incarnation, disguised the incarnation as a heavenly general, and took his token, preparing to leave the Heavenly Court quietly for San Xian Island.

As soon as he flew out of Xiao Qiong Peak and reached Taibai Palace, a sudden intuition struck him.

This time, it felt like a gentle breeze brushing his face, with the Taiqing Dao rhythm slowly circulating.

High above the nine heavens, the Taiqing Saint strummed the strings of the Dao;

In Taibai Palace, a scene gradually emerged in Li Changshou's mind...

"This is..."

Outside the heavens, in Xuan Du City, the Great Mage Xuan Du let his long hair hang loose, leaning back against the Taiji Diagram as it floated above Xuan Du City, gazing up at the boundless shadow and, at its center, that somewhat squat figure.

At the Great Mage's feet was the entrance to the Great Desolation;

The Taiji Diagram's power was pushed to its limit by the Great Mage, while Xuan Du City lay empty, its Dao soldiers decimated.

That figure...

The demon master, Kunpeng?!