Chapter 594: Once Again Ascending to the Purple Cloud Palace

At the Dong Tian Men, Li Changshou rode swiftly on Jinpeng's back, openly displaying his genuine Shui Shen divine power treasure.

The heavenly generals were momentarily stunned, then hurried forward to greet him in unison.

“Xing Jun, sir!”

“Xing Jun, you're finally back!”

“Greetings, Xing Jun!”

The scene was somewhat chaotic, but Li Changshou didn't respond. His expression was tense as he nodded briefly to the generals and dashed into the Dong Tian Men.

Since Daozu had issued a summons for accountability, Li Changshou didn't dare delay. He quickly bid farewell to Yunxiao.

Zhao Gongming noticed Li Changshou's anxious look and didn't press for details. He simply agreed to share a drink later and headed off to Sanxian Dao for a visit.

Of course, he couldn't tell Yunxiao about being called to Zixiao Gong for a scolding by Daozu, to spare her extra worry.

After all, Yunxiao already knew about quite a few things, including the existence of that *lang* predecessor.

Once inside the Dong Tian Men, Li Changshou didn't conceal his aura. Instead, he actively spread his Dao rhythm, boldly flying straight toward the depths of the Jiu Zhong Tian.

He flew as fast as he could;

He made as much noise as possible.

From the deepest part of the Jiu Zhong Tian, one could find the path to Zixiao Gong.

—Provided, of course, that Zixiao Gong wanted to be found.

Li Changshou's figure transformed into a streak of white comet light, hurtling toward the farthest reaches of the celestial vault!

His urgency was palpable.

When he had decided to let Kunpeng swallow the Hongmeng Zi Qi, Li Changshou had already anticipated various possible outcomes.

Acting without planning was a grave mistake he always avoided.

The main reason he resolved to confront Daozu and the Tiandao's will at that moment, refusing to accept the Hongmeng Zi Qi, was his certainty that rejecting it wouldn't lead to his destruction by the Tiandao.

The reasoning behind this was complex, but simply put—it was because he was still useful.

Thus, Li Changshou had understood early on that after handling the Hongmeng Zi Qi and Kunpeng's return to the primordial world, he would likely face some form of punishment.

In the worst case, heavenly tribulation might strike, and Daozu might not give him any warning, severely injuring him as a lesson.

This time, the summons to Zixiao Gong seemed to come from Daozu's anger, but upon closer reflection, the words allowed him enough room to maneuver.

What Daozu implied was that he needed to come up with a reasonable excuse to save face for everyone.

Refusing the Hongmeng Zi Qi meant refusing to bind himself to the Tiandao;

In the current primordial world, the severity of this could be downplayed or even dismissed entirely.

If he couldn't provide a satisfactory answer to the Tiandao and Daozu today, his future plans would be affected.

This wasn't a game of strategy; it was Li Changshou's calculated choice.

He didn't delusionally think he was in a position to bargain with the Tiandao or Daozu—he was far from ready in every aspect.

As he reached the Jiu Chong Tian, Li Changshou suddenly realized something.

The message contained in that strand of Hongmeng Zi Qi—about Zhao Gongming's impending disaster—might have been added by Daozu the instant Kunpeng swallowed it and the Hongmeng Zi Qi.

Was it some kind of warning?

The details were unclear; Li Changshou would have to judge based on the severity of the punishment and Daozu's words.

Hmm…

Something as humiliating as a heavenly tribulation spanking would be best avoided. This time, he was going to Zixiao Gong alone, and it didn't need to be a public spectacle.

“Chang Geng!”

A call suddenly rang in his ear. Li Changshou halted and turned to see the Yu Huang's incarnation approaching on a cloud, his eyes filled with concern.

Clearly, this time, the Yu Huang truly understood the situation.

In this misty expanse, with no one else around, Li Changshou bowed and smiled. “What brings you here?”

“Of course, to wait for you,” the Yu Huang said seriously, asking directly, “Do you need me to accompany you to Zixiao Gong?”

He even gave Li Changshou a meaningful glance.

Li Changshou chuckled. “It's just a summons for some admonishment, Your Majesty. There's no need to worry.

Alas, it was my haste as a minor god. I didn't expect the real Hongmeng Zi Qi to appear so suddenly. I rushed to pursue it and nearly let Kunpeng escape.

In the end, I had no choice and couldn't separate the Hongmeng Zi Qi from Kunpeng's primordial spirit.

I was careless.”

“Very well.”

The Yu Huang smiled. “Once you're at Zixiao Gong, just admit your mistake properly. Daozu is magnanimous and won't hold it against you.

With all the troubles facing the Tian Ting right now, we can't do without you. Go quickly and return soon.

And whatever you do, don't contradict Daozu.”

Li Changshou knew this was the Yu Huang expressing his stance to Daozu on his behalf.

Feeling warmed, Li Changshou bowed deeply to the Yu Huang, then turned and continued toward the beyond of the Jiu Chong Tian.

Even if he wasn't fully accepted in this world, having a few true confidants was enough to comfort his heart.

The Yu Huang watched Li Changshou's retreating figure for a while, then sighed and descended back to the Tian Gong.

Meanwhile, on Sanxian Dao, Yunxiao stood on a beach, having changed into her own long dress. She neatly folded the Dao robe and draped it over her arm, gazing quietly toward the northwestern sky.

Her eyes held a touch of worry.

Behind her, Qiongxiao, Bixiao, and several fairy attendants on the island were arranging wine and immortal fruits for her welcome.

“Big Brother,” Qiongxiao nudged Zhao Gongming's arm and whispered, “What's wrong with Sister?”

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and chuckled. “She's probably missing someone special. After all, they spent decades together, and now suddenly apart—it's normal to feel uneasy.”

Qiongxiao frowned slightly, sitting on her cushion with a hint of concern in her eyes.

“Big Brother, do you think…”

“What?”

Qiongxiao whispered, “If Sister marries into the Taibai Gong, will Bixiao and I have to go too?”

“Well,” Zhao Gongming hesitated, “That'll depend on what you two decide. It should happen after the great calamity, though. By then, you can go wherever you want, without all these restrictions.”

“Ah, I hope so.” Qiongxiao smacked her lips. “Anyway, I don't want to go. I'd hate to hear people gossiping.”

Zhao Gongming laughed lightly but didn't say more.

From the side, Bixiao called out softly. Yunxiao turned and floated over, her expression returning to its usual serenity.

Yet, whether it was just their imagination, Yunxiao seemed gentler than before. Her beautiful eyes glanced about like flowing water, and her words were more frequent than usual, earning admiration from Qiongxiao and Bixiao.

The immortals' conversation naturally turned to the current great calamity.

Yunxiao specifically warned the fairy attendants on the island not to venture out for the next few centuries. If they felt an inexplicable urge to leave, it was likely the workings of fate in the calamity.

The fairies readily agreed, though whether they would follow through was another matter.

Hua Zhi sighed. “I wonder if my master's reincarnated self will be affected by this great calamity.”

“That black leopard?” Qiongxiao held a glowing cup near her face and smiled. “This calamity involves the Jie, Chan, and Western sects, so it shouldn't concern him.

Don't dwell on it. A reincarnated being isn't the same as before.”

“Mm,” Hua Zhi acknowledged, but the worry lingered in her heart.

“Oh, right, Big Brother,” Qiongxiao tossed a grape into the air, caught it neatly in her mouth, and said casually, “A few years ago, Senior Sister Jinling seemed to take a disciple, someone named Wen or something. She brought him to Biyou Gong for training.”

“Oh?” Zhao Gongming asked with a smile, “A male disciple or female?”

“A male one, and apparently quite handsome.”

Zhao Gongming vanished in an instant, leaving behind a parting remark that he was going to Biyou Gong to pay respects to their master, along with a trail of spatial ripples.

Qiongxiao blinked. “Is Big Brother that cautious about disciples?”

Yunxiao thought for a moment and said, “He might not feel entirely secure. It's probably related to Senior Sister Jinling not wanting to make their relationship public.”

Bixiao whispered, “Why not ask Chang Geng for advice? He always has so many ideas.”

“He's probably dealing with his own challenges right now,” Yunxiao glanced at the sky. “Let's not bother him with this. I'll go talk to Senior Sister Jinling later and see what her concerns are.

Alright, enough gossip. Have you made any progress in your recent cultivation?”

As the eldest, Yunxiao shifted to a stern tone, leaving the two younger sisters with pursed lips and bitter expressions. They grumbled a little before sharing their cultivation insights.

Each being has its own joys and sorrows; the world's happiness and grief are never the same.

Except for homework—that's just life.

Beyond the heavens, at Zixiao Gong.

A streak of light emerged from the swirling clouds directly below Zixiao Gong, transforming into Li Changshou's true form. He lifted the hem of his Dao robe and ascended the steps to the hall.

His face was flushed, beads of sweat on his forehead, and his eyes showed a hint of nervousness.

Before even reaching the hall, he lowered his head and closed his eyes, cleared his throat, then quickly dashed up the last dozen steps and burst into the vast, empty great hall.

“Disciple Li Changshou has come to accept punishment!”

His voice echoed through the hall. He stood still at the door, bowing deeply and not moving an inch.

He remained like that for three hours.

Sweat beaded on Li Changshou's forehead, only to evaporate instantly.

His Adam's apple trembled irregularly, as if some fearsome beast lurked nearby, ready to end his life.

This excessive tension made his act seem utterly genuine.

Until a cold laugh came from ahead: “What's this? Has the Taibai Xing Jun turned into a wooden post? Standing there for what?”

Li Changshou bowed even lower and said, “Master Ancestor hasn't summoned me, so I dare not approach.”

“Dare not?”

The voice grew sharper with anger. “What don't you dare do!”

Li Changshou's legs buckled, and he knelt on the floor, inlaid with starlight and Dao traces, without uttering a word.

In the hall, on the massive cushion, the burly old Daoist slowly materialized amid streams of light, scolding furiously:

“The Hongmeng Zi Qi I gave you—if you didn't want it, you could have passed it to any Daoist disciple.

But no, you went to great lengths to give it to Kunpeng!

Did you think I didn't know Kunpeng's background?”

Li Changshou quickly said, “Disciple had no such intentions! That day, when Kunpeng attacked, I suddenly saw the real Hongmeng Zi Qi and lost my composure.

The Hongmeng Zi Qi is of utmost importance—it's the opportunity for sainthood, a chance for beings to transcend. I feared it would be seized by those under the Mo Zu, so I set aside the Kunpeng matter!

To hunt Kunpeng, I had already asked Tongtian Shi Shu for help. To protect the Hongmeng Zi Qi, I even went against my promise to the Saint Shi Shu!”

Hongjun Daozu fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the kneeling Li Changshou, and said calmly:

“You truly didn't scheme like that?”

“Master Ancestor, you see clearly,” Li Changshou sighed. “You know my nature—I plan everything carefully and won't act without a strong grasp.

I don't know what came over me that day. The Hongmeng Zi Qi appeared suddenly, almost at the same time as the fake one I had set up.

At first, I mistook it, until the Yu Huang's incarnation beside me reminded me, and I woke from my daze.

In that moment, I didn't think twice. I hurriedly acted to protect this rare opportunity for sainthood in the world—it should be the Daoists' chance. If those great powers snatched it, how terrible would that be?”

“Heh.”

Daozu chuckled. “So, does that mean I should reward you?”

“Disciple doesn't dare ask for rewards!”

Li Changshou bowed his head again and declared, “Disciple was only doing what any Daoist disciple should. Without the Daoists, there would be no me!”

“Since that's the case, let me ask you again,” Daozu's aura grew stronger, “Why didn't you kill Kunpeng when you could?”

“This… it's because I had promised Tongtian Shi Shu that I would ask for his help to intercept Kunpeng, on the condition that we wouldn't kill Kunpeng first and leave him for Tongtian Shi Shu to deal with.”

“Then why did you specifically ask Tongtian for help? Were you deliberately sparing Kunpeng's life?”

“Master Ancestor, you see clearly—if I didn't have Tongtian Shi Shu's assistance, my confidence in the entire plan wouldn't even reach ninety-seven percent.

Only with Tongtian Shi Shu's involvement could I have ninety-eight percent certainty of trapping Kunpeng!”

“Hmm?”

Li Changshou felt a flash of light before him. He looked up to see Daozu standing in front of him with a grim expression.

He couldn't help but shudder.

“Boy, repeat what you just said.”

“Only with Tongtian Jiaozhu's involvement could I have ninety-eight percent…”

Crack!

Purple lightning surged, filling the entire Zixiao Gong, making the San Qian Da Dao tremble lightly.

A moment later, Li Changshou lay charred on the ground, his face pressed against the smooth floor of Zixiao Gong, spitting out a small white primordial spirit with a few spiral patterns on its head.

Daozu settled back on his cushion, in high spirits, even humming a cheerful tune as he watched Li Changshou by the door.

“Striking others lacks satisfaction, but striking you is different. Come here—this matter is settled.”

Li Changshou flipped up like a carp and grinned at Daozu, his blackened face revealing a set of white teeth, adding to his honest demeanor.

“Thanks for your generosity, Master Ancestor, for not holding me accountable for losing the Hongmeng Zi Qi.”

Daozu snorted coldly. “This isn't over yet. Why didn't you bring Kunpeng back to the primordial world?”

“Disciple was mainly concerned about the Tian Ting's image,” Li Changshou replied hastily. “Kunpeng is an ancient great fiend, someone all should eradicate. If he returned to the San Jie to serve the Tian Ting, or if word got out that I had subdued him, the Tian Ting's reputation would collapse.”

“The Tian Ting's image?”

Daozu said coldly, “I think you took favors from your fellow townsman and treated Kunpeng as a backup plan.”

“This…”

Li Changshou's thoughts raced, and he lowered his head. “Master Ancestor, please don't blame me. It's just my nature—fear of death taken to an extreme.”

“You know that!”

“Disciple is well aware of this flaw,” Li Changshou said quickly, “Please rest assured, Master Ancestor, that I'll stand firmly with the Tian Ting and won't be swayed by others.”

“It's not a problem,” Daozu said with a hint of melancholy. “When your fellow townsman was erased back then, I saw his memories and knew what he left behind.

I thought that, knowing defeat was inevitable, he might escape the primordial world with Kunpeng, but in the end… he came back.”

Li Changshou remained silent, just standing quietly.

Daozu asked, “Chang Geng, how much do you know about this?”

“This… not much, really. I can only guess at the edges.”

Li Changshou wiped his face and said seriously, “The past is gone. We study history to learn from it, not to mock the ancients for our own vanity.

Master Ancestor, from the traces left by that predecessor, it's clear he knew he was mad and wrong at the time.”

“The world has no absolute right or wrong; it depends on what one seeks.”

Daozu sighed softly, glanced at Li Changshou a few times, and waved his hand.

The charring on Li Changshou's body faded, and his Dao robe mended itself.

Hongjun Daozu said gently, “I have my own selfish desires and private wants.

Pangu Shen once said that to transcend, one must abandon the self. After Pangu Shen merged with the heavens and earth, he reached a state of no self, no things—that's his transcendence.

Chang Geng, I know you have your own ideas and thoughts, but this world is only a few steps from establishing a stable order, and you're the most suitable candidate.

You don't need to feel burdened or overthink it. I can make you a promise.

Once you've helped the Tian Ting establish order in the San Jie, if you want to roam freely, I'll allow you complete freedom. Your self-discipline is what I appreciate most.

If you wish to seek your homeland or retreat from the world, I'll instruct Haotian not to hold you back.

What do you say?”

Li Changshou feigned surprise, then showed joy and bowed deeply.

“Disciple thanks Master Ancestor for your kindness! I truly don't know how to repay you!”

“Enough with the pretense,” Hongjun Daozu waved his hand. “Remember what I told you last time. You can go now.

That strand of Hongmeng Zi Qi was swallowed by Kunpeng, and the ninth one isn't in my hands, so I can't give it to you even if I wanted to.

Just continue supporting the Tian Ting and complete the Fengshen matter.”

“Yes!”

Li Changshou responded firmly, bowed again, and backed away more than ten steps before turning toward the door.

After hurrying several hundred steps, with the door in sight, he suddenly heard a call from behind:

“Chang Geng, in your heart, is this how I appear?”

Li Changshou instinctively turned and felt his Dao heart quiver.

He saw Daozu sitting on the cushion, a faint cold smile on his lips, his face sinister and chillingly fierce, his eyes gleaming like they could pierce one's Dao heart.

Li Changshou pursed his lips and said softly, “Master Ancestor, you've frightened me.”

“Go on,” Daozu wiped his face, and the cold expression vanished, returning to its usual warmth. “Don't overthink it.”

“Yes.”

Li Changshou lowered his head and walked out of the Zixiao Gong hall, his eyes narrowing slightly before quickly adopting a look of lingering fear as he descended the steps.