Chapter 596: Make a Big Move

Mei Shan, the established residence of Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun.

Yang Jian sat quietly on the steps in front of the mansion, dressed in a light blue robe. His handsome face appeared relaxed and serene as he lowered his head to polish his longtime companion and weapon for expeditions—the Three-Pointed, Double-Edged Spear.

—Tian Ting Yu Le, Tong Jing Zhi Bo, Yang Jian Te Gong Ban.

Back when he was cultivating at Yuquan Shan, he always thought the Tian Ting was a place full of rigid rules and oppression. The immortals and gods who served it lived in constant fear, with higher-ranking ones holding life and death over the lower ones.

Later, he realized he had overthought it.

The atmosphere in the Tian Ting was actually great. Lower-ranking immortals and gods could enjoy themselves freely when off duty, as long as they didn't openly pursue romance. They could drink, chat, alleviate loneliness, savor life, and watch live streams.

The Tian Ting didn't allow overtime, since every immortal and god had to take shifts to accumulate merits.

The true life of an immortal.

He had been the Tian Ting's recorder for quite some time now. The content he presented to the fellow immortals had expanded from slaying demons and exorcising evils to farming, fishing, mortal funerals, and even demon beast births.

What the Tian Ting lacked was exactly what he could live-stream, which was his second biggest advantage.

Of course, his greatest advantage was his appearance and demeanor—a point Yang Jian was reluctant to admit but had to acknowledge.

If he just opened the copper mirror and sat quietly there, he could attract hordes of fairy maidens to watch secretly, with viewership reaching sixty percent of his normal streams.

Nothing more to it—he had tried it.

Sometimes, Yang Jian wondered if Tai Bai Xing Jun had arranged everything for him back then, protecting him all the way to his current achievements, partly with this in mind.

To add a fresh face to Tian Ting Yu Le and break the original pattern of "one hero with many fairy maidens."

"Tai Bai Xing Jun is so shrewd; he must have considered all this."

Yang Jian paused his actions and reclined on the steps, propping up his upper body with his left elbow. He watched the group of reformed demons he had recently recruited practicing formations in the distance.

He thought about what to stream that afternoon.

Just like that, another somewhat boring day passed...

Suddenly, a muffled thunderclap exploded overhead. Yang Jian frowned and looked up, his third eye on his forehead opening slightly.

He had intended to see which demon king dared to cause trouble here, but instead, he noticed a patch of golden clouds appearing in the sky.

The golden clouds churned, and heavenly might descended!

From within, a jade talisman flew out and transformed into the shadow of a white-haired elder. Yang Jian focused and saw that it was none other than Tai Bai Xing Jun.

"Yang Jian, where are you? Come receive the military order!"

Yang Jian perked up, leaped from the doorstep, and stood straight in the air, cupping his fists in salute:

"Yang Jian is here! Please issue the order!"

As he spoke, streams of light hurried from all directions—it was several of the Mei Shan Liu You, who knelt on one knee and cupped their fists.

Another thunderclap boomed, and several golden lightning bolts illuminated hundreds of li around Mei Shan, adding even more majesty to Li Changsheng's shadow.

The shadow declared loudly:

"In recent years, demons on the northern border of Bei Zhou have been stirring, and ancient great demons have ignored the Daozu's prohibitions from back then, going to Bei Zhou to provoke the Wu Clan and incite a war of extermination.

Now, I have returned from the Hun Dun Hai and, by the command of Hao Tian Jin Que Zi Ran Miao You Yu Huang Da Di, I shall clear out the demons of Bei Zhou and purge the evil from the universe!

Yang Jian, hear this order!

I appoint you as the Da Yuan Shuai for Subduing Demons and Punishing Evils, leading three hundred thousand Tian Bing from the Dou Bu. Set out for the Bei Zhou border within three days, make a grand show of force, intimidate the enemy, and establish military prestige!

Soon after, I will issue the full attack order and advance directly to the demon clan's lair!

Any demons with karmic burdens shall be sent to reincarnation, and any with deep sins who devour living souls shall have their souls scattered, never to be reborn!"

As the shadow's words ended, beams of golden light flashed across Mei Shan. Pillars of golden light descended from the sky, and figures flew out from them, forming ranks in the air above Mei Shan.

They wore bright armor, held spears and bows, and their cultivation levels were between post-Yuanxian and pre-Zhenxian—all elite Tian Bing!

Yang Jian looked around and then at the shadow watching him, cupping his fists and shouting:

"Yang Jian accepts the order!"

The shadow of the elder in the air nodded slowly and dissipated. The jade talisman surged with golden light, transforming into a tiger tally that Yang Jian grasped tightly.

Raising his Three-Pointed, Double-Edged Spear high, Yang Jian shouted:

"Officers of the Dou Bu, assemble before me! Prepare for immediate deployment!"

Dozens of heavenly generals from various places responded in unison and shot toward him as streaks of light.

In the Di Fu, outside Feng Du City.

"Ma, how long is this Fengshen calamity going to last? The tide of spirits shows no sign of letting up, moo."

"The lady said it's at least another three to five hundred years, and there might be a big wave later. It's just getting started, hee-haw."

"We're still the lucky ones. All the ancient battles are over, so we can just relax and retire comfortably."

"It's a bit too monotonous, though."

On the eastern cliff of Feng Du City, where the Sangu River flows, two burly men lay there, gazing at the countless spirits in the river below while chatting idly.

They couldn't possibly barbecue anymore—without seasonings, it just didn't feel right.

And they couldn't ask for seasonings now. Before, they could play dumb and pretend not to know Li Changsheng's true identity, but now that it's out in the open that he's Tai Bai Jin Xing of the Tian Ting, could the two Di Fu Marshals really visit the Tai Bai Palace just for their cravings?

No, that would be improper—they weren't high enough rank to casually go to the Tian Ting...

"Ma, the good times are so short."

"Compared to our kin who are judges, we're pretty idle, hee-haw."

"I really want to go adventure with Lord Xing Jun... moo."

"Sigh, we haven't had a chance to appear lately, hee-haw."

Whoosh—

A streak of golden light suddenly flashed past the edge of their vision, coming from the east and vanishing quickly into Feng Du City.

The two perked up, fumbling to put on their headgear. Before they could even stand, a white light appeared in front of Yan Luo Dian, transforming into the figure of Tai Bai Jin Xing from the Tian Ting.

The Ten Yan Wangs came out to welcome him, and ghosts everywhere trembled in fear.

The judges set down their brushes and peeked from the halls; the ghost messengers gripped their chains and staffs, peering curiously.

Then, flashes of lightning and thunder struck, with several golden bolts behind the white-robed Xing Jun, and a voice echoed throughout Feng Du City:

"Are the Yan Wangs present?"

Qin Guang Wang stepped forward and bowed:

"This humble god is here!"

Compared to the decree at Mei Shan, Li Changsheng's voice here was less stern and more gentle.

He said:

"Hear the decree of His Majesty the Yu Huang.

Now, demons are causing chaos in Bei Zhou, and great demons with karmic burdens in the San Jie are not yet quelled. The Tian Ting intends to clear the karmic burdens of heaven and earth and maintain order in the universe.

This effort requires the Tian Ting and the Di Fu to work together, and the Wu Clan, who have been recuperating in the Di Fu since ancient times, must also contribute.

In half a month, the Tian Ting will station heavy troops in various parts of Bei Zhou. The Di Fu is requested to send a contingent of yin soldiers to assist, and Wu Clan experts may follow the Tian Ting's decree to rush to Bei Zhou and aid the wounded Wu Clan there.

Do the Yan Wangs have any objections?"

The Ten Yan Wangs exchanged glances and quickly reached a consensus, all showing excitement as they cupped their fists and bowed.

"This humble god accepts the order and will immediately muster troops to aid Bei Zhou!"

Li Changsheng's shadow nodded slowly and dissipated. The flying jade talisman turned into a cloth decree, landing in Qin Guang Wang's hands.

The Ten Yan Wangs crowded around to examine it, each one eager and ready to fight, wishing they could shed their "horned and rugged" headgear and charge into battle against the demons.

Wu Guan Wang asked puzzled:

"Why has the Tian Ting suddenly moved against the demon clan?"

Qin Guang Wang sighed and smiled:

"It seems Lord Xing Jun has gained a lot from the Hun Dun Hai."

"Big brother, what do you mean? How is Lord Xing Jun's gain in the Hun Dun Hai related to the Tian Ting's major actions?"

"It's all because of that strand of Hongmeng Zi Qi. He's probably returning the favor, helping to establish order in the heavens and earth ahead of time...

Anyway, there's a lot to it, and it's quite complex. Some things can't even be mentioned in the San Jie anymore."

Qin Guang Wang waved his hand:

"Let's get moving. The Tian Ting has given us the excuse to aid Bei Zhou. Weren't you all grinding your teeth and shouting to fight the demons before?

Well, the opportunity is here now."

The other Yan Wangs nodded, turned, and called out orders. Great and small ghosts responded in unison, and several ghost messengers dashed toward the depths of the Di Fu.

Niu Tou and Ma Mian came running from afar, howling wildly.

Meanwhile, at the Si Hai Long Gong.

Li Changsheng's four shadows faced the four bowing Dragon Kings, proclaiming similar decrees:

"By the decree of Hao Tian Jin Que Zi Ran Miao You Yu Huang Da Di!

Lately, the Si Hai have been turbulent, and the San Jie unstable. The Dragon Clan must reflect and investigate, rooting out the sources of chaos in the seas.

From today, the Tian Ting will deploy troops to restore order in the San Jie. The Si Hai Long Gong must fully cooperate, dispatching forces to work with the Tian Ting's Shui Bu soldiers and seal the entrances to the Wu Da Bu Zhou of Hong Huang.

No creatures may enter or exit without the Tian Ting's order—violators will be executed without mercy!

The Dragon Clan must guard the sea eyes carefully and avoid any disturbances during the Tian Ting's demon extermination."

The Four Dragon Kings bowed to receive the decree. As Li Changsheng's shadows dissipated, they each shouted orders, causing the Si Hai to stir.

In Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, in the Shang Emperor's palace.

The palace guards were puzzled as to why their usually energetic "great king" was sleeping during the day.

Little did they know, in his dream, the Shang Emperor was looking up at the god seated in the clouds.

The Shang Emperor scrutinized carefully and asked with some doubt:

"Is this immortal the benefactor who saved our ancestors long ago?"

Naturally, the one sending the dream to the human emperor was Li Changsheng.

Li Changsheng nodded with a smile, not issuing a decree here, but said gently:

"I am Tai Bai Jin Xing of the Tian Ting, in charge of reforms and water affairs, and of human origin, serving as a proper god.

In the coming years, there will be turmoil in the heavens and earth, possibly with evil energies rising and demons causing chaos, all because the Tian Ting is dispatching troops against the demons of the San Jie.

As the current human emperor, you must uphold righteousness and watch your words and deeds, using your own destiny to protect the countless mortals.

Do not lose virtue or break faith, do not act tyrannically, and govern with benevolence and goodness. The Tian Ting will ensure your Shang nation has favorable weather, peace, and prosperity.

If you, as emperor, are taken advantage of by demons, do not blame me for not considering my ties with your ancestors and bringing disasters upon the Shang nation."

The Shang Emperor quickly replied:

"I will strictly remember the immortal's teachings."

"Good," Li Changsheng nodded slowly, his shadow fading from the Shang Emperor's dream.

After leaving the Shang Emperor's dream, Li Changsheng shifted his thoughts, using the Tian Ting's power to manifest in various Nanhai Sea God temples, sending dreams to warn several key divine messengers.

He wasn't asking the Hai Shen teachings to clash with the Western teachings' incense cults—that would bring no benefits and only attract more karmic burdens.

He was just urging them to be vigilant, protect themselves, and guard against desperate demon attacks.

Better to prevent trouble before it arises.

In just half a day, his influence had stirred the entire San Jie.

In the Tian Ting, at Shen Wei Dian, in front of the Tian Dao artifact Meng Tian Yi, Li Changsheng opened his eyes. Seated on a cushion, he carefully pondered his arrangements everywhere.

Things must be done step by step, without panic or losing composure.

His current move, mobilizing the Tian Ting's eight main gods and a million Tian Bing, targeted only the demon clans that had ambushed the Wu Clan tribes in Bei Zhou.

Between the Wu Clan and the demon clan, Li Changsheng clearly favored the former. Although there had been wars between the human race and the Wu Clan in the late ancient times for dominance, that was after the demon court had been destroyed.

Moreover, there was the connection with Hou Tu Niang Niang.

He aimed to shake the mountain and startle the tiger, seeing if Ling Shan would panic. After depleting the demon clan's strength, the Tian Ting would seize the momentum to pressure Ling Shan and settle old scores.

Originally, Li Changsheng planned to carry out this series of plans gradually over the next few hundred years before the Fengshen calamity.

But after a trip to Zi Xiao Gong, he needed to make a gesture and advance the penultimate step in the Tian Ting's rise—clearing out the old order.

The final step would be the return of the Fengshen Bang.

In dealing with Ling Shan, it wasn't about killing how many of their saint disciples, but completely eliminating their external forces.

The action in Bei Zhou was just the first step. Next, they would hunt Hongmeng beasts, exterminate ancient great demons, and sweep away all improperly originated experts from Ling Shan.

Then, heavenly troops would march out of the Wu Da Bu Zhou, directly joining the conquest of incense god nations, and quickly reshaping the imbalanced power dynamics in the San Qian Shi Jie.

The rise of Lin Tian Dian also needed to be accelerated.

For this series of "operations," Li Changsheng had given ample time—completing it within twenty years would suffice.

The biggest issue with the Tian Ting when he wasn't there was—

They dared not fight and lacked confidence.

His Majesty the Yu Huang had several times resolved to launch wars, but was always dissuaded by the immortals and gods, as if the Tian Ting's destiny rested entirely on Li Chang Geng. Without him, any campaign would fail.

Especially Mu Gong, who never dared to lead troops and always advised the Yu Huang to wait.

In waiting, Ling Shan grew arrogant, the demon clan thought they could rise again, and the heavens and earth nearly fell into chaos.

The Tian Ting had developed rapidly for hundreds of years, with sufficient foundations. Though they lacked many experts, why not use someone like Yang Jian?

Li Changsheng slowly exhaled and stood up.

The several immortals and gods waiting nearby, along with a few confidants, gathered around.

Dong Mu Gong asked hurriedly:

"Chang Geng, how did it go?"

"I've already sent the dream to warn the human emperor," Li Changsheng said as he rose. "Please inform His Majesty the Yu Huang of this matter. I'll continue arranging a few minor things."

"Ah, alright!"

Dong Mu Gong seemed about to say more, then turned back as if remembering something.

Li Changsheng smiled:

"Mu Gong, do you have any instructions?"

"How dare I call them instructions," Mu Gong said quickly. "Chang Geng, you're overwhelming me.

I just wanted to ask—if we need to request help from Daoist experts this time, I can go around to make the arrangements."

"No, we won't involve Daoist experts this time," Li Changsheng replied with a smile. "With the great calamity approaching, Daoist experts are on guard. Asking for anyone's help would be inappropriate.

I had planned to discuss this with you after exterminating the demons.

The immortal sects in Zhong Shen Zhou are now caught in the calamity, with most entangled in chaos and constant battles. Mu Gong, you can send people to observe carefully and seize the opportunity to bring some sects under the Tian Ting's banner in its name.

This matter needs a detailed plan and careful strategy. Mu Gong, you might prepare a memorial later and present it to His Majesty the Yu Huang."

Dong Mu Gong thought it over and smiled:

"Chang Geng, are you trying to pass the credit to me? There's no need, really no need."

Li Changsheng transmitted his voice:

"After this campaign, I'll undoubtedly draw too much attention and need to lie low and stay out of sight.

If the beings of the San Jie only know of Tai Bai Xing Jun and not His Majesty the Yu Huang, it's not what I wish. We're all serving His Majesty and the Tian Ting.

Please take on this matter, Mu Gong, and plan for Zhong Shen Zhou. If there's anything unclear, discuss it with me.

The Tian Ting doesn't need one overly prominent minister, but several capable ones who dare to act."

Dong Mu Gong frowned slightly, pondered, then bowed to Li Changsheng and sighed as he agreed.

After Mu Gong left on the clouds, Li Changsheng summoned the other immortals and gods, giving each their instructions to coordinate the Tian Ting's departments with the Bei Zhou situation.

Once these matters were settled, Jin Peng, Ao Yi, Bian Zhuang, and Ling Zhuzi stepped forward to bow.

Li Changsheng pondered for a moment, took a treasure pouch sealed with immortal power from his sleeve, and handed it to Jin Peng, saying:

"Jin Peng Yuan Shuai, I must trouble you to make another trip. Hurry to Xuan Du City and personally deliver this treasure pouch to my senior brother, the Tai Shang Lao Jun. Make sure to return within half a year."

"Yes!"

"Ao Yi, go find Hou Tu Niang Niang's seven-emotion incarnation and head to Bei Zhou in half a month, saying it's to avenge the Wu Clan."

"Yes!"

"Bian Zhuang... how is your injury?"

Li Changsheng asked with concern, and Bian Zhuang's eyes reddened, nearly tearing up.

He said quickly:

"Lord Xing Jun, the fact that you still remember my injury moves me deeply!

I've recovered after half a month of rest, but... that scoundrel who impersonated you killed thousands of my brothers!

I must settle this score no matter what!"

"Good, I've arranged this task for you."

Bian Zhuang trembled slightly, his earlier bravado fading as he whispered:

"I... I'm afraid I'm no match for that fiend."

"You certainly aren't his match," Li Changsheng transmitted. "This time, you'll handle spreading messages. Use every means to revive the old story of 'Mile Fo being Kun Peng's second primordial spirit' within half a year.

The one who impersonated me and attacked the Tian Ting's supplies was this Mile Fo.

This time, I'm not just chasing shadows or fabricating charges. When Jin Peng returns, we'll have solid evidence."

Bian Zhuang felt relieved and knelt on one knee, responding loudly.

But then, he transmitted curiously:

"Lord Xing Jun, may I ask one more thing? How can we possibly have solid evidence?"

Li Changsheng smiled calmly but said no more.

The right to explain Kun Peng's second primordial spirit now belonged to him.

After Bian Zhuang left briskly, Li Changsheng said:

"Ling Zhuzi, where are you?"

Ling Zhuzi, who had been waiting nearby, perked up, his young face full of anticipation as he stood before Li Changsheng, chest out and full of fighting spirit.

Li Changsheng took a jade talisman from his sleeve and said seriously:

"This task is extremely challenging and suits no one but you... Deliver this jade talisman to Yu Xu Gong and hand it directly to Senior Brother Guang Chengzi.

Say that once the Bei Zhou matter is settled, I will visit Yu Xu Gong."

Still just delivering a message...

But going to Yu Xu Gong was clearly more difficult than going to the Guang Han Gong.

Ling Zhuzi blinked and said loudly:

"This disciple will not fail Shi Bo's trust!"

He then turned into a streak of light and dashed toward the Xi Tian Men.

'This guy...'

Li Changsheng raised an eyebrow. He wanted to use him, but the time wasn't right, and his true form hadn't manifested yet. The future Sanshengmu Da Shen still needed more tempering.

Half a day later, massive numbers of shrimp soldiers and crab generals surged from the Si Hai, setting up inner and outer checkpoints and heavy formations at the four corners of the world.

Once everything was in place, four contingents of Tian Bing and generals arrived with the Tian Di Shen Jian, coordinating the guard.

At each corner of the world, a thousand true dragons and immortal flood dragons stood watch, with several ancient war dragons overseeing, protected by the power of the Tian Dao and thunder of heavenly punishment hovering above...

It was secure beyond measure.

The sudden sealing of the Wu Da Bu Zhou's entrances naturally alarmed scattered cultivators everywhere.

But the Tian Ting promptly issued edicts, posting announcements in major markets, stating that the demon clan had violated the ancient Daozu truce and reignited war with the Wu Clan, so the Tian Ting was intervening; sealing the entrances was merely to prevent karmic demons from fleeing into the San Qian Shi Jie.

Additionally, upholding principles of serving immortals and caring for all beings—without discrimination against immortals or favoritism toward mortals—they established a temporary office inside the Dong Tian Men.

Any clear-background immortals with urgent business outside the Wu Da Bu Zhou could register there, state their purpose, and receive tea while being escorted by Tian Bing and generals to the corners of the world.

It was thoughtfully arranged.

The Tian Ting had been clashing with the demon clan for over a year, so scattered cultivators understood the situation. The panic subsided, and more people gathered to watch.

Human cultivators were reassured, but demons within the Wu Da Bu Zhou panicked.

Sealing the Wu Da Bu Zhou was unprecedented!

And it wasn't just the Dragon and Sea clans blocking it—Tian Dao power and heavenly punishment thunder waited at every point.

Clearly, the Tian Ting was planning something big and decisive!

It seemed they aimed to eradicate the demons entirely!

For a time, demons at the Wu Da Bu Zhou's borders were in turmoil, even neutral demon tribes unable to stay calm.

No one knew if the Tian Ting targeted only the Bei Zhou demons or the entire demon clan.

With news of Tai Bai Jin Xing's return from the Hun Dun Hai spreading rapidly, demon morale plummeted, and many sought escape routes, with few willing to unite against the Tian Ting.

Two days after the Tian Ting sealed the Wu Da Bu Zhou, a murderous aura rose in Bei Zhou as three hundred thousand Tian Bing and generals pressured the mountains of several old demon kings on the border.

The rising star of the Tian Ting, Yang Jian—the Yu Huang's nephew and Tai Bai Jin Xing's prized protégé—appeared at the forefront with the Mei Shan Liu You and his dog.

He lounged on the clouds, petting his dog and enjoying the breeze, saying nothing.

The human-born Mei Shan Liu You—Kang Anyu, Zhang Botai, Li Huanzhang, Yao Gonglin, Guo Shen, and Zhi Jian—each held their weapons, standing in a row of varying heights and builds, exuding fierce killing intent.

The Bei Zhou demons were thrown into chaos!

Some demon kings refused to flee and tried to rally friends, but got only sparse responses.

Others packed up and fled at night, only to discover that the Wu Da Bu Zhou were sealed, leaving them no escape.

If they fled now, the Tian Ting would pursue relentlessly, leading to eventual doom.

The Tian Ting was forcing the demons to fight.

A few days later, dark clouds gathered over Bei Zhou as contingents of heavenly troops nearly surrounded the entire continent.

The Wu Clan, who had suffered defeats earlier, had received the Tian Ting's orders and now tightened their defenses, preparing for a coordinated counterattack.

The Tian Ting, soft for decades, suddenly changed its style to firm, decisive, and even domineering.

This not only caught the demons off guard but also puzzled other forces, who used various connections to inquire, only learning that Tai Bai Jin Xing was orchestrating it all.

This ordinary minister of the Tian Ting waved his sleeve, stirring winds across the San Jie and brewing storms in the Wu Da Bu Zhou.

The demons were unwilling to be slaughtered, and within the clan, the "pro-war conservatives against humans," the "pro-peace neutrals with humans," and the "misguided seekers of love and freedom" began their moves.

The former gathered demons to counter-surround Yang Jian's forces.

The middle group sealed their tribes and cities, ready to surrender at the first sign of heavenly troops.

The latter was the most audacious...

They thought of the demon women who had some connection with Li Changsheng and quickly went to Qingqiu, inviting that fox woman out of seclusion. They selected the most beautiful fox women from Qingqiu to accompany her, brought lavish gifts, and headed straight for the Tian Ting.

"Alan?"

In Tong Ming Dian, Li Changsheng, who was analyzing the battlefield sand table, frowned and asked the reporting heavenly general:

"What did they say?"

"This... um..."

The heavenly general bowed his head and whispered:

"The fox woman holding the Sheng Mu Gong token said she wants to ask if you still remember the little Lan you once suppressed.

She's been entrusted to plead for a small group of demons and requests a meeting with you."

Li Changsheng thought for a moment. The fox woman wasn't a concern—his master would reincarnate in a few hundred years, severing any ties.

But the Sheng Mu Gong token required consideration, as he didn't want to disrespect Sheng Mu Niang Niang.

This could be an opportunity to cause division among the demons...

In just one breath, Li Changsheng had a plan and said calmly:

"The Tian Ting is a restricted area; she can't enter carelessly.

Have her wait in the skies above Bei Zhou. Before I lead the troops to exterminate the demons there, I'll allow her to plead in person.

Prepare several copper mirrors for live broadcast."

"Yes!"

"This humble god obeys."

The heavenly general and several gods responded, and Li Changsheng nodded slowly, focusing again on the sand table before him.

Though it was a tough battle, wherever possible to reduce Tian Bing casualties, there was no need for pointless bloodshed.