Chapter 605: Bian Zhuang's Dead End

In front of Yue Gong Palace.

Li Changshou controlled his paper effigy shaped like the white-browed, white-haired Taibai Jinxing, gazing at Bian Zhuang, who was suspended from the rear beam of the great hall. Bian Zhuang was badly beaten, his face swollen and bruised, barely clinging to life. Li Changshou could only muster a bitter smile as he recalled what Long Ji had told him on the way.

Long Ji's identity was sensitive, so it was best for her not to appear further; she had returned to Yao Chi to wait for news.

In the end, Bian Zhuang had fallen victim to his weakness for women.

Li Changshou had thought that even if the immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court weren't paragons of virtue, they would at least have some standards...

But he had overestimated and misplaced his trust.

It might be best to just end it here; there was no saving him.

The Journey to the West calamity wasn't set in stone and could still be altered. They could train a new second senior brother, after all—his true form was that nine-toothed rake.

In the hall, the fairies who had gathered around Bian Zhuang had now formed neat ranks and bowed in unison to Li Changshou.

“We greet the Xingjun.”

Although Li Changshou already had a general idea of the situation, he still followed procedure and asked,

“What happened? How did General Bian end up hanging there?”

The fairies were indignant, and several leaders stepped forward, speaking with heartfelt outrage about the events that had transpired.

Behind the Yue Gong, there was a forbidden area that only opened when no male immortals were present on the Taiyin Star. It was called the Yuehua Pool.

Normally, these fairies enjoyed grooming themselves near the Yuehua Pool, soaking their immortal bodies in the misty spiritual waters, chatting about the latest gossip or the amusing affairs of the Heavenly Court.

But today, Bian Zhuang had sneaked into the Yuehua Pool.

The offense was extremely serious and malicious, far beyond mere punishment; it was grounds for execution.

Li Changshou's expression turned cold as he asked,

“Is Bian Zhuang truly that bold and reckless?”

“Xingjun, we know General Bian is your favored officer, but this is absolutely true.”

One fairy said angrily, “If we hadn't known that Bian Zhuang had entered Doushuai Palace and was your right-hand man, I would have killed him on the spot with my sword!”

Li Changshou furrowed his brow and asked again, “Is there a specific victim?”

“Xingjun, there were over a dozen sisters at the Yuehua Pool at the time, but the area around it is protected by barriers set up by the Taiyin Star Lord herself.

General Bian triggered the barriers; he was already very close to the pool.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, furrowing his brow in thought.

Without a specific victim, the matter became even more troublesome—Bian Zhuang would likely have to pay with his life.

Any other approaches?

Force him to take responsibility for seeing the girls bathe?

That would be just like what Tu Xingsun did.

If there were a clear victim, they could severely punish Bian Zhuang, beat him nearly to death, erase his memories of the incident, or even send him to the mortal world and strip his cultivation. That way, they could spare his life while upholding the Heavenly Court's dignity.

But with no specific victim, it meant every fairy in the Yue Gong who had used the Yuehua Pool was a victim.

This issue seemed not severe enough to cost a life, yet it was tied to the greater affairs of the Heavenly Court.

The Heavenly Court was on the cusp of its rise, just a few centuries away from the Fengshen List being finalized, allowing it to flourish fully and become the authority maintaining stability in the Three Realms.

At this critical juncture, all cultivators were watching the Heavenly Court closely.

Any negative rumors would be magnified completely.

Bian Zhuang, the deputy commander of the Tianhe Water Army, held a low rank but had a complicated background. Due to the bronze mirror broadcast system, he had extremely high popularity in the Heavenly Court.

If such a god, caught peeping at women bathing, were allowed to continue in his position, the Heavenly Court's reputation would be utterly ruined...

The current favorable situation would suffer significant damage.

The consequences would be endless.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Li Changshou's face grew solemn. He took two steps forward, his figure flashing to appear before Bian Zhuang, and asked coldly,

“Did you really intrude?”

Bian Zhuang's heart trembled. “This humble officer... seems to have intruded, but Xingjun! Before I woke up, I only remembered drinking with a few friends!”

Li Changshou's eyes flashed like lightning, as if piercing through Bian Zhuang's very heart.

Bian Zhuang tried his best to meet Li Changshou's gaze.

He knew that only Taibai Xingjun could save him now.

And he truly had been dead drunk; when he awoke, his mind was blank, with no idea how he ended up at the Yuehua Pool.

What was worse,

Bian Zhuang knew full well that his reputation for fickle affections toward young male immortals was already out there; this matter was impossible to explain.

Li Changshou closed his eyes in concentration, suddenly realizing that this affair might not be so straightforward. He said,

“All Chang'e, listen to my orders.

Bring in long tables and chairs to set up a trial hall here.

Also, send someone to Tongming Hall to summon two upright gods who are on duty and have no other matters.

Gather all the Chang'e from Yue Gong who are concerned about this. Today, I, as Xingjun, will personally try Bian Zhuang and punish him severely once the facts are clear!”

Bian Zhuang hung his head in silence, his eyes full of regret.

The fairies were delighted and quickly acknowledged the order, then hurried off to carry it out.

Soon, Li Changshou sat with Dongmu Gong and Yue Lao behind a long table.

Bian Zhuang, bound in layers of chains, knelt weakly below, his body covered in wounds, not daring to lift his head.

How had he gotten so unlucky...

Li Changshou struck the sounding block on the table, and the fairies around him all let out cold hums in unison.

Bian Zhuang shuddered a few times, wanting to look up but not daring to.

Then Dongmu Gong asked, “The one kneeling below—is it Bian Zhuang, the deputy commander of the Tianhe Water Army?”

“It... it is this humble officer...”

Yue Lao, on the other side, asked indifferently, “Was it you who intruded into the Yuehua Pool at Yue Gong?”

“This, well, ah!”

Bian Zhuang's Adam's apple bobbed, his bruised eyelids trembling. His swollen mouth struggled to open, revealing the two missing front teeth inside.

“But this humble officer truly doesn't know why I ended up in Yue Gong!”

“Alright, case closed.”

Yue Lao waved his hand dismissively, his face dark as he grabbed the wooden plaque from beside him and hurled it at Bian Zhuang.

“Execute him!”

Bian Zhuang shook like a leaf, and the fairies nearby were visibly stunned, not expecting the matter to be so grave.

Li Changshou and Dongmu Gong both turned to look at Yue Lao.

Yue Lao rolled up his sleeves and grumbled through gritted teeth,

“What's the point of keeping him alive?

Day in and day out, no sense of decency—his speed at shifting affections is as fast as spotting a new fairy!

He even calls it a virtue, saying he has eyes that appreciate beauty!

I have to trim his red strings every ten days or so; piled up, they could make over a hundred wedding robes!

Now he's finally lost control of the lust demon in his heart and dared to spy on the Chang'e bathing at Yue Gong!

Utter scoundrel!”

Dongmu Gong glanced at Li Changshou's expression and quickly said,

“Yue Lao, let's keep things separate. Today, we're investigating General Bian's accidental entry into the Yuehua Pool; it's unrelated to past incidents.”

The fairies immediately cast aggrieved looks at Dongmu Gong.

They weren't fools; they knew the word “accidental” was Dongmu Gong's way of defending Bian Zhuang.

Yue Lao then realized he had overstepped and been too hasty.

There was no helping it; this rascal had been a headache even before coming to the Heavenly Court.

Yue Lao pondered for a moment and said, “Dongmu Gong is right; I was too impulsive.”

Dongmu Gong smiled and said, “Why not hear what General Bian has to say?”

Li Changshou nodded slowly and looked down, saying,

“Bian Zhuang, do you have anything to say?”

“This humble officer truly doesn't know how I ended up here...”

Bian Zhuang sighed with his head lowered, trying hard to recall, the alcohol on him mostly dissipated by now.

After a long while, he said softly,

“Xingjun, this humble officer has brought shame to you and the Heavenly Court. I won't deny if I've been schemed against.

But today's events are set; there's no explaining it away.

Yue Gong is where the Chang'e cultivate and practice their dances; the Heavenly Court has a complete set of heavenly regulations. My appearing at the forbidden Yuehua Pool has disgraced the Court's warriors.

I accept the punishment, even if it means losing my divine position, my rank, and being demoted to a common heavenly soldier.

But one thing is certain.

I'm a lecher, that's true, but a gentleman loves beauty and seeks it properly!”

Bian Zhuang shouted, “If I were in my right mind, I would never do something so utterly without principles!”

Li Changshou's mouth twitched slightly.

No, you really might.

Who knows how many millennia later on the Journey to the West path, it was some guy chuckling as he joined those spider spirits in their bath...

Li Changshou said directly, “If you just accept the punishment, you'll be charged with drunken intrusion into the Yuehua Pool with ill intent. Today, you won't escape death; it's not as simple as losing your position or being demoted.

The Heavenly Court sets the example for the Three Realms and cannot tolerate such vile behavior from its gods.

Otherwise, how can we enforce rules on the beings of heaven and earth?

Think carefully.

Dongmu Gong, please go fetch the people who were drinking with Bian Zhuang... Wait, never mind, Dongmu Gong, stay put.

You leaders among the Chang'e, take my jade talismans, lead some heavenly soldiers, and investigate quickly!”

As he spoke, Li Changshou tossed out three Taibai Palace jade talismans. The female leaders responded softly and hurried away with the talismans.

Seeing Dongmu Gong hesitate as if about to speak, Li Changshou said calmly,

“If the investigation proves Bian Zhuang was drunk and reckless, punish him severely.

If he's been framed and we can't catch the framer, he'll still face heavy punishment.

The Heavenly Court's grand momentum cannot be compromised.”

Bian Zhuang's face turned ashen; he knelt there, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

The atmosphere in Yue Gong grew increasingly oppressive.

As those fairies led heavenly soldiers to search and question around the Heavenly Court, the news spread even faster, turning the matter into a spectacle.

Everyone knew Bian Zhuang was Li Changshou's confidant.

With such a scandal breaking out, many immortals and gods came to observe from afar, though none dared to get involved in the mess.

The first to rush over was Ao Yi, who had returned to the East Sea.

Ao Yi flew directly to the Taiyin Star in his dragon form, furious and leaping to Bian Zhuang's side in a few strides.

Transforming into human form, Ao Yi kicked Bian Zhuang to the ground and scolded through gritted teeth,

“You've completely disgraced the Teacher's face!”

Bian Zhuang smiled bitterly and simply lay on the ground, closing his eyes with a long sigh.

Ao Yi turned to face the three presiding gods, knelt on one knee with hands clasped in fists, and said firmly,

“Teacher, Xingjun, Dongmu Gong, Yue Lao!

Bian Zhuang and I have worked together for years. Though he's loose-tongued in daily life, he's no evildoer and has never acted improperly toward the fairies.

This must be some misunderstanding; I beg you, Xingjun, to investigate thoroughly.”

Li Changshou closed his eyes and said, “Stand aside. This matter is more complicated than you think.”

The challenge wasn't investigating; it was who could conduct it to make it believable.

Ao Yi was stunned, glancing at Bian Zhuang and then at the surrounding fairies.

Though the young dragon lacked insight and didn't fully understand, he didn't press further and quickly stood up, moving to the side to wait quietly.

Li Changshou added, “Before this is cleared up, anyone who speaks for Bian Zhuang will get thirty lashes from the Tianfa Hall.

Summon a troop of soldiers to guard Yue Gong; no one except the Chang'e of Yue Gong may enter.”

The atmosphere in Yue Gong returned to its earlier heaviness.

Half an hour later, Lingzhuzi arrived in haste on clouds, with the girl Yutu by his side.

But they were stopped by the heavenly soldiers and could only watch from outside the hall with a few off-duty gods of the Heavenly Court.

Yutu's eyes darted around; she whispered something to Lingzhuzi, then stomped her delicate yet powerful little leg, her figure vanishing swiftly.

Far away in the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor observed this scene and frowned slightly.

He and his incarnations couldn't appear now; everything had to be left to his beloved minister Changgeng to handle.

If Bian Zhuang was indeed drunk and causing trouble, for the sake of the Heavenly Court's authority, they would likely arrange for him to reincarnate.

But Bian Zhuang was connected to the Xianmeng...

Bian's old matriarch held high prestige in the Xianmeng, and Bian Zhuang was her only beloved grandson...

This was truly tricky.

The Heavenly Court had been peaceful for over a hundred years, and now this incident had arisen, reeking of strangeness everywhere.

“General Bian was drinking with me, and we were both completely drunk.

What did General Bian say before? I... I can't quite remember...

He did mention something like even if he broke into Yue Gong, it would be fine, but that was just drunken bravado.”

“Xingjun, I know Bian Zhuang's character; he's not that kind of person. This must be a setup!”

“General Bian drank with us for half a month; everyone was drunk. The banquet had waves of guests coming and going, and General Bian left about half a day ago.

Our gathering is still ongoing...”

In Yue Gong, over a dozen minor gods from the Heavenly Court who had been drinking with Bian Zhuang gave their statements one by one.

The problem emerged.

When drinking, Bian Zhuang had boasted about having many confidants in Yue Gong and that entering it was no big deal.

Men get carried away when drunk; boasting is par for the course.

But now, those words had become damning evidence.

The situation was developing in the worst direction; Bian Zhuang had almost no chance of turning it around.

Drunken intrusion into Yue Gong, triggering barriers around the Yuehua Pool, intending to peep at over a dozen Chang'e bathing...

If a mortal drunkard from Nanzhou did this, he'd likely be caught and beaten severely.

But for a Heavenly Court immortal and Tianhe deputy commander, it was a grave crime.

The Fengshen catastrophe was imminent, with countless eyes on the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou rubbed his forehead with his hand; he was skilled at scheming and had already sensed the various oddities, but he couldn't do much more.

Any action beyond the trial would be seen as favoritism toward his subordinate.

Soon, all the questions had been asked, and all the statements given.

Li Changshou looked at Bian Zhuang, whose face was utterly despondent, and sighed softly, unable to bear it fully. He gave him one last chance.

“Bian Zhuang, do you have anything else to say?”

Bian Zhuang slapped himself across the face, opened his mouth, then smiled bitterly.

“This humble officer has let you down, Xingjun. For disturbing the fairies, I ask for your forgiveness.

I am willing to atone with my life.”

Dongmu Gong said, “General Bian, think this through!

You can't act on impulse. I know your character; deep down, you're still an honest one.

Were you really driven by lust to break into the Yuehua Pool?”

Bian Zhuang's lips trembled; he stood up, the chains on him clinking noisily, and the fairies around subconsciously stepped back half a pace.

“I never had such covetous thoughts!”

Bian Zhuang shouted tremulously,

“What I pursue is the truth and beauty in this world.

I have a flaw in loving whoever I see, but each time, I pour my full passion into those days or hours of fleeting affection, fighting on with unyielding spirit, never slacking!

To me, romance between men and women is sacred! Something I yearn for immensely!

How could I stoop to something as vile as peeping at fairies bathing?

If I were truly that lecherous and depraved, how could I have maintained my pure yang state until now?

My ancestress is the master of Tianya Pavilion!”

Li Changshou frowned deeply, Yue Lao's eyes full of disbelief, while Dongmu Gong nodded thoughtfully.

Dongmu Gong said, “Tianya Pavilion is a famous place in the Honghuang for experiencing fleeting romances; Bian Zhuang is indeed its young master.

And now, as General Bian, he still retains his true yang essence, remaining as pure as when he first became an immortal, which proves his character.”

“This doesn't convince everyone.”

Li Changshou said coldly, scanning the surroundings. “The Heavenly Court has complete regulations; if we can't enforce them ourselves, how can we make the beings of the Three Realms submit?

I'll report this to His Majesty the Jade Emperor afterward, but today, we must give Yue Gong an explanation and uphold the heavenly regulations.

Bian Zhuang, I ask you one last time: do you admit your guilt?”

“Xingjun, this humble officer has caused you trouble! I admit it!”

“He is not guilty.”

A soft voice interrupted, and Bian Zhuang's words were cut off. Li Changshou's furrowed brow relaxed considerably.

Outside the hall, it was now night, with the Yuegui tree emitting a faint jade glow and the Taiyin Star bathed in hazy white light.

The fairy who spoke appeared out of thin air at the hall's entrance, stepping slowly through the moonlight.

Her skin was fairer than snow, her face stunningly beautiful, her slender figure perfectly proportioned without flaw or excess.

It was as if her existence defined the ultimate limit of gentle femininity in the Three Realms;

The heavens had exhausted their creation to show through her that true beauty should be like this.

Truly:

The Yue Gong fairies paled in comparison, realizing only now that the Guanghan fairy had arrived.

Bian Zhuang stared blankly at the scene, making guttural sounds in his throat.

The heavenly soldiers and gods near Yue Gong all lowered their heads, and the fairies in the hall bowed in unison; even Yue Lao had to rise and address her as Xingjun.

Who was she?

Naturally, the Heavenly Court goddess, the foremost beauty of the Three Realms, daughter of the human emperor, disciple of Lang Senior, current Taiyin Star Lord, Heng'e Immortal.

She wore a rainbow immortal skirt, her beauty unmatched, yet holy and elegant, without a trace of vulgarity.

She had spoken from Guanghan Palace, and by the time her words fell, she was already at the doors of Yue Gong.

This display of Qiankun divine ability impressed those in the know.

Only Li Changshou and Dongmu Gong remained seated. Li Changshou skipped formalities and asked directly,

“Why does the Taiyin Star Lord say he is not guilty?”

Heng'e bowed in greeting. “I greet Taibai Xingjun and Dongmu Gong.”

She glanced at Bian Zhuang and walked straight to Li Changshou.

With a flip of her hand, a cloud mirror appeared on the hall's ceiling, displaying the scene of the Yuehua Pool.

“Taibai Xingjun, please look; this is the array setup of the Yuehua Pool.

This place was personally arranged by me for my sisters earlier. Few in the entire Heavenly Court would understand this array.

It is called the Lihexu Guiyuan Array, created by a master of arrays from ancient human times. It can remain active year-round without closing, drawing power from the Yuegui tree.

The array's only entrance is the side door behind you.

To intrude from outside, the outer array walls would inevitably be attacked.

I have checked the entire setup; the second layer's killing array and the third layer's illusion array were not activated, and the outermost walls are intact.

Yet General Bian Zhuang was found in the fourth layer's trapping array.

Beyond the trapping array is the edge of the Yuehua Pool.

This situation means either Bian Zhuang entered Yue Gong openly and directly, or he was placed near the pool and thrown into the trapping array to frame him, putting Taibai Xingjun in a difficult position.”

Immediately, a Chang'e leader stepped forward to report,

“Xingjun, the outer protective array of Yue Gong is always active when no one is inside, but today there were over a dozen Chang'e bathing because we were tired from practice.

The hall has been occupied for the past several months.”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou let out a slow breath, stood up, and said calmly, “Everyone here, except the Taiyin Star Lord, go to the Lingxiao Hall to seek an audience with His Majesty the Jade Emperor.”

With that, Li Changshou bowed to Heng'e.

“Thank you, Taiyin Star Lord.”

“Xingjun is too kind,” Heng'e replied seriously. “Yue Gong is under my jurisdiction, and this incident involves me as well, so I'll accompany you.

Bian Zhuang is Xingjun's favored officer; it's right for Xingjun to avoid any appearance of bias, and I hope everyone understands that it's not a lack of loyalty.

It seems Yue Gong harbors some impurities; it needs a thorough cleansing.”