Chapter 614: Sudden Change in Situation, Ran Deng's Death Tribulation

No one had anticipated that Li Changshou would suddenly alter his strategy.

As all eyes turned to the matter of Bian Zhuang being falsely accused by Chang'e, people wondered how the Heavenly Court would stand firm against the great sage teachings, and how Taibai Jinxing, known for his meticulous handling of affairs, would manage this situation.

From the perspective of the Heavenly Rules, which advocate that all spirits are equal and none should be forcibly elevated, the death of over thirty spirits was enough to convict Ran Deng and Ju Liu Sun of their crimes.

But that was merely wishful thinking.

Anyone could see that this scheme against Bian Zhuang was not a significant offense for Ran Deng, the deputy leader, and Ju Liu Sun.

For the Heavenly Court to step forward and adopt a posture of holding the Chan School accountable was already passing muster.

Li Changshou had imposed a heavy penalty on that Chang'e and coordinated with the Taiyin Star Lord to block the paths of advancement for Ju Liu Sun and Ran Deng, seizing their Daoist treasures in the process. This was an exemplary achievement through leveraging the situation.

From any angle, the Heavenly Court had achieved a complete victory and submitted at least an excellent report.

Yet, beyond all expectations...

This was only the appetizer.

Ran Deng's visit to the Heavenly Court this time might truly lead to his downfall.

At that moment, most spirits, like Huanglong Zhenren, saw only the first layer: that Li Changshou was intent on thoroughly bringing down Ran Deng, though his true intentions lay elsewhere.

Figures like Zhao Gongming and Jin Ling Shengmu, on par with the Heavenly Court's righteous gods, perceived the second and third layers: that the Star Lord had made exhaustive preparations to establish the Heavenly Court's dominance over the great sage teachings.

Naturally, individuals like Qiong Xiao, Taiyi Zhenren, and Yuding Zhenren glimpsed the fourth layer—that Li Changshou was testing whether he could kill Ran Deng and turn him into ashes of the great calamity.

The earlier trial of the Bian Zhuang and Chang'e case could be seen as groundwork for the subsequent attacks, achieving a series of objectives.

It raised a banner of justice for the Heavenly Court's management of the Three Realms and laid the foundation for holding great powers accountable.

More crucially, Guang Chengzi had already used up one "Chan School merit" to save Ran Deng and Ju Liu Sun in advance, leaving him unable to use that excuse again.

—Using such a reason twice would severely damage the Chan School's reputation and prestige, something Yuan Shi Tian Zun valued greatly.

What left Guang Chengzi feeling even more powerless was that his act of pulling Ju Liu Sun back to his side had effectively signaled the Chan School's acceptance of the Heavenly Court's prior convictions against the deputy leader and the sage's disciple.

In other words, as long as a legitimate charge was placed on Ran Deng, Guang Chengzi would have no grounds to plead for him.

The Chan School could no longer protect this deputy leader.

Guang Chengzi sighed inwardly, feeling a growing sense of frustration...

Why had he unnecessarily dragged Chang Geng into this? It felt like he had brought humiliation upon himself.

Perhaps it was just an itch to spar a bit.

Who initiated the second wave?

The renowned female war god of the Heavenly Court, the executor of the super heavenly soldier plan, Youqin Xuanya!

And the current human emperor, the ruler of Shang Guo!

The destruction of the Youqin state was indeed Ran Deng's doing.

Back then, to probe Li Changshou and the Du Xian Men, Ran Deng had meticulously planned for twenty years, using the territorial dispute between Dao Wei Xian Zong and Du Xian Men as a cover to incite a secular war.

But Li Changshou responded swiftly at the time, with Kong Xuan and Zhao Gongming stepping in to assist, restraining Ran Deng and dealing him a severe blow.

From then on, Ran Deng became much more subdued, and the incident became a laughingstock among Daoist practitioners.

Now, with the human emperor accusing the Chan School's deputy leader, and the Chan School's fate tied to the human race...

The entire Youqin clan, from top to bottom, had been wiped out, leaving only the child in Youqin Xuanya's sister-in-law's womb...

With the precedent from the earlier trial set, Guang Chengzi found himself unable to speak.

The Jade Emperor would preside over the trial, Li Changshou would serve as witness, and there would undoubtedly be more and stronger evidence—making it incredibly difficult for Ran Deng to turn the tables...

Yet, even this was not the deepest layer.

Guang Chengzi looked at Li Changshou, a flicker of helplessness in his eyes, and a bitter smile on his lips.

He finally understood what his junior brother from the Ren School intended to do.

It was brilliantly executed, truly brilliant.

He was indeed the fellow that the teacher had described as the hardest to deceive...

This move was aimed at reinforcing the effects of the Daoist non-aggression pact, severing the ties between the Chan School and the Western Teachings, and realizing the vision Li Changshou had once spoken of—

When the great calamity arrives, the Daoist schools would unite to eliminate the Western Teachings first.

Guang Chengzi had once asked his teacher whether Chang Geng would truly favor the Chan School, but the teacher had told him not to worry.

Li Changshou's temperament meant he would not truly side with the Jie School; he would stand at the balance point between the Chan and Jie schools.

Guang Chengzi vaguely recalled that during the time he went to the small courtyard to plead with the teacher after the Jade Emperor's lament in the Zixiao Palace triggered the Investiture of the Gods calamity, their conversation had been extensive.

The teacher had said that as early as three thousand years before the calamity descended, the sages had foreseen its approach.

Uncle-Master Tongtian had outwardly dismissed it, confident in his many disciples, but in reality, he was deeply anxious and had secretly searched for the Chaos Bell multiple times.

The Western Teachings began accelerating their accumulation of merits, attempting to forge a large number of false merit golden bodies to survive the calamity.

The Chan School, however, was the most assured, with unbroken fate, unowed merits, deep-rooted teachings, and abundant blessings, so they continued as usual, awaiting the calamity's full arrival before responding.

But everything suddenly changed.

In the teacher's calculations, the calamity's clear outline—intended to deplete the vital energies of the Chan and Jie schools and reduce the power of beings in the world—became shrouded in uncertainty.

The once clear patterns turned chaotic and obscure, with certainties becoming variables and many unknowns emerging.

It was not until later, when the identity of "Li Changshou, the Du Xian Men disciple," as Chang Geng's junior brother was revealed, that the teacher deduced what had caused the Heavenly Dao to become unclear.

—It was likely Chang Geng's own ascension tribulation.

That seemed to be a critical node in the evolution of the Heavenly Dao.

Suddenly feeling a gaze upon him, Guang Chengzi turned and saw Ran Deng, who was on the verge of breaking.

But Guang Chengzi said nothing, simply closed his eyes and sighed, adopting an air of helplessness.

He truly had no options left.

Although he could desperately try to save Ran Deng now, it would leave the Chan School in a vulnerable position, and he would have nothing to report to the teacher.

When Ran Deng had appeared earlier, it was from the teacher's small courtyard—who knew what the teacher had told him.

Presumably, the teacher had already foreseen this scene and made some arrangements...

“Senior brother?”

He heard Huanglong Zhenren's voice transmission: “Are we really not going to do anything?

Although we don't usually get along with Deputy Leader Ran Deng, he is still our deputy leader...”

“At a time like this, don't play the peacemaker,” Guang Chengzi replied helplessly through transmission. “Junior Brother Chang Geng's schemes run too deep; he probably planned this since the Youqin state incident.

This is beyond what we can resolve. Just wait for the teacher's orders.

Fortunately, we have no old grudges with Junior Brother Chang Geng.”

Huanglong Zhenren was stunned, glancing at Li Changshou, then Ran Deng, then Zhao Gongming across from him, utterly baffled...

Suddenly, Yuding Zhenren stood up, drawing the attention of the immortals, and quickly walked to the steps of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Seeing this, Li Changshou first bowed to the Jade Emperor in apology, received permission, and hurried over.

Li Changshou smiled and asked, “Senior Brother Yuding, what is it?”

Yuding Zhenren asked, “Is it convenient to step aside for a moment? Let's talk privately.”

Li Changshou furrowed his brow slightly, then gestured to his sleeve.

Yuding Zhenren nodded in understanding, his expression serious, and turned to walk toward the edge of the crowd.

Due to the Yang Jian incident years ago, Li Changshou had left a paper effigy with Yuding Zhenren.

Though time had passed without trace or leak...

Although it had been quite a while, the paper effigy at Yuding Zhenren's place still retained some spiritual power, making communication possible.

Li Changshou returned to the Jade Emperor's side, offering a warm smile to Yun Xiao, who was quietly observing him, and continued discussing how to arrange for the human emperor to make his accusation.

Youqin Xuanya's status in the Jianghu was somewhat insufficient; it would carry more weight for the current human emperor to accuse the Chan School's deputy leader of slaughtering his ancestors.

It was all the same matter anyway.

After a moment, Li Changshou heard Yuding Zhenren's call in his mind and responded with his divine sense.

He transmitted, “Senior Brother Yuding, speak freely. Even if you're pleading for Ran Deng, it won't affect our friendship.”

Yuding Zhenren pondered for a moment, his transmission voice deep and heavy.

He said, “Chang Geng, are you intent on putting Ran Deng to death today because of Senior Brother's earlier schemes that left you discontent, or because you had long prepared and are now seizing the opportunity?”

Li Changshou paused before replying, “Both, I suppose. Just advancing some plans along the way.”

“Very well,” Yuding Zhenren said, raising his hand to rub his brow, his ordinary face now etched with worry.

Yuding Zhenren sighed, “I'm not good with words, but I want to remind you of a couple of things.

The teacher is fully aware of Ran Deng's issues and has turned a blind eye to him for years, never summoning him without reason.

The teacher likely has future uses for Ran Deng. If you scheme to kill him today, it will surely bring the teacher's messenger.

Moreover, Ran Deng appeared from the small courtyard... You should proceed with caution, Chang Geng. Unless absolutely necessary, don't oppose the teacher.”

Li Changshou: ...

Unexpectedly, he felt a surge of emotion.

How many years had it been!

How many ages had passed!

Finally, a friend was advising him to hold back at this critical moment, rather than urging him to strike!

My path is not lonely—alas!

Yuding Zhenren's words seemed to be for Ran Deng's sake, but upon closer analysis, they were truly for his own benefit.

Li Changshou replied, “Rest assured, Senior Brother Yuding. I haven't truly set my heart on killing him, and I've made all necessary preparations.

If it can be done, great; if not, that's fine too.

I've already foreseen what might happen next.

Let me give you some insight:

If the first to save him is a messenger from Uncle-Master Tongtian, then Ran Deng is doomed;

If it's a high figure from the Western Teachings, then Ran Deng can live, but the Western Teachings will pay double the price.”

Yuding Zhenren blinked, puzzled. “What do you mean by that?”

“Many things are hard to explain right now; I'll tell you in detail later,” Li Changshou cautioned. “For now, please keep an eye on Senior Brother Taiyi. I didn't want him to come, but he slipped in anyway.

If the situation gets out of control later, make sure he doesn't speak up.

Otherwise, it could spark a sage war!”

Yuding Zhenren's spirit sharpened upon hearing this. He frowned, concentrated, and nodded seriously, tucking the paper effigy deeper into his sleeve as he hurried back to his seat.

Once there, he immediately turned and stared at Taiyi Zhenren.

Taiyi Zhenren, who had been discussing scriptures with Lingzhuzi via transmission, shuddered involuntarily and glanced at Yuding Zhenren.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Hmm...”

Yuding Zhenren narrowed his eyes, a hint of resolve flashing in them.

He suddenly struck, swift as lightning, pinning Taiyi Zhenren to the chair with rapid movements and securing him with specialized treasures!

The immortals watching saw Yuding Zhenren pressing down on Taiyi Zhenren, who was kicking his legs and making muffled “mmm mmm” sounds.

Many fairy maidens blushed, thinking the Chan School immortals were being indecently bold;

The heavenly soldiers and generals frowned in confusion, baffled as to why Yuding Zhenren had suddenly subdued Taiyi Zhenren...

Soon, Taiyi Zhenren emerged disheveled, his mouth sealed, immortal power restrained, and his hands and legs bound with immortal ropes, his face full of despair.

It was secure now.

Yuding Zhenren breathed a sigh of relief, straightened his rumpled robes, and sat upright beside him.

Ah, another day of quietly saving the great wilderness.

Less than two hours after Youqin Xuanya appeared to accuse Ran Deng, the Jade Emperor issued a decree for a “Heavenly Dao trial” of the Youqin state incident, officially opening an investigation.

Youqin Xuanya was placed under the Heavenly Court's protection and temporarily rested aside, to appear again when the formal trial began.

The incident involved Daoist forces, including Du Xian Men and Dao Wei Xian Zong.

Li Changshou remembered clearly that Dao Wei Zi, the founding ancestor of Dao Wei Xian Zong, had been present that day and had directly ordered the sect's actions.

This Dao Wei Zi was the key figure here.

Thus, with the Jade Emperor's decree, Li Changshou dispatched Jin Peng Bird with over a dozen heavenly generals—no ordinary soldiers—to invite Dao Wei Zi to the Heavenly Court for questioning.

He also provided a decree of immunity: as long as Dao Wei Zi came and spoke truthfully, there would be no risk, and the Heavenly Court would understand his difficulties.

At the same time, two other teams were sent: one to Shang Guo in the southern Jambudvipa, and one to Du Xian Men.

They obtained a human emperor's edict from the Shang ruler as his formal accusation.

The Jade Emperor had considered summoning the human emperor to heaven to showcase the court's authority.

But firstly, it might arouse the human emperor's desire for immortality, which would be detrimental to the current situation; secondly, it would take too much time, far less efficient than a dream instruction.

Most importantly, the edict was more reliable.

With Youqin Xuanya, a descendant of the human emperor's ancestors, holding the edict, it was perfectly fitting and logical.

Before Jin Peng left, Li Changshou didn't give many instructions, but en route, a paper effigy whispered extensively in Jin Peng's ear.

Whether they could “invite” Dao Wei Zi was the decisive factor in successfully pinning down Ran Deng.

Jin Peng dared not be careless, memorizing his teacher's words and leading the heavenly generals back to the Jade Void Palace.

That day, Kunlun Mountain was bustling with activity.

The Heavenly Court's immortals visited the Jade Void Palace three times, turning it into a spectacle for the scattered cultivators there.

Fortunately, it was so close to the Chan School's Jade Void Palace that no one dared openly criticize the Chan School, though as word spread, various opinions abounded.

Some said the Chan School was deliberately yielding to avoid conflict with the Heavenly Court;

Others claimed it was a sign of the Heavenly Court's rise, signaling the end of the Six Sages era.

Such grand events naturally attracted “experts” with modest cultivation but grand visions, who analyzed the pros and cons and drew conclusions unrelated to their daily practice.

Overall, the shifts in public opinion were within Li Changshou's calculations.

The Chan School, having avoided making enemies in the past, and with its immortals being more low-key than those of the Jie School or Western Teachings, faced relatively few direct criticisms.

When Jin Peng Bird arrived at the Jade Void Palace, Chijingzi and several of the Twelve Golden Immortals were waiting in the clouds.

Following Li Changshou's instructions, Jin Peng stated his purpose directly and detailed the accusation against Ran Deng by the Youqin clan, emphasizing that they were the lineage of the current human emperor...

Chijingzi looked troubled, asked Jin Peng to wait, and flew straight to the back mountain.

Soon, Chijingzi entered and exited the Three Friends Small Courtyard, then went to a corner of the Jade Void Palace and brought Dao Wei Zi along, whispering instructions on the way.

Though Dao Wei Zi was a master, realizing he was being drawn into a conflict among the top powers over an old matter, he could only smile bitterly.

With the promise of immunity and its strong implications, Dao Wei Zi had no choice but to go along, deciding to consult Senior Brother Guang Chengzi upon arriving at the Heavenly Court to see how to handle it.

He was, after all, a minor immortal of a great school and dared not utter a word carelessly.

Meanwhile, in the Three Friends Small Courtyard, on the rocking chair under the tree,

The middle-aged Daoist lounging there sighed softly, and from behind the tree emerged an old Daoist with a peach-shaped head, white hair, white brows, and a kindly face—Nanji Xianweng.

“Teacher, it seems Junior Brother Chang Geng has exceeded your expectations.”

“This is ninety-eight percent giving me a headache. Arrangements I've made over several yuan meetings might be half ruined.”

“Or perhaps you could tell him directly about our behind-the-scenes plans against the Western Teachings?”

“No need,” Yuan Shi Tian Zun waved his hand. “Go to the Heavenly Court yourself. Save him if you can; if not, let it be.

He has his way of protecting the Daoist schools, and I have my considerations for sustaining them.

As long as his heart is with the Daoist schools, let him do as he pleases. If I quibble with him, won't Uncle-Master Tongtian laugh and say I lack tolerance?

Chang Geng has pure origins and deep blessings; he's adaptable and thorough. I quite like him.”

As he spoke, this sage chuckled lightly and continued,

“The causes and effects, the drinks and pecks—he'll have to make up for it if he disrupts my move later.

He understands that principle, so if he's set on this, let him proceed.

It might clear things up a bit in this great calamity.”