Chapter 659: The Storm in the South Continent

　　“The fiery red sun has just appeared ~”

　　Li Changshou hummed a tune that he had never forgotten in the depths of his memories. He strolled in the spiritual beast enclosure with his hands behind his back. He was clearly in a good mood.

　　After giving Zi Shou some pointers, he felt a sense of accomplishment.

　　Perhaps because King Zhou of Earth was too famous, he inevitably had a subtle mentality and felt that he had witnessed “history”.

　　Thinking about that, Li Changshou smiled and continued to hum his tune.

　　Zi Shou’s personality did not seem to be violent. At most, he was easily rash. Moreover, he had a strong “family mission” and wanted to bring the Shang Nation to prosperity.

　　Why is it a family mission?

　　In the understanding of the mortal human emperors like Zi Shou and Di Yi, the current country was their family’s private property.

　　Putting aside the environment, it was nonsense to talk about advanced thinking and backward thinking. However, Li Changshou did see something different from the Merchant Lords like Di Yi and Di Ding.

　　That might be the reason why Wen Zhong was gradually “too immersed” in the role.

　　Of course, it was too early to make such a conclusion.

　　Now, there was still a long way to go. No one could tell what kind of “flower bud” it would grow into in the end.

　　Not to mention, there was also the “stimulant” Su Daji.

　　Could it really be the hardcore script of the Heavenly Dao like “The Essence of a Thousand-Year Fox for Ten Thousand Years”? Was this pot destined to be carried by beautiful women?

　　That would be too despicable.

　　Of course, he would not say that out loud.

　　The ripples of immortal senses spread out like water…

　　Huh?

　　What’s wrong with Youqin?

　　He seemed to be in low spirits. He walked out of the chess room dejectedly, folded his skirt, and sat on the threshold. He leaned against the door frame and fell into a daze…

　　Li Changshou was confused. He had never seen Youqin Xuanya like that.

　　Li Changshou scanned the room with his immortal senses and saw a Connate Cardinal treasure laughing loudly. There was also a stack of treasure pouches and Fire Qilin Sword Case in front of the spiritual illusion. Li Changshou immediately felt helpless.

　　What can this Chaos Bell do with Spirit Stones? Throw it and listen?

　　It had ruined the atmosphere in his chess room!

　　After thinking about it, Li Changshou took the opportunity to escape before he disturbed the joyous atmosphere in the chess room.

　　A few days later, he found an opportunity in the chess room to play a warning card.

　　“There is love in competition and ruthlessness in gambling.”

　　The Primordial Heavenly Courts counter-gambling began in the backyard of the Grand White Palace!

　　Li Changshou looked around for a while and nodded in satisfaction. He turned around and walked towards the straw hut.

　　With every step he took, he naturally took more than two feet forward.

　　However, in the eyes of others, every time he lifted his feet and landed, his body would naturally appear a thousand feet away.

　　There was no flicker or pause. There were no ripples in the universe. It was as if it had already merged with nature, or as if the rules of walking were like that.

　　Clearly, Li CHangshou’s Dao was becoming more and more profound. It was heading towards a certain domain and would not return…

　　Li Changshou did not know if he had taken the wrong path. However, he did not plan to kill the three corpses that the Dao Ancestor had given him.

　　That would not be very stable.

　　After returning to the straw hut, Li Changshou sat behind his short table. He took out a blank cloth and wrote a line of small words on it.

　　“Records of the famous officials of Shang.”

　　He had not been in Chaoge City for nothing all these years. From now on, he would observe the officials around the ruler of Shang Nation and choose the talented, political, and compassionate officials.

　　Since he was allowed to preside over the Great God-Conferment Tribulation, he had to act like a main tribulation.

　　The Heavenly Courts would not accept those because they stood in a good team and won. They did not have any real talents.

　　It was better to not have a legitimate god.

　　“Senior Brother~”

　　Ling’e’s soft voice sounded from outside the door. Li Changshou smiled and agreed. He did not stop writing and continued to write at a high speed.

　　Ling’e walked over in a light green dress. She held a bowl of cold soup in her hand. It was a newly learned skill.

　　Ling’e knelt on the meditation cushion beside Li Changshou and leaned over.

　　“Senior Brother, are you trying to turn a mortal official into a minister of the Heavenly Courts?”

　　“This is the only chance to take advantage of the Great Tribulation.”

　　Li Changshou smiled and said, “The difference between immortals and mortals is only the immortal roots. Some immortals are not as smart and scheming as mortals.The Heavenly Dao did not care about the strength of living beings. It could directly bestow merit and comprehension to allow mortals to ascend in the day. Why not? There are at least a third of the spots on the God roll. They have to be reserved for the virtuous people of the current human race. This is a necessary symbol of the Heavenly Courts representing the human race. It is also the fusion of the destiny of the Heavenly Courts and the human race.”

　　Ling’e blinked and could not understand. She smiled and said, “Ah, in the blink of an eye, Senior Brother is already a mature immortal.”

　　Li Changshou glared at Ling’e. The latter made a face and giggled as she leaned over to hug his arm. She deliberately made some physical contact and suppressed the shyness in her heart.

　　She was taking the initiative to adapt to a more intimate relationship. Li Changshou naturally would not reject her. Sometimes, he would take the initiative.

　　Who would not love an obedient and devoted junior sister?

　　“By the way, did Senior Sister Youqin lose all her Spirit Stones?”

　　“Uh… Senior Brother, you saw it?”

　　Ling’e moved away guiltily and whispered, “It’s my fault for not stopping Big Sister Zhong in time.”

　　“Hahahaha!”

　　Li Changshou and Ling’e laughed wildly in their hearts.

　　Li Changshou’s forehead turned black. He flicked his left finger gently. A clear bell suddenly sounded by the lake, and he exclaimed in his heart, “Aiya.”

　　The Chaos Bell roared with its spiritual perception, “Junior, how dare you hit me!?!”

　　At that moment, a wisp of Yin-Yang aura quietly bloomed.

　　The Chaos Bell, which was about to return to its original size and come over to denounce him, instantly retracted. It became three inches tall again and hung on the branches of the willow tree by the lake. It swayed back and forth, and the spiritual perception that it sent over was still a little stubborn.

　　“Annoying! Why do you keep disturbing the Taiji Painting for no reason? We can settle our own matters ourselves.”

　　“Psht!”

　　“Who dares to laugh!?!”

　　The small pagoda beside Li Changshou’s essence soul instantly sealed itself and retracted all its light. It did not dare to move.

　　The levels between treasures were really strict. Even the Pagoda Master would become a younger brother one day.

　　After laughing for a while, Li Changshou’s heart lit up. Therefore, he slowly dismantled the spiritual light and turned it into enlightenment. He slowly dispersed it in his Dao heart, closed his eyes, and snorted.

　　It was comfortable.

　　It was a rare epiphany.

　　Now, the frequency of enlightenment was getting lower and lower. After all, there were fewer and fewer things that could make him feel something.

　　“Senior Brother, can I make instruments at the side?”

　　“Yes.” Li Changshou picked up the jade bowl and took a sip. He smiled gently at Ling’e and lowered his head to continue writing.

　　After all, this was something that he wanted to show the Jade Emperor. It would also change the fate of many people. He should be careful and be as thorough as possible.

　　Suddenly…

　　Is the Western Sect really calm?

　　Not necessarily.

　　Li Changshou felt that the Western Sect was preparing to take revenge on him. That revenge might appear at various subsequent nodes.

　　When will the other party attack?

　　Li Changshou thought for a while and used his old skills.

　　Thinking from another perspective.

　　If I were the Sixth Saint, what would I plan next to vent the anger in my heart and burn the battle between Chan and Ji Schools?

　　In Li Changshou’s heart, a scroll that he had imagined slowly unfolded. A clear story line appeared on it, and he connected the options.

　　Jie School, the killing tribulation, the battle of Jie Jie, Taibai Jinxing…

　　Godfather’s foster son, Li Jing?

　　A moment later, Li Changshou closed his eyes and focused. He stood still like a rock, and his aura was a little faint.

　　Ling’e looked up at her senior brother and sighed softly in her heart. However, she smiled happily.

　　I still can’t help him.

　　…

　　Three months later, Li Changshou met Zi Shou.

　　Most of the generals of the Shang Nation’s expedition returned to the Shang Dynasty and rushed back to Chaoge City overnight. They accused the prince of being killed by the “victorious general” in the army.

　　The next morning.

　　The officials gathered in the King’s Hall. The prince was dressed in armor and knelt in front of the hall without saying a word. Di Yi sat on the throne expressionlessly.

　　The sixteen expedition generals landed on one knee. They described the situation before and after the General was killed. Their words were intense and angry.

　　The ministers immediately discussed. Many old officials said that this matter damaged the morale of the army and would definitely damage the morale of the army.

　　The Grand Chancellor was the leader of the inner court and was closest to the King. At that moment, he said, “There has never been such a rule since ancient times. Your Majesty, you have to deal with this matter carefully. You can’t disappoint the hearts of these soldiers who are fighting a bloody battle.”

　　Di Yi nodded slowly and said, “Dear ministers, is anyone defending their son?”

　　Junior Master Wen Zhong came out from the crowd and bowed. “Your Majesty, there’s another story behind this matter. Why don’t you listen to my words?”

　　A few ministers said, “No matter how insider the truth is, how can we win and kill?”

　　“It’s a fact that the prince killed the general for no reason.”

　　“The Shang Dynasty was founded on military might. The ancestors fought everywhere to achieve the current prosperity. How can they abandon their roots?”

　　Wen Zhong frowned slightly. At that moment, he realized that he had stood up too early.

　　“Ahem!”

　　Suddenly, a light cough sounded from the corner near the front of the hall. Half of the ministers stopped talking and looked at the old minister who was getting older.

　　It was Li Changshou’s “official” paper effigy, the six ministers of Di Yi, and the history of the Shang Nation.

　　Li Changshou said slowly, “Your Majesty, why don’t you let Lord Bi Gan handle this matter? Lord Bi Gan is the best at solving cases. Chaoge City has been innocent for a long time.”

　　Bi Gan turned around and looked at Li Changshou. He muttered in his heart that his boss’s history usually had nothing to do with him. He did not expect that he would recommend him.

　　The Heart of Seven Orifices changed. Bi Gan immediately understood that this might be his elder brother’s intention.

　　The sly old fox, Da Shi, was usually very low-key, but he was very popular in the court. Many officials had his shadow behind them when they were promoted. They could not afford to offend him.

　　A faint smile appeared on Di Yi’s lips. He looked at the left-hand competitor and said warmly,

　　“Brother Wang, how do you think we should deal with this matter?”

　　Bi Gan stepped out.

　　He looked at his younger brother, who had been supported by Chan School for half a month. His figure was slender and his face was like jade. At that moment, he had already entered middle age. He was less sharp and more stable.

　　He had the Heart of Seven Orifices, but he was never smooth and righteous.

　　He was good at analyzing the evil of the human heart, but he had never been lenient on behalf of the powerful.

　　Everyone in Chaoge City was singing—”Chaoge has a clear sky and is good at identifying traitors.”

　　Bi Gan pondered for a while and bowed to Di Yi.

　　“Your Majesty, I believe that no matter what case it is, we should listen to both parties and collect enough evidence to make a reasonable judgment. Please allow your nephew to enter and tell me the inside story.”

　　Di Yi smiled and said, “Since Brother Wang has said that, let me tell you the inside story.”

　　Outside the hall, Zi Shou raised his head and bowed. Then, he slowly stood up.

　　He held the sword at his waist and slowly walked into the hall. His eyes were clear and his expression was relaxed. However, when his gaze swept past the ministers on both sides, a sharp light surged in his eyes, making many old officials feel uneasy.

　　At that moment, he followed Li Changshou’s instructions. He first established benevolence and promoted martial virtue. Then, he mixed up the two generals’ crimes and changed them to “changing their military uniforms to take in prisoners of war”. He changed it to “not hesitating to wear the enemy’s clothes that were killed in battle on the commoners’ bodies for battle merits”. He did not say whether he wanted to take in prisoners of war or kill them directly. He directly said, “How cruel is he?”

　　Then, Zi Shou was diverted from the conflict. He said that the two generals were arrogant because of their contributions. They were dissatisfied with his initial punishment and wanted to incite the troops to mutiny. They also secretly communicated with many generals kneeling there, wanting to undermine the dignity of his son.

　　What he said was the truth. However, some parts of it were deliberately vague and did not mention the matter of slaves.

　　The hall was filled with killing intent.

　　Di Yi’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot. Zi Shou’s voice was still calm. At that moment, he did not give the other party any chance to retort.

　　“The army is outside. I’m the general. I know that there are many people in the royal court who want to kill me to benefit themselves. However, such a power struggle had already seeped into the army! The eight hundred Marquis were watching outside! How many of them are waiting for the Shang Dynasty to rot? Then, they will take over the Shang Dynasty! In the hall, many people only cared about themselves and their children and grandchildren’s future. However, they forgot that the map of the Shang Dynasty was slowly pieced together by the ancestors of the merchants! Those who want to kill me, why don’t you attack here today? Why do you have to secretly do those dirty tricks!?!”

　　Clang!

　　Zi Shou pulled out his sword and threw it into the middle of the hall. His eyes were like that of an eagle, and his eyebrows were sharp and cold!

　　His sharp gaze swept across the area. Most of the ministers were frightened and did not dare to look at him.

　　“Ah…”

　　Zi Shou sighed and seemed to heave a sigh. He threw the scabbard to the side and bowed deeply to his father, who was sitting high up. He did not give Bi Gan a chance to speak and directly said, “Father, I had no choice but to kill the two generals in order to prevent a mutiny in the army. I am willing to accept the punishment for today’s matter. Father, please do not pursue the crimes of these generals. Most of them do not know the truth and have a common conscience. I believe that all the officials here have their hearts in the Shang Dynasty. It’s just that there are some differences and misunderstandings between us.”

　　Di Yi could not help but smile.

　　Li Changshou secretly raised his eyebrows. He was quite touched that Zisu could say those last few words.

　　This fellow was born to be a monarch. He already knew how to control the human heart.

　　Unfortunately…

　　Forget it.

　　The words that he had said in the court today caused Chaoge City to tremble.

　　That night, news spread from the palace that Di Yi, who had not been eating well recently, had eaten a meal. After drinking, he said, “The Shang Dynasty can last forever.” Clearly, he was quite satisfied with his son.

　　Not long after, Bi Gan also said publicly that the fault of killing the generals was not on the children. The prince’s power struggle had to be restrained.

　　Many ministers who were originally watching began to lean towards the little prince who had suddenly become dazzling.

　　As for Wei Ziqi and Wei Zhongyan, their doors were tightly shut. They rejected the guests and seemed to be watching quietly.

　　In the Grand Historical Residence, Li Changshou closed his eyes in the study. Just as his mind was about to move back to the Heavenly Courts, the “Wind Speech Incantation” brought about a conversation…

　　It was Zi Xin and Wen Zhong.

　　“Junior Master, who is this expert? All these years, he had been bullied by those old officials in the royal court. He had really never taken the initiative to say it. According to Shi Qiang’s words, he actually scared those people speechless.I’m really happy this time!”

　　“Zi Shou, be careful with your words. This emissary is not someone I can casually recommend.

　　He was a true expert. He could not be moved by power or wealth.

　　There are some things that I can’t tell you in detail, but you have to remember that unless it’s the moment of life and death, you must not trouble him. Otherwise, it will only backfire.”

　　“Is the emissary also an immortal?”

　　“Yes, he is powerful.”

　　“Wow… Then why is he here in Shang?”

　　“Let’s play. However, there are rumors that the Shang Dynasty is his move. I can’t see what’s going on here. You can’t know about Zi Shou either. Don’t spout nonsense.”

　　Li Changshou could not help but have his lips twitch when he saw this.

　　Wen Zhong had indeed fallen into the trap. He had even secretly told Zi Shou about his extraordinary background.

　　That’s right. After all, human hearts were made of flesh. Wen Zhong had been a young master for some years. He can be said to be inseparable from Zisu.

　　Would there be any hidden dangers?

　　Li Changshou fell into deep thought again and checked about Wen Zhong.

　　At that moment, he was not the only one who was thinking about Wen Zhong.

　　…

　　In the Waterfall Pavilion at the back mountain of the Jade Void Palace.

　　“This Wen Zhong sounds familiar.”

　　Guang Chengzi tapped his fingers on the table in front of him rhythmically and frowned in thought.

　　Chi Jingzi said, “He’s the disciple of the Goddess of Golden Spirit. He’s from the third generation of Jie School. Previously, he had listened to Junior Brother Changgeng’s lecture with Disciple-Nephew Yang Jian and the others. He has walked in Chaoge City. At that time, we only cared about Li Jing from Ren School and forgot about that.I didn’t expect that he would become the young master when we didn’t pay attention to Chaoge City.”

　　Perfected Huang Long wondered, “What is Junior Master?”

　　Chi Jingzi said, “According to my investigation, as long as a new emperor is in power, most of the young masters will be worshiped as Grand Master. They have a lot of authority in the mortal court and can influence military and political matters.”

　　Perfected Taiyi put his hands in his sleeves and smiled.

　　“It’s not like our Eldest Senior Brother has never been the teacher of the Human Emperor. He’s just not in charge. Why worry?”

　　Guang Chengzi glared at Taiyi and threw the jade token on the table.

　　“We can’t be so careless. Jie School has made a good move this time. From the looks of it, Wen Zhong will become an important figure in the Great Tribulation. We have to think about it carefully.”

　　Perfected Yu Ding said in a low voice, “Why don’t we do more? It’s not too late to move when the heavenly secrets are more obvious.”

　　Perfected Taiyi habitually pursed his lips and looked hopeless. “Alright, look at which current prince is so unlucky to have been supported by us for half a month.”

　　The other eight immortals in the pavilion looked at him helplessly. Perfected Taiyi shrugged.

　　With Yu Ding to rely on, he was naturally fearless.

　　…

　　At the same time, in Green Touring Palace.

　　Daoist Duobao slipped away and stopped the Goddess of Golden Spirit, who had just returned to look for refining materials.

　　“Junior Sister Jin Ling, did your disciple gain anything in the past decade? Huo Ling hasn’t sent a message for a long time. I’m worried about them.”

　　“Um…”

　　“It’s fine even if he encounters obstructions. How can it be so easy to infiltrate the core region of the Great Tribulation? The mortals are filthy and the hearts of people are complicated. It’s not his fault for returning empty-handed.”

　　“I’m busy. I didn’t ask. I’ll send the jade token to ask him later.”

　　“Alright, there’s no hurry.”