It was fun to be a minor official in the mortal world.
In terms of authority, the ordinary officials of the Heavenly Courts were more profound.
Li Changshou did not care much about that. In the mortal world, he had used the paper effigy to fool around. He had completely treated it as a “small adjustment” before the God-Conferment Tribulation.
At the same time, he could create a faction in the Shang Nation’s royal court and rope in his own faction. He could control the direction of the Shang Nation to a certain extent.
In the first three years of the Shang Nation, Li Changshou had relied on some “Zhongnan Trail” officials to become six ministers. That was shocking to mortals, but with Li Changshou’s control of the human heart, he could only say…
It was too slow.
Although the Shang Nation now had a relatively intact Imperial Court, there was no clear promotion system for officials.
As long as the King of Shang was happy, he would be able to treat any doctor.
Moreover, Li Changshou had relied on the content of the book “Xuanyuan Emperor vs Chi You” to cause a commotion in Great Yin City. He had become a “Grand Scholar” and became a popular person in front of the King of Shang.
The envoy was similar to the official position of Court Historian, but it did not involve the Shang Nation’s abbess or the sacrificial ceremony. The authority to explain the divine power of the Shang Nation had always been controlled by the “female abbess”.
That was actually because of Youqin Xuanya, the ancestor of the Shang Kingdom.
After the court meeting, Li Changshou went to his office to take a look. He settled all kinds of matters in an hour and returned to his residence to do some research.
The main content of the research was the history of the ancient human race.
Li Changshou would cut off some of the originally smooth lines of the story and make some sentences that others could not understand. Then, he would put them together into a story that seemed to be both right and wrong.
The more obscure and difficult it was, the more others would think that he was a “big shot” and had real abilities.
In fact, when Li Changshou closed the door of the study, he would set up some simple Dharma Arrays. He would sit behind the desk and shift his attention to other places to continue with other arrangements related to the Great Tribulation.
In order to avoid suspicion, Li Changshou did not plan to make things convenient for Wen Zhong. He would let the future Teacher Wen slowly climb up.
Anyway, the Heavenly Dao was behind it.
However, Li Changshou looked at the depressed Goddess of Fire Spirit in the military camp…
He just wanted to be happy.
The third-generation Eldest Senior Sister of Jie School, the eldest disciple, Daoist Duobao, and the Connate lifeform of the Primordial World had actually changed into a coarse linen robe and were in charge of burying the pot and burning firewood in the Shang Army camp.
There was really no one else who would do it.
The Goddess of Fire Spirit also had a personality. She used a spell to make a scar on her face, wanting to make a name for herself using her “martial power”.
It was not appropriate for Li Changshou to comment on that. After all, he had taken the path of “hyping up”. He was an opportunist and could not laugh at such pragmatic and down-to-earth actions.
However, Di Xin would be born soon.
It would be too slow to start from the bottom.
The essence of the Shang Nation’s rule was an extension of the family’s power. If he could not establish a stable network of power in the Shang Nation before the calamity arrived, there would be no meaning in coming to the mortal world.
However, compared to the third-generation disciples of the Chan School, the Goddess of Fire Spirit and Wen Zhong were at least responsible and patient.
Li Changshou was really helpless against the few third-generation “uncles” of Chan School.
They had been in the Great Yin City for more than two years and had been staying in the restaurants at the edge of the city. Occasionally, they would go out to investigate and were not interested in infiltrating the core of the Shang Nation’s power.
Or rather, he had nowhere to attack.
Li Changshou did not give pointers to Wen Zhong. Naturally, he would not give pointers to the disciples of Chan School. Just like an outsider, he would occasionally take a look at the progress of both parties’ attack on Shang.
Just like that, another half a year passed.
Wen Zhong was promoted again. After hesitating for a long time, he came to the Great Shi Residence to meet Li Changshou.
Li Changshou drank and chatted with him. They chatted about the matters of the Shang Nation’s royal court and gave Wen Zhong some hints. Wen Zhong understood immediately and began to understand some “hidden rules”.
However, just as Li Changshou was rejoicing over the participation in the mythical history process, rumors suddenly began to appear in Great Yin City.
“There are already sages in the Great Yin Kingdom!”
“Zi Xian has no virtue and only knows how to enjoy life. Little Brother Wang is smarter than him and is most suitable to succeed the throne. Half a month later, an immortal will descend to the world to impart the abilities of a Saint.”
Li Changshou was rendered speechless.
Why is Chan School supporting this?
Li Changshou was a little suspicious, but he saw that the news was from the “restaurant immortals”.
What is Senior Brother Guang Chengzi up to?
The position of the king of the Shang Nation had been decided. It was passed down to Zi Xian, who was also Di Xin’s father.
Li Changshou did not notice when the surname “Zi” was changed. It was probably before the start of Shang Nation.
Emperor Zhou was the “posthumous” person who had given Emperor Xinan a posthumous title after the Zhou Nation overthrew the Shang Nation’s rule. Di Xin’s name was Zi Shou, and he was Zi Xian’s third son.
Just as Di Xin was about to be born and Di Xin’s grandfather was about to be buried, Chan School suddenly made a scene.
Did they really think that the position of the King could be taken by anyone who was wise and virtuous?
Zi Xian had long been groomed to be the next King. Now, the ministers in the royal court, the various families who controlled the military and political matters of the Shang Nation, such as Huang Feihu’s “loyal and old Huang family”, had long been loyal to Zi Xian.
At this moment, it would be a far-fetched dream for Bi Gan to compete for the throne with Zi Xian unless he directly purged the core of the Shang Nation.
Li Changshou could only shake his head and smile. He continued to observe the situation.
In less than half a month, a phenomenon appeared in the sky of the Great Yin City. A seven-colored auspicious cloud flew over from the sky and circled above the Bi Gan Residence.
At that moment, he could not compare to a young man. His face was handsome, and his eyes were filled with divine light. He even had some talent for cultivation.
He was originally taking an afternoon nap. When he heard a female voice calling out gently, he walked into the courtyard in a daze. His body was immediately wrapped in the seven-colored auspicious cloud and slowly rose into the sky.
It could be seen everywhere in the city that Bi Gan was slowly absorbing the auspicious cloud.
A female immortal in white appeared in the sky. Her face was dignified and immortal light lingered. Her gentle voice spread throughout the city.
“Bi Gan, today, I will grant you the Heart of Seven Orifices. I will grant you the ability to see the world. I hope you can see through illusions and benefit mortals.”
After saying that, the female immortal’s figure turned into smoke and dissipated. At that moment, Bi Gan, who had already fainted, slowly landed in the courtyard and was surrounded by the soldiers.
On the cloud in the sky, Daoist Ci Hang nodded slightly and turned around to return to the Jade Void Palace to report.
However, just as she was about to move, she heard a soft voice from the side. “Senior Sister Ci Hang, why don’t you stay for a few more days and take a look at your funeral?”
Daoist Ci Hang’s heart trembled. When she heard the voice and sensed the Dao runes, she knew who it was.
She turned around and looked at the young Daoist who had appeared not far from her. He was smiling and bowing to her.
Ci Hang returned the bow with an awkward expression.
“I didn’t know that Junior Brother Changgeng is here. I was being a little presumptuous.”
“Paving the way for the killing tribulation is something that can be done by the Chan School and Jie School. How can it be presumptuous?”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “The reason why I appeared is because I don’t understand why Chan School chose to support Bi Gan becoming the king?”
“This…”
Ci Hang originally wanted to say some dignified words. For example, Bi Gan was more intelligent and had good luck, and was a good candidate for being the king.
However, looking at Li Changshou’s half-smile, Daoist Ci Hang knew that it was useless to explain.
“I don’t know the details. Eldest Senior Brother told me to do it.”
“Ah.” Li Changshou smiled and sighed. “The struggle for the throne of the mortal world is not that simple. The destiny of the human emperor is not casually manipulated. Senior Sister, are you willing to wait here with me for a few days? At most, it will take less than half a month. You can be considered a witness.”
“Oh?” Ci Hang smiled and said, “May I know how I can bear witness?”
“Senior Sister, you will know when the time comes. Please let me keep you in suspense.”
Ci Hang was a little confused, but she still nodded and agreed. She released a communication jade token and sat in the clouds beside Li Changshou, watching the changes in the city below.
The matter of Bi Gan obtaining the Heart of Seven Orifices bestowed by an Immortal naturally caused a huge commotion in the entire Great Yin City.
After sobering up, the shy young man suddenly became eloquent and insightful.
The nobles of the royal palace gathered in Bi Gan’s Residence and tested each other on various difficult matters. Most of the time, Bigan’s Residence immediately provided solutions.
A minister brought out a few complicated cases and compared them to find the truth and the culprit.
In less than three days, he had solved all kinds of difficult cases in Great Yin City.
A few days later, Bi Gan reported the important matters of the country in the royal court and enlightened many nobles and ministers.
In less than half a month, the people in the core area of “businessmen”, began to preach about their talents.
There was news from the Imperial Court that the King of Shang wanted to change his successor.
In the royal court, the officials were divided into two factions. Most of them supported Zi Xian and used the “eldest son” system formed by the Shang Nation over the years to defend the legitimacy of Zi Xian succeeding the throne.
The ministers who were originally alienated supported Bi Gan. They used the excuse that Bi Gan had the blessing of an immortal and was a sage of the Shang Nation to make the King of Shang change and become the heir.
The two parties were in a heated argument.
After hearing the news, the Heart of Seven Orifices understood what would happen next and hurriedly rushed to the royal court.
However, he was half a step late. Before he could leave his residence, he was blocked by a large number of soldiers and surrounded in his residence.
At night, cries sounded from the Shang Palace. The old king’s old illness had relapsed and he had suddenly passed away. The new prince had ascended to the position of the human emperor and died for the old king.
After the funeral, the new king had just arrived at the court. He was more loyal to the new king than his elder brother, Xu Yu, who was a “concubine”.
Zi Xian naturally treated him generously and gave him sufficient rewards. He conferred Xu Yu as an idle marquis. He was outstanding because of his talent and ordered him to handle the punishment.
The succession of the throne successfully ended.
“Well…”
On the cloud, Daoist Ci Hang frowned and looked at the scene in front of her. She felt mixed emotions.
The plan of Chan School had failed as soon as the first wave arrived.
“Senior Sister, what do you think?”
Daoist Ci Hang shook her head and sighed.
“Although there are only mortals in the mortal world, the hidden tricks are even more terrifying than the immortal sects.”
“The human heart is complicated. Mortals can be slippery.”
“Yes?”
“Ah, nothing, nothing. I’m just a little emotional,” Li Changshou said warmly. “Senior Sister, do you want to continue watching?”
Daoist Ci Hang smiled and said, “Chan School’s plan has failed. It’s not appropriate for me to stay here any longer. However, I heard that you have some arrangements, is that so?”
“It’s not an arrangement. I just made some preparations.” Li Changshou smiled and said, “Previously, I had to be reminded by the Heavenly Secrets to specially enter the mortal world to protect the next ruler of the Shang Nation. There will be a good show in a few days.”
Daoist Ci Hang blinked and smiled. “Then I will observe and see what methods the Heavenly Courts’ authoritative gods have.”
“Alright.” Li Changshou nodded slowly.
Previously, he had given Wen Zhong some reminders.
The Old Primordial World balanced the evil forces.
Therefore, Daoist Ci Hang and Li Changshou quietly watched Great Yin City on the cloud. The white clouds passed by, and the sun rose at night. Another half a month passed.
That night, there was good news from the palace. Zi Xian’s third son was born and was given a name.
There was another commotion in the royal court. The ministers used the safety of the country to ask Zi Xian to decide on the candidate for the Crown Prince. At that moment, Zi Xian’s eldest son, Wei Ziqi, was already an adult. He was outstanding and charming.
Zi Xian originally wanted to appoint Wei Ziqi as the Crown Prince. However, the envoy stepped out of the crowd and said that although Wei Ziqi was the eldest son, he was not in the line of succession.
A minister asked curiously, “Ziqi, Zi Yan, and Zi Su are all born from the same mother. What’s the difference?”
The envoy, which was actually Li Changshou’s paper effigy, smiled and said, “Chancellor, nice question. When the first two princes were born, the King was a prince, the Queen was a concubine, and the concubine’s son was not in the line of succession. As the son of the Queen, Zi Shou should be the eldest son. The rule set by the late Emperor Wen Cheng when he moved the capital to Yin City was that the Shang Nation would end the internal conflict over the throne and stabilize things to obtain the Heavenly Fate. Please consider carefully, Your Majesty.”
On the throne, the rich and powerful king, Di Yi, pondered for a while and said, “You are right. However, my son has yet to be born. How can I know if he is a wise ruler worth entrusting?”
Li Changshou did not say anything. A middle-aged woman dressed in a black robe and a black bird cloak walked forward and knelt.
“My doubts are decided by the King. The King’s doubts have their own Heaven Secrets.”
Di Yi said, “Then make a divination.”
At that moment, the ministers retreated. More than ten Magihumans dressed in strange makeup walked over barefooted. With the rhythm of the bell and drum, they began to jump left and right.
They resembled Xiong Lingli dancing.
The middle-aged woman sat in front of the brazier and rolled her eyes. She held a turtle shell and shook it up and down. Then, she placed the turtle shell on the charcoal fire.
There were a few words engraved on the “square” of the turtle shell.
Not long after, a crack appeared on the turtle shell. The crack passed through one of the words…
A divination that could decide the matters of the country was completed.
The woman knelt and shouted, “Great King, the will of the heavens is on my side.”
Di Yi smiled and said, “In that case, I’ll accept Zi Shou as my son.”
The ministers praised him. The entire hall was filled with joy.
On the cloud, Li Changshou smiled and said, “Senior Sister, have you understood?”
Daoist Ci Hang frowned slightly and asked softly, “Their Dao of Divination is not a deduction method. Why do they believe it firmly?”
“Because this is the will of the heavens.” Li Changshou pointed to the sky. “This kind of divination method is not reasonable, but it is the direct method that the Heavenly Dao gave the Human Emperor. It is the will of the Heavenly Dao.”
“Then, what did you plan here, Junior Brother?” Daoist Ci Hang smiled and said, “Could it be that you want to tell me that the will of the heavens cannot be defied and the Heavenly Dao cannot resist? I have long known that logic.”
Li Changshou pointed at Great Yin City and said, “Senior Sister, look again.”
Daoist Ci Hang lowered her head and saw that the court was retreating from the hall. The envoy of the Shang Nation who had said that he would be the eldest son of the lawful wife, smiled faintly at the sky.
Daoist Ci Hang was slightly shocked.
That was not the end.
Daoist Ci Hang stared at the envoy for a while and suddenly realized that he and the female priest were communicating with each other.
Daoist Ci Hang focused her gaze again. There was a turtle shell hidden in the female priest’s sleeve. The words on the crack were identical to the one in the hall.
She could not help but ask, “Is this heaven’s will or human will?”
“If the heavens do not stop us, it will be the will of the heavens. It’s good to have schemes.” Li Changshou’s figure slowly turned into a cloud and left a few words for Daoist Ci Hang. His body dissipated with the wind.
“Please tell Senior Brother Guang Chengzi that the schemes of mortals and immortals are completely different. It’s better not to do more.”
Daoist Ci Hang stood quietly on the cloud for a while. Soon, she shook her head and sighed softly. She rode a cloud and rushed to Kunlun Mountain.
…
Hence, several years passed.
Lonely.
In a quiet canyon where the South Continent, East Continent, and Middle Continent intersected, a cave appeared on the mountain wall. A middle-aged Daoist walked out and looked at the sky with his hands behind his back.
Why don’t we go out again?
The black leopard was a little restless. Although his cultivation journey here was smooth and he gradually had extraordinary cultivation level, which was much higher than in his previous life, it was harder to calm his Dao heart.
Although the world is huge, where do I go?
In his previous life, he was an immortal of Jie School. However, in this life, he was just an ordinary black leopard. He did not have the cheek to return to Golden Ao Island to cultivate.
The current human race was the main character of the world. He was a demon and did not dare to wander around. He could easily be killed.
Over the years, he had been to the demons a few times.
He had been a small vanguard general under the Demon King in the North Continent. In the end, the North Continent had been destroyed by the Heavenly Courts. Ever since then, he had also been in the East Continent, but he had been depressed.
He sighed…
He missed the days when he was together with Miao Miao.
However, he could only miss it.
Let’s take a walk again. Cultivation is too torturous without any companions.
Hence, the black leopard took out a copper mirror and tidied his hairstyle. He deliberately made a few strands of white hair to highlight his stability and maturity.
“Yes?”
In the grass not far away, a pair of eyes slowly opened. They stared at the back of the black leopard spirit who was riding a cloud and leaving. There was a hint of contemplation in their eyes.
The black leopard finally moved.
