Changshou Sets the Course Against the West; the Jade Emperor's Fury Begins the Investiture of the Gods!

"Alas..."

When Duke Mu of Dong bowed before the Hall of Exalted Peace, and that thunderclap exploded beside the Jade Emperor's Tribulation Body in the Southern Continent of Jambu...

In a dark corner flickering with faint blue light, a young Daoist with disheveled hair sat cross-legged, releasing a soft sigh.

Warm, gentle Dao rhythms surged through the darkness, wrapping around him, nourishing him, comforting him.

Behind him stood a gently rotating treasure pagoda, scattering streams of Profound Yellow Qi to suppress this tiny realm;

Before him lay a long bronze ruler, which also emanated rippling waves, adding another layer of spatial isolation.

Beyond that isolation stood a golden vessel with its power fully unleashed;

Outside the golden vessel, the Taiji Diagram slowly revolved, sealing its opening...

Before the young Daoist, a treasure map formed from immortal power continually shifted. From time to time, he picked up his brush to write a word or two, or draw one or two "objects and spirits."

If one looked closely, one would find flickering characters and diagrams hidden throughout the darkness here.

Suddenly, several treasures trembled at once. He stopped moving and concealed everything.

"Water God," Bai Ze's voice came through, "Your Majesty Jade Emperor has been awakened by Wood Duke. Are we truly proceeding according to plan?"

"Mm."

That was all he answered. There was little emotion in his eyes.

Bai Ze's voice carried a trace of hesitation. "If you chose to withdraw now, with my help, Water God, you could escape this great calamity..."

The golden vessel fell silent for a moment before the young Daoist said calmly:

"That would be too unstable."

Bai Ze chuckled. The golden vessel sealed shut, and the several treasures once more revealed their respective powers.

The young Daoist sat there, pondering, imagining, searching. The characters and