To break the deadlock between the Immortal and Buddhist factions and streamline the bloated Celestial Court, the Jade Emperor introduces a “Merit Quantification Assessment System.” The cultivation, work, and merit of every immortal are digitized and tied to promotions, resources, and lifespan. The “Journey to the West Pilgrimage Project” is packaged as a “Buddhist-Taoist Joint KPI Pilot Program,” becoming a battleground for the various factions.
Li Changgeng, also known as the Gold Star of Venus, is a veteran mediator of the Celestial Court. Appointed “Special Performance Observer for the Pilgrimage,” he carries a performance observation mirror and a merit ledger, tasked with recording performance data throughout the journey. Gradually, he transforms from a defender of the system into one who questions it, ultimately driving reform.
