“This humble Daoist… ah… This humble Daoist Dao Wei Zi is a cultivator from the Jade Void Palace. Well… This humble one is indeed the founding patriarch of the Dao Wei Immortal Sect.

In those years, the Dao Wei Immortal Sect that I founded did have conflicts with the Du Xian Gate. However, this was due to our sect’s development and search for tribute lands.

The Hong Lin Kingdom of the You Qin Clan happened to be between two states that were paying tribute to our Dao Wei Immortal Sect. That’s why we launched an attack and raided the capital of Hong Lin.

At the time, this was the normal expansion of influence. I specifically instructed everyone in the sect to avoid direct conflict with Du Xian Gate and prepared other states to exchange with Du Xian Gate for the Hong Lin Kingdom.

Though this matter was improper, and immortal cultivators shouldn’t interfere with mortal affairs arbitrarily, the Heavenly Court hadn’t risen at that time. All immortal sects in Central Divine Continent acted this way – it was an old tradition of the primitive world.

I am willing to accept the Heavenly Court’s punishment for this matter.”

Before the Lingxiao Hall, in the court of judgment.

Dao Wei Zi wore a gray silk-faced cloth robe as he lowered his head and spoke these words.

Directly ahead, atop layers of steps behind the jade desk, the Jade Emperor sat expressionless, causing this immortal who had achieved eternal life to feel immense pressure, his forehead slightly damp with sweat.

Since Li Chang Shou was no longer the chief judge, the previous court setup had been modified. The chief judge’s position naturally belonged to the Jade Emperor seated at the front of the hall.

Following Li Chang Shou’s suggestion, no additional judges were added for this case. The various正神 of the Heavenly Court stood on both sides of the steps, all able to offer advice and speak at any time.

The previous words were naturally the result of Dao Wei Zi’s careful consideration and were within Li Chang Shou’s expectations.

If Dao Wei Zi had immediately thrown all responsibility onto Burning Lamp, it would have had the opposite effect.

Dao Wei Zi’s current stance was likely unrelated to the Enlightenment Teaching’s attitude, after all, he wasn’t an important figure in the Enlightenment Teaching.

Li Chang Shou stood quietly at the bottom of the steps, not saying much.

Before the hall doors, the Jade Emperor hummed briefly before speaking slowly:

“Dao Wei Zi, everything you say now will become key to influencing the direction of this case.

I sit right here – do not let fear in your heart prevent you from speaking the truth.

The Heavenly Dao has been watching you all along.”

Dao Wei Zi’s body trembled, and his heart filled with bitter laughter.

He was, after all, an immortal of eternal life and a member of the Enlightenment Teaching. Usually wherever he went was a scene of glory. When he occasionally attended banquets in various parts of Eastern Kunlun, he would hear flattery until his ears went soft.

But here, he felt like he had become part of a ‘vulnerable group’.

Dao Wei Zi secretly glanced at Burning Lamp Deputy Sect Master standing quietly to his right front, then looked at Senior Brother Guang Cheng Zi, the spokesperson of Jade Void Palace slightly further away. His thoughts were in complete disarray.

He never imagined this matter would implicate him.

Wasn’t it said that today the Heavenly Court would use Chang’e’s false accusations against their military general to challenge their Enlightenment Teaching’s Deputy Sect Master, using this to establish the Heavenly Court’s advantageous position over the Sage’s great teaching?

How did it suddenly involve the matters of the Dao Wei Immortal Sect?

But Dao Wei Zi was a clever cultivator.

When suddenly named by the Heavenly Court’s Wing Marshal Golden Winged Great Peng, he had been trying to figure out what exactly had happened;

Though he couldn’t figure it out.

When Senior Brother Chi Jing Zi brought him before the Heavenly Court generals, Dao Wei Zi naturally heard Chi Jing Zi’s transmitted message…

[When you reach the Heavenly Court, if anyone questions you, say what should be said – for what shouldn’t be said, weigh it carefully.]

So Dao Wei Zi had weighed it carefully all the way. When he arrived at the Heavenly Court and heard what the Heavenly Court authority Tai Bai Jin Xing said during the previous questioning, he immediately understood what this was about.

How could Dao Wei Zi not know about this matter?

When Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp found him back then, he thought a broad road to success had appeared before his eyes, and he needed to grasp the opportunity.

If Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp became happy, wouldn’t he be able to rise to become a direct disciple of the Enlightenment Teaching, get the chance to hear teachings before the Sage, accidentally gain the Sage’s favor, become a core disciple of the Enlightenment Teaching, and be listed as the thirteenth Golden Immortal of the Enlightenment Teaching…

Alas, what a pity.

At that time, Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp suffered a loss, being schemed against by today’s Tai Bai Jin Xing sitting behind the long table, losing most of the treasures accumulated over countless years…

Dao Wei Zi was also reprimanded a few times because of this and has been in closed cultivation in the Jade Void Palace ever since.

Not daring to think too much in his heart, Dao Wei Zi pondered for a moment, hummed a few times, and said: “This humble one has not spoken falsely.”

The Jade Emperor nodded slowly, his left hand waving gently, sending a streak of golden light darting into the sky above the Lingxiao Hall. His calm voice spread everywhere:

“Let the Heavenly Dao judge.”

Boom!

A purple-black thunder dragon appeared out of nowhere, passing over Dao Wei Zi’s head, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws with heaven-covering might!

That somewhat terrifying heavenly authority crashed down thunderously. Dao Wei Zi’s body trembled chaotically as he looked up at the sky, his eyes full of fear.

“This… this…”

The Jade Emperor’s face turned serious as he said: “You are a disciple of a great teaching. I give you this chance – otherwise, next time the heavenly punishment won’t just be to scare you, but will fall upon you.

In this place!

Under the Heavenly Dao’s supervision, if you dare speak falsely, I definitely won’t spare you!”

Dao Wei Zi hurriedly lowered his head, making a deep Daoist bow, his pupils darting left and right, inadvertently drawing in a sharp breath.

What could he do now?

Suddenly he heard Li Chang Shou sigh and say:

“Your Majesty, Dao Wei Zi must have someone he fears here, thus he dares not speak the truth.

How about this – you issue an oral decree that as long as Dao Wei Zi reveals the truth, not only will our Heavenly Court vouch for him and explain to the Enlightenment Teaching, but we will also exempt him from part of his crimes.

Looking at this matter, Dao Wei Zi is not the main evil. He had no choice but to follow a certain Deputy Sect Master’s orders.”

Dao Wei Zi’s Adam’s apple trembled, and he almost nodded in agreement.

The Jade Emperor nodded slowly and said: “What my beloved official says is extremely right. Dao Wei Zi, I give you this promise – do you dare to speak now?”

“This humble one… this humble one…”

“Ai,” Guang Cheng Zi spoke up, “Just say whatever there is to say, truthfully report what happened back then.

Although this matter concerns Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp, today it is the current Human Emperor who is making the accusation. It would be good if you could avoid being implicated.”

“Ah, Senior Brother, you also know about this matter…”

Dao Wei Zi sighed, just about to speak.

Li Chang Shou suddenly said: “Dao Wei Zi, why don’t you sit down to speak, and calm your spirit a bit.”

To the side, the meditation cushion originally meant for Ju Liu Sun was quickly brought over by a heavenly general. How could Dao Wei Zi not comply?

After sitting cross-legged, Dao Wei Zi indeed felt he had gained some confidence.

He pondered briefly, his gaze glancing at Burning Lamp’s dark expression, and slowly said:

“The friends from the Heavenly Court probably all know that before the Heavenly Court’s rise, this was the way between immortals and mortals. Mortals sought pills for longevity, immortals sought karmic fortune and merit – most would openly or secretly control some kingdoms and tribes.

At that time, no one said this was wrong – after all, immortals were mainly human too.

Of course, according to the rules set down by the Heavenly Court now, such matters are indeed wrong. This humble one has also long ordered the Dao Wei Immortal Sect to stop exploiting mortal kingdoms…”

“Get to the point,” Li Chang Shou interrupted his ramblings and said firmly, “The current question is – was it you, Dao Wei Zi personally, who besieged Hong Lin Kingdom, raided the capital of Hong Lin Kingdom at night and ordered the extermination of all male descendants of the current Human Emperor’s clan?”

Hearing these words, Dao Wei Zi immediately became anxious.

“How could it be this humble one?

Though this humble one may not be greatly kind or benevolent, I know the difficulty of living beings’ existence. Sect conflicts and worldly struggles for merit and precious materials all have bottom lines.

Which righteous cultivator would kill mortals without cause? This would bring karmic retribution!”

Li Chang Shou said calmly: “Since it wasn’t you who gave the order, was there someone who instigated it?”

“This humble one cannot speak clearly about this matter,” Dao Wei Zi glanced at Burning Lamp and said in a low voice, “This humble one only brought the current sect master of the Dao Wei Immortal Sect before Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp. All arrangements were made by… Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp.”

Li Chang Shou’s face showed sudden understanding as he turned to report to the Jade Emperor.

He then said: “Your Majesty, Marshal Jin Peng has brought all the current sect masters and several important elders of the Dao Wei Immortal Sect.”

“Bring them in.”

The Jade Emperor said coldly. To the side, Wood Lord gave a shout, and several figures were escorted in by heavenly soldiers and generals.

This time the heavenly soldiers and generals weren’t polite. One person shouted: “Kneel!”

These few ordinary Golden Immortal-level old Daoists’ legs trembled slightly as they lowered their heads and knelt, not daring to raise their heads randomly.

A certain ordinary authority of the Heavenly Court who had been calling to be a witness rather than chief judge kept questioning, and these eternal life immortals from the subordinate sect of the Enlightenment Teaching opened their mouths one by one and admitted to matters.

“Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp personally ordered, telling this minor immortal to first control two tribes near Hong Lin Kingdom – Dong Li and Hai Ti.

Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp is an ancient powerhouse and Deputy Sect Master of the Enlightenment Teaching. Even my master had to show utmost respect when seeing him. This minor immortal didn’t dare not comply…”

“Are there any details?”

“De-details…”

“How did you control these two tribes?”

That sect master sighed and said: “In reply to Star-Lord Tai Bai, this matter is somewhat difficult to speak of. Immortal sects generally negotiate with human mortal states, first giving them benefits, then gradually making contact.

If a state originally had immortal cultivation forces, then we would compete in the dark, negotiate step by step, and finally decide victory or defeat. Generally, there wouldn’t be too large cultivation battles.

But at that time Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp was pressing urgently, only giving us a few months’ time, wanting to see results immediately. We had no choice but to use some schemes…”

“What schemes?”

“We selected female disciples of average aptitude but outstanding appearance from the sect, used some mind-bewitching pills, and controlled the leaders of those two tribes…”

Li Chang Shou frowned and said: “Was this instructed by Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp?”

“Yes… yes.”

That sect master lowered his head and sighed. The surrounding Heavenly Court immortals and gods burst into an uproar.

Tai Yi Chen Ren’s eyes narrowed. Although his mouth was sealed, he could still make resounding commentary at this moment:

“Mmph! Burning Lamp Deputy Master is outrageous… cough cough!”

Though this detail was small, it destroyed Burning Lamp’s image as an ancient powerhouse and high figure of Enlightenment Teaching.

Li Chang Shou sighed and continued questioning various details in between, directly exposing the tragic incident in Hong Lin Kingdom that night.

Half an hour later, the emotions of all immortals and gods had been stirred up as they glared at Burning Lamp.

In the formation deep within the Tai Bai Palace, Li Chang Shou’s paper avatar and the Jade Emperor’s avatar Quan Zong crouched together, exchanging a few words in low voices.

Before the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, and several witnesses from the Dao Wei Immortal Sect all withdrew.

The Jade Emperor sighed and said: “Burning Lamp Daoist if these thoughts of yours could be used on the right path, wouldn’t the heaven and earth be much more peaceful because of it?”

A Heavenly Court deity walked two steps across the steps, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and reported:

“Your Majesty!

The matter of Burning Lamp Daoist relying on his authority to harm the current Human Emperor’s clan has been investigated clearly!

Please punish severely, Your Majesty!”

The Jade Emperor said: “Beloved official, don’t be hasty. Though this matter is now clear and bright, today’s matter is to set a reference for the Heavenly Court’s future actions. We still need to pay attention to various details.

Beloved official Chang Geng, you previously said you had physical evidence – where is this evidence?”

“Your Majesty,” Li Chang Shou bowed and took out an image-recording pearl from his sleeve, “This is the physical evidence.”

The Jade Emperor said: “Show it to see.”

“Yes!”

Li Chang Shou responded and activated the image-recording pearl’s restrictions. It immediately displayed a scene in the starry night.

Burning Lamp was sitting cross-legged on a cloud, five-colored divine light flashing around him, the glazed pagoda in his hand instantly leaving him.

At the same time, a water-blue halo slowly spread out, twenty-four great stars shining. Burning Lamp’s form instantly froze as heaven and earth were completely sealed off.

A Daoist wearing armor and sporting a beautiful beard descended from the sky, hurriedly shouting:

‘Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp, fear not! This humble one has protected you! Everyone, give me, Zhao Gong Ming, some face – stop fighting!’

‘Aiya! Why has my treasure stopped working? Why won’t it obey my commands?’

The scene abruptly ended.

There was still a scene about dividing the spoils afterward, but one must still care about maintaining both his and Brother Zhao’s image.

Even so, the gathered immortals and deities nearly burst out laughing.

As long as Burning Lamp was first cast in the role of ‘villain’, watching scenes of his misfortune always carried an immense sense of humor.

Brother Gong Ming’s face was now flushed red as he sat there looking down to the side, his expression mocked by Qiong Xiao’s gaze.

“Well done,” Golden Spirit Supreme Mother said coolly.

Zhao Gong Ming’s spirits immediately lifted. He straightened his chest and raised his head, sitting askew in the grand chair, naturally exuding dominance.

Li Chang Shou used immortal power to push the image-recording pearl to Wood Lord’s front, letting Wood Lord keep it as evidence.

“Beloved official Chang Geng,” the Jade Emperor asked with a smile, “What procedures should we follow next?”

Truly just following procedures.

“Your Majesty, we have physical evidence and complete witness testimony. Next is to ask if Burning Lamp admits his guilt.”

After speaking, Li Chang Shou turned to look at Burning Lamp and said: “I presume the Deputy Sect Master doesn’t wish to say anything more now?”

Hearing this, Burning Lamp’s mouth corner showed a slight cold smile as he said calmly:

“Since Star Lord Tai Bai has arranged everything, it would be pointless for this humble one to say more.

But this humble one’s actions have been thus from ancient times until now. Scheming and calculating are fundamental to establishing oneself in the primitive world.

Today the Heavenly Court questions this humble one’s crimes with such matters, meaning you’ve gotten leverage over all cultivators from ancient times in the primitive world, to drive them at your will.

What a clever scheme!

However, Star Lord Tai Bai, the Heavenly Court only achieved today’s glory with the support of the Dao School. Now you turn around wanting to make an example of a Deputy Sect Master of a great Dao teaching – can your heart be at peace?”

Many surrounding immortals and deities pondered briefly, feeling these words had some reason.

Li Chang Shou gave a light laugh, calmly countering:

“Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp’s words are mistaken.

The Heavenly Court isn’t trying to get leverage over anyone, nor has it thought of driving anyone. This heaven and earth is vast when speaking of its vastness, but when speaking of its smallness is just the Five Continents and Three Thousand Worlds.

The Heavenly Court relies on the Heavenly Dao, seeks peace in heaven and earth, and follows the righteous path through vicissitudes.

Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp needn’t deflect the conflict anymore. Among today’s powerhouses and great supernatural beings in heaven and earth, who stands with you? Who communicates with you?

The Western Teaching?

When you ordered the slaughter of the You Qin Clan, you probably didn’t expect they would become the current Human Emperor’s clan, gathering the fortune of the human race, did you?

This is the retribution of the Heavenly Dao for you.

For this case, do you admit guilt?”

Burning Lamp closed his eyes without speaking, standing there quietly as if unconcerned with everything.

Li Chang Shou nodded and turned to make a Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor: “Your Majesty! Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp refuses to admit guilt. May we request the Heavenly Dao’s judgment to determine his crime?”

Just as the Jade Emperor was about to speak, Burning Lamp said: “No need. This humble one admits to this matter – it was this humble one’s doing.”

Li Chang Shou immediately followed up, cold light flashing in his eyes: “Since Burning Lamp has admitted guilt, I humbly request Your Majesty issue a decree for punishment!”

“Jade Emperor Your Majesty!”

Burning Lamp stepped forward half a step. Thunder immediately appeared around him, forming a prison cage to trap him.

Burning Lamp spoke firmly: “Does the Heavenly Court truly want to kill the Enlightenment Teaching’s Deputy Sect Master and completely break with the Sage’s great teaching? Please think thrice, Your Majesty. This Star-Lord Tai Bai and this humble one are mortal enemies!

This humble one has several times wished to kill him quickly, and he has several times wished to make this humble one fail in disgrace.

With such personal grudges mixed into Heavenly Court public affairs, how can the living beings of the world be convinced!”

The Jade Emperor’s brows furrowed tightly.

He wasn’t struggling with how to handle this matter – he had already decided with his beloved official Chang Geng.

The Jade Emperor was simply somewhat annoyed with this Burning Lamp Daoist. Though all living beings seek life and avoid death, Burning Lamp’s rhetoric now flowed continuously, and many surrounding immortals and deities had already been influenced.

What a formidable Deputy Sect Master of the Enlightenment Teaching.

No wonder Chang Geng said that line – [If we don’t nail Burning Lamp dead before the Lingxiao Hall today, I fear there will be great trouble in the future].

From among the crowd, a Heavenly Court clerk stepped out and spoke in a clear voice:

“Your Majesty! Since Burning Lamp has admitted guilt, why listen to his bewitching words?

Star Lord Tai Bai eliminating this morally corrupt, despicable ancient being is proper both publicly and privately!

The reason Star Lord Tai Bai and Burning Lamp became mortal enemies, doesn’t this precisely show that Star Lord Tai Bai abhors evil?

Please recall, Your Majesty, when Star-Lord Tai Bai made an enemy of this Deputy Sect Master of Sage’s great teaching, Star-Lord Tai Bai’s authority was not high, his position not weighty, and he was merely an ordinary disciple of the Human Teaching!

That he could match wits and courage with an ancient behemoth like Burning Lamp and maneuver to victory, doesn’t this precisely show that the Heavenly Court has the Heavenly Dao’s protection, that Star-Lord Tai Bai has the Heavenly Dao’s assistance?

Who is righteous and who is evil is immediately clear!”

The Jade Emperor’s eyes brightened as he asked with a smile: “What is your position?”

That minor Heavenly Court official said softly: “This minor deity Wang Shan entered the Heavenly Court not long ago and serves in the Revering Heaven Hall.”

“Transfer to the Penetrating Brightness Hall, rank promoted to fifth grade,” the Jade Emperor said calmly, then waved his hand.

Wang Shan’s face showed no joy, his mouth spoke no refusal, as he immediately lowered his head and withdrew.

The occasion wasn’t right.

Seeing this, Li Chang Shou’s mouth corner showed a faint smile, unexpectedly discovering someone who would become a small pillar of the Heavenly Court in the future.

Setting aside this Wang Shan for now, Li Chang Shou stared at Burning Lamp and said calmly: “Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp, no more arguments?”

Burning Lamp shook his head slightly, his eyes full of regret as he sighed: “The Heavenly Court is merely thus!”

“Seize him!”

At Li Chang Shou’s loud shout, heavenly soldiers and generals from the side surged forward. The power of the Heavenly Dao suddenly became incomparably thick as lightning flashed continuously before the Lingxiao Hall!

To the side, Zhao Gong Ming stood up, Golden Winged Great Peng gripped the small Slaughter Divine Spear, Golden Spirit Supreme Mother already had a Law Body phantom behind her, while on the steps, Immortal Maiden Yun Xiao’s Primal Origin Golden Dipper already radiated golden light…

If Burning Lamp dared resist, they wouldn’t mind directly joining forces to suppress him.

Guang Cheng Zi clenched his fist in his sleeve as he slowly stood up, his expression extremely complex;

True Lord Yu Ding raised his hand to press on Tai Yi’s shoulder, fearing Tai Yi True Person would directly rush out.

Yellow Dragon’s reaction was most genuine – now full of panic as he looked at Burning Lamp, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say, afraid that what came next would be a great battle with Burning Lamp dying tragically before the Lingxiao Hall.

On Burning Lamp’s shoulder, a spirit lamp appeared as traces of ferocity flashed through his eyes…

Just at this moment!

Screech—

A high cry rang out as a white light appeared on the horizon, but in the next instant, it had rushed to a hundred li away. A calm shout resonated with the Great Dao, spreading throughout ten thousand li:

“Please do not make your move. This humble one brings the Sage’s decree.”

The Sage’s decree?

A trace of consideration quickly flashed through Li Chang Shou’s eyes as he raised his hand in a stopping gesture. The heavenly soldiers and generals originally surging toward Burning Lamp immediately stopped their steps and swiftly retreated.

The spirit lamp’s light on Burning Lamp’s shoulder receded as traces of trepidation flashed through his eyes.

Qiong Xiao’s mouth corner twitched as she sighed: “Trouble – a true high figure of the Enlightenment Teaching has arrived.”

A heavenly general cursed loudly: “Who dares intrude into the Heavenly Court without permission!”

But the Jade Emperor raised his hand slightly, indicating that the general should not speak more.

Immortal awareness and gazes gathered toward the arrival. Some who recognized the arriving immortal had already spoken his title.

South Pole Immortal Elder.

This old divine immortal with extraordinary features, leaning on a peach wood staff, stood on that white crane, no longer hurrying now as he came forward unhurriedly.

Behind him, several streaks of light pursued – the gate-guarding heavenly generals who had been completely unable to stop this old divine immortal just now.

The three divine swords hanging at the Heaven Gate did not react to him at all as if the Heavenly Dao allowed him to come and go freely in the Heavenly Court.

Li Chang Shou transmitted sound to give those few heavenly generals some instructions.

“Announcing—”

A heavenly general rushed forward at full speed, arriving before the Lingxiao Hall first, kneeling on one knee and shouting:

“The Enlightenment Teaching Sage’s disciple South Pole Immortal Elder seeks audience outside the Middle Heaven Gate!”

The old Daoist on the white crane revealed a faint smile as his relaxed and harmonious voice drifted over:

“Due to the urgency of circumstances, this humble one has been quite discourteous. My master, the Jade Clarity Sage Sovereign Original Beginning Heavenly Honored One has a decree. After transmitting my master’s degree, I will request the Heavenly Court’s punishment.”

In the Tai Bai Palace, two avatars sneakily exchanged rapid communication.

Before the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor said with a smile:

“Since you bear the Sage’s decree, we need not pursue the matter of the Immortal Elder intruding through the Heaven Gate.

May I ask, what is this Sage’s decree?”

South Pole Immortal Elder made a Daoist bow from afar and stepped out from the white crane, his form seemingly entering a white cloud before reappearing before the Lingxiao Hall.

That white crane waited at rest in the distant clouds, not transforming into the appearance of a boy.

South Pole Immortal Elder stepped forward to the bow, first paying respects to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, then making Daoist bows to Li Chang Shou and Wood Lord, then exchanging greetings and bows with the rising Guang Cheng Zi, Zhao Gong Ming, Yun Xiao, and other eight Dao experts.

Tai Yi True Person took the opportunity to release the treasure sealing his mouth.

A peaceful, reassuring Dao charm spread out as the South Pole Immortal Elder spoke slowly:

“Today’s matter is already bubbling over, spreading throughout the Three Realms of the primitive world. My master’s verbal decree is that this matter should not be delayed – the Heavenly Court should handle it quickly.”

After speaking, the South Pole Immortal Elder looked at Burning Lamp Daoist and said with a smile: “Deputy Sect Master, master orders you not to rely on your supernatural powers.”

Burning Lamp Daoist closed his eyes and sighed, saying softly: “I obey the Sect Master’s command.”

But Li Chang Shou’s brows furrowed slightly now – with his reading comprehension ability, he actually couldn’t understand what this Sage’s decree meant.

Indeed, a Sage was still a Sage – always setting problems.

Li Chang Shou’s thoughts flowed rapidly as he smiled and said: “Senior Brother, have you also come to plead for Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp?”

“Junior Brother, don’t misunderstand,” South Pole Immortal Elder leaned on his staff and said warmly, “This humble one merely comes by order to convey master’s decree, requesting the Heavenly Court make a judgment quickly.

However, this humble one has some doubts he wishes to ask Chang Geng about.”

Here it comes.

This hidden master of the Enlightenment Teaching was about to make his move!

Li Chang Shou reactivated his Void Brightness Dao Heart and made an inviting gesture: “Please instruct, Senior Brother.”

“It’s just a small question,” South Pole Immortal Elder smiled and said, “Before the Heavenly Court’s rise, the beings of the Three Realms did not know the Heavenly Rules, had not heard the Heavenly Court’s name, and acted according to the rules of ancient times.

Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp schemed revenge due to old grudges with you, Junior Brother Chang Geng – though wrong, but all this was before the Heavenly Court’s rise. Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp probably didn’t know how the Heavenly Rules were set and didn’t know what the Heavenly Court’s principles were.

In other words, at that time the law was not yet established, beings did not yet know of it. Under circumstances of not knowing one was violating Heavenly Rules, committing such wrongful acts – shouldn’t some consideration be given, and the punishment appropriately reduced?

This humble one knows the Heavenly Court’s rules have existed for long, but the rules are also constantly being perfected, and have not been announced to the Three Realms.

Presumably, when Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp schemed against the You Qin Clan, if he had known the Heavenly Rules and the Heavenly Court’s principles, he would certainly have known to turn back from his straying path and not do such things opposing the Heavenly Court.

Junior Brother Chang Geng, tell me, is this reasoning correct?”

Li Chang Shou: …

Capital S for Surrender.

Burning Lamp sighed from the side: “This humble one even until now does not know what these Heavenly Rules are.”

Reversal?

Li Chang Shou suddenly raised his head and sighed: “Since it’s thus… All immortals and deities step back, and uninvolved persons disperse.

I, Li Chang Shou, disciple of Supreme Clarity, shall settle old accounts with the Enlightenment Teaching’s Deputy Sect Master Burning Lamp – only one shall remain.”

As his words fell, Zhao Gong Ming, Yun Xiao, Qiong Xiao, and Golden Spirit Supreme Mother stood up with cold expressions.

The Jade Emperor’s form disappeared simultaneously with the Queen Mother and Dragon Princess, but the Heavenly Court general Quan Zong flew at top speed from the Tai Bai Palace.

Shou would not hesitate to fight.