Moving a seat… a seat… seat…

Denglamp gazed at the three-inch-high stool before him. For the first time since leaving the Jade Void Palace and being brought back to the Celestial Court, his brow furrowed slightly.

Looking to the side, he saw Spirit Zhenzhu respectfully placing a normal meditation cushion behind Elder Fear-Remain. The elderly Daoist’s weathered face immediately darkened.

“Sit.”

From the front, Li Changshou made a welcoming gesture, his lips bearing a faint smile.

Elder Fear-Remain’s thighs trembled slightly. He instinctively wanted to sit but glanced at Denglamp who was slightly ahead of him, then lowered his head, not daring to show any reaction.

Denglamp looked forward, making eye contact with Li Changshou, who had the appearance of an elderly immortal.

At this moment, Li Changshou showed no pressure. His left cheek seemed to say “Let’s go through,” his right cheek “the process,” making it impossible for others to predict what would happen next.

Denglamp slowly sat down, floating cross-legged above the small stool, adjusting the hem of his loose robe.

He finally spoke, saying slowly: “This humble one is the Vice Patriarch of the Enlightened Immortal Sect, born in ancient times, walking with the Spirit Lamp, illuminating the path of three lives, three deaths, and three reincarnations. Though the Celestial Court governs the Three Realms and heavenly laws bind all beings, are Primordial Beings bound by the same constraints as Posterior Beings? This humble one has a question first – Primordial Beings existed before the formation of Heaven’s Way, neither entering the Five Elements nor listed in the Three Realms. By what authority does the Celestial Court conduct this trial?”

So the debate begins.

Denglamp’s viewpoint, though seemingly full of holes and easy to refute, was filled with traps.

If True Person Yellow Dragon beside him were to debate this, he would certainly counter with “Heaven’s Way is impartial, what difference is there between Primordial and Posterior?”

But that would violate the current taboo.

Some things are better left understood but unspoken when the time isn’t right.

In today’s world, those who could influence the changing winds were mostly Primordial Beings. Among the powerful experts of the Dao Schools, except for the Human School, most were Primordial Beings.

Denglamp’s words were shifting today’s focus, dispersing the immortals’ attention to the old topic of “Primordial versus Posterior Beings competing for worldly resources.”

It would also strike at the Celestial Court’s prestige, making Primordial Beings wary or even resentful of the Court.

The old sophist was at it again.

All gazes fell on Li Changshou’s face. Those who immediately understood the key points also wanted to see how Li Changshou would counter.

Li Changshou maintained his faint smile. Though he didn’t want to follow Denglamp’s lead, this question happened to allow him to promote the Celestial Court’s principles.

Li Changshou put down his judge’s mallet and revealed a kindly smile, praising: “Your question shows great insight.”

Denglamp’s brows immediately furrowed. Recalling his previous experiences of being trapped, he felt somewhat uneasy.

Li Changshou leaned back in his grand chair, extending his left hand. A nimble young woman immediately hurried over, bringing a large jade tea mug.

The young woman was none other than Jade Rabbit, taking this opportunity to serve tea and water for her master, adding to her celestial experience.

Li Changshou took a sip of tea, set down the mug, gathered his thoughts, and spoke slowly:

“Today marks the Celestial Court’s first trial of a Primordial powerhouse who is also a great sect’s Vice Patriarch – a being of considerable influence.

Everything today will have far-reaching effects and will become the benchmark for how the Celestial Court handles such cases in future years.

Therefore, in today’s trial, we must clarify several concepts.

First is the subject of the crime, which can be defined in two ways: either as an individual being or as an organization composed of multiple beings.

Though Primordial Beings were born before Heaven’s Way, what are they composed of? Divine spirit and physical form, no different from Posterior Beings.

We cannot deny such beings’ contributions to the world.

However, this should only be considered after determining their guilt, when deciding whether to reduce punishment, and should not interfere with the trial process.

Take today’s Vice Patriarch Denglamp, for example.”

Li Changshou paused, then smiled and said:

“Suppose today we determine that Vice Patriarch Denglamp deliberately disrupted the peace between the Three Schools, intended to incite war among them, and for this purpose coerced Chang’e, murdered her family members, and framed important Celestial Court generals – acts of extreme evil with terrible influence, deserving immediate execution!”

That word “execution” carried a chilling killing intent that startled all present immortals.

The Celestial Court wants to execute Denglamp.

Li Changshou’s tone softened slightly:

“But considering that the Enlightened Immortal Sect is Sage’s great school, the Sage Lords are the foundation of Heaven’s Way, and the sect has made outstanding contributions to world development.

Though Vice Patriarch Denglamp personally hasn’t done much good, as Vice Patriarch of the Enlightened Immortal Sect for so many years, he has made some small positive impact.

So the punishment that should have been soul-scattering annihilation could be changed to entering the cycle of reincarnation… Does everyone understand?

Of course, I’m just giving an example, we can’t arbitrarily determine guilt.

You might be a bit confused, so let me give a simple summary.

Ahem, hmm!”

Looking around, Li Changshou’s divine might surged, as if his words could become law. He proclaimed:

“From this day forward!

First, the Celestial Court tries beings for their crimes, not their status.

Second, during trials, we don’t consider status, but before punishment, we consider past merits. The Celestial Court only needs to ensure merit is rewarded – how can we talk about using merit to offset crimes?

Third, the Celestial Court was established by the Dao Ancestor to manage the Three Realms’ rules. In reality, the Celestial Court isn’t developing into a hegemony controlling all beings, but rather ensuring beings follow rules.

The main types of beings in today’s world are immortals, mortals, spirits, ghosts, demons, and the divine sequence representing Heaven’s Way!

The Celestial Court will guarantee immortals’ freedom to cultivate and seek the Great Dao’s truth, protect mortals from immortal and demonic oppression so they can live their due lives peacefully;

Furthermore, encourage spirits to develop wisdom and give ghosts proper endings!

I dare not say the Celestial Court possesses absolute justice, after all, Heaven’s Way has flaws, and the Great Dao waxes and wanes. The Celestial Court is ultimately composed of beings, not cold treasures – it cannot be perfect.

But under His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s guidance, we will continue to progress and develop.

The Celestial Court will constantly improve through change, its system will continuously reform, seeking a balance between world stability and beings’ demands.

In the future, no matter what difficult times we encounter, or if one day the Celestial Court’s system becomes somewhat stagnant or bloated, as long as change exists, beings can hold hope for the Celestial Court!

Of course, we cannot satisfy all beings – their desires are boundless. But we must bring the light of justice to the broadest, greatest majority of beings!

This step begins today, starting with the trial of Vice Patriarch Denglamp!

The rules the Celestial Court establishes have nothing to do with being Primordial or Posterior, nothing to do with the Dao, cultivators, or mortals;

What the Celestial Court always pursues is fairness!

Is justice!

Is fair justice!”

As the words fell, the scene was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Li Changshou had unknowingly stood up, his divine light now blazing, almost too bright to look at directly.

He unhurriedly sat back down, as if he had just spoken of small matters, and looked at the somewhat dazed Denglamp. His judge’s mallet raised and slowly fell.

Dong~

“General Bian Zhuang, tell us of your previous experiences.”

“Yes, Star-Lord.”

Bian Zhuang answered softly and was about to speak when cheers erupted around them.

The Celestial Court’s immortals, generals, and soldiers cheered in unison. Many hot-blooded men’s faces turned red, many young cultivators’ eyes showed confused hesitation, and many immortal maidens’ eyes sparkled repeatedly…

At the top of the steps, by the hall entrance, Queen Mother who had arrived at some unknown time, looked at the laughing Jade Emperor beside her and could only smile and sigh.

And those old-timers like Wood Lord and Yuelao, who had joined the Celestial Court when it was still weak, mostly had tears streaming down their faces.

They had struggled in the Celestial Court for so many years and finally had a clear goal to strive for…

Looking at the seven Dao experts:

Zhao Gongming and True Person Jade Tripod’s eyes sparkled, Golden Spirit Holy Mother’s gaze held much appreciation for Li Changshou, and little Qiong Xiao’s mouth was full of praise.

True Person Yellow Dragon wiped tears from his eyes, sighing: “If only this poor Daoist had real abilities, I too would want a small position in the Celestial Court, working for beings’ welfare.”

True Person Taiji snorted with laughter: “The Celestial Court doesn’t lack decorative mascots.”

True Person Yellow Dragon’s forehead was covered in black lines. True Person Taiji laughed awkwardly, softly apologizing, saying he was sorry, his mouth was just too quick and he couldn’t help it.

“Quiet down, everyone quiet down!”

Li Changshou raised his hand downward, and the clamor quickly subsided.

This time, Li Changshou no longer looked at Denglamp, but at Bian Zhuang: “Speak in detail, just tell of your personal experiences, and mind your emotions.”

“Ah, yes!”

Bian Zhuang sighed deeply, his emotions rising, his eyes reddening with tears as he said softly:

“This small general was once an inn manager at the world’s end, with house and fields, thanks to your guidance…”

The three-layered strategy of blowing out the lamp formally begins.

…

‘Master… is amazing.’

Behind the crowd of immortals, Dragon Princess silently praised. Watching with several Jasper Pool immortal maidens, she had witnessed her master’s speech.

Even as a Heavenly Emperor’s daughter, her blood seemed to boil…

Truth be told, her master truly possessed some irreplaceable qualities in his position as a Celestial Court minister.

Denglamp completely lacked initiative. As soon as he launched his attack, master calmly counterattacked, not only making Denglamp’s words unsupportable and seeming petty but also raising the most precious banner for the Celestial Court.

— The justice of managing the Three Realms.

Previously, the Celestial Court’s influence could be seen as an extension of the Dao Ancestor’s deterrence;

But from today, the Celestial Court’s influence exceeded the Dao Ancestor’s deterrent range and set out on a clear path!

Continuous improvement and refinement, pursuing the greatest degree of perfection without being perfect, maintaining the rules and order of the Three Realms.

Isn’t this exactly the correct path to alleviate beings’ karmic bonds and resist the Nine-Filth Spring’s invasion?

The more Dragon Princess thought about it, the more she realized she had underestimated her master’s vision.

Of course, she had already placed her master before her father, but only today did she understand how much heaven and… earth… her master held in his heart.

“Your Highness? Princess Dragon Fortune?”

A voice suddenly came from behind.

Princess Dragon Fortune slightly frowned and turned to see several celestial generals standing not far away, looking quite anxious.

She blinked slightly, recalling her master’s years of teachings, and her first reaction was…

Why suddenly seek me out? Could there be a plot?

She held no real power in the Celestial Court, merely being a Jasper Pool immortal maiden in the celestial registry. Though these generals looked somewhat familiar, why would they suddenly call out to her here and now?

Something was wrong.

Dragon Fortune knew her status was special, though it wasn’t anything remarkable – just having the Heavenly Emperor as father and Queen Mother as mother. But she had never enjoyed any special privileges in the Celestial Court and maintained a low profile.

With so many immortals present, why would the generals seek her out for any matter?

Master’s words and teachings, she dared not forget for a moment.

With such thoughts in mind, Dragon Fortune transmitted to the generals: “Greetings, generals. What matter brings you to me?”

“Your Highness! Important matter!”

A general anxiously transmitted: “The great power Cloud Void of the Severing Sect has arrived at the East Heaven Gate. Could you please ask Star Lord’s instructions on whether to allow entry and how to proceed?”

Cloud!

Light flashed across Dragon Fortune’s beautiful eyes as she directly transmitted: “Why are you still delaying her? Lady Cloud Void is my master’s dao partner, how could you stop her?”

“But according to Celestial Court rules, those not in the celestial registry cannot enter the Celestial Court at will. That’s why we’re anxious!

The divine sword doesn’t recognize Star Lord’s dao partner.”

Dragon Fortune pondered briefly, glancing at her master who was still outmaneuvering Denglamp, and quickly had an idea.

“Generals, please wait. I’ll go request Mother’s decree.”

With that, Dragon Fortune went around to the front of Linxiao Hall, quietly walked to the entrance, bowed to Queen Mother, and whispered a few words.

Queen Mother revealed a slight smile, gave Dragon Fortune a jade tablet, and ordered her to bring more immortal maidens and arrange a proper welcome.

Proper courtesy must be shown.

When Dragon Fortune personally went to welcome her at the South Heaven Gate, Queen Mother, and Jade Emperor had a quiet discussion and ordered a luxurious divan to be placed beside Queen Mother.

This divan was carved from ten-thousand-year spirit coral from the East Sea, adorned with great pearls from the South Sea, jade and agate from the West Sea, and Dark Clear Ice Fire Stone from the North Sea. It was cushioned with immortal silk brocade, padded with morning clouds that immortal maidens gathered daily at the edge of heaven when the sun star rose in the east…

Before long, Dragon Fortune led Cloud Void riding on clouds, surrounded by immortal maidens, with celestial soldiers guarding the perimeter. Even with the crowd of people and colorful scenes, they could not obscure that elegant white figure. Cloud Void stood quietly on her cloud, naturally extraordinary, gentle, and graceful.

In the courtyard, Li Changshou had of course long noticed Cloud Void’s beautiful silhouette. But at this crucial moment of interrogating Denglamp, he couldn’t afford to be distracted, and Dragon Fortune was accompanying Cloud Void… So Li Changshou didn’t go greet her, focusing instead on outmaneuvering – ahem, interrogating Denglamp. He just sat more upright, his expression more serious, his voice more resonant.

Teaching one’s unmarried dao partner to believe in one’s good physical condition is every man’s required course.

Cloud Void followed Dragon Fortune near the Linxiao Hall, initially reluctant to go further, firstly not wanting to disturb Li Changshou’s work, and secondly not wanting too many stares. But Dragon Fortune had already transmitted: “Master’s Wife, please be seated here.”

Cloud Void didn’t know how to refuse, slightly lost among the repeated calls of “Master’s Wife,” and slowly walked to the hall front. She slightly bowed to Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, calling them Senior Uncle. Jade Emperor smiled and nodded without speaking, but Queen Mother rose to hold Cloud Void’s delicate hand, warmly asking after her well-being, making Cloud Void somewhat uncomfortable.

In the scene, pairs of eyes inevitably looked over. When they saw Cloud Void arrive, and at this time she hadn’t concealed herself with clouds, the immortals couldn’t help but admire. And when they saw Cloud Void seated together with Queen Mother on that luxurious divan, with Celestial Court Princess Dragon Fortune standing in attendance beside her, and two Jasper Pool immortal maidens holding fruits and immortal wine behind her…

Qiong Xiao, Taiji, and Zhao Gongming were at a loss for words, their composure faltering.

After arriving, Cloud Void didn’t say much, sitting quietly on the divan. After exchanging greetings via a transmission with Zhao Gongming, Qiong Xiao, and Golden Spirit, she gazed unblinkingly at Li Changshou’s back, listening to his voice. Meanwhile guarding against possible ‘attacks.’ The Primal Origin Golden Dipper hidden in her sleeve and the jade statue shrunk to palm size could be thrown out at any moment.

Listen then to the court proceedings.

After Bian Zhuang finished telling of past events, that severely injured Chang’e appeared, telling how she was threatened and coerced by villains. Li Changshou then called forth three accomplices and several witnesses in this matter, had Golden Peng Bird release the souls he had previously rescued, and after they reunited with that Chang’e, asked who had killed them, getting the answer that it was several wandering cultivators.

There was a rather crucial point.

Li Changshou asked: “Most of you had only weak cultivation and belonged to the mortal category. After those wandering cultivators killed you, they could have burned the bodies and traces, letting your souls scatter. Why did they leave your souls intact?”

These souls hemmed and hawed, unable to explain.

A celestial general stepped forward from the crowd, reporting: “Reporting to Star-Lord, before joining the Celestial Court, this humble one trained in the Three Thousand Worlds and made many friends, learning of such matters. Those wandering cultivators hired to kill also had a rule – if the employer didn’t specify destroying souls, they generally wouldn’t destroy souls, to reduce their karmic burden.”

“I see,” Li Changshou said: “General Ao Yi, go to Tongming Hall and verify this.”

“Yes!” Ao Yi accepted the order and withdrew, quickly heading to Tongming Hall.

Li Changshou said: “The investigation of this case has reached this point, and I believe everyone understands the key aspects. The cultivator who hired these wandering cultivators was the Enlightened Immortal Sect cultivator Fear-Remain. Previously Fear-Remain has confessed, Wood Lord.”

East Wood Lord stood up, opening a scroll to display to all, showing Fear-Remain’s signed testimony.

Li Changshou asked again: “Fear-Remain, do you acknowledge this matter?”

Fear-Remain looked at Denglamp, then at Broad Accomplishment, and sitting cross-legged on the ground, he could only say softly: “This humble one takes responsibility for his own actions, I acknowledge this matter.”

“Good,” Li Changshou nodded, saying: “This Star-Lord will now pass judgment. Moon Palace Chang’e Su Qing’er, you falsely accused a Celestial Court general, intending to confuse matters, with vicious intent and terrible influence, disturbing the Three Realms’ peace. But considering you were coerced and there were circumstances, we’ll neither punish you severely nor let you off lightly. Come forward! Take Chang’e Su Qing’er to the Celestial Punishment Hall, break her immortal bones, and destroy her cultivation, but preserve her longevity, celestial status, and immortal foundation. Send her to the Lower Third Heaven to cultivate anew! Her family members shall each enter reincarnation, let the Yama Hall handle them justly!”

“Yes!”

Celestial generals immediately came forward.

That already severely injured Chang’e knelt and kowtowed, crying: “Thank you Star-Lord for the mercy of not killing me, thank you Star-Lord for the mercy of not killing me.”

At this, Li Changshou waved his hand, and Chang’e was carried away by celestial generals.

“The remaining accomplices shall receive fifty thunder lashes in the Celestial Punishment Hall, forfeit a thousand years’ salary, and be stripped of Chang’e position!”

Those three Chang’e lowered their heads to accept the order, rising to be led away by celestial generals.

Li Changshou then said: “General Bian Zhuang please rise, though you are innocent this time, you were at fault for being drunk, you are sentenced to be confined to the Celestial River Military Camp for a hundred years, do you have any objections?”

Bian Zhuang hurriedly knelt and kowtowed: “How dare this humble one object!”

“You may go,” Li Changshou waved his sleeve, taking the opportunity to stand up, and Bian Zhuang rose to dodge away.

In this instant, Li Changshou’s gaze flashed like lightning, directly facing Fear-Remain.

“Wood Lord, Moon Star Lord, what do you two think should be the judgment for this Enlightened Immortal Sect disciple?”

East Wood Lord pondered for several moments, saying: “He is after all a Sage’s disciple…”

Heng’e Immortal Maiden, following the script, said: “Today we punished that coerced Moon Palace Chang’e by destroying her cultivation but preserving her celestial status. If we punish the instigator who coerced Chang’e more lightly than this, it would be hard to convince others.”

Li Changshou slowly nodded, “In that case, why don’t we just take Fear-Remain and Denglamp…”

This was the strategy. Part one.

“Long Prime! Star-Lord!”

Two calls were heard, as Broad Accomplishment stood up, frowning: “May this poor Daoist say a few words?”

Li Changshou smiled: “Could it be Elder Brother Broad Accomplishment wants to say that this time the Enlightened Immortal Sect will take responsibility for Denglamp and Fear-Remain’s crimes, will later compensate the Celestial Court, and will severely punish these two?”

Broad Accomplishment’s expression showed the embarrassment of being read correctly, saying: “Please let the Celestial Court show leniency, they are the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s Vice Patriarch and master’s personal disciples. Our Enlightened Immortal Sect has stood in the primordial chaos for such ancient years, and made many contributions to world stability before the Celestial Court’s rise.”

Li Changshou slowly nodded, saying seriously: “Elder Brother Broad Accomplishment, using the entire Enlightened Immortal Sect’s reputation to guarantee these two, are you certain?”

“Alas,” Broad Accomplishment sighed, “We will discipline them strictly.”

Li Changshou pondered for several moments, his eyes full of hesitation, saying: “It’s not that I won’t give Elder Brother face, but as I said at the start, today is setting a benchmark, making an example for future matters. Elder Brother puts me in quite a difficult position. How about this – I’ll judge according to Celestial Court laws, but let the Enlightened Immortal Sect carry out the punishment?”

Broad Accomplishment made a Daoist salute: “Thank you Junior Brother Long Prime for understanding, this matter… this matter was truly our Enlightened Immortal Sect’s failure in supervision.”

Li Changshou smiled and nodded, his gaze falling on Denglamp and Fear-Remain. The latter two had secretly breathed sighs of relief by now and dared to meet Li Changshou’s gaze. And most of the present immortals and celestial generals had already anticipated such an outcome. After all, it was Sage’s great school, after all, it was just going through the motions.

Then, Li Changshou said: “Fear-Remain should have had his dao cultivation destroyed and been sent to reincarnation, but considering the Enlightened Immortal Sect’s guarantee, he is punished to surrender his dao treasury, be confined to the mountains for three hundred years, have his dao realm advancement path locked by Heaven’s Way, his merits reduced to zero and unable to increase. No one belonging to the Celestial Court may employ Fear-Remain, he is Heaven’s Way’s criminal immortal. If there are further major offenses, he will be strictly punished, definitely executed without mercy!”

After speaking, Li Changshou paused, “The same applies to Denglamp.”

Fear-Remain’s brows slightly furrowed – this was still reduced by half? This was equivalent to cutting off all his possibilities, equivalent to taking half his life!

Just as he was about to speak, two divine thunderbolts struck down, one directly knocked Fear-Remain unconscious, and the other made Denglamp’s face turn pale.

Locking their dao realms, reducing merits to zero!

Several streams of light flew out from around Fear-Remain and Denglamp – all their storage treasures!

Celestial generals came forward again, taking away Fear-Remain and Denglamp’s carried storage treasures, but couldn’t take away Denglamp’s Spirit Lamp and Spirit Coffin.

Broad Accomplishment and Li Changshou exchanged glances. The former seemed to say [Junior Brother’s strategy is good, Elder Brother is very satisfied]. However, Li Changshou’s gaze… Broad Accomplishment suddenly couldn’t quite read it.

Li Changshou waved his sleeve, saying: “This case ends here, Fear-Remain and Denglamp are handed to Elder Brother Broad Accomplishment to take back to Jade Void Palace for punishment.”

Fear-Remain’s collapsed dao body trembled several times, immediately wrapped in immortal light by Broad Accomplishment and pulled back to his side.

But just as Denglamp, who had only spoken once and been given no chance to argue by Li Changshou, was about to stand, sudden changes occurred.

Dong!

Dong dong dong!

A rapid drum beat came from the right, gazes gathered there, and the immortals were once again slightly amazed.

They saw the female general beating the drums had a slender graceful figure, her form-fitting armor perfectly highlighting her charm, her waist impossibly slim, her long hair falling like a waterfall, with an indescribable heroic spirit.

The Celestial Court’s female war god!

You Qin Xuanya!

“Everyone please wait,” Li Changshou pretended ignorance, frowning: “Who beats the drum? Bring them forward.”

At this, four celestial generals came forward, You Qin Xuanya had already put down the drumsticks, removed her helmet, and publicly took off her armor, revealing the ice-blue long dress within.

She quickly came forward, entering from the side into the scene, kneeling beside Zhao Gongming to Li Changshou: “Reporting to Star-Lord, this humble one You Qin Xuanya, today wishes to accuse Enlightened Immortal Sect Vice Patriarch Denglamp.”

Denglamp suddenly seemed to realize something at this moment, his expression changing greatly, his eyes narrowing, glaring angrily at Li Changshou!

Li Changshou revealed a slight smile, saying gently: “Xuanya what are you doing? You are my junior sister, I recommended and guaranteed you to serve in the Celestial Court, if you have any grievances just tell your elder brother directly. Your elder brother will naturally do right by you.”

You Qin Xuanya turned her head to look at Denglamp, then said firmly: “Xuanya accuses Vice Patriarch Denglamp of ordering the Immortal Sect to destroy my You Qin nation that year for provocation and revenge, killing countless lives of my You Qin people!”

Li Changshou pondered for several moments, just about to speak, when the drum beats thundered from afar, as Divine Might Hall officials hurriedly rode clouds over, kneeling at the outer edge.

“Reporting to Star-Lord! The current Human Sovereign, ruler of the Shang nation in South Jambudvipa Continent, using the method of dream communication, accuses Enlightened Immortal Sect Vice Patriarch Denglamp of destroying his ancestral line for personal gain, causing the beings of the You Qin nation of that year to suffer catastrophe!”

“The Human Sovereign? That indeed cannot be ignored.”

Li Changshou slowly nodded, his gaze directly facing Denglamp, yet revealing a faint smile: “It seems Vice Patriarch Denglamp won’t be able to leave the Celestial Court for quite some time.”

After speaking, he turned to look at His Majesty the Jade Emperor, Li Changshou stepped forward several paces, proclaiming: “I request Your Majesty to personally preside over this case!”

Jade Emperor smiled: “Beloved Official handled the previous case beautifully, why need I personally come?”

“Well,” Li Changshou looked at You Qin Xuanya, saying seriously: “This humble god cannot preside, only because this humble god is a key witness in the case of You Qin nation’s destruction. This humble god personally witnessed that night, Enlightened Immortal Sect Vice Patriarch Denglamp giving the orders! I implore Your Majesty to allow this case to be tried immediately, gathering all witnesses and participants from that year! We must thoroughly investigate the cause!”

Thus it is:

Before the hall pretending to go through the motions, Xuanya launches an attack revealing killing intent!