Chapter 613: Taibai Reveals Killing Intent

“Move a seat…”

Ran Deng looked at the stool in front of him, no more than three inches high. It was the first time he had slightly frowned since leaving Jade Pure Palace and being brought back to the Heavenly Court.

Glancing to the side, Ling Zhuzi held a normal meditation cushion and placed it behind Ju Liu Sun.

The old Daoist’s gaunt face immediately darkened.

“Sit,” Li Changshou gestured for them to be seated, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Ju Liu Sun’s thighs trembled slightly. He instinctively wanted to sit but then glanced at Daoist Ran Deng, who was slightly ahead, and lowered his head, not daring to make any further move.

Ran Deng looked forward, meeting the gaze of Li Changshou, who appeared like an old immortal.

Li Changshou exuded no pressure at all. His left face seemed to say, “just a formality,” and his right face, “following procedure,” making it impossible for bystanders to understand what would happen next.

Daoist Ran Deng slowly sat down, floating cross-legged on the small stool, and adjusted the hem of his wide robe.

He finally spoke, saying slowly, “I am the Vice Sect Master of the Chan School, born in ancient times, accompanying the Spirit Lamp, illuminating the paths of three lives, three deaths, and three cycles of reincarnation. Although the Heavenly Court governs the Three Realms and its rules bind all beings, are innate beings subject to the same constraints as acquired beings? I have a preliminary question: Innate beings were born before the Heavenly Dao took shape, not falling within the Five Elements nor listed among the Three Realms. What authority does the Heavenly Court have to interrogate them?”

The debate had begun.

Ran Deng’s seemingly flawed and easily refutable argument was, in fact, full of traps. If Daoist Yellow Dragon, standing nearby, were to refute it, he would surely retort with a question: The Heavenly Dao is utterly just and impartial; what difference is there between innate and acquired beings?

This would violate the taboo of the moment. Some things are understood internally but cannot be directly expressed until the time is right.

Today, most of the powerful figures who can influence the shifting tides in heaven and earth are still innate beings; among the mighty experts of the Daoist schools, except for the Human School, most are also innate beings.

Ran Deng’s words were actually a tactic to divert today’s focus, distract the attention of the immortals and gods, and steer the conflict towards the old topic of ‘innate beings and acquired beings competing for heavenly and earthly resources.’

Incidentally, it could also undermine the Heavenly Court’s authority, making innate beings wary of, or even resentful towards, the Heavenly Court.

It was an old sophistry.

Numerous gazes fell on Li Changshou’s face. Several powerful figures who instantly understood the key point also wanted to see how Li Changshou would refute it.

Li Changshou maintained a faint smile. Although he didn’t want to follow Ran Deng’s lead, Ran Deng’s question happened to provide him with an opportunity to promote the Heavenly Court’s ideology.

Li Changshou put down the gavel, revealed a benevolent smile, and praised him:

“That’s a very insightful question you’ve asked.”

Ran Deng’s brow immediately furrowed. Recalling previous negative experiences, he now felt somewhat uneasy.

Li Changshou leaned back in his grand chair. As he extended his left hand, a nimble young girl swiftly approached from the side, presenting a large jade tea mug.

The girl was, of course, the Jade Rabbit, who seized this opportunity to follow her master and serve tea and water, thereby gaining some experience in the Heavenly Court.

Li Changshou took a sip of tea, set down the mug, smoothed his breath, and slowly said:

“Today marks the Heavenly Court’s first trial concerning the crimes of highly influential beings, such as innate great powers and vice sect masters of major schools. Everything that transpires today will undoubtedly have profound implications and will serve as a benchmark for how the Heavenly Court handles such cases in the future. Therefore, in today’s trial, we must clarify several concepts.

“Firstly, regarding the subject of the crime, it can be defined in two ways: as an individual being or as an organization composed of multiple beings. Innate beings are born from the Innate Dao, but what are they composed of? Their primordial spirit and physical body are no different from those of acquired beings. We cannot deny the contributions such beings have made to heaven and earth. However, such contributions should only be considered at the end of the trial, after guilt has been determined, to decide whether to mitigate some penalties; they should not interfere with the entire trial process. Just like today’s Vice Sect Master Ran Deng.”

Li Changshou paused, then chuckled:

“Let’s assume that today, Vice Sect Master Ran Deng is found guilty of deliberately undermining the stability of the Three Schools, intending to incite a war between them, and to that end, coercing Chang’e, murdering her family, and framing an important Heavenly Court general. His actions are extremely heinous, utterly evil, and warrant immediate execution!”

The word “execution” carried a chilling murderous intent, startling all the immortals and gods present.

The Heavenly Court intended to kill Ran Deng?

Li Changshou’s tone then softened slightly:

“However, considering that the Chan School is a Saint’s great school, and the Saint Lord is a cornerstone of the Heavenly Dao, the Chan School has also made outstanding contributions to the development of heaven and earth. Although Vice Sect Master Ran Deng himself hasn’t done many good deeds, his long tenure as Vice Sect Master of the Chan School has yielded some small benefits. Therefore, the punishment that would normally result in the scattering of his soul can be transmuted into being cast into reincarnation… Do you all understand?

“Of course, I’m merely providing an example; one cannot directly impose a sentence out of thin air. Perhaps some of you are a bit confused, so I will provide a simple summary for everyone. Cough, ahem!”

Looking around, divine power surged around Li Changshou, as if his words held the power to manifest into reality. He then declared loudly:

“From this day forward!

“First, the Heavenly Court judges the crimes of beings, not their identities.

“Second, during the trial, a being’s identity is not considered. However, before punishment, their past merits may be. In fact, if the Heavenly Court consistently rewards merit, how can there be talk of using merits to offset demerits?

“Third, the Heavenly Court was established by the Dao Ancestor to govern the rules of the Three Realms. In reality, the Heavenly Court is not meant to develop into a hegemonic power ruling all beings, but rather to ensure that beings adhere to rules.

“Currently, the main categories of beings in heaven and earth are immortals, mortals, spirits, ghosts, demons, and the gods of the Heavenly Dao sequence who represent the Heavenly Dao! The Heavenly Court will ensure immortals’ carefree cultivation and exploration of the true meaning of the Great Dao. It will also protect mortals from being oppressed by immortals and demons, allowing them to live out their destined lives peacefully. Furthermore, it will encourage spirits to gain sentience and ensure ghosts find their ultimate rest!

“I dare not claim that the Heavenly Court possesses absolute justice, for the Heavenly Dao has flaws, and the Great Dao has its imperfections. The Heavenly Court as a whole is also composed of beings, not cold magical artifacts; thus, it cannot be perfectly flawless. However, under the guidance of His Majesty the Jade Emperor, we will continually progress and develop. The Heavenly Court will constantly improve through change, and its system will be continuously refined to find a balance between the stability of heaven and earth and the aspirations of all beings. In the future, no matter what arduous times we face, or if the Heavenly Court’s system ever becomes somewhat stagnant or unwieldy, as long as change still exists, beings can always hold hope for the Heavenly Court!

“Of course, we cannot satisfy every single being, as individual desires are boundless. But we must bring the glory of justice to the vast majority of beings! This step begins today, with the interrogation of Vice Sect Master Ran Deng, and moves forward!

“The rules the Heavenly Court seeks to establish are unrelated to innate or acquired status, unrelated to the Great Dao, to Qi Refiners, or to mortals. What the Heavenly Court consistently pursues is fairness! It is justice! It is fairness and justice!”

As the words fell, a pin drop could be heard throughout the hall.

Li Changshou had stood up at some point; divine light now shone around him, almost too dazzling to look at directly.

He unhurriedly settled back into his seat, as if he had just spoken about trivial matters. He then looked at Daoist Ran Deng, whose gaze was somewhat dazed, and slowly brought down the gavel in his hand.

“General Bian Zhuang, please recount your past experiences.”

“Yes, Star Lord.”

Bian Zhuang quietly assented. Just as he was about to speak, noisy cheers erupted from all around.

The assembled immortals, gods, Heavenly Soldiers, and Heavenly Generals cheered in unison. Many spirited men’s faces flushed crimson, many young cultivators showed mixed emotions in their eyes, and many immortal maidens’ eyes sparkled brightly.

At the top of the steps, near the hall entrance, the Queen Mother, who had arrived unnoticed, glanced at the Jade Emperor who was laughing beside her, and could only offer a faint, smiling sigh.

Meanwhile, the oldtimers like Duke Mu and the Old Man Under the Moon, who had joined the Heavenly Court when it was still weak, were now mostly shedding tears of old age.

After so many years of struggle in the Heavenly Court, they finally had a clear goal to strive for.

Next, observe the seven Daoist masters.

Zhao Gongming and True Person Yuding’s eyes sparkled. Holy Mother Golden Spirit looked at Li Changshou with considerable admiration, and Qiong Xiao’s small mouth was full of praise.

True Person Yellow Dragon wiped tears from the corners of his eyes and sighed emotionally, “If I didn’t lack true ability, I too would like to take a small post in the Heavenly Court to work for the welfare of all beings.”

True Person Taiyi let out a scoffing laugh: “The Heavenly Court doesn’t lack ornamental mascots.”

True Person Yellow Dragon’s forehead was filled with black lines. True Person Taiyi gave an awkward smile and softly mumbled apologies, explaining that he truly couldn’t restrain his straightforward tongue.

“Quiet, everyone, quiet!”

Li Changshou raised his hand and pressed down, and the clamor quickly subsided everywhere.

This time, Li Changshou no longer paid much attention to Ran Deng but looked at Bian Zhuang: “Be more detailed. Just talk about your own experiences, and try to control your emotions.”

“Ah, yes!”

Bian Zhuang let out a long sigh, his emotions rising. His eyes reddened, tears welled up, and he whispered:

“This junior general was originally the young master of Tianya, with a home and fields. Thanks to your guidance…”

The three-layered ‘Blow Out the Lamp’ tactic officially began.

‘Master… so impressive.’

Among the immortals and gods, Long Ji secretly praised him in her heart. She was watching the commotion with several Jade Pool immortal maidens and had witnessed her master’s speech just now.

As the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, she even felt a surge of excitement in her blood.

To be honest, Master truly possessed a certain irreplaceable quality in his position as a powerful minister in the Heavenly Court.

Daoist Ran Deng had absolutely no initiative. As soon as he launched his attack, Master calmly counterattacked, not only discrediting Ran Deng’s words and making him appear petty but also raising the most precious banner for the Heavenly Court: the righteousness of governing the Three Realms.

Previously, the Heavenly Court’s influence could be seen as an extension of the Dao Ancestor’s deterrent power. But from today onwards, the Heavenly Court’s influence extended beyond the Dao Ancestor’s deterrent range and embarked on a clear path: continuously improving, continuously refining, not perfect but striving for the greatest possible perfection, maintaining the rules and order of the Three Realms.

Isn’t this the correct path to alleviate the karma of beings and resist the invasion of the Nine Filth Springs?

The more Long Ji thought about it, the more she felt she had previously underestimated her master’s vision. Of course, she had already placed her master before her own father, but only today did she truly understand how much of heaven and earth her master held in his heart.

“Your Highness? Princess Long Ji?”

A sudden voice drifted from behind her.

Princess Long Ji’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. She turned to look and saw several Heavenly Generals standing not far away, their faces showing considerable anxiety.

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

Why are they suddenly looking for me? Could there be a scheme? She didn't hold any real power as a deity in the Heavenly Court, merely being a Jade Pool immortal maiden listed in the immortal registry. Although these Heavenly Generals didn't look unfamiliar, why were they suddenly calling out to her at this time and place? Clearly, something was amiss.

Long Ji knew her identity was special—she had a Heavenly Emperor for a father and a Queen Mother for a mother—but she hadn't enjoyed any Heavenly Court privileges and was relatively unknown there. With so many immortals and gods present, why would the Heavenly Generals seek her out for a matter?

Her master’s words, her master’s teachings, she dared not forget for a moment.

Long Ji pondered this internally and transmitted her voice to the Heavenly Generals: “Generals, please, what do you need me for?”

“Your Highness! A major matter!”

One Heavenly General anxiously transmitted his voice: “Cloud Xiao, a powerful figure from the Jie School, has arrived at the East Heavenly Gate. Could you please ask Star Lord if she should be allowed in and how to grant her entry?”

Long Ji’s beautiful eyes sparkled with understanding, and she directly transmitted her voice: “Then why are you delaying? Immortal Maiden Cloud Xiao is my teacher’s Dao companion; why are you still holding her back?”

“But according to Heavenly Court rules, no one without Heavenly Court immortal registration is allowed to enter without permission, which is why I’m anxious! That divine sword doesn’t recognize Star Lord’s Dao companion, you see.”

Long Ji pondered briefly, glanced at her master who was currently trapping Daoist Ran Deng in the hall, and quickly came up with an idea.

“Generals, please wait. I will go ask for my mother’s decree.”

After speaking, Long Ji went around to the front of the High Heavens Palace, quietly approached the hall entrance, bowed to the Queen Mother, and whispered a few words.

The Queen Mother smiled slightly, handed Long Ji a jade token, and instructed her to bring more immortal maidens to arrange an honor guard. The proper reception was naturally to be given.

After Long Ji personally went to the South Heavenly Gate to greet her, the Queen Mother and the Jade Emperor secretly discussed a few words and ordered a magnificent soft couch to be brought and placed beside the Queen Mother.

This soft couch was carved from ten-thousand-year-old spiritual coral from the East Sea, adorned with large pearls from the South Sea, jadeite agate from the West Sea, and Xuanqing ice-fire stones from the North Sea. It was cushioned with soft pads made of immortal cloud silk, stuffed with morning glow collected by immortal maidens from the edge of the sky each day as the Sun Star rose in the east.

Before long, Long Ji led Yun Xiao on a cloud, surrounded by immortal maidens and guarded by Heavenly Soldiers on the periphery.

Yet, even with numerous figures and vibrant colors, nothing could obscure that touch of elegant white. Yun Xiao stood quietly on the cloud, exceptionally distinguished, gentle, and graceful.

In the hall, Li Changshou had naturally long since spotted Yun Xiao’s graceful figure. However, at this crucial moment of interrogating Ran Deng, it was not appropriate to be distracted, especially with Long Ji accompanying Yun Xiao. So Li Changshou did not go to greet her, focusing instead on his tactics—ahem, on interrogating Ran Deng.

His posture became straighter, his expression more serious, and his voice more resonant. How to make one's unmarried Dao companion believe one has a good physique is a mandatory lesson for every man.

Yun Xiao followed Long Ji to the vicinity of the High Heavens Grand Hall. She originally didn’t want to go further inside, partly fearing she might disturb Li Changshou’s work and partly not wanting to be stared at by too many people. But Long Ji had already transmitted her voice, calling out, “Master’s wife, please take a seat here.”

Yun Xiao, unsure how to refuse, was slightly flustered by the repeated calls of “Master’s wife” and slowly walked to the front of the hall. She slightly bowed to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, addressing them as 'Martial Uncle'. The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile but did not speak. The Queen Mother, however, rose and took Yun Xiao’s soft hand, showering her with warm greetings, which made Yun Xiao feel somewhat uncomfortable.

In the hall, pairs of eyes inevitably turned their way. Upon seeing Yun Xiao arrive, especially as she wasn’t concealing herself with clouds, countless immortals and gods murmured various praises in their hearts. And when they saw Yun Xiao sitting down with the Queen Mother on that magnificent soft couch, with Princess Long Ji of the Heavenly Court standing quietly beside her serving, and two Jade Pool immortal maidens behind her holding fruits and immortal wine…

Qiong Xiao, Taiyi, Zhao Gongming: …

Their composure was utterly shaken.

After arriving, Yun Xiao said little, sitting quietly on the soft couch. After exchanging silent greetings with Zhao Gongming, Qiong Xiao, and Golden Spirit, she fixed her gaze on Li Changshou’s back, listening to his voice. And, incidentally, guarding against any potential ‘attack.’ The Primordial Golden Dipper hidden in her sleeve, and the palm-sized jade statue, could be thrown out at any moment.

Now, let’s hear the case being heard in the hall.

After Bian Zhuang finished recounting the earlier events, the severely injured Chang’e appeared and described how she had been coerced and threatened by villains. Li Changshou then summoned the three accomplices and several witnesses to the incident. He had the Golden Roc release the souls previously rescued, and after reuniting them with the Chang’e, he asked who had killed them. The answer was a few rogue cultivators.

Here’s a crucial point.

Li Changshou asked, “Most of you only possessed weak cultivation and belonged to the mortal realm. After those rogue cultivators killed you, they could have incinerated your bodies and scattered your souls, so why did they leave your living souls intact?”

The souls stammered, unable to provide a clear explanation.

A Heavenly General stepped forward from the crowd and reported:

“Reporting to Star Lord, before I joined the Heavenly Court, I trained in the Three Thousand Worlds and made many friends, so I am aware of this matter. Those rogue cultivators hired to kill also have a rule: unless the employer explicitly states to destroy the living souls, they generally won’t, to mitigate their own karma.”

“I see,” Li Changshou said. “General Ao Yi, go to the Tongming Palace and verify the truth of this matter.”

“Yes!”

Ao Yi acknowledged the order, retreated, and quickly hurried to the Tongming Palace.

Li Changshou said, “The review of this case has reached this point, and I believe everyone now understands the key aspects. The Qi Refiner who hired these rogue cultivators was Ju Liu Sun of the Chan School. Ju Liu Sun has already confessed. Duke Mu.”

Duke Mu of the East stood up, unfurled a scroll, and displayed it to everyone; it contained Ju Liu Sun’s signed confession.

Li Changshou then asked, “Ju Liu Sun, do you admit to this matter?”

Ju Liu Sun glanced at Ran Deng, then at Guang Cheng Zi. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he could only whisper, “I take responsibility for my own actions; I confess to this matter.”

“Good,” Li Changshou nodded and said, “This Star Lord shall now pronounce your sentences. Chang’e Su Qing’er of the Moon Palace, for framing a Heavenly Court general, attempting to mislead the public, with malicious intent and severe consequences, causing unrest in the Three Realms. However, considering that you were coerced and there are underlying circumstances, you will not be severely punished nor lightly released. Guards! Take Chang’e Su Qing’er to the Heavenly Punishment Hall, sever her immortal bones, destroy her cultivation, but preserve her lifespan, immortal registration, and immortal foundation, then cast her into the lower three heavens to cultivate anew! Her family members shall each enter reincarnation, and the Yama Hall is ordered to handle their cases justly!”

“Yes!”

Heavenly Generals immediately stepped forward.

The already severely injured Chang’e prostrated herself and tearfully cried, “Thank you, Star Lord, for not killing me! Thank you, Star Lord, for not killing me!”

Immediately, Li Changshou waved his hand, and the Chang’e was carried away by the Heavenly Generals.

“The other accomplices shall receive fifty thunder whips in the Heavenly Punishment Hall, be fined a thousand years’ salary, and be stripped of their Chang’e titles!”

The three Chang’e maidens bowed in acceptance of the order, stood up, and were led away by the Heavenly Generals.

Li Changshou then said, “General Bian Zhuang, please rise. Although you are innocent in this matter, you are guilty of being drunk. You are confined to the Heavenly River military camp for one hundred years. Do you object?”

Bian Zhuang hastily knelt and kowtowed: “How dare this humble general object!”

“You may leave,” Li Changshou waved his sleeve, standing up smoothly. Bian Zhuang got up and moved aside.

At that moment, Li Changshou’s gaze was like lightning, fixed directly on Ju Liu Sun.

“Duke Mu, Lunar Star Lord, what do you two think, how should this Chan School disciple be judged?”

Duke Mu of the East pondered for a few moments, then said, “He is, after all, a Saint’s disciple…”

However, the immortal maiden Heng’e, who was following the script, said:

“Today, the coerced Chang’e of the Moon Palace was punished by having her cultivation abolished but her immortal registration retained. If the mastermind behind coercing Chang’e receives a lighter punishment than this, it will be hard to convince the public.”

Li Changshou slowly nodded. “Since that is the case, why not simply deal with Ju Liu Sun and Ran Deng…”

This was the tactic.

One of them.

“Chang Geng! Star Lord!”

Two shouts were heard, and it was Guang Cheng Zi who stood up, frowning, and said, “May I say a few words?”

Li Changshou chuckled: “Martial Brother Guang Cheng Zi, are you perhaps trying to say that the Chan School will take joint responsibility for Ran Deng and Ju Liu Sun’s crimes this time, and will later compensate the Heavenly Court and severely punish the two of them?”

Guang Cheng Zi’s expression was filled with embarrassment at being correctly guessed. He said, “I ask the Heavenly Court to be lenient. They are the Vice Sect Master of the Chan School and direct disciples of our teacher. Our Chan School has been established in the Primordial World for such a long time and has made many contributions to the stability of heaven and earth before the rise of the Heavenly Court.”

Li Changshou slowly nodded, then said seriously, “Martial Brother Guang Cheng Zi, you are using the entire Chan School’s reputation to vouch for these two. Are you certain?”

“Alas,” Guang Cheng Zi sighed, “They will certainly be strictly disciplined.”

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, his eyes filled with hesitation. He said:

“It’s not that I don’t want to grant Martial Brother this courtesy, but rather that I stated at the outset that today’s proceedings are to set a benchmark and a precedent for future matters. Your request, Martial Brother, makes it quite difficult for me. How about this: I will rule on this case according to Heavenly Court laws, and the Chan School will carry out the punishment?”

Guang Cheng Zi bowed: “Thank you, Martial Brother Chang Geng, for your understanding. This matter… this matter truly reflects our Chan School’s insufficient oversight.”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, his gaze falling on Ran Deng and Ju Liu Sun. The latter two had secretly breathed a sigh of relief and now dared to meet Li Changshou’s gaze.

Most of the immortals, gods, and Heavenly Generals present had already anticipated this outcome. After all, it was a Saint’s great school; after all, it was just a formality.

Following this, Li Changshou said:

“Ju Liu Sun was originally to have his cultivation abolished and be cast into reincarnation. However, given that the Chan School has offered a guarantee, he is to surrender his personal Daoist scriptures and be confined to the mountains for three hundred years. The Heavenly Dao will lock his path to cultivation advancement, and his personal merit will be reset to zero and cannot increase. Furthermore, no one affiliated with the Heavenly Court shall employ Ju Liu Sun, as he is a condemned immortal of the Heavenly Dao. Should he commit any major transgression again, he will be severely punished, without mercy or reprieve from execution!”

With that, Li Changshou paused, then added, “The same applies to Ran Deng.”

Ju Liu Sun frowned slightly. Was this still considered reduced? This was tantamount to sealing off all his possibilities, effectively taking half his life!

Just as he was about to speak, two bolts of divine lightning struck down. One directly knocked Ju Liu Sun unconscious, while the other left Ran Deng with a pale face.

Sealing off cultivation advancement, merit reset to zero!

Moreover, several streams of light flew out from around Ju Liu Sun and Ran Deng—they were their storage magical treasures!

A Heavenly General stepped forward, collecting Ju Liu Sun’s and Ran Deng’s personal storage magical treasures, but failed to retrieve Ran Deng’s Spirit Coffin Lamp and Spirit Coffin.

Guang Cheng Zi and Li Changshou exchanged a glance. The former seemed to be saying, ‘Good tactics, Junior Brother, Senior Brother is very satisfied.’

However, Li Changshou’s gaze… Guang Cheng Zi suddenly found it somewhat inscrutable.

Li Changshou waved his sleeve and said, “This case concludes here. Ju Liu Sun and Ran Deng are to be handed over to Martial Brother Guang Cheng Zi to be taken back to Jade Pure Palace for punishment.”

Ju Liu Sun’s prone Dao body twitched a few times, then was immediately enveloped by Guang Cheng Zi’s immortal light and pulled back to his side.

And just as Ran Deng, who had only spoken once throughout the entire proceeding and been given no opportunity by Li Changshou to debate, was about to stand up, an unexpected change occurred.

Thump, thump, thump!

A rapid drumming sound came from the right side. All gazes converged there, and the assembled immortals and gods were once again subtly amazed.

They saw the female general beating the drum: her figure was slender and graceful, her form-fitting battle armor accentuated her charm to the fullest, her slender waist seemed too delicate to grasp, and her long hair cascaded like a waterfall, possessing an ineffable heroic aura.

The Heavenly Court’s Female War God! Youqin Xuan Ya!

“Everyone, please wait,” Li Changshou feigned ignorance, frowning as he asked, “Who is beating the drum? Bring them forward.”

Immediately, four Heavenly Generals stepped forward. Youqin Xuan Ya had already set down her drumsticks, removed her helmet, and publicly shed her armor, revealing the ice-blue long dress beneath. She quickly advanced, entering the hall from the side, and knelt before Li Changshou beside Zhao Gongming:

“Reporting to Star Lord, this humble general Youqin Xuan Ya, today wishes to bring a complaint against Vice Sect Master Ran Deng of the Chan School.”

Ran Deng suddenly remembered something at this moment. His face changed dramatically, his eyes narrowed, and he glared angrily at Li Changshou!

Li Changshou, however, revealed a slight smile and said gently:

“Xuan Ya, what are you doing? You are my junior sister. I was the one who introduced and vouched for you to serve in the Heavenly Court. If you have any grievances, just tell your elder brother directly. Your elder brother will certainly resolve it for you.”

Youqin Xuan Ya turned her head to glance at Ran Deng, then firmly stated:

“Xuan Ya accuses Vice Sect Master Ran Deng of, years ago, instructing an immortal sect to destroy my Youqin nation and slaughter countless lives of my Youqin clan, all for provocation and revenge!”

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, just as he was about to speak, when he heard drumming like thunder from afar. It was a divine official from the Divine Might Hall, rushing over on a cloud, who knelt outside.

“Reporting to Star Lord! The current Human Emperor, the ruler of the Shang Kingdom in the Southern Continent, through a dream revelation, accuses Vice Sect Master Ran Deng of the Chan School of, for his selfish motives, destroying his ancestral lineage and causing the Youqin nation to suffer greatly in those years!”

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

Li Changshou slowly nodded, looking directly at Ran Deng, but a faint smile appeared on his lips: “It seems, for now, Vice Sect Master Ran Deng won’t be able to leave the Heavenly Court.”

Having said that, he turned to face His Majesty the Jade Emperor, took a few steps forward, and declared loudly:

“I request Your Majesty to preside over this case!”

The Jade Emperor laughed, “My dear subject, you handled the previous case splendidly. Why must I personally intervene?”

“Well,” Li Changshou glanced at Youqin Xuan Ya and said seriously, “This humble god cannot preside, simply because I am the primary witness in the case of the Youqin nation’s destruction. This humble god personally witnessed that night: Vice Sect Master Ran Deng of the Chan School was giving orders! I earnestly request Your Majesty to allow this case to be tried immediately, to summon all relevant witnesses and participants from that year’s events! The truth must be thoroughly investigated and clarified!”

This is precisely:Before the hall, a pretense of formality; Xuan Ya’s challenge reveals murderous intent!