Chapter 615: Limiting Comeback in Front of Lingxiao Hall

"This Daoist, Daoist Wei Zi, a Qi cultivator from Jade Pure Palace... indeed, I am the founding patriarch of the Daowei Immortal Sect.

Back then, the Daowei Immortal Sect I founded did have a dispute with the Immortal Ascension Sect.

However, this was due to the Daowei Immortal Sect's own development, as we sought territories for worship and support.

The Honglin Kingdom of the Youqin clan happened to be situated between two principalities that offered tribute to the Daowei Immortal Sect, which led to the dispatch of troops to attack and launch a surprise raid on Honglin's capital.

At the time, this was considered normal territorial expansion. Furthermore, I specifically instructed everyone within the Immortal Sect to avoid direct conflict with the Immortal Ascension Sect as much as possible, and we had prepared other principalities to exchange with the Immortal Ascension Sect for Honglin Kingdom.

While this act was indeed wrong, and immortal sects should not casually interfere with mortal affairs, the Heavenly Courts had not yet risen at that time. All immortal sects in Middle Continent operated this way; it was an old tradition of the Primordial World.

I am willing to accept punishment from the Heavenly Courts for this matter."

In front of the High Heavens Palace, within the trial court, Daoist Wei Zi, dressed in a long, silk-lined grey robe, spoke these words with his head bowed.

Before him, atop the numerous steps, the Jade Emperor sat silently behind his jade desk, his face devoid of expression. This put considerable pressure on the immortal Daoist Wei Zi, a long-lived enlightened one, causing a faint sheen of sweat to appear on his forehead.

Since Li Changshou was no longer the chief judge, the trial venue had been reformed. The position of chief judge naturally belonged to the Jade Emperor, who sat at the front of the palace entrance. At Li Changshou's suggestion, no co-judges were added for this case. Numerous Heavenly Court deities stood on either side of the steps, free to offer advice and speak at any time.

The preceding statement was naturally the result of Daoist Wei Zi's careful deliberation, and it was also within Li Changshou's expectations. If Daoist Wei Zi had immediately shifted all blame to Randeng, it would have backfired. Daoist Wei Zi's statement at this moment was likely unrelated to the stance of the Chan School, as he was not a significant figure within it.

Li Changshou stood silently directly below the steps, saying nothing.

At the palace entrance, the Jade Emperor mused for a moment, then slowly said: "Daoist Wei Zi, everything you say now will be crucial in determining the course of this case. I sit here. Do not let fear prevent you from speaking the truth. The Heavenly Dao is watching you constantly."

Daoist Wei Zi's body trembled, and he let out a bitter smile internally. He was, after all, a long-lived immortal and a member of the Chan School. Ordinarily, wherever he went, he was revered; even at occasional banquets in East Kunlun, he would hear so many flattering words that his ears would soften. But here, he felt like a 'vulnerable individual'.

Daoist Wei Zi secretly glanced at Vice-Patriarch Randeng, who stood silently to his right front, then at Senior Brother Guangchengzi, the spokesperson for Jade Pure Palace, who was a little further away. His mind was filled with a multitude of thoughts. He had absolutely no idea this matter would implicate him. Hadn't it been said that today the Heavenly Courts would use the Chang'e incident to accuse the Heavenly Generals, challenging their Chan School Vice-Patriarch and thereby establishing the Heavenly Courts' superior position over the great Saint Sects? Why had it suddenly become about the Daowei Immortal Sect?

But Daoist Wei Zi was a shrewd Daoist. Suddenly named by the Heavenly Courts' Winged Marshal, Golden-Winged Great Peng, he began to wonder what had truly happened, though he didn't figure it out. When Senior Brother Chijingzi brought him before the Heavenly Court generals, Daoist Wei Zi naturally heard Chijingzi's whispered message: "After you go to the Heavenly Courts, if someone asks questions, say what you should, and weigh carefully what you shouldn't."

So Daoist Wei Zi weighed his words all the way. Upon arriving at the Heavenly Courts and hearing what the Heavenly Court's influential deity, Grand White Star Lord, had said during the previous interrogation, he immediately understood what was going on. How could Daoist Wei Zi not know about this matter? When Vice-Patriarch Randeng approached him back then, he had thought a broad path lay before him, and he surely had to seize the opportunity. If Vice-Patriarch Randeng was pleased, wouldn't he be promoted to a direct disciple of the Chan School, gain the opportunity to listen to the Saint's teachings, and by chance be favored by the Saint Master, becoming a core disciple of the Chan School, ranking as the Thirteenth Golden Immortal of the Chan School... Alas, what a pity.

At that time, Vice-Patriarch Randeng suffered a loss, having been outmaneuvered by today's Grand White Star Lord, who sat behind the long table, to the point where most of his treasures accumulated over countless years were gone. Daoist Wei Zi was also reprimanded a few times for this, and thereafter had been in secluded cultivation in Jade Pure Palace. Not daring to dwell on it, Daoist Wei Zi pondered for a moment, mused quietly, and then stated: "This Daoist has not spoken falsely."

The Jade Emperor slowly nodded, then gently waved his left hand. A streak of golden light shot into the sky above the High Heavens Palace, and his calm voice resounded everywhere: "The Heavenly Dao shall judge."

Boom!

A purplish-black lightning dragon appeared out of thin air, streaking directly above Daoist Wei Zi's head, baring its fangs and claws, its might overwhelming! The somewhat terrifying Heavenly might slammed down, causing Daoist Wei Zi's body to tremble violently. He looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with terror. "Th-this…"

The Jade Emperor chuckled softly, saying: "You are a disciple of a great sect. I'm giving you this chance. Otherwise, the next Heavenly Punishment won't just be to scare you, but will fall upon you directly. Here! Under the surveillance of the Heavenly Dao, if you dare to speak falsely, I will certainly not spare you!"

Daoist Wei Zi quickly lowered his head, making a deep Daoist bow. His pupils darted from side to side, and he unexpectedly gasped, taking a sharp breath. What should he do?

Suddenly, he heard Li Changshou sigh: "Your Majesty, Daoist Wei Zi surely fears someone here, which is why he dares not speak the truth. Why not issue a verbal decree yourself? If Daoist Wei Zi reveals the truth, our Heavenly Courts will not only guarantee his safety and explain to the Chan School but also exempt him from a portion of his culpability. From this matter, it appears Daoist Wei Zi was not the primary evil-doer. He was compelled to obey the orders of a certain Vice-Patriarch."

Daoist Wei Zi's Adam's apple twitched, and he almost nodded in agreement.

The Jade Emperor slowly nodded, saying: "My beloved minister speaks wisely. Daoist Wei Zi, I give you this promise. Do you dare to speak now?"

"This Daoist, this Daoist…"

"Sigh," Guangchengzi interjected, "Just say whatever it is. Simply report truthfully what happened back then. Although this matter concerns Vice-Patriarch Randeng, today it is the current Human Emperor who is filing the accusation. It would be good if you are not implicated."

"Ah, Senior Brother, you also know about this…" Daoist Wei Zi sighed, just about to speak.

Li Changshou suddenly said: "Daoist Wei Zi, why don't you sit down and speak, to steady your mind?"

From the side, the meditation cushion originally meant for Juliusun was swiftly brought over by a Heavenly General. How could Daoist Wei Zi dare to refuse? After sitting down cross-legged, Daoist Wei Zi indeed felt a bit more confident.

He pondered briefly, his gaze darting to Randeng's ashen face, then slowly said: "Fellow Daoists of the Heavenly Courts must surely know that before the rise of the Heavenly Courts, the interaction between immortals and mortals followed this principle: mortals sought pills for longevity, while immortals sought fortune and merit. Most would openly or covertly control various kingdoms and tribes. At that time, no one said this was wrong; the main body of immortals were also humans, after all. Of course, with the rules now set by the Heavenly Courts, such actions are indeed wrong. This Daoist has also long since ordered the Daowei Immortal Sect to cease exploiting mortal kingdoms…"

"Get to the point," Li Changshou interrupted his rambling, saying firmly, "The issue now is, were you, Daoist Wei Zi, personally responsible for besieging Honglin Kingdom, launching a night raid on its capital, and ordering the massacre of all male members of the contemporary Human Emperor's clan?"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Wei Zi immediately became anxious. "How could that be me? Though this Daoist is not exceptionally benevolent or compassionate, I know how difficult it is for living beings to survive. Even in the struggles between immortal sects and the mortal world for merit and resources, there are always bottom lines. Which righteous Qi cultivator would wantonly slaughter mortals? This would surely invite karmic backlash!"

Li Changshou calmly asked: "Since you didn't give the order, was someone else directing you?"

"This Daoist cannot fully explain this matter," Daoist Wei Zi said, glancing at Randeng, then lowering his voice, "I merely brought the contemporary Sect Master of the Daowei Immortal Sect before Vice-Patriarch Randeng. All arrangements were... made by Vice-Patriarch Randeng."

Li Changshou's face showed understanding. He turned to report briefly to the Jade Emperor. He then added: "Your Majesty, Marshal Golden Peng has already summoned all the contemporary Sect Master and several important elders of the Daowei Immortal Sect."

"Summon them," the Jade Emperor said coldly. To the side, Mu Gong called out, and several figures were escorted in by Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. This time, the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals were not polite. One of them shouted: "Kneel!" These several ordinary Golden Immortal level old Daoists trembled, bowing their heads and kneeling, not daring to lift their heads.

A certain influential Heavenly Court minister, who had claimed it was improper for him to be the chief judge if he was to be a witness, now incessantly questioned these long-lived immortals from the Chan School's subordinate immortal sects. One by one, they confessed.

"Vice-Patriarch Randeng personally ordered this humble immortal to first gain control of two tribes near Honglin Kingdom, Dongli and Haiti. Vice-Patriarch Randeng is an ancient powerful being, the Vice-Patriarch of the Chan School. Even my master would be respectful before him, so this humble immortal dared not disobey…"

"Are there any details?"

"De-details…"

"How did you control these two tribes?"

The Sect Master sighed: "Replying to Grand White Star Lord, this matter is a little difficult to speak of. Immortal sects generally negotiate with mortal human principalities, offering them benefits first, then gradually making contact. If a principality already had an immortal power, they would engage in secret struggles, negotiate step by step, and finally determine a winner. Usually, major magical conflicts would not erupt. But at that time, Vice-Patriarch Randeng pressed us tightly, giving us only a few months to see immediate results. We had no choice but to use some tactics…"

"What tactics?"

"We selected female disciples from our sect who had average cultivation aptitude but outstanding looks, and used some mind-controlling elixirs to control the leaders of those two tribes…"

Li Changshou frowned: "Was this method instructed by Vice-Patriarch Randeng?"

"Yes, yes." The Sect Master lowered his head and sighed, causing a commotion among the surrounding Heavenly Court immortals and deities.

Immortal Taiyi narrowed his eyes. Although his mouth was sealed, he could still make a resounding comment: "Mmmph! Randeng is so... *cough cough*!"

Though this detail was small, it thoroughly ruined Randeng's image as an ancient powerful being and a respected figure of the Chan School. Li Changshou sighed, then continued to inquire about various details, directly revealing the tragedy of Honglin Kingdom that night.

Half an hour later, the emotions of all the immortals and deities were roused, and they glared angrily at Randeng.

Within the formation deep inside the Grand White Palace, Li Changshou's paper avatar and the Jade Emperor's incarnation, Quan Tong, squatted together, exchanging a few quiet words.

In front of the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, and the several witnesses from the Daowei Immortal Sect all withdrew. The Jade Emperor sighed: "Daoist Randeng, if only you had used such cleverness for righteous purposes, the world would be much more peaceful."

A Heavenly Court deity stepped two paces across the platform, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and reported: "Your Majesty! The matter of Daoist Randeng relying on his power to harm the contemporary Human Emperor's clan has been thoroughly investigated and confirmed! We implore Your Majesty to punish him severely!"

The Jade Emperor said: "My beloved minister, do not rush. Although this matter is clear, today's proceedings serve as a reference for the Heavenly Courts' future actions, so we must still pay attention to all details. Chang Geng, my beloved minister, you previously mentioned having physical evidence. Where is this evidence?"

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou bowed, taking out a record sphere from his sleeve. "This is the physical evidence."

The Jade Emperor said: "Let's see it."

"Yes!" Li Changshou responded, activating the record sphere's enchantment. Immediately, a scene under a starry night appeared within it. Randeng was sitting cross-legged on a cloud, five-colored divine light shimmering around him, and the Glazed Pagoda in his hand instantly flew away from him. At the same time, a shimmering aquamarine halo slowly unfurled, twenty-four great stars shone, and Randeng's figure instantly froze, the universe around him completely sealed.

A Daoist clad in armor with a beautiful beard descended from the air, hurriedly shouting: "'Vice-Patriarch Randeng, don't be afraid! This Daoist has protected you! Everyone, give Zhao Gongming some face, no more fighting!' 'Oh dear! Why is my treasure stuck? Is it not obeying me?'"

The scene abruptly ended. Actually, there was a spoils-sharing segment afterwards, but one still needs to consider one's own image and that of Brother Zhao. Even so, all the immortals and deities almost burst out laughing. As long as Randeng was pre-cast as the 'villain', watching him suffer a loss always brought immense amusement.

Elder Brother Gongming, however, was red-faced at this moment, sitting there, looking down to the side, being teased by Qiongxiao's gaze.

"Well done," Golden Spirit Holy Mother said calmly. Zhao Gongming's spirits lifted, and he immediately puffed out his chest, raised his head, and reclined diagonally in the Grand Tutor's chair, radiating an imposing aura.

Li Changshou used immortal power to push the record sphere to Mu Gong, who took custody of it as evidence.

"Chang Geng, my beloved minister," the Jade Emperor asked with a smile, "What is the next step in the procedure?" It was truly just a formality.

"Your Majesty, the physical evidence is present, and all witnesses are accounted for. The next step is to ask Randeng if he admits his guilt." Having said that, Li Changshou turned to Randeng, saying: "Presumably, Vice-Patriarch, you no longer wish to speak at this point."

Upon hearing this, Randeng's lips curled into a slight sneer, and he said calmly: "Since Grand White Star Lord has already arranged everything, it is useless for this Daoist to say more. However, this Daoist has always acted this way, from ancient times until now. Planning and strategizing are fundamental to survival in the Primordial World. Today, the Heavenly Courts are using such a matter to accuse this Daoist. All Qi cultivators from ancient and primordial times in the Primordial World will then have their weaknesses seized by you, to be driven and controlled. What a clever scheme! But Grand White Star Lord, the Heavenly Courts achieved their current glory with the support of the Dao Sect. Now, you turn around and seek to make an example of a Vice-Patriarch of a great Daoist sect to establish your authority. Can your conscience be at peace?"

Many immortals and deities around pondered slightly, feeling there was some truth to his words. Li Changshou chuckled softly, calmly meeting the challenge: "Vice-Patriarch Randeng's words are mistaken. The Heavenly Courts do not seek to seize anyone's weaknesses, nor do they wish to control anyone. This world, though vast, is essentially just the Five Continents and Three Thousand Worlds. The Heavenly Courts are backed by the Heavenly Dao, they seek stability for heaven and earth, and they uphold righteousness through the ages. Vice-Patriarch Randeng, there's no need to deflect the issue. Among the powerful beings and great cultivators in the world today, who stands with you? Who aligns with you? The Western Sect? When you ordered the massacre of the Youqin clan, you probably didn't foresee that they would become the contemporary Human Emperor, gathering the fortune of humanity, did you? This is the retribution the Heavenly Dao has given you. Do you plead guilty in this case?"

Randeng closed his eyes, saying nothing, standing quietly as if indifferent to everything. Li Changshou nodded, then turned to make a Daoist bow to the Jade Emperor: "Your Majesty! Vice-Patriarch Randeng refuses to admit guilt. May we request the Heavenly Dao to give its decree and determine his culpability!"

Just as the Jade Emperor was about to speak, Randeng said: "No need. This Daoist admits it. It was my doing."

Li Changshou immediately seized the opportunity, a chilling glint in his eyes: "Since Randeng has admitted guilt, I implore Your Majesty to issue a decree for his punishment!"

"Your Majesty, the Jade Emperor!" Daoist Randeng stepped half a pace forward, and immediately streaks of lightning appeared around him, forming a cage that trapped him. Randeng said firmly: "Do the Heavenly Courts truly intend to kill a Vice-Patriarch of the Chan School, completely severing ties with a great Saint Sect? I implore Your Majesty, the Jade Emperor, to reconsider. This Grand White Star Lord and I are mortal enemies! This Daoist has repeatedly sought to kill him and be done with it, and he has repeatedly sought to ruin this Daoist's reputation. With such personal animosity intertwined with Heavenly Court public affairs, how can the beings of the world be convinced?"

The Jade Emperor frowned deeply. He wasn't conflicted about how to handle this matter; he and his beloved minister Chang Geng had long since decided. The Jade Emperor was simply annoyed with Daoist Randeng. Although all living beings naturally seek life and avoid death, Randeng's continuous rhetoric was already influencing many immortals and deities around them. What a formidable Vice-Patriarch of the Chan School. No wonder Chang Geng said—if Randeng wasn't firmly dealt with in front of the High Heavens Palace today, there might be great trouble in the future.

From the crowd, a Heavenly Court civil official stepped forward and announced loudly: "Your Majesty! Since Randeng has already admitted guilt, why should we listen to his deceptive words? For Grand White Star Lord to remove this ancient being, who is morally corrupt and utterly shameless, is proper both for public and private reasons! The reason Grand White Star Lord harbored such a mortal enmity with Randeng precisely proves that Grand White Star Lord hates evil like fire! Please recall, Your Majesty, when Grand White Star Lord formed this enmity with a Vice-Patriarch of a great Saint Sect like Randeng, Grand White Star Lord's authority was not high, his position not significant, and he was merely an ordinary disciple of the Human School! That he could contend with an ancient leviathan like Randeng, outwitting and outmaneuvering him to victory, does this not prove that the Heavenly Courts are protected by the Heavenly Dao, and Grand White Star Lord is aided by the Heavenly Dao! Who is righteous and who is evil is immediately clear!"

The Jade Emperor's eyes lit up, and he asked with a smile: "What is your position?" The Heavenly Court minor official humbly replied: "This minor deity is Wang Shan. I have not been in the Heavenly Courts long, serving in the Reverence for Heaven Hall."

"Transfer him to the Tongming Hall, promote his rank to fifth tier," the Jade Emperor said calmly, then waved his hand. Wang Shan showed no joy on his face, spoke no refusal, and immediately bowed and retreated. The occasion was inappropriate.

Seeing this, Li Changshou's lips curved into a faint smile. He had unexpectedly discovered a future minor pillar of the Heavenly Courts. Putting Wang Shan aside for now, Li Changshou gazed at Randeng and calmly asked: "Vice-Patriarch Randeng, will you not debate further?"

Randeng shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with regret, and sighed: "The Heavenly Courts are nothing more than this!"

"Seize him!" Li Changshou shouted loudly. From the side, Heavenly Soldiers and Generals swarmed forward. The power of the Heavenly Dao suddenly became immensely dense, and lightning flashed repeatedly before the High Heavens Palace! To the side, Zhao Gongming stood up, Golden-Winged Great Peng grasped his Small God-Slaying Spear, and a phantom of Golden Spirit Holy Mother's dharma body had appeared behind her. Meanwhile, Immortal Yunxiao, standing on the steps, already had golden light radiating from her Primordial Golden Cauldron. As long as Randeng dared to resist, none of them would mind directly joining forces to suppress him.

Guangchengzi clenched his fists in his sleeves, then slowly stood up, his expression incredibly complex. Immortal Yuding raised his hand and pressed Immortal Taiyi's shoulder, fearing that Immortal Taiyi would directly charge out. Immortal Huanglong's reaction was the most genuine. At this moment, he looked at Randeng in a panic, wanting to speak but not knowing how, fearing that a great battle would ensue and Randeng would tragically die before the High Heavens Palace. On Randeng's shoulder, a spiritual lamp appeared, and a hint of ferocity flashed in his eyes…

Just at this moment!

Caw—

A high-pitched cry sounded, and a streak of white light appeared on the horizon. But in the next instant, it had already soared a hundred *li* away, and a calm shout, resonating with the Great Dao, spread across thousands of miles. "Please, do not act. This Daoist carries a decree from the Saint Master."

A Saint's decree?

A flicker of thought quickly crossed Li Changshou's eyes. He raised a hand to make a stop gesture, and the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals who were rushing towards Randeng immediately halted their steps and quickly retreated. The spiritual lamp on Randeng's shoulder dimmed, and a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. Qiongxiao pursed her lips and sighed: "Trouble. A true expert from the Chan School is here."

A Heavenly General cursed loudly: "Who dares to trespass into the Heavenly Courts!" The Jade Emperor, however, raised a hand, signaling the general to say no more. Immortal senses and gazes converged on the newcomer. Some who recognized the immortal had already spoken his name: Nanji Xianweng.

This old immortal, whose face bore an unusual mark, leaned on a peach wood staff, standing on the back of his white crane. He was no longer in a hurry, advancing steadily and unhurriedly. Behind him, several streaks of light chased after him—they were the gate-keeping Heavenly Generals, who had been completely unable to stop this old immortal just now. The three divine swords hanging above the Heavenly Gate showed no reaction to him, as if the Heavenly Dao permitted him free passage within the Heavenly Courts. Li Changshou sent a voice transmission, instructing the few Heavenly Generals.

"Report—" A Heavenly General dashed forward at full speed, arriving at the High Heavens Palace first, kneeling on one knee and shouting loudly: "Nanji Xianweng, disciple of the Chan School Saint, requests an audience outside the Central Heavenly Gate!"

The old Daoist on the white crane revealed a faint smile, and his relaxed, amiable voice drifted over: "Due to the urgency of the situation, this Daoist has been rather impolite. My master, the Jade Pure Saint Primordial Heavenly Lord, carries a decree. Once I have delivered my master's decree, I will submit myself to Heavenly Court's judgment."

Inside the Grand White Palace, the two avatars secretly and quickly exchanged words. In front of the High Heavens Palace, the Jade Emperor said with a smile: "Since you carry a Saint's decree, there is no need to pursue the matter of Immortal Nanji trespassing through the Heavenly Gate. May I know the content of the Jade Pure Saint's decree?"

Nanji Xianweng made a Daoist bow from afar, then stepped off the white crane. His figure seemed to merge into a cluster of white clouds, only to reappear directly in front of the High Heavens Palace. The white crane remained waiting in the clouds far away, not transforming into its child attendant form. Nanji Xianweng stepped forward to bow, first greeting the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. He then made a Daoist bow to both Li Changshou and Mu Gong, and subsequently exchanged greetings with Guangchengzi, Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, and the other eight Dao Sect experts who had risen to meet him. Immortal Taiyi seized the opportunity to remove the magic treasure sealing his mouth.

A peaceful, reassuring Dao aura flowed forth, and Nanji Xianweng slowly said: "Today's events have already caused a great stir, spreading throughout the Three Realms of the Primordial World. My Master's verbal decree is that this matter should not be prolonged, and the Heavenly Courts should handle it swiftly." After speaking, Nanji Xianweng looked at Daoist Randeng and said with a smile: "Vice-Patriarch, Master instructs you not to rely on your divine powers."

Daoist Randeng closed his eyes and sighed, murmuring: "As per the Patriarch's command."

Li Changshou, however, frowned slightly at this moment. With his comprehension abilities, he surprisingly couldn't understand what the Saint's decree truly meant. Indeed, a Saint is still a Saint, always the one setting the complex questions.

Li Changshou's thoughts raced. He smiled and asked: "Senior Brother, have you also come to plead for Vice-Patriarch Randeng?"

"Junior Brother, don't misunderstand," Nanji Xianweng said gently, leaning on his staff, "This Daoist has merely come to deliver my Master's decree, and requests the Heavenly Courts to make a swift judgment. However, this Daoist has a question and would like to ask Chang Geng about it."

Here it comes. This hidden grandmaster of the Chan School is about to make his move!

Li Changshou reactivated his Empty-Minded Dao Heart and made a gesture of invitation: "Senior Brother, please enlighten me."

"It's actually just a small question," Nanji Xianweng said with a smile, "Before the Heavenly Courts' rise, beings of the Three Realms were unaware of the Heavenly Rules and had not heard the name of the Heavenly Courts. Their actions all followed the rules of ancient and primordial times. Vice-Patriarch Randeng, due to his old grievances with you, Junior Brother Chang Geng, schemed for revenge. He certainly made a mistake, but all of this happened before the Heavenly Courts rose. Vice-Patriarch Randeng was probably unaware of how the Heavenly Rules were set or what the Heavenly Courts' philosophy was. In other words, at that time, laws had not yet been established, and living beings were unaware. If such wrongdoings were committed without knowing they violated Heavenly Rules, should some leniency be granted, and the culpability reduced at discretion? This Daoist knows that Heavenly Court rules have existed for a long time, but they are constantly being refined and have not been publicly announced to the Three Realms. Presumably, when Vice-Patriarch Randeng schemed against the Youqin clan, if he had known the Heavenly Rules and the Heavenly Courts' philosophy, he would surely have seen the error of his ways and not committed such an act against the Heavenly Courts. Junior Brother Chang Geng, tell me, is this reasoning sound?"

Li Changshou: ... He was utterly impressed.

Randeng, from the side, sighed: "To this very moment, this Daoist does not know what these Heavenly Rules are."

A comeback?

Li Changshou suddenly looked up and sighed: "In that case... all immortals and deities, please withdraw. Unrelated individuals, disperse. This Daoist, Li Changshou, a disciple of the Grand Pure One, will settle old scores with Vice-Patriarch Randeng of the Chan School. Only one of us shall remain."

As he finished speaking, Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Golden Spirit Holy Mother stood up, their expressions cold and severe. The Jade Emperor's figure, along with the Queen Mother and Long Ji, vanished simultaneously. However, the Heavenly Court General Quan Tong swiftly flew over from the Grand White Palace.

Shou was ready for a fight.