The dragon clan originates from ancient times, and the oldest dragon in existence is Tian Qi’s divine beast, the Azure Dragon Zi Han. Since Twilight took the throne of the Heavenly Emperor sixty thousand years ago, most of the world’s forbidden areas have been sealed with dragon marks, protecting the human realm from the ravages of celestial-demon conflicts. When the human emperor was born, Twilight himself set up the Guardian Dragon Array over the Ziwei Star’s position.
The dragon mark on Chong Zhao’s golden core was indeed the Golden Dragon Seal.
"The Golden Dragon Seal!" Before Xi Yun could speak, Shou An pointed at Chong Zhao, his eyes alight with excitement. "It’s him—he broke into the Guardian Dragon Array to assassinate the Ziwei Star!"
"Shou An, stand down," Xi Yun commanded sharply, releasing Chong Zhao and casting a glance at the various sect masters’ conflicted faces. Then he turned to Jin Yao and gave a slight bow. "Celestial Lord, attempting to assassinate the Ziwei Star and disrupt the mortal realm’s fate is punishable by death!"
Silence fell over the grove before the Wutong trees. Fu Ling’s expression changed drastically, but Tian Yu’s warning voice whispered in her ear.
"If he doesn’t break from the celestials, how will he ever walk the same path as you?"
Fu Ling’s body froze, her clenched hand slowly releasing as she pressed her lips together and lowered her gaze.
Tian Yu’s mouth curled slightly, though his expression remained serious as he looked at Jin Yao. "Celestial Lord Jin Yao, as this matter concerns your celestial clan’s internal affairs, I won’t intrude. Farewell."
As he spoke, Tian Yu cast a meaningful look at Chong Zhao, then suddenly added, "Chong Zhao, my demon clan values loyalty and does away with needless formalities. If the celestials cannot accommodate you, know that Cold Spring Palace’s doors are always open to you!"
With a hearty laugh, Tian Yu waved his hand, and the members of Cold Spring Palace disappeared from the Wutong Forest.
Not far away, Mu Jiu was eager to watch the drama unfold, but Hua Hong grabbed his arm, bowing slightly from a distance toward Jin Yao. "As this is a celestial matter, Hao Yue Hall will also take our leave."
With that, Hua Hong and Mu Jiu vanished from sight, and the other demons soon dispersed after them, leaving the grove by the Wutong trees empty of any demon presence.
With a flash of demon light, Hua Hong and Mu Jiu appeared outside the Carefree Pavilion. Mu Jiu pouted, disappointed. "Little Hua, this was just getting interesting. Why did you pull me away? Besides, Chong Zhao is Little Bai Shuo’s senior brother. By leaving, we’re leaving him without anyone to speak up for him."
Hua Hong looked at him as if he were a fool. "Are you that dense? If we speak up for him, he’ll only die faster. He saved Fu Ling today, and Jin Yao likely wants to protect him. Our presence would only make things harder for Jin Yao."
She walked into the pavilion’s courtyard, which was empty, with no trace of Fan Yue’s presence. Cang Shan stood there with a grim expression.
"Where is the Hall Master?"
"The Master left Phoenix Island just now."
Leaving Phoenix Island at this time? He must be heading to Bu Ji City.
Hua Hong frowned. With Chong Zhao accused of attempting to assassinate the Ziwei Star, not only was his entry into the Celestial Palace unlikely, but he was also facing severe punishment. No matter how clever Bai Shuo was, there was no way she could get Chong Zhao out of this unscathed. That stubborn girl might just cause a major upheaval to save her senior brother…
As the thought occurred, Hua Hong conjured a paper crane and sent it into the sky. The crane spun in the air before flying straight toward the demon realm.
"Chong Zhao, why is there a Golden Dragon Seal in your spiritual platform?"
In the grove, Jin Yao asked in a low voice, his gaze fixed on Chong Zhao, who was kneeling on one knee.
Before Chong Zhao could respond, Er Yun stepped forward to shield him, speaking anxiously. "Celestial Lord, my junior brother has always been devoted to the path and would never attempt to assassinate the Ziwei Star. There must be some misunderstanding! Junior Brother, speak up!"
Chong Zhao lowered his gaze, his lips pale, and remained silent. Although he had joined Miao Sect to seek revenge, after years of cultivation, his aspiration to rise to celestial heights and protect the people had become deeply rooted. But assassinating the Ziwei Star was a severe crime among celestials, and he had no way to clear his name.
"Ridiculous! The dragon seal is right there in his spiritual platform. If it wasn’t him, who else could it be?" Nan Wan sneered. "What’s more, with you defending him so fervently, perhaps Miao Sect knew of this all along. Is Miao Sect complicit in the attempt to assassinate the Ziwei Star?"
"You’re spouting lies!"
"It was I who broke into the imperial city and attempted to assassinate the Ziwei Star."
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