A hoarse, steady voice echoed through the grove—it was Chong Zhao.
"Junior Brother!" Er Yun’s face went pale as she tried to stop him, but Chong Zhao shook his head and stepped forward to stand before Jin Yao.
"My actions were driven solely by personal grievances; Miao Sect had no part in this. Whatever punishment the Celestial Lord deems fit, I will accept willingly. I only ask that Miao Sect be spared from blame."
"A mere junior celestial daring to commit such treason—Celestial Lord, Miao Sect cannot be blameless in this," Xi Yun said coldly.
He had completely alienated Miao Sect with his actions today. Though Miao Sect had declined, there was always the possibility of resurgence. It would be best to use Chong Zhao’s crime as an excuse to expel Miao Sect from the Eastern Sea. Without access to any blessed lands, Miao Sect would lose its chance at revival.
Jin Yao frowned, but he could not openly oppose Xi Yun. Chong Zhao had saved Fu Ling earlier, and if Jin Yao appeared too protective of Miao Sect, other celestial sects might see it as favoritism, damaging his standing among the celestials.
"How many years have you been with Miao Sect?"
From a short distance away, Supreme Celestial Yu Feng addressed Chong Zhao suddenly.
"Replying to Supreme Celestial Yu Feng, my junior brother has been with Miao Sect for less than four years," Er Yun answered quickly.
"Four years…" Yu Feng scrutinized Chong Zhao, then bowed to Jin Yao.
"Celestial Lord, this act against the Ziwei Star was indeed a personal vendetta and has nothing to do with Miao Sect."
The grove fell silent at Yu Feng’s words. The younger disciples were puzzled, but the sect leaders exchanged glances, understanding the certainty behind Yu Feng’s statement. Xi Yun’s eyelid twitched in apprehension as Yu Feng continued.
"Since it was a personal grievance and not an attempt to disturb the mortal order, celestial law favors compassion. Though he has erred, it is not a crime punishable by death," Yu Feng stated calmly.
"Since Supreme Celestial Yu Feng has spoken on your behalf, Chong Zhao, this seat will spare you the death penalty…"
"Celestial Lord, Chong Zhao has already entered the celestial path. Even if his motive was personal, leniency cannot be allowed!" Nan Wan protested, boldly interrupting Jin Yao.
"Nan Wan, you are out of line!" Xi Yun barked, angrily reprimanding him but allowing him to finish his statement before addressing Jin Yao with a bow. "Celestial Lord, my disciple spoke out of turn. Please forgive him. However, he is not entirely wrong. Even if the motive was personal, celestials and demons are strictly forbidden from interfering with the mortal realm—a rule fundamental to the Three Realms. Chong Zhao has committed a serious transgression, and if we do not enforce strict punishment, others in the future could invoke personal grievances as a pretext to disrupt the mortal world, threatening the very fabric of the Three Realms."
Xi Yun’s words were met with nods from the other sect masters. Jin Yao frowned, turning to Xi Yun. "Then, in Sect Master Xi Yun’s view, what punishment does Chong Zhao’s offense merit?"
Xi Yun adopted a solemn expression. "This disciple disregarded the laws of the Three Realms, lacking a true dedication to the path. He should be stripped of his title as the Wu Yan Tournament champion and barred from entering the Nine Heavens."
"Though he possesses excellent celestial bones, one’s commitment to the path is of greater importance," Jin Yao sighed, nodding. "Chong Zhao, the Celestial Palace is the foundation of our celestial clan. This seat will strip you of your title as champion of the Wu Yan Tournament. Do you have anything to say?"
"I have nothing to say," Chong Zhao replied, bowing his head.
"In that case, you shall return with your master…"
"The death penalty may be waived, but punishment is still necessary. I request that the Celestial Lord impose thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip to uphold celestial law and serve as a warning to others."
Xi Yun spoke firmly.
"Sect Master Xi Yun!" Jin Yao’s face darkened slightly.
Chong Zhao’s spiritual platform was already injured, and thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip would be enough to shatter his celestial bones, making further cultivation impossible. Xi Yun’s suggestion was aimed at cutting off Miao Sect’s future.
Seeing Jin Yao’s hesitation, Xi Yun turned to Chong Zhao. "Celestial law is merciful, and the Celestial Lord cherishes talent, so it’s natural he would feel reluctant. Since that’s the case, I am willing to be lenient. Chong Zhao, if you personally apologize to the Ziwei Star before the assembled sect leaders, I will forgo the thirty-six lashes in recognition of your earlier service in saving our disciples in the foreign city. What do you say?"
Jin Yao’s expression softened slightly, and he was about to speak when Chong Zhao interrupted firmly, “There’s no need.”
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