Phoenix Island was quiet through the night.
Outside Song Feng Courtyard, Er Yun paced with anxiety. Since she had informed Song Yun the night before about Chong Zhao’s attempted assassination of the Ziwei Star, he had remained silent and hadn’t left his room. Now, with the time for Chong Zhao’s punishment approaching, Er Yun’s worry deepened.
As dawn broke, the door to the room opened, and Song Yun emerged in his Daoist robe, walking out slowly.
“Second Uncle, Junior Brother… he…” Er Yun rushed forward, about to speak, but Song Feng waved her off.
“Yun’er, don’t concern yourself with Zhao’er’s situation. Second Uncle knows what needs to be done.”
Song Feng patted Er Yun’s hand and took a few steps towards the courtyard gate, pausing in thought.
“Yun’er, I’ve been reflecting on things these days. The path of cultivation is long, and the rise and fall of a celestial sect is as natural as the changing sun and moon. As long as Miao Sect holds true to its founding purpose and continues to protect the people of the Eastern Sea, returning to prominence is of little consequence.”
“Second Uncle?” Er Yun blinked in surprise.
“When Zhao’er returns, share these thoughts with him.”
With a sigh, Song Feng said no more, striding out of Song Feng Courtyard.
As the time for punishment approached, the sect masters, along with their disciples, began gathering in groups, making their way to Phoenix Island’s main hall.
Xi Yun walked with a light step, and Nan Wan, following close behind, couldn’t conceal his smug expression.
“Master, you were brilliant. With just a few words yesterday, you made Chong Zhao give up his chance to avoid punishment. The thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip from Thunderous Celestial are devastating—even if he survives, his celestial bones will shatter, and he’ll struggle to progress on his path.”
Xi Yun scoffed. “A mere clown. How could someone like him become the champion of the Wu Yan Tournament and receive blessings in the Celestial Palace? Kunlun has always been independent, and Bei Chen’s status is unique, equal to the head of Kunlun, so he won’t enter the Celestial Palace. Among the younger generation of celestials, there is no one to rival you. After today’s punishment, I’ll recommend you to enter the Celestial Palace and receive blessings.”
“Thank you, Master,” Nan Wan said with a bright smile, though he looked puzzled. “Master, I do have one question.”
“What is it?”
“I don’t understand why, given that Chong Zhao’s crime of attempting to assassinate the Ziwei Star is punishable by death, Celestial Lord Jin Yao and the other sect masters accepted Thunderous Celestial’s argument that he acted out of personal vengeance rather than a desire to disrupt the mortal realm.”
Xi Yun stopped walking for a moment. “You’re still young, so you wouldn’t know. Ever since His Majesty Twilight ascended to the throne of the Celestial Palace and assumed control over the Three Realms sixty thousand years ago, each mortal Ziwei Star has been a manifestation of a high-ranking celestial sent to undergo trials in the mortal world.”
“You mean…?” Nan Wan’s eyes widened in realization.
“The previous Ziwei Star was none other than Thunderous Celestial.”
“I see.” Nan Wan’s understanding grew. “I’ve heard that Thunderous Celestial recently descended to undergo a trial, taking on the form of the Ziwei Star. Master, what kind of grudge could Chong Zhao hold against the Ziwei Star that he would rather shatter his celestial bones than repent?”
“The Ziwei Star governs all under heaven. For him to be recognized by the Ziwei Star, Chong Zhao must have come from a distinguished family in the mortal realm. To bear such a grudge, it must be a blood feud.” Xi Yun gave a cold laugh. “All the better. We needn’t dirty our hands; this threat will be removed without our intervention.”
He let out a smug chuckle but suddenly stopped and furrowed his brows.
“How could I have forgotten him?”
Following his gaze, Nan Wan saw Song Feng entering the Still Water Hall where Jin Yao resided.
Inside Still Water Hall, Jin Yao had just learned from Thunderous Celestial about Chong Zhao’s background, and he sighed.
“So, that’s how it is. His father’s ambition brought disaster to his family. Chong Zhao possesses remarkable celestial potential, and it’s a pity.”
Thunderous Celestial offered words of comfort. “His path in the celestial way is still young. This hardship may benefit him in the end.”
Jin Yao nodded, and a celestial guard entered, announcing the arrival of Miao Sect’s head, Song Feng. Jin Yao exchanged a look with Thunderous Celestial and permitted Song Feng to enter.
Song Feng stepped into the hall and, seeing Thunderous Celestial, understood immediately. He bowed to Jin Yao. “Since Thunderous Celestial is here, I presume the Celestial Lord is already aware of my disciple Chong Zhao’s reasons for entering the imperial city and attempting to assassinate the Ziwei Star.”
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