Jin Yao was taken aback. “Head Song Feng, did you already know Chong Zhao’s identity in the mortal world before accepting him into Miao Sect?”
Song Feng’s expression remained steady. “I did.”
Jin Yao was puzzled. “Knowing he harbored such strong attachments, why did you bring him into Miao Sect?”
Song Feng raised his head. “Celestial Lord, upon entering the path of immortality, all matters of the mortal realm should be left behind. He endured many hardships to seek the Way, and by the time he reached Miao Sect, it was already his destiny to join us. The pursuit of the Way is paramount, and Miao Sect would never refuse a sincere disciple.”
Jin Yao sighed, understanding Song Feng’s appreciation for Chong Zhao’s potential.
“Celestial Lord, I am willing to stake the thousand-year reputation of Miao Sect as assurance. Chong Zhao’s actions were driven by personal vengeance alone, with no intention of colluding with demons or endangering the mortal realm.”
“Thunderous Celestial has already testified on his behalf. Rest assured, Head Song Feng, this matter will not bring any harm to Miao Sect.”
“Celestial Lord, you misunderstand. I am not here to seek protection for Miao Sect.”
“Then what brings you here, Head Song Feng?”
Song Feng bowed deeply. “I humbly ask the Celestial Lord to grant this disciple an unusual favor, in recognition of Miao Sect’s centuries of devotion to protecting the people of the Eastern Sea.”
“There’s no need for this.” Jin Yao quickly helped him up. “Chong Zhao has done a great deal in protecting the other sect disciples in the foreign city and even saved Fu Ling’s life yesterday. For both public and personal reasons, I have no desire to end his life. However…” Jin Yao hesitated, his voice turning solemn. “He has indeed violated the Celestial Code, and punishment is unavoidable. Even though I am inclined to show leniency, the anger of the sects prevents me from sparing him from the thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Punishment Whip.”
“I understand, and that is not what I’m asking for.”
Jin Yao blinked in surprise. “Then what is it you ask, Head Song Feng?”
Suddenly, Song Feng knelt deeply before Jin Yao. “Celestial Lord!”
“Head Song Feng? What are you doing?”
“Celestial Lord, I have a request.”
“Please speak.”
“Chong Zhao has no family left in the mortal realm. He came to Miao Sect, and we became his home. Though he formally apprenticed under my Senior Brother, it is I who have taught him over these three years. Although I am his uncle by title, I have acted as his master. His persistent attachment is my failing, and I bear the blame for not helping him overcome it. In the mortal world, there is a saying: ‘If the child errs, it is the father’s fault.’ I acknowledge that Chong Zhao has committed a grave error and must face punishment, but I beg the Celestial Lord to show mercy and allow me to endure the thirty-six lashes on his behalf.”
“Head Song Feng! This is…” Jin Yao’s expression changed.
Song Feng remained kneeling. “Chong Zhao’s core has already been severely damaged. If he takes these thirty-six lashes, his soul platform will suffer greatly, his celestial veins severed, and he will be forever hindered on his path to the Way. I implore the Celestial Lord to show compassion and allow Miao Sect a sliver of hope.”
With his graying hair and bowed head pressed to the floor, Song Feng’s plea reverberated through the silent Still Water Hall.
After a long pause, Jin Yao helped Song Feng to his feet. “Such deep compassion from a master—I grant your request.”
Song Feng, eyes shining with emotion, moved to bow in gratitude, but Jin Yao sighed.
“I trust that after this, Chong Zhao will be able to let go of his past attachments and rededicate himself to the Way. I, too, would hate to lose such a rare talent in the celestial world.”
“Thank you, Celestial Lord!”
* * *
A flash of celestial light brought Bai Shuo and Qing Yi to the outer gate of the Nine Flowers Pavilion, where they encountered Hua Hong coming out of Xiaoyao Pavilion with a stern expression. Mo Jiu was tagging along at her heels, looking like a mischievous little shadow.
“Hey, hey, hey, Little Hua, are you going to the Phoenix Hall for some excitement too…?”
The two of them nearly bumped into Bai Shuo. Mo Jiu quickly covered his mouth, and Hua Hong’s expression froze.
Even though she had sent a message to the Hall Master, this little ancestor had still come back!
Before she could speak, Bai Shuo had already rushed forward.
“Little Hua, where’s A-Zhao? Where is he?”
"He's in the Phoenix Hall," said Mo Jiu, casually. "Little Bai Shuo, your senior brother is about to receive the Thunder Punishment Whip, and I doubt he’ll survive it. You still have a bit of time to say goodbye…"
Before he could finish, Bai Shuo turned and hurried toward the Phoenix Hall.
"Why did you tell her that?" Hua Hong scolded.
"If we hadn’t, would she have missed the chance to see Chong Zhao? Even your Hall Master didn’t stop her—by now, you should know how much Chong Zhao means to her." Mo Jiu’s tone turned reflective, and Hua Hong paused, noticing the sly glint in the usually carefree fox’s eye.
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