In the Phoenix Hall, Jin Yao sat in solemn dignity at the head of the assembly. The three Celestial Immortals of the Heavenly Court, along with Elder Feng Yun, stood below. To the left sat the various Sect Leaders and Beichen; to the right sat Watong, reclining indifferently, with Fu Ling standing behind him. Hua Hong wore a troubled expression, frequently glancing toward the hall’s entrance, and Mu Jiu also frowned at the scene within.
Lightning cracked repeatedly within the hall as Thunder Immortal Jing Lei hovered above, casting down lashes of lightning with his whip.
"Ten lashes!" "Eleven lashes!"
The voice of the Celestial General echoed in the hall.
In the center, Song Feng stood in his robe, his expression resolute and unwavering despite each lash of lightning striking his body. No one had anticipated that Song Feng, a respected Sect Leader, would choose to endure punishment on behalf of his disciple, but with Jin Yao’s consent, the various sects had no grounds to object.
"Twenty-seven lashes!" Another bolt struck, causing Song Feng’s body to tremble slightly, and the Thunder Immortal’s whip momentarily halted.
"Second Uncle!" "Sect Leader!"
Not far away, the disciples of Miao Miao were overwhelmed with grief, while Er Yun, tears streaming down her face, attempted to rush forward.
"Er Yun! Do not interfere!" Amidst the crackling lightning, Song Feng’s voice called out sternly. Taking a deep breath, he looked toward Jing Lei. “Honored Immortal, the punishment is unfinished. Miao Miao accepts its due consequences. Please proceed, Immortal.”
Jing Lei nodded, respect flickering in his eyes. With a flick of his wrist, the whip descended once more. Blood-red marks spread across Song Feng’s robe, his figure as steadfast as a mountain amidst the electric light, an unyielding pillar that moved both immortals and demons in the hall.
"Thirty-five lashes!" "Thirty-six lashes!"
As the final strike landed, Thunder Immortal Jing Lei descended, holding out a porcelain bottle, and stepped toward Song Feng. "Sect Leader Song Feng, this is a Snow Spirit Elixir crafted by me specifically to heal lightning injuries…"
However, before he could approach, a spot of red at Song Feng’s forehead suddenly shattered, and Jing Lei’s face darkened.
“Thank you, Honored Immortal… but… it’s no longer necessary.” Song Feng could no longer hold himself up, and he collapsed to his knees, blood spilling from his mouth.
Immortals and demons alike gasped, except for Watong, who remained unsurprised, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned.
“Second Uncle!” Er Yun stood frozen, crying out in despair. At that moment, a figure rushed into the hall.
“Master!”
At the hall’s entrance, Chong Zhao froze in shock. His gaze fell on the scene within, pupils contracting.
He saw Song Feng, half-kneeling, with his gray hair draped over his shoulders, streaks of blood crisscrossing his robe as fresh drops fell from his limp hand.
No one expected Chong Zhao to appear at this moment.
Hearing his voice, Song Feng looked up. Only then did everyone see the faded light in his eyes, the shattered mark at his forehead indicating his spirit core was breaking — a sign of impending death.
The assembled Sect Leaders wore expressions of disbelief. Sect Leader Song Feng, who had been an Upper Immortal for years, should have been able to recover after a decade or so despite the thirty-six lashes. How could his spirit core be broken, leading to his imminent demise?
Everyone exchanged silent glances, the hall falling into a hush.
At that moment, Qing Yi and Bai Shuo appeared in a flash of celestial light, Bai Shuo covered in blood, startling the little fox who yelped. Hua Hong immediately appeared in front of Bai Shuo.
"Bai Shuo?!"
But Bai Shuo had no time for explanations. Seeing Song Feng’s wan appearance, she felt an overwhelming sense of grief but, above all, concern for Chong Zhao. Since his family’s fall, Song Feng had become like a father to him, more than just a teacher. She had finally convinced Chong Zhao to relinquish his desire for revenge, but if something happened to Song Feng now, she feared what Chong Zhao might become.
In the hall, Song Feng looked at Chong Zhao and gave a reassuring smile before his strength gave way, and he fell heavily to the ground.
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