The oppressive clouds scattered, yet the world remained unnaturally bright—as luminous as daylight.
At the center of the battlefield stood a man.
His purple coronet and black robes marked his noble status, exuding an unmistakable air of authority—one so commanding that he seemed almost regal. His sharp brows framed piercing phoenix eyes, filled with chilling fury. A neatly trimmed black beard lined his chin, adding to his formidable presence.
Behind him stood four attendants, each gripping a divine weapon, their expressions seething with barely restrained anger.
The celestial cloud descended lower.
Standing side by side at the front were Jin Xiu and Lu Yao.
Behind them, the apricot and plum spirits followed in silence.
Seeing that Lu Jiu was unharmed, Lu Yao let out a breath of relief. Yet, instead of rushing to check on him, she took two steps forward and gracefully bowed.
“I am Lu Yao, an immortal of the Northern Realm, paying respects to the Celestial Lord of Kunlun.”
Jin Xiu followed suit.
“Has the Celestial Lord been well?”
The Celestial Lord of Kunlun ignored them both and instead walked toward Hong Ning.
Hong Ning lifted her face.
“Save him.”
The Celestial Lord did not respond, but the sharpness in his eyes softened slightly, revealing a trace of sorrow.
This stubborn youngest son of his—just like his mother. Just as foolish.
He had foreseen Bai Ling’s calamity long ago, which was why he had forcibly taken him back. Yet, Bai Ling had still found a way to escape in secret, just to bid farewell to this woman.
So, fate truly cannot be defied.
After a long pause, the Celestial Lord finally raised his hand. In the place where Bai Ling had disappeared, a faint glow of blue-violet light began to gather. Slowly, it coalesced into a small wisp before floating gently into his sleeve.
Seeing this, Jin Xiu and Lu Yao exchanged a glance, both subtly exhaling in relief.
Of course, an ordinary mortal’s eyes could not perceive any of this.
Hong Ning, unable to see what had just transpired, reached out and fumbled blindly along the ground.
“Bai Ling…”
“His calamity is over. You would do best to forget him.”
With those words, the Celestial Lord turned away from her.
Lu Yao remained kneeling in proper form, never once rising from her bow. Beside her, Lu Jiu had also lowered his head, still on his knees.
She spoke softly, “My younger brother acted out of ignorance. For the sake of our father, I beg the Celestial Lord for leniency.”
“Well done, you Lu-named brat.”
The Celestial Lord of Kunlun turned his gaze to Lu Jiu, smiling coldly—yet there was no mirth in his expression.
“My son’s cultivation is shallow, yet it seems he still required the Northern Realm’s juniors to teach him a lesson?”
Neither Lu Yao nor Lu Jiu dared to speak.
Jin Xiu shook his head.
“Humans and demons walk different paths. This was always destined to be his trial. Why should the Celestial Lord be angry?”
The Celestial Lord’s gaze darkened.
“And what exactly are you suggesting?”
Jin Xiu replied calmly, “Lu Jiu is indeed guilty and should be punished according to the celestial laws. But rather than acting in haste, why not present the matter before the Celestial Emperor at a later time…”
The Celestial Lord of Kunlun let out a cold laugh, interrupting him.
“My son lost his life at the hands of the Nine-Tailed Fox of the Northern Realm. Do you think I won’t settle this debt myself?”
His brows arched, his pride on full display.
“You are no longer the King of the Central Heavens,” he sneered. “And yet, even as a mere Flower God, you dared to intercept my blade? I wonder—should I ask the Celestial Emperor if he truly believes that Kunlun is without warriors?”
Though the accusation was pointed directly at the Celestial Emperor, Jin Xiu remained unbothered. Instead, he smiled.
“The Celestial Lord’s words are too harsh. Kunlun’s magic is unparalleled, its disciples renowned far and wide. Even the Celestial Emperor himself has spoken of Kunlun with admiration and respect. How would I dare offend Kunlun?”
“What happened just now was merely an act of desperation—it was not my intention to defy you. If punishment is necessary, then I will accept it. However, I only ask that the Celestial Lord first consider his son’s well-being.”
He paused and then added meaningfully, “Why not return for now? I will personally petition the Celestial Emperor to grant you a vial of Jade Pool Golden Lotus Dew.”
Lu Yao, quick-witted as ever, immediately followed suit.
“The Northern Realm is also willing to offer a cup of Spirit Spring as a gesture of apology.”
Before the Celestial Lord could respond, one of his attendants burst out in fury.
“The murder of his son—and they expect the Celestial Lord to simply let it go?!”
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