Wanhua's return stabilized the turmoil in the East Sea, temporarily easing the open conflict with the Heavenly Court as he turned to making long-term plans.
Using the method of "I Ching Principles Connect to Heaven," he sought to integrate the foundations of the Confucian Dao into the order of the Heavenly Dao. It was an open and righteous strategy. Yet though the tree wished for stillness, the wind refused to cease.
After their initial cautious observation, Dijun and Taiyi of the Heavenly Court saw that Wanhua had not immediately used thunderous measures to break the "Heavenly Net Spirit Sealing Array," but had instead fallen silent.
As he focused on teaching and transmitting the Dao within the Academy and deducing new arts, their urge to probe him stirred once more, and their methods became increasingly blatant.
Though the immortal officials and celestial generals of the Sky Patrol Guards no longer dared approach the Academy's core territory, they grew ever more arrogant beyond the blockade.
At times, they activated the array and stirred thunderclouds and storms, simulating an assault. The roars made the Academy buildings tremble faintly and disrupted the disciples' cultivation.
At other times, they used immortal power to amplify their voices and proclaim Heavenly Court decrees, denouncing the Confucian Dao as "Heretical Paths" and mocking Wanhua for "shrinking back."
Worse still, they captured several East Sea Spirit Beasts close to the Academy, creatures that often lingered outside to eavesdrop, and did so before the Academy disciples.
Under the charge of "Collusion and Rebellion," they subjected them to lightning punishment, lashing them until their flesh split and their souls withered. Their arrogance was no different from grinding the Academy's dignity beneath their feet.
Jin Li was so furious that every golden hair on his body stood on end. Several times, he