Questioned in Open Court

"Since I dared to come, why would I fear your repeated scrutiny?"

Li Qingyun sneered inwardly and strode up the steps.

As he crossed the jade stairs and entered the Seal Conferring Hall, the clear light around him brightened at once. Acting on instinct, he gave it a slight outward shake, scattering six or seven probing gazes, some malicious and some benevolent.

"Hm!"

Several low exclamations rose from the divine seats within the hall.

They seemed caught off guard, greatly astonished.

Li Qingyun looked up and saw an old Daoist with silver-white beard and hair, his expression impassive, seated upon the enormous, magnificent throne at the center of the upper end. Daoist Su Han, whom he recognized, sat to the right.

There were seven Saint Ancestors in all, each an Extremely Evil Great Anomaly. Divine light flickered in their eyes as they regarded him with differing expressions.

He cupped his hands and bowed. "Qingyun greets the Saint Ancestors."

Daoist Su Han immediately nodded in response, laughing lightly to ease the atmosphere. "What did I say? I had absolutely no selfish motives. Fellow Daoist Qingyun, whom I strongly promoted, is naturally exceptional and fully qualified to enjoy the high position of a continent temple!"

The other two Deputy Seal Masters on the right also nodded in praise. "The Fruit Realm Clear Light around his body is condensed to an extreme degree. Even the wondrous powers of our Heavenly Eye Fruits cannot see through it in the slightest. Fellow Daoist Qingyun must already have one foot in the Myriad Laws Fruit realm!"

"Hmph!" Daoist Jin Jun snorted coldly, formally launching his attack. "Fellow Daoist Qingyun, today's questioning in the Seal Conferring Hall concerns the assessment of merits and faults. Is there anything you wish to confess first?"

His tone and bearing were