"So that's how it is!"
Tai Yi suddenly realized, and a hint of respect appeared on his face.
"Fellow Daoist, your noble act of protecting the Yuanfeng lineage is truly a great Creation. Those two little ones are fortunate enough to become your disciples."
Qing Huan nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the weakened and imprisoned East Prince, before turning to Di Jun with a scrutinizing look:
"But... Di Jun still has doubts? Are you worried that this action might truly anger that Dao Ancestor who dwells high in the Purple Heaven Palace?"
Di Jun frowned and spoke frankly:
"Indeed! Teaching the East Prince a lesson, even severely injuring him, is reasonable. But if, as you say, we force the Immortal Court to suppress the Volcano of Immortality and suffer the consequences for the Phoenix Tribe... such a radical move, almost erasing the 'Head of Male Immortals' authority bestowed upon us by the Dao Ancestor, is perhaps too much..."
Di Jun carefully considered his words.
"Is this... too presumptuous? It might incur the wrath of the Dao Ancestor."
"Hehe, fellow Daoist, you are overthinking it."
Qing Huan gently shook his head, his expression calm and resolute.
"The Dao Ancestor merged with the Dao, becoming the pivot of the Heavenly Dao's operation. As long as it doesn't cause the collapse of the Primordial Wilderness world, the overturning of the sun and moon, or the unrest of all living beings to reach an irreversible state, such matters of the succession of immortals and gods, and the settlement of Karma..."
After a pause, his gaze seemed to pierce through the endless void, looking towards that supreme being in the darkness.
"... It's nothing more than a ripple in the vast torrent of the Heavenly Dao. How could the Dao Ancestor have had time to pay attention to it?"
Qing Huan's mind was completely clear.
He was well aware of the limits of Dao Ancestor Hongjun's ability to intervene.
The first instance was during the second war Witch and Demon, when the fighting was so fierce that the sun and moon were reversed, the Primordial Earth was shattered, trillions of lives were lost, and the foundation of heaven and earth was shaken. Only then did the Dao Ancestor have no choice but to step in and clean up the mess.
Even if the demon race seemed to have suffered a defeat that time, if the demon race were forced into a desperate situation and intended to detonate the Great Formation of the Stars to perish together with the Primordial Wilderness, the Witch Clan would not be able to get away with it either. This is a karmic debt comparable to that of the Three Innate Clans. Even Pangu's own son could not escape the reckoning of the Heavenly Dao.
At this moment, both races were rejected by the Heavenly Dao. The demon race suffered heavy losses and retreated to the Heavenly Court, while the Witch Clan was ordered by the Dao Ancestor to be permanently imprisoned in the Pangu Temple, a truly tragic end.
The same was true of the Second Investiture of the Gods War. Shangqing Tongtian set up the Immortal Execution Sword Formation and even threatened to reactivate the Earth, Water, Fire, Wind. How could Hongjun possibly stand aside?
As for the idea that Sage should be without desires or ambitions, and free from calculations?
Qing Huan could only sneer.
Sage are not the Way of Heavenly Dao itself; there are also disputes over lineage, disciples, and Luck!
Once involved, the saying "Heaven and Earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs; the Sage is ruthless, treating the people like straw dogs" becomes the most accurate description.
The so-called detachment from worldly affairs is nothing more than sitting and observing the game of chess, making moves without any visible impact.
Di Jun's gaze lingered on Qing Huan's calm and profound face for a moment, as if to confirm that certainty.
Finally, all doubt vanished from his eyes, replaced by resolute determination and admiration. He patted Qing Huan's shoulder heavily, his voice like the clinking of gold and jade:
"Very well! Fellow Qing Huan! I, Di Jun, wholeheartedly support this proposal! Even if there are a thousand Karma, and countless risks, even if the Dao Ancestor truly blames and punishes us, I will bear it with you...!"
"My brother's intention is my intention!"
Tai Yi followed closely behind, speaking with unwavering conviction. The Chaos Bell above his head trembled slightly, emitting a deep resonance.
Di Jun had already discerned that Qing Huan before him was a man of great loyalty and righteousness, and one who dared to take responsibility.
He dared to try to share the immense karma of the Phoenix Tribe; if the Demon Clan were to fall into crisis one day... he might truly become the key to turning the Universe!
Qing Huan felt a warmth in her heart, but also a slight surprise.
I never expected that the brothers Di Jun and Tai Yi would be so decisive and righteous.
Regardless of whether this promise was entirely sincere, based solely on the four words "sharing the Karma" today, and this sentiment, Qing Huan... remembered it!
"Good!"
Qing Huan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his expression solemn.
"I will Qing Huan remember the kindness and support shown to me by my two fellow Daoists today!"
Gazing at the imprisoned East Prince, a glint of golden light flickered deep within Qing Huan's eyes, hinting at even deeper contemplation.
The Witch-Demon War and the Demon King resulted in the fall of two stars, both perishing... Such a tragic ending, knowing a glimpse of the future and indebted to Di Jun and Tai Yi for their kindness today, necessitates finding a way... on this chessboard of Heavenly Dao, to find Thread of Life for these two demon kings!
We must never allow the tragedy of those two races perishing together and the Primordial Wilderness shattered to repeat itself!
Qing Huan's gaze swept around, finally settling on the disheveled East Prince. A playful smile curved his lips, and his voice, though slightly mocking, was as cold as ice striking the ground:
"Well? You should have heard everything I just said. Today I will give you two paths to choose from:"
Firstly, establish Immortal Court to eternally suppress the Volcano of Immortality Abyss on behalf of the Phoenix Clan, Heavenly Dao Oath to erase your overwhelming karmic burden.
Secondly...
Qing Huan's tone shifted abruptly, revealing a chilling murderous intent.
"Eternally imprisoned at the bottom of the Netherworld Sea of Blood, enduring the torment of Gale Wind- eroding winds and soul-devouring pain, cleansing the marrow with three Golden Thunder by day and Red Lotus Karmic Fire by night! Choose, do not say I have not granted you life."
Hiss--!
Everyone present gasped in shock at the choice between these two options.
Whichever path you choose, it will lead to a living hell!
In comparison, the former might have a chance to prolong its existence...
Nuwa, listening from the side, frowned slightly, secretly alarmed: Qing Huan's methods were truly cruel and ruthless, extinguishing all life!
"Wishful thinking!"
The East Prince was covered in wounds, his essence was dimmed, and he was on the verge of death. At this moment, he was provoked by Qing Huan's words, and he was filled with grief and indignation, his eyes almost bursting with rage.
"Even if I die and my divine body perishes, I will never be manipulated by you!"
This is outrageous! How unjust is the Heavenly Dao!
The dignified Head of Male Immortals was forced into this situation, and his heart was filled with resentment and humiliation.
"With you?" Tai Yi's golden eyes flashed with a cold disdain.
"You dare to claim you'll perish before my Chaos Bell? Do you consider this supreme treasure of creation to be nothing?"
With a flick of his sleeve, the ancient and mysterious Xuan Huang Divine Bell vibrated and instantly hovered above the head of the East Prince!
An immense power that suppressed the primordial chaos and imprisoned time and space descended, completely locking down the East Prince, along with his last struggle to detonate his primordial spirit, rendering him unable to move!
"You... Pfft--!"
As if struck by a heavy hammer, East Prince coughed up a mouthful of golden blood imbued with Innate Dao Rhyme, staining his tattered clothes crimson. At this moment, even the desire to die was a luxury!
An unprecedented despair, like an icy tide, completely overwhelmed him.
"Heaven is vast and boundless, yet it has been so cruel to me!"
The East Prince looked up to the sky and howled in grief, hot tears streaming down his face. His pride was shattered, and he collapsed like a lump of mud in the frozen space, his face filled with endless desolation and silence.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Penglai Immortal Island...
The Three Pure Ones, the Twelve Ancestral Witches, Jieyin and Zhunti, the Ancestor Minghe Netherworld Sea of Blood Ancestor, and many other Primordial Wilderness Innate Deities and powerful beings who rushed to the scene upon hearing the news have all gathered outside the Immortal Island.
The Myriad Immortals Hall stood majestically, yet its doors were tightly shut, and no master was to be seen to greet them.