Grand Tutor Wen was startled and hurriedly tried to retain him. "I have yet to repay this favor. How could I dare let you leave, Daoist friend?"
Tian Yi smiled freely. "There is no need to thank me. I came here precisely to survive the tribulation of slaughter. Now that my tribulation is complete, my cultivation is about to advance another step, and I am not far from the Quasi-Saint realm. I must return to my sect at once and cultivate in seclusion."
Hearing this, Grand Tutor Wen knew that his mind was made up and did not try to hold him back any further.
Tianyi Sanren bowed in farewell. Auspicious clouds rose beneath his feet and carried him eastward.
Grand Tutor Wen led the army back to court. The Civil and Military Officials gathered at the Meridian Gate to welcome him, only to see paper banners fluttering and white silk streaming in the wind. After asking around, they learned that Bi Gan's coffin had entered the capital, and every one of them paled in shock.
After entering the city, he looked up and saw Deer Terrace standing majestically, its golden tiles glaring in the sun and its upturned eaves sharp as halberds. Its air was imposing and solemn. After secretly conferring with several important ministers for a long while, he learned that chaos was spreading throughout the court—the remonstrating officials had sealed their lips, sycophants held power, public resentment was surging beneath the surface, and filthy waves churned within the palace. His heart heavy, he simply shut the doors of his residence and declined all visitors, refusing to attend court for three days. Bent over his desk, he wrote feverishly, every character sharp as a blade, every sentence filled with concern, hoping only to awaken King Zhou from his