Xiqi, the Prime Minister's residence.
Inside a quiet chamber, sandalwood incense curled through the air, yet could not dispel its oppressive weight.
Since the battle between the Sages began, Shen Gongbao and Ji Fa had led the army back to Xiqi to avoid being caught in the fighting, awaiting the final outcome.
Daoist Burning Lamp and Yun Zhongzi, the Chan Sect's only two remaining mighty cultivators, had come here as well.
They had become Xiqi's protectors in name.
Now, the dust had settled.
The Chan Sect and the Interception Sect had both suffered grievous losses. The Sages were confined, and their disciples had either entered the Investiture roll or been brought over to the West.
A tumultuous tribulation had thus drawn to a close.
A Sage's edict arrived from Kunlun Mountain, crossing the boundless void.
Venerable Lord Yuanshi ordered Burning Lamp, Yun Zhongzi, and all third-generation disciples away from the sect to return to the Jade Void Palace.
The edict mentioned everyone except Shen Gongbao.
Inside the quiet chamber, Shen Gongbao stood with his hands lowered, his face, usually tinged with gloom,
was utterly calm now—so calm it was almost frightening.
Daoist Burning Lamp slowly opened his eyes. Looking at Shen Gongbao before him, he understood.
Shen Gongbao had been forgotten.
No, not forgotten, but utterly abandoned.
From beginning to end, Venerable Lord Yuanshi had never truly thought anything of this nominal disciple.
Now that the tribulation was over and the investiture concluded, this pawn had naturally lost the last of his usefulness.
Shen Gongbao raised his head and looked at Burning Lamp.
"The Dao Ancestor has ordered my master, along with all the other Sages, not to set foot in the Primordial Wilderness until the Immeasurable Tribulation."
"This is the best possible time for us to leave the Chan