"Second Brother, haven't I favored you enough?
"To protect the fortunes of your Chan Sect Disciples and curb the rise of the Interception Sect, I set aside the detachment of a sage and personally joined forces with you.
"And now you accuse me of favoring Tongtian?"
Seeing Laozi's genuine anger, Yuanshi panicked and hurried to correct himself.
"No, no, Elder Brother, please don't be angry. That isn't what I meant."
Laozi gave a cold snort, his gaze stern.
"Tongtian and you are both of our Pangu Three Pure Ones lineage.
"At the end of the day, we are family. Fighting among ourselves only diminishes us.
"Remember the lesson from this. Conduct yourself wisely from now on."
With that, Laozi swept his sleeve. Clear Qi curled around him as he became a streak of light and departed Kunlun, leaving Yuanshi alone on the mountaintop, seething but unable to argue.
The road through the clouds stretched long before Tongtian and Yunxiao as they traveled toward Golden Ao Island in the East Sea, wreathed in immortal aura.
Yunxiao stood with her head bowed, shame written across her face. She bent in a slight bow and spoke softly.
"Thank you for coming to the mountain to save me, Master. I failed you and brought trouble upon our sect. I've disgraced you and the Interception Sect."
Tongtian shook his head gently, warmth and sympathy in his eyes.
"You did exceptionally well. If Laozi and Yuanshi hadn't cast aside their dignity as sages to join forces against someone beneath them, how could you have ended up like this?
"None of this was your fault."
Yunxiao raised her head slightly. A faint smile appeared on her face.
"Master, this ordeal wasn't without its rewards.
"My second and third sisters entered the list through their mortal bodies. They've