Above the ruins of Danyuan Mansion, the dust slowly settled, but it could not suppress the deathly silence and shock that had spread through the area.
Tongtian held the broken Spatial Coordinate Array Disk, still wreathed in a trace of the unsettling Otherworld Aura. He stood tall and straight as a pine. Though golden Saint's blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his aura wavered after he had withstood Haotian's strike and forcibly devoured the will of the Otherworld, his gaze remained sharp as a blade as it swept over the faces of every immortal and god present.
His question—"Are you all blind, or just blind to the truth?!"—rang out like thunder across the silent ruins of Danyuan Mansion. It also exploded in the depths of the Nascent Souls of every Heavenly Court immortal official who had witnessed the scene.
The evidence was right before their eyes!
The chill, corruption, and insatiable hunger emanating from the broken array disk were utterly unlike the immortal Dao of the Primordial World. There could be no faking it! And countless pairs of eyes had witnessed that terrifying Demon Plant transform in an instant and pollute the spirit garden!
Master Ge's face was ashen. His lips trembled, and he could no longer offer a single word in his defense. Such a catastrophic disaster had occurred in the medicinal garden under his care; his dereliction of duty was beyond doubt. The immortal official behind him had collapsed to the ground, trembling all over.
Immortals and gods from every division who had rushed over at the news—the Thunder Division, Fire Division, Dipper Division, and even some idle Star Lords—were all in an uproar. They whispered among themselves, their faces full of disbelief, fear, and deep suspicion. Had the Heavenly Court, symbol of order in the Primordial World and the Heavenly Dao's representative in the mortal realm, truly been infiltrated by an Outer Realm Demon? And right in Danyuan Mansion, one of its central districts!
If this news spread, it would send shockwaves through the entire Primordial World!
High above the Nine Heavens, the majestic hand formed from pure immortal Dao laws and belonging to Haotian Shangdi still hung in midair. It neither descended nor withdrew. Beyond it, space twisted, and Haotian Shangdi's true form seemed to be watching from across boundless distances, his gaze cold and detached. His silence was more oppressive than any words.
"Your Majesty!" At last, an elderly Star Official summoned his courage, stepped forward, and bowed. "This matter is of great importance. It concerns the Heavenly Court's reputation and the safety of the Primordial World. We ask that Your Majesty render judgment!"
His words seemed to be a request, but they also put Haotian on the spot. With so many witnesses and irrefutable evidence, if Haotian continued to shield Master Ge or tried to cover up the matter, people would inevitably suspect his motives.
Haotian Shangdi's cold, unreadable voice came from the void, like ice that had remained frozen since time immemorial. "Senior Brother Tongtian." Those few words carried the supreme majesty of the Heavenly Emperor, instantly silencing the noisy scene.
"You trespassed into a forbidden area of the Heavenly Court, damaged Danyuan Mansion, and disturbed the immortals. This is a grave offense." Haotian spoke slowly, first defining the nature of Senior Brother Tongtian's actions. But then he changed tack. "However, the evidence you presented is indeed unusual."
He had acknowledged that the evidence was suspicious! Quite a few immortals and gods breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed His Majesty could still distinguish right from wrong.
But Tongtian's brows furrowed slightly. He knew the matter would not be so simple.
Sure enough, Haotian continued, "However, the origin of this item is dubious. It remains possible that you planted it yourself. And even if demons truly have infiltrated the Heavenly Court, I should have issued the order for the relevant authorities to investigate. How could you take matters into your own hands, use force, and disrupt the Heavenly Rules?"
First he struck, then offered a sweetener, and finally seized control of the situation again. With this move, Haotian had temporarily quieted the public outrage and saved the Heavenly Court's face, while placing Tongtian in the awkward position of being "meritorious, yet guilty." He had also implied that Tongtian might be "crying thief while stealing."
The old fox knew his craft!
Tongtian sneered inwardly. He had long anticipated Haotian's response. Wiping the blood from his mouth, he declared, "Since Your Majesty acknowledges that the evidence is genuine, then please issue an order at once: seal off Danyuan Mansion, investigate everyone who has come into contact with this place, and trace the source of the Demon Plant! As for my crimes, we can discuss them once the truth comes to light. If I truly framed someone, I am willing to suffer the Heavenly Dao Lightning Punishment and be annihilated in body and soul!"
His words rang out with conviction. By backing himself into a corner, he showed absolute confidence, and even some of the immortals and gods who had doubted him began to waver.
"Hmph. What a silver tongue!" A cold snort came from the void. It was not Haotian, but another imposing voice, its cadence distinctively that of the Jade Pure Immortal Method. "Tongtian, you cast aside your Saint Position long ago. You are no longer of the Mystic Gate, let alone an official god of the Heavenly Court. What right do you have to interfere and presume to discuss the Heavenly Court's affairs? Even if demons are truly involved, His Majesty and we, the Saints' disciples, will deal with them. Why should an apostate like you overstep your bounds?"
Before his words had even faded, a clear, misty radiance descended from beyond the heavens and transformed into a Daoist with an ancient countenance, holding a Three Treasures Jade Ruyi. He was none other than Guangchengzi, Head of the Chan Teachings' Twelve Golden Immortals and the most favored disciple of Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning. Evidently, the disturbance had drawn him here at his master's command.
Guangchengzi's arrival made the situation even more complicated. He represented Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning and the entire Chan Teachings! By branding Tongtian an "apostate," he stripped him of the right to speak and elevated the matter into an internal dispute within the Mystic Gate, trying to obscure the central issue of the demonic infiltration.
"Guangchengzi!" Tongtian's gaze turned cold as old grudges and new hatred rose in his heart. "Whether I'm an apostate isn't for you to decide! Your Chan Teachings claim to be the orthodox lineage of the Mystic Gate, keeping watch over the Primordial World. Yet demons have been lurking for years in the heart of the Heavenly Court, and you failed to notice? Is that incompetence—or deliberate tolerance?!"
They clashed head-on! Tongtian shot back without the slightest courtesy, pointing directly to the Chan Teachings' dereliction of duty and even implying that they might be colluding with the demons!
"Outrageous!" Guangchengzi flew into a rage. The Three Treasures Jade Ruyi in his hand blazed with brilliant light. "Tongtian! How dare you slander a Saint's Dao Lineage! Today, I'll purge the sect on behalf of my master and seize you, you insolent madman!"
With that, he disregarded the setting and raised the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi. It transformed into a streak of immortal light and hurtled straight at Tongtian's head! His cultivation as a peak Grand Unity Golden Immortal erupted at full force, its might astonishing!
"You think I'm afraid of you?" Though Tongtian was badly wounded, his presence was no weaker. The Chaos Bead floated above his head, cascading myriad streams of energy, while the Qingping Sword had already left its sheath, Chaos Sword Qi surging from its blade as he prepared to meet the attack!
A great battle was about to erupt in the heart of the Heavenly Court!
"Stop!" At this critical moment, two voices rang out almost simultaneously.
One belonged to Haotian Shangdi, carrying the unquestionable authority of the Heavenly Emperor. "This is a vital place of the Heavenly Court. How dare you fight here! Guangchengzi, stand down!"
The other was a gentle woman's voice, brimming with the boundless vitality of creation, like a spring breeze sweeping across the land. "This matter concerns the safety of the Primordial World. Why rush into an argument?"
As her voice rang out, ten thousand rays of rosy light and countless auspicious colors filled the air. A peerless goddess with a human torso and a serpent's tail appeared quietly in their midst. It was none other than Empress Nuwa, who lived in seclusion at Wa Imperial Palace! Though she had not come in person, the divine thought she sent down as an avatar made her stance clear!
Empress Nuwa's intervention turned the tide once more!
Guangchengzi's expression changed. He had no choice but to put away his ruyi and bow to Empress Nuwa's avatar. "Greetings, Senior Sister Nuwa." He could disregard Tongtian's authority, but not that of this Saint of Merit.
Haotian Shangdi's voice softened slightly as well. "I see Senior Sister Nuwa has been alarmed."
Empress Nuwa's avatar looked at the broken array disk in Tongtian's hand. Her delicate brows furrowed, and a grave look flashed through her eyes. "The aura of this item is undoubtedly from beyond the realms. Its laws are also strange, and it is filled with the desire to destroy. Though Sect Master Tongtian acted fiercely, his heart is devoted to the Primordial World. His contribution is undeniable."
Her words were tantamount to affirming Tongtian's discovery and his contribution!
Then she turned to Haotian. "Junior Brother Haotian, when it comes to demonic infiltration, it is better to believe it may be true than to dismiss it as false. The pressing matter is to investigate the Heavenly Court and eliminate the threat, not to quibble over trivialities. If necessary, I can also send members of my demon clan to help with the investigation."
Empress Nuwa's stance carried tremendous weight! Not only did she support a full investigation, she was even willing to call upon the demon clan. This undoubtedly placed immense pressure on Haotian while giving Tongtian powerful support.
Haotian remained silent for even longer. With Nuwa present, Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning's disciple in attendance, and countless immortals and gods watching, he would lose all authority if he continued to suppress the matter or show favoritism.
At last, the giant hand formed from the laws in the void slowly dissipated. Haotian's voice rang out again, decisive. "Very well. Master Ge failed in his oversight. He is stripped of his title as Heavenly Master and confined in the Heavenly Prison pending trial! Danyuan Mansion is to be sealed off immediately. Grand White Gold Star will lead the investigation, in cooperation with the Thunder Division and the Dipper Division. All related personnel and items are to be investigated, and the source of the demonic energy traced! Anyone suspected of involvement will be dealt with severely!"
He had compromised and taken action! Though he had punished Master Ge, he had not pursued any possible involvement by higher-ups. For the moment, that was enough to put the matter to rest.
"As for Tongtian..." Haotian paused. "You have merit for exposing the Demon Traces, but it is also true that you trespassed into a forbidden area and damaged a palace. Your merits and faults cancel each other out. You will receive no reward, but you will not be punished. Leave the Heavenly Court at once, without further delay!"
In the end, he had still chosen to send Tongtian, this "troublemaker," out of the Heavenly Court.
Tongtian understood. Forcing Haotian to make such concessions in the Heavenly Court was already the best outcome he could achieve at present. Toppling the table outright was unrealistic. His purpose was to light the fire, alert the various factions, and force the hidden enemy to reveal its tracks.
He put away the Qingping Sword and Chaos Bead, then gave Empress Nuwa's avatar a slight nod to show his gratitude. Then he looked toward Haotian and said coolly, "I hope Your Majesty will investigate this matter thoroughly. Do not shield the guilty and disappoint the people of the Primordial World."
With that, he did not linger. He gestured to Wudang and Sanxiao, then turned toward the South Heaven Gate. Kui Niu let out a low bellow and followed close behind.
Guangchengzi watched Tongtian's departing figure, his expression dark. A murderous gleam flickered briefly in his eyes, but under Empress Nuwa's and Haotian's watchful gazes, he ultimately did not dare strike again.
Empress Nuwa's avatar slowly faded, leaving behind an ethereal voice that echoed in the ears of all the immortals and gods. "A great calamity is approaching. I hope you will all join forces and overcome this trial together." The earth-shaking turmoil seemed to have subsided for the time being.
But everyone knew this was only the beginning. The fire Tongtian had lit was already spreading. The Outer Realm Demon Gods, the Heavenly Court, the Saints' schemes—all the hidden currents would surge faster because of what had happened today.
By now, Tongtian and his companions had already passed through the South Heaven Gate and returned to the Primordial World Land.
He looked back at the towering gates. Auspicious clouds still surrounded the Heavenly Court, but tumultuous currents lurked beneath the surface. Tongtian's gaze was deep and contemplative.
"Master, where are we going now?" Yun Xiao asked softly.
Tongtian gazed into the distance, his tone resolute. "The fire has been lit. Next, we must seek out our 'allies.'"
The figures of Zhen Yuanzi, Houtu, and even Nuwa surfaced in his mind.
The Path of Hunyuan was never walked alone. To oppose the devastating calamity that was about to descend, he needed to unite every force he could.
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