The Purple Firmament Palace was ancient and majestic, suspended in the chaos, unchanged since time immemorial.
When the six Saints arrived one after another, the palace doors opened silently.
They entered the great hall and saw Dao Ancestor Hongjun seated high above them on a cloud couch, watching them without expression.
The atmosphere inside the hall was oppressive.
Venerable Yuanshi stood at the head of the left-hand side, his face livid. Fury and killing intent still radiated from him, and he glared at Nuwa across the hall.
Nuwa stood on the right, her expression cool and her gaze straight ahead, as though she hadn't noticed Yuanshi's stare. She looked perfectly justified and entirely without remorse.
Grand Supreme Elder Laozi stood behind Yuanshi, his eyes lowered in a quiet, detached manner. Yet the slight trembling of his sleeves betrayed his unrest.
Sect Master Tongtian stood behind Nuwa, his face full of anger as he stared at Venerable Yuanshi. His eyes brimmed with accusation and defiance. If not for the setting, he would probably have already started cursing.
As for Jieyin and Zhunti, they stood obediently at the very back with their heads lowered, wearing expressions that said, "We're just here to listen. We don't know anything." Yet the corners of their eyes kept darting about as they watched the reactions of the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa.
"Is everyone here?"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent voice rang through the hall.
"This disciple pays respects to Teacher." The six Saints bowed in unison.
"Hmph." Hongjun gave a faint, almost inaudible snort.
At that sound, Venerable Yuanshi and Nuwa both trembled.
"Yuanshi." Hongjun's gaze first settled on Venerable Yuanshi. "Do you know your offense?"
Yuanshi's heart tightened. He knew his teacher was reprimanding him.
But he refused to accept it!
He abruptly raised his