Yet Li Jing, Taibai Venus, and the others did not rise. They remained kneeling.
"Your Majesty, please show mercy!" Li Jing cried, and the other immortals and gods joined in.
This was plainly forcing the palace's hand—pressuring the Jade Emperor to punish the Martial Qu Star Lord lightly.
The Jade Emperor frowned. "Then strip the Martial Qu Star Lord of his position and throw him into the Heavenly Prison."
Li Jing and the others still disagreed and continued pleading for mercy.
Watching this unfold, Uchiha Shin was surprised. He had heard before that the Jade Emperor held no real power, but he had never expected the Jade Emperor to live so humiliatingly.
The Jade Emperor's fist clenched tightly, but he could only yield once more. "Then strip the Martial Qu Star Lord of his position and place him under confinement."
Li Jing said, "Your Majesty, still—"
"Li Jing!" The Jade Emperor cut off the Heavenly King's words with a thunderous roar.
"What more do you want from me? Do you want me to release him without punishment? I know you civil and martial immortals have banded together and wield great influence, but the heavenly laws are vital rules that preserve the Heavenly Court's proper order. The Martial Qu Star Lord has committed such a grave offense, and you still want me to forgive him?"
The Jade Emperor rose to his feet and pointed at Li Jing.
"If Heavenly King Li is dissatisfied with my judgment, then handle it yourself! I'll give this Jade Emperor's throne to you, Heavenly King Li!"
Li Jing hurriedly prostrated himself. "Your Majesty, this subject was at fault. Please punish the Martial Qu Star Lord. His crimes are indeed grave. This subject accepts Your Majesty's decision to strip him of office and place him in seclusion."