Inside Zixiao Palace.
As the Dao Ancestor's voice faded.
Yuanshi Tianzun was the first to turn away.
Before leaving, he glanced at Randeng.
There was no angry rebuke in that glance, yet it made Randeng's face turn even paler.
Randeng knew that his standing in Jade Emptiness had changed.
He had wanted to use Jade Emptiness as a bridge into the Western Sect.
But now, Jade Emptiness had seen where he intended to go.
The Western Sect could not take him in for the time being.
Nor would Jade Emptiness trust him as it once had.
He was left dangling between the two sides.
And when Zhunti left, he did not look at Zhao Xuan.
Daoist Jieyin, however, paused for a moment.
Looking at the Golden Ao Three Steles, he said softly:
"With these steles revealed, the investiture of the gods will become much harder."
Zhao Xuan said:
"And much clearer."
Daoist Jieyin said nothing more and turned to leave.
Haotian and Yaochi also left Zixiao Palace.
As they walked through the palace gates, a vast section of the Heavenly Court Divine Position Register emptied once more.
Haotian's expression was grim.
But the decree to secure Chentang Pass had already been issued. He could no longer take it back.
This time, the Heavenly Court would not get the Interception Sect's ten thousand immortals ready-made.
From now on, every divine position would have to be reconsidered.
Only Taishang Laozi, Tongtian, and Zhao Xuan remained inside Zixiao Palace.
Taishang Laozi looked at Zhao Xuan.
"This change of yours will introduce many more uncertainties into the investiture of the gods."
Zhao Xuan said:
"In the original investiture of the gods, the Interception Sect had no path to survival."
Taishang Laozi studied him for a moment, then turned and left without another word.
Master