Yuanshi and Tongtian each took their Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs and left Taiqing Palace.
They walked one behind the other along Kunlun Mountain's path, the atmosphere still icy to the extreme.
"Third Brother, you heard everything Eldest Brother said."
Yuanshi stopped and turned to Tongtian, a hint of warning in his voice. "Go back and discipline those disciples of yours properly. If they dare stir up trouble on Kunlun Mountain again, a few Golden Elixirs won't settle things next time."
Tongtian gazed coldly at Yuanshi, disappointment flashing in his eyes.
"Second Brother, do you truly think Eldest Brother's ruling was fair?"
Tongtian drew a deep breath, suppressing the anger within him. "You and I both know perfectly well who provoked whom today, and who used their backing to bully others!"
"For the bond between us Three Pure Ones, I can swallow this insult. But if you think my Jie Sect disciples are easy prey, you couldn't be more wrong!"
"If you dare let your disciples run wild again, I, Tongtian, will not yield another inch!"
With that, Tongtian ignored Yuanshi, transformed into a streak of sword light, and flew straight back to Azure Wandering Palace.
Watching Tongtian depart, Yuanshi snorted coldly.
"Hopelessly obstinate!"
Yuanshi swept his sleeve and left, returning to Jade Void Palace.
Inside Azure Wandering Palace.
Daoist Duobao and several injured Jie Sect disciples were anxiously awaiting Tongtian's return.
"Master is back!"
Seeing Tongtian descend, Duobao and the others hurried forward to greet him.
"Master, what did Eldest Martial Uncle say?" Duobao asked eagerly.
As Tongtian looked at his disciples' expectant faces, guilt welled up in his heart once more.
He fell silent for a moment, then finally recounted Laozi's ruling to them exactly as it had been given.
"What?!"
After hearing it, Duobao and the others all