The Emperor's Fall Began in His Own Heart; Every Upheaval Sprang from the Dao [Two-in-One]

"As the verse goes: How can one judge the sins of a child ruler? Calamity struck, and his whole house was suddenly destroyed. Do not say his clan fell because of his in-laws; the first step toward disaster came from Heavenly Origin."

In the Flat Peach Forest of the Kunlun Secret Realm.

The long-haired man closed his eyes and recited the verse with a sigh. At last, he shook his head.

"Yuwen Yong's branch could not break free after all. It could not spread my Dao through the world."

Just then—

Hum!

A black streak of light tore through the sky of the Secret Realm!

"Who dares trespass in the Secret Realm?"

With the furious shout, several Divine Abilities flared and unfolded into myriad forms, seeking to block and seize the streak. But the light swerved, split into the radiance of the Five Elements, and swept across the sky!

A rapid succession of shattering sounds rang out. Every obstacle in its path broke apart, and the streak of light finally landed in the Flat Peach Forest.

"Oh no!" Yuan Liuzi and the others who knew what lay within the forest turned pale. They were about to rush to its defense when a voice reached them—

"No need. Stay where you are."

After sending the message, the long-haired man looked ahead.

Before him stood a gaunt old man in black robes and a purple cloak. His face was sallow, his beard curly, his back hunched and his waist bent. Light gleamed in his long, narrow eyes as he grinned. "Senior Brother, I hear you'll ascend to greater heights in a few days. Your junior brother has come especially to congratulate you."

Without waiting for the long-haired man to answer, he went on, "What a pity. Your Dao was about to be