Hearing Zhunti's words and seeing his confidence, Jieyin could only nod helplessly and agree to his plan. He merely hoped Laozi would not discover their scheme-or, if he did, that he would not hold it against them.
"Boundless Heavenly Venerable..." With that thought, Jieyin closed his eyes, bowed his head, and softly recited the invocation.
At the Heavenly Court, in High Firmament Hall.
Haotian had been suppressed, and Gungun was absent as well. Sitting alone on high in that vast hall, Ao Yue truly felt a little lonely.
"This humble subject pays her respects to Your Majesty!"
"This humble subject pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Zitong and Ao Guang arrived and, under the gazes of the deities standing on either side, knelt before Ao Yue at the head of the hall, performing the full ceremonial obeisance of subjects to their sovereign.
"Rise." Ao Yue knew why they had come and spoke to them calmly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zitong and Ao Guang replied respectfully. Then they rose from the Glazed Immortal Bricks and stood with their bodies bowed.
Zitong then cupped her hands toward Ao Yue. "Your Majesty, not long ago, Shennong, the Human Race Co-ruler, led an army to the East Sea and attacked the Dragon Palace. He slandered my son, accusing him of attacking human ships and abducting his daughter. He even threatened war against our Dragon Race unless we handed over his daughter. Left with no choice, I ordered our forces into battle. Our race won a great victory. Afterward, I intended to pursue our advantage, but upon receiving Your Majesty's decree, I allowed the humans to leave."
"Indeed. I issued that decree," Ao Yue said.
"Your Majesty, the Human Race slandered my son and invaded our Dragon Palace. Please uphold justice for us, punish