It had to be said that Haotian was right. Had Nuwa not been there, Black Bear really would have sent someone to intercept them and bring him, his daughter, and his nephew back under arrest.
But with Nuwa there now, why would he need to worry about that?
"Empress, look! This Haotian is utterly despicable! Not only does he intend to take his daughter to Zixiao Palace and ask the Dao Ancestor to favor him-just as the Heavenly Sovereign and I suspected-oh, no, I mean seek the Dao Ancestor's protection, but he's also slandering me behind my back! What kind of bear am I? A good bear, that's what! Isn't he afraid heaven will strike him with lightning for saying such things about me? Empress, to uphold the impartiality of the heavenly laws, this humble bear boldly asks you to subdue Haotian!" Black Bear bowed to Nuwa, who had commandeered his seat of honor, and called out.
"Ancestral Bear, don't you dare!" Jade Pool threatened him when she heard this.
"What have I done? Is it wrong to ask the Empress to subdue a lawless god who wants to shield his daughter? Why wouldn't I dare? Put that hand down. Stop pointing at me. I, Black Bear Ancestor, have my dignity! Point at me again and I'll chop your hand off. Try me!" Black Bear stood and addressed Jade Pool.
"You!" Frightened, Jade Pool took half a step back.
"Please pass judgment on Haotian, Empress," Ao Yue said, bowing to Nuwa with an utterly composed expression. Lu Ya had already told him that Nuwa intended to strike at Haotian and thereby undermine the Dao Ancestor's authority. It seemed the power Haotian had wrested from him would return to his hands today.
Nuwa swept her gaze over Black Bear, Ao Yue,