Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, inside Zixiao Palace.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun sat high in the main seat. Below him, Houtu and the Saints sat cross-legged on meditation cushions on either side. Gungun, however, was rather embarrassed: there were no spare cushions left.
Without attaining primordial unity, I don't even get a seat here. Sigh! Gungun glanced around and sighed inwardly, then obediently walked over to stand in a corner, trying to make himself invisible.
Hongjun, however, gave him no chance to remain invisible.
"Heavenly Emperor, the Three Demons entered the Primordial World through your body. You are guilty and must be punished!" Hongjun looked down at Gungun, his voice vast and resounding.
Houtu and the Saints frowned at his words. They had not expected the Dao Ancestor to attack Gungun first instead of discussing the Devil Ancestor with them.
Hearing Hongjun's accusation, Gungun blinked, then every inch of the bear seemed to overflow with grievance. He hurried back to the center of the hall and flopped down before the Saint's Steps with a thud, shouting up at Hongjun, "I've been wronged! This little bear rises early and retires late, toiling tirelessly for the Primordial World. Dao Ancestor, how could you bear to wrong this little bear?"
"Oh? By your account, the Three Demons did not enter the Primordial World through your body?" Hongjun continued questioning Gungun, his expression unchanged.
"Dao Ancestor, Houtu once said that we must not be one-sided in our words or deeds. This little bear finds that deeply reasonable," Gungun said, lifting his head.
Houtu: "???"
Did I ever say that?
"The Three Demons did indeed enter the Primordial World by attaching themselves to this little bear. But once they entered, they never had time to harm any living beings before this little bear swiftly slew them. So,