The Grand Ceremony Approached, Death Came Knocking

Purple Tenuity Imperial Capital, Purple Gold Square.

This is the largest gathering place in the capital, usually teeming with people, but today it is completely packed.

Countless cultivators flocked from all corners of the capital, with many even traveling from afar specifically to witness the spectacle. Today, the Third Prince Zi Feng, was personally presiding over the "Exorcising Demons and Defending the Righteous Path" assembly!

In the center of the square, a towering execution platform, hundreds of feet high, rose from the ground. It was made entirely of obsidian and exuded a chilling aura.

The execution platform was surrounded by banners that blotted out the sun, and the imperial guards of the Purple Star Immortal Dynasty were stationed every three steps and sentries every five steps, their grim atmosphere soaring to the sky.

"Have you heard? That demon named Dongfang Yueming, although he died at the hands of the Great Yan Immortal Emperor, his remnants are still around!"

"Yes! I heard it's a demoness named Qingxue. She was originally the Holy Maiden of the Clear Spirit Sect, but she shamelessly followed a demon and even aided and abetted his evil deeds!"

"Your Highness the Third Prince is wise and Shenwu! Not only has he destroyed the demon's stronghold, but he has also captured this demoness and brought her to justice. Today, she will be publicly punished!"

Amidst the crowd, murmurs rose and fell. Guided by those with ulterior motives, public opinion had already turned overwhelmingly in favor of the leader.

At noon, the auspicious time has arrived.

"His Highness the Third Prince has arrived!"

With a high-pitched shout, a golden chariot pulled by nine dragons descended from the sky and landed steadily on the main seat of the execution platform.

Wearing a purple-gold python robe and a jade crown, Zi Feng stepped out of the chariot with great spirit.

His gaze swept across the entire arena, basking in the thunderous cheers that filled him with immense satisfaction for his vanity.

So what if the Purple Gold Ore Vein is destroyed?

[If I can seize this opportunity to establish myself as a "demon-slaying hero," and gain the support of the two Immortal Emperor...]

[Who else but me deserves this position of Crown Prince?!]

He slowly raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, then spoke loudly, his voice carrying throughout the city amplified by magic:

"Everyone! That fiend, Dongfang Yueming, is utterly depraved. He plundered mines and slaughtered his fellow cultivators; his crimes are unforgivable!"

"Although he has been executed, his crimes are grave and he must be thoroughly punished!"

"Today, I, Your Highness, will act on behalf of Heaven to judge their followers and set the record straight!"

"Well done! Your Highness is truly awe-inspiring!"

"Kill the demoness! Set the record straight!"

The crowd below was filled with excitement, and the cheers were deafening.

However, unlike the hustle and bustle outside.

Deep within the palace, in a secluded and spiritually rich warm pavilion, the atmosphere felt strangely odd.

"Miss Qingxue, is this tea... to your liking?"

The ruler of Ziwei Kingdom, Zi Wuji, was smiling obsequiously as he picked up the teapot and personally refilled the cup for the woman sitting opposite him.

On the other side, Yan Nantian, the ruler of the Great Yan Kingdom, was holding up a dazzling palace dress and gesturing like an old tailor.

"This ' Flowing Clouds Brocade ' is woven from silk from ten-thousand-year-old ice silkworms, possessing astonishing defensive capabilities, and its elegant and dignified design perfectly complements a young lady's temperament."

The one being "served" in this way by the two Immortal Emperor was none other than Qingxue.

At this moment, she was no longer in a sorry state. The restrictions on her body had been lifted, her cultivation had been restored, and she not only escaped any punishment but was also treated as an honored guest.

Looking at the two Immortal Emperor who were usually high and mighty, she was filled with mixed emotions.

Is this... the master's intimidating power?

Even without him, his mere name is enough to make Immortal Emperor bow down.

Just then...

"Report!"

A eunuch hurried into the warm pavilion, knelt down, and reported, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince has sent word that the auspicious time has arrived, and requests... requests that Your Majesty escort the prisoner to the square for a public trial."

Upon hearing this, Zi Wuji and Yan Nantian exchanged a glance, their expressions turning somewhat strange.

"A prisoner?" Zi Wuji sneered. "That Old Three kid really... doesn't know what's good for him."

"That's enough."

Yan Nantian put down the palace dress in his hand, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes.

"Now that he's set the stage, let's... play along and see this play through to the end."

"Perfect opportunity! Let's take this chance to send Miss Qingxue back in style."

"Indeed." Zi Wuji nodded, then looked at Qingxue, his tone becoming incredibly gentle, "Miss, please. Brother Yan and I will personally escort you there."

Qingxue put down her teacup, slowly stood up, her expression calm.

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesties."

Purple Tenuity Imperial Capital, North Gate.

This place is protected by a fourth-order defensive array known as the "Spirit-Severing Barrier," which even Immortal Lord Perfection would find impossible to sneak in without alerting the guards.

However.

A figure in blue walked in from outside the city gate as if strolling leisurely.

With each step he took, strange ripples spread across the space beneath his feet. The seemingly indestructible protective array of light barriers parted automatically like ripples on water the moment he touched it, without even triggering an alarm.

[Perfection - The Law of Space]!

Treat the formation as if it doesn't exist!

Dongfang Yueming walked through the city gate, looking at the deafeningly noisy square in the distance, and listening to the "Slay the Demon" slogans coming from there, a cold smile curled up at the corner of his mouth.

"Slay the demon?"

"Public trial?"

"Third Prince... you really have given me a big surprise."

He did not choose to fly, nor did he tear through the Xukong.

Instead, he mingled with the crowd of onlookers and, following the flow of people, walked step by step towards the center of the square.

The surrounding cultivators were excitedly discussing the impending execution, and no one noticed that right beside them, the legendary demon who had supposedly "died without a complete corpse" was slowly approaching, carrying with him the lingering stench of blood.