Heavenly Court

After the efforts of numerous Immortal Gods and the "righteous" aid of a Golden Immortal from the Chan Sect, the Heavenly Palace and Immortal Island Divine Mountain that were destroyed by Yang Jian have been fully restored to their original state.

The entire Heavenly Court regained its former victorious scenery.

The clouds steamed and the mist turned into a brilliant display, while a celestial aura bubbled forth.

Golden light shone in myriad paths across the red rainbows, and auspicious energy gushed in thousands of streams amid purple fog.

The Heavenly Emperor did not delay, and once again summoned his officials, intending to conduct a public trial of Yang Jian.

Very soon, Yang Jian was brought up to the great hall.

Dark gold chains of considerable thickness bound him tightly, leaving only his legs free enough to walk.

These chains were forged from spirit-imbued divine iron, engraved with runes on the surface to disrupt the flow of mana, and could also imprison the Primordial Spirit.

Simply put, at this moment, aside from his physical strength, Yang Jian could not use any mana, nor could he display any divine skills.

The Heavenly Emperor glanced at his nephew, then looked around at the assembled Immortals and declared, "Yang Jian has committed such a serious crime this time. In the view of the esteemed immortals present, how should he be dealt with?"

The Immortal Gods looked at each other in dismay, unsure of how to begin.

If it had been before, the Immortals of Heavenly Court would have definitely requested the Emperor of Heaven to punish Yang Jian without hesitation—be it cutting, chopping, or cleansing with thunder—everything would be dealt out to him one after another, and then it would be considered whether to reincarnate him or directly eradicate his body and spirit.

After all, when Yang Jian caused an uproar in the Heavenly Palace, that axe struck down relentlessly, truly overwhelming them.

Although Yang Jian had held back and did not use fatal moves, the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals who had withstood the Mountain Opening Axe's might were still seriously injured.

It goes without saying that they would need to take a period of injured leave.

For these "dedicated" Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, this caused a tremendous psychological trauma.

However, now that they were aware of Yang Jian's plight, the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals did not dare to speak up.

They could not gauge the Emperor's intentions.

Was he truly seeking to mete out strict punishment or just putting on a show?

After all, no matter what, Yang Jian was still the Emperor of Heaven's nephew!

Bound by blood and connected by bones!

If one were to jump out now and demand strict punishment for Yang Jian, it might end up getting noted down by the Emperor of Heaven.

While the Immortal Gods remained silent on the issue, it was Li Changgeng, the current Star Lord Taibai, who coughed lightly and proactively stepped forward.

The Heavenly Emperor smiled immediately; his trusted minister had not been nurtured in vain.

"My loyal minister, do you have a good plan? Quickly share it with Us."

Li Changgeng nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty, although Yang Jian has violated the heavenly laws and committed grave sins, he was harmed by someone else and there was a reason behind his actions.

Now that the truth has come to light, he knows that he has made a grave mistake.

As the saying goes, knowing one's mistake and correcting it is most commendable. Why not receive Yang Jian back into favor, giving him a chance to atone for his crimes and turn over a new leaf?"

Know his mistake?

The Heavenly Emperor glanced at the expressionless Yang Jian, sneering inwardly.

How could He see that he knew his mistake?

At that moment, Li Changgeng continued, "Right now, our Heavenly Court is in need of people. Yang Jian possesses vast divine skills and powerful mana. Keeping him to serve in the Heavenly Court can not only atone for his sins but also manifest Your Majesty's mercy. Wouldn't this be the best of both worlds?"

Receive him back into favor?

This move is indeed to Our liking!

The Heavenly Emperor nodded in satisfaction, looking around and asking, "What do the esteemed Immortals think of this proposition?"

"Receiving him back into favor is a truly wise strategy!"

"This humble official seconds the suggestion!"

"This general also thinks this is a wonderful plan, which would certainly showcase Your Majesty's benevolence."

"..."

The group of Immortal Gods who had been silent just a moment ago now all spoke up.

They weren't just agreeing with Li Changgeng, but had seen the smiling face of the Emperor of Heaven.

If they couldn't even interpret such an obvious signal, then they had no place in the Heavenly Court.

"Very well."

The Heavenly Emperor nodded and turned His gaze to Yang Jian, "You've heard all that Taibai has said, right? Since all the officials have no objections, We will give you a chance to atone for your crimes. We hope you do not deceive yourself!"

"Yang Jian is willing to serve the Heavenly Court..."

Since Yu Ding had been taken back to Kunlun, Yang Jian had also completely calmed down.

During his time incarcerated in the Heavenly Prison, he had carefully considered many things. Yu Yuan had even brought his mother to visit him once.

After confirming that his mother, Fairy Yun Hua's True Spirit was still intact, Yang Jian temporarily set aside his hatred towards the Heavenly Court.

Through this incident, he had become more poised and restrained.

But some traits had never changed.

At this moment, standing in the Palace of the Polestar, under the scrutiny of many Immortal Gods and the Heavenly Emperor, he enunciated each word deliberately and with a deep voice said:

"I will not assume an official post amongst the Immortal Class; I'll obey orders but will not be announced."

When he uttered these words, he looked indifferent, yet his voice carried an undeniable sense of rejection.

Not assuming an official post amongst the Immortal Class meant that he wouldn't be counted as an official Immortal God of the Heavenly Court, and hence the Heavenly Court wouldn't be able to bind him with those rules and regulations!

In essence, he remained a free and unfettered Immortal.

He would only lend a hand when the Heavenly Court needed him.

As for daily court attendance and greetings, those had nothing to do with him!

"Obey orders but will not be announced?"

The Heavenly Emperor's expression darkened slightly, ready to loudly rebuke, but the words stopped at the tip of His tongue.

Although He had been annoyed with this ignorant nephew, He also knew that this matter wasn't entirely Yang Jian's fault.

After all, from the moment Yu Ding took him as a disciple, he had intentions.

Yang Jian was still young at that time, so being deceived and misled was almost unavoidable.

"""That's good." The Heavenly Emperor gave a slight nod and with a wave of his hand, removed the chains from Yang Jian, proclaiming in a clear voice: "Today, I decree you to be named 'King of Efficacious and Manifested Grace', with your domain over Guan River Mouth, to enjoy the offerings from the Lower Realm, and to protect the peace of the region.

Should there be any summons, you must respond immediately, without delay!"

Yang Jian clasped his fist in a salute, "Your servant, acknowledges the decree!"

...

East Sea

A streak of golden light, lined with auspicious clouds, speeds through the space between sea and sky.

After the return of the Yu Ding to Kunlun, Yu Yuan visited the Heavenly Prison to allow Yang Jian and his mother a final meeting, then left the Heavenly Court.

Departing even earlier than the Nanji Immortal, Yu Yuan headed straight for the East Sea as soon as he exited the East Heavenly Gate.

How exactly to handle the Luck God Dragon was something he still wished to hear about from the Chan Sect Hierarch's plans.

After all, the conflict of the great sects' fortunes was not his alone to deal with.

Soon, he dashed into the Penglai Holy Realm, riding the Golden-eyed Five Clouds Camel from the sky and landing in front of the Biyou Palace.

The Tongtian Sect Hierarch had obviously known he would come and had the fire and water boys wait at the palace gate to lead him into the Biyou Palace upon his arrival.

He did not head for the main hall but rather to a scenic and secluded valley.

The sound of pine waves filled his ears, and the stream babbled on.

Dressed in an Eight Diagrams Robe and wearing a Furong Crown, the Tongtian Sect Hierarch sat cross-legged beside the stream, facing a slab of green stone and losing himself in thought, allowing the hem of his robe to drag across the soil and grass.

"Master Sect Hierarch above, your disciple Yu Yuan comes to pay respects."

Yu Yuan stepped forward with a beaming smile to greet.

After this experience of collaborating from a distance, he found his master sect hierarch much more pleasing to the eye.

Regardless of winning or losing, at least when others plot against you, you've got to fight back!

This time, the Tongtian Sect Hierarch had fought back.

He had caught the Yuqing Saint by surprise.

As he had said himself, it was thanks to his help, using the Saint Dao Fruit to conceal the heavenly mechanism for Yu Yuan, that Yu Yuan's scheme succeeded.

Otherwise, his actions would have been nearly completely deduced by the Yuqing Saint back at Qi Mountain.

"I'm already aware of your purpose here."

"The transition of dynasties is inevitable!"

"Even if we force the preservation of the Great Shang's destiny, it would merely be like drinking poison to quench thirst."

"How you deal with that Luck God Dragon, you may decide for yourself."

"Regardless of who stands in your way, you have me, your master, to back you up!"

...

After receiving a satisfactory answer, Yu Yuan landed on a cloud in front of Tian Yuan Palace.

"Chirp chirp, coo coo..."

In the palace's front flowerbed, a group of plant elves hopped about joyously.

"You're in luck."

Yu Yuan took out a pristine glazed bottle with a cheery smile, tipping a single drop of sweet dew into the air, turning it into a misty, gentle rain that sprinkled evenly over the flowerbed.

"So you remember to come back?"

An ominous voice sounded from behind him.

Yu Yuan turned to look and saw a tall young woman with an oval face and gently curved eyebrows approaching through the air.

As she drew closer, wafts of fresh fragrance filled the air.

Petals danced in the air, crystal clear and shimmering, like a rain of light, cascading all around.

Yu Yuan raised an eyebrow, "Shall I leave then?"

"If you dare to step away, I'll immediately get in touch with Aunt Golden Spirit… You probably don't know, but when the news of you dueling with the Chan Sect Golden Immortals at Wuyi Mountain reached the East Sea, Aunt Golden Spirit went looking for you!

According to what my master said, she chased from Wuyi Mountain to Linhuan Pass, and then from Linhuan Pass to Qi Mountain, and upon hearing you were in the Heavenly Court, she probably has already gone there.

But look at you, you've sneakily returned to Penglai without a word!"

Huo Ling'er seemed somewhat gleeful as she spoke: "If Aunt Golden Spirit knew that you left as soon as you returned, do you need me to tell you what would happen next?"

Yu Yuan felt his heart stir slightly.

He didn't need to ask to know why the Golden Spirit Saint Mother would be looking for him.

He still remembered his first travels in the Primordial times when his master, out of concern for his safety, followed him in secret to offer protection.

Now, even though he had achieved a profound level of Dao, in the eyes of his master, the Golden Spirit Saint Mother, he might still be the little disciple who needed her protection.

"Rest easy, senior sister, why would I betray you?"

Seeing the change in Yu Yuan's expression, Huo Ling'er grinned and said, "Just bring me along next time you go out, and I promise to turn a blind eye."

"You want to travel across the Primordial again?"

Yu Yuan sized her up, clicking his tongue in amazement, "I thought after our journey to Eastern Emperor Heaven last time, you'd have given up on that thought."

"Don't underestimate me, I can be quite formidable!" Huo Ling'er replied a bit discontentedly: "At least in terms of Dao cultivation, I am a bit better than Bai Ling, right?

If you can take her with you, why can't you bring me along?

Whatever she can help you with, tell me, I guarantee I can do it better!"

"Bai Ling knows how to handle spears and sticks; do you?" Yu Yuan replied somewhat irritably.

Huo Ling'er was confused, "What's that?"

"Just a small divine skill."

Yu Yuan said with a smile: "She has her strengths, you have your merits, there's no need to compare yourselves."

Huo Ling'er's eyes, like gentle autumn waters, shone bright with joy, "Then tell me, what are my strengths?"

"You have many strengths! Such as... well... "

"..."

Huo Ling'er pouted, "You can't bully people like that!"

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