Chapter 613: Taibai Reveals Killing Intent

Ran Deng stared at the small stool in front of him, no more than three inches tall, and for the first time since leaving Yu Xu Gong and being brought to Tian Ting, a slight frown appeared on his face.

Beside him, Ling Zhuzi was holding a normal meditation cushion and placing it behind Ju Li Sun.

Ran Deng's already gaunt face darkened further.

"Sit."

Directly ahead, Li Changshou gestured invitingly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Ju Li Sun's thigh twitched involuntarily, and he started to sit down subconsciously, but then he glanced at Ran Deng, who was slightly in front, and lowered his head, not daring to show any reaction.

Ran Deng looked straight ahead, meeting the gaze of Li Changshou, who appeared as an elderly immortal.

At that moment, Li Changshou exuded no pressure at all, with "just going through the motions" written on his left cheek and "following procedure" on his right, leaving everyone wondering what might happen next.

Ran Deng slowly sat down, hovering cross-legged above the tiny stool and adjusting the hem of his wide robe.

He finally spoke, his voice steady: "I am the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, born in ancient times, accompanying the spirit lamp and illuminating the path of three lives, three deaths, and three cycles of reincarnation.

Though Tian Ting governs the three realms and enforces heavenly rules on all beings, are innate spirits subject to the same constraints as acquired spirits?

I have a question first: Innate spirits were born before the formation of the Heavenly Dao, not entering the five elements or being listed in the three realms, so what right does Tian Ting have to try them?"

And so, the debate began.

Ran Deng's argument, which seemed full of flaws and easy to refute, was actually riddled with traps.

If Huang Long Zhenren were to debate, he would likely counter with: The Heavenly Dao is impartial and treats all equally, so what difference is there between innate and acquired?

But that would touch on taboo topics at this time.

Some things are understood in one's heart and should not be expressed directly until the right moment.

In the world today, those who hold the power to sway events are mostly innate spirits; among the Daoist masters and experts, aside from Ren Jiao, many are innate spirits.

With this statement, Ran Deng was shifting the focus, diverting the attention of the immortals and gods, and steering the conflict toward the old issue of 'innate spirits versus acquired spirits competing for heavenly resources.'

It also conveniently undermined Tian Ting's authority, making innate spirits wary or even resentful of Tian Ting.

What an old schemer.

All eyes turned to Li Changshou's face, and the key figures who instantly grasped the situation wondered how he would counter.

Li Changshou maintained his faint smile, not wanting to follow Ran Deng's line of thought, but this question gave him the perfect opportunity to promote Tian Ting's ideals.

Li Changshou set down the gavel and showed a kindly smile, praising: "Your question is quite insightful."

Ran Deng's brows furrowed immediately, recalling his past experiences of being outmaneuvered, and he felt a twinge of unease.

Li Changshou leaned back in his grand chair, extended his left hand, and a nimble young maiden quickly approached from the side, handing him a large jade tea mug.

It was the Jade Rabbit, seizing this chance to serve tea and water for her master, thereby gaining some credentials in Tian Ting.

Li Changshou took a sip of tea, set the mug down, steadied his breath, and said slowly: "Today marks the first time Tian Ting is trying a case involving an innate great power and a major sect's deputy leader, a figure of significant influence.

All of this today will have far-reaching effects and will set a precedent for handling such cases in Tian Ting's future.

Therefore, in today's trial, we must clarify several concepts.

First, the subject of the crime can be defined in two ways: an individual being or an organization of multiple beings.

Innate spirits are born of the innate Dao, but what are they made of? Yuan Shen and physical body, no different from acquired spirits.

We cannot deny the contributions such beings have made to the heavens.

However, this should only be considered at the end of the trial, when determining if some punishment can be waived based on merits, not interfering with the entire process.

For example, take today's Deputy Leader Ran Deng."

Li Changshou paused and smiled: "Suppose we find that Deputy Leader Ran Deng intentionally disrupted the stability of the three sects, aimed to incite a great war among them, coerced Chang E, killed her family, framed a key Tian Ting general, with extremely severe consequences and heinous crimes, warranting immediate execution!"

The word "execution" carried a chilling killing intent, startling all the immortals and gods present.

Was Tian Ting going to kill Ran Deng?

Li Changshou's tone softened slightly: "But considering that Chan Jiao is a major sect under a sage, and the sage is a cornerstone of the Heavenly Dao, with Chan Jiao having made outstanding contributions to the development of the heavens,

Although Deputy Leader Ran Deng hasn't done many good deeds personally, as Chan Jiao's deputy leader for so many years, he has provided some minor benefits.

Then, what should have been soul destruction could be changed to reincarnation... Do you all understand?

Of course, this is just an example; we can't convict out of thin air.

If this is confusing for some, let me summarize it simply for everyone.

Ahem, hmm!"

Li Changshou surveyed the surroundings, divine power surging around him, as if his words carried the force of law, and he proclaimed loudly: "From today onward!

First, Tian Ting tries the crimes of beings, not their identities.

Second, during the trial, we do not consider a being's identity, but before punishment, we account for their past merits. In Tian Ting, as long as merits are rewarded, what need is there to offset crimes with them?

Third, Tian Ting was established by Dao Zu to manage the rules of the three realms. In reality, Tian Ting is not meant to become a domineering force ruling all beings, but to ensure beings follow the rules.

The main beings in the heavens today are immortals, mortals, spirits, ghosts, demons, and the gods of the Heavenly Dao sequence!

Tian Ting will guarantee immortals' carefree cultivation and pursuit of the Dao's true meaning, while protecting mortals from bullying by immortals and demons, allowing them a stable life;

It will encourage spirits to awaken their intelligence and ghosts to find their end!

I dare not claim Tian Ting possesses absolute justice, for the Heavenly Dao has flaws and the Great Dao has deficiencies; Tian Ting is made up of beings, not a cold artifact, so it can't be perfect.

But under the guidance of the Jade Emperor, we will continue to progress and develop.

Tian Ting will improve through change, and its systems will be refined, seeking a balance between heavenly stability and the needs of beings.

In the future, no matter what hardships arise, or if Tian Ting's systems become outdated or bloated, as long as change exists, beings can still hold hope for Tian Ting!

Of course, we can't make all beings satisfied, for beings' desires are boundless, but we aim to bring the glory of justice to the vast majority!

This step begins today, with the trial of Deputy Leader Ran Deng, moving forward!

The rules Tian Ting establishes have nothing to do with innate or acquired, with the Great Dao, cultivators, or mortals;

What Tian Ting always pursues is fairness!

Is justice!

Is fair justice!"

As his words fell, a profound silence enveloped the scene.

Li Changshou had stood up at some point, now radiating divine light that was almost blinding.

He calmly sat back down, as if he had just mentioned something trivial, then looked at Ran Deng, whose gaze was somewhat dazed, and raised the gavel, slowly bringing it down.

"General Bian Zhuang, please recount your previous experiences."

"Yes, Star Lord."

Bian Zhuang responded softly, about to speak, when a noisy chorus of shouts erupted around them.

The immortals and gods of Tian Ting, along with the heavenly soldiers and generals, cheered in unison. Many hot-blooded men flushed red, young cultivators looked bewildered and excited, and fairy maidens' eyes sparkled with admiration...

At the top of the steps, by the palace gates, Queen Mother, who had arrived unnoticed, glanced at the laughing Jade Emperor beside her and could only smile and sigh softly.

As for the elders like Mu Gong and Yue Lao, who had joined Tian Ting in its early days, most were now tearful.

They had strived for Tian Ting for so many years and finally had a clear goal to fight for...

Turning to the seven Daoist experts,

Zhao Gongming and Yu Ding Zhenren's eyes shone with excitement, Jin Ling Shengmu looked at Li Changshou with clear appreciation, and Qiong Xiao murmured praises.

Huang Long Zhenren wiped a tear from his eye and sighed: "If I weren't so lacking in real skills, I'd want to take a minor position in Tian Ting to benefit beings."

Taiyi Zhenren chuckled: "Tian Ting doesn't lack decorative lucky charms."

Huang Long Zhenren's forehead darkened, and Taiyi Zhenren awkwardly smiled, mumbling apologies for his blunt mouth.

"Quiet down, everyone, quiet please!"

Li Changshou gestured with his hand, and the noise quickly subsided.

This time, he didn't glance at Ran Deng but turned to Bian Zhuang: "Be more detailed, just describe your own experiences, and keep your emotions in check."

"Ah, yes!"

Bian Zhuang let out a long sigh, his emotions surging, his eyes reddening and tears welling up: "I was originally the young manager of Tianya, with a house and fields at home, all thanks to your guidance..."

This was the beginning of the three-layer scheme against Ran Deng.

'Master... is so impressive.'

From behind the immortals and gods, Long Ji silently admired in her heart. She was watching the spectacle with several Yao Chi fairy maidens and had witnessed her master's speech.

Even as the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, she felt her blood stirring...

To be honest, Master was irreplaceable in his role as Tian Ting's chief minister.

Ran Deng had no control at all; he had just launched an attack, and Master had countered calmly, not only dismantling Ran Deng's words but also making him seem petty, while raising the most precious banner for Tian Ting.

— The legitimacy of governing the three realms.

Previously, Tian Ting's influence could be seen as an extension of Dao Zu's deterrence.

But from today, Tian Ting's influence went beyond that deterrence and embarked on a clear path!

Constant improvement, constant refinement, not perfect but striving for the greatest perfection, maintaining the rules and order of the three realms.

Wasn't this the right way to alleviate beings' karmic burdens and resist the invasion of the Nine Foul Springs?

The more Long Ji thought about it, the more she realized she had underestimated her master's vision.

Of course, she had already placed Master above her father, but only today did she understand how vast the heavens and earth in Master's heart were...

"Princess? Princess Long Ji?"

A voice suddenly transmitted from behind.

Princess Long Ji furrowed her brows slightly and turned to see several heavenly generals standing nearby, looking anxious.

She blinked, recalling her master's long teachings, and her first reaction was...

Why are they suddenly looking for me? Is there a scheme?

She held no real divine position in Tian Ting, just a Yao Chi fairy maiden on the immortal registry. Though these generals weren't unfamiliar, why call out to her here and now?

This was suspicious.

Long Ji knew her identity was special, though it wasn't a big deal—just having the Heavenly Emperor as a father and Queen Mother as a mother—but she hadn't enjoyed any Tian Ting privileges and kept a low profile.

With so many immortals and gods around, why would these generals seek her out?

Remembering her master's warnings, she pondered and transmitted: "Greetings, generals. What is the matter?"

"Princess! It's urgent!"

One heavenly general transmitted anxiously: "A great power from Jie Jiao, Yun Xiao, has arrived at the East Heaven Gate. Could you please inform Star Lord? Should we let her pass, and how?"

Long Ji's eyes lit up, and she transmitted back: "Why are you delaying? Fairy Yun Xiao is my master's Dao companion. How dare you stop her?"

"But according to Tian Ting's rules, anyone not on the immortal registry isn't allowed to enter Tian Ting freely. That's why we're worried!

That divine sword doesn't recognize the Star Lord's Dao companion."

Long Ji thought for a moment, glanced at her master in the hall, who was scheming against Ran Deng, and quickly formed a plan.

"Wait here, generals. I'll go ask for Mother Queen's decree."

With that, Long Ji went around to the front of Ling Xiao Hall, quietly approached the palace doors, bowed to Queen Mother, and whispered in her ear.

Queen Mother smiled slightly, gave Long Ji a jade token, and instructed her to bring more fairy maidens and arrange a proper ceremony.

The full honors must be given.

Long Ji then went personally to the South Heaven Gate to welcome Yun Xiao, while Queen Mother and the Jade Emperor discussed quietly and had someone bring a luxurious couch, placing it beside Queen Mother.

The couch was carved from 100,000-year-old spirit coral from the East Sea, adorned with great pearls from the South Sea, emerald agate from the West Sea, and profound ice-fire stones from the North Sea.

It was covered with a soft cushion of immortal cloud silk, padded with dawn glows gathered by fairy maidens at the eastern rise of the Sun Star each day...

Soon, Long Ji led Yun Xiao on the clouds, surrounded by fairy maidens and guarded by heavenly soldiers.

Even amidst the crowd, flowers, and greenery, the elegant white figure of Yun Xiao stood out, serene and graceful.

In the hall, Li Changshou had already noticed Yun Xiao's arrival.

But with the critical moment of interrogating Ran Deng, he couldn't afford distractions, and Yun Xiao had Long Ji with her...

So, Li Changshou focused on the interrogation—well, the scheme—and sat straighter, with a more serious expression and a louder voice.

How to convince an unmarried Dao companion of one's robust health was every man's essential lesson.

Yun Xiao followed Long Ji to near Ling Xiao Hall and didn't want to go further, partly to avoid disturbing Li Changshou's work and partly not to be stared at by so many.

But Long Ji transmitted: "Master's wife, please come this way to sit."

Yun Xiao didn't know how to refuse amid the repeated "Master's wife" calls and slowly walked to the front of the hall.

She bowed slightly to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, addressing them as "shi shu" (teacher's uncle in a Daoist sense).

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile and said nothing, while Queen Mother rose, took Yun Xiao's hand, and fussed over her, making Yun Xiao feel a bit uncomfortable.

In the hall, pairs of eyes inevitably turned toward them.

Seeing Yun Xiao arrive without concealing herself, the immortals and gods murmured various praises.

And when they saw her sitting with Queen Mother on that luxurious couch, with Princess Long Ji standing attentively beside her and two Yao Chi fairy maidens holding fruits and immortal wine behind...

Qiong Xiao, Taiyi Zhenren, Zhao Gongming: ...

Their mindsets were thrown off balance.

Yun Xiao said little after arriving, quietly sitting on the couch. After greeting Zhao Gongming, Qiong Xiao, and Jin Ling via transmission, she fixed her gaze on Li Changshou's back, listening to his voice.

She also stayed alert for any possible "attacks," with the Hunyuan Jindou hidden in her sleeve and a palm-sized jade statue ready to throw.

Meanwhile, the trial continued in the hall.

Bian Zhuang finished recounting the events, and the injured Chang E appeared, describing how she had been coerced.

Li Changshou then summoned the three accomplices and several witnesses, had Jin Peng release the previously saved souls to reunite with Chang E, and asked who had killed them, learning it was several rogue cultivators.

Here was a key point.

Li Changshou asked: "Most of you only had minor cultivation and were essentially mortals.

After killing you, those rogue cultivators could have burned the bodies and destroyed your souls, so why did they leave your souls intact?"

The souls hesitated and couldn't explain clearly.

A heavenly general stepped forward from the side and reported: "Reporting to Star Lord, before joining Tian Ting, I trained in the three thousand worlds and made many friends, so I know about this.

Those hired killers have a rule: if the employer doesn't specify destroying souls, they usually don't, to reduce their own karmic burdens."

"I see," Li Changshou said. "General Ao Yi, go to Tongming Hall and verify this."

"Yes!"

Ao Yi acknowledged the order and retreated quickly to Tongming Hall.

Li Changshou continued: "With the investigation of this case complete, I believe everyone understands the key points. The cultivator who hired those rogue cultivators was Chan Jiao's Ju Li Sun.

Ju Li Sun has already confessed."

Mu Gong stood up, unrolled a scroll, and displayed it, showing Ju Li Sun's signed testimony.

Li Changshou asked: "Ju Li Sun, do you admit to this?"

Ju Li Sun glanced at Ran Deng, then at Guang Chengzi, and sitting on the ground, he said lowly: "I act alone and take responsibility. I admit it."

"Very well," Li Changshou nodded. "As Star Lord, I will sentence you.

Chang E Su Qing, you slandered a Tian Ting general, tried to confuse the truth, with malicious intent and severe impact, disturbing the peace of the three realms.

But considering you were coerced and there are mitigating circumstances, I won't punish you harshly or let you off lightly.

Come!

Take Chang E Su Qing to the Heavenly Punishment Hall, break her immortal bones, destroy her cultivation, but preserve her lifespan, immortal registry, and foundation. Send her to the lower three heavens to cultivate anew!

Her family members will enter reincarnation, and Yan Luo Hall will handle it impartially!"

"Yes!"

Heavenly generals stepped forward immediately.

The already injured Chang E knelt and kowtowed tearfully: "Thank you, Star Lord, for your mercy. Thank you for sparing my life."

Li Changshou waved his hand, and the generals carried her away.

"As for the other accomplices, send them to the Heavenly Punishment Hall for fifty lashes with thunder whips, deduct their salaries for a thousand years, and strip them of their Chang E positions!"

The three Chang E bowed their heads in acceptance and were led away by the generals.

Li Changshou added: "General Bian Zhuang, please rise. Though you are innocent, you were drunk, so you are sentenced to confinement in the Tianhe barracks for a hundred years. Do you object?"

Bian Zhuang knelt and kowtowed quickly: "How dare I object!"

"Go on," Li Changshou flicked his sleeve and stood up as Bian Zhuang dodged away.

In that instant, Li Changshou's gaze sharpened, fixing on Ju Li Sun.

"Mu Gong, Taiyin Star Lord, what do you think should be the sentence for this Chan Jiao disciple?"

Mu Gong pondered and said: "He is a sage's disciple, after all..."

Heng E, who had a scripted role, interjected: "Today, we punished the coerced Chang E by destroying her cultivation but keeping her immortal registry.

If we treat the one who coerced her more leniently, it won't satisfy the public."

Li Changshou nodded slowly. "In that case, let's sentence Ju Li Sun and Ran Deng..."

This was the scheme.

The first layer.

"Chang Geng! Star Lord!"

Two calls rang out as Guang Chengzi stood up, frowning: "May I say a few words?"

Li Changshou smiled: "Senior Brother Guang Chengzi, are you suggesting that Chan Jiao takes responsibility for Ran Deng and Ju Li Sun's crimes, and will compensate Tian Ting while punishing them severely?"

Guang Chengzi looked embarrassed, as if his thoughts had been guessed: "Please, Tian Ting, show mercy. They are Chan Jiao's deputy leader and the teacher's direct disciple.

Chan Jiao has stood in the great wilderness for so many ancient years and contributed to the stability of the heavens before Tian Ting's rise."

Li Changshou nodded seriously: "Senior Brother Guang Chengzi, you're staking Chan Jiao's reputation to vouch for them. Are you sure?"

Guang Chengzi sighed: "We will discipline them strictly."

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, his eyes full of hesitation: "It's not that I'm unwilling to give you face, Senior Brother, but earlier I stated that today is about setting a precedent.

This makes it quite difficult for me.

How about this: I'll handle this case according to Tian Ting's rules, and Chan Jiao can enforce it. What do you say?"

Guang Chengzi bowed: "Thank you for your understanding, Junior Brother Chang Geng. This is indeed due to Chan Jiao's poor supervision."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile and turned his gaze to Ran Deng and Ju Li Sun.

The two of them had secretly relaxed and now dared to meet Li Changshou's eyes.

Most of the immortals and gods present had anticipated this outcome.

After all, it was a major sage sect, and this was just a formality.

Then, Li Changshou said: "Ju Li Sun should have his Dao foundation destroyed and be sent to reincarnation, but considering Chan Jiao's guarantee, he is sentenced to surrender his Dao scriptures, be confined to the mountains for three hundred years, have his Dao realm advancement path sealed by the Heavenly Dao, his merits reset to zero and unable to increase.

He is forbidden from being employed by any Tian Ting affiliate and labeled a sinful immortal of the Heavenly Dao.

Any further major offenses will result in strict punishment, execution without mercy!"

He paused: "The same for Ran Deng."

Ju Li Sun frowned. This was still a reduced sentence? It was equivalent to sealing his future, half killing him!

Just as he was about to speak, two divine thunderbolts struck—one knocking Ju Li Sun out cold, the other leaving Ran Deng pale-faced.

Their Dao realms were sealed, merits reset!

Several streams of light flew from Ju Li Sun and Ran Deng's bodies—their storage treasures!

Heavenly generals stepped forward to collect the storage treasures from Ju Li Sun and Ran Deng, but couldn't take Ran Deng's spirit lantern or coffin.

Guang Chengzi and Li Changshou exchanged a look.

The former seemed to say: Junior Brother, what a scheme, and Senior Brother is satisfied.

However, Li Changshou's gaze...

Guang Chengzi suddenly couldn't read it.

Li Changshou flicked his sleeve: "This case is closed. Hand Ju Li Sun and Ran Deng over to Senior Brother Guang Chengzi to take back to Yu Xu Gong for punishment."

Ju Li Sun's unconscious body twitched a few times before being enveloped in Guang Chengzi's immortal light and pulled to his side.

Ran Deng, who had only spoken once and hadn't been given a chance to defend himself, was about to stand when an unexpected turn occurred.

Boom, boom, boom!

Urgent drumbeats came from the right, and all eyes turned, leaving the immortals and gods slightly stunned once more.

There stood the female general at the drum, with a slender, graceful figure, her form-fitting armor highlighting her charm—a waist so slim it could be spanned by a hand, long hair cascading like a waterfall, exuding an indescribable heroic spirit.

Tian Ting's female war god!

You Qin Xuanya!

"Hold on, everyone," Li Changshou pretended not to know and frowned. "Who is beating the drum? Bring them forward."

Four heavenly generals moved forward, but You Qin Xuanya had already set down the drumstick, removed her helmet, and taken off her armor in public, revealing the ice-blue dress beneath.

She stepped quickly into the center, knelt beside Zhao Gongming facing Li Changshou: "Reporting to Star Lord, I am You Qin Xuanya. Today, I wish to bring a charge against Chan Jiao's Deputy Leader Ran Deng."

Ran Deng suddenly realized something, his face changing dramatically as he narrowed his eyes and glared at Li Changshou!

Li Changshou smiled warmly: "Xuanya, what are you doing?

You are my junior sister, and I recommended and vouched for you in Tian Ting. If you have any grievances, just tell me directly.

I'll handle it for you."

You Qin Xuanya turned to glance at Ran Deng, then stated firmly: "I charge Deputy Leader Ran Deng with, out of provocation and revenge, ordering the destruction of my You Qin kingdom and the slaughter of countless You Qin lives!"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, about to speak, when distant drumbeats thundered again. Officials from Shenwei Hall hurried in on clouds and knelt outside.

"Reporting to Star Lord!

The current human emperor of Nan Zamba Continent, the ruler of the Shang kingdom, has filed a complaint through a dream, charging Chan Jiao's Deputy Leader Ran Deng with, for personal reasons, ruining his ancestral line and causing the You Qin kingdom's people to suffer!"

"The human emperor? That must be taken seriously."

Li Changshou nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Ran Deng with a faint smile: "It seems, Deputy Leader Ran Deng, you won't be leaving Tian Ting anytime soon."

With that, he turned to the Jade Emperor and stepped forward, proclaiming: "This case requests Your Majesty to preside!"

The Jade Emperor laughed: "My dear minister, you handled the previous case so well. Why involve me?"

"This one," Li Changshou glanced at You Qin Xuanya and said seriously, "I cannot preside, for I am a key witness in the You Qin kingdom's destruction.

I saw with my own eyes that night, Chan Jiao's Deputy Leader Ran Deng giving the orders!

I humbly request Your Majesty to approve this case for immediate trial and summon all relevant witnesses and participants from that time! We must thoroughly investigate the truth!"

Thus:

A pretense in the hall, Xuanya strikes with killing intent!