Chapter 615: Extreme Reversal Before the Lingxiao Hall

I am, um... I am Dao Wei Zi, a Qi Refiner from Yu Xu Palace. This... I am indeed the founding ancestor of Dao Wei Immortal Sect.

Back then, the Dao Wei Immortal Sect that I established did have conflicts with Du Immortal Gate.

But this was due to Dao Wei Immortal Sect's own development, seeking places for offerings.

The Hong Lin Kingdom of the You Qin clan happened to be located between the two states that offered to Dao Wei Immortal Sect, which led to the military campaign and surprise attack on the Hong Lin Kingdom's capital.

At the time, this was considered normal territorial expansion, and I specifically instructed everyone in the Immortal Sect, from top to bottom, to avoid direct conflicts with Du Immortal Gate as much as possible. I even prepared to exchange other states with Du Immortal Gate for Hong Lin Kingdom.

Although this was certainly wrong, and immortals should not interfere arbitrarily in mortal affairs, at that time, the Heavenly Court had not yet risen, and all Immortal Gates in Zhong Shenzhou acted this way—it was an old tradition from the ancient times.

I am willing to accept punishment from the Heavenly Court for this matter.

In front of Ling Xiao Hall, in the trial ground.

Dao Wei Zi, dressed in a gray silk robe, bowed his head and spoke these words.

High above on the tiers of steps, the Jade Emperor sat quietly behind the jade table, his face expressionless, which put immense pressure on this immortal who had achieved longevity, making beads of sweat form on his forehead.

Since Li Chang Shou was no longer the lead judge, the trial setup had been modified, with the Jade Emperor now seated at the forefront as the main judge.

Following Li Chang Shou's suggestion, no additional jurors were added; instead, many Heavenly Court deities stood on both sides of the steps, ready to offer advice and speak out as needed.

This statement from Dao Wei Zi was the result of his careful consideration and was within Li Chang Shou's expectations.

If Dao Wei Zi had immediately shifted all blame onto Ran Deng, it would have backfired.

Dao Wei Zi's stance at this moment was likely unrelated to Chan Jiao's attitude, as he was not a key figure in Chan Jiao.

Li Chang Shou stood quietly at the base of the steps, saying nothing more.

At the hall's entrance, the Jade Emperor pondered briefly before speaking calmly:

"Dao Wei Zi, everything you say now will be crucial in determining the direction of this case.

I sit here, so do not let fear in your heart prevent you from speaking the truth.

The Heavenly Dao is always watching you."

Dao Wei Zi's body trembled slightly, and he let out a bitter laugh inwardly.

He was, after all, a long-lived immortal and a member of Chan Jiao. Normally, wherever he went, he was treated with great respect, and even at various banquets in Dong Kun Lun, he was showered with flattery until his ears grew tired.

But here, he felt like he had become the underdog.

Dao Wei Zi glanced discreetly at Ran Deng, the deputy leader of Chan Jiao, standing quietly to the right front, and then at Guang Cheng Zi, the senior brother and spokesperson of Yu Xu Palace, a bit farther away. His mind was filled with mixed thoughts.

He never imagined that this matter would involve him.

Wasn't today supposed to be about the Heavenly Court using the false accusation against the heavenly general involving Chang E to challenge their Chan Jiao deputy leader and establish the Heavenly Court's superior status over the great sage teachings?

How did it suddenly shift to the affairs of Dao Wei Immortal Sect?

But Dao Wei Zi was a clever cultivator.

When the Heavenly Court's wing commander, Jin Chi Da Peng Bird, suddenly named him, he began to wonder what had happened—though he couldn't figure it out.

When Chi Jing Zi, his senior brother, brought him before the Heavenly Court officials, Dao Wei Zi naturally heard Chi Jing Zi's voice transmission...

'Once you're in the Heavenly Court, say what you should and think carefully about what you shouldn't.'

So, Dao Wei Zi weighed his words all the way there. Upon arriving and hearing what Tai Bai Jin Xing, the powerful Heavenly Court official, had said about the prior interrogation, he immediately understood the situation.

How could he not know about this matter?

When Ran Deng, the deputy leader, approached him back then, he thought it was a golden opportunity laid out before him, and he had to seize it.

If Ran Deng was pleased, wouldn't he become a direct disciple of Chan Jiao, gain the chance to listen to the sage's teachings, and perhaps even be noticed by the sage himself, becoming a core disciple of Chan Jiao and ranking as the thirteenth Golden Immortal?

Ah, what a pity.

At that time, Ran Deng suffered a loss, tricked by today's Tai Bai Jin Xing, who sat behind the long table, and lost most of the treasures he had accumulated over countless years...

Dao Wei Zi was scolded for it and had been in seclusion at Yu Xu Palace ever since.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Dao Wei Zi thought for a moment, hesitated, and said, "I have not spoken falsely."

The Jade Emperor nodded slowly, waving his left hand gently as a strand of golden light shot into the sky above Ling Xiao Bao Dian. His calm voice echoed everywhere:

"The Heavenly Dao shall judge."

Boom!

A purple-black thunder dragon appeared out of nowhere, streaking across the sky above Dao Wei Zi's head, writhing fiercely with overwhelming power!

The terrifying heavenly might crashed down, making Dao Wei Zi's body tremble. He looked up at the sky, his eyes full of fear.

"This... this..."

The Jade Emperor chuckled lightly and said, "You are a disciple of a great teaching, so I will give you this chance. Otherwise, the next heavenly punishment won't just be a warning—it will strike you directly.

Here!

Under the Heavenly Dao's scrutiny, if you dare to lie, I will not spare you!"

Dao Wei Zi quickly bowed his head and performed a deep Dao salute, his pupils darting around nervously as he suddenly gasped in a breath of cold air.

What was he to do?

Then, he heard Li Chang Shou sigh and say:

"Your Majesty, Dao Wei Zi must be afraid of someone here, so he dares not speak the truth.

How about this? You could issue a verbal decree: as long as Dao Wei Zi reveals the facts, the Heavenly Court will not only vouch for him and explain to Chan Jiao but also waive part of his guilt.

From what we see, Dao Wei Zi is not the main wrongdoer; he was merely following orders from a certain deputy leader."

Dao Wei Zi's Adam's apple bobbed, and he nearly nodded in agreement.

The Jade Emperor nodded slowly and said, "What you say is very true, Dao Wei Zi. With this promise from me, do you dare to speak now?"

"I... I..."

"Ah," Guang Cheng Zi interjected, "just say what needs to be said. Report exactly what happened back then.

Though this involves Ran Deng, the deputy leader, it's the current human emperor bringing the charge today. It's good for you to avoid being implicated."

"Ah, Senior Brother, you know about this too..."

Dao Wei Zi sighed, about to speak.

But Li Chang Shou suddenly said, "Dao Wei Zi, why not sit down and speak? Steady your mind."

From the side, the meditation cushion originally for Ju Liu Sun was quickly brought over by the heavenly generals. How could Dao Wei Zi refuse?

Once seated, Dao Wei Zi felt he had a bit more confidence.

After a brief thought, he glanced at Ran Deng's gloomy face and said slowly:

"The dao friends of the Heavenly Court must know that before the Heavenly Court rose, the interactions between immortals and mortals followed certain principles. Mortals sought elixirs for longevity, while immortals sought luck and merit, often secretly controlling kingdoms and tribes.

No one said it was wrong back then, and immortals are mainly from the human race anyway.

Of course, now with the Heavenly Court's rules, such actions are indeed improper, and I have already ordered Dao Wei Immortal Sect to stop exploiting mortal kingdoms..."

"Get to the point," Li Chang Shou interrupted his rambling, saying firmly, "The issue now is, was it you, Dao Wei Zi, who ordered the siege of Hong Lin Kingdom, the night attack on its capital, and the extermination of the contemporary human emperor's clan males?"

Hearing this, Dao Wei Zi became anxious.

"How could it be me?

Though I am not some great saint, I know how precious life is. Immortal sects competing and secular struggles for merit and treasures have their limits.

Which righteous Qi Refiner would slaughter mortals without reason? That would invite karmic backlash!"

Li Chang Shou replied calmly, "Since it wasn't you who gave the order, was someone else instigating it?"

"This matter, I can't say clearly," Dao Wei Zi glanced at Ran Deng and said lowly, "I only brought Dao Wei Immortal Sect's contemporary sect leader to meet Ran Deng, the deputy leader. All the arrangements were made by Ran Deng himself."

Li Chang Shou showed a look of sudden realization and turned to report to the Jade Emperor.

He added, "Your Majesty, Jin Peng Yuan Shuai has already summoned Dao Wei Immortal Sect's contemporary sect leader and several important elders."

"Bring them in," the Jade Emperor said coldly. From the side, Mu Gong shouted an order, and several figures were escorted in by heavenly soldiers and generals.

This time, the heavenly soldiers and generals were not polite. One barked, "Kneel!"

These old Daoists, at the level of ordinary Golden Immortals, trembled in their legs and knelt with their heads bowed, not daring to look up.

This certain Heavenly Court official, who had said he shouldn't be the main judge but was now acting as a witness, kept asking questions. These long-lived immortals from Chan Jiao's subordinate sects opened up one by one and confessed.

"Ran Deng, the deputy leader, personally ordered us to first control the two tribes near Hong Lin Kingdom, Dong Li and Hai Ti.

Ran Deng is an ancient great power and the deputy leader of Chan Jiao; even my master shows him utmost respect. We dared not disobey..."

"Are there any details?"

"Det... details..."

"How did you control those two tribes?"

The sect leader sighed, "Answering Tai Bai Xing Jun, this is a bit hard to say. Immortal Sect generally negotiates with human mortal kingdoms, first giving them benefits, then gradually making contact.

If a kingdom already has immortal forces, we engage in secret competition, negotiate step by step, and eventually decide the winner, usually without major battles.

But Ran Deng was pressing us hard, giving only a few months to see results, so we had to use some schemes..."

"What schemes?"

"We selected female disciples from our sect who had average aptitude but outstanding looks, and used some mind-confusing pills to control the leaders of those two tribes..."

Li Chang Shou frowned, "Was this at Ran Deng's instruction?"

"Yes, yes."

The sect leader sighed with his head down, causing an uproar among the surrounding Heavenly Court immortals and deities.

Tai Yi Zhen Ren narrowed his eyes. Though his mouth was sealed, he still managed to shout:

"Woo woo! That Lan Deng guy is really messed up... cough cough!"

Though these details were minor, they ruined Ran Deng's image as an ancient great power and high figure of Chan Jiao.

Li Chang Shou sighed and continued inquiring about various details, directly revealing the tragedy of that night in Hong Lin Kingdom.

After half an hour, the emotions of the immortals and deities were stirred, and they glared angrily at Ran Deng.

In the array deep within Tai Bai Palace, Li Chang Shou's paper effigy and the Jade Emperor's incarnation, Quan Dong, whispered to each other.

In front of Ling Xiao Hall, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, and the several witnesses from Dao Wei Immortal Sect were all dismissed.

The Jade Emperor sighed, "Ran Deng Dao Ren, if you had used your schemes for the right path, the world might be much more stable."

A Heavenly Court deity stepped forward from the steps, bowed to the Jade Emperor, and reported:

"Your Majesty!

The matter of Ran Deng Dao Ren abusing his power to harm the contemporary human emperor's clan has been thoroughly investigated! Please impose severe punishment!"

The Jade Emperor said, "Do not rush, my dear official. Though this is clear, today's events are meant as a reference for the Heavenly Court's future actions, so we must pay attention to the details.

Chang Geng, you mentioned earlier that you have physical evidence. Where is it?"

"Your Majesty," Li Chang Shou bowed and took out a memory pearl from his sleeve, "This is the physical evidence."

The Jade Emperor said, "Show it."

"Yes!"

Li Chang Shou activated the memory pearl's restrictions, and it immediately displayed a scene under the starry night.

Ran Deng was sitting cross-legged in the clouds, surrounded by five-colored divine light, with a glazed pagoda in his hand suddenly flying away from him.

At the same time, a watery blue halo slowly spread out, and twenty-four great stars shone brightly. Ran Deng's figure froze instantly, and the universe was completely sealed.

A Daoist in armor with a handsome beard descended from the air and shouted urgently:

'Ran Deng, deputy leader, don't be afraid! I have protected you! Give Zhao Gong Ming some face, everyone, and stop fighting!'

'Oh dear! Why is my treasure stuck? It's not responding!'

The scene abruptly ended.

There was more afterward about the division of spoils, but that would affect his and Zhao Lao Ge's images, so it was omitted.

Even so, the immortals and deities nearly burst out laughing.

As long as Ran Deng was positioned as the villain first, watching him suffer was endlessly amusing.

At that moment, Gong Ming Lao Ge's face turned red as he sat there, looking down at his side, teased by Qiong Xiao's gaze.

"Impressive work."

Jin Ling Sheng Mu said lightly, and Zhao Gong Ming perked up, immediately sitting up straight in his grand chair, exuding an air of dominance.

Li Chang Shou used his immortal power to send the memory pearl to Mu Gong for safekeeping as evidence.

"Chang Geng," the Jade Emperor asked with a smile, "what's the next step in the process?"

Truly just going through the motions.

"Your Majesty, with the physical evidence presented and all witnesses accounted for, the next step is to ask if Ran Deng admits his guilt."

With that, Li Chang Shou turned to Ran Deng and said, "I presume, deputy leader, you have nothing more to say at this point."

Ran Deng's lips curled into a slight cold smile as he said indifferently:

"Since Tai Bai Xing Jun has arranged everything, anything I say is futile.

But from ancient times to now, my actions have always been like this—scheming and plotting are the foundation of survival in the primordial world.

Today, the Heavenly Court is using this to accuse me, which means all ancient and primordial cultivators will be under your control, at your mercy.

What a scheme!

However, Tai Bai Xing Jun, the Heavenly Court owes its glory to the support of Dao Men, yet now you turn around and use a Dao Men great teaching's deputy leader to make an example. Can your conscience bear it?"

Many immortals and deities around pondered this and felt there was some truth to his words.

Li Chang Shou chuckled lightly and responded steadily:

"Deputy Leader Ran Deng, you are mistaken.

The Heavenly Court is not trying to control anyone or manipulate others. This world is vast, encompassing the Five Great Continents and the Three Thousand Worlds.

The Heavenly Court relies on the Heavenly Dao, seeks stability for heaven and earth, and follows the righteous path.

Deputy Leader Ran Deng, there's no need to deflect the issue. Among the great powers and deities today, who stands with you? Who is allied with you?

The Western Teachings, perhaps?

When you ordered the massacre of the You Qin clan, did you ever think they would become the contemporary human emperor and gather human luck? This is the Heavenly Dao's retribution on you.

In this case, do you admit your guilt?"

Ran Deng closed his eyes and stood silently, as if unconcerned with everything.

Li Chang Shou nodded, turned, and bowed to the Jade Emperor: "Your Majesty! Since Deputy Leader Ran Deng refuses to admit his guilt, may we ask the Heavenly Dao to reveal and determine his crimes!"

The Jade Emperor was about to speak, but Ran Deng interjected: "No need. I admit it; it was my doing."

Li Chang Shou immediately followed up, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Since Ran Deng has admitted his guilt, I beseech Your Majesty to issue the decree for punishment!"

"Jade Emperor!"

Ran Deng stepped forward half a step, and streaks of thunder suddenly appeared around him, forming a cage to trap him.

Ran Deng said firmly: "Does the Heavenly Court truly intend to execute Chan Jiao's deputy leader and completely break with the great sage teachings? Please think twice, Jade Emperor. Tai Bai Xing Jun and I are mortal enemies!

I have tried multiple times to kill him, and he has sought to ruin me repeatedly.

With such personal grudges mixed into Heavenly Court affairs, how can the world's beings be convinced?"

The Jade Emperor furrowed his brow.

He wasn't deliberating on how to handle this; he and his trusted Chang Geng had already decided.

The Jade Emperor was simply growing tired of Ran Deng's endless rhetoric, as it was influencing some of the surrounding immortals and deities.

What a formidable Chan Jiao deputy leader.

No wonder Chang Geng had said—if they didn't nail Ran Deng down here in front of Ling Xiao Hall today, there could be major trouble later.

From the crowd, a Heavenly Court clerk stepped forward and declared loudly:

"Your Majesty! Since Ran Deng has admitted his guilt, why listen to his deceptive words?

Tai Bai Xing Jun eliminating this depraved and shameless ancient being is justified, both publicly and privately!

The reason Tai Bai Xing Jun became mortal enemies with Ran Deng, a deputy leader of a great sage teaching, is precisely because Tai Bai Xing Jun detests evil!

Recall, Your Majesty, when Tai Bai Xing Jun clashed with this ancient behemoth like Ran Deng, Tai Bai Xing Jun held no high position or power and was merely an ordinary disciple of Ren Jiao!

His ability to outwit and triumph over Ran Deng shows that the Heavenly Court is protected by the Heavenly Dao and that Tai Bai Xing Jun has the Heavenly Dao's assistance!

Who is right and who is wrong is clear!"

The Jade Emperor's eyes lit up, and he asked with a smile, "What is your position?"

The clerk replied lowly, "This humble official is Wang Shan, recently joined the Heavenly Court, serving in Jing Tian Hall."

"Transfer to Tong Ming Hall and promote to fifth rank," the Jade Emperor said calmly, then waved his hand.

Wang Shan showed no joy on his face and did not decline, immediately bowing and withdrawing.

The occasion was not right.

Seeing this, Li Chang Shou smiled faintly at the corner of his mouth, surprised to have discovered a future pillar of the Heavenly Court.

Setting aside Wang Shan for now, Li Chang Shou stared at Ran Deng and said indifferently, "Deputy Leader Ran Deng, no more arguments?"

Ran Deng shook his head slightly, his eyes full of regret, and sighed: "The Heavenly Court is nothing more than this!"

"Take him down!"

Li Chang Shou shouted, and heavenly soldiers and generals rushed forward. The Heavenly Dao's power suddenly became extremely dense, with lightning flashing continuously in front of Ling Xiao Hall!

From the side, Zhao Gong Ming stood up, Jin Peng Bird gripped the Small Execution God Spear, and behind Jin Ling Sheng Mu, a dharma body shadow appeared. On the steps above, Yun Xiao's Hun Yuan Jin Dou emitted golden light...

As long as Ran Deng dared to resist, they wouldn't mind joining forces to suppress him.

Guang Cheng Zi clenched his fist in his sleeve and slowly stood up, his face incredibly complex.

Yu Ding Zhen Ren pressed his hand on Tai Yi's shoulder, fearing Tai Yi might charge out.

Huang Long's reaction was the most genuine; he looked at Ran Deng in panic, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say, afraid that a great battle would ensue and Ran Deng would die in front of Ling Xiao Hall.

On Ran Deng's shoulder, a spirit lamp appeared, and his eyes flashed with a hint of ferocity...

Right then!

A loud cry echoed—shriek!

A flash of white light appeared on the horizon, instantly closing the distance to a hundred li, followed by a calm shout that resonated with the Great Dao, spreading for thousands of miles:

"Please hold back; I bring a sage's decree."

A sage's decree?

Li Chang Shou's eyes quickly showed a hint of thought. He raised his hand in a stopping gesture, and the heavenly soldiers and generals surging toward Ran Deng immediately halted and retreated.

The light on Ran Deng's spirit lamp dimmed, and his eyes flickered with unease.

Qiong Xiao pouted and sighed, "Trouble— the real high figure from Chan Jiao has arrived."

A heavenly general scolded, "Who dares intrude into the Heavenly Court!"

But the Jade Emperor raised his hand, signaling the general not to speak.

Immortal senses and gazes converged on the approaching figure, and those who recognized him called out his name.

Nan Ji Xian Weng.

This old immortal with an unusual appearance, leaning on a peach wood staff, stood on the back of a white crane. He was no longer in a hurry, advancing steadily.

Behind him, several streams of light pursued— the gate-guarding heavenly generals, who had been completely unable to stop this old immortal.

The three divine swords hanging above the heavenly gates showed no reaction to him, as if the Heavenly Dao allowed him free passage in the Heavenly Court.

Li Chang Shou sent a voice transmission to those heavenly generals with a few instructions.

"Report—"

A heavenly general sped ahead, arriving first at Ling Xiao Hall, kneeling on one knee and shouting loudly:

"The Chan Jiao sage's disciple, Nan Ji Xian Weng, seeks an audience outside Zhong Tian Men!"

The old Daoist on the white crane smiled faintly, his relaxed voice drifting over:

"Due to the urgency, I was rude. My teacher, Yu Qing Sheng Ren Yuan Shi Tian Zun, has a decree. Once it is delivered, I will accept the Heavenly Court's punishment."

In Tai Bai Palace, the two incarnations exchanged words covertly.

In front of Ling Xiao Hall, the Jade Emperor smiled and said:

"Since it involves a sage's decree, we can overlook your intrusion into the heavenly gates.

What is Yu Qing Sheng Ren's decree?"

Nan Ji Xian Weng performed a distant Dao salute from the white crane's back, stepping forward as if entering a cloud, and reappeared in front of Ling Xiao Hall.

The white crane waited in the distant clouds, not transforming into a child form.

Nan Ji Xian Weng bowed in greeting, first to the Jade Emperor and Wang Mu, then to Li Chang Shou and Mu Gong with Dao salutes, and finally exchanged greetings with Guang Cheng Zi, Zhao Gong Ming, Yun Xiao, and other Dao Men experts who stood to welcome him.

Tai Yi Zhen Ren took the opportunity to remove the sealing treasure from his mouth.

A peaceful, soothing Dao rhythm spread, and Nan Ji Xian Weng said slowly:

"Today's events have spread far and wide across the three realms of the primordial world.

My teacher's oral decree is that this matter should not drag on; the Heavenly Court should handle it swiftly."

With that, Nan Ji Xian Weng looked at Ran Deng Dao Ren and smiled, "Deputy Leader, my teacher orders you not to rely on your own powers."

Ran Deng Dao Ren closed his eyes and sighed softly, "I obey the teacher's command."

At this, Li Chang Shou furrowed his brow slightly. With his ability to interpret, he couldn't quite understand the meaning of this sage's decree.

Indeed, sages were still sages, always setting puzzles.

Li Chang Shou's thoughts raced, and he smiled, "Senior Brother, are you here to plead for Deputy Leader Ran Deng?"

"Junior Brother, don't misunderstand," Nan Ji Xian Weng said warmly, leaning on his staff, "I am only here by order to convey the teacher's decree and ask the Heavenly Court to make a judgment quickly.

However, I have some doubts and would like to ask Chang Geng about them."

Here it comes.

This hidden master of Chan Jiao was making his move!

Li Chang Shou reactivated his Empty Bright Dao Heart and made a inviting gesture: "Senior Brother, please enlighten me."

"It's just a small question," Nan Ji Xian Weng said with a smile, "Before the Heavenly Court's rise, the beings of the three realms did not know the heavenly rules or the Heavenly Court's name, so they acted according to the ancient and primordial customs.

Ran Deng, the deputy leader, schemed out of old grudges with you, Junior Brother Chang Geng, and though he was wrong, these acts occurred before the Heavenly Court's rise. He probably didn't know the heavenly rules or the Heavenly Court's principles.

In other words, with no laws established and beings unaware, should some leeway be given for such wrongs committed in ignorance, and the punishment lightened accordingly?

I know that the Heavenly Court's rules have existed for a long time, but they are constantly being refined and not publicized to the three realms.

Surely, when Ran Deng schemed against the You Qin clan, if he had known the heavenly rules and the Heavenly Court's principles, he would have turned back from his mistaken path and not committed such offenses against the Heavenly Court.

Junior Brother Chang Geng, is this reasoning correct?"

Li Chang Shou: ...

Impressive.

Ran Deng sighed from the side, "Even now, I still don't know what these heavenly rules are."

A reversal?

Li Chang Shou suddenly looked up and sighed: "In that case... all immortals and deities, withdraw; irrelevant persons, disperse.

I, Li Chang Shou of Tai Qing, will settle old scores with Chan Jiao's Deputy Leader Ran Deng—only one of us will remain."