Gazing at the pallor of Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun, Zhou Secretary appeared remarkably at ease, nodding calmly. "It seems you've already recognized your own mistakes. Then, we'll meet for the judgment hearing tomorrow." He turned to leave, then paused after taking a few steps. "I almost forgot something." With a slight lift of his嘴角, Zhou Secretary continued, "Following the elimination of the 'Wanderer of the Human Realm,' we discovered that he had been secretly collaborating with the toxin-tracers from the Nánmíng City branch. When the tracers realized their cover was blown, they resisted fiercely and have now been eliminated. The Investigation Department suspects serious disciplinary violations among the Nánmíng colleagues and has arrested all of them for investigation. Until the findings are finalized, their assets have been seized and their bank accounts frozen." He harbored a deep resentment toward Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun's arrogance during the negotiations over the allocation of the Underworld, and he knew that the official representatives from the Nánmíng branch held Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun in the highest regard. This was his final strike. While today's visit, in which he approached Yuan Shǐ Tian Zun with the demeanor of a vict The sentiment at the forum has gradually gained momentum. Everyone knows that Yuan Shishen has colluded with evil factions, harming official elders and turning countless official wanderers from loyal supporters to critics. Moving forward, as long as Yuan Shishen remains defiant and resolute during the trial hearings, the entire official establishment will develop a unified sentiment demanding his execution. Therefore, the current strategy is to provoke Yuan Shishen. How to completely eliminate an adversary? First, strike at their spirit; then, undermine their life—after that, one can rest assured. Zhou Secretary departed with a satisfied smile, having achieved his objective. Zhang Yuanqing leaned against the wall, his gaze vacant as it drifted toward the ceiling, memories of the faces and voices of the team from Wuheng Hotel flashing before him. How must the Pursuer have felt—so utterly defeated? The human wanderer, his only true kin in this world, had spent his entire life battling drug traffickers and criminal syndicates, having stood firm against relentless floods, only to be drowned out by his own allies. Now, the human wanderer no longer wanders. Yang Bo finally no longer needs to appeal—he can finally breathe easy. Lin Zi has killed so many people—he’s likely headed straight to hell, never to see his honest, straightforward parents in heaven again. Wishing Tengteng a happy childhood in her next life. May Fang’s next life bring her better luck and spare her from marrying a mediocre man. Red Magic Sister is so beautiful yet born into an ordinary family—may she be reborn into a more fortunate fate. Liang Chen has missed many great opportunities in this life, but at least Bei Yue hasn’t let him down. In his next life, if he still chooses to come to this world, may he not be so timid anymore. Thud, thud, thud… Zhang Yuanqing’s head kept striking the wall, a wild fire burning inside him. He thought again of Wu Hen Master. Now he understood the root of this tragedy. The attacks on him were merely incidental. Whether it was the Southern School, the Night Rose, or Cai Elder—what they truly sought was that semi-divine artifact. The mass elimination of team members was likely intended to provoke Wu Hen Master. The Master himself was constantly balancing on a tightrope, maintaining a delicate equilibrium. During his journey toward semi-divinity, that balance had become even more fragile. Seeing his closest companions fall one by one because of him, the Master must surely lose control. Yet, with the Master's wisdom, hadn't he considered that he himself would become the target of everyone's attention? Hadn't he thought through the crisis facing the team members? Thinking of this, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly paused. The Master had indeed considered it—the Master had. That day, the Master had entrusted the team to him, intending for him to lead and protect everyone's safety. It was only because he was consumed by his own fate that he accepted the responsibility, yet he merely instructed Xiao Yuan to post a notice in the group: "Everyone, take cover." It was his lack of responsibility that had ultimately led to the team's downfall, and to the death of the Master. The Master had placed so much trust in him... ...Footsteps, disordered and hurried, echoed through the underground prison of Linggen Temple. The shaggy Teddy dog moved silently forward, with Ling Jun and Miao Teng'er behind him, followed by Guan Ya, Sun Miao Miao, Zhao Chenghuang, Xiahou Aotian, Red Chicken Brother, Xiao Green Tea, the Queen, and Li Chunfeng. The corridor was long and quiet, with no one speaking. Everyone's faces were clouded—some struggling to hold back sorrow, others numb and hollow, still others silent and resigned. Finally, under the guidance of the Dog Elder, the group reached the deepest chamber—the prison cell. At the sight of Yuan Shi Tian Zun, everyone was stunned. The young man before them seemed entirely transformed; the vibrant spirit that had once defined him had faded overnight, leaving only disappointment, numbness, and emptiness. As though a steadfast warrior had lost his spine, a noble scholar had seen his reputation shattered, and a proud genius had surrendered his dignity... The young green tea cup sniffled, covering her mouth as she began to cry. The Queen, her eyes glistening, embraced her. Ling Jun stepped forward, his flower-boy demeanor dimmed, and softly said, "Master Yuan, I've brought them to see you." This was a place reserved for the most serious offenders—the Dog Elder himself had no right to visit. It was only through the persistent appeals of Ling Jun and Miao Teng'er to their grandfather that they had secured just thirty minutes of visiting time. The old dog sighed, "The headquarters plans to hold the trial tomorrow in Hall One—the hall specifically designated for judging elders. Yuanshen, you don't have much time left. What would you like to say to everyone?" Zhang Yuanqing immediately turned to the Fire Master's disgrace, who remained silent, and said, "The world now belongs to fire—henceforth, you shall be the master of this group. I have full confidence in your leadership. Don't let our small team fall apart. As someone from the grassroots, this will be to your advantage." The Fire Master's face twitched with embarrassment, and he quietly clenched his fists, murmuring, "I will wait for Master Fu's return." By this, he meant, I will avenge you. Zhang Yuanqing smiled and turned to the red-faced Red Chicken brother, saying, "Red Chicken brother, don't make a fool of yourself." The Red Chicken brother stared fiercely at the others and loudly questioned, "Why didn't we seize the judicial site? We saw him clearly—we could have taken him right now and carried him away." "Impossible," Zhang Yuanqing shook his head. "This dungeon is under a seal. Teleportation doesn't work, and we can't even enter the clan's quest area." He had tried it himself—the dense root network encases this space, and neither conventional nor unconventional methods can get us through. Red Chicken Brother Zhang opened his mouth to speak, his face filled with reluctance. Zhang Yuanqing turned to Zhao Chenghuang and said, "Little Zhao, don't put too much pressure on yourself. In this world, there's always a mountain higher than another—being that way will only exhaust you. " He opened his inventory, took out the little red hat, and handed it to Zhao Chenghuang: "The materials inside—pass them on to Guan Ya from now on. Lady Yin Yao will also send her support to Guan Ya. As for the shadow corpses inside, they're yours." Zhao Chenghuang didn't take it at first. He suddenly lifted his head, determined not to let the warm tears well up in his eyes. After a long silence, he finally accepted the little red hat. "The protagonist may be the leader of the world under fire, but in truth, you are the heart of the guild. You need to keep turning the screws—work hard, earn money for everyone. I don't have much to offer you, so here's a pair of shoes—just enough to keep you alive." Xia Hou Ao Tian remained silent, his expression somewhat melancholy. "Miao Miao!" Zhang Yuanqing rolled his He said, "I've entrusted the little comic kid to you. I have just one request—don't let him take part in the battle. I promised his uncle that I would always support him, so remember to take him out for a game session every week. As for the other two spiritual servants, you may choose freely." Sun Miao Miao couldn't speak, her tears flowing freely. As everyone departed, Zhang Yuanqing looked across the fence at Guan Ya, smiling and saying, "I'd like to be honest with you—I've been unfaithful." "I know," Guan Ya replied. Zhang Yuanqing nodded and opened his inventory. "All my best items are here—the sacrificial set for the heavenly ceremony, you keep that. The companion spirit moon and the flawless human skin—pass these on to the Master of the Zheng Sha Palace for me." He laid out the items one by one. As for the magical king's belongings, he decided not to bring them out—he would return them all to the Spirit Realm together. Guan Ya gave a cold laugh. "She's your third consort? Then what about your second consort, Xiao Yuan? Doesn't she get a share?" Zhang Yuanqing sighed with a wry smile. "I'm about to die—can't you just stop being so sharp with me? My relationship with the Palace Master isn't anything special. As for Xiao Yuan, I've let you down. But in my entire life, I've only truly loved one woman—so, in the end, it's you I'm most sorry for. When I was being careless "Guan Ya suddenly broke down, looking at the iron railing separating the two of them and choking out, 'Yuan Shi, I can't even hold you one last time. I haven't even given you a child. I've imagined our future countless times—so close, so within reach—but now, it feels like a luxury, something I can only dream of. You are my lifelong regret.' Guan Ya stumbled away. ... The next day, at 9 a.m. Zhou secretary logged into the forum and browsed the posts." # From a highly celebrated star to a reckless outcast—what exactly caused the transformation of Yuan Shi Tian Zun? # #Colluding with evil forces and murdering official elders—has this truly been our idol? # #Focusing on power while neglecting the heart—eventually, all efforts will fade into nothing # #We have been overly lenient toward Yuan Shi Tian Zun # #If this level of misconduct can still be forgiven, then how shall we face the elders who fell on the front lines? # #Outraged friends and relatives insist on no forgiveness and demand that Yuan Shi Tian Zun be sentenced to death # After two days of growing momentum, guidance, and escalation, the fury of mid- and lower-level practitioners has been fully ignited. They are now reflecting on whether their consistent leniency has allowed Yuan Shi Tian Zun to grow unruly, ultimately losing his sense of self. Since yesterday, an increasing number of records and photographs documenting the elders' deaths on the front lines have appeared on the forums. Ignited the official enforcers' hatred toward the chaotic orders, strengthened their identification with the lawful factions, and galvanized passionate support—making their tolerance for the Taoist Master's actions increasingly difficult. If even this can be forgiven, where will the elders stand? Posts and discussions of this nature are multiplying across the forums. The call for severe punishment of the Taoist Master is growing stronger. Under the prevailing momentum, those who once revered the Taoist Master either remain silent or finally awaken, joining the ranks of those demanding his removal. People are masters at elevating heroes to divine status only to then knock them down hard. The more brilliant the Taoist Master once was, the more profound the reversal now becomes. "The tide has turned!" Zhou secretary murmured with genuine satisfaction. The Taoist Master has now become a pressing concern, a constant source of anxiety. Today, this thorn can finally be removed. "Thud. Thud." The door of the office was knocked, and the assistant entered, bowing slightly, "Director, the live streaming equipment has been connected. The live broadcast will begin at ten o'clock. Please prepare yourself—we'll be heading to Court No. 1." Court No. 1 is the highest-level trial, attended personally by the Nine Elders. Each branch will send two representatives: senior elders from major branches and senior stewards from smaller ones. The total attendance will reach five hundred. Additionally, under the initiative of Zhou Secretary, the headquarters has established a live streaming portal at the forum. All official members and members of the Spiritual Realm families can now witness the trial online—this must serve as a clear warning to everyone! That's exactly what Zhou Secretary wrote in her application report. The judgment of the Prime Origin Immortal will ring as a clear alarm, signaling to the orderly professions at home what happens when they collude with evil forces and harm their superiors. At 9:40, Zhou Secretary arrived at the trial venue by dedicated vehicle. The First Chamber is a grand hall capable of seating thousands, solemn and dignified, majestic and imposing. On the bench, the highest position features five thrones symbolizing semi-divine beings, followed by ten elder seats, with the jury seated on either side. The audience seats are forty meters away from the bench, and within the vast space, there is only one seat—the defendant's bench. At this moment, the audience is packed, with over five hundred representatives from various branches, plus invited senior figures from the Spiritual Realm families, as well as young officials from the official ranks who, though lacking formal positions, possess strong backgrounds. The thousand-seat hall is nearly full. By ten o'clock, the ten elder seats either glow with yellow light, sprout vines, or drift with white mist, and the ten peak masters appear on time. The proceedings are presided over by Cai, the Senior Director of the Discipline Investigation Department. Sitting at his elevated seat, he first outlines the established rule of the Five Elements Alliance that semi-divine beings do not intervene in daily affairs, thereby establishing the legitimacy and soundness of the ten elders' judicial authority, and then states that he has been entrusted by headquarters to lead this case. The audience remained completely silent throughout the speech. Upon its conclusion, Elder Cai coldly stated, "Take the Prime Origin Buddha."