Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Every sentient being possessing wisdom inevitably has an instinct to join in the excitement, even the pure-hearted immortals who are eager for such spectacles, since not everything in their long lives can spark their interest.

Upon hearing that someone had dared to provoke the Lunar Deity, they all became intrigued, calling friends to join them at Guanghan Palace to watch the excitement.

As the gods approached Guanghan Palace, they saw from afar Wu Gang and Tianpeng locked in combat.

"Who is this person, who can even overpower Marshal Canopy?" A newly ascended immortal, unaware of some past events of the Heavenly Court, asked. After all, those ancient immortals, each of high status and power, were rarely seen, let alone be sources of information.

As for Tianpeng, a rising star in the Heavenly Court, he was quite powerful in an era without great powers. The one who could overpower him was surprisingly unheard of.

"Wu Gang, the punished one from the Witch Tribe, is no nobody. During the ancient times, he too was a revered figure, simply hidden in Guanghan Palace after the stability of the Three Realms," another said.

"The Witch Tribe is that strong?" the incredulous immortal asked.

"Strong? They were more than just strong. The last Heavenly Emperor was ousted by the Witch Tribe, who dominated the Three Realms in that era, reigning as the uncrowned kings of the world," he said with a complex expression. For these immortals, the Witch Tribe, though not bloodthirsty, showed no respect for Divine Spirits.

They only worshipped heaven and earth, making that era difficult for the Divine Spirits.

The young immortal, stunned by these words, swallowed hard and asked, "The last Heavenly Emperor?" To him, it seemed like this Supreme Ruler had always been the lord of the Three Realms. When had there been another Heavenly Emperor? He had never heard of this.

"This is a secret of the Three Realms, not meant to be known to you, as it would diminish the Supreme's reputation and lessen the reverence you hold for the Heavenly Emperor. The waters of the Three Realms are much deeper than you imagine," the elder immortal retorted.

Hearing this, the elder immortal closed his mouth, and the youth naturally sensed that to continue the topic would be taboo. The information he had just received was enough to occupy him for a while. For the first time, he realized that the familiar cosmos seemed to be shrouded in a thin veil, obscuring his clear vision.

While the two conversed, Tianpeng and Wu Gang had already fought hundreds of rounds by then. Tianpeng was showing signs of exhaustion, but Wu Gang seemed to grow stronger with battle. His simple, honest face was now filled with a battle spirit, and his coarse hemp clothes, set against his vital energy, appeared like a red suit of battle spirit.

"Fight!" Wu Gang roared, his voice shaking the heavens, his immense battle spirit sweeping across the area, even shaking those who were watching.

"Who would have thought that after so many years, we would see the Battle Witch's grandeur again," someone sighed.

"Indeed, watching this brings back memories of the past, of the once mighty Witch Tribe!"

With his strength fully unleashed, Wu Gang overpowered Tianpeng, leaving him defenseless. The immense force battering his body forced him to retreat, the pain bringing him gradually back to his senses.

He looked disoriented at the surrounding gods, his heart sinking involuntarily as the previous scenes flashed through his mind, suddenly feeling resigned, knowing he could not escape his fate this time.

There had long been Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals waiting on the side; they bound Marshal Canopy and pressed him directly toward the Lingxiao Hall, where the various Emperors were already waiting.

Above the Lingxiao Hall, suspended in the Nine Heavens, the Emperors of the Heavenly Court as well as prominent immortals had all arrived, a congregation rarely seen even at the Heavenly Court's regular meetings.

The divine radiance of the gods illuminated the great hall, making this celestial palace even more extraordinary. The beaten and bruised Marshal Canopy was escorted into the Lingxiao Hall and kneeled on the cold floors of the great hall.

"Marshal Canopy, are you aware of your crimes?", the ethereal voice of the Jade Emperor came from above the hall, grand and majestic; at this moment, the Jade Emperor was the sovereign of heaven and earth, exercising the greatest authority between heaven and earth.

"I am aware of my crimes," Marshal Canopy had already resigned himself to his fate. The moment he became conscious, he knew he had caused a great disaster, one that would likely not end well.

"My beloved subjects, what should be done with Marshal Canopy?", the Jade Emperor then threw the question to the gods.

"Marshal Canopy disturbed the Heavenly Court, clashed with the Star Lords, and caused havoc in the Guanghan Palace; according to the law, he should be executed," a Divine Spirit in charge of justice stood up.

"Marshal Canopy commands the Celestial River Naval Forces and has achieved much through hard work; he should not be condemned to death for this matter," a young immortal also spoke up.

The gods all knew that this young immortal belonged to Emperor Ziwei; his words were essentially the intentions of the great emperor.

However, the previously mentioned Divine Spirit was relentless and insisted on using Heavenly Stripes for punishment while the rest of the immortals kept silent.
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Everyone knew this was a contest between the Jade Emperor and Emperor Ziwei in the Heavenly Court, silently watching the two challenge each other, especially the Star Lords, who were disinterestedly observing the drama, almost ready to bring out stools and snacks.

At this point, it was the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord who stepped forward to break the deadlock. He bowed to the Jade Emperor and said, "Marshal Canopy, since entering the Heavenly Court, has always been diligent and earnest. I hope Your Majesty can show leniency and spare his life."

The Jade Emperor looked at the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord and knew that since he had come forward, the other side must have agreed with his opinion, and he was also unwilling to create more trouble. The listeners heard him speak emotionlessly, "If that is so, the death penalty can be spared, but he cannot escape punishment.

Order him to be dragged away for two thousand strikes and then sent into Reincarnation."

The Jade Emperor's slight remark thus determined Marshal Canopy's fate. However, Marshal Canopy at this moment was dazedly kneeling, completely unconcerned about his own fate. He was very puzzled why he had lost control and acted so irrationally. The scenes from the past rolled through his mind continuously, and suddenly a strange face entered his memory—that of the angel who had sent him out.

The ordinary farewell words seemed like a seed unknowingly planted in his mind, which took root and sprouted after he reached the Guanghan Palace.

The more Marshal Canopy thought about it, the more frightened he became. What kind of method was this, silently playing with his mind as easily as clapping hands? Considering the Three Realms, it seemed only the Demon Lord possessed such power. Yet how could the Demon Lord have entered the Heavenly Court, moreover, since he had no personal grievances with the Demon Lord, why would he act against him?

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him and Marshal Canopy raised his head in shock, staring at the Jade Emperor seated above in the great hall. A wild guess emerged in his mind—that the supreme sovereign had secretly collaborated with the Demon Lord, leading to his present predicament.