Under the vast sky where auspicious rainbows shimmered, it seemed as though Yin and Yang were in flux, light and darkness interlaced, and the sun and moon merged.
Suddenly!
The roar of a dragon and the cry of a phoenix erupted.
A massive light dragon surged forth, as if swimming through the rainbows, followed closely by a colossal light phoenix that seemed to be born from blazing flames, soaring amidst the colorful arcs.
Then, a holy silvery-white light pillar condensed, around which the light dragon and light phoenix spiraled upwards.
And after that.
A figure descended from the heavens within the silvery-white light pillar, treading upon seven-colored auspicious clouds.
This person had a tall, slender build, an imposing presence, and a pair of eyes—the left like the sun, the right like the moon. Clad in a pure white robe, his demeanor was noble and handsome, gentle and refined, like a spring breeze extending for miles.
He descended from the sky within the holy light pillar, treading on seven-colored auspicious clouds under the protection of the auspicious dragon and phoenix, as sacred as a true Son of Heaven, or a deity descending from the heavens, breathtaking and inspiring reverence.
This person was precisely the Taiji Human Prodigy Shangguan Yu, hailed as the world's leader and possessing the guardianship of dragon and phoenix.
Upon Shangguan Yu's descent, the leaders of the various sects, along with the cultivators gathered inside and outside the Shangqing Sect across the entire Weiyang Great Domain, mostly knelt on the ground to welcome his arrival.
The Taiji Human Prodigy.
Auspicious Dragon and Phoenix.
Healing the world with compassion.
Touring to preach the Dao.
For the country and its people.
To this day, Shangguan Yu's fame and influence in this world were unparalleled, no one could compare. Not even the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Su Hua, nor the legendary overlord from ancient times, Monarch Chixiao, could match him. By virtue of this, Shangguan Yu was undoubtedly the most prominent figure of this era in this world, without equal.
"There is no need for such formalities, please rise quickly."
After descending, Shangguan Yu waved his hand, and brilliant light shimmered like a sea of stars. Those kneeling on the ground felt as if lifted by a gentle breeze.
"Young Master Shangguan, your arrival is most timely. You must uphold justice for all living beings under heaven!"
"Yes! Young Master Shangguan, the Calamity Star has descended. It must be eradicated immediately, or the consequences will be endless!"
The leaders of the various sects emotionally pleaded for Shangguan Yu to step forward and slay the Calamity Star.
Shangguan Yu stood atop the seven-colored auspicious clouds, holding a fan of blended light and darkness—a Hunyuan fan—gently fanning before him. His deep, bright eyes gazed at little Jinr within the bloody light pillar, his expression seeming somewhat surprised.
"This old man pays his respects to Young Master Shangguan."
Although Xun Daolin was a highly respected senior in this world and a Golden Immortal elder of the Immortal Dynasty, facing Shangguan Yu, he still had to address him respectfully as 'Young Master Shangguan'. After all, Shangguan Yu was a Taiji Human Prodigy who had inherited the True Mandate. Regardless of whether he would eventually ascend to the position of Human King or become the Lord of the Human Dao ruling over all living beings, Xun Daolin dared not show any neglect, for he understood well that the words 'inherited the True Mandate' were even more esteemed than the Heavenly Mandate of this era.
"Senior Daolin is too courteous. You may simply call me by my name."
Shangguan Yu had always been a gentle and humble gentleman. From Great Luo Golden Immortals above to insignificant cultivators who had just established their foundation below, he treated everyone equally, never putting on airs as the Taiji Human Prodigy before anyone. This was one of the most important reasons why everyone regarded him as the world's leader.
"Young Master Shangguan, this young girl's identity is extraordinary. I implore you to think thrice before acting."
"How so?"
"The girl is not only the beloved sister of Fairy Hua, but also the especially cherished sister of Monarch Chixiao."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing about Fairy Hua and Monarch Chixiao, Shangguan Yu showed a slight hint of puzzlement, but only puzzlement. Beyond that, there was no significant emotional reaction. Gazing at little Jinr within the bloody light pillar, he smiled faintly and said, "To earn the affection of both Fairy Hua and the renowned Monarch Chixiao, it seems this young girl truly is extraordinary."
Then, Xun Daolin voiced his concerns: "Whether it is Fairy Hua or Monarch Chixiao, the existence of both is beyond this old man's imagination. If we rashly decide to kill the girl without their knowledge, it might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. Therefore, I believe this matter should be deliberated carefully. What does Young Master Shangguan think?"
"Senior Daolin, you mentioned worrying about causing misunderstandings. What exactly do you mean by 'misunderstandings'?"
"This..." Xun Daolin hesitated, unsure whether Shangguan Yu genuinely did not know or was feigning ignorance.
"Young Master Shangguan, allow me to explain."
Seeing Xun Daolin fall silent, Jin Chanzi, the Sect Master of Dacheng Sect, stepped forward and said, "Senior Daolin fears that if we kill this little girl today, Gu Tianlang will come seeking trouble with us in the future. I have long told Senior Daolin that with Young Master Shangguan here, even if Gu Tianlang were given three extra gallbladders, he would not dare do anything!"
"Ah, so that's it."
Shangguan Yu gave a light smile. "Although the young girl indeed appears pitiful, she is, after all, a descended Calamity Star destined to bring disaster to the world. Therefore, even if we are reluctant, we have no choice but to erase her. Since I, Shangguan Yu, have inherited the True Mandate as a Taiji Human Prodigy, I have the duty and responsibility to protect this world. Otherwise, I would be failing the True Mandate bestowed by the heavens above and the common people who support me below."
He paused briefly, then continued, "Fairy Hua, as the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden and an emissary of the Nine Heavens—even if she were here today, I believe she would not intervene. As for Monarch Chixiao, Gu Tianlang... hmm... If he later flies into a rage over this, let him come find me, Shangguan Yu."
Once Shangguan Yu finished speaking, a wave of fervent cheers erupted. Cultivators from the various sects cheered excitedly, shouting Shangguan Yu's name.
Xun Daolin intended to say more, but he was cut off by Shangguan Yu as soon as he opened his mouth: "Senior Daolin, please rest assured. I have said that if any trouble arises from killing this Calamity Star today—whether from Fairy Hua, Monarch Chixiao, or anyone else—I, Shangguan Yu, alone will bear all responsibility."
Shangguan Yu's words sounded righteous and principled, yet within that righteousness was embedded the unique pride belonging to him, the Taiji Human Prodigy who had inherited the True Mandate. This statement made it clear to everyone that he, Shangguan Yu, neither feared the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Fairy Hua nor the mysterious, heaven-defying Monarch Chixiao, Gu Tianlang.
Of course.
He had the qualification to say such words.
But it was merely a qualification; it did not mean he possessed the capability to back them up.
At the very least, the silently observing Grand Heir Qin Yang, watching from afar, did not believe Shangguan Yu had the ability to look down upon Monarch Chixiao.
Not only did he not believe it, but Female Sect Leader Ye Tianlan also did not believe it.
The difference was that Grand Heir Qin Yang remained silent, while Female Sect Leader Ye Tianlan suddenly spoke up at this moment: "Young Master Shangguan's bold words are admirable. But I fear the responsibility of killing little Jinr is one you cannot bear."