The Patriarch of the Ancient Zhu Clan stepped down from the flying ship with indescribable majesty. Every footprint he left on the Heaven Jade was silent, yet it left a soothing resonance in the Sea of Consciousness of every cultivator. He ignored the Hongmeng Emperor and all the Elders, his focus fixed solely on Zhi Xuan, whose Dao had just been tested at the brink of destruction.

  Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng now stood a few steps in front of Zhi Xuan. His neatly groomed black beard radiated ancient wisdom, and his deep eyes emitted a peaceful yet unpredictable light, like the depths of an ocean harboring a primal storm.

  Zhi Xuan himself was frozen, clutching his chest; fresh blood flowed from the corner of his lips, and he was not even capable of taking a step. The Five Element cultivators were immediately evacuated after the terrifying pressure from Shi Xuan; many of them were limp and in need of stability. The commotion became chaotic, but the Hongmeng Empire itself quickly stabilized the conditions.

  Zhi Xuan was about to fall to his knees again, his vision swimming, and his Heavenly-Blood Body Law was nearly collapsing. However, a subtle light enveloped him and held him back from falling, instead making him stand upright once more. He sharpened his gaze, and before him stood Zhu Tian Sheng.

  "Zhi Xuan," Zhu Tian Sheng greeted, his voice carrying a weight that made the surrounding air feel dense, yet his words flowed softly, caressing Zhi Xuan's wounded Sea of Consciousness. "You have borne a Weight of Karma that exceeds your realm."

  The subtle light enveloping Zhi Xuan, which made him upright again, was the Weight of the Sacred Passage released by the Patriarch. It was the infinite Law of Balance that calmed the ripples of destruction left by Shi Xing. In the middle of the quiet Plaza, Zhu Tian Sheng looked at Zhi Xuan, not as a mere cultivator, but as the heir to a promise.

  "Your action of freeing the Golden Dragon Descendant is a Heavenly Kindness that will wash away the sins of the Xing Luo Plains," Zhu Tian Sheng continued. He exhaled, and that weight felt like carrying the entire Sky. "I, too, thank you for your service as a Messenger of Fate."

  Zhu Tian Sheng raised his hand, and from it appeared a storage ring of unknown contents. Zhu Tian Sheng gestured with one hand, causing Zhi Xuan to gradually sit cross-legged on the ground, providing the recovery that Zhi Xuan needed. The cracks in his Dao, which previously meant nothing under the gaze of a Divine Transformation, now felt as though they were gradually healing.

  "I have heard of you for a long time from my daughter," Zhu Tian Sheng said, his tone smooth and slightly hoarse as a small laugh accompanied his words. "Although the Devilish aura coming from you is so strong, you saved the Zhu Clan from the rejection of Great Emperor Zhu's legacy in the Great Emperor's Tomb. And, I also know of your karmic bond with my daughter as her Dao Protector."

  Zhi Xuan, now sitting cross-legged, felt the Weight of the Sacred Passage flowing within his Sea of Consciousness like an ancient healing spring. The lethal pain from the collision with Shi Xuan's Divine Transformation Law subsided, replaced by a stable warmth. He could feel Ruo Xianxue and Xiao Die within his Sea of Consciousness, now calm again after their previous panic.

  He knew that the Zhu Clan Patriarch had not only saved him from death but also from permanent damage to his own Dao. He opened his sapphire blue eyes, looking at the majesty of Zhu Tian Sheng with the composure of a cultivator who understands hierarchy but does not fear it.

  "Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng," Zhi Xuan greeted, his voice still a bit hoarse but carrying the weight of a stabilized Earth. "My actions were a karmic obligation, not a kindness to be repaid. The Golden Dragon Descendant, Ao Sheng, is my responsibility. As for the Great Emperor's Tomb, I only acted according to a promise."

  He ignored Zhu Tian Sheng's curiosity about the karmic bond with Zhu Qinglan, letting that riddle hang in the air. Confirming that bond would only give the Zhu Clan a tactical advantage. Zhu Tian Sheng laughed softly, a laugh that lacked noise, only resonance. That laugh seemed to approve of Zhi Xuan's non-greedy nature.

  "An honest promise. An honest Dao," Zhu Tian Sheng said, nodding vaguely. "After seeing you today, I truly do not take it lightly when my own son, Zhu Yanghai, speaks of you as a brother-in-law. You, although your path is full of blood and cruelty, bear a great karma."

  Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng glanced briefly toward the Ancient Zhu Clan tribune. He felt the aura of his daughter, Zhu Qinglan, who was still shrouded in anxiety. He smiled thinly, a smile that carried a hint of a father's warmth.

  "Of course," Zhu Tian Sheng continued, his gaze returning to Zhi Xuan. "A youth capable of making my cold daughter show ripples of emotion is a rarity. Furthermore, you have planted a riddle of the Four Seasons Law into the foundation of your Five Elements. A Dao that mimics the Cycle of Heaven is a foundation that promises a destiny beyond the Xing Luo Plains."

  He raised the storage ring in his hand; the ring radiated a soft spiritual light, not flashy, but carrying an ancient density.

  "This ring," Zhu Tian Sheng said, his voice returning to the weight of a Patriarch. "Is a small gift from the Zhu Clan in recognition of the Heavenly Kindness you brought. Inside are Spirit Pills capable of purifying the Sea of Consciousness, Pure Spiritual Essence that can replenish your foundation, and several Divine Jades that can help your Dao rotate with more nobility."

  Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng floated the storage ring to Zhi Xuan. Zhi Xuan caught it, feeling the density of the ring's ancient material. He did not immediately scan its contents but only clasped his hands deeply as a sign of gratitude.

  "Thank you for the Patriarch's generosity," Zhi Xuan replied, his voice containing sincere respect. Zhu Tian Sheng's assistance was not just material, but also an invaluable affirmation of power.

  "I do not accept unmerited service," Zhi Xuan said again, closing his eyes once more, letting the Weight of the Sacred Passage flowing within him calm his Heavenly-Blood Body Law. He knew that Zhu Tian Sheng was not just giving a gift, but also planting a promise.

  "A promise, indeed," Zhu Tian Sheng laughed lowly. "In these Plains, a promise is sometimes more valuable than pure gold. You have kept your promise to the Zhu Clan in the Great Emperor's Tomb. The Zhu Clan will never forget that service."

  Zhu Tian Sheng shifted his gaze, looking into the distance where the Imperial Elders were sealing the Shi Clan Elders and clearing the Jade Plaza of the ripples of destruction.

  "The Shi Clan is finished. Their karma is too heavy. The Imperial Order will claim what must be claimed," he said with an air of finality. "The fifth Envoy seat is yours, Zhi Xuan. The Hongmeng Emperor will not dare to question this after he has seen the majesty of the Golden Dragon Descendant."

  Zhi Xuan nodded inwardly. He had achieved his goal, and with a far better result—destroying his greatest opponent without draining his essence. He did not protest Zhu Tian Sheng's unilateral announcement regarding the Envoy seat. It was a destiny he had created.

  "The weight you carry now will determine the future of the Xing Luo Plains in the Three Plains Competition," Zhu Tian Sheng concluded. He stepped back slowly, his Sacred Passage aura enveloping the entire Jade Plaza, providing a sense of absolute tranquility.

  Zhu Tian Sheng stepped back into the Ancient Flying Ship, and with a final nod to the Hongmeng Emperor and a meaningful look at Zhi Xuan, the Ancient Flying Ship shot away in the blink of an eye and vanished behind an opening in space, which then closed again. It left behind a soothing silence and a quiet Zhi Xuan.

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  Zhi Xuan, now sitting cross-legged in the middle of the Jade Plaza that was slowly returning to calm, opened his eyes slowly. The Weight of the Sacred Passage left by Zhu Tian Sheng felt like a blanket wrapping his soul, restoring the Sea of Consciousness that had nearly shattered under Shi Xuan's pressure. He clasped his hands, letting the essence of the Spirit Pills contained within the storage ring work in his Sea of Consciousness, accelerating the healing of the cracks in his Heavenly-Blood Body Law.

  He was in no hurry to stand. He let the chaotic Plaza be cleaned, let the Imperial Elders restore Order, and let the attendees process the massive shock of the Sacred Passage intervention and the Shi Clan's disgrace. For him, every second he spent in the middle of the Plaza still infused with the Sacred Passage aura was a rare opportunity for purification.

  "Great Saint," Zhi Xuan whispered in his Sea of Consciousness, glancing at the Devilish Tree of Life which was now radiating tranquility again.

  Ruo Xianxue, sitting on a branch, swung her nine tails. "You have created a perfect storm, Zhi Xuan. You used the Shi Clan's hatred as bait to draw out Patriarch Zhu. Only a matter of Great Karma involving an Ancient Race could force direct intervention from the Sacred Passage."

  "Of course," Zhi Xuan replied, a thin smile etched on his lips. "Ao Sheng's weight exceeds the weight of my life. Zhu Tian Sheng understands that oppressing a Golden Dragon descendant in public is an indelible sin. They did not save me; they saved themselves from being dragged into the Shi Clan's karma of destruction."

  Zhi Xuan absorbed the spiritual energy still floating in the air. The spiritual essence in the Jade Plaza felt purer, as if washed by the Great Weight of the Sacred Passage. He focused on the Spirit Pills which began to work, purifying his Sea of Consciousness from the remaining ripples of destruction. The storage ring given by Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng felt cold in his palm. It was not merely a gift, but a chain of bonding made of gratitude and hope.

  He knew that the Ancient Zhu Clan had now planted great hopes in him. They saw his Four Seasons Dao as a promising destiny, and his karmic bond with Ao Sheng as a moral guarantee. The Zhu Clan had openly opposed the Shi Clan's evil, and now, Zhi Xuan was the symbol of their righteous act.

  Up on the stands, the pearl veil on her face had come off; her light gray eyes looked toward Zhi Xuan with both relief and anxiety. She could feel the karmic threads in her Sea of Consciousness nearly collapse when she saw Zhi Xuan kneeling, unable to even lift his face while Shi Xuan oppressed him.

  "Elder Zhu, please bring him here," Zhu Qinglan requested urgently, as the protective formation had disappeared before her. "The selection is finished; he has already taken the envoy position. Quickly bring him and the Dragon youth here!"

  An Ancient Zhu Elder with Weaver Transformation cultivation, who had just witnessed the destruction of the Shi Clan Elders at the Patriarch's hands, immediately nodded obediently. He stepped down from the stands with hurried but cautious steps. Beside him, Zhu Yanghai smiled proudly, looking at his sister who was now showing rare emotions.

  "Go on, Qinglan," Zhu Yanghai said with an amused tone. "My bloody brother-in-law needs recovery. Take him to the Imperial Pavilion that belongs to our Clan."

  Zhi Xuan, sitting quietly, watched the Zhu Clan Elder approach with hurried steps. He let out a short breath, letting the flow of the Spirit Pill essence rotate in his Sea of Consciousness. The recovery was fast, supported by the remaining Sacred Passage aura, which calmed every chaotic vibration of the Laws.

  He had obtained everything he needed: the Envoy seat, the annihilation of his arch-enemy, and the veiled protection of the most powerful Ancient Clan. In front of him, the Zhu Clan Elder bowed vaguely, his eyes radiating deep respect, no longer seeing him as an anomalous Devil, but as one touched by the Patriarch's generosity.

  "Daoist Zhi Xuan," the Elder greeted, his voice containing a respectful tone. "Holy Princess Zhu Qinglan and Holy Son Zhu Yanghai invite you and the Dragon youth to rest at the Zhu Clan's Imperial Pavilion. You have passed through an extraordinary collision, and recovery is paramount."

  Zhi Xuan opened his eyes. He stood up slowly; his body, which had been on the verge of collapsing, was now upright again, radiating a stable Earth weight. He nodded vaguely, acknowledging the kindness. He knew that refusing the Zhu Clan's invitation would be foolish. It was an opportunity to solidify bonds and understand the hopes that Zhu Tian Sheng had planted.

  "Thank you for the Zhu Clan's generosity," Zhi Xuan replied. He shifted his gaze, looking for Ao Sheng, who stood silently near a cracked pillar, his golden eyes staring at the Plaza with a complex expression.

  Ao Sheng, who had been staggering and had stood back up, walked closer. He still tightly held his Dragon King Spear, his aura slightly dimmed after being hit by the ripples of Divine Transformation pressure. When he stood beside Zhi Xuan, he looked at the Zhu Clan Elder with a gaze full of vigilance.

  "Do not be afraid, Little Dragon," Zhi Xuan murmured in his consciousness, placing a hand on Ao Sheng's shoulder, channeling some warmth from the Spirit Pills that were working. "The Zhu Clan is a Clan I know. They have paid a high price to protect you. Just follow their invitation."

  Ao Sheng nodded vaguely, his primal dragon instincts understanding the power that had just descended from the Sky. On the other side, the Jade Plaza had stabilized. The Hongmeng Empire moved quickly, re-establishing Order. In the Pavilion of Majesty, the Hongmeng Emperor nodded to the Imperial Elders, confirming the decision.

  "The Xing Luo Plains Envoy Selection Competition has concluded," said the Hongmeng Emperor, his voice now returning to the authority of a ruler. "The five Envoys who will represent our Plains in the Three Plains Competition have been chosen. They are the Imperial Descendant, Daoist Liu Feng, Daoist Ye Ming, Daoist Ling Huo, and Daoist Zhi Xuan."

  The announcement was not accompanied by debate or protest. The destruction of the Shi Clan had become the price to pay for the last Envoy seat. The weight of Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng's words still echoed in the Sea of Consciousness of every cultivator. Zhi Xuan just listened to the announcement calmly. He was not surprised. Shi Xing's destruction was the price the Shi Clan had to pay for the shame of oppressing the Golden Dragon, and the fifth Envoy seat was an affirmation of Order.

  He followed the Zhu Clan Elder toward the Honorary Tribune. As he stepped, he felt an intense gaze from Zhu Qinglan. In the Ancient Zhu Clan Tribune, Zhu Yanghai welcomed Zhi Xuan with a wide smile and boisterous laughter, laughter that slightly eased the tension still enveloping the Plaza.

  "Brother-in-law, you really know how to make a scene," Zhu Yanghai welcomed, patting Zhi Xuan's shoulder cheerfully. "You almost made Father himself have to overturn the Sky just to save you. You truly have a Karma that makes even the Xing Luo Plains tremble."

  Zhi Xuan clasped his hands. "Holy Son Zhu Yanghai, this is but an inevitable karma. The Shi Clan planted the seeds of their own destruction."

  Beside Zhu Yanghai, Zhu Qinglan remained silent. She stepped closer, her light gray eyes looking straight into Zhi Xuan's sapphire blue eyes, searching for cracks or signs of Dao damage. She saw the exhaustion in Zhi Xuan's eyes, but also a deep calm, as if he had just passed through a long Dao journey rather than a Divine Transformation collision.

  "That weight of karma almost tore your Sea of Consciousness," Zhu Qinglan said, her tone cold but containing rare ripples of anxiety. She ignored Zhu Yanghai and looked at Ao Sheng. "Dragon youth, are you alright?"

  Ao Sheng, still vigilant, bowed awkwardly. He did not know what to call Zhu Qinglan; although he had often heard of her from the previous meetings between Zhao Xue and Zhi Xuan, he did not fully understand his Senior's relationship with this Holy Princess of the Zhu Clan.

  "Holy Fairy Zhu," Ao Sheng said haltingly; he did not think to use any address other than Holy Fairy, considering the relationship between Zhu Qinglan and Zhi Xuan felt close. "I am fine. Senior has spoken of things concerning you; it is a pleasure to meet Holy Fairy Zhu."

  Zhi Xuan only smiled thinly, ignoring the subtle tension creeping between the Zhu Clan's Holy Princess and the vigilant Ao Sheng. He let Zhu Yanghai take over, guiding them toward the Imperial Pavilion, which year after year was always the exclusive right of the Ancient Zhu Clan during major events. It was a testament that the Hongmeng Empire was supported by the Ancient Clans.

  The Pavilion was located at the highest peak of the Imperial complex, made of Heavenly Ebony wood that radiated a soothing sandalwood aroma and countless protection runes. Inside, spiritual essence was abundant, far denser and purer than in the Jade Plaza. Inside the Pavilion, Zhu Yanghai immediately brought them to a recovery room surrounded by an Essence Gathering Formation.

  "Sit down, Brother-in-law," Zhu Yanghai said, his tone cheerful. He touched the Formation, and a soft light immediately enveloped Zhi Xuan. "This Formation was perfected by the Empire itself. The essence within has been mixed with Spiritual Spring water. It will heal your Dao faster than any Spirit Pill."

  Zhi Xuan nodded and sat cross-legged, feeling the liquid Spiritual Essence flow into him. He let his Heavenly-Blood Body Law rotate, refining the Spirit Pill given by Patriarch Zhu Tian Sheng at full speed, restoring his Sea of Consciousness from the remaining ripples of destruction. Ao Sheng, still holding his Dragon King Spear, stood stiffly. Zhu Qinglan, who entered the room with calm steps, glanced at Zhu Yanghai.

  "Brother, take that Little Dragon to the side Pavilion," Zhu Qinglan said, her tone cold and commanding. "He needs not just Spiritual Essence, but also tranquility. This recovery room is for Zhi Xuan alone."

  Zhu Yanghai shrugged and nodded obediently. "Alright, alright. Come on, Little Dragon. I will show you how a descendant of the Dragon Emperor like yourself should rest," Zhu Yanghai invited with an amused smile.

  Ao Sheng turned toward Zhi Xuan. Zhi Xuan, whose eyes were still closed in recovery, nodded vaguely. Ao Sheng bowed respectfully to Zhu Qinglan and Zhu Yanghai, then followed the Holy Son to the side Pavilion. Their departure left behind a suffocating silence.