A glorious affair, youths from all the major sects that decided to participate in the Young Hero's Meet hosted by the United Dao Alliance. All the major powers this side of the trichiliocosm showed up, from wealthy sect masters, and also rogue cultivators.

Mystic Ascent Hall was one such sect, a high ranking member who was apart of the alliance's founding. Back then, the previous generation's hallmaster slew a great devil who had emerged from an evil ploy. This earned them great rapport with the Heavenly Court, who subsequently help promote the alliance as an ally of justice.

On paper, this alliance was a group of equals who opposed poor conduct among immortal cultivators. This was much like the how Heavenly Court who promoted their Jade Emperor's 'Celestial Order'.

For an entire month, the venue was set up by a selection of sects. Following that, major powers arrived on their boats.

Golden Immortal masters escorted by Heavenly Immortal elders. Up coming heroes who had also become fresh True Immortals. For the trichiliocosm, it was rare for so many to come together.

In a universe filled with a nigh infinite amount of star systems and planets, even quintillions of immortal cultivators capable of travelling through space would be spread thin.

"Your grand disciple is a marvel."

"This generation's young saintess of Profound Sky Hall is unexpectedly unique."

"Roving Wheel sect's young master actually defeated one of Gongsun clan's descendant?"

"That kid, he practices Flower Fruit monkey style martial art? How did a demon technique made its way to us?"

Currently, all the sect masters and important elders socialized in a private suite overlooking the entire planet this meet took place on. The planet had been converted into a trial ground suitable for those who had yet to ascend to Immortity.

The participants all had to be youths who had yet to transcend the Immortal tribulation. But they also had to be below a certain age.

For them, it was an opportunity to temper themselves. For their seniors, it was an opportunity to show off. Hence, the latter retreated to a private gathering spot to talk about performances.

Mystic Ascent Hall's hallmaster partook as well, being one of the chief organizers. Unlike most others in the alliance, he was seated with the top brass.

Neutron Light sect, Luminous Jade sect, Wuneng clan, Mountain Smashing Sword sect, Aero Zenith sect, and his own Mystic Ascent Hall. Together, they were renowned as the six holy lands of heroic Daoism on the southern quadrant of the trichiliocosm, located within the 26th Earth Domain, but marking an area of influence as large as eleven domains.

In the trichiliocosm, where its area was sub divided by the Heavenly court into seventy two domains, this was an enormous territory.

"My fellow sect masters," the chairman of the alliance, Mystic Ascent hallmaster's personal friend stood up. He was the Ten Thousand Demon Slaying Sword Saint, the top immortal in this generation.

He was also a staunch ally in opposing the Jade Emperor's tyrannical crackdowns on certain cultivation methods. Something that was what actually drew the alliance in the first place.

Because a single lone cultivator can do nothing but bow. But hordes of sects protesting can make even the court second guess itself.

"I understand we are all excited for the next stage of this event. This generation is truly full of dragons and phoenixes."

"It is a testament to orthodox daoism," Mystic Ascent hallmaster said with a toast. His disciple, Wei nodded in seeming agreement.

"But we should get around to discussing some real business. Like the future of the Three Realms," the Immortal Lord Fu added

"Fellow daoists are correct," Ten Thousand Demon Slaying Sword Saint said. He acknowledged the heads of all the sects present, as well as foreign powers that were invited.

"This meet is a bit special, as I'm sure you've all figured. Considering we invited even distant fellow Daoist Fromm far flung regions."

Namely, some patriarchs of dragon clan descendants, halfbreeds who left their ocean world. Major powers from further domains, and important clans who survived since ancient days.

Namely, the Gongsun clan had a representative present. "Speak then Sword Saint," he arrogantly declared.

"This better be more important than bringing kids together considering how much it costs to travel here," the sect master of another superpower from the 9th Earth Domain, the Human Torch sect added.

"Very well. The Heavenly Court has overstepped their bounds."

A series of laughter erupted among the crowd. A humorous guffaw shared by like minded individuals. All of whom having been investigated before the invitation was sent.

Wei sighed from beside his master after his own chuckle. His master patted his shoulder through his own laughter.

"Settle down, remember your positions," Mystic Ascent hallmaster said in soft chastising.

"Oh please, as if we don't know already."

"Yeah, I can't even get rid of an eyesore without asking permission and filing a request."

"Look no further then what they did when Touring Waves Sword sect began researching a new style? Horrible tragedy that one."

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"I remember, the Taisui Star Lord personally appeared to humiliate him. Called him a traitorous monkey," one among the crowd said in agreement.

"And the Erlang God destroyed Ghost Awakening sect on the Jade Emperor's behalf over a small disagreement with another sect that didn't even involve the court. Nauseating to think about," another added.

It wasn't entirely unanimous, but many brought up grievances with the Heavenly Court's rules.

"Listen to them disciple. Do you see how much vitriol those so called gods have garnered?" Mystic Ascent hallmaster said sneering.

"Does the court not posses a system of suing an enemy sect? I recall their representative informing us to use it rather than instigate an inter-sect war," Wei asked.

"And allow things to rest? How can we as cultivator move on without resolving our karma? Even the bald donkeys know better than being a cowardly ape."

The sword saint continued his speech, riling up the crowd of sect masters. In this environment, even those more reserved became more open to their own woes.

Pushing themselves into matters that don't involve them. Controlling what methods can or cannot be used. Dictating the freedom of Daoist immortals. Wei had heard it all.

He sighed, recalling his own confrontation with the court. It had been just as he was beginning his cultivation journey. Long before he found his way to Mystic Ascent Hall.

He gazed towards the planet below. The disciples of these sects were still in various trial stages. But most importantly, they were within the protection set up on the planet.

"If I may," Wei said aloud. Though he was an elder, and next in line for one of the major sects. No one expected him to make a call out.

"Fellow Daoists, I wish to say a few words." He walked to the middle of the room, ignoring his master's calls. He ignored the sword saint's or Immortal Lord Fu's scolding.

"Dare I say, what you are all scheming is a terrible mistake," he said. "I'd hoped it was just a club to air out grievances. But this is an outright rebellion against the Heavenly Court."

"Young man…" the sword saint began.

"Let me finish," Wei said to the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal. At once, the offended sword saint unleashed his dominating cultivation, forcing the younger man to his knees.

"Clearly hallmaster Wang hasn't educated you enough." The sword saint gave him a glare.

"Enough fooling around disciple, return at once." Mystic Ascent hallmaster was also displeased. But he kept his anger in check.

"N…no," Wei gasped for breath. But he slowly stood back up, using his own cultivation to push against the sword saint. "You will bring doom to orthodox Daoism with your ambition. Recall history, recall how many times this has happened.

"During its founding, the Jade Emperor toppled the Demon court, and the ancient divinities. In the succeeding eras, the Eight Fold sect failed in opposing them. The Neo-Devil alliance was smashed. The Seven Sages of Mt Mei were disbanded after a single battle. And even the Bull Demon King fell in line.

"Please listen to me. The court has a system that works. They've been merciful all this time. My own clan disobeyed, and were punished. But we weren't all destroyed because of the Jade Emperor's kindness. Sword saint, you will only bring ruin to Daoism if you forward us into rebellion."

"Foolish brat," the masters of the six sects all sneered. "Do you think we didn't account for it?"

The sword saint shook his head at what he perceived as misplaced loyalty out of fear. "For generations, we've built up our strength under the so called, 'kindness' of the court. All of us achieved the Zenith Heaven realm, comparable to mighty Saint to Be of old."

"You also have a foot in that realm. In terms of cultivation, even you are not far from the Jade Emperor." Walking forward for the first time, the head of the Gongsun clan made himself knows

Gongsun Yeyang sneered in disappointment. "The efforts of this side of the trichiliocosm is not alone. Many areas have been preparing and will flock to overthrow the court once the movement begin. And what's more…"

Gongsun Yeyang made a grand gesture for the other bigwigs. Out of all of them, he had a special place for being a direct descendant from the super ancient leaders of humanity. His own cultivation was among the highest.

"Our men inside the court have recovered good information relating to the Jade Emperor. There are many things he fear, all of which are powers that can oppose him. My Gongsun clan has discovered a Dao Law that he has kept suppressed since ancient times."

At this, even the sword saint appeared shocked. "Suppressed? What kind of Law is it that the Jade Emperor fears?"

"Guards are posted within the Three Realm's heart. The Jade Emperor himself applies the seal. Its nature is unclear, but I'm sure he genuinely fears it. Otherwise, why would he be so dedicated?"

"I see, that's another avenue we can use. Distract the court enough and we can open that seal. Whoever cultivates that Law, has the potential to become what that power hungry monkey fears," the sword saint nodded with understanding.

Wei on the other hand, looked at them all with disappointment. He swallowed hard at the realization that this'll be the last time he'd see his master.

And to his expectation, another person strolled out from behind a pillar carrying a long spear on his shoulder. From appearance along, it appeared to be a child no older than twelve. He wore red armour, and a long red ribbon that hovered over his shoulder.

"Ordinarily, the punishment for conspiracy of treachery, is one hundred mortal lives within the reincarnation cycle. Punishment for instigating rebellion falls under intent of chaos, and necessitates one yuanhui inside the eighteen hells before entering reincarnation for ten thousand mortal lives."

The boy caught the attention of everyone. Everyone also recognized him, and were startled as to how he arrived without their notice.

"That was the higher end of punishment I was supposed to enforce. But the investigation of a taboo, espionage on the court, and conspiracy to expose taboo…"

The boy gave them all an evil look. "Total annihilation of your true souls is permitted."

"Destroying the entire concept of us across history. How evil. As expected of the demon child," the sword saint slowly drew his sword. It was a comical look, how seriously he considered the child before him.

"Alas, I'm not the sole decision maker," he shrugged.

In that same instance, the roof of the building was torn apart. Four ferocious men stood above them, their sizes easily blotting out the expanse of space.

Yet behind them, white clouds were rolling down like carpets. Atop them, helmed soldiers bearing swords, halberds, and bows etc.

Leading them all was a bearded elder riding atop a gigantic turtle, and carrying a sword with the word, 'punish evil,' inscribed.

"Tri-Lotus prince Nezha, the Four Heavenly Kings. And the Devil Smiting True Martial Great Emperor?" Mystic Ascent hallmaster glared at his former disciple.

"This is preposterous. An abuse of power!" Someone yelled out. "Are you not the heavenly god oathsworn to fight devils?"

The target of these words were the turtle riding man, the True Martial Great Emperor.

"Are you not devils in what you intend?" The heavenly god said with contempt. "All I see, is a gaggle of filthy monkeys."

"I for one, am flattered the Jade Emperor considers us old folks enough of a threat, to send his top dogs out," Immortal Lord Fu calmly said.

"It's such a shame then. I'd be forced to kill a fellow disciple of Daoism. Especially one who's contributed to killing so many devils."

"Hey all," Nezha waved to the army sent by the court. "I've got confirmation that the Star Lord of Mercury is defending the surrounding chiliocosm."

"Hahaha, good," the Four Heavenly Kings grinned evilly.

"Just wait a moment, Zhenwu." A hand patted True Martial Great Emperor's shoulder. The heavenly god raised a brow, but ultimately differed to him. Upon his appearance, Nezha became shocked.

The sect masters formed a circle behind the sword saint and Gongsun Yeyang. All of them were wide eyed, disbelieving that the Jade Emperor would show up in person.

The questing of how their meeting was leaked, turned into why the Jade Emperor would personally visit them. He was notoriously difficult to reach, always traveling to different sectors of the Three Realms.

Haotian's body appeared above the shattered hall, like an almighty deity descending from heaven. His hands behind his back, his cultivation carefully controlled. Only the invisible pressure of his name enveloped them.

"We spent our life upholding my celestial order. We spent a lifetime defending the innocent and suppressing evil. There are already systems in place to deal with your problems." Haotian sighed with sadness.

"It truly saddens us, that you all cannot see the evil in your ways. The chaos your ambition will cause. The pain you will spread to all existence."

In his hand, the Vast Sky Mirror appeared in Haotian's hand. "You did well Xiao Wei. As you were all ignorant of the schemes of these scums, the juniors will be spared."

"The most august Jade Emperor comes in person. How free are you?" The sword saint did not appear happy, even as he mocked Haotian. 'Such a busy body.'

"Hm, if we don't keep a keen eye on our Three Realms, how could we keep order?" Haotian said. "We knew you were digging around our archives Yeyang. We thought you were one of the good ones, given your clan elder's warnings."

"Those old bastards," Gongsun Yeyang sneered. "Enough of this. Since you dare show your face in the lower realm, then let us begin already. I'll terminate you here and now, just like you did to my ancestor!"

Fear and trepidation. For all their bluster, they feared the Jade Emperor for justifiable reasons.

Old as they are, these cultivators had long lost count of the amount of genocides this man ordered.

The Ten Thousand Demon Slaying Sword Saint drew his blade then and there. He aimed it at the Jade Emperor in defiance. "It is for the future of the Three Realms that I must depose you. For justice, for freedom, for the future of all living beings trapped in ignorance."

Haotian released a small smile, then he whispered. "For ambition, for power, for pride." Each word spoken in correction for the sword saint. Following that, his army laughed.

"If you wanted to dispute our, or any of our minister's decisions. You could've taken it up in court. Instead, types like you always try to instigate war." Haotian allowed his fury to take over.

"Children must be disciplined. Weeds must be plucked. We will give you one last chance. Escort yourselves into reincarnation and we will spare your existence."

"The Jade Emperor is tyrannical!" The sword saint yelled instead. "He suppresses Daoism. Mutilated the legacy of cultivation. Oppresses the common man in his so called, 'laws'. His so called 'order', is merely a mask for his own ambition. A lie covering up the evils he has inflicted on all life.

"Today, I Di Yijian, sect master Mountain Smashing Sword Sext stand opposed to the evil named, the Jade Emperor."

Haotian chuckled at the defiance. His laugh sunken in hollowness. He pointed his thumb down, giving the only command for the day.

…

In the far reaches of the Chaos Sea, Da Hai narrowed his eyes. He suddenly felt a wave of sadness rushing into his person, disrupting his travels.

"Sent from…Haotian? What does he want?"

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