Lu Qingfeng looked at Wang Li, who was kowtowing on the ground, and felt a sense of sigh in his heart.

In the past.

He accepted eight disciples in the Red Smoke Realm, with Wang Li being the last, following him in cultivation at Panlong Mountain for ten years. However, disaster struck, Lu Qingfeng accidentally provoked the Demon King and died, implicating these disciples to flee.

During their escape.

Six disciples died.

Only the first disciple Han Lin and the last disciple Wang Li escaped with their lives.

Afterward.

Lu Qingfeng went to find the two but only saw Han Lin before his death, not Wang Li.

He never expected, Wang Li, alone, actually achieved the Earth Immortal rank. Whether it was perseverance or luck, both were remarkable.

"Arise."

Lu Qingfeng sighed in his heart, feeling some guilt towards this disciple.

Wang Li stood up.

Standing respectfully.

After all, it's a long-time master-disciple relationship.

Lu Qingfeng felt much guilt toward this disciple, and having only spent a short ten years together, any feelings were washed away by over a hundred thousand years, leaving not much.

But to Wang Li, this man before him was not only the Tianpeng True Monarch, the Chief Commander of Tianhe but also the first master who took him under his wing while he was young and taught him cultivation skills, his only master throughout his life.

The feelings were somewhat different.

There was reverence for the former.

Gratefulness for the latter.

Thus, utmost respect was shown.

"Come forward."

Lu Qingfeng noticed the disciple's restraint and beckoned him over.

"Yes."

Wang Li hurried forward two steps.

Lu Qingfeng pointed to the spot next to Lu Xiao, saying, "Wait here."

Lu Xiao stood on the right side, and Lu Qingfeng pointed to the left of Lu Xiao, which was the first position on the right row. Just from this position alone, one could tell Lu Qingfeng's regard for Wang Li.

Wang Li was also overwhelmed with favor.

He moved over.

Feeling a mix of emotions, unable to distinguish sweet from bitter for a moment.

After settling Wang Li's position and identity, Lu Qingfeng turned his attention to the others present.

Iron Feather Daoist, seeing this, stood out first, bowing to admit guilt, "I acted on my own, implicating Long Life, Lin Ye, and several generals, who almost lost their lives. I beseech True Monarch to pass judgment!"

"Master—"

On the side, Wang Li saw this, his face changed, ready to step forward and explain for Iron Feather Daoist.

But he saw Lu Qingfeng wave his hand dismissively and then, with a gentle sweep of his sleeve towards Iron Feather Daoist, helped him up, saying, "If not for Daoist Brother, my first disciple here would have suffered even more hardships. What fault does Daoist Brother have?"

Upon hearing this.

Everyone's gaze fell on Iron Feather Daoist, with astonishment in their eyes.

This mere newly advanced Earth Immortal, ranking low even among Earth Immortals, despite being involved with the General Capturing God's mansion back then, to be treated so courteously by the dignified Tianpeng True Monarch, and addressed as 'Daoist Brother'.

It surely isn't simple.

Si Tuqian's gaze brushed over Iron Feather Daoist, stirring some thoughts but suppressing them without mentioning.

"Thank you, True Monarch, for not punishing."

Iron Feather Daoist hurriedly thanked.

Lu Qingfeng smiled, signaling for Iron Feather Daoist to step aside.

Then, his gaze fell on Xuan Ningzi.

Xuan Ningzi stepped forward, stating loudly, "The villain has been dealt with, the Divine Soul cast into Six Paths of Reincarnation."

Saying so.

With a movement of his hand.

A Du Tian Netherworld King Flag appeared in his hand, and with a wave of the big flag, a goddess general appeared in the hall. Upon closer look, she was dull and soulless, already a mere shell with the Divine Soul emerged.

Lu Qingfeng recognized this person.

It was none other than Four Bright Gongbin Yuanjun.

In the past, in Changqing Realm, there was hatred of road obstruction and life-taking vengeance; after over ten thousand years, only today was it truly resolved.

Lu Qingfeng's thoughts flowed, his mind clear and relieved.

"Not bad."

With a smile on his face, he said to Xuan Ningzi, "You can handle the villain's shell as you wish."

"Yes."

Xuan Ningzi responded, collecting the body of Four Bright Gongbin Yuanjun.

The body of a Heavenly Immortal, polished over countless ages, was already interwoven with mysteries, being a great treasure. Xuan Ningzi just elevated to Heavenly Immortal rank, mindful exploration could yield considerable gains. Not only that, whether in Alchemy or crafting Spiritual Treasure, this body holds wonderful uses.

He was elated inside.

Xuan Ningzi then shook the Netherworld King Flag in his hand, revealing an apparition in the sky with figures flashing within.

"These are Earth Immortals from the Eternal Youth Sect and Primordial Monarch Palace."

"Not sure how to handle them?"

Xuan Ningzi was a Heavenly Immortal and uneasy to kill these Earth Immortals rashly. But to let them go lightly might displease the teacher, so he brought them back to let Lu Qingfeng decide.

"Such ill-intentioned individuals, relegate them to be subjugated by Ruishui River, release them only when the evil thoughts in their hearts are dispelled."

Several Earth Immortals.

Lu Qingfeng paid them no heed.

Among these individuals, some were diehards of Four Bright Gongbin Yuanjun. Some were Earth Immortals of the Eternal Youth Sect, bringing Wang Li countless years of suffering.

None were to be spared.

Although there were two Earth Immortals, neither diehards nor with direct enmity with Wang Li, they would be let go, at least in appearance.

As for Shangchun Daoist and others.

They would be suppressed first, and the so-called 'dispelling evil thoughts', how to judge it, was entirely up to Lu Qingfeng's discretion. Once Wang Li achieves fruition in cultivation, they could be released, letting Wang Li handle them himself.

The words fell.

At once, there were Water Mansion Generals arriving with manacles and chains. With a wave of Xuan Ningzi's big flag, Shangchun Daoist and others fell down, overwhelmed, were shackled and suppressed by Ruishui River.

Xuan Ningzi also returned the Spiritual Treasure 'Six Paths of Reincarnation'.

Thus, this matter came to an end.

Naturally.

This was just for those disciples.

For Lu Qingfeng—

"This poor Daoist, Sa Shoujian, is here to meet Tianpeng True Monarch!"

Outside the Water Mansion.

The great sound echoed.

Inside the hall.

Ao Le, all the disciples, and the generals turned their heads, looking towards the outside of the Water Mansion.

"It's here."

Lu Qingfeng also looked towards the outside of the Water Mansion. He stood up, took a step out, and came outside the Water Mansion. He laughed loudly towards the Daoist approaching on a cloud: "Master Sa's arrival truly brings brilliance to my humble abode."

...

Outside the Water Mansion.

Lu Qingfeng strode out, looking at Master Sa, who was riding a cloud and standing in the air, and raised his voice: "This True Monarch has just taken charge of the Water Mansion, and it is quite impoverished. I wonder why Master Sa has graced us with his presence?"

"You ask what you already know!"

Master Sa snorted coldly in his heart, disliking the man's demeanor, forced himself to suppress his feelings, and said in a deep voice: "Four Bright Gongbin Yuanjun was cast into the cycle of reincarnation by criminals, his life and death unknown. The criminals have fled to the Heavenly River, and I have come specifically to capture them."

"Oh?"

"Is there actually such a matter?!"

Lu Qingfeng was shocked, and his body trembled as he replied to Master Sa: "Since those criminals have fled to the Heavenly River, you needn't trouble yourself, True Man. This True Monarch oversees the Heavenly River; how could I let such criminals go unpunished?!"

Lu Qingfeng spoke righteously.

Master Sa sneered repeatedly and said: "It's not that I don't trust the True Monarch, but since the True Monarch is new to overseeing the Heavenly River, and affairs are not yet settled, why not allow me to assist?"

"Unnecessary."

"Unnecessary."

This minor Heavenly Master.

Also wants to interfere with my Heavenly River, but may be overestimating himself.

Lu Qingfeng waved his hand, changing the topic, and curiously asked: "May I ask, True Man, where did Four Bright Gongbin Yuanjun meet with trouble, and why?"

"These things need not be discussed first."

"Capturing the criminals early is the main concern."

Master Sa looked around, gazing into the depths of the Heavenly River. He saw some Divine Generals pressing Shang Chun Daoist and others to Ruishui River for suppression, and his spirits rose immediately. Pointing to that place, he questioned sternly: "These people are all Divine Generals of the Primordial Monarch Palace. Why are they shackled, and where are they being taken?"

Lu Qingfeng turned his head to take a look.

He saw these people too.

He shook his head, unconcernedly saying: "These are not Divine Generals; surely, True Man, you have mistaken. These criminals have impure intentions and harmed my disciples. This True Monarch is enraged and intends to suppress them in Ruishui River."

"This poor Daoist would not make a mistake."

"Would the True Monarch summon these people for this poor Daoist to take a closer look?"

Master Sa relentlessly pursued the question.

"What good is it to look at a few criminals with impure intentions?" Lu Qingfeng shook his head.

"There's no harm in taking a look."

Master Sa saw that Lu Qingfeng was unwilling and said it was no big deal but was actually about to move forward himself.

"True Man."

"Forcibly trespassing the Heavenly River is perhaps not appropriate."

Lu Qingfeng moved his feet, blocking in front of Master Sa. He sneered inwardly, knowing this man could not hold back and was looking for an excuse to make a move.

As expected.

Lu Qingfeng blocked him.

Master Sa flew into a great rage, raising the Five Bright Demon-suppressing Fan in his hand and sternly rebuking: "Is the True Monarch planning to shield the criminals?!"

"This True Monarch has said."

"These criminals harmed my disciples, and I'm furious! Furious! Is the True Man deliberately trying to deceive me?!"

Lu Qingfeng was not intimidated.

Grasping the green bamboo staff in hand, his eyes glinted coldly, staring at this Master Sa.

"Fine!"

"Since it's like this, let's have a match first!"

Master Sa came here seeking trouble, and seeing Lu Qingfeng's hard stance, he genuinely couldn't ask for more.

He leapt back.

Waving the Five Bright Demon-suppressing Fan towards Lu Qingfeng, a gale rose immediately, sweeping the long river, rushing straight at Lu Qingfeng.

"Too far away."

"The Five-Colored Divine Light cannot brush you away?!"

Seeing this, Lu Qingfeng laughed heartily.

He formed a wind seal with one hand, unfazed by the gale. Behind him, five-colored light shot up, fiercely brushing down towards the retreating Master Sa.

"Not good!"

Master Sa had prepared in advance.

Even before the battle started, he had kept a distance. But the divine light was too fast and swift; even at a distance, he had no time to react.

The divine light appeared.

His hand was suddenly empty. Looking down, where was the Five Bright Demon-suppressing Fan? Looking across at Tianpeng, wasn't what he held in his hand the Five Bright Demon-suppressing Fan?!

"Five-Colored Divine Light!"

Master Sa's face paled.

Previously in the Spirit Xiao Palace, observing Lu Qingfeng battling with Wang Lingguan, he hadn't thought much of this technique. But facing it personally, experiencing his spiritual treasure being taken, he finally realized its power.

His brows furrowed tightly.

Yet Master Sa wasn't panicked.

His Taoist understanding reached Taiji, ranking among the elders, known as 'Teaching of Iron Master, Commanding Jade Palace's Thunder Book', relying not on magic artifacts, but on his Daoist Thunder Technique.

"Shenxiao!"

Seeing Master Sa pointing to the sky with one hand, drawing the ground with the other, the sky was filled with surging clouds, containing thunder.

There was great dread.

In front of Master Sa, a 'Thunder Book' vaguely manifested, seemingly containing all the thunder in heaven and earth.

"Shenxiao Thunder Method?"

Lu Qingfeng sneered dismissively, showing no fear. With Cloud Summit Step, he wavered, flashing to stand before Master Sa. Without warning, he manifested the Three Heads and Six Arms, with all three mouths chanting incantations, and all six arms sealing spells.

Great Sun Annihilation Divine Light!

Great Five Elements Yin Yang Magnetic Annihilation Divine Light!

Fallen Divine Light!

Innate Unity Separation and Destruction Divine Light!

Qingjing Heavenly Fire!

Dutian Demon Flames!

In an instant.

Four different divine lights shot out, two clusters of flames rose, sweeping forth, encasing Master Sa within.