Deep within the Ice Prison, Shen Gongbao frowned slightly as he felt the bone-chilling cold emanating from the Nine-Nether Ice Chains.
In his previous life, the ceaseless torment of these Nine-Nether Ice Chains and the Soul-Eroding Gale had caused his cultivation to plummet from the Mysterious Immortal Realm to the True Immortal Realm. It had turned him—a man who was once the peerless leader among the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect—into a laughingstock during the God-Conferring Tribulation.
This time, because he had chosen to bow his head early, it appeared he would not need to endure the agony of the Ice Chains and the Gale.
But the injuries currently plaguing his body…
At the thought of his present physical state, Shen Gongbao’s brow furrowed even deeper. During the previous grand competition at Yuxu Palace, he had severely wounded Jiang Ziya, and Yuanshi Tianzun, having descended in person, had struck him down with a single palm.
A figure of Sage-level status like Yuanshi Tianzun possessed the will of heaven in every gesture; he was far beyond what a mere Mysterious Immortal could withstand. Even now, Shen Gongbao could clearly feel the fissures spreading through his Profound Underworld Dao Body, which he had spent years painstakingly cultivating.
In his past life, even after he had emerged from the Ice Prison and consumed countless miraculous elixirs, the damage remained irreparable. Because of that, his subsequent path of cultivation had been extraordinarily arduous.
Now that the damage to his Dao body was still in its early stages, was there a chance for recovery?
However, since the injury had been inflicted by the Sage Yuanshi Tianzun himself, Shen Gongbao had no certainty that it could be healed. The best way to cure such an injury would be to beg the Sage himself to intervene. Yet, when he considered the likelihood of Yuanshi Tianzun coming to his aid, a look of self-mockery involuntarily appeared on Shen Gongbao’s face.
"Impossible."
"How could the dignified Sage Yuanshi ever stoop so low as to heal a creature like me—a being with fur and horns?"
As scenes from the past flickered through his mind, Shen Gongbao cut off that thought, refusing to subject himself to such humiliation.
Should he seek out his Uncle-Master Tongtian?
The image of a handsome, heroic young man with sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes involuntarily surfaced in his mind. But just as quickly, Shen Gongbao discarded that option. Everything he had done in his previous life had truly betrayed the trust of Uncle-Master Tongtian. Even though he had been reborn, he was filled with such deep guilt toward the Sect Master Tongtian that he could not bear to show his face to ask for help.
"Since I have awakened the Favor of the Heavenly Dao, let me see what this so-called Gold-tier draw actually contains!"
For a moment, Shen Gongbao found himself quietly looking forward to his apology to Jiang Ziya the following day.
***
The next day, inside Yuxu Palace.
Immortal mists swirled as golden lotuses blossomed. The disciples of the Chan Sect were lined up on both sides, some closing their eyes to meditate, others wearing sneers. Only one man, Shen Gongbao, knelt in the center of the grand hall. He was covered in blood, and the ice chains were driven through his collarbones, pinning him firmly to the frozen floor.
After a long while, seeing that Yuanshi Tianzun had yet to appear, Judulsun cast a disdainful look at the man in their midst and said with a sneer:
"What is this, Shen Gongbao? The Master has not yet appeared, yet you think yourself too good to even glance at your fellow disciples? Have you forgotten the rules of our Chan Sect after all these years?"
Hearing this, several others nearby chimed in:
"Exactly! People who know the truth realize you’ve been demoted to the Ice Prison, but those who don't might think you’d received some immense reward from the Master! To think you don't even deign to look at us anymore."
"You know how Shen Gongbao has always been. When has he ever held us in high regard?"
"True enough. To me, a beast is a beast. Shen Gongbao shouldn't be allowed to remain in our Chan Sect. If he continues to stay here, the reputation of our sect will be ruined by him sooner or later!"
Shen Gongbao clenched his fists tightly, though his heart was filled with cold laughter.
Did he not respect them?
In his previous life, whenever he met these people, had he ever shown even a hint of disrespect?
But in the end, how had these people responded to him? Their mouths were always filled with insults about his being a "being with fur and horns." Was this the so-called rule of the Chan Sect?
Since his deference could not earn their respect, why should he continue to act?
With a cold laugh, Shen Gongbao chose to ignore the mockery and sarcasm of those around him. Seeing that Shen Gongbao remained unmoved, Judulsun’s expression grew even gloomier. Just as he was about to berate him again, he suddenly saw purple energy surging across the firmament, and a twelve-petaled lotus pedestal blooming with boundless light.
Yuanshi Tianzun had arrived!
The pressure of the Sage was overwhelming, and the entire Yuxu Palace fell silent. Yuanshi Tianzun’s gaze, sharp as lightning, fell upon Shen Gongbao.
"Shen Gongbao, your senior brother said you realized your error, but now it seems… you have no intention of repenting."
Shen Gongbao slowly raised his head. A trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, yet he still managed to wear a respectful smile.
"Master, please look clearly. Your disciple has come here specifically to… offer my apologies to Junior Brother Jiang."
Before he could finish, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of black blood. His body swayed as if he were at the very end of his strength.
*Must… must make the performance convincing!*
Yuanshi Tianzun frowned slightly. A sweep of his divine sense allowed him to perceive the damage to Shen Gongbao’s Dao body—a result of his own hasty strike from days prior.
"You…"
"Your disciple knows his sins are heavy; I dare not ask for Master’s forgiveness." Shen Gongbao’s voice was weak, yet every word was clear. "I only pray for Junior Brother Jiang’s… forgiveness."
Jiang Ziya’s face showed pity, and he was about to speak, but Judulsun stepped forward first and sneered:
"If you have reached such a realization, then that is for the best. Now, apologize to Junior Brother Jiang in front of everyone. Let us all see if your confession is truly sincere."
Judulsun did not believe for a second that Shen Gongbao would truly apologize.
"Yes! Apologize! We don't believe your words; we demand an apology!"
"Apologize! Apologize to Junior Brother Jiang!"
"Apologize! Apologize!"
The voices of the crowd converged, forming a massive wave of sound that echoed throughout Yuxu Palace. Standing in the center of the crowd, Shen Gongbao felt the cold gazes directed at him from all sides, and the chill in his heart deepened.
That is how they were. From the very first day he entered Yuxu Palace, it had always been like this. No matter what he did, he could never earn their approval. All they ever saw was his identity as a member of the demon race.
*But in this life,* he thought, *I no longer need your approval!*
Shen Gongbao smiled.
Apologize?
Of course, I shall apologize!
Right now, an apology is exactly what I desire most!
Without a hint of hesitation, Shen Gongbao struggled to his feet. Dragging his blood-stained ice chains, he walked slowly to stand before Jiang Ziya:
"Junior Brother Jiang, I was too reckless during our duel that day. In my desire to claim victory and take control of the God-Conferring Board, I went all out, causing you injury. These past few days, I have endured torment in the Ice Prison. Now, I solemnly apologize to you, Junior Brother. I only ask that you might forgive your senior brother's rashness!"