Back then, he was still young, just a little peacock, when he saw a willow tree in the mountains—its nine branches stretching into the nine heavens, entwined with primordial chaos.
Each leaf of the willow cradled a star, its branches piercing the heavens, refining the essence of creation, while the Great Dao cascaded like a waterfall from the sky, submerging it entirely.
That sight, grand beyond compare, left an indelible impression on the young Peacock Deity, one he could never forget for the rest of his life.
Then, that emerald-green willow shed a single drop of radiant liquid, which astonishingly reflected the myriad heavens!
That drop was extraordinary, infused with the aura of the Dao, surrounded by celestial phenomena, and by sheer chance, it landed upon the little peacock.
From that moment on, the Peacock Deity’s fate changed. He rose swiftly, distinguishing himself among his clan. Yet, after that day, he never saw the willow tree again.
As he grew stronger, he ventured beyond his domain and once stumbled upon an ancient divine kingdom that enshrined a carving of that very willow, worshipped by countless beings.
Later, in another land, he was fortunate enough to meet an ancient deity who, upon hearing mention of the willow, paled in fear.
That ancient being had also seen the willow in his youth, in a forbidden land—where it exploded beneath the nine heavens and the Great Dao, transforming into a seed infused with the laws of the Dao before vanishing.
……
Even now, recalling all this weighs heavily on the Peacock Deity’s heart. Despite his current immense power, he still finds the willow’s might terrifying, something to be revered.
Thus, even though the upper realm believes the willow perished after entering the Primordial Gate, he holds onto the belief that it may one day return to this world!
“Have the Heavenly Clan’s consciences been devoured by dogs?! A man risked his life to escort your genius, your future hope, and this is how you repay him? Aren’t you afraid of turning everyone’s hearts cold? Who would dare deal with you after this?!”
Kong Qiuji raged, pointing and cursing in the grand hall, spittle nearly landing on the faces of some True Gods.
He even considered spitting at a Heavenly God but restrained himself, knowing even his clan would punish him for such disrespect.
But against True Gods, he held no such reservations, jabbing his finger almost into their noses, especially those who had smirked in the shadows.
He stormed over, grabbed one by the collar, and roared, “Fool! What are you laughing at? Heartless and ungrateful, sneering coldly to flaunt your cruelty—is that something to be proud of?”
The man, humiliated, nearly lashed out—but one icy glance from the Peacock Deity silenced him.
That gaze, cold as the void between universes, sent shivers through his soul, nearly forcing a scream from his lips—an unspoken killing intent.
“Yun Xi! Where are you?! Someone fought tooth and nail to bring you back, and you’re hiding? Step forward and say something!”
Kong Qiuji bellowed. Though in human form, a tuft of feathers bristled on his head, glowing in five radiant colors that illuminated the grand hall.
Many paled at his audacity—such behavior was unseemly!
“Yun Xi! Are you being held captive, or are you too cowardly to speak?!” Er Meng roared.
A Heavenly God of the Heavenly Clan spoke, his voice heavy with authority, “Little friend, what is the meaning of this?”
His words were few but carried a clear warning—this was the Heavenly Clan’s sacred hall, not a place for unruly behavior.
“Little friend, you should sit down,” another Heavenly God added.
“I demand justice! What crime has my brother committed? How can you repay kindness with betrayal? Is there no justice left?!” Er Meng shouted.
He helped Shi Hao sit on a cushion, procured a sacred pill from his kin to heal him, seething with fury.
“He is our prisoner because he committed grave offenses. We can discuss this later,” Heavenly God Qi Tuo said, eager to shift focus. He turned to the Peacock Deity. “Esteemed elder, this is Huang. Do you sense the Thunder Emperor’s aura?”
He hoped the Peacock Deity would examine Shi Hao so they could remove him—the tension was unbearable.
“Esteemed ones, this boy shares karma with me. I wish to spare his life,” the Peacock Deity declared, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of ages.
Nearby, Er Meng grinned—he had gambled correctly. The deity indeed had ties to the Willow God. Years ago, when he arrived in the upper realm with a willow branch, the deity had favored him, making him a core member.
Back then, when Er Meng helped the Heavenly Clan repair the teleportation array to the upper realm, the Willow God had given him a branch, telling him to use it to return to Stone Village if needed—though he never had to.
“Esteemed elder, what karma could you share with him?” The Heavenly Clan members stiffened, even the Heavenly Gods frowning.
“His master once showed me kindness,” the Peacock Deity replied.
“What?!” The Heavenly Gods jolted; some True Gods nearly leaped up. What kind of being could have shown the Peacock Deity such a favor? This was terrifying!
“Esteemed elder, you must be jesting. He’s from the lower realm, just a boy from a human kingdom. How could his master have aided you?” Qi Tuo asked, his face darkening.
“Do I seem like I’m jesting?” the Peacock Deity asked coldly.
Qi Tuo shuddered, hastily apologizing.
The hall grew tense. This was the Heavenly Clan’s sanctum, yet a titan stood among them, casting a shadow over all.
No matter what, the Heavenly Clan wouldn’t release Shi Hao—but how could they refuse the Peacock Deity? They exchanged glances. Perhaps only the Ancient Heavenly could resolve this.
“That being was a willow tree. You should know of it,” the Peacock Deity added, unwilling to force the issue.
“It…” The Heavenly Gods relaxed slightly.
They had heard of the lower realm’s events and believed the Willow God had perished after entering the Bone Gate—none who entered ever returned.
“This boy is indeed connected to me,” the Peacock Deity said firmly, making his stance clear.
“Esteemed elder, he committed grave crimes, infiltrated our Heavenly City, and stole secrets of our Flying Immortal Stone. We cannot release him,” a True God argued.
“Humph!”
The Peacock Deity snorted. The man coughed blood, as if struck by a hammer, nearly sent flying, his face pale.
The Peacock Deity’s gaze silenced all. Even the Heavenly Gods dared not rebuke him.
“Esteemed elder, we truly cannot release him,” Qi Tuo said after hesitation.
This was the collective decision of the Heavenly Gods. No matter how strong the opposition, they couldn’t let Shi Hao go.
For one, the boy possessed invaluable treasures—divine techniques and immortal scriptures that could elevate a sect for eternity.
Secondly, his talent was too terrifying. Having already crossed them, releasing him risked future calamity. A genius unfulfilled was nothing—but given the chance, his rise could be disastrous.
“Reconsider,” the Peacock Deity urged. Without that willow, he might not exist today. He owed it to protect this boy.
“Apologies, esteemed elder. We cannot comply,” the Heavenly Gods refused, despite their unease.
“Then I’ll take him by force!” The Peacock Deity’s eyes gleamed with five-colored light, his aura overwhelming.
“Brother, do not push us too far,” a frail, ancient voice interjected.
A withered figure appeared—a guardian of the Heavenly Clan, a being from the era of the Ancient Heavenly, second only to the six great deities.
But he was on the brink of death, sustained only by the city’s divine essence.
“Do you think I’m forcing you? I merely say the Heavenly Clan goes too far. This boy escorted your genius home—what crime is that?” the Peacock Deity said, leaving them some dignity.
“Brother, do you seek the Thunder Emperor’s technique within him?” the elder asked coldly.
“Esteemed elder, we cannot release him. This matter is too grave,” Qi Tuo said, reassured by the guardian’s presence.
Though the elder couldn’t fight long, he could command the city’s formations.
The Peacock Deity stepped forward, his divine light illuminating the hall, his wings of chaos unfurling.
“Brother, would you truly defy our judgment with force?” the elder challenged.
“You go too far. You know the truth—will you forsake conscience for power?” the Peacock Deity said coldly, his patience waning.
“You cannot take him!” the elder declared, his horns glowing.
“Then I’ll take him by force!” The Peacock Deity’s radiance intensified.
“You won’t succeed!” The elder moved to block him.
“Mark my words—today’s actions may lead to the Heavenly Clan’s downfall. All glory may fade!” the Peacock Deity warned.
“Are you threatening us?”
“No threat—just truth. If that willow ever returns and learns you killed its disciple, the Heavenly Clan will be erased from the upper realm!”
“Boom!”
He struck. The elder coughed blood, staggering back as one of his horns snapped and fell.
“What?!” The Heavenly Gods were stunned—their guardian defeated so swiftly?
“You…” The elder wiped blood from his lips, unsteady.
“You’ve grown old,” the Peacock Deity said simply.
“The Deity is invincible!” Er Meng cheered, supporting Shi Hao, finally feeling vindicated.
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