Chapter 14

Xiang's Trial in Heaven

Wen Shia stepped forward immediately, positioning himself between Xiang and the crowd. "She is my student," he said firmly. "From what I've seen, she has no demonic powers. She's just an ordinary cultivator."

He took Xiang's hand and pulled her close to him. "No one can take her anywhere. She will stay with us," he declared, his voice unwavering.

The crowd was stunned, their eyes fixed on Wen Shia. One man stepped forward and said, "Even if she has no demonic powers and is just an ordinary girl, she still doesn't belong in Heaven. She must return to Earth immediately."

Xiang responded with defiance. "I came here with my Master, and I will leave with my Master. If I must return, then my Master will come with me."

The Heavenly God frowned and spoke sternly. "He cannot go with you. He is my son, destined to become the next Heavenly God. If he leaves without permission, he will face severe punishment."

Turning to Wen Shia, the Heavenly God asked, "Do you wish to stay here or leave with this girl?"

Without hesitation, Wen Shia replied, "I will stay here."

The Heavenly God smiled, pleased with his answer. "Good. My son will remain in Heaven, and this girl will either be sent back to Earth or imprisoned. First, we will investigate her thoroughly to uncover what power lies within her. Only then will her punishment be decided."

Wen Shia stepped forward again. "I will remain here, but my student, Xiang, will also stay with me. I will conduct the investigation myself. If any demonic power is found within her, I will personally deliver her punishment."

Xiang looked at her master with pleading eyes. "I have no demonic power within me. I am just an ordinary girl. Master, you trust me, don't you?"

Wen Shia remained silent, his face expressionless. After a long pause, he said, "If she has demonic power, I will punish her."

The Heavenly Goddess appeared suddenly, her voice filled with compassion. "This girl is innocent. I see no trace of demonic energy in her. She is kind-hearted and pure. How can you even think of punishing her?"

Xiang's voice trembled as she begged her master. "Master, please… I have no such power. Don't let them punish me."

Despite her protests, the investigation proceeded. Xiang was bound to a pillar, and Wen Shia began to test her energy. Using his sword, he created a powerful barrier that enveloped her. The barrier struck her like a wave of energy, causing her immense pain. Xiang screamed, "Master, it hurts! Please, don't do this to me!"

Her cries echoed in the hall, but no one came to her aid.

Xiang's Awakening

In her agony, Xiang drifted into a dream. She found herself in the familiar, hazy realm where a mysterious woman called to her. Weak and disoriented, Xiang stumbled toward the figure, only to feel herself overpowered by the woman's presence.

In the real world, the barrier surrounding Xiang suddenly shattered. Her eyes snapped open, glowing a fiery red. Black smoke swirled around her face, and an intense aura erupted from her body. The crowd gasped in shock as she effortlessly broke the powerful barrier with a single strike.

Wen Shia acted swiftly, summoning his sword. "Xiang, stop!" he shouted, rushing to contain her. But as he struck with his blade, the attack landed on her back, creating a deep wound. Xiang collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath her.

The Heavenly Goddess rushed to Xiang's side, her voice trembling with anger. "How dare you attack her so mercilessly! You claimed she was your student. How could you do this to her? What if she had died?"

Wen Shia stepped forward, guilt evident on his face. But before he could act, the Heavenly God intervened.

"This girl is dangerous," he declared coldly. "She must be imprisoned in the dungeon. She will receive 100 strikes from the Thunder Sprite, and her soul will be destroyed. We cannot allow someone with such evil energy to exist in Heaven—or anywhere else."