Southern Immortal Daojun somewhat puzzledly accepted the jade box from JI Changsi's hand, pondering in his mind, "Which of my friends could have known the headmaster of a five-star sect in the Grand Divine Realm?"
The jade box was opened on the spot by Southern Immortal Daojun. What caught his attention first was a jade slip, seemingly accompanied by another jade token underneath it.
Southern Immortal Daojun picked up the jade slip, his divine mind scanning within, and a clear voice emerged:
"Senior Ju, it's me, Ding Huan..."
Southern Immortal Daojun was taken aback. His gaze fell on the jade token inside the jade box, and indeed, it was Ding Huan's jade token.
"Senior Ju, to speak of it, I am very fortunate in relation to my predecessor. Just after I arrived in Tianjie, I received enlightenment at the foundation of the Dao Court of Pangu founded by your daughter."
Later, when I served as a law officer in the Divine Palace, I very much wanted to make the acquaintance of the Immortal Daojun, but alas, circumstances did not permit it, so I had to abandon the idea.
This time, knowing that the Immortal Daojun was coming, I had wanted to stay and meet him personally. However, I got involved in some matters and had no choice but to leave.
I get along well with JI Changsi, and the headmaster of JI sect is also my friend.
I am worried that the Dafan Sect, having just upgraded to an eight-star sect, may cause some discomfort among others. I would like to ask Immortal Daojun to say a few words on my behalf. I promise that on my next visit to the heavenly court, I will definitely come to pay a visit and express my gratitude in person."
Actually, it is Ding Huan?
To be honest, Southern Immortal Daojun has longed to meet Ding Huan.
After hearing her daughter Ju Xinchan mention the matter of Ding Huan teaching at the Pangu Ancient Road Court, she wanted to meet Ding Huan herself. However, by then, Ding Huan had already left.
Only until Ding Huan went to the Divine Palace to defend Lu Chong Dao against legal issues did he finally meet Ding Huan.
However, at that time, Ding Huan had Shangwei Emperor as a backer and had forged a friendship with Jinhu Emperor. It was beyond his ability to move her.
After learning of Ding Huan's profound knowledge in the laws and regulations of the Nine Court Immortals, he was even more determined to make friends with her.
Any official in the celestial court, even if it's an Immortal Daojun, cannot guarantee they won't be involved in legal disputes.
With Ding Huan, the first law officer of the celestial court granted by the supreme emperor, as a solid rear, what is there to fear when one gets involved in legal issues?
I didn't expect to receive Ding Huan's retained sound jade slip here, along with Ding Huan's celestial court first law officer jade token.
Southern Immortal Daojun picked up the first law officer jade token. He knew better than anyone else what Ding Huan's words meant and what leaving the first law officer jade token meant.
And the reason why Ding Huan dared not see him today.
Ding Huan said that she wanted to make his acquaintance at the Divine Palace, because her divine mind had been observing him all along, which Ding Huan must have known.
Without today's events, his divine mind might have given Ding Huan a bad impression.
As for why Ding Huan dare not see him today, it is naturally because she is afraid he will leave her behind.
Ding Huan is so proficient in the Taoist principles and laws of the universe, it's not just him, but any Daojun would want to retain him upon seeing him. They would certainly wish to bring him back to their Daojun mansion for a detailed discussion.
Now that Ding Huan is not here, he will actually pay more attention to the words she left behind.
This is the difference between being here and not being here.
Not to mention his desire to make friends with Ding Huan, even if he didn't want to befriend her, he dared not offend her.
Ding Huan is a person of great importance.
If it hadn't been for mercy, they would have already put down the first celestial minister, Bo Yue.
Not only that, but by leaving behind an image crystal orb, he almost caused the Star Lord Wu Cheng to suffer a bitter defeat.
As for the jade token of the first law officer that Ding Huan left behind, it was because she worried that he might say he would help, but in reality, it was just a casual mention.
Ding Huan is hoping that he will truly help the Dafan Sect, rather than just casually mentioning it.
Southern Immortal Daojun put away the things and smiled, "Thank you, Master JI. Ding Huan is indeed my good friend."
Ding Huan? JI Changsi looked at Southern Immortal Daojun with confusion.
Southern Immortal Daojun gestured for JI Changsi to go up first to speak.
JI Changsi felt a bit nervous, and facing the crowd, said, "Today, I stand here not because the Dafan Sect is strong, but because of a disciple of our sect named Laoliu."
Without Laoliu, the Dafan Sect could not have stood here. Without Laoliu, the Dafan Sect being able to maintain its five-star sect is already good enough. We dare not expect more than an eight-star sect.
With the Dafan Sect becoming an eight-star sect, I JI Changsi guarantee that we will take the stability of the Grand Divine Realm as a major responsibility and will strive to promote our sect. Once again, thank you, Immortal Daojun, and thank you all."
After simply saying a few words, JI Changsi bowed deeply.
The lords and elders of the eight-star and seven-star sects below were all sneering coldly in their hearts.
You're a five-star sect aspiring to become an eight-star sect. Don't just look at the glory the celestial court has given you; wait until you can survive first.
"Alright, you can stand by my side first." Southern Immortal Daojun smiled at JI Changsi and said one sentence.
JI Changsi, hearing that he was not to go down, felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor, as in fact, at this point, his process as the first had already been completed.
Southern Immortal Daojun looked at the numerous cultivators in the square and said loudly, "Just now, someone entrusted Master JI Changsi to bring something to me."
After saying that, Southern Immortal Daojun raised a jade token and asked, "Do you all know what this is?"
The crowd was very confused. It was the time for awarding each of the major sects and determining their star level. What was the purpose of mentioning this jade token?
Even if the Daojun said that I need to go to sleep and will come over later, everyone would still have to endure it.
There were murmurs below the stage. Southern Immortal Daojun continued, "This jade token is actually a personal emblem given by the supreme emperor. It is also the only jade token of the celestial court that represents a 'first law officer of the celestial court' identity."
Upon hearing this, some sect masters began to understand.
Although they were in the Grand Divine Realm, they had heard of the first law officer of the celestial court.
It was said that the court case in front of the palace was so fierce that it almost killed the celestial minister. Moreover, a star lord and a flag bearer spirit were killed.
Though these were power struggles among great figures, what did they have to do with them?
Even the head of a sect in the Grand Divine Realm has to bow down when he arrives at the celestial court.
After some discussion, Southern Immortal Daojun spoke again:
"I was actually rather surprised when I first arrived and heard that the Dafan Sect had won first place in this sect competition. How is that possible? How could a five-star sect win first place?"
Upon hearing the Daojun's words, some hearts began to stir.
Does Southern Immortal Daojun intend to find out the shenanigans behind it, and even strip away the Dafan Sect's first place?
Unfortunately, Southern Immortal Daojun's words were bound to disappoint them:
"Until a short while ago, Master JI Changsi brought me this jade box containing the participation token of the cultivator. Only then did I realize that you didn't lose unfairly..."
What does it mean?
"Does everyone know who this 'Laoliu' is who represented the Dafan Sect in the competition? I bet you all can't guess, and not just you, I wouldn't have been able to guess either if it hadn't been for him himself saying it..."
"He is Ding Huan, the first law officer appointed personally by the celestial emperor of our heavenly court. Losing under his hand doesn't count as humiliation. To be honest, it's even an honor."
"Think about all the things the law officer Ding has done in our celestial court. You will understand why I said that..."
The sects that knew Ding Huan was the first law officer were so shocked by this news that their mouths dropped wide open, completely unprepared to digest it.
The first law officer of the celestial court represents a five-star sect in participating in the celestial sect ranking competition? And even a single person participates in three events?
Southern Immortal Daojun would never deceive them, which means that Laoliu is indeed the first law officer.
Several sect masters of the seven-star and eight-star sects felt a chill down their spines. Ding Huan is someone who almost killed a celestial minister and is a being that even emperors seek to befriend.
They wanted to kill Ding Huan, which is tantamount to looking for death.
These people do not know that Ding Huan left because she was trying to avoid Southern Immortal Daojun.
In their minds, Southern Immortal Daojun speaking up for Ding Huan naturally means that Ding Huan does not need to fear them.
But the twists and turns within, how could they possibly understand?
Southern Immortal Daojun chuckled, "Ding Huan's friend circle includes the Golden River Emperor, the Pingwei Emperor, and various Daojuns. Do you think it's normal for him to win over you?"
"That's why we always feel that Laoliu Senior's Daoist cultivation is profound and unfathomable. Changing the array formation to modify the laws of the universe as if it's as easy as breathing, it must be because of Ding Senior."
"Yes, yes, that's right."
...
Some of the sect leaders who wanted to calculate Ding Huan quickly made their statements. They understood that Southern Immortal Daojun was supporting Laoliu, and who dared to have any thoughts at this time?
Not to mention having Southern Immortal Daojun backing him, even without that, just with the title of First Law Officer that Ding Huan himself holds, and the many important figures he knows in the celestial court, they wouldn't dare to take action.
"Master JI..."
Southern Immortal Daojun called out the still dazed JI Changsi.
"Junior is here..." JI Changsi quickly gathered his thoughts and bowed respectfully.
His heart was in chaos, Ding Huan, it turned out to be Ding Huan.
He had heard of Ding Huan's great name, too. As the head of a five-star sect, Ding Huan effortlessly suppressed a flag-bearer spirit of the Star Law Department in the celestial palace, locking him in prison. The latter even offered crystal to pay respects.
Cursing at the nose of the celestial minister, the celestial minister dare not utter a word.
Such a prominent figure, to actually participate in the competition for Dafan Sect, is like a brilliant time in the history of Dafan Sect's founding.
That's why Ding Huan said he wanted to give himself a surprise. At that time, he didn't pay much attention, but now he understood.
This surprise was that his Dafan Sect won first place and advanced to an eight-star sect, not only did no sect dare to calculate against them, but many sects were waiting to court the favor of his Dafan Sect.
The happiness came too suddenly for JI Changsi, and he couldn't believe it was true at first.
"This is the first law officer identity token of Ding Huan, which you can keep. When Ding Huan arrives, make sure to remind him to visit my river channel."
Southern Immortal Daojun handed over the first law officer identity token of Ding Huan to JI Changsi gently.
Southern Immortal Daojun naturally knows that Ding Huan is giving him the identity token of the first law officer to show that she emphasizes credibility.
Now he did not leave the identity token, but left it with JI Changsi instead. It was telling Ding Huan that Southern Immortal Daojun, as her friend, would not use the identity token as leverage.
"Thank you, Immortal Daojun." JI Changsi, moved and trembling with excitement, bowed and received the identity jade token of Ding Huan.
He had already made up his mind, even if it meant going all out, he had to do this once.
If the Dafan Sect can withstand this time, not only will the Dafan Sect be a legend, but JI Changsi himself will also become a legend.
Who would have thought that in the end, the Dafan Sect would not need to bear any risks and would be courted by a multitude of sects in the future.
