It was precisely at this moment that the stern, authoritative voice of the Golden Core Deacon boomed from the sky: "All probationary Core Disciples of this term must assemble in the main square within the time it takes one stick of incense to burn. Failure to comply will result in being treated as a traitor, subject to immediate execution without mercy."

"Wait a moment." Another figure, radiating a vastly more authoritative and powerful aura, descended abruptly, halting the order with a sharp cry: "This Venerable commands that all probationary Core Disciples remain in their rooms to undergo inspection. This Venerable has completely enveloped the area with divine sense; any slightest disturbance will result in immediate, inescapable execution by my hand."

"Greetings, Elder Zhao." The Golden Core Deacon’s voice trembled with fright: "This matter, this matter..."

"Do you have an objection?" Elder Zhao sounded distinctly angered.

"No, no, how would this disciple dare to have an opinion regarding Elder Zhao." The Golden Core Deacon, seemingly pinned down by an overwhelming pressure, managed to speak with strained conviction: "It’s just, just that Elder Li just transmitted a message, instructing all probationary Core Disciples to gather in the square."

"Hmph, Elder Li. Is Elder Li superior to this Venerable?" The Elder surnamed Zhao erupted in sudden fury upon hearing this: "Insignificant deacon, get out of my sight! Anyone who dares make a move will face my merciless retribution." With a flick of his sleeve, Elder Zhao swept the Golden Core Deacon backward, sending him flying.

Just then, from the courtyard belonging to Gongsun Dong, a woman’s voice pierced the air, charged with extreme grief and indignation: "You surnamed Gongsun! If you don't explain this matter to this young lady clearly and transparently today, this young lady swears you will never see tomorrow’s sun! Speak, what is your relationship with that woman?"

After screaming, Li Chuchu rapidly winked and signaled toward Lei Dong, while simultaneously flipping her hand to pinch a few Thunder Yang Shards. It seemed that in the vicinity of the Myriad Puppet Sect, resources pertaining to Yang energy were abundant, and cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage with means often carried a few for self-protection.

This was not the first time Lei Dong had encountered such a situation. Being an inherently sharp-witted person, he quickly grasped Li Chuchu’s intention amidst her startled cries. He sighed internally, but given that his life was at stake, he had no choice but to accept her "kindness." Immediately, he retracted the Imperial Demon Seed from his forehead, clutched his chest, allowed the blood at the corner of his mouth to flow freely, and forced a pale, bitter smile: "Chuchu, I have no relation to her. Furthermore, something seems to have happened within the sect. Can we discuss this later?"

"No! Even if the heavens collapse today, you will not escape accountability." Li Chuchu's words were filled with resentment, dominance, and irrationality. She directly summoned her flying sword and placed it against Lei Dong’s neck, commanding rudely: "If you don't give me an explanation today, this young lady would rather perish together with you!"

Although their voices were not intentionally amplified, how could they escape the ears of Elder Zhao? He immediately snorted coldly and berated: "Which two juniors are being so foolish? How dare they disregard this Venerable?" However, from the preceding conversation, he had gathered that the woman was Li Chuchu. Otherwise, given his temperament, he would have likely slapped her down long ago.

Lei Dong seized the opportunity to plead softly: "Chuchu, there is an Elder here. Can we discuss this later?"

But Li Chuchu seemed consumed by deeply held grievances, shouting relentlessly as if driven mad: "This young lady doesn't care who shows up! You surnamed Gongsun, are you going to speak or not? Did that last palm strike not hurt enough? If you don't speak now, this young lady will go draw out the soul and flay the skin of Gongsun Qing to see if that moves you!"

This commotion had already awakened all the nearby Core Disciples residing in the vicinity. Many deacons and even elders of the main sect arrived nearby. This clamor was certainly not quiet. However, within the Myriad Puppet Sect, most figures of status, especially those at the Nascent Soul level, were acutely aware of exactly who Li Chuchu was. Upon hearing this display, they could hardly believe that Li Chuchu would create such a scene with someone. Amidst their surprise, many found it amusing. Those who held grudges against her family elders rejoiced in schadenfreude, while those with better relations frowned deeply, mostly believing Li Chuchu’s outburst was excessive and unbecoming of her status.

That phrase, "I don't care who shows up," struck a nerve with certain parties. Elder Zhao seemed annoyed as he sharply rebuked: "You two juniors below, silence yourselves immediately, or blame this Venerable for intervening to teach you a lesson." Clearly, Elder Zhao seemed wary of the person behind Li Chuchu, as he only resorted to threats despite being provoked to this degree, without immediately taking action himself.

"Li Chuchu, you’ve gone mad! That’s my niece! I told you long ago that I have absolutely no such relationship with her as you imagine..." Lei Dong was genuinely shocked and angered that Li Chuchu had dragged Gongsun Qing into it. However, he also understood Li Chuchu's intent. After all, Gongsun Dong (whom Lei Dong was impersonating) was always mild-mannered, humble, and conducted himself with integrity, never engaging in flirtations or ambiguous relationships with female disciples. Li Chuchu was trying to fabricate a rival temptress for him to be suspected of infidelity. She had thought long and hard but couldn't come up with a suitable candidate. Even if it was baseless rumor, there needed to be some foundation, right?

After much deliberation, Li Chuchu, having yelled for a long time, could only pin the issue on Gongsun Qing. After all, Gongsun Qing’s clinging attachment to her uncle surpassed that of a normal niece and uncle. Forcibly naming her as the object of jealousy and suspicion wasn't entirely outlandish.

The appearance of the "niece" only surprised and delighted those watching from the shadows even more—so there was an extra layer to this drama? Even Elder Zhao, suspended in mid-air with a face like iron, had dark lines spreading across his temples, cursing inwardly that today’s youth were truly chaotic, with all sorts of ridiculous situations arising. Originally, he had intended to seize the opportunity to settle a private score. He had heard that Gongsun Dong had not only injured his most favored great-great-grand-disciple in the Scripture Pavilion but had also seized an ancient jade slip he desired. He planned to teach this Gongsun a lesson and simultaneously clear some obstacles and pave the way for his grand-disciple, Zhao Wu. Thus, he wasn't truly suspicious that the Gongsun Dong below was the thief.

Who could have anticipated that he would witness such an absurd farce? He immediately seized the opportunity, launching a claw attack—the wind of his claw fierce and deadly—while roaring righteously: "What is this nonsensical nonsense between you two juniors? The decorum of our sect is truly being ruined by you. I shall discipline you on behalf of Elder Li."

Lei Dong and Li Chuchu exchanged a glance, both exhaling a breath of relief from deep within their hearts, though Lei Dong’s gaze held a complex apology toward her. Li Chuchu, however, displayed a sly smile he had never seen before, shaking her head lightly.

Just as the colossal hand, several yards wide, was about to strike, a brilliant golden light shot forth, slamming violently into the giant hand. The massive hand dissolved instantly, like snow melting away. Simultaneously, a sharp shout arrived: "Elder Zhao! Does my great-granddaughter require your instruction?"

That familiar golden light and somewhat familiar voice caused Lei Dong to tremble slightly. This was unmistakably the God Transformation level golden puppet that had nearly killed him. Sure enough, a golden silhouette appeared in a flash next to Li Chuchu. This puppet, only about ten feet tall—small for a powerful automaton—radiated an immense and terrifying pressure that even made Lei Dong feel a sense of suffocation.

Although Lei Dong had just experienced a brief, intense battle, in his panicked state, he hadn't closely examined the puppet's external appearance. Now, floating quietly with his hands behind his back near Li Chuchu, Lei Dong could see it clearly. The golden puppet stood about ten feet high, its face covered by what looked like a solemn golden mask, its entire body clad in gleaming golden battle armor, majestic and imposing.

"Hmph, so it is Elder Li who graces us with his presence." Elder Zhao in the sky appeared to be at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, but his tone refused to concede inferiority: "Zhao, as one of the Grand Elders of the Myriad Puppet Sect, naturally has the qualification to discipline any disciple within the sect. Is the usually fair and just Elder Li going to abuse his power to protect his great-granddaughter?"

The puppet paused slightly, as if receiving an internal transmission. Immediately, a terrifying golden light flashed in its eyes, shooting directly at Lei Dong, seeming filled with astonishment, anger, doubt, and disbelief. Even Lei Dong at his peak could not have resisted such a forceful wave of pressure without difficulty, let alone now, severely injured and with his aura suppressed to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Swept by this golden light, a profound sense of dread washed over him, his spirit reeling, making it almost impossible to stand steady. Fortunately, the golden puppet only glanced at Lei Dong for a moment before refocusing its gaze on Elder Zhao, its voice laced with indignation: "This Venerable thought some significant event had occurred, but it turns out to be merely some petty romantic entanglement between young people. Elder Zhao, you are a dignified Grand Elder. With such a major incident unfolding in the sect, you should be pursuing the culprit, not getting entangled with two youngsters having a spat over feelings. What exactly are your intentions?"

"Hmph, this Gongsun Dong’s movements are suspicious, and he is spitting blood—he appears to have been recently injured," Elder Zhao pressed relentlessly. "Could he possibly be the thief Elder Li injured just now in disguise? Why don't we have this Venerable use the Heart Probing Art to interrogate him?"

"You surnamed Zhao, you—you are slandering him!" Li Chuchu grew anxious, crying out in shame and anger: "How could my Dong Lang be a thief? Your insistence on using the Heart Probing Art clearly shows you want to use this opportunity for personal revenge to avenge your Zhao Wu. Great-Grandpa, you must uphold justice for Chuchu!"

"Silence!" The golden puppet roared in extreme anger, glaring fiercely at Li Chuchu: "What is this about Zhao Wu..."