Deep within the Frozen Prison, feeling the bone-chilling cold emanating from the Nine Nether Frost Locks, Shen Gongbao frowned slightly.

In his previous life, it was the constant torment of the Nine Netherworld Ice Lock and the Soul-Eating Gale that caused his cultivation to plummet from the Profound Immortal Realm to the True Immortal Realm, making him, the number one person below the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, a laughingstock during the Investiture of the Gods.

This time, because he yielded in advance, it was clear that he would no longer need to endure the pain of the Nine Nether Ice Lock and the Soul-Eating Gale.

But now, the injuries on my body...

Thinking about his current physical condition, Shen Gongbao's brows furrowed slightly again.

Previously, during the Grand Competition at Yuxu Palace, because he severely injured Jiang Ziya, Yuanshi Tianzun personally intervened and struck him directly with a palm.

A saint-level figure like the Primordial Celestial Venerable embodies the will of heaven and earth in every gesture, which is something a mere Xuanxian like him cannot withstand.

At this moment, Shen Gongbao could clearly feel cracks appearing on his Xuanming Dao Body, which he had cultivated for many years.

In his previous life, after he emerged from the Frozen Prison, he consumed countless elixirs and miraculous medicines, but to no avail.

This is why his subsequent path of cultivation was exceptionally difficult.

Now, it is still the early stage of his physical injury. Is there still a chance for him to recover?

However, since this injury to his body was inflicted by the sage Yuanshi Tianzun, Shen Gongbao had no confidence in whether he could recover.

The best way to heal this physical injury is to ask the sage Yuanshi Tianzun to personally intervene.

But the thought of the possibility that Yuanshi Tianzun might save him came to mind.

A self-deprecating smile appeared on Shen Gongbao's face.

"It's impossible."

"How could a dignified primordial saint possibly condescend to heal a creature with fur and horns like himself?"

As memories flooded back, Shen Gongbao immediately abandoned the idea of ​​humiliating himself.

Should we look for Master Tongtian?

Unconsciously, the image of a handsome young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes appeared in Shen Gongbao's mind.

However, Shen Gongbao quickly rejected this option again.

Everything he did in his previous life was a disgrace to his Uncle Tongtian's trust.

Even if he were to be reborn, Shen Gongbao still felt a deep sense of guilt towards the Tongtian Sect Leader, but he didn't have the face to go and beg for help.

"Now that I've awakened the Heavenly Favor, let's see what the so-called Gold-level lottery will bring!"

For a moment, Shen Gongbao secretly looked forward to his apology to Jiang Ziya the next day.

………

The next day, inside the Jade Void Palace

Amidst swirling mists, golden lotuses bloom.

The disciples of the Chan Sect stood on both sides, some with their eyes closed in meditation, others with mocking expressions. Only one person—Shen Gongbao—knelt in the center of the hall, covered in blood, with Xuanbing chains piercing his collarbone, pinning him firmly to the cold ground.

After a long while, seeing that Yuanshi Tianzun had not yet appeared, Julusun glanced disdainfully at Shen Gongbao in the center of the crowd and said with a mocking expression:

"What, Shen Gongbao? Master hasn't even appeared yet, and we senior brothers and sisters can't even bear to look at you? What about our Chan Sect rules? Have you been learning them all these years for nothing?"

Upon hearing this, the people around him immediately echoed his sentiments:

"That's right. Those who know you are aware that you were banished to the Frozen Hell, but those who don't might think you received some great reward from your master. You don't even respect us senior brothers and sisters anymore."

"You all know what Shen Gongbao was like before. When has he ever taken us seriously?"

“That’s true. In my opinion, a beast is a beast. Shen Gongbao shouldn’t stay in our Chan Sect. If we let him stay, he will ruin our reputation sooner or later!”

Shen Gongbao clenched his fists tightly, but his heart was filled with cold laughter.

Don't I respect them?

In my previous life, when I met these people, did I ever show them the slightest disrespect?

But in the end, how did these people respond to themselves?

He never stops talking about those who wear fur and horns.

Is this what is meant by the rules of the Chan sect?

Since my respect cannot earn me their respect, why should I continue to put on this act?

With a cold laugh, Shen Gongbao chose to ignore the sarcasm and ridicule from the people around him.

Seeing that Shen Gongbao remained unmoved, Ju Liusun's face grew increasingly gloomy. Just as he was about to rebuke him again, he suddenly saw purple qi surging in the sky, and the twelve-petaled lotus platform radiating boundless light.

Primordial Celestial Venerable, descend!

The emperor's divine might was overwhelming, and the entire Jade Void Palace fell silent.

The gaze of the Primordial Celestial Venerable, sharp as lightning, fell upon Shen Gongbao:

“Shen Gongbao, your senior brother said you knew you were wrong, but now it seems... you have no intention of repenting.”

Shen Gongbao slowly raised his head, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, yet he still managed a respectful smile:

“Master, please understand that I have come here to apologize to Junior Brother Jiang.”

Before he could finish speaking, he coughed up a mouthful of black blood, his body swaying as if he were on his last legs.

—If you're going to act, you have to act realistically!

The Primordial Celestial Venerable frowned slightly. With a sweep of his divine sense, he noticed the injury to Shen Gongbao's Dao body, which was caused by his hasty action a few days ago.

"you……"

"I know my sins are grave, and I dare not ask my master for forgiveness."

Shen Gongbao's voice was weak, but every word was clear:

"I only ask that Junior Brother Jiang... forgive me."

Jiang Ziya looked reluctant and was about to speak when Ju Liusun preemptively sneered:

"It's good that you have this awareness. Now, apologize to Junior Brother Jiang in front of everyone, and let everyone see if you are truly sincere in admitting your mistake."

Fearing that Sun Cai would leave, he did not believe that Shen Gongbao would really apologize.

"Yes! Apologize! We don't believe what you're saying, we just want an apology!"

"Apologize! Apologize to Junior Brother Jiang!"

"Apologize! Apologize!"

The voices of the crowd merged together, forming a massive sound wave that resounded throughout the entire Jade Void Palace.

Shen Gongbao stood in the center of the crowd, feeling the cold gazes cast from all directions, and his heart grew even colder.

That's how these people are. It's been like this since the first day I entered the Jade Void Palace. No matter what I do, I never get their approval. All they ever see is my identity as a demon.

But in this life, I don't need your approval!

Shen Gongbao smiled.

Apologize?

Of course I should apologize!

Right now, all I want is an apology!

Without any hesitation, Shen Gongbao struggled to his feet, dragging his blood-stained Xuanbing chains as he slowly walked to Jiang Ziya's side:

“Junior Brother Jiang, I was too careless in the competition that day. In order to win the final victory and be able to take control of the Investiture of the Gods, I went all out, which caused you to get injured. These past few days, I have been suffering in the Frozen Prison. Now I sincerely apologize to you, and I only ask that you forgive my recklessness!”