Dao Lao nodded in satisfaction and then asked, "So what do we do now? How do you intend to handle us? Are you going to conduct some kind of interrogation to silence those folks from the Patrol Department?"
Judge Yan exchanged a glance with Master Gu, both wearing expressions of difficulty, before reluctantly responding, "Uh... Dao Lao, as a senior official of the Spirit Realm, you know... even though I can personally guarantee your protection now, the Patrol Department agreed because you provided intelligence about Elina's plan to attack the Spirit Realm. But once Elina's matter is resolved, you will inevitably face the Sacred Military Tribunal of the Spirit Realm on charges of desertion to be punished as a deterrent."
Dao Lao shrugged indifferently, "Rest assured, Old Yan, we're well aware of our situation. So, since we dared to risk returning to the Spirit Realm, we've naturally prepared for the worst."
Judge Yan shook his head with a wry smile, complaining, "I don't know what adventures you three have had during this time, but friends, you should understand that you can't possibly contend with the Spirit Realm. So why risk coming back? You could have found a way to inform me of Elina's attack plan, and I could have reported it to the Spirit Realm for everyone to prepare."
"Judge Yan, things aren't as simple as they sound. We returned here risking everything precisely to deal with Elina. Of course, another reason we came back is to save my Earth world," said Hao Yun.
Upon hearing this, Master Gu also sighed with concern, "Ah! Hao, my friend, if you can assist us in dealing with Elina, that would be a good thing. But even so, regarding what happened on Earth in the N38 time-space line, we truly can't help."
Hao Yun replied calmly, "Master Gu, I understand this. Everything in the lower realms progresses towards prosperity or destruction under the laws of the celestial order. And for you, intervening actively in the affairs of the lower realms could destabilize the time-space lines, which is a great taboo."
"But, Master Gu, don't forget, the three of us are no longer gods now, nor do we belong to the Hospital of the Spirit Realm. So even if we intervene to prevent my Earth world from being destroyed, it would only be seen as interference from outside the Spirit Realm, not necessarily destabilizing other time-space lines. So in this regard, please trust us."
Hao Yun's confidence stemmed from his knowledge that negative energy appearing in the Spirit Realm could be utilized. He knew that externally generated negative energy, compared to that produced by the Spirit Realm itself, could be more easily controlled under the balance of the cycle, used to maintain the stability of the Spirit Realm. Therefore, as long as their actions in the Spirit Realm didn't escalate out of control, any negative energy they might create would actually be beneficial within the balance cycle.
Of course, to avoid causing trouble for Judge Yan and Master Gu, Hao Yun naturally didn't reveal these hidden stories to them. Thus, Hao Yun could only earnestly explain his motives and hope to gain the full trust of the two elders.
After listening to Hao Yun's words, Judge Yan and Master Gu fell into silence. After a while, Judge Yan looked meaningfully at Hao Yun and said, "Hao, what you said, I may understand, or I may not fully understand. But in any case, trying to prevent the destruction of that Earth world in the N38 time-space line means opposing the will of the Spirit Realm. More importantly, it means you won't be confronting us superficial figures but rather the much stronger force behind us."
"Hao, listen to my advice! The strength of the Spirit Realm far exceeds what you can see or imagine. So touching the cheese that is the Earth world in the N38 time-space line heading towards destruction, you really shouldn't. If you provoke the force behind us, even if Old Gu and I wager our lives, we may not be able to save yours!"
This time, Hao Yun and the others fell silent. In their silence, they kept exchanging meaningful glances. Then, all three looked at Judge Yan and Master Gu with strange expressions. It was Dream Jia who first asked in an uncertain tone, "Judge Yan, when you mention the force behind us, are you referring to... Do you not know the true reason why Earth in the N38 time-space line is heading towards destruction?"
"If you understand what taboos you will violate by preventing the Earth world in the N38 time-space line from being destroyed, and whom you will face consequences from, then my answer may indeed be affirmative," Judge Yan cautiously replied, hinting in a cryptic manner. His implications were almost painfully obvious in his words.
Upon this, Hao Yun cautiously inquired, "Judge Yan, when you speak of taboos and consequences to face, are you referring to the hidden underlying structure beneath the surface?"
"Ah..." Judge Yan sighed heavily in response, a reply to Hao Yun. At this moment, although Judge Yan's expression was stern, Hao Yun could still detect a hint of fear and regret between his furrowed brows.
Judge Yan's action undoubtedly affirmed Haoyun's question, leaving all three of them in stunned disbelief. Though they were aware that some high-ranking officials in the Spirit Realm's surface hierarchy knew about the Dark Layer system, they never imagined Judge Yan was among them. However, upon further reflection, they quickly understood the reasoning behind it. After all, Judge Yan was the Chief Judge of the Lower Yin Spirit Realm, making it natural for him, as a senior official, to be privy to such highly classified information.
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Seeing the astonished expressions on Haoyun and the others, Judge Yan sighed again, "Ah... The Dark Layer system, purification missions, and the dark chain planes—these are all matters that I, as the Chief Judge of the Lower Yin Spirit Realm, and Master Gu, as my chief steward, must be aware of."
Master Gu added somewhat awkwardly, "Judge Yan is right. Purification missions are conducted in various lower realms of the Yin Spirit Realm. Therefore, each chief judge and chief steward of every realm must be informed. This is necessary so that we can provide necessary assistance covertly to purification envoys when needed."
"So, you were well aware of the true nature of the Spirit Realm from the beginning," Dao Lao asked sternly.
"Yes," Judge Yan replied candidly, "I was informed of this information under the directive of the higher-ups when I officially became the Chief Judge. Master Gu, similarly, received this information upon his formal appointment as chief steward, in accordance with the directives from the higher authorities."
Judge Yan noticed Dao Lao's expression turning grim and quickly explained, "Of course, it's not that we sought out this knowledge. It's just that in our positions, we are obligated to know these things! We are bound by duty! Furthermore, before this incident occurred, there had been no reason for our paths to cross on such matters. Naturally, we would inform you voluntarily about this situation."
Dao Lao waved his hand, indicating he wasn't upset that Judge Yan and Master Gu had kept the information regarding the Dark Layer system from him. He understood that such matters were highly classified in the Spirit Realm, and Judge Yan and Master Gu had no reason to disclose them to him. Violating these secrets could lead to severe consequences—charges of divulging high-level Spirit Realm secrets or illegally obtaining Spirit Realm classified information—enough to warrant execution for all three of them!
Dao Lao's serious expression at that moment underscored how dangerous it was to be involved with terms like the Dark Layer system, purification missions, and dark chain planes. He sincerely hoped that his two old friends wouldn't find themselves sinking into such perilous circumstances because of their knowledge.
"So, Judge Yan, you knew from the beginning that the Earth world in the N38 timeline would be heading towards destruction, right?" Dream Jia asked accusingly.
In Dream Jia's view, since Judge Yan and Master Gu had known early on that Haoyun's Earth world was on the brink of destruction, even if they couldn't inform Haoyun directly, they should have at least hinted at it. After all, although Haoyun had only recently become an assistant to the Spirit Realm's mold spirit energy tracking official and had just become the shadow envoy of the 13th district of the Yin Realm, it couldn't be denied that Haoyun had already done a lot for the Spirit Realm since taking office. Not to mention that Haoyun had also participated in the rescue of Yan Chaoyue, Judge Yan's daughter who had been missing for many years, and successfully rescued her children and people from danger. Therefore, while Dream Jia understood that Judge Yan and Master Gu couldn't reveal anything about the Dark Layer system to others, she still thought that Judge Yan and Master Gu's deliberate concealment of the impending destruction of Haoyun's Earth world seemed a bit unscrupulous.
In response to Dream Jia's questioning, Judge Yan could only answer with a wry smile, "Madam Dream, you also know the seriousness of leaking classified information, so I dare not violate the orders of the Spirit Realm! Moreover, purification missions have always been the absolute top-secret of the Spirit Realm, allowing purification envoys who come to the lower realms to enjoy exclusive privileges provided by the Spirit Realm. With these privileges, they can break free from all constraints of the surface system and move freely in the lower realms in an almost invisible state, absolutely not to be noticed by any lower realm officials."
"Therefore, during their missions, purification envoys, including me as a high-level official, and most other officials of the surface system, are completely unaware of when and where purification missions will begin. Only when their purification missions are nearing completion will they be officially informed of the progress of the relevant missions from above and asked to assist purification envoys in carrying out the final stage of the mission's covert work. In general, we disguise the final transplantation process of the purification mission as a natural disaster in the lower realm world to ensure that no one questions this devastating disaster."
Because Judge Yan's reply was perfectly aligned with the information Dream Jia had learned, Dream Jia could only sarcastically say, "Humph! It sounds like your division of labor is clear enough, and your cooperation is quite tacit! It seems that you have also done a lot of secret work in secret!"
Judge Yan didn't want to refute Dream Jia's sarcasm too much and continued with a smile, "Oh, Madam Dream, you are wrong! Of course, I hope that those purification envoys can complete the purification mission smoothly and quickly under our cooperation, to restore peace to the 13th district. Moreover, this is our first cooperation with the purification envoys of the Dark Layer system."
"First cooperation? Judge Yan, are you saying that before this, you have never participated in other purification missions?" Haoyun asked.
"That's right. Although I knew about purification missions since I took office, I have been very fortunate never to have participated in one. After all, purification missions are not glorious actions. So, if it weren't for my duties, I would certainly not want to get involved with them!" Judge Yan replied.
Judge Yan continued, "It was only when the preparatory work for this purification mission was ready that I was informed from above that the Earth world where you, Haoyun, are located, on the N38 timeline, would be purged. Therefore, even though I knew everything was already set in stone, considering that you, Haoyun, would definitely go all out to save your world upon learning of its impending destruction, I still tried my best to provide you with some help without violating the rules. For example, the armor on your body, Haoyun, and the box of equipment Master Gu gave you."