The Emperor's cheerful chortle made Ba Qingyue almost ignore the dishonourable way in which his title was removed. Among high gods, removing a lord's title upon addressing a person of rank was an undisguised insult.

The Fox God tightly clenched his fists underneath his long sleeves. Sharp claws pierced ivory skin as he forced himself not to be riled by the obvious power display, for he could not afford to offend this particular deity, this much he knew.

"This Lord does not presume to look down upon his own ruler." Bai Qingyue's calm and graceful voice filled the throne room.

The Jade Emperor laughed aloud again, the sound was as clear as silver bells, "And yet you did all the same. Young Fox, you cannot fool us."

"This Lord did not intend to disrespect the Jade Emperor." Blood trickled down from his palms onto the floor as Bai Qingyue spoke.

Directly after his response, he bent down on one knee, averting his gaze. His slanted eyes narrowed as he wondered what sort of scheme had been cooked for him without his knowledge. The Jade Emperor was targeting him, and he couldn't fathom the reason why.

The silence that currently engulfed the royal palace was stifling.

The ruler of all the heavens stepped down from the royal platform and sauntered towards the kneeling Fox God, looking down his nose at him with his pair of sightless eyes.

"Hah! You bowed before us and still think to keep your arrogance?" The Jade Emperor lazily pointed his small, youthful finger at the Fox Lord and cut to the chase, "We have heard of your failure as warden to the realm. Taotie is a danger to the gods and you allowed it to escape without caring to inform us of your mistakes. We should have you demoted to a minor deity for such failure…" The Jade Emperor shook his head, "Alas, we are generous and shall allow you to retain your position, knowing there is not another of your clan who can replace you."

Bai Qingyue did not respond. Anything he would have said right now might cause the verdict to worsen. His face was devoid of any emotions, only his golden eyes displayed the ferocity which he felt inside.

"Hmm…" The Jade Emperor hummed in a tone edged with disappointment, as though it disheartened him to receive no reaction. Then with a sigh, he signalled a few guards posted at the entrance to come forth.

"The Fox Lord's punishment is to be confined to the Bai clan's palace until we say otherwise." Following the Jade Emperor's decree, the attending dragon guards immediately shackled Bai Qingyue.

The detained pale haired god stood silently, his back ramrod straight as he compliantly marched out of the throne room.

Following the Fox Lord's departure, the youthful Emperor gestured for the figure hiding its presence behind the screen to come forward.