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A slight smirk played at Sparkle's lips; this situation was becoming quite intriguing.
In full view of everyone, the High Elder Bailu of the Vidyadhara clan had been assassinated. The two assailants then transformed into wisps of black smoke and vanished without a trace, even eluding her keen senses.
She couldn't help but suspect the Fool's involvement in orchestrating this drama.
Aiya, aiya, throughout this ordeal, I've maintained Sampo's appearance. Shouldn't cause any trouble...right?
Heh, should I stoke the flames further?
Yanqing's pupils contracted sharply, uncontrollable shudders wracking his body. This was the first time he felt utterly powerless.
As soon as the assassins appeared, Yanqing had unleashed his most potent technique, yet it failed to halt their advance.
With a thud—
Yanqing knelt remorsefully within the Scalegorge Waterscape, pounding the ground with clenched fists.
I could do nothing...
The Vidyadhara people stood stunned, seemingly robbed of speech and thought. The sudden turn of events unfolded too swiftly, leaving them no chance to react.
Helpless, they could only watch as the Vidyadhara's beacon of hope—the Dragon Sovereign Bailu—met her demise before their eyes.
Throughout this entire ordeal, no one present ever suspected that the Bailu who was assassinated was merely an illusion meticulously crafted by Su Jinyan.
His deception had fooled every observer without exception.
Upon hearing this dreadful news, Xuepu Dragonmaster nearly fainted.
The reactions of other dragon masters were similarly shaken. The assassination attempt on the Vidyadhara High Elder within Scaledeep had succeeded—a failure for which they bore undeniable responsibility.
Their immediate priority was to swiftly complete the transition of power, elevating Dan Feng to the Dragonlord's position. Only then could their lives be spared from entering the cycle of reincarnation and rebirth.
Dragon Master Suguang had always considered himself the wisest among the Vidyadhara Masters. After the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion, it was largely due to his repeated pleas, along with those of other dragon masters, that Dan Feng escaped execution. Even Dan Feng's incomplete rebirth was facilitated covertly by Suguang and others behind the scenes.
Now, Dragon Master Suguang was almost certain he had been outwitted by Sampo, the Annihilation Gang leader.
Had the Annihilation Gang been plotting to overthrow the Xianzhou Luofu all this time? A chill ran through Suguang's body, making him feel as if trapped in an icy cavern.
No, I cannot under any circumstances accept judgment from the Judge. That would expose all my secrets.
Dragon Master Suguang even began harboring resentment towards Bailu, blaming her for reviving Yun You.
After all, only dead men keep secrets.
Yes, by accusing Yun You of betraying the Xianzhou Alliance, he could swiftly send her to reincarnation and ensure his own secrecy.
Using the Cloudspeaking Spell, Dragon Master Suguang glided atop turbulent waters, swiftly arriving before Yun You.
He was the first Vidyadhara Master to appear at the Scaledeep Waterscape ferry since Dragon Bailu's assassination.
"Yun You, as a member of the Vidyadhara clan, you have committed unforgivable crimes," declared Dragon Master Suguang sternly. "I shall send you to reincarnation!"
Yun You lifted her snow-white face, utterly astonished. "Sir Suguang, I..." She wanted to protest, Didn't you secretly instruct me to do this? It was you who ordered Imperial Dragon's Chief Attendant Su Ziya to command me thus.
However, before she could utter a word, Yun You realized with horror that Dragon Master Suguang had sealed her ability to speak.
With a severe demeanor, Dragon Master Suguang firmly grasped Yun You's arm, intent on dragging her away.
Struggling against his weakened state, Yanqing managed to rise, his gaze emanating bone-chilling coldness.
He had not forgotten his mission.
Yun You was the most crucial witness; if the Dragon Master Suguang were allowed to take her away for reincarnation, the Seat of Divine Foresight would be at a severe disadvantage. Yanqing had already disappointed both the general and his teacher once; he could not let them down again.
"Dragon Master, you cannot take her."
"I am escorting Miss Yun You back to the Seat of Divine Foresight," insisted Suguang.
"Young man, do you dare interfere with Vidyadhara internal affairs?" Dragon Master Suguang's voice resonated with inherent authority. "As a Vidyadhara, any transgressions should naturally be punished by our own Vidyadhara Masters."
"As a Cloud Knight Lieutenant of the Seat of Divine Foresight, surely you understand this basic principle. Are you attempting to 'undermine the alliance pact'?"
Huumm!
The resounding clash of swords echoed through the skies.
With an expression devoid of emotion, Yanqing pointed the icy tip of his blade directly at Dragon Master Suguang's throat.
"This is Yanqing's final warning: This criminal must be placed under the supervision of the Seat of Divine Foresight alone. Cloud Knights, heed my command—escort the accused Yun You back to the Seat of Divine Foresight for trial. Any who obstruct us...shall face severe punishment!"
"You!" The fury of Dragon Master Suguang knew no bounds.
Many Vidyadhara mourners wept silently.
When Dragon Sovereign Bailu was assassinated, Dragon Master Suguang had shown her neither concern nor care, not sparing her so much as a glance throughout this ordeal. Instead, he insisted on contesting with the Seat of Divine Foresight's Cloud Knight Lieutenant for Yun You, attendant to the Dragon Lord.
Did the life of Dragon Sovereign Bailu truly hold such little value? She represented the future hope of our Vidyadhara people, now extinguished within the sacred Scalegorge Waterscape of our clan.
Could it be that the Vidyadhara Master bore no responsibility at all?
An indescribable sorrow and rage swelled within the chests of the Vidyadhara people.
Unaware of their sentiments, Dragon Master Suguang was drenched in sweat from anxiety. Time waited for no one; every second counted, and he must swiftly send Yun You into reincarnation. If they continued to delay, either General Jing Yuan of the Divine Foresight or a judge from the Ten-Lords Commission would arrive...
In his extreme anger, Dragon Master Suguang began to laugh bitterly. "Very well, very well indeed! To think you'd dare go this far, you impudent child."
"Who among you witnessed where the assassins emerged from?"
Disguised as a Vidyadhara, Sparkle stepped forward and spoke first: "My lord Dragonmaster, I saw with my own eyes—the two assailants charged forth from the formation of the Cloud Knights."
Instantly, uproar swept through the crowd, suspicion casting its gaze upon the Cloud Knights.
Tears streamed down Dragon Master Suguang's face as he staggered forward, kneeling before White Bailu with each word laced with anguish.
"Dragon Lord Bailu has always been compassionate and benevolent towards the Vidyadhara, never seeking conflict."
"To integrate with the Xianzhou Alliance, our clan even offered up our sacred land to seal away the Longevity Plague ruins."
"Oh, Dragon Ancestor, what wrongs have we Vidyadhara committed to warrant such persecution from the immortals? Have our many concessions still not been enough for Jing Yuan to relent?"
In an instant, lightning flashed across the Scaledeep Waterscape amidst thunderous roars. A light drizzle pattered onto the aged form of Dragon Master Suguang, making him appear especially frail and sorrowful.
Yanqing trembled with fury. "Old man, cease your slander!" he exclaimed. "Our general has treated you generously; how dare you claim oppression!"
With teary eyes, Sparkle knelt before Bailu, her voice choked with sobs. "May the Dragon Lord journey well—"
A pervasive aura of grief enveloped the entire Scaledeep realm.
Thud, thud.
One after another, the Vidyadhara people knelt before Bailu, their wailing echoing through the skies.
Dragon Master Suguang raised his head indignantly. "Alas, our High Elder fell victim to assassination, barely cold in death," he lamented. "Now, these Xianzhou Cloud Riders seek to further oppress us Vidyadhara."
"Do you truly believe my position as dragon master is merely ceremonial?" he demanded. "If you persist in this coercion, then step over my corpse first!"
Yanqing yearned to slay Dragon Master Suguang with his sword and find solace in swift retribution. But he could not do such a thing.
Dragon Master Suguang knew Yanqing wouldn't dare act, allowing him to be utterly unbridled. If anger clouded Yanqing's judgment, another tragedy on par with the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion would surely unfold.
Su Jinyan observed Yanqing subtly nodding, taking note of his disciple's conduct. Despite his young age, Yanqing had already surpassed most individuals in his mastery of the sword. However, he still needed refinement when it came to controlling his emotions. Though there were flaws in his response, one couldn't expect perfection under such circumstances.
Nevertheless, Su Jinyan remained silent. He was waiting—for the arrival of other dragon masters.
As both sides reached a stalemate, additional dragon masters began arriving at the scene.
Upon witnessing the throng of Vidyadhara people kneeling on the ground, the dragon masters first felt profound sorrow, swiftly followed by indignation.
"This insolence goes too far!"
"Our Vidyadhara laws stand firm; Xianzhou has no right to interfere in our internal affairs. Are you seeking to 'divide the covenant'?"
"The Seat of Divine Foresight lacks authority to judge Vidyadhara transgressors."
"Only we dragon masters have the right to pass judgment on Vidyadhara offenders."
"Gentlemen, with the High Elder departed, for the greater good, we must appoint Dan Heng as the new High Elder."
"You impudent old fool, Lady Bailu's body is barely cold! Why such haste to install a new High Elder? What are your true intentions?"
"You old fools still can't see the situation clearly?"
"It's precisely because our Vidyadhara lack leadership that Xianzhou dares to oppress us."
"If we had a strong High Elder for the Vidyadhara, how could we have ended up like this?"
The Dragon Master Elders clung stubbornly to their own views, arguing incessantly before the assembled Cloud Knights and Vidyadhara.
Among all the dragon masters present, only two knelt on the ground, cradling Bailu's delicate body as they wept.
Su Jinyan stepped forth from the ranks of the Cloud Knights at just the right moment, his voice booming like thunder.
"Insolence! Are you dragon masters trying to incite rebellion?"
The disputing Dragon Master Elders fell silent immediately, eyeing Su Jinyan with evident trepidation.
A person's reputation casts its shadow far and wide.
The Vidyadhara Masters were certain Yanqing wouldn't dare act against them. But Su Jinyan's fame resonated throughout the universe, and he was known for disregarding convention. Even the Vidyadhara Masters feared him deeply, let alone the ordinary Vidyadhara people.
Yanqing felt a lump form in his throat, his voice trembling. "Teacher, y-you've come... I failed, Yanqing is truly inept..."
Su Jinyan patted Yanqing's shoulder gently, shaking his head slightly. "You've done well enough. Leave the rest to me."
With that, Su Jinyan turned his indifferent gaze upon Suguang and the others.
"Dragon Bailu was assassinated within the Scaledeep Waterscape," he began coolly. "The failure to protect her lies squarely with you dragon masters; what does it have to do with my Cloud Knights?"
"It's true that Yun You is Vidyadhara," Su Jinyan retorted sharply, "but she is also a criminal—someone who broke out of prison, overthrew an immortal vessel, and committed grave offenses."
"The Seat of Divine Foresight has no authority to judge my fellow Vidyadhara!" Suguang roared indignantly.
"You're correct; the Seat of Divine Foresight indeed lacks such jurisdiction," Su Jinyan replied coldly. "However, this venerable one acts under Judge Xueyi's command from the Ten-Lords Commission's Ministry of Justice, specifically tasked with apprehending the criminal Yun You.
"The Ten-Lords Commission guards vigil through the night, meting out punishment upon prisoners and striking down wickedness with unyielding justice. If any among you dragon masters persist in obstructing this venerable one's official duties, you will be treated as accomplices and brought back for trial alongside her!"
Upon hearing these words, the chests of the Vidyadhara Masters heaved rapidly, their gazes filled with fury directed at Su Jinyan.
Yanqing, being relatively inexperienced, was easy prey for their intimidation tactics. However, despite being merely an outlander, Su Jinyan had swiftly risen within a year—from an obscure diviner to the highest-ranking Diviner of the Divination Commission. No one could believe he achieved this without influential connections within the Xianzhou Alliance.
Moreover, Su Jinyan's reputation was undeniable by all who witnessed it. His single-handed defeat of the Ruin Author Nanook surpassed every other member of the Xianzhou Alliance—an accomplishment so remarkable, none dared challenge it.
Having made his stance clear, Su Jinyan seized Yun You's wrist, forcefully pulling her away from Dragon Master Suguang's protective presence.
Dragon Master Suguang dared not voice his anger.
At that moment, Sparkle stepped forward, glaring fearlessly at Su Jinyan.
"Diviner Su, it's true that Vidyadhara Yun You committed an offense," she said. "But you're no Lord Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission—do you truly have the authority to arrest her?"
Su Jinyan narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Sparkle from head to toe. "The dragon master hasn't spoken up yet; what right do you have to question this venerable one?"
"With utmost confidence, as the trusted confidant of Sir Suguang," Sparkle replied coldly. "I am entitled to ask on his behalf."
Dragon Master Suguang glared at Sparkle, hastily distancing himself. "Nonsense! I've never had such a confidant!"
Su Jinyan nodded. "Very well, listen carefully, for this venerable one will say it only once more," he declared. "Under orders from Lady Xueyi, Judge of the Ministry of Justice within the Ten-Lords Commission, I have come specifically to apprehend the criminal Yun You. If anyone persists in obstructing my official duties, they shall be treated as equally culpable. Yanqing—"
Yanqing stepped forward. "Teacher, here I am."
Su Jinyan sneered. "Seize the interfering Vidyadhara Dragon Master Suguang and his confidant together. If they resist, there is no need for leniency—you may execute them on the spot. With me overseeing your actions, feel free to act boldly; I will bear all consequences!"
Suguang stared, incredulous.
Yanqing, however, responded with fervor, "Yes!"
Panicking, Dragon Master Suguang protested, "Sir Su! This Vidyadhara woman is completely unfamiliar to me; she's falsely accusing me!"
Sparkle gritted her teeth. "Lord Suguang, surely you don't intend to disavow any connection now?"
"We Vidyadhara would rather die standing than live on our knees," she declared. "At your command, we will fight these immortals from Xianzhou to the bitter end!"
The expressions of the other dragon masters shifted abruptly as they hurriedly tried to calm the Vidyadhara clan members and rebuked Dragon Master Suguang.
"Suguang, what treacherous intentions lurk within that old mind of yours?"
"Keep your underlings in check!"
"As Vidyadhara Masters, it has always been our duty to preserve the dragon lineage. Why would we seek death at the hands of the Xianzhou immortals?"
Dragon Master Suguang's face flushed red, tearing away all pretenses. "Shut up, you old fools!" he snapped. "Su Jinyan, the law exempts dragon masters from punishment. You may target me, but I advise you to think thrice before proceeding."
"Since the founding of the Xianzhou Alliance, no dragon master has ever faced trial by outsiders."
"If you persist in breaking the Vidyadhara clan's laws, you will be making enemies not only of all Vidyadhara but also of every dragon elder and master!"
Su Jinyan sneered and waved his hand. "Take them away!"
Yanqing signaled to the cloud-mounted elites, who promptly stepped forward and bound Dragon Master Suguang, Yun You, and Sparkle with The Shacklebound.
The other Vidyadhara dragon masters trembled, feeling a sense of shared sorrow akin to mourning for fallen comrades. If Su Jinyan dared to defy precedent by shackling and prosecuting Dragon Master Suguang, could they be next? They needed to swiftly devise a plan to free him before the trial, lest the consequences become unbearable.
A chill lingered at the corner of Su Jinyan's mouth as he declared, "In three system hours, this venerable one shall hold a public trial against the criminal Yun You at the Netherworld Manor."
"I hope all dragon masters will attend promptly."
"And witness firsthand the fate awaiting the traitor who dared defy Xianzhou."
With these words, Su Jinyan waved his hand, leading the formidable contingent of cloud-mounted elites away from Scalegorge Waterscape.
Shortly thereafter, White Moon Dragon Venerable's remains were collected by the Vidyadhara Masters and placed within a crystal casket for their kin to honor and remember.
In the Dragon Master Parliament:
"My fellow masters, we must set aside our prejudices."
"We need to unite and protest against the Alliance."
"Su Jinyan has shattered centuries of Vidyadhara tradition."
"He shall face the scorn and enmity of all Vidyadhara."
"Seek aid from dragon masters and elders on other Xianzhous; as fellow Vidyadhara, they won't abandon us."
"But with Dragon Bailu assassinated under everyone's watchful eyes, if news spreads, we'll also face retribution from the other High Elders."
"A nation cannot endure without its ruler, nor can a family thrive without its head."
"We must swiftly reinstate Dan Heng as the new Dragonlord. Once he assumes the title Imbibitor Lunae, no other High Elders or dragon masters can challenge us."
Under the pressure of rebirth and reincarnation, the Vidyadhara Masters displayed unprecedented efficiency.
Some protested to the Xianzhou Alliance, others pleaded their case to the Dragon Master Parliaments of other Xianzhous, while some declared a new Dragonlord.
News rapidly spread throughout the Vidyadhara clan: From this day forth, Dan Heng was appointed as the new Vidyadhara Dragonlord, bearing the title Imbibitor Lunae.
Upon learning that Vidyadhara High Elder Bailu had been assassinated, General Jing Yuan of the Seat of Divine Foresight was incensed. He mobilized the entire Cloud Knight force to search and apprehend the assassin across Luofu Immortal Ship.
Soon, several pieces of news spread rapidly through Xianzhou Luofu's streets and alleys.
Firstly, Vidyadhara High Elder Bailu had been assassinated and died from her injuries.
Secondly, Phantylia escaped with the assistance of imprisoned Vidyadhara Yun You but was subsequently recaptured by Su Jinyan.
Lastly, at noon, the Ten-Lords Commission would hold a public trial for the Vidyadhara prisoner Yun You at the Netherworld Manor. The proceedings would be live-streamed, and selected members of the public were invited to observe.
The third piece of news captured the attention of the Xianzhou populace most significantly.
From time immemorial, the Ten-Lords Commission had maintained an image shrouded in mystery, evoking profound reverence and fear among the people.
There was a saying: "Rather lose gold and jade than enter the Nether Prison; prefer facing calamity than meeting the Lord Judge."
This sentiment underscored the deeply terrifying perception of the Judges within the public's mind.
Witnessing a trial conducted by a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission firsthand was an exceedingly rare occurrence.
The Netherworld Manor.
As the saying goes, "family scandals should not be made public."
Given such a scandalous situation, Jing Yuan and Xueyi, among others, favored secrecy, intending to follow standard procedures for privately adjudicating Yun You, the Vidyadhara prisoner.
However, Su Jinyan overruled their objections, decisively opting for a public trial.
With the involvement of the Vidyadhara from the Xianzhou Alliance, this matter was grave and could not afford any mishaps. Choosing a private trial would have left room for the Luofu Vidyadhara Masters to discreetly spread rumors and sow confusion, potentially leading other Xianzhou-affiliated Vidydharas to misunderstand the situation.
Thus, Su Jinyan chose a transparent and open public trial, ensuring that even if the Vidyadhara Masters sought to malign it, they would find no foothold.
Upon entering the Netherworld Manor, visitors were greeted by an imposing gateway flanked by solemn stone lions, as if guarding the austere sanctity within.
At the center of the manor stood a massive ornate desk, intricately carved with flowing lines. Upon it lay a gavel, the Ten-Lords Commission's list of serious offenders, and the Judge's Brush.
Su Jinyan sat on a tall throne-like chair, with Xueyi and Hanya standing at his sides. Below the dais, thirty-six Enforcement Golems, under the command of the Ten-Lords Commission, lined both ends.
Fu Xuan, Jing Yuan, Yanqing, Yukong, Jingliu, Tingyun—along with numerous other dragon masters...
Su Jinyan had invited every person of significant status aboard Xianzhou Luofu to witness this public trial.
In the live stream chat, countless comments flooded the screen:
[Watching Nanook + Uncle Han Tui's Howl Club: Here it comes! Spoiler alert: Yun You dies horribly...]
[Nutcracker Fingers: Spoiler dog, 4k+]
[Watching Diting + Howl Club: In such a solemn occasion, I won't sell clips today.]
[Little Gui Guinevere: Hey fam, it's Little Gui's first time being invited to observe a public trial. Any tips or things to watch out for?]
[Following Little Gui, Thanks Meow: Little Gui, bring some adult diapers—you don't want to get scared and pee your pants!]
[Playing Cards on Life's Edge: It might not be from fear, though.]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Can we please be serious? Even on this rocky road, you're still flirting? This little lady is getting utterly charmed by her benefactor.]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Someone's feeling frisky during the court proceedings; I won't mention names.]
[Heartless Divination Machine: Mods, could you mute the fox account for a bit?]
[Hua: Live streamers, please be mindful of your conduct.]
[Super Moderator Notice: Reminder to the broadcaster: Avoid frequent touching, squeezing, or shaking of the chest and buttocks, as these actions may constitute suggestive behavior. Thank you for your cooperation; we wish you a pleasant streaming experience.]
[Posting Under Real Name: ?]
[Fake Dong Merchant: ?]
[Fengyu Caihong 7854: ?]
[Tianfeng-kun: ...]
[System Notification: The super moderator has been removed from the live stream by room moderator Little Gui.]
[Uncle Han Tui: F*ck, Sampo just spent two days at the inn drinking. Why is it that upon returning, I find my wanted posters plastered all over the streets?]
[Zhao Xiangji: Sampo! And you still have the nerve to watch this stream?!]
[Did You Forage in the Trash Today?: Walking merit award, come quick. @Peaceful Luofu @Official Dahao of the Earthly Balance Division @Invincible Swordsman123]
[Uncle Han Tui: Poor old Sampo, falsely accused! I don't even know why I'm being sought after. By the way, Su Jinyan and I are old friends—can't you make an exception?]
Yanqing's eyes flickered slightly, and he apologetically rose to excuse himself. Compared to merely observing the public trial, he preferred capturing the criminal responsible for disrupting Xianzhou—the notorious Sampo.
Slap!
Su Jinyan struck his gavel, his voice resounding loudly. "Bring forth the Vidyadhara criminal Yun You."
Two Aurumaton Spectral Envoys flanked Yun You, who wore white prison attire with her hair disheveled. They compelled her to kneel on the floor.
"Yun You, criminal," Su Jinyan demanded sternly, "are you aware of your crimes?"
Yun You's expression was filled with anguish as she looked at Su Jinyan and asked, "Magistrate Su, pray tell, what wrongs have I committed?"
Su Jinyan sneered coldly. "Hanya, read out her offenses!"
Unrolling the scroll, Hanya proclaimed Yun You's crimes in a clear voice:
"Criminal Yun You, having committed ten grave sins, we enumerate four thereof.
"Twelve years ago, you approached Yuan Li, a devoted attendant of Dragon Bailu, distracting her from her duties. This allowed for the slaughter of your kin and their forced reincarnation—a first offense.
"Late last night, without authorization, you unlawfully entered the Restricted Area and released the prisoner Phantylia. Breaking jail and freeing captives constitutes a second offense.
"You abducted Phantylia, conspiring secretly with her to overthrow Xianzhou Luofu.
"Although conflict arose between you, neither can escape punishment—this is the third offense."
"As the attendant to the High Elder, you were duty-bound to serve Dragon Bailu faithfully."
"Yet, you commanded skilled artisans of your clan to forge the Shimu Binding Chains, which you shackled onto Dragon Bailu's tail, suppressing her power."
"Being esteemed as the High Elder and a prominent figure within the Xianzhou Alliance, how could we tolerate such defiance from one beneath her? This is the fourth offense."
[Posting Under Real Name: For those viewers unfamiliar with this process, let me explain.]
[The Hanya Judge specializes in reciting the karmic sins of criminals, using the Heavenly Script of Prophecy to inscribe their retributive judgments.]
[Judgments rendered by the Heavenly Script of Prophecy cannot be falsified; every word reflects absolute truth.]
Su Jinyan struck the gavel sharply. "Yun You, the Vidyadhara sinner, having committed ten grievous offenses, ought to be sentenced to annihilation, followed by reincarnation."
"However, given the enormity of her crimes, intolerable to heaven itself, mere execution will not suffice to appease public outrage!"
"Guards! Place Yun You at the blade's edge!"
In unison, the Aurumaton Spectral Envoys responded, "Yes, sir!"
Upon receiving the command, two envoys swiftly moved, restraining the struggling Yun You against the chilling, gleaming jaws of the dragon-shaped guillotine.
Terrified beyond measure, Yun You had initially expected Su Jinyan to sentence her to annihilation followed by reincarnation. She never anticipated his decision would be so utterly merciless.
If Yun You were sentenced to the cycle of reincarnation, the dragon master overseeing her could preserve her memories from this life, essentially granting her rebirth.
However, death beneath the dragon-headed guillotine would undoubtedly scatter her soul, preventing any chance of reincarnation.
At that moment, Yun You had no other choice but to plead urgently, "Wait! It's true I am guilty, but every action I took was under the command of the Dragon Master!"
"The sins committed by Dragon Master Suguang far exceed mine."
Little Gui (Guinevere): I thought Yun You was unbeatable, only for the Dragon Master to outdo her even more boldly. Whose subordinate is he?
Uncle Han Tui: Folks, help me please! Old Sampo is being chased relentlessly—type 1 to boost his speed and shake off the Cloud Knight Lieutenants.
Did You Scavenge Today?: When does the feast begin?
Su Jinyan declared loudly, "Bring the condemned traitor Suguang to the Netherworld Manor!"
The two Aurumaton Spectral Envoys escorted Dragon Master Suguang before Su Jinyan, ordering him to kneel just as they had with Yun You.
Suguang defiantly raised his head. "How audacious! As a Vidyadhara Master, how can I bow to anyone other than the High Elder?"
The Aurumaton Spectral Envoys looked at Su Jinyan, awaiting his instructions.
With a grim expression, Su Jinyan asked, "Suguang, do you acknowledge your crimes?"
Suguang stood firm, scanning his surroundings. As he saw the dragon masters subtly nodding toward him, some measure of calm returned to his heart.
When the Vidyadhara initially joined the Xianzhou Alliance, they had agreed upon their own governance. The transgressions of ordinary Vidyadhara citizens were judged by dragon masters; those of dragon masters by the High Elder; and any committed by the High Elder himself would be adjudicated by the Dragon Master Parliament. This was precisely where Dragon Master Suguang drew his confidence.
Now that Dan Heng had been officially appointed Imbibitor Lunae by the Dragon Master Parliament, not even the Lord Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission—much less other Vidyadhara High Elders—could hold him accountable for any alleged crimes.
First, Suguang lightly brushed off the dust on his robes, then adopted a scornful expression. "Su Jinyan, our Vidyadhara have our own laws."
"When the Vidyadhara joined the Xianzhou Alliance, it was clearly stipulated: any violations of alliance law by our people shall be tried according to our laws!"
"Only the High Elder can determine my guilt or mete out punishment! I am a Vidyadhara Master—if you dare touch me, you will breach the covenant between our peoples. Beware, lest your position be jeopardized!"
Su Jinyan sneered. "It matters not whether you're a Vidyadhara Master or even a High Elder. When one breaks the law, all stand equal before justice."
"Betraying both the Alliance and the High Elder constitutes disloyalty."
"Scheming harm against fellow kin constitutes unkindness. Forsaking one's nature and dishonoring one's ancestors constitutes filial impiety."
"Causing chaos within Xianzhou and releasing condemned prisoners constitute injustice."
"How can such a disloyal, immoral, unfilial, and unrighteous individual have the audacity to live on this earth?"
"Guards! Bring forth the Dragon-Headed Guillotine!"
The Aurumaton Spectral Envoys chorused, "Yes, sir!"
Panicking, Dragon Master Suguang realized Su Jinyan was willing to risk offending the Vidyadhara just to place him beneath the guillotine.
These Aurumatons obeyed commands without deviation or discretion. Sensing Dragon Master Suguang's resistance, they surged forward with relentless force.
With a sharp crack—
Dragon Master Suguang's eyes widened, his screams echoing relentlessly.
In full view of everyone present, the Aurumaton Spectral Envoys had snapped his leg bones. Forced by the pain, he involuntarily dropped to his knees.
From the spectators' seats, several dragon masters abruptly stood up, their expressions filled with shock and fury.
"Su Jinyan, stop at once!"
"Do you realize what you're doing? No one may humiliate a dragon master!"
"Only Dan Heng, the High Elder, has the authority to pass judgment on Suguang!"
"You've got some nerve—this is vigilante justice!"
"The Dragon Lord is already en route—it's not too late to release Suguang now!"
The Aurumaton Spectral Envoys strictly adhered to orders from the Ten-Lords Commission Judges and Su Jinyan, completely ignoring the other dragon masters' protests.
Tears streamed down Dragon Master Suguang's face as he endured excruciating pain. The Aurumaton Spectral Envoys tore off his upper garments, forcefully pressing him against the guillotine blade.
Yun You watched with heart-pounding excitement, his face alight with satisfaction. To drag Dragon Master Suguang down as collateral on the brink of death—this was worth it.
As Su Jinyan picked up the execution token inscribed with "Chop," poised to behead Dragon Master Suguang beneath the dragon-blade guillotine—
Unheeding the Aurumaton Spectral Envoys' attempts to block him, Dragon Master Taoran charged forward and sternly interjected, "Su Jinyan, only the Ten-Lords Commission's Judge has the authority to punish prisoners and condemn wrongdoing."
"Who do you think you are, daring to usurp the Judge's power to pass judgment?"
"To assume the Judge's role in meting out punishment is itself a transgression. What penalty should this warrant?!"
"If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation today, we dragon masters have the right to apprehend you for unlawfully wielding the Ten-Lords Commission's punitive powers and deliver you to the Judge for disposition!"
Su Jinyan sneered. "And who are you, bold enough to disrupt court proceedings? Guards! Seize this insolent Dragon of Misfortune for disrupting the trial and administer thirty strikes to his mouth!"
The Aurumaton Spectral Envoys chorused, "Yes sir!"
Dragon Master Taoran's pupils contracted sharply.
All thirty-six Aurumaton Spectral Envoys surged forth. Before he could react, they had pinned him to the ground, their crisp slaps echoing one after another.
The watching dragon masters seethed with shock and anger, trembling uncontrollably, yet not a single one dared step forward again.
At that moment, the High Elder was still en route.
Jing Yuan's eyelid twitched slightly as he whispered to Fu Xuan, "Fu Xuan, have you contacted your family?"
Fu Xuan gently drew a breath. "As if I needed reminding; this venerable one has been prepared all along."
They had always known Su Jinyan for his audacious recklessness. Yet even Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan could not fathom just how bold he would dare to be. Dragon Master Taoran held no criminal status; imposing such punishment on him constituted blatant abuse of authority.
Su Jinyan picked up the execution token. "This venerable one is a special envoy of the Ten Lords, wielding the power to execute first and report later," he declared. "Not only can I mete out justice against Suguang, but even ending your life falls within my purview! Guards, activate the guillotine—!"
Just then, a messenger from the Ten-Lords Commission burst in urgently. "Decree from the Ten Lords: Su Jinyan, receive the edict—"
Dragon Master Suguang's breathing quickened, his eyes gleaming with hope. "Impersonating a special envoy of the Ten Lords? Su Jinyan, you're doomed!"
A cold glint flashed in Su Jinyan's eyes as he abruptly rose, tossing the execution token forward. "Guillotine!"
Without hesitation, two Aurumaton Spectral Envoys lifted the blade, forcibly aligning Dragon Master Suguang's neck beneath it.
With a sharp crack, a flash of icy light—
And thus, Dragon Master Suguang's head tumbled down.
An eerie silence enveloped the entire hall.