Those living in the Great Xia Dynasty knew of the Xia Laws.
Their scope was broad, from the eighty-year-old elder to the six-year-old schoolchild, all were expected to review and memorize them daily, and under no circumstances transgress them.
For their purpose was simple and direct.
They clearly informed people what was permissible and what was not.
When one committed an act forbidden by the Xia Laws, punishment would follow, much like Ao Lang, who had just dissolved into bloody rain, vanishing into thin air.
No one mourned the death of a night watchman who had broken the Xia Laws. Everyone in the plaza of Buduo City had clearly heard Yin Shuier's words.
There should have been two people she intended to execute.
Ao Lang was one, so who was the other?
...
For the cultivators, the identity of the other person was no longer a secret.
They knew that person deserved to die, but they had not expected Yin Shuier to actually dare to try and bring about their demise.
Wang Jue hailed from the Imperial City; this was common knowledge. Yin Zhongxiu had wanted to apprehend him earlier, but had been stopped by his own clan; this too, was common knowledge.
Before Yin Zhongxiu had gripped his spear, no one believed he would defy his clan's orders for a night watchman with whom he shared no blood ties or interests.
...
Yin attribute elements flowed through the space like mercury, crystal-clear moonlight condensed on the spear's body, and everyone felt a palpable aura of menace.
It was like a venomous snake lurking in the tropical mountains, ever vigilant despite any protective gear one might wear, yet always managing to sink its fangs into flesh.
The man wielding the spear, one could never know when he might go mad and impale one's heart with it.
Thus, the esper-users on the high platform began to retreat, including Wu Ye, the Lord of Buduo City, Jin Jiao, the chief of the Gold and Silver Merchant Guild, Lin Yan of the Fifth Division, the governors of the Second and Third Divisions… and the old master of the Tree Dwelling Medical Hall.
Yes, even the Lord retreated, for even he dared not directly confront the spear at such close range.
His ability was to save lives, not take them. Even though he had accepted the Wang family's blood coral, it was only to ensure their survival, not to kill.
Therefore, the only one who did not retreat was the young general.
Ji Chang was not afraid of Yin Zhongxiu.
...
"Governor Yin, surely there are matters that can be discussed calmly. Please, do not act rashly!"
Liang Shanping, the court's supervisory envoy for the Domain of the Night Watch, retreated ten paces, shouting with trepidation.
He genuinely feared Yin Zhongxiu might act recklessly and unleash a "new moon sweep" before thousands of citizens.
That would fully expose the scandal of internal strife within the Demon Extermination Division. Those with ulterior motives would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to spread rumors, causing immeasurable reputational damage to the court and the Demon Extermination Division!
But Yin Zhongxiu showed no sign of movement, simply standing in place.
Perseverance was his answer.
Yin Shuier sensed the commotion beside her and a smile touched her lips.
Dignity and righteousness were more important than considering the broader picture. She was delighted that her uncle supported her.
Therefore, she could now announce the name of the one who most deserved to die.
"Wang Jue of the Third Division of the Demon Extermination Division, you are a coward who caused the death of your comrade, leading to Xu Mu's demise at the hands of a tiger demon. I witnessed your despicable actions firsthand," Yin Shuier's voice was sharp and severe, utterly at odds with her stunning beauty, sending shivers down the spines of listeners.
"Do you admit to this crime or not!"
Boom!
The maiden's words were like a bomb dropped into a placid lake. Countless citizens looked towards the high platform, their eyes filled with bewilderment and madness.
What had they heard? Could an official from the Demon Extermination Division be a murderer who betrayed his comrades?
"Damn it!"
As he retreated, Wang Jue's ornate inner robe was soiled by the blood on the ground, as if vengeful spirits had clung to him.
The young man's face was grim. He hadn't expected Yin Shuier to actually dare to speak of this matter publicly. Was she not afraid of familial retribution?
"Although the Xia Laws do not explicitly state it, speaking recklessly also carries responsibility."
Seeing the emotions of the crowd below escalating, with some even beginning to throw eggs in his direction, Wang Jue had no choice but to cast a pleading gaze towards Wang Hua.
The man slightly arched his hooked nose, his eyes dark.
"My nephew studies at the Emperor Star Academy, one of the four great academies in the world. He has lived a life of luxury since childhood, possessing extraordinary talent."
"He could have abandoned such a life and talent, yet he traveled thousands of miles to Guiye, braving hardship and danger to support the West Mountain, all for the happiness of the common people?"
Wang Hua slammed the table fiercely, his voice laced with anger.
"It is precisely such a person whom you slander as a coward! I would like to ask, is there any law in this world!"
"Ah, yes! I could abandon my life in the Imperial City to support this poor and backward place, yet you accuse me of harming my comrades. What evidence do you have!" Seeing that the Lord, who had accepted his blood coral, had approached within five paces, Wang Jue revealed a triumphant smile. "Evidence. If you cannot provide it, I will hold you accountable!"
"Shameless."
Yin Shuier, hearing the two sing in unison, their falsehoods sounding like truth, felt rage surge within her. The esper energy within her Golden Core began to erupt.
Countless water elements surged out of her body. The water mirror in the sky coalesced once more, its scale a full three times larger than the last. The suction was like a tornado, causing everyone to sway and forcing them to activate their esper defenses.
Wang Jue had already lifted half a foot off the ground. He suppressed the urge to attack Yin Shuier and summoned four thick vines, seemingly to defend himself.
However, they were immediately sucked into the sky, torn from the ground by their roots.
"How is this possible? Why is a Stage One so powerful!"
Wang Jue was utterly astonished. He knew Yin Shuier's strength far surpassed that of an ordinary Stage One esper; otherwise, she wouldn't have achieved first-class merit. Moreover, like him, she was from the Imperial City, only two years younger. Breaking through was only a matter of time…
But he hadn't expected to be so firmly controlled by her even after releasing his esper ability. This was rather strange.
"She has broken through."
The man with the hooked nose's expression grew solemn. He gently placed his hand on Wang Jue's shoulder.
His hand was slender and long, but when it rested upon him, it seemed to carry immense weight.
What immense power was required to uproot vines that were firmly embedded in concrete.
Yet, with just this one hand, the young man's feet, which had been about to leave the ground, were now firmly planted.
...