A hint of agreement flashed in Dai Mubai's wicked eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up: "That's for sure. Anyone who dares to block the path of the Shrek Seven Devils will suffer the consequences. Third Brother did the right thing."
Just as the atmosphere in the venue was becoming increasingly noisy.
"Squeak—"
The heavy iron door at the entrance to the dungeon was slowly pushed open.
Tang San, dressed in a blue outfit, appeared at the door.
His gaze traveled through the dimly lit corridor and landed on the tall, upright figure standing with his hands behind his back.
Tang San's eyes were calm as still water.
"The time has come, Lord Ning."
"Please."
Upon hearing this, Ning Lin slowly turned around.
His expression was calm, showing no sign of the dejection of a prisoner; rather, he resembled a distinguished guest about to attend a banquet.
He took a step forward and walked towards Tang San.
Two fierce-looking constables immediately stepped forward, ready to put the shackles back on him.
Ning Lin did not resist and let them do as they pleased.
Just then, Tang San suddenly stepped forward and blocked Ning Lin's path.
With a gentle smile on his face, he reached out and patted Ning Lin's shoulder lightly.
"Lord Ning, this journey may not be peaceful."
Tang San's voice was low, with a hint of sinister laughter.
"Just in case, please don't take offense."
A chilling and vicious soul force silently invaded Ning Lin's body through his palm!
It is a strange poison that is a mixture of dozens of deadly toxins. Once it takes effect, it will block the soul master's soul power, corrode their meridians, and make life worse than death.
And it would also allow Ning Lin to become a yes-man later on, so there would be no need to worry about him saying anything out of line.
This was his real backup plan.
Ning Lin sneered inwardly.
Tang San is truly shameless to the core.
However, his face remained calm, and he even smiled at Tang San.
"It's alright."
The moment he finished speaking, the source of fire within his body trembled slightly.
The newly invaded, highly toxic soul power hadn't even had a chance to spread before it was enveloped by an invisible fire.
"Sizzle—"
A barely perceptible soft sound.
The deadly poison was instantly incinerated, transforming into the purest energy that nourished Ning Lin's body.
The phoenix's flame never dies, burning away all things.
What are mere toxins anyway?
Seeing that Ning Lin had no reaction, Tang San assumed that his poison had taken effect, and felt relieved. A smug smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
He stepped back and made a "please" gesture.
Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Ning Lin was escorted by the bailiffs, step by step, onto the high trial platform.
Kneel down!
The constable shouted and forcefully pressed down on Ning Lin's shoulder, trying to make him kneel down.
Ning Lin glanced at them calmly.
With just a glance, the two Soul Master level constables trembled in fear and subconsciously released their grip.
Ning Lin ignored them and glanced around at the familiar judge's bench.
He remembered how, here he had pounded the gavel countless times to judge criminals who had committed crimes.
I never imagined that one day I would be standing here, becoming an object of judgment.
Indeed, life is unpredictable.
He sighed to himself, and then, surprisingly, he slowly knelt down and was pressed to the ground by the constables.
It's not that we can't resist.
Rather, it's unnecessary.
Every play needs an opening.
Tang San stepped onto the main seat of the trial platform, looking down at Ning Lin from his high position.
He cleared his throat, channeling his soul power into his voice, which resonated throughout the entire plaza.
"quiet!"
"The public trial of Ning Lin, the former city lord of Tiandou City, shall now begin!"
He picked up the file and announced it loudly.
"The criminal Ning Lin, during his tenure, evaded taxes and enriched himself, embezzling tens of millions of gold soul coins! This is the first crime!"
"The sinner Ning Lin secretly colluded with the Martial Soul Empire, betrayed the Heavenly Dou Army's intelligence, and attempted to overthrow the empire! This is the second crime!"
"The criminal Ning Lin is morally corrupt and attempted to assault a female Soul Master in the street. There is ample evidence and witness testimony! This is the third crime!"
"These three crimes, each and every one of them, are too numerous to recount!"
Tang San's voice was strong and clear, filled with a righteous and awe-inspiring presence.
The crowd below the stage already had some doubts about Ning Lin, and upon hearing this irrefutable charge, they were immediately agitated.
"So it was true! What a hypocrite!"
"Kill him! This kind of scum doesn't deserve to live!"
"I thought he was a good official! Bah!"
The insults and scornful remarks surged in from all directions like a tidal wave, threatening to completely engulf Ning Lin on the stage.
Looking down at the easily swayed masses below, and then at Tang San on the stage, high above, playing the role of a righteous messenger.
A cold smile slowly appeared on Ning Lin's face.
The next step is to verify the identity, summon "witnesses," and present "physical evidence."
Everything was done flawlessly.
All the evidence points to one conclusion.
The charge is established.
Tang San was very satisfied with the result.
He put down the file, his gaze sharp as lightning, and shot towards Ning Lin on the ground.
The entire square fell silent at that moment.
Everyone knew that the final verdict was imminent.
"Ning Lin".
Tang San spoke slowly, his voice carrying a sense of judgment that commanded everything.
"Now that we have both witnesses and physical evidence, do you plead guilty?"
Ning Lin slowly raised his head.
His face, obscured by mud and tangled hair, made it impossible to discern his expression.
But at that moment, his eyes shone with an astonishing light.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, his body, which was bound by shackles, slowly straightened his chest!
An invisible aura of arrogance soared into the sky!
"I,"
His voice reached everyone's ears clearly.
"I don't acknowledge it!!"
"You don't acknowledge it?"
Tang San smiled, a hint of disdain tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Even when death is imminent, he's still being stubborn.
His eyes flickered, and his mind subtly urged him on.
"Let it flare up."
The strange poison lurking in Ning Lin's body should have been like a leech, instantly erupting, sealing his soul power, corroding his meridians, and causing this reckless guy to wail in pain and make a fool of himself in front of thousands of people!
However.
One breath.
Two breaths.
Three breaths passed.
On the judge's bench, the figure bound by shackles remained as upright as a pine tree.
There were no wails, no convulsions, and not even a trace of pain was shown.
Ning Lin raised his eyelids and calmly met Tang San's gaze, his eyes even carrying a hint of mockery.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet it clearly drowned out the noise of the entire room.
"My first crime, tax evasion, I deny!"
"I, Ning Lin, have been in charge of Tiandou City for ten years. During these ten years, the taxes paid to the Empire have only increased, and the accounts are in perfect order! Emperor Xue Ye is welcome to review them personally!"
"My personal residence is extremely poor, and apart from the gifts bestowed by His Majesty, I have nothing of value! How could there be any talk of embezzlement?"
As soon as he finished speaking, his gaze turned to Emperor Xueye on the high platform.
(End of chapter)