But...
Xiao Wu's soul trembled.
As a 100,000-year-old soul beast, she has an almost instinctive perception of lies and truth.
She could clearly feel that every word the man said on the judge's bench came from the bottom of his heart, without the slightest falsehood!
Ning Lin wasn't lying!
The moment Xiao Wu let go, Tang San's heart sank.
But he didn't have time to soothe his companion's emotions.
Because an even greater and more undisguised rage was pressing down on him from the high platform!
"Tang San!"
Prince Xuexing's voice, like a thunderclap in winter, resounded in everyone's ears.
His usually dignified face was now clouded with gloom, and his eyes blazed with fury.
"You called us here just to see this?!"
"Let's see how your Tang Clan dares to slander and frame my empire's city lord on the judgment platform of my Heaven Dou City!!"
Prince Xuexing pointed at Tang San's nose and reprimanded him mercilessly.
"Ning Lin! He is a subject of the Heaven Dou Empire! He was personally appointed as the Lord of Heaven Dou City by Brother Xue Ye! Even if he is guilty, he should be judged by the royal family of my empire and by the laws of Heaven Dou!"
"Since when did it become your place, an outside sect, to point fingers and abuse your power here!"
These words were not just a question, but a warning!
The faces of the Heavenly Dou Empire officials present also turned grim.
yes!
No matter how strong the Tang Clan is, it is still a sect.
Even if Ning Lin is guilty, he is still an official of the empire!
What difference is there between the Tang Clan's actions and defecating on the empire's head?!
Moreover, it now appears that the charge was completely fabricated!
In an instant, the noble ministers who had previously held a favorable view of the Tang Clan all changed their attitudes.
Avalanche is the new emperor, and he is Tang San's disciple. He is willing to let the Tang Sect bleed away, which shows his incompetence!
But these old ministers who have been loyal to the Heavenly Dou royal family for generations could not tolerate such a thing happening!
"This matter must be thoroughly investigated and brought to the bottom of!"
Prince Xuexing's voice grew increasingly stern.
"If what Lord Ning says is true, then your Tang Clan must give an explanation to my Heavenly Dou Empire!!"
The roar was deafening, and the pressure was immense.
Tang San's face was so gloomy it looked like it could be wrung out of water.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and bowed slightly to Prince Xuexing.
"Your Highness, please calm down."
His voice regained its composure, without the slightest hint of emotion.
"This matter is still unresolved. Everything that just happened was only Ning Lin's side of the story and should not be taken seriously."
"In the end, a trial still depends on the evidence."
After comforting Prince Xuexing, Tang San slowly straightened up, his gaze once again falling on Ning Lin on the judgment platform, his eyes revealing a murderous intent deep within.
"Ning Lin!"
He shouted sternly, trying to regain the initiative with his imposing manner.
"Stop spouting nonsense and spreading rumors here!"
"You say you're innocent, that I'm protecting my accomplice, but do you have any evidence?"
"Everything must be based on evidence!"
Tang San sneered inwardly.
Ning Lin, you are indeed a talented person.
Their intellect, methods, and courage far exceeded my expectations.
Unfortunately, it was discovered too late.
Today, you must die here.
Now, it's no longer just about covering up Hongjun's crimes.
More importantly, it's about my reputation, Tang San's reputation, the reputation of the Shrek Seven Devils, and the future reputation of the Tang Sect!
These things must not be harmed in the slightest because of Ning Lin, a mere nobody!
I intended to use your head to establish the prestige of my Tang Clan and pave the way for my future complete control of the Heaven Dou Empire.
I never expected you to give me such a "surprise," it almost made me lose my way.
However, that's all for now.
No matter how eloquent you are, you will ultimately be futile in the face of absolute "evidence".
Tang San glanced at Yu Xiaogang out of the corner of his eye.
Yu Xiaogang understood immediately.
Looking at Ning Lin's calm face, he felt a surge of pleasure.
Kid, you want to fight me? Or fight my disciple?
You're still too green!
He cleared his throat, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, and announced loudly in an exaggerated tone:
"quiet!"
"Since Ning Lin refuses to plead guilty and even counter-accuses others, then summon the most important witness in this case!"
"Speak—a—witness—!"
As he drew out the last word, the crowd in the square automatically parted to make way.
A thin figure slowly walked out, "escorted" by two Tang Clan disciples.
It was a woman.
It was the female soul master that Ning Lin had rescued three days ago in a dark alley on Suzaku Street.
She was wearing a faded cloth dress, her long hair was disheveled, her face was as pale as paper, and her head was lowered, making it impossible to see her expression.
She walked slowly and unsteadily, as if each step had exhausted all her strength.
When she stepped to the judge's bench, all eyes were on her.
Ning Lin looked at her.
He looked at the woman he had once saved, who was now being accused of him as a "witness."
There was no anger in his heart, only a chilling coldness.
He had expected this.
Given Tang San's abilities, how could he not have left himself a backup plan?
Coercion or bribery?
Or perhaps, both.
Poor woman.
She was originally a victim, but now she is about to become an accomplice of the perpetrator.
How ironic this world is.
Below the stage, among the Shrek students.
When Ma Hongjun saw the woman appear, a greasy and lewd smile involuntarily spread across his face, which was covered in fat.
He leaned close to Dai Mubai's ear, lowered his voice, and chuckled in a boastful tone:
"Boss Dai, look."
"This woman tastes really good."
"That night was my first time! It was fucking awesome!"
Dai Mubai frowned, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes, and subconsciously wanted to stay away from him.
Ma Hongjun, however, remained oblivious and continued to boast smugly.
"It's all thanks to Third Brother's clever methods."
"I don't know what Third Brother said to her, but this little girl is very obedient now and has become my personal maid."
His voice was filled with lewdness and absurdity.
"Now, it's being kept in my room."
"Every night, I can do whatever I want, but I have to force myself on and do it several times!"
"Tsk tsk, that taste..."
He smacked his lips, stuck out his thick tongue, licked his lips, and his eyes were full of greed and lust.
Ma Hongjun's greasy yet smug voice was not deliberately lowered.
Oscar, who was standing next to him, naturally heard everything clearly.
In his eyes, there was no disgust like Dai Mubai's; instead, a burning envy flashed.
He wanted to as well.
Why does that fatso Ma Hongjun get to have such good fortune with women?
He subconsciously glanced at Ning Rongrong not far away.
The girl remained as aloof as ever, like a fairy untouched by worldly affairs.
I've been pursuing her for so long, and we've only held hands a handful of times.
Even now, I'm still a novice.
Then look at Ma Hongjun, not only is he surrounded by women on both sides, but now he can also use this method to turn a female soul master into his own possession.
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