For the first time, Oscar felt a strong sense of imbalance.
On what grounds?
Just because he is a phoenix of evil fire?
On the other side.
Zhu Zhuqing's figure was like a sculpture blending into the shadows.
Her hearing was far more sensitive than that of ordinary people, and she heard every word of what Ma Hongjun and Oscar were saying.
Her face instantly darkened, and a chill settled in the depths of her eyes.
His fist was clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white from the force.
You beast!!
These two words were silently screaming in her heart.
Looking at the woman on the stage being flaunted like a trophy, and at the smug men below, she felt waves of nausea.
Is this the companion she once entrusted everything to?
Are these the Shrek Seven Devils?
How ridiculous!
...
On the judge's bench, Yu Xiaogang's malicious voice interrupted everyone's thoughts.
He looked at the trembling female soul master and said in a persuasive tone:
"Don't be afraid."
"Tell me everything you've seen and experienced!"
"With the Tang Clan standing up for you, and the Heaven Dou Empire backing you up, you have nothing to fear from any evil forces!"
The female soul master's body trembled even more violently.
She slowly raised her head, her pale face revealing empty, lifeless eyes, as if all her soul had been ripped away.
All eyes were on her.
Countless gazes, like countless sharp needles, pierced her body, leaving her completely wounded.
Finally, she managed to lift her arm with difficulty.
The index finger trembled slightly in the air, and finally, it pointed straight up at Ning Lin in the center of the judge's bench.
"It's...it's him..."
Her voice was hoarse and broken, as if it had been sanded.
"That's him!"
"In the dark alley of Suzaku Avenue... he forcibly... violated me..."
Boom!!
These words caused an uproar throughout the entire trial square!
The slight doubt that had arisen because of Prince Xuexing's intervention vanished at this moment.
The victim personally identified the perpetrator!
What else is there to say?
"Kill him!"
"This kind of scum doesn't deserve to be the city lord!"
"Lingchi! He must be executed by lingchi!"
The waves of anger rose higher and higher, almost upsetting the entire square.
The atmosphere at the scene plummeted to freezing point.
Those viewers who were unaware of the truth turned against Ning Lin once again, their eyes filled with contempt and hatred.
On the Shrek team's side.
Xiao Wu's face turned somewhat pale.
She gripped the hem of her dress tightly, looking at the spirited Tang San on the stage, her heart filled with complex emotions.
She knew Tang San's character all too well.
He would stop at nothing to help his friends and to uphold what he believed to be "justice".
Today, in order to protect Ma Hongjun and to maintain Tang San's glorious image,
Ning Lin is most likely going to die here.
Is this really true?
For the first time, Xiao Wu's heart wavered in its belief in Tang San's actions.
On the high platform.
In the seats of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Ning Fengzhi looked down at the composed young man who seemed to be in control of the entire scene, and the light of admiration in his eyes grew even brighter.
good!
What a Tang San!
This mindset and these methods truly make him an exceptional individual!
He increasingly hoped that this kid could become his son-in-law.
This ruthless attitude is not much different from my own back then.
Back then, in order to secure his position as sect leader, he secretly eliminated far more than just one or two political enemies.
After all, in the Douluo Continent where strength reigns supreme, the illustrious reputation of any powerful figure is inevitably accompanied by countless lives lost and bones shed.
No one cares about those unfortunate souls who died unjustly.
In the end, people will only sing praises to the victors and celebrate their achievements.
It's a pity.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze swept over Ning Lin on the stage with a look of apparent regret.
He had previously thought highly of this young man.
Talent, courage, and wisdom are all top-notch qualities.
But now it seems that compared to Tang San, he is still lacking in skill.
In the end, it's nothing more than a whetstone.
Ning Fengzhi's thoughts also represented the majority of the forces present who came to watch the trial.
At this stage, whether Ning Lin was truly wronged is no longer important.
The important point is how powerful the Tang Sect, or rather Tang San, demonstrated.
They need to reassess their relationship with the Tang Clan.
As for Ninglin...
Who cares about a pawn destined to be sacrificed?
...
Under the spotlight.
Ning Lin looked at the female Soul Master who had pointed him out, his expression somewhat complicated.
To be honest, I do regret it a little.
If I hadn't been meddling in other people's business, I wouldn't have gotten myself into this huge trouble.
But if you were to ask him, if he were in the same situation again, would he help or not...?
Ning Lin gave a self-deprecating smile to himself.
Most likely, they will still be saved.
Some things, though known to be impossible, must be done.
This is something ingrained in him; he can't change it.
He slowly raised his head, facing the barrage of insults and accusations, his gaze passing through the throng of people before finally landing on Tang San's face.
Tang San, impressive skills.
Ning Lin's lips curled into a mocking smile.
He suddenly spoke.
The sound wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
"Tang San".
All eyes were on him.
Ning Lin ignored those gazes and simply stared intently at Tang San.
"Let me ask you."
"The three major crimes that framed me—'tax evasion and embezzlement' and 'colluding with the Martial Soul Empire and betraying military intelligence'—now it seems that these two are completely fabricated?"
Tang San's pupils contracted slightly, but he did not answer.
Ning Lin didn't need his answer.
He continued speaking to himself, his voice growing louder and louder.
"So, now only the third one remains: 'raping a female Soul Master in the street'."
His gaze shifted to Prince Xuexing, and then to all the ministers of the Heavenly Dou Empire on the high platform.
Even if!
Even if this charge is upheld!
Ning Lin's voice suddenly rose to a high pitch, like a resounding bell, shaking people's souls!
"I, Ning Lin, am the Lord of Tiandou City, personally appointed by Emperor Xueye, and an Imperial Earl!"
"This alone doesn't seem like enough to warrant the death penalty, does it?"
"According to the laws of Heavenly Battle, how should this crime be punished?!"
yes.
Even if the charges are established, is an Imperial Earl and the Lord of Tiandou City really enough to warrant the death penalty?
When did the laws of Heaven's Struggle become so harsh?
For a moment, the crowd, which had just been indignant, showed a hint of confusion on their faces.
Ning Lin's words, however, calmed them down.
On the high platform, Prince Xuexing's expression changed repeatedly, his lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word.
He wanted to refute, but found that Ning Lin's words were all reasonable.
According to imperial law, for nobles, the act of raping and humiliating a woman was indeed not a capital offense.
At most, the punishment would be stripping the title, compensating the victims, and adding a period of imprisonment.
Tang San definitely overstepped his authority!
All eyes, without prior agreement, once again focused on Tang San.
They wanted to see how this newly appointed leader of the Tang Clan would respond to this seemingly irresponsible question.
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(End of chapter)