Chapter 1121: Step by step pressing forward

The sound of chairs scraping filled the room as many officials rose and stepped back, creating an empty space around Yu Yanluo, who stood at its center. Clearly, upon seeing that Yu Yanluo looked exactly like Queen Medusa, they had already believed Xu Yu and Xiao Yao's claims.

Zu An also carefully examined the statue in the image. While it looked identical to Yu Yanluo at first glance, a closer inspection revealed many differences. The stone sculpture had an overall more mature demeanor, exuding an eerie and majestic aura. It made one feel as if she were a high and mighty demon god, indifferent to all suffering in the world. Especially her eyes, beautiful yet dangerous. Just seeing them through the image sent a shiver down one's spine. Yu Yanluo's temperament was like a gentle spring breeze, and perhaps inheriting her father's excellent genes, her face was more delicate and soft. Comparatively, Yu Yanluo was still more beautiful.

At this moment, Xiao Yao spoke, "This is the statue erected by the Snake Tribe for the previous Queen Medusa. Everyone, just one look, and you'll know whether everything I just said is true or false." Even the officials who had the closest ties with the Yu family were now looking at Yu Yanluo with utter horror, no longer daring to say a single word in her defense.

Yu Yanluo did not retort at this moment. Instead, she stared blankly at the stone sculpture in the image, with what seemed like tears glistening in her eyes. Zu An secretly sighed, thinking, "Oh, for heaven's sake, I know you're emotional seeing your mother's statue, but you can't show your true feelings at a time like this."

With no other option, he stood up to help, saying, "Is it not a bit far-fetched to rely solely on a video to prove that Madam Yu is Medusa? After all, video recordings can be faked." Not long ago, he and Yu Yanluo had tampered with the video mirror; he hadn't expected the tables to turn so quickly. Previously, whenever he spoke up for Yu Yanluo, some officials would agree, but this time, no one dared to. Although there was no irrefutable evidence, seeing the appearance of the stone sculpture, everyone understood what was happening.

Xiao Yao frowned, while Xu Yu said, "Lord Zu, are you suggesting Brother Xiao forged the video stone? Although Brother Xiao is a bit unconventional at times, he is an upright person, and his early deeds are well-known. How could such a person resort to deceit?"

Zu An replied, "Madam Yu is also usually gentle, kind, and charitable. Why do you assume she is a demon?"

Xu Yu's breath hitched. However, someone who reached his position was by no means foolish, and he reacted quickly. "This official knows that Lord Zu has always had a deep friendship with Madam Yu, so it's understandable that you are unwilling to believe this fact. If Lord Zu still doesn't believe it, we can have professionals examine this video stone to check for signs of forgery."

Zu An silently praised his cunning. This move immediately branded him as speaking out of personal friendship with Yu Yanluo rather than for justice, causing his words to lose much of their credibility.

"The authenticity of the video stone will naturally need to be sent to the capital for professional verification," Zu An said, trying his best to buy time. "Regardless of the video stone's authenticity for now, the world is vast and full of wonders; it's not unheard of for two unrelated people to look similar, and it has happened over the years. Are you claiming Madam Yu is Medusa just because she resembles this statue?"

Xu Yu calmly stated, "The world is indeed vast, but everyone can recall: weren't all those past tales of two people looking alike just rumors, never truly witnessed by anyone? Now, Madam Yu and Queen Medusa are almost identical. Combined with the Yu family's protection of demon-related businesses over the years, isn't that enough to explain everything?"

Other officials friendly with Xu Yu quickly agreed. Many even began to angrily accuse Zu An of protecting Yu Yanluo because he coveted her beauty.

Zu An was furious. "Who was it just now, fawning over Madam Yu and trying to curry favor, and now you turn around and accuse me of coveting her beauty!" His cultivation was becoming increasingly refined, and his spirit had fully formed. So in his anger, his gaze held a daunting power, causing many officials to mumble and avoid meeting his eyes directly.

At this moment, Yu Yanluo finally regained her composure. "Though I dare not claim to have exhausted myself, I have done many good deeds for Yunzhong Commandery and even the people of the world over the years, never committing any harmful acts. If Lord Xu has summoned me here today just to discuss such trivial matters, then please excuse me, as I shall no longer stay." As the head of her family and due to her lineage, it was impossible for her to be as weak as an ordinary woman. Arguing further at this point would be disadvantageous for her. Her top priority was to return to her headquarters, gather her loyal forces, and then plan her response.

"Trying to leave?" Xiao Yao's expression turned cold. He drew his sword and blocked her path.

Yu Yanluo showed no fear. With a wave of her delicate hand, the Thousand-Mile Mountain and Sea Scroll protected her body. "What, do you intend to condemn me without cause?" She was halfway through her sentence when her expression suddenly changed. The Thousand-Mile Mountain and Sea Scroll in the air fell directly to the ground, and her entire body crumpled, falling downwards.

Zu An, quick-eyed and nimble-handed, hastily caught her. "What's wrong?"

Yu Yanluo's face was pale. Her eyes fixed on the teacup on the table as she declared, "I've been poisoned!" Because of her stunning beauty, many unscrupulous individuals coveted her, so she was always very careful with what she ate and drank. But this was a gathering of all high-ranking officials in Yunzhong Commandery, and with Zu An and the imperial envoy present, she never expected anyone would dare to poison someone under these circumstances, which was how she fell victim.

Zu An glared angrily at Xu Yu. "Xu, you actually poisoned us? What exactly are you trying to do?" Other officials also panicked and quickly circulated their inner energy to check their own conditions.

At this moment, Xu Yu extended a hand to calm everyone. "Everyone, don't worry. Only Yu Yanluo's teacup was laced with Hundred Herbs Softening Powder."

Xiao Yao also frowned. "Xu Yu, what is the meaning of this?" Being aloof, he naturally disapproved of such underhanded tactics.

Xu Yu explained, "Brother Xiao, I know your swordsmanship is divine, but if a real fight breaks out, it would be difficult to control the outcome regardless of who gets hurt. That's why I specifically obtained this medicine, to first control the suspect and then report to the imperial court for His Majesty to make a decision. Brother Xiao, rest assured, this medicine only temporarily prevents the user from using their primal energy; it's not a lethal poison."

Although Xiao Yao felt dissatisfied, he found it difficult to say anything at this critical moment. Zu An, however, said coldly, "Lord Xu, the imperial envoy is present, yet you made decisions without consulting him and used underhanded tricks from the martial world. Where do you place the laws of the imperial court?"

Xu Yu cupped his hands toward Lord Sang. "The reason I did not inform Lord Sang in advance is primarily because Yu Yanluo's identity is too unique; a slight misstep could cause turmoil and catastrophe throughout Yunzhong Commandery. Furthermore, Lord Zu's close relationship with Yu Yanluo is well-known, and I was concerned someone might act emotionally. That's why I acted first and reported later. I hope Lord Sang will forgive me."

The expressions of the officials present instantly became very peculiar, as it was indeed as he had expected: from the very beginning, Zu An had been protecting Yu Yanluo. If the imperial envoy had truly been informed in advance, Yu Yanluo would likely have already prepared her defenses.

Zu An was about to speak but was interrupted by Sang Hong, who said, "Lord Xu has indeed considered everything thoroughly." Then he looked at Zu An. "Lord Zu, Madam Yu once saved you, so it's natural for you to worry about her. However, this case involves the thousand-year blood feud between humans and demons, and cannot be treated lightly. Next, we will uncover the truth. If Madam Yu is innocent, we will naturally clear her name."

Xu Yu secretly admired him. Sang Hong was indeed an old fox; with a few light words, he attributed Zu An's help for Yu Yanluo to loyalty for repaying a favor, rather than suggesting he coveted her beauty and defied imperial laws. Even if the emperor found out later, he wouldn't be able to punish Zu An for it. Furthermore, he subtly intervened in the case investigation. Now, no information could be kept from him.

At this moment, Sang Hong secretly transmitted his voice to Zu An using primal energy, his voice quite anxious: "A'Zu, the thousand-year blood feud between humans and demons is something no one can resolve. You must not get involved. Even if you don't think about yourself, think about those waiting for you back in the capital!" He knew this fellow was usually carefree, but deep down, he had an impulsive streak. If he truly got carried away, the consequences would be severe. He certainly didn't want his daughter to be widowed before she even got married, or his grandchild to be fatherless before being born.

Zu An's expression flickered, clearly in the midst of an intense internal struggle.

At this moment, Yu Yanluo's crimson lips parted slightly. "Lord Zu, please lower your head. I have something to tell you."

Zu An knew she couldn't circulate her primal energy normally now and thus couldn't transmit her voice discreetly, so he leaned in, lowering his head.

"A little closer," Yu Yanluo beckoned to him, her voice soft, sweet, and seductive. Even Sang Hong, who usually avoided women, felt his heart pound at that moment. "This woman is truly a captivating vixen," he thought. "No wonder Zu An is so infatuated with her." Because of his daughter, he naturally felt a hint of displeasure seeing Yu Yanluo, such a formidable romantic rival.

The other officials, however, felt more jealousy. Watching Yu Yanluo's red lips almost graze Zu An's ear as she whispered, they acknowledged that even though they were now somewhat afraid, knowing she was Medusa, she was simply too beautiful. Countless people usually fantasized about her warm, soft body pressing close as she whispered words of love to them. Now, they watched with their own eyes as she behaved so intimately with another man. Many regretted not speaking up earlier to help, thinking, "What if she is Medusa? Didn't her father, a human, marry Medusa anyway?"