Chapter 2772: I Actually Doubt It

A mere few squads of elite warriors, mostly of Tenglong cultivation, couldn't even pierce skin with their blades, yet they represented the State of Qi!

Chen Yanxun couldn't retaliate, or Chongxuan Sheng would seize the opportunity to escalate further. Yet, he couldn't simply be hacked away by a group of ordinary soldiers. Fleeing would be an admission of guilt and accepting the pursuit, not to mention whether leaving his back exposed to these villains was wise. His final step had to be completed on the platform!

Guided by the light of the Human Path, at this peak of humanity's prosperity, elevated by the torrent of the Human Path, and filling the old regrets of the era, only then could he truly begin his ascension.

At such a moment, he had nothing left to hold back. He raised his voice and shouted, "I have always known of Emperor Li's illustrious virtue! A monarch’s name emerged at the dawn of this age, and the world's momentum could rise from the northwest. You are an elder, and a wise ruler! Now, the chief referee is arrogant, the Legalists are unreasonable, and the dukes and marquises of hegemonic states oppress with their power! Will you not step forward and speak? It is cold at the heights; this lofty platform chills my heart. I implore you to uphold justice!"

No one had expected that Yan Chunhui’s trump card would be Hong Junyan.

However, once he spoke, it no longer seemed very surprising.

Hong Junyan had been accumulating power for so long, calmly training his troops for years without contending with any faction. He possessed great composure! Without sufficient preparation, how could he so easily come to contend on the Guanhe Platform?

The former plotted against Jing, restless for action; the latter spied on Yong, unable to hold back. Later, during the struggle for supremacy on the Guanhe Platform, the words "seeking hegemony now" were practically written on their faces.

Compared to the nation-wrecking Rakshasa or the world-revolutionizing State of Equality, a peerless strongman like Yan Chunhui, who acted with propriety, was the ally he could openly acknowledge.

The slaughter of mortals and oppression of common people were minor issues, easily accounted for.

Both parties sought something on the Guanhe Platform and were bound to clash with the existing order, making them a match made in heaven.

As soon as Chen Yanxun spoke, Xie Ai immediately flew towards the high platform.

"The Marquis of Bowang is too eager!" The sorrowful, fragile-looking woman spread her hands, instantly conjuring frost and snow, freezing the Qi elite warriors who were rushing towards the platform in mid-air.

She said coolly, "The Guanhe Platform is for martial contests, how can it become a battlefield?"

She wasn't very articulate, so she recited the words Yelü Zhi had written for her, then stood firm at the front of the platform. Yelü Zhi, wearing a half-face mask, was currently in the spectator stands. That year, he had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Huang Sheli, his face smashed on one side by a staff. He had vowed, "My face shall not be restored until my revenge is complete," determined to win it back... and he had worn the mask ever since.

It was foreseeable that he would never remove it for the rest of his life.

However, after his crushing defeat on the Guanhe Platform, his personality had become much more stable, and he was more meticulous in his thinking. Among the younger generation of the Li State, he was considered a strategist.

At that very moment, Chongxuan Sheng unexpectedly intervened on behalf of Qi. Only by invoking the state's name could he be stopped. Otherwise, no matter how many people came, they would only be waiting to be beaten alongside Chen Yanxun.

Jiang Wang's gaze swept past Xie Ai and landed on Hong Junyan.

Hong Junyan gave him a reassuring look: "Chief Referee Jiang! Focus on the competition. Don't be distracted by trifles. If Chen Yanxun truly has issues, leave him to the Legalists for punishment."

The Inner Palace tournament semifinals were indeed still in progress.

Although much attention had been diverted, Gong Weizhang and Zhuge Zuo's talents remained dazzling.

"Yan Chunhui is not an imbecile, nor does he lack composure. Daring to take such a risk on the Guanhe Platform, he must have depended on someone." Jiang Wang said slowly, "I kept wondering who supported him. It turns out it was Your Majesty."

"My dear Brother Jiang! I do not support him; the one I support is you! From beginning to end, through and through!"

Hong Junyan's verbal expressions and his seating position had always been distinct.

From the start, he hadn't firmly secured his position as Dragon Monarch, having been sullied by Wei Xuanche. The Rakshasa Mingyue Jing's operations had also failed, Jing State had revealed its plans to pacify the Sea of Evils, and it was uncertain if the State of Equality could still stir up any trouble...

Yan Chunhui was already one of his few remaining options. And Jiang Wang had recently rejected him!

Now, how should he choose? Was there still a need to hesitate?

"You presided over the Yellow River Meeting, and Li State was the first to support you! Li State has also strictly adhered to all the rules of this grand assembly. As for the main competition slots, whatever you say, that's how it's decided. My Er Zhuhe treats you with the utmost respect, considering himself your disciple. I tell everyone I meet that our bond is unbreakable!" "However, the Guanhe Platform is, in the end, a place for reason."

"Did Chen Yanxun threaten Qi? I didn't see it."

"On the contrary, the Marquis of Bowang, with his minor words and great anger, is constantly shouting about fighting and killing... he inevitably carries the suspicion of bullying others with his power."

His robes swayed like the sea, and his voice was as heavy as a mountain: "When we establish rules on this platform, we must ensure that everyone in the world sees reason. Don't you agree?"

"Oh, is that so!" Chongxuan Sheng loudly interrupted Hong Junyan's grand pronouncement, then looked at Chen Yanxun with his small eyes: "Do you truly have no intention of threatening Qi?"

"Absolutely not!" Chen Yanxun immediately became earnest again: "I have always respected the Emperor of the Eastern State! Linzi is also a city I am very fond of."

"Then this marquis misunderstood." Chongxuan Sheng smiled and waved his hand: "You all continue your discussion. Let's pretend what just happened didn't occur."

He then squinted his eyes and asked, "True Master Xie, how long will you keep this marquis's guards frozen?"

Jiang Wang remained calm in significant situations, but limited by the nature of the Yellow River Meeting itself, he might not truly be able to completely expose Yan Chunhui. Although Wu Bingyi was powerful and firm enough, the Hall of Three Punishments ultimately couldn't make the final decision on the Guanhe Platform.

This was the world's platform where the Dharma Idols of the six emperors descended; the true voice came only from state power.

He had anticipated that Yan Chunhui had another trick up his sleeve, which was why he abruptly brought out the national artifact and blindly threw it, indeed revealing Hong Junyan.

However, his actions had not, after all, been authorized by the Emperor. To put it severely, there was a suspicion of him misusing a national artifact for personal gain—though that was precisely the truth of the matter.

After today, it would be difficult for him to represent the state in diplomatic missions, and he would certainly lose significant favor with the Emperor—these were all consequences he was prepared to bear.

But since Hong Junyan had stepped forward, he, as a Marquis of Qi, should now take his seat.

While Qi could not possibly fear Li, becoming hostile with Li did not align with Qi's national interests. He also had to gauge the Emperor's temperament when acting—

If Yan Chunhui could be killed outright without rhyme or reason, the Qi Emperor would probably have tacitly approved.

But with Yan Chunhui so difficult to handle, and still wanting to be at odds with Li and vigorously support Jiang Wang... the Emperor's wrath could lead to a change of command on the battlefield.

He wouldn't overestimate his own importance.

The Emperor had, after all, executed hereditary dukes and marquises before.

Stopping here was just right.

Yan Chunhui also had to reluctantly play along with him, sending Hong Junyan back to his seat. As long as he remained seated there, he still had an opportunity to do something.

Xie Ai said nothing, merely melting the frost and unfreezing the men to return them.

As soon as the Qi elite warriors descended the platform, Chen Yanxun bowed to Wu Bingyi: "Grandmaster, you question my actions, and my heart trembles with immense trepidation! Setting aside the matter of evidence for now, I wish to ask Grandmaster Wu: the Guanhe Platform belongs to all under heaven. With all states present today, which school of law does the Hall of Three Punishments intend to enforce?"

Wu Bingyi remained expressionless, merely waving his large sleeve. Instantly, countless bamboo slips soared into the air, densely packed like pouring rain.

"Annihilating families, slaughtering clans, blood sacrifices, torture, dismemberment, soul dissolution... even flaying alive, dissecting bones while still living, and stealing life force!"

"These bamboo slips cannot even contain the crimes of the Human Devil!"

As he delivered his statements, one charge after another clearly appeared suspended in the air at the scene, also reflected in the Grand Void Illusory Realm and on the sky screens in various regions.

"You can say that the wisdom or folly of your teachings is beyond your control, or that the misfortunes of entire clans are not your responsibility. But here, everything connected to you has also been compiled."

Wu Bingyi casually pulled out a bamboo slip and, like a legal sword, pointed it at Chen Yanxun: "Look at this one—Yu Nanji's disciple practiced your blood divination technique. You, wishing to research this art, demanded that the Lord of Chen provide you with three times three boy children and nine times nine girl children. Where did these children go? This matter has the testimony of the Lord of Chen, the former Deputy Minister of Revenue of Chen who secretly managed this affair, and the families who lost their sons and daughters as factual witnesses. There are also population registers with names directly erased, serving as physical evidence! Can you refute this?" "Grandmaster Gongsun did not prosecute with his legal sword because he did not expect you to be on the platform and thus had no relevant evidence prepared. Legalist punishments are not based on subjective convictions."

"To prosecute you, I personally made a trip to Chen State. My disciple, Zhuo Qingru, is still there gathering evidence—without three to five months, it will likely be difficult to complete the task. You have done so many things!"

"Even if there are no eternal laws under heaven, I believe there are established rules among humanity."

He flicked his sleeve heavily: "No matter which state's or family's law, you deserve to die!"

As soon as these words were uttered, the heavenly judgment was sealed.

For a long time, the Human Devil had been the most terrifying 'ghost story' in the current world, only halted when Jiang Wang erected the sword stele outside Wuhui Valley.

Today, Wu Bingyi's attitude was one of action, and his method was to kill. He only ascended the platform after preparing ample evidence, to publicly prosecute the heinous Selfless Human Devil before the world—

Fear gives rise to abandonment, public hatred swells, and the world's law roars!

This trial was now unstoppable!!

Billions of gazes converged on the Guanhe Platform, where they could see Wu Bingyi's intent to uphold the law forming a single-horned Xiezhi, reaching towards the heavens as if to touch them!

This beast of law materialized from the void, born of law, resonating with law. It stood upon Wu Bingyi's high crown, making him momentarily seem as towering as the azure sky. It allowed him to touch the possibility of transcendence.

He had authored 'Three Lectures on Virtue and Law,' achieved the merit of establishing laws for a thousand years, and borne the responsibility of overseeing law across the world.

His accumulation had long been sufficient, and even his moral standing was adequate. However, the Grand Dao was ultimately difficult to attain; without this public trial today, he would have needed more space for the Judigong or more time for 'Three Lectures on Virtue and Law' or other works to truly be said to have 'touched' the supreme.

Of course, the journey from 'touching' to 'reaching' remained a long process.

But at this very moment, the Xiezhi's single horn was pointed at Yan Chunhui, aiming for his death! Chen Yanxun saw this with alarm, realizing that death was upon him.

He understood that he faced not only Wu Bingyi but all the karma attributed to the Human Devil, all the evil he had personally created!

He had heard of the Legalist school many times, and he had even specifically studied Legalist arts, but this was the first time he truly faced the word 'Law' and vaguely understood what 'Law' meant.

To walk the path of supreme transcendence, there were surprisingly still so many shackles in the human world.

"Zhenhe True Monarch drew his sword, making me change my path. Daishan King waved his fist, eradicating my evil karma. I have already reformed!"

He admitted it!

"Evil carries guilt, and cause inevitably leads to effect; I accept this. The world hates me, and I bear the responsibility. Grandmaster Wu despises evil as he does a personal enemy and is unwilling to give me a chance; I completely understand."

"But forgive me for not trusting you, and I also fear that Zhenhe True Monarch might harbor personal grudges under the guise of justice."

Chen Yanxun bowed earnestly: "Today, the pioneering Emperor Li is present, and I have absolute faith in him—I request Emperor Li to weigh the law against my wickedness and mete out punishment to me!"

Hong Junyan wanted nothing to do with these messy affairs.

On one hand, he collaborated with Rakshasa Mingyue Jing; on another, he maintained tacit understanding with the State of Equality. Yet, he also secretly, unbeknownst to Rakshasa Mingyue Jing and the State of Equality, made his move with the Selfless Human Devil long ago. In the current era, opportunities were truly scarce; one slow step meant every step was slow. Jing State could seal its blades and await the Divine Firmament because it already possessed hegemonic status, but he could not wait that long for the Divine Firmament.

He had never imagined that none of these people would succeed!

"Good!" Hong Junyan pressed the armrest: "Our state's Bishop Dongzai, Shen Mingshi, is skilled in managing prisons. I will certainly have him thoroughly investigate this case and handle it justly. If you are guilty, I will not let you off lightly. If your crime is minor, I will not be harsh."

He added: "Grandmaster Wu may oversee this case, to demonstrate the universal law to all under heaven!"

Regardless, as long as he could drag it past today and prevent Yan Chunhui from dying on the platform immediately, there was still a chance to win this round. Just wait for Yan Chunhui to prove his Dao to immortality.

Wu Bingyi could be as strict as he wished.

Shen Mingshi could also be strict! 'Culprit escaping' or 'case room fire' were all easily occurring incidents.

With Wu Bingyi stepping forward to pursue accountability, a public trial before the world was unavoidable, but it needed to be held in a different place, at a different time!

And a different fate...

Chongxuan Sheng almost applauded Yan Chunhui—if only Yan Chunhui weren't standing opposite Brother Wang. Oh no, it was Brother Wang who insisted on standing opposite him, but it was almost the same, the outcome identical.

In such a deadlock, he could still find a way to escape.

Yan Chunhui's ability to preserve his life was truly transcendent. No wonder no one had dared to provoke him for so many years.

During all that time, he hadn't just been sitting in Wuhui Valley basking in the sun!

Jiang Wang shifted his gaze from the Xiezhi to Hong Junyan: "The Legalist public trial can be postponed, but regarding the Yellow River Meeting's ruling, Your Majesty cannot take him back to Li State, can you?"

Hong Junyan replied indifferently, "Of course, I deeply respect this grand assembly."

Chen Yanxun also prepared himself to endure: "True Monarch Jiang, I stand by what I said—I am willing to serve as a warning to the world, without regret or complaint! You just uphold justice!"

Jiang Wang gazed at him deeply, then suddenly declared, "In the Yellow River Meeting's Inner Palace tournament semifinals, Gong Weizhang wins!"

Everyone was taken aback.

Chen Yanxun, however, was struck with alarm! He knew what Jiang Wang was waiting for...

He was waiting for the competition to conclude!

Waiting for the entire Yellow River Meeting to end smoothly, waiting for his discourse on the Dao to be completed.

Waiting for his ideals and sincerity to truly influence this world.

Waiting for him to become an unprecedented version of himself, surpassing his current state!

Wu Bingyi could touch the immortal marks of law through the public trial on the Guanhe Platform. He could use this unprecedented torrent of the Human Path to complete his final ascension. So many wished to leverage this convention, but Jiang Wang, who truly presided over this grand event and profoundly changed the world... how much more would he gain?!

Or perhaps Chen Yanxun was the one who couldn't afford to delay!

Yet Jiang Wang said, "Councillor Huang, please help Gong Weizhang recover to his best state."

Huang Sheli immediately reached out and manipulated, but said, "Put it on my tab!"

Jiang Wang then asked, "Bao Xuanjing, can you fight?!"

Bao Xuanjing jumped out excitedly: "I shall be Qi's champion!"

Then, with a shift of immortal light, the two youths faced each other on the platform. Jiang Wang declared solemnly, "The Inner Palace Championship Final now begins!"

Having completed his main duty as a referee, Jiang Wang turned back to Chen Yanxun: "We need to discuss the violations one by one—Yan Chunhui, the light of the Human Path on you has recently appeared. Where did it come from?"

Chen Yanxun's expression remained unchanged, but his heart was in turmoil!

Jiang Wang, however, strode forward: "Your Excellency's reputation as a champion is incomplete, and your virtuous deeds are not evident, yet you have gained this favor. I am utterly suspicious!!"

"This is a personal fortune; you have no right to question it!" Chen Yanxun immediately explained.

Jiang Wang raised his voice: "The Yuheng Star in the heavens has its lord, who is my elder. On Sumeru Mountain, there are those who know the constellations of the future, who are my seniors. Allow me to invite them to make a divination, seek the spirit and find the source, to clarify your origins, wash away suspicion, and perhaps reduce some of your charges!"

Infinite light and sound were dominated by him, surging into endless terrifying pressure as he advanced.

The light was his cloak, the sound his scepter.

Everyone's attention was fixed on his footsteps.

With every word he spoke, he took a step forward. By the last word, he was almost face to face with Chen Yanxun—

And a dazzling streak of sword light exploded in Chen Yanxun's eyes!!!