Chapter 278: I Agree to Sentence the Old Thief Wuyu to Death

Mo Danxin is currently the Prefect of Dayan County. Known for his fairness and impartiality in handling affairs, he earned the nickname "Justice Mo." He remains unmoved by and sternly rejects attempts by local influential figures to curry favor or offer bribes. He treats mortals and cultivators equally, showing no favoritism towards cultivators. Furthermore, he is the highest-ranking cultivator in Dayan County, possessing a Mid-Soul Transformation cultivation. With the blessing of national destiny, no one can threaten his safety. He has also vigorously developed the tourism industry, cultivating a unique culinary culture for Dayan County. This has attracted more and more people to visit and spend, boosting the local economy. Under his governance, Dayan County is flourishing.

However, he recently encountered two unexpected issues that he felt were beyond his capacity to handle. The first matter was the imperial court dispatching troops to be stationed on Waste Mountain, reportedly due to the discovery of a demonic sect's stronghold. It was unclear whether it was linked to the defunct Immortal Sect or one of the other three demonic sects. The army was commanded by General Lu, an elder with a Body Integration cultivation and immense prestige within the military. With this old general stationed there, Mo Danxin, as a mere Prefect, no longer needed to worry.

The second matter involved a highly influential figure imprisoned in the jail: Daoist Buyu. His status was second only to the Emperor's. He was the sect leader of one of the Five Great Immortal Sects, the strongest cultivator below the Tribulation Transcension stage, the most formidable sword master of his era, and someone with enemies spanning the entire realm. Fortunately, this esteemed figure was cooperative, staying confined in the jail as instructed without any resistance. Had he resisted, Mo Danxin truly wouldn't have been able to keep Daoist Buyu imprisoned. Legally speaking, Mo Danxin had jurisdiction, and Daoist Buyu's offense was minor, warranting only a few days of detention. However, Mo Danxin felt that Daoist Buyu's status was too high, and his case should be reported to the imperial court.

Moreover, Mo Danxin faced another problem: while Daoist Buyu was indeed imprisoned, he was telling stories in the jail, attracting many people who came specifically to listen. For example, stealing a few taels of silver would, by law, result in five days of imprisonment. With family bringing meals, the jail cells being warm in winter and cool in summer, and a Body Integration stage mighty cultivator telling stories next door, those five days passed incredibly comfortably. It was unknown who spread this "experience," but many people imitated it, and now the jail couldn't hold all the prisoners. An outsider might assume Dayan County was a place of extreme wickedness, given the overcrowded jail. If this turned into a rumor reaching the Emperor, all his achievements would be slandered, and he wouldn't be able to explain himself. Who would believe that a jail is overcrowded just for listening to storytelling?

Fortunately, upon learning of the situation, the imperial court took it very seriously. The Minister of Punishment personally flew to Dayan County to handle Daoist Buyu's case.

"My Lord, the Minister of Punishment is arriving soon," a subordinate whispered. Hearing this, Mo Danxin quickly shed his casual clothes, donned his official robes, and went out to greet him. As Mo Danxin exited, the Minister of Punishment descended from the sky, without even attendants, clearly indicating the urgency of his journey. Minister of Punishment Xu Xin was tall and imposing, with sharp, chiseled features. His brocade robes signified his noble status. He possessed profound insights into law and was deeply trusted by Emperor Xia.

"Minister Xu, regarding the matter of the Dao-Seeking Sect Leader..." The Minister of Punishment waved his hand, "I know the full story. I agree to sentence that old scoundrel Buyu to death!"

"Ah? But the Dao-Seeking Sect Leader is..."

"Death sentence!" the Minister of Punishment stated unequivocally.

Seeing the Minister of Punishment's attitude, Mo Danxin suddenly recalled a rumor: it was said that any official in the Imperial City, if you threw a random stone, would likely be an enemy of Daoist Buyu. There was even a poem that read: "Who in the world does not know you?" This referred to Daoist Buyu.

"Come on, let's go see that old scoundrel Buyu!" The Minister of Punishment pulled Mo Danxin and hurried towards the jail. He had heard that Daoist Buyu was imprisoned in Dayan County, and he had canceled a dinner with colleagues to rush over and witness the spectacle.

The jail was bustling with noise, as if it contained violent criminals causing a disturbance. Listening closely, one would realize that someone inside the jail was telling stories.

"Let's say that one day, Qin Jiunian, the Grand Elder of the Dao-Seeking Sect, and I were traveling through the Central Continent. Using our heavenly eyes, we discovered a tomb emanating powerful corpse qi. I did a quick divination, and it was certain a Corpse King-level zombie had been born there! Originally, we intended to return to our sect for reinforcements to surround the Corpse King. However, the Corpse King discovered us and attempted to escape by burrowing underground! No sooner said than done, I struck first with a technique called 'Immortal Flying from Beyond,' breaking through multiple seals and the thick earth of the tomb, effectively sealing the Corpse King's escape route. Seeing this, the Corpse King led a mighty horde of zombies to attack Qin Jiunian and me! Who are Qin Jiunian and I? The Sect Leader and Grand Elder of the Dao-Seeking Sect! Did a mere Corpse King truly think it could defeat us? The Corpse King then revealed its true form as a Drought Demon, turning thousands of miles of land barren and parched. It ignited subterranean fire, transforming the heavens and earth into a sea of flames! With a single sword strike, I stirred winds and clouds, causing the heavens and earth to darken. Qin Jiunian, meanwhile, unleashed his Dharma Idol, a finger as thick as a mountain."

The prisoners in the jail watched Daoist Buyu intently, holding their breath, afraid of disturbing him. Daoist Buyu narrated with great cadence, bringing nonexistent events to life before the audience. Everyone felt as if they were present, watching the battle unfold.

The Minister of Punishment's expression was odd. If his memory served correctly, old scoundrel Buyu and Grand Elder Qin had gone to build a tomb that time, accidentally dug into a real one, and were mistaken for grave robbers. Where was any Corpse King or Drought Demon? After a few years, old scoundrel Buyu's ability to fabricate stories had grown immensely! The Minister of Punishment recalled the many times he had been tricked by Daoist Buyu in the past, gritting his teeth in frustration. He's finally in my hands!

"Old scoundrel Buyu, you're living quite comfortably!" the Minister of Punishment said, smiling at Daoist Buyu.

Everyone in the jail turned to stare at the Minister of Punishment, their eyes blazing with anger, finding him incredibly rude for interrupting their storytelling. Seeing Xu Xin in his luxurious robes, with Prefect Mo following behind, everyone knew Xu Xin was a high-ranking official. How high, they didn't know.

Upon seeing Xu Xin, Daoist Buyu burst out laughing: "Allow me to introduce everyone, this is Minister Xu Xin, the current Minister of Punishment!"

"Old scoundrel Buyu, I advise you to show me some respect! Whether you're locked up for ten days or ten years is entirely up to my word!"

Mo Danxin whispered from behind, "Minister Xu, that should depend on what the law stipulates."

Minister Xu turned and glared at Mo Danxin, scaring him into quickly lowering his head. Minister Xu then turned back to Daoist Buyu, resuming his smiling demeanor.

Daoist Buyu, maintaining his immortal-like demeanor even in jail, said, "What do you want from me? Shall we have a real fight outside? If I win, you let me go? If I lose, you can imprison me for as many days as you wish?"

Hearing this, Xu Xin slammed his hand on the table: "Alright, it's a deal!" Although he had been defeated by Daoist Buyu during his Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Soul Transformation stages, now he was the esteemed Minister of Punishment, who had suppressed countless heinous criminals. In terms of cultivation and practical combat, he wasn't afraid of Daoist Buyu!

Minister Xu yanked open the prison cell chains, unlocked the door, and commanded, "Come out!"

Daoist Buyu smiled faintly and said to Mo Danxin, "Prefect Mo, you saw it, didn't you? I wanted to escape, and Minister Xu agreed to my escape plan and even personally opened the cell door for me. I am the principal offender, and he is the accomplice. Please imprison him as well."

Mo Danxin watched this scene, pondered for two seconds, then stepped forward and gestured politely. "The Dao-Seeking Sect Leader has a point," Mo Danxin said. "Minister Xu, you have openly broken the law in front of this official. Please, proceed."

Xu Xin: "..."

"That damn old scoundrel Buyu, you're in jail and you can still trick me!"