Chapter Text
It had been a long, hectic week for the main cultivation Sects. The news of what happened in Jinlan City, the attacks in Huan Hua Palace, the daily invitations from the polite and mysterious sender with the date, time and location where the trial would be held, and of course the daily questions all Sects had at that moment:
Where in the world are Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge?
The skepticism of the Sect Leaders to this mysterious sender and the venue location rose at the sight of it. None of them had been aware of the existence of such an extravagant building.
Outside of Huayue City, there was a building made out of marble, with tall windows that mirrored the exterior, a black metal fence with an ornamented gate that was wide open, leading to an exquisite garden of white gardenias. Inside, a big hall had been prepared. One with two galleries on each side, five elevated seats behind an equally sized desk to the back, a long stand with a podium in the center of the room, and two desks with three and four chairs behind them right in front of the galleries.
Above the ceiling was unlike something they’ve ever seen. The presence of a dome made of glass allowed the natural light to enter at any time of the day. And below, the black and white checkered floor had long red carpets in the areas where people transited the most.
And on the wall at the very back, there was a golden balance embedded to it.
When the four main Sects arrived, they were guided inside by the family that was in charge at the moment, taking care of the place instead of the owner. Any family of Huayue City who went through financial problems would be hired for the simple job of keeping it tidy at all times, tending to the garden—for a set period of time—and they would be paid handsomely.
There were silver plaques over wood that had the names of the Sect Leaders at the elevated seats, leaving an empty spot at the middle. In the galleries, to the right—over simpler desks—there were copper plaques displaying the names of every Immortal worth of recognition; and to the left, the names of the Head Disciples—or the favored ones in some cases—were written.
In front of the left gallery, over the desk, the names of the Lord of Jinlan City, Qiu Haitang and Xiao Gongzhu were written.
The desk at the right had only two plaques, with the names of Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge.
As the gallery started filling—with the exception of one section that was reserved— the Sect Leaders became conscious of one fact—a fact that was as intriguing as it was terrifying.
The mysterious sender predicted with a hundred percent of accuracy how many and exactly who would assist.
With the absence of Shen Qingqiu and Wei Qingwei—that had to stay back with some other Peak Lords to protect the Sect in case of emergency—the one left with the task to enter next to a stern and exhausted Yue Qingyuan was none other than Shang Qinghua, who gave the vaguest reassurances of his whole life.
During the week where before the trial, the An Ding Peak Lord had to bite his tongue several times to keep himself from saying “Shen Qingqiu, Liu Qingge and Ning Yingying are fine. The first one is reading the books at the Library, writing revised versions of them while learning all he can about the missing lore of Proud Immortal Demon Way. The other one has been building to his heart’s content and sparing some time to ambush everyone. And the last one is spending her time taking care of all the demonic beasts Mobei-jun keeps after hiding her boyfriend in Jinlan with our disciples.” Not only was it absurd and unbelievable, it was meant to be kept as a secret. He couldn’t even say that things would be fine and that they should trust him because that would bring unnecessary suspicion on him.
Still, he knew that everything would end just fine for their Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.
‘I’m not so sure about the rest of the Human Realm.’ He thought as he made his way to the seat right behind Shen Qingqiu.
The hall was noisy. It didn’t matter if they tried to keep their voices low, they echoed on the walls. The cultivators were sure that they would be able to hear any whispers in it, yet, so invested were they on their own conversations, that they missed how through the open wide doors three people entered the room with quiet steps and heads held high.
The room quieted down only when they passed behind the podium.
Walking through the middle of the room, Liu Qingge led the way taking his time to glare back at the ones that put them in this position, followed by Shen Qingqiu who walked solemnly with his fan in hand and Ning Yingying who waved her hand at her friends, the three bowing to Yue Qingyuan before taking a seat next to each other in front of the right gallery, with the girl setting her own plaque next to her Shizun’s.
“I can’t believe it.”
“They really showed up?”
“Wasn’t Shen Qingqiu on the run?”
“Who’s that girl next to them?”
“Shen Qingqiu! You dare show your face after all the trouble you’ve caused?” Qiu Haitang was the one who interrupted the whispers before they got louder. Next to her were the hooded Xiao Gongzhu and the pompous Lord of Jinlan and, directly behind, Luo Binghe was sitting, gripping his arm tightly, looking at them in vicious mockery.
“Isn’t it natural for me to be present for my trial?” Shen Qingqiu didn’t even spare her a glance, keeping his eyes closed as he fanned himself.
Qiu Haitang’s eyes were full of spite, “Your violent escape has proven your guilt already.” She scoffed, “Harming the disciples of Huan Hua Palace after knocking Liu Qingge—”
A huff of laughter was heard clearly.
The two younger siblings turned to their Er-ge who had his arms crossed while facing Qiu Haitang with his trademark business smile—diplomatic yet fake and slightly saccharine. “Lady Qiu, I apologize for the interruption. Continue.”
She frowned to Shen Qingqiu who was inspecting his fan now, “That beast keeps attacking those who care about him, and shouldn’t you be ashamed?” She turned around dramatically, “You even harmed Lord Luo, your former disciple!”
Shang Qinghua raised his hand, “Excuse me, Lady Qiu? Before making more accusations, shouldn’t we allow the Sect Leaders start the trial?” The author naturally advised, just as they had planned. His duty was to get people back in track and influence the opinion of those around him.
The Old Palace master nodded and stood up, “Shang-xianshi is right.” He didn’t even look at the An Ding Peak Lord, “Fellow cultivators, this Old Master officially declares the start of the trial of the man known as the Qing Jing Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, the Xiu Ya sword, formerly Shen Jiu, for his crimes against the Qiu family, Jinlan City, Huan Hua Palace and the Human Realm.” The old man just assumed he was the one appointed as the judge for this case.
His kind grandfather façade turned haughty and stern as he looked at Shen Qingqiu, “The slaughter of the Qiu family and all servants, the abuse against his disciples, his alliance with the sowers turning his back to humanity, the attack to his martial brother and Huan Hua Palace’s disciples as well as his escape from his prison.” He paused to make clear the graveness of the charges, “To all those crimes, does Peak Lord Shen have anything to say in his defense?”
Shen Qingqiu stood up turning to the Sect Leaders, “This Ma-” He shook his head, and for the first time in public, he dropped his Peak Lord persona. “This Shen Qingqiu… can’t defend himself.” He was sincere, his smile was sad and there was clear worry when everyone started exclaiming he had confessed his crimes, but there was also confidence and a certain calm in his posture.
However, his words made the hearts of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect members drop.
“Shen-xianshi, are you confessing to your crimes?” The Sect Leader of Zhao Hua Temple—the kind monks who were known for being mediators—intervened. The old monk was as surprised as the rest of the ones present, and asked not to confirm the meaning of the words but out of disbelief.
“My words weren’t a confession.” Shen Qingqiu responded just as before.
“Peak Lord Shen, we demand you explain the meaning of your words!” The voice came from behind him, the place where the rest of the masters were located.
This was it. Shen Yuan knew that this was the cue he had been waiting for.
“What is there to explain?” From the double doors at the entrance, a deep and rich voice was heard. “Isn’t it obvious?” Entering the room, with his long hair braided to a side, a tall and muscular figure dressed in black, blue and silver was making his way in. The cloak he was wearing flowed elegantly with each step; his clothing style was different from the one he wore in the Palace, one that belonged to a fantasy Duke—a request of his two youngest siblings. “The defendant’s words proclaim he is unable to defend himself.”
When he reached the center of the room, he finally looked up, leaving the mark in his forehead that revealed his inheritance exposed.
The gasps and shouts about the presence of a demon started, but before any attacks could be made, the demon snapped his fingers and the double doors closed behind him, connecting the lines of the spell that had been engraved with the thinnest lines on walls of this structure.
The room was sealed, and many of the cultivators swayed when they felt their qi flow was cut.
“Who are you?!” The Sect Leader of the Tian Yi Monastery demanded slightly agitated.
Lao Gongzhu was gripping the desk in front of him as the weak old man he was, “What are you trying to do Demon?!”
He bowed to the Sect Leaders with his right hand over his heart, “This Lord apologizes for his tardiness and greets the rightful cultivators. I am Mobei-jun of the Mobei clan, current ruler and unifier of the whole North Region of the Demon Realm. And today…” He extended his left arm, “This Lord thanks your good faith for heeding my invitation to this courtroom.”
“The Sect Leaders accepted the invitation of a Demon?”
“What were they thinking?”
“How can this be possible?”
“Everyone, please, silence.” The old Abbot was the one to quiet down everyone, “We were unaware the letter was sent by a Demon.”
Mobei-jun’s voice was gentle as he talked, “Human or demon, cultivator or mortal, seniors or juniors... We are all equal in the eyes of Justice.” He straightened up meeting eyes with each Sect Leader his gaze landing on Yue Qingyuan, “Today, I come here not as a Demon Lord, but as the Defense Lawyer of Shen Qingqiu, Liu Qingge and Ning Yingying.”
“It was true! That Shen Qingqiu was allied with demons!” The Lord of Jinlan shouted as he pointed his accusatory finger to Mobei-jun.
Mobei-jun gave a quick read to the plaque in front of the man to know who he was talking to, “Jinlan City’s Lord, this Mobei-jun was looking forward to meeting the man-” He gave him a smile that came out as threatening, “-who closed his food storage—one that could feed all of Jinlan City four times each day for half a year—in the faces of his citizens.”
The constant gasping and commentary about this unbelievable situation from the galleries were non-stop. The other four transmigrators felt calm wash over them at the confident sight of Shen Liyun who didn’t back down at accusations.
The man looked embarrassed and terrified. He was here to demand compensation from Cang Qiong Mountain, lying about his storage, saying it had been depleted due to the pandemic. “He is lying! I- I did not—”
The Ice Demon ignored him and continued, “This Lord was just stating a fact. And, to clarify, this Lord’s relation to Shen Qingqiu, he met Peak Lord Shen and Peak Lord Liu only once before they were sent to be imprisoned,” He paused, “Oh, forgive me, relocated—as you cultivators say—in Huan Hua Palace.” He carefully rolled up his sleeves, revealing the scars underneath, “During our fight, Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge fought to protect Huan Hua Palace’s disciples and... disciple Luo Binghe over there,” He nodded at Luo Binghe—or maybe it was Xin Mo? He wasn’t sure due to how frequent the eyes were flickering in color. “During our struggle Shen Qingqiu’s disciple fell into the Endless Abyss and the Peak Lords retaliated, leaving me with these scars as a parting gift.”
Shang Qinghua exclaimed, “That explains the burn marks on Liu-shidi’s clothing that day!”
The Sect Leader of Tian Yi Monastery said, “Those scars could be from another fight. How can we trust the words of a demon?”
“This Mobei-jun is not asking you to believe his words; as a Sect Leader, this one is sure that your knowledge of the Demon Race will suffice this time,” He made eye contact with the man, “Demons are prideful, even of their battle scars.”
“Why are you choosing to defend them then?” Yue Qingyuan spoke for the first time, skeptical.
“It is out of personal interest.” He didn’t explain any further, “As for what are this Mobei-jun’s intentions…” There was a subtle inflection as his icy blue eyes met Lao Gongzhu’s, “It is nothing but to bring the truth of all events to light.”
“What truth? Everything is clear in everyone’s eyes.” Qiu Haitang looked at the four siblings.
“You demon dare to speak of justice, truth, equality when you have sealed our qi?” Lao Gongzhu was sitting, but his eyes were vivid, “This is the kind of treacherous behavior of the demons.”
Mobei-jun pulled out of his pocket a cube that he dropped behind the witnesses’ stand. The cube started disarming itself, opening and with a brief flash, it revealed a live footage of the front doors of the building, and next to them, a dull white sign that had the regulations of the place engraved.
- Violence will not be tolerated in the House of Justice. The penalty of this crime will be immediate expulsion to the highest mountain.
- Following the previous rule, as a preemptive measure, The House of Justice will block the qi of unaffiliated cultivators and demons during trials to avoid destruction of the premises.
- The doors of the courtroom will be closed during the trials unless a recess is issued by the five judges.
- In case of emergency, follow the instructions of the personnel in charge.
- By entering the courtroom you are agreeing to all the rules above.
“This Mobei-jun forgives Lao Gongzhu for his lack of faith in this one’s good will.” He finally made his way next to his siblings, “This one is aware of how judgmental both of our brethren can be. Still, it won’t deter this Mobei-jun from his wish of one day understanding each other.” He smiled as best as he could, “Perhaps this day will be a huge step.”
The room was left speechless.
Mobei-jun was eloquent, polite yet daring, and with an unyielding presence.
The Demon was someone that clearly didn’t speak empty words. Many of the ones present had witnessed the aftermath of his fight with both Peak Lords and remembered the sight of the burnt robes of Liu Qingge, and he had scars to prove it too.
And it was that, the evidence, which made them unable to blame Mobei-jun of trickery.
Even with the high stakes at play, Shen Liyun was enjoying this moment. His partner had never explained the way law worked in PIDW which left a plot hole, and as all other plot holes, it had been filled in the most logical way for such a setting.
The Lords of each city made the rules and during a trial they played judge, jury and executioner, all based on their moods and personal beliefs.
But Shen Liyun had been a lawyer for years, he experienced first-hand what was to be a judge, jury, defense attorney, prosecutor, arbitrator; he knew that people wanted fair and just treatment.
His crossroads demon behavior—as Shang Qinghua described it—made an appearance only when he needed something from deceitful people.
Now, since there was no written law or clear procedures—Shen Liyun had done his own research—he was allowed to do whatever he wished.
And if the cultivators wished for a trial, he was willing to play along, giving the cultivation realm a mild taste of modern Law Systems in a theatrical way that would enchant them with his methods to pursue the truth.
“Sect Leaders,” Shen Liyun directed his attention to them, “To explain the words of Shen Qingqiu, this Lawyer requests Peak Lord Mu Qingfang, Shen Qingqiu’s personal physician, to testify about the fever Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu had six years ago and the aftermath of it.”
“You—” Qi Qingqi demanded from her place, “How do you know about that?”
Mobei-jun turned around, “Peak Lord Qi Qingqi, it is my duty as a defense lawyer to prepare my client’s case.” He was respectful to her, “For this, a thorough investigation is carried around what the defendant remembers and chooses to share.”
“Qingqi-shimei, let’s ask the details later.” Shang Qinghua murmured as best as he could, “We need to see how things are going first.” He made obvious what their poking around could do when he signed to the defendant’s bench with his eyes.
“Zhao Hua Temple wants to hear what the Qian Cao Peak Lord has to say.” The old abbot talked, wanting to hear about how this event was connected to the words of the Qing Jing Peak Lord—if it was irrelevant, then at least it would serve as gossip later.
“Tian Yi Monastery wants to hear it too.”
Lao Gongzhu had no idea of this event, but to stay on the good side of the other two Sects he also agreed.
“Sect Leader Yue,” Mobei-jun tried to meet his eyes in a silent request for him to agree, “Your answer, please.”
However, Yue Qingyuan’s gaze was held firmly by Shen Qingqiu who was almost shouting with his green eyes, “Zhangmen-shixiong, just agree with my Da-ge!”
Yue Qingyuan had to restrain a sigh of defeat as he solemnly replied, “Cang Qiong Mountain Sect allows Mu Qingfang to testify.”
Mu Qingfang walked to the place the Demon had pointed him to stand, the semicircular podium in the middle of the room.
“As a formality, Witness, state your name and occupation.” Shen Liyun demanded, playing the prosecutor role due to the lack of one.
“Mu Qingfang, Qian Cao Peak Lord and physician of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.” He was a bit unsure if this was what the demon meant and if he was honest, he couldn’t tell. Mobei-jun’s expression was stoic.
“Allow me to clarify; are you the personal physician of the defendants?”
“Not of all of them, this one is only the personal physician of Shen-shixiong and Liu-shixiong.”
Mobei-jun nodded, “Are you willing to tell us about the aforementioned fever?”
“That would be a breach to the confidentiality with my patient.” Mu Qingfang was a physician first, and even in the face of this Demon he didn’t hesitate.
“Mu-shidi, as the patient, this Shen Qingqiu allows this to be shared.” Shen Qingqiu gave him an apologetic smile, “This shixiong is sorry for not informing any of you of this earlier.”
“This Lawyer commends the Qian Cao Peak Lord for his dedication to his duty.” It was good to know that his brothers’ physician was someone that knew how to handle sensible information. “Now that we have the spoken authorization of the defendant, please share with us the nature of that fever.”
Mu Qingfang visibly hesitated, but after some deliberation and an exhale he began, “Before anyone questions it, there was only one fever Shen-shixiong had six years ago. As you all know, it is unusual for us Immortals to get fevers, colds, and other common illnesses, so evidently this was no normal fever.” He paused, “Six years ago, this one was called urgently to tend Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu who was suffering a qi deviation.” The room gasped, “The life of Shen-shixiong was at risk that night—and for just a moment we thought we lost him.” The transmigrators stiffened at the words, knowing the truth, “But with the help of Zhangmen-shixiong who kept his qi flowing and some treatment—do I have to detail about the treatment?”
“Though I am sure that the healing techniques of Peak Lord Mu are of great importance and interest, the treatment is not the focus of the testimony.” Mobei-jun gestured to the Sect Leaders with his right, “If the judges—or the Sect Leaders in this case—consider it relevant after the end of your testimony, this courtroom will be willing to listen.”
Mu Qingfang nodded, “After the treatment, Shen-shixiong’s fever broke through, and after a day he woke up. To this day, we still don’t know what caused the qi deviation.” He remained silent after that.
Shen Liyun frowned, noticing he had no intentions to continue so he chose to pressure him a bit, “Why do you not know the cause?”
“That-“ Mu Qingfang’s eyes wandered to the faces of his martial siblings, and because of his proximity to Liu Qingge, he met the cold knowing eyes of the demon, “Shen-shixiong could not tell us what caused it.”
“Peak Lord Mu,” Shen Liyun needed him to talk, “Stop stalling and tell us why he could not tell you. Tell us the aftereffect of Shen Qingqiu’s qi deviation.” That’s why he added more pressure, “Think about what could happen to Shen Qingqiu if you choose to hide the truth at this moment.” If he still refused, Shen Liyun was willing to not just pressure but wring out the truth from him.
Fortunately, such action was unnecessary. Mu Qingfang took off his signature hat with a sigh, “Shen-shixiong’s qi deviation caused him amnesia. He forgot about most of his life before the day he woke up, only remembering some names.” The surprise of the cultivators present felt like white noise at this point to most of the ones who talked. “And he changed, his personality changed as if he became a new person.”
“That’s impossible! He… He recognized me! It is impossible he forgot. He’s tricking you.” Qiu Haitang exclaimed agitated.
“It is nothing but the truth, Qiu Haitang.” Shen Liyun talked, “The defendant is unable to defend himself from your accusations because the day he qi deviated,” He slammed the table in emphasis, letting it hold part of his weight, bringing all the attention to him, “The man known as Shen Jiu stopped existing along with the memories of his past!” He held her gaze as he pointed at her, “You have been chasing and looking for revenge from a man who is already dead.”
This was what the Shens had concluded after days of talking. They would reveal the truth about most things—except the fact that they unwillingly took over their current bodies.
Shen Yuan knew that the situation was serious, but he couldn’t help his brain from thinking, ‘Mobei-jun: Ice Attorney!’
“N-no, he… he isn’t dead- He’s there! Next to Liu Qingge, that beast that killed my brother is just there!” She was in denial as it was expected to Shen Liyun. Qiu Haitang couldn’t accept that while she mourned and spent her life seeking revenge, the one that murdered her brother, her former fiancé, had forgotten about everything, living free from the shackles of the past they shared.
Shen Liyun took from under the desk a briefcase and started rummaging through some papers as he snapped his fingers again, making a door to the side open, “As a Lawyer, this one was prepared for the event of someone not believing this.” He turned to the side, “The testimony of the next witnesses along with the evidence they brought are meant to back this Lawyer’s words.”
In front of them, perfumed ladies with bold makeup entered the courtroom. The biggest one was also the oldest and current owner of the brothel known as the ‘Warm Red Pavilion.’
The appearance of the five prostitutes was a surprise to everyone, even to his three siblings.
“Madam, welcome to the House of Justice. This Mobei-jun trusts that you’ve been treated well in the witness’ room?” Shen Liyun showed no hesitation to treat the woman with respect. He had almost two decades to investigate everyone in Cang Qiong Mountain, and becoming acquainted to someone who had an ample network of information had been convenient. The Madam of the ‘Warm Red Pavilion’ had been nothing but helpful.
She guffawed at his question, “I have never been treated with that much respect in my life.” In one hand she had multiple scrolls tied up, and her left hand rested on her hip as she fluttered her eyelashes at him mockingly, “If the handsome Mobei-jun was there all of us could’ve had an even better time together.” Some of the girls around her were sniffling as they looked to Shen Qingqiu who was looking confused at them and Mobei-jun. The Madam gave a sad smile to Shen Qingqiu, “The tea is sweet and the pastries are delicious.”
“This Lawyer has to refuse the invitation due to the circumstances.” He was serious even while he answered, “And by this point, the Madam should know to invite this Lord’s beloved partner first.”
It didn’t matter how much time it has passed, Shang Qinghua had to fight to hide his blush during official matters. Shen Liyun would take every single chance to state that he was fully committed to his relationship with his Chief Advisor.
“What a lucky man is that Chief Advisor of yours.” The Madam shrugged, “The only man that was that loyal to us…” She looked at Shen Qingqiu, “Our JiuJiu doesn’t even remember us.” She walked to Mobei-jun, “Here are the documents you asked for… If it wasn’t because you requested them and it is to help JiuJiu I would never hand them to anyone, do you understand?”
Shen Liyun bowed thankful as he received the documents. “Many thanks, Madam.” He lifted the scrolls announcing, “In the hands of this Lawyer are the accounting files of the brothel known as the ‘Warm Red Pavilion’ which will be submitted as evidence that will support the following testimony.” He gestured for the Madam to return to the podium.
“Mobei-jun, would you mind telling us why those ladies are here?” The old monk of Zhao Hua Temple avoided looking at the ladies.
The lawyer smiled at the small victory that was being called by name instead of demon or you, “The next testimony serves two purposes: First, proving the memory loss of Shen Qingqiu, and second, start unraveling the past of the one known as Shen Jiu.”
Four Sect Leaders approved it, one for the sake of mediation, another for gossip, one hesitantly, and the last sure that this would only work in his favor.
“Witnesses, please state your name and occupations.”
“Meigui, and these are a few of my girls, Chahua, Juhua, Baihe, and Furong. I’m a former courtesan and the current Madam of the brothel known as the Warm Red Pavilion.” The girls next to her echoed each other, three of them with tears running their faces, “Our occupation is courtesan.”
“This Lawyer needs you to testify about your relationship with JiuJiu, your speculation about why he frequented your workplace and his disappearance.”
Unlike Mu Qingfang, the rest of the witnesses he had requested to get ready were aware of what they would need to talk about and after some explanation they had agreed to testify the truth.
“This Madam became acquainted with Shen Qingqiu, a cultivator, after he entered the ‘Warm Red Pavilion’ looking exhausted. Of course, we welcomed him as any paying client, but his request was… odd.” Her eyebrows furrowed as she recalled the night that young man arrived looking like he was minutes away from fainting. “He requested to be brought to the most isolated room, one far from the other guests, and that one of our girls slept in the same room as him—but when we guided him to the room, he asked for another bed to be prepared, told Baihe to rest there, and he fell asleep.”
“He just fell asleep?” Qi Qingqi asked, immensely curious about this eternal mystery in the Sect.
“Yes, like a baby.” She smiled, “The next day he paid Baihe and gave us some extra to keep our silence in case someone came looking for him.” She shrugged at the gapping faces of the cultivators inside the room, “I reacted the same way as you all. A man who enters a brothel, shares a room with a prostitute, yet never touches one was unconceivable to us. But he kept doing it for so many years, that eventually JiuJiu told us his name, protected us from any guests who tried to harm us, and even started teaching the children and the rest of us to read, play instruments, painting and poetry, things that could be used if we ever chose to change the business.”
Chahua talked then, “He said that my paintings could afford me more than any old man could give me.” Baihe continued, “Whenever we wanted to give up on learning how to read he would say “I know learning to read is dreadful but you will find something that is worth reading.” And he was right!”
Juhua then added, “He was teaching me a new song, I had learned the first part of it but then six years ago… JiuJiu never came back.” Furong sobbed, “It was a bit over three years ago that I saw him for the first time in the market and I called out to him, even gone as far as to wave my whole arm at him. And when he walked towards me, I thought he finally noticed me. But he just walked past me, and browsed the used books purchased some and went away.”
Madam Meigui handed her a clean handkerchief, “I have to apologize to the man who looks like JiuJiu because it can be shocking…” She looked to the Sect Leaders, “I always noticed how JiuJiu stiffened in the presence of men. He looked all stuck-up, serious and glared at them almost in disgust—Of course, I asked him about it as the nosy woman I am, but he only told me one thing.”
“What did he tell you?” Mobei-jun asked.
“Men are nothing but beasts.” She pursed her lips, “When he said those words, I noticed that under that carcass of spite there was fear and well… Because of the nature of our work, the only thing that occurred to me was that… some man must have abused him. I don’t know if he hit him or tried to force himself on him. This Madam only knows that whatever it was, it scarred him.”
If these were the modern times, formalities asked for her testimony to be cross-examined, but because those rules didn’t exist here, Shen Liyun waited just a moment after the end of her words waiting for an interruption—one that never came due to the heavy implications she made—before dismissing her.
“Can the Sect Leaders tell the audience if the name of Shen Qingqiu is present in the past six years?” He looked at Yue Qingyuan who was barely holding up. Shen Liyun felt sorry for him, but he was also aware that the man chose to keep his silence instead of taking a chance to communicate with Shen Jiu. And now, it was too late to ever do that.
Still, if it was necessary, Shen Liyun wouldn’t hesitate to call for Yue Qingyuan’s testimony and even reveal his identity as slave number seven, Yue Qi.
The life of his Didi was the one at risk after all—not his actual life but the one he built as a cultivator. Rumors would spread about Shen Yuan and he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his life without someone pointing his finger at him or whispering behind his back.
Fortunately, Shen Liyun had a plan to protect A-Yuan—or any of his family members—from any false rumors that could spread.
“All the entrances under his name end six years ago.” The abbot confirmed aloud. Shen Liyun’s respect for the man was slightly rising—not only because he found that there was some truth behind his Sect’s reputation as mediators but because he was stealing Lao Gongzhu’s self-appointed role as Head Judge.
“Even if it stopped, it doesn’t change anything at all.” Lao Gongzhu rapidly added, “That man still slaughtered the innocent Qiu heir.”
“Defendant Shen Qingqiu, as your Lawyer I will offer this once,” Shen Liyun turned to his Didi, “This one can request for you to be at the witness’ room if you are uncomfortable with what will be revealed in this room.”
Shen Yuan shook his head, “This Shen Qingqiu wants to hear about it.” It was the least he could do for Shen Jiu after becoming the owner of his body. “I want to hear the truth.”
“Then… Qiu Haitang, share with us your version of this tale.” He walked around the desk with a folder in hand and gestured to the podium, “Hopefully, you still remember everything you said at Jinlan City clearly.”
“I could never forget my words.” Qiu Haitang walked to the podium—the subtle way she blushed under the attention of the piercing gaze of the Ice Demon wasn’t missed by Shang Qinghua.
‘No, no. Fuck this so much. I’m the one getting NTRd now!’ He was starting to think it was just his karma for what Shen Qingqiu went through in PIDW—well, the original goods and Peerless Cucumber too.
While she repeated as accurately as humanly possible the words she mentioned in Jinlan City, Mobei-jun paced slowly next to the podium in deep thought—the pacing was nothing but an excuse to have a chance to check on his siblings and Shang Qinghua.
“Plaintiff, return to your seat.” It was clear that he was not going to show any respect to her. “After Qiu Haitang’s words, this Mobei-jun is prompted to make one confession.” He took place behind the podium, “One of the reasons this Lord offered to defend Shen Qingqiu was because this one already had knowledge of the case. As an outsider, my investigation had a different angle which allowed me to discover several things.” Most of the lawyer’s investigations were done alone and the questions he had were answered much later thanks to his dearest author. Shen Liyun placed one of his hands on the podium, “It was my interest in knowing the law of the Human Realm that led me to examine this case since it was interesting for many reasons.”
The Lawyer inhaled slowly. As he opened the folder finding the page he needed, “After hearing the version Qiu Haitang painted of her family... It confirms the description the citizens gave of her,” He read the testimony of the kitchen lady of the Qiu state, “A sheltered and naïve girl who got scammed left and right.”
“Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?!” Qiu Haitang’s face went red out of anger and embarrassment.
“I am Mobei-jun of the Mobei clan, current ruler and unifier of the whole North Region of the Demon Realm, someone who constantly studies the law, and at this very moment, the defense lawyer of Shen Qingqiu.” Shen Liyun crossed his arms slightly concerned, “As the plaintiff, Qiu Haitang should pay more attention to what is happening in the trial she requested.”
The laughter his words brought only served as fuel to the anger and shame of Qiu Haitang.
“Mobei-jun seems to have a different version of the events.” Yue Qingyuan had composed himself; at least enough to pay attention to what really interested him—what happened to Shen Jiu while he was gone.
“This Lawyer does. What this one is about to share is his conclusion after years of hearing testimonies and collecting evidence.” This point was crucial to the trial. “There are numerous questions that can rise from the story Qiu Haitang told us like: How did the Qius know about the mistreatment of Shen Jiu? Why her merciful parents didn’t remove the slave title from him? Why didn’t Shen Jiu—who was supposed to be a free man thanks to Qiu Jianluo—just escaped from the Qiu residence to join the cultivator? After having that discussion and brooding for the rest of the day, what triggered him to slaughter not just Qiu Jianluo but the rest of the servants? Qiu Haitang was the only one to hunt down Shen Jiu. Why didn’t the other survivors look for this madman? And last, why aren’t there any bounties for Shen Jiu’s head issued by the City Lord?”
Qiu Haitang scoffed, “And you have the answers to that?” She glared at Mobei-jun, “It was my household. I lived there.” She refused to believe how he questioned her family’s actions, “A demon who hasn’t experienced kindness can’t possibly know what we humans consider as such.”
“It is quite the opposite, Qiu Haitang.” Shen Liyun’s ice blue orbs softened as he was tempted to look at his family—but he couldn’t reveal their relationship to them here. Still, he was able to say something else, “This Mobei-jun knows human kindness firsthand. If you paid attention to the words of Madam Meigui, you would know that this Lord’s Chief Advisor and fated partner is a man, not a demon.”
“A human and a demon?”
“How’s that possible?”
“He’s a cut-sleeve?!”
“Besides if this one personally knows kindness or not is irrelevant to the case. What matters is that this Lawyer understands the concept. And more importantly, this Mobei-jun can assure you he has answers to everything.” He fumbled with a pen, changing the footage from outside to a letter, “This document was written under oath—a testimony of the slave-dealers that owned Shen Jiu—which I’ll leave for everyone to read while I tell you the version I know of the events. This Mobei-jun invites the Sect Leaders to check the folder under their desk to find the transcriptions of this and future testimonies to use as reference when the projection changes.”
Abandoning the folder, he renewed his pacing—this time in the center of the courtroom from side to side. “Due to some circumstances, the children that would be later known as slaves Number 9 and Number 7 lost their parents. Orphaned and with no one to protect them while they looked for their distant family both fell in the hands of slave-dealers that would become their handlers. Number 7, who was the oldest, didn’t have talent for begging so he was tasked with taking care of the younger ones; meanwhile Number 9 had excellent talent as a beggar and was the one who brought the most money back to his handlers and because of it, the slave-dealers let him get away with many things compared to other slaves.”
He shot a quick glance to Yue Qingyuan, “Number 9 would fight with the other children who he claimed tried to steal his spot to beg, but would be eventually stopped by Number 7. It was due to this that he got in a scuffle with Shi Wu, Number 15. After this, while Number 9 talked with Number 7, Number 15 got in trouble with a Young Master. The impulsive and righteous Number 7 went to save Number 15, and Number 9 who knew best the ways of the world went there to save Number 7.”
“The young master was one who claimed his family as the Founders of this City.” He stopped in the middle and turned to Qiu Haitang, “If I remember correctly, the Qiu family had invested the most to the construction of the City during its starting phases—the name of this young master was Qiu Jianluo, who abused his status in the City to torment everyone including young slaves with no one to defend them.” Mobei-jun turned his cold gaze to Qiu Haitang, stopping her from interrupting as he continued, “The first to stand up to him was Number 15 who was scarred in the face by Qiu Jianluo, followed by Number 7 who went to save the other young slaves, but the one to anger him the most was Number 9, Shen Jiu, who stabbed his horse to keep it from running over Number 7. That was their first meeting and the trigger for a purchase.” He pointed to the letter, “In the last paragraph you will be able to read the name of the real owner of slave Number 9. It wasn’t the Qius who bought Shen Jiu from the slave dealers… It was Qiu Jianluo! The motive was his caprice and personal revenge against Shen Jiu who challenged his authority for the sake of Number 7.”
“That-” Qiu Haitang’s face dropped, she heard about a similar story from her brother once, that his horse had been pierced by some metal at the market but- “No, no. My brother told me he made a friend. And then our parents looked for him…”
Shen Liyun ignored her, “For the ones who don’t know how trading works for slavery, allow me to explain. Slave-dealers are the ones that keep the original blood letter—most signed by illiterate children—that gives them the authorization to do whatever they want with their slaves. When someone purchases a slave from them, they give the new owner a new blood letter that specifies this person owns the slave. It is written in such a way that in the case the new owner dies, this version of the blood letter becomes void, and the slave-dealers are able to claim back their merchandise.” He pulled out of the folder two blood letters with his gloved hands, “After some negotiation, the slave-dealers allowed me to purchase the original blood letters of the disappeared slaves Number 7 and Number 9, as well as the contract they signed with Qiu Jianluo when he became the owner of Shen Jiu.” He showed both to everyone present from his place.
“What did you plan to do with those letters?” Yue Qingyuan was completely shaken from this. He never thought he would face those accursed sheets of paper, but here was a demon with them in his possession.
“A dear person to me said once: Villainous ones are often misunderstood. Find the source and annihilate it.” Shen Liyun ignored completely how quiet the room got after the threatening quote, only thinking about his mother’s words on how to make appealing offers for the people he wished to hire for their business.
“This Lord had been planning to negotiate a peace treaty between cultivation Sects and the Northern Desert Palace. The two blood letters were meant to be a gift for Peak Lord Shen in hopes that he could put a good word about this Lord.” He looked at the letters in hand, “This Lawyer will allow the Sect Leaders to see the blood letter of Shen Jiu during the course of this trial, but it will be returned to Shen Qingqiu later.”
Yue Qingyuan was relieved for that yet he couldn’t forget about his own, “And the other blood letter?”
“It’ll be returned to Number 7 if he wishes to claim it.” Mobei-jun looked at Yue Qingyuan, “For this Mobei-jun these are meaningless pieces of paper but to the ones that suffered because of them, they hold a deeper meaning. They should choose what to do with them.”
“Going back to the case,” He changed the image of the screen again to a map of a building, “For the next part this Lawyer asks for Qiu Haitang’s confirmation about the layout of her childhood home.”
But Qiu Haitang refused. She refused to be part of whatever the demon was scheming.
“Qiu Haitang, asking for your feedback is a formality and the simplest way for everyone present to confirm some facts.” A shiver ran down the spine of many in the room, “And as one of the victims of this case, this one wouldn’t want anyone to believe you have something to hide.”
“I don’t have anything to hide!”
“Then it’s safe to assume there’s nothing stopping you from collaborating with the investigation.” Mobei-jun gave a small bow to her, “This Lord is thankful for your willingness to cooperate.” He had made her walk right into his trap, “Let us keep working together to bring justice to everyone.”
As Qiu Haitang looked at the layout, trying to remember how the Qiu residence used to be, Shang Qinghua was talking to Mu Qingfang and Qi Qingqi, the only other Peak Lords who came for this event.
“If it wasn’t because our qi is blocked that demon would be dead.” Qi Qingqi said as she looked at Mobei-jun, standing in the middle of the room like he owned the place and couldn’t be harmed.
“The pressure one feels there is unbelievable.” Mu Qingfang looked at the witness’ stand, “I wasn’t the accused but you can hear every murmur and feel every stare.” He hid his hands inside his sleeves, “It feels like everyone is judging you.”
Shang Qinghua nodded. In Mobei-jun’s throne room, he had to stand several times in front of many demons. The first time, he wanted to faint under the pressure, be carried out of the room and then be forbidden from showing his face there. However, Mobei-jun chose to bring his desk for him to sit and ordered him to take notes only.
“We should’ve been the ones to defend Shen Qingqiu.” Qi Qingqi clasped her hands together tightly, “Our Sect should be protecting him, not an outsider.”
“It wouldn’t have been the same Qingqi-shimei. The hate isn’t focused on Shen Qingqiu or Cang Qiong Mountain anymore.” The author knew it was part of the strategy. He knew that Shen Liyun was acting as bait.
Without saying a word, Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t call the attention of anyone, and even if he did, a demon who speaks of justice is more eye-catching.
“Shen Jiu’s room is missing from the map.” She pointed to a guest room, “This should be it.”
Mobei-jun shook his head, “According to the other survivors, his room is not missing. He never had one in the first place, and was forbidden from entering the servants’ quarters.” He pointed to the map, “Shen Jiu was known to sleep in two rooms. The first was Qiu Jianluo’s old study which had several locks inside and outside the door and window, and the second plaintiff Qiu Haitang’s bedroom. The attendants of Qiu Haitang declared that Shen Jiu would fall asleep on a chair after listening to the words of the young Lady Qiu. Is that correct?”
She nodded agreeing with him for the first time, “It is true. I was a pure maiden waiting for the day I would marry Shen Jiu.”
“One of the few male servants that survived the fire told me that Shen Jiu would be locked inside this old study whenever he disobeyed an order, looked at the Young Master with hate, spent more time than he should with the Young Lady Qiu or had a lower performance in his studies, which he emphasized Shen Jiu hated. However, being locked inside that room was the last part of the punishment. It would start with a slap to the face, a punch to the stomach and a kick to make him fall to the ground, sometimes stomping over his legs to the point where they were almost breaking-”
Qiu Haitang visibly paled at the words and wanted to interrupt and protest again, but her eyes met the sight across from her.
The young disciple was holding the arm of her master, rubbing his shoulder as if to comfort him, while Liu Qingge clenched his right fist over the table with his left giving soft squeezes to his Didi’s shoulder. Shen Qingqiu had his lips pursed trying to stop the trembling from them and his knuckles had turned white from the strong grip on the fan in his hand that would’ve cracked if his qi wasn’t blocked. It wasn’t out of sadness because he knew about what Shen Jiu did to Luo Binghe.
It was pity and frustration. If only there was someone to help Shen Jiu, talk about what happened, maybe he would’ve done things in a different way.
His Da-ge kept the description going, presenting written testimonies that were years old, inviting the old servants of the Qius to back up his words with their own testimonies and in the case of the brave ones showing the scars that were left by Qiu Jianluo. The male servant who survived—now fully bandaged and crippled—confessed to participating on beating Shen Jiu under the orders of Qiu Jianluo. And the one thing all of them declared was: We never told Young Lady Qiu because she was just an innocent girl; the Young Master Qiu wanted his sister to remain by his side.
“After Qiu Jianluo noticed his sister’s feelings for Shen Jiu, he forced Shen Jiu to study for him to become a presentable husband for Qiu Haitang, one that would serve as the shackles to keep her in the Qiu residence for life.” As an older brother, the obsession of Qiu Jianluo for his sister was revolting, “Shen Jiu was the perfect choice for the task since he wasn’t able to abandon the Qiu household due to the blood letter. A runaway slave is meant to be returned to his owners or can be killed on the spot depending on the decision of the owner, and for Shen Jiu none of them were an option.”
Mobei-jun looked at the pitiful Qiu Haitang, “Shen Jiu’s abuse at the Qiu residence made him develop a strong aversion, fear and hate, towards men, and the only solace he found there was Qiu Haitang who everyone sheltered. From all of this, we can conclude that due to the difference in conditions between Shen Jiu and Qiu Haitang the veracity of their engagement is also compromised.”
Qiu Haitang felt nauseous and was gripping the desk not to fall; and because she saw her as another rival, Xiao Gongzhu didn’t even try to hold her up. The Little Palace Mistress had one objective and it was to end the young girl in the other side.
Shen Liyun didn’t allow a rest in presenting the case, “There were only two things that we are able to confirm as important in the life of Shen Jiu. The one he saved before, slave Number 7, and the one talent he had since he was young: Cultivation.” He leaned back on the witness stand with his arms crossed, “Due to his life in house arrest, it is highly probable that Shen Jiu wasn’t aware of the crimes of Wu Yanzi at the time and only saw him as a cultivator that was willing to take someone like him—past the ideal age to cultivate—as a disciple. Cultivation can bring great honor to some families and it is something the rich boast about, and humble families are proud of as it may lead to a better lifestyle for them. This offer may have been the only chance he had to go away without marriage. So he took it and asked Qiu Jianluo to allow him to become a cultivator, without requesting the blood letter back.” He walked to the center of the room, “Obviously, not wanting to lose his pawn, Young Master Qiu refused.” He looked up to the Sect Leaders, “We have heard of this man’s obsession for his sister and now, the only way to shackle her to his side has a way to escape out of his grip, cultivation, what do you think he would do to keep Shen Jiu there?” He looked at Qiu Haitang, “Your brother was a man capable of damaging someone beyond repair due to his mood swings. What do you think he would do, Lady Qiu, when he realized that the kitten he tortured was instead a tiger?” It was the first time he showed some respect for her.
It wasn’t her that answered but the audience around them.
“He could’ve tried to break his legs.”
“Or maybe he tried to get rid of him…”
“What if the brothel woman was right and he tried to…”
This was the kind of reaction he needed, “During that night, the true nature of Shen Jiu became evident. He was nothing but a young boy—only fifteen at the time—with no one and nothing to protect him from the constant danger, one that found a moment of calm next to the innocent sister of his torturer.” Finding his way behind the witness stand, he placed both hands over the podium and after a tired sigh he looked at Qiu Haitang, “Shen Jiu was a natural at cultivation and probably had the skill to get rid of Qiu Jianluo at any moment… it was his fear of men that kept him from doing something.”
“No! You can’t-” Qiu Haitang was hysterical at this point, “You can’t prove it, you can’t!” She was holding her head, covering her ears.
Shen Liyun shook his head, “Lady Qiu, I could say the same about you. The proof, the evidence that you should’ve presented to back up your accusations has been absent, which, as the plaintiff, you should have prepared. Before interrupting me again or denying my words, did you prepare any witnesses, testimonies, concrete evidence or at least circumstantial ones?” To his siblings it sounded as if he was scolding a child.
She shrunk as she shook her head denying it, not even having the guts to retaliate.
“The murder weapon was Qiu Jianluo’s sword—this Lord is submitting the remnants of said sword as well as the certificate of authenticity emitted by the family of the blacksmith who forged it—that was kept in the wall of his study, and the time was a moment everyone knew only the two of them were together, meaning that it wasn’t a premeditated murder. And the proof of Shen Jiu’s fear of men is easily proven by the fact that the victims that day were only men. Not every male servant was slaughtered, some hid well, but all the ones that had violent tendencies died that night according to the female servants.”
He took a deep breath, “Let this Lawyer answer the questions from the beginning. The Qius didn’t know about any mistreatment towards Shen Jiu, they simply gave into the whim of their son wanting a slave—treating a human life as a thing—and paid for Shen Jiu while giving full ownership to Qiu Jianluo. The far from merciful parents couldn’t remove the slave title from Shen Jiu, and Qiu Jianluo never did that to keep using Shen Jiu as the shackles of Qiu Haitang. The cause for that night of slaughter was Qiu Jianluo’s actions triggering Shen Jiu’s fear and making him protect himself. As to why the other servants never chased after him looking for revenge…”
The Lawyer sent another pitiful gaze to Qiu Haitang, “This Mobei-jun has received the receipts of the payments Lady Qiu made after they demanded compensation along with their written testimonies saying they were content with it and in some cases their joy at being free from their terrible husbands.”
The whole room was silent.
“Your City Lord wanted to testify at this courtroom,” Mobei-jun quieted down, “But this Lawyer warns that it would be best for Lady Qiu’s mental health if we could settle just for his written testimony.”
“Can you explain why, Mobei-jun?” The Abbot talked again.
“Yes, your Honor.” Shen Liyun took the written testimony from the folder and handed it to the man who he was starting to consider the real judge. Perhaps, he could have some of the monks of Zhao Hua Temple study the law and then teach it to everyone else.
Although, the absence of laws benefitted him when negotiating; a fair contract, set working hours, a decent wage, health insurance, and many other things that were just natural in his previous life made people—and even some demons—pledge their lives to him.
Maybe improving forensic investigation would be better.
The paper had the testimony of this City Lord talking about all the terrorizing the Qius allowed their son and his servants to make just because they were the financial pillar of the City. After they were gone, their son started losing support and many of the businesses he owned didn’t need him to keep working. The Qiu family’s influence was declining and it was only a matter of time for the City Lord to be able to exile Qiu Jianluo and his servants if necessary. But then, it happened. That day was now remembered by the citizens as ‘The Good Riddance’, and even though Shen Jiu wasn’t going to be praised as some kind of hero, they chose to let him go.
“If this Mobei-jun remembers correctly, according to the unwritten laws you humans follow, the sentence of Shen Jiu known as The Xiu Ya sword, Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, is given by the City Lord after a suggestion of the plaintiff.” He turned to Qiu Haitang, “Lady Qiu… Do you still wish to demand the death penalty for this man?”
The whole time Qiu Haitang was shaking her head, questioning aloud why didn’t Shen Jiu kill her, why didn’t he say a word, how was she fooled so easily, why he never came back to get rid of the other survivors or her. And the last thing she did was apologizing over and over again to Shen Jiu before she was taken to the witness’ room by the lady of the family who received them at the entrance of the House of Justice.
For a room full of people, the silence was deafening. The audience did have questions, but didn’t doubt the legitimacy of the case. After all, unlike Qiu Haitang, the Ice Demon, Mobei-jun provided evidence as solid as the times allowed and did not attempt to hide the fact that Shen Jiu did murder those evil men.
“This is…! All forgery! There’s no way this is true.” Lao Gongzhu pointed to Mobei-jun, “That thing must’ve menaced the witnesses, paid them, and manipulated them!”
Shen Liyun had a blank look as he faced the old buzzard, “Lao Gongzhu, the act of trying to drag someone’s reputation down, damaging it through lies is called slandering and in some places it is considered a crime.” He gave the Old Palace Master a sly smile, “If you wish to accuse this Lord of forgery then allow us to see the evidence.” He took steps to get closer, challenging the old cultivator, causing everyone to gasp as he created steps of black ice to get to Lao Gongzhu’s height, “If you don’t have any at the moment, this Mobei-jun is willing to present himself in this very court after your investigation as a defendant.”
“W-wha—?” Lao Gongzhu barked at him, “Your qi is supposed to be blocked!”
“Hmm?” Shen Liyun looked down, remembering he was supposed to hide the fact he could still use his qi. Still, he had prepared for the case he forgot about it, “Don’t worry. I have a permit.” He opened the jacket he was wearing and from the inner pocket he placed a metal card in between the Sect Leaders.
House of Justice Membership
Mobei-jun, Ice Demon Lord.
Defense Lawyer, Prosecutor,
Judge, Legal Advisor.
This card certifies the identity
of an affiliated and authorized
member of The House of Justice
XX/XX/XXXX
“If you need any legal help, this Mobei-jun would be happy to assist you every two weeks.” He took his card back and started walking down a new set of black ice stairs. “This Lord likes to keep his mind occupied whenever he misses his Chief Advisor while he is away in the Human Realm.”
In the middle of the room, he turned around—facing the Sect Leaders again—while clapping his hands together, “Now that Lady Qiu’s case was clarified-” He had prepared some monetary compensation and people to help her move on, “-this Lawyer wishes to address the attack to Huan Hua Palace before the accusations towards Peak Lord Shen in Jinlan City. Would that be okay?”
The Sect Leaders accepted with Lao Gongzhu being the most eager one.
The Old sleaze had seen how the opinion towards Shen Qingqiu had changed; losing a pawn in the process of getting rid of the Peak Lord.
All because of a demon. A demon!
Shen Liyun nodded at the approval, and gave two of his siblings a reprimanding look, “This Lawyer calls the Bai Zhan Peak Lord Liu Qingge, the Qing Jing Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu and the Qing Jing Disciple Ning Yingying to the stand.” The three siblings stood straight, walking with their heads up proudly in a single line before standing side to side, Shen Siyu in the middle, nudging each other with their elbows subtly. “Under the charges of vandalism, assault and riot towards Huan Hua Palace six days ago, how do you plea?”
Shen Qingqiu looked at both of his siblings over his fan and shook his head. “This Peak Lord pleads not guilty.”
The two agents of chaos looked at each other nodding in sync before looking forward and chorusing their reply, “Guilty!”
“WHAT?!” The Head Disciples of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect—and Ji Jue that was there with Yang Yixuan—shouted in unison.
The presence of the four Shens on this stage called courtroom was the start of the craziest trial Shang Qinghua had seen after watching the Ac* Att*rney anime.
‘Huh… Maybe because I watched it everyone accepts that logic here…’
He wasn’t sure about it, but to Shang Qinghua it served for him as proof that unlike what Peerless Cucumber said, not every plot hole was a bad one.