"Governor Yin, I believe there has been a misunderstanding," Wang Hua, despite his usual fiery temper, struggled to maintain his composure before Yin Zhongxiu. He knew he absolutely could not afford to lose his temper unless absolutely necessary.
Because he dared not.
"If you two cease your actions now, our Three Bureaus can pretend this never happened. What do you say?"
Shadows flickered across the man's chiseled face and neck, though he seemed oblivious.
His attention was fixed on Yin Zhongxiu and the young general sitting silently nearby.
He understood well that in this cold era, human lives were often cheap as grass, and genuine affection between people was rare. But those who joined the army were different.
Their bonds were forged in the crucible of life and death, earned with their very lives.
Ji Chang, this prodigy who had weathered countless storms, came to Gui Ye alone, and leading troops became his sole purpose.
As a general, he surely valued camaraderie above all else, and he also deeply respected the laws of the Xia Dynasty.
He would undoubtedly despise Wang Jue's betrayal of a comrade.
If he were to intervene, coupled with Yin Zhongxiu and the hidden swordsman, that would be three top-tier Phase Three powerhouses.
The leader of a medical clinic might not be able to guarantee their safety.
"Why a misunderstanding? Isn't it clear? Yin Zhongxiu's expression was earnest. "You claim she wronged you, but I saw it too."
"Your good nephew, right before my eyes, pushed Xu Mu into Velitan's attack, using him as a shield. According to Xia law, does he not deserve to die?"
"Yin Zhongxiu!" Wang Hua exclaimed in shock, his voice cracking with anger.
He hadn't turned off the communication artifact when he spoke, and everyone in the entire square knew about it now!
"Stop this nonsense, it's all a misunderstanding, stand down!"
Seeing the uproar below, the buzzing of discussion like flies around their ears, the imperial envoy, Liang Shanping, could no longer bear it. He gritted his teeth and stepped forward, positioning himself between the two.
Mysterious runes flickered around him, much like Velitan's final fragmented storm, each one dangerously potent.
"This is an internal misunderstanding within the Demon Eradication Division; it's not what you think."
"The assembly today concludes here. Imperial soldiers, commence clearing the area!"
Liang Shanping's stern gaze fixed on Yin Zhongxiu. With a command, a large contingent of soldiers poured into the Sun Never Sets Plaza.
They attempted to drive the civilians away, but it was to no avail.
Whether civilians or soldiers, most of them were relatives of martyrs.
In this tragic world, if the laws of Xia could not be enforced, who would protect their lives? They sought justice!
"Those who violate Xia law shall be executed!"
Amidst the chaos, someone shouted these words, igniting the entire venue like a fuse in gunpowder.
"Those who violate Xia law shall be executed! Those who violate Xia law shall be executed!"
The soldiers' shouts of expulsion, the clash of weapons against the ground, and the strange cries of the people shoving each other in the melee were gradually drowned out by this chant. Nearly ten thousand people roared in unison, shaking the heavens.
The envoy on the high platform turned ashen. He hadn't anticipated such a strong reaction from the populace and could only retract his abilities.
He exchanged glances with Wu Ye, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.
The situation had escalated to a point where simply dispersing the crowd would not suffice. The public's sentiment was so intense that any further suppression would undoubtedly provoke a severe backlash.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Though he was not the Son of Heaven, he understood this principle!
"Everyone, be quiet!"
All of this happened within seconds. Wu Ye seized the moment before the two sides fully engaged and roared with all his might. His voice was so loud that it surpassed the cheers of tens of thousands of people, even causing debris to fall from a hundred meters away.
The City Lord was furious, and thus, no one on the plaza dared to utter another sound.
Yet, they had not yielded. Everyone lifted their heads, tens of thousands of eyes fixed on the high platform, their message clear: they wanted justice.
"This matter will be resolved appropriately. Please believe in us."
Wu Ye stepped forward, gritting his teeth, towards Yin Shui'er. Ignoring Yin Zhongxiu's glare, he snatched the communication artifact from her hand.
"The parties in dispute are the Governor of the First Bureau and the Deputy Commander of the Third Bureau. Both of you are role models for many gifted individuals. Whatever either of you says holds some truth."
Wu Ye glanced at the two men, their swords drawn, and sighed with a headache.
"I implore you both not to act rashly. Let's discuss further. Perhaps there's a misunderstanding here?"
"There is no misunderstanding," Yin Zhongxiu shook his head. "Xu Mu saved Shui'er, making him our benefactor. Wang Jue harmed him. Even if Xia law were not to be applied, I would bring him to justice!"
"You are the Governor of the First Bureau, and I am the Deputy Commander of the Third Bureau. Although your rank is one level higher than mine, it's not only your word that counts as evidence," Wang Hua gritted his teeth. "I repeat, my nephew did not push Xu Mu; you saw it wrong!"
"If that's the case, what more is there to say!" Yin Shui'er could no longer hold back upon hearing such shameless words.
She raised her hands, her powers surging, and the water mirror forcefully descended.
RUMBLE!
Fierce water essence rained down from the sky, striking the ground like a waterfall, directly targeting Wang Jue.
"Do you really think I fear you?" Since the facade had fallen, Wang Jue no longer held back.
His arms turned dark green, and as he raised them, two thick vines, each as wide as ten trees, erupted from the ground. They intertwined, forming a massive arched defense that painstakingly held back the torrent of water.
As Yin Shui'er and Wang Jue's confrontation escalated, the high platform became a chaotic landscape of towering vines and raging water, making it impossible to stand.
Uninvolved gifted individuals had long since retreated, leaving ample space for the two to battle.
"A little scuffle between youngsters is nothing," Wang Hua watched Yin Zhongxiu intently. Neither of them had made a move. "To tell you the truth, I have backup ready today. If you insist on acting, I won't be afraid!"
"Is that so?" Yin Zhongxiu's spear tip, sharp and menacing, pricked the hooked-nosed man, making him unable to open his eyes.
"Then now, I will proceed with the execution of Wang Jue according to Xia law."
"Anyone who stands in my way is my enemy."
The man's expression was impassive, his voice calm.
"Will you, or the help you've called, try to stop me?"