Judgment Hall

"You're not trying to cultivate me, are you?"

Yang Chen thought to himself, but outwardly he said, "This... this disciple is dull-witted. Please enlighten me, sir."

Lin Chuan, too lazy to expose Yang Chen's clumsy act, got straight to the point: "If you want to go further in the Sun Moon Sword Sect, don't measure the sect with your own worldview. The Sun Moon Sword Sect's power far exceeds your imagination, and its greatness also far exceeds your imagination."

"Don't hide your abilities, don't keep a low profile. Everyone has their own opportunities, but what are these so-called opportunities in the eyes of the Sword Sect's higher-ups? Even if an Inner Sect uncle leaks a little something, it's a tremendous opportunity for countless people."

"But an Inner Sect uncle isn't even considered high-level in the Sun Moon Sword Sect!"

"Why does everyone strive for fame? Because the greater your fame, the more likely you are to attract the attention of the higher-ups and gain astonishing rewards. Fame and fortune are inseparable. When you have fame that surpasses all your peers, it means you will possess unimaginable resources."

These words were a reward for Yang Chen. Many people simply didn't realize this. They would hoard their small opportunities, thinking they were quietly getting rich, but in reality, no one cared.

Yang Chen savored Lin Chuan's words, finding them more and more reasonable the more he thought about it.

The saying "A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind" is true, but it makes people overlook how much sunlight and essence the outstanding tree has enjoyed.

He sighed deeply, "Sir, your words are like a divine revelation, opening my eyes!"

Lin Chuan twitched his lips slightly. He admitted his words had some truth to them, but not to that exaggerated extent.

"Cultivate well and strive to break into the top ten before the cultivation rankings close."

"Okay!"

Yang Chen responded concisely. Even if Lin Chuan hadn't pointed it out, he had already decided to aim for the top. After all, he had been coveting those Spirit Crystals and cultivation techniques for a long time.

Just then, the disciple who had blocked their path earlier entered to report, "Sir, Wang Kui requests an audience."

"Take him to the Judgment Hall."

Lin Chuan instructed, then stood up and walked towards the Judgment Hall. Yang Chen followed closely behind Lin Chuan, arriving at the Judgment Hall.

The Judgment Hall was where disciples were tried. It was entirely a dark green color, exuding an atmosphere of solemnity and strictness both inside and out.

When the two arrived at the Judgment Hall, Wang Kui and two others were already waiting below, escorting Zhou Tao. Upon seeing Lin Chuan, they said in unison, "Greetings, Steward Lin!"

Lin Chuan's expression was cold, and an imposing aura emanated from him, one that commanded respect without anger.

Yang Chen immediately went to Wang Kui and the others, observing the pale-faced disciple. With just one glance, he knew that this was the person who had framed him.

He withdrew his gaze, his face betraying no hint of emotion.

"I have heard the purpose of your visit," Lin Chuan's voice was chilling, enough to make one's blood run cold. "I have managed Area 8 for over four years, and such a heinous incident has never occurred. Zhou Tao, do you know your crime!"

Zhou Tao trembled, his face full of fear as he knelt. He stammered, "Sir, I..."

"Crying like this, are you even a man!"

Suddenly, a figure entered the Judgment Hall. The newcomer wore a black long gown and had rugged features. Upon entering, he immediately prostrated himself and said, "Zhou Han pays his respects, sir!"

Lin Chuan asked coldly, "What is the purpose of your visit!"

"Zhou Tao is my younger brother. I heard he was forcibly taken away, and I was worried there might be some misunderstanding, so I came to speak on his behalf."

Zhou Han knelt on the ground, not hiding his intention to protect Zhou Tao.

"Zhou Han! What do you mean by that? Are you implying that we abused our authority and persecuted Zhou Tao!"

Wang Kui stepped forward and said sternly, "I see you rushing here in such a hurry; you must have something to hide. I suspect that Zhou Tao's actions were likely instigated by you!"

"Wang Kui, why must you be so agitated?" Zhou Han did not get angry, saying calmly, "As a supervisor of the mining area, the sect rules are an absolute red line in my heart. You brought Zhou Tao here without a word. Were the procedures proper? Were personal grudges involved? You should know this in your hearts."

"Every disciple is equal. Without conclusive evidence, arresting someone is clearly against the rules. If this is a misunderstanding, who will be responsible for the losses Zhou Tao has incurred?"

As Zhou Han spoke, he gave Zhou Tao a meaningful glance. After his arrival, Zhou Tao's collapsing will had somewhat recovered. Although his face was still pale, he was at least able to calm down a little.

"Senior Brother Zhou's concern for his brother is truly touching."

Seeing that Lin Chuan seemed unlikely to speak, Yang Chen took over the conversation. "I just wonder if Zhou Tao considered how innocent the victim was when he decided to frame someone?"

Zhou Han coldly looked at Yang Chen. "Who are you?"

"I am the victim!" Yang Chen's voice was sonorous and powerful. "I am not acquainted with Zhou Tao, yet he framed me by placing Rice Devouring Worms in the spirit field I was responsible for, causing the Spirit Rice to wither. After discovering this, I bought Insect Luring Powder and killed the worms. Not even a few days later, the same thing happened again! His malicious intent and depraved character are truly outrageous!"

Zhou Han frowned deeply. He only knew that Zhou Tao had been arrested, but not why. It was only now that he realized he had caused such a grave offense.

"This is merely your one-sided account. You know the principle of catching the thief with the stolen goods. I am curious, on what grounds do you conclude that Zhou Tao was responsible?"

Zhou Han would naturally not admit to such a thing; the consequences would be severe. He intended to stick to this point. As long as the other party had no conclusive evidence, this matter would not be resolved, and he could even counter-accuse and demand compensation.

"If you want evidence, I will give you evidence."

Yang Chen flicked his sleeve and took out a Recording Stone from his bosom. He held it with both hands and handed it to Lin Chuan. "Sir, the figure in this Recording Stone has features identical to Zhou Tao. I implore you to uphold justice for this disciple!"

Lin Chuan had already seen the footage in the Recording Stone. Therefore, when Zhou Tao was brought in, he was certain it was him. He tossed the Recording Stone to Zhou Han. "Take a look yourself!"

Upon hearing the words "Recording Stone," Zhou Tao's vision went black, and he fainted from fright.

Zhou Han's expression also turned extremely grim. He hadn't expected the other party to have such means and to have preserved evidence from the scene. He nervously looked at the Recording Stone, his face gradually darkening.

After watching the Recording Stone, he glared at Zhou Tao, only to find him already fainted from fear. The anger in his eyes subsided considerably. No matter what, Zhou Tao was still his brother!

Zhou Tao had followed him around since childhood, obeying his every command. Their brotherly bond was deep. After they both joined the sect, he had told himself he must take good care of Zhou Tao.

He had originally intended to arrange for Zhou Tao to work in the mining area, where he could keep an eye on him and Zhou Tao would only need to complete tasks symbolically each day. However, Zhou Tao found the mining area environment too harsh, so he found a way to assign Zhou Tao to the medicine garden.

What he hadn't expected was that Zhou Tao repeatedly made mistakes after going to the medicine garden. Fortunately, no major blunders occurred, and with his connections, Zhou Tao was able to remain in the medicine garden.

But this year, due to Zhou Tao's dereliction of duty, a crucial medicinal herb withered. The Outer Sect disciple who came to collect the herb was furious, and the medicine garden supervisor suffered undeserved misfortune. There was no way Zhou Tao could remain in the medicine garden.

That was one thing, but at most, he would continue to make a deal with Zhou Tao. With his help, Zhou Tao managed to secure a task in the spirit field area. But how long had it been since then? He had caused such a huge mess.

The characteristics of the figure on the Recording Stone left him no room to deny it. He had no opportunity to argue.

"Idiot!!"

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