The Yu Emperor's Justice

Upon hearing Yu Emperor's Whispers, the expressions of the ministers who had previously denounced Li Hao changed drastically.

Those who defended Li Hao were also slightly taken aback.

When that young man first gained fame in Liang Prefecture, some people praised him, saying that he alone could be worth a million soldiers!

At the time, people thought this statement was an exaggeration and a boast, too exaggerated. After Outside the Pass, what does a million elite troops mean? They could sweep across the border regions and be invincible!

Later, it turned out that it was indeed a huge exaggeration, an overstatement.

How could a mere million-strong army compare to that young man?!

Can a million-strong army save Liang Prefecture?

Can they save Qing Prefecture? Can they save You Province?

Neither is possible.

The Li Family's three million elite troops were repeatedly defeated in Qing Prefecture, and in the end they could only retreat and cower in Qingzhou City, barely managing to survive thanks to the protection of that top-notch Magic Array.

The young man appeared for less than a day before slaying the Demon leader, killing the avatar of the Desolate God, and cutting down the countless Demon Tide Qingzhou City with a single sword strike.

This is a force that cannot be filled by numbers alone.

Just like the True Person of the Qian Dao Palace, who was in charge of Great Yu, he was an existence that no army dared to offend.

Whether it's millions, tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, it's all useless. Against such top-tier powerhouses, a sheer numbers of people is utterly meaningless!

Even if this overwhelming force was composed of top-tier elites, with generals at the Four Establishments Realm and vanguards at the Three Immortalities, it was still useless.

Therefore, although Yu Emperor's words were soft, they brought everyone to their senses.

The Buddhist Sect eight million disciples—such a magnificent scale sounds impressive, covering Nineteen Provinces. But upon closer examination, it depends on who it's compared to.

Compared to that young man, it is indeed as Yu Emperor said, not enough, far from enough!

Xia Linglong's thoughts returned, and she immediately felt her back straighten up, her eyes brightening slightly.

Even the Buddha Master is dead; eight million disciples can be exchanged for one Li Hao? Dream on!

At this moment, the minister who had been making the accusation also realized what was happening, and his face turned somewhat ugly. There were countless Buddhist Sect disciples in every state and city, with hundreds of cities in each state, and the number of people was enormous.

If it were anyone else, they would surely bow their heads and give way in the face of the overwhelming power of the Buddhist Sect, but the young man did not.

Their status is already like that of the True Person of the Qian Dao Palace, transcending worldly affairs.

"Your Majesty, although eight million Buddhist Sect disciples may not be able to match this young man, his actions are improper!"

The minister who had previously voiced his condemnation gritted his teeth and continued:

"A mere Third-rank Duke, daring to kill the Buddha Master today, he will dare to kill us in the future. Such a person is like raising a tiger that will only bring trouble upon himself!"

"That's right. All land under heaven belongs to the king. If we shrink back from our power, then we can also choose to avoid and retreat when facing Demon. What's the difference?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Linglong was so enraged that her Divine Soul nearly leaped out of her head; she was furious.

"A bunch of bastards! What nonsense are you spouting!"

"Are you really willing to disregard everything else for the meager benefits offered by the Buddhist Sect? Do you intend to summon True Person kill General Haotian, allowing a meritorious official who saved three states to be eliminated by the flattering words of you treacherous officials?!"

"When treacherous officials are in power, it is truly foolish and laughable."

Some great scholars were so angry they laughed.

They knew these people weren't stupid, they were evil!

What sound like utterly foolish remarks actually harbor malicious intentions; each person has their own ulterior motives.

If we don't say that, how can we protect our own interests?

"General Xia, this is the imperial court! You have openly insulted us. I am, after all, a third- Hou-rank Noble, not someone to be trifled with!"

One of the ministers said Anger.

Xia Linglong's eyes flashed with murderous intent. If they weren't in the imperial court, she would have truly wanted to chop these people down with a single sword stroke.

"To call you foolish is an insult to you. I would like to ask you: with the external threat of Demon still unresolved, if we strip that young man of his Merit and Fame for this reason, given your criticism of him, and considering how unruly and incompetent he is, how could he not rebel against the court if his Merit and Fame were taken away?"

Xia Linglong's eyes were icy as she said, word by word, "If he's helping Demon, who among you dares to take responsibility?"

"If that's the case, then we'll have no choice but to ask True Person to kill him!"

One of the ministers said.

Xia Linglong was so angry she wanted to laugh, but her expression grew even colder as she said:

"Is that so? Then let's see if you can persuade him. His strength in killing the Buddha Master is still unknown, but he is at least a top-tier Great Peace Dao Realm, and may even be at the Dao Inquiry Realm, comparable to True Person. Whether True Person can suppress him is still unknown. You seem quite confident."

"Since you speak so casually, as if killing someone is as easy as cutting grass, then it's simple. Today you proposed stripping him of his Merit and Fame, so let His Majesty announce it to the All Under Heaven. It was your idea, so it shouldn't be difficult for someone at the Great Peace Dao Realm to infiltrate the Imperial City. When you find his residence, you can explain things to him properly."

Upon hearing Xia Linglong's words, the expressions of the crowd denouncing Li Hao changed drastically.

Just kidding, a madman even Buddha Master dared to kill, who would dare to provoke him?

"Protecting the Imperial City Imperial Capital is your Divine General Residence's responsibility, yet you've managed to shirk it completely."

"We are speaking out for justice. The Buddha Master cannot die without a clear explanation. Otherwise, how will Buddhist Sect disciples view this? If they cause trouble everywhere, who will quell it?"

Someone continued.

Xia Linglong sneered, about to speak, when Yu Emperor's voice rang out:

"Alright."

Two short words brought this farcical verbal battle to a halt.

"Among the Buddhist Sect disciples, is there anyone who can replace General Haotian in slaying demons?" Yu Emperor asked calmly.

The ministers who denounced Li Hao looked at each other in bewilderment.

The Buddha Master was the top leader, but all top leaders are dead.

"Now Demon are eyeing us covetously, and it's summer again. Ji Province is suffering from drought, Cang Province is inundated with refugees..."

Yu Emperor's voice was calm and soothing, unhurried as he said, "The opinions of my beloved ministers should be based on practical considerations for the All Under Heaven. Without the All Under Heaven, where is justice?"

Hearing Yu Emperor's words, Xia Linglong and the others were secretly delighted.

Those who were denouncing Li Hao looked grim, but they also understood that what Xia Linglong and the others said was indeed reasonable.

That young man's current status and strength make him someone who can't be easily messed with.

"But under the iron hooves of my Great Yu, all those who break the law and violate discipline will be brought to justice!"

Yu Emperor's tone suddenly shifted, and he coldly declared, "Anyone who violates the laws of the land will be dealt with according to the Great Yu Law. No one will be spared. Even members of the Imperial Family will be executed if they deserve to be beheaded; there will be no leniency!"

"Merit is merit, and dereliction of duty is dereliction of duty. Merit can make up for dereliction, but merit cannot offset dereliction!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Linglong and the others were stunned, their faces turning pale as they stared at Yu Emperor in shock.

Those who had previously denounced Li Hao were taken aback, and a look of joy appeared in their eyes.

Yu Emperor's gaze swept across the faces of the crowd, and he slowly said, "I am deeply grieved by the death of the Buddha Master. From this day forward, I will lead the Imperial Palace in a seven-day vegetarian fast to commemorate the Buddha Master Heroic Soul!"

"Seven days later, I will go to Saintly Virtue Temple to burn incense."

"Your Majesty Sagacity!"

The crowd that had been protesting earlier couldn't help but shout out.

Xia Linglong's face turned pale, and she suddenly looked up at His Majesty.

Yu Emperor noticed her gaze, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply said slowly:

"My dear ministers, there is no need to worry. The Buddha Master's merits are immeasurable. I cannot allow him to die without knowing the truth. I will entrust this matter to the Demon Suppression Division in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice for investigation. There are many suspicious points in this matter, and we must investigate them thoroughly."

"?"

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the court were stunned.

Before Xia Linglong could even voice her shock and anger, she was stunned by these words.

She quickly realized what was happening, and, somewhat speechless, gave His Majesty a strange look.

It has to be you... You really know how to twist words.

The crowd that had been shouting earlier was dumbfounded. What did this mean? What did those words mean?!

The Buddha Master is completely dead, is there still a need for investigation? So many Buddhist Sect disciples witnessed it, is there still a need for investigation?

"Your Majesty, the Buddha Master was killed in broad daylight, witnessed by so many Buddhist Sect disciples. How could this be false?" someone couldn't help but say.

Yu Emperor remained silent, but a minister stepped forward from the crowd and said coldly:

"You're being too absolute. This case is full of suspicious points. Just because you saw it with your own eyes doesn't mean it's true. What is your cultivation level? Do you know what abilities Great Peace Dao Realm expert possesses?"

Do you know what kind of Demon Art the Demon in the Great Peace Dao Realm, or even the Dao Inquiry Realm, possess?

Even a minor demon possesses illusionary magic that can deceive mortals.

"I believe His Majesty Sagacity!"

"Why would General Haotian kill the Buddha Master for a thief? Can you give me a reasonable explanation?"

"If that Demon is impersonating General Haotian, wouldn't that be playing into the Demon's hands, causing us to break with General Haotian, and then taking advantage of the situation?"

"Furthermore, is it really possible for General Haotian to kill the Buddha Master? The Buddha Master has cultivated for two thousand years; how powerful is he? General Haotian has only cultivated for sixteen years. If he could kill the Buddha Master, wouldn't that be suspicious?"

"Could it be that you all mean to say that Heavenly Talent General Haotian is exceptionally talented?"

Upon hearing the minister's words, the crowd that had previously voiced their condemnation felt as if something foul was stuck in their throats, rendering them speechless.

Xia Linglong and the others were so excited they almost jumped up and clapped.

That's so well said!

You pretend to be fair, we'll pretend to be fair too, let's see who can pretend better!

As it turns out, His Majesty is the best at pretending.

"That's right, there must be justice!"

Xia Linglong immediately said, "Since His Majesty said he would give us justice, I believe him. We cannot let the Buddha Master die without knowing the truth; we must investigate thoroughly!"

"..."

Those who had previously voiced their condemnation all had twitching expressions.

Buddha Master die under mysterious circumstances?

That was clearly a death that was understood perfectly well, okay?!

Is Your Majesty serious, or is he showing favoritism and covering up for someone else?

Many people looked at Yu Emperor with suspicion in their eyes. They had come here to lodge a complaint, but weren't they also harboring their own suspicions? The young man was so powerful; could Yu Emperor really not be suspicious or wary?

Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger!

Once suspicion arises, the Criminal Charge will be established!

Therefore, their taking sides is merely adding fuel to the fire.

But it seems they haven't reached His Majesty's heart.

Is it because they're worried about the boy's strength that they dare not turn against him?

Or is it that Your Majesty truly trusts that young man so much that he can forgive such a grave mistake?

Doesn't Your Majesty worry that if you continue to indulge this behavior, the All Under Heaven will change hands?!

Their minds were racing, unable to understand, but considering Yu Emperor's earlier questions—eight million Buddhist Sect disciples... perhaps Yu Emperor was wary of that young man and dared not turn against him?

If that's the case, can they still add more leverage to give His Majesty confidence?

Amidst the diverse thoughts of the crowd, Yu Emperor addressed the leading elder:

"My dear minister, you may convey my message to the Buddhist Sect community: I will certainly give them Buddhist Sect. Once the true culprit is identified, whoever he may be, I will bring him to justice and hand him over to the Buddhist Sect!"

The old man's face was ashen, and his body trembled as he said, "Your Majesty, this matter, this matter..."

"It seems that you ministers only intend to discuss this matter today. In that case, let's adjourn the court. Don't forget, my ministers, there is drought and monster infestation in various regions, and many people are waiting for the court's aid. I want to see your memorials tomorrow!"

Yu Emperor said.

Chu Jiuyue immediately announced the end of the court session.

"His Majesty..."

Those who were denouncing him were still unwilling to give up and wanted to say more, but Yu Emperor had already gotten up and left.

Many of them began to feel a sense of unease, realizing they had chosen the wrong side. Would His Majesty hold this against them?

In the Imperial Palace's back garden.

Chu Jiuyue followed Yu Emperor on his walk.

"This little guy is really a headache; he's so daring!"

Yu Emperor sighed softly, casually plucked a petal, gently kneaded it, and then tossed it into the pond. The goldfish leaped up and ate it.

He smiled slightly, his hands behind his back, as he walked and sighed.

Not long after they arrived in the back garden, a eunuch came to report that a minister requested an audience with His Majesty.

Chu Jiuyue glanced at Yu Emperor, Yu Emperor waved to her.

Chu Jiuyue immediately understood and turned to follow the eunuch. When they arrived at the palace gate in the back garden, she saw that the ministers who had denounced Li Hao in the court earlier were now there in groups of four or five, seemingly still harboring evil intentions.

"Eunuch Chu, Buddha Master's matter, we still have something to say..."

Chu Jiuyue quickly made a shushing gesture with her finger.

The group of people were stunned.

Chu Jiuyue glanced at the back garden, lowered her voice, and said to the group, "Don't mention the Buddha Master again. His Majesty once went to Boundless Mountain to discuss the Dao with the Buddha Master, and they developed a deep friendship. Today, His Majesty is only holding court under pressure, and is currently grieving for the Buddha Master..."

"..."

The group exchanged bewildered glances, somewhat speechless.

Is it true or false?

They say a ruler's word is law... Is that really true?

Seeing their suspicious looks, Chu Jiuyue frowned and said, "What's with those expressions? Do you not believe me, or do you not believe His Majesty's affection for the Buddha Master?"

"But the Buddha Master died clearly and without cause..."

Chu Jiuyue quickly stopped him, lowering her voice and saying, "Don't mention Buddha Master anymore. His Majesty is already saddened enough. He didn't even eat dinner yesterday when he heard the news. You want to seek justice for Buddha Master, don't you want that too? But if you don't investigate thoroughly and let the real culprit go unpunished, is that the result you want?"

The group looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Let's go, let's go, don't make His Majesty sad anymore," Chu Jiuyue said, waving her hand.

Seeing this, the ministers had no choice but to take their leave. Before leaving, one of them asked, "Is Your Majesty truly heartbroken?"

Chu Jiuyue's expression hardened.

The minister immediately realized his mistake, smiled sheepishly, and could only leave helplessly.

After watching them leave, Chu Jiuyue sneered inwardly. These guys had no idea how much affection His Majesty had for that child.

Sad?

I'm really heartbroken; I can barely hold back my tears.