Li Wuming stopped harping on the matter of "volunteering for a probe."
But he immediately changed tack. His gaze swept over Qin He, sharp as a blade, and his tone brooked no argument. "Then let me ask you this. The Criminal Office has verified that the aura of the Starfall Flame in the Eastern Domain's Flamewind Valley has vanished without a trace."
"Your four-man squad were the only ones to leave the Eastern Domain that day. There were no traces of any other cultivators or strange beasts. Tell me, then, where did the Starfall Flame go?"
His words instantly pulled the atmosphere in the hall taut again. The deputy boundary patrol envoys on either side turned their eyes back to Qin He, studying him with renewed interest.
A flicker of impatience crossed Qin He's eyes, but he put on a helpless expression, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. "You put me in a difficult position, Lord Li."
"If you truly find me so displeasing, you are welcome to produce solid evidence, and we can argue the matter out before everyone here. Or does the Criminal Office always require those under investigation to prove their innocence, rather than have its officials present evidence?"
That single remark struck straight at the heart of the matter, like a keen blade.
Li Wuming's face went livid, then pale. He snapped coldly, "Insolence! A mere Other Shore Realm cultivator like you has no right to question the Criminal Office's procedures!"
Qin He no longer looked at him. Instead, he turned directly toward Ling Tianfan, Wei Cang, and the others at the seats of honor and cupped his hands, respectful but neither servile nor overbearing. "My lords, the Starfall Flame is a demon flame from the Ancient Era. Even Saint-tier experts must treat it with