The hall erupted in uproar once more.
Civil and military officials alike, countless gazes all fell squarely upon Lu Chen.
Within those gazes were shock, disbelief, sudden realization—and a trace of—
Awe.
The peak of the Supernatural Power Realm and the Longevity Realm.
A difference of a single word, yet as far apart as heaven and earth.
To step into Longevity meant leaving the realm of "mortals" behind. It meant becoming an existence truly capable of touching the laws of heaven and earth, of conversing with a dynasty's national fortune.
Across all of Great Xia, there were fewer than twenty Longevity Realm cultivators known to the public.
And Lu Chen was not yet thirty this year.
Lu Chen did not answer Xiao Jinghong.
He did not even look at him.
He merely cupped his hands toward Emperor Xia.
"Every matter this subject has reported is supported by solid evidence. The Hidden Dragon Guard has raided Spring Renewal Hall's Capital City branch and seized seventeen secret letters exchanged between Ten Thousand Gu Sect envoy Gu Xuanzi and the Third Prince's Residence, thirty-nine death-row prisoners yet to be transferred, and twelve mature blood gu."
"Third Prince Xiao Jinghong colluded with foreign enemies, secretly cultivated evil arts, and harbored unlawful intentions."
"I beg Your Majesty to render holy judgment."
The hall fell deathly silent.
Emperor Xia looked at Lu Chen.
After a long while, he spoke, his voice low and heavy.
"Third Prince Xiao Jinghong is to be escorted to the Imperial Clan Court to await trial."
"Zhou Wenzheng, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, abetted treacherous evil. Strip him of his office and place him under interrogation."
"Duke of the Nation Lu Chen—"
He paused for a moment.
"Having broken through into Longevity, he has rendered merit to the state. Confer upon him