"Is it really something from the Immortal Court?"
"Surely the Court Guardian Pavilion wouldn't lie about something like this?"
"Then the Origin Return Alliance said they'd destroy it in public... wouldn't that mean destroying a sacred relic?"
Whispers spread like a rising tide. The representatives of the various factions, who had originally treated the Judgment Assembly as a spectacle, began to wear uneasy expressions.
Liu Heng closed the jade register and clasped his hands behind his back, his bearing composed.
"Under the eternal covenant, the Court Guardian Pavilion safeguards the Immortal Court Relics."
"The Earth Vein Instrument has been lost beyond our keeping for many years. Now that it has resurfaced, it should rightfully be returned."
"I humbly ask the Origin Return Alliance to show mercy and return the Sacred Relic intact to the Pavilion."
"If any fellow cultivators doubt my words, the Court Guardian Pavilion can verify it before everyone, so the truth may be made clear."
His words left no opening, and his manner was courteous and respectful.
But no one below was a fool. Translated plainly, those words meant one thing: if the Origin Return Alliance dared destroy this object, they would be destroying an Immortal Court sacred relic, and all of Central Province would condemn them together.
Some in the crowd were already voicing their agreement.
"That makes sense. What if it really is an Immortal Court sacred relic?"
"If the Origin Return Alliance destroys it, who will take responsibility?"
"Why not examine it first? We can talk once we know for certain."
Zhao Tu, lord of Extreme Firmament, stood at the edge of the plaza, looking around in irritation. Unable to find Zhou Xuan, he could only glare helplessly.
The Alliance Leader's phantom hovered above the main hall, its light dim, offering no rash response.