As soon as the words fell, the doors of Courtroom One were pushed open. Amid the clatter of chains, Yuanshi Tianzun was escorted into the hall by two guards.
His legs were shackled, a black wooden collar circled his neck, a Yellow Paper Talisman was pasted to his chest, and his hands were bound by roots.
Everyone in the hall looked toward the young man walking into the "execution ground"—once a peerless prodigy, the most celebrated genius among the official ranks.
Like most criminals, his face was expressionless, his demeanor numb and hollow, none of his former brilliance remaining.
The cameraman turned his lens, focusing on Yuanshi Tianzun and capturing his expression and gait as the footage was streamed to the forum.
After escorting Yuanshi Tianzun to the defendant's stand, one of the guards called out loudly:
"Reporting! Defendant Yuanshi Tianzun has been brought in. Spirit body sealed, spiritual power sealed, physical body sealed. Courtroom One sealed!"
When Courtroom One had first been built, every possible means by which criminals might escape had been considered—teleportation, escape arts, stealth, entering dungeons, and so on.
Thus, powerful sealing arrays had been laid within the walls, ceiling, and floor. They could even cut off the Spirit Realm's summons to Spirit Realm Walkers.
After delivering the report, the two guards stepped back a few paces and stood rigidly on either side of the defendant's stand like spears.
Elder Cai's expression remained calm as his resounding voice rang out:
"The court is now in session. First, the prosecutor may present the case."
Secretary Zhou rose from the prosecution's table and said in a clear voice:
"Your Honor, on behalf of the Investigation Department, I will outline this case. On October 1st, the three elders Raging Waves Show No Mercy, Nine-Bend River, and Biologist were ordered