Wu Heng's voice held no emotion, yet every word struck Dean's mind like a heavy hammer.
"You are neither a police officer nor a judge. You barged into private property, disrupted someone else's ritual, and caused panic and chaos."
"From the standpoint of current law, wasn't what you did also a complete illegal intrusion and a threat to public safety? Aren't you, too, a private judge right now?"
"Just like the Suan you believe her to be."
"You used your personal moral standards to deny Layla her only chance at survival. Wasn't that also your judgment?"
"Given everything currently known, whether the two lives end with them dying one after another in the short term, or whether you, the judge, decide that one dies and one lives—the choice is in your hands now."
"Dean, I am only reminding you not to overlook the choices you make. At the same time, recognize what you truly are and what kind of thing you are doing. Think more comprehensively. Be more mature. As for what comes next, whatever choice you make, I will not stop you."
Wu Heng's gaze was like an abyss, pinning Dean in place.
"But no matter what you choose, you have already taken the position you despise. You have become a self-righteous judge. And the moment you stood here, you could no longer escape it. All that awaits you is a choice—or rather, your judgment. It has nothing to do with current law."
"Essentially, you are no different from the Suan Grange standing before you."
A deathly silence filled the tent.
The smell of thick smoke had yet to disperse, mingling with the scents of herbs, dust, and despair.
Mrs. Rook held her daughter tightly as tears streamed silently down her face. She could not understand those complicated arguments.