Black Tortoise Ten Kings

Before them stood a disciple of the direct lineage named King Jia.

Though he was at the peak of the Golden Core realm, even an ordinary Nascent Soul True Lord would bow his head before him, not daring to claim seniority. That would hold true even if all questions of status were set aside.

"Since,"

"you know you violated military law,"

the golden-armored giant said, gazing at the blue-robed Golden Core cultivator kneeling before him. No one knew what he was thinking. After a long while, he said mildly, "you will be dealt with according to my military law."

"What is the penalty?"

"A disciple of the direct lineage must take his own life,"

someone said in a low voice.

"Then so be it."

The golden-armored giant spoke calmly.

"I will report to the Heavenly Palace that you died fighting bravely. Your lineage and descendants will receive compensation. Your death will not be in vain."

"Your Excellency, spare me! Please let me serve as a vanguard soldier sent to die..."

The blue-robed Golden Core cultivator was terrified, but he did not dare resist. He knocked his head against the ground again and again, begging for mercy.

The surrounding Golden Core cultivators were horrified as well.

The Heavenly Palace's military law was harsh, but it did not go so far as to execute a peak Golden Core cultivator for merely speaking out of turn. Such cruelty was rare even within the Heavenly Palace.

"I offered you a dignified end. Since you don't want it, forget it."

Impatience crossed the golden-armored giant's face. He shook his head slightly, as though an errant fly buzzed before him, and brought down his palm.

The shadow of a palm flew from his hand.

The next instant, it swelled to dozens of zhang across. All five