The enormous courtroom was built from massive blocks of white stone, each one smooth and finely cut, their seams tightly fitted and secured with gold ornamentation. The whole structure looked wealthy and solemn.
The courtroom's interior formed a sunken circle, while the center rose in a striking protrusion. Upon it sat three "noble" witnesses, with ten equally "noble" accompanying witnesses below them.
The five hundred and one citizens serving as the tribunal sat slightly below them, encircling the accuser and the accused in ring after ring.
As for those two—the protagonists of this trial—they stood at the very bottom, directly beneath the central raised platform.
Most spectators stood outside the courtroom, watching from afar through special instruments.
Only a small number of people with some standing were permitted to enter as jurors, seated in the farthest corners.
Lei Tuo, wearing a hat adorned with brightly colored feathers and dressed in lavish clothing, first removed his hat and bowed deeply toward the thirteen "noble ones" ahead of him. His movements were so exaggerated that even Tongtian could not help suspecting that, if the court regulations had not expressly forbidden it, the man would have dropped to one knee to display his "humility."
Being hindered in action did not stop Lei Tuo from expressing his feelings. Extravagant praise spilled from his lips.
"Great Sage above, to behold the thirteen noble Highnesses today is truly an honor beyond measure. It is your nobility that illuminates the path ahead for us."
Then Lei Tuo put his hat back on, turned, and gave a slight bow to the tribunal. In a comparatively mild tone, he said, "Great Sage above, may truth illuminate justice, and may your wisdom expose the face of falsehood."
Having said that, Lei Tuo returned to his place as accuser. He gave