"I once said that mistakes could be forgiven, because everyone makes them," Fang Yun said as he walked.
Hearing those words, the King of Chu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The four Grand Academicians also escaped the desperate feeling of ropes tightening around their necks, and their breathing eased.
Fang Yun continued, "I have always believed that people must be given a chance to correct their mistakes. Who among us is a sage or saint, incapable of fault? But a mistake is a mistake, distinct from grave crimes and monstrous evil! Mistakes can be forgiven; grave crimes cannot!"
Fang Yun's voice was as decisive as a blade cutting through nails and iron, freezing the expressions on all five faces.
The King of Chu knelt there, not knowing what to say.
Fang Yun continued forward until he stood before the four Grand Academicians.
The four Grand Academicians froze, exchanged glances, and hesitated for half a breath before retreating together.
The King of Chu flew into a rage. He had never expected these four Grand Academicians to stand by with their hands tucked into their sleeves.
"Bastards! Scoundrels! Useless trash! Beasts! You dare betray your lord for glory! You dare sell me out! You dare watch me die without lifting a finger!" Beside himself with fury, the King of Chu turned all his fear, pent-up frustration, and anger upon the four Grand Academicians.
Shame appeared on the four Grand Academicians' faces, but they remained motionless.
Fang Yun walked between the four Grand Academicians, stepped onto the stairs, and slowly ascended toward the dais where the throne stood.
Just then, lightning flashed and thunder roared at the palace gates. A web of interwoven lightning crackled, reaching a full thousand feet high and bathing the entire capital in daylight.
Faced with such a