"I am questioning the parties in this case. What gives you the right to speak?"
"I studied at an academy and know something of the Great Qi Code. As a seventh-rank cultivator who passed the Azure Cloud Examination, I may offer remonstrance and report violations when I encounter them." Li Qingxian straightened his back and looked at Magistrate Wen with a smile.
"The trial takes priority. Other matters can be discussed afterward."
Li Qingxian cupped his hands. "Magistrate Wen, you are mistaken. Ritual propriety and the law are the foundations of our nation. This woman openly violated the law and flouted propriety, presumptuously calling herself a lady when she is merely a commoner's concubine. How can she serve as a plaintiff? If she is not severely punished under the Great Qi Code, over a thousand members of our Divine Bow Sect will join over a thousand members of the Green Mountain Gang and travel to the capital to petition the emperor, demanding justice for the rites and laws of our ancestors!"
The Divine Sword Sect's relatives looked bewildered. Why did those words sound so familiar?
"Li Jingqiu, do you understand that I, Wen, am the magistrate of this county?"
Li Qingxian nodded. "Of course."
"Then when I say this matter will be discussed afterward, how should you respond?" Wen Siyan leaned forward slightly and stared into Li Qingxian's eyes.
Li Qingxian replied, "The Divine Bow Sect has bones of iron, and Liu Yitian's righteousness towers to the heavens. As a seventh-rank Dao Cultivator who passed the Azure Cloud Examination, how could I, Li Jingqiu, tolerate slander from a guilty woman? I will send word to the capital and ask the imperial censors to restore clear skies and a just world to Far-Reaching City."
"Well said!" Only after shouting did Wang