Xiao Zhengyan stood in the middle of the side hall, half a head taller than Yi Yang, blocking the desk.
His right hand rested on the unsheathed heavy sword at his waist. This treasure artifact had been repaired many times, old scars crossing its edge, the leather wrapping on its hilt long since soaked dark brown with sweat.
Xiao Zhengyan had yet to release his Late True Astral aura, but his oppressive presence already filled the side hall.
That pressure did not come from qi force. It was something that naturally emanated from years spent in a position of power.
Two Evil Punishment Office Patrol Guards stood shoulder to shoulder at the entrance, their shoulder armor touching, leaving no gap for anyone to pass.
Their stance made things perfectly clear.
Unless he received an explanation today, no one would get off easily.
Yi Yang did not retreat. His fingers still rested on the edge of the confidential letter, his back straight and his face expressionless.
Pei Zongyue sat behind the desk holding a bowl of tea, his fingers tapping lightly against its rim. He left the floor to the two of them.
Silence held in the side hall for three breaths.
Yi Yang knew exactly what Xiao Zhengyan intended.
Xiao Zhengyan might not care whether Zhou Yang and the other two lived or died.
What had truly brought the head of the Evil Punishment Office here was the Judgment Hall bypassing his office to arrest its people. If he returned empty-handed today, everyone in the Evil Punishment Office would see only one thing.
Their three Patrol Directors had been taken away by the newly appointed Commander of the Pacification Guard, and their superior had not even let out a fart.
With that kind of humiliation, their loyalty would naturally fall