Chapter 108: The Three Halls' Joint Trial

  Two deafening crashes as if the sky and earth were splitting apart! Below, tens of millions of thunderbolts burst forth simultaneously.

  Qian Huang's originally white and serene face had long since twisted, his mouth sometimes bursting into mad laughter, other times letting out mournful wails. Countless purple snakes danced and swayed behind him, a sight that made the people of the world view him as a god, and the imperial family treat him like a Buddha. At this moment, the Second Master of the Two Countries had transformed into a mad demon, his hand waving in all directions as heavenly thunder poured down!

  Like others, Qian Huang was also infected with the Sheep Horn Crisp's saliva and suddenly went crazy. The six-step cultivation that he had painstakingly hidden was completely released, summoning the Brilliant Heavenly Thunder to randomly strike everywhere without a target.

  Previously, no matter whether Liang Xin lived or died, a group of monks who flew to the sky to watch the excitement were the first to be affected. Two powerful men from the Five Greats and Three Roughs were scared and let out a strange cry at the same time, no matter how deep their minds were. They couldn't have guessed that Qian Huang would go crazy. Caught off guard, they were hit by a sudden lightning spell and became flustered. When they turned their heads back, they were struck by another divine lightning bolt head-on. Although their injuries were not severe due to their cultivation, they couldn't avoid having their faces covered in black soot and their hair singed.

  The ground was in an even greater mess, with the full-force impact of a six-step cultivation being no different from a catastrophic collapse for ordinary cultivators. Anyone who was swept up would be left with their soul scattered and their body shattered, and for a time, no one had the luxury to worry about etiquette or status. Each person hastily activated their magical tools and unleashed their movement techniques, shouting loudly as they dispersed in all directions like a flock of startled sparrows.

  He turned back and was hit by a Lei Fa, thinking that Qian Huang had deliberately launched a sneak attack. In his anger, he pinched the Xian Jue in his hand, ready to summon his treasure to counterattack.

  Qin Jue suddenly pulled him back, frowning and saying: "This monk has gone mad, he's just wildly hitting out!"

  As soon as he was reminded, Gu turned his head and also saw that it wasn't right. According to Qian Huang's current way of fighting, he would probably exhaust his true yuan in no time.

  Gu and Qin were also powerful figures in the Five Greats and Three Coarses, their cultivation was stronger than Qian Huang's by a notch. However, the monk was now a madman, completely disregarding consequences as he wildly attacked. To subdue him would require great effort, it was better to wait for him to exhaust himself.

  The two masters exchanged a wry glance. Neither of them bothered with Qianhuang, each displaying their divine powers to protect the ordinary cultivators present.

  The treasure that Gu turned his head to was a huge golden sword, which cut off all the lightning wherever it passed. Just as he was about to make a move, he inadvertently saw Liang Xin and his son standing under Qian Huang's feet, looking up at him with a smile.

  If it weren't for the urgent situation and having second thoughts. Looking back, I was really ruthless and couldn't bear to order the Golden Sword to shatter those two's smiling faces!

  Two great masters took action, protecting the many monks on the stage. The Tianyi and Donghai Qian who had flown into the air with them earlier jumped down, and with the addition of Master Qian's Taoist magic, most of them were unharmed, so although the scene was chaotic, there were no casualties.

  The grand halls and divine pavilions around were left unguarded, and in the blink of an eye, they were struck by divine lightning, leaving them in a state of disarray. As people's shock subsided, they began to discuss the matter in twos and threes.

  In a state of frenzy, Qian Huang's true strength was fully exposed, and because of his frantic and wild blows, the momentum he displayed was even higher than his actual cultivation.

  A six-step Transcendent Realm national master? This is something that ordinary cultivators would never have thought of, and they secretly speculated about his identity and purpose. Just as they were discussing it, a Buddhist chant suddenly came, and a figure flew through the air, surrounding the still-swirling divine thunder of Qian Huang, layer by layer. The speed was as fast as a strong wind.

  In an instant, the human figure was no longer visible, only a swirling gray mass could be seen, spinning faster and faster like a whirlwind. The thunderous spells cast by Qian Huang were all absorbed by the "whirlwind", leaving none to spill out.

  The crowd of cultivators was shocked again. To think that every single Thunder Method was created with great effort by Qian Huang, but the newcomer didn't use any divine abilities and simply used his physical skills to dispel them, this level of cultivation was indeed shocking to hear!

  In just a short while, the monks were shocked several times. It wasn't that their faith was not strong enough, but rather the events of today were truly beyond expectation.

  Liáng Xīn looked up at the newcomer, furrowed his brow and asked: "Is it Grandmaster Guó?" With his visual acuity, he couldn't keep up with the other's movements, but the other's identity wasn't hard to guess. Since Second Master's cultivation had already been exposed, there was no need for Grandmaster to hide anything anymore.

  Although his divine power was no longer there, his eyesight remained the same. He nodded: "Not bad, it's that old monk."

  Gu and Qin narrowed their eyes, with a sharp glint in their gaze, staring intently at the air.

  After another incense stick's worth of time, the thunder god's presence in the sky grew thinner and thinner, until finally, in mid-air, Qian Huang and Shang lightly trembled, their eyes recovering clarity, filled with confusion as they looked around, before their bodies went limp and fell from the sky.

  The Grand Master Qilin swung his large sleeves and wrapped up his junior fellow apprentice, asking in a low voice: "Are you alright?"

  Qian Huang shook his head: "Lost strength, and" was forced out of true strength. He said, stretching out his hand, pointing at Liang Xin's father and son with great effort.

  Qilin Old Master slowly floated down onto the Dahong platform, first taking out a green pill from his bosom and giving it to Qianhuang to take. After circulating his true yuan to examine him, he found that he had only lost strength and was not injured. Only then did he slowly let out a sigh and smile faintly: "You rest for now, everything is under my control, don't worry."

  Finished. Qilin raised his head, gazing at Liang Xin and his son with turbid eyes, his almost cracking eyebrows, and a faint frown that was hard to detect. He couldn't understand either, how could Liang Xin and his son, with their cultivation, cause such big trouble for his junior brother? After sizing them up for a moment, he slowly spoke: "Who are you two, and what do you want from my junior brother?"

  Liang Xin smiled and replied: "It's a private feud. We had agreed beforehand to fight to the death, with the Eight Great Heavenly Gates, One Line Heaven, and all the fellow Taoists as witnesses."

  Qilin turned around and looked towards the two masters from the Eight Great Heavenly Gates.

  Liren Valley Qin Jue smiled but didn't speak, turning his head to meet the gaze of Qilin. He lightly changed the subject: "Unexpectedly, both national masters are grandmasters of the Carefree Realm, I've been disrespecting you all along."

  Qilin lowered his head, and after a moment, he raised it again. He didn't say anything else, but instead smiled kindly at Liang Xin, and stepped back two steps while supporting his junior brother.

  Almost at the same time, the eunuch's voice that had previously announced the arrival of the Holy One from the foot of the mountain rang out again from a short distance: "Great Hongtian Dynasty, Emperor Xizong"

  Before he could finish, another voice cut him off: "Shut up! The great Hongtai has gathered all the immortals. You're in front of the various immortal families. If you keep shouting and yelling, you'll really be ashamed to death!"

  As soon as the words fell, a middle-aged man in yellow robes stepped quickly across the crimson gate and walked into the fungal path in front of the Great Hong Platform.

  Liáng Xīn knew that the one who came was the Emperor. He couldn't help but widen his eyes, but at first glance, he felt extremely disappointed in his heart. There were no magnificent canopies, jade carriages, golden parasols, or imperial fans, none of the legendary imperial pomp and circumstance were seen.

  The emperor in front of him, not even wearing the legendary rolled cloud crown, just tied his hair with a silk ribbon, black boots and white socks, sapphire blue waistband. The only thing that can prove he is an emperor is that bright yellow dragon robe with four claws. Just looking at his attire, it's not as good as the green-clothed guard...

  Hong Xizong was in his thirties, of medium build and slightly plump, with a pale complexion and not much presence, but rather looked like he had been sleeping inadequately for days on end, with deep eye sockets.

  Xi Zong followed only three people behind Fudao, an old eunuch with a bent back but a spirited demeanor, a 13 or 14-year-old palace maid with downcast eyes, the two of them should be Xi Zong's personal slaves. The third person was recognized by Liang Xin, it was Shi Lin, the commander of the Nine Dragons.

  Shi Lin followed behind the Emperor, his face full of bitter smiles, probably because he had been reprimanded when they climbed the mountain. As a close minister, with so many monks gathered here, it was natural to stay by the Emperor's side.

  Apart from this, there was no one else. Liang Xin felt extremely bored and only then remembered that he was still on the high platform. He quickly ran down and blended in with the cultivators. After standing still for a moment, he caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance wafting over. Turning his head to look, he saw that Yao Nu Lang Yue was standing not far away from him.

  Langya didn't come over to greet him, her eyes fixed on the Emperor, but a faint smile played on her lips as she glanced at Liang Xin.

  Emperor Xi Zong was ordinary in appearance and had no imperial majesty. After entering, he smiled with his eyebrows and eyes, with a friendly and kind expression, even with a hint of suppressed envy.

  The old man sneered silently behind Liang Xin's back, although he didn't say anything, the contempt was obvious. Liang Xin was a bit disappointed at first, but then thought about it and felt that Xi Zong's behavior was normal too. His pretentiousness was originally for ordinary people to see, and in front of a group of cultivators who had long abandoned worldly emotions and could kill enemies thousands of miles away with just a flick of their flying swords, putting on airs would only make him look more ridiculous.

  Not only that, Liang Xin thought further, on the surface, the emperor now seems like a country bumpkin. With a smile all over his face and light footsteps, but in fact?

  This third trial, the one who came the latest was him! Even the timing was grasped perfectly, just as it was about to start, he had the eunuch shout out.

  Ninety-nine returns to one, a single line of heaven, even the five elements and three rough ones are all waiting for him. Thinking of this, Liang Xin couldn't help but laugh, and Emperor Xi Zong also seemed more spirited in his eyes.

  No matter how humble Hong Xizong appears, after all, his identity is that of a mortal emperor, and he must have some social interactions. The wooden sword of the Tian line smiled and welcomed him, introducing himself and then introducing the important figures present, Hong Xizong's face full of smiles, calling himself a junior, with joy hidden between his eyebrows, it seems he really yearns for the heavenly way.

  Mu Jian didn't mention the emperor's tardiness at all, and after a lively and bustling round of pleasantries, he smiled and said: "Your Majesty, the hour of Chen has long since passed."

  Xi Zong immediately said: "Quickly start the trial!" He waved his sleeve and ordered: "Bring in the prisoner, let's begin the court session!"

  Mu Jian's smile remained unchanged as he nodded and asked, "The San Tang Hui Shen originally consisted of Donghai Qian, Yizhixiang, and the three officials from the imperial court."

  Xi Zong looked ordinary, but his brain reacted quickly. Before he finished speaking, he nodded: "Originally, I asked the national teacher to preside over the trial on my behalf. However, after careful consideration, all the immortal families in the world gathered at Da Hongtai, and this case involved many important people. As a junior, I dare not be slow, so I rushed here overnight to personally try this case!"

  As he spoke, Xi Zong raised his head and looked towards the great national master Qilin at the Dahong stage.

  Qilin and Shang laughed, with deep wrinkles torn apart by the smile, as if they would crack open at any moment. He clasped his hands together: "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, it's best to take care of this case personally." After finishing speaking, he let out a light sigh, seemingly wanting to say something else, but ultimately shook his head.

  Liang Xin looked on from the side. Even if he was foolish, he could sense that something was off between the Emperor and the National Master. He couldn't help but turn his head to exchange a glance with his adoptive father, then lower his head again, only to exchange another glance with Yangjiao Cui.

  Xi Zong saw the national teacher agree, and was immediately overjoyed. Without needing any support, he lifted up his robe and quickly ascended to the top of Da Hong Tai. The old eunuch Xiao Gong'e behind him was startled and hastily stretched out his hand to virtually support him from behind. Shi Lin followed closely without saying a word.

  The three judges' platforms, which had been set up in advance, were not damaged by the thunder of Qian Huang's law, because they were arranged in a triangular formation with equal status, and no one needed to yield their position. Xi Zong casually sat down on one of the platforms, with two inner attendants standing behind him. Commander Shi Lin stood slightly bowed, off to the side.

  Yi Xian Tian and Dong Hai Qian also took their seats separately, while Gu and Qin had already made it clear that they were only there to listen to the case and did not take a seat, instead standing shoulder-to-shoulder below the stage.

  After sitting down, the old eunuch behind the emperor took a deep breath and was about to announce loudly to the officials when Xi Zong hastily turned his head around and glared at him, scolding in a low voice: "Shut up!"

  With a snort, Xiao Gong'e, who was standing beside the old eunuch, couldn't help but burst out laughing, and then immediately remembered the situation in front of her and her little face turned red.

  The Great Master Qilin walked to the center of the Dahong Platform, nodded at the crowd and slowly opened his mouth: "All the cultivators and emperors in the world have gathered on this vast platform. Everyone already knows what it's all about. There's no need for further ado, let's get straight to the point!"

  Liáng Xīn originally thought that there would be a lengthy speech before the trial began, but unexpectedly, Guō Shī directly opened the court and brought in the accused, which made him feel invigorated.

  After a while, footsteps sounded and Liu Yihe and Qu Qing Shi were brought to the Da Hong stage. Liang Xin's eyes turned red in an instant. Compared to several months ago, the two brothers had not changed much. Liu Yihe was still dark and chubby, and Qu Qing Shi had a full head of white hair, but Liang Xin couldn't help but want to cry.

  Yu and Liu, with their insight, saw the dragon robe and would not fail to recognize the emperor. Moreover, earlier outside was noisy and chaotic, the events had already been guessed by them more than half, they tidied up their clothes and called out "Long live Your Majesty". They knelt down in front of Xi Zong.

  "Your Majesty is wise and discerning; I, your humble minister, am wrongly accused."

  Liang Xin was delighted at once, several months without seeing each other, big brother's heroic spirit is still as strong as in those years!

  Xi Zong was taken aback by the words, then smiled and said: "Are you singing a play? Are you reporting to the emperor? If you are innocent, there will be no trouble. The national teacher may have wronged you, but would all the immortals in the world also wrong you?" As he spoke, he granted them permission to rise, finding it inconvenient to speak while kneeling.

  Qilin's expression didn't change, but his face subtly darkened.

  Three courts are on trial. Shocking the world, the three judges sitting behind the bench are all influential figures, although their momentum is shocking, but there is one good thing: dignitaries naturally have the demeanor of dignitaries, and there will be no forced confessions in court.

  It's just that this case is special. Otherwise, handing the offender over to the Jiulong Temple would have cleared up any grievances long ago.

  The old Taoist of the Wooden Sword of the First Line Heaven asked directly, "On June 20th, the Donghai Qian Guan Ri Tai was bombed. Are you clear about this matter?"

  After asking the question, half a moment passed, unexpectedly Qu Qing Shi and Liu didn't even give him a glance, only lowering their heads to face the Emperor, not even sparing Mu Jian a single look.

  Qilin and Shang were originally one of the main judges. Now they have become the host, and it's not possible to let the scene be so embarrassing. Coughing, he opened his mouth: "Qu Curved, Liu Curved, this case has been done by all the Taoist priests in the world, if you have anything to say, don't hesitate."

  Qu Qing's stone head didn't lift, and he faintly opened his mouth: "I am an official appointed by the imperial court. Although I have suspicions, I haven't committed a crime yet. The imperial court will investigate, and naturally, I will report truthfully. As for others asking, I won't say anything."

  Liang Xin listened from under the stage and laughed even more happily, the one on the stage who was down on his luck but not losing his spirit, unlucky yet still arrogant, was his second brother!

  Xi Zong turned his head to look at Shi Lin, the big boss of the Jiulong Temple, and actually chuckled: "Good guy, this is blaming me, the emperor, for pushing my own minister out to let outsiders interrogate him, huh? You're quite..."

  With a loud thud, Shi Lin knelt down, and Qu Liu also hastily repeated that he didn't dare.

  Xi Zong was born with a good temper and did not like to get angry. He waved his hand and said, "You immortals ask them what you want, they will answer what they want, it's too calculating and will lose the face of the court!"

  Qu Qing Shi finally turned his head to look at Mu Jian Lao Dao: "What you said has nothing to do with me, Qu is just an ordinary person, doesn't have such a powerful move."

  Liu Yi naturally echoed in agreement, and Mu Jian didn't think much of it either. He shook his head and said: "After the incident at Qian Shan, we asked the imperial court to help find the murderer."

  Qing Shi smiled and said, "I understand." The old man's meaning was clear: you are the murderers. It wasn't me who said that, but your imperial court who did. I only ask for the real culprit, as for accusations and defenses, you can handle it yourselves.

  Then, Qu Qing Shi turned his head towards Guo Shi: "Please bring out the evidence then. Right or wrong, it can't be empty words."

  Qilin and Shang nodded, but before they could speak, Liang Xin suddenly said: "Wait!" As he spoke, his body floated up onto the stage. Jiang didn't follow him this time, instead holding a sheep's horn pastry below the stage and laughing as he watched the commotion.

  Liang Xin took the stage, of course, he had something to say. But what he really wanted was to be with Qu Qing Shi and Liu Yi in this setting. This lawsuit. He had plans, he had preparations, but no matter what, it was impossible to please everyone, and the danger in between could not be underestimated.

  When danger arises, they stand shoulder to shoulder, just like five years ago on Mount Ku Nai, killing bamboo together, and killing Nan Yang together!

  Qilin and Shang slightly furrowed his brow, but before he could speak, Gu Zuo turned around and said: "We have an agreement beforehand that all cultivators will be impartial. Anyone can jump onto the stage to speak, and this little brother is no exception."

  At the same time, Shi Lin also leaned into the emperor's ear and whispered a few words. Xi Zong responded with an "oh" and looked at Liang Xin with interest, then stood up. He said to Lin Tian and Dong Hai, "This young man is also an official who has been following this case. I called him here just to clarify right and wrong."

  Liang Xin was taken aback, and with just one sentence from Xi Zong, he changed from taking the stage voluntarily to being summoned, although both meant going on stage, but the difference between them was huge! From now on, Liang Xin's words would become the voice of the imperial court!

  Commander Shi Lin's expression remained unchanged, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly towards Liang Xin, forming a subtle smile.

  Mù Jiàn Lǎo Dào had seen Liáng Xīn's skills before, and now that he knew his identity, he was quite surprised in his heart, but his expression remained calm, smiling and nodding.

  Donghai Qian's morning sun, with a slightly impatient tone, urged: "If you have something to say, then say it, don't waste so much time."

  Liang Xin stepped onto the stage, and Qu Qing Shi and Liu Yi's eyes lit up at the same time. The Dahong Stage turned into a deep well under Mount Suffering, where danger lurked, and the three brothers gathered together once again.

  Liáng Xīn glanced at his two brothers, couldn't help but laugh. Then he turned to Guó Shī and said: "The construction of the Guān Rì Tái by the Qián Shān Dào Zōng has been ongoing for four years, even with the imperial court's full support. In recent centuries, the heavenly fortune has been prosperous, and both the cultivation world and the mortal realm have been peaceful and prosperous. It is inevitable that they would be remiss in their defenses, while treacherous people have been secretly accumulating resentment. Under the principle of 'one thing diminishes, another thing grows', this tragic case finally occurred! For three hundred years, Dà Hóng and Xiū Zhēn Dào have been closely related, so naturally, they cannot shirk responsibility for investigating the true culprit."

  Xi Zong smiled first and said: The court is helping.

  At first, Donghai Qian was in charge of managing the cheap labor for the imperial court. He found people to work and provide labor for the imperial court. However, the people sent by the emperor only took care of building pavilions, while it was naturally up to Donghai Qian to take responsibility for defending against evil spirits. When something happened, Donghai Qian again asked the imperial court to investigate, which is equivalent to saying: You asked me to borrow a knife to chop meat, I lent it to you with good intentions, but as a result, some bad people snatched this knife from your hand and cut you, and then you came to me with a bleeding head to settle accounts. This matter doesn't make sense.

  Now the imperial court is also helping out from a moral standpoint.

  Then, Liang Xindun paused for a moment before continuing: "I just want to remind the national teacher that in the process of project development, everyone's attention is focused on progress and quality. As for other aspects, it's inevitable that there will be some omissions, and that's where the villain takes advantage of the situation. If we only use the bombed scene and construction procedures to infer the murderer, it's unreliable! Moreover, since someone has ulterior motives, they will naturally do their homework in advance, such as human evidence and testimony, which are even more unreliable. To convict, we need real evidence."

  The national teacher dared to frame Qu and Liu, they must have done their due diligence, and they will definitely think carefully on the spot:

  For example, the national teacher will point out who secretly drilled holes and installed fire thunder, and the person pointed out must be a "confidant" of Qu Qingshi or Liu Yiyi in order to make it an iron case.

  Testimony like this, spoken by word of mouth, is hard to refute once it forms a circle. So Liang Xin came up and said the ugly words: testimony is not credible.

  Finally, Liang Xin smiled and splashed dirty water with a double-edged tongue: "The two national masters are the grandmasters of the six-step cultivation method, they are in the heavenly way, and their thoughts are meticulous. This case has two people in charge, it's really as good as it gets!"

  Qilin and Shang smiled, without any sign of surprise, nodding at Liang Xin: "You young man, your cultivation is unusual, and your eloquence isn't bad either!"

  Liang Xin had been through hardships since childhood and experienced great dangers in his youth. He was already somewhat precocious, and in the Monkey Valley, he was deliberately cultivated by Qu Qing Shi and Liu Yi for five years. After leaving the mountain, every event he encountered truly tested his brainpower. In terms of temperament, Liang Xin was firm, thick-skinned, and sharp-witted!

  Moreover, during this period of time, his greatest concern has always been today's trial in the three halls, and it is not unexpected that he can say such words.

  Qu Qing lowered his head and smiled silently, Old Three is still pretty good!

  Liang Xin smiled and nodded at the national teacher: "If someone frames the national teacher for blowing up Donghai Qian, and then finds some idle people to fabricate words, I won't agree either."

  Qilin suddenly burst out laughing, his voice booming and shaking the sky: "Alright, just as you said! Let's not talk about Qian Shan's scene for now. First, let's talk about the motives of these two madmen! Qu Qing Shi, Liu Yi, five years ago, you conspired to ambush and kill Dong Hai's Qian Long Lao and Nan Yang Zhen Ren on Ku Nai Mountain. After leaving the mountain, you were afraid that the matter would be exposed, so you found Qian Shan Dao Zong for revenge, and borrowed the construction of Guan Ri Tai to order your subordinates to secretly hide fire thunder, wanting to destroy Dong Hai Qian, and thus achieve a lifelong goal!"

  Qu Qing Shi turned his head, glanced at the monk with a look of disdain, and then humbly turned back.

  Liu Yi also smiled and said: "Five years of severe killing in Nanyang? What nonsense are you talking about."

  Liang Xin's heart sank, this was what he had expected and worried about the most. If Guoshi could really prove that Nan Yang Zhen Ren's death was related to Qu and Liu, then even if Donghai Qian won the lawsuit, Xiuzhen Dao would not let Qu Qing Shi and Liu Yi off.

  After all, he was less than eighteen years old, and no matter how clever Liang Xin was, he was still a young man. For a moment, his voice trembled with nervousness: "I-I have evidence?"

  Among the loud laughter, Qilin stretched out his hand and took out a stone from his sleeve, "A goose egg stone!!"