Chapter 119: The Trial I

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News of Elder Cheung’s upcoming trial spread like wildfire.

For three days, it is all everyone can talk about, and there is no end to the rumors created as a result. While everyone knows Elder Cheung will be put on trial, the specifics are still a secret to most, prompting no end of theories from the disciples.

Unsurprisingly, it is the most outlandish rumors that gain traction with the disciples. Even those from the Medical Pavillion manage to convince themselves Elder Cheung has torture chambers hidden somewhere in the building.

However, not all have turned against Elder Cheung. As the accusations against him grow, so do his defenders become more ardent. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Medical Pavilion. During his first day there, Liu Jin’s main concern was easing the tensions between the Medical Pavilion and the Apothecary.

During the second day, it is the disciples of the Medical Pavilion that turn against each other as Elder Cheung supporters and opposers exchange heated words that always threaten to erupt into violence.

Even with Lu Mei’s help, keeping things under control is a hassle.

It is also a bit of a blessing.

If Liu Jin was only seen acting in favor of those from the Medical Pavilion, he could lose support from members of the Apothecary. That most of his acts suddenly consist of quieting down Medical Pavilion disciples helps solidify his authority with the others. Even those who don’t quite respect him yet are willing to let him handle the more administrative side of the occupation if only so they don’t have to do it themselves. Organizing the examination of the Medical Pavillion’s disciples and going over their records are not things anyone wants to do.

Regardless, if things are already this bad in the Medical Pavilion, where Elder Cheung used to rule, Liu Jin does not want to imagine how bad things are in the rest of the compound. As the date of the trial grows closer, everyone will have to pick a side.

However, it is not Elder Cheung’s guilt they are making their minds on. Not really.

Lord Feng Shang or Lord Feng Gui.

That is the true question on everyone’s minds.

~~~

In preparation for the trial, the many sparring rings inside the Sparring Hall have been removed and several rows of seats added in their stead, enough for well over a thousand people. The center of the building has been cordoned off and left mostly vacant. It is here where Elder Xun, the oldest and wisest of the Elders, will preside over the trial.

On the highest row of seats, an area has been separated for the Elders. For many, it is an overwhelming sight. There are only one hundred Emperor Realm cultivators in the Crimson Cloud Empire, yet the Emperors in this room near the double digits. Some do their best not to look in that direction. Others cannot help but look there.

Regardless, all do their best to remain silent.

It is a pity their best is not enough. As the pressure mounts, the disciples find their tongues becoming loose. Nervousness compels them to speak in hushed whispers. And how can so many whispers be anything but loud? Not only have all the seats been filled three hours before the trial began, but a great number of disciples are standing outside. So many whispers are like the buzzing of a thousand insects.

“It is not often I see a gathering like this.”

The entire room immediately goes quiet.

Elder Xun is a small man with skin weathered like leather. His eyebrows are so bushy they threaten to cover his eyes and his beard is long and white. Nothing about him appears threatening, yet he is someone who climbed all the way to the Ninth Level of the Emperor Realm and realized he could go no further.

To quiet the whole room, Elder Xun did not even need to amplify his voice with Qi. Elder Xun did not even bother opening his eyes. He rarely does as it is rumored he lost his sight a long time ago.

He merely spoke with authority.

“What a pity it is that we must gather to discuss the crimes which Elder Cheung has been accused of.”

Worried murmurs ripple across the room. Elder Xun allows them to, but only for a moment.

“Elder Xue, as the one who brought this issue to light, I am given to understand it is you who will handle the prosecution.”

Elder Xue rises from her seat. In the blink of an eye, she is before Elder Xun.

“That is so Elder Xun. I stand here ready to prove Elder Cheung’s guilt.”

Elder Xun nods with almost deliberate slowness. “I see. I see. Elder Dang, you will be in charge of Elder Cheung’s defense. Correct?”

“Indeed, I will, most venerable Elder Xun,” Elder Dang says as he too takes his place in front of Elder Xun, just a few paces away from Elder Xue. Like Elder Xue did moments ago, he uses Qi to amplify his voice. “As I am in charge of the Division of Internal Disputes, this role is most fitting for me.”

“Is that so?” Elder Xun says with noticeable disinterest. He turns to Elder Xue. “You have Elder Cheung under your custody.”

Elder Xue nods. “That is the case, Elder Xun.”

“Usually, a criminal would be placed in the Punishment House.”

“The matter of Elder Cheung’s guilt has not been settled,” Elder Xue replies. “That is, after all, the motive behind this trial. To hold someone as strong as Elder Cheung in the Punishment House, we’d need to use the lowest level of cells. In the event of his innocence, such a punishment would be far too heavy. This Elder could never live with herself if she made such a blunder. Holding Elder Cheung in the Apothecary was the most humane solution.”

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The reaction from the audience is split. Some, like Khong Hu, marvel at Elder Xue’s kindness, for she shows mercy to her enemies and is prudent in word and deed. Others, however, see her words as nothing but empty lies. She did not send Elder Cheung to the Punishment House because there was a chance the other Elders would have freed him if she had.

“I see.” Once again, Elder Xun’s voice is completely neutral. Detached. It is as if his mind is elsewhere. “Regardless, it would be negligent of us to hold a trial without the accused. Elder Xue, if you would.”

Though she does not look pleased with the command, Elder Xue does not object. A transfer circle appears to her left. Elder Cheung’s form slowly rises from it.

Several gasps follow.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

Elder Dang is the one who shouts. However, he is far from the only one shocked. All eyes are on the bound Elder Cheung. His elegant robes have been replaced by multiple restraints and bindings. His eyes are covered, his mouth gagged, and his body tied to a chair and decorated with talismans and chains to hold him in place. Those who have reached the Earth Realm can see at least one hundred and four different barriers surrounding him.

“What have you done to him, Elder Xue?” Elder Dang shouts. “Elder Cheung is still an Elder of the Eternal Flame Clan!”