Hai Jingping was consumed by rage, almost to the point of completely tearing away all pretense of civility, even if it meant confronting the power behind Granny Bizhu. He felt unjustly targeted, having not received a single benefit from this whole affair. He had only allowed Jiang Wang to speak a few words out of respect for his sincerity.

He knew perfectly well that the events of this Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony would ultimately be decided by Chongguang Zhenren.

Yet Granny Bizhu continued to slander him, using her position as an Elder in charge of practical matters to disrespect him, treating him as nothing more than a piece of meat!

He had endured enough and could no longer tolerate it.

But Chongguang Zhenren silenced him with a word, leaving him unable to speak further. Ultimately, for someone like him, the overall situation of Diaohai Lou outweighed his personal honor and disgrace.

As for Chongguang Zhenren, at this moment, Granny Bizhu, who was lodging the complaint, belonged to the faction of Fourth Elder Gu Huaixin. The deceased Hai Zongming was from the faction of Second Elder Qin Zhen.

As for Hai Jingping, the accused, others might not know, but he was well aware that he had a tacit understanding with Third Elder Xu Xiangwan on many matters. In short, these individuals all had their own backgrounds, and none of them belonged to his faction.

He had no desire to interfere in the power struggles behind these individuals, nor was it necessary.

Diaohai Lou might be vast, but resources were not infinite, and competition was inevitable. Among the numerous Peripheral Towers at the pinnacle, who would ascend to the Divine Proximity Realm when the opportunity arose? Who would be denied? These were all things that needed to be fought for.

A normal, healthy system required competition.

However, it was important to consider the occasion and maintain proper restraint.

While he could usually observe these matters with indifference, it was inappropriate to allow the people of Yanggu and Jue Ming Island to witness too much of a spectacle at Tianya Stage.

It wasn’t that internal strife was forbidden within Diaohai Lou, but the intensity had to be controlled, with the level of Protecting Sect Elders being the limit.

Involving a Jinghai Elder was simply excessive.

As the highest-ranking member of Diaohai Lou present, Chongguang Zhenren had to take a stand.

He glanced indifferently at Hai Jingping and Granny Bizhu, his gaze not particularly sharp, but conveying sufficient warning: “Today is the day of the Sea Sacrifice. Whatever you do or think, you must prioritize what is most important. Your issues will be discussed later.”

Hai Jingping, despite his dissatisfaction, could only suppress it for now.

As for Granny Bizhu, her faction’s primary objective was to bring down Hai Jingping and suppress the power of Third Elder Xu Xiangwan’s faction. Her personal primary objective, however, was to seize as many benefits as possible for herself while the opportunity presented itself. As for who those benefits came from, that was secondary.

Since Hai Jingping and Jiang Wang had maintained sufficient caution, preventing her from obtaining evidence of bribery, it was impossible to defeat Hai Jingping on the spot, and she might even have to bear responsibility for false accusations. However, after delaying until after the Sea Sacrifice, she would have plenty of ways to resolve the matter.

Now that Chongguang Zhenren had intervened, she could conveniently withdraw.

“As you command, Zhenren,” Granny Bizhu stated respectfully, but immediately continued, “The matter of Elder Hai can be put aside for now. However, this petty thief who disrupted the Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony must not be let go. I hereby declare that the state has its laws, and the sect has its rules. My disciple, Zhu Biqiong, has committed an unforgivable crime, and her soul should be scattered. I… will not show any leniency! Moreover, she has already confessed to this matter, and the evidence is as solid as a mountain, leaving no room for argument. How can we delay the Sea Sacrifice’s time for a mere young man from Qi?”

“If everyone who is accused cries out for injustice, one after another, will our Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony ever continue?”

Finally, she bowed to Chongguang Zhenren: “Please allow me to take action and capture this petty thief for Diaohai Lou, to prove my loyalty and wash away the dirt on my name!”

Seeing that any gains from Hai Jingping at Tianya Stage had already evaporated, she was unwilling to let go of any gains from Jiang Wang.

Although Jiang Wang had successfully killed Hai Zongming, no one believed that he had done it alone. After all, the gap between an Inner Palace Realm cultivator and a Peripheral Tower cultivator was clear to everyone.

The state of Qi, of course, was proclaiming Jiang Wang’s unparalleled talent, slaying a powerful enemy across realms. However, Diaohai Lou generally believed that Qi had dispatched experts to protect Jiang Wang after learning of Hai Zongming’s whereabouts.

Granny Bizhu herself had absolute confidence in dealing with Jiang Wang. She viewed capturing Jiang Wang as easy as reaching into a bag to retrieve an object, which was why she repeatedly requested to personally take action, fearing that others might share in the benefits from Jiang Wang.

No matter how praised one may be as a prodigy, without enough time to grow, one can only be manipulated at will. One can only prostrate oneself on the ground, awaiting judgment!

Chongguang Zhenren remained noncommittal, only turning to Jiang Wang and saying, “Jiang Wang, is that right? There has been enough commotion today, and it has made me feel troubled. You may retreat now, and I will not pursue the crime of disrupting the Sea Sacrifice.”

Granny Bizhu had spoken with passionate fervor, but he ignored her. Perhaps it was to knock some sense into the person behind Granny Bizhu, but more likely, it was to consider the thoughts of Yang Feng and Qi Xiao.

They had just spoken in support of Jiang Wang, and if Diaohai Lou were to turn around and kill Jiang Wang, it would be a slap in their faces, leaving the two Zhenren in an awkward position.

No matter how strong Diaohai Lou was, there was no need to humiliate the current Zhenrens.

However, directly silencing Jiang Wang would both shut the mouths of the two Zhenrens and quickly resolve the matter.

After the Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony concluded, wouldn’t Diaohai Lou have the final say in the truth and falsehood in the Near Sea Archipelago?

But Jiang Wang also understood this principle.

Otherwise, why would he only speak up for Zhu Biqiong today, when all the forces of the Near Sea Archipelago were gathered?

Because before this, he simply had no opportunity to speak! He didn’t even know which way to turn to find someone to pass on his message, let alone attempt to overturn the case. Even if he found ironclad evidence, it would be difficult to make waves.

And after this, Zhu Biqiong would be gone. Would overturning the case still be so important?

It wasn’t that he insisted on choosing today, but rather that today was indeed the only opportunity, the best time.

“Zhenren, please enlighten yourself,” Jiang Wang said respectfully, without losing propriety: “Jiang Wang’s actions today are not reckless, nor are they disrupting the Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony. On the contrary, they are to uphold the sacred meaning of the Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony!”

Chongguang Zhenren looked at him: “It seems that you are determined today.”

How strong is the pressure of a Zhenren?

People may not all know, but they can all imagine.

But people also saw that Jiang Wang still stood straight.

He faced Chongguang Zhenren squarely and calmly: “It is not that my heart is as firm as iron, but that duty is where I must go. Although Jiang Wang is untalented, I cannot bear to have the spirits shamed!”
The Old Crone of Azure Pearls, seething with anger, interjected, “Why must a venerable Real Person waste words on this rogue? Allow this old woman to…”

Again and again, she sought to use her superior cultivation to deal with Jiang Wang.

“Real Person Chong!” Jiang Wuyou, seated upon the main dais, slammed his hand on the armrest and rose to his feet. “Your Fishing Sea Pavilion’s servants seem rather ill-mannered. Am I to understand that she would dictate to you?”

While the Executive Elder was considered a lower-ranking elder, they were by no means a “servant.” This was undoubtedly an insult.

“You!” The Old Crone of Azure Pearls was furious.

Real Person Chongguang raised a hand, silencing her, and turned to face Jiang Wuyou. “Palace Master Huaying has spoken in this one’s defense repeatedly, clearly valuing him. However, this Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony is not solely the affair of my Fishing Sea Pavilion. One family’s delay is inconsequential, but can we delay ten thousand families? If there are truly hidden circumstances, we can discuss them after the Sea Sacrifice concludes.”

“Seeking the truth and clearing the source. Resolvelight Island certainly doesn’t feel it’s a delay,” Qi Xiao suddenly spoke.

Real Person Chongguang met her gaze. She sat upright, her expression impassive.

The pressure of this confrontation between Real Persons caused hearts to clench, making it difficult to breathe.

The entire hall fell into a suffocating silence.

This silence was broken by a seemingly reckless voice.

“I, Xu Xiangqian, also do not feel delayed!” From within the crowd on either side, a man with an unusually high forehead stood up. He spoke loudly and with great fervor, his manner undeniably generous. “Wherever justice lies, it is right to fight, even if it takes a lifetime!”

Given his seating position and cultivation, he should not have had the right to speak. No one knew where these rash individuals on the Horizon Platform had come from today.

Someone whispered, “Who is he?”

“Xu Xiangqian of Azure Cliff Academy!” Before the murmurs could produce an answer, Xu Xiangqian had already announced his identity. “These are the principles my master, Mo Ya, taught me!”

*This is a huge favor to owe*, Jiang Wang thought.

To invoke his master and Azure Cliff Academy in this situation was no small matter. As a direct disciple of a Great Confucian, Xu Xiangqian, at least at this moment, truly represented Azure Cliff Academy to a certain extent!

And he must not have received permission beforehand, and would certainly be punished afterward. Otherwise, with so many academy disciples, if everyone could act on their own authority, the academy’s reputation would long since be ruined.

Almost as soon as Xu Xiangqian’s voice fell, another handsome and imposing man stood up.

He wore a jade band around his forehead, his eyebrows were like swords and his eyes were bright. His voice resonated like metal striking stone. “If there are doubts about an unforgivable crime, it is of course best to clarify them. What harm is there in delaying a little time? The path of returning spirits must not be stained with unjust blood!”

The stunning woman beside him did not rise, nor did she appear particularly agitated. She simply added in a frosty voice, “This is the opinion of Ice Phoenix Isle.”

If Xu Xiangqian was merely bluffing, then Li Fengyao and her younger brother, Li Longchuan, could fully represent Ice Phoenix Isle, fully represent the Li Clan of Stone Gate. The weight of this statement was immense.

Next to Xu Xiangqian, Yan Fu, calm and reserved, rose and cupped his hands respectfully. “I, Yan Fu, represent only myself, and do not begrudge this little time. I implore Real Person Chong to cleanse the darkness and restore the bright moon to the Horizon Platform!”

He could not control the Yan Clan, nor could he act as rashly as Xu Xiangqian. But he could at least represent himself, offering a measure of support.

Tian Chang simply stood up and said only one sentence: “Horn Overlord Isle believes in justice.”

Then he simply sat down again.

The words were simple, but their weight was anything but.

Horn Overlord Isle was the overseas base of the Tian Clan of Great Marsh, one of the two islands controlled by the Tian Clan, the other being Chongjia Isle.

The Tian Clan of Great Marsh carried more weight in the Near Sea Archipelago than even the Li Clan of Stone Gate.

“We of Dragon Gate Academy…”

Zi Shu had just leaped up when Zhao Wuyan beside her clapped a hand over her mouth.

But the girl had already uttered half a sentence, so Zhao Wuyan had to continue, “Zhao Wuyan and Zi Shu, disciples of Dragon Gate Academy, both believe that the Fishing Sea Pavilion will handle this matter properly. We also represent ourselves, and look forward to a good outcome.”

These words were somewhat impartial, but to speak at this time was, in itself, a statement of position.

Xu Xiangqian looked at Zhao Wuyan with gratitude. If there weren’t so many people present, he would have liked to hold her hand and gaze into her eyes. What a considerate woman! How deeply she loved him! She might seem cold and aloof on weekdays, but at crucial moments, she still supported him wholeheartedly! Supported his friends!

In a daze, Xu Xiangqian almost forgot for a moment that Jiang Qingyang, who was known as one of the Twin Prides of Horse Chasing Mountain alongside him, was still in the audience seeking an opportunity.

Chongxuan Xin, who had long been instructed, would of course not lag behind at this time.

Although his strength was not remarkable, nor did he display any impressive aura, his rising motion was the greatest, almost leaping to his feet, shouting at the top of his lungs, “Winterless Isle seeks justice, and does not begrudge the time!”

He was so excited!

How many times in a lifetime could he speak on the Horizon Platform?

Sect Masters, Real Persons—they all had to listen to him! How domineering!

He had long acknowledged Jiang Wang’s talent, and after witnessing Wu Yi’s easy capture, he was even more convinced that Jiang Wang could definitely grow into a powerful figure in the future. But he hadn’t expected Jiang Wang to not only have amazing talent, but also such extensive connections!

Good heavens, Azure Cliff Academy, one of the world’s Four Great Academies, the top-tier and renowned Li Clan of Stone Gate, the Tian Clan of Great Marsh, the Yan Clan of Bei Prefecture, and Dragon Gate Academy, another of the Four Great Academies, plus their Chongxuan Clan—were they going to rampage across the world?

The world was vast, where couldn’t they go?

Among these forces, a single family or clan might not be noticed by the Fishing Sea Pavilion at sea. But the combined voice of all of them absolutely could not be ignored!

Even Real Person Chongguang, the First Elder of the Fishing Sea Pavilion, could not disregard it.

But he even smiled, and even had the leisure to glance at Yang Feng: “I wonder how Brother Yang views this matter?”

The Flag General of Yang Valley smiled: “I listen to everyone.”

Earlier, when there was little commotion, he had spoken sarcastically. Now, with the crowd surging with emotion, he was reluctant to be a leading figure. Confronting the Fishing Sea Pavilion head-on was not the action of a wise general.

Real Person Chongguang remained calm, as if this scene of near-coercion had not had any impact on him.

But he had, after all, turned back, and looked at Jiang Wang: “Very well, young man. You now have the opportunity to present your so-called ‘grievance.’ But I must remind you, if you do not have sufficient evidence…”

He smiled lightly: “Although I hate to see a celestial genius wither, someone must be responsible for the delay of the Sea Sacrifice Grand Ceremony.”

The implication was clear—you will die.
If before he was merely indifferent, treating the events unfolding before him as an amusing play, even appreciating the young genius, now, forced to concede—even such a minuscule concession—murderous intent had stirred within him.

This was the killing intent of a True Man of this era.

Jiang Wang remained silent.

But he missed not a single thread of that heavy affection.

How difficult was it to save Zhu Biqiong?

Extremely difficult!

Just to have a chance to speak, he had to first ingratiate himself with Granny Bizhu, then plead with Hai Jingping. Even so, he had to endure a palm strike right away, spitting blood before he could even speak.

And that was just to open his mouth.

To finish speaking, he still needed Chong Guang Zhenren to nod in agreement.

But he couldn’t even find the door to Chong Guang Zhenren’s house, let alone have the qualifications to request an audience.

There was no possibility of a transaction between him and Chong Guang Zhenren, because the two sides were not equal at all.

Chong Xuansheng took the opposite approach, devising a plan to force Chong Guang Zhenren’s hand with the pressure of public opinion, which was incredibly audacious.

According to Chong Xuansheng’s plan, Jiang Wuyou would speak out in support of Jiang Wang, followed by the support of the Da Ze Tian Clan. (Jiang Wang had already spoken with Tian Chang, and Tian Chang, through some means, had obtained the support of Tian Anping.)

These two voices of significant weight were the prelude.

Chong Xuansheng had long since bribed elders from some small sects and minor factions, to have them stand up and say a word or two when necessary. Not to oppose Diaohai Pavilion, but simply to express the “popular will” of yearning for justice, only wanting the truth.

Diaohai Pavilion, claiming to be the master of the offshore islands, could not openly trample on public opinion.

Only in this way could Jiang Wang gain a chance to finish speaking.

But unexpectedly, the Qingya Academy, the Shi Clan of Shimen, the Yan Clan of Beijun, and even disciples of the Longmen Academy whom he had only recently met, were all willing to speak for Jiang Wang. To the extent that the elders of the small sects that Chong Xuansheng had bribed had no need to appear at all.

Because public opinion had already formed.

Diaohai Pavilion could of course ignore these voices, and could even immediately organize more voices to disrupt the public opinion. As long as Diaohai Pavilion hinted at it, many people would rush forward to speak. But the scene that just happened was already here, and could not be forgotten.

The condemned prisoner used as a sacrifice in the sea ritual was questionable. This point would not be forgotten.

Moreover, who could truly ignore the power represented by these people, these voices, gathered together?

See?

Even Chong Guang Zhenren, the First Elder of Diaohai Pavilion, one of the most powerful people in the entire sea, now had to lower his proud head and listen to Jiang Wang say what he should have said long ago.

Even if his attitude was not polite, and carried a threat. But to make a True Man concede was already so difficult!

Jiang Wang did not become arrogant because of Chong Guang Zhenren’s concession, his attitude remained upright, even humble.

“How would this junior dare to speak rashly without evidence?” He gave Chong Guang Zhenren a deep bow, then slowly straightened his back, turned his head to look at Granny Bizhu: “Actually, you said a few things just now that were quite right.”

Granny Bizhu was secretly alarmed. When those descendants of famous families stood up one by one, she already felt that things seemed to be getting out of control. Jiang Wang was far more energetic than she had imagined. She had already recognized Jiang Wang’s friendship with Chong Xuansheng to the greatest extent, but she didn’t expect so many people to speak out now… This meant that her plans might be far from adequate.

The consequences of miscalculation were terrible, especially for her, who harbored so many unspeakable secrets.

But from her face, no one could find a trace of panic.

She had lived for so many years and knew one thing very well: many times, people were not defeated by their opponents, but by their own panic!

So not only did she not panic, but she snorted coldly, her aura aggressive: “Which word of this old woman is wrong? Heaven’s principles are clear, you wolf cub…”

“Zhu Biqiong is pure in nature. That she is as she is today is because she was seduced by a villain!” Jiang Wang suddenly raised his voice and interrupted her: “You are right about that!”

“But that villain is not Elder Hai Jingping, nor is it me, who is far away in the mainland and has no contact at all.”

He fixed his gaze fiercely on the white-haired old woman in front of him for the first time, his voice like iron: “It’s you, this old crone!”