Chapter 209 - Proposition (1/2)

”They need to be punished.”

This calm voice was the first thing in my entire experience in this world to terrify me. Devoid of any hate, anger or enmity, it seemed to encompass the entire room, while holding immense authority over everyone who heard it. I think that if not for my recent breakthrough, I would simply get off my seat, kneel on the floor and accept any kind of punishment that this old man meant!

It's not like I didn't know about the existence of various monster-level cultivators behind most of the powerhouses, but meeting them in reality for the first time only served to steel my resolve to avoid any potential conflict with them! While I could be sure that they wouldn't make a move for as long I didn't tease their bottom line, I realised that I would've to rethink some of the plans that I intended to implement in the future!

”While it's obvious that you would want to punish them, this city trial is impartial, and won't budge only because of your whims, no matter how powerful you are!”

Before this elder's voice managed to break my mental defences, it was swiftly dissipated by a younger-looking man, sitting on the opposite end of the room. Looking how both figures were seated at the very top row of the small tribune, it wasn't hard to realise who they really were, but I still required Venna's hint to connect local powers to each of them.

”Silence, both of you!”

Oh? The second he spoke, I recognised the city mayor's voice. Despite having his cultivation just a bit higher than me, he dared to silence people who were at least at the very top of the spiritual realm? While I couldn't know what were the differences in power, but considering the disparity between spirit attainment and soul hazard level from mortal realm, he really was either a dumb or a courageous man to act like that!

”We didn't gather everyone here to see your bickering, but to decide how will both sides be punished not only for stirring the unnecessary trouble in the midst of the tournament, but also for endangering my citizens with their foolish actions!”

Woah, those words were actually harsh! While it was impossible to judge which side did the city mayor lean towards just from this single sentence, I guess this ruse won't end with just some silly excuse of penalty! No matter what, I need to secure my own position in this trial!

”Exc..”

The same second I attempted to stand up and put my few words into the discussion, something instantly blocked my mouth, while Venna pulled me back on my ass.

”Don't you dare to speak up unless you are asked. Interrupting them is the shortest way to lose the trail!”

Wait, what? I was one of the accused, yet I was unable to speak up? How was this going to be a just and impartial trial?