Silence filled the Hall. Internally everyone wondered what order the Celestial Emperor was going to give. If he chose to immediately hold the Fire Clan responsible for the incident, others might consider him unfair. If he chose to investigate, he might end up fruitless and might be unable to vent his anger.
"Your Majesty, this subject has a suggestion." A female voice sounded out.
"What may that be, my beloved?" The Emperor's facial expressions softened when he faced the beautiful woman he called Empress.
"The dragon cup is a priceless treasure and holds sentimental value to your Majesty. Its destruction should thus be investigated."
The Empress smiled sweetly towards her husband.
"Whether it affirms the Fire Clan's involvement or not, the fact that the Fire God Yang wrecked havoc in this Royal Palace can't however be pardoned. If your Majesty gives punishments based on this, no one present would be able to protest."
"My beloved is wise." The Emperor nodded in agreement.
"Thanks for the praise, your Majesty." The Empress felt content with the praise.
Seeing a bad situation turning worse, Yang made up his mind. With determination, he moved from his parents' side and kneeled in front of the Emperor's table.
"Your Majesty, it was solely me who disturbed the festive atmosphere. I am ready to take whatever punishment your Majesty think is fitting, but please spare my clan." He kowtowed and remained with his scalp on the carpet.
Yang's actions showed that he knew how to take responsibility of his misdeeds, which increased everyone's evaluation of him. Quite a few neutral parties would have helped him hadn't it been of his grave crime.
Generally speaking, the level of disrespect towards the Royal Clan would be enough reason to erase his soul. Depending on the Emperor's mood, even his clan might receive penalties. In this case, where the Emperor's heirloom had been broken, even his family and relatives might be obliterated.
Magma knew of this and urgently pleaded.
"Please have mercy, your Majesty! My son is young and foolish and-"
"Your Majesty!"
Ying surprised everyone by stepping forward and kneeling beside Yang. Her parents wanted to stop her, but reacted a bit too slow.
"If you want to punish Fire God Yang, you should also not spare me. Without me constantly declining his invites for a spar, he wouldn't be desperate enough to in initiate one here. During our exchanges, I also had several opportunities to stop him but didn't. Thus I can't escape the responsibility."
As a finish to her statement, she mimicked Yang and also rested her head against the carpet.