Chapter 539: First Place in the Immortal Tournament!

Chapter 539: First Place in the Immortal Tournament!

Lord Lu and Lu Cheng turned and made their way back to the dark chamber where Liu Chaochao and the other Arbiters hurried forward to greet them.

"Bring out Lu Yao!"

Seated squarely in the center was Lord Lu, his voice booming like thunder. Lu Cheng sat to his right, and Liu Chaochao took his place on the left.

Around them stood a host of Arbiter Commanders, including Liu Mumu and Sun Ran, casting a grim and oppressive atmosphere throughout the dimly lit room. Any ordinary person brought into this setting would dare not even breathe too loudly.

Soon after, Yun Xiao, stripped of his Arbiter armor, was brought in. He was dressed in white robes, his hair slightly disheveled, and his shoes removed. His bare feet touched the cold floor, and his hands were shackled. His treatment was starkly different from that of Sun Xiaoqi.

From the moment Yun Xiao entered, both Lord Lu and Lu Cheng watched him coldly, as the young man in white stood upright, his hair tousled but his demeanor resolute, his eyes fiery.

"I am a Rank 9 Arbiter of the Celestial Court, and I am not guilty. What right do you have to chain me?" Yun Xiao asked calmly.

"Lu Yao, you are under serious suspicion. Cooperate with the Skyruler Immortal Manor's investigation!" Liu Mumu commanded sternly.

"Master, I have been cooperative," Yun Xiao responded.

"Lu Yao." Liu Chaochao shook his head and said, "Stop pretending. Sun Xiaoqi and Lu Qian, during their interrogation, made mistakes in their cooperation, contradicting themselves and were exposed by the Skyruler Immortal Manor. In hopes of a lighter sentence, they have already confessed to your crimes."

"Is that so? Then may I ask the presiding officer, what crime have I committed? I'm only in the Early True Immortal Realm. Did I single-handedly crush and slaughter 12 Arbiters?" Yun Xiao challenged.

"You conspired with others to commit murder and split the spoils, the evidence is conclusive. There's no use in denying it. This trial is merely a formality. You will soon be taken back to Sky Soaring City for severe punishment," Liu Chaochao declared harshly.

With that, the chamber fell into a stifling silence.

"Of course," Liu Chaochao added, "if you're willing to confess the real culprit, there might be a chance for a lighter..."

"Master!" Yun Xiao's eyes blazed as he looked towards Liu Mumu. "Is it because you know you can't crack this case, and since I'm conveniently caught in this vortex, powerless, that you sacrifice me to take the blame?"

"Silence!" Liu Chaochao barked. "The Skyruler Immortal Manor upholds the Celestial Court's decree with strict justice. We never wrong the innocent, nor do we spare the guilty."

"Then let the Skyruler Immortal Manor present my so-called evidence. I want to know how I'm being made a scapegoat," Yun Xiao demanded, his gaze piercing.

"..." Liu Chaochao was left speechless. He knew from the start that this review was pointless, merely a procedure to accommodate Lord Lu.

"So, from the start, there was never any evidence, just a ploy to trap me into talking, is that it? Well, here's my statement. I, Lu Yao, stand tall and righteous, having never breached the law!" Yun Xiao declared, sweeping his gaze over to Lord Lu but addressing the others. "I am a Rank 9 Arbiter of the Celestial Court, shielded by its decrees. You have no proof, no right to detain me."

His voice rang out fiercely, deepening the silence that already smothered the dark room.

"Master." Yun Xiao took her hand, his tone earnest. "Since arriving in Sky Soaring City, I've had my own mission. Some actions may seem reckless, but they are necessary. You and I are not on the same path, and you needn't reproach me. I am confident in each step I take."

"And what of Miss Yu?" Liu Mumu asked.

"If Lord Lu knows I'm an imposter, how could he naively use her to threaten me? Do you think I would have feelings for Lu Yao's mother?" Yun Xiao challenged.

"Do you?" Liu Mumu pressed.

Yun Xiao paused, taking a deep breath before responding, "She has suffered greatly, and all the torment has already occurred. She was powerless to fight back, and I wanted to fight back for her, even if it meant dying on this path. Whether it be I or her, we would both consider it worthwhile! If she knew today that I avenged her son, she would be thankful, even at the cost of her own life."

"You are not her. How can you be so sure of what she would think? You're too presumptuous!" Liu Mumu snapped, teeth clenched.

"Think what you will. My vengeance isn't complete, and I've no time to discuss these meaningless matters with you."

With that, Yun Xiao headed towards the direction of the Skyruler Sword Vessel.

"Where do you think you're going?" Liu Mumu followed quickly, blocking his path.

"Back to Sky Soaring City," Yun Xiao declared.

"You're still needed here to cooperate with the investigation," Liu Mumu said coldly.

"Aren't you my master? You said I could go, so I can leave. Any issues, you just take responsibility." Yun Xiao suddenly chuckled.

"You're far too presumptuous." Liu Mumu shook her head, speechless.

The young man had the appearance of an Immortal, yet he was stubborn to the core.

Liu Mumu still couldn't understand why Sun Xiaoqi and Lu Qian would cleanse his name for him.

"Master." Yun Xiao's smile faded, his voice serious. "I've heard from Xiaoqi that the Celestial Court's Arbiters are about to begin a competition called the Immortal Tournament. All Arbiters under 30 years old from all departments of the Celestial Court have a chance to participate. The victor not only has the chance for an exceptional promotion but, if they perform extraordinarily well, reaching the top ten or even first place, they can be crowned Champion of the Heavenly Palace, ascending in status."

"You have quite an appetite." Liu Mumu realized she really didn't understand him anymore.

Yun Xiao took her words as a compliment and confirmed, "The tournament is a friendly exchange among the enforcers of the Celestial Court's departments. Each department first selects a portion of talented Arbiters, then all head together to the Divine Heavenly Gate. And for us from the Thunder Department, the internal selection within the various departments of the Skyruler Immortal Manors starts tomorrow."

"Right, and then?" Liu Mumu stared at him intently.

Yun Xiao's gaze was fierce. "If I shine in the Immortal Martial Contest, no one in Sky Soaring City can touch me."