A golden light appeared in the Grand Secretary's hand.
The moment this golden light materialized, it transformed into a colossal palm that tore through the air, snatching several individuals before him.
He spoke in a deep voice, "Tell me everything you know!"
The Grand Secretary's mood was far from calm. The incident in the Enforcement Bureau would not be the first; such things had likely occurred many times before.
As the Grand Chancellor, the pinnacle of human authority, his failure to detect this sooner was also a dereliction of duty.
A few coughs escaped him, a sharp pain in his chest causing his face to turn somewhat ashen.
The people from the Ji Cheng Enforcement Bureau, kneeling on the ground, trembled uncontrollably from fear.
Under their stern questioning, they recounted the entire affair honestly.
"Grand Secretary, we were all forced! If I hadn't complied, my career would have been over, and I might have met a terrible end. But I have a family to support. I was helpless, and I have sinned. Please, grant me leniency!"
He spoke with tears streaming down his face, but no one offered him sympathy. To pity him would be a profound hurt and insult to the victims.
This was blatant slander, and the target was the Sword God's disciple. If the Sword God's disciple could be slandered, one could only imagine the plight of others who had been falsely accused.
The internet erupted in an uproar. Those who had once believed in the impartial justice of the Enforcement Bureau were silenced at this moment.
"I knew Zhou Yang was framed. The case had so many suspicious elements, and yet no one spoke up. It's truly disheartening!"
"Elder Sword God's character is so noble, his disciple could never be a villain. I wrongly accused Zhou Yang, and I must reflect on myself."
"We implore the Grand Secretary to thoroughly investigate the Enforcement Bureau and bring clarity to the world."
"If this had happened to anyone else, they would have had no path to heaven or earth."
"Therefore, I demand reform!"
The netizens, witnessing this entire unfolding drama, transformed from indifferent bystanders to a righteous indignation, calling for reform.
Faced with such an overwhelming tide of public opinion, the Grand Secretary could no longer ignore it.
He shouted, "Guards, apprehend them! They will be executed publicly in three days. Furthermore, release Zhou Yang immediately!"
This order served as an explanation to the public, but the crowd was still not satisfied.
Why could he arrest and release at will?
"Grand Secretary, what about compensation?" someone shouted.
"Yes, you can't just arrest him, make him spend days in jail, and offer no compensation!" someone retorted.
"And if this happened once, it will surely happen again. You can't just investigate this one instance, can you? Shouldn't all past cases be re-examined?" someone suggested.
The Grand Secretary said sternly, "I acknowledge your requests. We will organize a team to conduct a thorough review of the Enforcement Bureau, ensuring that all wrongful convictions are eradicated. Moreover, we have already prepared a grand gift for Zhou Yang."
He produced a skill crystal and said, "This is a Rank Seven Skill Crystal, and it is our compensation for Zhou Yang."
The crowd finally relented. A Rank Seven Skill Crystal was beyond monetary value. The fact that they would offer such a crystal as a reward demonstrated the Grand Secretary's sincerity.
Zhou Yang was soon released and received the skill crystal. He approached the Sword God and respectfully said, "Master!"
"Hmm, you handled this matter exceptionally well. I am very pleased!" the Sword God said.
Zhou Yang's heart swelled with pride at his master's praise.
"It's all thanks to your excellent tutelage, Master!" Zhou Yang replied.
With a light tap on his head, the Sword God asked, "Did you do wrong by slaughtering the Li family?"
Zhou Yang shook his head. "They colluded with the Netherworld, intending to resurrect the deceased third young master of the Li family, using the lives of hundreds of humans as sacrifices. My actions were to eliminate a scourge for the people, and I have a clear conscience!"
The Sword God nodded, then shook his head, scoffing softly.
"I am pleased that you annihilated the entire Li family, proving your heart is filled with justice. However, why did you not resist when the Enforcement Bureau came to arrest you?"
"Master, I..." His heart ached. The reason he didn't resist was his clear conscience, but he hadn't anticipated the extent of the corruption.
After all, he was only twenty-nine, while the Sword God was three hundred years old; the gap in their experience was immense.
"Let this not happen again!" The Sword God glanced around and said, "If I ever find you placing your hope in the righteousness of others again, you will spend three years in the depths of the Guixu before returning!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yang's mind conjured images of the Guixu's depths, and he shivered instantly, shaking his head. That place was truly unbearable for humans.
"Master, your disciple knows he was wrong and will never do it again," he said obediently, bowing his head.
The Sword God said, "Good. I hope this is the last time!"
"Definitely!" Zhou Yang replied immediately.
Just then, the Charioteer approached, drawing near the Sword God.
"Zhou Yang suffered an injustice this time, why would you scold him? Come, let's go to my Chariot Academy. I'll host a welcome feast for you two."
The Holy Monk chanted a Buddhist phrase, "Benefactors, why not come to my Vajra Academy?"
Fuyaozi, however, chuckled, "Vajra Academy only serves vegetarian meals; what's there to enjoy? Now, since Central City has left you with unpleasant memories, why not come to my Three Immortal City's Dongxu Academy?"
Yan Jun countered, "Let's go to my Chaos Elemental Academy instead. There are plenty of beautiful women and lots of wine there!"
Zhou Yang's mouth watered at the mention of wine. The Sword God, noticing his expression, frowned slightly and immediately dismissed the idea of going to the Chaos Elemental Academy.
The Sword God said, "This place is a site of sorrow for my disciple. Let's go. Fuyaozi, take us to Three Immortal City!"
Fuyaozi heard this and cast a triumphant glance at the others, feeling exceptionally pleased.
Fuyaozi said, "Since you are all together, I will use void movement to take you."
At this moment, the Grand Secretary walked over. He said, "Sword God, you have been wronged. I apologize to you!"
The Sword God snorted, "I know it hasn't been easy for you either, but please do not let the flames of certain matters engulf me and my disciple. I hope this is the last time!"
"Are you still angry with me?" the Grand Secretary sighed.
The Sword God said, "What happened back then is in the past; there's no need to mention it again. Fuyaozi, take us away!"
Fuyaozi nodded, "Grand Secretary, please visit my Three Immortal City when you have time. This humble Daoist will depart now."
With that, his eyes shifted, and he unleashed his innate ability, causing the void to twist and form a person-sized spatial vortex.
Yan Jun, the Holy Monk, the Charioteer, Zhou Yang, and Fuyaozi stepped in one after another. The Sword God remained until last. He turned back and said,
"Take care!" Then he stepped into the spatial vortex.
The Grand Secretary stared blankly in the direction of his departure, memories of the past flooding his mind.
After a long while, he sighed,
"What happened back then, I wronged you!"