Divine Emperor Demon Emperor

Chapter 430: Chapter 430: Give Me 3 Days

The incident had caused such a stir that nearly every Direct Disciple had been alerted. At the same time, all the Main Seat Elders currently in Flawless Palace were also roused.

Soon, Lin Yun and the others arrived at the Flawless Palace Main Hall.

Lin Yun, Chang Jing, a group of Main Seat Elders, and the young woman at the center of the incident entered the Main Hall. Everyone else was stopped outside.

Standing outside the Main Hall, Lu Bingning and Lan Xi wrung their hands nervously. They were very worried about Lin Yun; after all, from the looks of it, he had absolutely no evidence to prove his innocence.

Chang Jing had made this matter public for another reason: to force Luo Feng and the Supreme Elders to deliver a verdict that would appease the crowd. If Lin Yun couldn’t prove his innocence, then no matter how reluctant Luo Feng might be, he would have no choice but to punish him.

Upon entering the Main Hall, they found Luo Feng and the Six Supreme Elders were all present. Since the matter concerned the Punishment Hall, the Main Seat Elder who managed it immediately questioned them.

"Speak. Recount the entire incident from beginning to end."

At his words, the young woman, Chang Jing, and the two Main Seat Elders who had first arrived on the scene carefully recounted the course of events. Naturally, all of their accusations were aimed squarely at Lin Yun.

Since entering the Main Hall, Lin Yun had stood with his hands clasped behind his back, not saying a single word. After listening to everyone’s accounts, the Supreme Elder in charge of the Punishment Hall turned his gaze to Lin Yun.

"Lin Yun, do you have anything to say?"

Hearing the Supreme Elder’s words, Lin Yun spoke calmly, "Master, esteemed Supreme Elders, I was deliberately framed by Chang Jing in this matter."

"He framed you? Then do you have any evidence?" the Supreme Elder asked.

"None," Lin Yun replied crisply.

"If you have no proof, how can you expect us to believe that you were framed by Chang Jing, rather than having harbored malicious intentions yourself?" the Supreme Elder continued.

Glancing at Chang Jing, who stood to the side, Lin Yun’s expression remained neutral as he began to explain calmly, "I say this because I have my reasons. There are three major inconsistencies in this incident."

"First, the incident occurred late at night in the Direct Disciples’ residential area. Let’s assume for a moment that, as this woman claims, I asked her to meet me at that location. In that case, I ask you: why wouldn’t I have her meet me at my own residence, or some other secluded spot? Why would I choose such a conspicuous place in the Direct Disciples’ area, and on the main path, no less?"

"That is the first point. Second, regarding the four Direct Disciples I injured—according to their testimony, they saw me about to commit an indecent act and intervened to save her. If that were the case, why would I merely injure four potential witnesses instead of killing them? Am I not aware of the need to silence witnesses?"

"Finally, and most importantly, right after the incident occurred, Senior Brother Chang Jing appeared with over twenty men, as if they had been lying in ambush nearby. Furthermore, all twenty of them were dressed in formal attire. I would like to ask Senior Brother Chang Jing: do you also wear formal attire when you cultivate at night?"

Lin Yun laid out the three inconsistencies in a calm, unhurried manner. When he finished, he turned to Chang Jing and said, "I wonder if Senior Brother Chang Jing could explain these three points for me."

Hearing this, Chang Jing faltered. A cold glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at Lin Yun; he had not expected him to be so eloquent and persuasive.

"How should I know where you chose to meet? Or why you didn’t kill those four? As for why we appeared in formal attire, it was a complete coincidence! Lin Yun, stop trying to weasel your way out of this! The evidence is irrefutable. Do you think a few words from you can change anything?" Chang Jing snapped.

Hearing Chang Jing’s response, Lin Yun turned to Luo Feng and the Six Supreme Elders. "I trust that the Palace Master and the esteemed Supreme Elders can distinguish right from wrong in this matter. As for whether I was truly overcome by lust, I believe the Supreme Elders can find the answer in their own hearts."

From the moment he had entered, Lin Yun had carried himself with a calm and dignified air. Though he had no evidence to prove his innocence, he showed not the slightest hint of panic.

After some debate, all the evidence pointed to Lin Yun having intended to commit an indecent act. And yet, Chang Jing was completely unable to explain the three inconsistencies Lin Yun had raised.

The incident had already caused a huge commotion and demanded a resolution. Finally, the Supreme Elder in charge of the Punishment Hall looked at Lin Yun.

"Lin Yun, while this matter is full of inconsistencies, you have not a single piece of evidence to prove your innocence. I cannot simply take your word for it that you have been wrongly accused."

Listening to the Supreme Elder’s tone, Lin Yun knew that if he couldn’t produce evidence, he was at a complete impasse. Both sides were sticking to their stories; Chang Jing’s side had what looked like irrefutable proof, while Lin Yun had nothing but the inconsistencies he’d pointed out.

And inconsistencies alone could not be the basis for a verdict.

Looking at the Supreme Elder, Lin Yun bowed respectfully. "Supreme Elder, although I have no evidence right now, I ask that you grant me three days. In three days, I will certainly be able to prove my innocence."

Chang Jing, of course, would not agree to this. He immediately bowed to the Supreme Elder as well. "Supreme Elder, Lin Yun is clearly just trying to stall for time! If he can’t produce any evidence today, how could he possibly find some in three days?"

The two argued back and forth. Lin Yun desperately needed time, which was exactly what Chang Jing was determined not to give him.

After listening to them both, the Supreme Elder fell silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. "Lin Yun, I can grant you three days. But what happens if, after three days, you still cannot find any evidence to prove your innocence?"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lin Yun’s voice rang out clearly. "If, after three days, I have not found evidence to prove my innocence, I am willing to cripple my own Cultivation and leave Flawless Palace forever."

At these words, not only were the Main Seat Elders stunned, but even Luo Feng and the Six Supreme Elders were visibly taken aback.

Every Martial Artist knew the consequences of crippling one’s own Cultivation. It was tantamount to throwing one’s life away.

Chang Jing was also stunned for a moment, but a cold sneer quickly formed on his lips. ’Lin Yun made such a vow. If he can’t find evidence in three days, then after he cripples his own Cultivation, he’ll be nothing more than a common mortal for the rest of his life.’

He hadn’t expected Lin Yun to make such a vow. ’I should take this gamble,’ Chang Jing thought. ’As long as I arrange things properly, I can cripple Lin Yun once and for all. This is a golden opportunity!’

After another long silence, the Supreme Elder glanced at Luo Feng. Seeing no objection from the Palace Master, the Supreme Elder declared, "Very well. In that case, I will grant you three days. Three days from now, Lin Yun, if you have not found your proof, you will cripple your own Cultivation in front of everyone and be exiled from Flawless Palace."

"I understand," Lin Yun said calmly.