The Dazzling New Star of the Heroes of the Martial World
Within the Martial Arts Tribunal, a trial session was convened today. Iron-Faced Impartial - Bao Qing struck the gavel and said, "Bring forth the Criminals: Sword Demon Tiedan, Ben Aoxiang, Du Fu, and Ouyang Xiu." Immediately, Wang Chao and Ma Han brought the four Criminals forward. Bao Qing continued, "Today, the Judicial Court will try these four Criminals. If anyone from the Martial Arts Community has knowledge of their crimes, you may speak up and present evidence. The court is now in session." After a guard announced the court's authority, Bao Qing spoke again: "Criminal Sword Demon Tiedan, you have escaped from the Judicial Court's prison multiple times and committed crimes in the Martial Arts Alliance. Do you plead guilty?"
The injured Sword Demon Tiedan replied, "Hahaha, I am already your captive; what is there to plead guilty about? Spare me this formal trial; let us get straight to the verdict."
Bao Qing said, "Since you openly admit to your crimes, I hereby declare that Criminal Sword Demon Tiedan is guilty of heinous acts and sentence him to death, to be executed immediately. Bring forth the guillotine." Four guards then brought in the guillotine and placed Sword Demon Tiedan's head beneath the blade, preparing to execute him. Just as Sword Demon Tiedan was about to meet his end, Murong Mulong arrived at the Martial Arts Tribunal and said, "Chief Justice Bao, please spare his life. The actions of Sword Demon Tiedan are due to demonic influence and not his own will. Killing him now would not satisfy public opinion; I urge you to reconsider."
After some thought, Bao Qing replied, "Mr. Murong makes a valid point. In that case, I, Chief Justice Bao Qing, hereby sentence Sword Demon Tiedan to life imprisonment. Guards, take Sword Demon Tiedan away and ensure he is well-guarded." Wang Chao and Ma Han then escorted Sword Demon Tiedan to prison.
Bao Qing continued: "Ben Aoxiang, Du Fu, Ouyang Xiu, you three have committed numerous atrocities under Duanmu Chong's orders, including annihilating the Taoist Sect, Southern Martial Arts Daughters Clan, and Awakening Sea Music Academy. Your actions as accomplices are truly despicable. Especially you, Ben Aoxiang; as Duanmu Chong's chief disciple, your crimes have reached a level that incites public outrage. I hereby sentence Ben Aoxiang to execution by guillotine, to be carried out immediately." The guards then placed Ben Aoxiang's head beneath the guillotine; with a command given, the blade fell swiftly, separating his head from his body. The notorious Ben Aoxiang finally received his just punishment.
At this moment, Du Fu defended himself: "Bao Qing! Ouyang Xiu and I were deceived by Duanmu Chong into committing acts that harmed the martial world; we are victims too! Please see reason, Chief Justice Bao!"
Ouyang Xiu added: "I initially believed Duanmu Chong was a righteous man for decisively eliminating the Black Clan Evil Ones. I followed him thinking he was just; little did I know he harbored such great ambitions! We only wished to contribute positively to the martial world. If we are punished for our intentions, it is truly unjust!"
Bao Qing responded: "If that is so, why did you not distance yourselves from Duanmu Chong when his ambitions were revealed? Instead, you continued to assist him in eliminating dissenters?"
Du Fu replied: "Chief Justice Bao must understand that it is easy to board a pirate ship but hard to disembark. We were under Duanmu Chong's oppressive influence and had no choice. The true culprit is Duanmu Chong; you should punish him severely instead of holding us—mere victims—accountable! Is this not putting the cart before the horse?"
Bao Qing retorted: "Indeed, wicked individuals can be quite eloquent in their defense. However, your crimes are backed by irrefutable evidence and cannot be denied. Even if coerced into wrongdoing, punishment must still be meted out. I hereby sentence Du Fu and Ouyang Xiu to have two fingers severed as a warning for others; this will be executed immediately." The guards then cut off two fingers from both Du Fu and Ouyang Xiu's left hands; their cries echoed as retribution descended upon them. Bao Qing added: "Du Fu and Ouyang Xiu must now strive to contribute positively to the martial world; otherwise, your punishment will not end with just two fingers. You may leave now; court adjourned." Following this decree, Du Fu and Ouyang Xiu exited the Judicial Court while covering their injured hands.
Meanwhile, Duanmu Chong had retreated into seclusion at Yun Yin Temple for days on end praying and chanting scriptures. Although he recited prayers outwardly, his heart was deeply concerned about the current state of the martial world—especially regarding the Martial Arts Sect—and his anxiousness was evident as he rhythmically struck the wooden fish without any pattern. The Celibacy Master observed this with concern; this newly ordained monk was merely escaping from vengeful pursuers by taking refuge here. How could he guide him back to peace within the Buddhist Sect? At that moment, the Celibacy Master spoke: "Jie Zhan, yesterday is dead; today holds promise. Since you have entered the Buddhist Sect, you must calm your mind; worldly matters are but fleeting illusions. If you can let go of your past beliefs and trust in yourself, you will see through worldly attachments." Jie Zhan remained silent but paid no heed to the Celibacy Master's words; he merely smiled inwardly and continued striking the wooden fish.
Back in the Martial Bamboo Divine Domain, Yi Junsheng informed Yi Zhangzhi about Shu Heng's situation. Shu Heng immediately approached and said, "Please, Daoist, take me as your disciple and teach me unparalleled martial arts. I want to personally take revenge on my enemy Duanmu Chong for my clan."
Yi Zhangzhi replied, "Shu Heng, perhaps you are unaware that Duanmu Chong has suffered a crushing defeat. He has now become a monk and is hiding in a temple, refusing to come out. Even we cannot do anything about it."
Upon hearing this, Yi Junsheng exclaimed, "What? That damned Duanmu Chong actually went to become a monk? This is truly a historical oddity, hahaha!"
Shu Heng insisted, "No matter where that old thief Duanmu runs to, I will not rest until I kill him. Please, Daoist, take me as your disciple."
Yi Zhangzhi said, "Young lady, you are looking for the wrong person to be your master. Although my martial arts are not weak, learning my techniques is simply impossible for you. My martial arts are unique; even if I wanted to take you as my disciple and teach you, you would not be able to master them. Why bother?"
Hearing this, Shu Heng fell into despair once again. However, this time there were no tears; she did not cry but silently walked out of the Martial Bamboo Divine Domain. Only the weak seek pity from others. Just because Yi Zhangzhi would not take her as a disciple does not mean no one else would. The two Female Soldiers followed her out as well. Yi Zhangzhi shook his head helplessly and said, "How many in this world can see through these grievances and entanglements?"
Seeing Shu Heng's forlorn figure disappearing into the distance made Yi Junsheng feel heartbroken. He said, "A Piece of Paper, you are just as heartless as the Nightmare Demon. I have lost all respect for you." Then Yi Junsheng left the Martial Bamboo Divine Domain with Sanwei Daoist.
After leaving the Martial Bamboo Divine Domain, the Nightmare Demon arrived at Yun Yin Temple with the intention of eliminating the notorious Duanmu Chong. The Celibacy Master appeared to stop him and said, "Benefactor, this place is a Buddhist Sect for quiet cultivation. Please do not commit murder here; otherwise, Buddha will punish you."
The Nightmare Demon replied, "This may work on Yi Zhangzhi and his group, but I, the Nightmare Demon, intend to do what Yi Zhangzhi dares not do. Today, I will kill Duanmu Chong! Celibacy Master, are you saying that the Buddhist Sect is a place that shelters evil?"
The Eastern Proud Dragon, who had failed multiple attempts to ambush Yi Junsheng, devised a plan today to rob Wealthy Merchant Wang Fugui on his way. He intended to seize wealth to hire assassins from the Black Design Society to kill Yi Junsheng. The Eastern Proud Dragon lay in wait on the Clear Forest Path where Wang Fugui often passed by. At that moment, Wang Fugui and two bodyguards were approaching. The Eastern Proud Dragon covered his face with black cloth and jumped out from the side, saying, "Robbery! Leave money or lose your life; choose wisely, Wang Fugui!"
Wang Fugui retorted, "In broad daylight under the clear sky, how dare you rob me and speak such nonsense? Tall Guy, are you tired of living?"
Inside Yun Yin Temple, can the Nightmare Demon successfully kill Duanmu Chong? Can the Eastern Proud Dragon succeed in robbing Wealthy Merchant Wang Fugui? Will Shu Heng find a renowned master to learn from after leaving Martial Bamboo Divine Domain?
To know more details, please continue reading Chapter 32 of "The Dazzling New Star of the Heroes of the Martial World" - "Endure Humiliation and Carry the Burden."
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