Ye Wuyue clenched her teeth. She knew that if one were to list charges, Gong Tianrui could easily come up with a long list for anyone.

"What exactly do you want?"

Gong Tianrui said, "Ye Zongsi is a genius disciple of the Heaven-Questioning Sect, a rising star. I believe Ye Zongsi does not have the intention to harm the Shangjing Immortal Dynasty, but was merely confused by the deceitful words of treacherous people. In light of this incident, perhaps it’s best to calm down and think carefully. What does Ye Zongsi think?"

Exhaustion surged over Ye Wuyue, and she was already powerless.

At this moment, a powerful aura suddenly pressed down, tearing apart the array outside.

Celestial Venerable Taihe and Profound Lady Chu Ming descended into the grand hall.

Chu Ming protected Ye Wuyue behind her, angrily staring at Gong Tianrui,

"Gong Tianrui, what are you trying to do!"

Celestial Venerable Taihe’s imposing manner was overwhelming, "Who dares to bully my Heaven-Questioning Sect disciple!" His aura spread quickly, forcing Gong Tianrui to secretly gather his strength to steady his steps.

Chu Ming looked apologetic, "Sorry, Wuyue, we arrived late."

At dusk, they had been invited by Gong Tianrui to attend a banquet at the Right Minister’s Mansion, unaware it was merely a ploy to divert them.

Ye Wuyue forced a bitter smile, "Elders, there’s no need for this, it was my fault."

Gong Tianrui remained unbothered and was not intimidated by the two elders, "Ye Zongsi, have you made your decision?"

Chu Ming frowned, "Gong Tianrui, do not use your influence to oppress my Heaven-Questioning Sect disciple!"

Ye Wuyue shook her head, "Fifth Elder, there’s no need to say more."

"Wuyue..."

Ye Wuyue looked at Gong Tianrui, "I lack the ability and am difficult to carry out great responsibilities, I trouble Prime Minister Gong to handle this mess."

Celestial Venerable Taihe and Chu Ming exchanged glances and sighed.

Grand Elder Huai Jingming had instructed them from the beginning to only act as a Guardian for Ye Wuyue, without interfering in her life and work. Thus, even at this juncture, they could only respect Ye Wuyue’s choice.

"Is that it?"

Suddenly, someone spoke.

The crowd turned their attention to Jianshen San.

This man, like an ink painting, slowly raised his head, revealing his face to the others.

His face was entirely monochrome, only black and white, which made him look quite unreal.

"What else can be done at this point?" Ye Wuyue felt a bit disheartened, immensely disappointed in herself.

Jianshen San smiled, "Since Prime Minister Gong wants to delve into my soul, let him do so. I don’t wish for the General Director to return to the Heaven-Questioning Sect with an ambiguous identity."

"But—"

Jianshen San shook his head, "I have no fear in a righteous position nor upright sitting. I’m unafraid of soul investigation. It’s just that the hat Prime Minister Gong placed on the General Director is considerable."

Gong Tianrui spoke formally, "What I do is clear and just, with a decree from the Great Saint above and the laws of the Immortal Dynasty below. Wherefore the talk of hat placing?"

Jianshen San closed his eyes without further comment, "Please, Prime Minister Gong, investigate my soul."

"Very well! As you wish!"

Gong Tianrui flicked his finger, a sharp silver needle pierced through Jianshen San’s forehead, releasing a beam of light.

The light rapidly expanded, forming a screen that revealed Jianshen San’s life.

He was now eight hundred and seventy-four years old, born in Li Clan of Fuke City, Qi Liang Dynasty on Immortal Continent; real name Li Bianyu, forged his foundation at age four, entered the Immortal Dao at age six, joined the White Dragon Sect at age nine, Golden Core at age twelve, Nascent Soul at age fourteen, fetal movement at eighteen, division of spirit at twenty-seven, merging at ninety-nine, Mahayana at three hundred seventy-four.

At seven hundred forty-two, his Dao companion was murdered by a Demon Cultivator, sending him on a path of revenge.

At eight hundred forty-five, he found his enemy, fought, and fell into the Death Abyss, where he discovered a preeminent treasure named "Unruffled Platform." Leveraging this treasure, he began hunting Demon Cultivators.

After hearing about the Immortal Continent Demon Extermination Bureau, he resolutely joined it, quickly rising due to the capability of Unruffled Platform, becoming Ye Wuyue’s right-hand man.

Within the Demon Extermination Bureau, he was constantly working, almost never resting, seemingly dedicating his life to the demon extermination endeavor.

The life of Jianshen San was on display.

His experience left everyone present somewhat stunned.

Even Ye Wuyue hadn’t expected his record to be so impeccable!

Gong Tianrui hissed through his teeth. His pupils kept contracting, thinking, "No, this isn’t right... such a simple, straightforward life experience, why wasn’t it retrieved before?" He had investigated Jianshen San long ago, precisely because nothing came to light, the conviction that this person was a pawn of some prominent figure followed.

Forged soul?

But, that Soul-Searching Needle is a peerless treasure bestowed by the Immortal Emperor! Unless the forgery exceeds the gain of the Immortal Emperor.

But how could that be!

Could it indeed be a mistake?

Ye Wuyue recovered quickly, sweeping away fatigue and compromise, and stood at the forefront,

"Prime Minister Gong, now what do you say? Jianshen San’s identity is clear; he is inherently innocent, yet with your Right Minister authority, you forcefully used the Soul-Searching Needle. Is this what the Immortal Dynasty’s laws decree?"

Gong Tianrui remained calm and composed, "This is Gong Mou’s mistake, and I will certainly compensate Jianshen San. However, that does not imply Ye Zongsi is cleared." His most reliable trump card is not just the seven deadly sins; such higher-ups norm merely serves as a prick tool, lacking decisiveness, but rather is due to the decree of the Great Saint.

The main reliance of the Demon Extermination Bureau is Wenxin Heaven; the certification from Wenxin Heaven is the most crucial.