The "Drafted Guidelines" that Fan Wubing had read basically amounted to a covenant among the world powers.

A newly added clause targeted him directly. It essentially stated that if he violated any of the agreements, any forces within the jurisdiction must judge him. If they were incapable of passing judgment, they must report immediately to White Jade Capital and Wenxin Heaven.

In short, he was the public enemy of the world.

If he made no mistakes, everyone would turn a blind eye, but once he erred, accusations would come from all sides.

Fan Wubing chuckled,

"The premise is that I am truly guilty, right? Why don’t you first tell me what crime I’ve committed."

Li Qian slightly narrowed her eyes, making her gaze sharper,

"A Celestial Slayer who defied the Heavenly Dao and used some means to deceive the Heavenly Dao, this is indeed shocking. However, I am curious, how do you intend to absolve yourself of guilt this time?"

"You are the lofty Emperor, and I am the Celestial Slayer shunned by all. I wonder if the difference in our statuses is equivalent in the face of this so-called covenant?"

"The iron laws of this dynasty are as unyielding as a mountain; we govern by law. If you are guilty, we will punish you. If you are not, naturally, we will not wrong you in the slightest." Li Qian waved her long sleeve, and an image formed by martial energy appeared, depicting the scene of the Sword Dao duel between Fan Wubing and Luo Qingyao. "I must say, this duel is the most outstanding one I have ever seen in my life."

Fan Wubing laughed, "Saying that truly wrongs your Great Sword Immortal grandfather."

Li Qian’s brow suddenly furrowed, an intimidating aura pressing down on Fan Wubing,

"Insolent!"

Fan Wubing stood unmoved, "Am I not speaking the truth?"

Zhuge Hong exclaimed in shock, "So Great Sword Immortal Li Yuan is Your Majesty’s grandfather!"

This relationship was unknown to many.

After all, in the rumors, Li Yuan was always a lone figure. After opening the Celestial Gate with his sword seven thousand years ago, he disappeared, and it was said he had died. While Li Qian, at just over seven hundred years old, was still considered a child compared to her peers.

Such two people seemingly had no connection.

But the fact was, they were grandfather and granddaughter.

Upon hearing Li Yuan’s name, Li Qian’s emperorly dignity waned slightly; she gritted her teeth slightly and glared angrily at Fan Wubing,

"Indeed, a person despised by the Heavenly Dao."

Luo Qingyao was displeased, her fervor rising,

"Watch your language! If you anger me, do you believe I won’t tear down your Imperial Palace?"

"Oh?" Li Qian supported her face with her fist, "Does His Majesty say anything wrong? Do you believe men are greater than the Heavenly Dao?"

Luo Qingyao snorted softly, "Damned Heavenly Dao, I can’t see it, can’t touch it. Your grandfather back then opened the Celestial Gate with his sword, faced the Heavenly Dao directly, while you, his granddaughter, are now defending the Heavenly Dao. That is not filial. An unfilial daughter has become the Emperor, truly making the Phoenix Dynasty a mess, its governance in chaos, like a mix of sand and mud. Who are these iron laws and rule of law for?!"

Fan Wubing stared dumbfounded at Luo Qingyao.

He was discovering for the first time that his good junior sister had such a sharp tongue.

Luo Qingyao looked at him shyly, blinked, and telepathically said, "You told me to be my true self. And you also said you’d like me no matter how I am. So don’t change your mind!"

Fan Wubing couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

After being scolded by Luo Qingyao and hearing Fan Wubing’s laughter, Li Qian’s expression darkened. Yet, she did not explode in anger; instead, she said in a calm tone,

"Destroying the Sun-shooting Pass is an established crime. What explanation do you have?"

Fan Wubing did not offer an explanation and stated solemnly,

"Sun-shooting Pass was an ancient battlefield of the Celestial War, entombing countless ancestors’ skeletons, where the land is strewn with graves. Their will transformed into Sword Qi, crisscrossing, and their obsessions turned into spirits, wandering day and night. This agony, this scar etched upon the Sword Continent, should have been soothed by time, settled by the passage of all things. But! Your Phoenix Dynasty, colluding with the Heart Sword Sect and Pei Palace, for your own gain, drew boundaries to imprison, trapping the shattered souls of predecessors, denying them peace for over ten thousand years. That is the crime!"

Fan Wubing advanced step by step, closing the distance to less than ten paces away from Li Qian,

"And we, we broke open the prison, restored peace to them, allowing them to write the final Chapter of their tragic lives. If you don’t believe it, see for yourself! Hear for yourself!"

After speaking,

Fan Wubing suddenly clenched his right hand in the air, instantly drawing all the Sword Qi pouring out from Sun-shooting Pass, presenting each indelible obsession contained within in the form of an energy image.

The valiant lives of swordsmen who perished there were displayed before Li Qian.

The hall fell into silence so deep, a pin drop could be heard.

Li Qian looked at the images, motionless like a delicate doll.

.......