Chapter 53
Slaughtering for sin, what does revenge matter!
The East Temple had a subordinate office for knife-wielding officials.
Xin Jinfang Yamen.
The desk was piled high with business documents.
Yan Shouxu said with lingering fear:
"Sir, are you sure you want to investigate this thoroughly?"
Just now, the oppressive atmosphere from the Sima clan was suffocating!
Each of the four holy sites has its own people, who are working together to exert pressure, making it difficult for people to breathe.
Gu Lin stared at him and said in a cold voice:
"A true man born between heaven and earth must possess the spirit of a strongman. He should not provoke trouble, but he is not afraid of it either. If hostility comes, he must fight back fiercely. Weakness will only invite further exploitation. No one will fear a coward who compromises!"
"Investigate this thoroughly!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the other two looked resolute and accepted the order.
The three of them were engrossed in their work.
However, even after working until midnight and going through all the documents, they couldn't find a single mistake.
"Check it again!" Gu Lin's voice was icy.
Inside the government office, the water clock ticked away, time slowly passing until dawn. Suddenly, Yan Shouxu rose abruptly, his weariness vanishing, and picked up a document, loudly proclaiming:
"Lord Gu, something's not right about this commercial case!"
Gu Lin strode over:
"Explain in detail."
Yan Shouxu said with a burning gaze:
"Three years ago, a commercial dispute arose between a spice shop and three women who bought spices died from poisoning. Sima Chongguang adjudicated the case, declaring the spice shop innocent and the cause of death unrelated to the spice shop."
Gu Lin understood immediately:
"The Pingzhun Bureau is in charge of stabilizing prices in Chuzhou's commerce. Since it involves lives, it should be transferred to the county government or the criminal justice department at all levels, rather than being decided by the Pingzhun Bureau."
"Your Excellency is wise!" Yan Shouxu praised without forgetting to flatter.
Gu Lin immediately gave the order:
"Immediately investigate the spice shop and the deceased's family."
The three men went as ordered.
......
At the beginning of Chen (7-9 AM), at the Dongsi Baihu Yamen (Office of the Hundred Households of the Eastern Temple).
"Lord Cao." Several members of the Holy Land respectfully clasped their hands in greeting.
Cao Baihu remained expressionless.
Among them, the Sima clan members of the Wuji Hall wore black robes with three-legged golden crows, and their official robes were embroidered with five three-legged crows, which indicated their status as the general flag officer of the Wuji Hall.
He stated bluntly:
"Why did Lord Cao draft this official document? Sima Chongguang of the Pingzhun Administration has always been honest and upright, a capable administrator who has benefited the people. This action by the Eastern Temple has undoubtedly ruined his reputation!"
Commander Cao said casually:
"If someone reports something, we have to investigate. If there's nothing wrong, it will only confirm Sima Chongguang's noble character."
The Wuji Hall's chief commander's expression was as stiff as iron.
Sima Chongguang's conduct was absolutely impeccable, but few people can withstand thorough investigation. Making a big deal out of trivial matters can turn them into crimes!
"Lord Cao!" the junior officer of the Literary Academy said in a deep voice.
"This is clearly a case of personal revenge; it's despicable!"
"Insolence!" Commander Cao was instantly enraged, staring coldly at him.
"Watch your tone of voice."
"What does it mean to use personal connections? Is performing one's official duties also considered using personal connections? Gu Lin did not use torture to interrogate me last night."
"Furthermore, Gu Lin is a newcomer who joined through the selection competition. He has no grudge against your Sima clan. Yet the Equalization Bureau detained and tortured his father on trumped-up charges. Your Sima family's style is becoming increasingly domineering!"
Just as the junior officer of the Literary Academy was about to retort, the senior officer of the Martial Peak Hall stopped the clansman and said gently:
"Lord Cao, this concerns the reputation of the Sima clan. Our Sima clan also has officials with the rank of centurion. It would be inappropriate to lose face and start a conflict with you because of this."
Hearing the veiled threat behind the smile, Commander Cao remained unmoved and calmly said:
"We are just doing our duty; you must remain silent!"
Having said that, he picked up his teacup, clearly indicating his intention to dismiss the guest.
The smile on the face of the Wuji Hall commander vanished.
He couldn't understand what kind of spell the new man surnamed Gu had cast on Cao Qingzhi!
"Let's go." The chief led several clansmen away.
Only if Cao Qingzhi personally orders the official documents to be invalidated can the investigation be concluded. Now that Cao Qingzhi is as stubborn as a rock, we can only pray that Sima Chongguang has no loopholes in his daily administration.
After they left, Commander Cao rose and paced back and forth, muttering to himself:
"Gu Lin, if you don't keep your promise to be in the top ten of the competition, don't blame me for being ruthless."
As for the threat from powerful clans, he was not afraid. Besides his strong personality, he also had a lot of connections, which allowed him to hold the high position of centurion.
If Gu Lin fails to make it into the top ten, he will push Gu Lin out to appease the Sima clan. In addition, he will give some benefits himself. The Sima clan will not make enemies with the Dongsi Hundred Household for the sake of a Pingzhun Bureau official.
......
At dusk, Yan Shouxu and others returned to the Xin Jin Fang government office, and Gu Lin rushed over upon hearing the news.
"My lord, the investigation is complete." Wei Xuan reported in detail:
"The mastermind behind the Spice Shop is named Sima Deji, the ninth son of Sima Chongguang, born out of wedlock. He has no talent for cultivation and is not well-regarded, so he can only engage in business. The families of the three deceased have concluded that the spices produced by the Spice Shop are crudely made and contain poison gas."
Gu Lin quickly asked:
"Did you bring everyone?"
Wei Xuan nodded emphatically:
"Including residual spices, which have been tested by colleagues."
Gu Lin smiled and said in a deep voice:
"Make the order: interrogate Sima Deji under severe torture!"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
.....
In the middle of the night, Yan Shouxu handed the offering paper to Gu Lin.
"My lord, everything is confirmed. Sima Deji confessed that the spices were indeed poisonous. Although they were destroyed afterward, they still caused the deaths of three people. Sima Chongguang, in order to protect his illegitimate son, presided over the case as an official of the Pingzhun Bureau!"
Gu Lin flipped through the confession and the official investigation report from the yamen, his smile gradually turning cold:
"Sima, you old dog, can you withstand an investigation?"
"What's this called?"
"By abusing their power to deliberately protect their relatives, they disregard human life and the law; their crimes are heinous!"
After saying that, Gu Lin went to confirm it himself.
Only after confirming that the evidence was conclusive did he go to the prison where Sima Chongguang was imprisoned.
"Lord Gu, shouldn't we consult with the centurion?" Yan Shouxu asked worriedly.
Gu Lin vetoed it:
"No need. Once the crime is confirmed, the Dongsi Cavalry has the authority to carry it out!"
Asking for instructions was a foolish move. It was clearly putting Lord Cao on a pedestal. The fact that Lord Cao was willing to personally draft official documents was already a great show of support. The rest would have to be done by myself.
In the prison cell, Sima Chongguang was no longer the man he once was. He was bound by chains and shackles, looking emaciated, decadent, and bewildered.
Upon seeing Gu Lin, he roared in a hoarse voice:
"The investigation is complete. Am I not innocent?"
Gu Linli stood before the iron cage and slowly unfolded the offering paper.
Sima Chongguang's expression changed drastically, his heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly, and he convulsed twice. He pounded on his shackles and roared:
"How can you implicate me in such a trivial matter? I was careless for a moment, and I will apologize to the prefectural government on my own!"
Sudden.
Bang!
Gu Lin kicked out, and the force of the iron railing's recoil sent Sima Chongguang flying.
"A trivial matter? An oversight?" Gu Lin's smile was sinister:
"Does taking three lives not count as disregarding human life?"
"Do you see ordinary people's lives as worthless trash to be trampled on?"
"In your eyes, the weak can be crushed at will, so you brazenly framed, detained, and tortured my father? I ran a security escort agency, earning my living through my own abilities, and I almost died in prison. Do you think a newcomer to this holy land like me would necessarily endure such humiliation?"
Sima Chongguang, his eyes filled with terror, roared with all his might:
"Gu Lin, do you really intend to fight to the death with my sixth-rank Sima clan?"
Gu Lin's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he spoke, each word deliberate and deliberate:
"If you swallow your anger, your Sima family will continue to bully me."
"A fight to the death? Then I'll have no choice but to kill you as a sacrifice!"
"A sixth-tier noble family of the Divine Dynasty? I want to see if their blood is golden."
Gu Lin, his face cold, thrust out a palm.
Bound by specially made iron chains by the ghostwriter, Sima Chongguang was completely unable to resist.
His eyes widened in terror.
Bang!
A palm struck his forehead, causing his entire skull to collapse, blood gushing out and brain matter splattering everywhere.
The blood is no different from that of an ordinary person.
"It's a pity he's only a sixth-rank official!" Gu Lin felt a pang of regret after the satisfying killing.
According to the promotion rules of Dongsi Temple and Tianxuan Guard, apart from demons with royal bloodlines, those who eliminate treacherous officials of the fifth rank or above for the Divine Dynasty can also obtain promotion qualifications from the Daoji Division.
Pity!
If one can be promoted to squad leader, one's official robe will be embroidered with a second ferocious xiezhi (a mythical beast).
In an instant, Gu Lin's mind flashed with tiny golden lights, which converged into the three large characters "Shu of Success and Virtue".
[Defeat Ding San and other villains to receive a reward of the max-level Ecstasy Palm technique]
[Martial Arts Merit Points: 2756/10000]
[Confucian and Taoist Merit Points: 753/10000]
[Merit Points in Taoist Arts: 0/1000]
[Witchcraft Merit Points: 0/1000]
My sins and merits are too few; I haven't made a breakthrough.
But offending yourself is a heinous crime, and you will surely die!
"Someone, clean up the body! Don't make a mess of the yamen!"
After making his statement, Gu Lin strode away.
Outside the Dongsi Butler's office, a group of Sima clan members were already waiting, including Sima Zhili and Zhao Can.
When a corpse was carried out wrapped in straw mats, all the members of the Sima clan stared wide-eyed and their hair stood on end in fury.
The Sima clan had nine main branches, but the relationships between them were not particularly close. The tragic death of Sima Chongguang brought not grief and relief, but a sense of inexplicable humiliation.
Yes, it was an intense humiliation!
What a disgrace it is that a new recruit from the East Temple openly defies a sixth-rank aristocratic family with such arrogance!
"Uncle!" Sima Zhishu's voice was sharp, with a hint of sobbing. Looking at her uncle's corpse, she could not hold back her tears.
Unexpectedly.
Gu Lin strode over and sighed:
My condolences.
"Sima Chongguang deliberately shielded his illegitimate son from his crimes and disregarded human life. I was only acting in accordance with my duties at the East Temple, so you can't blame me."
After he finished speaking, there was a deathly silence.
The numerous servants inside and outside the yamen were horrified.
This Lord Gu is incredibly powerful!
Condolences are not a form of comfort.
It was a blatant provocation!
The entire head of the corpse had collapsed, which shows how ruthless the attack was.
You should know that those standing in front of Lord Gu are all the lords of the Holy Land, including even high-ranking officials such as squad leaders, platoon leaders, and junior officers!
"Gu Lin, you're very good, you're very good..." Several members of the Sima clan looked furious, their hearts filled with pent-up anger.
unexpected.
A flurry of footsteps approached.
A group of people walked briskly in, all wearing red official hats and robes adorned with the sun, moon, and stars.
The Sima clan members notified the Daoji Division.
Daoji Si walked towards Gu Lin.
Gu Lin respectfully presented a series of incriminating statements and indicated the locations of the witnesses.
The officials from the Daoji Division nodded and went to verify the information.
The wait was long, lasting a full half hour.
The Daoji Division returned and examined Sima Chongguang's body again, confirming that he had not been tortured before his death. The leader said expressionlessly:
"The actions of the Dongsi cavalry in visiting the capital were entirely in accordance with the law."
After saying this, he led his men away.
"May I ask if you have any contribution points?" Gu Lin asked respectfully.
Although I can't be promoted to squad leader, I can still exchange contribution points for spirit stones.
The leader nodded:
"have."
In an instant, the Sima clansmen were enraged, their fury almost reaching the heavens.
"Gu Lin, the Sima family will never let you go!" Sima Zhishu's eyes were icy cold, and the killing intent in them was like sharp blades.
Gu Lin remained completely calm, staring intently at the woman. Suddenly, he smiled and then strolled away leisurely.
He did this for two reasons: firstly, to retaliate forcefully and fight fire with fire.
Secondly, it also made the Sima family wary, since no one could fathom Cao Baihu's attitude or understand why he would agree to have a newcomer draft the investigation documents.
Before the Chuzhou Grand Competition ended, the Sima family dared not make any rash moves, and at least they would not do anything to disgust his family again.
If I break my promise to Lord Cao to be in the top ten during the competition, it is because I am incompetent, and I should accept the dismal result.
But he vowed to shine brightly, and then his status would rise accordingly, allowing him to freely play with the Sima family!
Want to fight to the death? Come on!
Watching the departing figure in black Xie Zhi robes, many members of the Holy Land were quite interested. They glanced at the furious Sima clansmen, then turned back to continue staring at Gu Lin.
This newcomer's deeds are likely to cause quite a stir in Luoxia Mountain. A newcomer can be so arrogant and domineering, completely humiliating the sixth-rank Sima clan. Does he only care about the present and not about the future?
The commander of the Martial Peak Hall, his face contorted with rage, strode toward Sima Zhishu and said in a deep voice:
"Funeral and burial!"
"You four branches should stop causing trouble for his family. Whether you try to frame him or send someone to silence him, give up on that idea. We don't know the details of Gu Lin and Cao Qingzhi's dealings for now. Once this arrogant madman finds a reason to go crazy again, with the power of the East Temple to investigate officials, we don't know how many officials our Sima clan will lose, and we will become a laughing stock in Chuzhou."
"Now he has brought shame upon the entire Sima clan. This is not only a disgrace to your fourth branch, but also a matter of face for the entire Sima clan."
"Once we find out the truth about his dealings with Cao Qingzhi, killing him will surely wipe out the entire Gu family."
After saying that, he left in anger.
Sima Zhishu's eyes were red-rimmed, filled with boundless hatred.
Xin Jinfang Yamen.
The desk was piled high with business documents.
Yan Shouxu said with lingering fear:
"Sir, are you sure you want to investigate this thoroughly?"
Just now, the oppressive atmosphere from the Sima clan was suffocating!
Each of the four holy sites has its own people, who are working together to exert pressure, making it difficult for people to breathe.
Gu Lin stared at him and said in a cold voice:
"A true man born between heaven and earth must possess the spirit of a strongman. He should not provoke trouble, but he is not afraid of it either. If hostility comes, he must fight back fiercely. Weakness will only invite further exploitation. No one will fear a coward who compromises!"
"Investigate this thoroughly!"
Upon hearing this, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and the other two looked resolute and accepted the order.
The three of them were engrossed in their work.
However, even after working until midnight and going through all the documents, they couldn't find a single mistake.
"Check it again!" Gu Lin's voice was icy.
Inside the government office, the water clock ticked away, time slowly passing until dawn. Suddenly, Yan Shouxu rose abruptly, his weariness vanishing, and picked up a document, loudly proclaiming:
"Lord Gu, something's not right about this commercial case!"
Gu Lin strode over:
"Explain in detail."
Yan Shouxu said with a burning gaze:
"Three years ago, a commercial dispute arose between a spice shop and three women who bought spices died from poisoning. Sima Chongguang adjudicated the case, declaring the spice shop innocent and the cause of death unrelated to the spice shop."
Gu Lin understood immediately:
"The Pingzhun Bureau is in charge of stabilizing prices in Chuzhou's commerce. Since it involves lives, it should be transferred to the county government or the criminal justice department at all levels, rather than being decided by the Pingzhun Bureau."
"Your Excellency is wise!" Yan Shouxu praised without forgetting to flatter.
Gu Lin immediately gave the order:
"Immediately investigate the spice shop and the deceased's family."
The three men went as ordered.
......
At the beginning of Chen (7-9 AM), at the Dongsi Baihu Yamen (Office of the Hundred Households of the Eastern Temple).
"Lord Cao." Several members of the Holy Land respectfully clasped their hands in greeting.
Cao Baihu remained expressionless.
Among them, the Sima clan members of the Wuji Hall wore black robes with three-legged golden crows, and their official robes were embroidered with five three-legged crows, which indicated their status as the general flag officer of the Wuji Hall.
He stated bluntly:
"Why did Lord Cao draft this official document? Sima Chongguang of the Pingzhun Administration has always been honest and upright, a capable administrator who has benefited the people. This action by the Eastern Temple has undoubtedly ruined his reputation!"
Commander Cao said casually:
"If someone reports something, we have to investigate. If there's nothing wrong, it will only confirm Sima Chongguang's noble character."
The Wuji Hall's chief commander's expression was as stiff as iron.
Sima Chongguang's conduct was absolutely impeccable, but few people can withstand thorough investigation. Making a big deal out of trivial matters can turn them into crimes!
"Lord Cao!" the junior officer of the Literary Academy said in a deep voice.
"This is clearly a case of personal revenge; it's despicable!"
"Insolence!" Commander Cao was instantly enraged, staring coldly at him.
"Watch your tone of voice."
"What does it mean to use personal connections? Is performing one's official duties also considered using personal connections? Gu Lin did not use torture to interrogate me last night."
"Furthermore, Gu Lin is a newcomer who joined through the selection competition. He has no grudge against your Sima clan. Yet the Equalization Bureau detained and tortured his father on trumped-up charges. Your Sima family's style is becoming increasingly domineering!"
Just as the junior officer of the Literary Academy was about to retort, the senior officer of the Martial Peak Hall stopped the clansman and said gently:
"Lord Cao, this concerns the reputation of the Sima clan. Our Sima clan also has officials with the rank of centurion. It would be inappropriate to lose face and start a conflict with you because of this."
Hearing the veiled threat behind the smile, Commander Cao remained unmoved and calmly said:
"We are just doing our duty; you must remain silent!"
Having said that, he picked up his teacup, clearly indicating his intention to dismiss the guest.
The smile on the face of the Wuji Hall commander vanished.
He couldn't understand what kind of spell the new man surnamed Gu had cast on Cao Qingzhi!
"Let's go." The chief led several clansmen away.
Only if Cao Qingzhi personally orders the official documents to be invalidated can the investigation be concluded. Now that Cao Qingzhi is as stubborn as a rock, we can only pray that Sima Chongguang has no loopholes in his daily administration.
After they left, Commander Cao rose and paced back and forth, muttering to himself:
"Gu Lin, if you don't keep your promise to be in the top ten of the competition, don't blame me for being ruthless."
As for the threat from powerful clans, he was not afraid. Besides his strong personality, he also had a lot of connections, which allowed him to hold the high position of centurion.
If Gu Lin fails to make it into the top ten, he will push Gu Lin out to appease the Sima clan. In addition, he will give some benefits himself. The Sima clan will not make enemies with the Dongsi Hundred Household for the sake of a Pingzhun Bureau official.
......
At dusk, Yan Shouxu and others returned to the Xin Jin Fang government office, and Gu Lin rushed over upon hearing the news.
"My lord, the investigation is complete." Wei Xuan reported in detail:
"The mastermind behind the Spice Shop is named Sima Deji, the ninth son of Sima Chongguang, born out of wedlock. He has no talent for cultivation and is not well-regarded, so he can only engage in business. The families of the three deceased have concluded that the spices produced by the Spice Shop are crudely made and contain poison gas."
Gu Lin quickly asked:
"Did you bring everyone?"
Wei Xuan nodded emphatically:
"Including residual spices, which have been tested by colleagues."
Gu Lin smiled and said in a deep voice:
"Make the order: interrogate Sima Deji under severe torture!"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
.....
In the middle of the night, Yan Shouxu handed the offering paper to Gu Lin.
"My lord, everything is confirmed. Sima Deji confessed that the spices were indeed poisonous. Although they were destroyed afterward, they still caused the deaths of three people. Sima Chongguang, in order to protect his illegitimate son, presided over the case as an official of the Pingzhun Bureau!"
Gu Lin flipped through the confession and the official investigation report from the yamen, his smile gradually turning cold:
"Sima, you old dog, can you withstand an investigation?"
"What's this called?"
"By abusing their power to deliberately protect their relatives, they disregard human life and the law; their crimes are heinous!"
After saying that, Gu Lin went to confirm it himself.
Only after confirming that the evidence was conclusive did he go to the prison where Sima Chongguang was imprisoned.
"Lord Gu, shouldn't we consult with the centurion?" Yan Shouxu asked worriedly.
Gu Lin vetoed it:
"No need. Once the crime is confirmed, the Dongsi Cavalry has the authority to carry it out!"
Asking for instructions was a foolish move. It was clearly putting Lord Cao on a pedestal. The fact that Lord Cao was willing to personally draft official documents was already a great show of support. The rest would have to be done by myself.
In the prison cell, Sima Chongguang was no longer the man he once was. He was bound by chains and shackles, looking emaciated, decadent, and bewildered.
Upon seeing Gu Lin, he roared in a hoarse voice:
"The investigation is complete. Am I not innocent?"
Gu Linli stood before the iron cage and slowly unfolded the offering paper.
Sima Chongguang's expression changed drastically, his heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly, and he convulsed twice. He pounded on his shackles and roared:
"How can you implicate me in such a trivial matter? I was careless for a moment, and I will apologize to the prefectural government on my own!"
Sudden.
Bang!
Gu Lin kicked out, and the force of the iron railing's recoil sent Sima Chongguang flying.
"A trivial matter? An oversight?" Gu Lin's smile was sinister:
"Does taking three lives not count as disregarding human life?"
"Do you see ordinary people's lives as worthless trash to be trampled on?"
"In your eyes, the weak can be crushed at will, so you brazenly framed, detained, and tortured my father? I ran a security escort agency, earning my living through my own abilities, and I almost died in prison. Do you think a newcomer to this holy land like me would necessarily endure such humiliation?"
Sima Chongguang, his eyes filled with terror, roared with all his might:
"Gu Lin, do you really intend to fight to the death with my sixth-rank Sima clan?"
Gu Lin's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he spoke, each word deliberate and deliberate:
"If you swallow your anger, your Sima family will continue to bully me."
"A fight to the death? Then I'll have no choice but to kill you as a sacrifice!"
"A sixth-tier noble family of the Divine Dynasty? I want to see if their blood is golden."
Gu Lin, his face cold, thrust out a palm.
Bound by specially made iron chains by the ghostwriter, Sima Chongguang was completely unable to resist.
His eyes widened in terror.
Bang!
A palm struck his forehead, causing his entire skull to collapse, blood gushing out and brain matter splattering everywhere.
The blood is no different from that of an ordinary person.
"It's a pity he's only a sixth-rank official!" Gu Lin felt a pang of regret after the satisfying killing.
According to the promotion rules of Dongsi Temple and Tianxuan Guard, apart from demons with royal bloodlines, those who eliminate treacherous officials of the fifth rank or above for the Divine Dynasty can also obtain promotion qualifications from the Daoji Division.
Pity!
If one can be promoted to squad leader, one's official robe will be embroidered with a second ferocious xiezhi (a mythical beast).
In an instant, Gu Lin's mind flashed with tiny golden lights, which converged into the three large characters "Shu of Success and Virtue".
[Defeat Ding San and other villains to receive a reward of the max-level Ecstasy Palm technique]
[Martial Arts Merit Points: 2756/10000]
[Confucian and Taoist Merit Points: 753/10000]
[Merit Points in Taoist Arts: 0/1000]
[Witchcraft Merit Points: 0/1000]
My sins and merits are too few; I haven't made a breakthrough.
But offending yourself is a heinous crime, and you will surely die!
"Someone, clean up the body! Don't make a mess of the yamen!"
After making his statement, Gu Lin strode away.
Outside the Dongsi Butler's office, a group of Sima clan members were already waiting, including Sima Zhili and Zhao Can.
When a corpse was carried out wrapped in straw mats, all the members of the Sima clan stared wide-eyed and their hair stood on end in fury.
The Sima clan had nine main branches, but the relationships between them were not particularly close. The tragic death of Sima Chongguang brought not grief and relief, but a sense of inexplicable humiliation.
Yes, it was an intense humiliation!
What a disgrace it is that a new recruit from the East Temple openly defies a sixth-rank aristocratic family with such arrogance!
"Uncle!" Sima Zhishu's voice was sharp, with a hint of sobbing. Looking at her uncle's corpse, she could not hold back her tears.
Unexpectedly.
Gu Lin strode over and sighed:
My condolences.
"Sima Chongguang deliberately shielded his illegitimate son from his crimes and disregarded human life. I was only acting in accordance with my duties at the East Temple, so you can't blame me."
After he finished speaking, there was a deathly silence.
The numerous servants inside and outside the yamen were horrified.
This Lord Gu is incredibly powerful!
Condolences are not a form of comfort.
It was a blatant provocation!
The entire head of the corpse had collapsed, which shows how ruthless the attack was.
You should know that those standing in front of Lord Gu are all the lords of the Holy Land, including even high-ranking officials such as squad leaders, platoon leaders, and junior officers!
"Gu Lin, you're very good, you're very good..." Several members of the Sima clan looked furious, their hearts filled with pent-up anger.
unexpected.
A flurry of footsteps approached.
A group of people walked briskly in, all wearing red official hats and robes adorned with the sun, moon, and stars.
The Sima clan members notified the Daoji Division.
Daoji Si walked towards Gu Lin.
Gu Lin respectfully presented a series of incriminating statements and indicated the locations of the witnesses.
The officials from the Daoji Division nodded and went to verify the information.
The wait was long, lasting a full half hour.
The Daoji Division returned and examined Sima Chongguang's body again, confirming that he had not been tortured before his death. The leader said expressionlessly:
"The actions of the Dongsi cavalry in visiting the capital were entirely in accordance with the law."
After saying this, he led his men away.
"May I ask if you have any contribution points?" Gu Lin asked respectfully.
Although I can't be promoted to squad leader, I can still exchange contribution points for spirit stones.
The leader nodded:
"have."
In an instant, the Sima clansmen were enraged, their fury almost reaching the heavens.
"Gu Lin, the Sima family will never let you go!" Sima Zhishu's eyes were icy cold, and the killing intent in them was like sharp blades.
Gu Lin remained completely calm, staring intently at the woman. Suddenly, he smiled and then strolled away leisurely.
He did this for two reasons: firstly, to retaliate forcefully and fight fire with fire.
Secondly, it also made the Sima family wary, since no one could fathom Cao Baihu's attitude or understand why he would agree to have a newcomer draft the investigation documents.
Before the Chuzhou Grand Competition ended, the Sima family dared not make any rash moves, and at least they would not do anything to disgust his family again.
If I break my promise to Lord Cao to be in the top ten during the competition, it is because I am incompetent, and I should accept the dismal result.
But he vowed to shine brightly, and then his status would rise accordingly, allowing him to freely play with the Sima family!
Want to fight to the death? Come on!
Watching the departing figure in black Xie Zhi robes, many members of the Holy Land were quite interested. They glanced at the furious Sima clansmen, then turned back to continue staring at Gu Lin.
This newcomer's deeds are likely to cause quite a stir in Luoxia Mountain. A newcomer can be so arrogant and domineering, completely humiliating the sixth-rank Sima clan. Does he only care about the present and not about the future?
The commander of the Martial Peak Hall, his face contorted with rage, strode toward Sima Zhishu and said in a deep voice:
"Funeral and burial!"
"You four branches should stop causing trouble for his family. Whether you try to frame him or send someone to silence him, give up on that idea. We don't know the details of Gu Lin and Cao Qingzhi's dealings for now. Once this arrogant madman finds a reason to go crazy again, with the power of the East Temple to investigate officials, we don't know how many officials our Sima clan will lose, and we will become a laughing stock in Chuzhou."
"Now he has brought shame upon the entire Sima clan. This is not only a disgrace to your fourth branch, but also a matter of face for the entire Sima clan."
"Once we find out the truth about his dealings with Cao Qingzhi, killing him will surely wipe out the entire Gu family."
After saying that, he left in anger.
Sima Zhishu's eyes were red-rimmed, filled with boundless hatred.