153 Guilty, not guilty? las

Zhang Wei simply sighed, he was there to oversee fairness and Zhi Rui is too good of an advantage but getting her support is also part of one's ability, he can manage her influence on the competition but couldn't outright take her out of it.

The scarred brown Dao protector snorted, "Why so many veiled words, girl, if you're willing to help my young master, your crimes will be erased you'll be given a reward and a monthly allowance and the good grace of the Xiao family."

His words shook the more knowledgeable and mad the lost disciple to finally understand what was it all about, some of them gasped and widened her eyes other seemed enlightened, and few despised their actions.

They were high ranked light sect members, putting their own interest above the rules of the sect so shamelessly enraged the more faithful.

Only the blonde gentle looking Dao protector didn't make an offer and only watched with a good-natured smile.

"Zhi Rui and I passed almost all the time in the forest training, how could she have time to teach a disciple?" Zhun Xuying suddenly said.

"You're her friend, your words don't amount to nothing, in fact, you'll only put yourself to be judged for lying." Aurelio rebuked.

Xun Lee shook her head, "We went on a feel mission together, we're friendly but not enough to lie to the sect.I saw them training in one of my mission in the forest."

Aurelio sighed "I know you're lying because of your youth but think of the consequences."

"They wouldn't lie. I fought alongside Zhi Rui in the pagoda I attest for her character."Zhao lin the one who manipulated water one of the survivors of the pagoda trial stepped forward.

Zhun Xuying's popularity for her expertize with the sword and wind element was a great influence, together with Xun Lee's popular cheerful character, all brought the disciples back into the right mind and the grand hall grew noisy.

Aurelio was barely containing his black face, while Zhang Wei massaged his temple in annoyance. 'Why these howdy kids are yapping? Zhi Rui will just jump on the chance of gaining favor with great families anyway.'

"Haha." Zhi Rui laughed

And the hall grew silent.

People's eyes focused on Zhi Rui.

She looked at each Dai protector that made an offer.

"I refuse." She said.

The people were startled,Aurelio immediately said, "Its as she said! She commits those crimes and deserves punishment! cripple her cultivations and exile her!" He yelled he wanted her suffering so much.

"Z-Zhi Rui saved me from bandits! she wouldn't do those things" Fang Ling, the girl looked so innocent and cute, but Zhi Rui was amused about how easy the girl lied for her.

"This girl also went from mortal to the third level in the time Zhi Rui was away. "Elder Huang suddenly said while petting the girl, "she's also my personal disciple."

The people froze, even the dao protectors did.Zhi Rui went away for barely a month.

'Three levels in a month!?' everybody thought.

Xunhue who was quiet to the side widened her eyes, hs expect to be the one after Zh Rui, but Fan Ling just shattered all her expectations.

Zhang Wei, the venerable looked at the girl with frantic eyes.

'This talent, here, in this backwater place...'

As ifdiscovering a new tool the girl suddenly yelled "if Zhi Rui's gone then I'l-ugb"

Elder Huang covered her mouth "That classifies as blackmail and threat you're one ina million but not above everything." He said but it was clear that girl would leave with Zhi Rui in case she's expelled.

"Haha" Zhi Rui laughed again.

"This is taking too long. I did accept Zhi Rui, that girl as my disciple, and I did so because she has a similar mobility technique as mine as well as the same name, and if we stood side by side we 'de be called twins. I gave her the token of the sect so she could meet me and officially become a disciple of the sect, it just so happened she used it for her ambitions. She was also strong, she fought my father; a level fourth on equal grounds.

Now how would I know she'd start war? also, she has a similar fighting style as mine but I hadn't taught her any technique form the sect. If you have any proof of otherwise we can say it now."

"This is all too coincidental," Aurelio said.

"So? coincidence isn't enough of proof." Elder Huang said.

Aurelio narrowed his eyes at him 'A dog that was totally against her is now sitting on her lap...'

"I also fought with Zhi Rui on the pagoda, her character would never allow her to commit such crimes." Xunhue suddenly said. Startling Aurelio and Zhi Rui alike.

'The oath she makes was to help Zhi Rui, keeping quiet and not condemning also count as such. for her to suddenly speak for her... Is she changing sides?' Zhi Rui thought while looking at Aurelio mockingly.

He clenched his teeth and stared deeply at Xunhue.

"ENOUGH!"

Zhang Wei slapped the throne he was sitting in and broke it.

He got up and massaged his temple. "We cannot incriminate her, so Zhi Rui's free to go. for lack of evidence."

Zhi Rui smiled and turned away.

"Girl, this small joke of a trial might be over but the offer still stands, if you support my young master, you won't ever need to worry about your cultivation again."

The stern white-haired woman Dao protector said, and the others were beside her, they didn't speak. But it was clear, should Zhi Rui show any signal of willingness a bidding war would start.

Zhi Rui laughed out loud without restraint. She looked them as if they were clowns.

"I'm not here to suck up to any genius young master!I'm here to crush your little pampered puppies!I'll play them as clowns and eat their bones raw!

Support?hold a thick tight of a greater clan? I'd be dead already if I rely on those kinds of thought. "

Zhi Rui walked away laughing with scorn. "The five of you who chose to slave away for the strong, I have nothing but pity."

The people were frozen in place.

With the exception of the blonde gently smiling man, other Dao protector had icy expressions.

Zhi Rui's voice echoed again.

"Regardless who's backing your puppies, Ill fight tooth and nail, and break their little necks if needed."