As Eddie returned to Yew Family Castle with Princess Jean and took Rue and Little Frost away in a carriage, he noticed the standoff had moved to the foot of the mountain, to Yew Family Town.
The Yew family was on the left, and the Shaw family on the right. In addition to Old Man Haye Yew and several elders, Acting Head Benjamin Yew and Uncle Benjamin Yew had also rushed back.
However, the eldest grandson Shawn and Blaze were conspicuously absent, seemingly kept out of harm's way.
The mediators included Alexander and representatives from the four major families, similar to the New Year's gathering.
They included Atticus Phone from the Phone family, Quintus Xue from the Xue family, Thaddeus Yen from the Yen family, and the ever-present Windstorm next to Alexander, the commander of his imperial guard.
Four major sects also sent representatives. Eddie recognized one, Rue's mentor Bitter Dark, but not the others.
One of the other two men had red hair like a lion's mane, appearing powerful and imposing.
The other, elegant and refined in a snow robe adorned with green dragon patterns, was unmistakably a Dragon Envoy from the Eastern Sea Crystal Palace, marked by the colorful dragon patterns on white robes. Green indicated at least a Level 6 early-stage Sect Master strength.
The red-haired man looked like a powerhouse from the Western Inferno Lion Tower, as Northern Moon Spirit Fairy Pavilion only recruited women and rarely intervened in worldly conflicts. Eddie's Level 4 Insightful Eyes briefly scanned them, revealing a slight, almost imperceptible smile. His attention shifted to Bitter Dark, admiring the old man's low-key demeanor.
The Shaw family side was filled with numerous experts, including five Level 7 Overlords besides Tome Shaw and Rage Shaw, and nearly twenty Level 6 Sect Masters.
There were also two elderly men at Level 8 'Emperors', commanding great respect from everyone on the Shaw side, including Tome and Rage Shaw.
These two appeared to be twin brothers, both with white hair and long eyebrows, radiating an air of celestial wisdom and kindness.
Eddie noted that if not for the support of figures like Haye Yew, Rambo, and others on the Yew side, the Shaw family would likely have attacked already, given their overwhelming advantage in strength.
Among the Yew family ranks, Eddie spotted the two powerful figures he had previously seen in the cozy cabin in White-Stone City, standing close to Old Man Haye Yew. One was as fierce as a lion, the other as elusive as a leopard. Inconspicuous among the crowd, they appeared formidable to Eddie.
Then, Black Zhang Fei, the Eastern Heavenly King, eagerly approached Eddie as he descended the mountain in his carriage, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder, "Young Eddie of the Yew family, rest easy. You're my daughter's man, and I've got your back. Nobody bullies you on my watch!"
"I'm just your daughter's bodyguard captain, Your Highness. It'd be better if you could be more precise with your words," Eddie replied, sweating profusely, thankful that the Eastern Heavenly King hadn't claimed him as his own, which would have raised suspicions about his sexual orientation.
The Eastern Heavenly King, however, seemed unfazed and slapped Eddie on the shoulder again, "Nonsense, you and Little Falling Flower are bound to be together sooner or later. I'm just looking out for you in advance!"
His words sounded more like those of a mafia boss than a king. But since few knew what kind of treasure the Eastern Heavenly King really was, no one seemed surprised by his remark, finding it quite normal.
Only one of the two elderly men sitting and sipping tea on the Shaw side seemed slightly annoyed, huffing, "Does Your Highness speak for the entire Tianluo Kingdom?"
"Old Green Pine, others may fear you, but I don't. You're just a mid-level Level 8 'Emperor', what's there to be arrogant about? "
"I see you two old ghosts never reaching Level 9 'Saints' in this lifetime, destined to die as bones in the tomb of Level 8. What's wrong with me looking out for him? "
"He's my son-in-law. If you dare touch a hair on his head, I'll lead my troops into your Zijin Kingdom and see if your Purple Gold Cavalry is tougher than my Storm Heavy Cavalry!"
The Eastern Heavenly King's words were explosive, reminiscent of a lit powder keg.
As the second most powerful figure in Tianluo Kingdom, just below Emperor Xander Phelps, he was a man of significant influence.
Originally a crown prince, the Eastern Heavenly King was a war fanatic who loathed political affairs even more than Xander Phelps, disdaining life in the royal palace, which felt like a giant prison to him.
Voluntarily abdicating the throne, he let his brother Xander Phelps become the emperor while he assumed the title of Eastern Heavenly King, living a carefree life.
Even if the Shaw family or any other force could level Yew Family Castle, they wouldn't dare to harm the Eastern Heavenly King.
If harmed, Tianluo Kingdom would undoubtedly mobilize its elite forces for revenge.
"The world revolves around a single word: reason. Let's talk reason first," the Old Fox quickly interjected, urging the Eastern Heavenly King to cool down.
After all, Emperor Alexander was still sitting there, along with representatives from the four major families and sects, so some face had to be given.
As for the Shaw side, although the two elderly men were displeased, they refrained from arguing with the Eastern Heavenly King to avoid unnecessary complications.
The city lord of Blade Edge City, Benjamin Yew's close friend, and the current head of the Shaw family, Tidal Shaw, stepped forward from the right side of the crowd, accompanied by two guards carrying a stretcher.
On it lay a horribly mutilated corpse...
The corpse was none other than Chiu Chow, whom Eddie had severely punished and left half-eaten by Grey Wolf.
To prolong his suffering, Eddie had even crushed a healing crystal, keeping Chiu Chow barely alive.
Eddie guessed that even after being taken back to the Shaw family, Chiu Chow wouldn't die easily. He noticed a finger mark on Chiu Chow's forehead, likely a merciful blow by a Shaw family expert to end his suffering.
With tears streaming down his face, Tidal Shaw bowed deeply to Emperor Alexander, "Your Majesty, when you entrusted me with the guardianship of Blade Peak City years ago, I dedicated myself to my duties without slack. "
"You personally arranged the marriage between the Yew family's second daughter and my son, a match made in heaven. I longed for the union of our families, but now my son lies dead... Your Majesty, please give me justice! "
"If the Yew family wished to break off the engagement, despite it being against the law and agreement, I would have painfully agreed. But I never imagined my son would be brutally murdered for condemning the second daughter of the Yew family and her lover's disgraceful actions... "
"This is a tragedy of a parent outliving their child; my heart bleeds with pain. I beg Your Majesty to give me justice!" His tearful performance could have deceived outsiders unaware of the truth.
The only regret for the Shaw family was that Chiu Chow had a notorious reputation, while Yew's second daughter was known for her gentle and virtuous character.
Their actions seemed a bit like a desperate attempt to lash out in retaliation. Emperor Alexander offered Tidal Shaw a seat but didn't comment further.
The Green Dragon Envoy from the East Sea Crystal Palace looked at the corpse with suspicion and asked, "Lord Shaw, you claim that Yew's second daughter conspired with her lover to kill your son. Do you have any evidence to support this? Can you provide details about the murder? We need solid evidence for such accusations."
"Green Dragon Envoy, my son and a girl named Juanita happened upon Yew's second daughter and her lover in an indecent act. Enraged, my son confronted them but was overpowered and brutally killed by the lover. The state of his body is evidence enough of the cruel manner in which he was slain. We have witnesses and physical evidence. Juanita herself was maimed by the lover and barely escaped with her life. If you, Green Dragon Envoy, guarantee her safety, I will bring her forward to describe the tragic murder of my son," Tidal Shaw replied, seemingly overwhelmed with grief.
"Bring Juanita forward. I, along with the Green Dragon Envoy and Master Bitter Ming, assure her safety," responded the large, red-haired man with a booming voice.
The seductive woman who had lost an arm to Eddie came forward, first bowing to Emperor Alexander, then to the representatives of the four major sects and families.
She tearfully recounted the incident, portraying Eddie as a heinous and brutal murderer and herself and Chiu Chow as innocent victims. According to her, Chiu Chow was a noble hero, almost saint-like in his deeds. Eddie was left doubting his own character after her dramatic testimony.
Princess Cesky, having witnessed numerous performances, was almost tempted to applaud the woman's convincing act. Everyone was incredulous. Could Yew's second daughter, known for her gentle nature and virtue, really have a lover? It seemed more plausible that Chiu Chow would betray his fiancée and kill her in a fit of rage.
"Now, Juanita, you've made your accusation. Can you identify the lover among the Yew family members present here?" Emperor Alexander inquired calmly.
"It's him!" The seductive woman immediately pointed at Eddie, who sat conspicuously on the carriage roof. Her eyes gleamed with venom as she hissed, "He's the one who cut off my arm and killed Chiu Chow. He is the lover; I'm certain of it!"
Everyone familiar with Eddie was stunned by her accusation. Eddie, maintaining his smile, nodded affirmatively, "Yes, I am the lover." This admission sent shockwaves through the crowd, even the typically stoic Rambo was taken aback.
Atticus Phone and Quintus Xue from the Phone and Xue families were astounded by the situation. Thaddeus Yen from the Yan family felt utterly embarrassed and wanted to hide under the table. He had been hoping for the Shaw and Yew families to clash, believing it would benefit his family either way.
The absurd accusation of the seductive woman pointing out Eddie as Yew's second daughter's lover left Thaddeus Yen speechless. The absurdity of the situation was hard to believe.
The Yew family members struggled to hold back their laughter, while East Heavenly King couldn't help but laugh heartily. Tidal Shaw, not familiar with Eddie, was initially confused by the accusation. However, Tome Shaw and Rage Shaw, having previously met Eddie, realized the serious mistake made. They wished they had eliminated the seductive woman earlier to avoid the confrontation.
Atticus Phone and Quintus Xue exchanged glances, with Atticus Phone eventually asking the seductive woman, "Are you certain that the lover is the man sitting atop the carriage?"
The woman confidently replied, "I'd recognize him even if he turned to ashes! He admitted it himself. I implore His Majesty to bring justice for a woman like me!"
Emperor Alexander, addressing Tidal Shaw, expressed his skepticism about the situation being a mere misunderstanding.
Tidal Shaw kneeled before the emperor, insisting there was no misunderstanding and implored for justice, pointing at Eddie as the murderer.
Atticus Phone and Quintus Xue were bewildered, unable to fathom the Shaws' collective lack of judgment. Atticus Phone revealed Eddie's true identity to the astonished Tidal Shaw, "The man they accused as the lover, sitting on the carriage roof, is the brother of Yew's second daughter, Eddie Yew, the third son of the Yew family!"
Tidal Shaw was left utterly shocked upon realizing the gravity of his error.