The seductive woman became frantic, insisting, "It's true! I saw Yew's second daughter being overly familiar with that man!"
Eddie Yew, with a nod, confirmed, "Indeed, my sister was holding my arm. If she hadn't, I might have ended up fighting with Princess Cicely. "
"I was reading a book, and Princess Cicely suddenly punched me for no reason. "
"So yes, we were indeed in a compromising position as accused."
Tidal Shaw was dumbfounded by the revelation that Princess Cicely was also present during the incident.
The seductive woman, trying to correct herself, claimed, "But those two couldn't have been Princess Cicely. Everyone knows Princess Cicely with her iconic armor and sword. Those other two were dressed differently..."
Tome Shaw wanted to silence the woman, realizing her continuous talking was making things worse.
Princess Cicely stepped forward, asking, "Are you referring to me as one of those women?"
The woman, upon seeing Yew's youngest daughter, Eddie, also step down from the carriage, pointed at them, accusing them of being accomplices to Yew's second daughter.
Tidal Shaw wished he could silence her permanently but refrained due to the witnesses present.
General Windstorm, standing firm, warned Tidal Shaw against harming the witness, as their safety was guaranteed by the three emissaries from the major sects.
Tidal Shaw felt utterly defeated, realizing the situation had turned into a farce. Mistakenly identifying Eddie Yew as the lover was one thing, but implicating Princess Cicely made their accusations utterly ridiculous.
As the Yew family members tried to contain their laughter, East Heavenly King rolled on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.
Atticus Phone, addressing Tidal Shaw, asked if there was anything more to add, given that the accused parties were all present.
Tidal Shaw, mortified, quickly shook his head, dismissing it as a misunderstanding.
However, the two venerable old men from the Shaw family, both of Emperor level strength, stood up, insisting that Yew family members were responsible for the death of their future head, Rage Shaw, and demanded justice, regardless of the mistaken identity. This claim caused Emperor Alexander's temples to throb with frustration.
Even fools knew that Rage Shaw was essentially worthless, capable only of exploiting his status to mistreat women, with no real talent to speak of.
If it weren't for trying to make a point, or the opportunity to present a young person ten times more talented than Rage Shaw to Pine and Crane, these two old men wouldn't even glance at him.
Rage Shaw, not even a level six Grandmaster would value him, let alone an Emperor considering him for an unnamed disciple. If not born into the Shaw family as the eldest grandson, with countless resources for cultivation, he would be nothing but the lowest of the low.
Originally, the betrayal and theft of Yew family's secret techniques by defectors, who fled to the Purple Golden Nation and established a new sect with the support of Purple Golden, has grown in power over time.
The Yew family has always suspected that the founders who poisoned a Yew family peak warrior and stole the Yew family's spear technique secret manual a thousand years ago.
These two, originally peripheral members of the Yew family, were highly trusted due to their exceptional talents.
However, they disappeared when the family head was poisoned and attacked by powerful enemies.
Ten years later, they reappeared in Purple Golden Nation as one of the five great shamans, supported by the emperor of Purple Golden Nation to establish the Qingfeng Mountain sect.
Now, Qingfeng Mountain has become the leading protective sect of Purple Golden and self-claims as the fifth major sect in the world.
Qingfeng Mountain has been a mortal enemy of the Yew family and even the Great Xia for a millennium.
Repeatedly attempting to destroy the Yew family, the family always managed to survive through the emergence of talented descendants.
Today, even without Pine and Crane speaking up, everyone was aware that these two old men were here to stir trouble, obviously targeting the Yew family.
Eddie Yew, unaware of these old men's identities or the millennium-long feud between Qingfeng Mountain and the Yew family, boldly stepped forward, admitting.
"Yes, I did it. So what? It was right for me to hit him. If I hadn't, it would have been a tragedy!"
This audacious declaration left onlookers like Leaf Sky and Ocean Tubby almost face-planting in disbelief.
The Shaw family members were furious, their faces twisted in rage.
A simple misunderstanding could have been resolved, providing a way out for everyone involved. However, Eddie brazenly confessed to the assault, displaying a level of arrogance unseen before.
Facing dozens of renowned masters, this young member of the Yew family showed no fear, seemingly asking for a beating. Among the Shaw side, any could be a level six Grandmaster.
If not for the respect owed to Emperor Alexander of Great Xia, the Shaw family would have flattened the Yew family long ago...
Pine, the old man on the left, erupted in anger upon hearing Eddie's words, demanding, "Haye Yew, is this young man speaking for you?"
"He's not speaking for me, but it's roughly the same idea. Besides, as the family head, I can't control him. If you think you can, try disciplining him yourself."
Haye Yew responded with calmness in his heart.
His grandson had already reached the Innate level, having killed both the Butcher and Mad Slash from the Ten Thousand Demon Sect in a single day.
How could Pine and Crane, no matter how formidable, hope for a better outcome?
They might be powerful, but could they surpass the Innate Butcher and Mad Slash?
They might disregard others, but could they truly stand against the Ten Thousand Demon Sect's leader?
Seeing his grandson slay Butcher and Mad Slash on the spot, the Sect Leader dared not seek retribution against him, so what were Pine and Crane compared to that?
"So be it, then. I shall teach this younger generation the respect they ought to show their elders!" The right-side Crane prepared to take action against Eddie.
Suddenly, Princess Jean stepped forward and said, "Esteemed elders, I think it's best if we clarify the true nature of the incident first. As for this respected elder, it's not yet your turn to discipline the younger generation."
Crane, infuriated and almost wanting to strike Princess Jean, was quickly whispered to by Tome Shaw. Attacking Princess Jean would be the most foolish act.
Getting involved in Yew family's affairs was one thing, but antagonizing Great Xia was entirely another.
If Princess Jean were harmed in any way, not only the four major sects and families but also Great Xia's War God would likely intervene. By acting, Crane would be placing both the Shaw family and Qingfeng Mountain against the sects, families, and Great Xia. Most importantly, they would appear utterly unreasonable and guilty by resorting to violence.
Hearing Princess Jean prepared to reveal the truth, Blood Wave quickly interjected, "A misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding!"
He knew what his son was like and suspected he might have provoked Princess Jean, leading to his own downfall.
If that was the case, not only could the Shaw family not touch the Yew family, but they would also bear the shame of harassing a princess and insulting the royal family.
"This is no misunderstanding. The truth of the matter is actually like this..."
Princess Jean recounted the incident, adding, "At that time, Rage Shaw was using foul language, which I cannot repeat here. Moreover, he was undressing, intending to force himself on us. Had it not been for our combat skills and Eddie Yew stepping in, an ordinary woman would have fallen victim to that beast."
"Ah, so that's what happened!" Everyone suddenly understood.
The narrative that had painted Rage Shaw as a hero was completely overturned by the Yew family's account, revealing the Shaw family's slander. It made sense now; Rage Shaw was always known for his lechery, and his unchanged behavior was the most likely truth.
Overwhelmed, perhaps by rage or despair, Blood Wave spat out blood and fainted.
The Shaw family's guards quickly carried him away.
"Jian, you wretch, how dare you make a move against Princess Jean!" Tome Shaw quickly tried to shift everyone's attention, roaring loudly at the seductive woman.
"Lord Shaw, hold on, it's not yet your turn to hold an accomplice accountable," Gale warned coldly.
"We expect the Shaw family to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Great Xia Imperial Court."
"If anyone owes an explanation, it should be the Yew family owing one to the Shaw family, and to me. The fact that Yew family members killed Rage Shaw is evident. "
"As for Rage Shaw's actions before his death, they could be fabrications by some people, which we can overlook for now. All I see is my unacknowledged disciple Rage Shaw has been murdered!"
Pine, the elder, adamantly insisted on this point.
"Having watched this clown show for so long, I think it's about time it ended," Eddie yawned, gesturing towards Pine.
"Old ghost, killing Rage Shaw is nothing, how about I send you off to the afterlife as well?"
" You're already at such an age, instead of waiting to die at home, you come out to show off and act tough. Are you looking for death or just brainless? "
"Your era is long gone; it's now the era for young people like me. Understand? "
"We've discussed principles; now let's talk about fists. My stance remains the same: no matter how many of you come, without surrender, all will be mercilessly killed. "
"I won't stop chasing even a thousand miles away..."
"You're quite arrogant, youngster!" Pine was so furious he almost exploded.
"Wait until I'm stepping on your head, then it won't be too late to praise me!"
Eddie intended to establish his authority in front of many powerful figures. The two conceited old ghosts before him were perfect offerings.
Just as Pine prepared to make a move, suddenly two silver stars, like meteors, beautifully streaked across the sky, finally landing at the center of the venue.
Everyone expected an earth-shattering explosion from such an unstoppable descent, scaring the lower-level guards pale.
Only those above the master level calmly waited... Indeed, when the two silver stars landed, they were as light as feathers, causing no ripples.
The silver stars transformed into two striking women in silver winged armor, radiating splendid silver halos, with mysterious circles of light under their feet.
With a gentle pull, they unveiled a golden teleportation scroll, and instantly, a golden portal arose.
A neatly groomed, plainly dressed elder with a scholar-like demeanor stepped out.
He first courteously greeted the Emperor of Great Xia, then spoke in a magnetic and distinctive tone, "Esteemed Emperor of Great Xia, please forgive Nanon's intrusion."
Almost everyone was thrilled to see the elder, known as Nanon, the leader of the ten directors of the Innate Alliance, usually residing on the sixth level of the Heavenly Tower, rarely seen but always inviting those nearing Innate level to join the Innate Alliance.
His presence signified an unmatched blessing. With Nanon's arrival, it meant someone was recognized by the Innate Alliance.
The most excited were Pine and Crane, believing their near-Innate status would finally be acknowledged.
Yet, they were oblivious to the true reason for Nanon's appearance, eagerly anticipating their ascension to Innate level, unaware of the unfolding reality that was about to crush their expectations.