Chapter 80: The Price of Justice
Li Xin is frantically rushing to meet his deadline; he is a tireless writing machine.
The counterattacks from Hedan Daily were not too surprising. If justice could be upheld solely by public opinion, the world would be peaceful by now. Whether Hex Bird Report has another move remains unknown. Hedan Daily clarified why they didn't hastily report: it's not about misrepresenting truth and justice but waiting for the dust to settle. Otherwise, the innocent might be harmed.
Hedan Daily and Hex Bird Report were back on the same starting line. Both sides saw soaring sales, with clear positions. Certainly, the Bird Report's editors were also battle-hardened and unafraid.
Li Xin initially thought that in this competitive situation, he could delay his manuscript. But then that damned owl appeared again, bringing a letter urging him to submit his work; it must be completed by Friday. Li Xin's slight hope shattered.
Yet suddenly he thought, a manuscript is still a manuscript; it doesn't specify how much to submit. After all, sometimes writers do experience a lack of inspiration.
Having figured this out, he headed to Saint Grace Canon Law School, where he could see Master Simmons, who seemed like an eagle.
For the past two days, the people at Saint Grace Canon Law School had been completely subjugated by Li Xin. As soon as he arrived, they eagerly crowded around him, calling him Brother Li, not because they enjoyed being beaten up. Failure is actually a blow to the proud warriors, and certainly, they feel frustrated inside. Li Xin may have been tough, but after the tough times, he pointed out their problems, and they could genuinely feel improvement. The enhancement of their power was the key to their conviction.
Especially those like Rock, who thought less and gained more. When sparring with Li Xin, he tried his hardest, so Li Xin could pinpoint his issues—the unsuitable combat styles. Li Xin's combat style, of course, was not something Dao Yuan could possess. Dao Yuan had his own characteristics, but because Spiritual Ability and Hidden Power prevailed, their skills and cultivation were somewhat simple.
The power released by combining Spiritual Ability with skills from previous lifetimes was something unimaginable in those previous lifetimes, equivalent to transforming some ideal concepts into reality, even achieving unexpected power beyond the creator's prediction.
These past two days, Simmons' mood resembled a roller coaster, with drastic ups and downs. When public opinion overpowered the Nass family, he saw great hope because once convicted, even sentenced to death, the duel would lose its meaning. However, shortly after, the Cabinet hesitated to act decisively, and things reversed immediately. Although he was prepared, the situation was still distressing and frustrating in the end. Is it really so difficult to uphold justice?
"Master Simmons, like an eagle, why are you frowning early in the morning? Did you not have enough breakfast?" Li Xin joked. "I can give you a chance to treat me to a meal."
"Brother Li, don't tease me," Simmons replied, shaking his head.
"He's angry at Hedan Daily's report, and also at the Cabinet's dithering. If Anthony were dealt with quickly, wouldn't the matter be already resolved?" Celestia said, clearly angry as well.
Li Xin smiled, "Perhaps the Cabinet has difficulties too."
"It's such an apparent matter; I just can't believe they don't understand!" Celestia said furiously, "This country is declining step by step; if Anthony isn't handled properly, the Hunting Enjoyment Club people will only get more arrogant in the future."
"Let me tell you a story." Li Xin proposed, "It's a paid one; you both have to treat me to a good lunch."
"Oh, almost forgot you're a writer," Celestia replied, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, thinking Li Xin intended to console them.
Li Xin briefly told Luo Jin's story under a different name, their expressions growing serious throughout, till only the sound of breathing remained.
"This is the torment and price paid to defend justice," Li Xin remarked with a smile.
Simmons knew who Li Xin was referring to; comparing it to what happened in Celestial Capital, their own efforts seemed far from significant.
"Such heroes and warriors are unknown to the world." Simmons said, moved.
"He didn't do it to become a hero," Li Xin noted.
"I was indeed shallow; it's truly a long battle. I was too naive before!" Simmons adjusted his attitude; Brother Li embodied genuine calmness.
"In fact, the game has already started. Hex Bird Report and Hedan Daily are just the fuse. Your duel with Didia is part of the sequence. Don't underestimate Didia; he might be nice, but when it concerns his family and future, what do you think he'll do?" Li Xin inquired.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's begin; I'm filled with energy now!" Simmons exclaimed. "Don't hold back; give me some skills to beat Didia down!"
"That's more like Master Simmons, like an eagle. Remember to keep your screaming down during the match; it's not fitting for someone of your status." Li Xin joked, "Celestia, help us close the door."
"Sure, Brother Li, don't worry; I won't let anyone disturb you." Celestia teased.
Li Xin twitched his mouth, "Then perhaps you should stay here."
Good grief, Simmons wasn't wanted, but he was; the Dragon Mother was constantly thinking about her Master Simmons.
The combat intensity increased, and Simmons quickly adapted. His foundation was solid to begin with, and under Li Xin's guidance, he kept unleashing more power, especially with a goal to strive for, allowing him to unlock even greater potential. However, if Didia and Zheng Shengxun had similar strength, Simmons' chances of winning were still slim.
After another round of sparring, Simmons was drenched in sweat, barely managing to endure, his Spiritual Ability and stamina depleted, "Brother Li, how do you starting lineup train? It felt like you hardly exerted yourself, and I'm about to collapse. If they're all of this level, I think Zheng Shengxun could defeat me with one hand."
Celestia had already brought coffee to Li Xin, sitting nearby, watching him with bright admiration. Whether it's genuine or not wasn't clear, but being watched admiringly was always a pleasant experience for a man.
"I'm different from others, so don't lose confidence, even though you can't beat Zheng Shengxun," Li Xin said, sipping coffee. It's a bit sour and a little too hot; he still preferred Christie's, as both the coffee and she were fragrant, soft, and smooth.
"Brother Li, would you like another cup?" Celestia asked, seeing Li Xin enjoyed it and pleased with her skill, unlike that punk Simmons who dared to mock her coffee-making.
A sharp tang pierced his senses, and Li Xin came to realize, "No need, one cup is perfect for perking me up."
"Brother Li, what does Avogadro mean? I notice the prince has a special respect for you?" Celestia finally asked after holding back for days, feeling Li Xin wasn't the type to kill someone over a question, despite Simmons' constant anxiousness, unsure how he managed to get out from Secret Castle.
"I don't know either; the Immortal calls me that. Isn't your family a Secret Castle Association member? I wanted to ask you about it," Li Xin replied.
Simmons shook his head, "I judge that our so-called Secret Castle Association isn't the real one; just allowed by Secret Castle to select Divine Relic hosts. Qualified families, organizations, and even royal families receive letters from Secret Castle Immortals, instructing them to send members to specific places at specified times. Organizations with such qualifications are wary of each other."
Li Xin felt a bit disappointed hearing this.
"But I heard that the real Secret Castle Association exists, established by people who emerged from Secret Castle, only exceptionally special individuals can join. Brother Li, if you come across it, you should have a chance, or there might be a very high probability for Prince Achilles as well."
Simmons was curious too, but dared not to ask Prince Achilles.
Li Xin didn't dwell on this, letting Simmons rest a bit, then went outside to spar with Lancer and others, who evidently tried to find and prepare for any weaknesses Li Xin might have, which was a good sign.
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