I Have Infinite Skill Points

Cheng Jianlong spoke for half an hour before he finished recounting the crimes committed by Duanmu Yi. After hearing everything, even the seasoned leaders couldn't help but display expressions of disbelief.

Such a plot? Even movies wouldn't dare to depict it, right?

To eliminate future troubles, he didn't hesitate to kill and silence people, destroying whole families? Abusing a friend's girlfriend, and even killing and disposing of the body to prevent the incident from being exposed?

Is this even human?

"In broad daylight, under a clear sky, to think that such beastly creatures with human faces are still hiding among us?" Cai Xin exclaimed angrily after a long pause.

"For the crimes Duanmu Yi has committed, he deserves to be shot ten times over."

"Director Chen, is the chain of evidence sufficient?"

"The evidence is rock-solid, all imprinted from Duanmu Yi's mind. Moreover, the related physical evidence has also been collected, including video recordings of Duanmu Yi committing the acts."

"Then what are we waiting for? Death penalty!"

"But the Duanmu Family is no small family. Won't executing Duanmu Yi potentially cause turmoil in Jade Country?"

"*Zeng, Jade Country is already in turmoil. If we don't give the people an explanation, where is the dignity of the nation? Where is the dignity of the law?"

"Li* is right. More importantly, we need to deliver justice for those whose deep grievances have yet to be redressed. I agree with Li* and Dong*'s opinions—we should enforce severe penalties and show no mercy."

"The Tianjian Bureau will carry out the execution. Only the result will be announced to the public; the detailed process need not be disclosed. Relevant parties, especially the victims' families, will be notified privately, but they must be strictly warned against publicizing it widely."

"Okay! I'll go back and handle it right away."

The Tianjian Bureau had always been known for its swift, accurate, and ruthless way of handling matters. After reaching a conclusion and obtaining the jointly signed document from the discussion group, Cheng Jianlong took the document and returned to the Tianjian Bureau.

Upon opening the door, he saw Wang Lan and Ming Baiye simultaneously turn their gazes towards him.

"The standing committee's decision is out: execute him. Immediately," Cheng Jianlong said, giving Wang Lan a deep look as he spoke.

It wasn't out of dread, nor was it a warning, but rather a trace of relief and approval.

The world of Star Martial Warriors had never been one of repaying evil with kindness or convincing others with virtue.

If it were, it would be the kind where 'virtue' is etched onto swords.

In the world of Star Martial Warriors, decisive killing was the rule. Having all climbed out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, being soft-hearted was the last thing they could afford.

When one had the upper hand, unless the conflict was brought to a decisive conclusion, one must press the advantage relentlessly. Repaying evil with kindness? With what then would one repay kindness? Even if Wang Lan spared Duanmu Yi, Duanmu Yi wouldn't be grateful. Therefore, no one would call Wang Lan cold-hearted or cruel for his actions.

On the contrary, he would be praised for his steady disposition and his potential to achieve great things.

"Who will carry out the execution?" Wang Lan suddenly asked.

"What? Do you want to do it yourself?"

"I have experience with executions. Back when I was in Suzhou City, I..."

"Forget it! Doing it yourself might be gratifying for a moment, but it could also bring trouble. We have professionals for executions. You just watch."

"Actually, I don't mind the trouble."

"But unnecessary trouble should not be courted! Although Duanmu Yi will die, don't forget there's still the Duanmu family to consider! On the surface, you won. But did you really win? No, it was those people behind you who provided support and protection."

After hearing Cheng Jianlong's warning, Wang Lan promptly stood at attention and saluted him. "I understand. Thank you, Director."

"No need to thank me. Remember, you are a hero of the nation. That is why the country protects you in times of trouble. This morning, *Du personally called Mayor Cai to inquire about this matter. If you want to express gratitude, do it by earning more merits for the nation. The nation belongs to everyone, and especially to the younger generation like you. You, Wang Lan, in particular, are someone the nation has great expectations for."

"Understood, sir!"

On the execution ground, five adjudicators clad in white protective suits and wearing Death God Masks stood in the center.

The afternoon sun shone brightly, the temperature soaring past thirty degrees Celsius—a blisteringly hot day. Yet Duanmu Yi felt not warmth but an intense, shivering cold.

If not for the support of two Tianjian Bureau warriors, he wouldn't even be able to stand steady.

Large beads of cold sweat dripped continuously.

"Where is this place? Where is this? What are you going to do? What are you going to do to me?"

"You've come this far and still don't know what's going to happen?" a Tianjian Bureau Red Captain sneered.

"Duanmu Yi, you are convicted of rape, murder, child rape, and endangering national security. After deliberation by the Modu City standing committee, it has been decided to sentence Duanmu Yi to death, deprive him of his human rights for life, and carry out the execution immediately!"

"What? You're going to kill me? Impossible... How could you possibly kill me? I am the young patriarch of the Duanmu Family! My family has rendered meritorious service to the nation! We made immortal contributions during the war of resistance—" Duanmu Yi shrieked, his voice cracking.

"Indeed, the Duanmu Family has made immortal contributions to Jade Country, risking life and limb. But you haven't. Not only have you failed to contribute to the nation, but you have also dishonored the heroic ancestors of the Duanmu Family. Your death is no loss! Carry out the execution—"

"No, don't... AAH—"

With a piercing scream, Duanmu Yi's voice abruptly ceased.

"Punishing a profligate son of heinous crimes: Reward 10,000 experience points, 800 skill points."

The system prompt echoed in his mind. So Duanmu Yi was only worth 10,000 experience points and 800 skill points. Not even as much as I'd get for developing two doses of the Star Martial Toxin Vaccine in an hour.

An instant later, Wang Lan's brow furrowed. The mission he had accepted due to the Illusion Technique—the one concerning Ma Chuchu—hadn't registered as complete; it was still marked as 'in progress.'

What's going on? Could it be... Duanmu Yi wasn't the mastermind? Impossible! Duanmu Yi's memories were clear: he had used a similar method to get his hands on Ma Chuchu. The only difference was that Ma Chuchu later resigned herself to her fate and dated Duanmu Yi for over a year. But after the Duanmu Family found out, Duanmu Yi cut off contact with Ma Chuchu. Not long after, Ma Chuchu committed suicide. From the information, it looked like Ma Chuchu was... wait, Ma Chuchu killed herself because Duanmu Yi broke up with her? And Duanmu Yi did it because of the Duanmu Family... No way! Are you telling me I have to take down the entire Duanmu family to avenge you?

I appreciate the high regard, but I must decline!

Toppling one Duanmu Yi was something Wang Lan could manage, relying on his backing and the decisive evidence he'd obtained. But to topple the entire Duanmu family? Wang Lan would probably need to become a national leader for that, right? Better not even think about it for the next ten years.

Duanmu Yi was executed, but the news did not spread. The Duanmu Family was still busy with damage control everywhere. They still harbored a glimmer of hope that as long as public opinion wasn't too overwhelming, Duanmu Yi would at most be sentenced to ten years. Only if it became a hot topic of national concern would the government be forced by the public outcry to impose a heavier punishment.

In the afternoon, Wang Lan and Jiang Xinyu returned to school. After escorting Jiang Xinyu to her dormitory entrance, they bade each other farewell. From this incident, both Wang Lan and Jiang Xinyu sensed that their relationship might have undergone some changes.

Both understood what this change was, yet neither of them pointed it out.

Even knowing that if one of them acknowledged it, they would naturally become a couple, they both, by tacit agreement, simply waved goodbye and turned to leave when it was time to part.

Walking along the path, Jiang Xinyu bit her lip. Blockhead! Does a lady like me really have to be the one to speak up first? Hmph!

Meanwhile, Wang Lan contemplated another issue. It's too awkward to bring it up with someone I'm this familiar with. If Xiangwen and Feiyu found out, I'd be laughed at for being a beast! Sigh…

It was likely that Wang Lan was the only one in their five-person group who hadn't realized Jiang Xinyu had always liked him.

Pushing open the dormitory door, Jiang Xinyu saw a figure with a proud bearing doing toning exercises in front of the mirror. Hearing the door, Yu Ruoyun turned to Jiang Xinyu. "You're back? Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine!"

"I'm sorry... I was late that day. I shouldn't have let you go alone..." Yu Ruoyun suddenly said, looking at Jiang Xinyu with a guilty expression. This startled Jiang Xinyu.

"How could this be your fault? It was Lan Qi and Duanmu Yi who schemed against me. Besides, you've already helped me a lot."

"I saw early on that Lan Qi was a bit vain, but I never imagined she would harm you. If I hadn't been on duty that day..."

"I didn't expect it either. And if you hadn't been on duty that day, they wouldn't have made their move. They specifically took advantage of your duty. I really don't blame you; on the contrary, I'm very grateful. Moreover... I heard from Wang Lan that if you hadn't been helping us from the shadows, we would have faced even greater resistance. Thank you, truly!"

"Join my student council? Be in my group!"

"Something like that won't happen again," Jiang Xinyu said with a gentle smile, subtly refusing.

"True! After this, I doubt anyone would dare to have designs on you again. By the way, what ultimately happened to Duanmu Yi?"

"He died," Jiang Xinyu said casually, then went to her room, picked up her clothes, and prepared to take a thorough shower in the bathroom.

But Yu Ruoyun, remaining in the living room, felt her eyes narrow sharply.

It wasn't that she found it unbelievable, but rather she was shocked at how decisive Wang Lan had been. He either didn't act, or when he did, he was utterly ruthless. But then she mused that since they had already offended the Duanmu Family, showing mercy or not would have made little difference. An enemy made was an enemy made; no gratitude would be forthcoming.

In contrast to the calm in Jiang Xinyu's dormitory, Wang Lan's return to his own was met with a warrior's triumphant reception.

He Jing, that character, had even bought party poppers. Seeing Wang Lan appear, he readied himself, and the moment Wang Lan pushed open the door, POP! POP! POP! went the poppers, making Wang Lan chuckle despite himself.

"Brother Lan is mighty! Brother Lan is formidable! Taking on the Duanmu Family head-on and emerging unscathed! Brother Lan, you truly are the standard-bearer of our second generation! Who dares say our Flame Emperor lineage lacks worthy successors now?"

"Alright, alright. I haven't slept for a day and a night; I'm dead tired. Also, today's Sunday, right? Tomorrow, Monday, there's a room inspection. Don't expect me to help you clean up this mess you've made."

"Those are minor details. By the way, what price did the Duanmu Family pay to settle things?" Ming Guodong asked, curious.

"What price? Does a life count?"

"Huh? A life? Whose?" Ming Guodong was taken aback, clearly not understanding.

"Who else could it be? I'm going to sleep." With that, Wang Lan entered his room and locked the door.

Their last roommate had rented an apartment and moved out not long after arriving, so Wang Lan had the room to himself.

HISS—

Suddenly, the sound of a sharp intake of breath filled the air.

"Duanmu Yi... is dead?"