507: I know the law better than you (47k words)

Five days later, at the Tang Family residence.

The Tang Family members, led by Tang Xuzhang, respectfully gathered around a gaunt, middle-aged man with a hooked nose, their faces filled with awe and deference.

This man was Lu Songde, Tang Xuzhang's teacher.

"Teacher, I apologize for taking up your time to visit your student," Tang Xuzhang said with great respect.

"It was on my way, so I thought I'd drop by and see you," Lu Songde said, waving his hand dismissively, then continued directly:

"I saw a review task from the Empire, stating that your Tang Family requested an investigation into another family on this planet, the Shang Family. They allegedly killed your people. This matter concerns your family, so I took the case. What exactly happened?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Xuzhang immediately replied, "Teacher, please see clearly. The Shang Family has been at odds with us for many years. A few days ago, they set a trap and killed two of our family members, Tang Zongxian and Tang Ye. They also severely injured my brother, Tang Chao, breaking every bone in his body. Not a single one was intact! This is a blatant defiance of imperial law!"

As Tang Xuzhang spoke, a noblewoman nearby gestured, and two servants pushed Tang Chao forward. She tearfully complained to Lu Songde:

"Your Excellency Lu, please see! Those villains from the Shang Family beat Xuzhang's brother like this. Chao'er even begged for mercy, mentioning your name, but those villains completely disregarded it. You must do us justice!"

Lu Songde glanced at the heavily injured Tang Chao, his eyes flashing, then said to Tang Xuzhang, "Since there are witnesses, it will be much easier to handle."

With that, he directly issued an order: "Have the enforcement team bring everyone from the Shang Family to the Enforcement Department for interrogation. Openly defying imperial law requires severe punishment."

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

"Thank you, Teacher."

A dark glint flashed in Tang Xuzhang's eyes. He then dismissed the others and transferred ownership of the Le Bo Mining Area to Lu Songde, saying:

"Teacher, this is a token of my filial respect to you. Please do not find it lacking."

"An entire Le Bo Mining Area?"

Lu Songde scanned it, nodding with great satisfaction:

"I understand your intentions, Teacher. Rest assured, I am aware of some of the conflicts between you and the Shang Family. Since I happen to be here this time, I'll help you resolve this trouble, saving you from being constantly bothered by family trivialities and unable to focus on improving yourself."

Tang Xuzhang immediately expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Teacher. Your student wishes to uproot the entire Shang Family. I wonder if this would cause trouble for you, Teacher?"

"It's just a small family, no trouble at all. I will personally oversee it, and with your brother and the two deceased as evidence, it's enough to sentence them all to death. I will arrange things with the Empire," Lu Songde said indifferently.

"Send everyone from the Shang Family to the Enforcement Department with lightning speed. Do not give them a chance to argue or report it. Just convict them directly. Once they're in the Enforcement Department here, whatever happens is up to me, your teacher."

"Thank you, Teacher, for your thoroughness!" Tang Xuzhang bowed deeply, then hesitated, saying:

"Teacher, the Shang Family members are stubborn people. I'm afraid they won't easily accept the summons. If we arrest them directly, they might resist. If it escalates, I'm afraid..."

"Heh heh, are you afraid they'll resist to the death and kill a few enforcement officers, leading to the Empire paying close attention?" Lu Songde chuckled.

Tang Xuzhang nodded: "Yes, Teacher. Except for alien races, if enforcement officers are injured or killed on a peaceful planet like Qianpan Star, the Empire will definitely pay close attention and investigate thoroughly. If any irregularities in procedures are found, it could lead to further trouble."

"That's true. Then I'll go with the enforcement team myself. If they resist, I'll directly convict them of rebellion and execute them on the spot. That way, it will be much more legitimate," Lu Songde mused for a moment, deciding to personally oversee the operation.

He was quite fond of his student, Tang Xuzhang, who had just presented him with a grand gift upon their meeting.

Going himself was of no consequence to Lu Songde; it wouldn't take much effort.

Otherwise, if things truly unfolded as Tang Xuzhang suggested, and the Shang Family resisted to the death, killing a few enforcement officers, a thorough investigation by the Empire would only be more troublesome.

Tang Xuzhang was overjoyed upon hearing this, repeatedly saying, "I've caused you trouble, Teacher."

"No matter."

Lu Songde waved his hand, then suddenly lowered his voice and said:

"By the way, an adult from the War Alliance is also here recently, handling matters related to investigating that mysterious powerful individual on Gu Yin Star. After the Shang Family is dealt with, tell your family members to be disciplined during this period and not cause trouble."

"You should also pay close attention. You understand how to conduct yourself. If you can gain the favor of that adult, your Tang Family will also have a place in the Empire."

Tang Xuzhang was immediately startled: "An adult from the War Alliance?"

Even Lu Songde referred to him as an adult... "Could it be... an adult above the Extraordinary?" Tang Xuzhang's throat tightened slightly.

"Yes," Lu Songde nodded.

"Teacher, rest assured, your student will pay close attention! Thank you for the reminder, Teacher!" Tang Xuzhang secretly grew excited.

If he could curry favor with a prominent figure above the Extraordinary in the Human War Alliance, that would truly be a meteoric rise!

"Do not spread this, and absolutely do not reveal it to outsiders!" Lu Songde cautioned again, then left the Tang Family and headed towards the Shang Family.

Tang Xuzhang wanted to follow, but Lu Songde stopped him: "You are a party involved and my student. It's best to avoid suspicion on the surface, so don't go. I, your teacher, will handle it personally; there will be no unexpected incidents."

"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Teacher!" Tang Xuzhang repeatedly responded.

His heart, however, was filled with anticipation and excitement.

With Lu Songde personally taking action, the Shang Family members would surely not live to see tomorrow.

Coupled with the possibility of an adult from the War Alliance arriving, his heart burned with fervor.

"It's practically a double blessing!"

Tang Xuzhang was in high spirits, quietly awaiting news of the Shang Family's demise... Shang Family.

Two teams of enforcement warships suddenly appeared, surrounding the Shang Family. At the same time, a voice resounded:

"The Shang Family members have openly defied imperial law, committed murder, and publicly injured Tang Chao, causing an extremely detrimental impact. The evidence is conclusive. We are now arresting you according to the law. Those who resist arrest will be executed on the spot!"

Following the warning, a column of fully armed enforcers emerged from the warships and directly stormed into the Shang Family to arrest everyone.

In the main courtyard, Shang Changshan and Ma Bo watched this scene. Ma Bo was about to speak when Shang Changshan suddenly sighed and softly said:

"I'll do it. Qingluo has supported this family for so many years, yet I have never done anything, only immersing myself in past pain. Now, it's time for me, as a father and family head, to do something. I will resist this law!"

With that, Shang Changshan cried out to the heavens:

"Qianpan Star Enforcement Team, is this how you enforce the law, based solely on a single statement?"

"You claim the evidence is conclusive, but where is it?"

"Hmph, you'll see the evidence when you get to the Enforcement Department!" A team leader coldly snorted.

"So, there's no evidence then?" Shang Changshan roared again: "You want to arrest us without evidence? We don't acknowledge it, and we won't submit!"

"Those who resist arrest will be executed on the spot!" The enforcement team leader spoke coldly, locking onto Shang Changshan.

"You cannot enforce the law like this!" Shang Changshan paid no heed, instead continuing to shout:

"This is unlawful enforcement, not in accordance with proper procedures. We have the right to refuse and demand that a higher department intervene to supervise!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Songde walked directly out of the warship and said indifferently: "Oh? So, you, the Shang Family, intend to refuse to submit to the law?"

With that, he directly revealed his identity: "The Tang Family submitted a request to the Imperial Enforcement Department for an investigation into the murders of Tang Zongxian and Tang Ye. I am the person in charge of this case review."

"After my review, your murders are confirmed. We are now arresting you according to imperial law. If you have any objections, you must first enter the Enforcement Department for further investigation."

"You are Lu Songde, Tang Xuzhang's teacher?"

Shang Changshan recognized him at a glance, then sneered:

"Is this how a distinguished Super-Order Extraordinary Warrior handles a case so carelessly?"

"Not only did we not commit murder, and you cannot produce evidence, but even if we truly did kill someone, according to imperial law, cases of murder not involving alien races require three trials and five investigations to prevent wrongful convictions. Yet, Your Excellency, you immediately convict and arrest us without giving us a chance to appeal. Is this legal?!"

"I understand the law better than you!" Lu Songde's face darkened.

Shang Changshan laughed heartily and questioned:

“If Your Excellency insists on saying that, I have nothing to say, but Your Excellency, you accuse us of murder and assault, what about the Tang Family? More than twenty years ago, during a commercial competition permitted by the Empire, the Tang Family disregarded the law and harmed my children. Afterward, Your Excellency Lu, you suppressed the matter for the Tang Family!”

“We knew we couldn't afford to offend Your Excellency Lu Songde and kept backing down, but the Tang Family, relying on the influence of your student, has repeatedly oppressed us over the years and secretly killed many of my clan members. I have kept all that evidence,”

“Since Your Excellency Lu Songde is so swift and decisive in handling cases, I wonder if you can treat the Tang Family with the same attitude?”

Shang Changshan took out a storage device:

“Inside here is the evidence of the Tang Family's murders!”

“Your Excellency Lu Songde, now, shouldn't the Tang Family also be dealt with?”

Lu Songde's expression changed, then he lightly shouted: “Shang Changshan, you have slandered and spread rumors about a high-ranking Imperial official, forged evidence, and refused to confess. Now, in accordance with Imperial laws regarding the apprehension of criminals, I pass judgment for you all to be killed on the spot.”

“The judgment takes effect immediately!”

“Law Enforcement Team, kill all the Shang Family criminals on the spot!”

A murderous glint flashed in Lu Songde's eyes.

It was just as Tang Xuzhang had said.

Those damned Shang Family people were truly troublesome, they actually wanted to blow things up.

It was a good thing he came in person.

Otherwise, Shang Changshan might have released things that shouldn't have been released!

Following Lu Songde's order,

the Law Enforcement Team instantly activated their weapon systems, locking onto all the courtyards on the Shang Family's mountainside, preparing to fire.

But.

Just a second before they fired, a cold snort came from a separate courtyard.

“What a 'you understand the law better'!”

“Lu Songde, I thought you might bend the law for personal gain, but I didn't expect you to be so excessively biased!”

“How dare you, without any evidence, mobilize the local Law Enforcement Team to come and execute an on-the-spot killing order.”

“How can you act like this and still claim to respect the laws of the Maple Canopy Empire and the Human War Alliance?”

“Or are you saying you think this is just a small place where you can do whatever you want?”

Reading this without errors on 169shu.com!

Hearing these angry rebukes, Lu Songde's face instantly changed drastically.

The short, stout Old Man had appeared before him at some unknown point, staring at him coldly.

And looking at the short, stout Old Man in front of him, Lu Songde felt his vision go dark, and he said with a tremble: “Your... Your Excellency Kong Shan Yu, why... are you here...?”

His voice was trembling, and his whole body felt cold.

Yes, that's right.

The short, stout Old Man standing before him at this moment was precisely Kong Shan Yu, the only Space Spiritualist in the Ten Thousand Realms Universe's Human War Alliance whose space affinity had reached beyond Extraordinary.

Lu Songde was somewhat stunned.

How could he encounter Kong Shan Yu here, and this Your Excellency had even emerged from within the Shang Family's compound.

“Why I am here is not important. What is important, Lu Songde, is that from this moment on, you are dismissed from your post and will be subject to investigations by the Human War Alliance regarding anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and anti-private power, among other related matters.”

Kong Shan Yu's eyes were sharp, and with a single sentence, Lu Songde's legs immediately went soft, and he began to plead: “Your Excellency, please forgive me, I, I was also misled, I was deceived, I...”

“Shut up!”

Kong Shan Yu coldly shouted, interrupting Lu Songde's sophistry:

“I personally witnessed your actions, and I will be the primary accuser against you as a witness.”

“Also, those two members of the Tang Family were killed by my own hands, it has nothing to do with the Shang Family!”

“Over the past few days, I have already investigated the cause of the conflict between the Shang Family and the Tang Family. I will also hand over the relevant evidence concerning the Tang Family's involved personnel to the War Alliance's Law Enforcement Department.”

“Alright, now you can go to the Law Enforcement Department to await review. The War Alliance's people will personally come to Qianpan Star. Later, regardless of the review's outcome, if it's not a capital offense, you will go to the Alien Pass Battlefield to kill alien races, and you are not to leave for a hundred years!”

“Your Excellency, please show leniency, I...” Lu Songde still wanted to continue pleading.

Going to the Alien Pass Battlefield for at least a hundred years, he would definitely die there!

Kong Shan Yu, however, extended a finger and waved it in front of him: “Disappear from my sight within one second.”

Lu Songde's body trembled. Looking at Kong Shan Yu's cold eyes, he dared not say anything more and had no choice but to turn and leave.

Kong Shan Yu then looked at the Law Enforcement Team members: “As local planetary law enforcers, you feared power and did not report this issue through the War Alliance's designated channels. You allowed Lu Songde to command you and execute orders that did not comply with procedures. You will also return to face investigation.”

The Human War Alliance has established public feedback channels specifically for such phenomena.

These are not overseen by any cosmic empire but are directly managed by the Human War Alliance.

Any behavior like Lu Songde's can be directly reported.

The Human War Alliance will directly intervene, ensuring absolute fairness and justice, with no favoritism whatsoever!

It will also absolutely guarantee the privacy and safety of those who provide feedback.

However, the Law Enforcement Team here did not provide feedback, which greatly angered Kong Shan Yu.

He also made up his mind to once again thoroughly investigate the parasites within various empires.

Following that, he returned to the Shang Family members, revealing a smile: “Patriarch Shang, I will not condone the matters concerning Lu Songde and the Tang Family. You can rest assured.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency!”

Shang Changshan was not particularly surprised.

Over the past few days, he and the Shang Family members had already known that Kong Shan Yu's identity was certainly extraordinary.

So now, even after Kong Shan Yu's identity was revealed, they weren't too astonished.

In Lin Yang's separate courtyard,

he watched Kong Shan Yu's punishment of Lu Songde. To be honest, he wasn't very satisfied.

If it were him, he would have just killed him!

However, this place was somewhat different from the Ten Thousand Universes.

With humanity as a whole fighting against alien races, killing a Super-Order Extraordinary Warrior would be a pity.

Sending him to the alien battlefield was also normal.

“Alright, Zhang Bu, it seems this Old Man is somewhat reliable for now. I'll be leaving first. After Chengfeng recovers, give him this Life-attribute extraordinary substance. For anything else, if there are problems, just find that Old Man.”

Immediately, Lin Yang had no intention of staying longer.

This Old Man would remain here, waiting for Shang Chengfeng to recover.

It wasn't very convenient for him to absorb spiritual power if he stayed.

From Kong Shan Yu, he had generally learned about the strength of the top powerhouses here.

Kong Shan Yu should not yet be at the Old Monster level.

But there must be such existences here too.

Therefore, he also needed to start improving his strength as quickly as possible.

Qianpan Star, after all, was still too small.

He wanted to travel through different cosmic worlds of the Ten Thousand Realms Universe, absorb spiritual power, and raise his strength to a level where he could contend with the Old Monsters.

Then, he would find a way back to the Ten Thousand Universes.

“Your Excellency Lin Yang, will you... will you come back?”

Zhang Bu asked with reluctance and sadness in his heart, full of anticipation.

“Hard to say, maybe.” Lin Yang shook his head slightly.

Next, he planned to at least reach Kong Shan Yu's level before reappearing.

But what would happen during this process, he had no ability to foresee.

“Then... Your Excellency Lin Yang, please take care!” Zhang Bu said softly.

“May we meet again if fate allows.”

Lin Yang smiled, and without looking at Shang Chengfeng, he quietly left the Shang Family.

But Shang Chengfeng seemed to sense something, suddenly rushing out of his courtyard and staring blankly in the direction Lin Yang had left.

“Chengfeng, I helped you deal with the bad guys, do you want to reconsider taking me as your master?”

Kong Shan Yu walked over, smiling as he spoke.

Through their interactions over the past few days, he had somewhat grasped some experience in communicating with Shang Chengfeng.

In fact, in his heart, he hoped even more to coax Shang Chengfeng into becoming his disciple before Shang Chengfeng fully recovered.

However, Shang Chengfeng only stared blankly at the sky, muttering: “I don't want to, I want Your Excellency Lin Yang.”

“Your Excellency Lin Yang?”

Kong Shan Yu instantly felt a bit troubled: “What's so good about that kid that makes you like him so much? He's not as powerful as I am!”

“Are you very powerful?” Shang Chengfeng suddenly turned his head.

“Yes, didn't you see the bad guy just now? I scared him away with just one sentence?” Kong Shan Yu nodded.

“Then can you help me find Your Excellency Lin Yang? I don't want him to leave.” Shang Chengfeng said seriously, tilting his head.

Kong Shan Yu: “...”