Chapter 1116: Step by step pressing forward

The sound of chairs scraping filled the air as many officials stood up and retreated, creating an empty space around Yu Yanluo. Seeing that Yu Yanluo looked identical to Queen Medusa, they evidently believed Xu Yu and Xiao Yao's claims.

Zu An also scrutinized the statue in the image. While it appeared identical to Yu Yanluo at first glance, a closer inspection revealed several differences. The stone sculpture had a more mature overall aura, exuding an eerie and majestic presence. It gave the impression of a lofty demon goddess, indifferent to all worldly suffering. Her eyes, especially, were both beautiful and dangerous; merely seeing them in the image was enough to make one's hair stand on end.

Yu Yanluo's demeanor was like a refreshing spring breeze, and perhaps due to inheriting her father's excellent genes, her features were more delicate and soft. Comparatively, Yu Yanluo was the more beautiful of the two.

At that moment, Xiao Yao declared, "This is a statue erected by the Snake Tribe for the previous Queen Medusa. One look, and you will understand whether everything I've just said is true or false."

Even officials with the strongest ties to the Yu family now stared at Yu Yanluo in utter horror, not daring to utter a single word in her defense. Yu Yanluo did not refute anything at this moment. Instead, she stared blankly at the stone sculpture in the image, tears seemingly glistening in her eyes.

Zu An sighed inwardly, thinking, "My dear aunt, I know you're emotional seeing your mother's statue, but this is not the time to show your true feelings." With no other option, he stood up to intervene, saying, "Isn't it a bit far-fetched to prove Madam Yu is Medusa based solely on a video? After all, videos can be fabricated." He had tampered with a video mirror with Yu Yanluo not long ago; he hadn't expected the tables to turn so quickly.

Previously, whenever he spoke up for Yu Yanluo, some officials would agree, but this time, not a single official dared to echo his words. Although there was no concrete evidence, seeing the statue's face made it clear to everyone what was happening.

Xiao Yao frowned. Xu Yu then said, "Lord Zu, are you suggesting that Brother Xiao forged the video stone? While Brother Xiao may be somewhat unrestrained, he is an upright person whose early deeds are well-known. How could such a person resort to deceit?"

Zu An retorted, "Madam Yu is also typically gentle, kind, and charitable. Why then do you insist she is from the demon race?"

Xu Yu's breath hitched, but as someone in his position, he was no fool and reacted quickly: "I understand that Lord Zu has always had a close relationship with Madam Yu, so your unwillingness to accept this fact is pardonable. If you still don't believe it, we can have professionals examine the video stone for any signs of forgery."

Zu An silently acknowledged the cunning move. This instantly framed his words as being motivated by his personal relationship with Yu Yanluo rather than by justice, significantly diminishing their credibility.

"The authenticity of the video stone will naturally need to be verified by professionals in the capital," Zu An said, trying to buy time. "Regardless of the stone's authenticity for now, the world is vast and full of wonders. It's not unheard of for two unrelated people to look alike. Are you claiming Madam Yu is Medusa simply because she resembles this statue?"

Xu Yu calmly stated, "The world is indeed vast, but I ask you to consider whether the past instances of people looking alike were merely rumors, with no one having truly witnessed them. Now, Madam Yu and Queen Medusa are virtually identical, and when combined with the Yu family's long history of illicit dealings with the demon tribe, isn't that enough to explain everything?"

Other officials allied with Xu Yu quickly chimed in, with many even angrily accusing Zu An of defending Yu Yanluo because he was infatuated with her beauty.

Zu An was furious. "Who were those fawning over Madam Yu and showering her with attention just moments ago? Now you accuse me of being infatuated with her beauty!" His cultivation was growing stronger, and with his soul now fully formed, his furious gaze held an intimidating power. Many officials mumbled under their breath, not daring to meet his eyes.

At that moment, Yu Yanluo finally regained her composure. "While I may not have exhausted myself, I have certainly performed many good deeds for Cloudhaze Commandery and the people of the realm over the years, and I have never committed any heinous acts. If Lord Xu has summoned me here today merely to discuss these trivial matters, then I must excuse myself."

As the head of her family and given her unique lineage, she could not be as weak as an ordinary woman. Continuing the argument now would be disadvantageous to her. Her immediate priority was to return to her base, gather her loyal forces, and then plan her response.

"Trying to leave?" Xiao Yao's expression turned cold as he drew his sword, blocking her path.

Yu Yanluo showed no fear. With a wave of her delicate hand, the "Thousand Miles of Mountains and Seas" scroll appeared, protecting her. "What, are you planning to execute me without a crime...?" Mid-sentence, her expression suddenly changed. The "Thousand Miles of Mountains and Seas" scroll in the air plummeted to the ground, and she herself began to collapse weakly.

Zu An, quick-eyed and quick-handed, swiftly caught her. "What's wrong?"

Yu Yanluo's face was pale. Her eyes fixed on the teacup on the table, she gasped, "I've been poisoned!" Due to her striking beauty, many nefarious individuals coveted her, so she was typically very careful about what she ate and drank. However, this was a gathering of all high-ranking officials in Cloudhaze Commandery, and with Zu An and the imperial envoy present, she never expected anyone to attempt poisoning in such circumstances, which is why she was caught off guard.

Zu An glared furiously at Xu Yu. "You, Xu, how dare you poison us? What exactly do you want?"

Other officials also panicked, quickly activating their energy to check their own conditions. At that moment, Xu Yu raised a hand to calm everyone. "There's no need to worry, everyone. Only Yu Yanluo's teacup contained the Hundred-Herb Muscle Relaxant Powder."

Xiao Yao also frowned. "Xu Yu, what is the meaning of this?" Being aloof, he naturally disdained such underhanded tricks.

Xu Yu explained, "Brother Xiao, I know your swordsmanship is divine, but if we were to fight, it would be difficult to control the outcome or avoid injuries. That's why I specifically obtained this medicine to first subdue the suspect, after which we can report to the imperial court for the Emperor's final decision. You can rest assured, Brother Xiao; this medicine only temporarily prevents the use of vital energy; it's not a deadly poison."

Although Xiao Yao was displeased, he couldn't say much at such a critical juncture.

Zu An, however, spoke coldly, "Lord Xu, the imperial envoy is here. You made a decision without consulting him and used underhanded martial arts tricks. What about the laws of the court?"

Xu Yu bowed to Lord Sang. "The primary reason I did not notify Lord Sang in advance is that Yu Yanluo's identity is exceptionally sensitive, and any misstep could plunge Cloudhaze Commandery into chaos and disaster. Furthermore, given Lord Zu's well-known close relationship with Yu Yanluo, I was concerned that someone might act on emotion. Thus, I acted first and reported later. I hope Lord Sang will forgive me."

The expressions of the officials in the hall immediately became extremely odd. Indeed, just as Xu Yu had anticipated, Zu An had been defending Yu Yanluo from the very beginning. If the imperial envoy had truly been informed in advance, Yu Yanluo would likely have already prepared her defenses.

Zu An was about to speak, but Sang Hong interrupted him, saying, "Lord Xu has indeed considered everything thoroughly." He then looked at Zu An. "Lord Zu, Madam Yu once saved you, so your concern for her is only natural. However, this case involves the thousand-year-old blood feud between humans and demons and cannot be taken lightly. We will investigate the truth, and if Madam Yu is innocent, we will naturally clear her name."

Xu Yu secretly admired him. Sang Hong was indeed an old fox, as he subtly attributed Zu An's aid to Yu Yanluo to an act of loyalty in repaying a favor, preventing anyone from perceiving it as infatuation or defiance of court law. Even the Emperor would be unable to punish him for it later. Moreover, he subtly interjected himself into the case investigation, ensuring that no information could be withheld from him going forward.

Meanwhile, Sang Hong secretly transmitted a message to Zu An using vital energy, his voice quite anxious: "Ah Zu, the thousand-year blood feud between humans and demons is something no one can resolve. You must not get involved. Even if you don't think of yourself, consider those in the capital waiting for your return!" He knew that Zu An was usually carefree, but beneath that exterior lay an impulsive streak, and if he truly got carried away, the consequences would be dire. He certainly didn't want his daughter to be widowed before marriage, nor his future grandchild to be fatherless before birth.

Zu An's expression flickered, revealing an intense internal struggle.

At that moment, Yu Yanluo's crimson lips parted slightly. "Lord Zu, lean down. I have something to tell you." Knowing she couldn't channel her vital energy or transmit a private message, Zu An lowered his head and leaned closer.

"Come a little closer," Yu Yanluo beckoned, her voice soft, sweet, and velvety. Even Sang Hong, who was not given to lust, felt his heart pound. This woman was indeed a captivating enchantress; no wonder Zu An was so enthralled by her. Given his daughter's situation, seeing such a formidable romantic rival in Yu Yanluo naturally caused him some displeasure.

Other officials, however, were mostly filled with envy, watching Yu Yanluo's crimson lips almost touching Zu An's ear as she whispered. Though they now knew she was Medusa and felt some fear, she was simply too beautiful. Countless people had fantasized about her soft, jade-like presence pressing against them, whispering words of love. Now, they were forced to watch her behave so intimately with another man. Many regretted not speaking up to help. "So what if she's Medusa? Wasn't her father human and married to a Medusa?"