Chapter 9: The Unusually Composed Prince

At this point in the conversation, if Ye Lin, with his intelligence, cannot understand why Li Haoran remains so calm, then he would truly be a fool

Although the words were spoken from his mouth, he felt an overwhelming bitterness, and a sudden sense of defeat arose within him

Come here, go fetch!

Before long, everyone returned, holding a scroll of books in their hands, which they presented to Ye Lin with both hands

Come! I have heard that to investigate whether a person's meridian is inherently sealed, one only needs a martial artist who has opened their meridians to guide the surrounding vital energy with their own, injecting it into the inherently sealed meridian, and everything will become clear

Subsequently, Li Fu and others embellished the story of Li Haoran's martial arts training, their words filled with falsehoods yet delivered as if they had witnessed it firsthand, leaving everyone in the courtyard visibly shocked.

As for these matters, how could Li Haoran not understand? Yet he did not refute or point them out, but instead gave a disdainful smile: "Indeed! It was I who struck!"

However, among the crowd, there was one person who secretly shook his head; this person was none other than Tang Kai

At this question, everyone fell silent and turned to look at Tang Kai

On the other side, Li Fu and the others, who were filled with smiles, were momentarily taken aback, and then their expressions changed, all silently shouting in their hearts.

As the conversation reached its conclusion, Li Haoran's tone shifted. He slowly raised his right hand and extended it towards Ye Lin, looking at him earnestly and saying.

Immediately, two armored soldiers stepped forward, and the descendants of the three elders from Anle Town also emerged one after another, following the soldiers as they made their way toward Li Haoran's room

Ye Lin let out a cold snort, a murderous intent flashing in his eyes, as he glared at Li Haoran and reprimanded him, the meaning of his words exceedingly clear

Haha! Alright, but how come I heard that there are those who possess the Yuanqiao yet are unable to cultivate?

The three elderly men seated shook their heads in silence, yet they still harbored a glimmer of hope. The elder among them, taking the lead, looked at Li Haoran and continued to inquire.

Tang Kai, standing in front of the crowd, weakly shook his head. He did not have high hopes for Li Haoran. With both witnesses and physical evidence present, and Li Haoran having admitted to the assault, there was no way for Li Haoran to escape death in this matter, regardless of where it went.

Especially the three elders on the main seat, their eyes were filled with a hint of disbelief

Li Haoran felt a surge of emotion upon hearing this, gazing at the martial arts techniques he had just retrieved from his room, his eyes filled with fervor

Tang Kai did not expect Li Fu to bring up this matter, and he was greatly regretful at that moment. However, he quickly changed his mind and was about to deny it.

Ye Lin was very pleased with the expressions of everyone present. When Li Fu and the others finished speaking, he turned to Li Haoran, but instead of inquiring whether these individuals' testimonies were incorrect, he specifically asked about their injuries

Li Haoran chuckled. He had observed everything that transpired today, noting who treated him well and who sought to undermine him. He had his own calculations in mind. At this moment, although he was branded with a crime by the masses, he still had a chance to turn the situation around

So, you are that kind of person

Young Prince, do not blame this old man; I am also acting for the honor of the Li family's ancestors. The lineage of Prince Anle must not be destroyed by your hands! Everyone, the Young Prince possesses a martial arts manual, which is located in his room. If you do not believe it, you may send someone to retrieve it!

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

He could hardly believe that Li Haoran would truly pursue martial arts, yet now Li Haoran had been led into a verbal trap by Ye Lin. He was filled with anger at what he saw, but words were easily spoken and lightly taken. He was not suited to go out at this moment to testify for Li Haoran, especially since that night, Li Haoran had even sought his advice on martial arts matters.

Li Haoran glanced at the beaming Li Fu and Ye Lin, turned around with a smile, and said: "Tell them to bring out all the evidence! I believe that justice resides in the hearts of the people, and the reputation of the Li family is not something that just anyone can tarnish"

Li Haoran sighed, glanced at the slightly taken aback Ye Lin, and then turned to Tang Kai, saying: "Brother Tang, please come and tell the fellow villagers!"

However, what Ye Lin saw was another side. His evaluation of Li Haoran rose a few notches in his heart. Although most of the accusations today were false, and despite the evidence presented, Li Haoran's calmness and composure, especially his pride in the face of the charges, made Ye Lin feel that Li Haoran indeed possessed a certain character.

Ye Lin felt a surge of excitement; at this moment, the charges against Li Haoran were already irrefutable. He considered it a relief to have set down a burden. Regarding Li Haoran's issues, he spoke without a second thought.

But who could have imagined that the Li family would produce such a person as Li Haoran, who has brought ruin to the family's esteemed reputation in an instant. Even so, they still do not wish to eradicate the lineage of the Anle Wang, and thus, after careful consideration, they finally spoke out in reprimand.

Good! The situation described by Brother Haoran refers to those who possess innate sealed meridians. Such individuals are unable to cultivate martial arts throughout their lives; even if they are given a classic text on cultivation, they cannot practice it! This is solely because their meridians are inherently sealed, preventing them from absorbing vital energy. Therefore, among martial artists, these individuals are referred to as废人 (waste people)

"How is this possible? Are the three of you attempting to act out of personal interest and violate the law? However, it is true that you have benefited from the grace of the Anle royal lineage since your ancestors. Now that the Anle royal lineage has committed a crime and broken its promise, do you wish to save him? You are being too simplistic in your thinking. Where do you place the dignity of our great emperor?"

Li Haoran turned to look upon hearing the sound, but was slightly taken aback, and then clasped his hands in a gesture of greeting.

Tang Kai, please tell us, is what Butler Li said true

Upon seeing this, Li Fu not only did not panic, but instead felt great joy. He could not help but secretly blame himself for not having thought of Tang Kai. As long as Tang Kai admitted it, even without martial skills, it would be enough to convict Li Haoran of a capital crime.

We have all witnessed with our own eyes that the young prince secretly practices martial arts. The steward has advised him multiple times, yet he has been threatened by the young prince. None of us can withstand the young prince, and we have all been harmed by him alone

Although he knew that it was the accusations made by Li Fu and others, he still felt a certain longing in his heart

Li Haoran, do you have any defense to offer

Li Haoran, let me ask you, are all the injuries on them inflicted by you

What?

Li Haoran remained bewildered and shook his head at the books. He was not pretending; he truly did not know that martial arts were categorized by rank. On that day, Tang Kai had indeed shared with him much knowledge about martial arts, but most of it consisted of legends about various individuals.

Hmph! You really don't know?

The three elderly men shook their heads while sighing quietly. Since their ancestors' time, they had been well treated by King Anle, especially after he became the lord of this place. Not only did he exempt them from taxes, but he also took out extra funds to build roads and canals for the town

The three elderly men furrowed their brows, momentarily at a loss for words due to Li Haoran's remarks. However, Li Fu, standing to the side, revealed a bright expression, stepped forward, and bowed to Li Haoran, adopting a stance of righteousness that transcended familial ties.

Ye Lin cast a cold glance and handed the book to the three elders: "Esteemed elders, this concealed knife technique is undoubtedly a yellow-grade inferior martial skill!"

The elder seated to the left of the main seat asked in a deep voice

Tang Kai is also considered a resident of Anle Town, and the Tang family has indeed contributed to Anle Town. However, since this matter has been brought to light, they cannot remain indifferent.

Tang Kai looked at Li Haoran's carefree demeanor and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. A look of joy immediately appeared on his face as he spoke loudly to the crowd

Indeed, that night, I did inquire with Brother Tang about some legends of martial arts, particularly the legend of the Divine Emperor Pan creating the world, which stirred my heart and mind! But even so, can you rely on the testimonies of these lowly individuals and that martial skill to condemn me? Is the reputation of my Li family truly so worthless that it can be easily destroyed by just anyone or anything? I believe there is no such reasoning in this world

Ye Lin saw that Li Haoran was still confidently standing there, and without saying much, he shouted loudly

"Little Prince, this martial skill is an auxiliary technique for martial arts cultivation, capable of perfectly showcasing the power of martial arts. It is also a combat technique, divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. Each level is further categorized into four grades: inferior, superior, exquisite, and supreme. Among these, the inferior martial skill of the Yellow level requires no energy, allowing even ordinary people to cultivate it"

Immediately, the townspeople began to discuss fervently, their gazes towards Li Haoran filled with a hint of disdain.

"You wretched being, cease your reckless words. Kneel and seek the forgiveness of your fellow villagers, or you will ruin your own cultivation and vow never to leave the royal residence"

His voice was not very loud, yet it was clear enough for everyone to hear, especially the three esteemed elders, whose expressions changed significantly upon hearing these words

He is clearly using a point to represent the whole, wanting Li Haoran to admit that the injury was caused by him. Consequently, those around will naturally assume that Li Haoran has also acknowledged the testimonies of Li Fu and others

At their age, the importance they place on reputation is much more serious than that of younger individuals; they may face death, but they cannot allow anyone to tarnish their name.

Beside him, Ye Lin furrowed his brows even more, as this martial skill was the main piece of evidence. If it were to be deemed invalid, then the charges against Li Haoran would also be difficult to substantiate. However, having witnessed Li Haoran injuring someone, he had already devised a countermeasure in his mind.

Li Haoran frowned upon hearing this. Initially, he felt grateful to the three elderly men, but he was also filled with anger at Ye Lin's ulterior motives. At this moment, he noticed the three esteemed elders' faces were pale, their bodies trembling with rage. Li Haoran suddenly asked in a loud voice: "Let me ask General Ye a question: how does the court distinguish between martial artists and ordinary people?"

Aside from those who practice martial arts, the knowledge of the existence of yellow-grade inferior martial skills is limited to the martial experts in the eyes of ordinary people. In rural villages like Anle Town, which are inhabited by mountain folk, almost no one is aware of this matter

Li Haoran nodded, took a deep breath, and said to Ye Lin: "The farce should come to an end! These treacherous lackeys, who dare to defy their superiors, maliciously frame their master, and seek to ruin the reputation of the Li family, which has stood for hundreds of years, cannot be forgiven! ... ... "

Hmph! Asking knowingly, it is naturally the Yuan Aperture! Only those who have opened the Yuan Aperture can be considered to have taken a leap into the heavens and become martial artists! As for mortals, they simply do not possess the Yuan Aperture

Although this statement is severe, it carries a sense of protection, aimed at preserving the lineage of Prince Anle. The common people in the town may not discern this, but how could Li Haoran, Tang Kai, Ye Lin, and others fail to grasp its meaning

At this moment, the expressions of the people surrounding the *picture* book changed once again, and even the three esteemed elders seated there shifted their gazes.

Li Fu was also immensely excited, as the matter he had been thinking about day and night had finally become a reality, allowing him to slowly breathe a sigh of relief. At that moment, after hearing Li Haoran's words, he laughed heartily and suddenly asked in a loud voice.

At that moment, Tang Kai suddenly stood up and spoke in a loud voice

Upon hearing this, the surrounding crowd was initially taken aback, but soon they felt that Li Haoran's words held some truth. However, upon further reflection, they began to entertain the notion that Li Haoran was merely quibbling.

Little Prince, you still claim that you have not practiced martial arts. If you have not practiced martial arts, how could you possibly know these things?

Therefore, once this book is published, no one will doubt Li Haoran's cultivation of martial arts. In that case, even if Li Haoran had a hundred mouths, it would be difficult for him to escape the accusation. At this moment, Tang Kai stepping forward to clarify this matter can be considered timely; this is also the only way to save Li Haoran.

Li Fu and others sneered repeatedly, feeling that Li Haoran was merely acting out of desperation, resorting to unreasonable arguments.

Tang Kai, do you still dare to show yourself! If it were not for you harming our young prince, why would he practice martial arts and break the promise made by our ancestors! ... ... Ladies and gentlemen, just a few nights ago, it was Tang Kai who explained the methods of martial arts cultivation to our young prince!

Ye Lin let out a cold snort, stepped forward with large strides, and spoke with sharp words

What is the Yellow Tier Subpar Martial Arts?

Li Haoran's misdeeds are almost known to everyone in Caizhen, therefore, after this statement was made, most of the citizens chose to believe the testimonies of these witnesses

Exploring the essence of the origin is an extremely dangerous endeavor, especially when it involves unfamiliar individuals, as it could very well destroy the foundation of martial arts. However, Li Haoran dares to act in this manner; his actions are open and aboveboard, demonstrating his integrity. This has caught the attention of Tang Kai and the citizens of Anle Town, instilling in them a glimmer of hope for Li Haoran.

Li Haoran still held his head high with pride. He looked around at the crowd and finally directed his gaze towards the three elders seated at the main table. His words were upright and unyielding; although they were all questions, they revealed another side of him.