Chapter 2995 - 8: What Everyone Wants to Know

Chapter 2995: Chapter 8: What Everyone Wants to Know

Compared to sunlight, the light of the Ancient Gublai Fairy Fire appeared much gloomier and dimmer, enveloping the entire Solomon Hall in a solemn atmosphere.

Zheng Qing sat behind the table and looked up at the gigantic Danghag emblem behind the legendary wizards on the podium—a balance scale, with a copy of the Wizard’s Codex on one side and a gavel on the other.

The hearing was like the balance scale.

It is one of the mechanisms designed for power restriction and equilibrium within the Alliance. Although its conclusions are not binding or legally effective, its seriousness is no less than the Dan Hag Supreme Court’s tribunal because this venue gathers the most widespread attitudes of high-level wizards within the Alliance.

However, Zheng Qing was seated here not entirely because of those wizards’ attitudes.

But because of Order.

The Code represents Order, Danghag represents Order, and the hearing also represents Order—as ’Order,’ Zheng Qing needs to respect the concept of Order more than other high-level wizards.

Dong Dong!

On the podium, Lady Shi Hui knocked the wooden gavel before her again.

"—Next, we invite the representative of the audience to speak."

Her gaze fell on the high-level wizards on Zheng Qing’s left side; Zheng Qing followed her gaze and saw Korma stand up, calmly walking down the steps. She first bowed slightly to the legendary wizards on the podium and then stopped behind a lectern at an angle. Like the other high-level wizards, she wore a pure black robe today, her expression extremely serious. The flickering light of the Ancient Gublai Fairy Fire dyed her silver-white hair with a touch of gorgeous color.

Zheng Qing heard the rustling sounds behind him, as if the high-level wizards were whispering. Some were curious, some puzzled, and some were angry about why this North District Grand-Wizard was chosen as the representative of the audience.

Korma cleared her throat.

The very classy high-level wizards finally fell silent.

"—I am very pleased to be able to speak on behalf of those in the audience."

The young witch spoke calmly, with a hint of time-soaked authority: "I very much like what Big Wizard Ronald Coase once said: ’If you torture a blank sheet of paper, it will confess to anything without reserve.’ The First University is a sanctuary for pursuing truth, not morality. The faculty in the school are human, not saints. In the history of the First University, there have been veteran professors who participated in the Bloody Tongue Church and sacrificed all their relatives for Nya’s Child’s fragment, ’Bloody Tongue.’ There have been retired old school workers accused by Danghag of colluding with the Land of Desolation and Fallen Wizards. There was also a school dean who was once a demon and committed many horrifying actions, yet the Alliance ignored it..."

This woman is truly brave.

Zheng Qing quietly gave the North District Great Wise Person a thumbs up in his heart, especially when she mentioned a certain academy dean. The young wizard couldn’t help but sneak a glance at someone on the podium, only to find that person’s eyelids closed as if asleep.

There was none of the previous sensitivity when coughing interrupted the inquiries.

The other high-level wizards clearly noticed this little detail, their eyes rolling back and forth between the podium and the lectern but failing to grasp anything substantial.

Seemingly oblivious, Korma soon ended her brief yet intensively worded speech: "...I am not here to criticize the standards of the school or the Alliance, but simply want to remind everyone in this room that we must face the fact: there is no perfect candidate in this world, you will never find a dean without blemishes. We seek ideals, but we cannot always be so idealistic. Thank you."

The sparse applause ceased even before the witch returned to her seat.

Even Zheng Qing could clearly feel the scrutinizing gazes.

Dong Dong!

On the podium, Lady Shi Hui knocked the wooden gavel in front of her again: "—Next, we invite the representative of the oversight panel to speak."

Taking the stage this time was an old wizard with a weathered demeanor, his face clearly telling everyone ’I am old-fashioned,’ his expression serious. After taking an oath on the Code, he did not immediately summarize his statements but turned to Zheng Qing, asking slowly what might be the concern of everyone in this hall but which no one dared to inquire:

"—We know this matter is extremely confidential, but for procedural reasons, we need to prepare a compelling statement after this hearing... So, Mr. Zheng Qing, may I ask if Mr. Wu is still in this world?"

The gentleman in his words was naturally the Principal of the First University.

Zheng Qing hesitated and looked towards the podium.

This time, Lady Shi Hui did not take sides, but instead nodded slightly: "According to the rules, the representative of the oversight panel has the right to make additional inquiries."

Zheng Qing pondered for a moment and shook his head: "Sorry, I don’t know."

"Two years ago, when Mr. Wu left the First University, were you always by his side?"

"Yes."

"And then?"

"...Mr. Wu assigned me some tasks to complete before returning to school. Then we separated, so I don’t know his later whereabouts."

"What are the tasks?"

Dong Dong Dong!

The crisp sound of the wooden gavel interrupted the questioning below.

"—Answers to questions unrelated to the inquiries are not necessary."

Lady Shi Hui reminded Zheng Qing and frowned, glancing at the old wizard: "Mr. Karen, Zheng Qing has already answered your question. We understand your focus on procedural justice, but the parts you mentioned involve confidential matters of the First University, and Zheng Qing has an obligation to remain silent... If you carefully review the relevant materials, the school has already provided part of Mr. Wu’s itinerary records to all committee members. It should be sufficient to support Zheng Qing’s response."

The old wizard glanced in the direction from which he came, seemingly still somewhat unwilling: "But the last wizard to be with the Principal was Zheng Qing—I understand these truths are a tremendous burden for a young person. I merely want to clarify some facts. Everyone knows how rumors are born and spread. A definitive and detailed explanation can dispel all slanders..."

Cough—

Elder Ruoyu gently coughed.

The entire hall hushed suddenly.

The elder raised his eyelids and glanced at the old wizard named Karen: "Zheng Qing will take on a new role at Edge Academy and with related departments, which in itself is an extremely heavy burden. Comparatively, the secrets or rumors you mentioned are insignificant. That’s enough."

Dong Dong!

Lady Shi Hui knocked the wood gavel in front of her again: "—Matters regarding the Principal are not within the scope of this inquiry. Does the oversight panel representative have anything else to say?"

Prince Karen remained silent for a few seconds and finally smoothly ended this clandestine confrontation: "—You are the convener of the hearing and have the authority to decide the hearing’s content."