A Powerful Outsider Cannot Suppress a Local Tyrant

"Hmm... What's going on here?"

"One of our Spiritual Alchemists, out of a personal grudge, murdered another Alchemist," Vice President James said. "I was just about to execute her."

"Really? Grace?" Jun Lionhead asked.

Grace shook her head, "No, Master. I didn't kill anyone. Someone set me up!"

"Master?" Vice President James's face changed. "Elder Jun, she's your disciple?"

"Yes." Jun Lionhead sat down in the seat Vice President James had just vacated.

Vice President James took a deep breath, standing to one side. "Elder Jun, the Spirit Alliance has strict laws. Even if she's your disciple, if she killed someone, she must face justice."

"She says she can prove her innocence. Why won't you let her have the chance, Vice President James?" Jun Lionhead asked bluntly.

"I believe the evidence and witnesses are conclusive. There's no need for further discussion," Vice President James replied.

"Is that so?" Jun Lionhead countered. "I know my disciple well—she's timid and would never break the law! Grace, tell us, how will you prove it?"

Grace replied, "I want to see his body."

"Bring his body up here," Jun Lionhead ordered.

Local authority trumps distant officials—the law enforcement team looked at Vice President James, then at Elder Jun, unsure who to obey.

"Elder Jun, I've led the law enforcement team for decades and never had a wrongful conviction. I really don't think it's necessary," Vice President James said forcefully.

It was obvious—Elder Jun was new here, with no influence in the Spirit Alliance yet and hadn't earned much respect. Vice President James was clearly playing the "local tyrant beats the outsider" card.

"Is that so?" Jun Lionhead's lips curled. "Well, if we don't look too far back, why don't we dig out the file on last year's murder of Chief Edward Yao and take a look?"

Vice President James's expression changed slightly.

That case really was problematic.

He'd taken a bribe and closed it hastily...

"Elder Jun, if you insist on a retrial, then so be it!" James Kee said darkly. "But if Chloe Zhu can't prove she didn't kill him, your blatant favoritism might just ruin your own reputation."

"Vice President James, honor and reputation are relative," Jun Lionhead said. "If my disciple proves her innocence, then your rush to convict in a murder case means you might not be fit to oversee the Enforcement Hall."

Vice President James took a deep breath and said nothing.

"Go bring the body!" Jun Lionhead ordered the enforcement team.

Captain Colin Cao personally led his men and brought Mason Fu's body.

James Kee stared darkly at Grace, thinking to himself, Let's see how you plan to prove your innocence!

Yesterday, her conflict with Mason Fu was witnessed by so many people.

Rina Chu even threatened him, saying he'd never see the sun rise again.

Mason Fu was clutching a golden thread from her clothes in his hand.

And the body was buried not far from her alchemy room!

Unless she can bring the dead back to life, there's no way this will turn around!

The body was quickly brought in, the dirt cleaned off. Except for a strangulation mark on the neck, there were no other wounds.

Grace walked over, squatted down, and carefully checked his mouth, ears, nose, and throat.

Then she pulled back his clothes for a closer look, confirming he died of suffocation—no other fatal injuries.

"Chloe Zhu, are you done yet?" James Kee frowned, seeing her examine for so long without saying a word.