Magistrate Tao forced himself to remain composed, cupping his hands in a show of reluctant courtesy. But his posture was far less deferential than before.
“I wouldn’t dare say that… but such actions are hard to justify.”
Lord Hai rose to his feet. **“Since Magistrate Tao is a distinguished scholar from the imperial court, I naturally wouldn’t dare act recklessly…
“Men, bring forth the Imperial Sword.”**
The moment those four words left his mouth, Magistrate Tao froze in shock.
The Imperial Sword was a token of authority granted by the Emperor himself, giving its wielder the power to execute officials on the spot without requiring imperial approval.
In truth, Lord Hai had spent several days in the temple and had already heard whispers of Magistrate Tao’s corrupt dealings.
This was the perfect opportunity to bring him down.
A mere magistrate, yet he had secretly built a personal treasure vault filled with priceless artifacts?
This was the perfect excuse to act.
Lian Hua hurriedly said, “My lord, please allow me to finish speaking before taking further action.”
The Imperial Sword was the strongest ward against evil, and only now did Lord Hai realize why she was afraid.
He immediately signaled for the two blue-robed guards to stand down, then turned and ordered the magistrate’s arrest.
With a cold gaze, he commanded the bailiffs and servants, “Shut the temple gates! Anyone who dares to leak information will be executed on the spot!”
The bailiffs were already too terrified to move and answered with trembling voices.
The monks, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief.
Lord Hai then returned to his seat and looked at Lian Hua.
"A single testimony alone is hardly enough to be convincing. How can we be certain that the vase wasn’t given to Zheng Ke by Hai Ming himself?"
Lian Hua was just about to reply when suddenly—
A frigid wind swept through the area.
Unlike the fragrant breeze that accompanied Lian Hua’s arrival, this wind was bitterly cold, laced with an eerie and unmistakable ghostly aura.
The chill seeped into everyone’s bones, making them shiver uncontrollably.
The torches flickered, almost extinguishing completely, casting ghastly greenish hues on everyone’s faces.
The entire crowd stiffened in fear.
The wind stilled, and at the edge of the pond, a monk in gray robes pressed his hands together in a respectful bow.
* * *
Lord Hai's expression changed. "Who are you?"
Before the gray-robed monk could reply, a delighted cry rang out.
"Master Hai Ming! Master, do you remember me?"
Lian Hua’s voice trembled with emotion.
The gray-robed monk lifted his head.
He appeared to be in his early thirties, with a high forehead, a straight nose, and an air of quiet strength. His expression was warm and kind, yet his smile carried an unmistakable brightness.
"You are… Lian Hua?"
Lian Hua floated lightly off the lotus leaves, rushed forward, and grabbed his hands, tears streaming down her face.
"It’s me! Look—look! I’ve finally cultivated a human form!"
The moment everyone recognized his identity, they noticed—
He had no shadow beneath him.
A wave of horror swept through the gathered crowd, and many instinctively stepped back.
Lord Hai’s voice rang out sharply. "Are you a man or a ghost?"
The gray-robed monk lowered his head and pressed his hands together in a solemn bow.
**"This humble monk is indeed Hai Ming.
"Ten years ago, I was murdered by Zheng Ke, and my remains still lie at the bottom of this pond, never seeing the light of day.
"My soul has suffered in the underworld for a full decade. Today, the King of Hell judged that my sins have been absolved and was prepared to send me for reincarnation.
"But it was thanks to a great celestial being who interceded on my behalf that I was granted this chance—to come forward and testify so that an innocent would not be wrongfully blamed."**
Lord Hai’s voice deepened. "So it is true—you were killed by Zheng Ke, all because of that Dragon Palace Crystal Vase?"
Hai Ming nodded.
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