Owner Zhong Quan’s testimony

Zhong Quan straightened his robes and adjusted his posture, ensuring he appeared as presentable as possible. It was rare to find a plump cultivator, especially at the core formation stage. There were only a few explanations for someone of his caliber to possess such a physique:

They could have a bloodline that naturally shaped their body this way, or it might be a side effect of their cultivation technique, like assassins who use various arts and techniques to flawlessly alter their appearances, down to even their aura. The final and most common reason was the overconsumption of alchemical pills or natural treasures beyond the body's capacity to refine it, leaving residual energy stored as fat.

Based on Zheng Hu's report, Yang Qing would have assumed Zhong Quan fell into the last category. But the moment Zhong Quan stepped into the courtroom, that assumption changed.

With a subtle sweep of his spiritual sense, Yang Qing detected an anomaly beneath Zhong Quan's seemingly harmless exterior. His qi was indeed unstable, as Zheng Hu had noted, but there was more to it. Within his body, multiple strands of qi clashed violently—breaking each other down, rebuilding, and then repeating the process in an endless cycle. The energy produced from these collisions didn't dissipate but instead accumulated within his body, stored as raw, untamed power.

What caught Yang Qing's attention most was the feral, primal quality lurking beneath the surface. It wasn't something an ordinary core formation cultivator could perceive, but to Yang Qing, with his spiritual sense as a palace realm expert, it was as clear as day.

Had it been any other superior core court judge, Zhong Quan's true nature would have likely escaped notice. But never in a million years would Zhong Quan have expected to face someone of the palace realm in a mere superior core courtroom.

I wonder what bloodline he has. Too bad I can't probe deeper without alerting him, Yang Qing thought, his eyes gleaming with keen interest.

As Zhong Quan adjusted his robes, a sudden flinch betrayed his calm façade. He quickly masked it, but his thoughts were already in turmoil.

"Huh? Why does it feel like someone just probed me?" He discreetly scanned the courtroom, his gaze eventually settling on Yang Qing—who was watching him with an interested, almost crafty look.

"WAIT... Did he?... No, he couldn't have. No one below the palace stage can uncover my secret. He's just a core formation cultivator—maybe at the quasi-palace stage, but even they wouldn't see through me. No, no… Zhong Quan, you're just getting too sensitive and paranoid with age."

His mind churned with unease as he reflected on the chaos of recent months. Ever since the Golden Bamboo Pavilion shifted its focus to the merger, life had grown increasingly difficult. Attacks from rival merchant organizations had escalated—some of which, he suspected, bore the fingerprints of other subsidiaries within the Pavilion itself.

"If I'd known running a restaurant would bring this much trouble, I'd have opened a bookstore café instead. Far less hassle…" He sighed inwardly. "Well, what's done is done. Hopefully, bringing this case to the Order will serve as a warning. I don't know if those three brothers were sent to stir trouble in my shop, but even if they weren't, having someone else deal with the problem works just fine."

The internal monologue passed in the span of a few seconds before Zhong Quan shoved the thoughts aside, refocusing his mind on the case before him.

"Thank you, Judge Yang Qing, for gracing us with your presence. My humble name is Zhong Quan, and I've been the owner of the Earthvine restaurant for the past seventy years.

My restaurant is a small one, but we pride ourselves on excellent service and customer satisfaction. This is why we don't discriminate—our doors are open to anyone, whether it's a scion of some noble family or a commoner.

Our service is equal to all, just like how the Order is to the entire southern continent, which I admire greatly.

If I weren't a coward with low talent, I would have definitely joined, but alas, it wasn't meant to be."

Zhong Quan made a dramatic pause, his face showing an expression of lifelong regret that no one would doubt as being faked.

How great are his acting skills? one of the three brothers thought as he scrutinized Zhong Quan's display, trying to spot any falsity.

As for Yang Qing and Zhong Quan, their thoughts were elsewhere. Yang Qing had imperceptibly caught Zhong Quan's subtle hint with the "open doors" phrase. Birds of a feather always had a way of recognizing each other.

"Message received. Okay, I'll come—you better not disappoint."

"Don't worry, young master, we won't short you on the quality or quantity."

"Price?"

"50% off."

"Deal!!!"

"Deal!!!"

No words were exchanged, but with a brief glance, they had already reached an agreement and even ironed out the details—each pleased with themselves. One had secured a new place to eat with a hefty discount, while the other had just gained a loyal customer.

After the brief and unnoticed exchange, Zhong Quan continued swiftly:

"It was with that spirit of diligence and excellence that, in all our years of service, we have rarely received complaints from our customers, and the number of regulars continues to rise. I suppose it was that reputation that led the three brothers to patronize my restaurant.

They came in four days ago and had a meal. From what I heard from the servant who waited on them, they seemed to enjoy it—until, out of nowhere, they started arguing amongst themselves. Before the servant could intervene, the argument escalated into a brawl, and they broke an earthvine wood table in the process. Their fight even caused other customers' meals to spill. By the time I arrived to mediate, the damage had already been done.

I gently asked the three to repay me for the destroyed earthvine table only, and I offered to forgive the cost of their meals and the meals of the other customers their fight disrupted.

However, they couldn't pay. Together, they had barely 40 middle-grade spirit stones to their name. That amount couldn't cover even a fraction of the damage.

Understanding their position, I offered them an alternative: They could pay for the loss through labor. But even that led to another disagreement, as we couldn't settle on the value of their labor. The rate they suggested was equivalent to hiring someone at the late stages of the core formation realm. With no agreement reached, negotiations broke down," said Zhong Quan as he pinched the bridge of his temple.

"They did suggest giving them time to gather the amount, but I don't know them well enough to trust that. What's to stop them from moving to another place? They're rogue cultivators, after all, with no rooted ties to any sect, family, or kingdom. Finding them again would be next to impossible. At least not without me spending, and that cost would likely end up being more than the damage they caused.

So, we eventually agreed to bring the matter before the Order for an unbiased judgment. I know it's rather inconsiderate to bring a case of this level here, but this is the only place I trust to reach a fair resolution.

I ask for your guidance, Judge Yang Qing," said Zhong Quan, offering a curt bow. Though his belly kept him from bending much, the sentiment was clearly conveyed.

"Thank you for your trust in the Order," Yang Qing said, with a reassuring tone. "We will strive to ensure fairness is maintained—no matter what form it may take," he added.

"Now then, which of you three brothers would like to speak first? Or, if you prefer, one of you may speak on behalf of the others. Either option is okay."

He gestured gently toward the three brothers, waiting for their response.