chsdbacks Chapter 376 In the Courtroom
Chapter 376 In the Courtroom
As Qin Xiaochuan listened to the prosecution lawyer's eloquent account of the investigation, he couldn't help but frown. He had originally thought that the prosecution was based entirely on rumors and speculation. The Fire Priest had never mentioned this before. The Public Security Bureau had already found eyewitnesses and obtained so-called "evidence." The prosecution was obviously doing this to catch him off guard, because once there were witnesses and evidence, the nature of this defense would no longer be an honorary defense, but a real judicial trial, and Guo Shiyi would become the real defendant.
"Based on the above evidence, the nature of the case, and Ms. Guo's identity, our Public Security Bureau has reason to suspect that Ms. Guo is the murderer in the 'curse case'," the prosecution lawyer concluded.
The fire priest struck his gavel and announced in a loud voice, "In that case, let's begin the witness testimonies."
Three middle-aged men dressed as hunters were brought in by the Imperial Guard. One of them spoke up: "Your Excellency, we are just ordinary residents of Crescent City, making our living by hunting. We belong to the same hunting team. That day, we returned from hunting in the Netherworld Mountains and saw two women fighting in Aya's oat field outside the city. One of them used wood-type skills, and the other was from our Blood Witch Clan. The woman using wood-type skills was wearing a black combat suit. She not only killed the Blood Witch Clan woman but also stabbed her in the heart with black lightning-struck wood. Oh my god, that person is simply a devil."
"Since you witnessed this tragedy, why didn't you intervene?" the fire priest demanded sternly.
"We were terrified, Your Honor. That woman was absolutely terrifying, even more terrifying than the high-level demonic beasts in the Netherworld Mountains. Our abilities are limited; we can only barely protect ourselves against low-level demonic beasts. We simply didn't have the courage to confront such a demon. Please forgive our cowardice, Your Honor." The hunter spoke sincerely, his face filled with terror, as if he were right there at the crime scene.
The hunter's words caused a stir in the audience. Everyone was discussing what the hunter had just said, and indignation was evident on everyone's faces.
When Qin Xiaochuan's spiritual energy invaded the hunter's mental world, the hunter was clearly stunned for a moment. However, this change in his emotions was so brief that almost no one noticed. After quickly reviewing his memories, Qin Xiaochuan clenched his right fist tightly, veins bulging.
Lies, all lies. The other party did not witness the battle at all. All his stories were taught to him by others. He was not even a hunter, but an actor. Such lies could not fool Qin Xiaochuan, but were enough to make everyone in the audience believe them.
"What's wrong with you?" Guo Shiyi sensed Qin Xiaochuan's agitation. He unconsciously tightened his grip on her left hand, which had been holding hers, making her feel uncomfortable.
"I never expected them to be so despicable, resorting to any means to achieve their goals, even going so far as to commit perjury and fabricate facts," Qin Xiaochuan said angrily.
"What do you think you're facing right now? It's political infighting in Crescent City," Han Kexin said coldly from the side. "You still think it's like before, where you can solve problems by throwing punches? You need to give up your illusions and face reality."
"I've been through many life-or-death situations before, you know," Qin Xiaochuan retorted defiantly. Though he said this, he had to admit that he had underestimated his opponent's cunning, and therefore his preparation was inadequate. He was already at a disadvantage in this defense.
"Silence!" The fire priest struck the gavel again, and the audience fell silent once more. "The Revelation of Heaven's Way" is sparking a reading frenzy; haven't you read it yet? The fire priest solemnly said, "Based on the witness testimonies and the on-site evidence presented by the prosecution, I now have a few points that I need to confirm with the defense. I request that the defense answer truthfully under the witness of the Goddess Nuwa, without any deception."
The fire priest paused for a moment before continuing, "First, may I ask if Miss Guo is a user of wood-type abilities?"
"Yes," the lawyer at the defense table answered honestly.
"Secondly, may I ask if Miss Guo is a demon hunter among the humans in Huaxu?" the fire priest continued.
The defense lawyer hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully, "Yes." As soon as he finished speaking, another commotion broke out in the audience.
The fire priest's gaze swept over the crowd, and the commotion he had just caused immediately subsided. He continued, "Thirdly, is hunting down Blood Witches one of the duties of a Demon Hunter in Huaxu?"
"Yes," the defense attorney could only answer truthfully.
The audience erupted in chaos, with some hurling insults and others shouting, "Punish the criminals!"
This time, the fire priest did not immediately strike the gavel. Instead, he allowed the noise to continue for a while before striking it heavily and shouting, "Silence!"
"Fourth, is it possible that Miss Guo cannot provide a strong alibi?" the Fire Priest asked again.
"No, the uncrowned one can serve as Ms. Guo's alibi," the defense lawyer replied.
The fire priest said, "Very well, my questioning is over. Now the defense will begin its presentation."
Before presenting crucial evidence, Qin Xiaochuan didn't expect the defense lawyer to explain anything for Guo Shiyi. The only thing he could do to defend Guo Shiyi was her alibi, and the only evidence was Qin Xiaochuan's testimony. This was exactly what the Fire Priest wanted, because this wasn't a guilty plea, but a plea about whether Guo Shiyi was a suspect. With neither side having absolute evidence, the final verdict would be decided by a vote of the twelve jurors.
Once the twelve jurors find Guo Shiyi guilty, it means that no one will accept Qin Xiaochuan's testimony. Qin Xiaochuan will lose all credibility as a result, and Guo Shiyi will become the real defendant. The Fire Priest can then launch a full investigation into Guo Shiyi, which is the result the Gold Priest truly wants.
"The evidence provided by the prosecution only proves that the witness was indeed present at the first crime scene, and only confirms that some characteristics of the murderer are somewhat similar to Ms. Guo. This is far-fetched, and there is no direct evidence to prove that Ms. Guo is the murderer. Therefore, we believe that the prosecution's accusation is unfounded, and..."
The defense lawyer was interrupted by a chorus of boos from the audience before he could finish speaking, clearly indicating that the audience did not agree with his statement.
"Silence!" The fire priest struck the gavel again, then said to the defense attorney, "The defense shall continue its statement."
"Yes, Your Honor, Ms. Guo's alibi was provided by the Uncrowned One. Given the Uncrowned One's honor and authority, I believe his testimony is beyond question. This is sufficient to prove that Ms. Guo is completely unrelated to the curse case. Well then, that concludes my statement, Your Honor," the defense attorney said methodically.
His words caused another small commotion in the audience, but it was much milder than before. Some people were whispering to each other, and it was clear that no one dared to openly challenge the authority of the future Blood Witch King.