Chapter 139-The Manga Pariah's Guide to Self-Salvation

On the day the Saintess Murder Case opened, many people gathered in taverns, squares, streets, and other places with dense crowds and well-informed networks, waiting for the trial results.

In a corner of a tavern, two women sat facing each other. Seeing the anxious look on the other's face, the worry in their hearts deepened.

After Ye Zheng secured approval for publication for them, Wen Xin had fewer concerns regarding her writing. Her novel based on the Saintess became extremely popular, just like Ye Zheng's rising popularity and prestige. However, no one expected that Saintess Ye Zheng would suddenly face huge controversy.

Ever since the Saintess Murder Case was announced, Wen Xin tightened her writing and lowered her presence. She was no longer the housewife who needed Ye Zheng's personal guidance for every step. She understood that overemphasizing Ye Zheng's achievements at this juncture could easily trigger a backlash in public opinion.

Wen Xin knew there was very little she could do. If Ye Zheng were convicted in this trial, all their efforts would collapse like a falling mountain, out of control.

"It's worrying me to death. Why hasn't the verdict come out yet?"

"What's the rush? Do you really think Ye Zheng will be sentenced? Her father is the presiding judge. These nobles never have to pay the price for killing commoners!"

"Even ignoring the Saintess's past good deeds, she is someone favored by the Divine Sword. Do you really believe she would brutally kill commoners? I heard from friends in the West District that her team protected many ordinary people there..."

"It's just a sword. Isn't it easy for these children of power to manufacture hype? Besides, who knows if the sword is real or fake? I could say this fruit knife of mine was used by the God of Hope too."

Wen Xin listened to the remarks of those ingrates, wishing she could kick them. Opposite her, Zoya held her hand, on which veins were bulging, and comforted her, "Trust in Lady Saintess. She will definitely be able to pass this trial safely."

Wen Xin gave Zoya a slightly bitter smile. Even if the court declared Ye Zheng innocent this time, the perfect, flawless reputation of Ye Zheng already had cracks that were difficult to heal.

Whether intentional or not, the presiding judge this time turned out to be the Saintess's father.

If he was also a link arranged by the mastermind, then this mastermind was truly terrifyingly deep in their schemes. Even if Ye Zheng won this trial, many would inevitably question if her father had bent the law for her sake.

Saintess Ye Zheng was too perfect. Good upbringing, flawless character, widely praised acts of kindness, recognition from the gods...

Precisely because she was incredibly perfect, once there was a sliver of a crack, countless fanatical, prying eyes would wish to dissect her through that crack, comforting their own despicable inner selves with the Saintess's unexposed shadow side.

Wen Xin had a premonition about this day. Saintess Ye Zheng was human too; it was impossible for her to be faultless and remain perfect forever.

She believed Ye Zheng would secure an acquittal in the trial. Then she would find a way to maintain the Saintess's reputation as much as possible. If Wen De could arrest those blabbermouths, it would be even better—anyone who dared not believe in Saintess Ye Zheng should just go to jail—

"Wen Xin, look at the wall in the square outside!"

Zoya stood up abruptly, shaking Wen Xin's body which was deep in thought.

"It's a projection!"

"What big event happened? Is the Empire announcing a Special-rank Demonic Domain is coming?"

Inside the tavern, almost everyone stood up. Some had already rushed out the door, running to the square to look up at the huge projection projected on the white wall from a close distance.

The cost of running projection machines was very expensive. Generally, the government would only conduct real-time projections in every district to celebrate with the people during major events like the coronation of a King or Pope, the naming of an heir, or the annual celebration of God's Descent Day.

Today wasn't a holiday. Some people began to feel uneasy. Was some massive disaster approaching? or had some important figure in the Upper District met with an accident, and the Empire was about to change eras?

People with sharper instincts thought of the only major event happening today. Wen Xin grabbed Zoya's hand, and the two squeezed into the crowd, looking up nervously.

Flickering images danced on the huge white wall. After a good while, the image gradually became clear and stable.

A face with outstanding temperament and gentle brows appeared in everyone's view. She curved the corners of her mouth, nodded slightly, and looked straight ahead. Everyone present felt a shudder of being watched; those deep black eyes seemed to encompass everyone.

Many people had never seen Saintess Ye Zheng, but the moment they looked at the girl in the projection, only the word "Saintess" came to mind.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Ye Zheng, the 13th generation Saintess of the Empire."

Beside the screen, the broadcasting device worked in sync. The Saintess's ethereal and clear voice washed away all the noise in the square. Almost everyone held their breath, including those who were speaking rudely just a moment ago.

"Today, I was judged by the Upper District Court for a murder case. I think everyone is waiting for an answer—did Saintess Ye Zheng kill someone?"

"Yes, I killed someone."

The square immediately became restless, and an uproar arose. Zoya, squeezed in the crowd, covered her mouth in disbelief. She looked at Wen Xin in panic, only to find Wen Xin looking dazed, her expression holding a vague hint of expectation.

"But I do not believe I am guilty. The Divine Sword told me that only by killing those heinous people can the West District, the Lower District, and the Empire obtain true peace."

"I apologize; I cannot list their sins to you one by one for the time being, because in the eyes of some people, I am the sinner."

In the slightly blurry huge image, the white-robed Saintess opened her arms, her expression suddenly solemn.

"My identity as Saintess was bestowed by the God of Hope. If there is guilt, it should be the god personally stripping it away!"

"Next, I will challenge the 'Divine Adjudication'. The rights and wrongs, merits and faults of Saintess Ye Zheng will be judged jointly by the god and all of you who are watching me right now!"

The resounding shout was like a drop of water falling into a pan of hot oil, provoking a violent reaction. People in the back constantly tried to squeeze into the center of the square. The excited crowd was like a surging tide. Fortunately, the White-Clad Knights, who had arrived early, maintained order. Many recognized the leader as the Saintess's Holy Journey Knights Order.

Divine Trial was an ancient method of judgment in the Empire. It was said that before the God of Hope descended upon this nation, people used to believe in other gods. When they encountered matters they could not judge, they would seek the power of the gods.

For example, throwing the accused into a river and judging guilt or innocence based on whether they sank, as well as methods like burning at the stake or duels.

After the God of Hope descended, ancient beliefs and backward judgment methods were gradually abandoned. The Empire had only one way to request a Divine Trial—Divine Adjudication.

Five hundred years ago, the God of Hope united with the Royal Family to fight against the Demon Dragon plaguing the human world. In a secret meeting between the God of Hope and the Emperor, someone betrayed the god's decision, causing the plan to suffer a setback. Afterward, the Royal Family found the traitor but had no direct evidence to convict them. Thus, the God of Hope gave the Empire something.

A drop of golden Blood of the God, never dissipating, forever maintaining the shape of a golden droplet.

They cut the traitor's wrist and placed the bleeding hand into a pool of water. If the traitor was devout enough to the god and resonated with the god's heart, the Blood of the God floating in the pool would actively merge into the traitor's blood. Conversely, the Blood of the God would constantly move away from the traitor until the traitor's blood was completely drained into the pool.

Divine Adjudication allowed anyone to apply. Once passed, all sins were pardoned.

At its inception, many sentenced criminals demanded Divine Adjudication. Not a single person passed, including a certain Pope who had committed a major error, who was left to bleed to death.

Realizing how strict the requirement for the Blood of the God was, almost no one applied for Divine Adjudication again. Following the normal process would at least result in a quicker death.

And now, the Saintess wanted to challenge this Divine Adjudication that no one had ever passed!

Inside the Upper District Cathedral.

A huge pool was embedded in the auditorium paved with white jade. A pure white statue of the God of Hope stood in the center of the pool.

The Blood of the God was treasured in the deepest Holy Vessel room of the Sei Curia. The clergy were still on their way to retrieve the divine blood. Everyone in the auditorium had different expressions. Some suppressed worry, some were puzzled, some secretly rejoiced. Only Ye Zheng, who was about to enter the death challenge, had the most peaceful expression.

"Ye Zheng, I don't understand. You clearly could have escaped; why choose this way to prove yourself?"

Percy held it in all the way from the Upper District Court to the church, and finally couldn't help asking.

Ye Zheng looked at the people around her. Everyone's gaze was vaguely cast toward her. She smiled at Percy, "There is still some time before the adjudication. Why don't we go out and chat?"

"Lord Pope, my personal freedom isn't restricted before the adjudication, right?"

Ye Zheng stared at Wen Jian, her smile faint.

Wen Jian glanced at the wall clock and returned a slightly mocking smile. "Of course. It doesn't matter if you take your time. After all, this is your most... precious time."

Ye Zheng glanced at Wen Jian out of the corner of her eye, led Percy out through a side door, and walked into a deserted path.

Percy followed Ye Zheng somewhat at a loss. He didn't expect Ye Zheng to specifically make time to answer his question.

"Percy, I am very happy you could cooperate with Wen De to help me, considering I used you before and almost killed you."

The corners of Percy's mouth tightened, as if recalling that not-so-pleasant memory. "...It doesn't matter. I shouldn't have stopped you that day either. Helping you now is also for myself."

After speaking, Percy turned his head slightly to look at Ye Zheng's profile, hearing Ye Zheng reply briskly, "You recognized your own mistakes and limitations. Truly excellent growth."

Percy choked. Ye Zheng's answer was completely different from what he imagined.

The two walked side by side in silence for a while. The boy beside her suddenly spoke again, and Percy stopped in his tracks.

"Percy, thank you for your understanding. I must apologize for some of my actions," Ye Zheng said softly.

Finally hearing the answer he imagined, Percy was stunned. He didn't know how to answer for a moment. Turning to look at Ye Zheng, he looked down and saw Ye Zheng suddenly grab his wrist.

Just as a flustered warmth climbed up the boy's cheeks, a cold pain suddenly flashed across his wrist. Percy opened his blue eyes wide, looking at his wrist.

Water-colored threads wrapped around his wrist, piercing into his blood vessels. His blood was slowly being drawn out along the water lines.

"Ye Zheng, you—"

"Shh, don't move."

Ye Zheng's finger almost pressed against his lips. Percy's face was pale, his blue irises trembling.

"You asked me why I am doing this? I will answer you now."

"For my goal, I will not spare any means—noble, dark, open schemes, conspiracies..."

Ye Zheng held down Percy's arm as he tried to move. The blood draw couldn't be interrupted.

"Swallow this matter into your stomach. I owe you a favor. If you reveal it... I am very sorry."

Percy suddenly felt it was somewhat absurd and funny. So this was what Ye Zheng's apology meant. This wasn't an expression of regret at all, but a death threat!

He didn't understand. Why draw his blood? Did Ye Zheng believe his blood would definitely fuse with the divine blood?

Under Ye Zheng's gaze, Percy's eyes suddenly widened. A shocking guess surfaced in his heart.

"Alright, thank you for your generous blood donation, Percy."

The water line, carrying the color of blood, vanished into Ye Zheng's long white sleeve. Immediately after, a gentler current of water circled his wrist. Percy looked down and found the wound on his wrist had healed and disappeared.

Except for his exceptionally pale face, everything that just happened was like the evening breeze skimming over a lake—leaving no trace.

Ye Zheng also left quickly like a breeze that couldn't be caught.

When Ye Zheng entered the auditorium again, she was instantly bathed in everyone's gazes. She folded her hands in front of her abdomen and approached the huge pool unhurriedly.

She looked into the pool; at the other end floated a golden bead, dazzling in the extreme.

"Ye Zheng, you still have a chance to regret this now."

Standing in the center of the crowd, Sykes crossed his arms, his expression obscure, his golden eyes fixed on Ye Zheng. "Are you sure about opening the Divine Adjudication?"

"I am sure."

Ye Zheng sat on the edge of the pool, tentatively stretching one foot in, then flipped her whole body into the pool. The water level reached her abdomen. A section of her high ponytail floated on the water surface. She looked like a mermaid emerging from the water, swaying her dormant black tail.

A nun handed her a small knife. Facing the activated projection machine not far away, Ye Zheng raised her left hand, holding the small knife in her right, and resolutely slashed the wrist beneath her long sleeve!

Blood flowed down continuously. Not until it had soaked half her sleeve red did Ye Zheng place her left hand into the pool. The clear water surface gradually became turbid.

Inside the auditorium, the nun who handed the knife had already turned her head away, unable to bear watching this long punishment.

The golden Blood of the God floated at the other end of the pool. How much blood had to flow to dye the pool red all the way until it touched the divine blood at the other end?

The cruelest part was that the person being judged would watch hope float in the distance while feeling their body gradually lose temperature and vitality, eventually dying in despair.

Time passed bit by bit. Ye Zheng lowered her head in the pool, the color of blood gradually dyeing her surroundings red.

She already felt dizzy. Her body temperature was draining away; the cold was invading her body, attempting to shake her will.

Of course, no one could pass this perverse Divine Adjudication. Who could bleed until it reached the end of the pool? Unless the divine blood actively approached.

Ye Zheng knew she didn't have enough piety, nor could she resonate with the God of Hope, because she didn't believe in gods at all. The divine blood had no reason to approach her.

—However, would the divine blood approach a bloodline of the same origin?

On the experimental records dug out from the Hope Project laboratory, Percy was not a Dragon Bone lifeform, but the mysterious "X".

"X" could be any lifeform, but Percy was the protagonist of this world, the successor actively called by the Divine Sword. The origin of his life was vividly portrayed—

His birth must be related to the God of Hope.

When Ye Zheng was reading through a large amount of French text in the palace attempting to find loopholes, she suddenly remembered the judgment method used in the Divine Adjudication was the blood of the God of Hope.

Percy was very likely an experimental product sourced from divine blood!

Percy, who was of the same origin as the God of Hope, could even be summoned by the Divine Sword. Would his blood attract the approach of the divine blood?

Ye Zheng was gambling. She had to rely on the Divine Adjudication to turn the tables. If she won this gamble under the gaze of countless people in the Empire, the Emperor's scheme to suppress her would be completely shattered, and her reputation would advance further.

Either lose everything or win it all!

The ticking of the clock sounded quietly in the silent auditorium. Outside the auditorium, in the Upper District, Middle District, Lower District, and the various sub-districts, countless people took to the streets to witness this gamble.

In the huge projection, Ye Zheng lowered her head, standing quietly in the center of the bloody water, like a completely frozen statue.

Zoya heard someone weeping. It wasn't Wen Xin, who was almost stiff beside her, but from all directions of the crowd. Many people were genuinely weeping for the dying Saintess.

No one could remain unmoved by this scene. Even if they had strongly questioned or even slandered the Saintess, when they saw Ye Zheng standing silently and calmly in the bloody water, without revealing a trace of regret or despair from beginning to end, no one could help but feel a sense of awe.

Zoya even heard people around her praying, praying for the Saintess to be safe.

Suddenly, Zoya's eyes widened as she looked at the projection, suspecting that the people's prayers had brought about a miracle at this moment.

The almost frozen youth moved slightly. A pale hand reached out from the bloody water, and her palm flipped—

The golden droplet of divine blood flowed in her palm as if it had life!

Ye Zheng stood in the pool dyed red. Her upper body was so pale it merged with her white robe. Her face, devoid of a trace of blood, gently hooked up into a smile, her black eyelashes fluttering gently as always.

She was too pure white. At first glance, she looked more like a flawless, holy idol than the tall statue in the center of the pool.

Like a newborn god struggling out of the bloody water, she used old blood to give birth to new life for herself!

"Saintess!"

"Saintess Ye Zheng!"

When the cheers surged like mountains toppling and seas overturning, Zoya almost shed tears. She turned her head to look; Wen Xin wasn't crying. She was smiling, with a look of fanatical infatuation.

No one could be perfect and flawless from beginning to end—

But she was Ye Zheng!

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