Chapter 83: The Verdict
The livestream was on the verge of exploding.
The number of viewers shot up in a straight line. If the platform's servers hadn't been exceptionally robust, they probably would have crashed long ago.
Fortunately, although things were hanging by a thread, the servers ultimately held.
Song Mingwen and Zhou Fuyi stared blankly at the lawyers as they exchanged arguments back and forth. It almost felt as though they were hallucinating.
Because the lawyers representing them didn't refute a single word.
Every time it was their turn, they either remained silent or simply said things like, "No objection," or, "We do not contest this."
They looked like they had come solely to provide comic relief.
Yet these two lawyers' utterly unprofessional conduct dramatically increased the audience's opinion of them.
The truth was, they weren't happy about it either.
Not a single law firm on the Capital Star had been willing to take Song Mingwen's and Zhou Fuyi's case, so the court had randomly selected one instead.
Unfortunately, it landed on their firm.
Naturally, no one wanted the assignment, so the firm simply sent two newly hired employees. Neither of them had ever handled a proper lawsuit before, yet this time they weren't nervous at all.
Their seniors had only given them one instruction:
Whenever it's your turn, don't argue.
Originally, they had thought people would criticize them for it.
Unexpectedly, the exact opposite happened.
Everyone loved it.
Thanks to this trial, the law firm became famous overnight, an unexpected piece of good fortune.
Nan Yu and the others hadn't gone to the courthouse.
They were watching the livestream instead.
At the moment, they were all inside Yang Zhou's hospital room.
Yang Zhou looked much better now. He had only just woken up, and his eyes were fixed intently on the livestream.
Zhou Fuyi was furious and immediately began cursing at the two defense lawyers.
"Are you two even lawyers?! How can you be this useless? Do you even know how to defend your clients? If you don't, then don't stand at the defense table! You're wasting such a good spot!"
Heh.
If they had been given a choice, they wouldn't have wanted to stand there either—as defense lawyers for two pieces of trash like these.
Zhou Fuyi wasn't sure whether he'd imagined it, but he could have sworn the two useless lawyers had just rolled their eyes at him.
Huh?
Were they tired of living?
"You—"
Fortunately, Song Mingwen was slightly calmer.
He grabbed Zhou Fuyi's wrist.
If Zhou Fuyi caused a scene here, he definitely wouldn't end up well, and Song Mingwen himself might even receive additional punishment as an accomplice.
Although the pile of charges they already faced was more than enough to guarantee severe punishment, they firmly believed their families would help them.
But if this idiot made things even worse...
Who knew whether they'd end up exiled somewhere so remote that even their own families wouldn't know how to save them?
Wouldn't that be disastrous?
Nan Yu looked at Song Mingwen somewhat unexpectedly.
Although Song Mingwen was rotten to the core, he still possessed a bit of self-control. Under these circumstances, he could actually hold himself back.
Anyone could tell this trial was nothing more than a one-sided judgment specifically targeting the two of them.
Could Song Mingwen still have some hidden trump card?
What Nan Yu didn't know was that he really did.
That trump card was their families.
Right now, however, every influential family was desperately trying to obtain one of Nan Yu's treatment slots.
Countless people were secretly adding fuel to the fire behind the scenes.
Helping these two now was absolutely impossible.
So everyone remained as quiet as chickens, doing absolutely nothing.
Apparently, Song Mingwen had already been warned beforehand.
Behave yourself.
Show sincere remorse.
If your attitude looked convincing enough, perhaps the sentence would be a little lighter.
That way, the family would have much more room to help later.
After all, once the trial ended, the influence of Nan Yu's five commission slots would gradually diminish.
People's attention would eventually shift elsewhere.
That would be the perfect opportunity for them to act.
Neither Nan Yu nor Yang Zhou had considered this possibility.
Instead, both of them found the livestream viewers incredibly entertaining.
One outrageous comment after another flooded the chat, only for each one to be muted moments later.
Yang Zhou watched with obvious amusement.
Seeing him smile, Nan Yu finally relaxed.
If this incident had left Yang Zhou depressed or psychologically scarred...
...
The verdict came astonishingly quickly.
It was arguably the fastest case ever concluded since the Capital Star Court had been established.
Because the defense lawyers never spoke from beginning to end, the prosecution also proceeded at lightning speed.
Everything was finished in roughly four hours.
The efficiency left countless viewers unsatisfied.
Some had only just finished work and opened the stream, only to discover it had already reached the closing moments.
Each one felt utterly disappointed.
Nan Yu looked at the now-closed livestream and let out a sigh of relief.
In the end, neither of the two escaped exile.
Song Mingwen was sentenced to Border District Three, where he would perform logistics work at a military base.
In other words, every dirty, exhausting job would be assigned to him.
Life there was especially harsh.
Official military personnel stationed at the base naturally enjoyed generous benefits.
But people like him received none of them.
Every day, they would face endless labor.
Even if robots could perform the work, they still had to work alongside the machines.
As for food...
They would only receive the leftovers abandoned in the cafeteria.
Not leftovers from someone else's plate, of course.
Simply the food nobody wanted to eat.
The most fatal part was that no Mental Power User would ever remove their Mental Contamination.
That meant if they didn't want to become permanently insane inside the military base, °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° they would have to eat little—or preferably no—Ability Beast meat.
Which also meant that throughout their entire sentence, they wouldn't be able to increase their strength by consuming Ability Beast meat.
Although...
That didn't seem to matter much for them.
They had always been useless and completely lacking in ambition.
Moreover, because the suffering caused by Mental Contamination had been so unbearable, they had once refused to eat any Ability Beast meat for a very long time.
That was how they'd ended up in their current state.
Originally, thanks to the influence of their families, they could have enrolled in Nan Yu's school during the first two years.
Instead, claiming the school's management was too strict, they had refused to attend.
They had deliberately chosen the most lax academy on the Capital Star instead.
If they showed up for more than ten days in an entire year, it was practically a miracle.
As for Zhou Fuyi...
He was sentenced to exile in the Twenty-Third Military District.
Nan Yu blinked.
"Hm? That sounds strangely familiar."
"Isn't Border District Three and the Twenty-Third Border District both under Marshal Yu's legion? And if I remember correctly, my dad once said that's where the Marshal has been stationed for years."
Whenever he wasn't away on missions, he remained stationed there and took the opportunity to get some proper rest.
Yang Zhou blinked.
"If that's the case..."
Nan Yu rubbed his chin.
"Hey, Yang Zhou, do you think I should contact the Marshal... or maybe my dad?"
If he contacted the Marshal, the other party might refuse.
But if he only contacted his father, they'd only be able to target Zhou Fuyi.
That somehow didn't feel satisfying enough.
Yang Zhou looked at him with wide, pitiful eyes.
Nan Yu simply couldn't refuse.
"Fine, fine. I'll try contacting the Marshal first. Just exiling them doesn't feel like enough. Who knows whether the people backing them have already planted someone inside the military bases they'll be sent to?"
Although the bases belonged to Yu Lanfeng's legion, Yu Lanfeng couldn't possibly oversee every ordinary soldier personally.
Not to mention that they'd even managed to bribe academy instructors before.
Bribing low-ranking personnel inside the legion certainly wouldn't be impossible.
Nan Yu didn't think he was underestimating Yu Lanfeng's troops.
He was simply preparing for every possibility.
Yang Zhou had been delighted at first.
But after hearing that, something suddenly felt off.
Just now, Nan Yu had casually said he'd "contact the Marshal."
His tone had been far too natural.
When had those two become so familiar?
Nan Yu didn't notice Yang Zhou's strange gaze at all.
By the time he looked over again, Yang Zhou had already hidden every trace of emotion.
"By the way, Yang Zhou, I'm going to try contacting him now. If it works, those two definitely won't have another good day in their lives. And even if it doesn't, there's still my dad. Don't worry."
Yang Zhou nodded calmly.
As he watched Nan Yu walk out of the room, the flames of gossip inside him began burning uncontrollably.
Could it be...
Nan Yu and Marshal Yu Lanfeng had already gotten togeth—
Pah! Pah! Pah!
What kind of filthy nonsense was he thinking?
Not gotten together.
Mutually interested!
If Nan Yu could really dump Bai Zhouyun and end up with Yu Lanfeng instead...
Yang Zhou would happily offer them ten thousand blessings.
Standing in the hallway, Nan Yu thought for a moment before directly dialing Yu Lanfeng's communication number.
He had assumed Yu Lanfeng would definitely be busy.
After all, it was broad daylight.
The Marshal should be occupied with official business at the legion headquarters and probably wouldn't answer.
Nan Yu had already decided that if the call wasn't answered within thirty seconds, he'd simply hang up.
Unexpectedly...
Less than ten seconds later, the call connected.
Nan Yu stared at Yu Lanfeng on the communication screen in complete disbelief.
Realizing how embarrassing his expression looked, he immediately composed himself.
"Ahem..."
"Well... Marshal, aren't you busy right now?"
Yu Lanfeng answered calmly,
"Not busy. Did you need something?"
Nan Yu blinked.
"It's nothing major. I was watching the livestream earlier, and the verdict for those two came out."
Yu Lanfeng's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
It almost looked like he was smiling.
But his expression hadn't actually changed, so Nan Yu assumed he'd imagined it.
"And?"
Nan Yu continued,
"One was sent to Border District Three, and the other to the Twenty-Third Border District. If I remember correctly... both of those belong to the Marshal's legion... right?"
Yu Lanfeng nodded.
"I roughly understand what you're thinking."
"But this isn't as simple as you imagine."
"When you have time, let's meet and discuss it in detail."
Nan Yu thought about it.
That made sense.
There really were many details that would be easier to discuss face-to-face.
"Alright, then it's settled. Whenever you're free, just contact me. I can answer anytime."
Yu Lanfeng replied,
"Alright."
Completely satisfied, Nan Yu ended the call before returning to the hospital room.
By then, Yang Zhou had already finished his own mental pep talk.
When he saw Nan Yu again, he didn't reveal any unusual thoughts.
"So? It's settled?"
Nan Yu nodded.
"I've spoken with the Marshal. But the details need to be discussed in person. I honestly thought all I had to do was tell him about it. The Marshal really thinks things through."
Yang Zhou immediately sensed something strange.
"The Marshal was the one who suggested meeting face-to-face?"
Nan Yu tilted his head.
"Yeah. Is something wrong?"
What's wrong?
The Marshal handled countless affairs every single day.
How could he possibly make time to meet someone personally over such a minor issue?
Shouldn't he simply tell one of his adjutants?
Then the adjutant would make two communication calls, issue a few orders, and the matter would be settled.
And besides...
Did the call really connect?
If Yang Zhou remembered correctly, it was still broad daylight.
Wasn't the Marshal always incredibly busy during the day?
He clearly remembered one of the academy instructors once taking leave.
The grade director had substituted for the class and casually mentioned that the Marshal was so busy every day that he practically never answered communications during working hours.
Furthermore, almost nobody even possessed Yu Lanfeng's personal communication number.
Most people only had the contact information for one of his adjutants.
Even reaching an adjutant wasn't easy.
Unless you were someone Yu Lanfeng knew personally...
Or a senior officer within his legion...
Getting in touch with the strongest Marshal in the Empire was incredibly difficult.
Yang Zhou smiled.
"Nothing's wrong. I just think you've already done more than enough. Thank you, Nan Yu."
Nan Yu sighed.
"Alright, I get it. Just focus on recovering. Once you're healed, I'll take you out for a huge feast. How about it?"
Yang Zhou grinned.
"Your words, not mine. Whatever I want to eat, you're paying."
"No problem!"
At this point, the matter was basically settled.
Although those two had only been sentenced to exile instead of death, with Yu Lanfeng personally involved behind the scenes, it would be impossible for their families to protect them.
Now the next matter to deal with was Nan Yu's five commissions.
After resting there for a while and waiting until Yang Zhou had fallen asleep again, Nan Yu quietly left.
He headed upstairs to the lounge and found Fu Yu'ang in the common sitting area.
"Brother Fu, how's the selection for those five commissions coming along?"
Who would receive those five treatment slots naturally had to be decided according to actual circumstances.
It wasn't simply a matter of choosing whoever they personally liked.
In the end, Fu Yu'ang handed him the top five candidates he had selected according to the size of each person's contributions.
"These are the five. Take a look. If you don't see any problems, I'll notify them immediately."
Nan Yu carefully read through each candidate's information before nodding.
"They all look fine."
The person ranked first was the judge.
The fact that Song Mingwen and Zhou Fuyi had ultimately been assigned to Border District Three and the Twenty-Third Border District was largely thanks to him.
He had also quietly influenced the selection of the defense law firm.
In fact, he had already given that law firm a few hints beforehand, so there was really no dispute about him taking first place.
Nan Yu nodded.
"Then send them the notifications."
Fu Yu'ang immediately sent the messages.
Every single one received a reply within ten seconds.
Apparently, all of them had been waiting for news from this side.
Once the five commission slots were officially confirmed and the news spread among those involved, nobody raised any objections.
There was no one they could afford to offend, nor could anyone honestly claim that their own contribution had surpassed those five.
As a result, everyone remained silent.
The first person Nan Yu met was the judge.
They arranged to meet at a restaurant near the school, inside the best private room upstairs.
"Hello, Judge."
The judge wore a warm smile and appeared completely approachable.
But Nan Yu wasn't fooled.
The stern, imposing man he had seen presiding over the livestream trial was this very person.
The judge laughed cheerfully.
"Oh, don't call me 'Judge.' If you don't mind, Xiao Yu, you can just call me Uncle."
Nan Yu smiled.
"Alright then... Uncle."
The judge's real name was Zhou Huayin.
When he was young, he had fought alongside the Emperor himself.
The two had once been comrades-in-arms.
Even more coincidentally, the unit Zhou Huayin had joined under an assumed identity had included Old Master Bai.
Nan Yu smiled.
"Uncle Zhou, who's the person you want me to treat? Let me hear about them."
A faint smile appeared on Zhou Huayin's lips.
"They'll arrive tomorrow. I'll take you to meet them then."
"I hope you'll be able to help."
"Honestly... I watched that child grow up."
"And yet..."
Nan Yu blinked.
"Hm?"
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhou Huayin briefly explained the situation of the person he hoped Nan Yu could treat.
At first, Nan Yu merely felt the story sounded familiar.
But a moment later...
Blue Rain?
Lan Feng?
He had never heard of Lan Feng in his previous life.
But Lan Yu...
There wasn't a single person in the Empire who didn't know that name.
Shortly before Nan Yu's death in his previous life, Lan Yu had become the richest man in the entire Empire.
Calling him "wealthy enough to rival a nation" wasn't an exaggeration in the slightest.
By that point, Lan Yu had been even richer than someone like Yu Lanfeng.
Nan Yu quietly drew in a breath.
"Lan Yu's older brother?"
Zhou Huayin looked surprised.
"What? You've heard of the brothers?"
Nan Yu shook his head.
"I don't actually know them."
"I've just heard the name before."
"The company Lan Yu runs has always been the enterprise that donates the most and pays the highest taxes. Official media constantly reports on and praises them."
The smile on Zhou Huayin's face deepened.
"That's right."
"He's always worked that hard because he wanted to accumulate more contribution points."
"So that one day the Empire would make an exception and arrange for a High-Tier Mental Power User to treat his older brother."
"But..."
Nan Yu already understood.
That goal was still unimaginably far away.
Even after Lan Yu eventually surpassed Yu Lanfeng and became the richest man in the Empire, he still hadn't managed to invite any High-Tier Mental Power User—apart from Yun Feiyu.
And Yun Feiyu had only agreed because Bai Zhouyun wanted Lan Yu's support and assistance.
In other words...
If Yun Feiyu had refused, Lan Yu would have had absolutely no way to force him.
So even after becoming the richest man in the Empire, unless a High-Tier Mental Power User volunteered willingly, contribution points alone still weren't enough.
Nan Yu suddenly felt eager to try.
Lan Feng might well be the most severely mentally contaminated Ability User he had encountered so far.
If he really succeeded...
That would truly be an extraordinary achievement.
"I think I can give it a try."
"I'm quite confident in my abilities."
"I'm sure you've already heard about my previous treatment results, Uncle Zhou."
"What do you think?"
Zhou Huayin nodded immediately.
"I naturally think it's worth trying."
"It's just..."
"If you feel..."
"Then don't blame yourself."
Nan Yu deliberately puffed out his cheeks in mock annoyance.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Uncle Zhou, are you saying I can't do it?"
"I'm amazing!"
"Even the Marshal said I'm the strongest Mid-Tier Mental Power User."
"And you still think I can't manage it?"
Zhou Huayin laughed helplessly.
"Nothing like that."
"I only meant..."
"When the time comes, don't overexert yourself."
"Know your limits."
Only then did Nan Yu smile again.
"Alright, I know."
"Don't worry."
"I'll be fine."
...
After returning, Nan Yu waited an entire day.
Around noon the following day, Zhou Huayin contacted him.
A hovercraft arrived at the school entrance to pick him up.
Nan Yu followed it directly to Zhou Huayin's residence.
As expected of someone of Zhou Huayin's status.
Even the Nan family's estate couldn't compare with this mansion.
Nan Yu didn't pay much attention to the building itself.
Instead, his gaze settled on someone who looked vaguely familiar.
If he wasn't mistaken...
This should be Lan Yu.
When Lan Yu saw Nan Yu, he became visibly excited.
He quickly walked over but then stopped somewhat awkwardly about two meters away.
"Hello, Mr. Nan Yu."
"It's an honor to meet you."
Nan Yu felt his teeth ache from the excessive politeness.
"...The honor's mine too."
"By the way, where's your older brother?"
"I think business comes first."
"Take me to him first."
"I feel like I'm in pretty good condition right now, so we can begin immediately."
Zhou Huayin asked,
"Don't you need some time to rest or prepare?"
Nan Yu blinked.
"Prepare?"
"Do I really need to?"
"Just take me there."
"I'll examine him first."
His confidence noticeably relieved Lan Yu.
For the first time, he felt that his older brother might actually have hope.
Soon, they arrived outside a room upstairs.
The moment Nan Yu stepped inside, he immediately noticed several unusual things.
First...
The room was impeccably clean.
Especially the bed.
Apart from the man lying there, there wasn't a single unnecessary object.
Every previous patient Nan Yu had seen had been restrained with chains.
This man wasn't.
Noticing his surprise, Lan Yu explained,
"Ever since my brother became like this, he hasn't awakened even once."
"So he's always remained like this."
Nan Yu nodded.
"So restraints aren't necessary."
"Your brother has never regained consciousness?"
"Not even once?"
"Not even a violent episode?"
Lan Yu nodded.
"That's right."
"Does that mean his condition is especially severe?"
Nan Yu shook his head slightly.
"I'll have to examine him before I can say."
"For now... wait a moment."
Truthfully, this was Nan Yu's first time encountering a case like this as well.
He couldn't give any conclusions before conducting a proper examination.
Hopefully...
Nothing unexpected would happen.
Just as Nan Yu was about to approach the bed, Zhou Huayin stopped him.
"He may never have awakened before."
"But this time is different."
"Your mental power is exceptionally strong."
"If you stimulate his Mental Sea enough for him to wake up..."
"Your little body probably wouldn't last even one second."
"So just to be safe..."
"We should take a few precautions."
As a result...
Lan Feng was immediately tied up from head to toe.
Only after they were certain that, even if he suddenly went berserk, he would be completely incapable of attacking anyone did they allow Nan Yu to approach.
Looking at the tightly restrained Lan Feng on the bed, Nan Yu couldn't help twitching the corner of his mouth.
For some reason...
He felt a little embarrassed.
They had tied him up really securely.