Light Fortress Chapter 1700 - 375: Grand Judge (Finale) (Part 2)

Liu Quan, a novice, faces Xie Zheng, who has reached the fourth tier.

To provide a guarantee for a Judge requires...

This individual must be at least a Titled Level Transcendent, and a formidable one at that!

However, there is no question that Gu Shen is more than capable.

"Are you not asking something you already know?"

Du Wei offered a wry smile. "It is not I who am qualified; I am merely a vice president. How could I possibly possess the credentials to answer such a question... If you truly wish to follow protocol, I can contact Mr. Zhou Wei immediately."

Mr. Zhou Wei is elderly and currently in retirement.

Yet, the official president of the East Continent Federation Security Committee has yet to be appointed.

Much like the position of Grand Judge at the Judgement Institute, this role can remain vacant. However, one must not proceed carelessly in selecting a candidate.

It could be said that, at this moment, Du Wei holds one of the most significant authorities within the Security Committee.

"Then this becomes troublesome."

Gu Shen chuckled. "Some matters are best clarified at the present time."

With his current standing, any misuse of his authority would inevitably lead to censure.

He intends to protect Xie Zheng and Liu Quan without resorting to personal privilege.

Now, before the entire Dojo, in accordance with the Security Committee's regulations, he meticulously followed every step of this "guarantee exemption" process for Zhou E and Qi He to witness!

Du Wei produced a communicator, not even waiting to dial.

The electronic screen far above the Dojo instantly transformed.

The authority of a prominent figure connected to [Deep Sea] extended its reach to the fortieth-floor Dojo within the Judgement Institute's headquarters.

"Shush—"

An image materialized on the screen. The backdrop depicted the artificial lake adjacent to the Gu Family Ancestral Hall, with an electronic eye suspended, capturing a live feed.

The elderly gentleman seated on a bench spoke, his voice resonating throughout the Dojo.

"Du Wei..."

Du Wei lowered his communicator, his entire frame stiffening.

"President, sir!"

Even in retirement, Zhou Wei remained accustomed to such a salutation.

Mr. Zhou Wei smiled. "And Xiao Gu."

"...Mr. Zhou."

Gu Shen gazed at the screen dominating the Dojo, a smile gracing his lips as he offered a greeting.

He understood that the moment he activated the [Ghost Veil], the [Deep Sea] network within the Judgement Institute headquarters would log this information and promptly disseminate it. However, he had not anticipated such swift propagation, reaching even the fishing Mr. Zhou.

Nor had he expected the old man to proactively establish a link with the Dojo.

"I have grasped the general situation already,"

Zhou Wei stated gently. "Do not unduly burden Du Wei; he is merely present for the proceedings... Xie Zheng and Liu Quan are both commendable individuals. You should ensure they are well looked after."

These pronouncements from Zhou Wei effectively conveyed the Security Committee's stance.

Upon hearing this declaration.

Gu Shen turned his gaze to Zhou E and Qi He, posing the question earnestly, "Do either of you have any objections?"

Objections?

Zhou E and Qi He remained utterly silent; neither harbored any dissent.

"Furthermore... I have an old friend who wishes to convey a few words."

Zhou Wei gestured subtly, and the electronic eye whirred, shifting its focus towards another elder relaxing on a bench.

"I shall offer only two statements; no need for the camera's full attention."

Gu Qilin adjusted the electronic eye, redirecting the lens back towards Zhou Wei, deliberately staying out of the frame as he spoke with measured deliberation.

"Huyan Bo, you are among the select few young individuals I recall from the Jiuning District..."

The imposing man standing outside the Dojo wore an expression of profound complexity.

"Upon your return, reflect deeply on your past self and contrast it with your present state."

Mr. Gu advised calmly. "Do not squander the Gu family's years of cultivation invested in the Huyan family."

Returning...

A chilling sensation permeated Huyan Bo's entire being.

He had arrived in Changye with considerable fanfare. Today, he was scheduled for a cordial meeting with the Vice President of the Security Committee, and tomorrow, an appointment with Mr. Gu at the Ancestral Hall awaited. Once all arrangements were solidified, his relationship with Judge Zhou E would see a substantial improvement.

And Mr. Gu's words left no room for ambiguity.

He was being directed to depart.

Further discussions here were no longer necessary.

"Yes..."

Huyan Bo responded, his voice hoarse. "Thank you for your counsel."

"Hmm."

Gu Qilin continued, "Xiao Gu, given your initiative to visit the Judgement Institute today, I took the liberty... to resolve this outstanding matter at this very moment."

Gu Shen's expression faltered in surprise.

Suddenly, voices originated from beyond the Dojo's confines.

Gu Qilin exerted his authority, issuing notifications to every Judge, from the first to the eighteenth, remaining within the Judgement Institute.

The Third Judge, Wutuo, had defected and subsequently met his execution.

The Fourth Judge, Zhong Fan, had accompanied the Gu Family Envoy and was presently en route back.

All the other Judges converged on the Dojo, as a lull in activity in Changye meant most of the Judges were conveniently located near the headquarters.

The reason for their collective presence in Changye, naturally, was the very matter that remained unsettled.

Grand Judge.

Those four words bore a weight as immense as a mountain.

"Your teacher once held the esteemed position of Grand Judge."

Gu Qilin explained, "Zhou Jiren departed the Five Continents, and no word has been received of him since. Nevertheless, the Judgement Institute, one of Changye's three principal institutes, cannot languish leaderless for even a single day... Within the Institute, a relentless tide of internal debate has surged regarding this position, yet no suitable candidate has emerged."

"However, today, we have found one."

"Gu Shen, at Red Lake, your execution of Jia Wei unequivocally demonstrated your formidable capability. Your efforts in uniting the southern and northern alliances across both continents, coupled with your contributions to the East Continent over the years, stand unmatched within Changye."

"Now, I, speaking as the former Great Commander and the patriarch of the Gu Family, do hereby formally submit a nomination—"