Ocean Lords: Start Harvesting Double from Dice Rolls Chapter 648 - 326: Parliamentary Notarization, Sudden Mutation (Part 2)

Indeed, he observed Kong Huaao, whom he hadn't seen in quite some time, standing to the side of the grand hall. Kong Huaao was engaged in conversation, smiling alongside Zhao Chenlin.

"Mr. Kong!"

A surge of joy filled Fang Yu's heart as he took in Kong Huaao's appearance.

Compared to when he first arrived in Lanyun Sea Country, Kong Huaao seemed somewhat thinner, a stark contrast to his previously robust and imposing figure.

During his period of confinement, his aura had also noticeably diminished, lacking the formidable intensity it once possessed.

Only his eyes remained as bright and clear as ever, brimming with an unwavering sharpness.

Noticing the undiminished keenness in Kong Huaao's gaze, Fang Yu felt a profound sense of relief wash over him.

Fortunately, even after almost two months of imprisonment, Kong Huaao's core spirit remained unshaken.

The temporary dip in his aura and a slight lack of spirit were ultimately insignificant matters.

As long as the resolute spirit within him endured, his recovery would be inevitable.

Fang Yu swiftly moved closer, positioning himself beside Kong Huaao. Both were internally thrilled, with a multitude of subjects they were eager to delve into.

However, the present circumstances were hardly conducive to such personal reflections. Fang Yu's attention quickly redirected from Kong Huaao towards Zhao Chenlin.

Standing behind Zhao Chenlin were several men radiating powerful auras, attired in the distinctive uniforms of the Ocean Court.

As Fang Yu's gaze swept over them, they offered him nods and smiles, conveying a sense of cordiality.

Fang Yu expressed a slight surprise and promptly returned their greetings.

Remarkably, among the Ocean Court members accompanying Zhao Chenlin were individuals of considerable rank – high-level judges.

It had been previously explained that the Ocean Court comprised two distinct functional roles.

One served as Law Enforcers, tasked with managing all external affairs.

The other was the Judge, a position held in higher esteem, accessible only to those possessing greater strength and experience.

To attain the rank of Judge, one typically needed to be at least at the Dragon Ship Level, with higher echelons being immeasurable.

The legendary Chief Judges were all peak captains, leading the Ocean Court and embodying the zenith of figures within the Sea Ship Era.

The fact that Zhao Chenlin had convened judges of such caliber at this moment instilled a sense of confidence in Fang Yu's heart.

He silently observed these distinguished judges, perceiving auras surpassing the Dragon Ship Level from the two foremost individuals, which elicited a jolt of internal astonishment.

Despite this, the judges maintained a composed demeanor, standing behind Zhao Chenlin without projecting any undue authority, prompting a subtle nod from Fang Yu.

The Ocean Court's hierarchical structure was primarily established for operational efficiency.

When matters involved individuals from different strata, the prevailing protocol was to defer to the designated leader for that particular affair, rather than asserting rank.

Thus, even though Zhao Chenlin did not hold a superior official position to those standing behind him, he was the principal figure overseeing this matter, and the judges were acting under his direction.

Witnessing this intricate dynamic, Fang Yu felt a measure of ease and, without uttering a word, guided Qian Luan and Chen Xiaolin towards the Ocean Court contingent.

"Very well, Sovereign. Now that Fang Yu has arrived, let us commence!"

At this juncture, Zhao Chenlin cast a glance at Fang Yu before stepping forward, addressing the Sovereign. "Today, we convene to honor the seven-day accord established between Fang Yu and yourself."

"Under the auspices of the Ocean Court's notarization, our purpose is to ascertain whether Fang Yu and Kong Huaao engaged in collusion, and to determine if Kong Huaao was indeed the orchestrator behind the incidents within the Sin Domain."

Zhao Chenlin's voice resonated clearly throughout the hall.

A palpable sense of reverence emanated from all present towards Sovereign Lanyun.

However, Zhao Chenlin, representing the Ocean Court—an entity of such stature in this era that it could stand level with any power without needing to bow to peak captains—showed no deference to class distinctions.

Following his declaration, Zhao Chenlin turned his attention to Qian Luan, without awaiting a response from Sovereign Lanyun:

"Qian Luan, step forward and recount how you were deceived into impersonating Hua Yu, thereby facilitating the acquisition of the Sin Domain's transit documents!"

"Yes!"

Qian Luan's spirit rallied, and he made to step forward.

Even Fang Yu displayed a confident smile.

But at that precise moment, a voice, cold and laced with authority, echoed through the hall.

"There is no need."

"Hmm?"

A wave of surprise rippled through the assembly, and all eyes instinctively turned towards the Sovereign.

The chillingly authoritative voice belonged to Sovereign Lanyun.

Under the bewildered gazes of everyone present, the Sovereign's eyes fixed upon Fang Yu's entourage, a peculiar glint of sharpness flickering within them.

After a moment of weighty silence, the Sovereign let out a soft laugh, speaking in a low tone: "Fang Yu and Kong Huaao conspired to facilitate the escape of individuals from the Sin Domain, colluding with mages from that domain to infiltrate my Lanyun Sea Country's territory, causing destruction, death, and plunder."

"This matter is decisively concluded. Do you truly believe you can introduce an unrelated party to dismiss it?"

"What?!"

The declaration by Sovereign Lanyun left everyone present stunned, their gazes fixed on him with a mixture of disbelief and indignation.

Just then, witnesses were escorted into the grand hall, accompanied by the judges of the Ocean Court. The Sovereign's words seemed to disregard the judges' authority entirely, causing much confusion.

A subtle smile played on the Sovereign's lips as he quietly commanded, "Bring forth the mages."

A collective "Hmm?" rippled through the crowd, deepening their bewilderment.

The hall doors creaked open once more, revealing figures clad in traditional mage robes who entered, offering a bow to the Sovereign.

"Sovereign!" they declared in unison.

The sight of these robed figures and the palpable aura they exuded sent a wave of shock through everyone. The air around them was thick with magical energy, leaving no doubt that they were indeed mages.

Sovereign Lanyun hummed softly before calmly stating, "Fortunately, I was able to locate these mage witnesses. Through both emotional and rational persuasion, they have agreed to testify on behalf of the Lanyun Sea Country."

He then addressed the mages, "Now, inform everyone here how Kong Huaao approached you and convinced you to conspire with him in creating chaos within Lanyun Sea Country!"

Several mages bowed and smiled, preparing to recount their story. However, Zhao Chenlin's stern voice cut through the air: "How can individuals accused of crimes serve as credible witnesses? Their testimonies are hardly qualified for notarization!"

"Oh?" Sovereign Lanyun offered a faint smile, his cold gaze settling upon Zhao Chenlin and Fang Yu's group. He declared, "My word makes them so, and so they shall be!"

These pronouncements sent a chill down Fang Yu and the others' spines, a grim premonition settling in their hearts.

"Are you disregarding the Ocean Court's judgment?" a judge from the Ocean Court stepped forward, her brow furrowed as she confronted Sovereign Lanyun.

"The Ocean Court's ruling?" Sovereign Lanyun slowly closed his eyes, his voice a soft murmur. "As the sovereign of this nation, my rank and cultivation far surpass yours. Why, then, should I be bound by your rulings?"

"Why should the destiny of the Lanyun Sea Country be dictated by your whims?" he continued, his voice rising. "Today, Fang Yu and Kong Huaao are declared guilty, and guilty they shall remain!"

"Their execution is necessary to appease the public's righteous anger. Following their demise, I shall personally lead an assault upon the Duorong Federation."

His gaze turned sharp as he looked at the assembled judges: "As for all of you... the Ocean Court is merely a makeshift alliance of various sea nations. Do you truly believe yourselves superior, daring to issue commands in my presence?"

"If you cross me, you will perish here alongside Fang Yu and his cohorts."

With the Sovereign's final words, a resounding boom echoed through the chamber. The entire congressional palace was suddenly enveloped within a strange, isolated dimension.

Moments later, the Congress Guard army and formidable sea vessels descended from the void, forming a suffocating blockade around Fang Yu, Zhao Chenlin, and their companions. Powerful auras converged, creating an oppressive pressure that bore down on the assembled group.

From a nearby vantage point, figures draped in mage robes materialized silently. Their hands crackled with elemental energy, and a palpable killing intent radiated from them as they fixed their gazes upon Fang Yu and his allies.

Through the swirling chaos, Fang Yu caught a glimpse of a two-headed figure at the rear of the approaching army, its sinister, icy gaze fixed upon them all.

"Very well, commence the operation," the Sovereign's voice commanded softly. "Ensure Fang Yu and Kong Huaao are taken alive, and try to keep the scene... presentable. Their bodies, afterwards, will be put on display as a public spectacle."