CHAPTER 34: 34 I SUSPECT YOU HAVE FALLEN!

Has someone been harmed, and does Herbert, as the prime suspect, need to explain to everyone that he has been wronged?

Logically, yes, he should.

However, there are many ways to explain.

Cooperating honestly and proactively providing evidence is one way, and also the most secure approach.

But that’s not what Herbert would choose.

He doesn’t need, nor can he afford, to waste his breath begging others to believe him.

It’s too humble and too passive, completely putting one’s fate in the hands of others to toy with.

This world has too many people who don’t care how many bowls of noodles Six Ate, they just want to see Six open his stomach.

Herbert, with so many secrets on him, absolutely cannot hand over the initiative to others.

He can’t risk it.

The Ascetics might be on the side of justice, but not everyone harbors good intentions.

Therefore, Herbert chose to take the initiative.

Aren’t you suspicious of me?

Fine.

Then I will prove it to you, let you see my "innocence"!

Thus, he raised his hand.

When the Holy Mark, symbolizing "purity," shone in the grand hall of the Judgement Hall, all suspicions and accusations would collapse without effort.

Herbert didn’t speak the words, but everyone could read the unspoken meaning in his calm yet mockingly sarcastic gaze:

Come, take a look.

Widen your dog eyes, take a look!

Take a look, am I the Desecrator you claim I am!?

Especially accompanied by that calm questioning at the end, the lethality was tremendous, plunging the entire hall into an uproar.

But that was not the end.

One cannot become complacent when at an advantage, delivering the finale in one go is the truth.

Important things are said three times — strike again! Strike again! Strike again!

Herbert looked at the two reporters who were stiffened by the Holy Mark and pursued the questions:

"Are you suggesting that even He has fallen to become an Evil God?"

Herbert stared at the two seriously, speaking in a heavy tone: "If that’s the case... then I suspect you have been beguiled by the Evil God."

"I suspect you have become Fallen!"

And this, this was the real trump card.

Since you plan to place me in an unjust position, don’t blame me for being harsh.

You doubt my purity, so I’ll directly question whether your faith is pure!

Since ancient times, only magic can counteract magic.

Then come on.

A magic showdown!

Ivanka, Jeffs: !!?

The two who had suddenly been accused of being Fallens panicked on the spot, hastily trying to explain themselves:

"Wait! What nonsense are you talking about!!?"

"I’m not beguiled! Let alone fallen!"

No matter what they said, Herbert no longer responded, just silently watching them — as if cautiously observing Fallen.

Herbert made his stance clear:

It’s okay that you doubt me, I don’t care.

But you’re doubting the Divine Spirit that blessed me — that I cannot tolerate!

"..."

The originally noisy hall was completely silent, leaving only their voices trying to defend themselves echoing incessantly.

Becoming increasingly anxious, increasingly tense.

"Wait! Believe me! I really haven’t been beguiled!"

"Why are you... why aren’t you helping us explain!?"

Everyone’s expressions slightly changed, many averted their gaze, ignoring their words, trying to hide themselves.

Actions speak louder than words.

Could there be such a case — "a Paladin blessed by the Divine Spirit, yet secretly a Desecrator" happening?

Impossible.

The very idea of suspecting this is inherently a doubt and great insult to the Divine Spirit!

This is the real desecration.

So, what is the truth... no further proof is needed.

Herbert is truly innocent.

He was framed!

As for Ivanka and the others, most Cultivators still believe they merely accused the wrong person and did not become the "Fallen" Herbert accused them of being.

There may be some misunderstanding.

However, clearly, those being misunderstood do not intend to let them off so easily.

In the end, most turned their gaze silently toward the Punishment Nuns on the high platform, hoping Kaplan the High Priest could manage the chaos at hand.

In this world, where there happen to be slightly more goddess figures, women can also serve as High Priests.

"..."

From beginning to end, Kaplan watched silently, her expression unwavering.

Finally, when Ivanka and the two realized the key point, also looking to her, she slowly shook her head and said calmly:

"Fellow Colleagues, Herbert has proven his purity, he is not a Desecrator, and there is no need to discuss this further."

She directly concluded the topic, giving a definitive judgment on the matter.

Then, Kaplan looked at the two who still appeared flustered and slowly asked:

"And you... Ivanka, Jeffs, do you have anything to explain?"

The same words, the same calmness, yet the identity of those being questioned quietly shifted.

At this point, the two had calmed a bit, knowing the matter would not be easily accepted, yet could only courageously explain.

"High Priest, I’m, I’m truly innocent! I absolutely didn’t mean to doubt him, it’s just he did appear there!"

"Me! Me too, please, you must believe us!"

Kaplan looked at them seriously, her eyes glowing with a golden light, and after scrutinizing for a while, nodded.

"Indeed, I don’t see any trace of lying..."

In the Judgement Hall, the Punishment Nuns possess special abilities, effectively equivalent to a permanent truth-detection spell in their eyes.

Upon hearing this, Ivanka and the two’s expressions lit up with joy, just about to breathe a sigh of relief, but Kaplan switched her words, continuing:

"But we cannot be careless, the two of you first go to the Confession Pool for baptism, if proven not falling, then proceed to the interrogation room where I’ll personally examine you."

Ah this...

Upon hearing this, both were stunned, the smiles that had finally appeared twisted away.

Going through the Confession Pool, then to the interrogation room in the Judgement Hall, and personally examined by the High Priest...either way, they’re in for a rough ride.

After announcing the lucky duo’s fate, Kaplan didn’t hold back in directly asking Herbert, "Herbert, are you satisfied with this outcome?"

Upon hearing this, the previously strong-willed youth immediately lowered his head, respectfully saying, "I abide by the High Priest’s arrangement."

Kaplan hadn’t asked if he accepted it, but directly asked if he was satisfied, which was almost like asking if his anger had dissipated openly.

In essence, the punishment for Ivanka and the others was a compensation for Herbert’s wrongful accusation.

The High Priest had already given face, handling the matter on the spot instead of saying anything about an internal investigation and letting you go home to wait for notification.

A step down was offered, so one must take it.

What could Herbert say in response?

Of course, only gladly accept it.

Moreover, Herbert wouldn’t tell everyone his original thoughts.

Actually, he really hadn’t thought much, just wanted to put the two in confinement for a bit... ahem.

Whatever the case, he profited!