Great Xia: At the start, summon the Net of Heaven to suppress the martial arts world.

Outside the execution ground, a magnificent white dragon carriage, exuding a faint fragrance, slowly came to a stop.

The carriage door opened slightly, and the imposing Xia Taige, with Zhao Gao's careful assistance, slowly stepped down from the carriage.

Xia Taige was dressed in a white brocade robe embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, and a belt inlaid with gemstones was tied around her waist, making her look even more noble and extraordinary.

Just then, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, leading a large number of officials from the Court of Judicial Review, was already waiting there.

They stood in neat rows beside the carriage, each with a solemn and respectful expression.

Upon seeing Xia Taige alight from his carriage, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review dared not delay in the slightest. He hurriedly led the group of officials behind him forward, uniformly clasped their hands in salute, and loudly proclaimed:

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Xuan!"

The voice was loud and clear, resounding throughout the entire execution ground.

Xia Taige's gaze swept over the crowd, a gentle smile appearing on his lips, as he walked steadily forward.

Upon reaching the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he bowed slightly, respectfully cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, and spoke in a slow, courteous voice:

"Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, you are too kind! I have come here today to express my sincere gratitude to you."

Then, he raised his head, looked sincerely into the other person's eyes, and continued:

"The matter of the Zhenwu Division has truly troubled you and your colleagues at the Dali Temple with your efforts and caused you a great deal of trouble!"

After saying this, Xia Taige nodded deeply to the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and everyone present to express his gratitude and respect.

The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review hurriedly returned the greeting, responding with trepidation:

"Your Highness is too kind! Adjudicating cases and judging sentences is the duty of us at the Dali Temple. How could we dare to say it is 'trouble'?"

"Moreover, the fact that Chu Tianhe of Qingyang Sect dared to be so cruel and ruthless, slaughtering the entire family of the Prefect of Changde Prefecture without leaving a single one alive, has spread far and wide, and everyone knows about his evil deeds!"

"Whether from a moral or legal standpoint, this case must be severely punished. If it is only dealt with lightly, once the news gets out, who will protect the lives and property of us officials in the future?"

Xia Taige smiled and nodded upon hearing this, then turned to look at Hei Bai Xuan Jian and instructed him:

"The security around the execution ground must be well guaranteed; we must not be careless and allow anyone to take advantage of the situation!"

It's better to be safe than sorry; no one can guarantee that there won't be any reckless individuals who dare to disrupt the execution ground.

Hei Bai Xuan Jian crossed his arms and nodded firmly, replying, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will certainly not let you down and will ensure that the execution ground is safe and sound."

Her figure was tall and straight, like a majestic and indestructible fortress, standing firmly there.

Every line exudes fortitude and strength, giving people a sense of invincibility and inspiring awe and a sense of security.

In terms of strength, Hei Bai Xuan Jian is definitely a top-tier expert.

Looking at the entire Zhenwu Division, perhaps no one can rival him except Zhao Gao.

It is like a tiger lurking in the darkness; once it strikes, it will be unstoppable.

With him in charge, any potential changes can be easily resolved, as reliable as a pillar of stability in a storm.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review turned his gaze to the unfathomable Black and White Xuanjian before him. He could see that the Xuanjian's aura was distant and profound, and he could not discern the slightest bit of strength he possessed.

He couldn't help but marvel inwardly. The Zhenwu Division was indeed a gathering place for masters. Seeing it today, it truly lived up to its reputation!

Just then, the faint sound of horses' hooves came from afar.

Everyone turned to look, and saw a huge procession gradually coming into their field of vision.

This procession stretched out like a dragon, vast and mighty, with no end in sight.

The leader was none other than Yan Ri, who was leading his men and many elites from the Qingyang Sect, traveling day and night, and had finally arrived in the capital.

In the blink of an eye, Yan Ri and his group arrived before them.

The soldiers of the Zhenwu Division nimbly dismounted, their movements perfectly synchronized. They then clasped their hands in a respectful salute and said:

"Your Highness, we have returned from your mission to Changde Prefecture to apprehend the Qingyang Gate's most wanted criminal, and we have come to report back to you!"

Hearing this, Xia Taige nodded slightly in response. His gentle yet magnetic voice rang out:

"The journey was long and arduous, and you must have encountered many difficulties and obstacles along the way. It is truly commendable that you all managed to complete your mission and return safely!"

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the people who had come to report, his eyes filled with admiration.

Immediately afterwards, Xia Taige's expression turned serious as he looked at Hei Bai Xuan Jian and calmly issued the order:

"Send men to escort the Qingyang Sect's most wanted criminals to the execution ground to await sentencing and execution by the Dali Temple!"

Upon hearing the order, Hei Bai Xuan Jian, who was standing to the side, moved immediately, cupped his hands, and replied, "Yes, sir!"

On the scene, the members of the Zhenwu Division acted swiftly, like a group of emotionless machines.

Seeing the Qingyang Sect members howling and struggling for mercy before them, the Zhenwu Division's elite troops ignored them and strictly followed orders, demonstrating extremely high discipline and execution.

Xia Taige's sharp, hawk-like gaze slowly swept over the group of heinous criminals before him.

Among these people, one figure stood out and instantly caught Xia Taige's attention.

The man's clothes were tattered, as if he had been through countless fierce battles and cruel tortures, and he looked extremely disheveled.

Surprisingly, despite being in such a predicament, there was not a trace of fear on his face.

On the contrary, he faced the impending life-or-death calamity with a calm and composed expression, as if he had long since taken a detached view of the impermanence of life and death in the world.

This calm and composed attitude stood in stark contrast to the panicked and disgraceful Qingyang Sect members around him.

Some people in the crowd were deathly pale and trembling uncontrollably.

Some closed their eyes tightly and muttered incantations, seemingly praying for divine protection;

Some had even collapsed to the ground, completely losing the courage to resist.

Seeing this, Xia Taige didn't need to think much to determine that this person was none other than Chu Tianhe, the sect leader of Qingyang Sect.

As the only Grandmaster-level expert in the Qingyang Sect, how could he possess such a resolute mind if he had not already broken through the barrier between life and death?

It is important to understand that the most crucial factor in advancing from the Innate Realm to the Grandmaster Realm is not the accumulation of skill, but the breakthrough in one's state of mind.

The vast majority of martial artists are trapped in the Innate Realm throughout their lives, unable to cross that seemingly close yet unattainable chasm.

The reason for this is that they cannot escape their fear of death and cannot truly understand the essence of life and death.

Xia Taige couldn't help but shake his head slightly, sighing inwardly.

Knowing full well that Chu Tianhe was a truly remarkable person, willing to sacrifice the entire sect for his own selfish desires.