Chapter 179: Holy Light Condemnation

"Miss Eileen seems quite unhappy, doesn't she?"

Phoenix Lady looked earnestly at the nearly twisted face of the Holy Light envoy, "Please calm your anger, Miss Eileen—everyone, please speak up for Lord Redwood too, beg the Holy Light envoy for a minor punishment, don't just let me plead alone."

The other guests didn't really understand what was going on; they only knew that the Redwood family and the Firebird family were mortal enemies. They found it incredible that Phoenix Lady suddenly intervened to plead for her archenemy. But recalling the way Phoenix Lady had thrown her cup and her words, they dared not oppose Phoenix Lady's wishes, and they all began to plead with Eileen to "impose a light punishment."

However, there were some astute guests who sensed something was amiss. They realized that while Phoenix Lady appeared to be pleading on behalf of the Redwood patriarch, she was actually pushing the Redwood patriarch further into the fire. If they helped Phoenix Lady, they would offend the Redwood family; if they did not help, there would be no good outcome, so they pretended to be drunk, slumped messily on the table, and fell into a deep sleep.

The anger of Holy Light envoy Eileen was quite apparent, so much so that even the drunken guests could feel the stormy mood gathering over her head, ready to burst at any moment.

How could she raise her hand against her own father?

Her gaze shifted to Phoenix Lady's face, and through gritted teeth, she said, "Hmm, Phoenix Lady is really kind."

The Redwood patriarch knew that Phoenix Lady's intention was not to humiliate him and Eileen but to expose their secret father-daughter relationship. Once exposed, the Redwood family's reputation would be completely ruined.

With this in mind, he quickly left his seat and knelt before the woman who was both a Holy Light envoy and his daughter, "Holy Light envoy Your Excellency, our Redwood family has failed the grace of Holy Light, having lost the Holy Light artifact, please allow envoy Your Excellency to decree the punishment!"

He deliberately emphasized "Holy Light envoy" and "Redwood family," hoping his daughter would consider the bigger picture.

How could Eileen not understand her father's deep intentions? But the more she understood, the more her heart ached as if it were being twisted by a knife, and a cluster of Palm Thunder naturally formed in her hand. Palm Thunder, a magic bright enough to dazzle the eyes, converts Spiritual Energy into lightning that strikes from the palm, attacking targets automatically and is hard to evade. Once Eileen used Palm Thunder, with her level of Spiritual Energy, she could definitely blow off half of the banquet hall's roof—

It seemed that the Holy Light envoy was genuinely angered. Lady Spring Rain's heart twisted in conflict; she did not understand the true nature of the situation, so she hoped neither Eileen nor Phoenix Lady would get hurt.

Rayan, however, was hoping that Eileen would blow up the banquet hall; if Phoenix Lady was destroyed in the process, even better—not that he was unkind to women, but he had seen Phoenix Lady's tactics clearly, and her proficiency in the game of power was not something a novice like him could confront alone.

But just as the Palm Thunder magic was condensing in Eileen's hand, Firebird guard Captain Imperius immediately stepped forward, using his body to shield Phoenix Lady, his spear instantly covered with orange Battle Qi.

"Holy Light envoy Your Excellency, please be mindful of your actions."

Such words, coming from the mouth of a family war group's captain, seemed presumptuous, but Imperius's face was as resolute as iron wire, showing no fear.

Marquis Hart was startled by the escalating tension and hurriedly stepped back. But as he turned, he saw Phoenix Lady staring at him with a stern look, and he could only shrink back, standing stiffly in place.

"Humph, an old dog trying to show off?" Eileen was infuriated by Imperius's poor attitude.

"Even old dogs have a few teeth."

Imperius pushed his Battle Qi to the limit, "Would Your Excellency like to try?"

"Step back! Do not disrespect Holy Light envoy Your Excellency!"

Phoenix Lady waved Imperius to back off.

Imperius retreated respectfully, but his hostile gaze, like a leopard watching its prey, did not leave Eileen for a moment.

"My old dog doesn't know better, Miss Eileen, please don't stoop to arguing with a dog."

Phoenix Lady gave a faint smile to the Holy Light envoy, "Miss Eileen, if you are angry, bomb whatever you like, just pretend this place isn't the Firebird family, but your own home. As long as Miss Eileen can cool down, we can discuss not using Palm Thunder on Redwood patriarch, and everything can be negotiated."

Eileen's rage was boiling, but being a seasoned and experienced person, she knew that even if she released her Palm Thunder, Imperius would bravely block it. And not only could she not kill Phoenix Lady, but she would also solidify the charge of attacking Phoenix Lady. She suppressed the anger in her heart, allowing the Palm Thunder to slowly dissipate between her fingers.

"Kiana—thank you for your advice, I will definitely remember today."

Eileen's expression gradually returned to normal, emphasizing, "I definitely will."

Phoenix Lady did not mind being addressed by name, she responded with a smile, "Just thinking that a great sorceress would remember my birthday makes Kiana feel especially honored. Of course, I understand the Holy Light envoy's anger, after all, the Redwood patriarch lost the Holy Light artifact under your watch. If it were me, I would feel guilty towards Holy Light too, but that's exactly why I urge you once more to go easy on Redwood patriarch. Honestly, he's old and doesn't have many years left, please don't let this punishment..."

"Enough!"

Eileen really didn't want to listen any longer; she twisted her body to face Redwood patriarch kneeling in the center of the banquet hall, and asked sternly, "Redwood patriarch, having lost the Holy Light artifact, do you... do you acknowledge your guilt!?"

Redwood patriarch sighed deeply, his face showing a calm acceptance, "envoy Your Excellency, I acknowledge my guilt, and I am willing to accept any punishment."

Eileen bit her lip, trembling as she raised her hand—she was not a kind-hearted person, but poisoning Trevor was one thing, and striking her own father was another.

"Please proceed, envoy Your Excellency."

Redwood patriarch looked up at his daughter, his cloudy eyes filled with encouragement, reminding Eileen of the first time she used magic and her father's encouragement...

Just as she held her breath, finally resolving to let her hand fall, Phoenix Lady's unhurried voice came from behind:

"Wait—"

Eileen angrily turned her head, staring directly at Phoenix Lady's languid face, "Kiana! What else do you have to say? Are you trying to obstruct Holy Light's punishment?"

"How could Kiana dare?"

Phoenix Lady smiled faintly, "I just happened to see Black Armor Commander Trevor also present; he is an expert in punishment. Perhaps we should hear his opinion, to avoid Miss Eileen being too harsh—I'm also considering you and Redwood patriarch here."

Eileen snorted coldly from her nose, knowing Phoenix Lady was up to her tricks again, yet had no reason to refuse. "Then please, Lord Trevor."

Trevor had been standing in the furthest corner, coldly observing everything, trying to avoid being caught in this turbulent power struggle, but ultimately, he was pushed to the forefront.

All eyes were on him, his face as rugged as if chiseled with a knife, feeling like a cornered rat, he had no choice but to step out from the corner and stand in front of Phoenix Lady.

With a slight bow, Trevor spoke, "According to the law, those who steal a Holy Light artifact should be considered heretics and subjected to burning at the stake, while the owners of the Holy Light artifact bear joint liability, to be punished by the Holy Light Sisterhood depending on the severity of the case."

"Oh?"

Phoenix Lady said with interest, "In the current situation, what should be the specific standard of punishment?"

"Redwood patriarch is old, and it also happens to be Phoenix Lady's birthday, and with Phoenix Lady pleading, it qualifies for a lighter punishment."

Trevor knew full well that Redwood patriarch and Eileen were out to poison him, yet he still handled the situation impartially, without personal vendetta. His face was as solid as rock, his voice as flinty as flint. "Miss Eileen should impose Holy Light condemnation on Redwood patriarch."

Eileen's body trembled as if struck by lightning.

Holy Light condemnation is a punishment specifically for those who disrespect Holy Light but also show repentance. Among the various punishments of the Holy Light Sisterhood, Holy Light condemnation is not considered severe, simply causing the punished to endure seventy-seven days of excruciating pain through magic, which no medicine can alleviate. Though not fatal and even without visible injuries, it is undoubtedly a prolonged torment.

"Since even the commander says so, then please, Holy Light envoy Your Excellency, proceed with the punishment quickly. I am grateful for merely receiving the Holy Light condemnation for losing the Holy Light artifact."

Eileen could only raise her hand, the magic of "Holy Light condemnation" condensing on her palm, emitting a pure white light, even she herself was slightly dazzled by it.

Fortunately, with her strength, she could control the intensity of the punishment, thereby reducing the pain to a minimum. But even so, it was uncertain whether Redwood patriarch's body could withstand it—

Phoenix Lady urged with a smile, "Miss Eileen, please hurry up, everyone is waiting for you to continue the banquet."

Eileen let out a low growl, the white glow immediately struck Redwood patriarch's body. Redwood patriarch groaned in pain as if struck by a heavy punch to the abdomen, enduring the pain for the sake of his family's dignity, he struggled to keep from collapsing at the Firebird family's banquet.

"The punishment is completed."

Eileen's tone of voice had completely changed: "I hope Lord Redwood remembers this... lesson."