"Weren't you asking for evidence just now?" Billy glanced at the three of them before continuing, "Casey, show them the evidence."
"Yes!" Casey replied loudly.
"No, really, there's no need..." Blaze Holmes hurriedly interjected.
Could they even bear to look at the evidence? The answer was obvious! One look and it would implicate thousands of people from the Holmes Clan. Would they dare to look?
"Commander Gardner, may I have a word with you?" Cole Wilson turned to Billy.
"General Wilson, what's the matter?" Billy narrowed his eyes slightly.
"There is indeed something," Cole Wilson responded. "May I have two minutes of your time?"
"Sure." Billy said after a moment of thought and walked aside with Cole Wilson.
They returned a short while later, both wearing neutral expressions.
"Commander Gardner..." Harlan looked at Billy with a solemn expression.
The fate of over a thousand members of the Holmes Clan now hung in the balance, dependent on Billy's decision.
"Brute Holmes, in collusion with others, plotted to harm a thousand soldiers of the War Department, an unforgivable crime punishable by death!" Billy interrupted Harlan.
"Blaze Holmes, Avery Holmes, as accomplices, your lives can be spared, but your cultivation will be crippled!" he continued.
"The Holmes Clan must pay a fine of ten billion and hand it over to the War Department as punishment for this matter!"
"In addition, disclose the names of any members of other noble clans involved in this incident."
"With these four conditions, this matter will be concluded."
Hearing Billy's words, Harlan breathed a sigh of relief. While complying with these four conditions meant essentially withdrawing from the noble clan hierarchy, it was far better than total annihilation. Without overthinking it, he immediately knelt before Billy. "Thank you, Commander Gardner!"
"Harlan, you..." Blaze Holmes's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He could easily deduce that Harlan must have reached some agreement with Cole Wilson to secure this outcome. Undoubtedly, the price paid was significant, possibly even Harlan's own future.
"Grandfather, please thank Commander Gardner!" Harlan interrupted his grandfather.
"Thank... thank you, Commander Gardner." Blaze Holmes took a deep breath and bowed to Billy. Given the current situation, he knew that this was the best outcome the Holmes Clan could hope for. If they continued to resist, there might be unexpected consequences. He continued, "Commander Gardner, my younger brother planned this with my consent. I am willing to die in his place. Please grant my request."
"Blaze, no!" Brute Holmes exclaimed. "The Holmes family cannot lose you. With my life, I will exchange for the peace of the family. It's worth it!"
With a twist of his eyes, Brute Holmes coughed up a mouthful of blood, and a burst of blood mist erupted from his heart.
"Brute!"
"Uncle Brute!"
"...!"
The members of the Holmes Clan all cried out simultaneously.
"General Wilson, the rest is up to you," Billy said to Cole Wilson. "Including those from the other two noble clans involved, they must die."
"Don't worry, none of them will escape," Cole replied solemnly. This matter was not just about the Army of Bloodshadow; it involved the War Department as well, and he had a clear responsibility.
"Thank you!" Billy nodded slightly. "I'll take my leave now."
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more pages please...
more pages please...