Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

Zachary's revelation brought about howls of protests from the crowd because he implied that someone else was responsible for the Welkin Sect's obliteration.

"It is a known fact that this disciple named Zachary Zi was the primary suspect in the demolition of the Welkin Sect. Plus, I heard that he was also the perpetrator of the Zi Clan's massacre, including his father's death."

"That case was already closed, and the evidence pointing to him was substantial."

"What does this guy have to do with that Zachary guy? Why is he speaking on his behalf?"

For a moment, the entire square was in turmoil, and everyone began to discuss it in subdued tone. It was evident that Zachary's words dropped like a massive bomb, creating a considerable stir.

"I'm sure you must all be baffled and couldn't stop wondering why I'm bringing up what happened back then. What I'm about to tell you next is my true identity. Harley is not my real name. I am..." Zachary took off his bamboo hat. Then, he slowly took off his Thousand-Face Mask and eventually exposed his real face.

Most of the people in attendance gaped at Zachary in astonishment. Those who knew him well seemed more disconcerted than others, which included Elva. None of them had prepared for this unheralded turn of events that Harley, who had just won the Imperial Level Warrior Contest and reached the Sage Level, was actually Zachary.

"So he is Zachary." Even Barney and other luminaries of Celestial College looked stupefied. Without a doubt, the events unfolding before them were too melodramatic.

'Zachary, a convicted felon, has changed his identity and made a name for himself in the Supernal Continent. If he kept on with his disguise, he would have attained much bigger things. However, he had revealed who he is before so many people. It takes a lot of courage to make such a big decision,' they thought to themselves.

"What did he say? Did he confess that he is Zachary?"

"No freaking way! How could he be Zachary?"

"What on earth is going on? This is ridiculous!"

Soon, the entire square had become chaotic. It was apparent that Zachary's disclosure of his true identity made the crowd more perplexed.

"Why is he still alive? Didn't Warren say that he died? Was he liable for Warren's death and the Blazing Lodge's destruction?" Armand looked more appalled than anyone else. He never second-guessed how fortunate Zachary was to have pulled through it all. Also

t. Although they were arrogant and dauntless, they had no guts to mess with Katrina.

Armand's face darkened. Shifting his attention to Katrina, he asked at once, "Master Katrina, are you trying to defend this wanted criminal?"

"Defend the criminal? Armand, how confident are you that he is a murderer?" Katrina put forward.

Armand's body shook in anxiety. He then realized that Katrina was taking Zachary's side. It was not until this time that did he realize that Zachary was able to pull in Katrina to help him out.

"Dean Barney, with all due respect, the criminal who murdered the Welkin Sect is here. You should bring him to justice. As the dean of Celestial College, you should have your judgment. You must never trust a wanted criminal." Armand looked at Barney. 'The only way to suppress Katrina is to have the dean on board,' he contemplated to himself.

Simultaneously, Katrina also turned to Barney. Since he was the Celestial College's dean, people respected him, and his words would have a considerable influence.

Barney was in a quandary. But he understood right away what Katrina had said to him before about asking for a favor. 'If I speak up for Zachary's well-being and have his back, there's a possibility that he would walk away scot-free and go back to Celestial College. That would be a good thing for us both. But the evidence against Zachary that time was rock solid. It's still doubtful if Zachary could clear up his name. Granted, I support Zachary. What would happen next if he failed to prove his innocence? People might throw the blame at me! What should I do?' Barney pondered with a frown.