Ma Dongshu, oblivious to the thoughts consuming Qiao Xiaomai, continued to peddle the mystique and potency of his Truth Elixir with an ethereal voice, as though running a religious sermon under the glaring sun.
All present, except for Qiao Xiaomai, showed expressions of awe and fear.
Being a revered emissary from the central authority, Ma Dongshu, commanded a certain fear among the villagers.
When he brought out something of legend and intentionally built up an air of mystique, the villagers hung onto his every word.
"Today, since everyone is asserting their own truth, we will use the Truth Elixir to test their honesty. If what Qiao Chang'an said is the truth, it means Qiao Changkang slandered him by getting him drunk and damaging his reputation. He should be punished."
If what Qiao Changkang said is true, that Qiao Chang'an caused Qiao Xiaomai to break his leg, he should be duly punished."
"How about it? Qiao Chang'an, Qiao Changkang, dare you consume it?"