Chapter 57: Exposing The Truth
Sect Leader Tang was momentarily stunned by the question, pausing for a moment before waving his hand and summoning someone to fetch her.
Not long after, Tang Lan’er, dressed in a peach-colored martial attire, entered the grand hall with her escort. She now carried herself with the demeanor of a Young Sect Leader, looking serious as she brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead, her gaze met Luo Jinxiao’s.
Luo Jinxiao was secretly pleased. In truth, whether Tang Lan’er came or not didn’t really matter, but her presence made things more interesting.
“Young Sect Leader Tang was also present when Huai Shan and Huai Yu were rescued that day. May I ask, did you see any demonic energy emanating from my Junior Shishu?” Luo Jinxiao inquired.
Tang Lan’er’s eyes flickered, instantly understanding the reason behind Luo Jinxiao’s intention. She shot Luo Jinxiao a sharp glare but still answered aloud, “I did not.”
Upon hearing this, the onlookers who had been silently observing began to exchange glances.
“Then, when you were captured and brought into the demon realm, were they still conscious?”
Tang Lan’er scoffed at the question. She looked at Huai Shan and Huai Yu with disdain. “Conscious? The two of them nearly died in that tower. I was the one who kept them alive. How could they have been conscious?”
Huai Shan and Huai Yu’s expressions grew even more panicked. They hurriedly pleaded with Qu Chengzhou, “Elder Qu, everything we said is true.”
The situation became even more confusing. The various sect leaders who had initially believed Huai Shan and Huai Yu began to whisper amongst themselves.
The darkness in Qu Chengzhou’s eyes deepened. He stared fiercely at Luo Jinxiao.
“However, to verify the truth, Clan Leader Qu, please allow us to check if you have demonic energy. That would resolve everything. We’ve all traveled far to be here; let’s not make this too embarrassing.” The Sect Leader of the Shengsi Sect said with a gentle smile.
“Embarrassing?” Luo Jinxiao remained firmly in front of Qu Weiyin, ignoring her gaze as she turned to look at Qu Chengzhou.
“Then allow me to show everyone what true embarrassment looks like.”
“Luo Jinxiao, what are you planning to do?” Qu Chengzhou finally spoke.
“Nothing much, just showing everyone something.” Luo Jinxiao chuckled mischievously and snapped her fingers. A small talisman appeared at her fingertips.
“What is that? I’ve never seen it before.” Someone asked from the side.
“This, I developed it in a dream.” As Luo Jinxiao spoke, the talisman suddenly emitted a golden light, a soft glow like a candle illuminating the ceiling of the grand hall.
Within the soft light, tiny droplets of water mist appeared, gathering together and gradually taking shape. It was a magnificent and brightly lit grand hall, with a gold-inlaid throne standing high above.
Qu Chengzhou’s pupils instantly constricted. He took a few steps forward, reaching out to stop Luo Jinxiao, but Qu Weiyin raised her hand and forced him back.
Qu Weiyin looked equally shocked, staring at Luo Jinxiao’s profile with a thousand emotions swirling in her eyes.
The murmurs within the Wuhui Palace grew louder, and the disciples outside also pushed forward, wanting to see what was happening.
Although the image was blurry, it was still possible to see Qu Chengzhou standing in the center.
“Did you capture her?”
“Yes, that Qu Weiyin always protects her. It wasn’t easy to catch her quietly.”
“Qu Weiyin, I’ve wanted to get rid of her for so long. She caused me to lose the position of Clan Leader. Once I succeed in cultivating the secret technique, she will be the first I dispose of!”
The sudden turn of events left everyone speechless. The grand hall fell silent, and even the sound of breathing could be heard.
Suddenly, the Qu Chengzhou in the image reached out, and a terrifying cackle echoed through the air. Where there had once been a person bound on the ground, only a dried corpse remained.
“It’s Ke Xiu! It’s Ke Xiu!” Elder He pointed at the image above, shouting in shock.
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. No one had expected to witness such a scene. The disciples outside, upon hearing the news, some screamed, some wept, and chaos erupted.
“Elder Qu, is this embarrassing enough?” Luo Jinxiao’s voice cut through the commotion. She spoke each word with fierce intensity.
Seeing his scheme exposed, Qu Chengzhou lost his composure. He angrily rushed forward, his oppressive aura engulfing Luo Jinxiao. Suddenly, a burst of golden spiritual energy exploded, sending him staggering back in a pathetic state.
Qu Weiyin stood protectively beside Luo Jinxiao, her phoenix eyes cold and sharp.
“Luo Jinxiao, explain to me, where did this come from?” Qu Weiyin’s voice held an unprecedented urgency and seriousness.
Upon hearing this, Luo Jinxiao’s expression shifted to one of guilt. She averted her gaze, unable to meet Qu Weiyin’s eyes.
“Did you risk your life again?” Qu Weiyin gripped Luo Jinxiao’s shoulder, pulling her back and forcing her to face her.
“I didn’t…” Luo Jinxiao’s voice trailed off, diminishing into a barely audible whisper.
She hadn’t dared to tell Qu Weiyin before, fearing her anger. She knew Qu Weiyin would blame her, so she thought it better to resolve the situation first, hoping it might lessen her anger.
However, judging by the current situation, Qu Weiyin was still furious.
“Junior Shishu, I just wanted to help you.” Luo Jinxiao bit her lip, her head lowered pitifully.
“You don’t need to risk your life to help me. If you don’t come back, what good is your help to me?!” Qu Weiyin’s grip tightened, causing Luo Jinxiao’s shoulder to ache. “Luo Jinxiao, you are truly foolish.”
She hadn’t breathed a word of it to Luo Jinxiao, precisely to avoid dragging her into this mess. But now, not only had Luo Jinxiao gotten involved, she had done so behind her back.
Qu Weiyin was simultaneously angry and heartbroken.
“Step aside.” Qu Weiyin finally sighed, pushing Luo Jinxiao towards the corner. She then turned to face Qu Chengzhou, whose face had turned a sickly shade of purple.
“Elder Qu, Uncle Qu, since the truth is now clear, it’s time we settled our old scores.” Her red lips parted slightly, her phoenix eyes brimming with killing intent.
“Elder Liu, if you please.” She said.
The door opened once more, and Elder Liu entered with a brisk stride, his hands clasped behind his back. He carried with him the chill of late autumn as he came to a stop beside Qu Weiyin.
“You girl, making this elder run back and forth with his aging limbs.” He frowned, his expression filled with displeasure.
The situation was a series of escalating events. The elders and sect leaders present had become mere spectators, unsure where to even look.
“Liu Changxu?” Qu Chengzhou gritted his teeth.
“Long time no see.” Elder Liu responded casually. With a flick of his sleeve, several figures appeared on the ground, all bound and unconscious.
“They are all disciples of the Wuhui Sect!” Elder Mei exclaimed, quickly crouching down to check their breathing. “They are still alive. Elder Liu, where did you find them?”
“Elder Qu’s… underground palace.” Elder Liu stroked his beard, his eyebrows raised.
