The Traitor's Actions

"My knowledge is limited, and my information is scarce; this is merely a guess.

Assuming Ruan Dong was murdered, and the killer intended to direct the Golden Cauldron Sect's animosity towards me, then two things are certain.

First, he knew about my sword fight with Ruan Dong, perhaps he was even a witness. Seeing Ruan Dong leave in anger and despair, he conceived a wicked plan and harbored murderous intent.

Second, finding Ruan Dong's whereabouts in the vast Shalu Mountain was no mere coincidence. It's highly probable that the killer followed Ruan Dong after he left the arena.

This guess is also based on the first point; because it wasn't premeditated, he wouldn't have been constantly monitoring Ruan Dong's movements. Following Ruan Dong after the match aligns with the second guess.

This is all I can think of."

Duàn Yì had already formed his thoughts, and when asked by Bái Xī Wén, he organized his words and slowly spoke them.

However, his words caused the expressions of the Golden Cauldron Sect members, including Bái Xī Wén, to change. Liú Zhìwēi directly looked at Granny An and Eunuch Qiu, cupped his hands, and inquired, "Seniors, when we dueled that day, were there any outsiders hidden and watching outside the arena?"

Granny An and Eunuch Qiu possessed such high martial arts that perhaps only Bái Xī Wén among those present could compare.

To hide from their senses, one would need to cultivate extraordinary skills or secret techniques, or possess a significantly higher cultivation. But that was nearly impossible.

If they truly had such cultivation, why would they sneak around and use the death of a mere Ruan Dong to sow discord within the Golden Cauldron Sect?

"From what we saw at the time, within a twenty-zhang radius, there were absolutely no outsiders hidden and observing.

Beyond the twenty-zhang perimeter of the arena, aside from a mountain face, the other three sides were open and clear, with sparse vegetation. It would be impossible to hide there, unless that person wasn't human."

Eunuch Qiu's square face also turned serious. His eyes, sharp as knives and swords, opened and closed with electric glints. He had clearly thought of something as well. He exchanged a glance with Granny An, and they both sighed.

These are trying times. It seems we'll have to be even more careful on the mountain from now on. We absolutely cannot let Yuè'er go out alone.

Although Duàn Yì spoke subtly, only suggesting a few possible directions for the culprit, a little thought would reveal that the person could only be someone who had watched the duel from below the arena that day. And almost all of those were disciples of the Golden Cauldron Sect.

An outsider committing the crime is easier to guard against, but an internal disciple killing someone is far more dangerous. You never know when a familiar face might betray you.

Even with superior martial arts, if one isn't on guard, they could easily be killed by treachery.

The atmosphere turned cold for a moment. Everyone had their own thoughts, but in the end, they could only look towards Liú Zhìwēi and Shí Jiān. As the Vice Sect Leaders of the Golden Cauldron Sect, they had the authority to act in place of the Sect Leader when Qū Dōng Liú was absent.

Ruan Dong's death was a major event, but the possibility that the killer was an insider of the Golden Cauldron Sect was an even bigger matter.

"Zhào Yù, cough cough, you should recognize everyone who was below the arena that day. Write down their names without missing a single one.

Also, discreetly investigate who left alone after the duel that day, and who was the first to leave. Take into custody those who are most suspicious, investigate their backgrounds, and pursue it in that direction. That person won't be able to hide for long.

Remember, this matter must not be publicized; it must be handled in secret. Otherwise, if the people's hearts are in turmoil, it will be easier to stir up trouble."

From behind the door on the north side of the main hall, a cough suddenly sounded. Then, a tall man in magnificent brocade robes emerged. His features were regular, though he appeared somewhat frail.

His steps were measured, walking one by one. Although he didn't exude immense power, all the standing Golden Cauldron Sect disciples, as well as the three elders and two vice sect leaders who had abruptly stood up from their seats, bowed respectfully towards him.

"Greetings, Sect Leader."

Hélán Yuè'er, standing beside Duàn Yì, tugged at his sleeve, her bright eyes blinking at him as if to say, See, isn't my uncle impressive!

He was indeed very impressive. Both Liú Zhìwēi and Shí Jiān were high-ranking figures in their own right, but facing Qū Dōng Liú, who seemed like a sickly person, completely overshadowed them. Wasn't such a person impressive?

Of course, Duàn Yì and Qū Dōng Liú had another connection. The more powerful the other person was, the more vigilant Duàn Yì became.

"However, his body seems to be in trouble. Is he injured? Or does he have an incurable disease? Perhaps the former, was it an injury sustained during the Moon Worship Palace incident?"

Duàn Yì echoed the others, lowering his head to bow to Qū Dōng Liú. While glancing around, he pondered the other man's poor condition.

He coughed more than once while speaking, his face was as pale as if smeared with women's rouge, and his short breaths all indicated that the Sect Leader of the Golden Cauldron Sect was currently at a low point in his health.

"No wonder this matter was initially handled by Liú Zhìwēi. Besides Ruan Dong being his disciple, another reason is that Qū Dōng Liú's health is failing."

If an ordinary avenger saw their enemy in such a state, they would naturally be overjoyed and might even begin plotting revenge. But Duàn Yì was different; he maintained a clear head and didn't reveal the slightest flaw.

Even though the other party was so frail, being within the Golden Cauldron Sect with expert guards, it would be extremely difficult for others to kill him. Not to mention, after the incident of Ruan Dong's murder, he would also be more vigilant towards the disciples on the mountain.

Another point was that Duàn Yì couldn't be sure if this person was faking it.

Just as he pretended to be a distant relative of Bái Xī Wén, everyone could act. Without concrete certainty, he wouldn't rashly put himself in danger.

"Cough, cough. Ruan Dong's death, as Duàn Yì stated, was a murder disguised as suicide.

Shí Jiān, did you notice the bruises on Ruan Dong's Shenque Acupoint and Qugu Acupoint?

Those were caused by internal energy being pressed into them, coinciding with the time of his death. It's evident he was subdued.

Ah, you, you can never change your impetuous nature."

Qū Dōng Liú had clearly re-examined Ruan Dong's body, thus reaching such a conclusion, which was far more convincing than Duàn Yì's speculative guesses.

Duàn Yì knew these two acupoints; they were hidden vital points. When pressed, they could cause blood stasis and paralysis.

This also proved his earlier guess that the killer acted on impulse, thus leaving many flaws.

Hearing Qū Dōng Liú's words, Shí Jiān looked ashamed but couldn't say anything else. They had both examined the body, yet Qū Dōng Liú could see traces and flaws that he couldn't. That was the difference.

"Think about it again. If you had insisted on holding Duàn Yì accountable just now, Zhìwēi, it would have led to a conflict with Junior Brother Bái. This might have been what the killer intended, so we must not fall into disarray."

Liú Zhìwēi had a similar expression to Shí Jiān, though slightly more stubborn. He still refused to bow his head to Qū Dōng Liú.

After saying this, Qū Dōng Liú had already arrived in front of Bái Xī Wén. Their eyes met, and the atmosphere became tense.

Qū Dōng Liú was the first to break eye contact. He first smiled kindly, then looked at Duàn Yì, who was lowering his head, a fleeting glint flashing in his eyes.

"Duàn Yì is a promising talent. Not only does he have outstanding martial arts aptitude, but he's also meticulous, rational, and steady. Junior Brother Bai, you must teach him well and not let him waste his natural gifts.

Also, this matter has nothing to do with him. You can take him away now."

Bái Xī Wén let out a cold snort and didn't reply, directly taking Duàn Yì away without even bothering with pleasantries.

Helan Yue'er stuck out her tongue and smiled at Qū Dōng Liú. She stepped back, about to leave, but was called back by Qū Dōng Liú.

"Yuè'er, you need to stay obediently on the mountain until after your uncle's wedding. Try to minimize contact with people on the mountain, understand?

Granny An, Eunuch Qiu, I also ask that you both keep a close eye on Yuè'er and prevent any scoundrels from harming her."

Upon hearing this, Helan Yue'er's face immediately fell into disappointment. She wanted to retort, but remembering that her uncle had not yet recovered from his injuries and not wanting to anger him, worsening his condition, she could only nod sullenly.

Although the young girl was playful, she also knew the gravity of the situation and wasn't being willful.

The same applied to the two elders. Although they didn't approve of some of Qū Dōng Liú's actions, they also believed he had thought things through carefully.

They knew that the Golden Cauldron Sect was not entirely safe at the moment, with the possibility of an inside informant, or even a second one for all anyone knew. Therefore, they naturally prioritized Helan Yue'er's safety.

Qū Dōng Liú then let the three of them leave first. Thus, only the Golden Cauldron Sect disciples remained in the grand hall.