Shen Yi carried the heads of the Song brothers, stepping onto Qingxuan Sect's mountain gate one step at a time until he reached the Hall of Missions.
The three heads rolled across the ground with a gurgling rumble. Every cultivator present turned pale, looking at Shen Yi as though the Killing God had descended into the world.
The news spread across all of Qingxuan Sect in an instant.
"Have you heard? Kong Ming, that new Outer Disciple, killed the Three Heroes of the Song Family and even cut off their heads."
"How is that possible? The Three Heroes of the Song Family were among the strongest in the outer sect. How could they lose to an unknown newcomer?"
"I can testify. I was there."
"What? Were you one of the heads?"
"No, I was at the Hall of Missions. I saw Shen Yi carrying Song Zhe's head with my own eyes, and I heard that although his mission had not been completed, he had slain traitors of the sect!"
"Traitors of the sect? Are you saying the Three Heroes of the Song Family were sect traitors?"
Three Outer Disciples had been slain and four disciples had fallen. At last, the matter alarmed Qingxuan Sect's higher-ups.
"Kong Ming, you insist that Song Zhe and the other two betrayed the sect. Do you have proof?"
The one questioning him was Qingxuan Sect's Second Elder, Zhang Zishi. His gaze was imposing, though a trace of appreciation lay hidden in his eyes. He had long since received Zhu Siwen's message that Kong Ming was willing to join his faction, and he was greatly pleased. Still, the proper appearances had to be maintained.
"This disciple was ordered to rescue the Zhao family's only son, Zhao Xiaotian, that day. I killed the kidnapper Zhao Ye, but the three of them suddenly appeared and attempted to murder us for our treasures. This disciple's cultivation was insufficient, and I could not protect the Zhao father and son. They were brutally killed by the brothers, who then wished to kill me to silence me. This disciple fought back with all his life and only then managed to kill the three of them. Regrettably, the aftermath was too devastating, and the bodies of the Zhao father and son, along with Zhao Ye's corpse, were all destroyed."
Shen Yi had already devised his countermeasure on the way here. With the dead unable to testify, he mixed truth with falsehood as he recounted the events.
"What utter nonsense! No matter how foolish the Song brothers were, they would not knowingly commit such a crime!"
The speaker was Qingxuan Sect's Third Elder, Wang Shangyi, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator and a member of the Great Elder's faction. With the Great Elder absent from Qingxuan Sect, he had become the one currently in charge.
The deaths of the Song brothers had dealt his faction a considerable loss. Naturally, he was unwilling to let the matter rest, and he even wished to make Shen Yi pay with his life.
"With no evidence and no witnesses, how can we determine whether the Song brothers betrayed the sect based solely on your word? What if you harmed your fellow disciples and then turned around to falsely accuse them?"
"Then according to Junior Brother, what should we do?"
Zhang Zishi stroked his beard, casting Wang Shangyi a sidelong glance as he asked slowly.
"Search his soul!"
Wang Shangyi shouted, crushing the teacup in his hand with a single grip. Clearly, he was enraged beyond measure.
"Search his soul? Do you know the consequences of a soul search? Are you trying to destroy Kong Ming's foundation and make Qingxuan Sect lose a future Foundation Establishment expert?"
Zhang Zishi was filled with righteous indignation and refused to yield an inch. His stance was obvious—today, he would protect this disciple no matter what.
Shen Yi wore a fearless expression. He respectfully bowed to Zhang Zishi, then straightened and stepped before Wang Shangyi.
"This disciple has no fear. Third Elder may search my soul as he pleases. Even if I die or become a fool, I will prove my innocence. I am absolutely not someone who harms fellow disciples!"
The more Shen Yi acted this way, the more unyielding Zhang Zishi became. He even declared that he would not hesitate to fight Wang Shangyi to protect Shen Yi's safety.
In Zhang Zishi's eyes, Shen Yi was already a disciple of his faction, one who could be entrusted with great responsibilities in the future.
"Since that is the case, if you remain unconvinced, summon Senior Brother Sect Master from Secluded Cultivation and let him make the decision!"
Seeing that he could not completely suppress Wang Shangyi, Zhang Zishi resolved to invite the Sect Master out and let him decide. Upon hearing the Sect Master's name, Wang Shangyi wavered somewhat. In recent years, the Great Elder's faction had already been at odds with the Sect Master. If the Sect Master truly emerged, then this matter would likely become settled fact.
"Hmph. Senior Brother Sect Master is in Secluded Cultivation and must not be disturbed. Fine, no soul search—but you must produce evidence!"
Wang Shangyi chose to yield and demanded that Shen Yi present proof. Otherwise, Shen Yi would still be guilty of harming fellow disciples, and he would be dealt with accordingly.
The atmosphere stiffened at once. Just then, a disciple came to report that Zhao family members had arrived to lodge a complaint.
When Shen Yi heard that Zhao family members had come, a flicker of surprise flashed through his eyes.
"Exalted Immortal Elder! Please uphold justice for my Zhao family!"
The moment the Zhao family member entered, tears streamed down his face. Through tears and sobs, he accused the Song brothers of their atrocities, describing in detail how they had coerced and tortured him. Seeing the wounds on the man's body, Zhang Zishi's face filled with fury, while Wang Shangyi remained silent.
"The Zhao family is under Qingxuan Sect's protection. Sect rules state that sect disciples must not harass protected Lineages; violators are deemed to have betrayed the sect. Third Junior Brother, how do you think this matter should be handled?"
Zhang Zishi caught sight of Wang Shangyi's expression from the corner of his eye, and his heart felt thoroughly satisfied. Since the matter was now clear, he simply handed the authority to decide over to Wang Shangyi, solely so he could see a little more of Wang Shangyi's defeated expression.
"This..."
Wang Shangyi pretended to ponder for a moment, though he had already reached a decision.
"Song Zhe, Song Bo, and Song Ze disregarded sect rules and harassed a protected Lineage. This shall be deemed rebellion against the sect. Kong Ming rendered merit by executing the traitors, but he failed to complete his mission, resulting in the deaths of the Zhao father and son. His merits and faults cancel each other out, and no further punishment shall be imposed."
"Ai, Junior Brother, you are mistaken. How can merits and faults cancel each other out? Have you forgotten that he also rendered merit by killing Zhao Ye? His merit should outweigh his fault. As for the mission reward, let it be recorded for now. Once he returns from the secret realm, it can all be calculated together."
Wang Shangyi knew that the overall situation had been decided and did not argue further. With a sweep of his sleeve, he snorted coldly, shot Shen Yi a glance, and left in anger.
"Hmph, trying to contend with me? You're still too green."
Zhang Zishi looked disdainfully in the direction Wang Shangyi had left, then turned to stare at Shen Yi. Shen Yi immediately felt an enormous pressure descend upon him, as though even his soul were trembling.
"Not bad. Once you achieve Foundation Establishment, this old man will certainly take you in as a disciple under my command."
Zhang Zishi patted Shen Yi's shoulder in satisfaction, then transformed into a streak of light and vanished from the place.
Shen Yi and the Zhao family member were left facing each other. The two looked at one another for a long while.
"Why haven't you left yet?"
Though Shen Yi dearly wished to ask who had arranged for this man to come to Qingxuan Sect at this moment to seek justice, he restrained himself. He did not wish to expose his connection with the mysterious person.
"Immortal Elder, someone said that if I came here, I would receive quite a few benefits."
The man seemed to know something. He stared at Shen Yi with expectant eyes.
Shen Yi shook his head helplessly. He already understood why this man had come, and casually tossed out a bag of Spirit Stones before saying,
"The Zhao family no longer has a patriarch. You should seize this opportunity."
The Zhao family patriarch had originally gifted the Zhao family's properties to Shen Yi. Shen Yi did not wish Qingxuan Sect to find leverage against him, so he intended to make the man before him the Zhao family's patriarch. It could also be considered repayment for the favor of helping him out of his predicament.
Seeing the meaningful look in Shen Yi's eyes, the man nodded gratefully, then ran all the way toward Qingxuan City.
"Just who is this mysterious person?"
Before you continue