Suspicion (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader Feng Junzi Haoran)

Many people knew that Zhang Gaoqiu had been the last to leave the Ancestral Shrine. And Zhang Gaoqiu had happened to be the helper the Shen Family invited to assist in refining this treasure. If, after everyone else left, Zhang Gaoqiu had had the chance to refine the treasure and take the opportunity to put it away, that explanation would make sense—and the odds were high.

"I remember that when the fire broke out, all of us were busy rushing out to put it out. Only Zhang Gaoqiu remained inside the Ancestral Shrine, refining the treasure..."

As that disciple spoke, everyone's gazes turned in unison toward Zhang Gaoqiu. Zhang Gaoqiu's expression abruptly changed, his face darkening. Meeting the elders' stares, he said in a low voice, "What? You all suspect that I stole the treasure?"

"You had both the ability and the opportunity to steal it," the disciple questioned.

At that moment, Shen Zhen beside them rebuked the disciple, "Shut up! Don't spout nonsense. What kind of person is nephew Zhang Gaoqiu? How could he possibly do something so despicable?"

Then he turned to Zhang Gaoqiu with a smile. "Nephew Zhang Gaoqiu, please do not take offense. The young and old of our family have all lost their heads right now. In their desperation, they have grasped at anything they could."

Zhang Gaoqiu's expression eased slightly at those words. "The loss of such a precious treasure has naturally made everyone anxious. I can understand that, and I cannot blame this brother."

Shen Zhen nodded and asked gently, "Nephew, you were the last to leave. Did you happen to notice anything unusual?"

Zhang Gaoqiu's expression shifted. He drew a breath before saying, "Uncle, I know how the treasure was lost. I was even at the scene at the time. Unfortunately, that