They Were Actually Heroes

Qin Yi didn't say anything for a moment, but first put away the Pill Furnace, and then slowly put away the Array Flag that had been placed around it.

Yu Shang's eyes lit up, and she immediately ran over and hugged Qin Yi's arm. "My Husband has set up a fireproof formation, so he won't do anything reckless."

Qin Yi laughed and ruffled Yu Shang's hair, "That's enough for you."

The implication is that it doesn't matter whether others believe it or not, as long as his wife does.

Hmm... The winged people were reminded, glanced at the Array Flag, and didn't say anything. Although he couldn't burn the Jianmu tree... the fact that they had made prior preparations did give them a better feeling, indicating that they weren't reckless fools and that they still cared about the safety of the sacred tree.

Yu Shang's trust made Qin Yi feel much better, and his mind became clearer. He smiled and said, "I wonder if you all have considered this... our sacred tree is not just one tree. Its life energy runs through the main trunk. This is a tree of heaven and earth, endlessly regenerating. Let alone those two Black and White Vortex, even ten more couldn't absorb it all."

In fact, the winged people were also confused.

How could a Jianmu tree wither and die from being drained of its energy? That's impossible.

Numerous clans have inhabited this place, including Dragon Son and Wuxiang, possessing vast amounts of Qian Yuan energy, who have cultivated for a full 100,000 years relying on the Jianmu tree. Even the ancient Torch Dragon, a dragon who had created the heavens, continued his cultivation here without interruption, his aura never waning. Could he really have been drained dry by just two Black and White Vortex?

Are you kidding me?

If the Jianmu tree can wither, it means that there is going to be a problem with the entire Main Plane, just like a harbinger of the collapse of the Netherworld. How could this be something that a cultivator of the Radiant Sun could accomplish?

However, the withering is indeed happening, so how can it be explained? The only possibility is that the branch absorbed too much energy, and the main trunk couldn't compensate for it. Although this possibility is extremely small, it's truly the only explanation I can think of.

Because it is closely related to the survival of their Lineage, the winged people cannot simply pat you on the shoulder and say that you are not capable enough, so never mind.

Even if they were willing to believe Qin Yi, who brought them the phoenix feathers, they still needed to get to the bottom of things. The fact that Qin Yi didn't explode on the spot already showed how much he held in their hearts.

The feathered people are stubborn and won't easily turn their backs on you if you're one of their own, but you should at least give an explanation.

The scene of being misunderstood as a coup and being verbally abused didn't happen, and Qin Yi was already quite satisfied. The Feathered People were indeed quite good... He paced back and forth a couple of times and said, "My companions did absorb some life essence. Although the scene looked impressive, it was impossible for it to actually cause the withering of the Jianmu tree. Otherwise, it wouldn't be the Jianmu tree."

He paused, then added, "I suggest we go to other islands first and see if there's anything wrong with the branches on their trees..."

Before he finished speaking, several winged people flew over, bowed, and said, "Clan Leader, we have asked other families, and everyone here has no problems."

The matter was of great importance, Yu Feiling had already instructed her people to go and investigate before she arrived; there was no need for Qin Yi to bring it up now. Upon hearing the feedback, the Yu people's expressions became even more serious, and they stared intently at Qin Yi's face once more.

Qin Yi calmly said, "If my companion absorbed the life essence too quickly, causing this branch to not have enough time to recover... then it should be able to recover in a few days. If it cannot recover... forgive my bluntness, but it has nothing to do with whether it absorbed or not; it was already on the verge of withering."

Yu Feiling asked, "What do you mean it's already reached the point of withering?"

Qin Yi said, "Its connection and circulation with the main trunk has been severed by some kind of energy."

Even if the feathered people were willing to believe him, they couldn't believe him now. For tens of thousands of years, everything was fine, and now you come here and say that the source of this branch has been cut off? Even if it really was cut off, it's probably related to you.

That's why Liusu didn't let Qin Yi speak directly to the Feathered People before. It would have been completely unconvincing and would have exposed the fact that he coveted the source of life inside the Jianmu tree. That's why he deserved to be beaten.

But now we have no choice but to speak out. It turns out that someone has definitely tampered with this branch, and the source might even be in the main trunk. If the Feathered People continue to be oblivious, they will be tricked to death without even knowing why.

Yu Feiling took a deep breath, not showing anger, but her expression was already icy cold. "In that case, we will begin a thorough investigation. Then Qin Yi... you cannot leave Winged Human Island until we gather evidence."

That's a very polite way of putting it; it didn't explicitly say "jailbroken." But the meaning is the same: at least house arrest is necessary.

Qin Yi found it quite amusing; he had been placed under house arrest by his daughter once, and now he was being placed under house arrest by his mother again...

What's even funnier is that he considered it voluntary both times.

Let's leave the last incident aside; this time, he can't just walk away, neither morally nor logically. It's perfectly reasonable for the Feathered People to investigate, and their attitude has already been quite good. Even Yu Shang couldn't voice any objections to this approach, and Qin Yi himself had no objections either.

He thought for a moment and smiled, "I will wait quietly for my mother-in-law's investigation results. Also, if you can't find anything and the sacred tree hasn't recovered, don't worry, someone will eventually reveal their purpose."

After saying that, she obediently climbed down the tree under the "protection" of the two winged girls, with Yu Shang following behind her. "Husband, I'm going to accompany you."

"Nonsense!" Yu Feiling roared, "You are the Saintess of our clan, a powerful expert in the late stage of the Radiant Sun realm. Now that the Sacred Tree is on the verge of collapse, you are the key to thoroughly investigating this case, yet you still have time to fawn over men!"

Yu Shang was very embarrassed. "But Mother, this matter definitely has nothing to do with Qin Yi."

"Even if you have nothing to do with him, it is still your responsibility to clear his name."

Yu Shang paused for a moment, then immediately stood at attention. "Yes!"

As Qin Yi descended the tree, listening to the conversation behind him, he felt a warmth in his heart, and didn't feel wronged at all.

The Yu Shang is really nice.

Even if it's just because of Yu Shang, he's determined to get to the bottom of this.

"Husband." The two winged women led him to a courtyard, their expressions not too good. "You'll stay here, don't make things difficult for us."

Qin Yi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't run away. Not only will I not run away, I'll also help you."

The winged girl did show some doubt in her expression, but she held back and didn't say anything, only saying, "It's good that the Husband has this intention."

Qin Yi smiled, watched the two girls leave, and then his gaze fell on the pool in front of him.

This small courtyard where he was "confined" even has a clear pond... the environment is quite nice.

The winged people had really gone too far with him. Any other race would never have received such treatment from a major suspect who threatened to destroy their very lifeblood.

Qin Yi had a good mindset; he wasn't in a hurry at all, and instead became even calmer.

This matter was clearly aimed at the Feathered People; it was premeditated and had nothing to do with Qin Yi.

It's not entirely fair to blame them, because this whole thing should have taken quite a while to come to a head. It was Liusu and Gouzi's terrifying absorption that caused it to happen prematurely, something that even the instigator probably didn't expect.

If we follow this line of reasoning, the person behind it probably intended for the tree to gradually show signs of withering, without causing a sudden calamity. Then, the winged people would seek medical help everywhere, and this person might gain some benefit from this.

The sudden turn of events was certainly unexpected by the other side; it should be said that the absorption of Bangbang and Gouzi disrupted some of their plans.

Since the plan has been disrupted, the other party will definitely do something to revise the plan and adapt to the new changes. If you pay attention, you will find clues.

The dog poked its head out. "Did we cause you any trouble?"

"No." Qin Yi smiled warmly, patting its head, and said, "I'm probably the only one who knows that you are the heroes."

The dog tilted its head and looked at him. "You have a really good attitude."

Qin Yi smiled, "The feathered people's lives are at stake, yet they didn't lose their minds and lash out at me, and my wife trusts them completely. Isn't that something to be incredibly happy and relieved about?"

Dog agreed, "You have a good attitude and you found a good wife... But speaking of which, Yu Ren is too kind. People like them are really easy to take advantage of."

Qin Yi's expression turned cold. "So, looking at it from another angle, how utterly despicable must the other party be to use such a destructive method on such kind-hearted winged people!"

Just as Gouzi was about to say something, a stammering voice came from the corridor outside. "I... I heard Mr. Qin is... is under house arrest. Can... can I visit him?"

Qin Yi was taken aback.

That Clam Girl, Little Pillar? What's she doing here?