Listening to this disciple's sworn testimony, which seemed logically airtight.
The law enforcement disciple narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of scrutiny and contemplation in his gaze.
After a moment, his eyes abruptly turned cold, shooting straight at the miscellaneous disciple like icy blades as he asked frigidly:
"So you're saying that a miscellaneous disciple who couldn't even cross the threshold of the Outer Sect Tournament, together with an eighty-year-old miscellaneous old man with one foot in the grave, managed to kill Zhao Erhu, who was at the fifth level of the Qi Refining Stage, along with two other Outer Sect Disciples in one stroke—and each with a single fatal blow?"
"Th-this... this..."
The miscellaneous disciple, who had just been reporting with animated delight, secretly rejoicing and eagerly anticipating a handsome reward, was instantly struck dumb as though by lightning.
Even if he thought with his toes, he knew such a thing was pure fantasy. It simply could not have happened!
"I-I-I... I just thought they had a grudge against each other. Wasn't the motive for murder right there, then? Right?"
The miscellaneous disciple wore a bitter expression, his voice trembling with a sob as his body shook uncontrollably in fear.
"Senior Brother, I only wanted to help solve the case and do my part for the sect. I don't want any reward for reporting this!"
The law enforcement disciple lightly patted his shoulder, forcing what appeared to be a gentle smile onto his face as he said:
"Don't be afraid. Our sect has always encouraged people to actively provide clues. Everyone may speak freely. As long as someone provides a useful lead, the sect certainly will not treat them unfairly!"
"Now, this Old Man Duan is not at the Spirit Field, which is undoubtedly a direct cause for suspicion. The rest of you, conduct a carpet search centered around the Spirit Field. All remaining Miscellaneous Disciples, if any of you spot traces of Old Man Duan, report it, and you will be handsomely rewarded!"
Afterward, everyone immediately sprang into action, like a pack of well-trained hunting hounds, each rushing toward their assigned area.
Meanwhile.
Mu Xingtian, who believed his deductions to be flawlessly accurate, returned to the outer sect and immediately gathered all the Outer Sect Disciples.
Yet after carefully taking stock of them, he discovered that every registered outer sect disciple was present. Those who had gone out for training or missions also had detailed records on file.
"Strange! Could this matter not have been the work of an Outer Sect Disciple?"
Mu Xingtian frowned, pacing back and forth through the ink-black night. The stone slabs beneath his feet rang out with heavy thuds.
Since there was nothing wrong with the Outer Sect Disciples, he could only let them all leave. Otherwise, if he alerted the other outer sect elders, it would be difficult for him to explain himself.
If the case remained unsolved by dawn, it would likely have to be reported to the Grand Elder of the outer sect, who would decide whether it needed to be reported to the inner sect and the Sect Master.
But if that happened, he would gain no credit from this case. He might even be deemed incompetent in handling affairs.
Just then.
The law enforcement disciple stationed at the Spirit Field hurried back as well.
Mu Xingtian immediately stepped forward to ask, urgency in his voice. "How did it go?"
"Reporting to Elder! None of the miscellaneous disciples at the scene appeared suspicious, but one miscellaneous disciple is missing from the Spirit Field!"
The law enforcement disciple hurriedly reported, fine beads of sweat still hanging from his forehead.
"I have already sent people to search outward from the Spirit Field. I believe there will be results soon!"
"However... this miscellaneous disciple joined our Heavenly Xuan Sect more than a decade ago. He is also an old man over eighty, with cultivation only at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage. By all reason, he could not possibly possess the strength to kill Zhao Erhu and two other Outer Sect Disciples!"
Hearing this, Mu Xingtian immediately sensed that something was wrong. His eyes flew wide like those of an enraged lion as he demanded sharply:
"What if he is an undercover agent of the Nether Corpse Sect? What if he controlled two corpse puppets at the fifth level of the Qi Refining Stage? Would he still lack the strength to kill Zhao Erhu then?"
"Ah!"
The law enforcement disciple's heart sank at once. His legs gave way, and with a "thump," he dropped to his knees and begged for mercy, his voice quavering with sobs. "Elder, this disciple is foolish and failed to consider that point, but I have already sent people to search!"
"Useless fool! Everyone, come with me!"
Mu Xingtian immediately realized the gravity of the situation and led all the law enforcement disciples back to the Spirit Field.
Along the way.
This law enforcement disciple dared not conceal anything. He immediately poured out every suspicious detail from earlier like beans spilling from a bamboo tube.
"You said Zhao Erhu insulted a disciple from the Spirit Field during the day?"
"Yes!"
The law enforcement disciple nodded like a pounding garlic pestle. "However, he is no longer a disciple of the Spirit Field. After being bullied by Zhao Erhu, he was assigned to the Waste Elixir Chamber. His strength is only at the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, and he cannot even make it through the Outer Sect Tournament."
"One must not judge a person by appearance, nor measure the sea with a bushel. If he is an undercover agent sent by another sect, having endured humiliation and hardship for over a decade, he may well possess such methods!"
Mu Xingtian spoke with a dark expression, a trace of gravity in his eyes.
Before long, everyone from the Law Enforcement Hall arrived at the Spirit Field.
They once again summoned all the Miscellaneous Disciples.
And this time, under Mu Xingtian's piercing interrogation, they actually uncovered several suspicious details that the law enforcement disciple had failed to ask about earlier.
"You said this missing Old Man Duan was close to Shen Fan? And when transporting fertilizer during the day, it was Old Man Duan who invited Shen Fan here to earn Contribution Points?"
Mu Xingtian's eyes burned like torches as he stared fixedly at the miscellaneous disciple before him.
"Y-yes!"
A miscellaneous disciple living next door to Old Man Duan answered in a trembling voice, his entire body shaking like chaff in a sieve.
"It seems the matter is becoming clear. This Old Man Duan must have avenged Shen Fan!"
Mu Xingtian stated with certainty, a flash of conviction crossing his eyes.
Then he abruptly turned around, swept his gaze over the crowd, and loudly ordered, "The rest of you, search with all your strength for Old Man Duan!"
"You, go to the outer sect and seek help from the other Outer Sect Disciples. Also, bring Li Qingshan to me!"
"You, you, you, and you—come with me to the Waste Elixir Chamber!"
As soon as his words fell, the crowd scattered in all directions like celestial maidens scattering flowers, each racing toward their target.
After the law enforcement disciples left.
One miscellaneous disciple said with lingering fear, "Why didn't any of you speak up just now? All our property was taken by the law enforcement disciples. The elder was right there—report them!"
"Why didn't you open your mouth?"
"Exactly. You wanted us to send ourselves to our deaths! At a time like this, whoever speaks is the unlucky one. The Enforcement Elder is in a rage—whoever touches him dies!"
"Bang—!"
The door to the Waste Elixir Chamber was kicked open with vicious force. The tremendous sound echoed through the silent night sky like a peal of thunder.
Mu Xingtian stepped inside, his posture straight and imposing like a towering mountain. The law enforcement disciples filed in behind him, their footsteps neat and powerful.
Before you continue