Li Jing, falsely accused

Just as everyone raised their hands to unleash their magical treasures and surround the charging Purple-Gold Flower Fox Marten, a sudden transformation unfolded before their eyes.

The ferocious beast swayed, purple light rippling over its body. Its fur and bestial form vanished in an instant, replaced by the tall, powerfully built figure of a Daoist.

"Martial uncle, fellow Daoists, hold your fire! It's me, Yang Jian!"

As soon as his words rang out, everyone in the hall froze mid-motion, their faces filled with astonishment.

Jiang Ziya looked closely and recognized him. The tension gripping his heart abruptly eased, and joy flooded his face. "Yang Jian! I knew your talent was extraordinary. You would never fall so easily!"

Nezha hurried forward and patted Yang Jian's shoulder, his eyes full of curiosity and surprise. "Yang Jian, what exactly happened? How did you turn into the Purple-Gold Flower Fox Marten? That beast had already swallowed you!"

Nangong Shi also stepped forward and hastily asked, "Exactly, Brother Yang Jian. Everyone on the battlefield saw the beast swallow you. How did you survive unharmed and even take its form?"

Seeing the concern and confusion on everyone's faces, Yang Jian smiled faintly and explained calmly:

"I did deliberately let the Purple-Gold Flower Fox Marten swallow me on the battlefield, but that was no desperate plunge into danger. It was a plan I had devised beforehand.

"I used its attempt to devour me to suppress its consciousness and consume its essence. It was the one that died, while I survived.

"Afterward, I assumed its appearance and took its place, following Mo Lishou safely back to the Yin Shang camp, where I lay hidden."

Understanding dawned on Jiang Ziya. He nodded repeatedly in admiration. "Such courage, such skill! As expected of Senior Brother Yu Ding's Direct Disciple. Your