~~
Dao Xuan saw that after hearing his question, Zhang Xiaofan's expression kept shifting. Though sweat beaded on his forehead, he still hadn't said a word.
It reminded Dao Xuan of something that had happened in the past. A nameless fury immediately blazed within him. He sprang to his feet, pointed at Zhang Xiaofan, and shouted, "You wretch! Back then, I pitied your unfortunate circumstances and took you in at Qingyun Sect. I never imagined I'd be raising a tiger that would turn on me!"
Zhang Xiaofan swayed, then raised his head and opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.
But True Lord Dao Xuan's face was cold as ice. In a frigid voice, he said, "If I don't eliminate you today, how can Qingyun Sect answer to the righteous sects of the world? So be it. I'll put an end to you—"
Dao Xuan's fury struck such fear into the Qingyun Sect disciples that their faces turned pale. Tian Buyi sprang to his feet, and the faces of Tian Ling'er, Lin Jingyu, and the others drained of color. Even Venerable Monk Pu Hong of Tian Yin Temple, seated nearby, seemed to find it unbearable. He turned to Dao Xuan and said quietly, "Brother Dao Xuan, perhaps you should reconsider—"
Hao Shuai glanced at the old monk Pu Hong and sneered inwardly. Reconsider? Reconsider my ass. You knew the truth and kept it hidden. Hmph. You care so much about your reputation? Just wait and see how I ruin it!
Dao Xuan snorted and said coldly, "Brother Pu Hong, this wretch secretly learned your sect's techniques, committing a grave offense against the righteous path. I will give you an explanation."
As he spoke, Dao Xuan rose to his feet and shouted, "For now, I'll strip you of