Facing the Halberd Emperor's sharp, solemn gaze, Qiu Bisheng no longer dared to ignore him as he had Lu Feng before.
The Halberd Emperor's status within the Dragon Abyss Soul Hunter Squad was second only to Qingtian and the Fist Emperor.
Dragon Abyss had earned its reputation as the foremost Soul Hunter Squad in the Vine Abyss Forest region largely because of the existence of their "One Heaven Two Emperors."
Qiu Bisheng knew that if he failed to answer the Halberd Emperor's question now, it would be no different from admitting Lu Feng's accusation.
That would be exceedingly unfavorable to him.
His thoughts racing, he answered loudly, "I only learned of it by chance after hearing several Soul Hunters who had failed the assessment mention it. They said the assessment overseer of Black Mist Forest had become Judge, rather than the originally agreed-upon Lord Hammer Nine. That was what aroused my curiosity."
"Worried that something unforeseen might have happened, I sent disciples to the nearby Wisteria Wood Forest to take a look and offer assistance if needed."
"As for myself, I rushed to the more remote and dangerous Black Mist Forest. I wished to see why Judge had appeared here. Had he encountered someone who needed punishing? Was there anywhere I could lend a hand?"
"You're lying!" Qu Qiqi planted her hands on her hips, fury and hatred written all over her face. "When have you ever been such a kindhearted person? What utter nonsense!"
Qiu Bisheng shot Qu Qiqi a cold glare and said sternly, "I know that because of the grudge between Lord Hammer Nine and me, you hold a prejudice against me. It is only natural that you see me this way."
Just as Qu Qiqi was about to speak again, the Halberd Emperor stopped her.
"Enough!"