The Treacherous Sima Ye

When Xu Yinyin asked, the cultivator with the sharp mouth and monkey-like face immediately bowed and replied, "I am Sima Ye, a registered disciple number seventy-seven from the Law Enforcement Hall. Greetings, Senior Sister Xu."

Xu Yinyin frowned. "What is this...?"

Sima Ye unfurled the notice he had just shown Yang Ning. "Senior Sister Xu, this morning the Sect Master personally issued an order, commanding us from the Law Enforcement Hall to take the lead in thoroughly investigating moles lurking within the sect."

Xu Yinyin glanced at the notice. "I see. So what?"

Sima Ye raised an eyebrow. "According to regulations, this shop is also... within the scope of the inspection."

Xu Yinyin waved her hand. "There's no need to search here. There are no Magic Stones inside."

Sima Ye's shifty eyes darted around, and he immediately put on a fawning smile. "Of course. Since it's Senior Sister Xu's command, we will naturally comply."

"Wait a moment!" Just as Sima Ye was about to turn and leave, Yang Ning stood up and called out.

Under everyone's gaze, Yang Ning slowly walked to Xu Yinyin's side.

Xu Yinyin immediately explained and introduced him. "Everyone, this is our Law Enforcement Hall's newly appointed advisor."

The disciples from the Incense Sect behind Sima Ye heard this, a flicker of joy in their eyes, and they quickly bowed to Yang Ning. "Greetings, Advisor!"

The other cultivators who didn't recognize Yang Ning also cupped their fists. "Greetings, Advisor!"

A look of astonishment flashed in Sima Ye's eyes. After a moment, he managed to force out a smile. "It seems we're all family. What a coincidence, a misunderstanding."

Xu Yinyin deliberately raised her voice and added, "The advisor's rank within the Law Enforcement Hall is higher than all registered disciples!"

Sima Ye's eyelids twitched. Reluctantly, he cupped his hands towards Yang Ning. "Greetings, Advisor."

Yang Ning knew Xu Yinyin was standing up for him after the cold shoulder he'd received earlier, so he accepted her gesture. "Mm, this advisor acknowledges it. You may all rise."

After everyone stood up, Sima Ye said with a chuckle, "Since this is the advisor's place, and Senior Sister Xu vouches for it, we won't search here." With that, he turned to lead his team away.

Upon hearing the words "Xu Yinyin vouches for it," Yang Ning's expression shifted slightly.

"That won't do!" Yang Ning spoke up to stop him. "Since it's the Sect Master's order, it must be obeyed. You may proceed with the search."

Xu Yinyin turned to look at Yang Ning, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"Really, there's no need," Sima Ye said, waving his hands with a smile.

"It must be searched!" Yang Ning's voice suddenly rose, even startling Xu Yinyin beside him. "I, in my capacity as advisor, command you to search!"

The smile on Sima Ye's face vanished instantly. He gave Yang Ning a deep look. "Yes."

Yang Ning then pulled Xu Yinyin aside and gestured for her to "proceed."

A faint smile still lingered on Sima Ye's lips. "Everyone, since the advisor has ordered us to search, let's search thoroughly. Be absolutely meticulous."

"Yes!" The cultivators behind him responded in unison.

Led by Sima Ye, the group entered the shop. Xu Yinyin looked bewildered. Yang Ning leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Listen to me, I'll explain later."

"Oh." Xu Yinyin nodded subconsciously, as if understanding but not quite. She showed no resistance to Yang Ning leaning into her ear.

The two followed the search party into the shop. Yang Ning's shop was about the size of a basketball court. The Lv1 Mall's goods had fit perfectly. However, after unlocking the Lv2 Mall, the space had become cramped. Last night, Yang Ning had to reorganize, placing some eye-catching items on the shelves.

The cultivators inspected each shelf, their movements orderly, without rummaging through things carelessly. Sima Ye patrolled the aisles, monitoring everyone's actions. Yang Ning and Xu Yinyin stood by the counter near the entrance, quietly observing the search.

About fifteen minutes later, the inspection concluded. The cultivators brought a pile of unopened goods to Yang Ning, including potato chips, canned food, instant noodles, and the like.

One cultivator cupped his hands. "Advisor, these items of yours are strange. We've never seen them before, so we searched them a bit more thoroughly... but these... we don't know what's inside."

"Tsk, a general search would have sufficed. Why such meticulousness?" Sima Ye said sarcastically. "Don't forget, this is the advisor's territory, and Senior Sister Xu vouches for it."

Hearing the sharp voice, Yang Ning involuntarily winced and cupped his ear. "Open and inspect everything! You must search meticulously. What if I really am a mole and you overlook me..." He paused deliberately, looking at Sima Ye. "Especially you, the leader Sima... Oh right, what was your name again?"

Sima Ye's face darkened. "Sima Ye."

"Right, right, right! What if I am a mole and you let me go, then your entire team, especially the leader Sima Ye, would be the primary responsible party!" Yang Ning turned to Xu Yinyin. "Isn't that right?"

Xu Yinyin immediately nodded. "That is indeed the case!"

Sima Ye's expression grew even gloomier. He immediately turned to the men he brought and shouted, "Leave three people to open and inspect all these items. The rest of you, go and check the shelves again. Ensure there are absolutely no mistakes! Anyone who dares to be perfunctory, I will report it to the Hall immediately for severe punishment!"