Why Had You Never Suspected Him?
"That's right, and this poison is extremely rare. If it's not the work of demons or evil spirits, then someone must have mastered an extremely profound art of poison refining," Huang Yan replied in a deep voice, pondering to himself.
The officer and everyone else turned deathly pale instantly.
This really has something to do with the Ye Jing!
They were almost convinced of Ye Jing's abilities, but then this happened?
Is this a case of asking for a hammer and getting a hammer?
To be honest, they believed in Ye Jing during that period.
After all
No one will shoot themselves in Shi Tuo foot.
But now, it turns out... it really could be because of Ye Jing.
"Where is Ye Jing now?" Huang Yan's expression darkened slightly. Those men in black who attacked him were very likely sent by Ye Jing.
"Still in prison," the officer said tremulously.
"A regular prison cell?" Huang Yan frowned.
"Right."
"How could you possibly keep him locked up?"
"He never tried to escape, nor did he resist, so we..."
"Foolish man! This might be his conspiracy! Quick, take me to the jail! We must get rid of Ye Jing as soon as possible!"
"Yes... I... I'll lead the way right away..." The officer panicked instantly. Their town hadn't seen any cultivators for hundreds of years; now that one had suddenly appeared, how were they supposed to know how to handle it?
Huang Yan's tone was firm and unwavering; he knew that time was of the essence, and every moment of delay could complicate matters further.
He quickly followed the officer in charge, heading straight for the prison.
Under the cover of night, the town appeared exceptionally quiet, but beneath this tranquility, undercurrents surged, and unease lingered in everyone's hearts.
When the guards saw Huang Yan and his entourage hurrying towards the prison, they all bowed and made way for them.
As Huang Yan stepped into the dark and damp cell, a musty and rusty smell hit him, a stark contrast to the fresh air outside.
His gaze was sharp as he quickly scanned the surroundings, finally settling on the deepest cell where Ye Jing was imprisoned.
"Open that door," Huang Yan commanded, his voice deep and powerful.
The guards exchanged glances, but then obeyed the order and slowly opened the cell door.
As the iron gate creaked open, an even stronger, colder aura rushed out, and Huang Yan strode inside.
The two guards who came with him immediately followed him inside.
Inside the cell, Ye Jing sat quietly in the corner, his clothes neat and tidy, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable light.
He looked up at Huang Yan, a faint smile playing on his lips, as if he had long anticipated this moment.
"You must be the new Alchemist? What brings you here so late at night?" Ye Jing's voice was calm and composed, completely out of place with the oppressive atmosphere around him.
Huang Yan did not answer immediately, but carefully observed Ye Jing, trying to read something from the other's expression.
However, Ye Jing's face showed nothing but indifference.
"Ye Jing, do you know your crime?" Huang Yan finally spoke, his tone carrying a hint of accusation.
"Crime? What crime have I committed?" Ye Jing retorted, his tone revealing a hint of disdain.
"Were those men in black sent by you? And how much do you know about that strange poison?" Huang Yan pressed on relentlessly, each word like a heavy hammer blow to Ye Jing's heart.
Ye Jing chuckled and shook his head, "Alchemist Huang Yan, you're being too hasty. I'm imprisoned here, how could I possibly send someone to assassinate you? Besides, I don't have that ability. As for that poison, I've never even heard of it."
"Do you think I'd believe your nonsense?" Huang Yan roared, his short sword instantly drawn, the tip pointing straight at Ye Jing's throat.
However, Ye Jing showed no fear, only smiled faintly, "Alchemist, if you really want to find out the truth, you should use your brain, not your impulses. Otherwise, you will only let the real mastermind go unpunished."
Huang Yan frowned.
Calm down, this person is so calm.
He didn't look like he was in prison at all.
Indeed, he was in an ordinary cell and didn't feel any pressure.
But there were three of us cultivators here.
Why is he still so calm?
Either the other side is an idiot, or they're genuinely confident!
"There are three people involved, why are you only investigating me?" Ye Jing still smiled. "Why do you think I would lie, but Li Hao wouldn't?"
"He's obsessed with Xiao Li, but Xiao Li loves me. Isn't it normal for love to turn into hate?"
"Why is it that so many of you, all of whom are experienced elders, have never had any doubts?"
Upon hearing this, Huang Yan's expression shifted between light and dark. He had never considered thinking about the case from Li Hao's perspective. But Ye Jing's words were like a Life Spring, breaking down the barriers in his mind.
This forced him to re-examine the entire incident.
Ye Jing's words do make sense.
Under normal circumstances, Li Hao's possibility should indeed be considered.
What evidence do you have to prove this?
Ye Jing smiled slightly, a smile that contained both helplessness and relief, "Evidence? In this small town, there may be no direct evidence pointing to Li Hao, but the emotions and motives in people's hearts are often more complex and real than any physical evidence. Li Hao's infatuation with Xiao Li, and his reaction after learning about my relationship with Xiao Li, aren't they enough to be the starting point of suspicion?"
"Sir, think about Li Hao's emotions lately. Has he shown even the slightest sadness?"
The officer remained silent for a moment, recalling Li Hao's expressions during this time.
I noticed that when Xiao Li Pear died, I wasn't particularly sad; instead, I felt more panicked and afraid.
This kind of performance is indeed pathetic.
On second thought, if it truly stemmed from love turning into hatred, then Li Hao's motives became all the more terrifying.
The officer then revealed what he knew.
Huang Yan lowered his head in thought, "But that poison, only demons and evil spirits can concoct!"
Huang Yan was still unwilling to give up, and he tried to find a reason to refute Ye Jing by pointing out the source of the toxin.
"Toxins?" Ye Jing shook his head slightly. "Everything in this world can become poison; the key lies in the person using it. If Li Hao were truly determined, he might be able to find or create such a toxin. Moreover, if he were truly blinded by jealousy and hatred, it wouldn't be surprising if he did anything."
"For example, he was also corrupted by evil spirits!"
Ye Jing's words were like a bolt from the blue!
It exploded in everyone's minds!
Huang Yan's pupils contracted sharply. He had never considered this possibility. In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire cell became unusually heavy.
His hand, gripping the sword hilt, trembled slightly, as if he were trying to suppress the shock and anger within him.
"You mean... Li Hao might also be colluding with evil spirits?" Huang Yan's voice was low and hoarse, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth.
Ye Jing's gaze remained calm. He nodded slightly and continued, "The affairs of the world are often more complex than we imagine. Li Hao's motives, actions, and the source of that poison all deserve our re-examination. Perhaps the truth lies hidden in these seemingly insignificant details."