Tie Xiaochuan's body immediately tensed at those words. He looked to Ji Mingfeng for help. At least Ji Mingfeng was still presiding over the Divine Hall; if he stood up for Fang Mo, there might still be a chance.
Ji Mingfeng met Tie Xiaochuan's gaze and gave a faint sigh. Then he raised his voice with some effort.
"Brother Mo, Fang Mo has already been accepted as Venerable Ling's nominal disciple. Shouldn't we ask his opinion before making a decision?"
This was the only card he had left to play. He hoped Mo Xinghe would show some restraint.
"There's no need!"
Mo Xinghe's expression was stern. He gave Ji Mingfeng no chance to speak. "The Mechanical Empire is locked in a fierce war, and even its Level 5 Liquid Metal Warriors have been deployed. Venerable Ling must hold the line and has no time to deal with this. If he learns that he was deceived, and that his only direct disciple died because of this plot, he'll surely be furious!"
"He's only a nominal disciple. There's no need to alert Venerable Ling. We should just seize him at once!"
"Venerable Ling has only just advanced to the Nascent Soul Tribulation Realm. If he learns he was deceived, he'll surely be enraged, and it could affect his state of mind!"
The True Persons in the hall all voiced their agreement, and Ji Mingfeng's heart sank.
Though he didn't want to believe it, there seemed to be no way to explain Fang Mo's situation! He wasn't sure what to think anymore. Everything did add up—what if this really was a plot by the Mechanical Empire?
Fang Mo had grown too quickly. His progress was so astonishing that Ji Mingfeng couldn't help but suspect him!
Seeing this, a colder glint flashed in Mo