The news that Tan Yin had been "invited" out of Azure Rock Sect had not stirred up a towering storm on the surface, but beneath the disciples' exchanged glances and hushed whispers, it sent ripple after ripple spreading outward.
Naturally, the news also reached Ling Zhao's ears.
He immediately smelled something amiss—how had Tan Yin broken through layer upon layer of obstruction to see Eldest Senior Brother? He had clearly long since strictly forbidden anyone from revealing even the slightest word to Wang Rong about Tan Yin lingering outside the sect gates!
With a little investigation, every clue swiftly pointed to one person—the rather senior disciple, Chen Zhao, who had volunteered to tend to Wang Rong's daily needs after Wang Rong moved into the old residence, yet had recently acted out of character by frequently going to stand watch at the sect gates.
A cold glint flashed through Ling Zhao's eyes. He immediately found an excuse and summoned Chen Zhao to the side hall where he handled daily affairs.
The atmosphere in the hall was stagnant. Ling Zhao sat upright at the head, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest of his rosewood chair from time to time, producing steady, faint sounds.
His gaze fell upon Chen Zhao, who stood below with his hands lowered. His tone seemed calm, yet carried an overwhelming pressure. "Junior Brother Chen, I heard that two days ago, Tan Yin used some unknown method to intrude into the courtyard where Eldest Senior Brother was recuperating, even provoking Eldest Senior Brother's anger... Is this true?"
Chen Zhao stood with his hands at his sides, his expression open and composed, even faintly revealing the calm of someone who had long been prepared. He gave a slight bow, neither servile nor overbearing.
"Reporting to Second Senior Brother, it is