The next day, it was only the Dragon Hour, yet a dense crowd had already gathered in the square.
Their disciples could be distinguished almost solely by the sect robes of their respective sects.
At this point, the leaders of several sects appeared on the raised platform, along with Sect Leader Li.
Sect Leader Li positively glowed, as though something wonderful was about to happen.
Everyone watched her wave her whisk, and the surrounding clamor quieted considerably.
Sect Leader Li's expression grew more solemn. "Today's competition should have begun straightaway, but unfortunately, a serious incident occurred in our sect yesterday. To be frank, someone attempted to assassinate my personal disciple, Xie Liang. As for the culprit..." Here, Sect Leader Li paused briefly, as though she had some reservations.
Then she looked at someone behind her. "As for the culprit, I think it would be better to let the victim speak."
Only then did everyone notice the unremarkable male disciple standing behind Sect Leader Li. His face made him look quite old, but his actual bone age was not nearly so advanced.
Most importantly, his head, hands, and abdomen were wrapped in layer upon layer of bandages, making his injuries look terribly severe.
Grief covered Xie Liang's face, adding an air of sorrow to his wounds.
"You may not believe this, but the culprit was none other than Xie Gu, my grandson from my days in the Mortal World.
"Ever since he was little, Xie Gu had a mind of his own. He refused discipline, and stealing chickens and dogs was as routine to him as eating a meal.
"Then one day, he suddenly vanished with his younger sister. After he left, we never heard from him again. Even when his grandmother died bedridden, she never got to see him one