Fang Tianqi's expression changed drastically when he heard this. In disbelief, he said, "Chai Long? Surely not. Could you have made a mistake, Senior Brother?"
Yu Tiancheng gave Fang Tianqi an indifferent glance and said slowly, "The sect's very survival is at stake. Do you think I would joke about such a matter?"
Fang Tianqi also realized he had spoken out of turn. His face reddened as he said, "You misunderstand, Senior Brother! I just thought that Chai Long is Master's disciple. Master's kindness to him is as weighty as a mountain, and the sect has treated him well too. How could he do something so vile?"
Yu Tiancheng said, "This is no small matter. We must report it to Martial Uncle as soon as possible and ask him to decide!"
"There's no time to lose. Let's go see Master now!"
The two left the Council Hall and arrived at Dongfang Jin's cave abode.
"Master, your disciple has an important matter to report!" Fang Tianqi stood at the entrance and spoke respectfully.
A short while later, Dongfang Jin's voice came from within. "Come in!"
The two entered Dongfang Jin's cave abode one after the other. Dongfang Jin's face was pale, and he had grown noticeably thinner. He looked utterly haggard, as though he had yet to recover from a serious illness.
"Master, your disciple has something confidential to report. Could you..."
Dongfang Jin understood what he meant. With a wave of his hand, he cast a spell and said, "Go ahead!"
"Master, here is what happened. Just now, Senior Brother Yu's disciple, Xu Qingtong..." Fang Tianqi recounted the entire course of events from beginning to end, then silently stepped aside and stood with his head bowed.
"Tiancheng, do you have evidence of this?" Dongfang Jin's face was expressionless, betraying neither