Incense-Passing Cult's First Rule

Zhao Jian shrugged. "That's not necessarily so. I may not have seen you like this myself, but judging by Deputy Hall Master Qin's shocked expression, do you think anyone still cares about your innocence? If it can be used to accomplish something, then it might still be possible!"

"Zhao Jian!" Veiled Chen Chen rebuked sharply. "What nonsense are you spouting? Even now, you refuse to confess?"

Zhao Jian cupped his hands. "Esteemed Envoy, Martial Uncle Wen was absolutely right just now: if one is determined to accuse, why worry about lacking pretexts? If you insist on pinning some crime on me, there is nothing I can do. But think about it—these dozens of people are all Misty Hall disciples. We lived together for more than ten years, brothers who lived and died together. What use would I have for their lives?"

Zhong Pei, seated nearby, had an exceedingly ugly expression. His gaze wandered, and no one knew what he was thinking.

"Zhong Pei!" Veiled Chen Chen barked, startling Zhong Pei so badly that he sprang from his chair at once and cupped his hands. "Envoy Chen."

"Tell me, were you the one who masterminded this?" Veiled Chen Chen asked. "Cult Master has made it clear: as long as you speak, you will be pardoned."

"Hm?" Zhang Xiaohua, seated at the very end, felt a flicker of anger. Dozens of lives! Just because the mastermind is an inner disciple of Yi Xiang Peak, Cult Master will not pursue it. Then there may not be any outcome for my second brother's matter either! Heh heh, since this young hero has learned of such a thing, how can I not give the Misty Hall disciples justice?

Yet Zhong Pei gave a bitter laugh. "Reporting to Lord Chen, before entering the valley, I truly