"Your Excellency, Cult Master, see clearly!" Zhang Xiaohua cried anxiously, both hands clawing wildly at his neck as though trying to seize Abbess Jingyi's divine sense. He argued, "This disciple knew he had caused Great Elder Jing Gang to misunderstand, so after receiving the Cult Master's decree, once my injuries healed, I immediately set out and quietly descended the mountain. Even below the mountain, I wandered east and west, not daring to reveal my whereabouts. During this time, this disciple was terrified, fearing Great Elder Jing Gang might suddenly appear. I was constantly on edge. Only when I just set foot in Mocu Palace did my heart finally settle. Only before Your Excellency, Cult Master, do I feel even a trace of safety."
"This disciple did indeed visit West Ridge Peak, but... but this disciple truly never saw Great Elder Jing Gang. Besides, Your Excellency, Cult Master, if this disciple had seen Great Elder Jing Gang, would I still be standing within Mocu Palace now?" Zhang Xiaohua said with a bitter smile. "If this disciple possessed the martial skill to kill Great Elder Jing Gang, would I... would I still need to hide east and dodge west?"
Abbess Jingyi's face was concealed beneath her veil, making her joy, anger, sorrow, and delight impossible to discern. Of those in the hall, only Chen Chen showed some anxiety in her eyes, while Peacock lowered her head and stared at the ground. Everyone else watched Zhang Xiaohua with considerable interest, saying nothing. Only after the time it took to drink a cup of tea did Abbess Jingyi withdraw her divine sense.
"Whether you killed her or not, you remain the greatest suspect!" Abbess Jingyi said coldly. "And Xi Mujun already bore a grudge against you. Once he returns from his training, you will