Chapter 53

Chapter 53

I Dare Not Disobey

Lu Chengfeng feigned ignorance and asked, “What makes you say that, Grand Elder? I’ve heard about Xiao Qi’s death from Senior Brother Zhou Tong, but I truly have nothing to do with it. I hope the Grand Elder will investigate thoroughly.”

The Grand Elder merely smiled, letting the waterfall cascade into the pool, creating endless ripples. His hand holding the fishing rod remained steady.

“Some matters within the sect require adherence to rules and evidence.”

“But similarly, sometimes, some things don’t require any evidence for us in the martial world.”

“Just like how I’m convinced that Zhu Yuxian must have been involved in the plot to harm my Junior Brother Xun.”

These words were like a bombshell, causing even the composed Lu Chengfeng’s expression to change drastically. A storm surged in his heart, and he blurted out subconsciously, “How is that possible?”

“Indeed, how is that possible?” The Grand Elder sighed softly.

“They were a deeply affectionate couple, and as husband and wife, they were one. If Junior Brother Xun had become the Sect Master, she would have been the Sect Master’s wife. No one would have suspected her involvement in the plot to harm him.”

“Back then, to uncover the internal strife within the sect, two elders from Black Crane Peak lost their lives, but in the end, nothing was found.”

“Hmph, no one dared to continue the investigation back then. If it turned out to be related to Zhu Yuxian, it would be a tremendous scandal, not only bringing shame to the sect but also causing even greater turmoil if she were to be punished.”

“She was the Young Sect Master’s wife. If we were to force her to her death right after her husband’s passing, how would the sect’s disciples see it? How would the world see it?”

The Grand Elder’s voice was low, occasionally letting out a cold laugh. “Although no evidence was found at the time, the higher-ups in the sect did suspect Zhu Yuxian. But due to various concerns, they could only temporarily suppress the matter.”

“I’ve been secretly investigating all these years and have finally found some clues.”

Lu Chengfeng wished he could cover his ears and run away. Getting involved in the secrets and power struggles of the sect’s higher-ups was something a mere True Disciple like him couldn’t afford. He would be crushed to pieces in such a vortex.

Moreover, the Grand Elder had suddenly summoned him and casually revealed such confidential matters. What was his purpose?

Just thinking about it sent chills down his spine. Thoughts raced through his mind, and he made a swift decision, standing up and saying resolutely, “Grand Elder, please allow this disciple to take his leave.”

“I don’t know if this matter is true or false, nor do I wish to delve into it. Master Zhu is my master. Whether emotionally or logically, I shouldn’t listen to others slandering my master.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything today. Farewell!”

It had to be said that Lu Chengfeng’s actions were decisive, and his words were reasonable. Sensing danger, he immediately withdrew.

Unfortunately, the Grand Elder had personally summoned him and wouldn’t let him off so easily.

“You little rascal, you’re quite slippery, aren’t you? You’re indeed quick-witted.”

“But this matter is of great importance, and you’re a talented individual in the sect. I couldn’t bear to see you lose your life in confusion, so I called you here. Don’t mistake my good intentions!”

Just as Lu Chengfeng was about to move, he felt an invisible pressure enveloping his body, making it impossible for him to budge. However, this pressure disappeared as quickly as it came, clearly just a warning.

His expression flickered, but in the end, he just let out a dry laugh, turned around, and sat back down.

“Then I’ll just consider today’s events as listening to a story. After today, I’ll forget everything.”

The Grand Elder couldn’t help but laugh heartily. “You’re quite the sly one. But as you wish. Some things, once you know them, the choice of what to do is yours.”

Lu Chengfeng remained noncommittal. “Then this junior will respectfully obey and continue to listen to the Grand Elder’s story.”

The Grand Elder smiled, his gaze fixed on the bottomless pool. The waterfall cascading from the clifftop collided with the cold pool, creating a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the surroundings.

“At first, I couldn’t understand this matter at all. Zhu Yuxian had no reason to betray Junior Brother Xun or the sect.”

“So for many years, I was half-convinced. But not long ago, I finally made a new discovery.”

He paused, his tone turning cold. “If Zhu Yuxian was already a spy from another sect, then everything makes sense.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chengfeng’s scalp tingled, and he felt restless, wanting to flee but forced to continue listening.

He cursed inwardly, ‘Damn old man, why drag me into the affairs of your older generation? Your intentions are truly malicious!’

At that moment, the Grand Elder’s fishing rod suddenly trembled, as if a big fish had taken the bait. He exerted force with his wrist, effortlessly lifting the rod. Sure enough, another Cold-Scaled Firetail Fish, over two feet long, was pulled out of the water.

“Haha, I’m in luck today. Two Cold-Scaled Firetail Fish in a row. It seems you, young man, bring good fortune!”

The Grand Elder tossed the fish into the basket, a smile appearing on his face.

“It’s all thanks to the Grand Elder’s skill. What does it have to do with me?” Lu Chengfeng was more than happy to see him change the subject and quickly flattered him.

“If it weren’t for the Grand Elder’s profound mastery, how could you possibly catch such a big fish from this cold pool?”

The Grand Elder merely smiled in response. “I know you have questions in your heart. About your master Zhao Changzhen’s death, and why the sect hastily closed the case without any explanation.”

“The reason is simple. His death was very likely caused by Zhu Yuxian herself.”

Lu Chengfeng took a deep breath, the smile finally fading from his face. He turned to look at the Grand Elder and asked in a stiff tone, “Grand Elder, do you have any evidence for such a claim?”

“Evidence?” The Grand Elder’s expression was intriguing. He continued, “I’ve been secretly investigating all these years, and it wasn’t until recently that I discovered Zhu Yuxian had secret contact with Zhao Changzhen.”

“And Zhao Changzhen’s identity is even more interesting. He and Xiao Qi were both disciples of the Heavenly Ghost Sect in Youzhou. Twenty years ago, they infiltrated our sect, starting as Outer Disciples and eventually becoming Outer Peak Elders.”

“I was just about to follow the trail and uncover more details and clues when Zhao Changzhen was suddenly silenced.”

“Tell me, who did it?!”

Lu Chengfeng fell silent. As the Grand Elder had said, for people in the martial world, many things didn’t require evidence.

“Xiao Qi was an Outer Peak elder in our sect, but he was a spy from another sect, harboring malicious intentions and committing numerous evil deeds. His death was long overdue,” the Grand Elder said. “Moreover, he held malice and murderous intent towards you. It was justified for you to take action against him.”

“But you disregarded the sect’s laws and, in order to silence witnesses, killed five people, including his disciples, concubine, and maidservants. This violates the rules of my Law Enforcement Hall.”

“I sentence you to confinement on Bixia Peak for half a year. Do you accept this punishment?”

Lu Chengfeng remained silent for a moment, then said, “Xiao Qi’s death has nothing to do with me. But I dare not disobey the Grand Elder’s reprimand. I am willing to enter seclusion for half a year for self-reflection.”

Hearing this, the Grand Elder couldn’t help but laugh. “You are indeed a teachable young man. Go then!”

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