Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 290 Gathering

However, to everyone's great surprise...

Li Wudao waved his hand dismissively, looking at the five people with a pained expression:

"At this point, you still want to argue? You still want to use fabricated evidence to continue slandering the young sect leader?"

Ignoring the tearful expressions on their faces, he looked at Murong Yan and said loudly:

"Sect Master, you are wise! Although I have not had much contact with the Young Sect Master, you have always been upright and honest in your dealings with others, and have the demeanor of an ancient gentleman."

"Such despicable acts... are absolutely not befitting of the young sect leader!"

Li Wudao coughed lightly, his face remaining calm and composed, and continued:

"These five must have conspired to frame the young sect leader. Their purpose... is probably to sow discord within the sect and undermine unity!"

"Therefore, the young sect leader must have been deceived by villains, or he may simply have been innocently implicated. Young sect leader, what do you say... is it or isn't it?"

Finally, he didn't forget to force a "kind" smile at the dumbfounded Wu Shaotian.

The disciples were all stunned, their eyes revealing a clear sense of foolishness.

I feel like something's not right, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

Is that so?

"I feel an itch in my head, like my brain is growing."

"You're not the only one who feels this way."

Wu Shaotian was the most bewildered of all.

The expression on his face was priceless.

Shock, confusion, doubt, relief... a mix of emotions distorted his handsome face.

His mind went blank. He looked at the boy who was smiling at him and stammered, "This...is...right?"

This series of actions completely baffled him, and his brain almost crashed.

He envisioned countless possibilities.

Li Wudao would seize the opportunity to kick someone when they're down, he would angrily accuse them, and he would demand a thorough investigation...

They even anticipated that the other party would take direct action.

The only thing I never expected was that Li Wudao would stand up for him!

Which song is this from?

A gesture of goodwill? Or a way to numb the enemy?

Or... is there some deeper scheme at play?

Eighteen thoughts flashed through Wu Shaotian's mind in an instant, each one sending chills down his spine.

However, it cannot be denied that the current crisis seems to have been temporarily averted.

As long as we can weather this storm, preserve the position and prestige of the young sect leader, and wait until the elders of the clan are all prepared, the great undertaking will be accomplished...

Hmph, by then, all those Pure Yang Holy Bodies and sect holy sons will be nothing but clay chickens and earthen dogs!

After all, he was a demon spy who had been lurking for many years. He was extremely cunning and his outward appearances were already masterful.

Therefore, although he was inwardly flustered, no obvious signs were visible on the surface.

He took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Li Wudao, and his voice was filled with excitement:

"Li... Holy Son! Shao Tian... Shao Tian doesn't know how to thank you enough!"

He looked up, his eyes slightly red.

"If it weren't for the Holy Son's keen insight and righteous words today, I'm afraid I would never be able to clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River!"

As he spoke, he turned to Murong Yan, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a firm voice:

"Sect Master, you are wise! I am utterly loyal to the sect and have no other intentions whatsoever!"

"These five people have framed me; their intentions are despicable! I implore the Sect Master to thoroughly investigate whether there are others behind this, attempting to disrupt my Xuantian Sect!"

This performance was sincere and heartfelt, and the performer adopted an extremely humble posture.

Li Wudao sneered inwardly.

His acting skills are so refined, they're almost on par with his.

Under normal circumstances, just based on the fact that Wu Shaotian had someone sabotage and annoy him, he wouldn't have let the other party off easily.

How could one repay evil with kindness?

In reality, they were wary of Wu Shaotian, who had been infiltrating the Xuantian Sect for a long time, had deep roots, and harbored great ambitions.

Before you understand the other party's purpose, try not to push them too far. Otherwise, you might end up hurting yourself more than the enemy.

"Once I figure out your purpose and your trump card... you'll see how I destroy you!"

I cursed him countless times in my heart.

But he smiled gently and reached out to help you up: "Young Sect Master, please rise. The innocent will be proven innocent. I believe the Sect Master and the elders will find out the truth and clear your name."

Their eyes met briefly in mid-air.

Wu Shaotian saw "sincere" gratitude, while Li Wudao saw "open" trust.

This scene truly left everyone stunned.

Those unaware of the situation might assume the two were close friends who deeply admired each other.

.......

Murong Yan took in everything and stared intently.

He's been in charge of the Xuantian Sect for decades; what kind of people hasn't he seen? What kind of drama hasn't he watched?

Li Wudao's words were seemingly flawless.

But based on his understanding of this kid, he knew he was vengeful and cunning, and would never easily let go of someone who wanted to harm him.

Wu Shaotian's tearful gratitude seemed almost too...perfect.

"All right."

Murong Yan finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority:

"Since the Holy Son says so, I will believe him for now. These five people spread rumors and framed their fellow disciples. According to the sect rules, their cultivation will be abolished, and they will be imprisoned on the Cliff of Repentance for ten years!"

Upon hearing this, the five disciples turned ashen-faced and collapsed to the ground.

"As for Shaotian..."

Murong Yan looked at Wu Shaotian, his tone indifferent:

"Although he was framed, as the young sect leader, he failed to see the truth clearly and restrain his subordinates, so he also bears responsibility for negligence."

I hereby sentence you to three months of confinement, and you are not to leave without my permission. Do you accept this?

Wu Shaotian felt a chill run down his spine.

To strip someone of their cultivation and imprison them on the Cliff of Repentance for ten years is a severe punishment that would jeopardize their path to cultivation.

As for him, he was only confined to his residence for three months, seemingly a lenient punishment.

But Murong Yan's calm tone, the restriction of "no one may leave without an order," and the fleeting scrutiny in his eyes...

All of this made Wu Shaotian feel a sense of alienation.

The sect leader is starting to doubt him.

Even the slightest suspicion was enough to make him feel like he had a thorn in his side.

"This disciple...is convinced."

Wu Shaotian lowered his head, his voice respectful, but his fist clenched quietly in his sleeve.

We must act quickly.

If this drags on any longer, and even the slightest clue is discovered...

……

The turmoil has subsided, but the atmosphere in the square remains somber.

Murong Yan surveyed the entire room and said in a deep voice, "That's enough for today. All disciples, disperse."

The disciples then seemed to awaken from their daze and dispersed amidst their chatter.

But everyone's gaze still occasionally drifted towards the center of the arena, to the figure in white robes stained with blood, yet standing tall and straight like a pine tree.

After most of the disciples had left.

Murong Yan looked at the several Supreme Elders, as well as Nangong Cheng, Xia Gucheng, and other high-ranking members of the sect, his tone solemn:

"Please wait, everyone. Follow me back to the main hall on the summit. I have important matters to discuss."

Having said that, he took a step into the air and flew away into the distance.

.......

At the edge of the square, the crowd had mostly dispersed.

Wang Zhao, Qiu Zishi, Li Nanzhi, and others eagerly surrounded them.

"Godfather! You're amazing!"

Wang Zhao was so excited that he danced with joy:

"Hidden Trial! Sacred Body Phenomenon! Number One on the Mysterious Heaven Ranking! Nine Rings of the Warning Bell! My God, I still feel like I'm dreaming!"

Although Qiu Zishi was more composed, his eyes were full of admiration: "Brother Li, today you have truly made a name for yourself and shaken the entire clan."

Li Nanzhi's eyes were slightly red as she tugged at Li Wudao's sleeve, weeping with joy: "Cousin... Aunt in heaven would be so proud of you."

Li Wudao smiled gently and responded to each question.

His gaze, however, involuntarily drifted toward the white-clad figure standing quietly not far away.

Jiang Churan stood alone under an ancient pine tree, dressed in white, her aura as pure and cold as the moon. Even from a distance, she possessed an otherworldly charm that was hard to ignore.

She didn't step forward, but just watched quietly, her eyes filled with complex emotions, as if she were lost in thought.

"Junior Sister Jiang!"

Wang Zhao, with his sharp eyes, called out loudly, waving his hand and saying, "Over here...come here! Why are you standing so far away!"

Li Nanzhi smiled brightly, lifted her skirt, and walked briskly toward Jiang Churan.

"You must be Chu Ran, right?"

She stopped in front of Jiang Churan, smiling radiantly, her voice clear and melodious, "Hello, my name is Li Nanzhi. I've often heard Wudao mention you!"

"Unprincipled..."

This natural and affectionate nickname, like a tiny pebble, gently floated into Jiang Churan's calm heart.

The girl's cool gaze flickered almost imperceptibly.