Chapter 26
“Take the corpse back to his family, order Elder Changxing to meet me at the Inner Hall without delay.”
The doorkeepers immediately started to act, their movements swift and efficient, not daring to waste a second.
Su Lingyu then called another young attendant and instructed, “Hurry to the Tailing Peak and pass on my orders, asking them to prepare a room not too far from mine.”
The young attendant promptly replied, “Yes,” and swiftly went to carry out the task.
With all matters instructed, Su Lingyu looked at Qu Panyan and said, “You’ll accompany me.”
Qu Panyan smiled charmingly, “Mmm, I’ll listen to Sister Lingyu.” I couldn’t wish for anything more than being with you.
The Inner Hall was where the Sect Master and the elders usually discussed matters. The room was grand and spacious, with a flying crane screen in the background, and in the middle was a long table with three sides adorned with redwood chairs for the elders. When the two arrived, Elder Chang Xing was already lazily sitting in one of the chairs, waiting.
Elder Chang Xing was about to get up to greet them but was firmly pressed back into the chair by Su Lingyu, “No need for formalities.”
Su Lingyu sat at the head seat, while Qu Panyan stood silently beside her. Elder Chang Xing looked at Qu Panyan and couldn’t help but think that she was as docile as a young wife.
Su Lingyu cut to the chase and directly recounted the events of this morning to Elder Chang Xing.
Elder Chang Xing listened in silence, remaining composed throughout, even when he heard about A Yiduo’s possible involvement, his expression didn’t change. He naturally understood Su Lingyu’s intention in calling him here first to inform and—if A Yiduo was indeed involved in this matter, she would discuss how he wants to handle the situation as her direct master.
Su Lingyu was also considering his reputation.
Elder Chang Xing spoke openly, “If that child has truly done wrong, she should be punished accordingly. How to punish her is up to the Sect Master’s decision. I won’t protect her.”
Su Lingyu looked at him, “What if I want to expel her from the Xianmeng Sect?”
Elder Chang Xing smiled, “Using despicable means to harm fellow disciples warrants expulsion from the Xianmeng Sect, so it is only natural.”
Upon hearing that, Su Lingyu ordered someone to summon A Yiduo.
Although Elder Chang Xing was her disciple, he was essentially her senior. Out of respect for him, she decided to inform him first and gauge his attitude.
Now that he had made his stance clear, it saved her quite a bit of trouble.
Xianmeng Sect has a unified morning class, usually led by Senior Brother Kang Linjun to guide the disciples in meditation and self-cultivation. After Senior Brother Kang Linjun left for the Cangnan Sect, it was taken over by Second Senior Sister, Kang Congshuang.
A Yiduo had never gotten along with Kang Congshuang, so today, when she saw that it was Kang Congshuang leading the session, she felt uncomfortable all over and wanted to leave after breaking free from Yue Xiaomeng’s grasp.
But Yue Xiaomeng held her back again, “Senior Sister, morning meditation is a rule of the sect. We should follow it properly and avoid displeasing our Master and Sect Master.”
A Yiduo sneered when she glanced at Kang Congshuang, “I don’t want to stay unless Kang Congshuang is replaced!”
The morning meditation was silent, and her voice was distinct and disruptive, breaking the peace. Several disciples opened their eyes and turned to look at her, only to be sternly reminded by Kang Congshuang’s voice, “Focus on meditation.”
Kang Congshuang opened her beautiful eyes and looked down at the two standing there abruptly. Her gaze swept lightly over A Yiduo’s face before settling on Yue Xiaomeng’s, “Go back to your seat.” Then she said nothing more.
A Yiduo, displeased with her deliberate disregard, said sharply, “Kang Congshuang, how dare you ignore me?”
Kang Congshuang calmly glanced at her, then closed her eyes, “If you don’t want to meditate, you can apply to the elders and the Sect Master, don’t create a disturbance here.”
A Yiduo retorted, “Hey, Kang Congshuang, that dishwashing servant didn’t come for morning meditation either. Why don’t you say anything to her?”
Kang Congshuang replied, “She’s the Sect Master’s direct disciple. Since the Sect Master didn’t ask her to come, who are you to question it?”
“You should also show some respect and call her Martial Aunt.”
A Yiduo was infuriated, “Dream on! A mere dishwashing servant wants to be my Martial aunt? She’s dreaming!”
Kang Congshuang’s face remained composed as she said, “A Yiduo, if you have any objections, you can directly bring it up to the Sect Master. Don’t disturb others’ tranquility here.”
Just as she finished speaking, a spirit servant arrived promptly and calmly informed A Yiduo, “The Sect Master orders you to come to the Inner Hall immediately; she wants to see you.”
Upon hearing that Su Lingyu personally wanted to see her, A Yiduo instantly became delighted, not bothering to think too much about it. In fact, she even arrogantly retorted to Kang Congshuang, “You dare to be disrespectful to me? You better be prepared to be summoned by my Master!”
Kang Congshuang remained composed and showed no fear in the face of A Yiduo’s words. Instead, she smiled lightly and said, “Please.”
As A Yiduo was about to lift her foot to leave, a question flashed in her mind, and she turned back to stare at Kang Congshuang, “Was that dishwashing servant with you yesterday?!”
Among the people she knew in the Xianmeng Sect, there were only two who could have accommodated that dishwashing servant overnight – one was Yue Xiaomeng, and the other was Kang Congshuang. Since Yue Xiaomeng shared a room with her, it must have been Kang Congshuang who offered the dishwashing servant a place to stay for the night.
After all, Elder Chang Xing was inconvenient to approach, and Su Lingyu hadn’t returned.
Kang Congshuang smiled helplessly. She had already guessed that A Yiduo would come to “investigate the crime,” but she didn’t want to drag her into this mess.
Kang Congshuang replied, “No.”
A Yiduo warned, “Kang Congshuang, you better not lie to me, or else…” I’ll treat you just like that fool, Zhong Ming.
Kang Congshuang looked at her and said, “You talk too much, and you’ll make the Sect Master wait.”
After giving Kang Congshuang a resentful look, A Yiduo left. As soon as she left, the smile on Kang Congshuang’s face disappeared, and a hint of worry crept into her brows as she couldn’t help but worry about Qu Panyan.
She must not get into any trouble…
When A Yiduo arrived at the Inner Hall, she was surprised to find not only Su Lingyu but also her Master, Elder Chang Xing, all the other elders of the Xianmeng Sect, as well as Qu Panyan standing beside Su Lingyu while watching her with a smile. Su Lingyu and the elders had serious expressions, all gazing at her, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
Why are all the elders here?
And why is that dishwashing servant here?
Why are they looking at me like this?
A Yiduo was completely puzzled, as she didn’t think she had done anything wrong. However, she really disliked this atmosphere—it felt like she was being interrogated.
She was the future Saintess, how could she be treated like a criminal?!
Just then, Su Lingyu, who was seated at the head, slowly spoke, “A Yiduo, the Sect Master has some questions for you.”
A Yiduo looked at the dignified Su Lingyu, who simply sat there, yet her presence exuded an oppressive aura that seemed to suffocate A Yiduo. It made her involuntarily step back, feeling a sense of fear.
Su Lingyu’s voice was ice-cold, “Were you involved in today’s incident? Is there any connection between the death of that disciple and you?”
A Yiduo felt an unusual sense of fear. Since being chosen as the future Saintess, she had lived in devout worship daily, and no one could intimidate her anymore, even her father, the Chief of the Skyfire Tribe, couldn’t control her, but Su Lingyu could.
Su Lingyu was already close to achieving godhood, and she wasn’t afraid of the Skyfire Tribe’s Heavenly Fire. To A Yiduo, she was truly fearsome. Even if A Yiduo became the Ancestor of Heavenly Fire, it wouldn’t have any impact on Su Lingyu—unless A Yiduo broke through and ascended before her.
She hadn’t encountered such a situation in a long time, so she couldn’t help but panic. Her gaze wandered, but she tried to maintain a tough demeanor as she said, “I didn’t do it! Who slandered me, was it that dishwashing servant? Or was it Zhong Ming?!”
She couldn’t believe that Zhong Ming, that idiot, would dare to betray her!
Men are truly despicable and worthless!
However, Su Lingyu’s voice was cold as she retorted, “No one has slandered you, including the one you mentioned, Zhong Ming.”
A Yiduo was taken aback, and a mixed of indescribable feelings washed over her—surprise, astonishment, and a hint of embarrassment.
That despicable man didn’t betray me… I guess he’s smart enough!
If that’s the case, then as the future Saintess, I will graciously spare him and his family.
Su Lingyu’s voice rang out again, sternly asking, “I will ask you again, are you involved in today’s incident?”
“Did you kill Zhong Ming?”
“Our Xianmeng Sect does not tolerate harming fellow disciples. Be honest, and think carefully before answering.”
Su Lingyu’s attitude was stern and cold, and A Yiduo instinctively looked to Elder Changxing for help, only to find him also looking at her, showing no intention of protecting her. His face was serious, a side of him she had never seen before.
A Yiduo’s heart sank as she finally realized the severity of the situation…
Despite that, she wouldn’t easily back down. She gritted her teeth and denied firmly, “I have nothing to do with this matter, and I didn’t kill him.”
Su Lingyu asked, “Do you dare to swear to the heavens?”
Faced with Su Lingyu’s icy demeanor, A Yiduo could only feign confidence and raised her voice, “I… I dare, of course!”
Su Lingyu’s gaze was intense, “Really?”
A Yiduo pretended to be full of conviction and nodded vigorously. It’s just an oath, can the heavens really strike her down?
However, Su Lingyu didn’t want her to swear. Instead, she asked, “Do you know the illusion technique called ‘Heart-Probing Art’ ?”
A Yiduo showed a puzzled expression, asking, “What is that?”
Su Lingyu’s slender fingers rhythmically tapped on the long table, producing a regular sound. “It charms the mind and elicits honesty, reflecting your entire being like a clear mirror. That is the Heart-Probing Art.”
A Yiduo was taken aback for a moment, and then she remembered that there were no elders in the Xianmeng Sect who specialized in illusion techniques. She struggled desperately, saying, “I see… But why do you mention this? We don’t have anyone skilled in such illusions in our sect.”
“We do,” Su Lingyu replied, “I, as the Sect Master, possess it.”
Su Lingyu stared at her with a gaze as sharp as a knife while saying, “A Yiduo, if you dare to swear, do you dare to undergo the Heart-Probing Art?”
A Yiduo was shocked and unconsciously took a step back.
“Do you dare?” Su Lingyu asked again.
A Yiduo was speechless, feeling helpless and infuriated. The atmosphere in the hall was suffocating. She wanted to escape, and she even wanted Ba Tu and Wu Yi to come out and kill everyone in the room!
They shouldn’t be questioning the esteemed Saintess! No one should question the Saintess!
The action of A Yiduo stepping back was noticed by everyone present, and it became her answer, silent evidence of her involvement in harming her fellow disciples.
—She was afraid, she dared not.
Su Lingyu understood it all. Her cold voice echoed in everyone’s ears, every word resolute, “A Yiduo, a disciple of the Xianmeng Sect, has harmed fellow disciples, disregarded their lives, shown no remorse, and harbored a wicked heart. She is no longer worthy to be a disciple of our Xianmeng Sect. Hence, she is expelled from the sect and will never set foot in the Xianmeng Sect again!”
A Yiduo looked at Su Lingyu incredulously. Expel her? Su Lingyu wanted to drive her away?!
She asked incredulously, “You want to expel me? I’m the Saintess! I still… I still like it here! How could you drive me away?!”
Su Lingyu calmly replied, “The Xianmeng Sect is not the Skyfire Tribe. We don’t need a Saintess.”
A Yiduo still couldn’t believe that someone would treat her like this. She pointed at Qu Panyan and said, “All because of her and that idiot Zhong Ming?”
Su Lingyu’s face immediately darkened, and she said, “You truly have no remorse.”
A Yiduo angrily retorted, “Su Lingyu, as the Ancestor of Heavenly Fire, I like you, it’s because I think highly of you. Who do you think you are to have this attitude towards me?”
Su Lingyu looked up and gave her an impatient glance, saying, “You’re not the Ancestor of Heavenly Fire yet.”
A Yiduo was arrogantly defiant, “Not now, but I will be in the future. The Ancestor of Heavenly Fire will be me, A Yiduo!”
“Don’t speak too confidently, little girl,” a scholarly-looking elder spoke leisurely.
He looked at A Yiduo, who was practically spewing fire, and chuckled, “What if you get punished by the Heavenly Fire and can’t be the Saintess anymore? Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?”
Qu Panyan looked at the scholarly elder in astonishment and almost wanted to applaud him silently. Well done, Elder! Thank you for saying what I didn’t dare to say!
“Punished?” A Yiduo sneered, “What a joke! The Heavenly Fire would never punish me!”
Su Lingyu couldn’t bear it anymore. She stood up abruptly, her long sleeves swishing, and her imposing aura filled the room. “Escort her out!”
A Yiduo looked at the spirit servants coming forward from both sides and shouted at Su Lingyu again, only to receive a cold glance from Su Lingyu. “Do you want to walk out yourself, or do you want to be turned into an ice block and carried out by Ba Tu and Wu Yi?”
Ba Tu and Wu Yi promptly appeared, restraining A Yiduo just in time to prevent her from setting the hall on fire. For Su Lingyu to clash with them and the elders was like a moth flying into the flame. Naturally, Ba Tu and Wu Yi would persuade A Yiduo to leave the Xianmeng Sect obediently.
Upon losing the support of the two powerful protectors, A Yiduo could only grit her teeth in frustration, placing all the blame on Qu Panyan, the victim of this whole incident, and before leaving, she glared at Qu Panyan with a resentful look and said, “I will never let you off!”
Once again, Su Lingyu shielded Qu Panyan behind her, infuriating A Yiduo. Reluctantly, A Yiduo left.
After A Yiduo’s departure, the atmosphere in the hall turned icy. It was Elder Changxing, the eldest disciple, who broke the silence. He looked at Su Lingyu in confusion and asked, “Master, when did you learn the Heart-Probing Art?”
His question drew the attention of the other elders’ gazes towards Su Lingyu.
They had been in the Xianmeng Sect for so many years, yet they had no idea that their own Sect Master was skilled in the art of illusion.?
Qu Panyan also looked at her, not out of curiosity but with admiration.
The Heart-Probing Art was an advanced spell in the illusion techniques. They didn’t expect that Su Lingyu, who specialized in ice element techniques, would also master it—It was simply too impressive!
Su Lingyu slowly sat back to her seat, furrowing her brows as she looked at them and asked in return, “I merely deceived her. How did all of you get deceived too?”
The elders: “…”
Qu Panyan: “…”
We’re sorry; we just overestimated your strength.
As A Yiduo angrily left the Xianmeng Sect, the moment the sect’s gate closed, she suddenly remembered something.
—She didn’t know the name of that dishwashing girl!
A Yiduo stomped her foot in frustration and asked angrily, “When will the Divine Beasts appear?”
Ba Tu replied, “It might take another month or two.”
A Yiduo’s eyes filled with malice. “It’s best if it appears soon to help me fuse with the Heavenly Fire…”
“So I can come back early and crush her head!”
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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: iToon
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