Chapter 1 The Situation

After Feng Ruohang left, Ye Yang said in a low voice, "What will you do if the sect completely throws away all pretense of decency?"

"Then, I'll fight them to the death!" I narrowed my eyes. "Li Po can suffer losses, but not this kind."

"Did you send a message to Xiao Chun? Tell them to abandon Liangjie Tang first and hide. Wait for my news."

Ye Yang said, "It's already arranged. Old Liu took everyone back to Yu Lou Village. No one can easily find them there. Hei Ye Xiao went with them too. They're fine."

That's just how Ye Yang is. He gets things done quietly, and he won't say anything unless you ask.

However, this is good too. We can naturally go all out and clash with Ao Xue Sect.

Before long, Feng Ruohang came back. "Things are arranged. Zhao Ci is personally handling it. I've already arranged for Zhao Ci and Zhao Yuezhu to leave. I don't want to involve them in this."

"Okay!" I nodded and asked, "Are they alright?"

"They suffered some superficial injuries, nothing serious." After Feng Ruohang sat down, he began contacting the outside world frequently. After a while, Feng Ruohang frowned. "The situation is out of control."

"My plan with Zhao Ci was to use public opinion in the art world to demand that the sect conduct a public investigation and restore our innocence."

"But after the news was released, it was beyond our control. It seems someone is fanning the flames in the dark, changing 'restore our innocence' to 'severely punish Ao Xue Sect disciples.' This is troublesome!"

My expression also changed slightly.

If it was just an investigation of the truth, the sect might give a vague answer and then let the matter drop.

However, if they were to severely punish Ao Xue Sect disciples, it would be like slapping the sect's face hard. For the sake of their reputation, they would have to convict me.

This wasn't forcing Ao Xue Sect; it was trying to take my life.

I muttered to myself, "Is this intentional, or just a coincidence?"

That's how public opinion is. As long as there is guidance, it will erupt madly in one direction, and some onlookers just like to set the pace.

The art world has been suppressed by the sect for a long time. Some people don't care what consequences their words will bring to the parties involved. It is enough as long as they can vent their dissatisfaction.

I thought for a moment and said, "Can you find out who is behind this?"

Feng Ruohang said, "Many people, many sects are involved. Even some of the more influential sects in the art world have come forward to express their opinions, demanding severe punishment for Ao Xue Sect disciples."

"It seems the art world wants us to be cannon fodder!" I said with a helpless smile. "Does the art world now have the strength to contend with the sect?"

Feng Ruohang nodded. "The art world has experienced unprecedented development in recent decades. Many reclusive sects have accumulated enough elite disciples. Some art world sects have indeed expressed dissatisfaction with the sect and have made several attempts to probe them."

"I understand!" I shook my head and said with a wry smile, "It seems I've become a pawn for the art world to test the sect's bottom line."

A pawn is a discarded piece.

After the art world uses me to test the sect's bottom line, I will lose my use, and no one will care about my life or death.

My first plan was disrupted before it could even be launched.

I said in a deep voice, "Feng Ruohang, have Zhao Ci investigate Ao Xue Sect's information for me, the more detailed the better. Before the sect turns against me, I want to be fully prepared."

Before Zhao Ci's information arrived, people from Ao Xue Sect came to the door. The leader was quite amiable. "This must be Hall Master Li Po of Liangjie Tang?"

I cupped my fist at the other party and said, "I am Li Po. How should I address you, friend?"

According to etiquette, when people in the martial world meet, as long as they don't have master-disciple seniority or superior-subordinate relationships, cupping their fists is enough as a courtesy.

An Ao Xue Sect disciple behind that person said sharply, "Presumptuous! What is your status? How dare you address Elder Shen as a friend? Why don't you kneel down and pay your respects?"

My face immediately darkened. "According to martial world rules, I am the leader of a faction and can sit on an equal footing with your sect leader. You are the one who should kneel."

That person laughed in anger, "A mere grass-roots hall dares to call itself a faction?"

My face was gloomy. "I don't have time to argue with you. Either kneel, or get out!"

After my words, the five Ao Xue Sect disciples simultaneously drew their weapons halfway, and the atmosphere in the living room became tense. I was calm and looked at the murderous Ao Xue Sect disciples with a smile that was not a smile.

I didn't even take these people seriously.

Elder Shen raised his hand slightly and said, "Put away your weapons. A sect must have the demeanor of a sect. Drawing swords at the slightest provocation will only damage our reputation. Step back."

Several sect disciples reluctantly took a few steps back and put away their weapons.

Elder Shen cupped his fist and said, "I am Shen Zhengzhen, serving as an inner elder of the Ao Xue Sect. I am here to talk with Mr. Li on behalf of the sect."

I made a "please" gesture. "I don't like beating around the bush. Just get straight to the point."

Shen Zhengzhen laughed and said, "Mr. Li is straightforward, then I will be direct. The sect hopes that Mr. Li will confess his guilt and submit to the law."