Chapter Thirty-Two: Getting Away with It (Part Two)

“Continue,” Dong Muming said, his gaze as if piercing through Subai’s soul. “If your answer fails to satisfy me, I might truly kill you.” He responded instantly to Subai’s doubts.

Subai’s clever ploy had backfired. He had intended to demonstrate his prowess before this man, but instead, he found himself in this predicament.

“I went out and, using the name you gave me, found the person. I explained the stakes to ensure he’d be obedient. Then I handed him a note and instructed him to find two people to deliver it to Wudang Mountain.”

Dong Muming looked at him deeply. “So you never intended to give this thing to me, did you?”

Subai finally understood—people in this world were insatiably greedy. He had handled everything flawlessly, and yet the man remained dissatisfied.

“I’ve done all I can for you. If you still want that treasure, there’s nothing more I can do.” Subai replied calmly, neither servile nor overbearing.

Dong Muming did not press the matter further, tacitly accepting Subai’s answer. He turned and left for the Hall of Justice.

Although Subai’s explanation seemed reasonable, hearing was not believing; Dong Muming needed to ensure there were no loose ends.

He opened the door, then half-turned to threaten Subai, “If you leave this room before the matter is resolved, I’ll kill you on the spot.” Without waiting for a reply, he shut the door and departed.

Subai took a deep breath, comforting himself, “After this is over, I’ll be safe. For now, I’ll endure him. Sooner or later, I’ll get even.”

Meanwhile, the Hall of Justice was abuzz with activity.

Liet Cheng and Wu Cheng argued fiercely, each defending their case, but no matter what they said, the others had no interest. The elders wanted only one answer: Where was the treasure? As for other matters—they had no time for grievances.

The reason for hauling these two in was merely to force out who had tried to silence witnesses.

Wu Cheng had rehearsed with Subai days before; his lines were memorized perfectly. Though he began at a disadvantage, his eloquence soon gave him the upper hand.

“Brother Liet, when you suffered a mishap in your cultivation, I brought you your meal. I didn’t volunteer; you assigned the task. There are witnesses. Are you still going to deny it? You commit the act, but want others to take the blame. I wonder if your heart is pitch black!”

Under Wu Cheng’s sharp words, Liet Cheng was left speechless, able only to feebly retort, “Don’t talk nonsense. I was unwell and asked you to help for one day. How could you—”

“Brother Liet, we’ve been peers for years. How could you, for petty gain, aid the wicked? Not only that, now you harm your own comrades. Have you no shame?”

Wu Cheng’s righteous rebuke was interrupted by one of the elders, “Enough. Quiet down. Here, your words are useless. If you truly are innocent, we won’t let you suffer.”

“Yes,” Wu Cheng replied, stopping his speech and casting a provocative glance at Liet Cheng.

Liet Cheng felt utterly aggrieved. Wu Cheng had never seemed so eloquent, but today he turned the truth upside down, leaving Liet Cheng unable to defend himself.

Yet what Wu Cheng said was true; Liet Cheng had indeed asked him to fill in due to his cultivation mishap, and he had been quite happy about it at the time. Now, regret gnawed at him.

Suddenly, Liet Cheng pointed at Wu Cheng as if enlightened. “I see now—it was all your deliberate scheme.”

“What nonsense. Are you trying to distort the truth now that your plot is exposed?” Wu Cheng remained composed.

But Liet Cheng entered a “Conan” mode, “You’ve never shown such concern for me before. Since my illness, you’ve been unusually attentive. When I asked you to help, you agreed instantly, without reluctance. Such behavior is completely out of character. Was this your way of gaining access to the dungeon?”

Subai hadn’t anticipated these subtle behavioral clues. But it couldn’t be blamed on Wu Cheng; who could have foreseen Liet Cheng’s quick-witted discovery of the weak spot?

Wu Cheng was thrown off, for Subai had never taught him how to handle this situation. A momentary lapse was noticed by the elder.

“Seize him. Begin the interrogation at once.” He ordered, then turned to Liet Cheng, who was gloating, “Take him, too. He’s not to be spared.”

“Yes!”

“It has nothing to do with me! Why are you arresting me? Ah! Ah!” Liet Cheng and Wu Cheng’s cries heralded the start of the torture.

Half an incense stick later

Liet Cheng lay unconscious, beaten senseless, while Wu Cheng still clenched his teeth in pain. The elder of the Hall of Justice spoke coldly, “Wake him up. As for you—” He turned to Wu Cheng. “I advise you to confess. You know the stakes.”

Wu Cheng remained unmoved, so the elder pressed further, “If you name the mastermind, you’ll earn great merit. Not only will your previous offenses be erased, but you’ll receive resources as a true disciple. Think carefully; a single thought divides two worlds.”

Wu Cheng sneered inwardly. Such childish tricks—how could he believe them? If he spoke, his doom would truly be upon him.

Thus, he bit his lip, ignoring the whip marks, and replied, “Elder, I am wronged. I know nothing of this matter. What do you want me to confess?”

“Stubborn fool. Continue the beating!” Having his authority challenged before so many elders, the elder’s dignity was shattered.

“Aah—” The screams were muffled by the hall’s special formation, unable to escape.

Everyone watched the interrogation with indifference. Wu Cheng’s life was expendable if it meant finding the treasure.

“Enough.”

At last, Li Ruilin, who had remained silent, turned to Mo Jiyang and said, “Master Mo, we are both over a hundred years old. We should act with restraint.”

“Brother Ruilin, what are you implying? I only interrogate Wu Cheng to help you recover your lost treasure,” Mo Jiyang replied blandly.

Li Ruilin had no patience for wordplay and slammed the table as he stood. “Mo Jiyang, do you think this beating will yield results? If the mastermind couldn’t foresee this, why would he steal the treasure?”

“Then, please, Brother Ruilin, I have no better solution for this predicament.” This was also Mo Jiyang’s view.

Rather than torment his own disciple, it might be better to hand Wu Cheng over to Li Ruilin. Whether the secret could be wrung out of him would be their problem.

But Li Ruilin, seasoned in his years, did not take Wu Cheng away. Instead, he walked up to Wu Cheng, waved his left hand, and flung the whip-holder aside with a surge of power.

He grabbed Wu Cheng’s hair, yanking him up. Wu Cheng cried out in pain.

“Look into my eyes.” Before Wu Cheng could curse, Li Ruilin’s words came out with a hypnotic force that entered his ears.

Instantly, Wu Cheng’s expression became vacant, his eyes dull as if suffering an advanced form of dementia.

Meanwhile, Mo Jiyang, seated at the head, grew grim.

“So the old fox knows this trick. No wonder Wudang sent him for the interrogation. I was careless.”

The interrogation finally made progress.

Li Ruilin stared into Wu Cheng’s eyes and slowly asked, “How did you kill the two victims? Who is your mastermind?”

Though Wu Cheng’s involvement in poisoning remained unproven—there was nothing toxic in the meals near the deceased, only some spoilage.

Even the Dayan Sect had brought in renowned poison experts, but they were baffled.

Nonetheless, they were convinced Wu Cheng was the culprit.

“Yes…” As everyone held their breath, Wu Cheng finally began to speak.

Among the elders, Dong Muming clenched his fists subconsciously, his breathing quickening.

Someone nearby gave Dong Muming a deep look, but soon glanced away.

Wu Cheng began his statement, “I was substituting for Brother Liet in delivering meals to the dungeon. The ninth cell…”

“Enough!” Mo Jiyang’s voice thundered, “Li Ruilin, that’s enough. Even using Soul Capture Melody is futile.”

His shout snapped Wu Cheng out of the deep hypnosis, restoring his awareness.

Wu Cheng had no idea what he had just said.

Dong Muming relaxed his fists upon hearing Wu Cheng’s answer, but was left puzzled. “What spell did that kid use on Wu Cheng to resist the Soul Capture Melody? Could he have cultivated similar techniques?”

Li Ruilin was frustrated. Wu Cheng had succumbed readily to the melody, but the answer was disappointing.

“But he was so susceptible…” Li Ruilin ignored Mo Jiyang’s discontent, pondering deeply.

He suddenly considered a possibility, improbable yet plausible.

Just as he was about to intensify the Soul Capture Melody, a chill ran down his spine.

Li Ruilin turned, meeting a palm strike from behind.

“Mo Jiyang! What are you doing?” Upon seeing it was Mo Jiyang, Li Ruilin erupted, “I was just about to uncover the truth! Are you stopping me because you’re the mastermind?”

Mo Jiyang sneered, “It seems Wudang imagines itself as the supreme sect. Any elder can speak thus before the sect master.

Today you act at will in Dayan Sect—tomorrow, will you annex us? The day after, will you absorb all the factions of our world? Will you merge the Four Academies into one?”

Wu Cheng’s fate mattered little, but Dayan Sect’s position in the martial world was at stake; Mo Jiyang would never yield.

Dayan Sect was already at the bottom among righteous sects. Wudang’s actions were likely a test. If he allowed such bullying, annexation would soon follow.

“You… That’s pure nonsense!” Li Ruilin admitted his conduct had been excessive, but he could not let this opportunity slip.

His gaze lowered, voice cold, “Mo Jiyang, must you block me?”

“What? You want to be more insolent in my sect?” Mo Jiyang’s temper flared.

Li Ruilin took a deep breath. He did not fear Mo Jiyang’s strength, but a confrontation here would be unwise. He decided to negotiate.

“Master Mo, look at yourself. When have I acted unruly in your sect? The situation forced my hand.”

Li Ruilin smiled warmly again.

“Hmph!” Mo Jiyang grunted. “My words were impulsive. Don’t take them to heart. As for this man…”

He looked at Wu Cheng. “I declare that from now on, he has no ties to Dayan Sect. You may take him to Wudang Mountain.”

Seeing Mo Jiyang yield, Li Ruilin’s mood eased. He bowed slightly, “Thank you, Master Mo. I’ll take him now.” He signaled to the Wudang disciples.

As they prepared to escort Wu Cheng away, a Wudang disciple suddenly burst into the hall, shouting to see Elder Li Ruilin.

Li Ruilin, puzzled, had the disciple released.

Freed, the disciple rushed to Li Ruilin’s side, whispered urgently in his ear.

Li Ruilin’s eyes widened at the news, drawing curious looks from everyone except Dong Muming, who quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

After digesting the news, Li Ruilin turned to the disciples handling Wu Cheng. “There’s no need to take him back. We depart for Wudang immediately.”

He bowed deeply to Mo Jiyang, apologizing, “Wudang has just received word—the Nine-Star Visualization Diagram has been found. I’m sorry for any offense during my stay. May Dayan and Wudang remain friendly.”

Mo Jiyang wondered, “How was it found so suddenly?”

But seeing Li Ruilin’s sincere apology, he could only reciprocate, “It’s a minor matter, hardly worth mentioning. Wudang and Dayan have long-standing ties; such trifles won’t affect us. Since you must return, I won’t delay you. Farewell.”

“Farewell.” Li Ruilin replied, not glancing back, and left at once.

When the Wudang group had departed, Mo Jiyang ceased his pondering.

At this point, even exposing the culprit was meaningless.

He looked at the elders, “Let’s consider this matter closed. I don’t care who did it. You know in your hearts. Handle the rest as you see fit.” With that, he left the Hall of Justice, leaving the elders exchanging glances.

Finally, the chief elder cleared his throat, “Since the master has spoken, this matter ends here. However…”

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Wu Cheng. “Dispose of this man. Keeping him is a liability; he might spread rumors outside.”

“I…” Wu Cheng looked desperately at the third elder.

He knew if he remained passive, execution would follow immediately.

Only the third elder might save him, but this glance startled Dong Muming.

Before Wu Cheng could utter a second word, a sharp sword pierced his chest. The man who had struggled at death’s edge a moment before now departed the world.

“Brother Muming, you’re in quite a hurry—so afraid Wu Cheng might speak?” The ever-contrary fourth elder, Hou Wuji, remained silent, but the ninth elder, Xi Menghe, spoke up.

Dong Muming glanced at him. Throughout the interrogation, he’d felt a gaze occasionally sweeping over him; it was Xi Menghe.

He looked at Xi Menghe’s lifeless demeanor, mocking, “You let the duck slip from your grasp, yet dare mock me here?”

Xi Menghe squinted, glaring at Dong Muming, but before Dong Muming, such gestures were meaningless.

Faced with overwhelming strength, Xi Menghe dared not confront him. Dong Muming, in good spirits, ignored him and left the hall.

Though Xi Menghe dominated within the Spirit-Focusing realm, the extraordinary peak Dong Muming was not someone he could challenge head-on.

But Xi Menghe was confident Subai would seek him out. After all, he had prepared a gift for him.