Chapter 1114: He Can’t Clear His Name

Chapter 1114: He Can’t Clear His Name

The scene was tense, with both sides locked in a stalemate.

Liu Shuqin’s arrival didn’t help; being nice wouldn’t resolve the situation. She had no way to fix this mess.

After a long pause, Master Cong finally called for the leader of the Xuanyun Sect.

He could dismiss the leader just as easily as he could call him back.

Besides him, there were other elders present, including Qin Shili’s master, Han Fairy.

Now it was getting lively.

To be honest, Lin Nuo felt worried; could he withstand this NPC gathering?

In reality, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

But in this dream, it all depended on Qin Shili.

Would she be able to handle the pressure?

If it were him, a few hundred people heckling wouldn’t be an issue; this small crowd barely registered.

He decided to stay silent for now, pretending to be the clueless little Lin Nuo.

“Step back; this is my concern, and it has nothing to do with you.”

Qin Shili whispered to Lin Nuo. To her, it didn’t matter how he’d changed; she was his senior and had to take responsibility now.

“It’s impossible for it to be unrelated. We’re all in the same boat. Do you think they’ll feel like it’s not connected? But honestly, being judged alongside my beloved Second Martial Sister is a glorious end.”

Lin Nuo teased, stepping back a little to create some distance from Qin Shili.

After all, standing next to her was rather chilly; that woman radiated cold air, and anyone with a weak constitution would struggle to stay close.

“I won’t be here for long; this situation will blow up soon.”

Master Zhao finally arrived, looking just as awkward. After all, they were all from the Xuanyun Sect; how had things escalated to this point? He was struggling to decide.

“Master, you’ve finally come. You haven’t forgotten about the trial cave incident, have you? Although Qin Shili is a valued disciple, we treat all disciples equally here. Her intentions aren’t right; she’s touched the Demon Path and harmed her fellow disciples. This is a serious crime; please make a decision and give everyone an explanation.”

Master Cong said respectfully, sounding like he was seeking justice for the people.

“Hmm, there is indeed demon qi in the air. However, it’s not emanating from her.” Master Zhao replied.

“She exposed her actions and tried to hide it, but we discovered it. Then she exploded out of embarrassment, injuring other disciples. The disciples present can all testify to this.”

Master Cong responded, and the other disciples nodded in agreement, confirming his words.

“Master, this is a frame-up by Master Cong. He brought me to the Ruyue Palace and forced me to touch the demon stone, causing demon qi to wrap around me and resulting in my spiritual power going out of control. He’s the true instigator.”

Qin Shili explained, and Master Cong immediately countered:

“If what you say is true, what evidence do you have? Any witnesses? If not, it’s just your word against mine, and it won’t convince anyone.”

Qin Shili had nothing to say to that; she didn’t have enough evidence to prove Master Cong’s wrongdoing.

Those who had witnessed him wouldn’t be willing to step forward, leaving her without proof.

“Ha, since you have no evidence, it sounds like you’re just talking nonsense. Master, Qin Shili has touched the Demon Path, harmed her fellow disciples, and violated orders. These combined offenses warrant more than just expulsion; she should be punished.”

Master Cong continued. Han Fairy couldn’t hold back anymore and quickly interjected:

“Master Cong, our Shili has always been clear between right and wrong. Although some accidents occurred in the trial cave, she has gone down the mountain several times to accomplish great things and is beloved by the people. There’s no way she would do what you’ve claimed.”

“呵呵. Whether she did or not isn’t for you to decide. Many saw her surrounded by demon qi and harming other disciples; that can’t be washed away. No matter her intentions, once she acted, she must accept the sect’s punishment.”

Master Cong shot back. He currently held the advantage with evidence and relied on his silver tongue to smear Qin Shili.

“Hmm…”

Master Zhao pondered for a moment before turning to consult the elders beside him. They whispered among themselves for a while before coming up with some thoughts.

Seeing the resentment among the disciples, if he didn’t provide an explanation, it would go against fairness. But making a hasty conclusion would be unwise.

“The matter of Shili touching the Demon Path still needs further investigation. For now, everyone should return; we will provide an explanation later.” Master Zhao stated.

“Master, the Demon Path matter can be investigated. However, the injury to her fellow disciples doesn’t need probing; everyone saw it. Master is fair and just; at the very least, give her some punishment. I suggest she be made to reflect, restricted from going out until you reach a conclusion.”

Master Cong offered another suggestion. Master Zhao was momentarily at a loss, and Elder Liu began to chime in:

“Master, you can’t be merciful. This is about fairness to everyone; otherwise, it’ll be hard to win over the crowd in the future. Plus, this Lin Nuo is the same as her; he touched the Demon Path and harmed his fellow disciples; he should be dealt with as well.”

Now, they were aiming their criticism at Lin Nuo, wanting him expelled to prevent further chaos.

Lin Nuo, hearing this, felt a bit gratified; apparently, he did indeed make an impression.

“Lin Nuo, did you touch the Demon Path? Is this true?”

Master Zhao turned to Lin Nuo, asking.

“If I said no, would you believe me?”

Lin Nuo shrugged,

“Master, you shouldn’t be like some people with low IQ. How could a weak disciple at the Spiritual Realm Second Stage handle demon power? Do you see any demon qi on me?”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

Master Zhao agreed; Lin Nuo clearly didn’t have the capability to wield demon power, and he didn’t have a trace of demon qi on him.

“Master, he just struck me.”

“He hit me too, without holding back at all!”

At this moment, some disciples leaped out to accuse Lin Nuo. In fact, Lin Nuo hadn’t struck them at all.

If he had truly attacked, could they still be standing here?

It was pure framing; even if he wasn’t blackened, he was still implicated.

“Lin Nuo, did you do that?” Master Zhao continued to question Lin Nuo.

“Master, you see I’ve never won a sparring match. Hurt them? I’m sure someone as clever as you wouldn’t take that seriously, right? I suggest those who just slandered me should also be punished. That’s only fair.”

Lin Nuo’s words were notably clever, surprising both Liu Shuqin and Han Fairy; usually, he’d only utter complaints like “I’m wronged” or “They’re slandering me.”

Now he was even throwing compliments.

“We won’t discuss their matters for now. Why were you with Qin Shili?”

“Everyone knows I like her; it’s normal for me to follow her.”

Lin Nuo spoke plainly, not even bothering to come up with a reason.

“Enough.”

Master Zhao was disinterested in handling Lin Nuo’s case, turning the focus back to Qin Shili,

“Let’s first go with Master Cong’s suggestion, to have her reflect and stay in confinement until we uncover the truth…”

“Master, this isn’t my fault at all.”

Qin Shili interjected hastily, but Master Zhao wasn’t listening and set things in motion anyway.

Lin Nuo saw this coming; could Master Zhao really clear her name?

“Wait, Master.”

Lin Nuo interjected, drawing Master Zhao’s attention once more.