80: The King of Blaming Others Has No Trouble

Inside the Sect Master's main hall of the Xuan Yin Sect, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt like water could drip from it.

The Enforcement Elder’s face was colder than profound ice, and the last wisp of tracking spiritual light from the black crystal ball in front of him ‘hissed’ and completely dissipated.

Nothingness.

All secret arts attempting to trace the origin of the demonic creature pointed to a blank space completely obscured by the Heavenly Dao.

This frustration of finding nothing was even more infuriating than directly tracing it to the Qingyun Sect.

“Pfft—”

Real Person Xuan Li, the Sect Master of the Xuan Yin Sect, could no longer suppress the rage in his chest. He spat out a mouthful of inverted blood, splattering it on the jade table in front of him, the crimson color shocking to behold.

His body trembled, an extreme manifestation of intense anger.

“Too much bullying! This is too much bullying!”

Real Person Xuan Li’s eyes were bloodshot as he squeezed out these words through gritted teeth.

What if there was no solid evidence?

In the entire Tiannan County, who else could have such deep-seated grudges with the Xuan Yin Sect and the ability to do such a thing, besides those hypocrites from the Qingyun Sect?!

He abruptly grabbed a communication Jade Slip, his Divine Thought wildly pouring into it, every word a cry of blood, every sentence filled with hatred.

The Jade Slip transformed into a black stream of light, tearing through the sky, carrying endless malice and towering rage, shooting straight towards the Qingyun Sect... At the same time, in the Qingyun Sect’s deliberation hall.

The atmosphere here was completely opposite to that of the Xuan Yin Sect, even carrying a hint of inexplicable, peculiar cheerfulness.

The Jade Slip from the Xuan Yin Sect was currently suspended in mid-air.

Real Person Xuan Li’s furious roar, filled with exasperation, still echoed within the hall.

“...Qingyun Sect, you despicable and shameless scoundrels! To use such underhanded tactics to frame me! If this grudge is not avenged, my Xuan Yin Sect swears not to be human! War! War!”

As the sound dissipated, the hall was first silent, then, the corners of several Elders’ lips unconsciously curved upwards slightly.

One word: Satisfying!

The Xuan Yin Sect, this sticky nuisance, had disgusted them for so many years. When had they ever seen him so flustered, so frantic?

The Sect Head cleared his throat, a compassionate expression on his face, but his tone was firm and powerful.

“My Qingyun Sect is the leader of the Righteous Path in Tiannan, acting openly and honorably. How could we use such petty tricks?”

He scanned the crowd, a hint of deep meaning in his gaze.

“This must be the Devil Head’s cunning scheme, intending to sow discord among the Righteous Path and divide our strength. His intentions are truly damnable!”

These words were spoken grandly and righteously. The Elders in the hall nodded in agreement, deeply convinced.

They also knew in their hearts that there was something fishy about this matter, but they were happy to see the Xuan Yin Sect suffer a setback.

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the hall.

“What the Sect Head says is absolutely right.”

Lin Gou, dressed in green, slowly stepped into the hall.

His expression was calm, his demeanor composed, as if he wasn't there for a deliberation, but for a leisurely stroll in the mountains.

Zhao Linger followed half a step behind him, her beautiful eyes revealing undisguised admiration and trust.

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on this newly appointed “Demonic Contamination Expert.”

“Lin Gou, you’re here.” The Sect Head’s tone was noticeably softer. “What do you think of the Xuan Yin Sect’s accusations?”

Lin Gou bowed respectfully to the high-ranking officials, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Reporting to the Sect Head, and all Elders.”

His voice was steady, with a hint of undeniable certainty.

“This Disciple believes that this matter precisely proves the cunning and power of that Devil Head’s remnant Soul.”

He paused, giving everyone enough time to digest, before continuing.

“Why did the demonic creatures specifically attack the Xuan Yin Sect?”

“Firstly, as the Sect Head said, to sow discord and reap benefits.”

“Secondly, and most importantly.”

Lin Gou’s voice rose a few octaves, carrying a confidence that seemed to grasp the secrets of the heavens, as if everything was under his control.

“The Xuan Yin Sect’s Cultivation Technique is inherently inclined towards Yin cold and Weird, and while not of the same origin as Demonic Qi, they share commonalities.”

“It is reasonable for demonic creatures to be attracted to and actively attack them.”

“Thirdly, that Devil Head’s remnant Soul is very likely using the Xuan Yin Sect to perform a ‘blood sacrifice’!”

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, his tone firm and powerful.

“The more casualties the Xuan Yin Sect suffers, the more power that altar can draw!”

His analysis was well-reasoned, progressing step by step, perfectly connecting all the suspicious points.

Ultimately pointing to the only answer—it was all the Devil Head’s conspiracy.

The Qingyun Sect was innocent.

The Xuan Yin Sect was unlucky, and deserved it.

“So that’s it!”

“Such sinister intentions!”

“Senior Nephew Lin is truly talented! His words awaken the slumbering!”

The hall erupted in cheers and thunderous applause.

All the Elders looked at Lin Gou with approval and admiration.

This explanation was simply flawless.

It not only cleared the Qingyun Sect but also nailed the Xuan Yin Sect to the pillar of shame for being foolish and unlucky.

It also conveniently raised the danger Rank of the Devil Head, highlighting the Qingyun Sect’s importance in combating the Devil Head.

Killing three birds with one stone, simply perfect.

The Sect Head stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his gaze towards Lin Gou growing even more satisfied.

“Good! Lin Gou, the Sect will surely not forget your contributions!”

Under the dual blow of Lin Gou’s “continuous framing” and “incisive analysis,” the Xuan Yin Sect finally couldn’t hold on.

They were forced to withdraw most of their forces deployed at the Qingyun Sect’s border, pulling them all back to the Sect’s inner territory.

This was to guard against the elusive demonic creature army that specifically targeted them.

The Qingyun Sect’s external pressure suddenly vanished.

And the true culprit behind all this, Lin Gou, was leisurely sitting on the terrace of Holy Son Peak.

Mountain breezes caressed his face, clouds unfurled and gathered, everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.

While enjoying the spiritual tea Zhao Linger had freshly brewed for him, he reviewed the abundant new gains on his System panel in his mind.

【Ding! You have successfully guided demonic creatures to destroy the Xuan Yin Sect’s Spirit Stone mine, causing huge economic losses and panic. Framing action rating: S-Rank!】

【Reward: Goudou Points +10000, obtained special Cultivation Technique “Deceiving the Heavens (Incomplete Scroll)”!】

Combining personal grudges with Sect interests so perfectly.

This feeling made Lin Gou’s body and mind joyful, as if every pore had opened.

Zhao Linger sat quietly beside him, refilling his cup of tea, her movements as gentle as a breeze sweeping across the water’s surface.

She looked at Lin Gou’s exceptionally handsome profile, illuminated by the cloud light, her heart filled with peace and sweetness.

But a faint, almost imperceptible doubt, like a tiny feather, kept gently tickling her heart.

“Senior Brother Lin.”

She finally couldn’t help but speak, her voice soft and sweet.

“Hmm?”

Lin Gou turned his head, looking at her with an inquiring gaze.

“You know... it’s strange.”

Zhao Linger furrowed her pretty brows, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes gazing earnestly at Lin Gou.

“Why do those demonic creatures only target the Xuan Yin Sect?”

Her words were soft, yet like an invisible small hammer, they precisely struck a crucial point.

“It’s as if... as if someone is secretly directing them.”

The air on the entire terrace seemed to freeze for a moment because of this.

A subtle alarm rang in Lin Gou’s heart.

What keen intuition.

As expected of the girl who would become the first female lead, her insight far surpassed ordinary people.

On his face, however, he showed no hint of it. Instead, he displayed a perfectly timed expression of contemplation, as if he were truly pondering the question seriously.

“Junior Sister’s words are not without reason.”

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic.

“Perhaps, this is the terrifying aspect of that Devil Head’s remnant Soul; its wisdom far exceeds our imagination.”

He changed the subject, looking at Zhao Linger, a hint of imperceptible admiration in his eyes.

“However, for Junior Sister to have thought of this, you have already far surpassed the Elders of the Sect.”

Flawless.

He neither answered directly nor failed to praise her, and he firmly placed the blame on the “Devil Head’s wisdom,” a versatile excuse.

Zhao Linger felt a little embarrassed by his words, her cheeks slightly flushed.

That trace of doubt in her heart also quietly dissipated amidst this clever deflection and sincere praise.

That’s right.

If she could think of such a question, how could Senior Brother Lin, such a clever person, not think of it?

He didn't say it simply because he didn't want her to worry unnecessarily.

Thinking of this, her gaze towards Lin Gou instantly changed from inquiry to overflowing heartache.

“Senior Brother...”

She called out softly, her voice filled with tenderness.

“You have been working tirelessly for the Sect, toiling all day, and you’ve grown thin.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Gou almost failed to maintain his actor’s expression.

Thin?

These past few days, he had been seeking death for rewards, eating well and sleeping soundly, his strength soaring. He should have been full of vigor.

But professional ethics made him immediately cooperate by showing a slightly weary, bitter smile.

Zhao Linger looked at his “forcing himself” appearance, and her heart ached even more.

From her Storage Pouch, she took out an exquisite white jade warming bowl.

As the lid was lifted, a rich, sweet aroma of spiritual rice instantly permeated the air, refreshing the mind.

In the bowl was spiritual porridge she had spent several hours preparing for him, adding over a dozen Spirit Medicines that nourished the Divine Soul, all by her own hand.

The porridge was crystal clear, with Spiritual Qi swirling, as if it could cleanse the Soul.

She gently scooped a spoonful with a small white jade spoon, brought it to her cherry-red lips, and carefully blew on it.

She cooled the scalding temperature to a perfectly warm one.

Then, she offered the jade bowl forward, bringing the spoon to Lin Gou’s mouth.

“Senior Brother, open your mouth.”

The maiden’s voice was so gentle it could drip water, carrying an irresistible tenderness.

Her bright, sparkling eyes were so close, looking at him, reflecting only his figure.

Focused and earnest.

Lin Gou’s breath hitched for a moment.

The sounds of the wind and clouds around them seemed to recede at this instant, leaving only her gentle call.

In the world, only the exquisitely beautiful face before him, gentle as water, remained, along with the jade spoon at his lips, carrying the maiden’s body scent and the aroma of the spiritual porridge.

His heart, which had long been tempered as hard as rock for the great cause of seeking death, at this moment, uncharacteristically, thumped heavily.

He mechanically opened his mouth.

The warm, fragrant, and glutinous spiritual porridge slid down his throat, and a warm current instantly rose from his stomach, flowing through his limbs and bones.

What was warmed was not just his body.

But also that heart, which had long grown somewhat cold amidst endless schemes and cycles of Reincarnation and death.

“Is it delicious?”

Zhao Linger’s face showed an expectant smile, her eyes sparkling with pure joy.

“Mm, delicious.”

Lin Gou’s voice unconsciously softened a few degrees, carrying a tenderness he himself hadn’t noticed.

Zhao Linger then smiled, her eyes curving, as if she had received the most precious praise in the world.

She continued, spoon by spoon, carefully cooling it, then feeding it to Lin Gou.

Lin Gou, for once, did not refuse.

He just sat there quietly, enjoying this rare warmth and tranquility, devoid of any calculations.

The atmosphere was warm and ambiguous, as if time had stopped for them.

Just then, a swift sword light shot from down the mountain, hovering outside the terrace.

It was a Sect communication Flying Sword.

Lin Gou reached out to take it, his Divine Thought probing in.

The next moment, his brow subtly raised, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes.

“Senior Brother, what’s wrong?”

Zhao Linger asked with concern, her voice carrying a hint of regret at being disturbed.

Lin Gou put down the jade bowl and slowly stood up, his gaze directed towards the mountain gate where clouds surged.

On his face, that complex expression of cynicism mixed with a hint of solemnity reappeared.

“Nothing.”

His voice carried a profound meaning.

“Just... some interesting guests have arrived.”

An earth-shattering piece of news, like a storm, instantly swept through the entire Qingyun Sect.

Envoys from Tianjian Sect, the largest Sect in Tiannan County.

And representatives from several other Righteous Path Sects.

Had arrived outside the Qingyun Sect’s mountain gate.

Requesting to discuss the grand plan to combat the demonic creatures!

The Rank of the storm instantly escalated from a conflict between two Sects to the level of the entire Tiannan County.

Lin Gou knew that his identity as a “Demonic Contamination Expert” was about to undergo a true public examination from the entire Cultivation World.

And that crazy and bold “Demonic Suppression Method” he had just conceived in his mind seemed to finally have a stage that could shock the world.

But what he didn’t know was.

At this moment, within the Tianjian Sect team that had arrived at the mountain gate.

A pair of eyes, clear and cold as ten-thousand-year-old ice and yet incredibly familiar, were gazing through layers of clouds and mist, towards the direction of Holy Son Peak.