315: Chapter 315 Feng Xuan

The leading man, dressed in simple grey robes with a lean, scholarly face, was Ye Tian's master, Elder Tianshu of Tianshu Peak.

Following closely behind him were several young figures.

One had a tall, upright posture and a cold expression, with a long sword on his back. It was Leng Feng, whose Aura had reached the second level of the True Martial Realm, having just been promoted to the Inner Sect.

Another was dressed in a pale yellow dress, her clear and beautiful face filled with anxiety. It was Luo Qiushui, at the fourth level of the True Martial Realm.

Beside her was the burly, furious-looking Lei Zhen, at the fifth level of the True Martial Realm.

There was one more, clad in a water-blue dress with a gentle temperament. It was Liu Ruyan, who had also been promoted to the Inner Sect, at the first level of the True Martial Realm.

"Senior Brother Tianshu." Yan Song cupped his hands, his attitude softening slightly but remaining firm. "This is official business of the Law Enforcement Hall. We are under orders to apprehend Ye Tian. Please do not obstruct us, Senior Brother."

"Junior Brother Yan," Elder Tianshu's voice was steady. "Ye Tian is my Disciple, and I know his character well. To mobilize so aggressively based solely on a single accusation from an external Sect—is that not rash? There are many suspicious points in this matter that require a thorough investigation."

"Elder Tianshu, do not be deceived by this Ye Tian!" Gao Ling jumped out again, speaking with righteous indignation. "The Demonic Path is cunning and good at disguising themselves!

Ye Tian's cultivation has skyrocketed and he has committed many killings—this is a fact, and two major powers have testified against him! For the safety of the Sect, it is better to investigate wrongly than to let a culprit go!"

"Gao Ling! Stop fanning the flames!" Lei Zhen roared. "Do you think we don't know what kind of person Ye Tian is better than you?"

Luo Qiushui also said coldly, "Brother Ye would never join the Demonic Path!"

Liu Ruyan said softly, "Vice Hall Master Yan, the Law Enforcement Hall should act based on evidence. Senior Brother Ye Tian also has the right to defend himself. Why not clarify the matter first?"

Voices of support and opposition intertwined, and the scene came to a standstill.

Yan Song's expression shifted. Elder Tianshu's status and cultivation were both higher than his, making things difficult for him.

Just then, a voice carrying a blood-and-iron Aura came from afar:

"Enough!"

An old man with a stern face, wearing the black robes of a Law Enforcement Elder, arrived through the air. His Aura was majestic—he was at the second level of the Huahai Realm!

It was the Chief Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, Xing Tiexin! He was known for his impartiality and harsh methods.

Seeing Xing Tiexin, Gao Ling and Zhao Yan showed looks of joy.

"Senior Brother Tianshu." Xing Tiexin gave a slight nod to Tianshu, then his cold gaze locked onto Ye Tian. "Ye Tian, Ling Juexiao, the Pavilion Master of the Wanren Sword Pavilion, along with several other Sects, have jointly sent a letter accusing you of multiple crimes and suspecting you of being associated with the Demonic Path.

This matter has already alarmed the Sect Head. To uncover the truth and maintain the Sect's reputation, you are hereby ordered to proceed immediately to Discipline Peak to undergo isolated investigation.

If the accusations are proven false, your innocence will be restored. If you resist... it will be treated as betraying the Sect, and you will be executed on the spot!"

Discipline Peak, while not the Cold Prison, was also a place for investigating serious offenders; it was easy to enter but difficult to leave.

"Junior Brother Xing!" Elder Tianshu said in a deep voice. "A conclusion has not yet been reached. How can you detain him directly?"

"Senior Brother, a suspect is presumed guilty until proven otherwise—this is the iron law of the Law Enforcement Hall." Xing Tiexin's voice was icy. "Now that the evidence points to him, he must be strictly controlled.

If he is innocent, he will naturally be released after the investigation. All Law Enforcement Disciples, take him!"

The sword light of the surrounding Law Enforcement Disciples rose again, and the formation was activated.

Feeling the gazes from all around, Ye Tian felt incredibly stifled, but strangely, he calmed down instead.

"Elder Xing," Ye Tian spoke slowly. "This Disciple has a clear conscience. Ling Juexiao's hatred for me is as deep as the sea; his words cannot be trusted. Gao Ling and Zhao Yan have long-standing personal grudges against me; their intentions are malicious."

His gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Xing Tiexin: "I will not go to Discipline Peak. Not because I am resisting the Sect, but because I do not trust certain people.

Since you want to investigate, then investigate clearly in public! I, Ye Tian, am willing to accept any reasonable questioning and investigation to prove my innocence. But if someone wants to use this to frame me..."

Ye Tian's right hand slowly pressed onto the hilt of the jingji sword on his back, and a terrifying Sword Intent suddenly erupted!

The power of his Aura far exceeded that of all the True Martial Disciples present, causing even Yan Song's pupils to contract!

"Then you will first have to ask the sword in Ye's hand!"

The jingji sword had not yet left its scabbard, but silver-white lightning was already leaping and crackling on the purple-black sheath. The destructive sharpness of it was chilling.

The Dragon Ape leapt down, its body returning to its half-man-tall combat form. The fierce might of a Huahai Realm Yao Beast was released, its golden eyes locking onto Gao Ling and Zhao Yan as a low growl rolled in its throat.

Its Aura actually formed a stand-off against the crowd from the Law Enforcement Hall!

A sharp light flashed in Xing Tiexin's eyes. He clearly hadn't expected Ye Tian's cultivation to have progressed so much, and his Aura was even more strange and powerful.

His face darkened: "Stubborn fool! Form the Heavenly Net Sword Array! Take him!"

Just as the sword array was about to be activated...

"Junior Martial Uncle Xing, please wait."

A clear and steady voice came from within the mountain gate.

Everyone looked toward the source and saw a young man dressed in a green scholar's robe, with a gentle face and a refined, steady temperament, walking slowly out from the mountain gate.

The newcomer was the True Disciple of Tianquan Peak—Feng Xuan. With a half-step Huahai Realm cultivation, he was known in the Sect for his vast knowledge, fair handling of affairs, and steady wisdom.

"So it is Nephew Feng Xuan." Xing Tiexin's eyes moved slightly, his tone softening a bit.

Although Feng Xuan was a Disciple, his half-step Huahai cultivation, status as a True Disciple, and prestige among the younger generation were enough for even an Elder to give him respect. More importantly, the Tianquan Peak lineage behind Feng Xuan was quite influential within the Sect.

"Disciple Feng Xuan greets Junior Martial Uncle Xing, Junior Martial Uncle Tianshu, and Junior Martial Uncle Yan."

Feng Xuan bowed and performed the salutations with perfect etiquette. Then his gaze rested briefly on Ye Tian, a flash of surprise and thoughtfulness crossing his eyes, before he looked at Xing Tiexin and said sincerely: "This Disciple heard a commotion at the mountain gate and came to take a look. It seems there is a dispute.

I overheard a bit from the perimeter just now. This matter seems to involve accusations from an external Sect and the innocence of our own Disciple, which is of great importance."

He paused for a moment and continued: "Junior Martial Uncle Xing's law enforcement is as firm as a mountain, and your strict investigation to maintain the Sect's reputation is something this Disciple admires. Junior Martial Uncle Tianshu protects his Disciple and wishes to ensure his safety, which is also only natural.

However, now both sides hold their own versions of the story. There are accusations from powerful external Sects, and our own Disciple's self-defense.

If he is forcibly apprehended with martial force, even if the truth can be clarified later, I fear it will damage the reputation of our Liuli Xuan Sect for listening to both sides and acting fairly. It would be even easier for people to gossip, saying our Sect is intimidated by external pressure and lacks internal judgment."

Feng Xuan's words were delivered smoothly and logically. He affirmed the starting point of Xing Tiexin's law enforcement, understood Elder Tianshu's position, and pointed out the potential negative impact of forcibly taking someone. Every sentence was reasonable, making it difficult to refute.

Xing Tiexin frowned slightly: "Then in your opinion, what should be done?"

Feng Xuan bowed slightly and said calmly: "In this Disciple's humble opinion, since this matter already involves external Sects, why not handle it comprehensively?

We can ask the Sect Head and the various presiding Elders to make a decision. At the same time, formally write to the Wanren Sword Pavilion and the other Sects, inviting them to send influential envoys to bring their so-called 'conclusive evidence' to our Liuli Xuan Sect.

At that time, a fair venue can be chosen, such as the Sect Assembly Hall, presided over by the Sect Head or a highly respected Senior. All parties involved will confront each other, present evidence, and distinguish right from wrong. This would be a Triple Trial."

"In this way, we can demonstrate to the outside world our Sect's determination to be impartial and uncover the truth, while also giving Junior Brother Ye Tian, who is under accusation, a fair opportunity to defend himself. This will also silence the idle talk of the world.

Before the trial, as a precaution, Junior Brother Ye Tian can temporarily reside at Tianshu Peak, under the personal supervision of Junior Martial Uncle Tianshu, with his movements restricted to the peak while awaiting the trial.

This is a plan that satisfies both sides. It fulfills the Sect's laws, respects the bonds between fellow Disciples, and further demonstrates our Sect's magnanimity. I wonder what Junior Martial Uncle Xing and Junior Martial Uncle Tianshu think?"

As soon as these words were spoken, many surrounding Disciples could not help but nod secretly.

Even some Disciples who originally harbored doubts about Ye Tian felt that this method was the most fair.

It neither let things slide nor relied solely on high-pressure tactics, giving both sides an opportunity to argue in a formal setting.

Elder Tianshu immediately nodded: "This method is very appropriate! I am willing to guarantee, in my capacity as Peak Master and teacher, that before the trial, Ye Tian will not leave Tianshu Peak by even a single step and will be available whenever summoned!"

Xing Tiexin remained silent, deep in thought.

Feng Xuan's proposal was indeed mature and considered every aspect. If he forcibly refused, it would instead make the Law Enforcement Hall appear arrogant and unreasonable, as if they feared a confrontation.

He looked sharply at Ye Tian: "Ye Tian, are you willing to accept what Nephew Feng Xuan has said? To temporarily reside at Tianshu Peak and wait for the Sect to formally arrange a Triple Trial to confront your accusers face-to-face?"

Countless gazes focused on Ye Tian once more.