75: Chapter 75, Standoff at the Enforcement Hall, Temporary Calm.

Ye Chen's thoughts raced.

He had indeed kept the assassins' Storage Pouches and broken weapons.

However, he had not carefully checked whether there was any evidence pointing to the "Shadow Fiend" inside.

Furthermore, if he handed them over, how could he explain being able to counter-kill the four of them?

But if he said he didn't have them, the other party would likely insist even more firmly that he was lying.

Just as he was hesitating, the Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng spoke again.

"Ye Chen, I will ask you one more time. After you killed those four assassins, did you collect any spoils of war?"

Ye Chen gritted his teeth, knowing he couldn't hide it.

He waved his hand.

Four black Storage Pouches and several broken, uniquely shaped black daggers and short spikes appeared on the ground.

"This Disciple was panicked at the time, so I only collected them hastily before rushing to leave the scene to treat my injuries. I did not check them carefully."

The Enforcement Hall Deacon stepped forward, picked up the Storage Pouches and weapons, inspected them, and handed them to the Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng.

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng's Divine Sense swept over them, and a moment later, a gleam flashed in his eyes.

From one of the Storage Pouches, he took out a palm-sized black token, neither gold nor wood, engraved with a ferocious ghost face and the character "Shadow".

"An identity token of a 'Shadow Fiend' Bronze-Rank assassin!"

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng said in a deep voice, showing the token to everyone.

The token emitted a cold Aura, and the "Shadow" character on it seemed to be wriggling, looking eerie.

Chen Ao and that gloomy old man's expressions changed slightly.

They hadn't expected that Ye Chen would actually produce evidence of the "Shadow Fiend".

"It seems that those who attacked Ye Chen were indeed 'Shadow Fiend' assassins without a doubt."

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng's gaze towards Ye Chen contained less scrutiny.

"You were able to counter-kill four 'Shadow Fiend' Bronze-Rank assassins; although there was some trickery and your Cultivation Technique is special, it is enough to show your strength and adaptability. However..."

He changed the subject.

"This does not completely clear you of suspicion regarding Liu Feng's disappearance. Around the time Liu Feng went missing, you happened to be in Shadow Gorge executing a mission, and Liu Feng's last mission location was also in that vicinity. The time and location are too coincidental."

"This Disciple was only in Shadow Gorge to complete a mission: hunting Shadow Leopards and collecting moon shadow grass."

"During that time, I did not see Senior Brother Liu Feng. If the Law Enforcement Hall does not believe me, you may use a 'Heart-Questioning Talisman' or a Soul-Searching Technique on this Disciple, and you will know the truth upon investigation."

Ye Chen said calmly.

He knew that at this point, he had to appear upright and honorable.

Moreover, he had truly not seen a living Liu Feng in Shadow Gorge, so the Heart-Questioning Talisman would not detect anything.

"A Heart-Questioning Talisman?"

The gloomy old man sneered.

"The Heart-Questioning Talisman is not necessarily completely accurate for those with firm wills or those who Cultivate special Divine Soul Cultivation Techniques. As for Soul-Searching, it damages the Divine Soul and cannot be used lightly unless the person is truly wicked. This brat is very slippery; would he admit it so easily?"

At this moment, Senior Brother Murong spoke again.

"Elder Wang, that is incorrect. Since Junior Brother Ye Chen dared to take the initiative to propose using the Heart-Questioning Talisman, it at least shows he has nothing to hide. As for Soul-Searching, it is indeed inappropriate."

"However, there is currently no direct evidence pointing to Junior Brother Ye Chen in the case of Liu Feng's disappearance. Yet, the 'Shadow Fiend' assassins attacking a fellow Sect member is evidence-based and certain."

"The urgent priority should be to investigate why the 'Shadow Fiend' has repeatedly targeted Junior Brother Ye Chen, and even infiltrated the Inner Sect to commit murder. What is the conspiracy behind this? This likely concerns the safety of the Sect."

His words shifted the focus from whether Ye Chen killed Liu Feng to the severity of the "Shadow Fiend" attack.

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng heard this and also looked thoughtful.

Chen Ao was anxious.

"Senior Brother Murong! This brat is highly suspicious; how can we let him off lightly just because of the 'Shadow Fiend' matter? My Golden Flame Peak Disciple cannot have died in vain!"

"Junior Brother Chen."

Senior Brother Murong looked at him, his tone still gentle, but his eyes carried a trace of unquestionable sharpness.

"We also feel the pain of the Golden Flame Peak Disciple's disappearance and will definitely investigate to the end. But investigating cases requires evidence, not speculation."

"If evidence is found in the future proving that Junior Brother Ye Chen is involved, the Sect's laws will never show leniency."

"But if there is no evidence and you make reckless accusations here, or even resort to lynching, wouldn't that chill the hearts of other Disciples and ruin the Sect's laws?"

His words were reasonable and well-founded, and also implicitly pointed out that Chen Ao might be resorting to lynching.

This made Chen Ao's face turn green and white, but he was unable to refute it.

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng pondered for a moment and then made a final decision.

"Nephew Murong's words are reasonable. The matter of Ye Chen being attacked by the 'Shadow Fiend' is backed by solid evidence, and a case should be opened to investigate the responsibility for the 'Shadow Fiend' infiltration. Regarding the case of Liu Feng's disappearance, there are currently no clues pointing to Ye Chen."

"However, Ye Chen still remains a suspect and must cooperate with the investigation at any time; he is not allowed to leave the Sect. Before his suspicion is cleared, his qualification for promotion to Elite Disciple will be temporarily withheld, and his Immortal Cave will remain at Flowing Cloud Peak."

"As for Ye Chen's merit in counter-killing the 'Shadow Fiend' assassins, it will be dealt with separately after the truth is clarified. Do you have any objections?"

This verdict could be considered a balanced punishment.

It did not severely punish Ye Chen because of Chen Ao's accusations.

Nor did it completely trust Ye Chen; it withheld his promotion qualification and restricted his freedom.

But for Ye Chen, this was already a good result; at least he was safe for the time being.

"This Disciple has no objections and will abide by the Vice-Master's ruling." Ye Chen cupped his hands.

"Hmph!"

Although Chen Ao was dissatisfied, he dared not cause any more trouble in front of the Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng and Senior Brother Murong.

He could only snort coldly and sit down.

Elder Wang also had a gloomy look in his eyes and stopped speaking.

"In that case, everyone disperse. The Enforcement Hall Deacon, leave the 'Shadow Fiend' token behind; I leave the matter of the investigation to you."

The Deputy Hall Master Yan Feng waved his hand.

"Yes!" The Enforcement Hall Deacon replied.

Everyone saluted and withdrew.

Ye Chen picked up the remaining Storage Pouches and weapons on the ground, except for that token.

Together with Lin Dong, he walked out of the oppressive Law Enforcement Hall.

Outside the hall, the sunlight was blinding.

Lin Dong breathed a sigh of relief and whispered.

"Brother Ye, that was close. That Chen Ao and Elder Wang were clearly targeting you. Thanks to Senior Brother Murong for speaking up."

Ye Chen nodded and looked at Senior Brother Murong, who was also walking out of the hall.

Senior Brother Murong smiled slightly at him and nodded.

Then, he took an attendant and left gracefully without saying much.

"This Senior Brother Murong seems to have been helping you all along."

Lin Dong said, puzzled.

"Brother Ye, do you know him?"

"I do not."

Ye Chen shook his head, his heart also full of questions.

Why did this Senior Brother Murong repeatedly help him?

Was it because he saw potential in him? Or was there another motive?

"Regardless, today can be considered a temporary pass."

Lin Dong said.

"Brother Ye, you have now broken through to the Wheel Sea Realm; although your promotion qualification was withheld, your strength is there, which will make things easier for you in the future. However, Chen Ao and the others will definitely not give up, so you must still be careful."

"I understand. Thank you, Brother Lin Dong, for speaking up for me today."

Ye Chen patted Lin Dong's shoulder.

Lin Dong was able to risk offending Golden Flame Peak to speak for him.

He would remember this friendship.

"We are brothers; why say such things?"

Lin Dong laughed.

"Let's go, come to my place for a cup of tea to calm your nerves. I recently obtained some good tea leaves."

Just as the two were about to leave, a voice came from behind.

"Junior Brother Ye Chen, please stay."

Ye Chen turned around and saw the Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple catching up from behind, with a trace of apology and hesitation on his face.

"Senior Brother, is there anything else?" Ye Chen asked.

The Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple looked around and lowered his voice.

"Junior Brother Ye, let's talk in private."

The three walked to a quiet corner. Only then did the Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple whisper.

"Junior Brother Ye, just now in the hall, there were some things I couldn't say. Regarding Liu Feng... I might know something."

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed: "Senior Brother, please speak."

"A few days before Liu Feng went missing, he came to my Danding Peak to purchase a poison called 'Corpse-Dissolving Powder', saying it was needed for a mission to deal with troublesome Yao Beasts. This poison is extremely vicious and can quickly dissolve flesh, blood, and bones, destroying the corpse and eliminating evidence."

"I felt his purpose was unclear at the time, and since this poison is not easy to refine, I made an excuse that I didn't have it. But he seemed very urgent and even hinted that he was acting on the orders of a certain big shot..."

The Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple lowered his voice even further.

"I suspect that him intercepting and killing you might not have been purely for the conflict at the Mission Hall, but rather he was instigated by someone. And the person who instigated him is likely from Golden Flame Peak, or even..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

The instigator was likely Chen Ao, or Elder Wang behind him, or even someone higher up.

Ye Chen sneered in his heart.

Sure enough. Liu Feng intercepting and killing him was acting under orders.

He just didn't expect to have kicked an iron plate.

"Thank you for telling me, Senior Brother. I will keep this in mind."

Ye Chen said solemnly.

"Junior Brother, be careful. Golden Flame Peak has quite a bit of influence in the Inner Sect, and that Elder Wang is even more protective of his own and holds grudges. Since they couldn't take you down today, they will definitely not give up."

The Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple reminded him.

"Additionally, Elder Li asked me to bring you a message: regarding the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm, make plans early. Strength is the foundation."

"This Disciple will keep it in mind. Please thank Elder Li on my behalf, Senior Brother." Ye Chen nodded.

The Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple said a few more words and then hurriedly left, as if afraid of being seen having too much contact with Ye Chen.

"Brother Ye, the water is getting murkier and murkier." Lin Dong said, full of worry.

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

"Only when the water is murky can one catch fish."

Ye Chen looked toward Golden Flame Peak, his gaze deep.

"Since they won't let it go, I won't sit around waiting for death either. The Hundred Herbs Secret Realm in six months will be my chance. Before then, I need to become stronger."

He clenched his fist, feeling the power of the Wheel Sea Realm within his body.

His promotion qualifications had been withheld, his treatment as an Elite Disciple was temporarily gone, and his Immortal Cave could only remain at Flowing Cloud Peak.

But what of it?

Resources could be fought for and seized by oneself!

Contribution points could be earned through missions! Strength could be tempered through blood and fire!

"Back to the Immortal Cave for closed-door cultivation!"

Ye Chen said to Lin Dong.

"I need time to completely stabilize my Realm and practice a few newly mastered sword techniques. Brother Lin Dong, you should also be extra careful. Try not to get too close to me lately to avoid being implicated."

"Brother Ye, what are you saying! Am I, Lin Dong, someone who fears trouble?"

Lin Dong said displeasedly.

"It's not about fear, it's about avoiding pointless trouble. When I emerge from cultivation, I'll find you for a drink."

Ye Chen smiled.

After parting with Lin Dong, Ye Chen returned to Flowing Cloud Peak alone.

Along the way, he could feel several hidden gazes peering from the shadows.

There was curiosity, scrutiny, and perhaps ill intent. But he didn't care at all.

...

Returning to Immortal Cave A-307, he activated the Restriction.

Ye Chen sat cross-legged and went over the events at the Law Enforcement Hall in his mind.

"Chen Ao, Elder Wang... Golden Flame Peak. Is the person behind 'Shadow Fiend' also related to them? And who exactly is Senior Brother Murong?"

The clues were messy, and it was hard to distinguish friend from foe.

But one thing was clear.

Without enough strength, one is just meat on a chopping block.

Simply put, Ye Chen stopped overthinking, focused his mind, and began to inspect his Dantian internally.

The Chaos-colored Wheel Sea vortex rotated slowly at the center.

The strange 'intent' and distant connection brought by the integration of that speck of dark red spark still existed, but there was no unusual movement.

The Ice Lotus Imprint drifted above the Wheel Sea, emitting a gentle light.

"The priority is to completely integrate the essence of the Two Extremes Separating Light Sword and the Surging Waves Sword Art into my Ice-Fire Sword Dao, creating my own sword technique. At the same time, I must comprehend the ice fire same origin speculation record to further refine the Wheel Sea model and improve cultivation efficiency."

Soon, he took out the borrowed Jade Slip again.

He also took out several high-grade metal-attribute Materials obtained from the Shadow Fiend assassins' Storage Pouches.

They could be used to re-refine the ice scar sword or exchanged for contribution points.

Then he began to plan his next steps for cultivation.

Cultivation knows no time.

Ye Chen was completely immersed in the deduction of his sword Dao and the polishing of his Wheel Sea.

Flowing Cloud Peak was remote, so no one disturbed him.

However, the tree wants to be still, but the wind won't stop.

On the seventh day of Ye Chen's closed-door cultivation, a transmission talisman arrived outside the Immortal Cave's Restriction.

The content of the talisman forced Ye Chen to end his cultivation early.

"Junior Brother Ye Chen, come quickly to the outer Sect Martial Arts Arena. Zhao Feng has gotten into a conflict with someone from Golden Flame Peak, and they've called you out by name. The situation is bad. — Duan Tianya"

Zhao Feng?

The Young City Lord of the City Lord's Mansion who lost to him during the Qingyun City selection?

How did he get into a conflict with people from Golden Flame Peak?

And why call him out by name?

Ye Chen's brow furrowed slightly.

Zhao Feng hadn't left a bad impression on him; he was a pure Sword Cultivator.

Moreover, this matter started because of him, so he couldn't sit idly by.

He put away the Jade Slip, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"Golden Flame Peak... they really are persistent. Since you want to play, I'll play with you."

He tidied his clothes, slung the ice scar sword across his back, and pushed open the stone door of the Immortal Cave.

Some troubles cannot be avoided. In that case, let the sword do the talking.

...

Ye Chen left Flowing Cloud Peak and hurried toward the outer Sect area.

Although the Tianyun Sword Sect was divided into inner and outer Sects, they weren't completely isolated; Inner Sect Disciples could also go to the outer Sect area.

It was just that Inner Sect Disciples usually disdained going to the outer Sect, while Outer Sect Disciples were full of awe and yearning for the inner Sect.

The outer Sect Martial Arts Arena was a public place for Outer Sect Disciples to spar and resolve disputes.

It covered a vast area and had dozens of arenas of varying sizes.

At this moment, one of the arenas was surrounded by layers of people, and the noise was deafening.

Ye Chen squeezed through the crowd and saw two people fighting fiercely on the stage.

One of them, in black clothes with a long sword, had sharp sword techniques and a steady Aura—it was Zhao Feng!

His cultivation had surprisingly reached the Wheel-Sea Realm Second Level; clearly, he hadn't slacked off after entering the Tianyun Sword Sect and had made rapid progress.

However, his face was currently pale, his breathing hurried, and there was blood at the corner of his mouth.

Several wounds had already appeared on his body, and he was clearly at a disadvantage.

His opponent was a young man wearing the robes of a Golden Flame Peak Elite Disciple, with an arrogant expression and holding a crimson long spear.

This person's cultivation was at the Sea of Acupoints Realm Third Level Peak, and his spear techniques were fierce, like a venomous dragon emerging from its hole, with every move being ruthless.

He forced Zhao Feng to retreat repeatedly, putting him in constant danger.

What was even more despicable was that the young man would occasionally mock him:

"Zhao Feng, I heard you were second in the Qingyun City selection? Is this all you've got? You can't even beat a Disciple ranked outside the top thirty of Golden Flame Peak, and you think you're worthy of entering the Tianyun Sword Sect?"

"I heard you're on good terms with that Ye Chen? Tsk tsk, as expected, birds of a feather flock together—all trash from the backwaters who don't know the height of the heavens!"

"Since that Ye Chen is hiding at Flowing Cloud Peak and doesn't dare to come out, you can take the punishment for him! Don't worry, I won't kill you; I'll just cripple your Dantian so you know the consequences of offending Golden Flame Peak!"

Spear shadows overlapped, carrying scorching air waves that constantly suppressed and shredded Zhao Feng's sword light.

Zhao Feng gritted his teeth and held on, his eyes cold, but due to the gap in cultivation and Martial Skills, it was difficult to turn the tide.

Beside the arena, Duan Tianya held his dark red long saber, his face ashen.

He seemed to be restricted by something and couldn't get onto the stage.

When he saw Ye Chen squeeze in, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over, whispering.

"Brother Ye, you're here! That guy on the stage is Yan Lie, an Elite Disciple of Golden Flame Peak, at the Sea of Acupoints Realm Third Level Peak. He's intentionally looking for trouble, saying we new Disciples don't know the rules and that he wants to 'guide' us."

"Zhao Feng couldn't take it and went up to reason with him, but he was forced into a fight. This Yan Lie strikes very ruthlessly; he clearly intends to cripple Zhao Feng!"

"I wanted to go up, but I was surrounded by several other Golden Flame Peak Disciples who said this is a 'fair spar' and outsiders shouldn't interfere."

Ye Chen's eyes were icy.

This Yan Lie was clearly acting under the instructions of Chen Ao or Elder Wang, intentionally looking for trouble with him as the target.

Unable to get to him, they targeted those related to him to force him to show up—what a malicious scheme.

"Ye Chen! You finally decided to show up!"

On the arena, Yan Lie forced Zhao Feng back with a spear thrust and also saw Ye Chen below the stage.

A smirk of success flashed in his eyes as he shouted loudly.

"Had enough of being a shrinking turtle? Do you dare to come up and have a fair fight with me? If you win, I'll release Zhao Feng immediately and apologize to you all. If you lose, you'll break one of your own arms and get out of the Tianyun Sword Sect! Well? Do you dare to accept?!"

His voice was loud and clear, spreading throughout the field.

The surrounding Outer Sect Disciples immediately broke into an uproar.

Break an arm and leave the Sect?

The stakes were too high! This Yan Lie wanted to completely destroy Ye Chen!

Everyone's eyes were focused on Ye Chen.

There was curiosity, sympathy, schadenfreude, and those waiting to see a good show.

Zhao Feng said urgently from the stage,

"Ye Chen, don't agree! This is a provocation!"

Duan Tianya also pulled at Ye Chen.

"Brother Ye, don't be impulsive. This Yan Lie is not weak, and his spear technique is ruthless. You've only just broken through to the Wheel Sea Realm, I'm afraid..."

Ye Chen gently broke free from Duan Tianya's hand and nodded to him and Zhao Feng, signaling them to be at ease.

Then, he parted the crowd and walked toward the arena step by step.

His pace was neither fast nor slow, and his expression was calm, as if he were just going to an ordinary meeting.

"Ye Chen! Don't come up!" Zhao Feng still tried to stop him.

Ye Chen had already reached the edge of the arena and leaped up lightly, standing opposite Yan Lie.

He glanced at the unsteady Zhao Feng and said,

"Brother Zhao, go down and heal your wounds first. Leave this to me."

"Ye Chen..."

Zhao Feng wanted to say more, but he saw the icy chill and strong confidence hidden beneath Ye Chen's calm eyes.

His heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, gritting his teeth as he jumped off the arena.

Duan Tianya quickly supported him and gave him a Medicinal Pill.

On the arena, only Ye Chen and Yan Lie remained.

"Hehe, at least you have some guts."