Witness

"Blood. Blood will leak in my south wind." As Huang Yue spoke this, the atmosphere turned heavy. It was as though a mighty god overseeing everything had descended.

"Young Master should not go outside. He's a vital key to our world's survival. The former Holy Guardian has spoken about this, and we must take it seriously."

His face darkened, but he only uttered something which no one could guess.

After receiving the message, Su Shun immediately called the sender.

"But for a mere child?"

Knowing does not mean understanding. All representatives could only ponder Young Master's intention after knowing the reason for his visit to the south.

Suddenly, someone approached the peak with a flying sword. These older people had sensitive senses, and they glared at the incoming person simultaneously.

On the other side, Luo Xiulan's servant hastily returned to her peak. She tried to find Tang Chen of her master's order, but there was no result.

In her anxious state of mind, she suddenly felt chills down her spine. This sensation snapped back her senses, and to her surprise, many people gathered at her peak.

These people exuded an extraordinary aura. Even when the distance was not even close, she saw the strong aura.

Puff!

Vomiting a mouthful of blood, she could not withstand the gaze. Immediately, she activated her defensive treasure.

This treasure was around palm-sized. It was something flat but could reflect the sunlight. Not a mirror, though, because it had a rough surface.

'Who are they?!'

Unfortunately, the treasure was shattered into pieces, not even one second after the activation. She could not concentrate on anything else and tried so hard to retaliate against the aura.

"Wait! Wait! That's my successor's servant!" Su Shun hurriedly shouted.

The representatives immediately retracted their pressure. Watching the person landing slowly.

"Puff, huh..." Sweat covered the servant. She came with a rough breath and pale skin.

As a servant, she was used to such harsh treatment. However, that aura could kill her if the owner so wished.

"I believe with the successor's servant's arrival, we will be able to get details about that day," said Huang Yue.

"I pay res—" The servant cupped her fists but paused the moment when she looked at Huang Yue.

Then, she hurriedly repeated the gesture, saying, "I pay respect to elders!"

Internally, she was nervous to death!

'T-th-that is Alliance Leader. Gulp, W-what is happening?'

The servant forced a smile and then looked at Su Shun, but Su Shun's complexion was not good either. And this tightened the knot in her heart!

"No need to worry. We are here to ask a few things," said Huang Yue.

After taking a deep breath, she said: "This is not appropriate. Please, come inside."

-------

The manor was in the worst state. Not even deserve to be called manor anymore. One edge was cut diagonally, revealing the frame and everything inside.

Moreover, the furniture was scattered around. A piece of wood stabbed round white bread in the ceiling, spices and leftover food splattered on the wall, and the exquisite carvings cracked or split.

Only after witnessing the scene did the servant remember that she had not taken care of the manor. Her master, Luo Xiulan, ordered servants not to touch anything before she found Tang Chen.

After all, Luo Xiulan spent too much time thinking of Tang Chen's well-being while cautiously looking out for her master, in case her master found out that she secretly cared for Tang Chen.

"Such a warm hospitality." Phoenix Empress sneered.

Inviting inside was great. But if the place is such a mess, it would humiliate these representatives.

Perhaps not all knew the identity of the representatives, but they would know Huang Yue even in an instant. His blue zither was his signature item, frequently told in childhood stories everywhere.

The servant's body stiffened and gripped her sleeves anxiously, trying to find a proper word to claim her dignity.

"I do not dare, elders." The servant waved her sleeves, swiping one window edge. She touched the dust and litter on it, then rubbed it between her fingertips.

"Do you mind if I tell the story from the beginning? I would like to show elders my deepest gratitude for Young Master and my admiration toward him. However, I only know what Young Miss has told me," said the servant.

The representatives were silent. They waited for one of the four winds to speak first, Huang Yue.

However, Huang Yue also stood in silence, seemingly contemplating and organizing a few things in his mind.

Then, he stared at Luo Xiulan, saying, "Tell it exactly as it be. No more, no less."

"This junior is thankful for your consideration." Luo Xiulan heaved a sigh of relief.

She walked a few steps, taking a turn to go to another side of the wall and then grabbing one brush on the wall.

Returning with a brush in hand, she began to speak the story, starting from when she got assigned as Young Master's servant. She told deliberately without adding anything.

This servant was one of the two servants who led Mao Nianzu to the open pavilion. She told the commotion caused by Xiong Angju, the youth in the front seat who wanted to get Luo Xiulan's favor by being upright and questioning Mao Nianzu's intention to attend the session.

The representatives bloomed a look of understanding. A moment after, their face turned fierce and deep. Then, their eyes traced towards Su Shun, whose face was shocked in disbelief.

'Wretched swine! I can't believe a problem started beforehand.' Su Shun tightly pursed her lips.

"It is not a new sight if our disciples compete with each other. Her reputation and countenance will lure many suitors as a successor," said Huang Yue.

"Since Young Master isn't far around their age, it's normal for the younger generation to compete." One elder added.

'E-eh? It is not as big as I imagine.' The servant did not expect this response. She thought it would be accountable.

She inadvertently packed the trouble into something trivial. But when she looked at her sect master's expression, she knew that things had just started.

This consolidation does not mean the sect will come out unscathed!

"Elders are wise," said the servant. "However, I stated this because of Young Master's response toward the Regnant Bear Young Master."

Saying so, she channeled her spiritual Qi to the brush. One plain brown inscription paper appeared, adhered to the wall.

She spoke while stroking the brush on the paper: "Young Master gave a short explanation; a sword is a sword cultivator's life. And ask us to ponder several questions."

Hearing the statement, Huang Yue finally showed a change in his facial expression. He put his hands on the back while squinting his eyes at the paper.

"Sect Master Su, I believe it is important to call one of the participants," Phoenix Empress curled up a warm smile.

"She speaks the truth. Phoenix Empress can rest assured of its authenticity," replied Su Shun.

Of course, Su Shun knew the Phoenix Empress' intention. Calling one participant then take advantage of it. It would be hard for Su Shun to defend herself in case something went wrong. After all, the witness' claim is better than the assumption.

It would also prevent the servant from speaking further.

'Hah! Although your servant said she would speak the truth, she is also in control of what she supposes to say.' A flash of disdain passed through Phoenix Empress' eyes.

"What did your shameless servant do in front of us? Seems like you have not taught her basic courtesy." Phoenix Empress gave a side-eye, showing an irritating look because the servant was stroking the brush as though she was on vacation.

The remark entered the servant's ears, yet she showed an extremely calm demeanor. Her hand moved slowly and steadily, creating one line to another without shaking.

'Does she know the weight of this matter?' Seeing the servant's attitude, Su Shun gulped in nervousness. She had a frown, but all she could do was trust the servant. Trust that it would lead to a better result.

"Elders are excited about my work. This junior feels the intense spirit from your gaze." The servant smiled politely.

Suddenly, her look became fierce as she poured more spiritual Qi while utilizing her inscription technique. The paper emitted a faint brilliance. And soon, the strokes glow resplendently.

She raised the brush while staring deep at the paper. Her eyes seemed daze, yet a hint of profoundness filled her vision.

Several strokes she meticulously made had transpired before her eyes.

Hummm!

In a flash, she entered and floated in her sea of consciousness while recalling Young Master's utterance in the pavilion.

[One will never grasp the discussion essence fully. But one has the chance to select which essence should be absorbed.]

I am a servant. In front of the Martial Alliance Leader, I am nothing but a fish in the sea. However, Young Master has told me a lifetime teaching. Even if I'm a servant, he treats me well. So for my sect and Young Master's reputation, I will show your greatness!

"Young Master, I choose this as the essence!"