Well-intentioned but counterproductive efforts

Zhu Xing Peak.

Lian Xing looked calmly at the indignant disciples before him. Rather than feeling angry, he found the situation amusing.

As the sect master of Yunlan Sect for many years, he had taught many disciples, yet he had never seen them so "united." After all, anyone capable of joining Yunlan Sect was proud and ambitious. How could they willingly lower themselves? Let alone group together to stand up for someone?

If there wasn't some hidden agenda, Lian Xing might as well write his name backward.

Still, it was fine. Let these self-proclaimed geniuses experience their first lesson about the "harsh realities of the world."

Lian Xing smiled warmly and asked, "Speak then. You claim Ji Wushuang has committed heinous crimes. Do you have evidence?"

"Of course!"

"Where is it?"

"If the sect master does not shield Ji Wushuang and promises to handle the matter fairly, we will present the witnesses and evidence."

Despite being accused of favoritism, Lian Xing remained unfazed. With a smile, he set a trap for the young ones.

"Then, if it's proven that Ji Wushuang is innocent, how do you intend to take responsibility?"

"We are willing to bear the consequences!"

"Yes, we will take full responsibility!"

Just as Lian Xing was about to speak, a clear voice interrupted.

"Fine. If the investigation proves I'm innocent, you will serve me for three years."

Lian Xing turned around, surprised to see the speaker. Wasn't this the little ancestor who had initially claimed, "I'm not interested," "It doesn't matter," and "Do whatever you want"?

Why were they here now?

Moreover...

Why was the little ancestor staring at the eight or nine disciples like they were delicious morsels of meat?

"Deal!" The leading youth agreed decisively. "But if you are found guilty, you will return the boy to his family and kneel to apologize!"

Ji Wushuang scrutinized the young man. Handsome and elegant, he exuded an extraordinary aura. Despite being a new disciple this year, his true cultivation level was already at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage!

The fiery light in his eyes revealed a strong fortune and a single spiritual root, protected by a secret technique. This not only concealed his true strength but also safeguarded him from influences like Lu Xingzhou's destiny or Senior Sister Ye Qian's luck.

However, Ji Wushuang couldn't discern the exact nature of this secret technique. Calmly, they asked, "No problem. But what is your name, and which peak are you from?"

The youth puffed out his chest. "I am Shi Cheng of Falling Moon Peak."

Falling Moon Peak?

In Yunlan Sect, where combat prowess was paramount, Falling Moon Peak was the undisputed top peak.

For this young man to be so confident and carefree, his status on the peak must be significant.

"Who is your master?"

"My master is Fairy Luo He, Song Danfeng, the peak master of Falling Moon Peak."

"Oh."

Ji Wushuang remained unperturbed, their calm demeanor infuriating Shi Cheng further.

He must think that being the sect master's disciple allows him to act with impunity in the sect!

Hmph!

"Shi Cheng," Lian Xing called out, his voice firm. "Bring forth the witnesses and evidence."

Shi Cheng nodded, his youthful face brimming with unrestrained confidence. He even seemed to "command" Lian Xing: "Fine, but before that, Ji Wushuang should hand over the person first."

Lian Xing asked, "Who?"

Shi Cheng replied, "That little fool—what's their name—Zhu Yan."

Ji Wushuang's eyes narrowed slightly. She could tolerate provocations from Mo Lanyi's faction, but she would never allow anyone to call Zhu Yan a "fool."

Moreover, this boy's surname was Shi...

If her guess was correct, he was likely a descendant of Little Rock.

Heh, if she couldn't deal with this brat directly, she could always lodge a complaint!

Ji Wushuang decisively took out a communication talisman and handed it to Lian Xing. One glance at the talisman left Lian Xing speechless.

Wasn't this the exclusive talisman of the sect's ancestor?

Why escalate a petty squabble to this level?

Ji Wushuang stared intently at Lian Xing, leaving him no choice but to clear his throat and activate the talisman.

After a brief private conversation, Lian Xing transmitted his voice to Ji Wushuang: "Little Wushuang, the ancestor said to feel free to handle this as you see fit. Don't hold back. He's on his way."

"Oh, then I won't be polite."

Unaware of the storm brewing over his head, Shi Cheng continued to demand Zhu Yan's presence.

What awaited him was Ji Wushuang's sudden teleportation-like punch.

"Boom!"

The seemingly light punch sent Shi Cheng flying ten zhang away. Ji Wushuang's clear voice followed leisurely: "Yunlan Sect Disciplinary Rule 3,656: Spreading malicious lies is punishable."

Shi Cheng's teeth were loose, and blood gushed from his nose.

Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine Ji Wushuang would resort to violence—let alone hit so hard!

What's more, Ji Wushuang hadn't even activated her spiritual energy. On the surface, she appeared to be at the tenth level of Qi Refinement, but her true cultivation was far beyond that!

How could she overpower him, a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, with a single punch?

"That was a sneak attack! You have no honor! And when did I spread lies?"

Ji Wushuang retracted her fist. "Zhu Yan is not a fool. Slandering someone recklessly—what else would you call that? And that wasn't a sneak attack; it was your incompetence."

Shi Cheng bristled like an enraged lion cub.

"I refuse to accept this!"

Zhu Yan being a fool was something even Senior Sister Mo had said!

"If you're unconvinced, come again. I'll beat you until you are."

"Damn it!"

Shi Cheng charged forward again, this time with more determination. The other disciples silently cheered for him.

They were well aware of Shi Cheng's strength. Despite being at the tenth level of Qi Refinement, he could easily defeat those at the Great Perfection stage or even early Foundation Establishment. In their eyes, he was undoubtedly a "strong contender."

Yet this "strong contender" was reduced to a helpless punching bag under Ji Wushuang's relentless assault.

Initially, Shi Cheng tried to endure, but soon he was crying out in despair—not from pain, but from sheer humiliation.

Tears of shame welled up as he lamented his inadequacy.

How could this happen?

How could he, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, lose to someone seemingly without spiritual power?

In the end, Shi Cheng had no choice but to admit defeat. "Stop hitting me!"

"Do you acknowledge your mistake?"

"Yes... I shouldn't have insulted others."

"Good."

Ji Wushuang nodded in satisfaction. "Now, bring out your witnesses. I'll go fetch Zhu Yan."

Shi Cheng, clutching his swollen face, fumed silently.

Who do you think you are?! Why should I follow your orders and call for them now?

Ji Wushuang's phoenix-like eyes narrowed dangerously. "What's the matter? Don't understand human language?"

Shi Cheng: "..."

Terrified.

When Ji Wushuang returned with Zhu Yan, the Mo family's witnesses had also arrived: Mo Chen, the head of the Mo family, and Mo Lanxin, the eldest daughter.

To Ji Wushuang's surprise, Mo Lanyi was absent. Clearly, she was growing more adept at avoiding risks, likely fearing that Zhu Yan might "lose control" and "melt" everyone.

Lian Xing spoke, "Present your evidence and testimony."

Mo Chen, despite his strength surpassing that of an average Nascent Soul cultivator due to Zhu Yan's bloodline, appeared as insignificant as an ant before Lian Xing.

However, when his gaze fell on the beautiful youth in the wheelchair, he gritted his teeth and said, "Sect Master, Zhu Yan is a child our Mo family adopted ten years ago. Because of his frail health, we even built a courtyard to care for him. But one day, he suddenly disappeared. To our surprise, he ended up with Ji Wushuang. We appreciate her care, but Zhu Yan is a member of our Mo family. We request his return."

Lian Xing asked, "You claim to have raised him for ten years. Do you have proof? And why does he not even look at you?"

Mo Chen replied, "That's because Zhu Yan has some intellectual issues and isn't talkative. As for evidence..."

He glanced at Mo Lanxin, who stepped forward and softly called out, "Zhu Yan, do you recognize me?"

Hearing her voice, Zhu Yan lifted his gaze indifferently.

Mo Lanxin and Mo Lanyi shared similar names but were worlds apart in appearance.

Unlike Mo Lanyi, Mo Lanxin's face was marred by terrifying scars, her voice was coarse and unpleasant, and she walked with a limp. Her breath was labored, her vitality slowly fading.

Despite this, Zhu Yan nodded slightly.

Because Mo Lanxin had dutifully cared for him and his plants for many years, she felt a sense of responsibility.

 Mo Lanxin let out a sigh of relief when Zhu Yan responded to her. Meanwhile, Mo Chen smiled and said, "Sect Master, please see, I was not lying."

 Shi Cheng seized the opportunity, shouting, "Ji Wushuang, why did you kidnap someone's younger brother without any reason? Hurry up and return him!"

 Ji Wushuang rolled their eyes helplessly and replied, "Shi Cheng, do you even know me?"

 Shi Cheng was stunned. "Of course I do."

 The infamous Ji Wushuang, who had just given him a beating—his head wasn't broken, so how could he not recognize them?

 Ji Wushuang sneered disdainfully, "Oh, then I'll say you're my grandchild."

 Shi Cheng was enraged. "Why are you insulting me? I just said I know you, not that I'm..."

 He swallowed the rest of his words.

 Right. Just knowing someone doesn't prove any relationship between them.

 Gritting her teeth, Mo Lanxin raised her hand and swore an oath, "I, Mo Lanxin, swear by my soul to the heavens that I have wholeheartedly cared for Zhu Yan for ten years, treating him like my own younger brother without the slightest neglect! If I am lying, may I be struck by lightning, my soul obliterated, and never find peace for eternity!"

 By the end, tears filled Mo Lanxin's eyes as she looked at Ji Wushuang. "Lord Ji, please return Zhu Yan to me... I really, truly cannot live without him..."

 If Zhu Yan were "lost," her mother would have no way out but death.

 Her own life didn't matter, but she couldn't bear for her mother to meet such an end.

 Shi Cheng jumped in again. "Look, look! She swore by her soul and has cared for Zhu Yan for ten years. That can't be a lie! Otherwise, she'd already be struck by lightning! See, Zhu Yan is part of the Mo family. Why won't you return him?"

 Ji Wushuang clicked their tongue. One had to admit, Mo Lanxin was ruthless.

 She had found a way to manipulate even a heavenly oath, speaking the truth but not the whole truth, exploiting a loophole. Truly despicable.

 If Zhu Yan were a truly helpless "fool," he'd be completely at Mo Lanxin's mercy. But Zhu Yan was not.

 Ji Wushuang smirked coldly, fixing a sharp gaze on Mo Lanxin. "Why don't you tell the whole truth?"

 Mo Lanxin's heart sank as she heard Ji Wushuang continue.

 "You were so diligent in caring for Zhu Yan because he brought immense benefits to your Mo family. Zhu Yan isn't your family's younger brother but rather your honored guest, your family's great benefactor! But you were greedy, never satisfied, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. When your benefactor saw through your greed and refused to cooperate further, he chose to leave. Yet you still want to take advantage of his inability to speak or move freely to forcibly bring him back? Did you really think no one would uncover the truth?"

 Cold sweat dripped from Mo Lanxin's temples as Ji Wushuang's piercing gaze bore into her, chilling her to the core.

 "Swear it. Repeat what I just said under oath."

 "..."

 Mo Lanxin trembled all over, clenching her fists as if making a final decision. Just as she was about to speak, Ji Wushuang interrupted again. "Oh, and don't use yourself for the oath. Swear on the life of your closest kin—your mother, for instance."

 Mo Lanxin raised her head, her expression a mix of despair and venom, glaring at Ji Wushuang as if questioning why they were pushing her so far.

 Ji Wushuang chuckled and turned to Mo Chen. "Actually, I think it'd be better if the head of the Mo family swore the oath. Go ahead, Mo family head. Repeat my words: 'If I have any intention of exploiting Zhu Yan, may I be struck by lightning, my soul obliterated, and never find peace for eternity!'"

 Mo Chen, immobilized by Ji Wushuang's aura, regained his senses and flew into a rage.

 "Outrageous! A mere mortal dares to demand that I, a Nascent Soul cultivator, swear a soul oath? Who do you think you are?"

 "Who am I? I am a direct disciple of Yunlan Sect. This is Yunlan Sect territory!"

 A thunderous voice boomed as a wave of scorching heat swept through the hall. It felt as though the blood in everyone's bodies was boiling, and their souls were about to leave their shells.

 Turning to see the towering, muscular figure striding in on the wind, they recognized him immediately. It was none other than Yunlan Sect's Grand Elder of Wanlian Peak, Daoist Lieyang, Luo Jiuyang!

 Luo Jiuyang's imposing presence filled the hall as he strode up to Ji Wushuang, his eyes blazing. "Don't be afraid, Little Wushuang. Your Uncle Luo is here to back you up!"

 Mo Chen, overwhelmed by Luo Jiuyang's aura, spat out blood repeatedly, using the opportunity to further injure himself and feign severe wounds. He cried out pitifully, "Are you Yunlan Sect people really going to bully others like this?"

 Luo Jiuyang, unaware of the deception, believed he was helping Ji Wushuang and felt quite pleased with himself.

 "Enough nonsense! Are you going to swear the oath or not? If you don't, it proves you're guilty!"

 Mo Chen, "injured" even more severely now, wailed even louder. "Yunlan Sect has no regard for others! This is outrageous!"

 Ji Wushuang silently watched Luo Jiuyang's well-intentioned but counterproductive efforts. "..."

 Daoist, I really don't know how to thank you...