Chapter Forty-Three: Demanding Justice

Xu Lingfeng and several other elders looked grim, their faces dark as ink. Useless thing? You call that an useless thing! The pitch-black meditation mat was actually a very special spiritual artifact, capable of discerning whether someone was lying. Normally, it would not be used lightly, but in order to uncover Shen Qingyun’s true identity, Hong Feng was willing to go to any lengths, and so he brought out this rare item. Yet it was dismissed as an useless thing by Shen Qingyun…

“This elder will give you one more chance to confess. Will you speak, or not?”

Hong Feng sat back in his chair, determined to maintain the composure befitting an elder. He would not let such matters unsettle him.

“Heh, haven’t I been clear enough?” Shen Qingyun let out a soft laugh, his gaze profound as he looked at Hong Feng. “Identity? I have none. If you must insist, then I am simply a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect.”

After a moment’s thought, Shen Qingyun added, “From the Bamboo Peak of the inner sect.”

He swept his eyes over them and continued slowly, “Is that answer sufficient?”

Xu Lingfeng sighed softly. In truth, all of them already understood: Shen Qingyun simply refused to speak. Just as Fu Hua had relayed yesterday, Shen Qingyun was willing to carry out a series of proper duties as a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect.

In fact, this was already Shen Qingyun hinting to them. You may direct your attention to the abilities I possess, to accomplish legitimate matters. But you cannot let your curiosity and desire to probe fall upon me, or else you’ll bear the consequences yourselves!

They had already abandoned their attempts to investigate Shen Qingyun’s identity, all except Hong Feng, who refused to let go. He believed this was a smokescreen Shen Qingyun had thrown at them, and the moment their guard was lowered, Shen Qingyun would bare his fangs!

As it happened, Shen Qingyun did cause trouble during that period. The speed at which he stirred things up exceeded their expectations, and though they quickly learned the reason behind his actions, what he displayed afterward astonished them even more. Thus, Xu Lingfeng immediately ordered close surveillance of Shen Qingyun, which explained why he arrived right after Wang Peike took Shen Qingyun away.

“Well, since you refuse to speak, let us discuss the matter of your offense!” Though Hong Feng was reluctant, he could only compromise for now. His voice deepened as he addressed Shen Qingyun: “You assaulted your senior brother. Do you admit this charge?”

“I do.”

Shen Qingyun nodded, indifferent.

Hong Feng’s brows, already furrowed, became even tighter at Shen Qingyun’s nonchalant demeanor.

“Why?”

Shen Qingyun shed his casual expression and spoke solemnly. “I am to be questioned for striking my senior brother, yet they used excessive force against a disciple who has not yet reached the Foundation stage. To this day, I do not know the extent of his injuries—only that they are severe. Why do you not question this?”

“Once your punishment is decided, this elder will investigate thoroughly. If the accusations hold true, none shall escape due punishment!” Hong Feng replied, expressionless and loud.

“Heh, afterwards, is it…”

Hong Feng frowned. “What, do you not accept this elder’s authority?”

“Wouldn’t dare,” Shen Qingyun replied lightly, his manner unconcerned.

“Wouldn’t dare?” Hong Feng sneered coldly. “And what is it that you wouldn’t dare?”

“What I wouldn’t dare?” To their surprise, Shen Qingyun actually considered it seriously. The greater surprise was yet to come, for Shen Qingyun then said, “There are truly few things I wouldn’t dare.”

Hearing this, not only Hong Feng but Xu Lingfeng and the others all felt compelled to rebuke him for his arrogance. Yet when they thought of everything Shen Qingyun had done, which far exceeded their expectations and apparently had no adverse effects—save for one fainting from exhaustion—they could only hold their tongues.

Hong Feng pressed on, “According to the evidence provided by Steward Wang, you also assaulted his grandson, who is your senior brother. Do you admit this?”

“I do not.”

To his surprise, Shen Qingyun shook his head in denial.

“Your reason?” Hong Feng was full of doubt, for this was clearly a fact.

“He offered himself up to be beaten!” Shen Qingyun replied. “Such enthusiasm is rare; I could only oblige him!”

“Nonsense!” Hong Feng slammed his chair’s armrest and roared in anger, “It was clearly your contest with Wu Xier that provoked him to intervene!”

Shen Qingyun immediately responded in a meaningful tone, “Oh? So the elder is aware of this?”

Hong Feng’s expression stiffened, unsure how to explain.

The usually silent Elder Chang spoke up, “What’s so surprising? We keep constant track of all inner sect disciples!”

Shen Qingyun immediately looked toward him, the least noticeable elder since the beginning. Now that he spoke, the other elders showed a slight reaction—why was that?

“And you are…?” Shen Qingyun narrowed his eyes.

Before Elder Chang could reply, Bai Yiran stepped forward and scolded, “Bold! This is the Grand Elder of Azure Cloud Sect!”

“So you are the Grand Elder. This disciple failed to recognize you. Please forgive me, Grand Elder.”

Though he apologized, neither Shen Qingyun’s demeanor nor his words betrayed any sign of actual remorse.

Chang Kong straightened slightly. In the past, any disciple who learned he was the Grand Elder would be struck with fear. Even Feng Chuxun, wholly devoted to the sword, could not remain entirely composed in his presence, though he was better than most. Compared to Shen Qingyun, however, the difference was stark. Upon learning of his identity, Shen Qingyun’s expression did not change at all.

Bai Yiran immediately grew furious and was about to rebuke Shen Qingyun when Chang Kong raised his hand. Bai Yiran, watching him closely, instantly swallowed his words.

“Once this matter is settled, come find me at Flying Cloud Peak!” Chang Kong declared, then strode toward Shen Qingyun, not to approach him, but to pass him by and leave the Hall of Discipline.

Shen Qingyun felt utterly baffled—was the old man ill, or was he planning to settle scores later?

The eight remaining elders were left rigid-faced. Chang Kong’s words had sent waves through their hearts, leaving them unable to regain their composure for a long while. Bai Yiran, in particular, was as exaggerated as could be, disbelief written plainly in his eyes.

“The rest is up to you. There’s no need to consult me further,” Bai Yiran said, and hurried out.

“I—I’m leaving as well!” Fu Hua followed suit.

“Handle it as you see fit.” Xie Yuan tossed out his words and left; he had only come for the spectacle.

Huo Qing walked over to Xu Lingfeng and patted his shoulder. “This is your Bamboo Peak’s private matter; I won’t interfere.” Xu Lingfeng rolled his eyes—spoken as if Huo Qing had never interfered from the start!

After Huo Qing left, Xue Yun said nothing, but as he passed Shen Qingyun, he gave him a kindly smile.

Because of Xue Yun’s smile, Shen Qingyun was left puzzled—what was going on?

Nine elders had originally stood in a row, but now only Xu Lingfeng and Hong Feng of the Hall of Discipline remained.

Xu Lingfeng turned to Hong Feng, eyes asking, “What now?”

Hong Feng’s face was stone, hands gripping the chair’s armrests tightly. “Those who deserve punishment will be punished, even the Grand Elder’s influence will not sway me!”

Xu Lingfeng quietly gave him a thumbs-up—brother, you’re the man!

Hong Feng continued, “But since this is your first offense, and you managed to defeat a stronger foe, I will neither praise nor blame you. You are to be confined in the Hall of Purification!”

Xu Lingfeng: “…”

Give me back my admiration!

“Someone, summon Steward Wang!”

…