Chapter 114 Settling Accounts Although the people at the Flame-Slaying Platform hadn't figured out how to...

Although the people on the Zhan Yan Platform hadn't yet figured out how to refute Wu Chen, they had finally understood one thing. This seemingly calm and collected young man appeared gentle and composed, but his words were like knives; gaining the upper hand in an argument seemed extremely difficult.

The people on the Flame-Slaying Platform exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with an encouraging "you do it if you can" attitude. Unfortunately, it takes two to tango.

Luo Dushou gritted his teeth for a long time before finally managing to say, "So, it seems we misunderstood."

Elder Yu on the opposite side almost burst out laughing. The first drumbeat rouses the spirit, the second weakens, and the third exhausts it. The Witch God Attendant had barely opened his mouth, hadn't even exerted his strength, and Luo Dushou was already starting to lose heart.

It was Luo Du'an who spoke up, "May I ask the Witch God Attendant, is High Priest Zou aware of this matter?"

Wu Chen looked at him, "Priest Zou suffered a qi deviation and has passed away." The person is dead; what does it matter whether he knew or not, or whether he was involved? As for how he died, there's no need to explain it to you.

Luo Dushou's eyes flashed, and he cursed Wu Chen for being cunning in his heart, and even more so for the shamelessness and dishonesty of the Zou family.

Before this winter hunt, it was clearly agreed that the two families would join forces to ensure they could seize the Spirit Fruit, which would then be divided into three parts: two for the Zou family and one for the Luo family. The Zhan Yan Platform had indeed contributed greatly to this effort. However, who would have thought that "Zou Buming" would turn his back on them at the last minute, even killing Luo Heqing? When the surviving experts from the Zhan Yan Platform sent the news back, everyone assumed that Zou Buming had taken the Zou family's secret medicine, causing his cultivation to advance rapidly, and that his youthful arrogance led to his betrayal. But now Wu Chen says that Zou Buming died a violent death long ago. So who was it that used the Heaven-Shattering Technique in the Western Wilderness? Could it be…?

Luo Dushou's heart sank. After the incident in the Western Wilderness, Madam Zou, who had married into the Zhan Yan Terrace, sent a message on behalf of the Zou family, saying that the Zou family was willing to pay a high price to join forces with Zhan Yan Terrace. So they came here ostensibly to seek justice, but in Luo Dushou's own words, it was to take advantage of the chaos and bring down the Divine Palace, making Zhan Yan Terrace the number one in the cultivation world. But Wu Chen was too fast. This kid not only left the Western Wilderness unscathed, but also survived the upheaval in the Divine Palace unscathed. Now he had the Yu family on one hand and crushed the Zou family on the other, making his succession almost a certainty.

No, we can't let him continue like this. If the Divine Palace is handed over to this brat, he will surely become a major threat to the Zhan Yan Terrace in the future.

Luo Dushou slammed his fist on the table. "Wu Chen, stop trying to fool us with your sweet talk. The incident of Priest Zou going into a state of demonic possession happened many years ago. In recent years, his body has been as healthy as an ordinary person. As long as he doesn't make a move, how could he suddenly die? Moreover, you've kept his death a secret. Are the Zou family members heartless and insane, or are you plotting something to frame them?"

Anyone can slam their fist on a table, and Yu Jitang was about to slam it back immediately.

Wu Chen waved his hand at him, “Whether we framed the Zou family or not, Zhan Yantai knows, Jin Manlou knows, and the rogue cultivators who survived from the Western Wilderness also know. We are not saying anything only to leave the Zou family with a last bit of face. If you insist on digging into the matter, or find someone to testify, I believe everyone here at Jin Manlou can help. Others may not know the details, but you can ask Jin Manlou’s friends. They were neither invited by the Divine Palace nor by Zhan Yantai; they went uninvited. Young Master Jin witnessed everything clearly from beginning to end.”

Jin Rufu, who had intended to remain neutral, suddenly found himself in an awkward position. If he said it was the Zou family who did it, he would offend Zhan Yantai; if he said it wasn't the Zou family, he would offend the Divine Palace. Looking at the menacing gazes of the crowd, Jin Rufu stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, "This old man has not yet met my young master, so I dare not speak recklessly. Once I meet my young master, I will certainly report the truth to him."

Luo Dushou scoffed inwardly. Those guys from Jin Manlou were only interested in money; they'd follow the wind wherever it blew, utterly despicable. However, Jin Manlou's words meant he wasn't speaking up for Wu Chen. Luo Dushou continued, "This matter is of great importance. No matter what, our Zhan Yan Terrace must investigate thoroughly. Since the Witch God Servant says the Zou family has a conspiracy, we can't just listen to your accounts; we need to question them in person."

These words were too much for the elders of the Divine Palace to bear. Firstly, this was an internal matter of the Divine Palace; when did it become the business of Zhan Yantai to judge cases for the Divine Palace? Secondly, many elders who had marriage ties with the Zou family had only relaxed their guard because Wu Chen said he wouldn't pursue those unrelated. Now, Zhan Yantai was using the Zou family as an excuse, without considering the awkward situation these people were in. They had just escaped the eye of the storm, only to be thrust back into the line of fire. Was he saving them or harming them?

Elder Yu's words were less pleasant: "Hall Master Luo, this is not your Zhan Yan Platform. It is said that guests are always treated with courtesy, and we have been receiving you politely. You should also know that guests should follow the host's lead. If you interfere with the internal affairs of the Divine Palace, we cannot treat you the way we treat guests."

Zhao Xiong Ying had been holding back his impatience for a long time. "I'm not as good as you at talking. But this matter involves the lives of us Zhan Yan Tai disciples. You think you can just get away with it by saying a few words? First, let me, Zhao Xiong Ying, decide whether the sword at my waist will allow it."

Just as the arrows were drawn, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of mountains and vegetation blew in from behind the main hall.

Wu Chen's expression softened, and he turned around. Everyone saw a young girl yawning, rubbing her face, sleepy-eyed, and staggering in.

Wu Chen reached out his hand to her, "Why are you up? Have you rested enough?"

The girl placed her hand in his large palm, revealing her rosy cheeks. She didn't possess the striking beauty of bright eyes, and there were still pillow marks on her cheeks; she was as adorable as a fresh, sweet, dewy peach.

Lu Qing was still a little dazed. "I was woken up." She sat down properly next to Wu Chen, her hazy gaze sweeping around the hall before landing on Luo Dushou's face. She subconsciously called out his nickname, "Luo the Poison Hand?"

Zhao Xiong Ying shouted, "Where did this girl come from, daring to be so insolent?"

Lu Qing was startled. Her eyes gradually cleared, but her brows furrowed. What was going on?

Luo Dushou was somewhat embarrassed by her public address, and he cupped his hands in a forced smile, "Miss Lu Qing, you're still serving by the side of the Witch God's attendant?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiong Ying realized it was a favored maid. "Hey, isn't this like a godsend?" she thought. "How dare you be so disrespectful to our leader! Apologize immediately, or else..."

Lu Qing tried to widen her eyes, "Isn't his name Luo Dushou? Did I call him the wrong name?"

Zhao Xiong Ying slammed her hand on the table and stood up, "Your Divine Palace is deliberately provoking us! How dare a mere young girl be so arrogant..."

Lu Qing looked at Wu Chen, "Who's that yelling like that?"

Yu Jitang immediately complained, "This elder, whose real name is Zhao Xiong Ying, is one of the top experts at Zhan Yan Tai. Just now, it was him who made the Falling Sword Stone worthless in front of everyone, saying that Wu Chen was using women's accessories to show off. Not only did he deliberately break your precious sword, but he also said he would compensate you with an even more imposing one."

Lu Qing looked at Wu Chen, "Is this all over?"

Wu Chen shook his head gently, "I said the Falling Sword Stone isn't mine, I can't make that decision."

Lu Qing nodded in satisfaction and hummed in agreement. "You guys go ahead with your work, I'll go take care of something small."

Wu Chen laughed, but said nothing.

Zhao Xiong Ying had long forgotten about the falling sword stone. Seeing her walk over from Wu Chen's side, he thought Lu Qing had given in so quickly and was a little disappointed. He thought Lu Qing had come to apologize and frowned, saying, "If you're going to apologize, you should do it properly. You should bow and kowtow three times. If you skip even one of those, this matter won't be over today."

Lu Qing rolled up her sleeves and nodded in approval, "Then you may begin."

Zhao Xiong Ying was taken aback. "I'll start? Start what?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to apologize? And even kowtow three times and nine times? I'm waiting, you can start now!"

Zhao Xiong Ying flew into a rage, "Since you're courting death, don't blame me for..." Before he could finish saying "husband," Lu Qing kicked him in the hip, sending him flying out of the main hall. Then, without turning back, she said, "You all go about your business. We'll settle the score outside. We won't bother you."