Upon hearing this, a sinister glint flashed in Su Mo's eyes.

He sneered, a mocking smile curving his lips: "Wu Hai, you're quite the schemer. Trying to seize power while I was away?"

He looked around, his voice suddenly rising: "Listen up, fellow members! Wu Hai and Xiao Feng are in cahoots, and in order to seize the position of sect leader, they have not hesitated to kill their fellow disciples! Now they are pinning the blame on me, the sect leader. What a fine example of the thief crying 'stop thief!'"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng couldn't help but sneer: "Su Mo, your argument is truly absurd and laughable. The truth will be immediately apparent if you compare the aura of death on these people with that on you. If you are truly innocent, why don't you accept the examination?"

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope flashed in Su Xueqing's eyes.

She said softly, "Father, if you are innocent, you will surely agree, won't you?"

As she spoke, she looked at Su Mo with pleading eyes, her gaze filled with expectation and pleas.

However, Su Mo remained unmoved by her daughter's pitiful gaze.

A glint of madness flashed in his eyes, and a dense demonic aura suddenly erupted from his body.

Black mist surged out like a tide, instantly enveloping the entire hall.

With a "crack," cracks appeared in the ground, and a cold wind howled.

The crowd retreated in terror, someone screaming, "The cult leader... he actually..."

Just then, Su Mo suddenly reached out and grabbed Su Xueqing by the neck.

His fingers tightened like iron clamps, and Su Xueqing's face immediately turned red as she struggled in vain with her hands.

"Stop it, all of you!" Su Mo grinned maliciously, a sinister red light flashing in her eyes. "Anyone who dares to make a move, I'll crush this bitch's throat!"

He surveyed his surroundings, his cold gaze sweeping over everyone: "If you know what's good for you, you'll obediently let this leader leave. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Su Xueqing was choked so hard she could barely breathe, and tears streamed down her face.

She called out in a weak voice, "Father...Father..."

However, Su Mo ignored her and instead increased the force in her hands.

His eyes had lost all humanity, leaving only madness and ruthlessness.

Su Xueqing stared incredulously at the unfamiliar man before her.

Her eyes were filled with pain and despair, and tears kept streaming down her cheeks.

This father, who once loved and protected her, now looked at her with such cold eyes, as if she were just an insignificant pawn.

"Father...why..." Su Xueqing choked, her voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

Her heart felt as if it had been torn in two, one half crying out for her father's love, while the other half felt ashamed of his actions.

Xiao Feng stared intently at Su Mo, his fists clenched so tightly that veins bulged, clearly trying his best to restrain himself from rushing forward.

"Su Mo, don't go too far!" Xiao Feng said through gritted teeth, "Release Xue Qing, and we can have a proper talk."

Su Mo sneered and increased the pressure on her hand.

Su Xueqing let out a painful whimper, her face turning even paler.

"A peaceful talk? Xiao Feng, you're too naive." Su Mo sneered, "Now, all of you get out of my way! Otherwise, this bitch's life is over!"

The group looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Finally, at Xiao Feng's signal, everyone slowly made way for them.

Su Mo dragged Su Xueqing, backing away step by step.

Just as he was about to leave the main hall, he suddenly pushed Su Xueqing hard, throwing her violently into the crowd.

With a "bang," Su Xueqing fell heavily to the ground.

Xiao Feng rushed forward to help her up, while Su Mo took the opportunity to turn around and escape, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye.

"Xueqing, are you alright?" Xiao Feng asked softly, carefully helping Su Xueqing up.

Su Xueqing seemed not to hear, staring blankly in the direction where her father had disappeared.

Suddenly, she broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Why...why did it turn out like this..." she sobbed, "Xiao Feng, what happened? Why did Father...why did he become like that?"

Xiao Feng sighed and gently pulled Su Xueqing into his arms.

He gently stroked her back.

"Xueqing, don't worry. Everything will be alright." Xiao Feng said softly, "The sect leader... he's only temporarily possessed by demonic energy, which is why he's like that. We will definitely find a way to save him."

Despite saying that, Xiao Feng knew that things were far more complicated than he made them out to be.

Su Xueqing continued to sob in Xiao Feng's arms, her tears soaking his clothes.

Xiao Feng looked down at Su Xueqing and saw that her eyes were red and swollen, with tears welling up in them. Her pitiful appearance was heartbreaking.

"Xueqing, don't be too sad," Xiao Feng comforted her gently. "I will definitely find a way to bring your father back. Trust me, okay?"

Su Xueqing raised her head, looking at Xiao Feng with teary eyes.

She forced a smile and nodded slightly.

Xiao Feng frowned inwardly.

He recalled the time he expelled the demonic energy from Su Mo's body and couldn't help but feel confused.

"Strange, I clearly helped Sect Leader Su clear the demonic energy from her body, so why is demonic energy reappearing now? And why is it so strong..."

Just as Xiao Feng was pondering, the high priest stepped forward slowly.

The elderly priest looked solemn, his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed intently on Xiao Feng.

“Young Master Xiao,” the High Priest said, his voice low, “I’m afraid things are not so simple regarding the demonic energy within Sect Leader Su.”

Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow, signaling the High Priest to continue.

The high priest took a deep breath and slowly began to speak: "Thirty years ago, our Ming Cult experienced a tremendous upheaval. At that time, demonic energy raged and almost destroyed the entire sect."

Upon hearing this, Su Xueqing looked up in surprise, clearly unaware of this period of history.

The high priest continued, "Just when we thought the Ming Cult was about to be destroyed, Leader Su Mo somehow managed to quell the turmoil."

Xiao Feng frowned and pressed on, "And then what happened? How did Leader Su resolve the demonic energy?"

The high priest shook his head: "No one knows the specifics of the process. However, this history is recorded in the ancient books in our library."

Xiao Feng's eyes lit up: "The Scripture Pavilion? Shall we go and take a look now?"

Su Xueqing wiped away her tears and said firmly, "I'll go with you."

Xiao Feng looked at Su Xueqing, hesitating slightly: "Xueqing, your current emotions..."

“No,” Su Xueqing interrupted, “This concerns my father, and I must investigate it myself. Besides…”

She paused for a moment: "I don't want to stay here alone and overthink things."

Looking into Su Xueqing's determined eyes, Xiao Feng finally nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let's go together."

"High Priest," Xiao Feng turned to the High Priest, "please take us to the Scripture Pavilion."