The two sides went back and forth, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

Xiao Feng argued his case based on reason.

Qiu Mobai, on the other hand, only defended his disciple and avoided answering Xiao Feng's questions.

The originally peaceful questioning scene instantly turned tense.

Upon seeing this, Gan Feng couldn't help but frown.

He stood up and tried to speak up for Xiao Feng.

"Sect Leader Qiu, Xiao Feng didn't mean any harm. His question was simply to find out the truth. I think..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qiu Mobai rudely interrupted him.

He slammed his hand on the table and shouted angrily, "Enough! Gan Feng, doesn't your Hua Yun Sect think too highly of yourself? This is the Xian Yun Sect, not a place for you to run wild! Guards, show them out!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the elders of Huayun Sect changed drastically.

They held a high position within the sect; how could they have ever been treated like this?

In an instant, they were filled with rage and glared at each other angrily.

An elder of the Huayun Sect clenched his fists, veins bulging, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Qiu Mobai, you've gone too far!"

Another elder couldn't help but rebuke, "Our Huayun Sect came here with good intentions to inquire, yet you are so rude; it is truly despicable!"

However, Qiu Mobai remained unmoved in the face of the anger of the Huayun Sect members.

He sat high above in the main seat, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Hmph, why should I, the Immortal Cloud Sect, explain my actions to you? If you're not satisfied, then come at me!"

Tensions were running high between the two sides, and the conflict escalated further.

What was supposed to be a friendly visit turned into a tense standoff.

Qiu Mobai gave a cold laugh and waved his hand.

"In that case, please leave, fellow Daoists of Huayun Sect. Our sect's internal affairs are none of your concern."

Before he could finish speaking, the Third Elder of Huayun Sect suddenly stood up and stared directly at Qiu Mobai.

"Sect Leader Qiu, we have come here today for a very important matter!"

The Third Elder's voice boomed like a bell, making everyone in the hall's eardrums buzz: "Your practice of demonic cultivation is no secret. How can my Huayun Sect sit idly by?"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell completely silent.

Everyone's gaze darted back and forth between Qiu Mobai and the Third Elder of Huayun Sect, afraid of missing any subtle changes in their expressions.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Mobai's expression changed drastically.

His usually calm and composed face was now changing unpredictably, as if a storm was raging.

A flicker of panic crossed his face, which was then replaced by anger, and finally he managed to force out a cold laugh.

He never expected that those good-for-nothings from the Hua Yun Sect would know about his affairs!

Xiao Feng was shocked; how could the Third Elder have revealed the truth so directly?

"Absurd!" Qiu Mobai slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly. "Third Elder of Huayun Sect, do you know what you're saying? How can you spout such slanderous words so casually?"

Those eyes, which were usually unfathomable, were now flickering uncertainly.

"Without solid evidence, stop spouting nonsense!" Qiu Mobai forced himself to remain calm and shouted sternly, "I, Qiu Mobai, have an upright character and nothing to fear from others' slander."

His righteous and stern demeanor almost fooled anyone unaware of the truth.

However, just when Qiu Mobai thought his performance was flawless, a clear voice suddenly rang out.

"Sect Leader Qiu, why bother with pointless sophistry?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Xiao Feng slowly walk to the center of the hall, his eyes bright and piercing as he stared directly at Qiu Mobai.

"The evidence is hidden in Master Qiu's study."

Xiao Feng spoke each word with equal force, each word like a hammer blow to Qiu Mobai's heart: "You absorbed the essence of your disciples to cultivate the demonic path; the evidence is irrefutable. Once you enter the backyard, the truth will come to light!"

Xiao Feng's words caused an uproar in the hall.

The crowd began whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

Some were horrified, some were skeptical, and some glared angrily at Qiu Mobai.

Upon hearing these accusations, Qiu Mobai's face turned deathly pale.

A hint of panic flashed in his usually calm eyes.

However, he quickly composed himself and forced a cold laugh.

"Xiao Feng, you're making baseless accusations!" Qiu Mobai shouted angrily. "Our Immortal Cloud Sect acts with integrity and uprightness. How dare you slander us like this?"

However, there was already a slight, almost imperceptible tremor in his voice.

His clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

Qiu Mobai was startled, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

Those usually unfathomable eyes flashed with a hint of panic, as if someone had torn off their disguise and exposed them to the sunlight like snakes, insects, and rodents.

However, Qiu Mobai's years of cunning allowed him to quickly adjust his mindset.

He suppressed his inner panic, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, even a cold smile playing on his lips. "Xiao Feng, you're talking nonsense. I, Qiu Mobai, have acted with integrity and upright conduct; why would I fear such absurd claims?"

Just then, Gan Feng stepped forward, looking troubled, and said, "Xiao Feng, this matter cannot be spoken carelessly. Sect Leader Qiu is a pillar of the Immortal Cloud Sect, holding a highly respected position. Without solid evidence, how can we arbitrarily slander him?"

As Gan Feng spoke, his eyes subtly glanced at Xiao Feng, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, clearly indicating that he was secretly cooperating.

This cunning performance, if not carefully observed, would truly make one think he was protecting Qiu Mobai.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Feng clasped his hands in a respectful but not arrogant manner and said, "Sect Leader Gan Feng is absolutely right. However, I, Xiao Feng, act with integrity and uprightness. If there is even the slightest falsehood in what I have said today, I am willing to be killed on the spot by all of you fellow Daoists!"

Xiao Feng's resounding declaration immediately shocked everyone present.

Now that the Third Elder has already revealed everything, there is no turning back!

Some people gasped, some looked at each other in disbelief, and some nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Gan Feng pressed his advantage, saying, "Since that's the case, why don't we ask Sect Leader Qiu to lead us to the study to investigate? If there's no evidence in the study, we'll kill Xiao Feng on the spot to set the record straight. What does Sect Leader Qiu think?"

This seemingly reasonable suggestion actually put Qiu Mobai in a dead end.

Qiu Mobai knew very well that if the unspeakable secrets in the study were discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his hands began to tremble involuntarily.

"This...this..." Qiu Mobai stammered, his eyes scanning the faces of the crowd with a flustered look: "I am the leader of a sect, how can I allow others to freely enter and leave my private places? Such an unreasonable request is absolutely unacceptable to me!"

Qiu Mobai's rejection came so quickly that the panic and anger in his tone could no longer be concealed.

His usually calm face twisted in pain, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

No matter what, he would absolutely not let anyone into that place. Once these people were allowed in, the secret he had been hiding would no longer be able to be concealed!