Chapter 36: One Wave Subsides, Another Rises

Shen Qingqiu squinted and said, "What is the true character of the twelve peaks of Cangqiong Mountain? I don't know when it started to be determined by hearsay from other sects."

The old palace master said, "If it were just hearsay, I would naturally not dare to believe it. However, these words have been circulating among your sect's disciples."

He looked around and continued, “As you all know, it is common for disciples of different sects to be on good terms in private, and it is inevitable that some rumors will reach their ears. But the fact that Peak Master Shen deliberately suppressed and harmed his disciples does not deserve the title of ‘noble character’.”

Shen Qingqiu was completely bewildered upon hearing this.

Harming his disciples?

That's absolutely true. Just the fact that Shen Qingqiu abused Luo Binghe during his formative years, using him like a child laborer, could fill a whole tragic novel. The other disciples who were targeted or even expelled from the sect by Shen Qingqiu because of their exceptional talent could form a gymnastics troupe. Except, the one who actually harmed him wasn't him, but the original!

Yue Qingyuan solemnly said, "Since you know it's just gossip, there's no point in saying more. While Junior Brother may not usually like to fuss over a stomachache, to say it's harmful is going too far."

Suddenly, a soft voice rang out. Qin Wanyue finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up for her beloved: "Then this humble woman dares to ask Sect Leader Yue, isn't ordering a teenager to directly confront a demon elder with a century of cultivation and wearing poisonous spike armor considered persecution and cruelty?"

This time, Shen Qingqiu couldn't just be a quiet, handsome man and listen passively.

He said nonchalantly, "Whether this counts or not, I don't know. But what I do know is that if a master pushes his disciple away in front of the Poison Sting Armor and shields him with his own body, that probably can't be considered persecution. What do you think, Luo Binghe?"

Among the cultivators present, some showed surprise upon hearing the name, especially those from the Azure Sky Mountain Sect. Some, like Qi Qingqi, who had initially been skeptical upon seeing the face, were now shocked. As for the logistics chief who had nearly been defeated by Luo Binghe upon entering Jinlan City, his heart, after weathering the storm, had become calm.

Among the crowd, Luo Binghe stared intently at Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu tilted her head, unfolded her folding fan, and surprisingly even smiled in response. Although it seemed to be just a mocking smirk.

To say he wasn't angry at all would be a lie. While Shen Qingqiu was always concerned for his own life and harbored many thoughts about Luo Binghe, his act of shielding Luo Binghe from an attack was entirely spontaneous, even though Luo Binghe might not have needed anyone else to help him resolve the crisis. Thinking about it, he was the one who had caused the most trouble in the three matches, and yet this was being used to smear him—Shen Qingqiu was furious.

Instead of remaining aloof, it's better to take the initiative and confront them!

Because Shen Qingqiu often punished Luo Binghe in the past, Yue Qingyuan had seen him a few times, but only when Luo Binghe was still young. Later, when Shen Qingqiu began to give Luo Binghe important positions, he was often sent down to Qingjing Peak to handle various matters, making it even more difficult to meet him. At the Immortal Alliance Conference, he had seen Luo Binghe's face in the crystal mirror, but only for a brief moment, and the mirror wasn't very clear. Therefore, he hadn't recognized the handsome young man beside the Palace Master of Huanhua Palace as Shen Qingqiu's former "beloved disciple." Previously, Yue Qingyuan had heard that the Palace Master valued his youngest disciple the most, so he had always mistaken Luo Binghe for Gongyi Xiao. Now, seeing the direction Shen Qingqiu's gaze was fixed on, he was astonished: "Junior brother, what did you call him?"

Before Shen Qingqiu could answer, Luo Binghe reacted first.

He said slowly, "I will never forget the kindness of my master who protected me with his life."

Qi Qingqi said in disbelief, "Is it really you? Shen Qingqiu, didn't you say he was dead?" Then she looked at Luo Binghe and said, "Since you're alive, why don't you come back to Qingjing Peak? Do you know that your master is because of you..."

Shen Qingqiu suddenly coughed, forcing Qi Qingqi to stop and glare at him.

Shen Qingqiu glared back secretly. He had a premonition that he would definitely hear the word "disheartened" again, and damn it, he didn't want to hear it again! A chill ran down his spine; if Luo Binghe heard that, he would burst out laughing, his typical male lead face contorted with mirth!

The old palace master, his spirit lingering, said, "That's precisely the point that baffles everyone. Why insist on saying someone is dead when they're clearly not? And why refuse to go back when they could?"

Shen Qingqiu was thoroughly annoyed by his sarcastic tone and said indifferently, "If he doesn't want to come back, there's nothing I can do. Let him be, whether he comes or goes. If the Palace Master has anything to say, please speak plainly."

The old palace master smiled and said, "What I want to say is clear to Peak Master Shen himself, and anyone with a clear mind here can understand it. These demon seed sowers certainly deserve to be burned by the flames, but if there are any instigators or accomplices behind the scenes, they should not be let off the hook. In any case, we must give the entire Jinlan City an explanation."

His words successfully ignited the hatred among the survivors of Jinlan City. Having just survived a major disaster, they were already filled with fear and resentment, and they desperately wanted a live target to unleash their fury. Many of them joined in the shouting and clamoring.

Luo Binghe said, "Master hates evil as if it were his enemy. He only wishes he could kill the demons with his own hands. How could he possibly collude with them?"

Shen Qingqiu glanced at him sideways. Perhaps only he could truly understand the real meaning behind Luo Binghe's words, "I'll kill him as soon as possible."

Desperate, Shen Qingqiu bluntly asked, "Luo Binghe, are you now considered a disciple of Qingjing Peak or a member of Huanhua Palace?"

The old palace master sneered, "Now that things have come to this, Peak Master Shen is willing to acknowledge this disciple?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "I have never expelled him from the sect. Since he is still willing to call me Master, he must be willing to acknowledge me."

He said this purely to annoy Luo Binghe, but it seems he didn't annoy him at all. Luo Binghe's eyes flickered, and perhaps it was just his imagination, but his gaze seemed to soften slightly.

For a time, the two camps were clearly opposed, and the air seemed to be filled with the tension of clashes and the impending battle. As for the sowers who had initially started the war, they were forgotten and no one cared what to do with them.

Suddenly, a charming female voice said, "Chen Jiu?...Are you Chen Jiu?"

Upon hearing this name, Shen Qingqiu's calm demeanor nearly shattered into a deep rift.

Damn it!

Is today destined to be my doom?!

They're doomed. It's this woman. It's Qiu Haitang!

In the original work, the appearance of the begonia signifies only one thing: Shen Qingqiu's complete disgrace.

Although Qiu Haitang was no longer a young girl, her face was as fair as a magnolia, her makeup was gorgeous, and with her slender figure and full breasts, her beauty was truly remarkable. Given her exceptional looks, she naturally couldn't escape the fate of becoming a member of Luo Binghe's harem.

The problem is that she and Shen Qingqiu had a past relationship.

Congratulations! Having ambiguous relationships with both wives of the male protagonist in a harem novel, the original Shen Qingqiu is truly unprecedented!

At least among all the harem novels Shen Yuan has read, he couldn't find another one like it!

It's easy to imagine that this is the origin of the second "Please castrate Shen Qingqiu! If you don't, I'll give you negative points!" thread that was started in the readers' comments section.

Shen Qingqiu mentally scrolled through a barrage of exclamations, like "Holy crap!", while Qiu Haitang held her sword across her chest, looking ready to kill him and then commit suicide: "I'm asking you a question! Why don't you dare look at me?"

Sister, how could I dare look at you?! You're here to kill me!

Qiu Haitang, her face filled with sorrow, said, "I knew it! No wonder I've been searching for you for so many years and never saw you again. It turns out you've long since flown to the top of the tree and become the high and mighty master of Qingjing Peak. Haha, what a glorious sight you are!"

Shen Qingqiu really didn't know where to look or what to say, so he stared straight ahead, trying to keep his facial expression indifferent and detached.

Everyone was whispering among themselves. Yue Qingyuan asked, "Qingqiu, what's going on? Is this young lady someone you know?"

Senior brother... don't ask anymore...

Qiu Haitang said sadly, "Old acquaintance? More than just an old acquaintance... This hypocritical man and I have been childhood sweethearts... I am his wife!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Binghe raised an eyebrow.

no!

You are clearly Luo Binghe's wife! Wake up!

Shang Qinghua exclaimed in great surprise, "Huh? Is this really true? How come I've never heard Senior Brother Shen mention this before?"

Shen Qingqiu gave him a forced smile and twitched the corners of his mouth: Can you stop adding fuel to the fire?

Who wrote this ridiculous, scumbag-like story to fuel his hatred? And they have the nerve to watch the show!

And aren't all those people around here cultivators? Why are so many of them so fond of gossip? Everyone, disperse, disperse, get lost!

Qiu Haitang sneered, "This kind of hypocrite would naturally not dare to mention anything he did wrong."

Master Wuchen had spent some time with the three from Cangqiong Mountain and had been taken care of by Shen Qingqiu, so he had a good impression of him. He hadn't been able to get a word in edgewise during the argument between the Cangqiong Mountain Sect and Huanhua Palace, so he spoke up at this moment: "Amitabha, if this female benefactor has anything to say, she can say it properly and clearly. Simply criticizing will not convince anyone."

Shen Qingqiu was heartbroken: Master... I know you mean well, but it's only when she explains things so clearly that I feel tormented... Even if you have a clear conscience, you're still afraid of ghosts knocking on your door!

Qiu Haitang had become the center of attention. Her face flushed with excitement, she puffed out her chest and declared loudly, "If a single word I, Qiu Haitang, utter is false, may I be pierced by a thousand demonic arrows and die a horrible death!" She pointed directly at Shen Qingqiu, her eyes burning with rage, and said, "This man is now Shen Qingqiu, the peak master of Qingjing Peak of the Cangqiong Mountain Sect, the renowned Xiu Ya Sword. But who knows what he was once!"

Her words were rather harsh, and Qi Qingqi's eyebrows shot up: "Watch your words!"

Qiu Haitang is now a minor sect leader, and he was reprimanded by one of the leaders of a giant organization like Cang Qiong Mountain, causing him to take a step back.

The old palace master said, "Why should Peak Master Qi get angry? Let this young lady continue speaking. What's wrong with that? We can't just shut people up."

Qiu Haitang gritted her teeth, hatred overshadowing fear in her eyes, and her voice rose again: "When he was twelve, he was just a little slave my family bought from traffickers from out of town. Because he was the ninth one, he was called Xiao Jiu. My parents saw how pitiful he was being abused by the traffickers, so they took him home, taught him to read and write, and provided him with food, clothing, and other necessities, ensuring he had no worries about food or clothing. My brother also treated him very well. When he was fifteen, our parents passed away, and my brother took charge of the household, freeing him from slavery and even recognizing him as his sworn brother. As for me, because I grew up with him, I was deceived by him... I actually believed... that we were in love... and thus we got engaged."

Shen Qingqiu stood there, forced to listen to "his" dark history with thousands of people. All the words in his heart turned into the word "speechless".

Tears welled up in her eyes: "When my brother was nineteen, a wandering cultivator came to the city. He saw that the spiritual energy here was good for people, so he set up an altar at the city gate. Young men and women under the age of eighteen could go there to test their spiritual abilities. He wanted to choose one with outstanding talent to be his disciple. The cultivator possessed immortal arts, and everyone in the city was amazed and impressed. Shen Jiu also went to the altar. He had good aptitude and was chosen by the cultivator. He happily ran back and wanted to leave my family."

“Of course my brother disagreed. In his eyes, the matter of cultivating immortality was purely a pipe dream. Besides, he had already made an engagement with me, so how could he suddenly abandon his family and leave? He had a big fight with my brother and was depressed at the time. We just thought he was having a moment of weakness and that he would accept it naturally once he understood.”

Her expression changed drastically: "Who knew that on that very night, he revealed his true colors and went completely mad, killing my brother and several servants, leaving their bodies lying in the mansion, and then fleeing out of the city with that cultivator overnight!"

"After this upheaval, my family was left powerless to support us, and our vast fortune crumbled. I've searched for this ugly man for years without finding a trace. The cultivator who took him as his disciple long ago died a violent death, and all leads have been lost ever since... If I hadn't come to Jinlan City today, I probably would never have known that this ungrateful scoundrel who killed his benefactor had actually climbed all the way up to become one of the peak masters of the world's number one sect! Although he is very different from before... even if this face were reduced to ashes, I would never mistake it!"

Amidst the gasps and gasps of the crowd, Shen Qingqiu, for some reason, calmed down.

The experience described by Qiu Haitang sounds dramatic at first glance, but upon closer examination, it has many flaws.

It's not that Shen Qingqiu discriminates against the original characters, but rather that the original work has always strived to portray Shen Qingqiu as an unlikable personality: stubborn, petty, inarticulate, incapable of flattery, aloof, and pretentious. With such a personality, it's hard to believe that the young Shen Qingqiu could be so endearing that people with no blood relation to him would treat him like family.

But for outsiders, they simply cannot perceive these details.

Originally, Shen Qingqiu was wary of this part of the plot, but not extremely so. With such old matters, whether there was concrete evidence or not, as long as Qiu Haitang stubbornly denied it and made her believe she had mistaken him for someone else, it would simply be a major stain on Shen Qingqiu's character and reputation.

There was no way around it; Shen Qingqiu had indeed wronged Qiu Haitang, but that was the real Shen Qingqiu! He didn't want to take the blame! He would rather make it up to Qiu Haitang in other ways in the future. He hadn't killed Liu Qingge, nor had he molested Ning Yingying; there was no way he would end up like this, with everyone wanting to kill him.

But things are different now.

With the accusations of the Seed Sower preceding him, followed by the accusations of the Old Palace Master, Qiu Haitang's accusations now serve as further evidence of his moral depravity. A scumbag who starts a relationship and then abandons it, plus an internal traitor who colludes with the demons—it's practically the standard setup, icing on the cake.

To call a series of coincidences, perfect fits, and piles up coincidences, is simply self-deception.

The old palace master said, "Sect Leader Yue, in handling such matters, favoritism is unacceptable. Otherwise, if word gets out that the Cangqiong Mountain Sect, a great sect, is protecting someone with a long history of misdeeds, how can we convince the public?"

Yue Qingyuan said blankly, "So, what does the Palace Master mean?"

"In my opinion, how about temporarily placing Immortal Master Shen in the Illusion Flower Palace, and making a decision after we find out the truth?"

Everyone knows what this "disposal" really means.

The Illusion Flower Palace possesses a unique feature: beneath its palace lies a water dungeon. The terrain is complex, further enhanced by the Illusion Flower Palace's maze array—a trump card far superior to mere palace-protecting arrays used only to deter non-cultivators. The water dungeon's interior is heavily guarded, its torture chamber fully equipped and exceptionally professional. Those imprisoned within are none other than the most heinous criminals in the cultivation world, their hands stained with blood, or those who have violated forbidden laws.

In short, the Water Prison of the Illusionary Flower Palace is a public prison in the cultivation world.

In addition, if there are cultivators suspected of threatening the human realm and need to be temporarily detained for trial, they will be sent here to await a joint trial by the four factions before being dealt with.

Liu Qingge sneered, "Have you said enough?"

Having patiently listened to so much nonsense, he was already seething with anger. He gripped the Phoenix Sword on his back, ready to fight. The disciples of the Illusion Flower Palace opposite him also drew their swords and glared at each other angrily.

Yue Qingyuan said, "Junior Brother Liu, please step down."

Although Liu Qingge was unwilling, if he had to listen to one person, he would only obey Yue Qingyuan, and reluctantly removed his hand from the hilt of the sword.

Seeing him retreat, Yue Qingyuan nodded and said, "This kind of accusation can't be settled just by talking about it."

The jet-black longsword at his waist suddenly unsheathed, revealing an inch of dazzling white light.

In an instant, it was as if an invisible giant net had been cast over the entire square, and the spiritual energy fluctuations within the net surged endlessly like ocean tides.

The sound of swords ringing seemed to be constantly buzzing in their ears, and many of the younger disciples unconsciously covered their ears, their hearts pounding wildly.

Xuan Su Sword!

Shen Qingqiu couldn't believe it! Yue Qingyuan's order for Liu Qingge to step down was actually to have him take the field himself! This was truly mind-blowing!

It is said that Yue Qingyuan, the master of the Azure Sky Peak, has only drawn his sword twice since taking office. Once was for the inauguration ceremony, and the other was to fight against a descendant of the Heavenly Demon bloodline (Luo Binghe's father).

The moment the Xuan Su sword was drawn an inch from its sheath, everyone suddenly understood something.

Being able to sit at the highest point of the domed palace requires more than just composure!

The old palace master said, "Set up the formation!"

Is this a signal to prepare for battle?!

What on earth is going on? The demon realm hasn't even attacked yet, and the people are already fighting amongst themselves. Seeing that things were going wrong, Shen Qingqiu quickly took off his sword and threw it forward.

Xiuya Sword plunged straight into the front of the Palace Master of Huanhua Palace.

Discarding the sword is tantamount to surrendering. The old palace master was taken aback, then waved for his disciples to return to their places.

Yue Qingyuan said in a low voice, "Junior brother!"

Shen Qingqiu said, "Senior brother, there's no need to say more. The innocent are innocent. Qingqiu is willing to be bound."

This old palace master seems like a senile old fool, relentlessly attacking him. Coupled with the double whammy of the Seed Sower and the Autumn Begonia, how could he let such a good opportunity slip by? Since it's a done deal anyway, there's no need to cause the two giants, the Azure Sky Mountain Sect and the Illusion Flower Palace, to tear each other apart. Shen Qingqiu insisted, "Further words are useless. Proving yourself is the best course of action."

After he finished speaking, he didn't look at Yue Qingyuan's expression, but instead glanced at Luo Binghe.

His face betrayed no emotion; he stood firmly in place, a stark contrast to the dizzy, ear-covering cultivators around him.

After a long while, Yue Qingyuan finally sheathed his sword. It was as if an invisible giant net had been removed from the air.

Shen Qingqiu turned to Yue Qingyuan and bowed deeply. To be honest, he had caused the sect leader quite a bit of trouble; he was truly ashamed.

Qiu Haitang was still sobbing. As Qin Wanyue walked past her, she comforted her, "Miss Qiu, no matter what happened, the three factions will give you an explanation."

Qiu Haitang was visibly moved, her eyes filled with tears. She looked up to express her gratitude, and when she saw Luo Binghe standing to the side, her cheeks flushed.

"You blind bastard, here we go again!" Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes inwardly. Come to think of it, he'd been NTR'd right in front of everyone, so why wasn't he annoyed at all?

Several disciples of Huanhua Palace, led by Gongyi Xiao, stepped forward, carrying something that looked very familiar.

Hello, Immortal Binding Rope; Goodbye, Immortal Binding Rope!

Gongyi Xiao said apologetically, "Senior Shen, I'm sorry for offending you. I will definitely treat you with courtesy. Once the truth comes out, I will not let you suffer the slightest disrespect."

Shen Qingqiu nodded and said only two words: "Thank you for your trouble."

What good is treating him with courtesy? Look at the eyes of the disciples of Huanhua Palace here; they all wish they could devour him alive. After all, Huanhua Palace suffered the most casualties at the Immortal Alliance Conference; they've really had their share of trouble.

With the Immortal Binding Rope tightly fastened, Shen Qingqiu felt his body become considerably heavier. Previously, the "incurable" poison had acted intermittently, and his spiritual flow would only feel blocked, like a faulty connection—sometimes a remote control could still hold up after being shaken and smashed. But with the Immortal Binding Rope on his body, it was completely blocked, as if he had suddenly been reduced to a mortal.

The old palace master said, "The public trial will be held in a month. What do you all think?"

Liu Qingge said, "Five days."

The longer they were imprisoned in the water dungeon, the more miscellaneous hardships they would endure. Liu Qingge said five days, which meant compressing all the preparatory procedures for the public trial to the shortest possible time. The old palace master, of course, refused to compromise: "Such a hasty approach may lead to many oversights."

At Zhaohua Temple, the abbot, a professional peacemaker, suggested, "How about ten days?"

Yue Qingyuan said, "Seven days. We can't delay any longer."

A group of sect leaders were haggling over the price, and Shen Qingqiu actually found it amusing. Thinking of something, he quickly said, "No need to say more. I'll follow the Palace Master's arrangements. One month."

The longer it drags on, the better it will be for Lu Zhi's growth. He glanced at Shang Qinghua beside him and raised his eyebrows.

Shang Qinghua understood immediately, and with his hands hanging down in front of him, he secretly made a gesture that said, "No problem, leave it to me."

However, let's hope he can really survive this month in the Illusionary Flower Palace where Luo Binghe holds absolute power!