The boy, who had been looking down, slowly raised his eyes. His deep black eyes were like those of an ungrateful wolf cub, ready to devour anyone at any moment.

A mocking smile curled at the corner of his mouth as he met Zhan Hongyuan's gaze: "If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext."

Shen Changlin knew that there was no need for him to explain, and that any explanation would be futile, because Zhan Hongyuan wanted to make a mountain out of a molehill so that he could use this as an excuse to imprison him, nothing more.

Even now, you show no remorse whatsoever!

"repentance?"

Shen Changlin's tone was strange. He chuckled softly, then burst into uncontrollable laughter, his mockery undiminished as he stared intently at Zhan Hongyuan: "Isn't it you who should repent?"

"Yes, I am still alive. But is Elder Danfeng, the only one who knows about the Floating Tree, still alive?"

"..."

Zhan Hongyuan's eyes darkened slightly: "Shen Changlin, you have to bear the responsibility for two lives. Elder Ruan was exceptionally talented and withstood the backlash of failing to break through his cultivation, but Elder Danfeng was not so lucky."

"He is old and his blood and energy are insufficient. Alchemy requires complete concentration. When Elder Ruan broke through, he attracted a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth. If you hadn't disturbed the heavenly secrets and disturbed the spiritual energy of the entire sect, he would have failed to refine the pill and the furnace would have exploded."

Zhan Hongyuan paused: "He's already unconscious, Shen Changlin, don't you know you're wrong?!"

They really can spout nonsense so easily...

Elder Danfeng was clearly with him the whole time, so how could he have failed in alchemy or even fallen into a coma? But Zhan Hongyuan was the sect leader of the Wandao Sect. He had been managing the sect for many years, and in terms of power alone, he had reached the point where he could control everything.

Your Highness, Shen Changlin knew all this, so he stopped his loud mockery and knelt on the ground, lowering his eyes and remaining silent.

Only the spine belonging to the boy refused to bend in the slightest.

Looking at Shen Changlin, Zhan Hongyuan's eyes grew colder, yet also carried a hidden greed. Just as he was about to speak, a chilling blade intent suddenly struck, almost splitting the entire hall in two. His expression suddenly darkened.

When that sword intent descended, it was as if a vast galaxy of stars came from the boundless void, carrying with it the ethereal dust of the mortal world.

For a moment, the main hall was completely silent.

In that instant, the momentum was immense, and even Zhan Hongyuan subconsciously reached out to defend himself. However, upon contact, he discovered that the sword intent was merely superficial and ultimately lacked staying power.

And this strike... was delivered by Ruan Qing'an. Only she could unleash such a stunning strike, and only she was so weak.

The tightly closed doors of the main hall were flung open with a single stroke.

Sunlight spread, flooding into the hall like a madman. The black figure in front of the hall was very long, clearly slender like a willow swaying in the wind, yet it brought an extremely strong sense of oppression, appearing aggressive.

When Zhan Hongyuan saw Ruan Qing'an at the door, his smile softened. He was back to being the kind and friendly sect leader.

"Elder Ruan, your body is not yet ready to use spiritual power."

"Sect Master, release my disciple."

Ruan Qing'an held a knife in one hand, his leaden-gray eyes staring intently at him. Shen Changlin's body stiffened, and he subconsciously turned his head. When he saw the figure backlit by the light, he felt a surge of deep worry.

His master has not yet recovered, how could he possibly take action!

"Master, you..."

"Don't move."

Ruan Qing'an coldly rebuked, but her eyes were filled with worry: "Under the restraint of the black iron chains, moving around will only cause more serious injury!"

After saying that, she turned to look at Zhan Hongyuan, her expression slightly somber.

Zhan Hongyuan said in a deep voice, "Elder Ruan, I will handle Shen Changlin's matter. You should go back to your Yanlai Peak to recuperate."

"Sect Master, I will handle my disciple."

Ruan Qing'an held a knife in one hand, the blade slightly turned—even though he knew she was seriously injured, Zhan Hongyuan was still somewhat wary.

Yet there was no trace of panic in his eyes, as if he had anticipated this scene. Zhan Hongyuan flicked his sleeve, standing with his hands behind his back as if waiting for something, until—

A disciple suddenly arrived at the hall gate, cupped his hands respectfully, and said, "Sect Master, Miss Gao from Sanyue City has arrived with generous gifts and requests an audience with you. Would you please allow Miss Gao to come up?"

"Miss Gao?"

Zhan Hongyuan paused slightly, seemingly surprised: "Since she's from Sanyue City, let her come over."

"Speaking of which, Elder Ruan, I heard before that when Miss Gao was in Sanyue City, she looked for your disciple Shen Changlin, and it seems that something happened. That must be the reason for your visit today."

"Perhaps Elder Ruan can wait and see... what kind of person your good disciple really is."

Zhan Hongyuan spoke softly, hinting meaningfully.

Miss Gao?

Upon hearing this, Ruan Qing'an was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at Shen Changlin.

But at this moment, the boy lowered his head, his body trembling slightly, but it didn't seem to be because of nervousness, but rather... the killing intent gathering in his eyes was too intense, and he was afraid of being discovered by her.

Did Zhan Hongyuan not know that Gao Yue'er would be coming?

No, how could that be? Or... he's the one who summoned them.

Shen Changlin had never regretted it so much. No matter how troublesome it was to kill Gao Yue'er in Sanyue City, he should have dealt with her. Otherwise, how could he have given her a second chance to come to him!

in particular--

Shen Changlin looked up at her in fear: "Master."

Before Shen Changlin could finish speaking, approaching footsteps reached the main hall. Gao Yue'er was dressed exceptionally well, her red dress exuding a flamboyant and passionate aura. Her beautiful eyebrows and eyes also carried a hint of arrogance. Even when she looked at Zhan Hongyuan, she remained calm and composed.

Interrupted by her like that, Shen Changlin was speechless.

Gao Yue'er bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Sect Leader Zhan. My father asked me to inquire whether you are well. He said that if there is an opportunity, he will definitely visit you at the Myriad Paths Sect in the future."

"Haha, you're too kind. I'll definitely welcome you with open arms then!"

Zhan Hongyuan smiled gently, maintaining the utmost demeanor even when facing juniors or the weak.

Clearly, many people were fooled, including Gao Yue'er.

She visibly relaxed a bit, and Zhan Hongyuan took the initiative to ask, "Miss Gao, what brings you to my Wandao Sect?"

“Sect Master Zhan, I have always admired Elder Ruan Qing’an of your sect. My father often mentions her to me. So I saw some things that I shouldn’t have seen, and I still feel that I should tell her.”

Gao Yue'er paused, turned her head to look at Shen Changlin, who was kneeling on the ground, and her eyes held a hidden malice: "Is that right, Shen Changlin?"

That malice was like a demon crawling out of hell.

Gao Yue'er did bring her dowry, but how could she let Shen Changlin have an easy time? She had already lowered herself enough, and this man still threw her out. He deserved to die!

Who would dare to humiliate her like that?

Killing Shen Changlin alone wouldn't be enough. She wanted to ruin his reputation, make sure he lost his master, and then get her hands on him before dumping him!

Sensing Shen Changlin's murderous intent, Gao Yue'er felt a faint sense of pleasure and the satisfaction of revenge.

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

Just then, a clear, cold voice suddenly interrupted her.

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