Chapter Ten: Demanding Justice
“Great-uncle! Something terrible has happened!”
“The pretty boy raised by Liu Ruyan has come with the Four Heroes of Northern Frontier to demand an explanation!”
“They want you, great-uncle, to give them an answer!”
After hearing Mu Susu’s words, Xiao Chenxin’s brows furrowed slightly.
He did know Ye Chen—the so-called “Brother Ye Chen” of Liu Ruyan! His previous life had heard Liu Ruyan mention him often.
His arrival was not unexpected.
But who exactly were the Four Heroes of Northern Frontier?
Could these four be Ye Chen’s backing?
Xiao Chenxin quickly finished dressing and instructed Mu Susu, “Let’s go together and take a look.”
“Tell me on the way who these Four Heroes of Northern Frontier are.”
With Mu Susu’s explanation, Xiao Chenxin finally understood. The Four Heroes of Northern Frontier were four venerable elders respected throughout the Northern Frontier.
They were: Feng He, the “Music Hero”; Chu Liushui, the “Chess Hero”; Li Gui, the “Book Hero”; and Ming Yu, the “Painting Hero.”
They were only late Foundation Establishment cultivators, not particularly powerful.
Yet, relying on their considerable connections and generally fair stance, they were known for upholding justice.
In the Northern Frontier, they were quite renowned.
Understanding their background, Xiao Chenxin began to suspect Ye Chen’s intentions.
Bringing four “useless” people here was surely not to kill him for revenge.
There was only one purpose for Ye Chen’s long journey here:
To gain benefits!
Using Liu Ruyan’s death as leverage to extract advantages from Yaoguang Sanctuary!
...
As Xiao Chenxin appeared at the gates of Yaoguang Sanctuary, countless eyes fixed upon him.
The Four Heroes of Northern Frontier, sanctuary elders, peak masters, the sanctuary lord, and numerous disciples all looked at him.
At this moment, a profound feeling surged in his heart.
The once noble elders of the sanctuary appeared so ordinary and plain, indistinguishable from the disciples of other sects who had come to watch the spectacle.
Xiao Chenxin glanced around; it was the same everywhere!
Yet, only one person stood out distinctly.
Ye Chen.
Dressed all in black, his figure was like a straight and sharp sword. His brows were bright and eyes clear, radiating an innate arrogance.
His gaze was like an eagle’s; no one dared meet it directly.
It was as though everyone here, even the exalted sanctuary lord of Yaoguang, was merely a backdrop for his grand entrance.
Xiao Chenxin had seen such a scene before.
In the novels he sometimes read out of boredom, this aura was most common among the protagonists.
Wherever these heroes appeared, the world’s center seemed to shift to them.
Thinking this, Xiao Chenxin’s heart skipped a beat.
“Damn, could it be that I’ve really become a supporting character?”
...
“That can’t be right; I’ve never heard of a supporting character having a system attached.”
While Xiao Chenxin was deep in doubt, a loud voice rang out.
“Are you the Peak Master of Red Dust Peak, Xiao Chenxin, who ordered the execution of Liu Ruyan?”
Being directly named made Xiao Chenxin quite displeased.
No one had ever dared speak to him like this in Yaoguang Sanctuary!
He was the exalted great-uncle!
Straightening his back, Xiao Chenxin stood at the gate of Yaoguang Sanctuary, slightly raising his head.
“That’s me.”
“What business do you have with me?”
Ye Chen snorted coldly, his voice resounding like a bell.
“You arbitrarily imprisoned Liu Ruyan in Yaoguang Sanctuary for years, and recently ordered her execution. Such cruelty!”
“You are unworthy to be the Peak Master of Red Dust Peak!”
“You do not deserve to remain in Yaoguang Sanctuary!”
Hearing this, Xiao Chenxin only sneered coldly, slowly clasping his hands behind his back and retorting,
“When have I ever imprisoned her?”
Ye Chen’s lips curled slightly.
“This is what Liu Ruyan herself said. You killed her to cover up a leak of information!”
“You are a disgrace to the righteous path!”
At this moment, Xiao Chenxin felt a wave of helplessness wash over him.
Despite the gathering of the sanctuary’s peak masters, elders, and the sanctuary lord, none stood up to defend him.
All his painful experiences as a sycophant seemed wasted!
All his sincere efforts in vain!
Forget the past, forget the future—Xiao Chenxin remembered only three words:
Anger!
Trembling!
Chills!
His hands behind his back slowly clenched into fists.
The sanctuary cannot be relied upon!
He must show his power himself!
Suddenly, Xiao Chenxin’s eyes turned misty as his gaze swept swiftly across the numerous disciples below.
Ye Chen’s aggressive approach might have set a trap for him!
Moreover, many disciples here were from the sanctuary’s outer sect; one wrong word could ruin his reputation!
Every word he spoke needed careful consideration and repeated deliberation!
...
While Xiao Chenxin was filled with anger and coldness, the peak masters were already restless, whispering to the sanctuary lord Su Yao.
“Sanctuary Lord, our great-uncle has never faced such accusations before. Perhaps we should say a few words on his behalf!”
“We earnestly request you withdraw the order. We want to defend our great-uncle’s honor!”
“Though our great-uncle was mocked by Liu Ruyan and lost face for the sanctuary, he personally retrieved it and warned all disciples through his example. With such sincerity, how can you remain silent, Sanctuary Lord!”
“Sanctuary Lord! Please, allow me to speak for our great-uncle!”
...
Su Yao patiently answered each message in turn.
“It is precisely because our great-uncle lacks experience that a harsh lesson must be given today!”
“I must make him understand the principle of eradicating weeds thoroughly; one cannot harm oneself out of momentary compassion!”
“Ten days ago, failing to eliminate Ye Chen only invited the Four Heroes of Southern Frontier. If our great-uncle faces even stronger opponents later, should he make the same mistake again?”
Su Yao suppressed the crowd’s objections!
Even Meng Yao was swayed by her words.
All fell silent.
In the hearts of Yaoguang Sanctuary’s people, their great-uncle was worthy of respect, but he also needed trials to grow.
Just as Liu Ruyan taught him not to be a sycophant.
Unaware of the background, Ye Chen saw the sanctuary’s silence and grew even more arrogant.
He suddenly glanced at the Four Heroes of Southern Frontier who had come with him.
“Honored elders, I have just listed all the crimes of Xiao Chenxin.”
“I propose we expel Xiao Chenxin from the righteous path.”
“What do you think?”
The Four Heroes exchanged looks and whispered among themselves before Feng He, the “Music Hero,” spoke.
“There are quite a few doubts in this matter.”
“On our way here, we gathered some information. Liu Ruyan was able to come and go freely inside Yaoguang Sanctuary, perhaps...”
Hearing this, Ye Chen’s expression darkened instantly.
He had prepared everything, waiting only for their verdict to force Yaoguang Sanctuary to expel Xiao Chenxin.
But at this critical moment, his own allies were causing trouble.
Had all his money been wasted?
Seeing Ye Chen’s sour face, Feng He quickly lowered his voice.
“This matter is known by all. Young Master Ye, you must be cautious.”
Upon hearing the explanation, Ye Chen’s face improved slightly.
Everyone knew this needed a clearer explanation.
He turned again to Xiao Chenxin standing at the gate of Yaoguang Sanctuary and said sternly,
“Xiao Chenxin, do you know your crimes?”
“Why did you imprison Liu Ruyan? Why the murder cover-up? What are you scheming?”
“You must give the world an explanation!”
The difficult question was thrown before Xiao Chenxin, but he had already calmed himself.
Since they wanted a clear dispute before passing judgment, then today he would make everything clear!