Chapter 84: Entanglement

Chen Jiayi took the pill? That was yet another explosive revelation. When had she found the time to consume the pill? The crowd was filled with suspicion, and many cast strange, questioning glances toward Chen Yu. Now, it all seemed like a forced accusation, lacking any substantial evidence.

Given Chen Jiayi’s position in Yidan House, she was destined to inherit the entire establishment one day. Why would she risk everything for such a reckless act? Put simply, was there any kind of pill she couldn’t obtain? Would she need to risk her reputation and future just to steal one?

Chen Jiayi merely responded with a cold, mocking smile. “So, it’s all your own conjecture—slander without a shred of proof.”

Chen Yu, however, remained unperturbed. He spoke in a deep voice, “Is that so? The fragrance of the pill was thick; anyone could tell a divine pill had been produced. And you, so conveniently, praised Su Ye, positioning him to block everyone’s sight. Then you ‘accidentally’ stuck your head into the furnace to search for the missing pill…

In truth, the pill never disappeared! There were just very few pills inside. When you leaned in, you simply swallowed the pill, then feigned panic and told us it was gone!”

Another wave of unrest swept through the crowd.

People recalled that, at the time the pill was declared missing, Chen Jiayi had indeed leaned into the furnace to search. Could it have been then that she consumed the pill? This speculation, which barely held up to scrutiny, still won the support of many, for the more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Otherwise, no other explanation made sense!

Chen Jiayi grew furious, her delicate fists clenched until her knuckles cracked. She cried out, “Chen Yu, what grudge do you hold against me, to falsely accuse me like this? I was born and raised in Yidan House, and I’ve never done anything to harm it or commit crimes against heaven. Why do you want me dead?”

The elder pill masters were moved by her words, murmuring, “She has no reason to do such a thing!”

“She has no motive for the crime, and if it were a pill, consuming it would have triggered a unique reaction long ago. She’s perfectly fine! It can’t be her! Uncle Yu, could you be mistaken?”

Chen Yu sneered. “Why not? Everyone knows her constitution; any pill taken is wasted on her. If she swallowed the pill, it’s no different from eating beans. As for her motive, it’s all because she wants to help Ouyang Yunfeng unite Sheep City!”

What?

Even the young master of the Martial Alliance was implicated!

Ouyang Yunfeng seemed to understand much more now; he replied calmly, “Chen Yu, if you have more accusations, speak freely! I’ve weathered storms before—do you think I fear being slandered in public?”

Chen Yu strode forward, raising his hand to signal the wealthy patrons and martial artists to quiet their chaos and listen. He spoke gravely:

“We all know that in recent days, our young master has become extraordinary, wiping out three great families in one sweep. He intends to destroy anyone who opposes him. Now, he has set his sights on Yidan House, which is famously independent from Martial Alliance control. He’s schemed to get close to Chen Jiayi for this very reason.”

Ouyang Yunfeng chuckled, finding the allegations ridiculous. He glanced over at Ouyang Man, then burst out laughing, “You truly do make things difficult for yourselves—impressive tactics!”

Su Ye furrowed his brow, looking at Ouyang Man and reassessing the situation, his mind racing with analysis. At present, Ouyang Yunfeng was riding a wave of momentum; he had been on the brink of death, but suddenly recovered and eliminated three families. This must have crossed some people’s bottom line!

Everyone was speculating: who had the power to bring Ouyang Yunfeng back from the brink? Was it the talented pill master Chen Jiayi, who had treated him for years? Or the newcomer Su Ye?

Either way, it was enough to make many people uneasy.

It was obvious: the young master’s position was about to be vacated, then Ouyang Yunfeng recovered and struck against the three families—

“It’s you!” Su Ye suddenly turned, his gaze locked on Ouyang Man.

Sometimes, things didn’t need to be so complicated; simply ask, if Ouyang Yunfeng and Chen Jiayi were both ruined, who stood to benefit? Then everything would become clear.

The Pill Banquet was the perfect opportunity; Ouyang Yunfeng had walked right into the trap. If missed, would fate provide another?

Ouyang Man’s lips curled in a subtle smile, her expression ambiguous. “What are you talking about? I am merely an outsider—don’t drag me into this.”

Su Ye covertly signaled Jiang Liuying to be cautious.

At that moment, Chen Yu bellowed, “Chen Jiayi, you’ve betrayed Yidan House—what else can you say? If you wish to prove your innocence, surrender now. I will conduct a thorough investigation. And as for the young master, you must also return with us.”

Ouyang Man immediately interjected, “In order to prove Martial Alliance’s innocence, I will make sure my brother cooperates fully! Dear brother, do not flee in guilt, and do not resist!”

With that, Ouyang Man waved her hand, and the old woman who had remained silent slowly hunched forward toward Ouyang Yunfeng. Evidently, this so-called guest invited to the banquet was one of Ouyang Man’s people.

“Outrageous!” Ouyang Yunfeng roared, his aura erupting. As young master, his own cultivation was formidable and not to be underestimated.

Unfortunately, though he’d brought many followers today, none were present in this hall. How could he call for help?

Su Ye’s expression darkened; he knew he would be implicated as well. He had relied on Ouyang Yunfeng’s methods to eliminate the three families, and now everyone saw him as bound to Ouyang Yunfeng’s fate.

Chen Yu shouted, “Guards! Don’t let the thieves escape! Search them—bring me the pill!”

Suddenly, more than a hundred martial artists surged out from the crowd of wealthy patrons.

Clearly, these warriors had been hidden among the guests, awaiting this very command.

“Seize them all!”

In an instant, a swarm of martial artists rushed at Ouyang Yunfeng and Chen Jiayi.

The wealthy guests, seeing this, erupted into chaos, shrieking and scattering in panic. They had come to buy pills, not to be sacrificed in such turmoil!

“Heavens! They’re fighting—run!”

“They’re attacking the young master? Is this… a coup?”

Su Ye swept his gaze around and saw at least twenty or thirty men closing in on him. His heart sank; he hadn’t expected to fall into such danger. He retreated toward Jiang Liuying, determined to protect her.

Jiang Liuying squeezed deeper into the crowd, calling out, “Don’t come near me—they’re here for you, not me! I have plenty of protectors.”

Su Ye glanced back, confirming that many young talents from various families were indeed surrounding her, which eased his mind.

Boom!

Ouyang Yunfeng was already fighting the old woman, and chaos erupted even further.

“This youth possesses a strange thunder vein—not even Yu Xingkun can match him. Attack together!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A group of martial artists lunged at Su Ye.

Su Ye’s heart burned with rage. He hadn’t expected to be swept into such a vortex, but he knew that with so few allies, resisting so many within Yidan House was hopeless.

His thunder veins roared to life, arcs of lightning flickering visibly across his body.

The surrounding martial artists, well aware of Su Ye’s reputation, hesitated instinctively when they saw the lightning.

Su Ye charged forward, lunging straight at Ouyang Man, his voice sharp and furious: “Wretch! You’re the one behind all this!”