Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 193 Huo Shuyan: "The real culprit is indeed the Kongtong Sect!" (Two chapters combined)

Chunyangzi then turned around, facing Liu Changzhen and the people from various factions on the high platform, a hint of apology on his face.

"Secondly, I apologize to Master Liu of the Quanzhen Sect, and to all fellow martial artists present here!"

He glanced around the room and said frankly, "The night before last, it was indeed our Kongtong Sect that acted improperly."

Songxi, Shidi, and others, worried about the safety of the imprisoned disciples and feeling immense pressure due to the injustice their sect had suffered in recent days, made the unwise move of sneaking into Quanzhen at night in an attempt to rescue the prisoners.

This matter is due to my lax discipline and lack of thorough consideration as the sect leader.

I hereby apologize to Headmaster Liu and all fellow Daoists of the Quanzhen Sect!

As he spoke, he bowed in Liu Changzhen's direction, but the bow was somewhat casual and didn't seem very sincere.

Liu Changzhen frowned.

This was just polite talk; Li Fu overheard their conversation last night and realized it wasn't something they had done on their own initiative.

This Kongtong Sect leader, Chunyangzi, is very dishonest.

Of course, even an honest person can't be a good leader of a sect.

As the leader of a sect, one should never easily admit mistakes, especially to outsiders, which is quite normal.

Finally, fellow practitioners and friends from all walks of life.

Today's meeting is not only about uncovering the truth behind the Taishan Sect's massacre, but also about safeguarding the millennia-old reputation of our Kongtong Sect.

There are some things I, Chunyangzi, must make clear beforehand.

After expressing his gratitude and apology, Chunyangzi straightened his back and looked around in a deep voice.

"You have all heard about what happened the night before last."

At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, those who intended to ambush and kill my Kongtong Sect members were not some petty thugs from the martial arts world, but the most elite Kheshig guards under the Mongol Khan!

Its leader is none other than the third Kheshig chief, one of the four Kheshig chiefs, Ahutai!

Please think about this!

What kind of entity is the Kheshig Guard?

That was the most trusted blade by the Mongol emperor's side, and he would rarely leave his side!

Now, this kind of person has actually led dozens of elite troops to infiltrate the heart of my Central Plains and appeared at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain. What is his intention?

Their purpose is to intercept and kill our Kongtong Sect members!

If our Dongpai sect is a sect that slaughters and harms fellow martial artists, then were the imperial guards of the Mongol emperor sent from afar to punish evil and uphold justice for the martial arts world of Central China?

"I hope everyone will think carefully about who is more likely to harm the Taishan Sect."

Although his words were slightly sarcastic, they silenced everyone present, who nodded in agreement.

That seems to make some sense.

The Mongol Yuan dynasty should have just watched the Central Plains become more chaotic, so why would they intervene and help govern their Central Plains, doing good deeds?

"Indeed, in recent years, our Kongtong Sect has been striving for progress and to glorify our sect. Inevitably, we have had some conflicts and frictions with others in the martial arts world. This is normal, and no sect in the world can avoid it either."

There were some unpleasantnesses between him and the Taishan Sect over mundane matters such as incense offerings, land ownership, and escort services.

However—

Chunyangzi continued.

"However, right and wrong, black and white, must be clearly distinguished."

Our Kongtong School of Taoism can be traced back to the ancient immortal Guangchengzi, who was the teacher of the Yellow Emperor. Our history is so long that it ranks among the top Taoist schools in the world, and is even unparalleled!

Our lineage's founders throughout history have always been committed to upholding the righteous path and benefiting all living beings.

The Taishan Sect has suffered such a horrific annihilation, a tragedy that has aroused the wrath of both gods and men. As fellow disciples of the Three Pure Ones, how can we not grieve?

Our entire Dong faction is deeply saddened by this tragedy.

However, if anyone makes wild guesses based on past disagreements and pins this enormous blood debt on my Kongtong Sect, I, Chunyangzi, will be the first to object!

To exterminate an entire family and sever the lineage of humanity—such heinous and inhuman acts are absolutely not the work of our Dong Sect!

This is certainly not something a disciple of our Daoist sect should do!

His words were forceful and resounding, his expression sharp, and his gaze fixed directly on the crowd without the slightest hesitation.

Many people in the audience who had initially been skeptical of the Kongtong Sect began to waver after hearing his words and seeing his calm demeanor and forthright speech.

Could it be that the Kongtong Sect has been wronged?

Li Fu sat upright on the table, his gaze also falling on Chunyangzi, quietly observing him.

The sect leader, who had been famous for several days and had been entangled with the suspects in the Mount Tai massacre, was calm and composed at this moment, speaking with a firm tone. On the surface, he did not seem to have any flaws.

However, he did not draw any conclusions easily based on this.

The crowd below the stage whispered among themselves.

"Judging from Sect Leader Chunyangzi's demeanor, he doesn't seem to be faking it—"

"That may be true, but words alone are not enough. Right and wrong must ultimately be determined by evidence, by what Huo Shuyan has to say."

"That's right, a public trial is necessary; we'll only know the truth after the trial."

"Sect Leader Chunyangzi, are you done speaking?"

After seeing that Chunyangzi had finished speaking, Liu Changzhen frowned and said loudly without delay, "Huo Shuyan, now you are allowed to make your case in public."

Now, Huo Shuyan is dressed in prison clothes, a far cry from the dashing and charismatic Flying Rainbow Swordsman who was once famous throughout the martial arts world.

The two Quanzhen disciples who were holding him down released their arms.

He was able to raise his head and see Li Fu sitting on the stage. A strange and nervous look flashed in his eyes. He quickly looked away and looked at the heroes and Dongmen people below the stage.

That night, although the Flying Rainbow Swordsman violated the rules of celibacy and secretly slipped away from the brothel, his figure still had a touch of elegance. Unexpectedly, when he saw the other party again, he was already a prisoner, which made people sigh about the vicissitudes of life.

At the same time, Li Fu felt a slight stirring in his heart.

"I never expected that after just one night outside the brothel in Yanzhou, Huo Shuyan would still recognize me upon our second meeting?"

That day, he was dressed in casual clothes, drinking and eating at a restaurant with his constables and officers. He looked like just an ordinary customer at the restaurant and shouldn't have left any deep impression.

Could it be because the situation was too unusual?

Huo Shuyan, carrying clothes, slipped out of the courtesan's room late at night and bumped into her group, leaving a deep impression on her, to the point that she remembered her face.

However—why didn't the other party seem surprised at all to see me here?

This is not Li Fu boasting, but logically speaking, Huo Shuyan should have been somewhat surprised to see that the passerby he happened to bump into that night turned out to be a famous constable in the martial arts world, who was now sitting on the stage as one of the people invited by the Quanzhen Sect to jointly try him.

But it didn't.

But all he showed was nervousness and unease, which was indeed a sign of guilt.

"Did someone tell him this beforehand?"

But that's not right either.

Li Fu frowned slightly.

Seeing his disciple Huo Shuyan turn to look at him, Chunyangzi frowned, a complex mix of emotions and anger flashing in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, as if unwilling to look any longer, and as if to show that he would not interfere with his disciple's statement, for the innocent will remain innocent.

On the stage, Huo Shuyan looked towards his own sect and remained silent for a long time.

Liu Changzhen spoke in a deep voice, urging Huo Shuyan to come back to her senses: "Huo Shuyan, why aren't you saying anything!"

In previous private inquiries about the Mount Tai massacre, you always gave evasive answers and made all sorts of excuses!

Today, in front of all martial arts practitioners, sect leaders and elders, and especially the renowned constable Li, who is known for his keen observation and ability to solve numerous strange cases, you can no longer try to evade the issue or get away with it!

Today you must tell the truth: where were you on the night the Taishan Sect was wiped out?

What are you doing?!

The leader of the Quanzhen Sect emphasized the role of Constable Li, and many young disciples below the stage couldn't help but turn their gazes back to the young constable on the stage.

Despite his young age, he was able to sit on equal footing with the leaders of various sects and was highly respected.

This has inspired immense envy and admiration in many young people in the martial arts world.

"I—I didn't do anything."

Upon hearing the words "that night," Huo Shuyan's body visibly trembled. When she came to her senses, a look of panic and evasion appeared on her face.

His flustered state and guilty conscience immediately aroused suspicion among some people.

When that night was mentioned, Chunyangzi kept his eyes closed, but his brows furrowed even more, and the veins on the back of his hand gripping the armrest were visible. He remained silent, as if he had completely detached himself from the matter.

Huo Shuyan repeated his previous statement.

"The massacre of the Taishan Sect—it has nothing to do with me—I am innocent—and our Dong Sect is also innocent."

"Injustice?" Yu Hengzi, the leader of the Hengshan Sect, couldn't help but shout, "Then tell me, where were you on the night of the incident? Who were your witnesses?"

"I—I—"

Huo Shuyan's lips trembled, her eyes darted around, and her face turned pale and then red. This time, anyone could see that she was guilty and short of breath, and that she had something to hide.

Many people in the audience who had initially lessened their doubts about the Dongpai sect because of Chunyangzi's words now had their wavering disappear upon seeing Huo Shuyan's performance, and their doubts surged up again like a tide.

Even Master Yunxi, the leader of the Laoshan Sect, and others couldn't help but shake their heads slowly, their faces showing solemn disappointment.

Looking like that, who would believe that he has nothing to hide?

Even a three-year-old can tell.

Liu Changzhen's face darkened, and his voice turned stern.

"Huo Shuyan, at this point, in front of all the heroes of the world, you still dare to argue!"

It seems you won't tell the truth without some tricks!

"Come here, bring the instruments of torture!"

At his command, several Quanzhen Sect disciples stepped forward and brought out several instruments of torture made of fine iron, including clamps, branding irons, and sharp iron hooks specifically designed to pierce the collarbone. Their gleaming light was displayed on the platform, making one's heart tremble at the sight of them.

Although some people in the audience frowned slightly, most people felt it was only natural.

How deep is the blood debt of more than three hundred members of the Taishan Sect?

Torture, though cruel, is also reasonable.

That's just how things are sometimes in the world of martial arts.

Two disciples stepped forward, intending to hold Huo Shuyan down and pierce his collarbone first.

The iron hooks gleamed with a chilling light; once they pierced through, no matter how skilled you were in martial arts, you would be unable to use them.

Even if it is removed later, the piercing of the collarbone will most likely leave behind a hidden ailment that is difficult to cure, which will greatly affect martial arts skills.

Liu Changzhen used both soft and hard tactics at this point.

"Think about it again, Huo Shuyan. You're saying there's still a chance? What if this really is related to the massacre of your Taishan Sect?"

Considering that you told the truth, I can be lenient with you.

Huo Shuyan trembled violently as he watched the approaching iron hook. Just as the hook was about to touch his shoulder and clothes, he gritted his teeth and shouted.

"Wait a minute!"

"I'll talk, I'll talk, please don't torture me!"

Liu Changzhen waved his hand, ordering his disciples to step back immediately.

Now it's finally time to speak.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone stared intently at Huo Shuyan, holding their breath, waiting for him to reveal the truth.

Li Fu also focused his attention on Huo Shuyan at this moment.

Huo Shuyan closed his eyes, looked up at the sky, and sighed deeply. His face was filled with immense pain, struggle, and a sense of helplessness as if he had been driven to the brink of despair. He then slowly spoke.

"I said—I said."

The massacre of the Taishan Sect was indeed the work of our Kongtong Sect!

These words came out like a thunderclap from a clear sky!

The entire venue fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone was stunned; they simply couldn't believe their ears!

Liu Changzhen leaned forward, his tone grave, and shouted as if to confirm once again the truth that was enough to cause a huge uproar throughout the martial arts world!

"Huo Shuyan, do you know what you're saying? Say it again!"

Huo Shuyan seemed to have used all his strength to continue, his tone carrying a sense of despair.

"It was my master, Chunyangzi, the head of the Kongtong Sect, who ordered me to lead the men to do this."

He said, "We must first destroy the Mount Tai Sect, and then eliminate one by one the sects that are at odds with our Kongtong Sect. The Northern Underground Sect will eventually be subordinate to our Kongtong Sect!"

As if he had finally revealed a secret that had been pent up in his heart, there was nothing that hindered him anymore, and he spoke more and more fluently.

"What?!?!"

The crowd was in an uproar, a scene of uproar!

"This was truly the work of the Kongtong Sect!"

Chunyangzi was struck as if by lightning. He suddenly opened his eyes, stood up abruptly, and crushed the armrest of the chair he was sitting on with his unconsciously clenched hands!

His face was ashen, his eyes filled with shock, anger, and disbelief. Pointing at Huo Shuyan, he roared, "You traitor, what nonsense are you spouting?!"

On the high platform, Li Fu's expression also changed.

He originally thought that Huo Shuyan, driven to the brink, would finally reveal the truth: that he, as a disciple of the Daoist sect, had frequented brothels that night, thus explaining why Huo had been evasive in his words.

But to everyone's surprise, Huo Shuyan said that the Kongtong Sect was the real culprit and Chunyangzi was the mastermind!

Huo Shuyan's words shocked everyone else and were also far beyond his expectations.

The news that Chunyangzi had ordered his disciples to destroy the Taishan Sect was like a bolt from the blue!

The audience erupted in chaos!

What?!

"The Kongtong Sect, truly the Kongtong Sect!"

"Chunyangzi was actually personally instructed by the Sect Leader of Kongtong!"

"Oh my god, Huo Shuyan confessed! He confessed!"

"The evidence is irrefutable, absolutely irrefutable!"

"Hundreds of lives lost by the Taishan Sect! Chunyangzi, how ruthless your Kongtong Sect is!"

"We also need to unify the Taoist sects in the north."

The Kongtong Sect has indeed become increasingly ambitious and ruthless in recent years!

Exclamations, roars, and incredulous shouts mingled together, instantly turning the field and the sidelines into chaos.

Rumors had long circulated in the martial arts world that the Kongtong Sect was the murderer. Huo Shuyan's evasive words after his arrest only deepened the suspicions. Now, he had publicly identified his own sect leader in front of all the heroes of the world, which was practically the most conclusive evidence!

Especially considering Huo Shuyan's identity—the most favored disciple of the Kongtong Sect leader and the almost certain successor to the next sect leader—if this wasn't the truth he had to reveal, why would he say such a thing!

Wouldn't this be self-destruction, cutting off all one's future prospects, and also bringing about one's own death, pushing one's master and sect into an abyss of no return?

So everyone present immediately believed it!

The various sects were filled with righteous indignation, their eyes blazing with anger, creating a chaotic scene. They all drew their swords and glared at the entire Dong Sect, as if a great battle was about to break out.

"Something's not right, why would he say that!"

Only Li Fu's face darkened slightly, never expecting Huo Shuyan to say such a thing!