Wandering Swordsman |

Situ Changkong's actions were tantamount to tacit approval in Situ Dengfeng's eyes, instantly plunging him into an icy abyss. However, Situ Dengfeng seemed unwilling to give up on Situ Changkong, immediately turning to Ling Tiancheng: "Ling Tiancheng, is everything you've said true?"

Ling Tiancheng immediately knelt down, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and said in a trembling voice, "Alliance Leader, everything I have said is true. Situ Changkong did indeed force me to frame Young Hero Shen."

Upon hearing Ling Tiancheng's affirmative reply, Situ Dengfeng's gaze swept over Situ Changkong like a blade, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes.

He never imagined that his most prized disciple would commit such a despicable act. The once diligent, studious, upright, and kind young man had fallen so low, leaving him utterly disappointed.

"Chang Kong," Situ Dengfeng's voice was filled with anger and sorrow, "I've always regarded you as my own son, placed high hopes on you, and even planned to pass the position of Jingtian Pavilion Master to you. Why would you do such an unjust thing!"

Situ Changkong lowered his head, not daring to look his master in the eye, his heart filled with regret and helplessness.

He knew that no amount of explanation could salvage the situation. He clenched his teeth, his fists clenched until his knuckles turned white, as if he were enduring immense inner torment.

Situ Meng stood to the side, her eyes filled with shock and incomprehension. She had always regarded Situ Changkong as an older brother, and held him in the highest esteem. Yet, at this moment, she simply could not believe that her senior brother would do such a despicable thing.

"Brother Changkong..." Situ Meng called softly, her voice choked with emotion, "Tell me, this isn't true..."

Situ Changkong raised his head, looking at Situ Meng with a complicated expression, a trace of guilt and helplessness flashing in his eyes: "Junior Sister Meng, I'm sorry..." His voice was low and hoarse, as if every word was filled with deep self-blame and pain.

Just when everyone thought he would continue to explain, Situ Changkong's eyes suddenly became resolute.

With a flash, he moved with ghostly speed, using his lightness skill to fly towards the exit of the training ground. His movements were as fast as lightning, and he disappeared from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.

Just as the inspection team was preparing to pursue and stop Situ Changkong, Situ Dengfeng shouted, "Let him go!"

This sentence stunned everyone, including Situ Changkong, who was fleeing. He paused slightly, seemingly not expecting his master to say such a thing. But immediately afterward, he quickened his pace, disappearing from the training ground like a startled night bird.

Situ Dengfeng turned to face the crowd, his voice low and firm: "Today's events are due to my failure to properly teach my disciples, which led Changkong astray. As their master, I am willing to take responsibility: I hereby resign from my position as acting leader of the alliance."

As an elder of the Martial Arts Alliance Elders' Council, Zhang Taixuan immediately stepped forward to advise Situ Dengfeng: "Alliance Leader, the fault lies not with you. Changkong's actions were his personal choice; please do not take it to heart."

As soon as Zhang Taixuan finished speaking, the leaders of the other nine sects arrived at the scene. They did not mention what had just happened, but instead stepped forward to persuade Situ Dengfeng.

Li Qingfeng, the leader of the Huashan Sect, stepped forward and said sincerely, "Alliance Leader, Chang Kong's actions do not represent your fault. Everyone has their own choices, and you have already done your best to guide him."

The former head of the Emei Sect, Abbess Jingkong, echoed, "Yes, Alliance Leader, you don't need to blame yourself for this. It is precisely at times like these that we should work together to uphold justice in the martial arts world."

Abbot Huiming of Shaolin Temple clasped his hands together and slowly said, "Amitabha, the leader of the alliance need not blame himself too much. Cause and effect, retribution, are predetermined."

......

Faced with everyone's words of comfort, Situ Dengfeng took a deep breath, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Thank you all for your kindness, but this matter truly makes me feel deeply guilty. I will temporarily leave for a period of time to reflect on my actions."

Just then, Situ Meng wiped away her tears, walked up to her father, and tightly grasped his hand: "Father, the matter of Brother Changkong was not your fault..."

Situ Dengfeng gently stroked his daughter's hair and said softly, "Meng'er, don't say anything more. I am to blame for this." His voice was deep and firm, as if he were announcing his decision to everyone.

After speaking, he straightened up, his gaze sharp, and looked around as if he wanted to remember this moment forever. Then, he turned and strode forward, his steps steady and powerful, each step seeming to strike the hearts of the people, bringing an invisible pressure.

As Situ Dengfeng slowly departed, the people in the training ground parted to make way for him, watching the former number one in the world walk into the distance. His figure appeared exceptionally tall and lonely in the sunlight, like a solitary traveler searching for inner peace and redemption in the vast world.

Situ Meng stood there, tears welling up in her eyes again, but she did not go forward to stop her father. She knew that this was her father's choice, and also his commitment to his responsibilities.

Shen Mo stood not far away, witnessing all of this, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that this incident had not only revealed the truth but also allowed everyone to witness Situ Dengfeng's integrity and sense of responsibility. This noble sentiment moved everyone present and made them all admire the virtue of the martial arts alliance leader.

After a moment, Li Qingfeng, the leader of the Huashan Sect, broke the silence first, his voice steady and powerful: "The Alliance Leader's integrity is admirable, and we should respect his decision."

Upon hearing this, the leaders of the other sects nodded in agreement.

At this moment, the atmosphere gradually calmed down. Although everyone was still shaken, they eventually accepted the facts before them. In the world of martial arts, right and wrong are inherently difficult to distinguish, and those who can face it calmly and take responsibility are rare indeed. Especially for leaders in high positions, having such awareness is truly as difficult as ascending to heaven.

At this moment, Zhang Taixuan slowly walked to the center of the arena, his silver beard fluttering slightly, his eyes blazing, and his voice once again resounding throughout the arena:

"Now that the truth has come to light, let's leave it at that. The academy's assessment will continue."

As soon as the words fell, they were like a morning bell and an evening drum, pulling everyone's thoughts back to reality from the turmoil.

The elders of the various sects slowly departed, each carrying their own dignity and solemnity, like stars gradually disappearing into the night sky. Some wore solemn expressions, while others seemed lost in thought; though their steps were slow, they exuded an undeniable sense of order.

The inspectors escorted Ling Tiancheng away from the training ground with heavy steps. As their figures receded into the distance, Ling Tiancheng hung his head, his face ashen, as if he had lost all vitality overnight. Those youths who had been hostile towards him couldn't help but cast complex glances at him now—some with disdain, some with pity, and some pondering the deeper meaning behind this turmoil.