Chapter 380 : Undercurrents in Motion
Chapter 380: Undercurrents in Motion
Yuqing City.
Law Enforcement Bureau, Heart-Questioning Hall.
The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn and oppressive. The surrounding walls were covered with special restrictions capable of isolating divine sense and suppressing mana.
Chen Beiwu sat calmly upon a jade chair in white robes, a cup of steaming spirit tea even resting at his side.
Opposite him sat the serious Supervisory Censor Jin Zhaoyang, along with two law enforcement envoys responsible for recording.
“Little Friend Chen, inviting you here today is mainly to understand some circumstances. It is merely routine procedure.”
Jin Zhaoyang smiled warmly and personally poured Chen Beiwu another cup of tea.
Seeing this, the two law enforcement envoys recording the session slightly contracted their pupils. They understood that Chen Beiwu’s background was extraordinary— even a Nascent Soul True Monarch at the peak stage like the Supervisory Censor had to remain courteous, not daring to offend him in the slightest.
For an ordinary Golden Core cultivator, let alone sitting in the Heart-Questioning Hall drinking tea, whether one could even stand properly while answering inquiries would already be uncertain.
“Censor Jin, if you have something to say, you may speak directly,” Chen Beiwu said bluntly.
A Nascent Soul True Monarch was already considered mid-level within the Immortal Alliance and could disregard the influence of the vast majority of cultivation families.
From this, it was evident that the person behind the scenes wielded considerable authority— at the very least from a True Venerable Clan, perhaps even from a Dao Venerable Immortal Family. Otherwise, it would be impossible to casually influence a Nascent Soul True Monarch’s actions.
“Little Friend Chen, are you aware of the Ancient Demon Sect?” Jin Zhaoyang asked.
“Of course.” Chen Beiwu remained calm and glanced at him. “The Ancient Demon Sect is something everyone seeks to eradicate. How could I not know of it?”
“Little Friend Chen is of noble character and astonishing talent. You even secured first place at the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference for your sect. I have heard of it and deeply admire you.”
After praising Chen Beiwu, Jin Zhaoyang shifted tone. “However, recently the Law Enforcement Bureau received a real-name report with firm wording, claiming that Little Friend Chen has considerable entanglement with the Ancient Demon Sect and even secretly cultivates demonic arts.”
“In my view, it is nothing more than slander and framing by lackeys of the Ancient Demon Sect, intending to tarnish your reputation.”
His tone was helpless, as though unwilling to believe it himself, yet bound by duty. “But since someone has reported it, the Law Enforcement Bureau must investigate thoroughly. Otherwise, it would be difficult to convince the public, and difficult to restore Little Friend’s innocence.”
Chen Beiwu said nothing, quietly watching him perform.
‘Cunning little fox.’
Seeing Chen Beiwu’s unchanged expression, Jin Zhaoyang cursed inwardly, then continued gently, “Little Friend Chen, do you know Xue Tianyi?”
“I do.”
“How much do you know?”
“Same sect. Teammate. Nothing more.”
Chen Beiwu answered concisely. He already understood that something had happened to Xue Tianyi and that he had been implicated for no reason.
“Oh?”
Jin Zhaoyang nodded slightly and continued, “Then are you aware that Xue Tianyi secretly cultivated the Ancient Demon Sect’s demonic art, ‘Divine Seed Visualization Method’?”
“I am not.”
Chen Beiwu glanced deeply at Jin Zhaoyang. “Every grievance has its source and every debt its debtor. What does Xue Tianyi’s cultivation of demonic arts have to do with me? Could it be that the reporter was Xue Tianyi?”
“Certainly not. A single report is difficult to verify and could involve false accusation. The reporter is someone else,” Jin Zhaoyang said, deliberately revealing some information.
“Is there evidence?” Chen Beiwu countered.
“There is some evidence, but I believe it carries suspicion of false accusation. That is why I invited Little Friend here to understand the situation and avoid misunderstandings,” Jin Zhaoyang replied candidly.
Chen Beiwu was ranked first on the Yuxu Rankings and was the once-in-ten-thousand-years Yuanshi Golden Core prodigy of the Yuqing Immortal Sect.
Following procedure to question him could still be explained. But if they truly branded Chen Beiwu as a demonic cultivator of the Ancient Demon Sect, the consequences would be unbearable.
“Censor Jin is indeed straightforward.”
Chen Beiwu’s eyes flickered slightly. He instantly understood that Jin Zhaoyang was in an extremely awkward position, caught in a dilemma— investigating was troublesome, not investigating was equally so.
If nothing were found, that would be one matter.
But if something were truly uncovered, it would be tantamount to slapping the Yuqing Immortal Sect in the face. Whether Jin Zhaoyang could even resign and retire safely in the future would be uncertain.
Of course, it was also possible that the mastermind understood the stakes and knew that mere framing would be ineffective.
“This is the Upright Clarity Stone. It can distinguish between righteous and demonic mana and determine whether one has cultivated God-Stealing Methods. Please inject a strand of mana into it.”
A faint glow flashed from Jin Zhaoyang’s storage ring, and a stone appeared before Chen Beiwu.
Chen Beiwu frowned slightly, accepted the Upright Clarity Stone, and casually infused it with mana.
“Buzz!”
As mana surged into it, the Upright Clarity Stone emitted a bright white radiance.
Jin Zhaoyang glanced at it and revealed a trace of apology. “My deduction was correct. It truly was slander by lackeys of the Ancient Demon Sect, attempting to frame you at the brink of their demise.”
“May I leave now?” Chen Beiwu asked calmly.
“The inquiry is complete. Little Friend may leave at any time.”
Jin Zhaoyang nodded, showing no intention of obstruction, as if the entire matter had truly been nothing more than routine questioning to ensure procedural fairness.
Under the watch of the three, Chen Beiwu stood and stepped toward the threshold. Just as he was about to cross it, he paused and turned to look at Jin Zhaoyang.
“I would also like to ask Censor Jin a question.”
“Please ask.”
“Besides me, were Yu Zhaohua, Mo Qingshuang, and Ye Xinya also asked to cooperate with the Law Enforcement Bureau’s investigation?”
At these words, Jin Zhaoyang’s heart sank slightly, though he maintained a smile. “You jest. Investigations require evidence. At present, there is no proof indicating those three have ties to the Ancient Demon Sect. How could the Law Enforcement Bureau disturb them without cause?”
“I see. Censor Jin is indeed diligent and responsible.”
Chen Beiwu’s lips curved faintly. He said no more and departed gracefully.
Jin Zhaoyang remained standing, his brows furrowing as the smile slowly vanished from his face, a trace of gravity flashing in his eyes.
Chen Beiwu’s final remark had seemed casual, yet it clearly conveyed dissatisfaction and mockery.
After all, Chen Beiwu and the three he mentioned were all Xue Tianyi’s fellow disciples and teammates at the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference.
And the excuse of insufficient evidence, in Chen Beiwu’s eyes, was somewhat laughable.
If the evidence was unclear and possibly fabricated, then it was equivalent to having no evidence at all. Why, then, was only one person specifically summoned for questioning?
‘A loss.’
Jin Zhaoyang sighed inwardly.
He had thought it would be easy to use procedure as a pretext to placate a young prodigy. In the end, however, he had still offended Chen Beiwu.
But he had no choice.
Once Chen Beiwu’s figure completely disappeared, the subordinate who had been standing beside Jin Zhaoyang hesitated, unsure whether to speak.
“If you have something to say, say it. Why hesitate so much?” Jin Zhaoyang glanced at his brother-in-law.
Those law enforcement envoys permitted to question Chen Beiwu alongside him were all trusted confidants, their relationship far beyond mere superior and subordinate.
“Thank you, Lord Censor.”
The envoy took a deep breath and voiced his confusion. “As far as this subordinate knows, among the disciples of the Thirteen Immortal Sects, there are countless students. Those who secretly cultivate the Ancient Demon Sect’s God-Stealing Orthodox Method to take shortcuts in enhancing divine sense and seeking breakthroughs— while I would not say they are everywhere, Xue Tianyi is certainly not the only one.”
He paused, his tone puzzled. “Chen Beiwu has deep backing, astonishing talent, and is the banner of the younger generation of the Yuqing Immortal Sect.
Moving against him carries enormous risk. One misstep could bring disaster upon ourselves. Why not choose cultivators of weaker backgrounds who also practice the Orthodox Method as a breakthrough point? That might yield results more easily.”
Jin Zhaoyang showed no surprise. Instead, he smiled meaningfully.
Good. His task was complete. Even his confidants now believed Chen Beiwu was somewhat tainted, secretly cultivating the Ancient Demon Sect’s God-Stealing Orthodox Method— merely not having strayed into the demonic path or pledged allegiance to the Ancient Demon Sect.
“The fact that you can ask this question means you already know the answer.”
Jin Zhaoyang sighed softly. “Yes, there are not a few within the Immortal Alliance who cultivate the God-Stealing Orthodox Method. Even high-ranking figures of the Immortal Sects have cultivation giants refining and improving it for their own use.”
“If we followed your suggestion and moved against those without background, we would incur no fault— indeed, we might even earn merit. But would that be correct?”
The two envoys fell silent.
“You must remember, the Law Enforcement Bureau where we serve is not only one of the three major institutions of the Immortal Alliance, it is also the bottom line of the Alliance’s laws.
If even we begin to curry favor and fear powerful forces, only daring to squeeze soft persimmons while avoiding those deeply entrenched major powers and prodigies—”
He spoke heavily, “—then the Law Enforcement Bureau will rot completely, and the fairness of the Immortal Alliance’s laws will become a joke.”
“You must understand, Chen Beiwu is a prodigy cultivated with all efforts by the Yuqing Immortal Sect. He is the banner of this generation. He could become Chief Disciple at any moment.
Inviting him for questioning is itself a powerful signal. It is meant to strike the mountain and shake the tiger, to defend the fundamental meaning of our existence.”
“Before the laws of the Immortal Alliance, no one is beyond investigation. No one is special!”
In that moment, Jin Zhaoyang seemed to embody the law and justice of the Immortal Alliance, every word upright and dignified.
“This subordinate understands. Thank you for your instruction, Lord Censor. I will faithfully uphold my duties and defend the bottom line of the law!” the envoy said, standing straight, eyes filled with reverence.
“But remember this as well— if circumstances truly cannot be changed, we must preserve ourselves so that we may continue guarding the law. Understand?”
“Yes.”
…
Yuqing Immortal Sect.
Within the luxurious residence of the Feather Immortal Society, the Feather Immortal Pavilion—
A handsome young cultivator dressed in exceedingly luxurious attire reclined lazily upon a lounge chair, innate arrogance and detachment in his brows.
Jin Zhaoyang’s Yang Spirit avatar sat to one side, expression solemn.
“How did it go?”
True Monarch Breaking Law Xiao Yu did not even lift his eyelids, speaking casually.
“Young Master, it has been handled according to your instructions,” Jin Zhaoyang replied. “The inquiry has concluded, and Chen Beiwu was released smoothly.
Throughout the process, this subordinate followed your guidance— courteous attitude, proper procedure, leaving no handle for criticism.”
“Mm.”
Though Jin Zhaoyang was a Nascent Soul True Monarch at the peak stage, he belonged to the Tianyuan Yu Clan, nominal disciple of his father, the Chosen True Venerable.
Moreover, his rise to the position of Supervisory Censor in the Law Enforcement Bureau had been the result of family resources and gradual promotion.
Otherwise, even if he came from a Dao Venerable Immortal Family and possessed mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, he would not have a peak-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch address him as Young Master.
“A pity. We couldn’t pin a charge on Chen Beiwu,” Xiao Yu suddenly sighed.
Jin Zhaoyang’s heart trembled as he lowered his head.
Pin a charge? Was the Young Master joking?
On what grounds?
On the malicious accusation of a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Ancient Demon Sect who had interacted with Chen Beiwu? Or on Xue Tianyi’s ambiguous misconduct?
Chen Beiwu might have humble origins, but he was the personal disciple of True Venerable Changqing of Dongming and a peerless prodigy favored by the Yuqing Sect Master. He was not an ant that could be crushed without evidence.
To speak bluntly— even if Chen Beiwu truly had ties to the Ancient Demon Sect, as long as the Yuqing Sect Master and True Venerable Changqing did not express a stance, who would dare arrest him? Who would dare convict him?
Unless Chen Beiwu committed an atrocity provoking universal outrage, the Law Enforcement Bureau could only downplay his involvement and investigate slowly until the Sect Master made a statement.
There was no other reason— contention without rupture was the unspoken rule of the Thirteen Immortal Sects.
Even if the Young Master hailed from a Dao Venerable Immortal Family with a Void-Refining Dao Venerable patriarch, he could not break that rule lightly.
Seeing Jin Zhaoyang silent, Xiao Yu chuckled and reclined again.
No reaction was normal.
After all, Jin Zhaoyang obeyed his father, not him.
But it did not matter. Xiao Yu had never truly intended to convict Chen Beiwu. He merely wanted to issue a warning— a show of dominance.
To let Chen Beiwu understand that a mud-born upstart, no matter how talented or fast-rising, without family power backing him, remained just that— mud-born.
Even if he was fortunate enough to soar, he should not dream of soaring to the highest seat that belonged to him.
“Remember to promptly issue a Law Enforcement Bureau announcement proving Chen Beiwu’s innocence. Do you understand? The face of the Yuqing Immortal Sect must not be damaged. You know the consequences.”
Jin Zhaoyang smiled knowingly. “Rest assured, Young Master. The surface narrative will be handled flawlessly and beyond doubt.
But in this world, there are always those who believe themselves uniquely sober while all others are drunk— who speculate their own ‘truth’ and stir unnecessary disturbances.”
Xiao Yu took a sip of tea, mockery flashing in his eyes. “No matter. In this era, those with dark hearts see darkness in everything. Sometimes being too clean becomes a crime.
You need only prove Chen Beiwu’s innocence. As for minor waves of public opinion, that is not the Law Enforcement Bureau’s concern. As the one ranked first on the Yuxu Rankings, Chen Beiwu surely has the ability to handle it.”
“Young Master is wise. Everything has already been arranged.”
“Very good. Make it clean.”
Though these were open schemes, they would not escape the notice of the sect’s higher levels, nor would they alter their perception of Chen Beiwu.
But that did not matter.
Xiao Yu knew well the thoughts of mid- and lower-level cultivators within the sect, even of Immortal Students and Sect Students.
If matters proceeded step by step, Chen Beiwu would not only struggle to form his own faction— even the approval process for his exceptional promotion to Chief Disciple of the Immortal Sect would be delayed for some time.