Chapter 334 - Ling Feis Treachery (2/2)
“I’m alright.” Xiao Chen chuckled, caressing her forehead. He then addressed the mob. “Enough. We’ll reply what we saw at the Abyss of Devil’s Aura as it is to the League. Please head to the public square for now.”
That was how the mob was finally convinced to return to the public square. The twelve ladies of the Hidden Fragrance tightly guarded Xiao Chen throughout the journey, refusing to let anyone come close. When they arrived at the public square, they were greeted with a crowd of people so packed that there was barely any breathing room. There were likely over ten thousand people here.
“They’re here!”
No one knew who shouted, but the crowd swiftly approached them like a swarm of bees. The ladies of the Hidden Fragrance immediately stepped forward to stop them, as did the dozen or so Elders of the League. With their support, Xiao Chen and the rest were able to step onto the high platform in the public square.
The square was now packed with cultivators from all sorts of sects as well as independent cultivators from all over the world. The seats on the northern and southern sides were occupied by famed seniors from established families and sects. Most of them were in the Nascent Soul Realm or even the Nirvana Realm.
When the mob finally fell silent, Xiao Chen said loudly, “Everyone, please rest assured. We have already investigated the Abyss of Devil’s Aura and could confirm that it isn’t the Valley of God and Devil. In the next few days, the League will send its people to seal the place. That much, you can all be sure of…”
His words prompted a majority of the crowd to nod and discuss among themselves. It was surely in their favor that the abyss had nothing to do with the Valley of God and Devil. Still, some remained skeptical. One of them asked, “You left as a group of eighteen, but why did only sixteen of you return? I heard from folks in this city that a spy from Devils’ sects have appeared amongst us Orthodox people. What’s the story behind this?”
Everyone started chattering again when they heard the mention of a spy from the Devils’ sects. Xiao Chen indicated them to be silent before replying, “It’s indeed regretful. That day, we were ambushed by a devilish object. Senior Brothers Qi Feng and Zhong Buhui valiantly protected us to ensure our safe exit, but unfortunately perished in the nest of devils…”
That was the explanation that the group had agreed on: Qi Feng and Zhong Buhui’s unfortunate passing. They would at least be heroes in the eyes of the world. This was a way of consoling the White Mist Academy and Yin-Yang Sect, as well as a way of limiting both sects’ rage at the Immortals’ League.
Grief and indignation filled the mob after they heard what Xiao Chen said. It was indeed regretful that two elite youngsters perished in the nest of devils. This also prompted their anger at the Devils’ sects as they incessantly cursed the followers of the Devil’s Practice. Those from the White Mist Academy and Yin-Yang Sect looked particularly pained and furious.
Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted from an indignant-looking Ling Fei. His eyes turned grim as he pointed to Xiao Chen. “Xiao Chen! Do you still intend to shield followers of the Devil’s Practice even now?”
The crowd looked confused. “What’s going on? Is there more to their deaths?”
Yu Yifeng and the others on the high platform were stunned. Ling Fei had been the one to suggest making up a heroic image for those two, so why was he exposing the truth right now?
Xiaoyue remained expressionless as if she had seen this coming. Xiao Chen sneered and said without emotion, “Touche, Brother Ling.” Ling Fei had pulled a fast one over him.
“What’s going on? Explain yourself! How exactly did Qi Feng and Zhong Buhui die?” The mob became even more heated, especially members of the White Mist Academy and Yin-Yang Sect. Some people even tried climbing up the platform.
Ling Fei sneered. He turned around and addressed the crowd. “Very well! Let me tell you the truth!” He pointed to Xiao Chen and said, “That day, he led us to some unknown place. The ground caved in and we fell to yet another unknown place. Then, he disappeared!”
Looking sorrowful and indignant, he continued, “Over the next two days, we were repeatedly ambushed by large amounts of devilish objects and Brother Qi and Brother Zhong tragically died at the hands of the followers of the Devil’s Practice! Afterward, when we wanted to avenge them, he suddenly reappeared!”
“Shut up, Ling Fei! How dare you babble nonsense!” Qingyu and Zhou Li yelled at the same time. Qingyu added, “The two cultivators were so strong that if Junior Brother Xiao hadn’t arrived in time, there might even be more casualties!”
Ling Fei couldn’t keep the nasty smirk off his face. Ignoring them, he pointed to Xiao Chen and said, “This person used his identity as our leader to stop us from going after the followers of the Devil’s Practice! He let go of them just like that and even called them his brothers! Look carefully, all of you! It’s this sanctimonious hypocrite! Remember his name: Xiao Chen!”