novelraw Chapter 181 : Daoxuan Displays His Might, Zhang Xiaofan Is Convinced
Chapter 181 : Daoxuan Displays His Might, Zhang Xiaofan Is Convinced
Chapter 181: Daoxuan Displays His Might, Zhang Xiaofan Is Convinced
At this moment, inside the Jade Purity Hall.
Cang Song, as the Peak Chief in charge of the Discipline Hall of the Qingyun Sect, immediately stood up. He cupped his hands toward the many members of the Righteous Path below and said, “Fellow Daoists, today is the day our Qingyun Sect publicly tries Zhang Xiaofan. Regarding Zhang Xiaofan’s previous act of releasing the Demonic Sect Enchantress and Protector at Flowing Wave Mountain, our Qingyun Sect will certainly give all of you an explanation today.”
Afterward, he looked toward Zhang Xiaofan and sternly rebuked, “Zhang Xiaofan, now recount in detail what happened that day, and explain why you released the Demonic Sect Enchantress and Protector of the Ghost King Sect.”
Zhang Xiaofan listened, glanced at the many members of the Righteous Path present, and a trace of emotion flashed through his eyes.
In his previous life, he had also been judged in this way by the many righteous figures of the Qingyun Sect.
But that time, it had been because he had exposed the fact that he knew the Great Brahma Prajna Art of Tianyin Temple, and that his magical treasure contained an object of the Demonic Path, which led to his trial.
This time, however, it was because he had pleaded with Lu Xueqi in order to save Bi Yao.
Although the two matters were entirely different, he had still experienced such a public trial today, which filled Zhang Xiaofan with deep emotion.
However, in this life, he would certainly not allow Bi Yao to end up like in his previous life—losing her life beneath the Zhuxian Sword Formation while blocking a sword for him.
Zhang Xiaofan calmed his emotions and slowly recounted how Bi Yao had rescued him at Kong Sang Mountain, and how, in order to repay her kindness, he had pleaded with Lu Xueqi. He explained everything one by one.
During this time, he concealed nothing. However, regarding Bi Yao’s rescue of him at Kong Sang Mountain, he subtly embellished the details.
After all, in truth, when they had been in the Dripping Blood Cave at Kong Sang Mountain, it had been Zhang Xiaofan who rescued Bi Yao.
Yet now he described it as Bi Yao rescuing him. This indeed made his act of pleading for her far more justified.03
After Zhang Xiaofan finished speaking, silence filled the Qingyun Sect.
Regardless of whether they had previously known about this matter or not, the many members of the Righteous Path all turned their heads to look toward Daoxuan and Cang Song above, wanting to see how the Qingyun Sect would handle it.
Yun Yilan of Burning Incense Valley also watched from below with composed ease.
He had long made arrangements. If Daoxuan’s punishment proved too light, the pawn he had planted among the Righteous Path would immediately step forward to accuse the Qingyun Sect.
Thus, a hint of anticipation flashed through Yun Yilan’s eyes.
After listening to Zhang Xiaofan’s account, Daoxuan directly stood up, cupped his hands toward the many members of the Righteous Path, and said, “Fellow Dao Brothers, you should now understand the specific circumstances. Zhang Xiaofan’s act of aiding the Demonic Sect was indeed understandable. However, it has still violated the rules of the Righteous Path. Our Qingyun Sect will impose punishment upon Zhang Xiaofan.”
Yet the many members of the Righteous Path were not satisfied with Daoxuan’s words. Someone immediately shouted, “Daoxuan, your Qingyun Sect is the leader of the Righteous Path and its exemplar. Yet your disciple has been entangled with members of the Demonic Sect. This matter must be dealt with severely. Though Zhang Xiaofan had his reasons for rescuing the Demonic Sect Enchantress and Protector, the fact remains that he colluded with the Demonic Sect. This cannot be forgiven.”
After hearing this voice, Daoxuan said, “Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. Zhang Xiaofan will certainly be dealt with strictly.”
The man was still dissatisfied and continued, “Then how does Daoxuan intend to deal with Zhang Xiaofan? State your decision clearly today so that we may know.”
Daoxuan’s brows furrowed slightly. “This is an internal matter of our Qingyun Sect. How we choose to handle it is none of your concern, Fellow Daoist.”
The man who had spoken earlier coldly replied, “None of our concern? We all belong to the Righteous Path. Everything we do is to safeguard its reputation. Daoxuan, please punish Zhang Xiaofan immediately today.”
At this moment, Cang Song beside Daoxuan also said, “Senior Brother, why not determine Zhang Xiaofan’s punishment today?”
When Daoxuan heard Cang Song’s words, his expression changed slightly as he glanced at him.
He had not expected Cang Song to undermine him at this moment.
If Zhang Xiaofan were dealt with after today’s public trial, it would be an internal matter of the Qingyun Sect. He could punish Zhang Xiaofan as he pleased, even sending him to the back mountain for one or two years of closed-door reflection.
But if he publicly announced the punishment, a light sentence would displease the Righteous Path, while a heavy one was not what he desired either. This placed Daoxuan in a passive position.
His gaze toward Cang Song grew unusual, and he thought inwardly: Have I been too lenient with this Junior Brother Cang Song all these years?
At this moment, the many members of the Righteous Path below began clamoring, “That’s right! Daoxuan must announce the Qingyun Sect’s decision today, or we will not let this matter rest!”
Anger surged within Daoxuan as he roared, “Silence!”
With that shout, a terrifying pressure instantly manifested.
Those members of the Righteous Path felt as though a thunderous explosion had sounded in their ears. Their minds rang violently.
When they slowly regained their senses and looked toward Daoxuan again, their eyes were filled with fear.
From that single roar, they could already determine that Daoxuan’s strength was terrifying—far beyond their imagination.
At this time, Yun Yilan below and Abbot Puhong of Tianyin Temple also widened their eyes, for the power Daoxuan had just unleashed far surpassed theirs.
The two exchanged glances, and an ominous thought arose in their hearts: Daoxuan had very likely broken through to the legendary Supreme Purity Realm.
Their hearts grew heavy. The Qingyun Sect already had Lu Xueqi, and now there was also Daoxuan. How could the other Righteous factions contend against the Qingyun Sect?
Thinking of this, unease rose within them.
Seeing the instant silence achieved by his roar, Daoxuan nodded in satisfaction.
He thought inwardly: If this old Daoist does not show his might, they think I am a sick cat?
He then shouted loudly, “Since all of you Fellow Daoists demand an explanation today, I, Daoxuan, will now directly pronounce judgment on Zhang Xiaofan!”
The many members of the Righteous Path immediately watched tensely.
They wished to see how Daoxuan intended to deal with Zhang Xiaofan.
Zhang Xiaofan, seeing this, also looked nervously at Daoxuan.
His gaze toward Daoxuan was exceedingly complicated.
In his previous life, it had been Daoxuan who used the Zhuxian Sword Formation in an attempt to kill him and Bi Yao.
He did not know how Daoxuan would handle him in this life.
The veins on his right hand bulged as he clawed into his own palm.
Blood soon flowed from his hand.
After glancing at Zhang Xiaofan, Daoxuan directly announced, “Zhang Xiaofan has been entangled with members of the Demonic Sect. Though there were extenuating circumstances, he has nonetheless violated the rules of the Righteous Path. I, Daoxuan, hereby declare that Zhang Xiaofan shall go into closed-door reflection at the back mountain of Dazhu Peak for two years. During these two years, he is not permitted to leave Dazhu Peak of the Qingyun Sect.”
Upon hearing the judgment, Zhang Xiaofan secretly let out a sigh of relief.
The tension in his heart immediately eased.
He had not expected the trial this time to be so light.
It was merely two years of closed-door reflection at the back mountain of Dazhu Peak.
For cultivators such as them, this was nothing worth worrying about.
Zhang Xiaofan immediately bowed and said, “Many thanks, Sect Leader!”
After hearing this, Daoxuan revealed a faint smile.
He then asked, “Zhang Xiaofan, are you satisfied with my judgment?”
Zhang Xiaofan respectfully replied, “Sect Leader, this junior is fully convinced by the judgment.”
Only then did Daoxuan nod in satisfaction.
However, the many members of the Righteous Path below were dissatisfied upon hearing the judgment and prepared to speak.
At this moment, Cang Song spoke first: “Senior Brother Daoxuan, what you have done is indeed somewhat improper.”
Upon hearing Cang Song’s words, Daoxuan’s eyes immediately turned cold.
He looked at Cang Song and said, “Junior Brother Cang Song, do you think what I have done is wrong?”
Cang Song showed no sign of retreat. “Senior Brother Daoxuan, is your judgment not too light?”
Daoxuan angrily replied, “Cang Song, do not forget your identity. I act fairly and justly—how can you casually question me!”
He then looked toward Tian Buyi and the other Peak Chiefs and asked, “Junior Brothers, do you think my judgment is reasonable?”
Upon hearing Daoxuan’s words, Tian Buyi immediately stood up and said respectfully, “Senior Brother’s judgment is entirely reasonable!”
Master Shuiyue also nodded.
Seeing this, the other Peak Chiefs followed suit and expressed their agreement.
Cang Song, seeing this, knew the matter was beyond recovery.
His gaze grew deep as he said, “Senior Brother Daoxuan, as for Zhang Xiaofan’s entanglement with the Demonic Sect, let it be handled as you have said. However, I have another matter that must continue to be tried.”
Daoxuan narrowed his eyes slightly. “Cang Song, what other matter do you have?”
Cang Song immediately declared, “I suspect that Zhang Xiaofan is a spy planted by the Demonic Path within our Qingyun Sect!”
As soon as his words fell, an uproar broke out below.
Even Daoxuan and Tian Buyi above widened their eyes.
Tian Buyi angrily stood and shouted, “Cang Song, what are you saying? How could my disciple be a spy of the Demonic Path? Explain yourself clearly!”
Cang Song coldly sneered. “Tian Buyi, since I dare to say it, I naturally have evidence.”
He then walked directly to Zhang Xiaofan’s side and shouted sternly, “Zhang Xiaofan, hand over your magical treasure!”
Zhang Xiaofan was slightly startled upon hearing Cang Song’s words.
His gaze toward Cang Song became dangerous.
He remembered that in his previous life, it had been Cang Song who had used a magical treasure to launch a sneak attack on Daoxuan.
But in front of so many eyes, Cang Song had not yet revealed his true colors.
Even if he spoke of it now, others likely would not believe him.
Zhang Xiaofan could only sigh inwardly.
He obediently tossed out his magical treasure—the Firewood Stick.
Cang Song waved his right hand and took the Firewood Stick into his grasp.
Holding it up, he walked toward Daoxuan and said, “Senior Brother, my suspicion lies precisely with this magical treasure…”