Chapter 31: Plot Twist! Come Fight Me, You Old Bastard
Chen Yin’s voice was steady and unwavering, his face betraying no fear even in the presence of so many elders and cultivators.
Behind him, Yu Xiang was slightly dazed.
She didn’t understand why Chen Yin was suddenly speaking up for her. He should have only spoken to her once in this identity.
Senior Brother… why is he helping me?
And how was he able to catch her unexpected sword strike so easily?
For a moment, Yu Xiang felt as if the familiar figure of her Senior Brother had become somewhat strange and mysterious.
Lost in thought, she heard Chen Yin say with a hearty laugh, “Esteemed elders, there must be some misunderstanding.”
“We can’t just accuse Miss Yin of being a demonic cultivator without any evidence.”
Elder Mo Jie frowned, seemingly displeased by this young man who had appeared out of nowhere.
“Young man, although we are grateful for your help in saving our disciple, I advise you not to meddle in this matter.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Chen Yin replied respectfully, “But I can’t stand to see my friend wrongly accused. May I ask why Elder Mo Jie believes Miss Yin to be a demonic cultivator?”
“Hmph! The technique she was about to use was clearly the Quenching Nether Mantra, a forbidden demonic art!”
“Did you see it clearly, Elder? I’m just a young and inexperienced cultivator. I don’t know what this Quenching Nether Mantra… is.”
Elder Mo Jie snorted coldly. “Hmph, a young whippersnapper like you wouldn’t know.”
“Hundreds of years ago, the demonic path was at its peak. The Demonic Sovereign of All Ages, who cultivated the Quenching Nether Mantra, was able to single-handedly fight against the entire righteous path. It took the combined forces of all righteous cultivators to finally slay him and restore peace to the world.”
Chen Yin put on a look of sudden realization. “So that’s how it is! I’ve learned something new today.”
“But… I have one more question. May I ask how many years you have been cultivating, Elder?”
Elder Mo Jie froze.
He had only ascended to the Supreme Clarity Realm a few decades ago, and his entire cultivation journey spanned only two hundred years.
“I don’t understand. If I, a young cultivator, don’t know what the Quenching Nether Mantra looks like, how would you, Elder, know?”
Chen Yin bowed slightly, his gaze calm, his tone respectful yet pointed. His words caused murmurs to spread among the crowd.
Elder Mo Jie’s expression flickered. He was certain that Yu Xiang had used the Quenching Nether Mantra, but he couldn’t reveal the reason in public.
So, after struggling for a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, “…You brat, do you think I would stoop so low as to slander a young girl?”
“I wouldn’t dare to assume such a thing, Elder.” Chen Yin quickly feigned alarm. “I was just worried that you might have misjudged the situation.”
“If you have concrete evidence to prove Miss Yin’s guilt, then I’m willing to apologize to all fellow Daoists for my actions today.”
Chen Yin’s words were impeccable and smooth, leaving the elders and the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion’s guest elders speechless. Even Wan Yunhai, the Pavilion Master, tapped his fan thoughtfully and said, “This matter… we seem to have been a bit hasty.”
“Perhaps we should investigate further and prove Miss Yin’s innocence before making any decisions—”
“No!” Elder Mo Jie’s sharp voice interrupted their thoughts.
Everyone turned to look at him. His expression was dark, his gaze fixed on both Yin Mengwan and Chen Yin.
“Matters concerning the demonic path are of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly! If this girl is truly innocent, then she should come with us to the Mist Spirit Sect for investigation!”
His words caused unease not only among the audience but also on Wan Yunhai’s face.
Chen Yin narrowed his eyes.
…He had figured it out.
The others were still rational and level-headed, but this Elder Mo Jie seemed to be driven by a personal vendetta against Xiang’er, as if he wanted her dead.
Combined with the look in Xiang’er’s eyes earlier, Chen Yin had a hunch.
If Xiang’er was taken back to the Mist Spirit Sect with him, no one would know what they would do to her.
After a moment of thought, Chen Yin took a deep breath and changed his tone.
“Elder, although I am also a disciple of the Mist Spirit Sect…”
“I cannot stand to see my friend falsely accused.”
“Please reconsider.” He took a step forward, his voice losing its previous deference.
His actions were considered extremely disrespectful in Elder Mo Jie’s eyes.
Mo Jie’s expression darkened further:
“Which sect are you from? Are you not afraid of bringing trouble upon yourself by protecting a demonic witch?”
“Disciple Chen Yin, from Mount Yu, a branch sect of the Mist Spirit Sect.”
Chen Yin said softly, “My Master is Immortal Yu Ling.”
Amidst the gasps of the crowd, Elder Mo Jie’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. He muttered, “That woman, Yu Ling…”
Chen Yin noticed that Elder Mo Jie’s expression had become visibly tense upon hearing his Master’s name.
But being cunning and experienced, Mo Jie quickly regained his composure and continued in a stern voice:
“Our Immortal Yu Ling is known for her hatred of evil. If your Master finds out that you’re protecting a demonic witch, she will disown you without hesitation!”
Chen Yin’s expression remained unchanged. He almost wanted to laugh.
…You think that loli granny would disown me?
Then you can take over the responsibility of cleaning up her messes every day!
With your meager possessions, that old woman would bankrupt you in no time.
So Chen Yin said nonchalantly, “I’m just doing what’s right. As long as my conscience is clear, I believe Master won’t blame me.”
His words put Elder Mo Jie in a difficult position.
He didn’t dare to report this to Immortal Yu Ling, as he would have a lot to explain himself.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, to Chen Yin’s surprise, a soft but determined voice came from behind him.
“Young… Master Chen.”
“Thank you for what you did today.”
“But there’s no need for you to get involved in this mess.”
“…Just go.”
It was Yu Xiang’s voice.
Her words stunned Chen Yin, and he couldn’t help but turn to look at her.
Yu Xiang lowered her head slightly, her veil concealing her delicate and mysterious face. Underneath, her eyes were filled with a lonely sadness, her lips bitten, her voice trembling slightly.
“Don’t… cause yourself any more trouble because of me.”
Chen Yin was momentarily speechless.
Yu Xiang kept her head down, seemingly afraid to look at him.
In her heart, she had always longed for Chen Yin to stand before her like a valiant hero, shielding her from all the rumors and slander, defying the world for her sake.
But now that it was actually happening, she was suddenly afraid, hesitant.
…She didn’t want Senior Brother to be dragged into this mess because of her.
He was her only support now.
If even you were to get hurt because of me, then what… what would I do…
As she bit her lip and struggled with her emotions, she suddenly heard Chen Yin’s lazy sigh.
“Sigh.”
“Always causing trouble for me.”
His tone carried a hint of inexplicable affection, making Yu Xiang’s eyes widen slightly.
“Plot twist! I’m not here to play the righteous hero today.”
Chen Yin suddenly dropped his polite facade and spread his hands with a grin, his voice loud and clear.
“I’m done pretending. I’m protecting this girl.”
“If you’re not happy about it, come fight me. You old bastard.”
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