C14 ​

Chen Fann returned to his cave abode and sat down cross-legged on the ground to meditate. Earlier, Taotie had urged him to kill a female cultivator, but Chen hesitated and ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it. His principle was clear: If no one crossed him, he wouldn't cross them. To attack someone for personal gain would make him no better than Ye Xiongtian, who coveted his Golden Core. With this in mind, Chen resumed his cultivation with a clear conscience.

Yet, the young cultivator was unaware of the troubles that often find their way to those who least expect them.

A luminous moon cast its silver glow across the land. The two young men who had fled earlier had once again cornered the woman, demanding details about Chen Fann. Should she remain silent, they threatened to accuse her of murdering a fellow sect member—a grave offense in the Heavenly Mystery Sect with dire consequences.

The men's faces, though handsome, were twisted with venom and rage, making them appear as ferocious as wounded animals in the moonlight. "Speak now, or you'll be the next to die," they snarled at her.

Cornered and frightened, the woman revealed Chen Fann's identity—he too was a member of the Heavenly Mystery Sect. Satisfied with the information, the men smirked, knowing that with Chen's location, they could take their time exacting their revenge.

By the next day, rumors of an internal murder spread through the sect like wildfire. Everyone was abuzz with speculation: Who would dare to break such a sacred rule?

The Sect Master of the Heavenly Mystery Sect summoned all disciples to the square to get to the bottom of the matter. Who would be so bold as to commit such an atrocity?

Amidst the murmurs and suspicions, Chen Fann, upon hearing the sect's bell, made his way to the square. No sooner had he arrived than two women and a man pointed at him, accusingly declaring, "It's him! He's the one who brutally killed Junior Brother Xu, using dark and forbidden methods!"

Their words sent shockwaves through the crowd. Those near Chen Fann quickly stepped away, not wanting to be associated with the accused.

Fury blazed within Chen Fann. He had saved a life, only to be repaid with betrayal. Yet, in this moment, he was without proof of his innocence, and to make matters worse, the death did indeed bear his mark.

Chen Fann found himself in a precarious position, akin to being smeared with mud—guilty or not, the stain was there.

Ouyang Ye, observing his new disciple, was taken aback by the swift turn of events. "Is there any truth to their accusations?" he inquired. "Did you kill a fellow disciple?"

Chen Fann fell silent, unsure of how to respond. He had indeed taken a life, but with noble intentions. He hadn't anticipated such malice from others.

Junior Brother Xu had been from the Hall of Penalty, a faction that had always seen Chen as a nuisance. Now, they seized the chance for retribution.

"Murdering a fellow disciple, showing utter disregard for our sect's rules!" An elder from the Hall of Penalty lunged at Chen Fann, his Qi Condensation Layer Seven strength radiating a terrifying aura.

Chen Fann stood his ground without a hint of retreat, engaging in a direct confrontation with the elder.

"Boom!"

Fists collided, and the elder from the Hall of Penalty was hurled backward, his body resounding with the crackling of shattering bones. "Ah! My hand! It's ruined! Kill this kid! Without his death, my rage will never be quelled!" he screamed in agony.

Onlookers inhaled sharply as Chen Fann, with a single punch, sent the Qi Condensation Layer Seven Elder flying. The young man's strength was formidable.

Chen Fann's voice was icy as he spoke, "To kill on the basis of one-sided testimony—such is the tyranny of the Hall of Penalty!"

His accusation turned the complexions of those from the Hall of Penalty sour; Chen Fann had thoroughly offended them.

"Do any of you dare to swear on the Dao that your words are truthful?" Ouyang Ye challenged the two men and one woman.

Their faces froze at the mention of a Dao oath. To lie after taking such an oath meant a lifetime devoid of progress in one's cultivation—a heart demon would plague any advancement.

Ouyang Ye could almost see the guilt written on their faces; clearly, there was deceit among them.

Ye Kai then addressed them, "You three accuse Junior Brother Chen of murder. Now, tell the whole story and let everyone here be the judge."

The trio didn't dare reveal the truth, knowing full well that exposure would not only strip them of their standing in the Heavenly Xuan Sect but could also cost them their lives.

The situation had escalated beyond their control, leaving them with no choice but to meet the accusations with silence.

"I make a Dao oath: if I conceal anything in my forthcoming words, may I never advance in strength again," Chen Fann declared, turning the tables.

"As I passed through a valley, I heard a woman's cries for help. I intervened, saved her, and in the process, killed a male cultivator while the other two fled."

"Little did I expect the villain to accuse me first. The very person I rescued conspired with the assailant to slander me. That's the truth of the matter. I leave it to you all to judge."

With that, Chen Fann bowed respectfully to the crowd.

"And what if your story is also a lie?" the grounded elder from the Hall of Penalty retorted.

His skepticism drew snickers from the crowd. Given Chen Fann's youth and prowess, why would he risk his boundless future over a falsehood?

"Now, the three of you, tell my teacher—is what Chen Fann has said factual?" Ouyang Ye's presence bore down on them with the weight of his Peak of God Stage cultivation.

"Sect Master, I confess my error! I was seduced by my own folly," one of the male cultivators broke, pleading for mercy.

His admission sent ripples through the crowd, and the truth became crystal clear.

The trio had conspired to ensnare Chen Fann in a treacherous plot, reminiscent of the fable of the farmer and the snake.

Chen Fann's act of kindness had been repaid with betrayal. The thought of such malice within their ranks sent shivers through the assembly.

"Kill!"

Ouyang Ye's command thundered as he launched a punch toward the treacherous three.

For a sect to endure, it must uphold its principles—punishing the wicked, exonerating the innocent.

Without resorting to his iron-fisted approach to stun everyone present today, resolving this issue would prove challenging.

Members of the Hall of Penalty glared at Chen Fann with seething resentment, deeply humiliated by the day's events.