Chapter 65 The Turmoil in the Main Hall

Just as Xiao Ming assumed a 'respecting his Revered Master' posture, the fiery escape light arrived before them!

The escape light dissipated, revealing a graceful, fiery figure with majestic and disdainful eyes. She wore a fiery red dress, her Face was exquisitely beautiful, and what was most enchanting was the fiery red tear mole at the corner of her eye, silently captivating hearts. Unlike Luo Li's cold and aloof demeanor, she was more like a blooming rose, dazzlingly beautiful yet thorny. It was none other than the Vice Sect Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect, Luo Li's Senior Sister—Luo Hongyi!

As soon as Luo Hongyi appeared, her bright and sharp eyes swept over the slightly flustered Luo Li and Xiao Ming, who was respectfully bowing his head. She seemed to notice something unusual and strange, and couldn't help but mutter to herself: 'Why are Junior Sister's cheeks so flushed, and her aura somewhat chaotic?'

However, there was a more urgent matter at hand, and she didn't have time to ponder. She spoke directly, her tone quick and grave: "Junior Sister! You're finally back! I was just about to look for you!"

Luo Li was startled to see her Senior Sister, then forced herself to calm down, but the blush on her earlobes was hard to fade. She subtly turned her body, avoiding her Senior Sister's overly sharp gaze, and asked in as steady a voice as possible: "Senior Sister? What is the rush?" She secretly rejoiced: 'Good thing I restrained myself quickly, she shouldn't have noticed anything... right?'

Xiao Ming also appropriately cupped his hands in greeting, his voice steady: "Disciple Xiao Ming greets Revered Master."

Luo Hongyi waved her hand, clearly not in the mood for pleasantries. She spoke very quickly: "Something big has happened! Tu Gang and Yin Gu's Soul Tablets have shattered, and this matter has alarmed the Pavilion Guardian. Follow me immediately to the Sect's deliberation hall!"

Seeing that her Senior Sister came for this matter and had even alarmed the Pavilion Guardian, Luo Li pondered for a moment, then secretly transmitted a message, briefly informing her of the ambush and her forced counter-killing.

Upon hearing this, a hint of satisfaction and understanding flashed in Luo Hongyi's Phoenix eyes. Then, she gave Xiao Ming a deep look and likewise transmitted a message: "Well killed! Those two old things should have died long ago! Junior Sister, you did a beautiful job! As long as no traces were left, it's fine. The problem now is that this matter has alarmed the two Pavilion Guardians, and they have ordered a thorough investigation. Moreover, that Old Ghost Yu Mo will definitely not let this go easily."

She paused, looked at Luo Li and Xiao Ming, and transmitted a message to both: "It doesn't matter, dead men tell no tales. When we get to the deliberation hall, you both insist you've never seen them. The rest, leave it to me. If that Old Ghost Yu Mo dares to slander, I'll tear his mouth apart!"

With her Senior Sister's clear support, Luo Li's heart was greatly settled, and the last trace of unnaturalness on her Face dissipated, returning to her usual cold composure. Xiao Ming, hearing everything clearly from the side, felt an increased fondness for this majestic, protective, and intelligent Revered Master in red.

“No time to lose, let's go to the deliberation hall first!” Luo Hongyi said, then turned into a red light and swept forward. Luo Li and Xiao Ming exchanged a glance and immediately followed.

As soon as he arrived at the deliberation hall, Xiao Ming felt the oppressive atmosphere. Unexplained gazes swept towards him. The hall was solemn and grave. Several Elders and Peak Revered Masters with profound auras sat on both sides.

Xiao Ming looked at the solemn high-ranking members of the Sect, and couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration: 'As expected of a top Demonic Path Sect! All the Elders and Peak Revered Masters are in the Spirit Severing Realm.'

Perhaps due to the gravity of this incident, some Elders and Peak Revered Masters who were in seclusion had all arrived. Their Faces were ashen, and their expressions were grim.

Xiao Ming quickly scanned the main hall, his gaze resting beside the seats of the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master. There, two grey-robed old men, whose auras were as deep as an abyss and as vast as the sea, seemingly merged with the surrounding space, sat cross-legged. These were the two 'Pavilion Guardians' who rarely showed their Faces and protected the Sect's heritage, now also disturbed from their seclusion.

Luo Hongyi, Luo Li, and Xiao Ming entered the main hall, immediately attracting everyone's attention. As a Saint, Xiao Ming was entitled to attend, but his seat was further back. His and Luo Li's seats were precisely on the side closest to the entrance of the main hall.

As soon as Xiao Ming sat down, he felt a gaze full of Killing Intent, fixed intently on him. He focused his eyes, and a sneer involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth. Two people were sitting opposite him.

One had a pale, sinister Face, with suppressed grief and venom in his eyes. It was Tu Gang's son—Tu Yu.

Beside him sat a graceful, charming female cultivator, Chi Lianer. Today, she wore a light pink gauze dress, her skin was rosy, and her eyes, as they shifted, exuded a captivating allure. However, at this moment, she had lowered her gaze, seemingly saddened, but the corner of her eye kept secretly peeking at Xiao Ming, who had just taken his seat opposite her.

Xiao Ming sat down with a calm expression. He ignored the hateful gaze directed at him, and sneered inwardly: 'You little bastard, even your father is dead, do you think I'd be afraid of you! ...Oh, right, right, it might not even be your father! Ah, Tu Gang... Tu Gang! You truly died with grievances!'

Tu Yu, filled with resentment, saw Xiao Ming looking at him with strange eyes and shaking his head repeatedly, which only fueled his anger. He had actually learned about his father's and Old Man Yin Gu's plan from Old Ghost Yu Mo, which was why he had rushed here, fuming, wanting to question Luo Li later.

Soon, everyone had arrived. The atmosphere in the main hall became even more oppressive.

Luo Hongyi, seated at the head of the table, spoke in a deep voice that echoed through the hall: "I believe everyone is aware that Elder Tu Gang of War Demon Peak and Old Man Yin Gu of the Enforcement Hall have both perished, their soul tablets shattered. This is a major loss unprecedented in our Heavenly Demon Sect for a hundred years! The truth of this matter must be investigated, and the culprit severely punished as a warning to others!"

An Elder, who was affiliated with Old Ghost Yu Mo, immediately interjected with a sharp tone: "Vice Sect Master, please see clearly! The simultaneous demise of two Soul Transformation Peak Revered Masters is certainly not ordinary! In my opinion, Tu Gang and Yin Gu were harmed because they had a grudge with someone!" As he spoke, his gaze subtly swept over Luo Li.

Luo Li, hearing this, remained seated, her expression cold, as if she hadn't heard.

Old Ghost Yu Mo slowly opened his sinister eyes, and said in a high-pitched voice: "Peak Master Luo, I hear you had some animosity with Elders Tu Gang and Yin Gu? Furthermore, as far as I know, you and this newly promoted Saint also happened to leave the Sect a few days ago?"

This question was extremely tricky, directly pointing the finger at Luo Li and implicating Xiao Ming.

Everyone's eyes in the hall instantly focused on Luo Li and her Disciple.

Luo Li raised her eyes, meeting Old Ancestor Yu Mo's gaze, and said in a cold, indifferent voice: "Old Ghost Yu Mo, what do you mean by that? Even if I had grievances with those two, so what? As for leaving the Sect... as a Peak Revered Master, do I need to report to you? Instead, Peak Master Tu and Yin Gu, when did they leave the Sect and where did they go, Old Ghost Yu Mo, do you know?"

She returned the attack, neither humble nor arrogant.

A cold light flashed in Old Ghost Yu Mo's eyes, and he was about to speak again. He naturally knew that Tu Gang and the other had gone to intercept and kill Luo Li, but how could he say that publicly? He could only let out a cold snort: "Sharp-tongued! I just find this matter strange. Peak Master Luo happened to be out, and those two then perished outside. Isn't that too much of a coincidence?"

"There are many coincidences in the world." Luo Li did not back down. "Old Ghost Yu Mo, if you have no concrete evidence, but merely speculate and then bite at a fellow Disciple, what logic is that? Do you think I am easy to bully, or do you think that with the two Pavilion Guardians and the Sect Master here, you can just spout nonsense?"

"You!" Old Ghost Yu Mo's breath hitched, and his Face grew even darker. He indeed had no substantial evidence. Tu Gang and the other had acted covertly, sneaking out of the Sect, and now that they had perished, there was no way to trace it back to Luo Li.

At this moment, Luo Hongyi's undeniable voice slowly spoke: "Old Ghost Yu Mo, stop being so insinuating! My Junior Sister is right, if you have no evidence, then shut up! I am equally heartbroken by the demise of two Elders of my Heavenly Demon Sect! This matter must be thoroughly investigated! I propose that I personally lead a team to investigate the culprit! We must apprehend the scoundrel who dared to kill a Peak Revered Master of my Heavenly Demon Sect, extract their soul, refine their spirit, and console the souls of Peak Revered Masters Tu Gang and Yin Gu in heaven!"

Her words were righteous and resonant, as if she truly shared the same hatred. But those who knew her understood that she had long disliked Tu Gang and Yin Gu, and at this moment, she was probably secretly cheering.

Old Ghost Yu Mo was so angry that his veins bulged. How could he not know Luo Hongyi's intentions? If she went to investigate, what would she find? In the end, it would surely be left unresolved. Just as he was about to object, one of the Pavilion Guardians, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke, his voice ancient yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Hongyi makes sense. The demise of a Sect Peak Revered Master cannot go uninvestigated. This matter shall be led by the Vice Sect Master, with the Hall of Punishment assisting. It must be thoroughly investigated. So be it!"

With the Pavilion Guardian's words, Old Ghost Yu Mo, no matter how unwilling, could only grit his teeth and bow his head: "As Elder Ge commands."

The matter seemed to be settled. However, as everyone in the main hall had their own thoughts and conversed among themselves,

Chi Lianer, who had been sitting opposite Xiao Ming and watching him, took advantage of Tu Yu's emotional turmoil over his father's death, which left him oblivious to other matters. Her exquisite jade foot, hidden beneath her elaborate skirt, silently extended from under the long table like a nimble fish.

Xiao Ming was intently listening to the various arguments in the hall, when he suddenly felt a warm, soft object gently bump his thigh. He frowned slightly and looked down—only to see a slender, delicate jade foot, with skin like congealed fat, subtly rubbing against his thigh. Its toes playfully wiggled, slowly moving upwards along his thigh.

Xiao Ming was stunned at first, then felt a flicker of annoyance. Who was so bold? How dare they be so presumptuous in the Sect's deliberation hall, under everyone's watchful eyes? He looked up, his gaze sharply sweeping across to the opposite side.

He met Chi Lianer's seductive, charming eyes. She seemed 'frightened' by the serious atmosphere in the hall, and was sitting there with her head slightly lowered, looking pitiful. Yet, her eyes boldly met Xiao Ming's, her gaze flowing with teasing and charm. She even deliberately licked her slightly dry lower lip with the tip of her tongue.

Xiao Ming instantly understood. Good heavens, this woman dared to pull such a stunt in this kind of setting! And his Dao Companion was sitting right next to him... truly wanton! What nerve!

He glanced at Tu Yu beside him, who was still immersed in grief and anger, staring in his direction, seemingly unaware of the woman's little actions. Then he looked at Chi Lianer opposite him, her eyes like silk, as if playing with fire, and a wicked smile curved on his lips.

"Alright! Since you dare to play with fire, don't blame me." Xiao Ming's mind raced, his expression remaining calm, as if he was fully engrossed in listening to the high-level discussions. But his right hand quietly dropped below the table, precisely grasping the jade foot that was causing mischief on his leg.

Chi Lianer's delicate body trembled almost imperceptibly, seemingly not expecting Xiao Ming to actually grab her. She tried to pull back, but Xiao Ming's hand gripped her ankle like an iron clamp, his fingers, with a burning warmth, slowly caressing and circling her smooth instep, slender ankle, and even sensitive sole.

"Mm..." An indescribable tingling current instantly shot from her sole throughout her body. Chi Lianer was caught off guard, nearly letting out a short, soft moan from her throat. She quickly bit her lower lip, forcing herself to hold it in, but two blushes uncontrollably bloomed on her cheeks, and her breathing became slightly rapid. She began to struggle slightly, but Xiao Ming controlled his strength perfectly, making it impossible for her to break free without causing too much commotion.

Xiao Ming felt the slight tremor of the jade foot in his hand and the sensation of it instantly tensing and then softening. He smirked inwardly, and his actions became even more provocative. His fingertips moved up along the elegant arch of her foot, gently tickling the sole, where she was most sensitive.

"Mmm..." Chi Lianer's entire body went soft, and uncontrolled hot currents surged towards her lower abdomen. She bit her lip tightly, her fingers clutching her skirt, barely preventing herself from crying out. Her eyes were already glistening with moisture, full of springtime lust, and her earlier teasing had long turned into unbearable passion and a hint of resentment. She subtly twisted her body, wanting to escape this sweet torment, but it only made her seem more like she was resisting and yet inviting.

Inside the hall, the discussion continued. Old Ghost Yu Mo was speaking in a deep voice about something, roughly demanding that the investigation be thorough and no clues be overlooked.

Tu Yu also chimed in with red eyes, hoarsely: "Yes! The murderer must be found and my father avenged! All Elders and Peak Revered Masters, you must..."

Just as Tu Yu was speaking with agitated emotions, Chi Lianer, beside him, in another one of Xiao Ming's manipulations, finally failed to completely suppress the surging numbness and strange sensation. Then—

"Mm~ah..."

An extremely faint, yet distinctly trembling nasal sound, escaped from between her tightly bitten lips. Although very soft, who were the people present? They were all Elders and Peak Revered Masters in the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Stage, so her subtle, trembling nasal sound seemed particularly clear and abrupt in the main hall!

In an instant, everyone's gaze in the main hall collectively shot towards the source of the sound.

Seeing Chi Lianer's flushed Face, dazed eyes, and slightly rapid breathing, many assumed Tu Yu was up to some mischief below, and their expressions became strange.

'Tu Yu! Tu Yu! We're discussing how to find your father's killer, and you're here...'

Meanwhile, Tu Yu was also slightly stunned, his impassioned speech abruptly stopping. He turned to his Dao Companion in surprise, frowning slightly, and transmitted a message: "What the hell are you doing, acting so wanton!"

Old Ghost Yu Mo also frowned instantly.

Several Elders who were speaking also showed displeasure.

Luo Li and Luo Hongyi also looked over, a hint of amusement and disdain flashing in their eyes.

Chi Lianer instantly sobered up, as if a basin of ice water had been poured over her head, falling from the clouds of passion into an ice cave. Shame, terror, and panic filled her heart. At this moment, she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. She quickly lowered her head and explained in an almost inaudible voice: "S-sorry... Disciple just suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, it wasn't intentional..." Her body trembled slightly, whether from fear or...

Tu Yu looked at his Dao Companion's 'improper' behavior, especially in such a serious setting, and immediately felt his Face burn with shame, turning red and then green. He reprimanded her in a low voice: "Lianer! What are you doing? Hurry up and apologize to all the Seniors!"

Chi Lianer's head drooped even lower, her earlobes red as if bleeding, and her voice was as faint as a mosquito's: "S-sorry... Junior was impolite!"

Only then did everyone shift their gaze, though Tu Yu didn't notice their playful and contemptuous looks (they all thought Tu Yu was being a coward, trying to save Face, and pushing his Dao Companion out to take the blame...)