68: Chapter 68 A Battle of Wits Before the Hall of Law Enforcement

With facts as the basis and Sect rules as the standard, I will go to the Law Enforcement Hall openly and clear my name.

Possessing a Legacy of the Great Sun Golden Flame, a power of such ultimate yang and rigidity, why should I fear the slander of the "Yinkui Sect Evil Fire"?

This is the perfect Opportunity to let the Sect's leadership see Zhao Kun's true face, and let the majestic and upright aura of the "Great Sun Golden Flame" vindicate me!

Lin Ye's thoughts raced, and he already had a plan.

He did not conceal his aura; instead, he slowly circulated the phantom of the Ice-Fire Taiji within his body.

A wisp of the "Great Sun Golden Flame" fire seed's aura—pure, scorching, yet carrying the Dao rhyme of neutrality and peace—was carefully guided and merged into his own spiritual power fluctuations.

This caused it to emit an aura of scorching heat, light, and upright majesty, the exact opposite of the cold, evil, and corrosive characteristics of the Yinkui Sect's Cultivation Technique.

He followed the Law Enforcement Disciple, walking step by step toward that towering, solemn black palace that emitted an invisible pressure—the Law Enforcement Hall.

Inside the Law Enforcement Hall, the atmosphere was heavy.

The hall was spacious, but the lighting was somewhat dim.

On both sides stood expressionless Law Enforcement Disciples holding execution staves.

Directly ahead on the high platform sat three people.

In the center seat was an old man in black robes with a rigid expression and eyes as sharp as an eagle.

He was the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, the Golden Core Early Stage "Iron-Faced Judge," Elder Xing.

His aura was heavy and restrained, commanding respect without anger.

On the left was Zhao Kun, with a gloomy face and cold glints flickering in his eyes.

On the right was an old man in green robes with a refined face and a gentle aura.

He was Elder Liu from Danxia Peak.

Clearly, Elder Liu had rushed over immediately after hearing the news.

"Disciple Lin Han pays his respects to Elder Xing, Elder Zhao, and Elder Liu." Lin Ye bowed, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Lin Han." Elder Xing's voice was flat, yet carried a penetrating force.

"Elder Zhao accuses you of using a flame during the small competition that is suspected to be related to the 'Yinkui Sect Evil Fire' that the Sect has been investigating recently.

What do you have to say for yourself?"

Zhao Kun immediately interjected, saying coldly: "Senior Brother Xing, the flame this child uses is pure gold in color, possesses immense power, and can suppress the Innate true fire of a Fire Spirit Body.

It is definitely not something that can be cultivated by ordinary Cultivation Techniques.

I suspect its origin is suspicious; he may have engaged in secret transactions with the Yinkui Sect to learn evil arts, or he might even be a spy planted by the Yinkui Sect!"

What a heavy accusation! A spy!

Elder Liu frowned: "Senior Brother Zhao, these words are too rash.

Although the flame Lin Han uses is special, its aura is upright and scorching; it lacks the cold and evil ghost Qi characteristic of Yinkui Sect Cultivation Techniques.

How can you conclude it is an Evil Fire?"

"Junior Brother Liu, do not be deceived by his appearance." Zhao Kun sneered.

"The Yinkui Sect is cunning; who is to say they wouldn't use disguise?

This child joined the Sect recently, his background is unknown (a Loose Cultivator), his cultivation progress is abnormally rapid, and he possesses an exotic fire—is this not suspicious?

In my opinion, he should be apprehended immediately and interrogated via soul-searching; we will surely find the truth!"

Soul-searching! This was an attempt to completely destroy Lin Ye!

Lin Ye's anger surged, but his expression remained calm.

He looked up at Elder Xing: "Elder Xing, please judge fairly.

The flame I use was obtained when I was in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, in a desperate situation within the earth fire abyss.

Through a stroke of Opportunity, I absorbed a wisp of the earth's core essence fire Qi and merged it with my own ice-attribute Cultivation Technique, accidentally forming this 'Ice-Fire' variant spiritual power.

It is definitely not an Evil Fire, and it has absolutely no connection to the Yinkui Sect."

"Earth's core essence fire Qi?" Zhao Kun scoffed.

"Earth fire is violent; how could a small Qi Refining Cultivator absorb and refine it?

You dare to quibble!"

"Whether I am quibbling or not, one test will tell." Lin Ye stopped speaking and moved his mind, slowly releasing the pure, scorching aura he had guided out from within, which contained a wisp of the "Great Sun Golden Flame" Dao rhyme.

Hum!

A pure, vast, bright, and scorching aura of flame, as if it could cleanse all evil in the world, quietly permeated the area with Lin Ye as the center.

This aura was not intense, but its quality was shockingly high.

The cold atmosphere in the great hall seemed to be instantly dispelled, and even the execution staves in the hands of the Law Enforcement Disciples on both sides emitted a faint humming sound, as if resonating with this aura.

"This is..." For the first time, a look of surprise appeared on Elder Xing's calm face.

He was a Golden Core Cultivator with extensive knowledge; he instantly felt that the essence of this flame's aura was extremely high, even carrying a wisp of... legendary divine meaning?

It was a world of difference from the gloomy ghost fires of the Yinkui Sect!

Elder Liu's eyes lit up with brilliance.

He cultivated alchemy and was more sensitive to flames.

He could feel that this flame's aura was upright and peaceful, containing vitality; it was definitely not a fire of the Evil Path.

Zhao Kun's expression changed drastically.

He had not expected Lin Ye to be able to release such a pure flame aura; it was completely different from the "Evil Fire" he had imagined!

"This kind of flame is of ultimate yang and rigidity, cleansing evil spirits; it is the Demon-Refining True Fire that every Righteous Path Cultivator dreams of!

How can it be confused with the Yinkui Sect Evil Fire?!" Elder Liu seized the Opportunity and shouted sternly, "Senior Brother Zhao, you keep saying this fire is suspicious.

Now it seems that perhaps you are the one harboring bias and settling personal scores!"

"You!" Zhao Kun was furious, but the flame aura Lin Ye released could not be faked, and he was speechless for a moment.

Elder Xing's gaze was like lightning as he swept over Lin Ye and then looked at Zhao Kun, speaking slowly: "This flame's aura is indeed vastly different from the Yinkui Sect's Cultivation Technique, and its quality is extremely high, filled with uprightness.

Junior Brother Zhao, your accusation lacks evidence."

"Senior Brother Xing! Even if the flame is not evil, this child's background is unknown, and his cultivation progress is strange.

Shouldn't it be investigated in detail?" Zhao Kun was unwilling to give up.

"My cultivation progress is because, first, I had realizations in the desperate situation of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range; second, I Cultivate diligently every day and have the guidance of Elder Liu; and third, I have honed my potential by dueling with experts during the small competition.

These are all common occurrences in cultivation; where is the strangeness?" Lin Ye said loudly.

"As for my background, I am a Loose Cultivator from the Southern Wilderness, learned my craft at the Hundred Herbs Hall in Tianyong City, and was recommended by Alchemist Hu and brought into the Sect by Elder Liu—all of which can be verified.

If Elder Zhao does not believe me, you can send someone to Tianyong City to the Hundred Herbs Hall to verify it."

His words were reasonable and watertight.

Elder Xing nodded: "Since that is the case, let this matter rest for now.

Lin Han, you may withdraw and focus on preparing for the finals."

"Thank you, Elder Xing, for your fair judgment!" Lin Ye bowed, bowed to Elder Liu as well, and without even looking at the livid Zhao Kun, turned and calmly walked out of the Law Enforcement Hall.

The sun was bright outside the hall, and Lin Ye let out a long breath.

This hurdle was temporarily cleared.

After this incident, Zhao Kun would not be able to move against him using the name of "Evil Fire" again.

But the grudge was now completely set in stone.

Not long after he walked out, Elder Liu caught up with him.

"Lin Han, come with me." Elder Liu's expression was serious as he brought Lin Ye to a secluded cliff on Danxia Peak.

"What is the true origin of the flame aura you released in the hall today?" Elder Liu's gaze was scorching.

"Do not try to fob me off with 'earth's core essence' again.

That kind of aura is something no ordinary earth fire can possess."

Lin Ye knew he could not hide it, so he pondered for a moment and said: "I dare not hide it from you any longer, Elder.

In the earth fire abyss, I did indeed have another encounter and obtained a wisp of a flame Dao seed left behind by an ancient powerhouse, and I received part of the Legacy.

This fire is called the 'Great Sun Golden Flame,' an ultimate yang and rigid fire.

Because it is of great importance, I have never dared to disclose it; I hope Elder will forgive me."

"Great Sun Golden Flame?!" Elder Liu gasped.

As a master of alchemy, how could he not know the reputation of this fire?

It was the legendary Innate divine fire, the source of all fires!

The look he gave Lin Ye was filled with shock and complexity.

"No wonder... no wonder you could suppress the Fire Spirit Body, no wonder Zhao Kun's slander fell apart on its own..." Elder Liu muttered, then his expression turned solemn.

"This matter must never be mentioned to a third person!

A man who flaunts his wealth in public invites trouble; if it is known by those with ulterior motives, even within the Sect, it may not be safe!"

"Disciple understands." Lin Ye nodded.

"Zhao Kun failed this time, and he will certainly not give up.

He cannot do anything about your flame, but he will surely find trouble for you in other ways.

You must be more careful in your future actions." Elder Liu cautioned.

"Yes.

Thank you for your protection, Elder." Lin Ye thanked him sincerely.

If Elder Liu had not been present today, Elder Xing might not have let him off so easily.

"Take care of yourself.

The finals are imminent; do not be distracted." Elder Liu waved his hand and left on his sword.

Lin Ye looked at Elder Liu's retreating back, his eyes slightly narrowed.

After this incident, the connection with Elder Liu was initially solidified.

But this was not enough.

He needed a stronger backer, or... to make himself strong enough to fear no conspiracy.

He had to win the Utility Disciple group finals in two days, and he had to win beautifully!

Back at the Hundred Herbs Garden, the way Zhou Tong and the others looked at him was as if they were looking at an immortal.

Daring to confront Elder Zhao in the Law Enforcement Hall and coming out unscathed, this Lin Han had simply become an idol for the Utility Disciples.

Lin Ye ignored this and went into seclusion to adjust his state.

Two days later, Sword Discussion Valley, packed with people.

In the Utility Disciple group finals, Lin Han faced Li Ming, a Formation Master at the Early Stage of Qi Refining 9th Layer from the Formation Peak.

This man was a veteran powerhouse among the Utility Disciples, with impressive attainments in Formations, and he had won easily in the previous rounds relying on Formations.

On the arena, as soon as Li Ming came up, he threw out dozens of Formation Flags, instantly setting up a "Raging Fire Prairie Formation," turning most of the arena into a sea of fire, and the temperature soared.

He himself hid in the Formation, manipulating the fire to attack.

Lin Ye activated his "Fiery Golden Eyes," and the Formation's veins were clearly visible.

He did not break the Formation; instead, he stepped on the "Golden Crow Rainbow Transformation," shuttling freely through the sea of fire.

Those flames were forced away by an invisible scorching aura three feet in front of him, and some were even absorbed by him to replenish his consumption.

"How is this possible?! He isn't afraid of the earth fire?!" Li Ming was shocked and hurriedly changed the Formation, setting up an "Ice Formation" and "Golden Blade Formation," but all were resolved one by one by Lin Ye with exquisite movement techniques, a tyrannical Physical Body, or Ice-Fire Spells.

"It should end now." Lin Ye spotted a gap in Li Ming's Formation switching, his figure shot out like lightning, and he pointed a finger of "Red Flame Finger" at the Formation eye.

Li Ming hurriedly activated the defensive Formation Flag to resist.

However, Lin Ye's finger was just a feint; the real killing move was the pale blue frost that spread silently right after—the prototype of the "Frost Domain"!

Crack, crack, crack!

Li Ming's movements slowed instantly, and the operation of the Formation stagnated.

Lin Ye seized the Opportunity, closed in, and delivered a "Ice-Fire Tribulation" fist force, fused with the power of the "Mystic Jade Body," blasting onto Li Ming's protective spiritual light.

Boom!

Li Ming vomited blood and flew backward, the Formation collapsed, and he fell off the arena.

Utility Disciple group, champion!

"Lin Han! Lin Han! Lin Han!" Cheers like a tsunami erupted from the audience.

As a medicine boy, winning consecutively and finally taking the championship—this was extremely rare in the entire history of the Lingyun Sword Sect!

On the high platform, Elder Xing nodded slightly.

Elder Liu stroked his beard and smiled.

Zhao Kun was expressionless, but his fists were clenched in his sleeves.

According to the rules, the champion of the Utility Disciple group could be exceptionally promoted to an Inner Sect Disciple and could choose a Golden Core Elder to apprentice under, or enter the Scripture Pavilion to select a Profound Rank Cultivation Technique.

Amidst countless envious gazes, Lin Ye received the jade token and clothing representing his identity as an Inner Sect Disciple.

"Lin Han, are you willing to apprentice under me?" A gentle voice sounded.

Everyone looked over and saw that it was the Peak Master of Danxia Peak, Master Zi Xia, who had spoken!

A Middle Stage Golden Core alchemy Grandmaster, personally offering to take an apprentice!

This was a huge honor!

Zhao Kun's face looked even uglier.

Everyone thought Lin Ye would agree without hesitation.

However, Lin Ye bowed deeply to Master Zi Xia: "Thank you for your kindness, Peak Master.

It is just that my Cultivation Technique is special and involves the Ice-Fire Dao, which I fear may not be the same as the fire techniques specialized in by your lineage.

I would like to first enter the Inner Sect, consolidate my foundation, and after I have clarified my own Dao path, I will then seek a master, so as not to disappoint the Peak Master's expectations."

He actually... politely declined?!

The whole place was in an uproar!

Master Zi Xia was also stunned, then took a deep look at Lin Ye and nodded: "Very well, matters of the Dao path do indeed require caution.

Since you have entered the Inner Sect, you can first Cultivate at Danxia Peak.

If you have any needs, you can come and find me."

"Thank you, Peak Master!" Lin Ye bowed again.

He was not unwilling to apprentice, but Master Zi Xia was Zhao Kun's Senior Brother and specialized in fire techniques.

He himself carried an Ice-Fire Legacy and had too many secrets; it would be inconvenient to be under his tutelage.

It was better to just hang on to the title of Inner Sect Disciple and develop freely.

Promoting to the Inner Sect and gaining more resources and permissions—this was what he needed most at the moment.

The small competition ended on schedule, and Lin Ye became famous, becoming a new rising star in the Sect.

But he remained low-key.

After moving into the "Purple Bamboo Court" where Inner Sect Disciples lived, apart from collecting his monthly stipend and going to the Scripture Pavilion to select a Profound Rank Body Refining Cultivation Technique called 《Ice-Fire Body Forging Technique》 (to cover his tracks, though in reality, he was just drawing inspiration), he lived in seclusion, continuing to digest the Legacy and improve his strength.

He knew that Zhao Kun would never give up, and a bigger storm might be brewing.

On this day, he was cultivating the 《Ice-Fire Body Forging Technique》 in the courtyard when he suddenly received a message from Chu Yun:

"Junior Brother Lin, come to the Liuyun Pavilion immediately; there is an important matter to discuss!"

The tone was quite urgent.