126: Chapter 126 Intense Standoff

Xiong Meng looked at Chu Linger in disbelief and shouted, "You are slandering me!"

"I, Xiong, have been working with fear and trepidation—patrolling, inspecting, and maintaining security without the slightest negligence. Everyone has seen it."

He pointed at Yang Yang and Song Hongyu. "What's more, these two Fellow Daoists agreed just now. Are they traitors as well?"

All eyes turned simultaneously toward Chu Linger.

"Although Chu Fairy is the esteemed disciple of an Immortal Master, she cannot just spout blood like this."

"We are all considering the future of the Immortal City. It's fine if Chu Fairy doesn't support us, but why make false accusations?"

Chu Linger had never faced such a situation before. In her anxiety, she quietly asked the True Yang Heart Fire in her Divine Sense, "Master, what should I do? Should I take it out?"

Xu Changsheng was currently standing in the shadows of the street next to the City Lord's Manor.

He pondered for a moment. "Not yet. Let them check the City-protecting Formation first and see if there's an issue with the Xu position."

At that moment.

Yellow Ox spoke from the Dragon throne, his voice majestic. "Linger, what you say lacks evidence. You must provide proof."

Chu Linger nodded secretly and pointed at Song Hongyu. "The evidence is in the Huangtian Houtu Formation. If Master trusts Linger, why not send someone to check the Xu position?"

"The Xu position?" Yellow Ox was half-skeptical as he quietly tapped the communication talisman between his fingertips.

Song Hongyu, who was being pointed at, had a change in expression and called out, "Immortal Master, I'll go check it."

"No need. Fellow Daoist Guo happens to be at the Wu position, and I have already entrusted her to check it."

"Senior Guo is back? It's said that the Huangtian Houtu Formation was originally her work."

"Yes, I called in a favor to invite her back to guard the formation eye."

The people below began to whisper among themselves again.

Seeing Chu Linger step forward, Huang Shaotian could not suppress his infatuation and had quietly moved to the front of the crowd.

Gazing at the girl's back, he was somewhat entranced.

After a short while, Yellow Ox received a message from the Formation Master ahead.

He slowly raised his head and, amidst the oppressive atmosphere, stared at Chu Linger. "Linger, are you certain your information is correct?"

"Master, this matter cannot be false." She trusted the leaf in her hand and trusted Xu Changsheng even more.

Yellow Ox shook his head and said clearly, "Immortal Master Guo says that the Wu position is fine."

The entire hall hissed.

All eyes were fixed on Chu Linger.

For a moment, accusations were constant.

Xiong Meng stepped forward, bowing with his hands clasped.

"Master, you must believe me! I, Xiong, am absolutely a loyal man. If I have done anything to betray the Immortal City, may I be struck by lightning!"

By the end, his voice had become sorrowful, as if he had suffered a great internal humiliation.

Yellow Ox nodded slightly. "I naturally believe you; otherwise, I wouldn't have taken you as a disciple back then."

Hearing this affirmation.

Xiong Meng's confidence surged, and he spoke out again to accuse Chu Linger. "Junior Sister Chu, the fact that I usually indulge you doesn't mean I'm willing to be slandered."

The Cultivators close to him all spoke up in support.

Seeing the confrontation turn into a one-sided denunciation, Chu Linger's face turned pale, and she involuntarily took half a step back.

"Master, the Wu position is fine."

Xu Changsheng, in the shadows outside the hall, was deep in thought and responded, "It's fine, is it? Based on my understanding, they likely intend to modify the Formation at the Wu position."

"Master, what do we do now?"

"I suspect the timing isn't right yet, and the demonic spies haven't had the chance to alter the Formation."

Chu Linger's sobbing voice came through the Sea of Consciousness. "Master, they are all scolding me now. I'm afraid Master won't want me anymore either. What should I do?"

Xu Changsheng was speechless for a moment. "Don't worry. Don't you still have your final trump card? Wait until that fellow Xiong Meng is tired of shouting, then checkmate him. That will be the most exciting."

"But Master, he wants me to be his Dao Companion as compensation..."

"...Don't agree. Find the right moment to give the leaf to Yellow Ox."

The Divine Sense transmission was cut off, and Chu Linger looked up.

Seeing this.

Xiong Meng wore a lecherous smile. "What? Has Junior Sister Chu agreed to become my Dao Companion? Why don't we get engaged here, under the witness of Master and everyone?"

"In your dreams!"

"Bullshit!"

As soon as Chu Linger's words left her mouth, a thin figure suddenly blocked the space in front of her.

"Who are you?"

The young man before her had a handsome face and seemed somewhat familiar.

However, Yellow Ox, sitting on the Dragon throne, was furious. "Shaotian, what are you doing out here? This is no place for you to speak!"

Huang Shaotian shook his head. "No. Mother always told me that when I encounter something I want to do, I should do it."

"Nonsense! What is it you want to do?"

"I think Chu Fairy is right. This Fellow Daoist Xiong doesn't look like a good person."

"Brat, what did you say?"

Although Xiong Meng hadn't expected Chu Linger to agree to be his Dao Companion, he hadn't expected a punching bag to step forward.

The spiritual light around the kid in front of him was scattered; he seemed to have only recently achieved a Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

Just as he was about to teach this arrogant brat a lesson, words that made his heart tremble came from above.

"Son, listen to your father and go back for now."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was shocked.

Having a father certainly makes one bold!

Gossip immediately filled the hall. "I've long heard that True Person Hong Zao took away Yellow Ox's son. I didn't expect it to be this person."

"No wonder his features look so much like Yellow Ox's."

Chu Linger finally remembered the green youth from over ten years ago.

A slight warmth touched her heart.

Xiong Meng's raised hand dropped abruptly, turning into a cupped-fist salute. "That makes sense. The Young Master is clearly a talented youth."

Showing he could be flexible, he turned back to Yellow Ox. "Since the Young Master has spoken, the matter of Junior Sister Chu slandering me is forgotten. I hope Junior Sister Chu won't talk nonsense next time."

He walked silently toward the side of the hall.

Huang Shaotian's face lit up with joy, and he looked back. "Chu, Senior Sister Chu, do you still remember me?"

Chu Linger did not respond. She bypassed him and, watching Xiong Meng's departing back, bowed to Yellow Ox.

"Master, Linger's view still hasn't changed. Senior Brother Xiong is a traitor, and now it seems this Song Hongyu is also not simple."

The moment she finished speaking.

The entire hall broke into an uproar.

Even Jin Chuan, who was hiding behind the scenes, could no longer stand it. He stepped out from behind the curtain and glared fiercely at Chu Linger.

Then he pleaded for her: "Master, Linger might have been stimulated during her trial a few days ago and hasn't recovered yet."

Song Hongyu's veins bulged as he glared. "Talking nonsense—what a shrew!"

Beside him, Xiong Meng looked toward the throne with a wronged expression, squeezing out a tear. "Master, you must seek justice for your disciple."

"Fine, take her down first."

Yellow Ox rubbed his forehead, feeling somewhat helpless.

Chu Linger, however, was relentless. She suddenly held up that leaf. "Master, if you don't believe me, look! It has Xiong Meng's handwriting and spiritual power imprint on it!"

The thin piece of paper swayed above her head, yet it was like a sharp sword piercing Xiong Meng's heart.