To coerce

Hearing this, Su Mo's eyes flashed with a trace of ruthlessness.

He sneered, a mocking arc curving at the corner of his mouth: "Wu Hai, oh Wu Hai, you truly are calculating. Thinking of seizing power while I was away?"

He scanned his surroundings, his voice suddenly rising: "Listen, everyone! This Wu Hai and Xiao Feng are in cahoots, and to seize the position of Sect Leader, they didn't hesitate to kill fellow disciples! Now they've turned around and pinned the blame on this Sect Leader, what a perfect act of a thief crying 'stop thief'!"

Hearing these words, Xiao Feng couldn't help but let out a cold laugh: "Su Mo, your words are truly absurd and ridiculous. The aura of death on these people, once compared with your aura, the truth will be immediately apparent. If you are truly innocent, why not accept an inspection?"

Hearing this, Su Xueqing's eyes flashed with a glimmer of hope.

She said softly: "Wu Yang's Father, if you are innocent, you will definitely agree, right?"

Saying this, she looked eagerly at Su Mo, her eyes full of anticipation and pleading.

However, facing his daughter's pitiful gaze, Su Mo was completely unmoved.

A trace of madness flashed in his eyes, and a thick surge of demonic energy suddenly erupted from his body.

Black mist surged out like a tide, instantly enveloping the entire Great Hall.

With a "crack", fissures split open on the ground, and a chilling wind howled.

The crowd retreated in terror, some screaming in disbelief: "Sect Leader...he actually..."

Just at this moment, Su Mo suddenly reached out and grabbed Su Xueqing by the neck.

His fingers tightened like iron pincers, and Su Xueqing's face instantly turned red, her hands struggling in vain.

"Everyone stop!" Su Mo sneered, his eyes glowing with an eerie red light: "Whoever dares to act rashly, I will crush this wretch's throat!"

He scanned his surroundings, his cold gaze sweeping over everyone: "If you know what's good for you, obediently let this Sect Leader leave. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Su Xueqing was choked to the point of being unable to breathe, tears streaming down her cheeks.

She called out in a weak voice: "Wu...Wu Yang's Father..."

However, Su Mo ignored her, instead increasing the strength in his hand.

In his eyes, there was no longer a trace of humanity, only madness and cruelty remained.

Su Xueqing looked in disbelief at the strange Dragon before her.

Her eyes were filled with pain and despair, tears continuously streaming down her cheeks.

This Wu Yang's Father who once loved and protected her, was now looking at her with such cold eyes, as if she were just an insignificant pawn.

"Wu Yang's Father...why..." Su Xueqing choked, her voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

Her heart felt as if it had been torn in half, one half crying out for the love of her Wu Yang's Father, while the other half felt shame for his actions.

Xiao Feng stared intently at Su Mo, his fists clenched, veins bulging, clearly trying his best to restrain himself from rushing forward.

"Su Mo, don't go too far!" Xiao Feng said through clenched teeth: "Let go of Su Xueqing, and we can talk properly."

Su Mo sneered, the strength in his hand increasing by a few degrees.

Su Xueqing let out a painful whimper, her face growing even paler.

"Talk properly? Xiao Feng, you're too naive." Su Mo sneered: "Now, all of you get out of my way! Otherwise, this wretch's little life will be over!"

The crowd exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.

Finally, at Xiao Feng's signal, everyone slowly cleared a path.

Su Mo dragged Su Xueqing, retreating step by step.

Just as he was about to exit the Great Hall, he suddenly pushed hard, violently throwing Su Xueqing towards the crowd.

With a "bang", Su Xueqing fell heavily to the ground.

Xiao Feng quickly rushed forward to help her up, while Su Mo seized the opportunity to turn and flee, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye.

"Su Xueqing, are you alright?" Xiao Feng asked softly, carefully helping Su Xueqing up.

Su Xueqing, however, seemed not to have heard, staring blankly in the direction where her Wu Yang's Father had disappeared.

Suddenly, she broke down and cried loudly, tears falling like rain.

"Why...why did it turn out like this..." she sobbed: "Xiao Feng, what happened? Why did Wu Yang's Father...why did he become like that?"

Xiao Feng sighed and gently pulled Xueqing into his embrace.

He gently stroked her back.

"Xueqing, don't worry. Everything will be alright." Xiao Feng said softly: "Sect Leader...he was just temporarily possessed by demonic energy, that's why he became like that. We will definitely find a way to save him."

Although he said this, Xiao Feng knew that things were far from as simple as he made them sound.

Su Xueqing was still sobbing in Xiao Feng's embrace, her tears soaking his clothes.

Xiao Feng lowered his head to look at Su Xueqing, only to see her eyes red and swollen, tears welling up, her pitiful appearance heartbreaking.

"Xueqing, don't be too sad." Xiao Feng comforted softly: "I will definitely find a way to bring back your Wu Yang's Father. Trust me, okay?"

Su Xueqing raised her head, looking at Xiao Feng through teary eyes.

She forced out a faint smile and nodded gently.

Xiao Feng, however, frowned inwardly.

He recalled the situation when he had previously expelled the Evil Qi from Su Mo's body, and couldn't help but feel confused.

"Strange, I clearly helped Su Sect Leader clear the Evil Qi from his body, so why has demonic energy appeared again now? And it's so strong..."

Just as Xiao Feng was pondering, the High Priest from the side slowly stepped forward.

The elderly priest had a solemn expression, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes sharp as he looked at Xiao Feng.

"Young Master Xiao." The High Priest spoke, his voice low: "Regarding the demonic energy within Su Sect Leader's body, I'm afraid things are not that simple."

Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow, signaling the High Priest to continue.

The High Priest took a deep breath and slowly spoke: "Thirty years ago, our Ming Cult experienced an earth-shattering turmoil. At that time, demonic energy ran rampant, almost destroying the entire sect."

Hearing this, Su Xueqing raised her head in surprise, clearly unaware of this period of history.

The High Priest continued: "Just as we thought the Ming Cult was about to be annihilated, Sect Leader Su Mo, using some unknown method, actually quelled this turmoil."

Xiao Feng's brows furrowed tightly as he pressed: "What happened after that? How did Su Sect Leader resolve the demonic energy?"

The High Priest shook his head: "No one knows the specific process. However, this period of history is recorded in the ancient texts within our Scripture Pavilion."

Xiao Feng's eyes lit up: "Scripture Pavilion? How about we go and check it now?"

Su Xueqing wiped away her tears and said firmly: "I'll go with you."

Xiao Feng looked at Xueqing, somewhat hesitant: "Su Xueqing, your current emotional state..."

"No." Su Xueqing interrupted: "This is about my Wu Yang's Father, I must personally investigate it thoroughly. And..."

She paused: "I don't want to stay here alone and overthink."

Xiao Feng looked at Su Xueqing's determined eyes and finally nodded in agreement.

"Alright then, we'll go together."

"High Priest." Xiao Feng turned to the High Priest: "Please take us to the Scripture Pavilion."