235: argue

With that single sentence, the scene fell instantly silent, followed immediately by a great uproar; the clamor caused the entire place to boil over in an instant.

Fairy Yunyi's expression quickly shifted from surprise to astonishment, for the Disciple, who looked like a mere handyman, wiped his hand across his face and instantly transformed into someone else entirely.

Some of the Shu Mountain Disciples nearby had already cried out involuntarily, "Sect Head?"

"Hehe, now the real show begins!"

Nezha finally understood what was happening and couldn't help but turn to Tang Ku and ask, "Holy Monk, was this your doing?"

Tang Ku chewed on a pear and said, "...Not entirely. He and I planned it together to see what this woman had to say. However, as a qualified villain, she shouldn't be that easy to handle..."

Fairy Yunyi... no, to be precise, it should be Red Corpse. She absolutely deserved to be called a qualified villain.

Both her schemes and intelligence made her worthy of being a big boss. Had her cultivation been stronger—even if she only reached the Realm of the Blood Demon—she would undoubtedly have been a terrifying enemy.

However, she could still handle this situation, which had almost exceeded her expectations. Although she did not know how Xuanji Zi had escaped his cage, nor how he had arrived here and recovered his cultivation, this did not hinder her from turning the situation around.

"Hehe, what's the matter? Do you no longer recognize your Senior Brother?"

Xuanji Zi flashed forward and placed his palms on the foreheads of Yao Muyun and Xu Yinghua. Two rays of light flashed as he began to purge the evil Qi from their Sea of Consciousness; it was precisely because of this evil Qi that they had committed acts they could never have imagined doing themselves.

Turning back to look at Fairy Yunyi and scanning the surroundings, Xuanji Zi declared loudly, "Everyone... the Fairy Yunyi before you is no longer your acting Sect Head. She has been controlled by the Divine Lord Red Corpse, her consciousness submerged, and she intends to lead Shu Mountain to ruin. I was imprisoned by her in the Absolute Domain and nearly died..."

"Although Yao Muyun and Yinghua have feelings for each other, they have done nothing improper. How could I have caught them in an illicit affair? The swords they carry were gifts from me because I had seen through this woman's true colors. I chose to have them take the swords and leave the mountain to preserve a glimmer of hope for Shu Mountain... Hehe, Red Corpse, my appearance alone is enough to prove you are lying. What else do you have to say?"

On the spectator stands and among the nearby Shu Mountain Disciples who had not been tainted by the evil Qi, many couldn't help but nod to themselves, and discussions broke out among them.

"I knew it! Senior Martial Uncle Xuanji Zi possesses the greatest magical power; how could he have been killed by a sneak attack from two juniors? So, it was all a conspiracy by Red Corpse."

"Exactly, exactly! This Red Corpse must have colluded with the Blood Demon to betray Shu Mountain. Her heart is truly detestable!"

"This Divine Lord Red Corpse's schemes are as deep as the abyss; she is truly impossible to guard against!"

"Hehe..." Hearing the crowd's discussions, Fairy Yunyi suddenly tucked back the hair that had been ruffled by the wind, narrowed her eyes slightly, and said, "How ridiculous. Where did you come from, you Devil Head, daring to impersonate my deceased Senior Brother? You claim I am Divine Lord Red Corpse, but what evidence do you have? Hmph, I could just as easily say that you are Divine Lord Red Corpse, controlling my poor Senior Brother's corpse to come here and wreak havoc on Shu Mountain!"

"What a sharp tongue..." Wei Zheng couldn't help but praise. "This woman is truly not simple!"

Xingyunzi asked in confusion, "Old Sir, can she really turn the situation around just by saying that?"

"It's not that easy!" Wei Zheng stroked his beard and smiled. "Xuanji Zi just revealed the truth. Given his prestige, the Shu Mountain Disciples who haven't been controlled will naturally be inclined to believe him. However, now that this woman has spoken, while it's not enough to turn the tide, it will sow confusion and make the Shu Mountain Disciples waver and grow suspicious. In this way, even if Xuanji Zi had a hundred mouths, he wouldn't be able to explain it clearly... Hehe, let's see how this Xuanji Zi handles it!"

Xuanji Zi looked around as the heated discussions resumed and some began to doubt him. He smiled and said, "I knew you would pull this... Hehe, do you dare to undo your hair bun and let everyone take a look?"

Fairy Yunyi was stunned. Before she could react, she heard Xuanji Zi continue, "Everyone, you may not have noticed... Fairy Yunyi is my Junior Sister, and I know her habits best. Her hair has always been like a waterfall; she never wears it in a bun..."

With that, he fixed a piercing gaze on Fairy Yunyi and demanded sternly, "Do you dare to claim that there is no evidence hidden within that bun?"

Swish! Everyone's eyes were fixed on Fairy Yunyi, hoping she would provide an explanation.

Fairy Yunyi remained silent; she stared straight at Xuanji Zi without saying a word.

Xuanji Zi stepped forward and said coldly, "Possession by the Red Corpse must have an external manifestation. Generally, at the crown acupoint, there will be a red, sharp horn, about the thickness of a little finger and roughly two inches long... Undo your bun. If it's not there, I, Xuanji Zi, will apologize to you in person and swear to never set foot on Shu Mountain again... Well? Do you dare?"

The entire venue fell so silent that a pin could be heard dropping. Those Elders who had been controlled were already inching their way toward the two.

Fairy Yunyi stared at him for a long time, then suddenly burst into a laugh. "Although I don't know how you escaped, since you did, you should have just left. Why come back to ruin my plans?"

With those words, her guilt was effectively confirmed.

"I had no choice!" Xuanji Zi spread his hands helplessly. "Shu Mountain is my home, and my family and friends are all here. Where else could I go?"

"Wow..." The truth was now clear. The Shu Mountain Disciples who hadn't been controlled instantly drew their swords, ready to rush forward and capture the woman.

"Ugh... I... what happened to us?" Yao Muyun chose this moment to wake up, dazed and confused.

"Silly boy, are you still half-asleep?" Xuanji Zi laughed heartily. "Take your Junior Sister and step back. Be careful not to get hurt!"

With that, he formed a sword finger with his right hand and, without another word, thrust it toward Fairy Yunyi.

Hum! A faint Sword Qi trembled in the air as it struck toward Fairy Yunyi's forehead.

Fairy Yunyi remained unhurried, chuckling, "Senior Brother, why must you always force me... I truly do not wish to hurt you..."

Ding! A brilliant golden light enveloped her entire body, actually repelling Xuanji Zi along with the Sword Qi he had released.

Xuanji Zi, unperturbed by the danger, flipped and landed on the ground. Upon taking one look, he couldn't help but exclaim in shock and anger, "Haotian Mirror... it truly is in your hands!"