59: The arrival of the criminals and the death of Lu Jiu

“My virtuous son-in-law possesses extraordinary talent; I reckon it won’t be long before he successfully achieves Condensing Core.”

Deng Xuan stepped out of the room, a smile on his face.

Lin Yuan cupped his hands and said, “My apologies, Father-in-law, I accidentally destroyed your willow tree.”

“It’s a minor matter, a trivial willow tree. If it’s gone, we’ll just plant another.”

“Haha…”

Just as Lin Yuan was about to reply, he suddenly heard a voice from above: “A willow tree can be replanted, but a crime committed cannot be easily pardoned.”

“Who is it!?”

Everyone looked up and saw two middle-aged men descending from the sky, landing in the courtyard.

“This is… the Cloud Ripple Sect’s steward uniform!”

Recognizing the attire worn by the two men, Deng Xuan’s face showed surprise.

Lin Yuan asked in astonishment, “Steward uniform? Is this person a Cloud Ripple Sect steward?”

Since Inner Sect stewards were rarely seen in the Outer Sect, he did not recognize their identity.

Deng Xuan said gravely, “Yes, the Cloud Ripple Sect’s threshold for becoming a steward is the Qi Gathering Realm. Since this person is a steward, it means his cultivation is considerable. I’m afraid we’re in trouble.”

From their expressions, it was clear that these two were likely here with ill intentions.

Sure enough, the man in the uniform spoke first, immediately questioning him: “Lin Yuan, as an Outer Sect Disciple of my Cloud Ripple Sect, you relied on your strength to bully weaker Families, even annihilating their entire Family. This act severely violates Article 39 of our Sect’s rules. Do you admit your guilt?”

A Sect steward actually came to find me personally for a Sun Family?

Does the Sun Family have connections within the Cloud Ripple Sect?

A guess flashed through his mind, and Lin Yuan calmly replied, “The Sun Family bullied men and women, acted tyrannical and overbearing, and relied on their power to lord over Luoxiao City, already incurring the resentment of the common people and the displeasure of the heavens. Such an act that incites both divine and human wrath naturally calls for someone to execute justice. As the one who stepped forward, even if the Sect doesn’t reward me, how can there be talk of guilt?”

As he spoke, his face was calm and composed, showing no fear that one should have when being interrogated.

At this, Huang Bin roared, his eyes suddenly sharp: “Absurd! Even if the Sun Family made mistakes, it should be the Sect that punishes them. When is it your turn, a junior, to overstep your authority and employ private punishment?”

Lin Yuan sneered, “What if I told you the Sun Family killed my beloved’s parents? Shouldn’t I seek revenge for a grievance and repay a life with a life?”

Huang Bin retorted, “Even if they killed someone, was the murderer the entire Family? Why did you annihilate their whole Family? Why did you involve innocent people in the slaughter?”

Lin Yuan said frankly, “I am not the only one who would do this. If any of you were in my shoes, as long as you had the strength, you would certainly not leave hidden dangers for yourselves.”

Huang Bin inwardly agreed with his statement, but on the surface, he coldly snorted, “You sharp-tongued brat, I don’t care what your reason is. As long as you have committed a crime, you must return to the Sect to be punished. Surrender now, and I, this steward, will spare you some physical suffering.”

Lin Yuan stopped talking nonsense and directly pulled out a token, presenting it before the two men.

Looking at the large ‘Liu’ character on the token, both men’s eyes widened in disbelief!

Liu Family Guest Elder Token!

This young man is actually a Liu Family Guest Elder!

This identity is not ordinary; it seems they’ve kicked an iron plate!

“Steward, do you still want to arrest me and take me back to the Sect now?”

Lin Yuan’s lips curled into a playful smile.

“Brother Lu, why didn’t you tell me about this?”

Huang Bin anxiously transmitted his voice.

Lu Jiu, surprised, quickly calmed down and replied, “Brother Bin, don’t panic. What if he is a Liu Family Guest Elder? Distant water can’t quench a nearby thirst. The Liu Family’s powerhouses are still thousands of miles away and cannot protect him. We just need to kill him on the spot, seize his Opportunity, and then quickly escape far away from the Cloud Ripple Sect’s territory, and we’ll be safe.”

After saying that, he added, “As long as we escape far enough, the Sect won’t be able to do anything to us, let alone the Liu Family.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Bin’s emotions gradually stabilized, and he calmly said, “Good, I understand.”

After a brief exchange, he looked up at the young man, his expression even colder: “Lin Yuan! Even the Son of Heaven is subject to the same laws as commoners! Being a Liu Family Guest Elder is not a reason for you to act as you please. Cease your resistance immediately and return to the Sect with me, otherwise, I, this steward, will not be polite!”

Upon hearing this, everyone frowned.

Knowing that Lin Yuan had the protection of the Liu Family, this person still insisted on enforcing the law tyrannically. Was his brain short-circuited? Or did he have another reliance?

Glancing at Lu Jiu beside the other man, Lin Yuan immediately understood the reason.

“It must be this Lu fellow who told this steward about the meteor, which is why he’s willing to offend the Liu Family to capture me, just to seize the Opportunity on me.”

This thought flashed through his mind, and he quickly transmitted his voice, “Sister Shuang, these two will definitely try to kill me regardless of the consequences. Do you have the confidence to deal with them?”

Ao Ling霜 calmly said, “No worries, they are merely Qi Gathering Realm ants. With my power, I can easily kill them. My only concern is that if this matter is exposed, you will be targeted by others.”

Being able to kill a Qi Gathering Realm cultivator while in the Opening Meridian Realm was truly astonishing. The Sect would certainly interrogate him on how he accomplished it if they found out.

If he couldn’t explain clearly at that time, it was hard to guarantee what actions the higher-ups would take.

“Since things have come to this, there’s no other way. Let’s deal with these two first and then consider the aftermath.”

Although he didn’t want to face the Sect’s interrogation, if he didn’t use his power now, death awaited him.

Thus, only this option remained.

“Alright, I will now transmit power to you. This time, it’s Qi Gathering Realm level Mental Energy, so be prepared.”

Ao Ling霜 finished speaking, and without waiting for him to reply, a vast power surged from her Soul, pouring into the young man’s body.

With her actions, Lin Yuan’s cultivation began to soar, instantly Breaking Through Condensing Core and advancing into Qi Gathering!

Huang Bin was about to make a move when he suddenly realized the other party’s strength had drastically increased, and his face instantly filled with shock!

Qi Gathering Realm?

This person’s cultivation has risen to the Qi Gathering Realm?

What kind of secret technique is this, to be able to Break Through two major Realms consecutively?

While he was stunned, Lin Yuan urgently adapted to the power within his body, drew his sword, and said coldly, “You are destined to be disappointed if you wish to take what is mine.”

With that, he swung his sword, and a Qi Gathering Realm level Sword Intent appeared, swiftly attacking the two men.

“Clang!”

Huang Bin quickly dodged, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Lu Jiu was not so lucky; he reacted too slowly and was directly struck by the Sword Intent at his joint, his entire arm flying off with a ripping sound.

“Ah! My arm!”

Lu Jiu cried out in pain, quickly turning to search for his severed arm, wanting to reattach it to his body.

Lin Yuan swung another sword, and the sharp sword light cleaved through the opponent’s body, splitting him in half, blood gushing everywhere.

Dead!

A dignified Outer Sect Elder just died like that!

He didn’t even get a word out before he died!

Lu Jiu himself probably never expected that this trip to Luoxiao City would be the end of his life.

Huang Bin watched this scene and quickly concluded: he was no match for this person.

So he made a decisive decision and flew into the sky, fleeing.

A hint of disdain flashed in Lin Yuan’s eyes, and he too leaped into the air, chasing directly after him!