Daoist Competition-Chapter 229 - 83: Visitors from the Second Hospital, Inverting Right and Wrong_2

Huo Zhiqi picked up the teacup, blew on it gently, took a small sip, and moistened his throat before slowly speaking: "We already understand the causes and consequences of the events on Perch Eagle Land Continent. However, there are a few unclear points in the matter. After Ge Shuo and the others were entrapped, Junior Brother Zhang became one of the most advanced cultivators on the island, and as a True Disciple, we must turn to you to verify some doubts. We hope you will provide honest answers."

Zhang Yan nodded lightly, spread his hands across the armrests, and smiled: "Naturally."

Huo Zhiqi’s tone was calm, neither hurried nor slow, as he casually chatted with Zhang Yan, touching upon various matters surrounding Ge Shuo’s assault on Perch Eagle Land Continent. He also mentioned that among the group of disciples recently sent to Bamboo Island, there were one or two Xuan Guang disciples who might know some details. Clearly, these remarks were merely preliminary, not yet getting to the crucial points. However, Zhang Yan didn’t display any impatience and answered every query as required.

Eventually, Huo Zhiqi stroked his beard and said in a measured tone: "So, it seems that Ge Shuo was careless and fell step-by-step into the trap set by the demon. Is that correct?"

Zhang Yan’s gaze flickered briefly, then he slowly nodded.

Huo Zhiqi’s words were not inaccurate. However, at the time, Ge Shuo had handled the matter quite prudently. Additionally, the disciples accompanying him were from various elders’ lines, and the five Hua Dan cultivators possessed cultivation levels comparable to his. If he hadn’t followed the collective will of the group, how could he have retained his position? He would’ve been toppled long ago, like Ning Chongxuan.

At this thought, a flash of insight struck Zhang Yan’s mind, prompting him to consider Ning Chongxuan’s true intentions on that fateful night.

How could Ning Chongxuan truly be unaware of the critical points involved? On the contrary, it was precisely because he saw things clearly that he deliberately acted rashly, forcing several True Masters to remove him from the position—allowing him to escape the vortex in time.

Indeed, for someone like Ning Chongxuan, who had cultivated to such a level and navigated twenty years of worldly affairs, how could he have been so foolish?

Seeing Zhang Yan nod, the two old Daoists exchanged glances. Huo Zhiqi gave Hu Zhi Li a signal with his eyes. Hu Zhi Li hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat and said, "I heard that during Ge Shuo’s attack on Perch Eagle Land Continent, Nephew Fang strongly opposed it. However, Ge Shuo insisted, leading to this predicament. Junior Brother Zhang, is this true?"

After speaking, his piercing gaze locked onto Zhang Yan. Meanwhile, though Huo Zhiqi appeared calm and expressionless, his ears were evidently tuned in, awaiting Zhang Yan’s response.

Hmm? Why are these two suddenly mentioning this matter?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan instantly became cautious, pondering for a while before suddenly realizing their intentions. He now understood the scheme of the two old Daoists.

In this instance, Mingcang Sect was coerced by the demon from Three Pools Lake. While Mingcang Sect indeed had many Golden Core cultivators, among them were key figures whom the sect could not afford to sacrifice. If the demon laid forth any reasonable demands, Mingcang Sect would have no choice but to comply. However, doing so would signify the sect’s defeat, necessitating someone to take the blame. No matter how one looks at it, Ge Shuo was the most suitable candidate.

Nevertheless, by bringing up Fang Hong’s repeated objections, it was evident they sought to absolve Fang Hong. Despite Ge Shuo being the primary actor in this attack, Fang Hong, serving as his deputy, would undoubtedly also bear responsibility if matters were strictly pursued.

Ge Shuo was no small figure either; his master was a powerful elder of the sect, on equal footing with the Sect Leader. Angering him could indeed drag Fang Hong down along with him.

But as Zhang Yan thought through it carefully, he decided it was best not to follow these two old Daoists’ line of reasoning.

Who knows if they’re setting a trap for me?

Those trapped disciples might not necessarily remain lost forever. If Zhang Yan twisted the facts today, these people could come back someday and expose the truth.

Such a situation wouldn’t harm the sect elders in the slightest, but Zhang Yan’s reputation would be tarnished, and he’d offend that elder for no reason.

Moreover, Zhang Yan had no idea what plans Qi Yuntian might be devising; how could he afford reckless words?

Furthermore, he considered that although Ge Shuo had confined him to the Elixir Rooms, he had not genuinely suppressed him. Even the merits he deserved were properly credited to him. If Ge Shuo were removed, who could guarantee that the contributions recorded in the Merit Book would still stand?

Given his current status, Zhang Yan had no power over the matter, but that didn’t mean he should take undue risks. The situation before him was exceedingly complicated, and he couldn’t discern it clearly. Speaking the truth seemed the safest bet.

Thus, raising a brow, he responded, "What words are these? To my knowledge, Senior Brother Fang Hong never made such objections."

The two Daoists, seeing Zhang Yan being cooperative and forthcoming up to this point, naturally assumed he would grasp their pointed implication. They didn’t expect him to offer a completely different reply.

Huo Zhiqi’s face instantly clouded with displeasure, and he said, "Junior Brother Zhang, let me speak plainly. My senior and I came here not just under the orders of Zhengqing Institute and Shangming Hall; we’ve also visited several Cave Heaven True Masters. Don’t bring trouble upon yourself."

Zhang Yan maintained an indifferent demeanor and replied, "What I’ve said is entirely truthful. I dare vow to its veracity."

"You!" Hu Zhi Li’s face darkened, and he sneered, "Junior Brother Zhang, do not imagine yourself free of guilt. Shall I expose your wrongdoings?"

With an impassive face, Zhang Yan replied, "Oh? I wasn’t aware I’d done something improper. I’d love to hear your teachings, Senior Brother."

Hu Zhi Li let out a cold laugh and said, "I ask you—Ge Shuo kept you locked in the Flying Palace for alchemy every day. Why were you, of all days, absent from the Flying Palace when trouble arose, and instead found on Bamboo Island? How do you explain this?"

As he reached the end of the question, his voice swelled with fury, shaking tiles off the rooftop. Even a person without guilt might be intimidated by his overbearing presence.

Yet Zhang Yan appeared unfazed, treating it as a gentle breeze brushing against his face. He calmly replied, "I fear you’ve misunderstood. I, Zhang Yan, come from the Elixir Cauldron Institute. Out of concern for the lack of elixirs among my fellow disciples, I voluntarily entered the Elixir Room for refining. Moreover, as a True Disciple, I’ve broken no sect rules. What authority does Junior Brother Ge have to confine me? Bamboo Island allows me free movement, and that day I felt my cultivation advancing somewhat, so I stayed longer."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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