Chapter Thirty-Two: A Silver Tongue

On the Hall of Heavenly Veins, a place renowned for its uprightness, silence and solemnity reigned. But then, a sudden cry shattered the stillness—a heart-wrenching shout that startled Master Cloud Void, causing his aged eyes to flick upward as he muttered, “Who is making such a racket outside?”

Mo Bai clasped his hands behind his back, smiling helplessly, yet a warmth bloomed within him; the person shouting was none other than Wu Falling Blossom. Outside the hall, Young Master Wu’s voice echoed, “What is the meaning of this, Cloud Sky Sect? Why are you arresting my Brother Mo? What has he done wrong?”

Cloud Void furrowed his brow, wondering how such a secret matter could have reached Wu Falling Blossom’s ears. Little did he know that Nalann Xin’er was anxious and at a loss as to how to intervene, while Wu Falling Blossom, heedless of the consequences, had already stormed up to the Hall of Heavenly Veins.

A flush lingered on Cloud Spirit’s cheeks; her gaze avoided Mo Bai, whom she had brought here, her fingers tugging at the corner of her white robe in confusion.

Master Cloud Punishment’s face, dark as night, grew even gloomier. He barked, “Cloud Sky Sect, the Hall of Heavenly Veins is not a place for such clamor. Guards, remove him at once!” Fierce in his hatred of evil, Master Cloud Punishment would not tolerate Wu Falling Blossom’s brazenness.

Jiuxi shook his sleeves and stepped out of the hall, immediately spotting Wu Falling Blossom and, not far off, Nalann Xin’er. He paused, and his perceptive mind quickly grasped the situation. “Young Master Wu, this is a tranquil place; I must ask you to step back.”

Wu Falling Blossom stiffened his neck, retorting, “Tranquil place, you say? We came here to escort your Cloud Sky Sect’s rogue, Shun Qing, to justice, and yet you keep us trapped here, refusing to let us descend the mountain. Now you’ve arrested my Brother Mo!”

Jiuxi frowned, replying, “Hero Mo merely needs to clarify a few matters. He is not detained, Young Master Wu; rest assured. Once he has explained himself, you both are free to come and go as you please.” Jiuxi’s reasonable words left Wu Falling Blossom momentarily at a loss.

At that moment, Nalann Xin’er stepped forward and said softly, “I am also a member of the Cloud Sky Sect. Should I not be allowed to hear what Brother Mo has done to our sect?”

Jiuxi hesitated, then smiled, “Certainly. If Young Master Wu has calmed himself, he may enter as well.” His magnanimity surprised the pair.

Inside the Hall of Heavenly Veins, Master Cloud Punishment spoke sternly, “Mo Bai, is there anything you wish to say?”

Mo Bai smiled faintly. “What would Master Cloud Punishment have me say?”

Cloud Punishment declared loudly, “You must answer for the many crimes you have committed within the Cloud Sky Sect. And where are your accomplices? Who are they?”

Mo Bai sighed, “I have only been in the Cloud Sky Sect for a few days. When have I committed any crimes? As for accomplices, whom do you refer to?”

Cloud Punishment snorted. “You refuse to admit the truth. Do not forget, though our sect has inner and outer divisions, we are all one blood. The Lord of Roaring Abyss, Dong Zixuan, was first wounded by you, then killed by your accomplice—a heinous crime. Do you think you can escape responsibility?”

Mo Bai’s mind, ever agile, began to understand—the uncle of Yu Fei had been murdered, explaining why he was dragged here. He glanced at Cloud Spirit and then at Cloud Void, smiling, “I regret the loss of your members, but what evidence do you have that it concerns me, Master Cloud Punishment?”

Cloud Punishment laughed, “We have a witness—Yu Fei—and the evidence is your Four-Phase Golden Bell. That is Cold Monk’s secret technique. My Brother Dong told me before he died that it was Cold Monk’s skill that wounded him. What else have you to say?”

Mo Bai responded with an “Oh,” looking to Cloud Spirit, who nodded silently. Mo Bai realized Cloud Punishment’s words were true, and Cloud Spirit had not come to arrest him, but rather to test him. He smiled bitterly, “Cold Monk, oh Cold Monk, I learned just one move from you and now face such disaster. If only I hadn’t learned it.” Suddenly he changed tone, “But I am not the only one who knows Cold Monk’s techniques.”

Master Cloud Punishment frowned, “What are you implying? Are you trying to deny it?”

Mo Bai replied, “There must be solid evidence to convince everyone. Perhaps Cold Monk is here in the Cloud Sky Sect himself.”

His words fell like a stone into a tranquil lake, causing a stir. Jiuxi entered the hall with Wu Falling Blossom and Nalann Xin’er. Cloud Punishment glared at the newcomers but said no more.

The rotund Cloud Copper spoke up, “Mo Bai, are you admitting your accomplice is Cold Monk? He may be formidable, but our Cloud Sky Sect does not fear him.” Though normally amiable, his anger lent him authority.

Mo Bai shook his head and smiled, “Master Cloud Copper, you jest. Cold Monk wanders the world, and would not be found here. I cannot say why. You accuse me based solely on the Lord of Roaring Abyss claiming his attacker knew Cold Monk’s skills—that is too hasty. Besides Cold Monk and myself, I know of at least three others who can use his techniques.”

Cloud Void interjected, “Hero Mo, who are these others?”

Mo Bai’s eyes glinted, “Others do not matter, but one is here.”

The crowd was shocked. Mo Bai continued, “Master Cloud Punishment, if I recall correctly, you too know Cold Monk’s Ice Whirl Force.” He stared intently at Cloud Punishment, seeking the answer he needed. Though his time in the sect was brief, Mo Bai sensed he was caught in a grand conspiracy, though its nature eluded him. Now, in the Hall of Heavenly Veins, he believed he had found a clue.

The first to react was Cloud Spirit. She suddenly felt a clarity in her chest, and her questioning gaze turned to Cloud Punishment. Cloud Punishment was startled, then said to her bitterly, “Junior Sister, surely you do not suspect me?” He was sharp indeed, instantly discerning her thoughts.

Cloud Spirit showed no fear. She asked, “Third Brother, is what Mo Bai says true?” Her question drew all eyes to Master Cloud Punishment.

Cloud Punishment sighed, as if recalling countless memories. He spoke slowly, “Mo Bai is correct. I did not expect that a young man such as yourself could earn such trust from Cold Monk. You are remarkable.”

Mo Bai’s face brightened. Cloud Punishment continued, “Indeed, when I was young, I had dealings with Cold Monk and learned Ice Whirl Force from him. In exchange, I taught him the Heavenly Dao Lingyu Art.” This admission shocked everyone further, for the Heavenly Dao Lingyu Art was the deepest secret skill of Cloud Sky Sect, forbidden from being taught outside.

To think that the master overseeing punishment had committed such a transgression! Cloud Punishment continued, “When this matter is resolved, I will retire to the Cliff of Repentance and meditate until death.” His eyes flashed as he declared sharply, “However, I am not the one who wounded Brother Dong.”

No sooner had he finished than Cloud Spirit spoke calmly, “Brother Dong’s last words were: ‘It seemed like Cold Monk’s,’ nothing more. Isn’t that so, Jiuxi?” She looked to Jiuxi.

Jiuxi replied solemnly, “Indeed.” This single sentence rescued Mo Bai from certain death, but cast grave suspicion upon Cloud Punishment.

Cloud Spirit continued, “Thus, Third Brother, you and Mo Bai are both suspects. I boldly ask Second Brother to grant them equal treatment!”