Chapter Thirty-Three: The Demon Child

Everyone in the Celestial Vein Hall was shocked. Although Yun Ling had always presented herself as coldly beautiful, she had never been so bold as to openly rebuke her third senior brother. Yun Fa, despite committing a grave taboo against the Celestial Heavens Sect, was still the master of punishment. Yun Fa's face darkened; he gazed coldly at his junior sister. "Yun Ling, you truly have grown up," he said. Clearly, he could not accept such a challenge.

Yun Ling straightened her back, showing no fear, but that inadvertent glance at Mo Bai had already given her immense courage. "I mean no disrespect. But our Celestial Heavens Sect has always prided itself on fairness and justice. Does this not apply when it concerns elders?"

As the hall wavered in indecision, a youthful voice rang out: "When the Emperor breaks the law, he is judged as any commoner. I believe Aunt Yun Ling is right." Everyone immediately recognized the speaker: it was Jiu Xi, the deputy master of the Hall of Punishment and the foremost disciple of the Celestial Heavens Sect.

Yun Kong, who had remained silent until now, was stirred but said nothing. Yun Fa, however, laughed loudly and replied, "Good, good, Xi’er, you spoke well." Though his words praised Jiu Xi, Yun Fa’s body began to tremble, clearly in a fit of rage.

Then Jiu Xi continued, "But there is no evidence proving who actually injured Uncle Dong. Therefore, Third Uncle and Hero Mo need only remain within the Celestial Heavens Sect. I believe both wish to clear their names, so why not join us in finding the true culprit?" What a clever Jiu Xi! With just a few words, he resolved the awkward situation and found a better solution.

Everyone turned their gaze to Master Yun Kong. Now, the true master of the Celestial Heavens Sect, this indecisive elder, closed his eyes in contemplation. After a long pause, he said, "Very well, let it be as Xi’er suggested." Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, and he continued, "The one who injured Dong and the one who killed him are two different people. This means the murderer has an accomplice, who is still within the sect. Ah, the reputation built by our Celestial Heavens Sect over centuries is now in your hands." With that, he waved his hand, ignoring the crowd and walked deeper into the hall.

Mo Bai felt a stir in his heart; it seemed Master Yun Kong still trusted him. That last remark was a clear hint: Yun Fa was likely the culprit. But who else in the sect could be complicit with Yun Fa? That person must possess extraordinary skills, for he managed to kill Dong Zi Xuan in front of so many eyes. Yet Mo Bai suddenly recalled a crucial detail. If Yun Fa truly injured Dong Zi Xuan, then the assassin who killed him with a flying needle outside the window could easily finish the job with just a minimal coordination with Yun Fa.

With this realization, Mo Bai felt he had grasped something. He turned his gaze intently upon Yun Fa, only to find Yun Fa looking back at him. Yun Fa’s voice was icy: "No matter how cunning the murderer is, I will catch him."

Mo Bai said nothing more, watching as Yun Fa left the Celestial Vein Hall. He then looked to Yun Ling. Yun Ling blushed under his gaze and murmured, "I hope you won’t disappoint me." With that, she floated away, leaving the hall as well.

The vast Celestial Vein Hall, moments ago bustling with voices, was now left with just Mo Bai, Wu Luohua, Nalann Xin’er and Jiu Xi. Nalann Xin’er, seeing the elders depart, let out a big sigh of relief, her bright smile returning to her face. Happily, she said, "Haha, the clouds have finally cleared today, uncle!"

Wu Luohua’s mood was not as light. He lamented, "Perhaps a greater storm is about to arrive."

Nalann Xin’er was momentarily confused, clearly not understanding Wu Luohua’s meaning. In her mind, as long as things weren’t as tense as before, nothing else mattered.

Page (1/3)

Just then, Jiu Xi turned and approached Mo Bai, clasping his hands respectfully and spoke, "Hero Mo, the Celestial Heavens Sect has always been just and impartial. If you need my help, please ask directly. I will assist without reservation." As he spoke, a gleam shone in his eyes. "I believe Aunt Yun Ling shares my sentiment."

Mo Bai coughed lightly, "Thank you, Brother Jiu Xi."

Jiu Xi laughed heartily, "Haha, Hero Mo is a wise man. I doubt he will be trapped by this mystery." With that, he too left the Celestial Vein Hall.

Wu Luohua frowned deeply. He remarked, "The Celestial Heavens Sect appears harmonious, but who would have expected such a scene?"

Nalann Xin’er was about to ask when Mo Bai said, "Desire is something mankind cannot escape." Wu Luohua nodded abruptly.

Mo Bai suddenly smiled and turned to Nalann Xin’er, "Xin’er, would you like to guide us?"

Nalann Xin’er beamed, "Of course! Uncle, where are we going? I know all thirteen peaks of the Celestial Heavens Sect like the back of my hand. Wherever I go, everyone gives me face." She proudly straightened her budding figure.

Mo Bai gave Wu Luohua a meaningful glance, "Let’s visit an old acquaintance who isn’t entirely familiar."

Wu Luohua paused, but soon realized. Within the Celestial Heavens Sect, known as the Six Sons of the Heavens, aside from Master Yun Jin, who was secluded in the Celestial Palace, who else had yet to cross paths with Mo Bai?

Yun Li Peak, with its beautiful scenery, was the place that governed the "life gate" of the Celestial Heavens Sect. Yet it was free from the stench of money, exuding a refined elegance instead. Everyone knew the true master of Yun Li Peak was not Yun Tong, the so-called Six Sons’ "Fatty Yun," but his wife, Luo Qi Shui. This lady of the Luo family was deeply versed in business. Since marrying Yun Tong, she had managed all of the sect’s finances with such orderliness that all were impressed. Though cultivators reign supreme on Linglong Continent, the saying goes, "a hero can be defeated by lack of money." Without wealth, survival is impossible, so the disciples of the sect treated this "true God of Wealth" with great respect, all the more since Luo Qi Shui was a rare beauty.

At this time, Luo Qi Shui’s face was somewhat troubled. Her nephew Jiu Ling had not become the disciple of Master Yun Zui. Suddenly, someone reported that Mo Bai had arrived for a visit, accompanied by Wu Luohua and the little devil Nalann Xin’er.

Luo Qi Shui composed herself and her appearance. As a mature beauty, she was always mindful of her image.

Page (2/3)

"Sister Luo, forgive my intrusion," Wu Luohua greeted sweetly. Although Luo Qi Shui was his third uncle’s peer, no woman wished to be called "aunt."

Luo Qi Shui rose gracefully, her movements like drifting smoke, enchanting indeed. She spoke gently, "So Hero Mo and Young Master Luohua have come. What brings you to seek me out?" She was poised and elegant, showing no distress over recent events in the sect. Perhaps this was her greatest strength.

Mo Bai smiled slightly, "I met you briefly the other day, Sister Luo, but we didn’t have time to converse. I felt some regret, so I’ve come today to disturb you."

Luo Qi Shui laughed lightly, "Hero Mo, you jest. I am already married, certainly not someone you’d fancy. What is there to discuss with an old lady like me?"

Mo Bai said nothing more, but suddenly drew a mysterious sign with his left hand. A yellow halo began to swirl from his fingertips, and as he moved swiftly, the yellow light gradually formed into a mystical spirit array.

Wu Luohua and Nalann Xin’er were startled, and even Luo Qi Shui was taken aback. She steadied herself and asked with some excitement, "Hero Mo, how is my father lately?" With that question, the origin of this spirit array was clear.

Mo Bai seemed to recall something and answered, "Master Luo is very well, Sister Luo. Please rest assured."

Luo Qi Shui relaxed at his words. Though still puzzled, it was far better than her worst fears. She said seriously, "Xin’er, take Young Master Luohua to enjoy Yun Li Peak. I have things to discuss with Hero Mo."

The always gentle Luo Qi Shui was suddenly so solemn that Nalann Xin’er paused, answering mechanically but not moving. Wu Luohua reached out and led the little devil out of Luo Qi Shui’s chamber.

Page (3/3)