#44 - Chapter 44: Xiaoyao Peak colludes with the Demon Cult?

Noon.

An explosive piece of news spread like wildfire throughout the Star River Sect.

"Hiss, did you hear? The Carefree Peak colluded with the Demonic Cult. The last time the Demonic Cult's people sneaked in, they came in through the Carefree Peak."

"That's right. Our Star River Sect has a grand formation protecting it. The Demonic Cult can't get in at all unless someone intentionally lets them in."

"Now that you mention it, that's true. Senior Brother Qin Shou seemed to have defeated the Demonic Cult's people at the foot of Carefree Peak."

"So, Carefree Peak really did collude with the Demonic Cult. This is treason!"

"I didn't expect the Carefree Peak Lord to be this kind of person. Being weak is one thing, but to also rely on the Demonic Cult is truly detestable!"

The disciples of each peak discussed heatedly, and their arguments were quite logical.

For a time, all the blame was directed towards the Carefree Peak Lord.

Moreover, with the instigation of certain individuals, the matter escalated, and all sorts of rumors emerged.

Carefree Peak had already been looked down upon by the people of other peaks because of the Peak Lord's weakness.

Now that someone was stirring up trouble, it attracted a lot of attention.

On the Myriad Flowers Peak.

When Su Qingwan received the news, she was so angry that her fingers trembled.

"Slander! This is definitely slander!"

"Someone is targeting Carefree Peak. Just watch quietly," Liu Ruqing said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Su Qingwan left the main hall to help on her own.

On the Beast Taming Peak.

Qin Shou, soaking in a tub, naturally heard the rumors.

"I didn't expect Chen Changqing to act so quickly," Qin Shou said with a shake of his head and a smile.

"But it's not enough. I need to add more fuel to the fire."

Qin Shou got out of the tub and instructed the disciples of Beast Taming Peak, "Go and exaggerate my battle against the Demonic Cult disciples at the foot of Carefree Peak."

"Just say that they came in from Carefree Peak and were encountered by me, and I took action to solve them."

"Yes!" The disciple of Beast Taming Peak responded and went down to spread the word.

After Qin Shou's disciples left, he put on his clothes.

Once Carefree Peak is abolished and the Carefree Peak Lord and the others leave, I'll be able to go up and find Little Black Ant.

Little Black Ant, Little Black Ant, you can't escape my grasp.

I, Qin Shou, am determined to get you, and no one can stop me!

Qin Shou clenched his fist, determined to get Little Black Ant!

With the instigation of Beast Taming Peak, the matter spread even more widely.

And Ye Kong's bad reputation became more and more resounding, with all sorts of rumors.

"Carefree Peak has sided with the Demonic Cult. For the safety of the sect, the Carefree Peak Lord should be dismissed!"

The disciples of Heavenly Sword Peak raised a banner, and many people immediately responded.

It wasn't because they hated Carefree Peak so much or loved the sect so much.

It was purely because they had nothing better to do and gathered together to join in the fun.

In addition, many male and female disciples had been humiliated at the Myriad Flowers Gathering, indirectly unable to find Dao partners because of Ye Kong's appearance.

Envy and jealousy drove them crazy.

They were thinking of finding a chance to retaliate against Carefree Peak.

Now that the opportunity had come, they couldn't help but be jealous.

In order to ensure that they could drive away Carefree Peak this time, Heavenly Sword Peak also spent a lot of money to buy a series of lackeys.

The matter spread wider and wider, and gradually reached the ears of Luo Yangtian, the Sect Leader of the Star River Sect.

In the Star River Hall.

Luo Yangtian stood above the Star River, with his hands behind his back, his long hair draped behind him like a waterfall, moving without wind.

His temperament was astonishing, almost like a banished immortal.

"What are they saying outside?" Luo Yangtian asked slowly.

"Sect Leader, the outside is saying that Carefree Peak betrayed the sect and sided with the Demonic Cult, leading to the Demonic Cult's invasion of our Star River Sect," the Great Elder said truthfully.

Luo Yangtian frowned slightly upon hearing this, "Nephew-Master Ye Kong is not that kind of person, he would never betray the sect."

"Second Elder, go and investigate quickly, find out who is causing trouble behind the scenes, slandering Carefree Peak. Once you find out, don't let them off lightly," Luo Yangtian ordered.

The Second Elder, dressed in a green robe, stepped out and cupped his fist, "Yes, sir!"

"Second Elder, manage the sect's internal affairs. This time someone is targeting Carefree Peak, I don't believe you don't know. If the matter hadn't reached me, how long would you have continued to pretend to be ignorant?"

Hearing Luo Yangtian's words, the Second Elder immediately bowed, "Sect Leader, please be aware that your subordinate has been investigating spies within the sect recently and really didn't notice this matter."

"Would he, Ye Kong, collude with the Demonic Cult and harm my Star River Sect?" Luo Yangtian said in a deep voice.

"Your subordinate will investigate immediately!" The Second Elder responded with his head lowered.

Luo Yangtian made this statement in front of all the elders, indicating his attitude to protect Ye Kong.

In fact, Ye Kong's ability to sit firmly in the position of Carefree Peak Lord was also due to Luo Yangtian's support behind the scenes.

Luo Yangtian and Ye Kong's father were once fellow disciples. At that time, Ye Kong's father had been kind to him, so as long as he was here, he would protect Ye Kong for a day.

"You may leave," Luo Yangtian waved his hand.

He was sure that Ye Kong would not betray the sect.

As for the spiritual vein incident, there must be spies within the sect, but that spy could not be Ye Kong.

Luo Yangtian was absolutely certain of this!

The Second Elder cupped his fist in salute, turned around, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and left the Star River Hall.

After he left, the Great Elder, who was standing in the front row, stepped forward and said, "Sect Leader, the Nine Peaks Competition is about to begin."

"If Carefree Peak doesn't get good results, I'm afraid the other Peak Lords will strongly demand that the Sect Leader abolish Carefree Peak."

"I know," Luo Yangtian said indifferently, "I have already found a way out for Nephew-Master Ye Kong."

"If Carefree Peak doesn't get good results by then, then let Ye Kong be the elder of the Scripture Pavilion."

"Sect Leader, the Elder of the Scripture Pavilion requires qualifications and strength, as well as absolute loyalty and contribution to the sect, to be appointed."

"It may not be appropriate for you to promote Ye Kong to Elder of the Scripture Pavilion," the Great Elder said hastily.

"Qualifications? Ye Kong grew up in the Star River Sect since he was a child, and he is more qualified than anyone else. As for strength, wouldn't it be enough if I have it? As for contribution, does receiving the envoy of the Great Yan Kingdom count?"

"But..."

"Don't 'but'. I will decide according to the situation at that time," Luo Yangtian waved his hand and disappeared into the Star River.

The Great Elder sighed and turned to leave.

On Carefree Peak.

Ye Kong, who was sitting by the Bitter Sea fishing, suddenly saw a white figure on the Bitter Sea.

"Uncle-Master Luo," Ye Kong called out and tugged on the fishing line.

"You are quite leisurely," Luo Yangtian said indifferently with his hands behind his back.

"There's nothing I can do," Ye Kong shook his head and sighed.

Fishing every day, Qi Refining +1...

What can I do?

Luo Yangtian heard Ye Kong sigh and lowered his head.

Yes, there's nothing you can do.

Your cultivation is so weak that no matter how you cultivate, it won't improve.

If you don't fish every day, what else can you do?

Alas, it's hard for you too. Your foundation was damaged before you were even born.

But Nephew-Master Ye Kong, you can rest assured that as long as I, Luo Yangtian, am here, I can protect you for a day.

I can even suppress the Ancestor of the Demonic Cult with a flip of my hand. With me here, who dares to deal with you?