Invincible Soul Emperor

Yan Lao’s gaze was resolute as he slowly spoke, "Family Head, this is precisely what we Secret Realm Guardians are concerned about. The reason the Energy Core has become this way is because it suffered a powerful external attack, and this attack originated from the means of the Xue Family. During our investigation in the Secret Realm, we discovered traces of damage to the Energy Core and traced the source of the Demonic Qi."

Elder Gui let out a cold snort and continued, "The power of the guardians within our Secret Realm relies on this Energy Core for maintenance. If it weren’t for someone deliberately causing this, it wouldn’t be so easily tainted by Demonic Qi. All of this is because Xue Wei used improper means, causing the Energy Core to be damaged."

The Family Head’s expression grew more solemn upon hearing this, and he once again looked at Xue Wei.

His eyes carried a hint of suspicion and mistrust: "Xue Wei, you must give us a reasonable explanation. What exactly happened after you entered the Secret Realm?"

Xue Wei’s face turned pale, and beads of sweat seeped from his forehead.

Yet he forced himself to remain composed, defending himself: "Family Head, elders, this must be a misunderstanding! How could I possibly have Demonic Qi on me? This type of Demonic Qi clearly isn’t something an ordinary person could apply, I simply don’t have such ability!"

His gaze flickered as he tried to find loopholes: "I entered the Secret Realm just for the task, I’ve never tampered with the Energy Core. You know the Energy Core is the Supreme Treasure of our Xue Family, how could ordinary clan members like me easily access it? Furthermore, there are so many Guardians in the Secret Realm, how could I possibly carry out such actions under their watchful eyes?"

Xue Wei’s voice was somewhat rapid, carrying a trace of unease: "Elder, look, the Demonic Qi on the Energy Core is so dense, clearly accumulated over a long period. And my stay in the Secret Realm was so short, there’s no chance for me to tamper with it. Someone must be deliberately framing me, trying to destroy my reputation and take away my rightful Saint Position!"

He looked at the Family Head, a glimpse of plea flashing in his eyes: "Family Head, you know I’ve been loyal and devoted since childhood, contributing greatly to the Xue Family. How could I commit such treacherous acts? These accusations are unfounded, you cannot doubt my loyalty because of these baseless claims."

The Family Head’s gaze swept between Xue Wei and Elder Gui, his expression complex.

He took a deep breath, asking in a deep voice: "Xue Wei, if you truly are innocent, then prove your innocence with facts. Can you explain how the Demonic Qi ended up on the Energy Core?"

Xue Wei forced himself to stay calm, meeting the Family Head’s gaze, his voice firm: "Family Head, I dare swear by the heavens, I’ve never tampered with the Energy Core, nor could I possibly have Demonic Qi. This must be someone setting a trap to frame me, wanting to seize my Saint Position."

Yan Lao coldly chuckled, retrieving a severely damaged piece of Xue Family attire from his bosom, displaying it to everyone present.

The original color of this clothing was the unique pure white of the Xue Family, yet now it was torn and almost unrecognizable, the fabric stained with dust and blood, the edges frayed, appearing extremely worn-out.

On this piece of damaged clothing, the characteristic Xue Family patterns are still visible, even in its severely damaged state, it retains its distinctive markings.

Some parts of the clothing are torn beyond recognition, clearly having undergone violent struggle or attack.

The mottled bloodstains and mud on the cloth show that this garment once went through a fierce battle.

Yan Lao held the garment high, ensuring everyone present could clearly see it: "Family Head, elders, look at this clothing. Although I didn’t personally witness the attacker’s appearance, I can be very certain this piece of clothing is worn by someone from your Xue Family. Such marks and stains are absolutely not something a foreigner could fabricate."

He gave a cold glance at Xue Wei below, his tone filled with disdain: "Your Xue Family has specific attire, the markings and scars on this garment indicate the attacker must be someone from the Xue Family. Xue Wei, do you still want to quibble? Your aura matches perfectly with these damaged clothes, suggesting you very well might be the attacker."

Upon seeing this, Xue Wei’s face turned increasingly grim, an anxiety surged within him.

He suddenly stepped forward, his voice carrying a slight tremor but still trying to maintain composure: "Yan Lao, what are you doing? The clothing you are displaying, everyone in the Xue Family has similar attire, why suspect it’s me who did it?"

He stared hard at Yan Lao, raising his voice a bit: "Xue Family attire is all the same, just because I’ve worn such clothing doesn’t mean you should link this damaged piece to me. Your suspicion is baseless, I never acted!"

A hint of urgency flashed in Xue Wei’s eyes, his tone becoming firmer.

"Family Head, elders, you know I spent a very short time in the Secret Realm, impossible to do these things in that time. The scars and Demonic Qi on this clothing are not my doing. I have already proven my innocence, yet you are accusing me without basis, which is utterly absurd!"

He turned to the Family Head, his voice full of accusation: "Family Head, don’t you think it’s too unfair to treat me like this? The Demonic Qi and scars on this clothing might have nothing to do with me, you shouldn’t judge me guilty based on this. The loyalty and contribution I’ve given to the Xue Family, is it all negated because of this small matter?"

The audience below once again fell into discussion, some felt Xue Wei’s defense made sense, while others believed his explanation seemed somewhat feeble. The Family Head’s expression grew increasingly complex, realizing more detailed investigation was needed to make a final decision.

Elder Gui stood aside, his face somber, eyes burning with anger.

His eyebrows furrowed tightly, a cold smile curled at the corners of his mouth, seemingly suppressing a kind of uncontainable rage.

He cursed quietly, "This kid is really good at arguing!"

He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice from being overly influenced by emotion, but still couldn’t hide his rage: "It’s infuriating, this level of disputation is utterly nauseating. He actually dares to repeatedly deny his crimes, and attempts to confuse the audience."

Elder Gui’s voice was deep and hoarse, every word filled with intense anger.

"Clearly, the evidence is right in front of us, yet he’s stubbornly denying to this extent, truly infuriating. Does he really think these disguised excuses can cover up his crimes?"

His slightly trembling finger pointed at Xue Wei, his tone filled with helplessness and anger.

"Such a person is truly shameless, not only harming us without any guilt but also so shamelessly defending themselves, truly disgusting."