Chapter 413 - 207: Where Is the Evidence?
Faced with sudden upheaval, the members of the Daoist Palace showed varying degrees of alarm. Only Li Fanzhou remained calm and composed, and Chu Xuan’s expression was indifferent as they both glanced coldly at the people of the Shangguan family.
Xu Yuanzhi, who naturally had a flushed face, became even redder with anger at this moment:
"Nonsense! What Celestial Evil Demon Venerable, your Shangguan family already acted dishonorably last time, and our sect kindly overlooked it, but who would have thought you’d turn around and bite back."
The cultivators who arrived to watch from afar were abuzz with discussion, "Where is this Celestial Evil Demon Venerable? Who is he? How could he encircle the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace?"
The gray-robed elder paid no attention to Xu Yuanzhi and instead looked sharply like a knife towards Chu Xuan, speaking again:
"At present, it can be confirmed that the Daoist Palace disciple, Chu Xuan, is the Celestial Evil Demon Venerable himself, though whether it is through reincarnation or possessing someone, I do not know."
These words once again shocked everyone, Chu Xuan?! How could it be him?
It was not only outsiders; even the disciples of the Daoist Palace looked at Chu Xuan with shock and suspicion, mostly unwilling to believe in such an absurd situation.
Just then, people from the Purple Heaven Jade Mansion and Li’an Demon Sect hurriedly arrived.
Regardless of whether it was Gu Haitang or Qingqing, their faces were very pale. The proclamation just now, to them, seemed like a death knell targeted toward Chu Xuan.
But how did the Shangguan family suddenly learn of his true identity? And at this moment in time, rally all the sects and factions against him in a united assault...
Meanwhile, more and more cultivators were arriving, after all, almost every nook of the palace had been looted.
Those who entered the Enquiry Palace were even more ill-tempered, finding it empty and devoid of any treasures, not even the most common meditation cushion, which showed how shameless the evil was back in the day.
Upon hearing of the Celestial Evil, they naturally came with resentment.
Even those originally in fierce combat lost interest unless they were sure of claiming rewards before them, most just withdrew to watch who this Celestial Evil Demon Venerable was.
People from the Nine Dragon Sect, who were initially under siege and barely holding on, suddenly felt the pressure lessen significantly, provoking a chorus of curses from the Demon Cultivators across from them.
A man with heterochromatic eyes seized the opportunity to transform into a streak of red light, violently charging through and throwing the enemy into disarray, forcing them to scatter in embarrassment.
The Nine Dragon Sect members breathed a sigh of relief, urging this junior brother to quickly flee, but the man with the unique eyes shook his head, telling his fellow sect members to protect their spoils and leave first. He then resolutely flew towards the main peak.
...
Xu Yuanzhi was full of incredulity, naturally believing the enemy’s "shameless framing" impossible, immediately wanting to retort.
Though Chu Xuan had long been mentally prepared, he still felt uncomfortable at this moment. He did not want to involve his sect and was planning to step out and take on the pressure.
Who would have thought Li Fanzhou would speak leisurely, "Shangguan He, long time no see, you’re still as hasty as ever."
"Today’s events must have been planned for a long time. However, I fail to understand what grudge between the Profound Celestial Sect and the Daoist Palace provoked such a large commotion?"
Faced with this renowned elder, Shangguan He finally showed a serious expression, cupping his hands before speaking:
"Master Li has misunderstood; our sect and family have never had grievances with the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace. The Real Masters of the Daoist Palace have always mended their ways from above, showing compassion below, truly models for our peers."
"But today, unfortunately, Daoist Palace members have been thoroughly deceived by this extremely cunning demon, mistakenly considering him an upright individual worthy of cultivation."
"Little did you know, this villain has long been lurking within the Daoist Palace, honing his claws and fangs. If not eliminated today, he will surely seek revenge in the future!"
At these words, those around cast increasingly suspicious and uncertain looks at Chu Xuan. Logically, the Shangguan family had no need to frame Chu Xuan, even if the wedding incident last time had caused displeasure; there was no need for such drastic measures.
Moreover, everyone knew of the deep grudge between the Profound Celestial Sect and the Celestial Evil Demon Venerable; they would not joke about this and must have some certainty to stand and accuse.
Perhaps they had specifically sent Shangguan Haitang to probe Chu Xuan in preparation for this very day!
In response to Shangguan He’s initial courtesy followed by aggression, Li Fanzhou remained unperturbed, "Do you have evidence?"
"Naturally, we do." Shangguan He, arms crossed, appeared confident.
"Since many fellow cultivators are present today, allow me to start from the beginning..."
"Years ago, the Celestial Evil Demon Venerable met his end at the hands of our family’s Profound Silence True Monarch, an event known to the world. At the time, rumors spread that the Celestial Evil’s soul was shattered, ending any possibility of reincarnation."
"This is the truth; however, there is a slight discrepancy."
"To not undermine the confidence of the righteous, we chose to withhold certain information."
"Although the Celestial Evil perished, several artifacts on him went missing, and while the Primordial Devouring Cauldron was detonated by him, let’s leave that aside, the sacred artifact of the Blood Sect, the Blood God Set, vanished without a trace."
"Furthermore, Profound Silence True Monarch, a mortal enemy of the Celestial Evil, fought many times against him and vaguely sensed a mysterious treasure of terrible power that often saved him from death."
"Yet the Celestial Evil was exceedingly crafty, each time using and disguising it to keep others oblivious of its existence."
"After the Celestial Evil’s demise, this treasure also disappeared from sight, leading our True Monarch to suspect that he might not be entirely dead."