Chapter 2: Observe the Gossip, Keep Your Counsel

Feng Xi blinked. "That’s right! This is the money you used to bribe me into whitewashing Shen Zhilan’s reputation. But since you gave it to me, it’s mine!"

Before the crowd could fully process this, Feng Xi began to spill the beans, recounting the events of that day in rapid-fire succession.

"I have been framed! Heaven is my witness, and the earth shall be my proof! As long as the Hunyuan Sect is willing to produce the recording stone from that day’s trial, the truth will be clear to all. I knew that if I didn't follow Lu Xiu-han’s instructions, my fate would be miserable. But my reputation is more important to me than my life. I would rather die than bear such a false accusation. I implore you, honored seniors, to see justice done for me!"

Lu Xiu-han was stunned. He only realized too late that he had been played by Feng Xi. He had essentially hammered his own coffin shut. Gritting his teeth, he pointed at her: "You’re spouting nonsense! This is slander! I..."

Before he could finish, Feng Xi had already ducked behind Xiao Baidao. "Sect Leader! The people of the Hunyuan Sect are trying to silence me! Save me!"

Xiao Baidao: "..."

Feng Xi poked her little head out from behind Xiao Baidao and said to Lu Xiu-han, "How am I spouting nonsense? You didn't just give me five hundred spirit stones; you also gave me a Spirit Tempering Pill. This is a precious item only available to your inner-circle disciples!" As she spoke, she pulled out a small porcelain bottle and shook it.

Lu Xiu-han’s brain felt like it was buzzing. He had thought Feng Xi’s demand for spirit stones and the pill was born of greed, but it turned out she was digging a pit—a grave to bury him alive!

At this point, Feng Xi had already handed the small porcelain bottle to Xiao Baidao. "Sect Leader, look, this is the Spirit Tempering Pill he gave me! Their master and disciple have certainly spent a fortune trying to whitewash Shen Zhilan! While a top-tier water spirit root is rare, shouldn't moral character be even more important? Take our Xuantian Sect, for example—every one of us is a gentleman of noble character. That is what a prestigious sect should look like!"

Xiao Baidao thought to himself: *Even though your flattery is pleasant to hear, I don't want to get involved in this mess! You keep calling me 'Sect Leader,' forcing my hand!*

Just then, Lu Zhenkuan, the Sect Leader of the Myriad Sword Sect, asked with a smile, "Sect Leader Xiao, is that really a Spirit Tempering Pill? I must say, this little disciple of your Xuantian Sect is quite interesting."

Hu Wankui, the Sect Leader of the Beast Taming Sect, also smiled and said, "Indeed. This young girl is quite spirited despite her youth; that is truly rare! Your Xuantian Sect has found a treasure!"

Xiao Baidao: "..." *Are you all blind or just stupid? I haven't even decided whether to take her in, and you're already drawing conclusions? Besides, what kind of 'treasure' is a little good-for-nothing with a damaged dantian? A bottomless pit for food?*

Xiao Baidao knew exactly what the two were up to—they simply wanted to incite conflict between the Xuantian Sect and the Hunyuan Sect so they could reap the rewards. If he had known this, he would have just watched the show and kept his mouth shut! From this day forward, Sect Leader Xiao adopted a new life motto: *Watch the drama but keep your mouth shut; keep your mouth shut and watch the drama!*

While he hadn't decided on whether to accept Feng Xi, it didn't stop him from wanting to make things difficult for Baili Muchen. That old man had set many traps for his Xuantian Sect in the past; it was time to give him a taste of his own medicine.

He smiled and said, "It is indeed a Spirit Tempering Pill, and the purity is quite good. You should take a look." After passing the bottle to Lu Zhenkuan, he looked at the grim-faced Baili Muchen. "Sect Leader Baili, this little girl is right. As long as your Hunyuan Sect produces the recording stone, the truth will naturally come to light. Why not bring it out so we can all take a look?"

Baili Muchen’s expression darkened further. It wasn't that he was slow to react, but Feng Xi’s wild maneuvers were so unexpected and her pace so fast that he couldn't stop her. Of course, he was also furious with his beloved second disciple. *Stupid as a pig!*

He steadied himself and said with a forced smile, "Sect Leader Xiao, this Feng Xi is a habitual liar and prone to sophistry. Her words cannot be trusted."

Xiao Baidao laughed. "Sect Leader Baili, are you trying to avoid the main issue? Just bring out the recording stone and let us see it!"

Lu Zhenkuan and Hu Wankui chimed in: "That’s right, Sect Leader Baili. When all is said and done, the recording stone is the key. Since Shen Zhilan is innocent, what are you afraid of?"

"Exactly! As long as you produce the stone, we'll know immediately if Feng Xi's words are true or false."

Baili Muchen gritted his teeth and looked at Elder Ge of the Law Enforcement Hall. "Elder Ge, bring the recording stone from that day!"

Elder Ge looked ashamed. "Sect Leader, because of improper handling by the disciples, the recording stone used that day has been damaged. But I can testify that Shen Zhilan is innocent; this entire affair is Feng Xi’s own doing!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xi’s voice trembled. "The key evidence, the recording stone, is destroyed? Then what happens to my innocence? Do you expect me to carry this stigma for the rest of my life?! Either let me confront Shen Zhilan face-to-face, or your Hunyuan Sect must compensate me. Otherwise, I will die right here today and I will not let this go!"

Baili Muchen’s face was as cold as water, and he regretted his actions so much his guts felt twisted. If he had known, he never would have let this Feng Xi come here. Now, he had made a mess of things—how was he supposed to end this? A face-to-face confrontation was impossible, as he knew the truth perfectly well.

He gave Elder Ge a meaningful look. Elder Ge understood and said to Feng Xi, "What happened that day is already a settled matter; there is no need to waste everyone’s time. However, it is indeed the Law Enforcement Hall’s responsibility that the stone was not preserved properly. How about this: we waive your exit fee for leaving the sect, and provide an additional five hundred spirit stones as compensation. Let us consider this matter closed."

Feng Xi smiled. She pointed to her lower abdomen and said, "My dantian is ruined, and my life is ruined. Is my entire future only worth one thousand spirit stones? Elder Ge, ask your conscience—don't you think you are bullying me too much?"

The moment Xiao Baidao heard the mention of spirit stones, he perked up! "Ahem, this young girl is right. Your Hunyuan Sect is wealthy and powerful; offering only one thousand spirit stones is far too stingy! Feng Xi, name your price, and I will back you up!"

Feng Xi’s eyes flickered; it seemed she had bet correctly. She held up one finger to Elder Ge.

Xiao Baidao thought to himself, *This little girl is quite bold; she’s aiming for a hundred thousand spirit stones!*

Then, he heard Feng Xi say: "One hundred million!"

Pfft!

Xiao Baidao spat out all the tea he had in his mouth!