CHAPTER 2077: CHAPTER 2075: IT CAN’T BE HIM

The Second Elder gritted his teeth. He couldn’t allow the clan to use the Soul Searching Technique on that person. He originally had some suspicion that Bai Ruozhu was bluffing him, but since the Bai family hadn’t been poisoned by the Mandala Flower Powder, perhaps they had already taken precautions.

He was indeed careless.

"My body is fine, and the clan’s affairs need someone to oversee them. We certainly cannot allow certain people to harm our clan members," the Second Elder said through gritted teeth, implying that Bai Ruozhu and his family shouldn’t harm "innocent" people. Unfortunately, the Third Elder seized upon this statement, sneering, "The Second Elder is right; we cannot allow anyone to poison my two children. Are they not members of the Jiuli?"

Before the trial, the clan elders were not particularly fond of Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zepei. Aside from those close to the Second Elder who disliked them, only Elder Su and the Third Elder considered them as insiders. However, times had changed. The two had performed so well that there was no reason for the elders to abandon them.

"Ask the doctor to check the well water at Jiao Yunyun’s house," the Third Elder ordered. The doctor immediately followed the command, but the Second Elder countered, "She is skilled at using poison; maybe she poisoned the water herself."

"We are already tense from participating in the trial. How could we have the energy to plot against others? Besides, we are newcomers here and have no grievances with anyone. Why expend energy to harm him?" Bai Ruozhu retorted.

The Second Elder thought to himself, haven’t you plotted? If you hadn’t, how could you appear so ghostly?

Bai Zepei narrowed his eyes slightly. He now found it not difficult to attack the Second Elder, especially given the Second Elder’s injuries. As long as he used the same means as he did against Fo Lanying, the Second Elder would fall unconscious.

But in the end, he suppressed his anger. If he acted now, with so many elders watching, even if he was justified, it would seem otherwise.

"Let’s go to find the person Ruozhu said was the poisoner. If he’s innocent, let Ruozhu compensate him for his losses," the Third Elder declared decisively.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Bai Ruozhu naturally had no objections. She didn’t even need to resort to the Soul Searching Technique; the poison in her hands could make him speak the truth. But she didn’t want to use that drug lightly, and after all, she had just arrived here. How could she prove that her drug would make someone speak the truth rather than confusing them?

Rapidly, Bai Ruozhu found the house of the alleged poisoner and pointed at the dilapidated wooden door.

All the elders furrowed their brows, seemingly surprised that the house belonged to the poisoner.

Jiao Ling also frowned. Truth be told, they had never clearly seen the face of the poisoner, who appeared at midnight with a covered head. If not for Bai Ruozhu having a way to find him, she would never have thought of this person.

Seeing Bai Ruozhu’s family confused, she took the initiative to say, "The person living here is called Xin Sheng. He lives here alone. Over twenty years ago, his wife died in childbirth, leaving a son. Unfortunately, the son died outside while adventuring a few years ago. He’s quite a lonely and pitiful person, but he’s very good-natured, often playing with children in the clan, helping others in times of need, and never getting into conflicts..."

As Jiao Ling spoke, she felt a bit guilty. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe her niece, but she worried there might be some misunderstanding? After all, Xin Sheng had helped her family many times.

"How could Xin Sheng harm you? Everyone knows he’s a good man," the Second Elder scoffed.

Bai Ruozhu squinted, realizing that they had indeed left a backup plan, setting up such a good man, making her words hard to believe.

Besides, Xin Sheng had no enmity with them.

"Ruozhu, a few years ago, Xin Sheng fell seriously ill from his son’s death, and his Divine Sense was damaged. He can’t continue practicing martial arts and is really not suitable for the Soul Searching Technique," Elder Su sighed beside her, reminding.

The Soul Searching Technique does have some harm, especially to those with unstable souls; it might directly turn them into a fool.

The Second Elder felt a sense of triumph. He had worried the clan wouldn’t care about Xin Sheng’s safety. Now it seemed choosing Xin Sheng, that good man, was the right decision after all.

Thinking this way, he felt much better, even his body felt lighter.

"Ruozhu, could there be other variables inside?" Jiao Ling asked worriedly.

"Let’s check inside to find out. Don’t worry, I won’t act recklessly," Bai Ruozhu said, casting a glance at her brother, seeing that if he dared forcibly use the Soul Searching Technique, it would definitely provoke the elders’ anger.

The elders nodded, thinking there might be others inside. How could they clarify the truth without checking?

Just then, the door suddenly opened, revealing Xin Sheng’s surprised face. "I thought I heard something outside. What brings the elders to find me?"

Bai Ruozhu glanced at him. The man was infected with her specially-made poison, and his physique was identical to the poisoner. Who else could it be?

Someone explained the situation to Xin Sheng, who calmly responded, "I’m open to inspection; you can search the room."

"It’s probably a misunderstanding. We don’t mean to suspect you," the Tenth Elder quickly said, feeling uneasy.

The other elders chimed in, then all simultaneously looked at Bai Ruozhu.

Bai Ruozhu smiled, saying, "The opponent is cunning; it seems I was misled, sorry for troubling you, Senior Xin."

She said this while clasping her hands in a formal bow. Xin Sheng warmly replied, "It’s nothing, just a misunderstanding."

Since Bai Ruozhu said so, everyone bid farewell and left. The Second Elder deliberately asked, "Didn’t you say there was a poisoner? Where are they?"

Bai Ruozhu glared at him viciously, "With no more clues, we must investigate slowly."

"So, you just say and unsay things at will, playing us all for fools?" the Second Elder pressed aggressively.

"Second Elder, there is no need for this. Investigations have hurdles, and I’ll assign someone to continue the search. No need for your intervention," Elder Su directly retorted.

"Su Hongshen, don’t overdo it!" the Second Elder yelled, glaring.

"Do you think Jiuli follows only your word, Fo Hui?" The Third Elder stepped forward, saying.

Seeing another argument brewing, the other elders quickly intervened to mediate. Observing the danger averted, the Second Elder flicked his sleeves and left.

Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zepei, exhausted from the day, saluted the elders and returned home with their family.

"Little sister, was it him?" Bai Zepei immediately asked upon arriving home.

Bai Ruozhu nodded, "But we can’t act against him. The evidence is just our statement. I’ll think of another way to investigate."

"Alright, if all else fails, we’ll secretly use the Soul Searching Technique on him," Bai Zepei responded coldly, resolute not to spare anyone who harms his family.

"Not yet. If he becomes idiotic, the Second Elder will seize this opportunity against us," Bai Ruozhu shook her head.

Bai Zepei suddenly regretted claiming that he could use the Soul Searching Technique alone.