42: Chapter 41: Bluffing Through 42: Chapter 41: Bluffing Through Zheng Senior Brother arrived.

The scene was in chaos with two confronting sides, and a body lay across the middle.

This was the worst situation, affecting his career evaluation.

A characteristic of the Quanzhen Sect was that no one idled; cultivation and tasks were handled concurrently.

It wasn’t possible to spend days meditating in the Cave Mansion.

Everyone held a position.

Cultivation meant engagement with the world, and engagement with the world was cultivation.

Promotion was based on two principles: advancement in realm or effective handling of tasks.

Advancing in realm was not easy, but being diligent was entirely achievable, which could at least secure a position with more benefits, significance, or relaxation.

Now, his two years of hard work at the outer court were destroyed.

He had already reached the Bridge Connection Realm, and he wondered if this incident would impact the resources available to him when he attempted to ascend to the Upper Realm?

He went immediately to the body.

A mere touch confirmed it was beyond saving.

The heart had been cut in half, and a major artery was also severed.

Although there wasn’t much bleeding at the scene, the blood was trapped inside the body…

This was the work of a seasoned murderer!

It only took a few words to understand the whole story.

No one dared to panic here, as everything could be traced back.

The only way they could justify themselves was through their mental state, for example, claiming they were just joking, not deliberately causing trouble or breaking into a residence forcefully.

Zheng Senior Brother watched the perpetrator coldly.

He truly hadn’t expected such a seemingly gentle and polite person, who knew the rules, to act so ruthlessly, leaving no margin for error.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

Hou Niao bowed respectfully, “As per the severe code, breaking into a residence holding a weapon, and not heeding warnings, I had the right to defend myself.

I gave three warnings and sent a distress talisman immediately; I’ve said what needed to be said and done what had to be done.

There was no way back for me, I hope senior brother can see the truth!”

Zheng Senior Brother felt infuriated but knew he couldn’t lose his temper now.

As more and more cultivators gathered around, everything he did was a representation of the Quanzhen Sect’s face.

He couldn’t afford to give these arrogant folks any excuse, nor appear incompetent in front of his masters.

He turned to look at the group involved in the drinking, “You trespassed into someone else’s home.

I don’t care if it was a joke or you were just passing by; you caused this incident.

I will report everything that happened today as a reference for your admission.

Now, disperse.”

Though he was only a cultivator of the Bridge Connection Realm, barely one or two small realms higher than those present, the gap in strength might not have been so great.

Yet, he now represented the Quanzhen Sect, and no one dared challenge that.

He pointed at Hou Niao, “You, come with me back!”

The two went, one after the other, under the gazes of the onlookers, back to the affairs office of the outer court.

Zheng Senior Brother brewed himself a cup of tea, pondering how to deal with this matter.

Hou Niao stood upright without speaking much, just watching Zheng Senior Brother flipping through the files, no doubt his case.

After a long time, Zheng Senior Brother finally let out a long sigh, closed the file, and scoffed,

“Criminal Investigation?

Convicted for murder in broad daylight?

It seems you knowingly broke the law, and you’re a repeated offender!”

He leaned back in his chair, “Now, tell me, how should I deal with you?”

Hou Niao seriously suggested, “You can’t deal with me, as we’re not yet members of the sect, but just caught up in Jianghu feuds and disputes typical among loose cultivators.

My suggestion would be to clearly inform the outer court cultivators to rectify their conduct and use this incident as a positive teaching example.

At the same time, promote quality education among new disciples after they join, we learn from the past, prevent future mistakes, and cure and save people.”

Zheng Senior Brother stared at him; not only was this man a violent offender, but he was also a legalistic schemer!

This indeed was a good approach, perhaps not completely absolving him of his supervisory negligence, but it would minimize the impact of this incident and might even earn him appreciation from his superiors for handling the situation flexibly.

However, he didn’t want this man to get off so easily, appearing as if he was justified in killing.

The Demon Sect didn’t care about killings but valued internal harmony greatly.

“A fly does not bite a seamless egg.

Why would these people specifically target you?

I think there are discrepancies in your story!

It can’t be that you’re entirely blameless!”

Hou Niao softly said, “Senior brother, they weren’t looking for me; they were after Xiaojie Xiao!

I didn’t say it at the time because I feared it would tarnish the reputation of the outer brigands and yours…”

The relocation of Xiaojie Xiao was coordinated by this very Zheng Senior Brother.

It was obvious there must have been some relations at play, thus his brazen confidence.

Indeed, upon hearing the real target of these people, Zheng Senior Brother almost couldn’t keep his composure, “Really?”

Hou Niao nodded, “Really!

The reason Xiaojie Xiao left that residence initially, I suppose, was because she sensed something but was too embarrassed to make it public.

They are from a prominent family, where reputation is crucial, and as a result, I ended up carrying the blame.

Isn’t that unjust?”

Zheng Senior Brother finally had a clear understanding of the situation.

Naturally, he had some connections with the Dugu Family, so it was tricky to clarify his role in this matter.

Fortunately, those involved would not voluntarily come forward, and knowing the importance, Hou Niao…

“You were still too impulsive…”

Hou Niao admitted his fault, “Yes, I was too impulsive then.

I didn’t have many options, and you were still on your way…”

Zheng Senior Brother thought it over and realized that the legalistic schemer’s proposal was actually the best solution.

Who cares about the dead?

As long as those alive are well, that’s what truly matters.

“Hou Niao, which master did you meet when you were crossing the barrier?”

Hou Niao replied with respect, “It was Li Chuping, the Capital Commandant.”

Zheng Senior Brother recalled, wasn’t it Daoist Wang who had personally delivered him?

The ones responsible for the major recruitment of the Quanzhen Sect at Da Feng Plain were the three leaders: Magistrate You Sunzhi, Officer Gao Jianli, and Capital Commandant Li Chuping.

Although Li was technically last among the three, he had strong backing and controlled a bureau with internal oversight powers, not someone to offend easily.

Indeed, he had backed a strong patron!

The three were the main officials, yet they hardly participated in the disciples’ evaluations.

The Quanzhen Sect in Jin City had more Upper Cultivators than just these three, so as it was Li who had personally approved, it was essential to consider the handling method to avoid offending someone unknowingly.

This is the reality of the Quanzhen Sect of the True Demon Sect; they maintain a strong connection with the mortal world, ensuring the government has strong enforcement capabilities.

Of course, there are many drawbacks to this, but that’s a story for another time.

In controlling the trends of the Mortal World, the Demon Sect indeed didn’t handle it as effortlessly as the Daoist Sect, representing a difference in philosophy.

Ordinary mortals accepted the Daoist approach more readily.

Wearily, he waved his hand, “Go back now, I need to think this over more.”