Chapter 692.2: It''s Merely Schemes and Intrigues - Part 2

At that moment, daoists from all directions in the temple began to gather. They arrived before the ancient pine, and upon witnessing the scene, the elder daoists bowed and asked, "Temple Master, what has happened?"

Daoist Yinli said nothing, but soon, someone stepped forward to recount everything that had transpired. It was a daoist who had been hiding in the shadows, never revealing himself until now. He had recorded the entire event using a secret technique.

Upon learning the full story, the gathered daoists had extremely complicated expressions.

"According to the temple''s rules, Yun Jianyue''s audacity in attempting to assassinate the Temple Master warrants execution."

A daoist spoke indifferently, his voice devoid of emotion.

Based on the events that had unfolded, Yun Jianyue had indeed attempted to kill Daoist Yinli. No matter how one looked at it, such an act was inexcusable.

Yet, many elderly daoists who had long admired Yun Jianyue found themselves struggling with the decision as they looked at the severely injured Yun Jianyue.

He was a rare genius of Daoism. If nothing unexpected happened, he was bound to one day reach the end of Nepenthe and become a great daoist sage.

If he were executed today, it would be an immense loss for the Infatuation Daoist Temple.

"Temple Master... Yun Jianyue must have been momentarily misled, and deceived by slanderous words. I watched this child grow up, he would never normally act in such a way... I implore Temple Master to investigate this matter and grant him a lighter punishment in consideration of his youth."

One of the elderly daoists finally spoke, unable to bear seeing Yun Jianyue die like this.

"Youth? Does being young mean he can recklessly attempt to assassinate the Temple Master?" "In my opinion, no matter one''s status, committing such an act must be punished according to the temple''s rules. If we do not uphold them, then what purpose do the temple''s rules serve?"

A voice rang out from the crowd, it came from the younger disciples who had hurried over. The one who had spoken was none other than Yu Lu, who had recently gained some renown in the temple.

As soon as Yu Lu spoke, a group of young disciples immediately echoed his sentiments, all expressing their agreement with Yu Lu''s point of view.

The elderly daoist''s expression became ugly as he looked at Yu Lu. On any other day, an ordinary disciple like Yu Lu would have been harshly reprimanded for speaking out of turn. How was this a time and place for a junior to voice his opinions?

However, he also knew that Yu Lu was the Temple Master''s Dao attendant and naturally could not say anything to reprimand him. Moreover, other than Yu Lu, many other young disciples also supported enforcing the temple''s rules to punish Yun Jianyue.

"Temple Master, Senior Brother Yun lost his head for a moment and committed this grave mistake. Temple Master is benevolent, please be merciful!"

A group of young disciples who were usually close to Yun Jianyue stepped forward and knelt on one knee before Daoist Yinli, pleading for leniency on Yun Jianyue''s behalf.

Ye Zhihua had also arrived in the distance but did not step forward. She just watched from a distance.

It was unknown what this other half of the Twin Pillars of Daoism was thinking.

Yu Lu spoke up again, "Temple Master, if Yun Jianyue is not punished, then what is the point of the temple''s rules? Would the past temple masters, watching from the heavens, simply allow the temple''s rules to be discarded?"

Daoist Yinli spoke calmly and turned his gaze toward an unassuming middle-aged daoist among the crowd.

That daoist was Daoist Shouyi, a trusted confidant of Daoist Yinli. He currently oversaw the Disciplinary Hall and held a considerable position within the temple.

Hearing Daoist Yinli mention his own injuries, some cultivators were shocked. They had not expected that Yun Jianyue, who had only just stepped into the Nepenthe Realm, could actually wound Daoist Yinli. Such cultivation was exceedingly rare.

This only reaffirmed to most people that the decision made today was the right one.

Once the crowd had dispersed, the black ox emerged from the shadows, grinning as it said, “Truly a brilliant move, Sage. Not only did you deal with Yun Jianyue, but you also won over the hearts of the people. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!”

Daoist Yinli remained silent, merely closing his eyes to rest. Seeing this, the black ox knew better than to continue speaking and soon withdrew with disgruntlement.

Not long after, Yu Lu arrived, limping slightly. He had changed into a fresh daoist robe, but his complexion was pale, clearly showing signs of injury.

This was normal, after all, the Bone Corrosive Whip was not something an ordinary person could endure.

He slowly knelt before Daoist Yinli without speaking.

Daoist Yinli was not in a hurry to speak either. He just flicked his fingers, sending a single pill falling before Yu Lu.

Yu Lu cupped the pill with both hands, swallowed it without hesitation, and then kowtowed in gratitude. “Many thanks for the medicine, Temple Master.”

Daoist Yinli said coolly, “I never instructed you to act as you did. Why did you take matters into your own hands?”

He was referring to Yu Lu speaking out earlier.

Yu Lu straightened up, wincing from the pain. “Since Temple Master had such intentions, naturally, this disciple had to put on a convincing act. Otherwise, how would they come to feel gratitude and loyalty toward Temple Master?"

“You truly are sharp-witted. Not bad, I was not mistaken about you.”

Daoist Yinli spoke calmly, revealing his appreciation.

“Since I''m Temple Master''s Dao attendant, it is only right that I consider Temple Master''s interests in all things.”

After taking the medicinal pill, Yu Lu felt much better, his eyes filled with gratitude.

“Yun Jianyue is now imprisoned in the Soul Locking Prison. Keep a close watch on him, make sure he doesn''t escape. Most of the people in this temple are his friends.”

Daoist Yinli tossed over a waist token. “Take this. It will grant you free access to the Soul Locking Prison.”