If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1275 Teaching Yu Fengxian to Understand Reverence
Ying Ziying circulated his internal energy, his voice low yet resonant throughout the entire garden.

"Silence! Don't make a fuss! Young Master Furong has been arrested by the Grand Tutor. The truth will soon come to light. If you are truly unrelated to this case, the Grand Tutor and I will not wrong an innocent person."

The garden immediately fell silent.

Grand Tutor Yu looked around and saw that everyone was staring at her expectantly.

"Set up the table and conduct a public trial of Qinglian Sun, also known as Young Master Furong, tonight. After the trial, those unrelated to the case will be released on the spot. Anyone who is Qinglian Sun's accomplice will naturally be punished according to the law," she said.

Ying Ziying winked at his son beside him.

The two young masters immediately led their guards and quickly transformed the banquet hall into a courtroom.

Ziying pointed to the detained suspects and introduced them to Grand Tutor Yu one by one.

There was Qinglan, the host of this poetry gathering; talented men and beautiful women, chivalrous ladies and fairies, who participated in the poetry competition; there were also ordinary spectators; and there was also a white-haired scholar in charge of commenting.

The young lady, Qinglan, was dressed in a light blue palace gown. She was a stunningly beautiful woman. Slender and graceful, with an elegant demeanor and a refined, scholarly air, she possessed a refined and scholarly air.

She appears delicate yet is exceptionally resilient; her appearance and demeanor alone create a striking contrast.

She was one of the Eight Beauties of Xianyang, and is considered one of the eight most famous courtesans in China.

As for the talented men and beautiful women, heroes and fairies who participated in the poetry gathering, they were either from noble families or were renowned heroes.

Due to the large number of foreign merchants traveling to and from Xianyang, many talented men and beautiful women from abroad have also received invitations tonight.

Although there were no celestial beings present, there were seven or eight true immortals.

As Grand Tutor Yu scanned them one by one, they all looked at her with complicated expressions.

It was mostly filled with awe and hope, but also with trepidation and unease.

There were also a few foreign "fairies" with burning eyes, some of whom seemed eager to try and get closer to her.

One of the women, who appeared to be in her early twenties, possessed a beautiful and radiant face, almost comparable to Qinglan. She also carried an aura that Grand Tutor Yu vaguely recognized.

As Grand Tutor Yu, with his hair tied up with a wooden hairpin and a bare face, walked over surrounded by noble ladies in fine clothes, her expression was the most complicated.

Grand Tutor Yu looked over curiously. Her lips moved a few times, then she shrank back with shame and quickly lowered her head.

This left Grand Tutor Yu somewhat bewildered.

However, she didn't think much of it.

Because of the many beautifully made-up women present, including Qinglan, their gazes toward her were particularly complex.

Six parts reverence mixed with four parts admiration, admiration mixed with some jealousy, and jealousy mixed with a bit of self-consciousness. Who knows how many kinds of thoughts could be analyzed in the hearts of these girls?

If things had turned out the same as when he first entered Xianyang, Grand Tutor Yu would not have mingled with this group of "young talents and beautiful women".

Even then, they were no longer on the same level.

Only when she first arrived in China would she be able to enthusiastically participate in poetry gatherings and garden parties of nobles from the Central Plains.

Then, at the gathering, I talked and interacted with them, and perhaps I even developed genuine friendships with a few of the boys and girls.

Just like back in Tianmen Town.

The things that Grand Tutor Yu is considering now are on a completely different level from what they usually think and do, and there is already a huge "generation gap".

I can't say anything.

"Release them, and remove their chains and shackles," Grand Tutor Yu said calmly.

All those involved in the case first got up and tidied their hair and clothes. Once they were properly dressed, they respectfully knelt down and thanked the "Grand Tutor for his great kindness."

Grand Tutor Yu simply nodded casually in response.

After the courtroom was set up, she sat on the "real Grand Master's Chair" specially prepared by Ziying's son.

“Ziying, just like last time, you, the magistrate of Xianyang, will be the one to judge the case.”

Ziying stepped closer to the grand chair, lowered his head, and asked in a low voice, "What is the general procedure?"

Xiao Yu winked at Xiao Linzi, who then put his mouth close to Zi Ying's ear and quickly and in detail recounted what had happened at the Black Ice Platform.

With a clear understanding in mind, Ziying straightened his clothes and gestured to the guards to remove the "seal" from Qinglian Sun's mouth—the boots wrapped in cloth socks.

"Grand Tutor Yu, this isn't Xianyang Palace, so this can't be considered a public trial!" Qinglian Sun cried out.

Those involved in the case glared at him angrily.

Grand Tutor Yu said, "This is the crime scene. Hundreds of people witnessed you committing the murder."

To appease the spirit of the Grand Commandant in heaven, it is only right that you be executed immediately.

I only agreed to give you a chance to undergo a public trial because you did provide a lot of useful information.

"Now the opportunity is before you. If you don't take it, you'll be dragged to the Grand Commandant's mourning hall and skinned alive."

"What's the point of a public trial? This scoundrel killed the Grand Commandant, we witnessed it with our own eyes, the evidence is irrefutable."

"This thief's crimes are heinous; even being torn to pieces would be too lenient," a noble young man from Xianyang cried out in anguish.

"First, slice him into a thousand pieces, then cast his soul into the deepest hell!"

Many people echoed his sentiments.

"Shut up!" Ziying shouted.

"Young Master Furong, do you believe you are guilty of heinous crimes and are willing to immediately submit to the law, or do you feel wronged and want to plead your case?"

"I'm innocent!" Qinglian Sun cried out hurriedly, "I'm not the mastermind! I'm just skilled in earth-遁术 (earth-遁术 is a type of magic that allows one to escape from the earth), so I accepted the immortal's mission, disguised myself as the Hibiscus Prince, deliberately flattered Miss Qinglan, instigated her to hold this poetry gathering, and took the opportunity to assassinate the Grand Commandant."

But I have no personal grudge against the Grand Commandant.”

Under the fearful and resentful gaze of Qinglan, Qinglian Sun recounted his origins and background in front of everyone.

He explained it in great detail, but spoke very slowly.

Grand Tutor Yu did not urge him, letting him deliberately delay.

Just as Ying Ziying was publicly trying Qinglian Sun, a cloud of auspiciousness appeared on Mount Hua.

The dwarf-like "Deer Cauldron Immortal" sighed, "Yin Yinzi, the people you arranged have all failed."

The assassins who tried to kill Li Si were detected before they could even get close. The assassins who tried to kill the Grand Commandant were captured by Yu Fengxian.

They are now publicly revealing our plans.

Although this trial was not held in broad daylight, but publicly in the Xianyang Palace, the Peacock Garden still housed hundreds of nobles and cultivators, as well as tens of thousands of Qin soldiers.

In particular, those elderly Confucian scholars who were on good terms with the Imperial Censor and participated in the poetry and prose critique together.

Two of the famous Four Recluses of Shangshan went.

They must be extremely angry and disgusted with us for orchestrating all of this.

Who knows how they'll write this story in their 'travelogue' when they get home!
"There will definitely be bad things to say; we'll be infamous for eternity again!"

Opposite the dwarf was a great immortal, a tall, thin old Taoist priest in black robes.

It was as if a robe woven from the night was wide and long, covering his body.

A large hood covered his face, and he was completely hidden in the shadows.

“My plan is sound. To destroy the Great Qin, we must first eliminate the ‘Three Dukes of Great Qin.’ This was originally the will of Heaven, but Yu Fengxian has altered it.”

Isn't it our mission to guide destiny back to the right path?
Qinglian Sun at least killed Guowei Liao. As for Li Si... alas, Xingyang has hundreds of thousands of troops, and the patrols are too strict. Li Si also has several immortals protecting him.

If I had to point out a mistake, it would only be that I misjudged him and overestimated Qinglian Sun's integrity.

"To be so afraid of death is unheard of," Yin Yinzi said in a somber voice. Lu Dingxian shook his head and said, "Replacing Qinglian Sun with someone else wouldn't change the outcome."

Whoever falls into Yu Fengxian's hands will behave honestly and beg for survival.

Yu Fengxian's methods and reputation for interrogating immortals are known to everyone in the Three Realms.

All Qi cultivators understand one thing—once captured by Yu Fengxian, the best choice is to confess everything.

Moreover, the Qi cultivator Fu Longting originally intended to use the Qi of humanity to cleanse his sins.

For them, survival is the top priority.

If they all perish, what meaning will it have for them who rules China in the future?

Yin Yinzi said, "We must have a long-term perspective. If we die now to uphold righteousness, the new emperor will surely offer sacrifices to Heaven to comfort us when he ascends the throne."

Even if one is reborn and begins anew, one will not lack blessings or divine favor.

Lu Dingxian asked, "If you were captured by Yu Fengxian, would you grit your teeth and bravely face death, or struggle to survive?"

"Yu Fengxian, you want to capture me? Are you kidding me?" Yin Yinzi chuckled coldly and said, "If she had given us a chance, such as attacking Shenzhou Qianlong, I would have stepped in and killed her directly. Do you believe me?"

"In terms of cultivation and supernatural powers alone, she is indeed quite far behind us now."

But she's quite eccentric; she also possesses several powerful magical artifacts, such as the Golden Dragon Scissors.

If she takes the initiative someday in the future, I probably won't dare to make a move.

If you, fellow Daoist, wish to be number one, we would be more than happy to oblige.

Lu Dingxian's eyes brightened, and a hint of anticipation appeared on his face.

Yin Yinzi said irritably, "I'm not stupid. If she takes the initiative, she must have some trump card up her sleeve."

Dealing with her is a task for all of us. Why should I risk my life alone?

"If that's the case, why do you blame Qinglian Sun Ximing?" Lu Dingxian rolled his eyes.

Yin Yinzi said, "Can Qinglian Sun and the others be compared to us? They are not even immortals."

Accumulating good deeds in this life will bring even greater blessings in the next. At least he kept it a secret, and I will owe him a great karmic debt. I will definitely help him in the next life.

It hasn't been easy for us to get to where we are today.

If one's life and death are extinguished in this lifetime, one may completely lose the opportunity to attain the Great Luo Dao.

"This is a path to enlightenment; I can walk it, and so can others. If I die halfway there, those who follow will surely swarm to my side."

Lu Dingxian said, "I completely agree with what you said, but Qinglian Sun and the others certainly won't agree."

Whose life isn't precious? Who would be willing to gamble their life for the next?

Fellow Daoist, you shouldn't have exposed yourself when you devised the 'Plan to Eliminate the Three Officials'.

They would have their disciples, friends, or acquaintances organize an 'assassin team.' Even if someone was captured, they wouldn't expose themselves.

Yin Yinzi glanced at him and said sarcastically, "Just like how you let your disciple Ye Jiutian participate in the Huashan Dao Discussion and use the Investiture of the Gods magic weapon to forcibly kill Yu Fengxian?"

Lu Dingxian looked embarrassed and annoyed, and shouted, "I offered my suggestion out of kindness, why must you mock me, fellow Daoist?"

Yin Yinzi said, "Now that things have come to this, what's the point of you offering even the best advice, fellow Daoist?"
If you are willing to help, fellow Daoist, you can join me in this risky gamble.

"How do you plan to fight? Didn't you just say you didn't want to risk it all alone?" Lu Dingxian asked.

Yin Yinzi shook his head and said, "It's not like I'm killing Yu Fengxian. You use your great supernatural powers to harass Yu Fengxian, making her unable to spare any attention, and I take the opportunity to rescue Qinglian Sun."

Lu Dingxian said solemnly, "In this great calamity, I will only guide the hidden dragon and will not personally engage in combat with others."

Yin Yinzi said calmly, "Are you the only one who thinks this way? We who are preparing to attain the Great Luo realm, who doesn't want to get the human fortune while being clean and tidy?"
However, the reality is that Yu Fengxian has become the biggest enemy hindering us from guiding the great calamity.

Even if we back down now, we will still have to confront her head-on in the future.

Rather than letting her corner us and allow her to reap all the benefits while we suffer the consequences, it's better to strike a blow against her arrogance now.

I won't fight her to the death; I'll just teach her to be respectful.

From now on, stop breaking the rules and holding these so-called 'public trials,' revealing all the secrets of the immortal and divine paths to the public.

Lu Dingxian sighed, "Indeed, she exposed many secrets that should not have been known to mortals in the case of the Celestial Master's breach of oath."

Countless powerful figures have been affected by this case, and they haven't said anything. Why should we stick our necks out?

Yin Yinzi shouted, "I don't want to stick my neck out either. But right now, Yu Fengxian is publicly judging Qinglian Sun!"
If we don't stop it, we won't help Qinglian Sun.

Qinglian Sun was furious at our heartlessness and our cowardice, so he had no choice but to reveal our Taoist names in public.

Everyone in the world knows that you and I are the masterminds behind the plot to murder the three dukes of Qin.

Yu Fengxian might even post notices to arrest you and me.

Is this the result you want?

"Last time, Yu Fengxian didn't press Ye Jiutian about who was behind him, and perhaps she won't investigate further this time either."

Lu Dingxian still harbored a glimmer of hope.

Yin Yinzi said impatiently, "If Qinglian Sun is as loyal and chaste as your disciple, why are we wasting our time talking nonsense here?"

Lu Dingxian wavered slightly. "Just the two of us? Yu Fengxian is the common enemy of all of us."

"The two of us are enough. If we call more fellow Daoists over, are we going to beat Yu Fengxian to death today?" Yin Yinzi said.

Lu Dingxian shook his head repeatedly and said, "Today we'll just teach her a lesson so she knows that there are some things she can't cross the line. If we really push her into a corner, she might summon the Nine Cauldrons and use the luck of humanity to sweep us away."

"That's it. This time it was just to teach her a lesson so she wouldn't dare to misbehave again," Yin Yinzi said with a smile.

Lu Dingxian nodded. "In that case, let's go! I'll draw Yu Fengxian's attention from the sky, and you take Qinglian Sun away from the ground."

After saying that, he shook his head dejectedly and sighed, "We were forced to leave the game prematurely by Qinglian Sun, a cultivator who isn't even an immortal. We've completely lost face."

“It wasn’t Qinglian Sun who forced us, it was Yu Fengxian!” Yin Yinzi said.

Both leaders are very proactive.

Qinglian Sun is also very good at stalling for time.

He described in great detail the process of his infiltration into Xianyang.

He talked for over an hour about how to lure Qinglan, what secret method to use to conceal his murderous intent, and where to find the "Fish Intestine Sword" used to assassinate Guowei Liao.

Around 3 a.m., under Ying Ziying's urging, he finally got to the point: the assassination plan of the three dukes and the reasons for devising this plan.

"There's actually a powerful immortal plotting behind the scenes, and it's not just targeting the Grand Commandant!" The talented men and beautiful women, heroes and fairies involved in the case were all shocked and terrified.

"You say you're not the mastermind, then who is?" Ziying subconsciously asked the question that Grand Tutor Yu had deliberately avoided.

Grand Tutor Yu's brow twitched a few times, a strange unease rising in his heart.

However, she didn't try to dissuade her. Instead, she tucked her hands into her sleeves, quickly made a few calculations with her right hand, and grasped a cool "golden lunchbox"—a beggar's version of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket—with her left hand.

“Mastermind.” Qinglian Sun hesitated for a long time before humming and slurring, “Ying Ziying, all you need to know is that I have no ability to plan this case.”

Ying Ziying shouted, "How can I know you're not lying if you don't reveal the mastermind's identity?"

"Such a simple principle, and you, a Qi cultivator of the Five Elements Sect, still don't understand it?"

Just then, a loud shout came from the northern sky, "Yu Fengxian, Grand Tutor Yu, please come over for a chat!"

(End of this chapter)