Gentlemen, it's time to enter the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls.

Chapter 325 The Plaintiff Became the Defendant
It was late at night, less than half an hour before July 14th.

The city of Fengdu was teeming with people, with hundreds of thousands of northern nomads and merchants from the Central Plains camping outside the city, their campfires stretching like a galaxy. The city god's ghostly soldiers patrolled in formation, making it difficult to distinguish between the living and the spirits for a time.

Such a spectacular sight can only be seen in Fengdu City.

However, the Yellow Springs Palace was even more lively at this moment. In front of the Dragon Buddha statue, Chen Ye and a group of Yellow Springs Sect elders were gathered, while in front of them were representatives from various sects who had come to pay their respects.

The three of them, Fu, Lu, and Shou, were somewhat lacking in cultivation. Their Qi Sea and Body Refinement levels were even lower than those of the entry-level disciples of other major sects.

But now, the three of them are on equal footing with Nascent Soul and Void Returning Realm cultivators from other sects.

Chang Shou couldn't help but sigh softly, "This life has been worthwhile."

Who would have thought that three inconspicuous rogue cultivators from Hundred Seas Valley, who had known Chen Ye for just over a year, would be sitting in front of these great cultivators.

This is a complete and utter change in status.

Hou Lu laughed and said, "I told you changing our names would work! We three—Fu, Lu, and Shou—have a good chance of living forever."

Lu Fusheng used to argue that fate is elusive and can't be explained simply by changing one's name. But the facts are undeniable: after changing his name, his destiny truly did change.

However, the atmosphere at the moment was somewhat delicate.

In particular, Zhou Lang, the deputy leader of the Mirage Sect, made almost no attempt to conceal his true intentions, staring at Chen Ye with icy eyes.

Chen Ye seemed to have no intention of wasting words with him, and said in front of everyone, "The Yellow Springs Sect is about to be established, and I thank you all for coming to witness the ceremony. However, there are some things that need to be resolved before the ceremony is held."

It should have been unexpected news, but everyone present seemed to have expected it, and no one showed any surprise except Zhou Lang.

Zhou Lang clearly sensed that something was wrong. He had just received news that the Mirage Sect disciples had been attacked, and the demons they had captured who were colluding with the Yellow Springs Sect had been stolen.

Zhou Lang had rushed over to demand an explanation, but upon arrival he found representatives from other sects already there.

Before he could even ask, Chen Ye brought it up first.
Zhou Lang began to sense that something was wrong. His anger subsided considerably, and he became more cautious.

But Zhou Lang didn't speak, and Chen Ye didn't waste any time. With a single command from Chen Ye, several fierce-looking cultivators were pushed out.

Upon seeing them, Zhou Lang realized they were the demonic disciples captured by the Mirage Sect. He had originally intended to use them to accuse the Yellow Spring Sect of colluding with the demonic sect. However, the Yellow Spring Sect suddenly intervened and snatched them away. Zhou Lang assumed Chen Ye had already killed them to silence them and was about to announce the news when Chen Ye unexpectedly sent them out first.

What shocked Zhou Lang even more was what followed. Chen Ye actually said to everyone, "Everyone, these are disciples of my Yellow Springs Sect. Today, they were suddenly detained by the Mirage Sect, who also used illusions to bewitch their minds. Vice Sect Leader Zhou, you are a guest from afar, and I originally did not want to argue with you, but since this concerns the safety of my Yellow Springs Sect disciples, I still need to demand an explanation from you."

Zhou Lang's eyes widened in disbelief. How dare Chen Ye twist the truth like this?

But Zhou Lang immediately realized that the question wasn't whether he dared to do it, but rather to expose the truth: "Chen Ye, you're spouting nonsense! It was clearly my Mirage Sect disciples who discovered that the Yellow Spring Sect was colluding with the Demonic Sect. These demons were sending human sacrifices to the Yellow Spring Sect to refine pills, so I ordered my disciples to capture these demons so that everyone would know what heinous crimes the Yellow Spring Sect had committed!"

"Please do not be deceived by this demon Chen Ye. I have brought the Mirror of Truth from the Mirage Sect. Whether it is real or fake, you can use this magic weapon to test it."

With a flick of his wrist, Zhou Lang revealed a gleaming bronze mirror to the crowd.

The Mirage Sect's famous magic weapon can see through all illusions. Originally used to break through mental illusions, it is equally effective for detecting lies.

Zhou Lang looked at Chen Ye and asked, "Sect Leader Chen, do you dare to let this Mirror of Truth be used for testing?"

Chen Ye smiled and said, "Of course, anytime. But before the test, I have a question for Vice Sect Leader Zhou. Why did you bring the Mirror of Truth with you when you came to the Yellow Springs Sect as a guest? Did you plan to use this magic weapon to test whose lies? Or is it that you came to the Yellow Springs Sect not to observe the ceremony, but specifically to cause trouble?"

Zhou Lang's face darkened; he hadn't expected Chen Ye to bring up such a trivial matter.

"Hmph, trying to evade the question. Regardless of my motives, won't a simple test reveal the truth? Chen Ye, are you scared and trying to stall for time?"

Chen Ye shook his head and said, "There's less than half an hour left before the sect opening ceremony. I don't have time to waste with you. Ask whatever you want. But after you finish asking, it will be your turn to answer."

Seeing Chen Ye's confidence, Zhou Lang hesitated.

The Mirror of Truth is very famous. If the Yellow Springs Sect had anticipated that he would bring this magic weapon, perhaps Chen Ye possessed something that could counteract it. Although the Yellow Springs Sect is small, it is shrouded in many mysteries, and Zhou Lang really couldn't be sure whether Chen Ye could withstand the effects of the Mirror of Truth.

Chen Ye urged, "Vice Sect Leader Zhou, aren't you the one stalling for time now? What are you waiting for?"

Zhou Lang became even more certain that Chen Ye must have been prepared all along.

"Hmph, you really think I'd fall for that?"

With a flick of his finger, Zhou Lang pulled one of the demonic sect disciples transporting human sacrifices in front of him. He then pointed at the disciple, instantly sealing his spiritual energy and conducting a thorough examination. Confirming the man carried no magical treasures or restrictions, Zhou Lang shone the Mirror of Truth upon him and said to the crowd, "Asking him is the same. Under the Mirror of Truth's reflection, if there is even the slightest falsehood, the person in the mirror will tell the truth."

After saying this, Zhou Lang didn't give Chen Ye a chance to object and asked loudly, "Are you a disciple of the Demonic Sect? Have you colluded with the Yellow Springs Sect to send human sacrifices to the Yellow Springs Sect?"

The man looked around and then answered, "That's right, I am a disciple of the Crimson Serpent Sect. I was ordered to deliver people to Fengdu City. These are human sacrifices that the Crimson Serpent Sect brought back from elsewhere."

The Mirror of Truth remained silent, and the person in the mirror was no different from this disciple of the Demonic Sect.

Zhou Lang stared at Chen Ye and said smugly, "Chen Ye, what else do you have to say?"

Zhou Lang felt he had reacted quickly; Chen Ye might possess a way to resist the Mirror of Truth, surely not just some lowly demon. Sure enough, the truth came to light.

It's too naive to try to outsmart a mere junior in the Profound Realm.

However, Zhou Lang did not see Chen Ye's furious and flustered expression. He only heard Chen Ye slowly ask, "What do you want to do by sending human sacrifices to Fengdu City?" The disciple of the Demonic Sect replied, "I thought they were sent to refine human blood pills. Later I learned that the Yellow Springs Sect wanted to save them. These human sacrifices have been released. They can either be sent home or stay in Fengdu City."

This time, the Mirror of Truth remained unresponsive, and the person in the mirror was no different from this disciple of the Demonic Sect.

"This is impossible!"

Zhou Lang said loudly, and then activated the Mirror of Truth again, but apart from making the light on it even more dazzling, there was no change.

Chen Ye spoke again, saying, "Everyone, this magic weapon belongs to the Mirage Sect and is controlled by Vice Sect Leader Zhou. As to its true or false efficacy, we only know from hearsay. But as you have all seen, Vice Sect Leader Zhou clearly has a deep prejudice against me, and no one knows whether he has tampered with the magic weapon. To ensure fairness, I would like to ask the Qinghe Sword Sect or the Yunlu Immortal Sect to take charge of this magic weapon to ensure that Vice Sect Leader Zhou has no opportunity to cheat."

The person from Yunlu Immortal Sect was Yangshuo Zhenren, who had met Chen Ye once before. As for the representative of Qinghe Sword Sect, it was not Wang Wancheng, an old acquaintance of Chen Ye, but a sword cultivator with a wooden expression and a serious demeanor, named Sheng Huai'an.

Chen Ye had only heard the name Sheng Huai'an, but had never spoken to him. Even when he visited yesterday, they only exchanged a few pleasantries. Sheng Huai'an was a very introverted person; he would only respond to Chen Ye's words, seemingly completely clueless about how to chat with people. Therefore, Chen Ye didn't dare to bother him too much, and their meeting could only be considered a one-time encounter.

But it doesn't matter, as long as they are disciples of the Qinghe Sword Sect, they are trustworthy.

Chen Ye's request was reasonable, and even if Zhou Lang was unwilling, he had no choice but to hand over the Mirror of Truth to Master Yangshuo.

Zhou Lang couldn't help but remind him, "Fellow Daoist Yangshuo, we've known each other for many years. Don't be deceived by Chen Ye."

Master Yangshuo was of a lower seniority than Vice Sect Leader Zhou Lang, so upon hearing his words, Master Yangshuo could only say in a low voice, "Everything will be judged by public opinion."

The person who made the Mirror of Truth has changed, but the problem remains the same.

The demonic sect disciple gave the same answer, and the Mirror of Truth remained completely unresponsive, looking just like a fake.

To confirm the truth, Master Yangshuo even instructed the disciple of the Demonic Sect to lie directly.

The demonic sect disciple had no choice but to lie, saying, "The Yellow Springs Sect uses living people to refine pills, treating human life as worthless."

No sooner had these words been spoken than the Mirror of Truth changed, and the person in the mirror spoke up: "This is a lie. The Yellow Springs Sect has never used living people to refine pills. All human sacrifices have been released."

Chen Ye couldn't help but say, "This magic weapon is truly amazing."

Cixin Temple has to use most of the sect's manpower and resources to develop a technique called "Questioning the Heart," while the Mirage Sect can take out this magic weapon at any time to test its authenticity. Sure enough, the big sects have a lot of treasures.

"Ahem." Master Yangshuo looked at Zhou Lang with slight embarrassment and asked, "Does the Mirage Sect have any further questions?"

Zhou Lang frowned and pondered for a moment, then asked, "Since you are a disciple of the Demonic Sect, why would you send human sacrifices to the Yellow Spring Sect? You know that the Yellow Spring Sect does not use people to refine pills. If you were not colluding, why would you send people here?"

The demonic disciple exclaimed, "I wasn't born a demon! I was captured and taken underground, and I was forced to eat people to cultivate. If I don't eat people, others will eat me!"

"On the surface, the Yellow Springs Sect is colluding with the Demonic Sect, but I know they're doing this to save people. If I just send all the sacrificial animals here, I'll atone for my crimes. I don't want to be a demon. I'd rather be tried in the Yellow Springs Sect's underworld, I'd rather endure the tortures of hell than be a demon again. I was just a cowherd, but they ate my parents. I don't want to die, I just don't want to die!"

The man became more and more emotional as he spoke, eventually bursting into tears, which moved everyone who heard him.

Chen Ye sighed and said to the disciple of the Demonic Sect, "The sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but there is always a shore to return to. Although you have made a mistake, it is understandable. After this matter, go to the underworld to receive your punishment. Once you have cleansed your sins, you can start anew."

The man quickly kowtowed and said, "Thank you, Sect Master, thank you, Sect Master."

Chen Ye turned to Zhou Lang and asked, "Vice Sect Leader Zhou, would you like to ask them all one by one? I'm happy to oblige. However, I'm not afraid to tell you that I discussed the matter of saving human lives with the Qinghe Sword Sect before we even started making arrangements. If you don't believe me, you can ask the Qinghe Sword Sect for confirmation."

Zhou Lang looked at Sheng Huai'an, who, though introverted, stepped forward and nodded vigorously to Zhou Lang. Then, Sheng Huai'an retreated back into the crowd.

Chen Ye was speechless. This guy was really unusually introverted, he actually used nodding instead of speaking?
No wonder Zhang Qi didn't pass the position of sect leader to him; otherwise, people would think Sheng Huai'an was a man of few words.

Zhou Lang realized he had fallen into Chen Ye's trap. These devils were probably prepared in advance, just waiting for him to discover them. Asking a second or third person wouldn't be of any use; Chen Ye dared to put them out there, so each one must be able to withstand scrutiny.

They miscalculated. They thought they had caught Chen Ye red-handed, but instead, they gave him ammunition to criticize them.

But Zhou Lang did not admit defeat, and casually said, "This is a misunderstanding. After all, these are indeed disciples of the Demonic Sect. My Mirage Sect only wanted to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path. I did not know that the Yellow Springs Sect had other plans. Sect Master Chen will not blame me for a misunderstanding, will he?"

Chen Ye chuckled and asked Zhou Lang, "If Vice Sect Leader Zhou says it's a misunderstanding, then let's just say it's a misunderstanding. But since it's a misunderstanding, what exactly do you want to ask by bringing the Mirror of Truth?"

Zhou Lang naturally wanted to press Chen Ye about stealing Lingguang Xian, but now he didn't want to ask anymore. Chen Ye had clearly come prepared, and this question would likely remain unanswered. Having inadvertently disrupted his plans by Chen Ye, anything he said now would sound like a frame-up, and the others wouldn't side with him anyway, so it was better to remain silent.

Zhou Lang shook his head and said, "It's just a misunderstanding, nothing more. I have nothing to ask."

The deputy leader of the Mirage Sect tried to change the subject, but Chen Ye wasn't going to let him off the hook. He said to Zhou Lang, "Since Deputy Leader Zhou has nothing more to ask, then it's my turn."

Zhou Lang frowned deeply, sensing something was amiss.

Regardless of Zhou Lang's thoughts, Chen Ye spoke up and said, "Elder Lingguang, please tell us your grievances and ask us to uphold justice."

A white figure drifted out from the side, transforming into the appearance of the Fairy Lingguang from before, and gracefully bowed to the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Chen Guang, a disciple of the Mirage Sect named Ling Guang Xian. I accuse Zhou Lang of disregarding human life, enslaving my people, slaughtering many of my sisters, and even refining them into magical artifacts. I beg you all to uphold justice for me!"

Zhou Lang felt a sudden darkness before his eyes; he, the plaintiff, had now become the defendant.

(End of this chapter)