Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 628 Imprisoned (Please Subscribe)

"Is there such a thing?"

The mysterious woman stood there, muttering to herself.

Just now, the black mist entered Zhao Changming's body and began to erode him.

Not just the physical body.

The mysterious woman searched through Zhao Changming's entire soul and memories.

She flicked her sleeve and retrieved Zhao Changming's storage bag.

They found a jade box, opened it, and took a look.

Inside is a thousand-year-old fire unicorn fruit.

"That's true!"

"interesting!"

"A mere Qi Refining cultivator actually possesses a Core Formation spiritual item!"

"Zhao Changming was so blinded by greed that he didn't even bother to find out anything about the other party."

"Now that's good, someone has been found to take the blame."

"Hehe, old man Yang Huo, let's see what you can do now!"

"Old man Yuan Huo, let's see how long you can hide!"

The mysterious woman emitted a gentle force, snatching Zhao Changming's magical artifact, and casually pointed at it.

A ball of demonic fire suddenly ignited, quickly burning Zhao Changming's remains to ashes.

The mysterious woman waved her hand and disappeared on the spot.

The eerie black mist vanished without a trace as she followed.

……

Wan Hua Lou (Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion)

early morning.

Morning light streamed through the latticed windows into the boudoir on the top floor of the Wanhua Tower.

A sweet fragrance filled Su Yajing's boudoir.

The pink silk curtains were half-drawn, and a rouge-colored bodice was casually draped over the brocade quilt.

Shen Xuan gently removed Su Yajing's jade-like arm from around his neck and quietly stood up.

He picked up the robes that had fallen to the ground.

Behind him came a soft, alluring voice: "Fellow Daoist Shen, are you leaving?"

Su Yajing propped herself up, her hair disheveled, revealing a glimpse of snow-white skin on her shoulder from under the brocade quilt, still bearing traces of last night's passionate encounter.

"Ah."

Shen Xuan fastened his belt, his tone calm.

"Wait a moment, I will..."

Su Yajing threw off the covers and got out of bed, stepping barefoot onto the soft brocade carpet.

"Let me wash up and then I'll see you out of the city."

Shen Xuan nodded slightly and sat down by the window.

Faced with such beauty and springtime charm, he seemed to lose interest.

I couldn't even be bothered to glance at it.

At this moment, the hustle and bustle of the morning market drifted in from outside the window, creating a subtle contrast with the tranquility inside.

It took Su Yajing a full half hour to do her makeup.

When she reappeared, her hair was styled in a high bun, she wore a moon-white flowing dress, bright pearl earrings, and a dot of vermilion between her eyebrows, exuding elegance and beauty.

She was completely different from her alluring and seductive appearance last night.

"Let's go."

Su Yajing naturally took Shen Xuan's arm.

The two walked out of the brothel side by side.

At this moment, the morning light was just right, and the weather was bright and sunny.

The monks along the way all turned their heads to look, and whispers rang out.

"Isn't that Master Su from the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion? Who's with her?"

"This person is the newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator from yesterday, who is said to be a high-grade Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"Tsk tsk, to be able to gain the special attention of Master Su so early in Foundation Establishment is truly enviable."

"What's there to envy? Once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, you might even have more romantic encounters."

These comments reached Shen Xuan's ears, but he remained expressionless, pretending not to hear them.

Su Yajing tightened her grip on his arm, her smile becoming even more radiant, her lips slightly upturned, and her chest held high.

Half an hour later, the two arrived at the city gate.

The city guards checked Shen Xuan's jade token and were about to let him pass.

At this moment, a group of guards clad in black armor suddenly rushed over and surrounded Shen Xuan.

The captain of the guards clasped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Shen Baiwan, please wait. We have just received orders from the Enforcement Hall to have you come with us."

Su Yajing paused, shielding Shen Xuan behind her, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Captain Li, what do you mean by this?"

Captain Li said solemnly, "Master Su, please forgive me. I am on official business. Fellow Daoist Shen, please."

Shen Xuan looked at Su Yajing with a question in his eyes.

Su Yajing felt ashamed and stamped her foot, saying, "Li Changrong, what are you pretending to be, a gentleman in front of me! Every time you come to Wanhua Tower, I arrange for the girls in the tower to serve you well and give you discounts."

“Fellow Daoist Shen is my good friend. He abides by the law in Fire Cloud Immortal City and has not violated any of the rules. What right do you have to arrest him!”

Captain Li looked embarrassed.

He was just a captain in the city guard, at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

Whether in terms of status or cultivation level, he is no match for Su Yajing.

He has offended Su Yajing to the point of no return; his future days will not be easy.

Thinking of this, Captain Li said with a smile, "Lord Su, don't be angry. Getting angry is bad for your health. I can only obey orders from above."

Why did the Enforcement Hall arrest Fellow Daoist Shen?

"It's not about arresting him, it's about asking Fellow Daoist Shen to come over so we can ask him something."

"What happened?"

Captain Li shook his head: "I don't know."

Su Yajing pressed further, "Is it that you don't know, or that you can't say?"

"really do not know."

Seeing Captain Li's expression, Su Yajing knew that he was indeed unaware of the situation.

This is a bit strange.

In her view, Shen Baiwan was just a rogue cultivator who practiced Qi cultivation and lived a law-abiding life in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Although they are wealthy and powerful.

But he had no connections or influence in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have sought her out for a business deal.

After that, Shen Baiwan focused on building his foundation.

After establishing his Dao foundation, he spent a night with her before leaving Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Clearly, Shen Baiwan came to Huoyun Immortal City specifically to establish his foundation.

From any perspective, it's impossible for him to break the law in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

As for matters outside of Fire Cloud Immortal City, according to the unspoken rules of the cultivation world, they are usually left uninquired about and unpunished.

This time, the city guards' actions were particularly unusual.

People like Li Changrong are shrewd and diplomatic.

If it weren't for orders from higher-ups, I wouldn't dare to be so blatant.

It could never be extortion.

"Li Changrong, is there any room for discussion about this?"

Captain Li shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, Master Su. Please, Fellow Daoist Shen, come with us instead."

Su Yajing looked at Shen Xuan helplessly.

He forced an apologetic smile.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, this matter is strange. I will accompany you."

Even Shen Xuan felt confused.

The Fire Cloud Sect is actually a Taoist sect.

It's impossible for them to openly rob him under the guise of questioning, like those petty, low-level forces.

This is not in line with the principles of the Fire Cloud Sect.

As more and more cultivators gathered to watch, the crowd grew larger and larger.

Su Yajing was unable to help.

Shen Xuan glanced at the city gate in front of him.

Alas, it's only a dozen or so feet away.

"Alright, I'll go with Captain Li."

Shen Xuan thought about it for a moment.

He believed he had not broken any laws or regulations in Fire Cloud Immortal City, nor had he done anything wrong.

Perhaps it really was just a simple question.

However, when Captain Li took out the spirit-sealing talisman, Shen Xuan's expression turned cold.

"Captain Li, isn't this a questioning session? Do we need to use a spirit-sealing talisman?"

Captain Li said sternly, "Fellow Daoist Shen, these are the rules."

Shen Xuan looked at Su Yajing again.

“Li Changrong, out of consideration for me, accepted that thing. I vouch for Fellow Daoist Shen.”

"This……"

Captain Li hesitated.

"If Master Su is willing to vouch for us, then we'll do as Master Su says."

A dignified and cold voice suddenly rang out.

When Captain Li and the others saw the newcomers, they quickly clasped their hands in greeting.

"Greetings, Master Zuo."

A middle-aged cultivator with a gaunt face, dressed in a black robe of law enforcement, flew through the air.

His spiritual pressure was clearly at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

It was Zuo Yaoting, the head of the Enforcement Hall of Huoyun Immortal City.

His gaze swept over Shen Xuan, finally landing on Su Yajing: "Lord Su, you should come along too."

Su Yajing's expression changed slightly.

Zuo Yaoting's words made even her want to go to the Hall of Law Enforcement.

Su Yajing's heart skipped a beat, and she was about to ask a question.

Zuo Yaoting waved his hand, signaling her not to speak.

"Let's talk about it when we get to the Hall of Enforcement."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was complete silence.

Everyone immediately understood.

Fellow Daoist Shen, who is standing next to Master Su, has gotten himself into big trouble!

……

Fire Cloud Immortal City, on the main street.

Zuo Yaoting walked at the very front.

Li Changrong, accompanied by more than ten city guards, surrounded Shen Xuan and Su Yajing, following behind.

The headquarters of the Fire Cloud Immortal City Law Enforcement Hall is located in the core area of ​​the inner city.

The group traveled at a leisurely pace.

Pedestrians quickly made way for them.

"What happened? The Left Hall Master of the Enforcement Hall personally came down?"

"Isn't that Master Su from the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion? Who's that person next to her?"

"Shen Baiwan, a newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"The treatment is not bad. At least, I'm not shackled like a spirit being sealed."

Many curious monks whispered among themselves.

Zuo Yaoting turned around and glanced around, and immediately fell silent.

Half an hour later.

The group arrived in front of a magnificent and solemn red hall.

"Hall Master!"

Two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators came out to greet them.

Intentionally or unintentionally, they stood next to Shen Xuan and Su Yajing respectively.

It has a strong sense of surveillance.

Zuo Yaoting waved his hand, and Li Changrong led the city guards away.

"Let me introduce you two. These two are my deputies, Xu Can and Liu Chen."

"Fellow Daoist Shen, Master Su, please come in."

Shen Xuan gave a wry smile, clasped his hands in greeting to Xu Can and Liu Chen respectively, and stepped into the Enforcement Hall.

As soon as I entered, I felt a heavy and oppressive feeling.

It turns out that a second-tier, top-grade formation called the Heart-Questioning Formation was set up here.

This formation released a powerful divine soul pressure.

When a cultivator deliberately lies, their soul is under immense pressure. At best, it causes mental turmoil and disordered breathing; at worst, it results in severe injury and damage to the foundation of their Dao.

Shen Xuan looked up.

Hanging in the interrogation hall is a second-tier top-grade magic treasure, the Mind-Reflecting Mirror.

Under the light of the precious mirror, the fluctuations of a cultivator's soul can be directly revealed.

Generally speaking, a monk remains calm when speaking the truth, but his lies will cause ripples in his mind.

Some of them might even cause catastrophic waves.

"No wonder they wanted me to come here."

It must be said that if an ordinary cultivator were to interrogate someone here, they could easily tell whether the person was genuine or not.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, Master Su, please have a seat."

Zuo Yaoting was quite polite and arranged seats for the two of them.

However, their seats were set in the middle of the Heart-Questioning Array, directly below the Heart-Reflecting Mirror.

Shen Xuan remained calm and took his seat without showing any emotion.

Su Yajing glanced around and obediently sat down.

At this moment, there were only five people in the entire interrogation hall: Zuo Yaoting, Xu Can, Liu Chen, Shen Xuan, and Su Yajing.

"You two probably already guessed it."

Zuo Yaoting looked around and, after confirming that only a few of them were nearby, said in a deep voice, "Zhao Changming is missing or dead."

This news left Shen Xuan somewhat bewildered.

Even Su Yajing was so surprised that she suddenly stood up from her seat.

"How could that be? He was drinking with us last night..."

Su Yajing stopped there.

That's it!

They were the ones who saw Zhao Changming for the last time after his death. But this was all too bizarre.

This is Fire Cloud Immortal City, the heartland of the Fire Cloud Sect.

As the direct grandson of Yang Huo Zhenren, a seed of Core Formation in the Huoyun Sect, and a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, he mysteriously perished.

Shen Xuan asked, "Did Fellow Daoist Zhao disappear and die inside or outside the city?"

Zuo Yaoting sighed softly: "Zhao Changming's name is not on the city exit registration form."

"That's inside the city."

Shen Xuan asked curiously, "Have you checked the records of the city's protective formation?"

"We've checked, but there are no leads."

Shen Xuan was slightly taken aback: "That's strange."

The city's protective array can sense the fluctuations of spiritual energy within the city.

How could someone like Zhao Changming fall without making a sound?

If that's the case, the city-protecting formation will be completely ineffective, and everyone in Fire Cloud Immortal City will live in fear.

Zuo Yaoting said, "It is indeed very strange. Fellow Daoist Shen, you seem to be very familiar with the affairs of the Immortal City."

How could I not be familiar with it?

He himself was a Golden Core Elder of the Qingyun Sect.

He ranks third among the sects, only behind the sect leader, the Mysterious True Man, and the sword cultivator, the Spirit Sword True Man.

He is the owner of Starshine Island, and the Starshine Immortal City at its core is even larger than the Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Beside her, Su Yajing asked with a glimmer of hope, "Master Zuo, are you sure Fellow Daoist Zhao has perished?"

"It's absolutely certain. The soul tablet he left behind in the sect is completely shattered."

The last hope was also dashed.

Su Yajing couldn't help but sigh deeply.

This is a huge problem.

Let alone helping Fellow Daoist Shen escape his predicament, even she herself would have a hard time getting out.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, Pavilion Master Su, please give a detailed account of your recent dealings with Zhao Changming."

Zuo Yaoting emphasized, "Especially last night. Don't miss a single word or detail."

"Fellow Daoist Shen, you speak first."

Shen Xuan gave a wry smile and sorted out his thoughts.

In fact, he had absolutely no good feelings towards Zhao Changming.

Zhao Changming coveted his wealth, and Shen Xuan knew this perfectly well.

However, he had no intention of arguing with Zhao Changming.

In the cultivation world, it's common for disciples of powerful sects and aristocratic families to seize and plunder easy targets.

Shen Xuan isn't some chivalrous hero who fights evil and protects the innocent; he doesn't have the energy or time to eliminate these scoundrels from sects and aristocratic families.

Having incurred karmic consequences, one finds enemies on all sides.

As long as Zhao Changming doesn't go too far, Shen Xuan will pretend not to know.

In any case, he was merely using the fire spirit vein of Fire Cloud Immortal City to build the foundation of his fire magic.

After successfully establishing the foundation, they left this place.

If Zhao Changming had any sense at all, he wouldn't have bothered with him anymore.

Unexpectedly, this person suddenly passed away.

Shen Xuan organized his thoughts and began to describe his interactions with Zhao Changming.

Actually, there are only two scenarios.

A few days ago, when he was going downstairs at Wanhua Tower, he saw Zhao Changming and Xiang Tianyi going upstairs, so he bowed and gave way.

Shen Xuan pretended not to know about the bidding at the auction and made no mention of it.

The focus is on last night's banquet.

Shen Xuan spoke truthfully and frankly.

While he was speaking, Xu Can took notes, while Liu Chen occasionally glanced at the Heart-Questioning Array and the Heart-Reflecting Mirror.

Calm and undisturbed, as still as water.

Zuo Yaoting's divine sense remained locked on Shen Xuan without the slightest relaxation.

After Shen Xuan finished speaking.

After Xu Can handed the record to Zuo Yaoting to read, he then passed it to Shen Xuan.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, please take a look and see if there are any errors in this record?"

Shen Xuan scanned the area with his divine sense and found it to be consistent with what he had just said.

There are no mistakes.

"Please have Fellow Daoist Shen imprint your Daoist power and sign to confirm."

"it is good."

Shen Xuan channeled his fire elemental power and branded his signature onto the record.

Of course, his name is Shen Baiwan.

"Liu Chen, take Fellow Daoist Shen down to rest."

Zuo Yaoting glanced at Shen Xuan and said in a deep voice.

"Fellow Daoist Shen is a guest, so we must treat him well and not neglect him."

"Yes."

Liu Chen stepped forward and led Shen Xuan toward the inner courtyard of the Law Enforcement Hall.

Liu Chen stopped in front of a quaint little house.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, this is the guest room of the Enforcement Hall, please."

Nine red willow trees were planted in front of and behind the cottage, their branches and leaves flourishing and towering into the clouds.

Shen Xuan smiled and stepped inside.

As soon as I stepped inside, my body suddenly felt heavy.

All his fire elemental power was stagnant and unable to circulate.

"Hmm, the Red Willow Sealing Spirit Array, quite interesting."

This second-tier top-grade formation uses nine red willows to form a formation barrier.

Inside, the five elements clash, spiritual energy is isolated, and cultivators are like ordinary mortals, only able to move within a small area, unable to cross the line.

Below the level of a True Person, cultivation is restricted.

Simply put, he was placed under house arrest, his spiritual energy was stagnant, and he had lost all his cultivation.

The treatment was slightly better than being shackled and having a talisman applied to one's neck.

But the improvement is limited.

"Very well. Since we're here, we might as well make the best of it."

Shen Xuan opened the door, lay down on the bed, and rested peacefully.

……

Inside the interrogation hall.

"So, Shen Baiwan was with you from last night until this morning and had no time to commit the crime?"

After listening to Su Yajing's account, Zuo Yaoting looked at her with a strange expression.

"As it should be."

Su Yajing said.

"Lord Su, you should think this through carefully. This matter is of great importance. You and Shen Baiwan are just strangers who met by chance. But Wan Hua Lou will be operating in Huoyun Immortal City for many years."

Upon hearing this, Su Yajing fell into deep thought once more.

Beside him, Xu Can asked, "Lord Su, what if Shen Baiwan sneaks out after you fall asleep and tries to poison you?"

Su Yajing blushed.

"will not."

"Why not? Just now, didn't you say that last night, that..."

Xu Can paused, a little embarrassed, and glanced at Su Yajing before saying, "You must be very tired. After you've had a nap, do your hair and makeup before you go out with Shen Baiwan?"

"When did Zhao Changming's spirit tablet break?"

"The third quarter of the hour of Chou (1-3 AM)".

Zuo Yaoting replied.

Su Yajing nodded: "I only fell asleep at two quarters past Yin hour."

"That late? Impossible!"

"Then you didn't spend a full two hours!"

Xu Can blurted it out.

Su Yajing's cheeks flushed even redder, feeling both ashamed and annoyed.

"Why not! Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't!"

In one sentence, Xu Can was humiliated to the point of feeling utterly ashamed.

Beside him, Liu Chen, who had returned to report, covered his mouth and chuckled.

Outrageous!

This Su Yajing dared to say he was no good to his face!

Xu Can opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but didn't know how to say it.

"Wait!"

Zuo Yaoting seemed to realize something.

"Master Su, did that Shen Baiwan practice body-refining techniques? Is he a body-refining master?"

Su Yajing pondered for a moment.

"He didn't say that."

"However, he told me that he was exceptionally gifted and possessed superhuman strength."

Xu Can suddenly realized.

"No wonder Shen Baiwan has so much energy!"

Su Yajing looked at Zuo Yaoting.

"What do you intend to do with him? In any case, Shen Baiwan is my good friend. If he is not involved in Zhao Changming's case, I beg you, Master Zuo, to let him go for the sake of the Wanhua Sect and for my sake."

After careful consideration, Su Yajing confirmed that Shen Baiwan had not gone out to make a move.

Although she took a short rest along the way, Zhao Changming had already perished by then.

No matter how capable Shen Baiwan is, he is only a Foundation Establishment cultivator and cannot possess an external avatar.

While indulging in pleasure with her, he also went to assassinate Zhao Changming.

"Don't worry, Master Su. Our Fire Cloud Sect will not wrong our fellow cultivators. Master Su, please go back first. We will contact you if there is anything else."

Su Yajing stood up.

As I was leaving, something came to mind.

"What about Xiang Tianyi? He was there that day too. Have you asked him about it?"

"This matter is none of your concern, Master Su."

Su Yajing had no choice but to thank her and leave.

Wait until she leaves.

Inside the interrogation hall, Zuo Yaoting and the other two had grim expressions.

"Tell me your thoughts."

Xu Can pondered for a moment and then said, "Su Yajing is not lying."

Just now, he deliberately acted like a naive young man to test Su Yajing.

Liu Chen agreed, saying, "I think so too."

Zuo Yaoting nodded slightly.

"As an inner disciple of the Myriad Flowers Sect, she still has this sense of the bigger picture. She didn't cover for Shen Baiwan."

"What do you guys think of Shen Baiwan?"

Xu Can and Liu Chen exchanged a glance, pondered for a moment, and said, "The Heart-Questioning Array and Heart-Illuminating Mirror in the hall did not react. Logically speaking, he did not lie."

Liu Chen said, "I escorted him into the Red Willow House. He walked briskly and looked relaxed. Now, he is living in the Red Willow House. I speculate that Zhao Changming's death is most likely unrelated to him."

Both of them are seasoned veterans who have been handling cases for many years.

Based on Su Yajing's testimony and Shen Baiwan's behavior, it is likely that Shen Baiwan is not the murderer of Zhao Changming.

They checked the records on Shen Baiwan's identity jade pendant and found clues in all of them.

Moreover, a few days ago, Shen Baiwan did indeed collect Foundation Establishment Pills and Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects to build his Dao foundation in the training hall of the inner city.

Take a step back.

With Shen Baiwan's newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivation level, he posed no threat whatsoever to Zhao Changming, who was in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

It can conceal the aura of the city's protective array without leaving a trace, and kill Zhao Changming.

The killer's abilities must far surpass those of Zhao Changming.

At least at the Foundation Establishment stage, and very likely at the Core Formation stage.

When Zhao Changming died, Su Yajing was having a passionate encounter with him in bed, and there are alibis.

From any perspective, Shen Baiwan is unlikely to be the murderer.

The reason he and Su Yajing were brought back to the Law Enforcement Hall was because he and Zhao Changming had a banquet last night.

Apart from him, no other suspicious persons have been found so far.

"Don't underestimate Shen Baiwan."

“When I scanned him with my divine sense, he showed no fear.”

"His spiritual sense is only slightly inferior to mine."

"It is extremely rare for someone who has just reached the Foundation Establishment stage to possess such spiritual awareness."

"Moreover, according to Su Yajing, this person has a strong physical body and is very likely a Golden Body Realm Body Refiner."

Zuo Yaoting looked at Xu Can and Liu Chen.

"Didn't you notice?"

"What did you find?"

Xu Can and Liu Chen looked at each other in bewilderment.

"He lied. But the 'Inquiry Array' and 'Mirror of the Heart' showed no reaction whatsoever."

Zuo Yaoting's tone was laced with sarcasm.

"what!"

"Please enlighten me, Master."

Zuo Yaoting looked at the two of them, shook his head, and seemed quite angry at their lack of ambition.

"Shen Baiwan! That name sounds like a fake!"

"What kind of cultivator would name their child like that? Do they want their child to have a long life?"

Xu Can and Liu Chen suddenly realized what was going on.

"Indeed, this name is neither from a noble family's genealogy nor from a rogue cultivator's humble name; it is clearly a pseudonym."

"That's right. Most independent cultivators like to use aliases when they travel to other places. But why can't I sense anything from the Heart-Questioning Array and the Heart-Reflecting Mirror?"

The two looked at Zuo Yaoting in surprise.

"the reason is simple."

"This person is a habitual liar, but he can control his emotions and remain calm and composed."

Zuo Yaoting's voice gradually turned cold.

"If I'm not mistaken, this person is no ordinary individual. Zhao Changming's death is very likely related to him."

"A mere Qi Refining cultivator dares to offer a thousand-year-old Fire Qilin Fruit for trade, and dares to provoke a branch master of the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion. Does he want to die even faster?"

"I'd like to see just who he is!"

(End of this chapter)