Starting from the two realms, cultivating immortality by taming beasts

Chapter 381 Undercurrents

Yuqing City.

Enforcement Division, Inquiry Hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was somber, and the surrounding walls were covered with special restrictions that could isolate divine sense and suppress magical power.

Chen Beiwu, dressed in white, sat calmly on a jade chair, with a steaming cup of spiritual tea beside him.

Opposite him stood the solemn-looking Censor Jin Zhaoyang and two law enforcement officers responsible for recording the events.

"Young friend Chen, the main reason I invited you here today is to understand some things; it's just routine business."

Jin Zhaoyang smiled warmly and personally poured Chen Beiwu a cup of tea.

Upon witnessing this scene, the law enforcement officers responsible for recording all narrowed their eyes, realizing that Chen Beiwu was no ordinary person. Even a Nascent Soul Peak True Monarch like the Censor had to treat him with utmost respect and dared not offend him in the slightest.

For an ordinary Golden Core cultivator, let alone sitting and drinking tea in the Inquiry Hall, it would be a problem if they could even stand properly and answer questions.

"Imperial Censor Jin, you can speak frankly," Chen Beiwu said, getting straight to the point.

A Nascent Soul True Monarch is already a mid-level member of the Immortal Alliance and can disregard the influence of most cultivation families.

This shows that the power of the person behind the scenes should not be underestimated. They must at least come from a True Venerable Clan or even a Dao Venerable Immortal Clan. Otherwise, they would not be able to influence the actions of a Nascent Soul True Monarch at will.

"Does young friend Chen know about the Ancient Demonic Cult?" Jin Zhaoyang asked.

"Of course I know." Chen Beiwu glanced at him calmly. "The Ancient Demonic Sect is a sect that everyone should kill. How could I not know?"

"Young friend Chen is of noble character and has amazing talent. He won first place in the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference for our sect. I have heard about this and admire him very much."

Jin Zhaoyang first praised Chen Beiwu, then changed the subject: "However, recently the Enforcement Division received a real-name report, which was very convincing, claiming that young friend Chen has a lot of entanglement with the Ancient Demonic Sect, and even secretly practices evil magic."

"In my opinion, that is nothing more than a slanderous frame-up by the lackeys of the Ancient Demonic Sect, attempting to tarnish your reputation, young friend."

Jin Zhaoyang's tone was helpless, as if he himself did not want to believe it, but it was his duty to ask: "But since someone has reported it, my Enforcement Division must investigate thoroughly, otherwise it will be difficult to convince the public and clear your name."

Chen Beiwu remained silent, watching the other person's performance quietly.

'Little fox.'

Seeing that Chen Beiwu's expression remained unchanged, Jin Zhaoyang cursed inwardly but asked with a gentle expression, "Young friend Chen, do you know Xue Tianyi?"

"I understand."

How much do you know?

"Fellow disciples, teammates, nothing more."

Chen Beiwu's words were concise and to the point, making it clear that Xue Tianyi was the one in the problem, and he had been implicated for no reason.

"Oh?"

Jin Zhaoyang nodded slightly, his smile unchanged, and then inquired, "Does that young friend know that Xue Tianyi is secretly practicing the ancient demonic sect's evil technique, the 'Divine Seed Visualization Method'?"

"I don't know."

Chen Beiwu gave Jin Zhaoyang a deep look: "Every wrong has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor. What does Xue Tianyi's practice of evil arts have to do with me? Could it be that Xue Tianyi is the one who reported this?"

"Of course not. It's hard to tell if a report is true or false from just one person. There might be a false accusation, and the person who made the report might be someone else." Jin Zhaoyang shook his head, deliberately revealing some information.

"Do you have any evidence?" Chen Beiwu asked, taking the initiative.

"There is some evidence, but I believe it may be a false accusation, so I asked you to come and understand the situation to avoid any misunderstandings," Jin Zhaoyang said frankly.

Chen Beiwu is the top-ranked member of the Jade Void Ranking, a once-in-ten-thousand-years Primordial Golden Core genius of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect.

He could still offer an explanation by asking questions according to the rules, but if he were to label Chen Beiwu as an evil cultivator from an ancient demonic sect, he would definitely be in deep trouble.

"Imperial Censor Jin is indeed very straightforward."

Chen Beiwu's eyes flickered slightly, and he instantly understood that Jin Zhaoyang was in an extremely awkward situation, caught between a rock and a hard place. Investigating him was not an option, nor was not investigating him.

If nothing is found, that's fine.

If something is indeed discovered, the other party is undoubtedly slapping the Jade Purity Immortal Sect in the face, and whether they can resign and retire in the future will be a question.

Of course, it's also possible that the mastermind behind it knew the gravity of the situation and understood that simply framing someone was useless.

"This is the Righteous Stone, which can distinguish between righteous and evil magical power, and whether one has practiced the art of stealing divine power. Please infuse this stone with a stream of magical power."

A faint light flashed from Jin Zhaoyang's storage ring, and a stone appeared in front of Chen Beiwu.

Chen Beiwu frowned slightly, took the Zhengming Stone, and casually infused it with a stream of magic power.

"Buzz!"

As the magical power surged, the Zhengming Stone emitted a bright white light.

Jin Zhaoyang glanced at Zheng Mingshi, a hint of apology on his face: "My guess was correct. It really is a lackey of the Ancient Demon Sect who is about to die and deliberately framed you, young friend."

"Can I leave now?" Chen Beiwu asked calmly.

"The questioning is complete. You may leave at any time."

Jin Zhaoyang nodded without any hesitation, as if he had only asked Chen Beiwu a few questions and tested his magical power to prove the fairness of the law enforcement department's procedures.

Under the watchful eyes of the three, Chen Beiwu stood up, but just as he was about to step across the threshold, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Jin Zhaoyang.

"I also have a question for Imperial Censor Jin."

"Young friend Chen, may I ask?"

"Besides Chen, did Yu Zhaohua, Mo Qingshuang, and Ye Xinya also cooperate with the Enforcement Division's investigation during this questioning?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Zhaoyang's heart sank slightly, but he smiled and said, "Young friend, you jest. An investigation requires evidence. There is no evidence that these three people are involved with the Ancient Demonic Sect, so how could the Enforcement Division dare to disturb us?"

"I see. Imperial Censor Jin is indeed very conscientious and responsible."

Chen Beiwu's lips curled slightly, and without saying another word, he turned and drifted away.

Jin Zhaoyang was left standing there, his brows furrowed, the smile on his face slowly fading, and a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.

Chen Beiwu's last sentence, though seemingly casual, actually expressed his dissatisfaction and sarcasm towards him.

After all, Chen Beiwu, Yu Zhaohua, and the other two were all Xue Tianyi's fellow disciples and teammates at the Immortal Sect Exchange Meeting.

His claim of having no evidence or reason was also somewhat laughable in Chen Beiwu's eyes!

Since the evidence is unclear and there is suspicion of false accusation, it is equivalent to having no evidence at all. Why invite one person specifically for questioning?

We lost money.

Jin Zhaoyang sighed inwardly.

He thought that a promising young man could easily fool him by using procedures as an excuse, but in the end, he still offended Chen Beiwu.

But there was nothing he could do; he couldn't choose!

Once Chen Beiwu's figure had completely disappeared, the subordinate who had been standing beside Jin Zhaoyang was unsure whether to speak.

"If you have something to say, just say it directly. Why make such a fuss?" Jin Zhaoyang glanced at his brother-in-law.

The law enforcement officers who were able to interrogate Chen Beiwu with him were all close confidants, and their relationship was far more than just that of a simple superior and subordinate.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

The Enforcer took a deep breath and asked the question that had been bothering him: "As far as I know, there are countless students and disciples of the Thirteen Immortal Sects. While I wouldn't say that there are countless geniuses who secretly practice the Ancient Demon Sect's Stealing the Divine Method in an attempt to take a shortcut to improve their divine sense and seek a breakthrough, Xue Tianyi is certainly not the only one."

He paused, his tone puzzled: "Chen Beiwu has a powerful background, amazing talent, and is the face of the younger generation of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect."

"Touching him is extremely risky; a slight misstep could backfire. Why don't we choose those cultivators with weak backgrounds who also practice righteous methods as our entry point? That might be easier to achieve results."

Upon hearing this, Jin Zhaoyang showed no surprise, but instead revealed a meaningful smile.

Very good, he has completed his mission. Even his confidants think that Chen Beiwu is somewhat unsavory, secretly practicing the Ancient Demon Sect's Stealing the Divine Righteous Method. However, like the high-ranking members of the Immortal Sect, he has not gone astray and joined the Ancient Demon Sect.

"The fact that you asked this question means you probably already know the answer."

Jin Zhaoyang sighed softly: "That's right. There are quite a few cultivators in the Immortal Alliance who practice the Stealing God Orthodox Method. Even some of the higher-ups in the Immortal Sect are cultivating and improving the Stealing God Orthodox Method for their own use."

"If what you say is true, then taking action against cultivators without any background would not only be without fault, but would actually be meritorious. But would that be the right thing to do?"

Upon hearing this, the two law enforcement officers fell silent.

"You must remember that the Enforcement Division, where we are located, is not only one of the three major institutions of the Immortal Alliance, but also the bottom line of the Immortal Alliance's laws."

If even we cultivators of the Enforcement Division begin to curry favor with the powerful, fearing authority and only daring to pick on the weak while avoiding the truly powerful and influential figures who have deep roots in the world…

At this point, Jin Zhaoyang said in a deep voice, "Then the Enforcement Division will be completely rotten, and the fairness of the law in the entire Immortal Alliance will become a joke."

"You should know that Chen Beiwu is a prodigy nurtured by the Jade Purity Immortal Sect. He is a leading figure among the young cultivators of this generation and could become the sect's chief at any time."

Our decision to have him question us is a strong signal in itself, intended to send a warning and to defend the fundamental purpose of our law enforcement department.

"Before the laws of the Immortal Alliance, no one is above the law, and no one is an exception!"

"Only in this way can the Enforcement Division deter villains and make those evil cultivators who harbor illusions and want to join the Ancient Demonic Sect understand what the bottom line of the Immortal Alliance is that cannot be crossed."

At this moment, Jin Zhaoyang seemed to become the embodiment of the Immortal Alliance's laws and justice, his every word and action radiating utmost integrity.

"I understand, Your Excellency. Thank you for your guidance. I will certainly do my duty and uphold the bottom line of the law!" The Enforcer straightened his back, his eyes filled with respect and longing.

"But there's one thing you must remember: if things really can't be done, we must at least preserve our own lives to uphold the bottom line of the law, understand?" Jin Zhaoyang changed the subject and patted his subordinate's shoulder with satisfaction.

"Yes."

Jade Purity Immortal Sect.

The Feather Fairy Society resides in its luxurious residence, the Feather Fairy Pavilion.

A handsome young cultivator, dressed in extremely luxurious clothes, leaned lazily on a recliner, his eyes revealing an innate arrogance and aloofness.

The avatar of the censor Jin Zhaoyang sat to one side, his expression solemn.

"How did things go?"

Breaking the Law True Lord Xiao Yu didn't even lift his eyelids, his tone nonchalant.

"Young Master, we have completed the task as you instructed," Jin Zhaoyang replied. "The questioning is now complete, and Chen Beiwu has been successfully released."

During the questioning, the subordinate strictly followed the young master's instructions, maintained a friendly attitude, followed proper procedures, and left no evidence against the subordinate.

"Hmm," Xiao Yu responded indifferently.

Although Jin Zhaoyang was a Nascent Soul Peak True Monarch, he belonged to the Tianyuan Yu family, that is, he was a disciple of his father, the Heavenly Chosen True Venerable.

In addition, the reason why the other party was able to take up the position of Inspector of the Law Enforcement Department was also the result of his family using resources to promote him step by step.

Otherwise, even if he were born into a Daoist Immortal Clan and had a cultivation level of mid-Nascent Soul, he would not be able to get a Nascent Soul Peak True Monarch to address him as Young Master.

"It's a pity we couldn't convict Chen Beiwu." Xiao Yu suddenly sighed.

Jin Zhaoyang felt a chill and quickly lowered his head.

Convicted? Young Master, are you kidding me!

On what grounds was the crime determined?

Based on the accusation from that Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Ancient Demonic Sect who had some connection with Chen Beiwu? Or based on Xue Tianyi's trivial matter, which could be big or small?

Although Chen Beiwu came from a humble background, he was a disciple of the True Venerable Dongming Changqing and a peerless genius valued by the Jade Purity Sect Leader. He was not an ant that could be crushed at will without even needing evidence!

To put it bluntly, even if Chen Beiwu had no connection with the Ancient Demonic Sect, let alone if he really did, as long as the Jade Purity Sect Leader and the Evergreen True Venerable haven't made their stance clear, who would dare to arrest him? Who would dare to convict him?

As long as Chen Beiwu doesn't do anything that would enrage both heaven and man, the Enforcement Division can only downplay Chen Beiwu's existence and then slowly investigate until the Jade Purity Sect Leader makes a statement.

The reason is simple: the rule of fighting without breaking apart is the tacit agreement of the Thirteen Immortal Sects.

Even if the young master is from a Dao Venerable Immortal Clan, and the clan's ancestor is a Refining Void Dao Venerable, it is impossible for him to break this rule on his own initiative.

Seeing that Jin Zhaoyang remained silent, Xiao Yu chuckled and leaned back in his recliner.

It's normal if there's no reaction.

After all, Jin Zhaoyang's cultivation level was far above his own, and he obeyed his father, not himself.

However, it didn't matter. Despite his words, Xiao Yu never really intended to convict Chen Beiwu. Instead, he planned to give the latter a warning and a show of force.

This made Chen Beiwu understand that no matter how talented a peasant is or how fast he climbs the ladder, without the support of a powerful family, he is still just a peasant.

Even if you manage to take off by sheer luck, don't delude yourself into thinking you can soar to the heavens and covet the supreme position that belongs to you.

"Remember to issue a public notice from the Enforcement Department in a timely manner to prove Chen Beiwu's innocence, understand? The reputation of the Jade Purity Immortal Sect cannot be damaged, otherwise you know the consequences," Xiao Yu said meaningfully.

Jin Zhaoyang smiled knowingly and replied, "Young Master, rest assured, I will handle the official paperwork beautifully and leave no room for doubt."

But there are always those exceptionally clever people in this world who think they're the only ones who are truly wise, and who like to presume to know the truth, thus creating unnecessary complications.

Xiao Yu took a sip of tea, a mocking look flashing in his eyes: "It doesn't matter. In this era, people with black hearts see everything as black. Being too innocent can sometimes become a sin. You just need to prove Chen Beiwu's innocence."

As for the minor public opinion disturbances, that's not something the Enforcement Department should handle. Chen Beiwu, as the top-ranked member of the Jade Void Ranking, naturally has the ability to resolve them.

"Young Master is wise." Jin Zhaoyang nodded slightly. "Your subordinate has arranged everything."

"Very good, do it cleanly." Xiao Yu nodded in satisfaction.

Although his methods were open schemes, they couldn't be kept secret from the sect's higher-ups, let alone change their perception of Chen Beiwu.

But it didn't matter; he was well aware of the thoughts of the lower-level cultivators in the sect, as well as the students of the Immortal Cultivation School and the Sect Cultivation School.

As long as the plan proceeds step by step, Chen Beiwu will not only gain momentum and form his own faction, but even the approval process for his exceptional promotion to the chief of the Immortal Sect will be delayed for some time.

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