Something's wrong with this demon.

Chapter 161 Inner Sect

Inner gate, main peak prison.

The first time Luo Qingchen stepped into the inner gate, she was locked in a cell in the Hall of Law Enforcement.

Fortunately, the cell was spacious and bright, and had everything one could need.

Actually, this is just a temporary place to detain disciples; it can't be considered a real prison.

Because the charges against him have not yet been formally handed down.

"Junior Brother Luo, please bear with us here for now. Once their investigation is complete and they confirm your innocence, you may leave."

Song Qilin, the leader of the enforcement team, was quite polite to him.

"What if they are found guilty?"

Luo Qingchen asked.

He now wants to obtain the cultivation techniques as soon as possible and start practicing quickly, especially the soul techniques.

"If someone is guilty, there will naturally be some punishment."

Song Qilin smiled and comforted him, "But Junior Brother Luo, don't worry. Even if there is a punishment, it probably won't be too severe."

Then he whispered a reminder: "If Junior Brother Luo has an elder he knows well in the inner sect, then things will be much easier."

After giving a few more instructions, he took his leave.

"An elder familiar to those within the inner sect?"

Luo Qingchen naturally didn't have it.

He walked around the cell, then sat down on the bed in the corner. Seeing that no one was around, he began to take stock of his spoils.

This time, a total of 5,500 taels of silver were collected.

Adding his previous silver, he now has a total of 57220 taels of silver!

Meanwhile, in Fang Shi's storage bag, besides the silver, there was an unexpected surprise.

He also found two pieces of black iron, each about half the size of a palm!

No wonder the other party coveted the black iron on his body.

These two pieces of black iron are too small. The other party's weapon is a knife, so they probably want to make a black iron knife.

Now, however, she has become his bride.

He now possesses six pieces of Xuan Iron, more than enough to forge a Xuan Iron Blade.

His previous sword had broken.

The one we're using now was picked up from a dead person.

After he leaves, he will first practice his cultivation technique, and then use this black iron to forge a black iron sword.

Anyway, the news that he has Xuan Tie has already spread, and keeping it on him might cause more trouble.

If it were forged into a Xuan Tie sword, it might actually be safer.

After all, not everyone's weapon is a knife.

Once Xuan Iron is forged into a weapon, even if that weapon is melted down, you can't get a complete piece of Xuan Iron again. When forging weapons again, the quality will be greatly reduced.

Therefore, once he forges the Xuan Iron into the Xuan Iron Blade, those who cultivate other weapons will lose interest in competing for it.

He thought about cultivating soul techniques for a while longer.

He lay down on the bed, ready to get a good night's rest.

The next day.

As dawn broke, Song Qilin led a square-faced middle-aged man dressed in a black robe to the prison cell.

"Junior Brother Luo, this is Uncle Qian from our Enforcement Hall."

Song Qilin quickly introduced.

Luo Qingchen cupped her hands and bowed her head, saying respectfully, "Junior Luo Qingchen greets Uncle Qian."

The middle-aged man was named Qian Qinghe, one of the five elders of the Enforcement Hall.

His expression was cold and stern as he sized up the young man before him, then said sternly, "You're Luo Qingchen? The investigation and punishment results are in. You killed a disciple of the Outer Sect's Enforcement Hall without cause and attacked the owner of the main peak's general store without provocation. You've violated sect rules, and your crimes are heinous. The sect has decided to exile you to the Black Prison Great Wall on the border for ten years of hard labor and five years of military service. We'll see how you behave then, and after fifteen years, we'll decide whether to release you!"

Luo Qingchen looked up at him and said, "Uncle Qian, when investigating a case, don't we need to interrogate the parties involved?"

Qian Qinghe said coldly, "No need. The witnesses and evidence are all there. No matter what your reasons are, this is the sect's punishment."

Someone will come to escort you away tonight. If you have any questions, you can ask Song Qilin.

After saying that, he turned and left.

Luo Qingchen was stunned for a moment, then slowly clenched her fist.

Ten years of hard labor? Five years of military service?

It seems he really should leave this place, just like Junior Sister Ye.

"Junior Brother Luo, I never expected it to turn out like this."

After Qian Qinghe left, Song Qilin couldn't help but sigh, seemingly wanting to offer some words of comfort but unsure how.

"Senior Brother Song, is it permissible to cultivate during the period of forced labor?"

Luo Qingchen suddenly asked.

Song Qilin said, "Of course you can cultivate, and you'll have plenty of magic stones and cultivation herbs, though they'll all be the most common ones. Also, there won't be much time to cultivate during labor."

As Luo Qingchen was pondering, he suddenly whispered, "Junior Brother Luo, if you had connections within the inner sect, these punishments could be waived."

Luo Qingchen said, "I have no one in my inner sect."

"If there's no one else, silver will do."

Song Qilin whispered another word of advice, then glanced around and lowered his voice even further, saying, "Your case is decided by Uncle Qian, and the official documents haven't been issued yet. As long as you give Uncle Qian some benefits, there shouldn't be any problems."

"How much do you need to give?"

Luo Qingchen asked.

Song Qilin held up three fingers and whispered, "It'll have to be at least 30,000 taels. After all, this matter has a significant impact. If the amount is too small, I'm afraid Uncle Qian won't be willing to help you."

Luo Qingchen narrowed her eyes and looked at him, saying, "How did Senior Brother Song know that Uncle Qian would accept money to help?"

Song Qilin gave a wry smile and said, "I've been in the Enforcement Hall for two years now, so I naturally know quite a lot."

He then added, "If Junior Brother Luo is unwilling, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

After saying that, he prepared to leave.

At this moment, Luo Qingchen felt that this scene was familiar, as if it had happened before.

"Money is just an external thing. If things can really be done, I'm naturally willing to."

He began to speak.

Song Qilin stopped, a smile appearing on his face. He said, "It's good that Junior Brother Luo understands. Money can be earned back, but if you lose your life, you'll have nothing left. Junior Brother Luo should have heard of the Black Prison Great Wall. It's a hellish place that eats people alive. Let alone staying there for fifteen years, even staying for a year would probably be dangerous."

Luo Qingchen asked, "How should I give the money to Uncle Qian?"

Song Qilin immediately whispered, "Junior Brother Luo, you can't say that. Uncle Qian is known for his integrity and fairness; he wouldn't ask for your money for no reason. He loves painting, and every painting is worth collecting. When I call him in later, just say you like painting and want to buy one of his paintings. Alternatively, there's a sky-blue teahouse on the main peak; you can just go there and spend a few tens of thousands of taels of silver to buy some tea."

Luo Qingchen said, "I'd rather just buy the painting."

Song Qilin smiled and said, "Junior Brother Luo, please wait a moment. I'll go check if Uncle Qian has left yet."

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

Luo Qingchen pondered for a moment, then took out a thick wad of silver notes from her storage bag and began to count them carefully.

Soon, footsteps could be heard from outside.

"Nephew Luo, I heard from Nephew Song that you really enjoy painting? Are you planning to buy a few paintings to take back and collect?"

Qian Qinghe arrived at the cell and asked with a serious expression.

Luo Qingchen respectfully replied, "Yes."

"So what style of painting do you like?"

Qian Qinghe asked.

Luo Qingchen said, "When I was down there, I heard that Uncle Qian's painting skills were unparalleled, so I would like to buy one of Uncle Qian's paintings, regardless of its style."

Qian Qinghe glanced at him a few more times, then took out a painting from his sleeve and said, "This is a painting of blue lotus flowers. Are you interested?"

Luo Qingchen reached out and took it, then slowly unfolded it to read it.

The painting depicts a pool of mud, with a blue lotus in the center, its head held high, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Next to it were written several large characters: "Standing proudly in the filthy pond, pure and immaculate like a lotus."

"Uncle Qian, how much is this painting?"

Luo Qingchen closed the painting and asked.

Qian Qinghe said with a serious face, "This painting is one of my proudest works, and I was originally unwilling to sell it. However, since Junior Nephew Luo really likes it, I will make it cheaper. Junior Nephew Luo only needs to give me 40,000 taels of silver."

Luo Qingchen paused for a moment, then asked, "Does Uncle Qian have any other paintings?"

Qian Qinghe stretched out his sleeve and said, "Could it be that Junior Nephew Luo wishes to buy two paintings?"

Luo Qingchen said, "This junior is short of money and would like to buy a cheaper one."

Upon hearing this, Qian Qinghe's face immediately darkened. He snatched the painting from the old man's hand and said, "This is the only one I have. Take it or leave it!"

Having said that, he prepared to leave.

Song Qilin, who was standing to the side, quickly gave Luo Qingchen a meaningful look.

"Uncle Qian, can I write an IOU?"

Luo Qingchen suddenly said.

Qian Qinghe stopped and said, "I can write an IOU for up to 20,000 taels of silver."

Luo Qingchen took out the silver notes in her hand and said, "Perfect timing, this junior only has 20,000 taels of silver here."

"Are you sure you want to write an IOU?"

Qian Qinghe looked at the silver notes in his hand, and the expression on his face immediately softened.

Luo Qingchen said, "Yes, this junior is willing to write an IOU."

Qian Qinghe immediately went to sit down at the table outside. Soon, he came over with two contracts, handed them to him, and said, "Take a look. If you have no objections, just put your fingerprint on them."

Luo Qingchen didn't look at it much, just glanced at it casually, then bit her fingertip and pressed her handprint on it.

At this moment, a smile finally appeared on Qian Qinghe's face.

He took one of the contracts and the thick stack of silver notes, then took out the painting of blue lotus from his sleeve and handed it to him, saying, "Nephew Luo, you should keep this painting safe, as its price may increase in the future."

Luo Qingchen accepted the painting and said respectfully, "Uncle Qian, rest assured, I will definitely keep this painting safe and well."

"Alright, I have other things to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Qian Qinghe put away the contract and banknotes, gave him a gentle smile, and then turned and quickly left.

"Junior Brother Luo, it's done! Wait for the good news!"

Song Qilin said something in a low voice and then took his leave.

"laugh----"

Luo Qingchen slowly tore the IOU in her hand, stood there for a while, took out the blue lotus painting, and looked at the eight large characters on it: "Standing proudly in the filthy pond, pure and righteous like a lotus."

It was midday.

Song Qilin arrived at the cell with a smile on his face, handed him a document, and said, "Junior Brother Luo, you are innocent. You can leave now."

Luo Qingchen looked at the document in her hand.

The note read: "An investigation has revealed that Luo Qingchen has broken through to the Tongqiao Realm and become an inner disciple. While purchasing goods at the general store on the outer sect's main peak, she was deliberately targeted by Yuan Yang, the captain of the outer sect's enforcement team. Yuan Yang harbors resentment because Luo Qingchen killed his former lover, Qiu Ye, and, relying on his status as a member of the enforcement team, attacked Luo Qingchen first. There are many witnesses to this scene from the outer sect."

According to the sect rules, Luo Qingchen has the right to retaliate.

"As for Luo Qingchen injuring the shop owner, that's not true. Luo Qingchen went to the shop to buy goods and saw the shop owner angrily scolding a disciple and even reaching out to hit him. Luo Qingchen bravely intervened and accidentally grabbed the shop owner's neck, which led to the misunderstanding. After examination, the shop owner was found to be unharmed and uninjured."

"The two siblings from the outer sect, Hehuan Peak, were killed by Luo Qingchen on the Life and Death Arena because they went to Black Phoenix Peak to provoke them. This is reasonable and justified. All the disciples of Hehuan Peak and Black Phoenix Peak witnessed it and there was no violation of the rules."

"Therefore, Luo Qingchen has not violated any of the sect's rules; release her immediately!"

Anyone who spreads rumors again will be severely punished!

After reading the document, Luo Qingchen couldn't help but sigh inwardly: It turns out that with money, one can really do whatever one wants.

"Junior Brother Luo, our inner sect has five peaks. Which peak would you like to cultivate on?"

At this moment, Song Qilin spoke up and asked.

Luo Qingchen put away the documents and said, "Senior Brother Song, I don't know much about the inner sect. Could you please introduce the situation of each peak?"

"certainly."

Song Qilin smiled and led him out while introducing the place.

"The main peak is the highest of the five peaks, but the main peak has very strict requirements for accepting disciples. One must pass a series of tests to enter. Alternatively, one may need to be personally accepted by one of the ten elders or the deputy sect master to enter."

"Next up are Medicine Peak, Weapon Peak, Corpse Demon Peak, and Prodigy Peak."

"Yaofeng is skilled in medicine refining and pill making. It has many medicinal fields and many powerful pill refiners."

"Weapon Forging Peak is, as the name suggests, the place is most skilled in weapon forging, and all kinds of weapons, magical artifacts, etc. can be forged there."

'

"Corpse Demon Peak, that place is skilled at dealing with corpses and ghosts, up there—"

Luo Qingchen's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately asked, "Senior Brother Song, is it possible to cultivate soul techniques on Corpse Demon Peak?"

Song Qilin nodded and said, "The elders and peak masters there are indeed skilled in soul techniques, and most disciples can cultivate soul techniques. However, soul techniques can also be cultivated on the other peaks. Any inner sect technique can be cultivated on all five peaks, but each has its own strengths."

Luo Qingchen immediately made her decision: "I want to go to Corpse Demon Peak."

"Sure?"

Song Qilin gave him a strange look and warned, "That place is shrouded in yin energy, where the sun and moon are never seen. Moreover, you will see many corpses and evil spirits."

At this moment, the midday sun shone down through the clouds overhead.

Luo Qingchen had never seen the sun before at the Demon Control Sect; this was the first time she had seen it since entering the inner sect today.

However, he still chose to continue into the darkness without hesitation.

"Confirmed, I choose Corpse Demon Peak."

The thought of being able to cultivate soul techniques soon, and the thought of seeing his sister after cultivating soul techniques, made him willing to go through even the most terrifying darkness!

"Alright, let's go to the management office on the main peak first. The elders of the five peaks will come to check on you after receiving the news. If you are an outstanding disciple, they will compete for you. However, if you choose to go to Corpse Demon Peak, then they won't need to compete for you."

Song Qilin smiled and led him toward the management office.

Soon, the two arrived at the office.

at the same time.

All five peaks received the news that an outer disciple had just broken through to the Tongqiao Realm, and his cultivation speed was extremely astonishing.

Therefore, each peak sent several elders to the management office in a hurry.

But on the way, the elders heard some other news: the new disciple who had just come up from the outer sect was actually from Medicine Man Town, and he was a ruthless killer. Every time he broke through and advanced, he would pretend that he hadn't broken through yet, kill a few people first, and then go to get his identity certificate.

This time, after breaking through to the Tongqiao Realm, he killed several more people, one of whom was the captain of the outer sect law enforcement team.

I was almost exiled to the Black Prison Great Wall.

"Is that kid really that ruthless?"

The elders looked at each other in bewilderment upon hearing this news.