"Elders," Zhao Wuji also spoke up, "We all believe in Peak Master Lin's integrity. But matters involving the demonic cultivators are no small matter! My Martial Uncle Li bears a mission, it is his duty to investigate Peak Master Lin! With suspicions already cast, if we don't investigate thoroughly, wouldn't that just leave a stain on Peak Master Lin's name? On the contrary, a full inspection can prove his innocence!"
Zhao Wuji wore a righteous and fair expression.
The faces of the Grand Elders looked rather unsightly.
They wanted to speak, but didn't know what to say.
They couldn't very well outright say that they suspected Li Heng of framing Lin Ya, could they?
Given Li Heng's status, saying that aloud would only give him more justification to be furious in the name of justice!
The elegant woman among the elders hesitated, then said, "Lin Ya, allow Senior Li to inspect your cultivation technique. Relax. Senior Li is from a Holy Land and a Hall Master of the Demon-Destroying Alliance. For the sake of his sect's honor, and the Alliance's reputation, I'm sure he'll conduct a fair and proper inspection."
She had no better options, so she tried to use diplomatic words to gently remind Li Heng not to go too far.
Li Heng naturally heard her implication, but he only gave her a mocking smile.
Oh? Trying to pressure me using the reputations of Qingxiao Pavilion and the Demon-Destroying Alliance?
But!
That only mattered if he was caught.
And with these people's perception, how could they possibly see through my methods?
They couldn't.
Then Lin Ya must have cultivated a demonic technique.
And Li Heng was acting in perfect accordance with his righteous duty, helping the Demon-Destroying Alliance deal with another enemy.
By then, it would be a merit, not a crime.
Li Heng said calmly, "Then I shall begin."
He placed his hand on top of Lin Ya's head.
In the next moment, a soft white mist began to rise from the top of Lin Ya's head.
Within the white mist, a faint sword appeared, it was Lin Ya's main cultivation method.
Then.
Various techniques Lin Ya had practiced appeared, one after another, as illusory shadows within the mist.
The onlookers were mildly surprised.
The techniques being revealed all matched known orthodox practices.
It seemed like Li Heng really was conducting a serious inspection.
But over on Heavenly Sword Peak, everyone looked extremely grim.
They knew very well that Li Heng must be using some sort of trick.
The only thing they could do right now was see what kind of trick he would use!
Yun Jin's heart suspended.
If Li Heng chose to use brute force, she wasn't sure if the three Grand Elders could even stop him.
One by one, the techniques Lin Ya had cultivated floated through the white mist. Everything looked normal.
The white mist began to thin, it was about to dissipate entirely.
The Grand Elders finally began to relax a little.
It seemed that this time, Li Heng really had been just doing his job.
All the techniques revealed so far had no trace of anything demonic, surely this would clear Lin Ya of suspicion.
But.
Before they could finish their releasing breath.
A sudden change occurred!
The white mist that was fading suddenly turned pitch black! From within that black fog, a black sword emerged, radiating sinister black energy! The evil aura surged outward like a tide!
This was…
The entire Tianxing Sect was stunned.
A demonic technique?!
That aura!
Absolutely not an orthodox technique!
And everyone could clearly see that this aura came directly from Lin Ya's body.
What's going on?!
Was Li Heng not framing Lin Ya after all? Could it be that Lin Ya really restored his strength so quickly by colluding with demonic cultivators?!
Demon Clan! Demonic techniques!
These two phrases were like thunder in the ears of the entire cultivation world.
Some spectators even took a few steps back in fear.
They'd heard that those who cultivate demonic techniques often lose control and go berserk. Lin Ya's already at late Fusion Stage. If he went crazy now, few would survive.
"Peak Master Lin!" Zhao Wuji looked at Lin Ya in shock, "How could you do such a thing?! How could you?! Have you forgotten your family, your fellow disciples? They were all killed by demonic cultivators! And now, just to keep your position and restore your power, you've thrown away your hatred and embraced the very ones who harmed you?! I'm so disappointed in you!"
He looked heartbroken.
The three Grand Elders' expressions changed too.
They did not believe Lin Ya would cultivate a demonic technique.
But the scene in front of them was undeniable.
They could feel that evil aura coming directly from Lin Ya's body.
Still, they refused to believe it.
"Lin Ya, do you still have anything to say?" Li Heng looked at him with a mocking smile. "If I didn't have a special detection method, this technique you hid so deeply might've fooled us all!"
Zhao Wuji turned eagerly to watch.
He couldn't wait to see Lin Ya break down in despair. He knew Lin Ya was innocent. He knew Li Heng knew that too. Maybe even others still doubted this sudden revelation.
But so what? The evidence was right there!
Lin Ya would die today. No doubt about it.
Zhao Wuji felt thrilled.
Sure, Lin Ya was brilliant. His schemes ran deep. But so what?
All the plotting in the world was useless in the face of absolute power.
Now, Lin Ya must be in rage and terrified. Maybe even wanted to beg for mercy, ready to kneel.
But unfortunately, everything's too late.
The only thing that made Zhao Wuji frowned was that Lin Ya's expression of fear he imagined never appeared. Instead, Lin Ya actually still maintained calm face.
Lin Ya looked at Li Heng and said coldly, "If you want to frame someone, any excuse will do! Senior Li, you know better than anyone whether I've touched demonic cultivation."
Li Heng sneered, "The facts are before us. Of course I do."
Lin Ya did not back down, "The Demon-Destroying Alliance and its token were created to unite the world against the demonic threat. I doubt the founders could ever imagine the day would come when the Alliance and its tokens would be used to frame their own people! Senior Li, you're so skilled at this. One has to wonder how many innocent cultivators you've falsely killed under this same crime!"
"No matter how high your cultivation is, someone like you is filth. You don't deserve that token in your hand."
Lin Ya stared directly at Li Heng, his voice forceful.
Heh heh.
Scared his ass!
Today, he's going to fight this head-on!
You know why?
Because he had someone backing him!
Being utterly humiliated by Lin Ya, Li Heng was thoroughly enraged, "Lin Ya! Colluding with demons, cultivating forbidden techniques, and showing no remorse, even going so far as to slander others in public! As Hall Master of the Demon-Destroying Alliance, I will now execute you on the spot! Let all bear witness!"
He flipped his hand, a seal appeared in his palm.
The seal flew into the air and enlarged, then came crashing down toward Lin Ya!
He struck with fury, the oppressive force shook the entire mountain range that housed Tianxing Sect!
"Hold it!" The three Grand Elders stepped in front of Lin Ya, "This matter has not been fully investigated, further examination is required…"
But before they could finish, Li Heng coldly flicked his sleeve.
The three Grand Elders' expressions changed and were uncontrollably blown away by an invisible force!
Their faces paled.
They're all in the same Tribulation Crossing Stage, but a Tribulation Crossing Stage from Qingxiao Pavilion was on a completely different level from them.
Even the three of them combined could not withstand a single blow!
But they couldn't let Li Heng do as he pleased!
The three elders exchanged glances, suddenly, the elegant woman called out, "Form the formation!"
They all nodded, about to act.
Lin Ya who was under the seal suddenly shouted, "Elders, don't worry about me!"
The Elders paused.
Was Lin Ya ready to die, not wanting to implicate them?
They felt touched and heartbroken at the same time. They were more determined than ever to protect him.
But in the next moment, they heard Lin Ya wailing like a pig being slaughtered, "HELP ME! SENIORS, SAVE MEEEE!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!"
The crowd: "???"
One moment he's telling people not to help, the next moment he's screaming for his life.
Has Lin Ya lost his mind?