Killing the Traitor

"Who did this?"

Hong Liang, now an Inner Disciple clad in blue robes thanks to his sixth-layer Qi Refining cultivation, glared at the gathered Laborer Disciples. His face was cold.

Silence hung heavy over the crowd. No one answered.

"I don't care if it was intentional or accidental," Hong Liang continued, his tone stern. "Someone spread Spirit Corroding Powder into the fields. If you step forward now, I will not pursue this to the bitter end. Wanchun Valley values benevolence. Confess, and you will be given a chance to repent."

"But if you stay silent and I catch you later... forget the sect's punishment. I will tear you to pieces myself and make you wish you were dead!"

Even after that fierce warning, no one answered.

"Hmph! We'll see about that!"

Hong Liang’s eyes swept over their faces, searching for a flicker of guilt, but found nothing.

"Those whose fields were poisoned, come with me. The rest of you, gather here. No one leaves. No one wanders off. Let's see if anyone noticed anything unusual."

Li Tonghai, Tian Qing, Hui Ling, and two other Laborer Disciples were led away by Hong Liang for interrogation. Han Yu and the remaining disciples waited in tense silence.

A short while later, a Laborer Disciple fled from the steward's office.

His face was full of panic. "I really don't know! I don't—"

"You dare run when death is at your door!"

Hong Liang stormed out behind him. With a sharp shout, he pressed two fingers together.

"Go!"

A serrated black leaf floated from his side, spinning through the air. It sliced through the fleeing disciple's neck.

The man was beheaded. Blood sprayed across the dirt, and a pungent odor instantly filled the air.

Senior Brothers Ji and Hua, standing nearby, exclaimed in delight. "It was him! That's the smell of Spirit Corroding Powder!"

"Indeed. This is the culprit!" Hong Liang nodded, his face dark with righteous anger. "What audacity! To act so brazenly right under my nose!"

"Fortunately, we found the source in time," Senior Brother Hua said, smiling with relief. "Our mistake will not be so grave; we may even be rewarded!"

Hong Liang’s anger melted into satisfaction. "You make a good point."

He turned to his subordinates. "You two, help me contain the smell of the Spirit Corroding Powder before it harms the fields. Everyone else, return to your quarters. Do not wander. Focus on your cultivation!"

At his command, the Laborer Disciples scattered like frightened birds.

Back in his stone hut, Han Yu thought the incident was suspicious.

Logically, if someone used Spirit Corroding Powder, they would dispose of the evidence immediately. Why would they carry it on their person when summoned by an Inner Disciple?

Yet that disciple had done just that, and Hong Liang had executed him on the spot.

Had Hong Liang truly uncovered the culprit, or had he killed the man to silence him?

Could the person who had been out in the fields last night have been Hong Liang himself?

Suspicion gnawed at him. The Spirit Field Department seemed fraught with danger. He could trust neither Hong Liang, the other two senior brothers, nor any of the Laborer Disciples.

He had to be even more careful. He had to get stronger.

Early the next morning, the newcomer Wei Xiaoluo came to see Han Yu.

"Senior Brother Han, why didn't you tell me?" Wei Xiaoluo complained. "I'm living in Li Quan's old hut! The same place where Wei Kunyi was murdered!"

"I heard about it yesterday. It's... unsettling."

Han Yu hadn't given it much thought. "That is quite a coincidence..."

"Coincidence? It's terrifying! I'm also surnamed Wei, and now I'm living in a murder house. Could something happen to me?" "Senior Brother Han, I trust you the most here. If anything happens, you have to help me!"

Han Yu gave a noncommittal nod.

You trust me the most, yet you already gathered information from others before coming to me?

Wei Xiaoluo was either naturally cunning or had an agenda. Regardless, Han Yu decided to keep this "junior brother" at arm's length.

Just then, a huge plantain leaf drifted toward them.

Three people stood aboard it.

Han Yu smiled when he saw who it was.

At the front stood Senior Brother Jin Qi. Two years ago, he was already at the sixth layer of Qi Refining. Now, under the Exceptional Promotion Order, he wore the blue robes of an Inner Disciple. Behind him stood Sun Kang and Liu Lan, both dressed in the green of the Outer Sect.

The leaf touched down gently. Sun Kang and Liu Lan exchanged smiles with Han Yu but remained silent behind Jin Qi.

Hong Liang, Ji Yida, and Hua Qi hurried over to greet them.

"Senior Brother Hong." Jin Qi cupped his hands slightly.

"Junior Brother Jin," Hong Liang returned the gesture with a smile. "Do you bring new orders from the sect?"

Jin Qi nodded. "The sect was very pleased with Senior Brother Hong's report yesterday. I am here to deliver your rewards and announce a new decree."

"A small contribution, hardly worth mentioning," Hong Liang said with practiced modesty.

He gathered the Laborer Disciples to listen.

Jin Qi then read out the rewards.

"Inner Disciple Hong Liang! For meritorious service in guarding the spirit fields and promptly executing a spy, you are awarded one Major Merit, one entry to the Technique Pavilion, and a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills!"

"Outer Disciples Ji Yida and Hua Qi! You are each awarded five Minor Merits and a bottle of Qi Condensation Pills."

The three recipients beamed, bowing to thank the sect.

Jin Qi’s expression turned solemn. "Furthermore, the sect issues a new 'Exceptional Promotion Order.'"

"In three days, all Laborer Disciples will participate in a Grand Competition. Those with outstanding talent, exceptional potential, or special skills will be selected to join the Outer Sect!"

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. The Laborer Disciples rubbed their hands together, eyes shining with hope.

"Senior Brother," someone called out, "is there a cultivation requirement? First layer? Second?"

"No restriction," Jin Qi replied. "Anyone at the first layer of Qi Refining or above may participate."

He paused.

"However, you must have been a member of the sect for over a year to be eligible."

The joy on the faces of the veteran disciples intensified, while the recently recruited Rogue Cultivators’ expressions soured instantly.

Tian Qing couldn't hold back. "Senior Brother Jin, why the one-year rule? We Rogue Cultivators already have cultivation bases. We don't need a year of training!"

"It is a sect command. I only convey it," Jin Qi answered flatly.

Tian Qing opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it. He swallowed his frustration and fell silent.

The reason was not hard to see. The one-year rule was a filter. The sect wanted to keep the rogue cultivators working as Laborer Disciples while keeping them out of the inner circle. With such a mixed group, their loyalties were uncertain; letting them into the Outer or Inner Sects would risk leaking the secrets of the defensive formations.

After the announcement, Jin Qi pulled Hong Liang aside to discuss the logistics.

Sun Kang and Liu Lan seized the moment to approach Han Yu.

"Junior Brother Han," Sun Kang said, "you've always been skilled with spells. You must participate. This is your chance."

"Exactly," Liu Lan added. "We'll be waiting for you in the Outer Sect."

Han Yu hesitated. "But... I've only just reached the second layer of Qi Refining. Is that enough?"

Sun Kang laughed. "Liu Lan and I got in at the third layer. Among the current laborers, the second layer is considered high! Plus, you're a genius with techniques. You'll make it."

Jin Qi, having finished with Hong Liang, overheard the tail end of their conversation. He turned to Han Yu and smiled.

"This Junior Brother... aren't you the one who joined with a Keepsake Token a year ago? The one I personally escorted to the Spirit Field Department?"

Looking for more free chapters? Visit www.skynovelvault.com to read over 5,000 free chapters and continue exploring more stories from SkyNovelVault.

88.181.249.5

ns88.181.249.5da2