C14 Geshu Yuan(2)

Within the inner disciples' residence.

Majestic green mountains rose steeply, teeming with life and shrouded in mist, resembling a celestial realm.

Atop each mountain, scattered pavilions and cave dwellings had been constructed.

These were the homes of the academy's inner disciples.

In comparison to the quarters of the servant disciples, the difference was like night and day.

Brother Xiao Luo approached one such mountain and began ascending the winding green stone steps.

At the mountain's summit stood a three-story pavilion, its eaves soaring as if ready to take flight at any moment.

At the top of this pavilion, a young man stood with his hands clasped behind him, gazing at the ever-changing clouds.

His eyebrows were sharp, his body clad in dark armor scarred with countless marks of battle, and stained with dried blood.

The armor cloaked him in an aura of solemnity and death.

More than a dozen individuals stood behind him, their heads bowed in deference.

"Have you not found the murderer yet?" the young man asked with impatience.

"Not yet, Master Geshu Yuan."

"However, we have unearthed the spiritual root of a precious plant, which we believe to be a Dark Night Demonic Lotus."

"We suspect that the Lawless Daoist was murdered over a dispute for this Dark Night Demonic Lotus."

Geshu Yuan, the eldest son of the Viceroy of Lanta, listened as his lead subordinate relayed the information.

He nodded slightly and declared brusquely, "I don't need to know how the Lawless Daoist died."

"Nor do I care who was in the right."

"All I know is that the Lawless Daoist was under my tutelage."

"Whoever dared to kill him has challenged my honor."

"Your task now is to find this person and execute them."

"I don't wish to expend my energy on such trivialities. When will you handle this?"

Silence followed; without any leads, how could they possibly resolve the matter swiftly?

Just then, a voice emanated from the lower level of the pavilion, "Master Geshu Yuan, an outer court disciple has arrived with significant information regarding the Lawless Daoist's death."

Geshu Yuan turned slowly and commanded, "Bring him up."

Upon seeing Senior Brother Luo Zhongkun's disheveled appearance, Geshu Yuan felt a wave of disappointment wash over him.

"Junior Brother Luo Zhongkun pays his respects to Senior Brother Geshu Yuan," Luo Zhongkun said with a respectful bow, his words somewhat slurred.

"Did you witness the murder of the Lawless Daoist?"

Geshu Han cut straight to the chase.

"Junior Brother didn't see it," Senior Brother Luo Zhongkun replied. "However, I did see someone wielding an Origin Weapon Sword."

"An upper-grade yellow-ranked sword, three feet and nine inches long, adorned with strange patterns that resemble pine prints."

"A pine print ancient sword?" Geshu Yuan mused before probing further, "Who has that sword now? Do you have any other leads?"

"Spill everything you know, and I assure you, you won't be shortchanged."

Luo Zhongkun, brimming with excitement, continued, "I also saw that person recently come into possession of a Heavenly Treasure."

"What kind of Heavenly Treasure?" someone next to Geshu Yuan asked eagerly.

"It's a jade-white spherical object, about the size of a fingertip. Its shape suggests it's a lotus seed."

"A lotus seed!"

"The Dark Night Demonic Lotus!"

"This person must be the one who killed Taoist Pu!"

The group was invigorated, voices rising in agreement.

Geshu Yuan's demeanor softened as he turned to Luo Zhongkun and inquired, "Who is this individual? What's his background?"

"Speak up. Your contributions won't be forgotten."

A smile spread across Luo Zhongkun's face as he hurriedly revealed, "His name is Zhang Heng, a new student who was admitted without taking the entrance exam."

"A new student managed to kill Taoist Pu? Are you certain?" Some were skeptical.

Luo Zhongkun defended his claim, "Please, Senior Brother, do not underestimate Zhang Heng."

"On his very first day, he bullied other new students in our academy. My brother, Luo Zhongqian, couldn't just watch and tried to reason with him, only to be gravely injured by Zhang Heng. At that time, my brother had already formed his Qi Sea, yet Zhang Heng had not."

"Just earlier, in my role as a deacon of the Hall of Judgement, I confronted him for answers. Unexpectedly, he lashed out at me without a word. The results, as everyone has witnessed, speak for themselves."

"My cultivation has reached the pinnacle of the first grade in the Qi Refining Realm, and I've attained Small Completion in my supreme martial arts. Yet, I was utterly overpowered by him," Luo Zhongkun said resentfully.

Geshu Yuan's right hand instinctively caressed the hilt of his Origin Weapon, a habit of his. Whenever he learned of a rising genius, he felt an urge to confront them, preferably eliminating them before they grew too powerful. And whenever the thought of killing arose, Geshu Yuan would invariably find his hand stroking his weapon's hilt.

"So, it's him. I've heard he's the top exempt candidate, recently besting Lin Ruhai, the second-ranked in the regular exam," Geshu Yuan mused. "At that time, he hadn't even practiced any supreme martial arts, whereas Lin Ruhai had already achieved Small Completion."

"Zhang Heng is quite the enigma. He had never cultivated before joining the academy, and shortly after his arrival, he's already capable of defeating an Outer Sect disciple at the full mastery of the first grade of Qi Refining!"

"It's no surprise he managed to defeat someone at the peak of the First Stage of Qi Refining."

He then turned to Luo Zhongkun and inquired, "What is it that you desire?"

Realizing that the formidable Zhang Heng would never forgive him, Luo Zhongkun quickly bowed and pleaded, "Luo Zhongkun humbly requests to join the ranks of the esteemed eldest young master."

Without a moment's hesitation, Geshu Yuan declared, "You are now part of the Geshu Society."

"As a member of my society, I will not stand idly by if you face any peril. You will also enjoy the numerous benefits of the Geshu Society."

"Thank you, Young Master!" Luo Zhongkun exclaimed with joy.

Geshu Yuan was the heir apparent to the Viceroy of Lanta. The Pofreyae Dynasty, while outwardly thriving and vigorous, was internally facing a decline in the royal lineage, with influential clans and families becoming increasingly autonomous. The appointment of local officials often became hereditary, a legacy passed from father to son. Barring any unforeseen events, Geshu Yuan was destined to succeed as the next Viceroy.

In the inner court, there was no shortage of people eager to become his guests, yet they found themselves unable to secure such a coveted position. Luo Zhongkun's delight was palpable.

"Young Master, how should we handle that newcomer, Zhang Heng?" the lead guest inquired.

"He's bound to return to Silverflow Canyon for further training soon. Perhaps we could..." another guest murmured, trailing off with a suggestion.

"If we already know the identity of the killer, what's the rush?"

"This would be more complicated with another disciple."

"But since he's a newcomer, he's certain to take part in the upcoming trials for the new students."

"The trials for the newcomers are notorious for being brutal, with many casualties. We can take action during the trials without raising any suspicions. And since his participation is mandatory, we'll just have to see how he manages to survive."

Geshu Yuan spoke with an icy detachment.

"A masterstroke, Young Master!"

The others showered him with compliments, each eager to curry favor.