C15 The Sect Investigation

Han Binn could hear every word being spoken outside his room with crystal clarity. In an instant, he realized that something significant had occurred and quickly tucked the Heavenly Dao Imperial Jade Seal into his chest. With the situation now out of the shadows, he couldn't keep it concealed any longer and needed to devise a solution. His eyes landed on the wine gourd lying on the floor, sparking an idea. He flung open the window, grabbed the gourd, and took several deep gulps.

It was Han Binn's first taste of alcohol, and having consumed too much in one go, he quickly felt lightheaded. His consciousness began to blur, and through the haze, he could faintly discern someone knocking at the door.

Sun Yuangang had been drawn by the commotion. As a disciple in name with absolute authority in the outer court, he took notice when spiritual energy began to emanate from Han Binn's room. He knocked urgently, but with no response, he ordered the door to be forced open. As the door swung wide, a thick wave of spiritual energy enveloped everyone present, leaving them all momentarily stunned and eager to uncover what had transpired inside.

Casting a glance at Han Binn sprawled on the floor in a drunken heap, then at Xie Hu lying on the bed, Sun Yuangang was filled with uncertainty. The implications were too great for a hasty decision. He instructed others to keep watch over the pair and hurried off into the night to inform the elders of the unfolding events.

By the next morning, Han Binn and Xie Hu awoke to find themselves not in their own room, but in a guest room within the General Affairs Department.

In the room with Sun Yuangang was another man, dressed in red. In his forties, with an unremarkable face, he exuded an immense presence. His aura matched that of the red-clothed elder they had encountered earlier, marking him clearly as a Foundation Stage cultivator and an elder of the Heaven Light Sect. Upon seeing the two awake, the red-clothed man addressed Principal Sun, "Was it from their room that the dense spiritual energy was detected last night?"

Sun Yuangang nodded, bowing respectfully, "Elder Wei, it was indeed them. I assure you, I have not concealed a single detail."

The elder in red, known as Wai Peng, might have held a respected position, but his cultivation was the weakest among his peers. His favorite pastime? Boasting. Naturally, he was selective about his audience. The other elders, well aware of his actual abilities and temperament, were not easily impressed, so he restrained himself around them. However, when he encountered a Qi Cultivating Stage disciple, Wai Peng seized the opportunity to shine. His boasting could be summed up in one phrase: when he started, it was as if the world went dark and the sun and moon lost their light.

Wai Peng's eyes briefly scanned the two before him, then he turned to Sun Yuangang and inquired, "Do you think they're capable of generating such pure spiritual energy?"

The previous night, upon learning of this development, an inner sect elder had promptly reported to the Sect Master. Although Sect Master Daoist Ming Yuan had convened several elders to deliberate the issue, he wasn't overly concerned, finding it merely odd. The peculiar occurrences at the Yin Corpse Grounds had vanished overnight, and now this emergence of pure spiritual energy had everyone talking. Some speculated a connection between the two events and were eager to delve into an investigation. Others dismissed it as the ramblings of inebriated foreign disciples. The situation could be considered significant or trivial; a fruitless investigation would not only be a waste of time but also an interruption to their cultivation.

Ultimately, the Sect Master appointed Wai Peng to look into the matter. For one, Wai Peng was not fond of cultivating during the day, preferring to roam the sect and boast to any Qi Cultivating Stage disciple he met. Secondly, showing off to these disciples was something Wai Peng relished. Spotting a chance to tout his own prowess, he didn't hesitate to join Sun Yuangang and set off immediately.

Upon arrival, Wai Peng was sorely disappointed to find not a trace of spiritual energy in the room. Stubbornly, he waited all night to no avail. After much contemplation, he decided to question the two individuals separately. Naturally, on the way to the storage room, he couldn't resist extolling his talents and swift cultivation progress to the outer circle disciples. His tales worked their magic, earning him looks of admiration. Pleased with the effect, Wai Peng continued his self-aggrandizing spiel until he reached the storage room. No sooner had he stepped inside than Han Binn and Xie Hu awoke, setting the stage for the events that had just unfolded.

Sun Yuangang felt a wave of frustration and thought to himself, "You're asking me, but who should I turn to?" Despite his internal musings, he spoke up, "Elder Wei, these are merely outer circle disciples who have just joined the sect. It's highly unlikely they could generate such intense spiritual energy. Something seems off here; perhaps they possess some kind of treasure." Noticing that Wei Peng didn't interrupt, he pressed on, "There are thousands of dwellings for the outer circle disciples—why is it that the spiritual energy is specifically emanating from their room?"

Wei Peng nodded thoughtfully and responded with gravitas, "Your point is well taken. These years of cultivation haven't been for naught."

Sun Yuangang offered a slight smile and complimented, "All thanks to your guidance, Elder Wei." He had navigated the sect's politics for many years, and his rise to his current status was no accident. He knew exactly what to say to whom, much like Han Tianlong. Both were adept at doling out praise, and they did it exceptionally well.

Wei Peng, who enjoyed boasting and receiving praise in equal measure, declared, "There is indeed something peculiar about this. You may leave; I will conduct the questioning."

After Sun Yuangang bowed and took his leave, Wei Peng turned to the two men and inquired, "What are your names?"

"Han Binn."

"Xie Hu."

Upon hearing their names, Wei Peng subtly executed a hand seal, and a powerful aura radiated from him, causing his clothes to billow as if caught in an invisible breeze, giving him the air of a formidable immortal. After a brief pause, noticing the astonishment in their eyes, he realized his display of Dao Art had made an impression. He asked them, "Do you know the name of the Dao Art I just performed?"

The two were taken aback—weren't they supposed to be interrogated? Why this sudden question?

Xie Hu recovered quicker than Han Binn and hastily replied, "Elder, your technique is incredibly potent. I couldn't grasp it in the slightest."

Wei Peng, basking in his own perceived grandeur, boasted, "Of course. If you could discern it, you'd be on par with me in cultivation." With that, he turned his expectant gaze to Han Binn, awaiting his response.

Han Binn was at a loss as to which act the Elder was playing, so he responded, "Elder, your mastery of Dao techniques is impressive. I, too, was unable to discern its workings." He couldn't fathom the offensive capabilities of a Dao technique that merely caused clothes to billow.

The technique in question was known as the Wind Controlling Technique. Though its power was modest, it could make one's garments flutter as if they were a celestial being.

Wai Peng seemed pleased with their responses and inquired, "Do you understand the difficulty of cultivation?"

Both men's eyes went wide. This question seemed entirely unrelated to the previous interrogation.

When they remained silent, Wai Peng's expression grew stern. "Are you disrespecting me?" he challenged.

This time, Han Binn spoke up first, "Elder, weren't you questioning us? Why this sudden shift in topic?"

Wai Peng had been looking forward to a chance to brag, but Han Binn's interruption irked him. Annoyed, he snapped, "Do you realize whom you're addressing?"

"I'm aware," Han Binn replied, somewhat disheartened. What was the Elder's true intention?

With a cold huff, Wai Peng instructed, "When speaking, you must preface your words with a proper honorific."

Han Binn's brow creased slightly, yet he complied, "As you say, Elder, I understand."

Wai Peng nodded, "Had you done so from the start, there would've been no issue. Now, where were we?"

Han Binn was speechless...

Having lost his train of thought after the interruption, Wai Peng decided to start anew. "Let's focus on the matter at hand! What transpired last night?" He had no faith in Sun Yuangang's account. Upon arrival, his Divine Sense had already scoured the two men without finding a trace. Had they possessed any treasure, it surely would have exuded spiritual energy.

Xie Hu was clueless about the previous night's events. "Elder, all I recall is drinking too much and then falling asleep. Beyond that, I know nothing," he confessed.

Han Binn echoed, "The same for me, Elder. After drinking, I passed out."

Wai Peng was skeptical. "Is that truly the case?" he pressed.

"It's really like that," they both answered in unison.

Wai Peng gave them a look, doubting either had the capability to conjure spiritual energy. It was probably just a fluke—a spiritual eye beneath the earth's surface that happened to release a burst of dense spiritual energy. Considering the proximity to the Yin Corpse Absolute Land, where such bizarre occurrences were not uncommon, it wouldn't be surprising for odd events to unfold here as well. With this in mind, Wai Peng asked them, "Are you interested in pursuing the path of cultivation?"

Both had dreamed of it but never found the opportunity, or more precisely, never had the chance to formally take a master.

Upon hearing Wai Peng's question, they eagerly responded, "Disciple wishes to cultivate."

Wai Peng cracked a knowing smile. "I figured as much. But let me tell you, the path of cultivation is no easy journey!"

Confusion crossed their faces. Wai Peng had seemed ready to accept them as disciples, yet his words implied something else. Was this some kind of test?

Without a second thought, Xie Hu dropped to his knees and bowed deeply, beginning, "Master, please..."

Before he could finish, Wai Peng swept his sleeve, sending a breeze that lifted Xie Hu back to his feet.

Stunned, Xie Hu looked at Wai Peng, perplexed. "Elder, what are you..."

Wai Peng was known for his tall tales, yet he was no slouch in action. He had merely wanted to boast about the rigors of cultivation and his own hard-earned achievements. He hadn't expected Xie Hu to take him so literally. With a look of mild frustration, Wai Peng spoke slowly, "Your desire to cultivate is understandable, but cultivation depends on both fortune and innate talent. Without either, how can you hope to succeed?" He sighed, gazing out at the sky beyond the room, and murmured to himself, "The world is vast, with countless souls yearning to cultivate. Yet, how many can claim the immense fortune and talent that I possess?"

His statement was both grandiose and unabashedly vain, leaving one at a loss for words at such self-aggrandizement.

At that moment, Han Binn and Xie Hu were in a state of uncertainty. They couldn't discern whether the elder who had appeared so abruptly was there to look into the previous night's events or simply to brag before them.

Having finished his speech, Wai Peng noticed their astonished faces and mistook it for awe. Pleased with himself, he continued, "There's no need for sorrow. The fates of all are decreed by the heavens. To have arrived here and become nominal disciples is a far happier fate than those children who didn't make the cut."

With a flick of his sleeve, Wai Peng closed the door and, in a hushed tone, added, "In truth, the path to cultivation isn't beyond your reach."

Wide-eyed, Han Binn and Xie Hu were at a loss, wondering what Wai Peng was up to.

Oblivious to their stares, Wai Peng pulled out two thread-bound books, each emblazoned with the title 'Qi Cultivation Technique.' Clearly, these were manuals of mystical practice, but why two?

Xie Hu, already in possession of a Cultivation Spell, found the books redundant. What he sought was a new status. "Elder, what does this mean?" he inquired.

Wai Peng offered a sly smile. "A few gourds of wine, and these will be yours," he proposed. As an elder of the inner sect, he was forbidden from drinking. The Heaven Light Sect's rules were stringent: any formal disciple caught drinking faced a decade of seclusion or, worse, the nullification of their spiritual powers and expulsion.

Unaware of the inner sect's strictures, Xie Hu perceived Wai Peng's longing for a drink as an opportunity. Perhaps fulfilling this request would lead to the elder taking him on as a disciple. Seizing the moment, Xie Hu eagerly said, "Elder, consider it done. I'll fetch the wine immediately." He turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, Wai Peng called out, "Do you know exactly what to say?"

Xie Hu was taken aback for a moment, but then he chuckled and remarked, "I had a hunch that the spiritual energy in the room last night had something to do with the wine."

Wai Peng nodded approvingly and gestured dismissively, "Off you go! Make it a quick trip." Having said that, he turned his attention to Han Binn and inquired, "Why aren't you going?"