?Mobile reading Dong Guankun and the Immortal of the Ethereal Sect had each gained what they desired, and together they stepped out of the study, parting ways. Yet the smile on Dong Guankun's face did not seem one of someone who had suffered a loss—it rather appeared more confident than that of Piao Miao's true master. He thought more deeply: as long as he could secure the position of Grand Marshal, it would be worthwhile to make certain sacrifices. Once he had firmly established himself in the role, he would then reclaim the benefits previously granted to Piao Miao Sect. At that point, even if Piao Miao's true master remained unconvinced, what could he do? It was like fishing—first, lay down the bait. Each of the two old foxes harbored his own intentions, believing he would secure the greatest advantage. The next morning, a wave of cries woke most of those still asleep or engaged in meditation. People quickly rushed out of their tents, heading toward the source of the noise. "What's going on?" asked Qin Feng, who wore only his outer robe. He was one of those who naturally woke up when the time came—what he considered rigorous cultivation was simply having a good night with his female companions. A single night of passionate intimacy, for him, surpassed the achievements of any of the others who had meditated for a full month. The spiritual gate master shook his head and said, "I don't know either. Just now, I seemed to hear someone calling out for the dead—I'm not sure who exactly passed away!" "Dead," Qin Sha suddenly sensed a hint of conspiracy. After all, everyone present were cultivators, most of them of considerable strength—none would have died of illness. It was far more likely that someone had been killed. Indeed, on the sandy stretch by the sea to the southeast, a body lay sprawled. From the direction in which the body had fallen and the wounds on it, it was clear that the victim had been killed without resistance. Under immense external force, the vital energy center (dan tian) had been shattered, and the internal organs displaced—this caused the fatal outcome. Soon, someone identified the deceased, and several of the master's fellow disciples began weeping uncontrollably. A respected senior master asked, "What on earth has happened? How did your senior brother die?" Several junior disciples shook their heads, indicating they were unaware of the details. At that moment, a middle-aged cultivator spoke up, "Last night, while I was going to the bathroom, I saw this master following a figure I recognized well—someone who had left the camp." "Who was that person?" the disciples immediately asked. The middle-aged cultivator looked hesitant, "I only saw the figure from the back—I didn't get a clear view of his face. And how could I possibly know he was going to kill someone?" "Who is it? Tell us quickly!" Others grew increasingly anxious, especially the disciples from the Xiao Yao Sect—this was their own territory, and such a serious incident demanded a clear explanation. The middle-aged cultivator, still somewhat embarrassed, said, "I truly only saw the figure from the back and don't have solid evidence. If I speak out, I'm certain I'll offend people." Several other sect heads had also arrived, and they confidently assured the middle-aged cultivator. As a mere spectator, Qin Feng couldn't help but think this was more like a farce—how would anyone be foolish enough to kill someone right here, in the very heart of things? After all, on a grand scale, this was equivalent to challenging the entire cultivation community's dignity. The middle-aged man gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, since all of you masters are willing to stand by me, I've got nothing left to worry about!" Suddenly, he turned to look at Qin Feng. Qin Feng was taken aback—wasn't that the very image of a backlit figure? For heaven's sake, I was sleeping with a beautiful woman last night—how could I possibly have found time to commit such a murder? Wasn't this some elaborate conspiracy? As this thought just began to form in his mind, the middle-aged man raised his hand and pointed directly at him, saying, "It's precisely Qin Feng, the master of Ling Miao Sect. Though I've never had any direct interaction with him, he's emerged as a surprise winner in securing the Lotus Platform, so I'm quite familiar with him. What I've seen—was his back!" Qin Feng understood then: this was a clear case of false accusation aimed As for who the mastermind behind this is, there are simply too many possibilities. Whether it's Lin Fenglei, the White Crane Master, or even the rather unimpressive young disciple Zhao Bin of the elderly, all of whom could have a motive to retaliate against Qin Feng—no less than Dong Qiankun, the Immortal of the Misty Heights, or even the Fire God, who has already departed—could all be potential suspects. After all, who could resist the fact that Qin, the young lord, is so skilled at creating enemies for himself? As the middle-aged man finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned toward him. Dong Qiankun's expression tightened: "Qin Feng, shouldn't you at least offer some explanation?" Qin, the young lord, shrugged and remarked, "I don't feel the need to explain anything. First, I didn't even know the person who died—so there's no motive for me to have killed him. Second, even the eyewitnesses claim they only saw his back, and while they thought it resembled me, they're not certain it was me. Third, there are people who can confirm that I didn't leave my tent last night!" "The middle-aged man gracefully remarked, 'I still stand by my earlier view—I believe that person's silhouette resembles Qin Feng's, though I haven't seen his actual appearance!' Gong Qinkuan and Pi Miao True Person exchanged a glance and said, 'Since this isn't direct evidence, we can't yet conclude. I'll investigate this matter thoroughly and provide everyone with a clear resolution. Qin Feng, regardless of how it unfolds, the evidence points to you. I hope you'll cooperate with the subsequent investigation.' Qin Feng shrugged and said, 'I know exactly what to do to clear my own name.' 'Let's all disperse now!' On the way back, the Master of the Tengling Sect whispered, 'Qin, I have a strong feeling this is a conspiracy!' 'Ha ha,' he replied in a steady tone, 'You've already sensed it—this is indeed a conspiracy. Clearly, someone has been targeting me. I'm actually quite comfortable with trouble. After all, I'm idle anyway—this will simply be a way to pass the time. I'll uncover that person and then bring them down!' Back at the tent, after telling the two women who were dressing, the atmosphere was already quite lively. The three of them were just about to discuss how to divide the tasks when a voice suddenly came from outside: "Big bad guy Feng! I heard you've killed someone. I think the two sisters now simply aren't suited to stay with you. I've come to pick them up to join the Spirit-Healing Sect. I'm sure you won't have any objections!"