Heart-wrenching, I remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "Compelled to do so."
Tang Wu, you actually figured it out?
I don't know where I revealed my tell.
If he noticed it, what about the others?
No, it's not correct. Others definitely haven't noticed anything, it must be Tang Wu who figured out the issue and deliberately covered up my lie?
It is precisely because of his actions that he has prevented the others from delving deeper?
"Alas, you youngster, while your heart is meticulous, such bold endeavors cannot be undertaken often. Utilizing Wei Youming to slay Wu Ling led to a twist of fate where the plague demon was unintentionally neutralized, Wei Youming failed to act, and you also intervened to prevent us from locating Wei Youming. This back-and-forth has kept your reputation intact; however, it unwittingly harms the hearts of Daoist practitioners. Thankfully, I am aware that you have no ill intentions and understand Wu Ling's impact on the Four Rules Mountain."
"But what if others were involved? What if Wu Ling found out it was you? You don't have the means to kill cleanly in one stroke, and this Four Rules Mountain will be thrown into chaos beyond description."
"The appearance of peace is like the surface of a turbulent sea."
I was stunned again.
I didn't expect that Tang Wu would see through that.
Yes, after all, he is an experienced immortal and has had contact with Wei Youming and even engaged in physical confrontations.
After a moment of silence, I said, "He might have realized I was lying before. I will find a way to handle it properly."
About this matter, Old Gong has already given me some pointers. I can't keep it from Tang Wu.
Tang Wu's hand was originally stroking his beard, but he suddenly twisted the front part and froze it in place.
"I thank Tangold for your insight on this matter. Earlier, Tangold spoke on my behalf, and Shenjin is grateful beyond words."
I bowed deeply once again.
Although the matter has not been fully clarified, Tang Wu's eyes are already full of shock!
I have been in contact with Tang Wu for a considerable amount of time, and I have a thorough understanding of him as an individual.
I didn't want to form a relationship of exploitation with him, which is why I spoke openly.
"I indeed didn't expect this outcome. I see, that makes sense."
Tang Wu's eyes were filled with enlightenment.
"I'm sorry, Tangsen." There was more apology in my eyes.
In this way, Tang Wu will know why I previously incited Wu Ling to propose the request for suppression.
Tang Wu fell silent for a long time before suddenly asking, "You could have kept it to yourself, after all, I also think that Sir Ye is inappropriate. You don't fear that I will ruthlessly kill you after telling me this? After all, you are the risk itself."
I didn't say anything else; I just slightly bowed my head and remained motionless.
About half a minute later, I raised my head and said, "Tangsen is a good immortal, though he may not be a particularly good Taoist, he will certainly cleanse the outside evils of the Four Rules Mountain. As Tangsen doesn't move to act right now, it shows that he trusts me, and I won't let Master Brother down or betray Tangsen's trust."
Tang Wu's hand finally lowered from his beard.
He sighed slightly, "You, with so many troubles around you, yet your spirit remains so optimistic. I do believe in you. If you were not as I thought you were, I would have immediately taken a stand against you. Contacting ghosts is not the right path. We can't talk about the plague, but catching him, you have done a great service. Wei Youming may seem upright now, but you shouldn't forget that he achieved his current stature for a reason. A malevolent ghost who can rival immortals has caused how many innocent deaths in his hands?"
After saying that, Tang Wu patted my shoulder and walked back in the direction we came from.
I remained standing in the same spot, not moving for a long time.
Tang Wu's perspective on the issue was completely opposite. He feared that I might only consider Wu Ling as righteous because Wei Youming had taken action against him, but instead, he told me about how much evil there is behind the seemingly righteous exterior to sustain Wei Youming.
Actually, I haven't forgotten that.
Standing there for a bit longer, I started walking back. Wu Ling and Tao Zhi hadn't returned, nor had Xu Jian. I wasn't worried about anything else happening.
Several disciples approached me to ask for experience from the previous ritual. My mind was much more calm, and I began to answer their questions in detail.
Shortly after, the sky began to lighten, but Lao Gong had not returned.
Around noon, He You Tian returned with the other immortals. Without exception, they and the elders had bags slung over their shoulders and arms, returning the treasures of the Huang Si sect over the years to their rightful owners.
"Shall we head to Changfeng Taoist Temple first? The plague has been removed for the time being, let's discuss future matters there," proposed He You Tian.
The other Taoist temple immortals nodded in agreement.
Afterward, the group headed to Changfeng Taoist Temple.
Upon arrival, the disciples of the Four Rules Mountain knew something about Changfeng Taoist Temple. With the coordination of the elders, accommodations were arranged for the people from the various Taoist temples. Everyone had been traveling and was exhausted from lack of sleep for a night, so they went to rest first.
He You Tian kept me aside and praised me. He sighed slightly and had a hint of pride, saying, "Xian Shen, with the help of the thunderous laws of Heaven, you are not weaker than your second brother. In less than two years, you have achieved such success. This is truly fortunate for our Four Rules Mountain."
I remained silent for a long time, even I myself found it hard to believe.
Old Qin's words back then that I was a dragon destined for the Yang Spirit were not likely a fabrication.
"Go ahead, rest well. We will discuss the matter of the suppression of the Plague Demon after everyone else has rested."
"Tao Zhi is indeed helpful, but you must not let your eyes be blinded. There are indeed evil spirits outside the Four Rules Mountain."
He You Tian's words were clearly meant to prevent me from truly forming some kind of coordination or cooperation with Wu Ling over this matter.
It seems that the lesson of Zheng Ren's past, and some of the actions of the Second Elder, have made him completely lose his soft heart.
"I assure Master Brother that Xian Shen will not be swayed." I spoke again.
"Go ahead." He You Tian waved his hand, indicating for me to leave.
As soon as I left a few steps, I stopped and hesitated before turning back to look at He You Tian.
"Hmm? What's the matter, Xian Shen?" He You Tian asked me.
"Master Brother, why are you not surprised by the appearance of Wei Youming?" I asked.
He You Tian didn't say anything.
"Master Brother, don't you doubt some of the words spoken by the plague demon?" I asked again.
For me, this matter is indeed very challenging.
Just that, after experiencing the deception of hiding things from He You Tian in the past, the pressure is too great. I don't want to deceive anyone again, for the word 'lie' hurts the heart the most.
I have already informed Tang Wu about it, there is no reason to hide it from He You Tian.
He You Tian stroked his short beard and suddenly asked, "Little brother, do you think this is important?"
"Important." I answered decisively.
"Hehe, to my brother, Wei Youming could be brought by Lao Gong, it could be because he wanted to kill you and secretly came, it could be because he was schemed by the plague demon and he came out of hate for the plague demon."
"The Plague Demon, perhaps really exists in you, just like it does in the official teacher uncle of Jiuqu Mountain. This doesn't matter."
"It is important that you, are my little brother!"
"As long as this doesn't change, even if one day you are pointed fingers by a thousand people, Master Brother will stand in front of you."
"If the front is an army, Master Brother will be the general; if the enemy comes like water, Master Brother will be the embankment and soil. Don't worry, don't let past things bind your present self, you have no worries behind you."
He You Tian spoke with the most gentle and kind tone, yet his words were as resolute and firm as could be.
