Chapter 9: Undercurrents and Sudden Upheavels
Lin Yu successfully bringing back the Millennium Poison Spirit Flower caused a massive sensation throughout the Qingxuan Sect. The disciples' admiration for him deepened profoundly as they widely circulated tales of his bravery. The Sect Master was also extremely appreciative of Lin Yu's performance, not only granting him generous rewards but also praising him publicly as a role model for the younger generation of the sect.
However, all of this felt like needles pricking the back of Great Elder Zhou Yuan. He increasingly felt that Lin Yu was a massive stumbling block on his path to seizing power and had to be eliminated as soon as possible. When Zhou Yuan returned to his quarters, his expression was terrifyingly dark; his trusted aides, upon seeing this, treaded carefully and dared not make a sound.
"Hmph, that brat actually managed to complete the mission after all. It seems I underestimated him," Zhou Yuan said through gritted teeth.
"Great Elder, what should we do next?" a trusted aide asked cautiously.
Zhou Yuan pondered for a moment, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, and said, "Since conventional methods won't work against him, we'll resort to dirty tricks. Let's spread rumors within the sect claiming that Lin Yu was only able to bring back the Millennium Poison Spirit Flower because he colluded with the Demonic Path and borrowed their power."
Upon hearing this, the trusted aides showed expressions of surprise, but they quickly understood and nodded in agreement. Thus, under Zhou Yuan's instigation, various rumors spread rapidly within the Qingxuan Sect. At first, most disciples did not believe these rumors, given that Lin Yu's past conduct was plain for all to see. But as the rumors grew more and more bizarre, some uninformed disciples began to harbor doubts.
While in closed-door seclusion, Lin Yu knew nothing of the rumors sweeping the sect. When he finally emerged, he noticed that the surrounding disciples were looking at him strangely, their gazes filled with suspicion and wariness. Confused, Lin Yu made some inquiries and finally learned about the rumors.
"Damnable! It must be that old bastard Zhou Yuan playing tricks!" Lin Yu burned with anger inwardly, well aware that if such rumors were allowed to take root, he would no longer have a foothold in the Qingxuan Sect. Yet, he currently lacked proof that Zhou Yuan had fabricated the rumors; rashly confronting Zhou Yuan would only plunge him into an even more disadvantageous position.
Just as Lin Yu was pondering how to respond, the Law Enforcement Hall of the Qingxuan Sect suddenly sent word summoning Lin Yu for questioning. Lin Yu knew this was Zhou Yuan pushing from behind, attempting to use this opportunity to drive him to his death. Nevertheless, he did not shrink back and resolutely headed toward the Law Enforcement Hall.
Inside the Law Enforcement Hall, the Hall Master looked at Lin Yu with a stern face and said, "Lin Yu, rumors have been circulating within the sect lately that you colluded with the Demonic Path and borrowed demonic power to complete your mission. How do you explain this?"
Composed and steady, Lin Yu cupped his fists and said, "Hall Master, this is malicious gossip fabricated by someone attempting to frame me. I, Lin Yu, am wholeheartedly devoted to the Dao and loyal to the sect; how could I ever collude with the Demonic Path? I hope the Hall Master will investigate clearly."
The Law Enforcement Hall Master frowned slightly and said, "Naturally, I hope this is merely a rumor as well, but with these rumors running rampant now, countless disciples are whispering among themselves. If we don't unearth the truth, it might threaten the stability of the sect. Do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?"
Lin Yu understood that proving he had not colluded with the Demonic Path would be no easy task. After a moment of thought, he said, "Hall Master, my experiences in the Myriad Poison Abyss can be vouched for by the elders and disciples who entered the ruins alongside me. Furthermore, I slaughtered numerous venomous creatures and fierce beasts while in the Myriad Poison Abyss, and those traces can still be verified."
The Law Enforcement Hall Master nodded and said, "Very well, I will dispatch people to investigate. In the meantime, you will remain here in the Law Enforcement Hall and await the outcome. If it is verified that you indeed colluded with the Demonic Path, I will show no leniency."
With no other choice, Lin Yu had to stay in the Law Enforcement Hall to await the results of the investigation. Meanwhile, in the shadows of the Qingxuan Sect, Zhou Yuan was closely monitoring the movements of the Law Enforcement Hall, a sinister smile plastered across his face. He firmly believed that this time, he would thoroughly eradicate Lin Yu. At the same time, the atmosphere within the Qingxuan Sect grew increasingly tense as an even greater storm quietly brewed, ready to sweep through the sect.