Over the next few days, I immersed myself in cultivation and alchemy as usual. The Wu Family cultivation technique was profound and marvelous, and my progress was quite smooth.
Occasionally, I would think of that jade pendant and the strange dream from that night. I always felt as though something had slipped my mind, yet I could not grasp any clue. Noticing my preoccupied expression, Wu Mengli comforted me, saying, "The path of cultivation abhors impatience. You are naturally gifted and so diligent; given time, you will surely achieve great things."
I smiled gratefully at her, temporarily casting that gloomy mood aside. However, these peaceful days did not last long before a sudden storm swept over us. That day, Lin Yu and I sparred in the Martial Arts Arena. He seemed deliberately intent on giving me a harsh lesson, every strike fierce, merciless, and unrelenting.
I parried each move and responded with caution, yet I remained at a disadvantage throughout. Just as I was about to reach my limit, Lin Yu suddenly withdrew his stance and feigned a magnanimous defeat. Though puzzled, I did not dwell on it, assuming his conscience had simply gotten the better of him. To my surprise, early the next morning, Elder Li summoned me, his expression frighteningly dark and grim.
"Kong Chen, I hear you used underhanded tactics in yesterday's sparring match. Do you confess your guilt?" I was momentarily stunned, then hurriedly explained, "Elder Li, this disciple has never violated any sect rules. During yesterday's match, Senior Brother Lin willingly conceded defeat." Elder Li let out a cold snort. "Lin Yu has personally accused you of using concealed weapons. What more do you have to say for yourself?"
A shock went through my heart, and I finally understood. Lin Yu had deliberately set a trap to frame me. I quickly defended myself, "Elder Li, this disciple truly did not use any concealed weapons. I beg you to investigate the truth!" Elder Li refused to listen to my explanation at all. With a wave of his hand, he shouted sternly, "Men, take Kong Chen away and interrogate him thoroughly!"
A chill gripped my heart, and I knew I had jumped into the Yellow River and could no longer wash myself clean. Why would Lin Yu frame me like this? Was it merely out of jealousy? I was locked away in a dark, damp woodshed, my heart filled with anxiety and fear. I realized that as a newcomer unfamiliar with the place, if no one helped me clear my name, I might truly be expelled from the Wu Family, or even worse... Wu Mengli's gentle smile surfaced in my mind, sending a flicker of hope surging through me.
She was kind-hearted; she would surely believe me, right? The woodshed door creaked open, the glaring sunlight momentarily blinding me. I instinctively raised a hand to block it, only to hear a familiar voice: "Kong Chen, are you alright?" It was Wu Mengli! Warmth flooded my heart, and I quickly lowered my hand to see her standing at the doorway, her delicate brows knitted tightly, her face written all over with worry.
I opened my mouth, wanting to explain, but did not know where to begin. "I've already spoken with Elder Li, and he won't make things difficult for you for now," Wu Mengli said as she walked over to my side and gently helped me up. "I believe you aren't that kind of person."
Those few simple words acted like a warm current, instantly dispelling the gloom in my heart. Looking into her clear eyes, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. "Mengli, thank you," I murmured. "But I really didn't..." "I know, I know everything," she interrupted. "I will help you find out the truth."
Over the next few days, Wu Mengli ran around everywhere to clear my name, even going so far as to argue forcefully with Elder Li and the others. Her persistence and trust deeply moved me, further solidifying my determination to stay in the Wu Family. Finally, with the help of Wu Mengli and a deeply respected elder of the Wu Family, I found the evidence to prove my innocence.
It turned out that before the match, Lin Yu had secretly hidden a tiny concealed weapon inside my sleeve, and everything had been witnessed by a passing chore disciple. With the truth brought to light, Elder Li was forced to announce my innocence publicly and severely reprimand Lin Yu for his actions.
Though my name was cleared, I felt not a shred of joy in my heart. I knew this was only the beginning; Lin Yu and Elder Li would not let the matter rest. Behind them, there must be an even greater conspiracy... And I realized all the more clearly that beneath the seemingly tranquil surface of the Wu Family, treacherous undercurrents were churning.
I had to grow strong as quickly as possible to protect myself, to protect Wu Mengli, and to safeguard this hard-won peace. "Kong Chen, it's good that you're alright." Wu Mengli's clear voice pulled me back from my deep thoughts. Sunlight spilled across her fair face, making it look as though it were bathed in a faint golden glow.
I smiled gratefully at her, yet my heart felt as heavy as if a stone were pressing down on it. Elder Li's apology sounded high-sounding, and Lin Yu's repentance seemed hypocritical. I could tell that their hatred for me had not diminished in the slightest; instead, it had grown even more intense. "Things probably aren't that simple," I said in a low voice, my gaze sweeping across the surrounding stares of curiosity and disdain. "I always feel there's a bigger conspiracy behind this matter."
Wu Mengli was slightly startled, then asked with concern, "You mean... Elder Li and the others?" I nodded and lowered my voice. "Elder Li's roots in the Wu Family run deep, and Lin Yu is his prized disciple. They won't let it go so easily. Furthermore..."
I paused as Elder Li's gaze flashed through my mind—that complex look mixed with malice and greed, which sent a shudder down my spine. "Furthermore what?" Wu Mengli pressed, her clear eyes filled with worry.
I hesitated, deciding for now not to share my suspicions. After all, this was merely my intuition, lacking concrete evidence. "It's nothing. I'm just worried they'll cause trouble again."
I forced a smile, not wanting her to worry too much. "Don't worry, I'll be careful," I comforted her. "I'm no longer the old Kong Chen who could be bullied by anyone."
In the days that followed, I outwardly acted as though nothing were the matter, while secretly beginning to monitor the movements of Elder Li and Lin Yu. I discovered that they frequently met in private, and every secret meeting took place in Elder Li's study, where a powerful barrier was set up, preventing even me from probing inside.
I grew even more certain that Elder Li and Lin Yu were plotting something, and that this matter likely concerned the safety of the Wu Family.
I decided that I must investigate this thoroughly and never let them succeed! To enhance my strength, I began cultivating an ancient technique called the Nine-Turn Golden Body Formula. This technique had been given to me by that deeply respected elder of the Wu Family. According to him, once this technique was cultivated to its ultimate peak, one's body would become as indestructible as diamond, impervious to blades and spears.
I practiced day and night without daring to slack off in the slightest. Hard work pays off; my cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, and I quickly reached the Qi Condensation Stage - 5th Layer.
However, just when I thought I had grown strong enough, an unexpected discovery plunged me completely into the abyss... I had a vague feeling that a secret was hidden within Elder Li's study. That study was located in a secluded courtyard deep within the Wu Family estate, surrounded by heavy barriers that ordinary disciples could not approach. After much deliberation, I decided to take a desperate risk and sneak into the study to investigate. On a moonless, windy night, taking advantage of the cover of darkness, I silently slipped into Elder Li's courtyard.
Carefully avoiding the patrolling disciples, I held my breath and crept slowly along the wall. Finally, I reached the lattice window of the study. The window was tightly shut, and a faint light filtered through the paper pane, indicating that someone was inside. Peering through a crack in the window, I saw Elder Li with his back to me, flipping through some documents at a desk. Standing beside him was a tall man in black robes whose face I could not clearly see.
A chill ran through my heart, and I hid my presence even more carefully, terrified of being discovered. "How are things progressing?" Elder Li asked in a deep voice, a trace of imperceptible tension in his tone.
"Reporting to the Elder, everything is going according to plan. Only..." The man in black hesitated slightly.
"Only what?" Elder Li whirled around abruptly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Only... that boy called Kong Chen seems a bit strange."
The man in black spoke in a low voice, "He has been secretly investigating us lately, and his cultivation speed is astonishingly fast. Your subordinate is worried..."
"Hmph, a wet-behind-the-ears brat dares to ruin my plans?" Elder Li let out a cold snort, murder flashing in his eyes. "I've had my eyes on him for a long time. Since he's courting death, I'll grant his wish!"
A shock went through my heart, and a chill surged straight from the soles of my feet to the top of my head. It seemed that Elder Li and Lin Yu were not merely targeting me—they were plotting an even greater conspiracy! Suddenly, Elder Li lifted his head sharply, his gaze piercing like lightning toward the window where I was hiding, and shouted sternly, "Who's out there?!"
Alarmed, knowing my cover was blown, I did not dare linger for another second and turned to flee. Elder Li pursued relentlessly, a mighty spiritual pressure crushing down upon me like Mount Tai. I channeled the Nine-Turn Golden Body Formula with all my might, barely managing to evade his attack.
I ran wildly all the way, while the dialogue between Elder Li and the man in black echoed ceaselessly in my mind. That man in black had called me "strange"—did he know my background? And what exactly was the "conspiracy" Elder Li spoke of? Why were they targeting me? My heart was filled with doubt and unease, and an ominous premonition welled up inside me...