This was a crucial point. It wasn't that Wang Xiu was being disrespectful or maliciously second-guessing his senior. He couldn't possibly entrust his life to a so-called senior he had never even met.

Stay calm, maybe it's not that bad!

Wang Xiu sat cross-legged and pondered under the moon. As he gazed at the bright moonlight, his eyes gradually lit up. He suddenly realized he might just be scaring himself.

The blurry figure he encountered today, though powerful, wasn't a top-tier expert in the Holy Realm and didn't necessarily represent a larger conspiracy. Maybe only one or two people had been beguiled. If the majority of the powerhouses within the Holy Academy were truly corrupted by the Demon Race, the Holy Realm they faced now would be a very different place. That blurred shadow and Shi Ming wouldn't need to meet so sneakily, like a pair of thieves.

In this Holy Realm, the faction that held fast to their principles should still hold the upper hand, making those corrupting from the shadows apprehensive and fearful, daring not to act recklessly.

So, there was still a chance!

I just have to figure out who the hidden enemy is.

Wang Xiu took a long, deep breath and once again summoned the half-destroyed puppet. He carefully studied the residual aura within the palm print on its chest, using the Supreme Sensing Chapter to analyze it.

After a long while, he finally captured a faint, unique trace of aura. Wang Xiu was confident that if the owner of this aura appeared before him without their guard up, he would be able to identify them immediately.

Next, I should act as if nothing happened. The person who stumbled upon the secret wasn't me! Wang Xiu closed his eyes, steadying his mind.

After living a stable life on Spirit Turtle Peak for so many years, he had never experienced anything as thrilling as tonight. But Wang Xiu's mental fortitude was excellent.

「The following day.」

He acted as if he had forgotten everything, continuing to craft and refine puppets according to his plan. He was completely immersed, tirelessly enjoying the process. Puppet after puppet emerged from his hands, their numbers growing and his speed ever-increasing.

...

「That night.」

In an elegant pavilion nestled by a mountain and a lake.

Bei Tangfeng used to enjoy standing here to take in the lake view, which brought peace to his heart. Now, however, he was unable to do so. He was bruised and swollen, his head covered in lumps and his face pale. His image was completely ruined. Lying on a wooden couch, he sipped spiritual medicine to recover from his injuries.

Over the past few days, a large number of heaven's favored had challenged him in succession. At first, he handled them with ease, but eventually, he could no longer keep up. A few of his opponents were just as powerful as him, some even ranked higher on the Golden Core Ranking. Seeking revenge for their fellow disciples, they ganged up on him in a war of attrition, casting aside all martial virtue. And they all demanded that he bring out that blasted Golden Puppet for a "fair" fight!

Bei Tangfeng finally couldn't take it anymore. His pride was shattered. When he tried to explain that he had no Golden Puppet, they refused to believe him. They beat him even harder, feeling that he was looking down on them and insulting their intelligence.

How preposterous... Absolutely preposterous! Bei Tangfeng rarely got angry, feeling it was beneath him. Rage muddled the mind, and crafting puppets required supreme calmness. He hadn't been this angry in a long, long time.

But this time was different. He, a proud Chosen, was beaten so badly he was bedridden. If he had actually done something to deserve it, he could have accepted it. But he had done nothing at all! He was suffering this fate simply because his explanation wasn't believed.

Where is the justice in this world?

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent. Not even the whisper of the wind could be heard. The silence was unnatural.

A knot of unease formed in Bei Tangfeng's stomach. Instinctively sensing trouble, he extended his five senses.

"Saint Heir Xuanji, Bei Tangfeng?" a voice called out.

A figure stood upon the lake, shrouded in a black robe. His appearance was ordinary, with no distinguishing features. It was unclear which sect the disciple belonged to; he was likely no one of importance.

But Bei Tangfeng had a very bad feeling. He slowly pushed himself up. "Who are you?"

Instead of answering, the man asked a question of his own. "I hear you have a Golden Puppet. They say it's very powerful. I want to see it!"

Whenever Bei Tangfeng heard the words "Golden Puppet," he got a headache. His brow furrowed in annoyance. "You've got the wrong person. I don't have any Golden Puppet!"

"Everyone says you do," the person replied.

Bei Tangfeng was seething with frustration. "They're talking nonsense! How can you believe them?"

The man pressed on, "If it's a lie, then why did they beat you?"

"..." Bei Tangfeng was speechless. A fire of indignation erupted in his heart, growing larger and larger until his entire body trembled with rage.

Why did they beat him? He wanted to know, too!

Seeing his silence, the man's eyes narrowed. "A fine Bei Tangfeng indeed. The rumors were true. You're so proud that you won't talk unless you're beaten into submission!"

With that, he lightly waved his hand. The lake's surface churned as terrifying waves surged skyward, transforming into several massive Flood Dragons that charged at Bei Tangfeng.

Bei Tangfeng's pupils constricted. This display of power was masterful. His opponent was a supreme expert, posing a far greater threat than the top prodigies on the Golden Core Ranking. Injured as he was, he had no time to react. He was instantly ensnared by several watery Flood Dragons and hoisted into the air, unable to move a muscle.

The man's voice was indifferent. "Use your Golden Puppet. It might be your only sliver of hope. Otherwise... you will lose what's left of your dignity as one of heaven's favored!"

Bei Tangfeng struggled fruitlessly as the Flood Dragons bound his limbs, stretching him out into a humiliating spread-eagle position.

He bellowed, "I have no Golden Puppet!"

CRACK!

Before the words had even left his mouth, a thick whip of lightning coalesced from the water and lashed out, striking him squarely.

AARGH—

Bei Tangfeng's eyes flew wide open as a vast force slammed into his body, sending sparks flying. An intensely piercing agony shot through him, leaving his entire body numb and convulsing in pain.

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