"Deng deng deng..."
Everyone's eyes snapped towards the main gate of the Yang residence, even Yang Yitan and Wang Quan Baye, who were about to make a move, looked over.
A young man in white robes walked in slowly, carrying a bag in his hand.
It was Ling Feng.
"Who is he?"
"Don't recognize him."
The crowd below murmured amongst themselves.
"This person is probably not simple."
Mr. Fei narrowed his eyes. Based on his years of experience, this person was extraordinary.
"Yes, I have that premonition too."
The patriarch of the Li family, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement.
After living for so long, that sense became very strong, or perhaps it was a warrior's intuition?
"Who dares to threaten the Inspector?"
Xiao Wancheng turned around, looking at the swaggering young man who seemed to be on a leisurely stroll.
Ling Feng glanced at Xiao Wancheng.
Hmm, early stage of Core Formation, or early stage of Qi Refining to Void Return, his strength is passable.
Ling Feng then scanned Mr. Fei, the Yang family, and the Li family patriarchs.
Two late stage Qi Refining to Void Return, one middle stage. As expected of veteran powerhouses, their strength is indeed formidable.
As for Wang Quan Baye and the other two from their youth.
One at the peak of Qi Refining to Divinity, one late stage, and one middle stage.
As expected of members of the Masked Group, their talent and strength should not be underestimated. No wonder they would later be on par with Mo Xiaofan.
"Ling Feng, the Sect Master of the Righteous Pavilion, has come today to specially congratulate the Yang family."
"At the same time, if you want to touch my disciple, you'll have to ask me first if I agree."
Ling Feng said with a smile at Xiao Wancheng.
Upon hearing Ling Feng's identity, the people in the seats immediately started to discuss.
【So he's the Sect Master of the Righteous Pavilion, isn't he a bit too young and arrogant? You know, that's the Xiao family.】
【Perhaps he has the ability to be so arrogant? No need to rush, let's watch.】
"Presumptuous! Your disciple obstructed the Inspector from carrying out his official duties. Let alone your disciple, even you would be arrested! Guards!"
"Guards!"
Xiao Wancheng shouted a few times before realizing that his subordinates seemed to be under a spell, unable to move.
"How can this be?!"
Xiao Wancheng finally realized that this young man before him was probably no ordinary person.
Ling Feng smiled faintly, walked past Xiao Wancheng, and ascended the steps, simultaneously releasing the restraints on the black-clothed inspectors.
The few black-clothed inspectors felt their bodies freed from the restraints and scrambled back behind Xiao Wancheng.
"Master."
Mo Xiaofan came before Ling Feng and bowed.
Ling Feng nodded, turned around, leaned against the railing, and questioned.
"Tell me, what did my disciple do wrong?"
"Your disciple obstructed us from apprehending a human traitor. You must all be his accomplices."
Ling Feng suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha, how ridiculous. Not to mention my disciple, without any evidence, you want to arrest and interrogate people based solely on someone else's word? Where is the justice in that?"
Looking at Ling Feng, Xiao Wancheng's eyes were filled with apprehension.
"Since neither of us is willing to back down, why don't we ask for Elder Yang's opinion?"
"That's fine too."
Ling Feng smiled faintly. Regardless of whether the plot unfolded as in the original novel, he was determined to protect Mu Mie's father today.
At worst, he would cause a scene.
A wedding is a time for celebration, so causing a commotion is quite normal.
Yang Yan looked at Yang Yifang, who stepped forward.
"Father."
Yang Yifang's gaze was sharp. He looked at his son-in-law and sternly questioned.
"Speak! Did you release any demons in secret?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Yan turned her gaze to her husband, seemingly waiting for his answer.
"I did."
Yang Yan and Yang Yifang's expressions changed. Not only them, but Mr. Fei and Old Mr. Li's faces also darkened.
If he had adamantly denied it, these old fellows could have handled it.
But by admitting it, he had given the other party a valid reason.
Ling Feng couldn't help but smile.
As expected, just like in the original novel, even in this situation, this fellow was still honest and forthright.
However, it was precisely this personality that made Yang Yan genuinely love him.
Xiao Wancheng smiled sinisterly and waved his hand.
"Arrest!"
"Wait!"
Ling Feng suddenly called out.
Yang Yifang, who was about to leave, stopped and frowned, turning around.
What else did this young man want?
The others also looked up, curious about his next words.
Xiao Wancheng, however, was becoming impatient. After being repeatedly thwarted, he was on the verge of an outburst.
So he loudly questioned.
"Now that the evidence is conclusive, are you still going to obstruct us from carrying out our duties and violate the rules of the Dao Alliance? Do you really think our Xiao family has no one? Or the Dao Alliance has no one?"
"This Righteous Pavilion of yours, my Xiao family can suppress it with a flip of our hand!"
Ling Feng grinned, stood up straight, and raised his eyebrows.
"Oh? So, you're very brave?"
"To be honest, besides certain elder generation figures and rising stars present, all of you are trash in my eyes."
"Your Xiao family? Do you have any Demon Emperor-level experts? How dare you shout at me here!"
Ling Feng no longer concealed his aura. His strength was lowered by one realm, and the aura of an early-stage Golden Core cultivator poured out like a volcanic eruption.
Xiao Wancheng and the others stumbled, blown back by the shockwave and falling to the ground.
The banquet hall erupted into chaos.
Mr. Fei was now sweating profusely, his eyes wide as saucers, stammering in disbelief.
"This aura is—Dao Integration Realm!"
"Dao Integration Realm? Old Fei, are you sure you're not mistaken?"
Old Mr. Li immediately lost his composure.
What did a Dao Integration Realm expert signify?
They were the strongest combatants of humanity. Currently, only the Patriarch of the Wang Quan family and the Master of the Divine Fire Villa had reached this peak realm.
A Dao Integration Realm cultivator could contend with a Demon Emperor!
"There's no mistake. I've personally faced the master's aura, and this young man's aura is even more potent."
"Who on earth is this Sect Master of the Righteous Pavilion?!"
Old Mr. Li and Mr. Fei thought to themselves in unison.
This Righteous Pavilion of theirs must not have joined the Dao Alliance, otherwise, with such power, how could they have remained unknown.
Now that they have emerged, there must be some grand undertaking.
A single Dao Integration Realm expert was enough to shock the world, let alone someone so young, unheard of throughout history.
"Elder Mr. Fei, may I presume to ask a question?"
Ling Feng suddenly said from the stage.
Upon seeing this, Mr. Fei quickly stood up to show his respect.
Although the other party was young, the fact that he, a Dao Integration Realm expert, addressed him with such demeanor was already a great honor.
Furthermore, if he angered the other party, the Wang Quan family would face considerable trouble.
"Young hero, please ask. This old man will answer truthfully."
Mr. Fei said with a smile, cupping his fists.
"Elder Mr. Fei, what are your thoughts on what he said? Please speak frankly."
Mr. Fei was silent for a moment, contemplating Ling Feng's intentions, then answered directly.
"This old man believes that if a human truly colluded with demons to harm their own kind, it would indeed be a heinous crime, and they should be arrested."
Ling Feng grinned and asked again.
"Elder Mr. Fei also said that colluding with demons to harm one's own kind is a heinous crime."
"Then, if he did not collude with demons or harm his own kind, would the crime still stand?"
Old Mr. Fei smiled.
"If that were the case, then indeed, the crime would not stand."
Ling Feng looked at the rest of the people below.
"Indeed, some people present might think that letting a demon go, and repeatedly receiving gifts from demons, is collusion. What else could it be?"
"Then I ask you, if someone saved your life, and you thanked them with a generous gift, is that collusion? That's called repaying a kindness."
"I understand that many people present have lost family members to demons, and they believe that interacting with demons is the same. However, just as there are good and bad humans, there are also good and evil demons."
"I believe we should not place the hatred for those truly vicious demons who indiscriminately kill innocents onto those innocent and benevolent demons."
"Imagine how you would feel if you were wrongly accused. Moreover, some people are even more hateful than demons."
"If you don't even understand this, how can you talk about justice?"
Mr. Fei and Old Mr. Li heard this and already understood the young man's stance.
He remained neutral, not siding with humans or demons, but pursuing one thing: justice.
Righteous Pavilion?
Perhaps that's where it came from.
Mr. Fei said with a smile.
"Young hero, what you say is reasonable."
The crowd below started to murmur. Although some still held onto their own opinions, most had been swayed by Ling Feng.
The anger incited by Xiao Wancheng had been suppressed.
Ling Feng saw that the time was about right and decided to take the final step.
"Since that's the case, why don't we give the Yang family's son-in-law an opportunity to recount the events?"
"He dared to admit to letting a demon go, so I believe he will not hide anything."
"Even if he does, I have the means to let everyone know the truth."
"I believe that if he were a human, and a demon maliciously intended to harm someone, he would not have let them go."
"If he truly colluded with demons and harmed his own kind, I will not show him any leniency, and I will even offer a generous compensation to the Xiao family, how about it?"
Mr. Fei smiled. This young man was on their side.
"Young hero, your words are reasoned and well-founded. This old man also believes that he should be given an opportunity. What do you all think?"
"Agreed."
The majority agreed, while only a few remained silent.
The minority obeys the majority. Everyone's gaze turned to Yang Yan and her husband.
Yang Yan stepped forward and held her father-in-law's hand, feeling nervous. If the charge were proven, he would surely die.
"Don't worry."
Mu Mie's father gave her a reassuring look, then spoke, slowly recounting the incident.
The story was simple. The demon needed the energy from the ore to stabilize its heart meridians due to its cultivation method.
Otherwise, not only would its cultivation be lost, but its life would also be in danger, which was why it resorted to stealing the ore.
However, its target was the ore, and it never intended to harm anyone. It was discovered while stealing the ore and tried to escape, but was caught.
Then, as Xiao Wancheng had said, Mu Mie's father let the demon go and even gave it some of the ore it needed. The demon, in gratitude, sent gifts multiple times.
Xiao Wancheng exclaimed maliciously upon hearing this.
"Who knows if what he's saying is true! Just based on his word?"
"That's right."
Someone echoed.
Mere words were not enough to convince everyone.
Seeing this, Ling Feng had already anticipated this. He took a few quick steps towards Yang Yan and her husband.
"Miss Yang Yan, this request may be a bit presumptuous, but may I investigate Mr. Mu's memories and display them for everyone to see?"
"Investigate memories?"
Yang Yan and the others were shocked. Was there such a technique in the world?
"Will this technique harm my husband?"
Yang Yan asked worriedly.
"It might, if he resists. Otherwise, if it's interrupted, it could indeed be harmful."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yan was about to refuse when a large hand grasped hers. She saw her husband nod.
"Yan'er, I trust him."
"...Please."
Yang Yan was silent for a moment, then finally agreed.
"Don't worry."
Then, Ling Feng used a mind-control technique to probe Mu Mie's father's memories and then used a projection stone to play them back.
Ling Feng specifically deleted some of their personal privacy.
Soon, the entire life experience of Mu Mie's father was revealed to everyone.
Everyone found that his life could be described as upright and honorable. He was honest and diligent in his work, a rare honest person.
Yang Yifang couldn't help but nod in approval, realizing his daughter had good taste.
Then, the memory fragment of saving the demon also quickly appeared before everyone.
It was exactly as Mu Mie's father had said.
Mr. Fei, with his bulging belly, looked at Xiao Wancheng and his group and said with a smile.
"Inspector Xiao, now that the truth is revealed, do you have anything else to say?"
The Li family patriarch cast a disdainful glance at Xiao Wancheng. Was this the character of a Black Obsidian Inspector?
"This must be a demonic technique! They..."
Xiao Wancheng was sweating, still trying to quibble and twist the facts.
"Enough!"
Yang Yifang roared in anger.
"Inspector Xiao, my son-in-law has lived his life upright and honorable, just like me. The evidence is here!"
"Today, the Xiao family has disrupted my Yang family's celebration. I, Yang, will remember this."
"Guards! See them out!"
Xiao Wancheng's face was ashen, gnashing his teeth in anger. He had suffered a major setback today.
It was all thanks to this Righteous Pavilion that appeared halfway, ruining his plans.
I'll remember you! Righteous Pavilion? Just wait for my Xiao family!
"Let's go!"
Xīn!
Suddenly, a sword light, unexpectedly, slashed out.
The white clouds above the Yang residence seemed to be split in two by a giant sword.
Between the clouds, a vast clear sky rift appeared, visible to the naked eye.
A sword severed the clouds?!
Everyone was shocked and looked at Ling Feng in unison. Ling Feng had already returned the Qing Yuan Sword to Mo Xiaofan, who had sheathed it.
Seeing everyone's gazes fixed on him, Ling Feng endured his awkwardness and said with a smile.
"I saw the white clouds above were a bit overwhelming, so I split open a clear sky to add some excitement for the protagonists today."
"Today, my Righteous Pavilion wishes the two of you a harmonious union for a hundred years."
With that, Ling Feng, along with Mo Xiaofan, cupped their fists towards Yang Yan and her husband, then quickly ran down the stage, preparing to get some wedding wine.
Today, the reputation of the Righteous Pavilion had been established among the major families.
As for Xiao Wancheng and the others, they had already fled in utter terror.
"Patriarch Yang, I'm a little late. This is my congratulatory gift, a small token of my appreciation."
Ling Feng smiled faintly, extended his hand forward, and the bag floated towards Yang Yifang.
Yang Yifang opened the bag and raised an eyebrow. It was three bottles of pills.
Pills were rare commodities in the Dao Alliance. A low-grade alchemist was still a treasure to a major sect.
"Patriarch Yang, here are three bottles of pills, two bottles of Earth-grade Yuan Cultivation Pills and one bottle of Mysterious-grade Spirit Gathering Pills."
Earth-grade pills?!
Is this what you call a small token? Are you kidding me?
However, they didn't know that these pills were indeed just a small token in Ling Feng's eyes.
They were just some three-star pills, which he could easily refine if he had the materials.
These were a few bottles of auxiliary cultivation pills he had refined while leveling up his alchemist rank.
He didn't need them anymore.
Heaven-grade pills, which were excellent three-star auxiliary cultivation pills, were kept by Ling Feng for Mo Xiaofan.
If he couldn't use them himself, he could at least give them away.
"In that case, Young Hero Ling and your esteemed disciple, please take your seats."
Yang Yifang said with a smile.