https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-262-No-One-is-Born-to-be-Superior/13026390/
Chapter 261: Shaking
Chapter 261: Shaking
The Inspection Bureau's forces swiftly arrived, and numerous officials surrounded the entire Chen Manor.
After a thorough search from bottom to top, the result was... nothing!
The near-perfect execution left no traces, as if the demonic qi that had invaded Xu Hongyu had appeared out of thin air. Its source was untraceable, and the investigation yielded no results.
However.
Chen Mu had anticipated this situation and didn't even pay much attention to the investigation's outcome.
Inside the main hall, Chen Mu sat with a slightly deeper aura, while not far away, a middle-aged man in white, none other than the Inspector General Yan Jingqing, sat calmly.
Wang Ni carefully poured tea for the two of them and then, after a respectful bow, retreated, leaving only Chen Mu and Yan Jingqing in the hall.
Chen Mu spoke with a steady tone, "I've just returned to Yu Prefecture and haven't had the chance to pay my respects to Inspector Yan. Yet, I've already fallen into someone's scheme, causing trouble for Inspector Yan. I..."
Yan Jingqing sat there, sensing Chen Mu's aura, as heavy as an abyss. He shook his head and said, "How is Protector Chen doing? Can the demonic qi be removed?"
Upon hearing that Chen Mu had returned to Yu Prefecture, Yan Jingqing had planned to catch up with him. But before Chen Mu could even step into his home, this incident occurred. Xu Hongyu was afflicted by demonic qi, and the timing was deliberately controlled to coincide with Chen Mu's presence, putting him in a difficult situation. This scheme was indeed venomous, reminding Yan Jingqing of his own experiences from his youth.
Although his past experiences differed from Chen Mu's, the final outcome was strikingly similar. Yan Jingqing had made the opposite choice, which shattered his state of mind. He wasted ten years before he could reconsolidate his martial dao will. However, this delay cost him his most crucial period, preventing him from breaking through the Mystic Gateway and leaving him stranded at the Six Viscera Realm. Now, he was merely a minor figure at the bottom of the Gale Wind Rankings)
Chen Mu took a sip of tea and calmly replied, "The demonic qi cannot be forced out of the body, but for now, it's under control."
Yan Jingqing sighed inwardly.
With his current situation, it was impossible for the demonic qi to be harmless, especially when it was meant to rescue Xu Hongyu. His future martial path would undoubtedly be greatly affected, and he might even lose all hope of reaching the master realm.
However, since Chen Mu said so, Yan Jingqing naturally wouldn't press him further.
"Demonic qi is extremely rare these days. Even if one actively seeks it, it's hard to find, and not just anyone can obtain it. Moreover, the thorough search and interrogation of the Chen Manor yielded no clues. This scheme was premeditated, not a sudden occurrence." Yan Jingqing turned to Chen Mu and changed the topic.
Yu Prefecture was now a mix of various factions, with sects like Sky Sword Sect and Mystic Mechanism Pavilion establishing themselves. Additionally, there were other sects like Riverside Pavilion, Sky Seal Sect, and Coastal Pavilion operating in the region. Although the Inspection Bureau still held numerous pieces of information, it was challenging to know everything.
However.
Despite the exhaustive investigation yielding no clues, neither Yan Jingqing nor Chen Mu felt overly anxious. This situation, in itself, was a form of intelligence.
To achieve such a near-perfect scheme, almost without any flaws, one could directly exclude all ordinary forces, including those with past grudges against Chen Mu and the Yu family.
Chen Mu spoke with a calm tone, "The plots aimed at me will never be flawless. It's easy to find out who's behind them. What's more important is that they've targeted Hongyu, disregarding the rules. So, don't blame me... What does Inspector Yan think?"
Although he had been away from official duties for a long time and hadn't investigated cases, his current position granted him far more resources than before. There were numerous methods to uncover the mastermind.
This was the martial world, not the imperial court.
While the imperial court might have flawless and perfect schemes, such perfection didn't exist in the martial world. Here, rules and logic could be bent or broken, and even the most perfect plots could be unraveled.
So, at this moment, Chen Mu only wanted to know Yan Jingqing's thoughts. Regardless of Yan Jingqing's plans, Chen Mu would proceed according to his own methods. This wasn't a request for permission but merely a courtesy.
After listening to Chen Mu, Yan Jingqing seemed to reflect on his past for a moment. He closed his eyes briefly and, upon reopening them, a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes. "Protector Chen, just do as you see fit. I also want to see who dares to act so recklessly in Yu City."
Chen Mu's choice earned Yan Jingqing's respect. He chose to endure the demonic qi himself to save his wife, a bold decision for a top-ranked martial expert on the Gale Wind Rankings. Naturally, he wouldn't tolerate such a scheme and would take action. Yan Jingqing wasn't a rigid person and wouldn't interfere with Chen Mu's plans.
"Alright."
Chen Mu nodded slightly, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Yan. Please investigate the recent activities of the major sects in Yu Prefecture, especially the Mystic Pavilion, Sky Seal Sect, and Coastal Pavilion." He paused, his eyes glinting with a cold intent as he added, "Thieves always feel guilty, no matter how flawless their plans are."
Yan Jingqing's reaction was as Chen Mu had anticipated, making the investigation much easier. He could now employ the most direct method. Since nothing suspicious was found in Chen Manor or with Xu Hongyu, he would start his inquiry from the other end.
Chen Mu was no ordinary soldier. He was the top-ranked newcomer and a renowned expert on the Gale Wind Rankings.
No matter how flawless the sinister plot against him was, the perpetrators would still feel guilty. Recently, they had been acting with utmost restraint, and none of the officials or guardians dared to leave their premises, making them the most likely suspects.
If everything seemed normal and the officials and guardians were still active outside, it would be even better. Chen Mu could personally make a few visits and capture some officials for interrogation. He could still uncover the truth. As the saying goes, if there are no clues at the end, start from the beginning.
"Alright."
Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Yan Jingqing understood his intention. In truth, Yan Jingqing was no ordinary man either, and he had various methods to uncover the truth. However, Chen Mu's approach was more direct.
...
In the following days, Yu Prefecture was shaken.
The news of Chen Mu, the guardian of the Seven Profound Sect and a renowned expert on the Gale Wind Rankings, being ambushed and his wife, Xu Hongyu), being targeted spread like wildfire, causing shockwaves throughout Yu Prefecture.
Who was Chen Mu?
Although the battle at Cloud Veil Peak had occurred some time ago, he was still the hottest young talent in the Eleven States of Northern Cold Province. He was believed to have the potential to cultivate the Heaven-Earth Concept and attain the Grandmaster realm.
The news of such a rising figure being ambushed, and in his attempt to save his wife, allowing demonic energy to invade his body, was undoubtedly a major event that shocked the entire Northern Cold Province. Even though the news couldn't spread far in a short time, it had already caused a stir within Yu Prefecture.
...
In the inner city, within a certain courtyard, was a residence of the Joyful Union Sect.
A group of female disciples huddled together, chattering excitedly with surprise in their eyes.
"He's willing to endure the invasion of demonic energy for Xu Hongyu?"
Among them, Hou Lingling stood, momentarily stunned by the conversation.
She was now an inner disciple of the Joyful Union Sect and one of the most promising candidates to become the next true disciple after the Flower Shadow sisters. She had encountered Chen Mu before and was amazed by his actions. He had left a message for her, ensuring the safety of a lowly courtesan named 'Lian' from the brothel.
In Chen Mu's eyes, there seemed to be no distinction between high and low. Even courtesans, beggars, and prostitutes received the same respect as anyone else. There was no trace of the disdain or discrimination that others might show.
Later, Chen Mu's calm demeanor in front of Flower Shadow and his subsequent victory over the Mystic Pavilion's true disciple, followed by his defeat of Gu Hong from the Sky Sword Sect, shocked the Joyful Union Sect disciples who heard about it afterward. They were surprised that someone from such a small place could reach such heights, even surpassing Flower Shadow.
As time passed, Chen Mu's exploits became legendary. From Heaven to Heaven-Earth, he stood atop Cloud Veil Peak, becoming the most dazzling young talent in the Northern Cold Province.
"Is there truly a man in this world who values conscience so heavily?"
"Haha, it's not just conscience, it's his heart. I heard that before he rose to fame, he was supported by his wife. Now that she's in trouble, how could he possibly turn a blind eye? If he could, he'd have to cultivate a heart of stone."
"But he's a renowned expert on the Gale Wind Rankings, cultivating the Heaven-Earth Concept. If he does this, won't he lose the chance to become a Grandmaster? He's sacrificing his cultivation for his wife, what a pity."
The Joyful Union Sect disciples chatted excitedly.
At that moment, someone turned to Hou Lingling and asked, "Lingling, you've interacted with him more than once, right? What kind of person is he?"
Hou Lingling, upon hearing the question, tilted her head and thought for a moment. "He's... a bit peculiar."
"Peculiar?"
Several pairs of curious eyes turned to Hou Lingling.
She reflected for a moment before answering, "He appears cold, but I've never seen disdain or contempt in his eyes, not even for the lowest courtesan. That time in the Eastern City District... he didn't want us from the Joyful Union Sect to kill and silence them. He left a message for me to ensure Lian's safety."
"You can disguise your appearance and even feign your gaze, but you can't fake your actions."
The high-ranking officials and nobles, despite their lust for the courtesans' beauty and their flattering words, couldn't hide the disdain deep within their eyes. They never treated these women as equals, always looking down upon them.
But Chen Mu was different. Before leaving, he specifically mentioned Sister Lian, a courtesan, and how he never looked down on her or treated her as a lowly 'cheap life'. Instead, he regarded her as an equal, which still felt incredible to her.
Because, not only ordinary courtesans, but even the Joyful Union Sect disciples were discriminated against when they ventured outside.
Other sect members called them demonesses, and even those who lusted after their beauty couldn't hide the disdain in their eyes. They saw them as the lowest of the low, and even some small factions and lower-level gang members held the same contempt.
After listening to Hou Lingling's story, the girls nearby were all surprised.
"Are there still men like this in the world?"
"I thought that only the sisters in the sect treated us with disdain, but it seems like outsiders do too."
"Boo hoo hoo, such a rare person, yet he was schemed against so viciously. How despicable! Those who came up with such a malicious plan must be those gossipy people from the Mystic Pavilion. If I ever catch them, I'll sew their mouths shut."
The group of chattering girls immediately resonated with her.
As a disciple of the Joyful Union Sect, she considered the sect her home because only among the sisters of the sect did she not experience disdain. They were born with lowly lives, either abandoned orphans or sold as goods, always seen as inferior. It was rare to meet someone outside the sect who didn't view them as such.
Perhaps it was because Chen Mu himself came from a lowly background.
It was a pity that Chen Mu wasn't a member of the Joyful Union Sect. Maybe one day in the future, he might even become their enemy. Thinking about it, she couldn't help but feel a sense of regret.
...
Outside Yu City.
A mountain villa.
This place was the Sky Seal Sect's residence.
"Being too sentimental can sometimes be a weakness."
Xi Song) listened to his subordinate's report, standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distant sky. His eyes held a faint light as he spoke, "Killing our sect's guardian was meant to teach him a lesson, but someone else took care of it for us. So, we don't need to worry about it anymore."
Nie Yu's attack on Chen Yue was indeed a breach of rules, bullying the weak. Therefore, Chen Mu showed no mercy and killed mercilessly. The Sky Seal Sect had nothing to say about it, but they couldn't be completely unconcerned. After all, they had taken note of it.
Xi Song had been considering how to retaliate, but within a short time, Chen Mu had suffered such a significant loss. His martial path was cut off, and the prospect of becoming a Grandmaster was almost non-existent. Naturally, they were glad to see this.
"However, we can't let him suspect us or have others take the blame for this..."
Xi Song thought for a moment and quickly issued a few orders.
Although they were pleased with the situation, it was clear that the immediate concern wasn't to continue seeking revenge on Chen Mu but to quickly distance themselves from the matter. They didn't want to be caught in Chen Mu's crossfire at this time.
Being affected by demonic qi didn't mean one became useless. Chen Mu was still a high-ranking expert on the Gale Wind Rankings. If he decided to retaliate without regard for rules, even a large sect like the Sky Seal Sect would find it extremely troublesome.
They didn't want to take the blame for someone else's actions.
Xi Song even dismissed many of his other messy thoughts. Now, there was no need to take action against Chen Mu. After all, with his body affected by demonic qi and his martial path cut off, the threat was limited to the Gale Wind Rankings.
...
Sky Sword Sect.
Outside the forbidden Sword Tomb.
Zuo Qianqiu stood in white, gazing at the countless broken swords ahead, each retaining lingering sword intent that hadn't dissipated. He immersed himself in the various sword dao concepts.
"Senior Brother Zuo."
Suddenly, a voice called out, and a figure approached from behind, speaking a few words to Zuo Qianqiu.
Zuo Qianqiu listened, and the Sky Sword Intent flowed within him, quietly stirring up ripples. After a while, he gradually calmed down and looked up at the blue sky.
"I understand."
Chen Mu...
Would your martial path be halted by the despicable tactics of some petty scoundrels?
Zuo Qianqiu slowly closed his eyes.
(End of Chapter)"
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