Chapter 32: Summoned to the Enforcement Hall
Chapter 32: Summoned to the Enforcement Hall
Steward Chen was about to explain the situation when the elder interrupted him first.
"Hold on", Elder Jiang said sternly. He then walked up to Xiao Chen with a grave expression. "Is this your room?"
Xiao Chen nodded. "Yes, this is my residence."
Steward Chen quickly stepped forward to clarify. "When I arrived earlier, Li Sibao was already poisoned. Xiao Chen was using the Water Healing Technique to save him."
He gestured as he introduced them. "This is Elder Jiang from the Enforcement Hall. This young disciple is Xiao Chen, an Inner Disciple Seed from my Second Sub-Academy."
"Stay out of this. I'll ask him myself", Elder Jiang cut in, scrutinizing Xiao Chen. "Why would Li Sibao come looking for you, and how did he end up poisoned?"
Steward Chen frowned. He had hesitated to involve Elder Jiang in the first place, fearing Xiao Chen might be misunderstood. From their first meeting, he had sensed Xiao Chen's potential, and subsequent events had only confirmed it.
But after consulting Elder Chen, the latter had insisted they visit the Enforcement Hall to meet Elder Jiang, arranging to "coincidentally" encounter Steward Chen along the way. Now, as expected, Xiao Chen had become the prime suspect.
Elder Chen, however, seemed unfazed, watching the scene unfold with casual amusement.
Xiao Chen hesitated slightly but recounted the events truthfully. He had nothing to hide—after all, he was also a victim.
He had been sleeping peacefully when Li Sibao suddenly appeared, only to be attacked and poisoned without explanation. Now he faced suspicion for reasons beyond his control.
Yet his honesty only deepened Elder Jiang's skepticism. "So you're saying you were sleeping when Li Sibao randomly showed up, and you have no idea why he was poisoned?"
Elder Jiang's voice hardened. "Let me remind you, Xiao Chen—I'm questioning you as an elder of the Enforcement Hall. Answer me honestly."
"If I find out you're lying, the Enforcement Hall has eighteen punitive measures waiting for you." He barked the last words.
"Jiang Senior Brother, calm down", Elder Chen finally interjected. "I've met this disciple before. He's a straightforward young man. Let me speak with him first."
Stepping forward, Elder Chen positioned himself between Xiao Chen and Elder Jiang, shielding the younger disciple.
Elder Jiang's face darkened. "Are you protecting him, Elder Chen? Think carefully."
Steward Chen watched in stunned silence, finally grasping Elder Chen's intent.
"Xiao Chen is innocent", Elder Chen declared firmly. "If I'm wrong, I'll take full responsibility." He turned to Xiao Chen. "Don't worry. I'll vouch for you."
Xiao Chen bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your concern, Elder, but I have nothing to hide. Ask me anything—I'll answer truthfully."
His confidence was unshaken. After all, he had done nothing wrong.
"Hmph, easy to say", Elder Jiang sneered. "Tell me, did you have any prior conflicts with Li Sibao?"
"No."
"Never had any disputes?"
"No."
"Then why would he come to your room?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know? What do you know?"
"Nothing beyond what I've already said."
"Enough!" Elder Jiang roared. "Take him to the Enforcement Hall for further questioning!"
Two senior disciples moved to restrain Xiao Chen, but Elder Chen blocked their path.
"Who dares? I've already taken responsibility for him", he declared.
Elder Jiang's eyes flickered with suspicion. He studied Xiao Chen's face—unfamiliar, yet clearly important to Elder Chen.
"Chen Junior Brother", Elder Jiang warned, "sect rules forbid disciple-on-disciple violence. The guilty party faces cultivation suppression or execution. If a senior protects a subordinate, they share the punishment."
Elder Chen barely glanced at Xiao Chen before retorting, "I know the rules. No need to lecture me. Xiao Chen is under my protection."
Earlier, Steward Chen had witnessed Xiao Chen's breakthrough to Lian Qi Stage 7 while saving Li Sibao. He had delayed reporting the incident to Elder Chen, hoping to shield the promising disciple.
Now, Elder Chen's sudden patronage made sense—it was a calculated move to recruit Xiao Chen before the Chen family could.
Elder Jiang, meanwhile, saw an opportunity. If Xiao Chen's background was clean, his investigation might expose the Chen family's influence. The Jiang family had long contested the Chen family's pill quotas; a scandal could shift power dynamics.
"Xiao Chen has no official mentor", Elder Jiang mused aloud. "But his talent is undeniable. Zhi'an's nephew introduced him to me, and I've considered him a protégé."
He turned to Xiao Chen. "If you accept, you may call me Master from now on."
Xiao Chen bowed immediately. "Master!"
Elder Chen beamed. "My dear apprentice!"
Steward Chen gaped. He had planned to recruit Xiao Chen himself, but Elder Chen had outmaneuvered him.
As an Inner Sect disciple reported Xiao Chen's recent achievements—three consecutive Awakenings breaking outer sect records—Elder Jiang's suspicions shifted.
"Of course", he said smoothly, "the Enforcement Hall must follow proper procedures. Elder Chen, please accompany us. We'll prepare tea and refreshments for you in the hall."
(End of Chapter)
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