After Being Possessed By A Witch, I Became An Outlaw

Chapter 35: I Will Prove Your Innocence

In just half an hour, the Sword Sect's disciples had filled the Sword Testing Platform.

Almost all of the Sword Sect disciples, except for a few who were uninvolved or had other tasks, had arrived.

Even some disciples from other sects had heard the news and come to watch.

In the eastern area, the seating arrangements had been made, and the leaders of various sects had already taken their seats.

A crescent moon had risen, and the torches used for illumination crackled, creating an exceptionally solemn atmosphere.

Jiang Qingyun remained calm and composed, causing Chong Xu to sneer inwardly.

This woman thought that by abandoning Zhang Chi, she could protect herself. How laughable. This time, she broke Zhang Chi, and let's see who will help her in the future.

This time, Chong Xu was also fully prepared to strike Zhang Chi down with a single blow, leaving no room for future trouble.

Seeing that everyone had finally arrived, Chong Xu stood up and faced the crowd.

When everyone's gaze turned to him and the entire venue fell silent, he slowly spoke, "Three days ago, there was an unprecedented theft in the Spirit Stone Cave. The number of stolen spirit stones reached a staggering five hundred thousand."

"For this reason, our Sword Sect disciples Zhou You and Zhang Chi, under the leadership of Elder Chong Ling, went to investigate the Spirit Stone Cave."

"The three-day deadline has arrived. Zhou You, why don't you come and tell us about the investigation?"

"Reporting to the Grand Elder, although we haven't caught the thief yet, we have found the hiding place of the stolen treasure and recovered a total of two hundred and fifty thousand spirit stones."

Although Zhou You was Chong Xu's son, he still had to fulfill his duties when it came to work.

As soon as these words were spoken, Qinghui was instantly shocked.

He had hidden four hundred thousand spirit stones in that place, and Zhou You had found two hundred and fifty thousand?

They were really good at covering their tracks!

Qinghui also felt very heartbroken. The Spirit Stone Cave had lost five hundred thousand spirit stones, but a hundred thousand of them were obtained through his connections.

After finally managing to secure four hundred thousand for himself, he hadn't even spent a single spirit stone before Chong Xu exposed him.

Now Chong Xu could still take fifteen thousand, leaving him at a loss!

After this matter was resolved, he must negotiate with Chong Xu to get a share of the benefits. Otherwise, if this matter were to be exposed, Chong Xu would also suffer.

Chong Xu was trying to win over Qinghui, which could indeed strengthen his own power. However, at the same time, by bringing a thief on board, his own ship would become a pirate ship.

He had leverage over Qinghui, but Qinghui also had leverage over him.

Chong Xu was not unaware of this. He just believed that he could control Qinghui.

The spirit stones must be found, otherwise how could Zhou You make a contribution?

So Chong Xu asked, "How did you find the spirit stones?"

"Disciple pondered over it and thought that the quantity of five hundred thousand spirit stones was too large for the thief to carry away all at once. Perhaps they would hide them somewhere first."

"The most likely place would be the developed water system near the Spirit Stone Cave."

"So, disciple and his men searched day and night and finally found the hiding place of the spirit stones."

After learning that the spirit stones were indeed hidden in the water, Zhou You couldn't help but sigh. Zhang Chi's mind was truly terrifying.

Why hadn't he thought of it?

After that, he naturally changed his tune and explained to the many Foundation Building disciples that going underwater to retrieve the stones was his idea, and they shouldn't blame Zhang Chi.

At that time, when the spirit stones hadn't been found yet, no one doubted this self-sacrificing explanation.

They had started searching early this morning, and sure enough, they found them quickly.

No one suspected that Zhou You knew where the spirit stones were hidden. Instead, they were amazed by Zhou You's intelligence.

According to the plan, it was now Qinghui's turn to speak.

He took a step forward and said in a shocked tone, "How come only two hundred and fifty thousand have been recovered? If the rest can't be found, won't I be unable to clear my name of embezzlement?"

Chong Xu immediately expressed his dissatisfaction, "Elder Qinghui, no one has accused you of embezzlement. Moreover, the number of spirit stones in the warehouse and the number of missing spirit stones are recorded in the account books. It can naturally prove your innocence."

Upon hearing this, the onlookers became restless.

After fermenting for a whole day, who didn't know that the account books had been destroyed?

Of course, these are all rumors and have not been confirmed. They are just some disciples talking nonsense.

And now, it is the moment of waiting for the truth to come out.

"Senior Elder, all the account books in the storeroom have been burned."

"What's going on? The account books were fine, how did they get burned?"

Chong Xu looked shocked, acting very convincingly.

Zhou You replied, "Because Zhang Chi was eager to solve the case, he moved all the account books to his own room. Unexpectedly, a fire broke out and all the account books were burned. The cause of the fire has not been determined yet."

Qinghui immediately looked devastated and lost, saying, "How could this happen? Without the account books, the spiritual stones cannot be recovered. How can I clear my name? These days, I often hear people accusing me of embezzlement. I have been cultivating for half of my life, never expecting to end up with such a reputation. Well, it's my fault for staying overnight on the Red Boat, which led to the theft of the spiritual stones. I brought all this upon myself. Since there is no other way to clear my name, I can only use my blood to tell everyone that I, Qinghui, have lived an upright life!"

After speaking, he released a flying sword from his sleeve, intending to end his own life.

Chong Xu quickly stopped him, preventing Qinghui from taking such extreme actions to prove his innocence.

This scene also caused panic among the crowd.

Those who had previously criticized Qinghui felt regret in their hearts.

Three days ago, after hearing Zhang Chi's words, they also began to suspect Qinghui.

Now, seeing Qinghui's actions, they subconsciously believed that Qinghui was innocent.

While spiritual stones were indeed precious, they were not as valuable as one's own life.

Moreover, a Divine Soul cultivator was worth more than 250,000 spiritual stones.

After Chong Xu stopped Qinghui, he also reprimanded him, saying, "How foolish! How could it come to this? Your cultivation is not easy, how can you ruin it over such a trivial matter? Besides, Zhang Chi is just a young and arrogant person. Why bother getting angry with a junior like him? In my opinion, let him apologize to you, and this matter will be considered resolved. As for the 250,000 spiritual stones, I will find a way to make up for you."

Chong Xu's words moved the disciples.

This is what a true elder who cares for the sect should do!

Chong Xu's evaluation of Zhang Chi as young and arrogant also resonated with everyone, except for true fans like Chen Runyu. Everyone else sided with Chong Xu.

"Make Zhang Chi apologize!"

Someone in the crowd shouted.

As a result, the demand for Zhang Chi to apologize grew louder and louder.

Chong Xu felt triumphant in his heart.

Zhang Chi, oh Zhang Chi, did you ever expect this day?

Chong Xu also noticed that the one leading the rhythmic chants in the crowd was his grandson, Zhou Ran.

He did a great job this time.

Chong Xu gestured for everyone to be quiet, then said, "Where is Zhang Chi? Why hasn't he come out to apologize?"

Zhou Ran, hiding in the crowd, also shouted, "Zhang Chi, come out and apologize!"

"Zhang Chi, come out and apologize!"

"..."

Chen Runyu's face turned pale, and even as a true fan, it was difficult for her to turn the tide.

She still believed in Zhang Chi, but in this situation, how could he extricate himself?

After countless calls, Zhang Chi finally came out.

Facing the angry crowd, he remained calm and even had a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Elder Qinghui, there's no need to panic. I will now prove your innocence..."

(End of this chapter)