Chapter 42: Distinguishing the Pearl to Reveal the Truth, the Deacon Submits to Punishment

Once Zhao Cheng had finished his deliberations, his expression gradually returned to normal.

Regardless, his status and position were incomparably higher than Jiang Youling's; he believed Senior Brother Xie would easily be able to decide what was more important.

Ying Chao then put away his testing tools and said with a solemn expression, "Senior Brother Xie, after inspection, this powder is indeed the powder from a Detoxification Pill, and it contains a small amount of Bone-Eroding Powder."

Xie Jingxing’s expression turned stern, and he looked at Zhao Cheng with displeasure. "Junior Brother Zhao, the evidence is conclusive. What more do you have to say?"

Zhao Cheng's face changed drastically. He suddenly lifted his robes and knelt on the ground. "Senior Brother Xie, please judge fairly! This junior brother was indeed momentarily confused..."

He kowtowed heavily, his forehead striking the bluestone slab. "It was only because Junior Sister Jiang repeatedly defied me and showed no respect for me as a Deacon Disciple, that I... that I lost my senses for a moment..."

He suddenly looked up, his face filled with guilt. "But I had absolutely no intention of harming her life! The amount of Bone-Eroding Powder was extremely small; at most, it would only cause her some discomfort. With the demon calamity upon us, I am willing to atone for my crimes. Upon returning to the sect, I shall report to the Disciplinary Hall to receive my punishment!"

Xie Jingxing's eyes flickered slightly. "It is good that you know your mistake. Now, give the antidote to Junior Sister Jiang."

Feeling unwilling in his heart, Zhao Cheng forced himself to endure, took out the antidote, and presented it with both hands in a respectful manner.

However, Xie Jingxing did not take it; instead, he glanced at Ying Chao.

Understanding the intent, Ying Chao stepped forward to take the medicine bottle. He first tested it for poison with a spiritual needle, then took out a lustrous "Truth-Seeking Pearl" to inspect it carefully. Only after confirming there were no issues did he hand it to Jiang Youling.

Seeing Jiang Youling swallow the antidote, Xie Jingxing spoke coldly.

"The demon calamity has not yet been eliminated, so Junior Brother Zhao's transgression shall be noted for now. Upon our return to the sect, I will report it truthfully to the Disciplinary Hall. If anyone else uses such opportunities to cause trouble or harm fellow disciples, do not blame me for showing no mercy!"

The crowd felt a chill in their hearts and responded in unison.

After the senior brothers and sisters dispersed, Jiang Youling began to dismantle the carcass of the demon pig, mimicking Qian Zefei's movements, only to see him secretly give her a thumbs-up.

"Impressive, Junior Sister Jiang! To actually force a Deacon Brother to admit his mistake—you're the best."

Jiang Youling did not smile. This time, she had thoroughly offended Zhao Cheng.

Grandmother Cui had once instructed her at home: it is better to offend a gentleman than a villain, lest one ends up suppressed like she once was.

Yet, gentlemen are upright and difficult to provoke, while villains are cunning and hard to deal with.

Her repeated concessions had only invited more aggression from him, even leading to him openly poisoning her.

Therefore, she did not regret what happened today. She only knew that she would have to be even more cautious in her future actions.

Seeing that Junior Sister Jiang did not respond to him, Qian Zefei did not mind and continued to butcher the meat and bones.

The flesh and blood of demons contained many impurities; though they could not be eaten, they had other uses.

By the time the two had finished dismantling the massive Stone-Skin Demon Pig, twilight had fallen and the evening mist was beginning to rise.

"It's getting late; we must hurry and prepare dinner so as not to delay the mealtime of the senior brothers and sisters."

After washing his hands, Qian Zefei borrowed a kitchen from the Garrison Commander.

Seeing that there wasn't much firewood near the stove, he assigned a task to Jiang Youling. "Go gather some firewood and get the fire started."

Jiang Youling went out to collect some wood, and before long, wisps of cooking smoke rose from the stove.

Qian Zefei washed the rice, cooked, and processed various unidentifiable ingredients with practiced, seamless movements.

Jiang Youling watched in silent amazement. No wonder the white-robed disciples took servant disciples with them when going out to hunt demons; it truly saved a lot of trouble.

"Senior Brother, just how much water is in that flask of yours? I feel as if the water inside never runs out."

Qian Zefei chuckled. "You're right! This flask is a treasure. The water inside could be poured for three days and three nights and still not run dry! However, its only function is holding water."

A flask no larger than a palm could actually hold that much water!

Jiang Youling thought to herself that the use of this flask was quite similar to the storage pouches Senior Brother Xie had mentioned before.

As the aroma of the spiritual rice and vegetables wafted from the pot, the group led by Xie Jingxing finally appeared, though Zhao Cheng was nowhere to be seen.

Xie Jingxing said indifferently, "Junior Brother Zhao knows he has done wrong and has no face to face Junior Sister Jiang or us. There is no need to wait for him; let us eat first."

"Yes."

After Qian Zefei served the three of them spiritual food, he served two portions for himself and Jiang Youling and led her to another side to eat.

"Junior Sister Jiang."

Qian Zefei gave Jiang Youling a meaningful look and whispered.

"This is spiritual rice, infused with spiritual energy, meant specifically for the white-robed seniors. We usually can't even get a taste! I intentionally put in extra rice. Since Senior Brother Zhao isn't around, let's eat our fill."

Jiang Youling took a bite of the lustrous, plump spiritual rice and found it to be fragrant upon entering her mouth.

After finishing a bowl of the spiritual rice, a faint warmth rose in her abdomen. She wondered if this was the spiritual energy Senior Brother Qian had mentioned.

Once the meal was over, Xie Jingxing and the two senior sisters rose and left, leaving the task of washing the dishes to the two servant disciples.

While the two were cleaning the stove and pots, Xie Jingxing had already returned to the courtyard assigned to him by the Garrison Commander. He saw the heavy evening mist and the faint stars and moon, and a figure was standing in the courtyard.

Seeing Xie Jingxing return, the person immediately approached respectfully. The dim moonlight illuminated his features—it was Zhao Cheng.

"Senior Brother Xie."

Zhao Cheng spoke, his face showing a mix of self-reproach, guilt, and regret. "Having committed such a great error, I truly feel I have failed you. My heart is uneasy, so I have come specifically to ask for forgiveness. However, my targeting of that servant girl was not for my own selfish gain, but for your sake!"

"Oh, for my sake?"

The clouds obscuring the moonlight hid the expression on Xie Jingxing's face. His tone sounded puzzled, but his voice was as clear and resonant as jade striking ice.

"Yes!"

Zhao Cheng nodded heavily. "Did you not say recently, Senior Brother? That when the Sect Master was idle, he used the leftover materials from smithing to cast a sword? You even praised that sword at the time, saying its 'light was brilliant and its cold edge was contained'!"

Hearing him mention this, Xie Jingxing's tone turned slightly somber. "That is true. I even asked Great-Uncle for that sword at the time, but he did not give it to me."

"What you do not know, Senior Brother, is that the Sect Master bestowed that sword upon the top scorer of this Immortal Disciple Examination. That person is Jiang Youling!"

"So that is how it is."

Xie Jingxing's voice grew even deeper, as if he had finally understood why Zhao Cheng had targeted a mere servant disciple, yet also as if he were vexed that he had only just learned this news.

"But what you did to Junior Sister Jiang was witnessed by the other two junior sisters and Junior Brother Qian. Even if I wanted to help you escape punishment, it would be difficult to show favoritism in front of everyone."

Hearing this, Zhao Cheng breathed a massive sigh of relief. As long as Senior Brother Xie was on his side, everything was fine.

"It matters not. Since you were unaware of the circumstances, it is only right to handle this impartially. With those words from you, I am at ease. I originally intended to get my hands on the Pine-Pattern Sword and present it to you, but I did not expect that Jiang Youling would be far more difficult to deal with than an ordinary disciple. Not only was she immune to both soft and hard tactics, but she even saw through my attempt to poison her..."

As he spoke, a sinister, cold light flashed in Zhao Cheng's eyes. Today's humiliation would be repaid tenfold in the future!