Noon.
An explosive piece of news spread rapidly through Xinghe Sect.
"Wow, did you hear that Xiaoyao Peak is colluding with the Demon Cult? Last time, the Demon Cult infiltrated through Xiaoyao Peak."
"That's right. Our Xinghe Sect is protected by a grand formation. The Demon Cult can't get in unless someone lets them in deliberately."
"Thinking about it, that's true. Senior Qin Shou seemed to have defeated those from the Demon Cult at the foot of Xiaoyao Peak."
"So Xiaoyao Peak is indeed colluding with the Demon Cult. That's treason!"
"Unbelievable! The peak master of Xiaoyao Peak is such a person. Weak aside, he's even betraying the sect by joining the Demon Cult. How despicable!"
Disciples from various peaks were buzzing with discussions, and their arguments seemed plausible.
Suddenly, all fingers pointed at the peak master of Xiaoyao Peak.
Moreover, with the help of certain individuals, the situation escalated, and various rumors spread.
Xiaoyao Peak had already been looked down upon by others due to the weakness of its peak master.
Now, with someone stirring up trouble, the incident attracted quite a bit of attention.
On Wanhua Peak.
When Su Qingwan received the news, she was so angry that her fingers trembled.
"Defamation! This is definitely defamation!"
"Uncle Ye Kong is such a kind person. How could he betray the sect?"
Su Qingwan ran to Liu Ruqing and told her about it.
Liu Ruqing ignored it.
"Disciple, we don't know if this is true or not. Even if it's false, we have no right to interfere, do you understand?"
"Someone is targeting Xiaoyao Peak. Just watch and see," Liu Ruqing said slowly.
Upon hearing this, Su Qingwan left the main hall and decided to help on her own.
On Yushu Peak.
Soaking in the bathtub, Qin Shou also heard the rumors spreading like wildfire.
"I didn't expect Chen Changqing to act so quickly," Qin Shou shook his head and chuckled.
"But it's not enough. We need to add more fuel to the fire."
Qin Shou got out of the bathtub and instructed the disciples of Yushu Peak, "Go, boast about how I defeated those Demon Cult disciples at the foot of Xiaoyao Peak."
"I mean, when they infiltrated from Xiaoyao Peak and I encountered them, I took action and dealt with them."
"Yes!" The disciple of Yushu Peak responded and went to spread the rumor.
After the disciple left, Qin Shou put on his clothes.
Once Xiaoyao Peak is disbanded and its peak master leaves, I can go up and find Little Black Ant.
Little Black Ant, you can't escape from me forever.
I, Qin Shou, will get you. No one can stop me!
Qin Shou clenched his fist, determined to capture Little Black Ant!
With the help of the disciples of Yushu Peak, the rumors spread even wider.
And Ye Kong's infamous reputation grew louder and louder, with various rumors flying around.
"Xiaoyao Peak has betrayed the sect and joined the Demon Cult. For the sake of the sect's safety, the peak master of Xiaoyao Peak should be deposed!"
A disciple from Tianjian Peak raised a banner, and instantly, many people echoed him.
It wasn't because they hated Xiaoyao Peak or loved the sect so much.
It was purely out of boredom, and they gathered to see the commotion.
Plus, many male and female disciples had been embarrassed at the Wanhua Gathering and indirectly couldn't find a partner due to Ye Kong's appearance.
Envy and jealousy made them crazy.
They wanted to find an opportunity to retaliate against Xiaoyao Peak.
Now that the opportunity had come, they couldn't help but be jealous.
To ensure that Xiaoyao Peak could be driven away this time, Tianjian Peak even spent a lot of money to buy some lackeys.
The rumors spread further and gradually reached the ears of Luo Yangtian, the leader of Xinghe Sect.
In the Xinghe Hall.
Luo Yangtian stood above the starry river, his hands behind his back, his long hair flowing like a waterfall behind him, moving without wind.
His demeanor was astonishing, resembling a descended immortal.
"What are they saying outside?" Luo Yangtian asked slowly.
"Leader, they are saying that Xiaoyao Peak has betrayed the sect and joined the Demon Cult, leading to the Demon Cult's invasion of our Xinghe Sect," the Elder said truthfully.
Upon hearing this, Luo Yangtian furrowed his brow slightly, "Ye Kong is not that kind of person. He wouldn't betray the sect."
"Second Elder, you go investigate immediately and find out who is behind this, maliciously slandering Xiaoyao Peak. Once found, they will not be spared," Luo Yangtian ordered.
The Second Elder, dressed in a green robe, stepped forward and bowed, "Yes, sir!"
"Second Elder, take care of the internal affairs of the sect. This time someone is targeting Xiaoyao Peak. I don't believe you didn't know. If it weren't for the rumors reaching me, how long would you pretend to be unaware?"
Upon hearing Luo Yangtian's words, the Second Elder immediately bowed, "Leader, please inspect with an open mind. I have been investigating traitors within the sect recently and didn't notice this matter."
"Could Ye Kong really collude with the Demon Cult and harm our Xinghe Sect?" Luo Yangtian said sternly.
"I will go investigate immediately!" The Second Elder bowed his head and responded.
By saying this in front of all the elders, Luo Yangtian made it clear that he intended to protect Ye Kong.
In fact, Ye Kong could only hold onto the position of peak master of Xiaoyao Peak because Luo Yangtian had been supporting him from behind.
Luo Yangtian and Ye Kong's father were once martial brothers. Luo Yangtian owed a debt of gratitude to Ye Kong's father, so as long as he was alive, he would protect Ye Kong.
"Go ahead," Luo Yangtian waved his hand.
He was confident that Ye Kong would not betray the sect.
As for the incident with the spirit veins, there must be traitors within the sect, but those traitors could not be Ye Kong.
Luo Yangtian was absolutely certain of this!
The Second Elder bowed and wiped the sweat on his forehead before leaving the Xinghe Hall.
After he left, the Elder standing in the front row stepped forward and said, "Leader, the Nine Peaks Competition is about to begin."
"If Xiaoyao Peak doesn't achieve good results, I'm afraid other peak masters will strongly request that the leader dismantle Xiaoyao Peak."
"I know," Luo Yangtian said calmly, "I've already prepared a fallback plan for Ye Kong."
"If Xiaoyao Peak doesn't achieve good results, then Ye Kong will become an elder in the Sutra Pavilion."
"Leader, to become an elder in the Sutra Pavilion, one needs qualifications, strength, absolute loyalty to the sect, and contributions. It may not be appropriate to promote Ye Kong to this position," the Elder said hurriedly.
"Qualifications? Ye Kong grew up in Xinghe Sect and has more qualifications than anyone else. As for strength, don't I have it? Regarding contributions, does receiving the envoy of the Dayan Kingdom count?"
"But..."
"No buts. I'll decide based on the situation," Luo Yangtian waved his hand and disappeared above the starry river.
The Elder sighed and turned to leave.
On Xiaoyao Peak.
Sitting by the Kuhai Lake and fishing, Ye Kong suddenly saw a white-clothed figure on the lake.
"Uncle Luo," Ye Kong called out and tugged on the fishing line.
"You're quite leisurely," Luo Yangtian said calmly with his hands behind his back.
"What can I do?" Ye Kong shook his head and sighed.
Every day, fishing, and increasing his cultivation by one...
What can I do?
Upon hearing Ye Kong's sigh, Luo Yangtian lowered his head.
Yes, there's nothing you can do.
Your cultivation is so weak. No matter how much you practice, it doesn't improve.
What else can you do besides fishing every day?
Alas, you've suffered a lot. Your foundation was damaged before you were even born.
But don't worry, nephew Ye Kong. As long as I, Luo Yangtian, am alive, I will protect you.
I can suppress the Demon Cult patriarch with just a flip of my hand. With me here, no one dare harm you.