After the mind-reading cripple junior sister, the entire sect rose to prominence.

Chapter 99 A strange combination of circumstances
"Didn't we ask her beforehand and find out that she had returned to the garden?" Xu Zheng, the garden master of Chenxia Garden where Zhao Ning lived, asked anxiously.

"She did go back to the garden, but when I went to look for her, I found out that she only stayed for a quarter of an hour before leaving the mountain gate," said Steward Hu.

After learning that two people had left Jiuyouquan ahead of time, Steward Hu immediately asked someone to inquire about their whereabouts. He was relieved to learn that they had returned to their respective residences.

Immediately afterwards, the sect leader ordered all disciples to return to the garden and strictly forbid them from going out. As a result, everyone subconsciously assumed that Zhao Ning must also be confined to Chenxia Garden.

As long as the person is under supervision, it doesn't matter whether the trial is early or late, but who knew that the person would actually be released!

The timing of her departure was quite opportune; it was just before the sect leader gave the order, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to leave the sect.

"So eager to leave the Nine Nether Springs, and so eager to leave the sect, is it all just a coincidence?" Liu Wuhan narrowed his eyes. "This Zhao Ning is highly suspicious."

“How could it be her…” Garden owner Xu Zheng’s expression was complicated.

"Why can't it be her? I remember Zhao Ning is usually unconventional and aloof, so it's not surprising that she would have the guts to do this." Another garden owner who knew Zhao Ning snorted.

Zhao Ning is not a gentle cultivator; on the contrary, she is the kind of person who will draw her sword and challenge someone to a duel on the spot if they disagree.

Many people in the sect had heard of her and knew that she was very brave and skilled in battle, and also had a fiery temper, capable of exploding at any moment.

Upon hearing this, Liu Wuhan's expression turned cold.

Given his unruly behavior, he may have long harbored resentment towards the Qingyue Sect, which is why he secretly colluded with Jiuyou, intending to let it leave.

"In that case, send out a few of you and make sure you find her! Bring Quanling back with you too!" Liu Wuhan's tone carried a hint of killing intent.

The garden owners who were seen by his gaze responded with a "yes" and immediately turned and left.

"Manager Hu, go and investigate Zhao Ning's behavior patterns these days. See if anyone else has noticed her unusual behavior. It would be best to find out exactly when she colluded with Quan Ling," Liu Wuhan added.

"Yes," Manager Hu replied hastily, and then left in a hurry.

Chen Lan stayed in the room, wondering to herself—

Who are Lin Zhaofeng and Zhao Ning?
Right now, nothing is more important than finding Quanling. Why is Sect Leader Liu still concerned about other people's affairs at this critical juncture?
Little did she know that the timing of these two disciples leaving the Nine Nether Spring was too coincidental, leading to a misunderstanding by Sect Leader Liu and the others. Now, they even believed that Zhao Ning, who had left the sect on official business, was the culprit.

This is why when Sect Leader Liu came in again, he didn't focus on them, but instead asked a few more questions about the newly brought Lin Zhaofeng.

However, Lin Zhaofeng was clearly unaware of this. When asked, he answered blankly and nervously, but without providing any useful clues.

At this point, Sect Leader Liu had already concluded that Zhao Ning was responsible for the incident, and all his attention was focused on whether he could find her and Quanling. Therefore, he was less concerned about the disciples in the room and his suspicions were greatly reduced.

Therefore, many of the interrogation techniques prepared were not used; instead, orders were given—

"Retrieve the Spirit Detector."

"Yes."

One of his stewards responded and then took out a black object from his storage bag.

It is a very heavy wheel, larger and heavier than a millstone, with many divisions on it to display the concentration of spiritual energy.

Seeing that the sect leader had given his approval, the steward took the spirit plate and began testing the spiritual energy of everyone present.

All those present today are disciples, and even if their cultivation is high, it is still limited. The spiritual energy displayed on the spirit detection plate is less than half of its value.

As the spirit-detecting disc drew closer, Chen Lan's anxiety grew.

This thing is very expensive. She has never used it before, but she knows its purpose.

If it is really powerful, and can even detect the situation inside one's own immortal abode, what should be done?
It shouldn't be... Jiuwei said there was nothing abnormal detected. Don't worry!
Chen Lan adjusted her breathing, looked at the others, and then imitated the disciple next to her, adopting an expression of curiosity and awe.

Soon, the spirit-detecting disc arrived in front of Chen Lan.

This thing doesn't require the cultivator's active cooperation; it only needs to pause in front of you for a moment to detect the spiritual energy at the nearest distance.

The manager, seeing the result, didn't even raise an eyebrow and went to the next person on his own.

Chen Lan let out a silent sigh—

so far so good.

It seems that the Immortal Abode is indeed a heaven-defying existence, not only able to contain living people... and spirits, but also able to remain completely undisturbed.

"Sect Leader, nothing was found."

The steward took a round of measurements and then told Liu Wuhan the results.

"Well, in that case, you should all return to your caves. Do not leave or move around until you are notified," said Sect Leader Liu, waving his hand.

"Yes."

All the disciples then smiled, bowed to the sect leader, and hurriedly ran out.

Chen Lan followed the crowd out, but halfway there she heard Sect Leader Liu's cold voice—

"Chen Lan, wait a moment."

Chen Lan suddenly stopped and turned around, "Sect Leader?"

“This matter is not directed at your Immortal Sect. Once this is settled, I will make up for the few hours I owe you,” Liu Wuhan said.

Oh, so that's what happened! That was terrifying!
Chen Lan muttered to herself, but a grateful smile appeared on her face. "Yes, disciple understands! Sect Leader Liu is indeed a man of his word, truly admirable!"

Liu Wuhan seemed to snort, and Chen Lan, seeing that things were going well, quickly left.

After leaving the side hall and walking through the gate, Chen Lan saw Qingyue Gate in such a "dismal" state for the first time.

In the past, there were always many disciples coming and going, but today there were only about thirty disciples walking on the road. Moreover, as soon as the others left the hall, they dispersed in different directions. There were only three people with her.

The huge mountain gate was deserted by only a few people, making it seem incredibly desolate and diminishing even the grandeur of the sect.

Not wanting to linger outside, Chen Lan quickly returned to her courtyard, closed the door, and then shut her eyes.

This was such an exciting day!

Thankfully, we made it through.

Today, the sect leader has investigated everything that needed to be investigated and asked everything that needed to be asked. It seems that I am not the one he suspects the most.

On the contrary, he probably doesn't think he can accomplish such a big thing at all. Let alone suspecting one person, even if he suspects ten people, he probably wouldn't suspect himself.

So much the better.

"It seems there are advantages to being a small sect; it's the easiest way to keep a low profile," Chen Lan said with a self-deprecating laugh.

After she finished speaking, she turned around and looked out through the crack in the door.

(End of this chapter)