Fantasy: Immortality Begins with Absorbing Demons

Chapter 269 Interrogation (Part 4)

"Explanation, reason?" Huang Ze couldn't help but laugh. "The Thousand Leaf Sect has always been at odds with our Crimson Flame Sect, and they've been eyeing the black market with covetous eyes. They said that the Thousand Leaf Sect planted a lot of kerosene and poison in the black market, which is why the fire broke out."

And no one can guarantee that there aren't all the traps hidden by the Chiba Sect inside. If they were accidentally triggered, it could cause even greater casualties. Wouldn't that provide an explanation to the outside world?

"But isn't this explanation a bit far-fetched? The real reason for the black market fire is not this. Anyone who knows even a little bit about the inside story would not believe this explanation at all."

Han Yi hesitated.

After he finished speaking, the air suddenly fell silent.

After a short while, Huang Ze smiled, a hint of "you're too young" on his face: "As long as we keep the information under wraps, how many people can know the inside story? As long as most people believe that everything is normal in our Crimson Flame Sect and there are no demons or monsters, that's fine. So, whatever the real reason is, that's the reason."

After Huang Ze said that, Han Yi immediately understood.

A fire in the black market could be a big deal or a small one.

Clearly, if the black market fire is defined as a supernatural event, then it is a major issue that must be taken very seriously and handled with utmost care.

Since this is a major event, especially a supernatural one, the first to be anxious will definitely be the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs in Anyan City. If they can't cover up the strange events in the city, the higher-level management of the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs will definitely intervene and punish them. After the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs has dealt with the internal situation, it will be the turn of the Crimson Flame Sect.

After that, the An Yan City Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs, filled with resentment, had to conduct a thorough investigation and examination of the Crimson Flame Sect. And that wasn't all; it might even alarm the prefectural city bureau, or even higher-level bureaus of extraordinary affairs.

If a thorough investigation were conducted on all personnel, businesses, and territories within the Crimson Flame Sect, there might be no problems, or there might be. This process would certainly be lengthy. Over time, if someone with ulterior motives were to engage in shady dealings, even if there were no problems initially, they would still become problematic.

After all, if a real investigation were to take place, no one could withstand a thorough examination.

Therefore, defining the black market fire as a paranormal event is a self-defeating act that harms others without benefiting oneself.

The appearance of a supernatural realm in the city would be a slap in the face to the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs, offending them first. After being thoroughly offended, sending them to investigate would simply give them a perfect opportunity for revenge.

In other words, even if the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs is fair and impartial and wouldn't deliberately cause trouble for the Crimson Flame Sect over such matters, the sheer number of people questioning and investigating within the sect daily would undoubtedly severely impact the normal operation and development of the sect's businesses. Not to mention, once a large-scale investigation begins, rumors of ghosts appearing within the sect will surely spread like wildfire, becoming increasingly credible. At that point, aside from the overt negative impact on the sect's reputation, businesses, and prestige, even the most numerous outer disciples and menial disciples will inevitably experience unrest, fear, and instability.

If we were to do this, there would be only one outcome: externally, it would offend many powerful forces; internally, it would lead to disunity among the people.

If morale is low, the sect will really be in big trouble!

However, if the black market fire is defined as a fight for territory, then it's a different story. How many people died and how much territory was destroyed is only a matter between two forces and won't involve any third party.

Doing this would maintain the relationship with the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs, and even make the Bureau owe the Crimson Flame Sect a great favor. Internally, the disciples would simply assume it was an attack by hostile forces, but since it wasn't some mysterious incident and could be resolved artificially, why not just fight back? This would actually ignite the fighting spirit of the sect's disciples!

As for the Chiba Faction's reaction... well, the two are inherently hostile forces, so whatever they say, no one in the Crimson Flame Sect will believe it...

"No wonder they did that..."

Han Yi raised his head slightly, muttering to himself, "The schemes and calculations involved are indeed intricate and far-reaching."

Seeing that Han Yi was quick-witted and understood things without much explanation, Huang Ze was also satisfied, thinking, "He's a promising young man."

Then, as if remembering something, he instructed Han Yi: "You are Senior Brother Bai's successor, and also one of our own. These words... are the sect leader's original words, only for internal discussion... Remember, you must keep it a secret. If it is leaked, it will definitely cause a lot of suspicion and conflict. If the blame is directed at you, then the Crimson Flame Sect will definitely not let you off the hook." Han Yi nodded heavily and said: "I know, I will keep it a secret, I won't say it."

"Well, it's good that you know what's important." Huang Ze was quite at ease with Han Yi's composure and didn't say anything more.

He changed the subject and sighed, "Although Li Chengfeng and I don't get along and usually dislike each other, there's one thing I have to admire: that old scoundrel Li Chengfeng is indeed more quick-witted than most people. Attributing the black market fire to the Chiba Sect... that method is indeed the most appropriate one..."

“Li Chengfeng…” Han Yi’s mind raced when he heard this familiar name.

His relationship with Li Chengfeng can be described as complex and complicated.

Initially, he, along with Pan Sheng and Li Feng, repelled the Black Wind Mountain bandits and successfully protected the convoy transporting fire crystals. It was during this operation that he killed Tie Lu, the third leader of Black Wind Stronghold, which caught Li Chengfeng's eye. Subsequently, Li Chengfeng promoted him to an inner disciple…

Han Yi originally thought that Li Chengfeng had recognized his potential and was making an early investment, which was why he was given a house to stay in when he first arrived in Anyan City, and was provided with money and funds to cultivate his skills.

But then, things started to go wrong!

He discovered that Li Chengfeng seemed to be colluding with the Black Wind Mountain stronghold outside the city and had left some kind of mark on him, which led to Tie Sha, the second-in-command of the Black Wind Mountain stronghold, finding him and seeking revenge.

From this point on, Han Yi gradually began to distance himself from Li Feng and the others, hoping to use this opportunity to get away from Li Chengfeng's control. He always felt that Li Chengfeng must have a secret, or some unknown, dark secret. Perhaps, Li Chengfeng was the biggest traitor in the Crimson Flame Sect.

However, Han Yi was troubled by his lowly status at the time. Even if he went to expose the truth, it would only be treated as nothing had happened. Therefore, he could only keep a low profile and hide for the time being.

Fortunately, after entering the inner sect, he found Huang Ze, who was also an elder, to be his backer through Bai Sanren's introduction, and entered the Internal Affairs Hall. This allowed him to escape Li Chengfeng's sight and finally be free to soar like a bird in the sky.

From then on, he and Li Chengfeng had virtually no connection whatsoever.

But unexpectedly, he heard this person's name again from Huang Ze's mouth today...

"I heard that Li Chengfeng didn't show up on the night the black market caught fire?" Han Yi didn't hide his dislike for Li Chengfeng and addressed him by his name directly.

His current status is fundamentally different from before. He is no longer the helpless and drifting outer disciple. He can express his inner thoughts appropriately and choose the right side without any problems.

"What else can we do?" Huang Ze grabbed the wine jar, poured wine into the wine pot, and said helplessly, "They said he went out to visit friends, and there are witnesses and physical evidence. At most, it's just a case of dereliction of duty, and he'll be fined a few months' salary."

After he finished speaking, he grabbed the wine jug and took a big gulp of wine, clearly feeling somewhat aggrieved.

"I see..." Han Yi was slightly distracted, his mind wandering.

A silence hung in the air, broken only by the intoxicating aroma of wine that filled the room, making one feel completely absorbed.

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The following day, at the headquarters of the Crimson Flame Sect.

"Alright, you don't need to follow me today. I'm going to the main hall first, and I don't know when I'll be back." After instructing Shen San, Han Yi quickly walked towards the central hall.

He didn't stop at all along the way, and when he arrived at the main hall, many high-ranking elders and hall masters had already arrived.

As Han Yi arrived at the entrance, a disciple dressed in a red welcoming outfit came forward to greet him and lead the way.

"Why are there so many people today?" Han Yi asked, frowning as he looked ahead.

The group of people exchanging pleasantries directly in front seemed to be the head of the hall who was always on the go. The white-bearded old man in the middle was laughing heartily and talking to the people around him.

Yesterday, when I was about to leave Huang Ze's house, Huang Ze told me to come to the main hall today for a routine meeting. It seemed that the sect leader of Aoyang wanted to see me and ask about what had happened in the black market.

However, according to Huang Ze, the black market fire has been classified as an attack by the Chiba faction. As for having him attend the regular meeting, nothing will happen; it will just be a routine inspection and questioning.

He thought it was just an ordinary routine meeting, but he didn't expect so many people to come.

"It was the sect leader who issued the order to convene the meeting. As long as the leaders are not too far from the headquarters, they will all attend the meeting today."

The disciple who had led the way answered in a low voice.

Han Yi frowned and looked ahead. He entered through the side door of the main hall, but the front was so crowded that it was impossible to enter or exit normally. There were dozens, even hundreds, of attendants and confidants brought by the high-ranking elders, all gathered at the main entrance.

"Convene a general meeting? Isn't this just a routine morning meeting?" Han Yi pressed.

"I don't know either," the disciple said, shaking his head.

Han Yi said no more, his brows furrowed, a vague sense of unease creeping into his heart.

Is it necessary to make such a big fuss if it's just for a routine questioning?

Upon entering the lobby, he headed straight for the inner hall. Even before entering, he could hear a commotion inside, with many people making noise.

Entering the hall through the central aisle, one is greeted by a large group of burly men of varying styles and strengths. These are the elite disciples and leaders of their respective halls.

Above the main hall, dozens of chairs were arranged, presumably for high-ranking members such as elders and hall masters. The top two chairs were empty, while the chairs below were occupied by elders he recognized, including Elder Huang Ze, Elder Song Mu, and Li Chengfeng.

Below these elders' chairs, several rows of chairs were placed according to the shrine where the elders belonged, presumably to allocate positions based on the shrine.

At this moment, behind Huang Ze, there were not many people sitting on the chairs in the Inner Affairs Hall; the area was rather sparse.

The Internal Affairs Hall was already short-handed, and with the black market fire, Cai Yu, Lin Ping, Wang Dong, and others had all disappeared, so it was normal that there were few people.

Han Yi walked towards the Inner Affairs Hall. Huang Ze saw him and nodded slightly, signaling him to come over.

Han Yi also noticed that a middle-aged man was sitting in the first chair behind Huang Ze, holding a book in his hands. He was dressed in black and had a calm and gentle demeanor, somewhat like a schoolteacher.

This person's strength was clearly that of a martial arts master at the entry level, but he had no imposing presence whatsoever, and judging from his appearance, he didn't match any of the renowned martial arts masters in the sect.

The middle-aged man seemed to realize that someone was watching him, and looked around in confusion.

Han Yi withdrew his system view, narrowed his eyes, and strode over.

An unknown and obscure martial arts master at the entry level, and he's from the Internal Affairs Hall?

interesting!

"Elder Huang, what's going on today? Wasn't it supposed to be just a regular morning meeting? Why is it being made so grand?"

After Han Yi walked to Huang Ze's side, he asked in a low voice.

Huang Ze whispered to Han Yi, "I don't know what the sect leader means, but nothing should happen. Remember what I told you yesterday: when the sect leader arrives, just answer truthfully and relax, nothing will be a problem."

He never expected that what was supposed to be a regular morning meeting would turn into such a big affair.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Han Yi replied quickly.

"By the way, Elder Huang, who is this...?" He hesitated for a moment, then glanced slightly behind Huang Ze.

"Oh, right, I was so focused on reminding you that I forgot to introduce you." Huang Ze slapped his forehead and suddenly realized, "This is our Head of the Internal Affairs Hall, Head Tian Jing."

Within the Crimson Flame Sect, the highest authority naturally rests with the Sect Master and Deputy Sect Master, followed by the Elders, and then the Hall Masters and Deputy Hall Masters.

Therefore, the true high-ranking members within a sect are figures like elders and sect leaders. Hall masters, to put it bluntly, are simply high-ranking individuals who listen to the sect leader and elders.

The middle-aged man in black closed the book in his hand, smiled gently and kindly at Han Yi: "You must be Han Yi. I've heard about you. You're quite good."

'The Hall Master? He's actually the most mysterious Hall Master of the Internal Affairs Hall, the one who's rarely seen?'

Han Yi was immediately startled.