Chapter 586: Chapter 586: 587 Various Forces Arrive

“This… This old man doesn’t know the hidden story behind this, but it seems that Li Xiaobai has a deep relationship with Elder Tianji. Otherwise, the Immortal Spirit Daily would not be full of reports written by him!”

Elder Wang’s breathing became somewhat rapid, the worst-case scenario had occurred—Li Xiaobai had not listened to the Great Elder’s instructions to wait for the message obediently.

During the time at the Punishment Hall, the other party continued their mischief, fanning the flames, escalating the situation to a point where it could no longer be contained.

With the common people of the entire nation rising up in revolt, even the third family head might be unable to suppress it with an iron fist; pacification would have to take priority. If not handled correctly, the Situ Household could very likely be pushed out in the open for execution.

His previous thought was correct—before the matter was settled once and for all, he must distance himself from the Situ Household.

It was too dangerous, constantly contending against the founding pillars of the nation; one careless move and one wouldn’t even know how they died.

“Revolts by the common people of Aolai Country?”

“Saying that the Situ Household stands behind the masked man is not something one can carelessly claim!”

“However, looking at the pile of masks stacked up like mountains at the doorstep of the Situ Household, it does seem quite suggestive.”

“According to the report, it was Li Xiaobai who exposed the true face of those framing and scapegoating others. Could it be that these masks, as well as the female cultivators’ Inner Armor, were also secretly thrown over by them?”

“This round is immortals fighting; we should just quietly watch the drama unfold. Before the three heads arrive, the matter will not be concluded, and recklessly taking sides might lead to a miserable death.”

The cultivators nearby were also in chaos. Wave after wave of sensational news arose, and with each successive wave bigger than the last, they were unsure if they should even partake.

If the situation were allowed to continue, it would lead to a polarization of Aolai Country and violent conflicts.

“Li Xiaobai, Tianji Zi!”

“The Situ Household will remember you both. The humiliation of today will be avenged in the future!”

Patriarch Situ’s internal energies became disordered, almost exploding on the spot. Assisted by Elder Tianji, Li Xiaobai was virtually invincible in the realm of public opinion. Whatever was published in the Immortal Spirit Daily, that would be taken as truth.

The key issue was that what the other party was saying was not wrong at all; indeed, all the actions indeed originated from the Situ Household. It was just unexpected that one day it would be disclosed in such a manner.

What a Li Xiaobai, to possess such ability—it must be the disguise of some millennia-old monster; otherwise, how could he have such a knack for trapping others.

“Family Head, what should we do? Should we first communicate with the third family head?”

An Elder asked in a low voice beside him. The high ranks within the family had also sensed the impending catastrophe. As things were developing in a direction they least wanted to see, if measures were not promptly taken, the Situ Household could very likely become a scapegoat to placate the common people.

At that time, even the third family head might have no choice but to make a tough decision.

“With the situation being so grave, the third family head must already be aware of it. Do you want me to shamelessly take a beating?”

Patriarch Situ huffed coldly, his eyes full of malice.

“No matter, the time for tearing off the masks is almost upon us, and besides, that person from Central Province has already been called over and will soon arrive in Aolai Country. With that person’s presence, even if Li Xiaobai had the power to reach the heavens, he would have only one path to death.”

“Family Head is wise.”

The Elders fell silent like frostbitten cicadas, daring not to speak further.

Indeed, with that individual from Central Province coming over and the assistance of the third family head, their chances of winning were high, and there was nothing much to fear.

As long as they could emerge as the final victors, the so-called dark history would be nothing but empty talk.

“Patriarch Situ, with such a big incident occurring, the Punishment Hall must be in complete chaos by now. We will take our leave first. Surely, the Punishment Hall will uncover the truth and clear the Situ Household’s name.”

Elder Wang said, cupping his fist in his hand as if he was about to leave.

But at that moment, several streaks of light crossed the void, and a number of figures appeared.

“Elder Wang need not trouble himself, for I have already led a team over here.”

The Great Elder, leading the way, clutched tightly a copy of the Immortal Spirit Daily, his headache reaching an extreme.

Li Xiaobai’s matter had yet to be settled, and now the Situ Household had suddenly run into trouble. At this juncture, even if they wanted to remain uninvolved and inactive, they couldn’t.

“So it’s the Great Elder. We also saw the situation in the Immortal Spirit Daily and specifically came to investigate. We were just about to return to the Punishment Hall to report.”

Upon seeing the arriving troop, Elder Wang’s expression changed in a second, his face breaking into a full smile as he spoke.

“Elder Wang has put in much effort. We are already aware of the matter. Today, we have come to identify the real culprit,”

said the Great Elder slowly, nodding slightly as he spoke in a subtle tone.

“Patriarch Situ, regarding what’s been reported in the Immortal Spirit Daily, do you have anything to say?”

“It’s all a misunderstanding. My Situ family is also a victim. I implore the Great Elder to uncover the truth, to restore my Situ Household’s innocence and return to the world a clear and bright order!”

Patriarch Situ bowed respectfully, speaking with a serious expression. His solemn and sorrowful demeanor drew attention.

Had they not known the person in question, Elder Wang and others might have been deceived by him.

Damn it, his acting was too good.

“I, too, thought as much. How could the Situ family, a noble and venerable clan, commit such filthy, despicable, and shameless deeds?”

“Regarding the recent events, I wish to say this: the Punishment Hall might be inhumane, but the individuals responsible for framing others and masking the truth are truly dogs!”

The Great Elder nodded with a smile, speaking casually and lightly.

“Heh heh, indeed, the social climate has declined, and people’s hearts have changed. Who would have thought that my noble Situ family would one day be framed by others?”

“Thank you to all the Elders from the Punishment Hall for your righteous support.”

Patriarch Situ’s eyelids twitched violently; this old fool seemed to be speaking on his behalf, but the insinuations laced his words with scathing criticism. Utterly disgraceful.

“Now that the populace is in an uproar, heedless of dissuasion, and only a step away from the city center, how does Patriarch Situ plan to deal with it?”

continued the Great Elder.

“If soldiers come, they will be met with defiance; if water comes, it will be countered with earth. It’s clear to anyone with eyes that this is a case of being framed. It’s Li Xiaobai who is the true mastermind behind the scenes; his schemes are at play, and we are merely pawns used to shield him,”

stated Patriarch Situ coldly.

“So, Patriarch Situ is convinced that the criminal gang behind the mask, the ones causing chaos everywhere, is Li Xiaobai?”

The Great Elder commented with a sardonic smile.

“Indeed, apart from him, I cannot think of a second person,”

asserted Patriarch Situ with a nod.

“Is Patriarch Situ aware that Li Xiaobai and others were in our Punishment Hall for the entire night yesterday, while at the same time the villages of Aolai Country were ablaze with fires and countless dead and injured?”

“I dare ask Patriarch Situ, where is your esteemed son?”

The Great Elder’s face suddenly darkened, his aura becoming sharply fierce as he stared directly at Patriarch Situ, his words delivered slowly and deliberately.

It was but a moment, yet Patriarch Situ’s heart sank to the valley floor; his good-for-nothing son had acted on his own without consulting him.

This time, he had picked up a rock only to drop it on his own foot.