Several days later.
The second inner city of Shangyang Mountain.
Shang Yazi and the others had only just gathered to conspire when they discovered, in shock and fury, that they had been surrounded.
"Zhou Quan! Wei Dexin! You've got some nerve — mobilizing a massive force of Gu Cultivators inside the second inner city!"
"What do you think you're doing? We are all children of Shang Yanfei — brothers and sisters of your master, Shang Xinci!"
"Do you outsiders really dare lay hands on our Shang clan members right here in Shangyang Mountain?"
Shang Yazi and the others wore expressions of rage, shouting loudly and deliberately projecting their voices so that the entire second inner city could hear.
The second inner city was the living quarters of the Shang clan. This commotion immediately drew the attention of countless clan members.
Before long, several hundred clansmen arrived at the scene — and in doing so, surrounded the people Wei Dexin and Zhou Quan had brought.
"What's going on?"
"That's Commander Wei Dexin, and Steward Zhou Quan — Shang Xinci's right-hand and left-hand."
"The ones they've surrounded are Shang Qiuniu, Shang Yazi, and the others!"
"How bold of Zhou and Wei — they dare openly lay hands on our Shang clan!"
"Don't rush to judgment. If Zhou and Wei didn't have Shang Xinci's orders, how would they dare make a move?"
"This is going to be good! It's clearly a struggle for power."
The Shang clansmen buzzed with discussion. The matter was blowing up, and even more clansmen were rushing over.
Wei Dexin sneered coldly.
Zhou Quan stepped forward and declared at the top of his voice: "Recently, fake Gu Insects have been flooding the Shangyang Mountain market. We have already uncovered the truth. You are all the masterminds behind this. Surrender at once! Our mistress is merciful and compassionate — she may yet show leniency in your punishment."
Shang Yazi and the others felt their hearts lurch.
Shang Yifan stepped forward: "Bullshit! If someone's determined to pin a crime on you, what use is defending yourself? It's obvious that Shang Xinci is incompetent and lacking in virtue in her position — she can't handle this major crisis, so she turns on us, her own siblings! What a vicious heart!"
"Relax. There's no need to rush into your excuses," Wei Dexin cut in. "The fact that we dare openly move against you means we have ironclad evidence."
"What evidence?"
"Where's Shang Xinci? Let her come out and speak!"
"That's right — who do you two even think you are? You're nothing but Shang Xinci's dogs!"
Shang Yazi and the others bellowed in fury.
Zhou Quan laughed coldly: "Ladies and gentlemen, are you afraid?"
"We are all descendants of the Shang clan — we fear nothing! But there's a difference between courage and foolishness. If we go with you to your territory, you'll beat us into a false confession. Even if we're innocent, you'll frame us until the lie becomes truth!"
"If you say you have evidence, then present it right here, in front of everyone, under the broad light of day! Let us confront it!"
Shang Qiuniu and Shang Chiwen spoke up one after another.
Shang Yazi and Shang Yifan frowned subtly.
"Yes, yes — if there's something to say, say it to our faces!"
"Exactly! Most of the people you've surrounded are former Young Clan Leaders of our Shang clan!"
"Even if they're no longer Young Clan Leaders, they're not people you outsiders can push around."
The outermost ring of Shang clansmen raised a clamor.
Zhou Quan burst out laughing: "Everything has gone exactly as the Clan Leader predicted. Very well — since you want evidence, we'll put your minds to rest. Here is the physical proof!"
Zhou Quan waved his hand, and a massive pile of Gu Insects appeared on the ground.
Wei Dexin added: "Every single fake Gu Insect currently circulating on the Shangyang Mountain market is right here."
Shang Yifan scoffed: "That's it? You bring out a pile of things and want to frame us out of thin air?"
Zhou Quan smiled: "Of course not without basis. We have conclusive evidence proving that all of these fake Gu Insects were refined by Feng Tianyu. And he is right here among you — he was acting under your orders."
In an instant, countless gazes converged on Feng Tianyu.
Shang Yazi and the others had been conspiring, and Feng Tianyu was a key figure in the plot — naturally he was present.
"It really is Feng Tianyu!"
"How is this Refinement Dao grandmaster here?"
"I only just recognized him myself."
"It really is Grandmaster Feng."
The murmur around them grew noticeably louder.
Shang Yazi could hold back no longer. He suddenly stepped forward a great pace, shielding Feng Tianyu behind him: "Zhou Quan! You spew lies from your mouth, slandering my dear friend. This matter is far from over — because what you've done is far more serious than slandering me! If you don't have ironclad proof that these fake Gu Insects were all refined by Brother Feng, then I will demand an audience with my father and ask him to uphold justice!"
Zhou Quan laughed heartily: "Of course I have proof. Go on then, Feng Tianyu — did you refine these fake Gu Insects or not?"
Shang Yazi and the others froze for a moment.
Then the group heard Feng Tianyu speak in a perfectly calm and natural tone, confessing openly: "Steward Zhou is completely correct. I was instructed by Shang Yazi and his group to refine these fake Gu Insects, specifically to disrupt the market and undermine the current Shang clan leader."
"What?"
"Huh?!"
"Bro—— Brother Feng, you—?!!"
In an instant, the entire scene erupted.
Shang Yifan and the others stared at Feng Tianyu, their faces filled with utter disbelief.
Shang Yazi spun around, his face a mask of fury and shock.
Feng Tianyu had betrayed them right here on the spot?
What was he after?
How could this happen?!
Had Shang Xinci offered him a higher price?
That was impossible!