"Does Family Head
Soul Tempering Method? This method was the most effective means of torture and interrogation. It could directly tear a person's soul from their body, rendering the soul unconscious and incapable of anything but the truth.
Hearing Nie Li's words, Shen Hong's expression shifted slightly. He said in a deep voice, "I naturally know of the Soul Tempering Method. Few in this world possess such a sinister and vicious technique. Could it be that Young Master Nie Li knows it as well?"
The Sacred Spirit Scripture was one of the most widely circulated treasure manuals. Although many had heard of the Soul Tempering Method, very few could actually perform it. This "low-level" technique was certainly something Nie Li would know, and with his current Gold-rank cultivation, he was more than capable of tearing
"Regarding this Soul Tempering Method, this old man happens to know a little bit about it and could assist Young Master Nie Li." A smile appeared on
Upon hearing Ye Shuo's words, Shen Hong's expression changed again. Ye Shuo's identity was mysterious; others might not know him, but Shen Hong did. Ye Shuo was specifically responsible for gathering intelligence, conducting assassinations, and carrying out interrogations for the Wind Snow Family. He was a very formidable and troublesome man.
"Family Head, save me! I, Shen Ming, have been loyal to the Sacred Family all along! I beg the Family Head to save my life!" Hearing Ye Shuo's words, Shen Ming turned deathly pale. If the Soul Tempering Method were used on him, he would surely lose his life.
Shen Hong looked coldly at Ye Shuo and the others. "The Wind Snow Family goes too far with such actions. Regardless of his expulsion, Shen Ming served the Sacred Family for many years. I will not allow anyone to humiliate or torment him!"
"I never would have guessed that Family Head Shen Hong was so righteous and compassionate! After all, Elder Shen Ming is a veteran of the Sacred Family. We also feel that proceeding in such a manner would be inappropriate!" Nie Li said in a solemn tone. "Bring up the other one."
A short while later, Overseer Yunhua was brought forward, dressed in simple gray cloth robes, looking rather disheveled.
"Does Family Head Shen Hong recognize him?" Nie Li smiled faintly at Shen Hong.
Shen Hong raised an eyebrow and snorted coldly. "How would I know him?"
"This man's name is Yunhua, an Overseer of the
"Hmph, Young Master Nie Li makes such claims. Do you have any proof?" Shen Hong sneered.
"We are reluctant to use the Soul Tempering Method on Elder Shen Ming. However, applying it to this Dark Guild Overseer, Yunhua, I presume Family Head Shen Hong would have no objections?" Nie Li said, still smiling at Shen Hong.
"Naturally, I have no objections," Shen Hong replied with a cold laugh, glancing at the tightly bound Overseer Yunhua. His right hand moved swiftly, forming seals. Leaving someone like Overseer Yunhua alive was a potential threat to him!
Hearing Nie Li's words, Overseer Yunhua's face went white with terror. He was about to speak when his vision suddenly went black. A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. An immense force had struck his heart, causing it to explode instantly. He pointed a trembling finger toward Shen Hong. "You..." Unable to finish his sentence, he collapsed to the ground, life extinguished in an instant.
Hmph, he deserved to die. Seeing Overseer Yunhua dead, Shen Hong's expression remained utterly unchanged. He merely continued to stare coldly at Nie Li.
Overseer Yunhua's corpse lay silently on the ground, blood pooling around it.
"Young Master Nie Li, what happened to this man? Why did he suddenly cough up blood and die? Surely Young Master Nie Li doesn't intend to use this dead man to slander my Sacred Family?" Shen Hong sneered, looking utterly confident and unafraid.
Nie Li frowned slightly. Soul Chains again. Once bound by Soul Chains, even Nie Li could not dispel them. Overseer Yunhua was a member of the Dark Guild, so being bound by Soul Chains was natural. The reason he hadn't died before was that the caster was too far away to activate the chains. As soon as Overseer Yunhua appeared, Shen Hong could trigger the Soul Chains, causing his immediate and violent death.
In this back-and-forth, the Sacred Family had been flawless, and Nie Li had gained no advantage.
However, the assembled family heads were all perceptive individuals. They had noticed the details: just before Overseer Yunhua died, Shen Hong had indeed made hand seal motions. This planted a seed of wariness toward the Sacred Family in their minds. Was the Sacred Family truly colluding with the Dark Guild? They remained patient, waiting quietly to see what would happen next.
Nie Li did not expect to bring down the Sacred Family based on Overseer Yunhua alone. His death merely served as a warning to the various family heads. Now, his priority was to stall for time. Directly accusing the Sacred Family right now would force them into a corner, leading them to fight desperately. If a battle broke out here, the casualties could be immense.
It would be best if they could delay until Ye Zong finished dealing with the Dark Guild branch and the Sacred Family's old base and returned.
Shen Hong was certain the Wind Snow Family could not produce conclusive evidence. As for Shen Ming and Overseer Yunhua, he could easily dispose of the remaining Shen Ming at any time. The mere empty words of two traitors would not be enough to bring down the Sacred Family. What truly vexed Shen Hong was that the other family heads were now wary of him. Even without ironclad proof of the Sacred Family's betrayal, once the Wind Snow Family made the accusation, the other families would likely believe it to a high degree.
Although Ye Zong was absent and Shen Hong claimed he was already dead, the Wind Snow Family's suppression of the Sacred Family had begun long ago and was ordered by Ye Zong himself.