The Dragon Tiger Mountain lineage spanned a thousand years. Throughout this millennium, incidents of spies infiltrating or disciples stealing skills were endless. However, an infiltrator of such high caliber causing such immense losses was truly unprecedented in history.
One must understand that the suspect, Zhang Daoquan, had been on Dragon Tiger Mountain for nearly forty years. During these four decades, he had risked his life for the mountain, even sustaining severe injuries multiple times. To call him a traitor would be disbelieved by many.
Even now, with eyewitness accounts claiming the person who escaped from the mountaintop via paraglider was Zhang Daoquan, others refused to believe it. They argued that the real Zhang Daoquan might have been held captive or even eliminated, and the individual on the paraglider was merely disguised as Zhang Daoquan to frame him!
Just then, a group of people entered the main hall. Two disciples of Dragon Tiger Mountain were carrying a corpse on a stretcher.
Upon seeing this, everyone erupted in shock. The corpse was none other than Zhang Daoquan.
Zhang Daoquan was a high-ranking figure on Dragon Tiger Mountain, holding a significant position. His death was profoundly unsettling.
At this moment, Ling Tian stepped forward and personally handed a book to the sect leader, Zhang Daoyun.
“Uncle-master, I have fulfilled my mission and retrieved this book! Please keep it safe.”
Zhang Daoyun nodded and passed the book to Zhang Daoyan beside him. Zhang Daoyan quickly tucked the book into his robes, as if afraid it would be snatched away.
Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly spoke.
“Ling Tian, did you kill Daoist Zhang Daoquan?”
Ling Tian’s brow furrowed immediately. The tone of the speaker was hostile, laced with accusation. He turned to see a man, also a Daoist, nearing sixty years of age.
Yesterday, Cai Feng had introduced him to Ling Tian. His name was Zhang Daoru.
This man held a very esteemed position on Dragon Tiger Mountain. He was responsible for managing the discipline of the disciples and also for vetting those recruited externally. One could say this fellow was the HR of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
Zhang Daoru’s sudden challenge initially stunned Ling Tian. However, Ling Tian then realized something and felt a sense of understanding.
“Daoist, you cannot speak without basis! You can examine Zhang Daoquan’s body to see if there is a single wound!”
The crowd then proceeded to examine Zhang Daoquan’s corpse more closely. They discovered that while there were no external wounds, his chest was covered in blood, clearly indicating death by exsanguination.
“Heh heh, Ling Tian, we are all ancient demons. Let’s not play games with each other.
With your abilities, killing someone without leaving any trace of injury is hardly difficult!
Indeed, Zhang Daoquan may have done some inappropriate things, but his crimes did not warrant death. Moreover, this matter is riddled with suspicious circumstances, and whether someone was framed remains to be seen…”
No fool in the audience was oblivious to the underlying meaning in Zhang Daoru’s words. He was directly pointing the finger at Ling Tian.
In fact, Zhang Daoru had his own selfish motives. He had a nephew, also a disciple of Dragon Tiger Mountain, who had long admired Zhang Caifeng.
This time, Zhang Caifeng bringing Ling Tian to the mountain had broken many hearts. Zhang Caifeng was not just a beautiful girl; marrying her also involved immense future benefits.
“Uncle-master, what do you mean? Are you suggesting that Ling Tian is responsible for this?” Zhang Caifeng’s face turned furious, and she stepped forward like a mother lion protecting her cubs.
“Caifeng, you can interpret it that way. Our Dragon Tiger Mountain has been peaceful for so many years, yet so many incidents have occurred since Ling Tian arrived.
Zhang Xiujian’s actions were somewhat excessive, but understandable. A beautiful woman attracts a gentleman; he truly likes you.
As for Zhang Daoquan’s case, it is full of suspicious details. If we had brought him back and interrogated him thoroughly, we could have uncovered the truth. But now he is dead, and there are no witnesses!
I have reason to believe that Ling Tian has some ulterior motives behind this matter!”
Zhang Daoru’s words were clear and resonant. Many people in the audience were whispering and nodding in agreement, indicating that Zhang Daoru’s viewpoint was quite popular.
Of course, it was evident that some of these people agreeing with Zhang Daoru had their own selfish interests at play. After all, Zhang Caifeng was like a piece of Tang Monk’s flesh; it wasn’t just Zhang Daoru’s nephew who coveted her.
Ling Tian ignored Zhang Daoru and said to Zhang Daoyun, “Uncle-master, please search Zhang Daoquan’s body and see what he was carrying.”
Zhang Daoyun nodded to one of his disciples. The disciple stepped forward and, in front of everyone, began searching Zhang Daoquan’s corpse.
Soon, several talismans were discovered on the body and placed on the ground. Zhang Daoyan walked over and picked up these talismans, his expression changing dramatically.
“Yin Thunder Talisman, Five Ghosts Talisman, Netherfire Talisman… These are all talismans from the Yin Talisman Sect!” As the most authoritative talisman expert on Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhang Daoyan recognized the origin of these talismans at a glance. After all, they had been battling the Yin Talisman Sect for a century and were very familiar with their methods.
It was clear that the presence of these Yin Talisman Sect talismans on Zhang Daoquan’s person spoke volumes.
However, at this moment, Zhang Daoru let out a cold laugh.
“Ling Tian, you are quite adept at framing others.
I have reason to suspect that you placed these talismans on Junior Brother Zhang Daoquan.
Furthermore, you claim Zhang Xiujian attacked you with talismans from the Yin Talisman Sect, but that is just your word against his. There are no witnesses. Now Zhang Daoquan is dead, and Zhang Xiujian is also dead, with no one to corroborate the story. You’ve played your hand well!
I even suspect you are a disciple of the Yin Talisman Sect!”
“Uncle-master Zhang, do you know what nonsense you are spouting!” Zhang Caifeng trembled with rage. If Zhang Daoru were not her uncle-master, she would have drawn her sword by now.
“Everyone, think about it. How old is this Ling Tian? He is so young, yet his mastery of talismans is so profound. Do you think this is possible?
In the martial world, the only sect that can rival our Dragon Tiger Mountain in talisman techniques is likely the Yin Talisman Sect. This is the only explanation for these numerous suspicious circumstances!”
“Zhang Daoru, you must realize that the book ‘Compendium of Talisman Formations’ was personally written by Ling Tian. If Ling Tian were from the Yin Talisman Sect, why would he hand over this book to Dragon Tiger Mountain!”
“Heh heh, Caifeng, you are too young and unaware of the wickedness of the world. Besides, when women fall in love, their IQ drops to zero. You are being sold out and still counting the money for the seller!”