Chapter 156
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Chapter 156: Wait a Moment!
“Look, Elder Yan is here!”
“The Sect Master has also arrived!”
“And Elder Liu! Elder Jian from the Law Enforcement Hall! Elder Shu!…”
“Plus Elder Chai from Jixian Peak…”
Countless disciples turned their eyes to the sky as several figures appeared before them.
Elder Lu hurried to greet them, but his gaze remained fixed on Elder Yan.
Noticing Elder Lu’s stare, Elder Yan’s mouth twitched; he first glanced at the nonexistent Xuan Iron Mine and then fell back, looking sideways, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes.
Did he say something?
He couldn’t remember!
Elder Lu remained calm; this was not a burden he could bear. Since Elder Yan had given a heads-up earlier, Elder Lu didn’t worry much.
If the sky were to fall, there would be someone tall to hold it up. He was just a lowly steward.
Elder Lu not only felt no panic, but also experienced a sense of time seeming to stand still. If it had been the first time, he would have been in a flurry, but this was the second time, and he seemed to have gotten used to it?
Besides, this time there were no casualties among the disciples, which counted as the best outcome.
The other elders and the Sect Master did not linger and flew directly over the Xuan Iron Mine to assess the situation.
Watching the mine sink by several dozen meters, the elders frowned slightly, then released their primordial spirit energy to examine the conditions below.
When they had first excavated the Xuan Iron Mine, some elders had checked it over but had found no issues; they hadn’t expected an accident to happen now.
While the Sect Master and the elders investigated, Elder Yan did not approach but instead conversed with Elder Lu.
He had already observed the situation; now he needed to know more.
After hearing Elder Lu’s account, a hint of joy appeared on Elder Yan’s face as he glanced toward Ji Yang, who was receiving thanks from many disciples nearby.
Sensing Elder Yan’s gaze, Ji Yang nodded slightly with a kind expression.
Elder Yan returned the smile but soon felt something was off.
Why did he feel that Ji Yang was the real elder here?
Fortunately, Elder Yan did not dwell on this thought.
On the other side, Hong Yu’s expression was somewhat grim. He had thought Ji Yang had perished in there, yet unexpectedly, he had managed to come out alive at the last moment.
Not only that, but he had also brought back dozens of disciples.
Seeing the appreciative look Elder Yan cast toward Ji Yang, Hong Yu sighed; it seemed he wouldn’t get his revenge after all.
But he would not give up! He could always avoid using family connections!
He, Hong Yu, would exact his vengeance!
He would ensure Ji Yang would have to bear the consequences!
After the Sect Master and the elders figured out the situation, they discussed among themselves, but other disciples could not hear their words.
Finally, they all nodded and headed toward Elder Yan, Elder Lu, and the others.
“Are there any casualties among the disciples?”
The Sect Master asked, his expression slightly serious.
After receiving a negative answer, the expressions of several elders relaxed; it seemed to be a minor incident without any deaths.
“Elder Yan, this mine is under your management. Please tell us what happened.”
At this point, Elder Liu spoke up.
“I rushed over as soon as I heard the news. I think it’s better for Elder Lu to explain the specifics!”
Everyone turned their gaze toward Elder Lu, and the Sect Master and the two elders exchanged somewhat strange looks upon seeing him.
Wasn’t it this steward who had been present when the Ziying Mine collapsed last time?
If Elder Lu didn’t have a clean background, they would find it all quite suspicious.
How come wherever he goes, a mine collapses?
Sensing the questioning looks from the Sect Master and the two elders, Elder Lu sighed.
If he hadn’t been present, he would have thought it was his fault.
However, now he had another suspect in mind but couldn’t voice it.
As Elder Lu explained, the elders listened attentively, and other disciples also reviewed the situation from beginning to end.
After hearing the entire account, the Sect Master and the elders slightly nodded, confirming the general outline of events.
At that moment, Elder Liu stepped forward and said,
“Sect Master, I believe this incident is purely accidental. The area beneath this mine is indeed extraordinary; it seems to be an ancient relic. However, many ancient relics have been explored by our sect. From the fragments of the magical tools, it appears this relic has existed for a considerable time. It is highly likely that the spiritual energy below was insufficient, leading to the failure of the formations, which caused the collapse!”
Li Daoyi kept silent, while the other elders shared their insights.
Elder Yan: Elder Liu is right!
Elder Jian’s expression was subtle, especially when he heard the name Ji Yang mentioned in Elder Lu’s explanation. To confirm, he unintentionally glanced at Ji Yang in the crowd, realizing everything but saying nothing.
However, as a few people looked toward him, Elder Jian remembered that he was an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall and should express his opinion.
Elder Jian paused for a moment, then thoughtfully said,
“What Elder Liu said is not without reason.”
After this, Elder Jian fell silent.
This statement allowed for both affirmation and retreat, neither fully confirming nor denying the issue.
“Wait a moment!”
Just when everyone believed the matter was nearly concluded, Elder Shu’s expression became solemn as he said thoughtfully,
“I find this incident rather puzzling!”
“This Xuan Iron Mine has been stable for so long. Why does it collapse right now? As far as I know, there was also a mine collapse incident in our sect last month. I think this matter deserves a thorough investigation.”
“Moreover, Elder Lu just mentioned a disciple who was the last to emerge and brought out dozens of other disciples. I ask Elder Lu to elaborate on this matter! Only then can we make an accurate judgment!”
The Sect Master remained expressionless, simply listening without rushing to express his opinion.
On the contrary, Elder Liu and Elder Jian exchanged meaningful glances but didn’t say much; both understood the situation clearly.
Hearing Elder Shu’s opinion, Elder Lu paused momentarily. In his explanation, he had tried to downplay Ji Yang’s presence, merely mentioning him casually. He hadn’t expected this elder to pick up on it.
As the most remarkable contributor to this incident, Ji Yang’s excellence became hard to conceal.
Under the watchful eyes of the Sect Master and the elders, Elder Lu dared not lie and could only strive to recount the events accurately.
Elder Shu listened, a proud smile gradually appearing on his face.
An Initial Stage of Foundation Establishment! Yet, he had effortlessly rescued dozens of disciples of the same tier or even higher, all of whom were unconscious. How could this be reasonable?
It seemed Elder Liu had grown old and confused!
Elder Jian also appeared to have been in the Law Enforcement Hall for too long; perhaps he should retire!
Exactly, he had been considering moving up recently!
Though he was an elder, their powers were different; his experience was still limited, and this was a perfect opportunity to show off in front of the Sect Master.
However, Elder Shu wasn’t in a hurry; once Elder Lu finished speaking, he stood up again:
“Sect Master!”
“I believe this issue is still unclear and requires further discussion!”
…
