The news spread fast. By the time the trial began, half the Outer Sect had gathered in front of the Law Enforcement Hall. The Hall was already jammed packed with Inner Sect disciples who also stood closer to the entrance, forming their own circle.
The square buzzed with whispers filled with fear, excitement, and curiosity.
Everyone was talking about Lin Fan, but what they claimed about him changed depending on who spoke. To some, he was a savior. To others, a demon. And to plenty of others, he was just a perverted scumbag who finally got caught.
"I'm telling you, it's all fake charges!" a young male disciple argued loudly. His name was Wang Lei, one of the boys who had been close to collapse two months ago. Now his Qi was steady. "Elder Chen and his lackeys have been embarrassed ever since Elder Lin showed up. Their expensive pills couldn't save anyone, but Elder Lin's Secret Realm worked. This is jealousy, nothing else!"
The disciple next to him sneered. He was handsome, smug, and clearly enjoying the crowd's attention. "Don't flash your clan's money around here. And jealousy? No. This is about the sect. Think, Wang Lei. Since when does the Dao hand out miracles for free? What if the price isn't just spirit stones? What if he's planting demonic seeds in you all, waiting to harvest later?"
"That's nonsense!" Wang Lei shot back. "I'm stronger than ever, my foundation is solid. That's a fact. And so what if I have money? Things like this shouldn't be free anyway. You're just angry because he doesn't help men for free."
The words stung. Everyone knew Lin Fan charged male disciples a heavy price in rare materials or favors. His "discounts or free sessions" were reserved for female disciples, and only if they were beautiful enough.
That was exactly where the crowd split the hardest.
"He deserves whatever is coming to him," a beautiful inner disciple named Sister Lan said coldly, her arms crossed. She was a renowned beauty who had also faced the early signs of Qi deviation but had stormed away from Lin Fan's courtyard in a fury. "He is no elder. He is a lecher who uses his position to prey on desperate women. To ask for such a shameful price? It is the behavior of a scoundrel, not a righteous master."
Another girl nearby sighed. "But Sister Lan... it works. Senior Sister Su Mei paid her price. Now she's preparing to break through to Core Formation. You refused, and you're still buying three of Elder Chen's expensive pills a day. Which is better?"
Sister Lan's face darkened. "I would rather see my foundation collapse than sell my dignity. Su Mei's so called breakthrough? That's the path of a devil. We'll see how long she survives."
Inside the hall, the mood was heavier. Sect Master Zhao Tianyi sat on the high throne, his face blank. He listened as Elder Chen and Elder Wu threw out their accusations. They called Lin Fan a heretic, a danger to the sect, a man using demonic methods.
'This is a disaster,' the Sect Master thought. 'This isn't a trial for justice or Sect's reputation or righteousness. It's a political purge disguised as one.'
But even he could not ignore charges of demonic taint.
While the elders fought inside, another battle was happening elsewhere.
Bai Qing'er stormed into her Master's courtyard, her eyes sharp with triumph. "Master! It's happening! Just as I predicted!"
Ning Xinyi sat cross legged, trying to calm her mind. Her emotions, her heart was in turmoil, divided into two parts. Was Lin Fan truly a savior? Or had she been charmed by a handsome demon?
She opened her eyes. "Qing'er. Speak clearly."
"The elders have cornered him in the hall!" Bai Qing'er announced quickly and sharply. "They've shown the proof. The runes on the Obelisk are heretical. The disciples he 'cured' admitted the energy felt impure. And then they called Su Mei. She confessed the price."
Ning Xinyi froze. "The... price?"
Bai Qing'er's eyes glowed with satisfaction. "They exposed it. It's not lust, it's demonic cultivation. A Yin Devouring Art. He's stealing the essence of female disciples to fuel himself. It's written in every textbook on demonic practices."
The words 'Yin-Devouring Art' shocked Ning Xinyi. The 'payment'. Isn't that her future obligation? Isn't that what she had agreed to? A night of passion? Is that all to him? A demonic ritual?
Seeing her Master's shock, Bai Qing'er pressed harder. She leaned closer, her words sharp. "His cure is the poison. He makes you feel stronger so you'll trust him. But inside, he's twisting your Ice Phoenix essence until you're bound to him forever. That's what demons do."
Ning Xinyi wanted to fight back. She remembered his gentle smile, the way he had treated her. But her disciple's words had a logic she couldn't ignore.
However, her foundation is stronger than ever, her Ice Phoenix essence, the purity is completely in her control, it's never been easier for her ever to cultivate. She is completely hopeful that her next breakthrough progress time has been cut in half.
Is this what demons do? Or Saints?
"I know you feel grateful to him," Bai Qing'er said softly. "I know you think he cares. That's how predators work. They make you trust them. But he is not your savior, Master. He is the disease."
Ning Xinyi's chest tightened. Was this true? Or was it all lies? Who's lying here?
"He's finished anyway," Bai Qing'er continued, confident. "The evidence is clear. Finally, the sect will be purified of this parasite, and you will be free from his influence."
But Ning Xinyi couldn't rest. The turmoil in her heart was ripping her apart.
She stood up suddenly. "I'm going to the Law Enforcement Hall."
Bai Qing'er's smile slipped. "Master, why?"
"I need to see him myself," Ning Xinyi cut her off, her voice cold.
She walked past her disciple, her steps quick and determined. She had to look him in the eyes and see for herself. Was Lin Fan really a hero? Or the most cunning demon she had ever met?