"Luo Qing, what is going on? How did you offend that brute?" Elder Junshan was visibly exasperated. Despite Luo Qing being one of the top disciples of the Formation Peak's outer sect—second only to the genius Wu Xuan—Elder Junshan could not stand by and watch as Feng Mohan tortured him.
"I have no idea," Luo Qing replied, his face filled with helplessness. If he had indeed been the one responsible for this incident, he would have accepted the consequences without hesitation. But the fact was, he wasn't the one who had done it, and more frustratingly, he didn't even know who had. At this moment, his mood was nothing short of dismal.
"I believe in your character, of course," Elder Junshan said, his voice tinged with helplessness. "But now that Feng Mohan is so sure that you are the culprit, if you don't produce the Fire Silk Whip within three days, I'm afraid your fate will be sealed."
The Formation Peak and the Weapon Peak had always had a tense relationship, especially after the outer sect competition when Elder Junshan had suggested that Luo Qing, as the Formation Peak's best, confront Lin Tian of the Weapon Peak. That had only worsened the animosity between the two peaks.
Now, if he were to seek the Weapon Peak's help, he would surely be met with nothing but reproach. Though Elder Junshan valued his reputation, he was unwilling to swallow his pride and ask for assistance from the Weapon Peak. After all, before becoming an inner disciple, nothing was guaranteed. Though Luo Qing showed great promise, no one knew if he would ever make it to the inner sect.
"However, this is something I cannot help you with. You will have to go to the Weapon Peak yourself and seek someone to forge the Fire Silk Whip," Elder Junshan finally explained.
Upon hearing this, Luo Qing's face fell. Although the Fire Silk Whip was a second-tier spiritual weapon, many inner disciples at the Weapon Peak were capable of forging it. If Elder Junshan were to intervene, it would have been a simple matter. But now, if he had to go to the Weapon Peak himself, the situation was entirely different.
Even though the Formation Peak ranked above the Weapon Peak, as an outer sect disciple, he had no chance of convincing an inner disciple to help him. His only option was to seek the assistance of the outer sect disciples, but refining weapons was not a simple task, and the number of disciples at the Weapon Peak who could forge a Fire Silk Whip was likely very small.
"Looks like I have no choice but to find him," Luo Qing muttered to himself, steeling his resolve. After a brief hesitation, he headed straight for the Weapon Peak. Upon his arrival, the disciples of the Weapon Peak looked at him with curiosity. After all, Luo Qing's identity as a famous outer sect disciple was well-known, and his appearance here raised many questions.
"Lin Tian, are you there?" Luo Qing called out, following the directions to Lin Tian's quarters.
"Luo Qing, what brings you here?" Lin Tian asked with a curious expression, clearly unaware of why Luo Qing was seeking him out. "Also, what happened to the injuries on your face?"
"Lin Tian, that doesn't matter right now. In the entire Xuanwu Sect, you're the only one who can save me," Luo Qing said, grabbing Lin Tian's hand in excitement.
"Ah, only I can save you?" Lin Tian was taken aback.
"Yes," Luo Qing replied, his face filled with despair. "I don't know who the wretch is, but somehow, I was framed, and now a Golden Core expert has come to the Formation Peak specifically to teach me a lesson. If I can't return the stolen spiritual weapon within three days, I will be dead."
As Luo Qing spoke, his face contorted with frustration and regret. If he could just catch the one responsible for this, he would make them pay dearly for their betrayal.
"Who would be so despicable as to frame you and make a Golden Core cultivator come after you?" Lin Tian's anger flared as he listened. Though Luo Qing wasn't a saint, they had shared trials together. To see him wronged like this stirred genuine resentment in Lin Tian.
"Luo Qing, tell me everything. Perhaps I can help you find a clue."
"Lin Tian, you are truly a brother," Luo Qing said, gratitude in his voice. He then recounted everything that had happened. After hearing the full story, Lin Tian's expression gradually grew complicated. The despicable wretch Luo Qing spoke of... could it be himself?
"Lin Tian, do you think the one behind this is truly as vile and despicable as I've described?" Luo Qing asked angrily, his eyes burning with fury.
"Actually, I think there may have been some misunderstanding," Lin Tian said, blinking awkwardly. "Perhaps the person never intended to frame you."
"Lin Tian, how can you defend such a person? Someone who is morally bankrupt and utterly wicked deserves to be cut down on the spot!" Luo Qing said bitterly, his voice thick with disgust.
"Brother Luo Qing, there's no need to be so angry. After all, our immediate priority should be forging the Fire Silk Whip, shouldn't it?" Lin Tian, realizing that his attempts at comforting Luo Qing were futile, quickly shifted the topic to avoid further confrontation.
"You're right, Lin Tian. Since that's the case, I'll leave this matter in your hands," Luo Qing said, his expression now more composed. Without another word, he turned and left.
Lin Tian, left behind, could only manage a bitter smile. He now understood why Feng Linwan had so decisively handed over the Fire Silk Whip in the past. She must have had a backup plan.
However, the Fire Silk Whip may have been in her possession, but handing it over so easily would surely alert Feng Linwan. It would also cement Luo Qing's guilt in the process.
Thus, to clear Luo Qing's name, the only solution was to alter the Fire Silk Whip once more.