Chapter 231: Ascending The Heavenly Platform

Runiang Prefecture borders Fengyang Prefecture, lying perilously close to Anqing, Huizhou, and other regions already seized by the Heavenly Sect. Moreover, with many southeastern prefectures having fallen, the common folk, fearing war, had long fled north with their families and wealth upon hearing the slightest rumor. Those who remained in the city were either indifferent to the rise and fall of dynasties, believed the Heavenly Sect was better than the imperial court, or were simply helpless widows, orphans, and the destitute, unable to escape.

Thus, when the group entered the city, it was nearly deserted, with scarcely a soul in sight.

Carrying torches and lanterns as they passed through the streets, the city was a scene of chaos, with debris strewn about and doors tightly shut.

Wan Xiuzi paid no mind to the desolation.

The Runiang Prefecture branch of the Heavenly Sect had been established years ago by seizing a Buddhist temple, expelling the monks, and converting it for their use. The Buddha statues were toppled and replaced with images of the Three Pure Ones, Buddhist scriptures were discarded for Taoist texts, and large stone blocks were hauled in to construct a towering Heavenly Platform within, used exclusively for sect meetings, announcements, rewards, and punishments.

As the group arrived at the branch’s entrance, the branch leader, Lu Tai, greeted them with a group of sect members.

Lu Tai was a burly man with a dark complexion, hawk-like nose, wide jaw, and fierce, round eyes. Dressed as a martial artist, his wrists and ankles were tightly bound, and his fists, clenched like sandbags, seemed capable of killing a bull with a single blow.

Yet, he was far from a simple brute with brawn but no brains.

His eyes carried a natural, predatory glint as they scanned the group, pausing briefly on Xie Wei and Jiang Xuening, who stood behind. After exchanging formalities with Wan Xiuzi, he asked, “I’ve heard that Master Du Jun, a figure as renowned as Master Gongyi in our sect, has come this time. I’ve long been in the sect but have only heard his name, never seen his face. May I ask the Sect Leader to introduce us?”

Wan Xiuzi glanced back and casually pointed. “That’s him.”

Lu Tai followed his gesture, his eyes locking onto Xie Wei.

In that instant, a flicker of killing intent flashed in Lu Tai’s gaze, so swift that even the young Taoist attendant beside Wan Xiuzi didn’t notice. In a sudden move, Lu Tai snatched a blade from the waist of a nearby sect member and pressed its cold edge against Xie Wei’s neck!

Jiang Xuening, standing just behind Xie Wei, nearly cried out in shock.

Everyone was stunned. “What is Branch Leader Lu doing?!”

Wan Xiuzi, however, remained silent, observing.

Xie Wei had anticipated that Lu Tai might confront him, but he hadn’t expected such immediate action without even a word of preamble. A chill ran through him: it seemed Wan Xiuzi was even more impatient than he’d thought. He wondered when Yan Lin and his forces would arrive.

There was no doubt that Lu Tai was the branch leader Xie Wei had mentioned to Jiang Xuening earlier when discussing today’s plan—a former subordinate of Gongyi Cheng, fiercely loyal to him after Gongyi had once saved his life.

Xie Wei gently raised a hand, nudging Jiang Xuening behind him to shield her and signaling her to stay back. Then, with calm composure, he said, “It seems Branch Leader Lu has something to teach me.”

Lu Tai wasn’t interested in niceties. He had long suspected foul play in the Tongzhou incident years ago, and now, with the Sect Leader’s covert instructions, he was determined not to let Xie Wei leave unscathed, he sneered coldly. “Three years ago, tens of thousands of our sect’s followers, along with Master Gongyi, died unjustly. Don’t you know anything about that?!”

The surroundings fell silent.

Several branch leaders had already heard Xie Wei admit to this in Luoyang, but since the Sect Leader hadn’t mentioned it, no one had spread the word. How was Lu Tai so certain? The lower-ranking sect members, who had never heard of this, were equally shocked, their expressions a mix of genuine and feigned astonishment.

Xie Wei had anticipated this moment ever since he admitted to killing Gongyi Cheng—

Wan Xiuzi would not let this opportunity slip.

He wanted to act before Xie Wei could, but he also feared that if Xie Wei harbored no rebellious intent, striking first might misjudge the situation and push Xie Wei to openly oppose the Heavenly Sect. If Xie Wei escaped, he’d become a formidable enemy; if he stayed, he’d be useless, and killing him would cost the sect a valuable asset.

Thus, Wan Xiuzi needed a position that allowed both advance and retreat.

Who could be more suitable than Lu Tai?

As a loyal subordinate of Gongyi Cheng, Lu Tai would undoubtedly confront Xie Wei once informed of the truth behind Gongyi’s death. As Sect Leader, Wan Xiuzi could maintain the appearance of impartiality, observing from the sidelines. If Xie Wei showed signs of rebellion, he could be executed on the spot before the sect members. If he showed no such intent and acted normally afterward, Wan Xiuzi could magnanimously spare him, earning his loyalty in return.

It was a masterful move, impossible to relinquish.

What Wan Xiuzi likely hadn’t considered, however, was that Xie Wei had deliberately brought up Gongyi Cheng’s death.

It was to create this very position.

With this position, Wan Xiuzi would act as Xie Wei predicted, rather than ruthlessly striking without hesitation. Though it meant enduring some hardship, it bought enough time to wait for Yan Lin’s army, advancing from Huangzhou!

Xie Wei met Lu Tai’s gaze and said, “Master Gongyi and I were long acquainted. At the time, I was infiltrating the imperial court and couldn’t aid him in time, leading to his death. I, too, feel deep guilt. If Branch Leader Lu wishes to blame me, that’s only fair.”

“Spare me your nonsense!”

Lu Tai despised dealing with such eloquent scholars, who could twist black into white!

His hand trembled as he gripped the blade.

“How did Master Gongyi’s whereabouts leak so perfectly? Could Xiao’s band of incompetent fools have devised such a plan? Not to mention, the woman by your side now was in Tongzhou back then! She’s deeply tied to the deaths of our brothers!”

When Jiang Xuening heard the name “Gongyi Cheng,” it didn’t immediately register, but the mention of “Tongzhou” flooded her mind with vivid, bloody memories, sending a shiver through her.

She hadn’t expected Lu Tai to know about her involvement!

Xie Wei’s pupils contracted sharply, his gaze icy and his posture subtly tensing as he stared down Lu Tai. “You may hold a grudge against me over Gongyi’s death, and that’s your right. But slandering others is beneath you. If you want clarity, let’s ascend the Heavenly Platform today, and I’ll give you an explanation!”

Lu Tai let out a cold laugh. “Fine!”

Decisive, he withdrew the blade from Xie Wei’s neck and knelt on one knee before Wan Xiuzi, bowing respectfully. “Sect Leader, I bear no ill will toward Master Du Jun, but the grievances from years ago involve tens of thousands of lives. How can our sect’s brothers have died in vain? Even if it costs my life, I must demand answers! I beg the Sect Leader’s permission to seek justice for Master Gongyi and the brothers who perished in Tongzhou!”

All eyes were watching.

This was precisely what Wan Xiuzi wanted, so he naturally wouldn’t refuse.

Still, he feigned a troubled expression, glancing at Xie Wei before speaking. “You are both rare talents in our sect, and I’d rather not see discord between you. There may be misunderstandings at play. But since you both propose a debate on the Heavenly Platform, so be it. Let everyone hear and judge the truth!”

The Heavenly Sect’s “Ascending the Heavenly Platform” symbolized “equality for all, no shame before heaven and earth,” where disputes were judged by those below, regardless of status.

Sadly, in recent years, it had become a hollow ritual.

The announcement of ascending the platform sparked murmurs and whispers among the crowd.

Wan Xiuzi, as Sect Leader, had spoken, making the matter settled.

Xie Wei had planned for this and raised no objections.

Without gathering the sect members beneath the platform, how could they be dealt with in one fell swoop? The more chaotic the situation, the better Jiang Xuening’s chances of escaping in the confusion. If, as in the past, they were locked in a room upon arriving at the branch, there’d be no opportunity to flee.

The group entered the branch, clustering around the stone platform, which stood two zhang high.

Stairs led up to it.

The platform was divided into two levels: one at one-and-a-half zhang, a wide terrace; the other, higher still, with a chair reserved for the sect’s leader—

Equality in name, but hierarchy in practice.

Wan Xiuzi ascended first, taking the central seat.

Xie Wei and Lu Tai followed.

Unexpectedly, as they reached the platform, Lu Tai bowed to Wan Xiuzi, then pointed at Jiang Xuening. “Since we’re addressing Tongzhou today, this woman, who colluded with the authorities and worked with Du Jun, should also come up. Let our brothers see what ‘collusion’ looks like!”

Someone immediately shoved Jiang Xuening forward.

She nearly stumbled on the steps.

Xie Wei’s fingers, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly, a surge of killing intent rising within him. But the timing wasn’t right, so he restrained himself, stepping forward to help her up and asking softly, “Are you afraid?”

Afraid?

Jiang Xuening was, of course, afraid.

But as he steadied her, her fingertips brushed his warm palm, drawing strength from his touch, and her fear seemed to lessen. In such dire circumstances, facing this alone would be terrifying.

Fortunately, they were together.

Jiang Xuening didn’t answer, merely steadied herself with Xie Wei’s help, then turned to glance back at the crowd.

The Heavenly Sect members stood behind her.

They hadn’t thought much of their actions, but her glance inexplicably stirred a flicker of guilt in them. Bullying a frail woman was one thing, but her composed, unyielding demeanor—tinged with disdain and openness—unsettled them.

The platform fell silent.

All eyes were on her.

Jiang Xuening lowered her gaze, lifted her skirt, and said to Xie Wei, “I’m fine.” Then, step by step, she ascended the stairs, standing directly before Lu Tai.

She said nothing.

She showed no overt anger, only raising her hand to offer Lu Tai a slight, courteous bow.

In that moment, the crowd below erupted into murmurs and chatter.

Jiang Xuening, even without adornment, possessed striking beauty. Slender yet unyielding, her straight posture exuded resilience. Standing on the platform in the spring night, her skirt fluttered in the breeze, illuminated by the blazing torches surrounding her, like a vibrant splash of color in a dim world.

That single gesture was breathtaking.

Moreover, Lu Tai had accused her of “colluding” with Du Jun—a harsh insult for any woman.

Who could have imagined she’d neither cry nor cower, but instead calmly offer Lu Tai a bow? A beauty is already captivating, and her poised action subtly tipped the scales in her favor.

The sect wasn’t solely composed of zealots ready to die for the cause. Most were unaware of Tongzhou’s truth, viewing the platform as a dramatic spectacle. The striking contrast and thrilling start ignited their excitement.

Who wouldn’t want to witness a high-stakes drama?

Some even laughed, jeering at the platform: “A grown man, less courageous than a woman! Branch Leader Lu’s falling short!”

Previous

Next