Chapter 1333: The Siege Begins

Chapter 1333: Chapter 1333: The Siege Begins

The smile of Murong Longxiang made Pei Yan feel uneasy and start to doubt whether his decision was wrong, but reality did not allow him to regret. Once both parties finalized their decisions, Lin Ruxue immediately made a decisive order, "Alright! I have fulfilled your extra reward, now it’s time for you to do something for me, Pei Yan! Do you think there are still issues within the Immortal Palace?"

When Lin Ruxue posed this question, the atmosphere that had just calmed down became tense again. Everyone looked at Pei Yan with inquisitive eyes. Under the gaze of everyone, Pei Yan scratched his head and said with difficulty, "There shouldn’t be any major problems! I have no doubts about the loyalty of the sect leaders present here to Shibo, but I think that each sect might still have some infiltration that they are unaware of."

"Then how do you think we should solve this matter?" Lin Ruxue asked.

"Uh!"

"Speak freely! Don’t have any concerns!" Lin Ruxue urged upon seeing Pei Yan’s hesitant expression.

"I think there’s no need for me to say. After today’s event, the first thing each sect will do when they go back is to thoroughly investigate the elders and disciples within their sects. Regarding this matter, I believe the first step is, as Shibo said, to let bygones be bygones. If the infiltrated disciples are from different sects, then proactively withdraw them to save face. These elders and disciples should not be wiped out completely. I think whatever information and cultivation technique they needed to leak are already leaked. Give them a slight punishment and let them join the upcoming frontline battle against the Blood Sabre as a way to atone for their crimes."

"This is very good!"

"That’s a good suggestion!" The sect leaders nodded in agreement upon hearing this. They believed that there must be infiltrators from other sects within their own, as they had done the same thing in the past. Such people, once found, usually met a dead end. For the sake of the sect’s interest, most would be ruthlessly abandoned. But that didn’t mean those within the sect wouldn’t feel guilty or regretful. Now given the chance to fight on the frontlines, although these people might be used as cannon fodder, they are still given a chance to survive. Even if they die, they can still win honor.

"Everyone should communicate with each other and set a deadline to remove the designated individuals. If after the deadline anyone still retains a lucky mindset and refuses to leave, then don’t blame the sect where they belong for showing no mercy. After dealing with these disciples, what’s left are the maliciously infiltrated by the Blood Sabre. As for how to deal with them once found, I believe I don’t need to tell the sect leaders." Pei Yan spoke out all his thoughts at once, and everyone nodded continuously in agreement.

Lin Ruxue then slightly frowned and asked, "Do you think that each sect can complete the task of rooting out the traitors on their own?"

"Uh!" Once again Pei Yan was rendered speechless by this question, and the sect leaders all revealed awkward expressions. This wasn’t questioning their loyalty but rather their capability to handle the matter.

"I don’t mean to underestimate any of you, it’s just that through this incident, I believe everyone should be aware that we all have our own weaknesses. That’s why I established the Embroidered Robe Envoy to fill this gap. However, the Embroidered Robe Envoy will take some time to become effective." Lin Ruxue’s gaze swept over everyone and finally fell on Pei Yan, speaking bluntly, "Pei Yan, it’s best not to trouble others. Let your investigation hall handle this matter."

"Uh! Since Shibo requests it, I can’t refuse. Our investigation group has been in the Immortal Palace for some time now, and we can say that the investigation is progressing well. I think with the strong support of the sect leaders, there shouldn’t be much problem with the investigation within their sects." Pei Yan said, looking towards the sect leaders, taking heed of their feelings and reassuring them, "Rest assured, the results of our investigation within your sects will not be disclosed to anyone. They will be archived and secretly stored in the Celestial Secret Pavilion of the Immortal Palace, and without His Majesty the Spirit Emperor’s permission, they will not be casually read by outsiders."

Upon hearing this, the sect leaders showed satisfied smiles on their faces. It’s no wonder this Pei Yan, though young, could win the favor of His Majesty the Spirit Emperor, as his way of doing things is indeed commendable. Having outsiders involved in a sect’s internal investigations is always uncomfortable, but having the investigation hall involved is better than the Embroidered Robe Envoy. The investigation hall, being outsiders, will leave after the investigation, and even if they discover some hidden matters, there won’t be much entanglement with the Immortal Palace. As for the Embroidered Robe Envoy, who knows if they will take secret actions in the future to potentially constrain themselves.

"You always satisfy me with your work. I know to make your investigation hall work you always need conditions. Just let Mao Xiang discuss this matter with you, and report the results to me after." Not waiting for Pei Yan to speak, Lin Ruxue, knowing him well, cut him off and continued, "This matter of rooting out the traitors can wait. Right now, the urgent task is solving the issue at the White Deer Institute. Now that Su Fengchen has been detained, I think it won’t be long before the White Deer Institute senses something amiss. Today, we will officially launch the encirclement operation and ensure no one escapes. Chaozong!"

"Here!" Wangchaizong replied immediately.

"I’ll leave this matter to you. You will lead the Six Guards as the main force for the encirclement of the White Deer Institute, with other sects providing assistance. Mao Xiang, Pei Yan!"

"Here!" Under Lin Ruxue’s calling, Pei Yan stepped forward to accept the order.

"Pei Yan, you and the Embroidered Robe Envoy under Mao Xiang are primarily responsible for collecting useful information within the White Deer Institute after its fall and drawing up a list of important figures to capture, and see if there’s intelligence that interests you. Compile a report and submit it to me afterward."

"Understood!"

After everyone accepted their orders in unison, Lin Ruxue gently flicked her sleeves, and the traces of fighting on the ground immediately restored to their original state. Not only that, but the expanding courtyard also continuously shrank back to its previous form. After finishing all this, Lin Ruxue slowly walked toward the house, saying as she walked, "I’ll be here waiting for your news, and Pei Yan, don’t forget to bring your little junior sister here after handling these matters."

"Uh...!"

A face full of annoyance, Pei Yan, along with everyone else, exited the Yixue Pavilion. Once outside its covered area, everyone immediately felt much more relaxed. Liu Xuanji, feeling a chill on his scalp, noticed that the passing Immortal Palace maidens wanted to laugh but didn’t dare, stealing glances at his appearance. He wasn’t angry because of this, just smoothing out his remaining hair, then skillfully folding a headscarf to wear on his head. The previous celestial demeanor was gone, but the scarf and helpless expression added a more secular air to him.

Regarding Liu Xuanji’s change in hairstyle, both Chu and Wan had nothing to say. Liu Xuanji already kept his promise by not restoring his topknot. Killing shouldn’t go beyond cutting the head, and they didn’t need to be too harsh. Chu Luochen deliberately avoided looking at Liu Xuanji to make him more embarrassed and instead turned to Wangchaizong to ask, "Supreme General, what should we do next?"