Chapter 760 - 404: Too Slow

This scene was just as simple, just as effortless, as when Yang An had defeated the disciple surnamed Qin.

No one paid any mind to Yang An’s warning.

But as Chang Wang was sent flying, his Magical Treasure shattering, a powerful shockwave instantly radiated in all directions.

The disciples were caught in the blast. Only now did they understand the meaning of Yang An’s earlier words, but it was too late to get out of the way.

THUD! THUD! THUD—

Figure after figure was sent flying, crashing one by one against the hall walls. The more seriously injured even spat up blood and collapsed, unable to rise.

"I told you to stand clear."

Yang An sighed, a smile playing on his lips as he looked at Chang Wang.

’He knew better than anyone the power behind that punch. If these guys refused to heed his warning, there was nothing he could do about it.’

Chang Wang quickly got back to his feet. His Cultivation Level was nothing to scoff at; being at the Divinity Transformation Stage meant he wasn’t seriously injured. However, being sent flying by a single punch from Yang An in front of everyone, not to mention having his Magical Treasure destroyed, left him looking utterly wretched.

Now, as he stood and faced Yang An, he took a deep breath, his face a mask of utter disbelief.

He was certain that Yang An’s Cultivation Level was only at the Golden Core realm, not yet having reached Nascent Soul. Yet, he could unleash such terrifying power. It was something Chang Wang couldn’t wrap his head around, no matter how he thought about it.

"You..."

The words caught in Chang Wang’s throat. He felt a tightness in his chest, and his speech faltered for a moment.

"Just who are you?"

He refused to believe that Yang An was a new disciple who had joined less than a month ago. Neither his strength nor his composed demeanor in the face of their group was something a novice could possess.

"I am who I am. My life story is on record, and I’ve passed the three trials. Does Elder Chang Wang not trust the Mansion’s own vetting process?"

Yang An spoke. He knew the strength he displayed would make people suspicious, but to achieve his objective, none of that mattered.

At these words, Chang Wang began to waver.

To enter the Immortal Mansion, the life-story verification portion of the three trials was the most reliable proof. No one could fake it.

And yet, Yang An’s actions were simply too incredible to believe.

Just then, Steward Liao, who had been lying on the floor, slowly pushed himself to his feet and wiped the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Master, don’t believe him! I have already checked his Life Plate. He has been in contact with a Demon. This man must be a Demon in disguise!"

"What?!"

This declaration startled Chang Wang. Even his disciples turned to look at Yang An, their faces a mixture of indignation and fear.

A look of surprise crossed Yang An’s face. ’When have I ever been in contact with a Demon? I don’t even know what the Demons on Earth look like.’

’Besides, when I went through the three trials, didn’t they already verify my life story? Even if there were some questionable points, there was no record of any contact with a Demon.’

’So what’s the meaning of this guy jumping out now to frame me without any proof?’

"Impossible. If there were any record of him contacting a Demon, he would have never been able to pass the life-story verification trial."

Fortunately, Chang Wang was still rational. He didn’t blindly believe his disciple’s words, instead choosing to probe the questionable aspects of the claim.

"Master, I have investigated this matter thoroughly. There are indeed some major points of suspicion."

Steward Liao immediately voiced the conjectures he’d formed during the life-story verification. However, he didn’t present them as mere speculation. Instead, he asserted with conviction that Yang An must have been in contact with a Demon. Otherwise, he argued, it would be impossible for a Wandering Soul to linger in its mortal shell for so long after death.

More importantly, he directed the focus of his accusation toward Yang An’s incredible strength.

"If that weren’t the case, how could his strength and cultivation speed be so unbelievable?"

Steward Liao looked at Yang An. He wasn’t doing this for personal gain—targeting Yang An brought him no benefit.

But Yang An had single-handedly defeated his master and their entire group. For the disciples of their lineage, this was an utter disgrace. If they couldn’t find a way to mitigate this, they would likely never be able to hold their heads high in the mansion again.

After hearing Steward Liao’s words, Chang Wang fell into deep thought, his gaze subconsciously drifting to Yang An.

"This strength of yours... where did it come from?"

Although he still had his doubts, it was just as his disciple had said. The most suspicious thing about Yang An wasn’t the alleged contact with a Demon—that was a matter without any real evidence, and he couldn’t jump to conclusions. The biggest mystery was his strength.

He was clearly only at the Golden Core realm, yet he could effortlessly shatter a Magical Treasure that Chang Wang had fully infused with Spiritual Power, and even injure him.

"If you cannot give me a convincing explanation, then I will report this matter to the Mansion Master, and you will be handed over to him for judgment."

Chang Wang stared intently at Yang An, speaking each word with deliberate weight.

In the face of such inexplicable mysteries, the mansion’s policy was to err on the side of caution. If the Mansion Master were to pass judgment, then even if Yang An wasn’t a Demon himself, he would be considered tainted by association and would have absolutely no chance of remaining in Emei Mansion.

Throughout all this, Yang An hadn’t interrupted, instead listening patiently to the exchange between Chang Wang and Steward Liao.

Now, hearing Chang Wang’s ultimatum, Yang An couldn’t help but give a resigned smile.

"This is indeed difficult to explain. If I were to say that I am the reincarnation of a past Cultivator... would you believe me?"

"Reincarnation?"

At these words, Chang Wang was stunned once more.

Yang An’s answer could indeed explain how he possessed such formidable strength. It could even explain why his Wandering Soul hadn’t departed from its mortal shell after death. But such a thing was exceedingly rare, and it was something even the Life Plate was incapable of verifying.