They searched around but did not find the bodies of Liu Shan and Hongping.
Shen Wang went inside the Demon Cave again, still finding no living creatures or the two bodies.
He mused, "Liu Shan and the others were most likely captured. I suspect that they, being Innate cultivators, could maintain their rationality. Those who failed to do so attacked recklessly and were killed, and those who came to investigate the Demon Cave took them away."
"Then who could it be?"
Zheng Yunshu nodded, agreeing with Shen Wang's analysis: "Could it be the Demon Suppression Department?"
"Not necessarily, we'll have to investigate to know for sure. The events here have likely caught the attention of major forces. If Liu Shan and the others have any significance, there should be traces left behind."
Shen Wang contemplated, "Let's head to Hundred Refining Sect first. I'll have Silver Moon investigate secretly. If the Demon Suppression Department is involved, it will be easy to find out."
"Hmm, yes."
The two did not linger in the Demon Cave and quickly left.
At Hundred Refining Sect, Shen Wang arrived with Zheng Yunshu.
He first took out a token to notify Liu Da Rong, as some would likely cause trouble upon seeing Zheng Yunshu.
While he was sending the message, some people noticed Zheng Yunshu, and those who recognized her were visibly surprised.
"Am I seeing things? That person looks like Zheng Yunshu from the Array Refining Pavilion."
"It really seems like her, looking more mature and stunning."
"There can't be such a coincidence that two people look alike, but didn't Zheng Yunshu die?"
"The death wasn't confirmed; it's said she disappeared. Has she returned?"
Currently, due to the Demon Race attacks, the patrols at Hundred Refining Sect have increased several times over, mostly comprising Inner Sect elite cultivators, many of whom recognized Zheng Yunshu, sparking discussions.
Shen Wang withdrew his messaging token, glanced at the discussing cultivators, and directly led Zheng Yunshu forward.
"No need to guess anymore. She is Zheng Yunshu, a disciple of the Array Refining Pavilion and my wife, Wang Sheng."
Shen Wang declared loudly, without any concealment.
Whether it's the credit from capturing demons or his actual strength, both allow them not to hide.
The crowd was taken aback.
They hadn't expected Shen Wang to admit it directly.
Many people's expressions changed.
"Does her return mean the events of that year are true?"
"Did Xie Xianlong really die because of her?"
"The Xie Family won't let this go easily, will they?"
All kinds of gazes landed on Zheng Yunshu, who was a bit nervous, but the hand holding hers provided a sense of security. She earnestly said, "Senior brothers, I, Zheng Yunshu, did not kill Xie Xianlong. He conspired with outsiders to harm me and died at the hands of others, deservedly."
On the way here, Shen Wang had told her of the plan, advising her not to be afraid when she reached the sect and to speak the truth, with no need to suffer in silence because of the Xie Family.
Thus, she unhesitatingly exposed Xie Xianlong's sordid actions.
The crowd was in an uproar.
"What's going on, are there hidden secrets to the past events?"
"I've long heard Xie Xianlong pursued Zheng Yunshu desperately. Didn't expect him to go to such lengths. His death, could it truly be a crime of passion?"
"If Zheng Yunshu dares to return, she must be confident she can defend herself."
Disciples from the Body Refining Pavilion were displeased with Zheng Yunshu and said, "Junior Sister Zheng, isn't your statement too heartless? Junior Brother Xie died unjustly, we can't just believe your one-sided story."
Those from his pavilion agreed, "Exactly, the dead can't argue, isn't that convenient for you?"
"Right, you can just twist the truth as you please."
Upon hearing these words, Zheng Yunshu became a bit angry: "Since I dare to stand here, I have no reason to deceive you."
"Haha, having hidden for so many years, if there's no issue, why didn't you return earlier?"
"Probably couldn't survive outside, so came back thick-skinned to hug the sect's thigh."
Shen Wang held Zheng Yunshu's hand, shaking his head: "No need to be angry, I'll handle it."
He looked at the crowd: "Anyone with objections, step forward and speak to me."
Those who doubted and mocked Zheng Yunshu shrunk their necks and immediately fell silent.
Shen Wang's abilities were well-known within the Inner Sect; many senior brothers, who were stronger, had suffered under him. How could they dare to step forward and be beaten?
"If there are no objections, then shut up. If you have issues, feel free to come to me, and I'll explain it to you!"
Shen Wang saw through their cowardice, sneering, and led Zheng Yunshu towards the gate.
The guards at the gate, seeing Zheng Yunshu, exchanged glances and nonetheless blocked the way.
"With demonic threats rampant lately, the sect has strict defenses. We're not sure about this Zheng Yunshu's situation, and can't let her in."
Shen Wang looked at the guards, frowning slightly. If he acted and beat the guards, it would immediately escalate the matter.
"What do you think is wrong with her?"
Shen Wang mocked.
"We're just gatekeepers, Senior Brother Wang, please don't make it difficult for us."
The guards persisted.
"Husband, forget it. Let's wait here a while; Master will clarify things once he arrives."
Zheng Yunshu tugged on Shen Wang.
"I have arrived!"
Liu Da Rong flew out from within the sect, holding a token, and said: "This is the Sect Leader's command, and I vouch for Yun Shu. Surely that's enough to let her in?"
The guards, seeing this, bowed respectfully and then stepped aside.
Shen Wang held Zheng Yunshu's hand as they entered, saying: "The Sect Leader has no objections, right?"
"The Sect Leader knows about your situation. Otherwise, why would he personally give a command? Yun Shu, rest assured, this is still your sect and won't chase you away."
Liu Da Rong looked at Shen Wang and then at Zheng Yunshu, feeling a bit sorry for her: "I, an old man, am not very capable and let you suffer outside."
Zheng Yunshu felt her nose tingle, her eyes reddened, "No, Master did nothing wrong. It's just I wasn't careful enough as a disciple."
"Alright, the way you're speaking makes it seem like I treated you unfairly. Look at her, chubby and fair, how has she suffered?"
Shen Wang interrupted: "Let's go, your brother is eager to see you."
The three quickly flew towards Zheng Bingzhong's residence.
Not having seen her brother in years, Zheng Yunshu cried as soon as she saw him. After crying for a while, they began to chat, catching up on each other's lives over the years.
In the Body Refining Pavilion, a disciple hurried back, immediately reporting the situation regarding Zheng Yunshu to the Pavilion Master.
"Do not worry about this matter. Since the Sect Leader has already spoken, there's no need to make trouble for ourselves."
The Pavilion Master shook his head, choosing not to stir up trouble.
The reporting disciple was somewhat surprised.
After all, Xie Xianlong's death was undoubtedly connected to Zheng Yunshu. Previously, the Xie Family had caused an uproar, wanting to find out who was responsible. Unexpectedly, upon seeing Zheng Yunshu now, they took no action.
Is it possible the Sect Leader is truly supporting Zheng Yunshu?
After the disciple left, the Pavilion Master's gaze turned cold, muttering: "Did Liu Da Rong use his merit to protect Zheng Yunshu, or is there something the Sect Leader knows that we don't?"
His gaze flickered, eyes filled with contemplation. After a moment, he said: "I'll have to find someone to ask face-to-face, otherwise there's no way to know the truth."
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