v4c67: The Trial

“this one prefers the truth to an inconvenient lie.” Should be ‘a convenient lie’

Catherine

Shen Yu was hoping for more excitement. More drama. He'll surely be very pleased with Yun Rens plan. That's pure drama.

Alex

Zang Zeng was ordered to take his team to collect reagents for the Inquisitors, but he changed the mission to investigate the "conspiracy" against his family and sect in the Azure Hills (Epilogue: Butterfly's Wings, 2/8/23) after being guided to do so by the demon lady. The sect's leadership didn't send him out to do this and they don't seem to have known what he was actually doing; Chongyun and Shenhe certainly wouldn't have approved.

Randall Brynsvold

It will be interesting to see what will happen. Maybe they will need someone from another sect to check up on them to make sure they are changing. I also wonder if some will leave the sect out of guilt. It will be a hard thing to realise it was your patrician who was the traitor all along.

True. I'm just thinking about if Shrouded Mountain/Zang gets "spared" then the MCs find out this happens, what the fallout will be.

Joel Magnuson

At the very least they should lose the mountain and need to relocate elsewhere.... that would be a huge stain on the sect to other sects. Have to return all the treasure they stole or reparations.

Melanie Me

Do they even know about it? They have been busy up the mtn.

Melanie Me

Rereading past chapters and I forgot that Elder Zang sent an attack squad to Azure Hills. Now I'm wondering how bad Bi De, Ri Zu, Yun Ren, and Gramps are going to make the main compound regret that.

Joel Magnuson

This is SO good!!!!! When's the next chapter!?!

Chad Hagner

1 more chapter is coming...

Paul Boros

I dropped support of an author who has an ad-hoc release schedule and wanted a lot more per month. Not to mention CF is a better writer.

Old Dog

Interesting. Approval.

Paul Boros

At the very least there's going to be heavy changes to the sect, possibly even the sect being reformed into something else. There are several elements that are massively corrupt such as the Patriarch and his line as well as the Inquisition, but there are many others that are redeemable: Chongyun, for example, has shown to be reasonable and capable of rational assessment. In addition, just eliminating the sect would create a disastrous vacuum of power, as they are responsible for the protection of a large sphere of influence. However, they are in dire need of correction, and the rot is deep enough that they may very well end up being decimated in the literal sense: unlike Rou's original sect, which had rot that could be corrected by finding their way back to their original philosophy and intent, the sect's very foundation is based on falsehood.

Memememe

I based my thought of him Actually Being Related in part on this; but mainly from how Nezhan’s female form looked like his mother & that I could easily envision his beloved having born a child…

V01D

Ah, ok. Thank you for the correction.

Arin Storm

So enjoying this part!

Skylar

This was Monday's chapter. The one that came out Tuesday was last week Friday's chapter. So we are short a chapter for 3 a week. But they are good.

Melanie Me

Don’t forget elder Zang is eating the silver grade rice that Fa Ram grew which is performing the same demonic purification that Be De’s herbs were doing to the sect just in less potency.

Ender419

Another point. It mentions Wen defending hidden villages. So this means the SMS wiped out villages. That's men, women and children. Not sure if it was only the inquisition who did this. If it was, then the ones who need punishing are them.

To rip off an emo character that needs to lighten up with the shit forgiveness & mercy must start somewhere & must be reciprocated for things to get better

ItWasIDIO!!

Ok casual trying to even out I haven't paid attention Casual another author I follow usually get loopy with releases date schedule didn't realize Casual tries to make up missed ones

ItWasIDIO!!

This was the “Wednesday” chapter for this week, or second of 3 chapters per week.

Sleepyfoo

One more would be the third chapter this week so still same amount of chapters just weird release days cause they’re getting harder to write

Cinnamon Toast

It’s still a bit strange seeing as Chongyun commissioned Bi De for a specific amount, you’d think he would ask for enough to send to elder Zang. This is especially weird because Chongyun assumed Bi De was using it as a demonic purity test, he’d have no reason to exclude the father of body taken over by the demon from such scrutiny. Though now that I think about it, it’s possible nobody knows where elder Zang is rn, so they’re probably waiting for him to get back to give him Bi De’s herbs

WonderBread459

I don't mean killing everyone. But the sect itself. I don't know how it could continue.

I hope Yun Ren pulls out his sword to testify

taukid

The mention of Zang lightning Qi was in v4 c38: Days on the Shrouded Mountain: The sensors had detected fox blood flowing within the boy’s veins. A miniscule amount, and not worth purging. Why, if they killed everybody with a bit of fox blood in them they’d have to cull half of the province, and that was just completely infeasible, as their ancestors had learned. That, and to their surprise, the boy also had trace amounts of the Zang Clan’s lightning Qi within his veins as well. “Yes, Master Inquisitor. But he is slightly wary of us…” The Head Inquisitor chuckled. “Upset he isn’t falling for your wiles?” Lady Mist shifted, clearly slightly irritated, and there was a soft snort of amusement from the others. “Ah, it's fine. It just shows his good sense. With this… we may be able to tell him exactly why we want him. The results of the last test came in.” He placed several vials on the desk. Vials that had once been filled with the illusions of the foxes, and demonic Qi of their new enemy. Both had been purified by the flashes of the boy’s light QI. “A certain poetic irony, no? The bloodlines of the fox and their hunters mix to make the perfect weapon against them—against both our enemies.” They both looked at the vials, satisfaction in their eyes. “We’ll give him the truth of the Che family matters, and then we’ll try to induct him further. If not… well. You may have to up your game. The bloodline is valuable.”

faeriehunter

Probably not a demon, as it was stated to be a fox fire technique he used to sell that the foxes had killed his brother. We also haven't heard anything about demons ever having fire abilities. Lu Ban's fire abilities were stated to be a bloodline activation from Zang Li, which this arc retroactively explains as probably being a fox bloodline activation. That means he was probably using fox fire, or a bastardized version of it. But Lu Ban's own cultivation was of oil and blood, which is implied to be the most common demonic cultivation, as there was an empire spanning event calling "the blood arts purge."

Arin Storm

If that's the case nezan shoulda killed his best friend(/lover?) Once the lies are revealed let's go by who keeps to it

ItWasIDIO!!

I only remember them mentioning him being fox descended, and saying 'who isn't around here'. Nothing about being Zang related. It does seem to be implied that his bloodline originates from the matriarch's older sister, as she is the first fox we know of the leave the province, and the only one we know that left while their mist wall was still active. That places her leaving probably not too long after or before the azure tribe that left, explaining how they survived, and why there's a fox bloodline in Hu Li's tribe at all.

Arin Storm

I don't think the SMS should remain. How long have they been killing foxes? I think Nezan is the only real fox remaining. The rest are human with a weak bloodline. SMS has committed genocide over the years so if I was Nezan I wouldn't want them to stay.

One more chapter does that mean extra?

ItWasIDIO!!

He went on "retreat" to cultivate so I would guess no one thought it necessary with the limited supply

ItWasIDIO!!

... I wonder, is it illegal to have assassinated a ruling Matriarch of a force on their way to swear allegiance to your Emperor?

Miikkael Lindqvist

Aw come on! Don't leave us hanging here. I know what's coming but I want to read it!

Paul S.

Yay! I’ve been eager for Yun Ren’s surprise! I do wonder where the inquisitors are. Is there absence part of the plan so they don’t get in the way? I’d have thought they’d at least get a few people to witness the tournament. I’m also noticing that while they sent the cleansing herbs to the north to those investigating the origin of the demonic taint, no one mentioned sending them to Zang Li’s dad…

D J Meigs

Thank you for the Chapter.

Demian Buckle

As always, thank you for the chapter.

Old Dog

I'm pretty sure that Yun Ren doesn't actually have a lightning bloodline. The Inquisition concluded that he was a Zang descendant after finding trace amounts of Zang Qi in his blood, but Yun Ren likely got that Qi from Summer's Sky (whose previous wielder was Zang Wen) rather than a bloodline.

faeriehunter

Chicken attack https://youtu.be/miomuSGoPzI?si=hFP7I1RjZfEaMtp_

Chai Chang

No, I looked back through those chapters, and the name Lu Ban was never used out loud except for in conversation between demons or demonic cultivators. There was a reference (in v3c1.2: Settling Back into it part 2) to Lu Ban in Bi De's thoughts, although it could have been the invisible narrator's shorthand for the demon that Bi De knew as Zang Li. I see that the author has since replaced Lu Ban with Zang Li in Ri Zu's statement.

Randall Brynsvold

Or they got information about accident with their demon hunting activities in north and put all of their personnel there . Timewise it would match and battling strong demons could result in a chance for redemption among those with knowledge of their sinfull past

Szymon Szczełkun

I hope they don't forget to say that the expedition that is supposed to be currently fighting demons needs some investigating too.

Cypha

Probably a big deal will be whether the foxes are willing to share the mountain. I honestly think they should run the sect off, there are plenty of territories that lie unclaimed and barren.

Rene Christensen

Looking forward to seeing Shen Yu handle this. What's the chance that at some point he just goes to pick up the fox leadership, ignoring their defences?

Rene Christensen

Oh, good catch!

MatrixM

That or Zang Shenhe, the elder currently fighting demons. She'd have to survive and make it back south and recover in time, though.

MatrixM

I think CF has just been genuinely struggling with the writing in this wrap-up. The end result is really great, such that anyone binge reading this in the future wouldn't say anything, so it looks like its just taking him more time to simply compose the chapter and revise it and such (probably because he has to tie up a bunch of stuff). e.g. this chapter was suppose to be released a day or two ago. Obviously the only reason he'd delay is if it was hard to write.

MatrixM

Well it is happening on a mountain, right? Lots of cliffs on mountains.

Cindermoth

They're in the north with the elder hunting demons as punishment and to keep them away from the sect in order to try and sweep the incident under the rug. Confirmed in Upending heaven and earth chapter.

Cindermoth

No they went with the female elder to kill the demonic sect

AG

I wonder what ever happened to our pal Yingwen and crew from the tournament arc. Did he nope out of the sect after all that?

Anonymous

Well Nezhan got good value for giving Yun Ren that sword. Also arrrgh cliffhanger!

J Klugh

& the truth shall set him free so just wait patriarch and you'll be free.... of this mortal coil

ItWasIDIO!!

More like of thier bloodlines… (Nezhan & his dear, the previous wielder of Summer Sky)

V01D

Visit, maybe, but I'm hoping that they form the core of the Reform the SMS team.

BargleNawdleZouss

They could have told Jin, Jin could've told them, right?

CUI13

@Dion Crump "You all saw it! That orphanage attacked ME!"

Andrew Denton

For sure the corrupt sect master and his family aren’t going to make it through this unscathed

Avdrdr

I don’t think they will be willing to stay after what’s going to be revealed

Avdrdr

The mist and mountain remember. Now the fallout for the sect after reveal will be interesting.

Avdrdr

You know, some people enjoy that kinda thing.

CringeWorthyStudios

To be fair, considering he has the bloodline of the foxes *and* the SM’s lightning, do you know that he isn’t a descendant of the Fox Queen and the older brother?

CringeWorthyStudios

Not even just that. Even if he “officially” can’t invite anyone to the cloudy sword sect, do you *really* think the elders would say no to a disciple he did invite? Like, someone who warrants an invitation from him is clearly important enough that they’d accept them with no question asked. Well, no questions other than “how can we help you” and “do you need anything else.”

CringeWorthyStudios

"this one prefers the truth to an inconvenient lie." Nobody likes inconvenient lies, they're inconvenient by definition. Bi Di likely was meant to say "to a convenient lie"

Alex A

I think Lu Ban revealed his own name when he was torturing Tigu, Luoyan and Rizu snuck into the place to save Tigu. I believe Rizu heard Lu Ban say his own name. The shrouded mountain sect should not have any idea who Lu Ban is though.

Resolved

I think that has to do with the blood of da ji that was stolen by the younger brother. Da ji was a creature of malice and hate that was put down by her own daughters. So her last blood that was stored probably carries a grudge against the entire bloodline of foxes. That blood was probably integrated by the younger brother Zang and the grudge with it. Which was probably then passed on to his descendants

Mr Fox

“All three of his closest friends… they had been spies the entire time. Han felt a hammer-blow to his gut. Part of him wanted to rage, to label them both as traitors.” “Both” should be “all”, he’s talking about three people.

Nicholas Grey

Shen yu may have already killed them if he found out about their brainwashing techniques. Those seem like the kind of techniques that are super illegal and shen yu would absolutely hate them considering how big he is on self determination

Mr Fox

Could it be? Is there a demon taint after all? The visceral hate of the foxes a form of demonic taint? Also where is the inquisition..... Oh my my. How I love it.

Stan Cornett

I like that they're having this trial while Zang Sheng is just lying there unconscious.

Nolan Bowling

Not just Ri Zu; Yushang will also want an opportunity to stroke the powerful cock as well (after asking permission, of course).

Randall Brynsvold

They think he is a monkey cause he altered his face to look like his brothers. With the sideburns and all looking monkeyish (is that a word)

Melanie Me

They may be looking for a way to cut off Yun Ren's presentation and the broadcast to the audience outside the arena.

Randall Brynsvold

Immensely yes.

Red Viking

It's big finish time so every chapters going to feel like a cliffhanger. Also our dear author is having trouble sticking the landing so he's having to put more effort into fewer words

Mr Fox

Even if he can't officially invite people, it could be a sort of letter of recommendation

BlueMage_VT

Yea. At the end of the chapters there are editors credited but... sometimes mistakes leak thru. Like that one.

Melanie Me

I personally don't expect the whole sect to fall apart. "Under new management," yes, but not dissolution. But I have also been wrong before lol. I would expect them to at least get to visit Fa Ram at some point

BlueMage_VT

Yushang will come with just to get chances to pet/cuddle Ri Zu while she's in adorable rat form. And, y'know, in adorable human form as well.

John D Jones

I think it more likely they're invited to join the CSS.

Charlie

Honestly if I owned a horse I’d be more upset if you spit on my horse than if you spit in my mouth. At least I might have deserved it but the horse did nothing wrong. You cant prove he burned down that school on purpose

Dion Crump

One thing to consider is that Shen Yu is no longer part of the Cloudy Sword Sect. He's on very friendly terms with them, but I don't know that he's in a position to actually officially directly recruit people to join them. However, Shen Yu DOES hold some kind of official title/rank within the Crimson Phoenix Empire. Probably something like Chief Trouble Destroyer or something. So he might very well have the authority to directly recruit someone into a position in the Imperial Court. Like a very wise and talented Spiritual Doctor practiced at treatment demonic injuries.

John D Jones

I mean, horses have spit too.

Just A Dude

Shen Yu:"I *AM* the truth!"

Just A Dude

Shen Yu: No, YOU couldn't handle the truth

Michael Foat

No, that's my brother

Michael Foat

The Inquisitors are busy looking for their brown pants while stuck in their secret bunker.

Teh One & TrueTabi

Maybe they just feel short because of how good they are or maybe they are actually shorter

AG

Yes, an excellent review *and* a focus on treating demonic wounds. He would be welcomed in the Emperor's campaigns against the demons.

Randall Brynsvold

The Shen Yu glares and the patriarch goes *squish*

Samuel Terrazas

Why does it feel like these are half chapters to keep giving cliffhangers?

Melanie Me

Soooo.... that was a good question. Where are all the inquisitors? Maybe Shen Yu is holding them hostage?

Melanie Me

It looks like the ones who need purging from the Sect will make themselves obvious, like the Patriarch reacting *very* badly, being unable to contain himself, and the Inquisition trying to hide (or maybe, in the next installment, trying to keep the Yun Ren show from proceeding).

Randall Brynsvold

Yeah. He's got to be getting major points for keeping his head, as well as for actively abetting Bi De.

Andrew Denton

And so the true test will begin now

William Armstrong

I absolutely expect them to, and Shao Heng as well. After all this, you think that they will just cut them loose? They were already planning on traveling as Bi De's coterie as it was.

Andrew Denton

But he's also likely coming out of this with a promotion to new head of the SMS.

John D Jones

I could see that, but the guy's general philosophy seems like such a good match for the cloudy sword that I could see Shen yu being like "you're in the wrong sect kid"

LenoraeKB

Ri Zu mentions the autopsy on "Lu Ban," but she shouldn't know that name. She should only know the name of Zang Li, as far as I know.

Barry Morgan

Spit in their mouth not spit in their mount

WyrdWizard

Agreed, though figure the remaining 1% might be an offer of a medical position high in the Imperial Court. Shen Yu is known for avenging slights, but he repays ALL his debts. Lishu valued Ri Zu and treated her very well. Plus his reasons for joining the SMS resonated with Shen Yu and Shen Yu did not dispute them. So, as far as Shen Yu is concerned, Lishu's obvious wisdom and compassion deserve to be acknowledged and rewarded.

John D Jones

That would be an amazing chapter or 3.

Seaspike

Maybe worse than that. Remember, the brother had a massive attitude change, and his single lethal attack was FIRE and not lightning.

Seaspike

Yeah, it should have been Zhang Li being mentioned. Only the actual demons knew Lu Ban's true name.

Siphon Rayzar

Dun, dun, dun! Let's have some peps spitting blood with rage! Enjoying the perspective shifts. Thanks for the chapter.

Justin

Good point, the SMS don’t even know that name themselves.

Nicholas Grey

I can’t wait for the next chapter!

Dj Schmitt

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. I'm sorry, further coherence is beyond me at the moment.

BelligerentGnu

I wonder if Yushang and Han are going to get an invite to Fa Ram once the sect falls apart.

Ethan Kappelmann

How did Ri Zu learn Lu ban’s name? I don’t think anyone had a chance to learn it?

Justin Barnett

Yun Ren might not be a spirit beast… but NORMAL? HA! Not only does he have a Sentient Weapon who enjoys New Experiences, especially ones beyond Combat, but he’s also the example of What Could Have Been if the Older Brother and Fox Queen had a child! Also, I hope Nezhan is watching. Because he’s going to realize that Tearing Their Beliefs To Shreds is MUCH more satisfying than simply killing them!

V01D

YES! Also NOOOOO. Not enough!

Monkeytoster

...Wasn't Lu Ban the demon dude's real name? In which case I'm not sure how Ri Zu would have known it.

Apeljohn

"They're terrible people, but they are people" Sounds fair enough. And now to capitalise on the terrible part by exposing the truth in with a convenient exposition cutscene. Woooo, lets go! Thanks for the chapter

Lanter

"this one prefers the truth to an inconvenient lie" probably "a convenient lie", and maybe an adjective in front of "truth", like difficult or hard

Gardor

lol, the truth will certainly reveal a lot about the shrouded mountain about how they were descended from a kin killer and oath breaker

ARSLOTHES

99% sure that scroll for the medicine elder is an invite to the cloudy sword

LenoraeKB

Gahhh another cliffhanger, I can't wait to see their face when the truth is laid bare upon their face

Azri

I hope the friend group gets in invited to visit the azure hills after this.

Kedar

Shen Yu: I WANT THE TRUTH! Patriarch: YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!

WarStrider72

One more chapter before the Shrouded Mountain Sect is fully humbled 😊

Palmer Evans

I can't wait for everyone's reaction to the true story

Lynn Freeman

Man, Chongyun is NOT coming out of this without emotional whiplash.

Andrew Denton

I love how they immediately wheeled on Yun Ren thinking hes a monkey or something. Thanks for the chapter, CF! I love the clear and succinct trial. Now for the light- mistshow!

Kasinki

And being shown on the big screen TV at the tournament as well. XD Oh boy, this is gonna be good.

Teatime42

Almost there!!

Zachary Bender

Lessgoo, the trial is commencing

Azri

Thanks a bunch! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔゞ゛

Sezra_

Hell yeah

Damocles

thanks for the chapter boss!

WarStrider72

1st

WarStrider72