The moment these words were spoken, Liu Buli's expression immediately soured.
With a dark gaze, he stared at the Fifth Elder's face and asked word by word, "Who said such a thing?"
"This..." The Fifth Elder hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping.
Liu Buli's expression was too terrifying. It was so frightening that he felt if he dared to utter the name of the person, Liu Buli could ensure that person would perish without a burial site today.
The Fifth Elder was not a bad person.
Although he was timid, his cultivation was low, and he usually lacked initiative and ideas, he ultimately couldn't bring himself to do something that would cause another's death.
Liu Buli cast a cool glance at him and guessed what he was thinking. He pursed his lips, trying to make his expression appear more amiable, and said, "Don't worry. I'm just asking who it was. I don't intend to kill anyone. After all, Wuming is my most beloved disciple. He's usually timid and pitiful. I just want to know who is so shameless as to slander such a child."
He spoke with an air of profound grief.
Seeing him like this, the Fifth Elder didn't know if he was telling the truth. But after a moment of silence, he decided to trust their Sect Leader after all. With a sigh, he said, "Hall Master Bai told me. Yesterday, when they knew you were back, they called me last night to discuss the situation. Besides him, Hall Master Qing and Hall Master Hong also said that your disciple is from the Ghost Clan. I was afraid you would get hurt, so..."
As the Fifth Elder spoke, he looked at Liu Buli with a troubled expression.
He truly wasn't lying.
Or rather, because he hadn't joined the shameless group of Dan Sect members who planned to cooperate with Medicine Master Valley to seize Liu Buli's position, he could only see the surface of many matters and didn't understand the deeper implications.
From an elder's perspective, he was indeed quite decent.
So Liu Buli nodded, not showing him any ill expression. He simply replied faintly, "I understand. Go and gather everyone in the Hall of Discussion. I'll tidy up and bring my disciple along shortly. No matter what suspicions or thoughts they have, I'll confront them directly when I arrive."
Hearing him say this, the Fifth Elder was relieved. He quickly nodded and turned to carry out Liu Buli's arrangements.
Watching his retreating back as he walked away, Liu Buli turned back into the courtyard. He glanced at Lu Wuming, who had somehow hidden behind the courtyard wall, and sighed, "Wuming, how much did you overhear this time?"
"I heard everything," Lu Wuming replied quickly. After speaking, he paused and then asked timidly, "Master, is it wrong for Wuming to eavesdrop like this?"
This question stumped Liu Buli.
He stared blankly for a moment, unable to figure out how to answer.
Was it wrong to eavesdrop?
Sometimes, it truly was.
But in the current situation, if it were him, he would definitely eavesdrop too. So, using this as an example to teach Lu Wuming seemed somewhat inappropriate.
After a moment of silence, Liu Buli finally thought of a solution. He said, "There's no problem with eavesdropping this time. Wuming is not wrong. When there comes a time when it's truly not right to eavesdrop, Master will specifically tell you. At that time, if you don't listen, you'll be a good child."
Lu Wuming nodded, as if he understood but not quite.
Although he really wanted to tell Liu Buli that if there ever came a day when Liu Buli specifically told him something he shouldn't listen to, he might be even more curious...
However, Lu Wuming, who had learned to lie, kept this thought to himself. In front of his Master, he was still the well-behaved little puppy.
Liu Buli habitually ruffled his head again, then took him back to change clothes. While helping him dress, Liu Buli earnestly educated him, "Wuming, this time you killed those elders. Master said it was self-defense, and I won't blame you. But I still need to tell you something you must remember. In situations where the opponent is a group, it's best to deal with them all at once if possible. Otherwise, it can lead to future trouble."
If the roots are not removed, the spring breeze will bring them back to life.
Liu Buli understood this principle well. If it were up to him, he wouldn't spare any of the Hall Masters who had been involved in the Great Elder's affair.
However, this was Lu Wuming's first time. So, after giving him some instruction and helping him change, he took the young man to the Hall of Discussion.
The Fifth Elder had been efficient. By the time Liu Buli and Lu Wuming arrived, all the disciples and Hall Masters of Dan Sect within the sect had assembled.
Liu Buli swept a glance over the assembled crowd, whose expressions varied, and directly led Lu Wuming to the Sect Leader's seat. He sat down, and Lu Wuming stood beside him.
Narrowing his eyes, Liu Buli began, "I've been out handling some matters recently. I returned last night and heard from the Fifth Elder that some things have happened in our Dan Sect. I believe everyone present is already aware of this."
Everyone nodded.
Such a significant event was known to everyone in Dan Sect. Including the ordinary disciples, all of them wore expressions of panic.
Liu Buli's gaze swept over them and he said calmly, "There's no need for you all to be nervous. I have already investigated the situation. Today, I've called you all here simply to deal with the culprits. I can give you an opportunity to come forward and confess, and I will deal with you leniently. But if you refuse to cooperate, and I have to find you out, don't blame me for the consequences."
As these words were spoken, the Hall of Discussion fell into complete silence.
Lu Wuming was almost beside himself with anxiety. He didn't know what Liu Buli meant, nor did he know if he should confess voluntarily.
However, he trusted his Master and believed he should remain silent.
Secretly clenching his fingers, Lu Wuming lowered his head in silence.
After a moment of silence, Liu Buli finally spoke again. He said, "Hall Masters of the Green, White, and Red factions, you conspired with those elders to carry out your nefarious deeds, resorting to murder when negotiations failed, and then attempted to frame the Ghost Clan. Do you truly think I know nothing? The Great Elder has told me everything. I have given you a chance to admit your mistakes. Since you have refused this opportunity, do not blame me for being ruthless."