Chapter 778: The Secrets of the Semi-Saint's Trial How Can It Be Profaned?

The sun rises in the east.

Gusts of cold wind blow relentlessly.

On a long street, two people sit at a table, brewing tea and waiting quietly.

The curious gazes of passersby gradually fade from Xiào Wǎnfēng's view as the squad in red clothes approaches step by step.

"Shua shua shua!"

When the Hóng Yī Guard, led by Shǒu Yè, stops in front of the table,

Xiào Wǎnfēng feels as though he has entered a different world, where all the surrounding noise vanishes completely.

"Jiè Yù..."

Xiào Wǎnfēng murmurs to himself.

He knows full well that this is the boundary domain of the Hóng Yī seniors.

Their visit is clearly aimed at his own young master, Xú Xiǎoshòu...

So, does Xú Xiǎoshòu really have suspicions of being involved with Guǐ Shòu?

"Xiào Wǎnfēng, what are you standing there for? Quickly pour tea for the Hóng Yī seniors."

Xú Xiǎoshòu turns his head with a smile.

As soon as Xiào Wǎnfēng sees that devilish smile, he snaps out of his trembling state as if waking from a dream. He steps forward, counting the people, and is about to take out a dozen teacups from his ring.

"No need."

Shǒu Yè waves his hand from the adjacent table, stopping Xiào Wǎnfēng's action.

He isn't here for tea.

Xú Xiǎoshòu maintains his calm smile.

Since Shǒu Yè refuses, Xú Xiǎoshòu pushes his own teacup forward, signaling Xiào Wǎnfēng to brew another pot for him.

If not the freshly brewed tea, then the one already prepared should be fine, right?

"Senior, you wouldn't mind, would you? This is from my cup, and I haven't drunk from it yet."

Xú Xiǎoshòu reaches out, indicating that the tea is hot and ready, perfect for washing away the dust of travel.

Shǒu Yè sweeps his gaze lightly and gets straight to the point:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu, do you know why I'm here for you?"

"I don't."

Xú Xiǎoshòu sits down composedly, gesturing for Shǒu Yè to sit as well, before saying:

"But from the moment you appeared at the trading event site, you've been closely watching me. I'm no fool, so how could I not notice? Thus, I've been waiting for you!"

This is clearly Xú Xiǎoshòu bluffing.

He doesn't believe that if Shǒu Yè suspected him at the trading event, he wouldn't have paid extra attention.

As expected, Shǒu Yè doesn't respond, as if tacitly agreeing, and smoothly glosses over the matter. Once seated, he says coldly:

"Let's get to the point!"

"The Hóng Yī suspects that Xú Xiǎoshòu's Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu is colluding with Guǐ Shòu and dark forces."

"Xú Xiǎoshòu, give us an explanation!"

Bang!

Shǒu Yè slams the table.

Xiào Wǎnfēng's hand shakes as he pours tea, nearly spilling it onto Xú Xiǎoshòu.

Xú Xiǎoshòu frowns and turns his head to rebuke:

"Be careful, don't lose face in front of the senior."

"Yes, yes."

Xiào Wǎnfēng's heart is pounding with tension!

This person comes and directly slings two loads of accusations at Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu—who wouldn't be nervous?

Xú Xiǎoshòu isn't nervous...

But he's an unusual person, impossible to judge by normal standards, so that option should be dismissed.

"Suspect?"

Xú Xiǎoshòu turns back, his face turning serious as he seizes on the flaw in Shǒu Yè's words. He simply sips his tea and responds calmly:

"Senior, is it merely suspicion? Do you have any evidence?"

Shǒu Yè's expression grows even colder, staring intently at the unfamiliar face before him, trying to detect any expressions or verbal slips similar to Xú Xiǎoshòu's.

"Now is the time for the Hóng Yī's judgment. Xú Xiǎoshòu, you only have the obligation to answer, not the qualification to ask questions!"

Shǒu Yè slaps the table, his voice turning even more frigid.

Xiào Wǎnfēng quietly steps back a few paces, standing behind Xú Xiǎoshòu.

If he moves forward, the oppressive pressure feels like it could crush him, so he has no choice but to leave everything to Xú Xiǎoshòu.

After all, he's just here to handle chores and earn his salary by serving tea.

The other matters of Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu have nothing to do with Xiào Wǎnfēng.

Naturally, Xú Xiǎoshòu isn't overwhelmed by Shǒu Yè's aura.

He can see clearly that Shǒu Yè has no substantial evidence to convict him.

Otherwise, given this old man's temperament, wouldn't it be better to arrest him on the spot and interrogate him in the Hóng Yī prison?

But since there's no evidence, and he's not actually Xú Xiǎoshòu right now, but the successor Xú Déyè,

This interrogation...

Truth be told, Xú Xiǎoshòu feels that as long as he doesn't reveal any obvious flaws, it'll just be a formality with no real outcome.

After all, it's a common occurrence, and he doesn't take Shǒu Yè's pressure seriously. He replies lightly:

"Senior, you've gone too far!"

"The Hóng Yī can interrogate and judge ordinary people without cause, but such actions can't be imposed on me, can they?"

Xú Xiǎoshòu's tone remains unruffled.

He merely hints indirectly at his transcendent status as a Bàn Shèng successor, leaving the rest for Shǒu Yè to handle.

As expected,

Before Shǒu Yè can react, the Hóng Yī members behind him start to shift uncomfortably, wanting to speak but holding back.

Everyone knows that the subject of this judgment is a Bàn Shèng successor.

The aggressive interrogation style used on outsiders simply doesn't apply to someone like this.

But the one leading is Shǒu Yè, not Lán Líng or others.

So the Hóng Yī crowd behind only makes a slight stir before suppressing their urge to advise.

It's the same old story:

Shǒu Yè will bear the responsibility for everything.

"Hah!"

Across the table, Shǒu Yè isn't deterred by Xú Xiǎoshòu's words.

With a cold laugh, he retorts sharply:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu, are you implying that with a Bàn Shèng force behind you, you can stand above the two major enforcement organizations, Hóng Yī and Bái Yī?"

This new accusation makes Xiào Wǎnfēng stagger back behind Xú Xiǎoshòu, his steps faltering.

He gently nudges the chair under Xú Xiǎoshòu with his knee to steady himself.

Oh heavens!

Following Xú Xiǎoshòu, even just serving tea, means facing so many terrifying situations?

That monthly salary of over ten thousand Líng Jīng isn't easy to earn!

Faced with this aggressive stance, Xú Xiǎoshòu remains unfazed and doesn't engage.

He smiles, lowers the hot teacup from his lips after sipping, and says slowly:

"Shǒu Yè, your wordplay is truly impressive. I haven't even said anything, and you've already put two hats on me. Are you trying to push me to my limit?"

Pausing, Xú Xiǎoshòu's face turns solemn. He sets the teacup down with a bang and declares firmly:

"But today, I'll make this clear!"

"Since entering Wáng Chéng, I haven't done anything out of line. If the senior can produce evidence that Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu has broken the rules, I'll gladly accept the punishment."

"But if not... forcing charges on someone, others might endure it, but I won't stand for it!"

These words are spoken with great resolve.

Xiào Wǎnfēng, standing behind, is stunned listening to them.

Xú Xiǎoshòu is usually tough, but he never imagined he'd be this bold even against the Hóng Yī.

Too much rigidity can lead to breaking— what if the other side gets agitated and draws their sword to behead Xú Xiǎoshòu? What then?

Xiào Wǎnfēng's mental story has clearly gone off track.

This time, Xú Xiǎoshòu's retort surprises Shǒu Yè a bit, but it's within reason.

A Bàn Shèng successor couldn't possibly be a coward.

And Shǒu Yè can't force a Bàn Shèng successor to submit without evidence.

After a brief pause, Shǒu Yè changes his approach, his voice softening slightly:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu, your surname is Xú?"

This question seems like a joke.

Everyone is surprised.

Xú Xiǎoshòu instinctively wants to retort, but then a chill runs down his back. Realizing something's off, he narrows his eyes and laughs:

"Senior, are you joking with me? If I'm not surnamed Xú, what could I be?"

Shǒu Yè falls silent.

What he really wanted to hear wasn't this, but something like: "Does Shǒu Yè have the surname Shǒu?"

Because that would match Xú Xiǎoshòu's typical style of speech.

If that came out, Shǒu Yè would dare to strike and take him down immediately.

If it turned out to be a mistake...

He'd take the blame!

But this young man, from the start, only shares Xú Xiǎoshòu's backbone in having people behind him.

That's it.

It doesn't count as evidence.

Shǒu Yè's gaze sharpens as he continues:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu has been at the trading event site, so you've surely witnessed the Shèng Nú, right?"

"Of course."

Xú Xiǎoshòu nods calmly, then furrows his brow slightly and says with a smile:

"Senior, you wouldn't suspect us just because Xú Xiǎoshòu and I share the same surname, would you?"

"Mm."

Shǒu Yè actually nods.

This absurd deduction makes Xú Xiǎoshòu want to mock it, almost cursing out loud.

But he quickly holds back, realizing it's a psychological tactic, and replies with a slightly sarcastic expression:

"I don't believe the senior would make such a ridiculous conclusion. Go on, what exactly are you suspecting?"

Seeing this textbook response, Shǒu Yè gives up on the mind games and counts off on his fingers:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu is from Jiàn Zōng, and so are you."

"Xú Xiǎoshòu is a Dān Shī, and so are you."

"Xú Xiǎoshòu acts radically and speaks cuttingly; since entering Wáng Chéng, you've been high-profile, attention-seeking, and your speech has some similarities."

"It's not that I'm suspecting—you and Xú Xiǎoshòu are practically cut from the same cloth!"

Shǒu Yè stares intently, eager to see how Xú Xiǎoshòu responds.

At this point, even Xú Xiǎoshòu himself has to admit that his enemies know him best.

He subconsciously taps the table with his fingers.

Then he picks up his teacup, seeming at a loss for words on this issue.

After thinking for a moment, Xú Xiǎoshòu hesitates and says:

"I really don't know how Xú Xiǎoshòu behaves, but I'm genuinely curious—is he really like me?"

Shǒu Yè locks onto every breath, muscle movement, and detail of Xú Xiǎoshòu.

Yet, he detects nothing unusual.

The person in front seems exactly like someone who's just discovered a similar counterpart in the world, stumped by the question but full of curiosity.

Pausing, Xú Xiǎoshòu finally comes up with a response:

"Senior, there are many similar people in this world, but that doesn't mean if he's like me, he is me, right?"

"Besides, my Dān Shù isn't as impressive as you think."

"The transactions between Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu and Duō Jīn Merchant House are just business for me—the pills aren't refined by me."

Shǒu Yè watches this person trying to clarify but accidentally stepping into a trap, and says flatly:

"Xú Xiǎoshòu's Dān Shù is also quite poor!"

"Uh?"

Xú Xiǎoshòu seems choked, his lips twitching a few times before he says with a somewhat embarrassed face:

"I can barely be called a seventh-grade Dān Shī. What grade is he?"

"Top grade!"

"Which one?"

"Tenth grade, I suppose..."

Shǒu Yè sighs.

If this person is faking it, he's faking too well!

Who would deliberately walk into someone else's trap like that?

If he were Xú Xiǎoshòu, he should have immediately claimed to be an extremely skilled Dān Shī to distance himself, right?

But this guy didn't do that.

"Shǒu Yè, senior."

At this point, the Hóng Yī members behind see that Shǒu Yè isn't getting anywhere and step forward to advise.

After all, in their view, Xú Xiǎoshòu has reached Zōng Shī level, while this Xú Xiǎoshòu is only at Xiān Tiān.

This fundamental gap can't be ignored.

"He's only at Xiān Tiān..."

But the Hóng Yī member's words are cut off halfway by Shǒu Yè's glare: "Shut up!"

Xiān Tiān?

If this really is Xú Xiǎoshòu, how could he come unprepared and just sit here waiting?

Outsiders might not know Xú Xiǎoshòu's capabilities, but Shǒu Yè knows them all too well.

And speaking of cultivation, Xú Xiǎoshòu has many exotic treasures on him!

"Xú Xiǎoshòu."

Shǒu Yè turns back with a smile and asks:

"Do you have any methods for concealing your cultivation?"

Xú Xiǎoshòu furrows his brow, sensing a bad premonition.

Should he say yes or no?

Shǒu Yè has become cunning!

This old fox has even learned to probe ambiguously.

Xú Xiǎoshòu thinks internally, pushes his teacup toward Xiào Wǎnfēng for a refill, and replies against the flow:

"Of course I do."

"Oh."

Shǒu Yè nods with a smile.

"Good, that makes it easy."

"Although Xú Xiǎoshòu has broken through to Zōng Shī, his realm is unstable and could drop to Xiān Tiān."

"If you have a method for concealing cultivation, it could match up."

"To clear your suspicions, if you're willing, I can use my Líng Yuán to probe your Qì Hǎi."

"Once tested, the result will speak for itself, and I guarantee the Hóng Yī won't pursue Tiānshàng Dìyī Lóu further!"

Shǒu Yè smiles amiably.

But Xú Xiǎoshòu is cursing inwardly.

Old fox!

How could my body be touched by you?

The Jìn Zhào Fire Seed, Three-Day Freeze Calamity, and Jiàn Niàn are all lurking in my Qì Hǎi!

Without waiting for a response, Shǒu Yè's hands move like lightning, reaching out.

Xú Xiǎoshòu's pupils shrink in shock. He springs up, dodging the touch.

The situation escalates instantly.

Shǒu Yè's face turns ice-cold, and the Hóng Yī behind him senses something wrong.

This person is resisting!

Xú Xiǎoshòu, however, after dodging, wears an angry expression but doesn't retreat further. Instead, he advances aggressively:

"Did I agree to let you touch me?"

This release of a Bàn Shèng successor's pressure makes all the Hóng Yī who thought there was trouble calm down.

Of course!

This is a Bàn Shèng successor— who knows what secrets his body holds?

How could he allow others to touch him so easily?

And especially the Qì Hǎi!

Not just Xú Xiǎoshòu—which of them here doesn't have secrets in their Qì Hǎi?

Such a private area, even for them, couldn't be casually probed.

But Shǒu Yè ignores all that, his face stern as he asks gravely:

"So, Xú Xiǎoshòu, you're not planning to cooperate?"

Xú Xiǎoshòu lets out a cold laugh and responds firmly:

"For normal matters, I can cooperate, but for something abnormal, senior— don't even think about probing my Qì Hǎi. My clan's Bàn Shèng-granted holy body, plus the privacy and secrets of the Bàn Shèng Xú clan... How dare you profane it!"