Chapter 217: A Scam

Within the reception hall of the Punishment Hall, Ling Ling, Lin Shuangye, and Ling Xinghe sat around, holding a meeting.

Ling Ling said calmly, “I got the same answer on my end, about the same as yours. Looking at it this way, there really shouldn’t be any problem.”

Lin Shuangye breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Even though I don’t suspect my little sister of being a traitor, the Demon Sect has way too many tricks, and they’re pretty eerie too. Glad it turned out fine.”

“If there’s no issue, then we move to the next stage.”

“Wait, who said there’s no problem?”

Ling Xinghe, who had been listening to their conversation from the start without being acknowledged, now voiced her dissatisfaction. “It’s definitely because your interrogation methods are too garbage—you clearly didn’t hit the key points. Why won’t you let me do the questioning? I want to go too!”

“If I conduct the interrogation, I’m sure I can dig up new evidence—that way, it’ll be fair and just!”

Lin Shuangye frowned and rejected her outright without hesitation. “We know exactly what kind of person you are. If you go interrogate them, you’ll definitely force them both to be your little sisters, and threaten, frame, and set them up if they refuse. That’s bound to happen.”

“What? That’s pure slander! When have I ever done something like that? No way—I’ll prove you wrong with actual action!”

Lin Shuangye shot her a glance and said flatly, “Then let’s vote. I think you don’t need to interrogate them.”

“I agree,” Ling Ling said.

“You’re both just ganging up on me! I won’t accept this! I won’t accept it!”

Even though Ling Xinghe kept yelling about a conspiracy, it didn’t affect anything.

Whether they checked the disciples who entered the sect at the same time as You Yuelan, or looked into the people Lin Huanhuan and You Yuelan had encountered while together, the result was always the same: they usually stuck together, sometimes even hugging each other, without caring about the occasion at all.

Although some people disliked them, faced with such a serious matter, no one dared to lie—they all told the truth.

However, just as the Punishment Hall was about to reach a final verdict, a female disciple from the same batch as You Yuelan came forward on her own, claiming to have an important discovery.

“You’re Song Jingjing, right? Feel free to speak directly—we will handle this with full integrity.”

Inside the reception hall of the Punishment Hall, Ling Ling said calmly, showing no trace of having previously harassed Lin Huanhuan.

Song Jingjing saw that this woman was spirited and exuded a sense of justice, clearly a good person. She felt greatly reassured.

‘Things should go smoothly now.’

Ever since Song Jingjing had brought people to bully You Yuelan back then, only to be taught a lesson, she had held a grudge and waited for an opportunity to retaliate. Unfortunately, she never found a good chance.

If it came to a fight, all of them together couldn’t beat You Yuelan; asking others for help probably wouldn’t amount to much either, mainly because she didn’t know anyone powerful.

Using her background to pressure others wasn’t realistic either. In her estimation, the relationship between Lin Huanhuan and You Yuelan was that of a sugar mommy and a kept girl, which meant Lin Huanhuan would definitely stand up for You Yuelan. Wouldn’t that be shooting herself in the foot?

So, despite her jealousy, Song Jingjing had no way out. She could only swallow her resentment and continue bullying other disciples to collect protection fees.

She had thought she’d never have a chance to get back at You Yuelan, but to her surprise, an opportunity suddenly fell right into her lap.

When she heard that You Yuelan was a spy for the demonic path and had been taken in for investigation along with Lin Huanhuan, she was overjoyed.

Later, when she learned that the Punishment Hall was questioning people who had interacted with You Yuelan, to find out what Lin Huanhuan and You Yuelan had done and who You Yuelan’s contact within Lingyun Sect was, she immediately hatched a plan.

‘As it stands now, the Punishment Hall probably can’t find any evidence that Lin Huanhuan colluded with the Demon Sect. If this keeps up, they’ll be released in a couple of days—that can’t happen!’

‘Damn Lin Huanhuan and You Yuelan. Seeing those two doing well is worse than my own misery. I have to screw them over!’

‘I think I once heard about something. At the time, I was told they were playing a game, but now it feels a bit off. Whatever, whether it’s true or not, I’ll just report it—let the Punishment Hall verify it.’

‘Maybe I can’t completely screw over Lin Huanhuan, but at least I can make her uncomfortable. Heh, it’s your own fault for being blind—I’m definitely going to make you suffer!’

With this mindset, Song Jingjing arrived.

Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly noticed Lin Shuangye beside her. “Th-this is…?”

“She’s Lin Shuangye, Lin Huanhuan’s older sister. But don’t worry, she won’t bend the law for personal gain—we’re both here to supervise. Just say what you have to say.”

Ling Ling explained calmly, adding a guarantee.

Song Jingjing felt as if she’d been struck by lightning.

‘What the hell? Is the sky of Lingyun Sect this dark? Letting Lin Huanhuan’s sister handle the interrogation—what kind of trial is that?’

‘Damn it, don’t the elders and the sect leader care at all? The sect is basically turning into a cesspool!’

Despite her fear, she had no choice but to steel herself and continue.

“I only heard about this. Back during our entrance ceremony, Lin Huanhuan seemed to have blocked someone at the mountain gate, looking for a girl named You Yuelan.”

“When the Punishment Hall started investigating, it suddenly occurred to me that reporting this should be easy to verify. If you check it out, you’ll see.”

“At the time, we didn’t understand what it meant, but after today’s incident, I suddenly felt it was suspicious, so I came to tell you.”

“As for the specific reason, I’m not sure right now. I’m just fulfilling my duty as a Lingyun Sect disciple—there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Out of fear, Song Jingjing modified her testimony on the spot. The fierce accusations she had prepared were set aside, replaced by a more restrained statement.

“Alright, you can go back for now. We’ll look into this. Thank you for providing this information—you’ll receive a reward later.”

“No need, no need. This is what I ought to do.”

After Song Jingjing left, Lin Shuangye and the other two exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.

Ling Xinghe quickly stood up. “I’ll go check on this—be right back.”

About fifteen minutes later, Ling Xinghe returned with a grim face. “It’s true. It seems this matter isn’t that simple—it’s gotten complicated.”