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Zhu Honggong took half a step forward and continued, “I’ve never done anything unworthy of master ever since I left the Evil Sky Pavilion. When you asked me to investigate the kidnapping in the Ci Family, I investigated it thoroughly. Someone committed the crime using Tiger Ridge’s name. We were framed!”
“I didn’t ask about your Little Junior Sister’s kinsmen. Why are you taking a general comment as a personal attack?” Mingshi Yin asked.
“
” Zhu Honggong pulled a face and said, “I won’t be able to clear my name even if I wash myself in the Yangtze River.”
“That’s enough. I know you weren’t behind the kidnapping in the Ci Family. You’re not that bold.” Mingshi Yin rolled his eyes.
When Zhu Honggong heard this, he was overjoyed. He said in an attempt to flatter Mingshi Yin, “I knew you’re the most sensible one, Fourth Senior Brother. Master didn’t say anything, did he?”
“Master doesn’t even think much of you. You shouldn’t have an inflated view of yourself.” At this point, Mingshi Yin continued saying with a stern expression, “Back to the topic. You’ve seen the box. Do you know where Old Seventh is right now?”
Zhu Honggong chuckled and said, “That’s funny, Fourth Senior Brother. How would I know where Seventh Senior Brother is? However, you can try looking in the Crouching Dragon. I heard the Darknet’s headquarters is located there.
“Old Eighth, you’ve never been a schemer before this. Are you trying to lead me to harm?” Mingshi Yin suddenly lowered his voice.
As soon as Mingshi Yin finished speaking, applause sounded from behind the screen.
The handsome Si Wuya appeared gracefully before them.
“Old Seventh?” Mingshi Yin glared at Zhu Honggong, Old Eighth. “Didn’t you say you don’t know where he is?”
Si Wuya walked up slowly. He bowed before he greeted, “Greetings, Fourth Senior Brother.”
Although Si Wuya was Mingshi Yin’s junior, Si Wuya’s flippant demeanor made him feel uncomfortable. He preferred to be in Zhu Honggong’s company. Perhaps, it was because he knew it would be difficult to manipulate an intelligent person. However, since he was the senior, and he was here on his master’s order, there was nothing he had to worry about. Finally, he said, “Old Seventh, don’t you have anything better to do than to eavesdrop?”
“You’re joking, Fourth Senior Brother
 I’ve been in Tiger Ridge all this while. It’s normal for a senior brother to visit his junior brother, is it not? I didn’t expect you to grace us with your presence, Fourth Senior Brother.” Si Wuya walked along the left side of the room. He lifted the hem of his robes with both hands and sat down.
“Since you heard our conversation, I won’t beat around the bush. Lend me your Peacock Plume for a while,” Mingshi Yin said.
Si Wuya’s gaze fell upon the mysterious box appraisingly. Although his expression did not betray his emotions, he was inwardly shocked. This was his first time seeing such a peculiar box. However, he did not think it strange since their master had many treasures in his possession. He said calmly, “I can lend you my Peacock Plume, but I’d like to have a few honest words with you, Fourth Senior Brother.”
“There’s no need for that. I’m different from both of you. It’s best if you lend me your weapon
 Come, place your Peacock Plume into this groove.” Mingshi Yin was extremely cautious. He did not want to listen to Old Seventh’s enticing words.
Si Wuya’s heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained calm. He said, “Fourth Senior Brother, you’re much more cautious compared to when we last met.” As he spoke, he raised his right hand. The Peacock Plume appeared above his palm, turning round and round.
Zhu Honggong’s eyes turned green with envy. He muttered under his breath, “I sure hope I’ll obtain a heaven-grade weapon someday.”
Si Wuya grabbed the Peacock Plume and walked up to the mysterious box. He said, “If this box contains an item that can control us, will you still open it?”
Mingshi Yin was stunned.
Si Wuya noticed the change in Mingshi Yin’s expression and deliberately slowed his movements.
Mingshi Yin raised his hand and said, “Wait.”
“You have something to say, Fourth Senior Brother?”
“I’ve always been curious
 Back then, why did you, Old Eighth, Elder Senior Brother, and Second Senior Brother suddenly leave the Evil Sky Pavilion?” Mingshi Yin asked.
Si Wuya did not seem surprised to hear this question. He put his Peacock Plume away and placed his hands on his back. He said, “Fourth Senior Brother, if someone holds a knife against your neck, and you have no way of fighting back. The only choice is to run away. Will you run?”
Mingshi Yin was taken aback by this question. He did not answer the question.
Si Wuya returned to his seat and sat back down slowly. He spoke cheerfully, “The Evil Sky Pavilion has too many enemies. Ever since the ten great elites attacked the Golden Court Mountain, everyone’s waiting for master’s life to run out
 When that time comes, even if Elder Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother didn’t leave, it’ll still be difficult for us to avoid the locust plague.”
Mingshi Yin snorted and said, “They’re not even as impressive as locusts.”
“Do you believe in master that much?” Si Wuya asked calmly.
“Shut up!” Mingshi Yin suddenly raised his voice. He stared at Si Wuya as he rebuked him, “Old Seventh, don’t you forget your roots! I don’t blame Old Eighth for being deceived by you. However, how could you be unable to differentiate between right from wrong, and darkness and light?”
It was normal for a senior to reprimand a junior. However, when Si Wuya heard this, his expression remained calm. There were no fluctuations in his expression at all. “Fourth Senior Brother, since you know I’m able to differentiate between darkness and light, how do you know the place where I’m standing right now isn’t in the light?”
“You –” Mingshi Yin waved his hand and said, “You’ve always had a glib tongue.”
“You flatter me, Fourth Senior Brother.”
“In any case, master had once taught you. That’s an indisputable fact!” Mingshi Yin said.
Si Wuya smiled faintly. He clapped his hands and said, “It’s hard to believe that you’ll defend master like this after our short separation, Fourth Senior Brother.” Compared to the old Mingshi Yin, this degree of change was beyond his expectation.
“I’m different from you.” Mingshi Yin sat down and grabbed the remaining grapes on the plate. He spat the skin of the grapes at Si Wuya’s feet on purpose.
Si Wuya looked at that mysterious box and said, “Fourth Senior Brother, if you’re asking me to open this box as a Senior Brother, I won’t object to it and will do as you say. However, if it’s anything else, I’m afraid I won’t be able to cooperate.”
Mingshi Yin who had just calmed down felt his temper flared up again.
Bang!
With just a smack from Mingshi Yin’s palm, the table next to him collapsed. With movements as quick as a bolt of lightning, he launched energy attacks at Si Wuya.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Si Wuya tapped the ground with his feet lightly. He retreated with ease. One of his arms was on his back as he blocked Mingshi Yin’s energy attacks.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
In just a blink of an eye, the interior of the ridge was filled with energies sailing in the air.
Mingshi Yin attacked while Si Wuya retreated. None of them gave an inch.
Zhu Honggong was stunned. He hastily rose to his feet and waved his hands as he shouted, “Senior brothers
 Please, please stop! If you keep this up, I’m afraid my little ridge will be torn apart!”
The people of the Tiger Ridge Gang kept retreating. They could only look on from afar. They dared not intervene.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Mingshi Yin landed three more palm strikes on Si Wuya’s protective energy.
Si Wuya did a backflip and landed on his feet. He said with a smile, “Fourth Senior Brother, congratulations on entering the Nascent Divinity Tribulation realm!”
“You’re a disgrace. As your Senior Brother, it’s my responsibility to discipline you!” Mingshi Yin stomped one of his feet on the ground.
Boom!
An imprint of his foot was left on the ground. Like a fired arrow, Mingshi Yin shot toward Si Wuya.