Chapter 85: Quelling the Turmoil

Splash!
A disciple of the Thunder Sect, unable to bear the psychological pressure after being stared at by Chu Feng, suddenly fell to his knees before him.
"Young Master Chu, please spare my life! Although I am Cui Zhengkun's disciple, I truly didn't want to side with him just now! He threatened me fiercely with his eyes, and I had no choice!"
Splash!
Another Thunder Sect disciple also knelt.
"Young Master Chu, me too! I didn't go over of my own will. My senior brother grabbed my hand and dragged me into the Storm Sect's ranks!"
"Young Master Chu, I'm the same! At the time, everyone in the hall went over. I was afraid that if I didn't, they would take revenge on me later. I just followed the crowd out of fear, not out of any ill intent to assist the wrongdoers!"
As they spoke, more and more disciples fell to their knees in small groups, each crying out to Chu Feng, pleading that they acted against their will and begging for a chance to live.
Chu Feng remained expressionless, shaking his head slightly. He thought, before this, no one could have imagined that he alone would turn the tide so completely, reversing the entire situation.
These disciples of the Storm and Thunder Sects could have easily flattered Liu Shenghua and secured a bright future for themselves by saying a few respectful words. Now, however, they were sobbing and begging Chu Feng for mercy.
"Young Master Chu, please say something!" Even Fan Shang, the Law Enforcer Elder of the Storm and Thunder Martial Pavilion, was willing to grant Chu Feng the authority of life and death.
Seeing all the disciples and hall masters before him kneeling and pleading with him, while none begged the Pavilion Master Lei Yingfeng or Elder Fan Shang, Chu Feng was struck by a thought.
"Pavilion Master Lei, Elder Fan, and Uncle Han, I, Chu Feng, am not a member of the Storm and Thunder Martial Pavilion. I originally had no right to interfere in your affairs. It was only by chance that I encountered this grave act of treason tonight and was compelled to intervene. Now that the situation is settled, who among these people should live or die, and what their fate shall be, is no concern of mine. I ask Pavilion Master Lei to decide as you see fit!"
Having said this to Lei Yingfeng, Chu Feng stepped aside, indicating that he would no longer meddle in the Martial Pavilion's matters.
Chu Feng's words showed his worldly wisdom.
Though he had helped Lei Yingfeng quell Liu Shenghua's rebellion, saved his life and position, and even brought the antidote to heal the effects of the Dissolving Qi Powder, if Chu Feng, relying on this debt of gratitude, were to decide the fate of these disciples, it would cross a line.
Restoring order is one thing; family matters are another.
As the saying goes, bridges are for crossing, roads are for walking—each has its own purpose.
Some may not understand this distinction, but Chu Feng did.
Lei Yingfeng nodded, not pressing Chu Feng further, and turned to Elder Fan Shang, "Elder Fan, in my opinion, have all these disciples who admit their guilt sent to the Hall of Justice! As for their punishment, we must deliberate carefully."
"Yes, I was thinking the same," Fan Shang replied. "However, the main culprits must be interrogated tonight!"

Next, Fan Shang summoned the disciples of the Hall of Justice to clean up the aftermath.
When they arrived, some collected bodies, others cleaned up, and some escorted the prisoners. Within half an hour, the assembly hall was nearly empty, and the bloody remains had been completely cleared away.
During this time, Chu Feng learned about the poisoning of Lei Jianqin and the others.
It turned out that when Lei Jianqin, Fan Qianjun, and Tang Jiao returned together, Liu Shenghua's confidants lured them into a secret chamber under the pretense that Pavilion Master Lei had suffered a deviation in his cultivation. There, the three were poisoned by Dissolving Qi Powder and rendered helpless.
After such a major upheaval, the moon was already high in the sky.
Lei Yingfeng and Fan Shang had to interrogate Liu Shenghua and Wen Lie through the night, while Han Mo escorted Chu Feng to a guest room in the pavilion to rest.
From the day he left Wild Thunder Mountain for the Storm and Thunder Caverns until now, Chu Feng finally had a moment to breathe. Whether battling the Thunder Fusion Beast in the caverns or fighting in the assembly hall, he had not rested for days and was truly exhausted.
Lying in bed, Chu Feng completely relaxed, letting go of all thoughts, and soon drifted into sleep.
…
Early the next morning, Han Mo knocked on Chu Feng's door.
"Uncle Han, good morning!"
Chu Feng, who was meditating on his bed, immediately opened the door and greeted him with a smile.
Han Mo looked well-rested and said, "Nephew Chu, I've brought you something. Take a look!"
After the turmoil caused by Liu Shenghua's rebellion, people like Han Mo in the pavilion felt much closer to Chu Feng. The respectful "Young Master Chu" had become the affectionate "Nephew Chu."
"What is this?"
Seeing Han Mo hand him a book, Chu Feng took it and, upon seeing the title "Grand Martial Qi Cultivation Method," felt a surge of joy.
"This 'Grand Martial Qi Cultivation Method' is a technique to help martial artists guide their internal energy. It will be of great benefit to you," Han Mo explained. "As the saying goes, strength comes from within. Though you've reached the Ironbone stage and your power is vast, there is already internal energy in your dantian. It just hasn't been properly guided yet. If you practice this method, you'll be able to refine your inner energy and reach the sixth level of the Body Refinement stage."
Chu Feng nodded.
This "Grand Martial Qi Cultivation Method" differed by only one word from the "Grand Martial Force Training Method" he had practiced at the second level of Body Refinement.
The "Force Training Method" was for external training of muscles, bones, and skin, while the "Qi Cultivation Method" was for internal cultivation of qi—a guide for martial artists entering the inner strength phase.

"Thank you very much, Uncle Han," Chu Feng said without formality, accepting the manual at once. "By the way, Uncle Han, how did the interrogation of Liu Shenghua go? Have you uncovered the details of his treachery?"
"Yes! Last night, Pavilion Master Lei and Elder Fan interrogated him through the night. Though Liu Shenghua kept his mouth shut, Wen Lie, desperate to save his own life, confessed everything," Han Mo replied, shaking his head and sighing. "For the Storm and Thunder Martial Pavilion to produce such a traitor as Liu Shenghua is truly a family disgrace! This morning, Pavilion Master Lei has already sent out invitations. In three days, all the major factions of the Nine Mountains and Eighteen Branches will gather here. At that time, Pavilion Master Lei will publicly announce Liu Shenghua's rebellion."
"Oh? This will be made public?" Chu Feng was surprised.
Normally, family scandals are kept private. Treason such as Liu Shenghua's is a huge disgrace for the Martial Pavilion. Isn't it more common to deal with such matters quietly and internally?
Yet they would make it a public affair, known to all?
"Indeed," Han Mo nodded. "A rebellion like Liu Shenghua's cannot be concealed. If the Pavilion doesn't take the initiative to clarify the facts, once rumors spread, truth and falsehood will become confused, and the Pavilion's reputation will suffer greatly."
"I see," Chu Feng nodded, then suddenly thought of something. "Uncle Han, during the assembly in three days, when Pavilion Master Lei speaks of Liu Shenghua's rebellion, I would prefer that he not mention my name."
"Why is that?" Han Mo was startled. "You turned the tide and saved the Martial Pavilion from disaster. You are the key figure in this matter—how can you not be mentioned? Besides, Pavilion Master Lei wants to use this occasion to spread your reputation among the martial world of the Nine Mountains and Eighteen Branches! This is a golden opportunity to make your name known!"
Chu Feng shook his head and smiled wryly. "Uncle Han, I just want some peace to focus on my training, so I can advance my strength further. Of course, I want to make a name for myself, but only with solid power as its foundation."
Chu Feng's reasoning was sound. If one's fame far outstrips one's strength, it brings not only no benefit but may also attract trouble and even humiliation from opportunists.
"Haha, Nephew Chu, you are overthinking it! In the martial world, fame is either good or bad. You will be famous for good deeds, and in time, friends will be everywhere and enemies hard to find. You won't attract foes before making friends."
Han Mo smiled and patted Chu Feng's shoulder.