Chapter 855: Eh?!

Chapter 855: Chapter 855: Eh?!

Eastern Divine Continent.

Chen Baiqing’s face was dark as storm water. She gripped a jade token in her hand, her spiritual energy surging — the token trembled faintly under the pressure.

The desk before her, usually neat and orderly, was now strewn with scattered jade tokens.

The meeting hall’s atmosphere, never particularly warm to begin with, felt even heavier today. Cultivators who arrived to report could barely conceal the grim frustration on their faces when they saw Chen Baiqing. They handed in their assignments and departed in haste.

The Baiming True Lord was known not only for exceptional operational ability but for equally exceptional management.

When Xiaoyun Hall disciples failed to meet expectations, Chen Baiqing always found ways to make the Hall handle the punishment.

Rewards, however, were just as much a part of Chen Baiqing’s approach.

She never demanded perfection — as long as the task was completed, Chen Baiqing delivered on her promised rewards promptly and in full.

Most importantly, Chen Baiqing was always composed and bore no personal grudges.

Even those who had once talked back or harbored malicious suspicions about her — if the task genuinely suited them, Chen Baiqing would still assign it.

This flawlessly impartial approach won genuine respect. Many disciples who had lacked deep roots within Xiaoyun Hall and lacked opportunities were eager to prove themselves under Chen Baiqing.

Crucially, Xiaoyun Hall genuinely observed how Chen Baiqing deployed people and how those disciples performed.

As long as a disciple made a good showing under Chen Baiqing and received her reward, Xiaoyun Hall would pay special attention to those previously obscure disciples.

Because cultivation realm was not the only deciding factor — possessing a competent mind for operations sometimes mattered more than a gap in cultivation.

Lin Luoyu held a jade token as well, her brow furrowed, expression contemplative.

Ye Antao sat in a corner looking dejected, wanting to reach for the preserved fruit Chen Baiqing had offered. But the atmosphere was too oppressive — forget the fruit, she didn’t even dare put in a word of comfort.

Chen Baiqing had always been the picture of composure, treating everything as trivial matter. She typically showed the world a gentle face.

Even if that wasn’t her true nature, it meant her surface presentation was impeccable.

But today, for her to lose control of her expression like this — her eyes burning with fury that seemed ready to swallow everything whole — was a first.

Sometimes a good person’s cold stare was far more frightening than a bad person’s shouting.

Chen Baiqing took two deep breaths. Then she gathered her spiritual energy and crushed the jade token in her hand.

Ding—

A clear chime rang out. Ye Antao’s divine sense flinched involuntarily — as though facing a great enemy.

Ye Antao glanced at Chen Baiqing, whose presence had turned to ice, and pressed her lips together.

She was actually quite tempted to ask Chen Baiqing — if she had things to do, could she leave first?

Chen Baiqing’s gaze swept over to Ye Antao, who had shifted slightly.

Ye Antao met Chen Baiqing’s eyes, along with that all-consuming aura, and for a moment couldn’t decide whether to return a smile.

Xiaoyun Hall was highly satisfied with Chen Baiqing’s arrangements. Her own brother had even told her to learn well from Chen Baiqing, and stated that Chen Baiqing’s achievements and methods would not be beneath Bai Xuanling’s at minimum.

That was an absurdly high evaluation.

Though Ye Antao didn’t truly fear Chen Baiqing, she certainly didn’t want to end up on Chen Baiqing’s list of disliked people.

Even taking a step back — Ye Antao still wanted to drink the tea Chen Baiqing brewed.

Though Ye Antao rarely interfered in these matters, she read all the reports she should.

She understood well enough what Chen Baiqing was angry about.

A wave of public opinion had swept through Eastern Divine Continent, directed squarely at Chen Baiqing and Chu Xingchen. The brunt fell on Chen Baiqing — accusing her of the things she had done in Eastern Divine Continent, of slaughtering innocents in a way that offended both gods and men.

The title "Baiming True Lord" was practically being renamed to "Blood-Mourning True Lord."

As for Chu Xingchen — at least he bore the Mandate of Heaven, and his background was formidable enough. The Buddhist Sect still needed him to maintain its own prestige, so attacks on him were mostly incidental.

By proportion, it was roughly nine parts Chen Baiqing, one part Chu Xingchen.

Honestly, it wasn’t entirely unreasonable for Chen Baiqing to be angry. The evil cultivators’ methods were genuinely vile — the insults and fabrications were far too much.

Especially since the atmosphere in Eastern Divine Continent had been completely transformed. Most mortals were only spared from evil cultivator predation because of Chen Baiqing’s methods.

Now it felt like doing good and being bitten for it. Anyone would be furious.

Ye Antao cleared her throat, pondered for a moment, then spoke:

"These are just the vile tactics of that bunch of evil cultivators..."

Chen Baiqing closed her eyes lightly, took a deep breath, then laughed coldly:

"They truly cannot recognize a kind heart."

Ye Antao instantly fell silent, her gaze sliding across to Lin Luoyu on the other side.

Lin Luoyu glanced at Ye Antao, then spoke quietly:

"Senior Sister, this matter arose strangely — especially now that Cui Hao has begun wrapping things up and the Evil Spirit Sect is being thoroughly purged. This was clearly prepared well in advance. They were waiting until the evil cultivators lost their nerve, then gave them a target."

Chen Baiqing’s eyes turned cold and low: "I know. But some words, once spoken, must bear a cost! Not everything deserves forgiveness — especially those who receive kindness and still turn coat!"

Lin Luoyu’s heart sank. She understood that this Third Senior Sister was truly enraged, and hurriedly added:

"Mortals are cut off from information. How could they possibly understand everything Shifu has done? They’re easily manipulated by those with hidden agendas. Besides, knowing Shifu’s nature, he would never support Senior Sister going too far. I believe Shifu fears more that Third Senior Sister might do things she shouldn’t — more than he fears these people’s slander."

Ye Antao chimed in immediately: "Exactly right. Baiqing, don’t mind the ignorant chatter of those mortals."

Chen Baiqing ignored Ye Antao’s words and sank back into her seat, her icy gaze lifting as she answered Lin Luoyu:

"Shifu will naturally say ’let it go.’ But what reason do I, as his disciple, have to let it go?"

"You saw it too — how they spoke about Shifu. You read the words. Tell me — how am I supposed to just brush it off?"

Ye Antao was about to offer more comfort, but caught halfway through and paused. After a moment’s thought, she caught on and blurted in confusion:

"Eh?"

Lin Luoyu continued: "This public opinion is clearly being manipulated entirely. The priority now isn’t to reverse the narrative — it’s to find those spreading the rumors, before Shifu’s reputation suffers further damage."

Ye Antao’s shocked gaze returned to Lin Luoyu:

"Eh?!"