"Greetings, Saintess!"

"Greetings, Commandery Princess!"

"Greetings, Young Master Wang!"

For a moment, everyone scrambled to pay their respects, but the multitude of voices made it chaotic, and their states didn't look good. Among themselves, there was a palpable sense of alienation, with each gathering according to their sect or family.

"Was it Jing Yuan who released you?"

Looking at everyone, Wang Junze asked in a deep voice, "What terms did you agree to?"

Upon hearing this, the crowd first froze, then bitterly smiled after a few breaths; this question was simply impossible to explain.

"Young Master Wang, if I told you that among us, none of us knew how the others survived, would you believe me?"

With a sigh, an Elder from the Divine Blade Sect answered somewhat helplessly.

"Hmm?"

Not only Wang Junze, but even Su Yuwei and Luo Qingxuan were also taken aback upon hearing this.

"Jing Yuan brought each person out individually; what was said remains known to no one else." The Elder from the Divine Blade Sect continued to explain, "During this process, seven or eight people were killed, and the rest... are all here."

"Take myself for instance, Jing Yuan didn't even make any demands... just let me go directly."

"..."

Not making any demands, what does this mean? Could Jing Yuan truly be so kind-hearted?

"Indeed, Jing Yuan made some absurd demands, for instance... he asked me to cut my own arm lightly, just enough to bleed." Lin Tong chimed in.

Hearing this, Wang Junze furrowed his brows even more tightly.

What kind of nonsense is this?

This kind of lie wouldn't even be concocted, after all, thinking logically, no one would speak such an absurd falsehood; it's too outlandish, too hard to believe.

"Wang Junze, none of the earlier deaths were caused by the Deserters; they were all killed by our own people!"

Suddenly, someone spoke up again.

"???

Before anyone could inquire further, that person bitterly explained once more: "It's not something I witnessed, but what Jing Yuan ordered me to say... these very words, without missing a letter."

"He also had me relay a message."

Another person stood up beside him, explaining: "Jing Yuan said that at least four or five among us betrayed the Human Race, and... they were forced to leave significant evidence against them. Upon returning to Jubei City, they would revolt and cause chaos. As for who betrayed the Human Race... you'll have to guess yourself!"

"..."

How is one supposed to guess?!

Currently, there are still about a dozen survivors, each representing different sects and families. Every one of them has the potential to betray and reasons to persist. In this scenario, even if time is spent slowly interrogating, it might not yield a clear result.

Not to mention, there isn't even time for Wang Junze and the others to slowly interrogate and discern the traitors.

However, if what Jing Yuan said is true, once these people return to Jubei City, it might not just be a few individuals causing an uprising, but a catastrophe for several sects.

The example of the Cloud Mirror Sect is right there; if things go awry again, there would likely be no chance to handle it like the last time.

"No, the Deserters are going to attack Jubei City!"

With pupils contracting rapidly, Su Yuwei reacted at once, speaking urgently.

If the Deserters hadn't planned subsequent moves, even if someone among these people betrayed the Human Race, causing chaos within several sects, it might create significant trouble but wouldn't be situation-altering. Luo Qingxuan and Su Yuwei are present, and Yuan Shouyi is stationed in Jubei City; even if a rebellion occurred, it could be easily suppressed.

But... what if the Deserters took advantage to besiege the city?

If a war broke out and these people caused further chaos, the effects could be tenfold, even hundredfold what they'd be under normal circumstances!

The cost would simply be too great!

Upon hearing Su Yuwei's words, the others quickly realized, and their expressions changed dramatically.

Especially those who were released, they instantly felt a tinge of terror at the thought of death.

This matter carries too significant an impact; if the safety of Jubei City is genuinely threatened, Su Yuwei and Luo Qingxuan might choose to adhere to a ruthless principle of "better to kill wrongly than to miss," ending all of them here to eliminate future troubles!

"Commandery Princess, Saintess... I absolutely have not betrayed the Human Race; you must believe me!"

In response to the threat of death, quite a few people quickly declared their innocence.

"Luo Qingxuan, proceed with the plan we discussed earlier!"

Eyes flashing with cold intent, Su Yuwei spoke solemnly.

Although Wang Junze hadn't had time to state his position, the situation's severe impact spurred Su Yuwei into murderous intent.

At these words, a trace of hesitation flickered in Luo Qingxuan's eyes, but she ultimately held her hand on the sword hilt slowly.

Although her nature disdained unnecessary killing, at such a moment, slaughter might indeed be the best solution. Externally, simply declaring these people died in the ruins would suffice to cover it up.

"It's too late; Jing Yuan forced us to send messages to the sect disciples earlier, explaining the situation... he also said that if we died, it would definitely be because Wang Junze silenced us!"

With a pale face, a minor sect leader bitterly explained: "Unless you kill everyone in the ruins, the information will surely get out."

"..."

In an instant, the entire scene fell dead silent!

At this moment, the emotions of these people were inevitably mixed; on one hand, it certainly increased their chances of survival significantly, but on the other, it also intensified their unease!

Jing Yuan's plan was truly ruthless, leaving not a single flaw!

Even the path of killing to silence was entirely blocked.

Currently, these people's numbers aren't great, but they represent countless sects and families. Should all of them perish, the news spreading would equally trigger chaos and even panic among various sects and families, an outcome equally unacceptable.

Moreover, aside from this, the fact that Wang Junze would be embroiled in such controversy means he wouldn't be able to gain anyone's trust again, let alone lead the Northern Domain Judgment Department.

"Hahaha, so you really do want to kill to silence!"

Hearing the conversation, one of the Refining God Powerhouses suddenly laughed maniacally, pointing at Wang Cheng and Wang Zhao: "Earlier, when Jing Yuan said you would silence us, I didn't believe it. But now, I have no choice but to believe! Wang Junze, I don't know if anyone else betrayed the Human Race, but... your Wang Family certainly did!"

"Aren't you looking to capture traitors? Then start by killing your Wang Family members!"

"Wang Junze, do you dare kill your uncle, your father?!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.