After making some Red Sleeve Fragrance tea, Jiang Hao stood aside. He noted how the area was quite small, and he found himself unsure how to pass the time. Occasionally, he worried that someone might suddenly open the door.
"How long are you planning to stay here?" asked Hong Yuye as she sipped her tea.
"About four or five more days," Jiang Hao replied honestly. This place wasn't great, and he truly didn't wish to linger longer than necessary. If nothing unexpected happened to the rabbit, he'd likely have to endure for just four or five more days. After seven days, if there was no conclusion, they'd probably let him go.
"I thought you enjoyed spending time in dark, cramped places as much as you do at the mine," Hong Yuye remarked carelessly, holding her teacup.
"You misunderstand, senior; my quarters are much better than this place," Jiang Hao said truthfully.
Hearing this, Hong Yuye leaned in with interest, "And how does your place compare to the mine?"
"My quarters are much better," Jiang Hao replied, though insincerely.
Hong Yuye gave Jiang Hao a knowing smile. Despite this, Jiang Hao remained silent and composed. He couldn't believe she could read his mind.
The conversation didn't continue. After pouring herself another cup of tea, Hong Yuye calmly spoke, "Use that divine ability from last time."
Daily Appraisal?
Jiang Hao hesitated. He might need it during an interrogation, and keeping it could be beneficial. Still, he silently adjusted the consumption and then said, "Senior, I've already used it."
As soon as he finished speaking, Hong Yuye, who had been sipping tea, paused and stared at Jiang Hao. She remained unwaveringly focused on him for a few breaths.
Then, with a sudden force, Jiang Hao was slammed against the wall. Although in pain, he wasn't injured and got back on his feet.
"No wonder you raised that deceptive beast rabbit," Hong Yuye's voice was slightly cold, "Full of lies."
Jiang Hao dared not say much and stood quietly. "I'll give you another chance to use that divine ability," Hong Yuye said, setting aside her teacup.
Jiang Hao sighed internally; it seemed he had no choice. He activated the divine ability. Appraising Hong Yuye yielded no new result—just a bunch of question marks. "I've used it," he informed her honestly upon seeing the feedback.
This time, Hong Yuye didn't speak further, instead choosing to quietly drink her tea. Jiang Hao understood well enough that this woman wasn't easy to get along with. He kept quiet while she kept silent.
From morning till noon and then evening, Hong Yuye only spoke a few words. Most of the time she stayed silent, occasionally sipping tea, with Jiang Hao continually assisting in brewing it. It was the first instance he had seen her linger for so long, uncertain of her intentions.
As the sun set, Hong Yuye finally stood up. The surrounding items vanished as she looked at Jiang Hao deeply and said, "Next time I come, I hope you're not here; otherwise..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the atmosphere suddenly turned icy.
Jiang Hao realized staying here would be perilous. "Understood, senior, as long as you don't come within these few days," Jiang Hao bowed his head.
Hong Yuye didn't leave immediately but merely glanced at Jiang Hao until he had nothing more to say. Then she turned and departed, leaving behind only a crimson shadow that quickly disappeared.
With her departure, Jiang Hao let out a breath of relief. However, there was a lingering oddity. Hong Yuye rarely stayed so long, and before leaving, she even paused more than usual.
"Could she... be waiting for me to ask her for help?" Jiang Hao speculated while dismissing the notion that she was so considerate. However, with the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower in his courtyard, not yet ripe for picking, he held significant value. Replacing him in the Heavenly Sound Sect would be a problem for everyone.
Thus, whether it was this woman or Liu Xingchen's group, if he asked for help, chances were high they'd assist, though the price varied. Without the rabbit's aid, he’d definitely choose her. Had he known she'd come, he might have avoided relying on the rabbit, as the danger was great.
For now, Jiang Hao could only wait. Whether Hong Yuye was truly expecting him to seek her support remained unknown, and no amount of pondering yielded an answer.
Late at night.
The door to the small dark room was opened. Jiang Hao was taken outside, to a rather dimly lit room. Facing him were three indistinct figures, likely two men and a woman. The man in the middle had a noticeable beard.
'Even with my cultivation, I can't discern them clearly; this room isn't ordinary,' he thought, approaching the three figures.
"Jiang Hao of Broken Hearts Cliff?" the man in the middle slowly asked.
"Yes," Jiang Hao confirmed with a nod.
"Sit down; there's something we need to ask you," said the figure.
Jiang Hao sat, maintaining his calm demeanor.
"You seem more composed than others," the woman's voice came from the left. Though their faces were obscured, he could sense they were quite old, possibly except for the rightmost figure, who seemed younger.
"I am Elder Fan Lu of the Law Enforcement Hall and the main person in charge of this affair. I hope you'll tell us everything you know," Fan Lu stated seriously.
"Yes," Jiang Hao replied carefully.
The questioning began promptly.
"Did Li Kai approach you? For what reason?"
"The Bone Flower had an incident."
"How was it resolved?"
"Paid two and a half thousand spirit stones."
"Do you hold a grudge against him?"
"Yes."
"What were you doing when Li Kai died?"
Initially, Jiang Hao thought of claiming he was cultivating in his room during the night but swiftly asked back in confusion, "When did that happen?"
"Are you the one who withered the Bone Flower?"
"No."
"When Liu Chen died and left the clue of 'Broken Hearts Cliff,' do you think it pointed to you?"
"This..." Jiang Hao was briefly at a loss for words.
"Simply answer yes or no," the woman's voice instructed.
"No."
"How many spirit stones were in Li Kai's storage pouch?"
"I don't know."
"How did Cheng Chou react when the Bone Flower issue arose—anxiety or anger?"
"Anxiety."
"What was Li Kai's expression when he died—joyful or despondent?"
"I don't know."
"Did Ming Zuoqian carry any storage artifacts?"
Puzzled, Jiang Hao shook his head, "This... I can't answer."
Jiang Hao found the situation increasingly dire and illogical. If not for his solid mental power and calmness, he might have erred in his responses. Particularly, he sensed something was manipulating his mind, akin to Senior Sister Yun Ruo's enchantment technique.
After midnight, the questioning ceased. At this moment, they requested a look at his storage artifact. Jiang Hao handed over his storage pouch. The inspection fell to the silent figure, who soon returned the artifact.
"Alright, in a couple of days you'll be free to go. Endure the discomfort a bit longer," came the dismissal. Jiang Hao responded and left the room.
Inside, the three figures exchanged glances. Elder Fan Lu then spoke with a calm tone, "The best conduct we've witnessed, yet we gained nothing."
"Not only that, even under my enchantment, he remained steady. I wonder how he managed it," Yan Mei remarked in awe.
"The storage artifact had no peculiar findings, just some unusual items, likely from some encounter," commented the younger male figure.
"Considering he ranked top ten in contributions, we can't detain him too long. If nothing arises tonight, let him return. Although he's very suspicious," suggested Yan Mei.
"The top rank was probably due to the Barbarian Dragon not deserving it, pushing him into the spotlight. The Profound Heaven Sect and Wind Thunder Sect are watching. Whoever receives this honor will soon face calamity. As an inner disciple, Mu Wuchang can't protect him for long. Bright days now, but gloom awaits," Fan Lu commented with slight disdain.
"Then I'll trouble the two master's uncles with follow-up reports. Bai Ye will go relay to the master." The young man stood and respectfully bade farewell.
Fan Lu and Yan Mei didn't dare to act arrogantly and rose to personally escort him out.
I recommend a book "My Dao Techniques Come from Mythological Tales" where the five turbidities descend, and demons run rampant.