The Destiny Villainess Wants Me To Work!

Chapter 252: Internal Struggles!

The defensive barriers surrounding White Moon Sect had existed for generations.

Detecting hostile entities was one of their primary functions.

Yet they had failed completely.

Wu Haruto narrowed his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

The elder swallowed.

"When the invasion occurred. Even after the Pishachas entered. The barrier showed no abnormalities."

The implications were obvious.

The Great Elder, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

His aged voice carried considerable weight.

"You mean either the Pishachas have discovered a method of bypassing our defenses..."

He paused.

Then continued.

"Or someone within the sect is helping them."

The moment those words fell, the atmosphere became even colder.

Several elders subconsciously exchanged glances. Suspicion immediately appeared among them towards each other.

Wu Haruto’s expression turned ugly. The veins on his forehead visibly bulged.

"If there truly is a traitor among us..."

His voice became frighteningly calm.

"...I will personally skin them alive."

No one doubted his sincerity.

Those who died today weren’t strangers.

They were elders and disciples who had spent years contributing to White Moon Sect.

Some had been personally promoted by him.

Others had been disciples he watched grow up.

Now they were dead.

If their deaths were caused by betrayal from within... How could he not be furious?

Just as the atmosphere was approaching its breaking point, hurried footsteps echoed from outside.

A messenger disciple entered nervously.

Seeing the expressions throughout the hall, he nearly turned around and fled.

"What is it?" Wu Haruto asked impatiently.

The disciple immediately bowed.

"Sect Master, Elder Song has arrived."

Wu Haruto paused.

Then he nodded.

"Send her in."

A moment later, Song Meilin entered the hall.

She quickly noticed the tense atmosphere.

However, her expression remained unchanged.

Walking to the center of the hall, she cupped her fists.

"Greetings, Sect Master."

"Rise."

Wu Haruto looked directly at her.

"I’ll ask plainly."

"Where were you during the invasion, Elder Song?"

The moment the question was asked, numerous gazes landed upon her.

Some curious,

Some neutral, and

Some openly suspicious.

Song Meilin understood immediately.

The Sect Master wasn’t accusing her.

He was giving her an opportunity to explain herself publicly.

"Reporting to the Sect Master," she replied calmly, "I had left the sect to receive my guests."

Before Wu Haruto could respond, an elder suddenly stood up.

"What kind of guests require your personal escort during such a dangerous period?"

Another elder immediately followed.

"Indeed."

His eyes narrowed.

"The timing seems rather convenient."

"You departed shortly before the invasion and returned immediately after it ended."

The implication was obvious.

Song Meilin looked at him calmly.

"It was a coincidence."

The elder sneered.

"I don’t believe in coincidences."

Then he spoke words that instantly caused the hall to stir.

"Or perhaps... You’re the traitor."

Murmurs immediately erupted.

Several elders frowned.

Others looked toward Song Meilin with suspicion.

However, before the situation could escalate—

"Silence!"

Wu Haruto’s voice exploded through the hall.

Instantly, everyone shut up.

The Sect Master slowly swept his gaze across the troublemakers.

His expression remained calm.

Yet everyone understood.

He was warning them.

Song Meilin’s loyalty was something he personally trusted.

Still, trust and procedure were different matters.

As the Sect Master, he couldn’t openly favor anyone.

Thus, he continued questioning.

"Elder Song."

"Even if you were receiving guests, it shouldn’t have taken so long."

"What delayed your return?"

Song Meilin answered truthfully.

"I encountered several Grade Two Pishachas."

"I was unable to leave until after dealing with them."

Immediately, Elder Zhang stood again.

His expression was filled with dissatisfaction.

"How do you prove that?"

"Did you bring back the corpses?"

Song Meilin turned toward him.

Her expression remained completely indifferent.

"Elder Zhang."

"If you have doubts, I can provide the exact location."

"You may personally inspect the battlefield."

A few elders couldn’t help glancing toward Elder Zhang. Everyone knew his cultivation level. How would he dare to go out in such a dangerous period?

Song Meilin continued. Her voice remained polite.

"Of course. I should remind you that Grade Two Pishachas have been unusually active recently."

"Considering your cultivation only reached Foundation Building Level One last year..."

She paused briefly.

"It would be best not to travel alone. This advice comes from a concerned senior. I would hate for another unfortunate accident to occur."

Several elders immediately lowered their heads. Their shoulders trembled slightly.

Elder Zhang’s face turned red, then green, and then back to red again.

Everyone understood exactly what Song Meilin was trying to achieve.

On the surface, she was expressing concern.

In reality, she had politely reminded everyone that Elder Zhang was barely qualified to sit among the Inner Elders. Even less qualified to question her.

"Elder Song!"

His eyes became bloodshot.

"You—"

"Enough."

Wu Haruto interrupted before the argument could continue any further.

The Sect Master’s gaze swept across everyone. Since the matter was sufficiently explained, there was no need to waste time.

"The issue regarding Elder Song is concluded."

No one objected. Not even Elder Zhang, as he felt that if he spoke anymore, he would offend the Sect Master.

Wu Haruto then slowly stood from his seat. The moment he rose, the atmosphere in the hall immediately changed.

The elders straightened subconsciously, because they knew what was coming next would be an extremely important matter.

His expression became solemn.

"Now then."

"We shall discuss the abnormalities regarding the Pishachas in the past week."

"Because if today’s events are any indication..." His gaze swept across the hall, "...then White Moon Sect is facing a far greater threat than any of us anticipated."

The hall immediately became silent once more.

This time, however, no one was thinking about internal disputes anymore.

Their enemy was outside, and it was growing stronger. Not only in terms of strength but also in terms of the means.

For now, they could only set aside their internal grudges for the well-being of the sect.

***

During that time, the meeting that considered the future of the White Moon Sect was in motion.

Zhi Mo had brought Sub Mo and Yang Qingxi to Elder Song’s courtyard.