Chapter 1886 — 1886: Condolences

"Oh, I am Xiao Yang. You should've clarified," Yuan said after being pressed by Elder Bai. "I also didn't know you were that disciple's grandfather. You have my condolences."

"YOUR CONDOLENCES?! HOW DARE YOU!"

Elder Bai's furious roar thundered through the mountains, shaking the ground beneath them. The sheer force of his voice sent ripples through the air, as if the world itself trembled beneath the weight of his rage.

"You were the one who killed him!" he bellowed, his aura surging like a raging storm. "Take your condolences back immediately before I lose control of my hands!"

His killing intent exploded outward, suffocating and oppressive, causing the weaker disciples in the crowd to instinctively step back. His eyes, filled with unrelenting hatred, locked onto Yuan.

However, Yuan calmly shook his head and responded, "There's been a misunderstanding. Although I am offering my condolences, it's not for Bai Zhan's death."

"What?!" Elder Bai was so taken aback by Yuan's response that it momentarily dumbfounded him.

"What kind of response is that?"

Even the disciples behind him all wore bewildered looks on their faces.

"I am offering my condolences to something else, Elder Bai," Yuan continued, his voice calm and clear, each word striking like a thunderclap in the suffocating silence.

The crowd stiffened, stunned by his audacity. But before they could fully process his words, he delivered another blow.

"Despite being an honorable and genuine person, you were unfortunate enough to have such a despicable grandson. Most of you aren't aware of it because of how well he hid it, but Bai Zhan is a sick individual who has harmed a lot of people behind the curtains."

Gasps rippled through the gathered disciples. Shock, outrage, and disbelief painted their faces as they stared at Yuan, unable to believe what they had just heard. Even Elder Bai, whose fury had already reached its peak, faltered for a brief moment, his eyes widening in stunned silence before a new wave of rage surged forth.

"Y-You son of a bitch…!" Elder Bai's voice trembled with rage, his body shaking uncontrollably. "Is killing my grandson not enough for you?! Not only did you take his life, but now you dare to slander his name even after death?! Do you even have a heart?!"

His aura surged violently, crackling with raw fury. His restraint, already hanging by a thread, snapped as he roared, "Although I promised the Sect Leader that I wouldn't kill you with my own hands, I will have to break that promise!"

A suffocating killing intent exploded from Elder Bai, pressing down on the surroundings like an unrelenting storm. The gathered disciples remained frozen, unable to fault him for his outburst. To them, Bai Zhan had been a paragon of righteousness, a shining beacon of kindness and honor. For Yuan to brand him a "sick individual" was beyond outrageous—it was outright blasphemy.

In response to Elder Bai's fury, Yuan remained unfazed and calmly asked, "Have you cleaned out his Immortal Cave yet?"

"What?" Elder Bai's movements faltered, his wrath momentarily disrupted by the unexpected question. The crowd, equally confused, murmured among themselves, unsure of where Yuan was going with this.

With a confident smile, Yuan continued, "Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave. Only Core Disciples are supposed to have one, but since he was your grandson, he was granted that privilege despite being an Outer Court disciple. Have you gone through his belongings yet?"

Elder Bai narrowed his eyes, his breath still heavy with anger.

"If not," Yuan added, "then I can prove to you that my words aren't slander—but the truth."

A hush fell over the gathered disciples. The weight of Yuan's confidence sent ripples of doubt through them for the first time.

"If I am wrong, I'll forfeit my life."

Yuan's words hung in the air like a blade, sharp and absolute.

Yet, despite Yuan placing his very life on the line, Elder Bai hesitated. His hands trembled—not with rage, but with something far more insidious… uncertainty. Checking Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave would be akin to admitting that doubt had taken root in his heart. It would also mean he had entertained the words of his grandson's killer. And if Yuan was merely toying with him—if this was nothing more than a cruel deception—then Elder Bai would never be able to forgive himself.

His fingers clenched into a fist, his nails digging into his palm. The weight of the moment pressed down on him like an iron chain. The gathered disciples held their breath, sensing his inner turmoil.

"What's the matter, Elder Bai?" Yuan's voice was calm yet laced with something almost mocking. "Are you thinking about killing me before you even confirm the truth for yourself? In that case, I have misjudged your character and nature. That was my mistake. You can kill me now."

With that, Yuan took a bold step forward, his arms spreading wide open as if inviting death itself. His eyes, steady and unwavering, bore into Elder Bai's with an unshakable conviction.

"Y-You…" Elder Bai's entire body trembled, his breath ragged. He had lived for decades, experienced countless trials, and met all kinds of people, yet he had never encountered someone like Yuan.

A man who faced death without fear. A man who, despite being surrounded by enemies, stood as if he alone controlled the outcome.

For the first time, true hesitation gripped Elder Bai's heart. If Yuan were lying, why was he so willing to risk his life? Why did he not beg, cower, or even show the slightest flicker of doubt?

Eventually, Elder Bai took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking. "As atonement for being willing to break my promise to the Sect Leader, I will entertain you this time."

His voice, though still laced with anger, carried a weight of restraint. It was not a concession nor an admission of doubt but a momentary allowance—a way to justify the crack in his absolute certainty.

"However, if it turns out to be slander, I will make you suffer a fate worse than death! I swear my soul on it!" Elder Bai swore as he glared at Yuan.