71 - The Divine Physician’s Overbearing Wife

**Chapter 71** There was a crack running through the remnants of the Qiao family's branch. It was a long and straight fracture, stretching nearly across the entire site. This was not the trace of a sword or any technique; it appeared as though it had naturally split open. But how could such a straight crack be natural? There must be some reason behind it. Yan Zhu Guang approached the crack and examined it closely. The fracture was narrow and small; if not scrutinized carefully, it would be overlooked. Of course, given the extraordinary vision of cultivators, Yan Zhu Guang was not the only one to notice this crack. Qiao Sheng Jiao, seeing her interest in the crack, said, "Junior Sister also noticed this fracture? At first, we thought it might be a clue." "However, survivors from the branch told us that this fracture originally existed in the wall that separated the inner and outer courtyards. The wall housed an array formation, and this crack might have existed before. Thus, when the assailant flattened the branch family, this crack was left behind." Such formations used between inner and outer courtyards are typically spirit-gathering or defensive arrays. If someone attacked the formation, the pulling forces of the formation might indeed cause the ground to crack. However, what Yan Zhu Guang focused on wasn't this point. She noticed the lingering traces of demonic energy along the edges of the fracture. "Senior Sister, there are traces of demonic energy left around the fracture. It seems the demonic cultivator might have attacked the inner courtyard's formation." Yun Mi Xue nodded in agreement. Qiao Sheng Jiao added, "Indeed, not just the inner courtyard; the outer courtyard's formation was also attacked." He pointed to the perimeter. "The outer formation wasn't as strong as the inner one, so no obvious traces were left. But upon close inspection, you can find remnants of demonic energy there too." "My guess is the demonic cultivator first broke through the outer formation before attacking the inner courtyard, executing the family members." "Such feats could only have been achieved by a powerful demonic cultivator." Yan Zhu Guang admitted, "Naturally, an ordinary demonic cultivator couldn't have leveled such a large area." "However, if the assailant had such overwhelming power, surely they could have destroyed the branch with a single strike. Why bother breaking through the defenses layer by layer before executing everyone?" If someone possessed such earth-shattering power, they could have destroyed the Qiao family in one swoop. The family's formations would shatter immediately, and demonic energy would disperse, leaving none behind at the fracture's edges. The lingering demonic energy at the crack's edge clearly remained because the formation had initially blocked it. Could a powerful demonic cultivator, capable of leveling the Qiao branch, be stalled by such a mere defensive formation? Isn't that odd? "This..." Qiao Sheng Jiao paused, perplexed. Indeed, it was puzzling. "Could it be that the demonic cultivator wanted to torment the branch family, attacking the formation deliberately to frighten them without breaking it?" Yan Zhu Guang mused, "According to your suggestion, that murderer must have a peculiar sense of humor." Qiao Sheng Jiao shook his head, "Our foremost priority now is to uncover the true mastermind. The methods used during the branch's attack aren't our concern." "Once we find them, questioning them about their actions should be straightforward." Yan Zhu Guang continued, "The demonic cultivator behind this must be at least in the Nascent Soul stage. From your tone, Second Young Master Qiao, it seems the Qiao family intends to capture and punish them once identified?" "Naturally," Qiao Sheng Jiao affirmed, "Anyone who exterminates our Qiao family so ruthlessly deserves to be torn apart to avenge our fallen family members." "Even if they're at the Body Integration stage or crossing tribulations, the Qiao family will capture and dissect them!" Yan Zhu Guang remarked, "Second Young Master Qiao truly cares for his kin. Your words would certainly comfort the spirits of your family's tragic victims." Qiao Sheng Jiao sighed, "It's what we should do. Unfortunately, we failed to detect the demonic plot in time to save the branch. No matter how grand our promises now, they cannot mend the past." Yan Zhu Guang, while exchanging polite words with him, was inwardly skeptical. She doubted Qiao Sheng Jiao genuinely cared about the branch's annihilation. His righteous talk might mask ulterior motives. If he truly resented the demonic cultivators for disgracing the Qiao family, why did he leisurely chat with her and Senior Sister instead of thoroughly investigating? Surely, the investigation alone would leave him exasperated. "Host, you can't decipher Qiao Sheng Jiao's intentions either?" The system, finding its host struggling with someone else's motives, thought it was quite intriguing. However, this Qiao Sheng Jiao indeed seemed peculiar. Though hard to pinpoint the issue, something felt off. The system found it unusual, and so did Yan Zhu Guang. "You noticed something?" The system scratched its head. Whatever impression it previously gave its host might be imperfect. Though its intelligence didn't match its host's, it wasn't entirely lacking. Well... the sense of discord regarding Qiao Sheng Jiao wasn't due to intellect. "I just think there's something odd about his aura, but can't detect the issue precisely." "Does this Qiao Second Young Master exist in the narrative?" "Yes," the system replied, "He's indeed an infatuated character, particularly enamored with Senior Sister. He also later develops feelings for the heroine, but there are too many admirers for the heroine, so he doesn't stand out much." "Is there consistency between him and the one described in the story?" "Yes, yes," the system confirmed, "He's portrayed similarly in the book—handsome, carrying a jade flute spirit tool, once a sycophant to Senior Sister." "Sycophant?" "Uh... basically an irrationally devoted follower." Yan Zhu Guang didn't contest, letting out a light huff. This time, Yan Zhu Guang found Qiao Sheng Jiao suspicious, though mainly questioning his motives. Ultimately, regardless of his intentions, they didn't concern Senior Sister much. Thus, although Yan Zhu Guang remained cautious of Qiao Sheng Jiao, she didn't focus on him excessively. When Yan Zhu Guang wished to ask Senior Sister to leave, Yun Mi Xue began conversing with Qiao Sheng Jiao. "Oh, there's one matter, Second Young Master Qiao," Yun Mi Xue, having listened quietly to the exchange between Yan Zhu Guang and Qiao Sheng Jiao, suddenly recalled something. Qiao Sheng Jiao promptly responded, "What would you like to ask? I'll disclose everything I know." "I wonder, where are the surviving members of the Qiao branch now? I expected to find them guarding here and wanted to speak with them, but it's eerily empty." Su Qian Er had been sent to Fenghua Immortal Sect and was now entered into the inner sect's roster. Undoubtedly, the branch's master and others would be eager to learn about Su Qian Er’s current status. Regardless of their intentions for sending Su Qian Er to Fenghua Immortal Sect, now that everything's settled, necessary courtesies should be observed. Yun Mi Xue personally conveying the message could put their minds at ease. However, given the recent tragedy, Yun Mi Xue thought the branch members would still be investigating here. To her surprise, apart from this Second Young Master of the main family, no one else was around. This struck Yun Mi Xue as peculiar. Qiao Sheng Jiao explained, “They’ve been escorted to the Qiao main family by people I brought." “Seeing me here alone you might guess. The family head assigned me to investigate the branch’s extermination, and I brought a few guards for assistance. However, seeing the branch members' sorrow, I couldn't bear it and sent them home with the guards to recuperate.” “They are in such a state now that even if they forced themselves to investigate, they wouldn’t uncover anything significant. It's better left to us.” “I see.” Qiao Sheng Jiao offered, “What's the concern? I have contact with the guards. If there's anything you’d like to convey, I can pass it on.” “It’s not a major concern,” Yun Mi Xue answered. “Just to let them know Su is settled in the sect and to reassure them.” “Oh, that’s all?” Qiao Sheng Jiao remarked, “With you helping, what reason do they have to worry? Rest assured, I will certainly relay this matter.” “Thank you, Second Young Master Qiao.” Yan Zhu Guang attentively watched them finish talking and promptly suggested to Yun Mi Xue, “Senior Sister, now that we’ve seen the remnants of the branch and entrusted Su's matter to Second Young Master Qiao, it's best we don't linger here." "There's still unresolved sect business, and we shouldn’t delay Second Young Master Qiao’s important tasks. Let's return now?" Before Yun Mi Xue could reply, Qiao Sheng Jiao declared, "Not a bother at all! How could you be a nuisance here? The branch remains have been thoroughly searched. Since it's only me here until the guards return, I can’t venture out alone to investigate more. Your presence here is a pleasant surprise!” Yan Zhu Guang, puzzled, asked, "Second Young Master Qiao, why send all your guards away? With such events occurring, the demonic cultivator may not be far off. Aren’t you concerned about the danger?" "Don't laugh at me, Junior Sister," Qiao Sheng Jiao chuckled, "I am indeed fearful; otherwise, I wouldn't be so delighted to see you and the Elder Sister." "The guards I brought were few, and I hadn't initially planned to escort them back to the main family. But ultimately, the safety of the surviving branch members was more crucial. Also, I have some means to protect myself. So, I sent them back quickly and asked them to return to me." With a touch of pleading, Qiao Sheng Jiao said, "Seeing how pitiable I am, why not stay a little longer, Elder Sister and Junior Sister? I can discuss the dubious points we've found in the branch remnants. This way, you’ll have something more to report back." Unfortunately, Yan Zhu Guang wasn't swayed. The more Qiao Sheng Jiao wanted them to stay, the more Yan Zhu Guang was determined to leave quickly. She even lost interest in Su Qian Er's matters. "No, no, the information we've gathered so far is sufficient, and knowing you have means to protect yourself, we can leave with peace of mind." Yan Zhu Guang tugged at Yun Mi Xue’s arm. "Senior Sister, shall we go?" "Alright, alright." Yun Mi Xue also found Qiao Sheng Jiao's “eagerness” hard to handle. His enthusiasm was overwhelming, and despite being a bit discourteous, she preferred to leave promptly. With that, the two prepared to apologize and take their leave, ignoring Qiao Sheng Jiao's attempts to persuade them to stay. Just as Yan Zhu Guang was about to summon her flying sword, Yun Mi Xue quickly pulled her aside. Only then did she notice a small jade arrow darting swiftly past where she had stood moments before, halting right in front of Qiao Sheng Jiao. Startled, Qiao Sheng Jiao exclaimed, "Are you alright, Junior Sister?" Yan Zhu Guang furrowed her brows. "I'm fine. This urgent communication via jade arrow must be important. Second Young Master Qiao should check it." Had she not recognized it as a messaging jade arrow and stopped herself from destroying it, she might not have dodged it in time. Qiao Sheng Jiao glanced between the two of them and the small jade arrow before eventually accessing its message with his spiritual sense. His face changed dramatically! "What! Completely wiped out!"