Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: The Investigation

"Come in," she called.

Lin Wei entered, her expression friendly but curious. "Mei Xian, I thought I'd find you here."

"Lin Wei," Mei Xian greeted her with a smile. "Is everything alright?"

Lin Wei nodded, taking a seat nearby. "Senior Sister, I was just checking on you. After everything that's happened, I thought you might want some company."

Mei Xian appreciated the gesture. "Thank you. It's been... a lot to process."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Lin Wei spoke again. "You seem distracted," she observed gently.

Mei Xian hesitated before admitting, "I can't seem to focus on my cultivation tonight."

"Thinking about the mission?" Lin Wei asked sympathetically.

"Partly," Mei Xian replied.

Lin Wei's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh? What's on your mind?"

Mei Xian looked down, fiddling with a loose thread on her sleeve. "I dont' know. I need some rest."

Mei Xian was a traditional girl and she wasn't able to really share her thoughts to others especially on romantic issues.

Lin Wei left her place and she went to rest.

The next morning, the atmosphere within the Holy Sect was thick with tension. The usually serene courtyards were abuzz with unease as disciples exchanged furtive glances.

Everyone was talking about the discipline hall.

One of the disciples, Inoga San, said, "You heard that we lost few of our disciples in the hands of Edsmith palace"

"Yes", The other replied. "And i have even heard that the Discipline Hall is going to investigate this issue"

"What a trouble", Inoga sighed

On the other hand, at the Discipline hall , things were chaotic.

Inside, narrow corridors led to a series of interrogation rooms, each equipped with a simple wooden table and chairs, illuminated by the cold light filtering through small, barred windows.

Elder Liang, a figure of authority with a gaze as sharp as a hawk's, presided over the investigation. His reputation for impartiality and meticulousness was well-known. Seated behind a sturdy desk piled with scrolls and reports, he summoned his aides.

"Bring forth all who participated in the mission," he commanded. "And those who might hold relevant information, regardless of their involvement. We must uncover the truth."

Disciples scurried to comply, their footsteps echoing down the stone hallways.

First to be summoned was Peng Falcon, the mission leader. He entered the interrogation room with a steady gait, despite the bandages peeking out from beneath his robes. Taking a seat across from Elder Liang, he maintained a composed demeanor.

"Peng Falcon," Elder Liang began, his voice steady. "Describe, in detail, the events of the mission."

Peng Falcon took a deep breath. "We departed at dawn, aiming to reach the rendezvous point by nightfall. However, upon arrival, we were ambushed. The enemy seemed to anticipate our every move."

Elder Liang leaned forward. "Did anything unusual occur prior to the ambush? Anything that might suggest a leak of information?"

"There were moments," Peng Falcon replied thoughtfully. "Certain strategies we hadn't discussed openly were countered. It was as if they knew our plans intimately."

Elder Liang's eyes narrowed. "Do you suspect anyone within our ranks?"

Peng Falcon hesitated before speaking. "I cannot make unfounded accusations, but Xu Mevan and Xu Amber's actions were... peculiar. They emerged from the battle largely unscathed and seemed to avoid the heaviest fighting."

Elder Liang noted this silently. "Your observations are appreciated. Is there anything else?"

"Jia Lin, the vice leader, fought valiantly," Peng Falcon added. "But even he seemed troubled by the enemy's preparedness."

"Thank you, Peng Falcon. You may go."

As Peng Falcon left, he passed Lin Wei in the corridor. She offered him a faint smile before being ushered into the room.

Lin Wei sat down, smoothing her robes nervously. Elder Liang regarded her with a measured gaze.

"Lin Wei, please recount your experiences during the mission," he instructed.

She nodded. "The ambush was sudden. We tried to regroup, but they anticipated our formations. It was chaos."

"Did you notice anything unusual among your fellow disciples?" Elder Liang asked.

She bit her lip. "Yes. Xu Mevan and Xu Amber seemed to... hold back. While others were in the thick of battle, they stayed on the periphery."

"Did they offer any explanations?"

"Not directly," Lin Wei replied. "But their demeanor was off. It felt like they knew something we didn't."

Elder Liang tapped his fingers on the table. "Noted. Anything else?"

"Derek Xiang mentioned he felt we were being watched even before the ambush," she added.

"Thank you, Lin Wei. Your insights are valuable."

Mei Xian entered the room with an air of calm grace, though a hint of worry shadowed her eyes.

"Elder Liang," she greeted respectfully.

"Mei Xian," he acknowledged. "Please share your perspective on the mission's outcome."

She recounted the events with clarity. "We were caught off-guard. The enemy's coordination was too precise to be coincidence."

"Do you have any suspicions regarding how they obtained such information?" Elder Liang probed.

She hesitated. "It's difficult to say, but... there were moments when Xu Mevan and Xu Amber acted strangely."

"In what way?"

"They separated from the main group just before the ambush," Mei Xian explained. "And during the battle, they seemed more concerned with avoiding confrontation than aiding others."

Elder Liang's expression remained neutral. "Your honesty is appreciated. Is there anything else you wish to add?"

She shook her head gently. "No, Elder."

"Very well. You may go."

As Mei Xian exited, she caught sight of Adolf waiting in the corridor. She offered him a reassuring nod before moving on.

Derek Xiang, a tall disciple known for his keen senses, was next.

"Derek," Elder Liang began. "Lin Wei mentioned you felt you were being watched prior to the ambush."

He nodded. "Yes, Elder. There were moments when the forest felt... off. No animal sounds, an unnatural stillness."

"Did you report this to anyone?"

"I mentioned it to Jia Lin," Derek replied. "He agreed but thought it might just be nerves."

"Did you notice any unusual behavior among your peers?"

He considered the question. "Not directly, but Xu Mevan and Xu Amber were distant throughout the journey."

Elder Liang made a note. "Thank you for your time."

Vice Leader Jia Lin entered, his usually bright eyes dulled by fatigue.

"Jia Lin," Elder Liang addressed him. "As the vice leader, your perspective is crucial."

Jia Lin sighed softly. "The mission was compromised from the start. Our plans were countered too effectively."

"Do you believe there was a traitor?"

He met Elder Liang's gaze. "I fear so. The enemy knew our strategies, even ones decided upon during the journey."

"Do you suspect anyone?"

"Regrettably, Xu Mevan's actions were suspicious," Jia Lin admitted. "He often strayed from his assigned position."

"Did you confront him?"

"There was no opportunity amid the chaos."

Elder Liang nodded solemnly. "Understood. We will delve deeper."

Finally, Aric was summoned. He entered the interrogation room calmly, bowing with respect.

"Adolf," Elder Liang began. "Several have mentioned your notable contributions during the mission. We seek your account."

"Of course, Elder," Aric replied. "The enemy's preparedness was beyond what we could have anticipated. They intercepted us at every turn."

"Do you have any theories as to how this was possible?"

Aric paused thoughtfully. "Information must have been leaked. There's no other explanation."

"Do you have any suspects?"

"Xu Mevan and Xu Amber acted in ways that raised concerns," Aric stated plainly. "They avoided key confrontations and seemed unperturbed by the unfolding events."

Elder Liang regarded him closely. "Do you believe they betrayed the sect?"

"I cannot say for certain," Aric answered carefully. "But their actions warrant scrutiny."

Elder Liang leaned back. "Your candor is appreciated. Is there anything else you wish to add?"

"Only that we must act decisively to prevent further harm," Aric concluded.

"Indeed," Elder Liang agreed. "You may go."

The Discipline Hall extended its inquiry to disciples who had not participated in the mission, seeking any clues that might have been overlooked.

One such disciple was Chen Yong, known for his observational skills.

"Chen Yong," Elder Liang addressed him. "Did you notice any unusual activities among your peers leading up to the mission?"

Chen Yong thought for a moment. "I did see Xu Mevan meeting with a stranger near the eastern gate a few nights before the mission."

Elder Liang's eyes sharpened. "Can you describe this stranger?"

"He wore a hooded cloak, but I caught a glimpse of a scar across his jaw," Chen Yong recalled.

"Why did you not report this?"

"I wasn't sure if it was significant," Chen Yong admitted, looking down.

Elder Liang's tone hardened slightly. "In the future, such observations must be reported immediately."

"Yes, Elder."

Another disciple, Li Na, was questioned.

"Li Na," Elder Liang began. "Have you any information regarding unusual behavior among the disciples?"

She nodded hesitantly. "I overheard Xu Amber speaking with someone in hushed tones near the gardens. When they saw me, they quickly parted ways."

"Did you recognize the other person?"

She shook her head. "No, Elder. They slipped away too quickly."

Elder Liang's expression grew grave. "Thank you for your assistance."

Elder Liang convened a meeting with his fellow elders to discuss the findings.

"The evidence is mounting," he stated. "Multiple accounts point toward Xu Mevan and Xu Amber."

Elder Shen, a wise and cautious elder, raised a hand. "We must proceed carefully. Accusations without irrefutable proof could divide the sect."

"Agreed," Elder Liang conceded. "But we cannot ignore the risk they pose."

"Perhaps surveillance is in order," Elder Mei suggested. "Monitor their activities discreetly."

"An appropriate course of action," Elder Liang affirmed. "We shall assign trusted disciples to the task."