Chapter 50: Right and Wrong

"Since you remain obstinate, then let me end all of this."

Before the words finished, Jiangnan's figure flashed and vanished from the spot in an instant.

In the next moment, he appeared before Director Li and Li Si Si, moving so fast it was unbelievable.

Golden light clashed violently with Black Fog, and the exploding gusts swept the riverbank like a raging wind.

Shards of stone splashed, the river water churned backward, and Murong Wan clutched Jiangnan's hem, her knuckles turning white.

Li Dong slumped on the ground, his gaze hollow as if his soul had been lost.

Jiangnan hovered mid‑air, his robes rustling, black hair flying in the gale, his eyes cold as ice.

He looked down at Director Li and Li Si Si, his voice low and powerful:

"Because of you, many have died."

Director Li's body froze, a flash of struggle and hesitation crossing his eyes.

He seemed to recall something, his complexion turning pale, lips trembling as he tried to speak, but Li Si Si's sharp voice cut him off.

"People must die; those who achieve greatness care not for trifles!"

Li Si Si's voice was hoarse, her face twisted, no trace left of the former white‑clad angel; she was fully possessed by the River God, brimming with venomous resentment and madness.

Black Fog coiled around her, forming snarling faces that emitted chilling shrieks, sending shivers down the spine.

"Regret?"

"It's already too late!"

The River God sneered, shaping the Black Fog into countless claws that lunged at Jiangnan.

Jiangnan's gaze turned icy; instead of retreating he advanced, his form slipping through the Black Fog like a phantom.

Each flicker was accompanied by the burst of golden light and the dispersal of Black Fog.

"Refining Qi stage?"

The River God's voice carried a hint of contempt.

"Do you even deserve to clash with me?"

She thrust her hand sharply, the river water roiled and coalesced into a massive water dragon that roared toward Jiangnan.

The water dragon bore immense power; wherever it passed, the ground fissured inch by inch.

Jiangnan let out a cold snort, unhurried, and snapped a finger.

A beam of golden light shot out, striking the water dragon's head.

The water dragon collapsed instantly, turning into a spray of water that filled the sky.

The River God's complexion changed, only then realizing it had underestimated Jiangnan's strength.

"Then, let me show you my true power!"

She let out a scream, her body jerked violently, Black Fog surged madly, coalescing behind her into a massive void‑shadow.

The void‑shadow's features were blurred, its facial details indistinct, yet it exuded a terrifying aura as if a demon from hell.

"This is the treasure I found at the river's bottom—the River God Pearl!"

"Today, you shall be buried here!"

The River God Pearl blazed brightly, the river water seemed summoned, raging and forming massive water pillars that surrounded Jiangnan.

The pillars spiraled into a gigantic vortex, its powerful suction pulling at Jiangnan's body as if to tear him apart.

Jiangnan's expression remained calm, no hint of panic in his eyes.

His inner true Qi circulated, golden light surged around him, and a massive aura erupted instantly, shattering the surrounding water pillars.

"Control water?"

A mocking curl lifted at Jiangnan's mouth.

"Insect Carving Minor Technique."

He flickered, turning into a streak of golden light that appeared before the River God in an instant.

The River God was startled pale, trying to evade, but it was already too late.

Jiangnan slapped out a hand, golden light flashing, and the River God Pearl's glow dimmed instantly.

The River God let out a wail, its body flung backward, crashing heavily onto the ground, spitting fresh blood.

She struggled to rise, only to find her whole body weak, the power within draining rapidly.

Director Li, seeing this, turned pale and fled.

His figure was disheveled, like a bereaved dog, no trace of his former authority.

Yet, before he could run a few steps, a powerful force restrained him.

Jiangnan, having appeared behind him at an unknown moment, placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze icy.

"Trying to run?"

"Too late."

Director Li trembled all over, his face ashen.

He knew he was finished.

"Jiangnan, I beg you, spare my teacher!"

Su Meiruo fell to her knees with a thud, pleading with tears streaming down her face.

Murong Wan stepped forward as well, biting her lip, her eyes filled with worry:

"Jiangnan, although Director Li erred, his crime does not merit death; give him a chance to reform."

Lin Wan, however, stared coldly at Director Li, her tone icy:

"Having harmed so many innocents, death is more than deserved!"

Jiangnan remained silent, his gaze drifting among the few.

He looked at the kneeling Su Meiruo pleading and Murong Wan, at the cold‑eyed Lin Wan, at the ashen‑faced Director Li, his mind a whirl of thoughts.

Finally, he slowly opened his mouth, his voice low and calm:

"Director Li, I will hand you over to legal judgment."

"As for you …"

He turned his gaze to the River God he had imprisoned mid‑air, a flash of cold light in his eyes.

"I will abolish your cultivation."

Upon hearing this, the River God's complexion changed dramatically, fear and despair filling his eyes.

"No, you cannot do this!"

"I am the River God, you cannot …"

She struggled wildly, screaming, yet could not break free from Jiangnan's hold.

Jiangnan ignored her pleas, raised his hand, and a golden ray pierced the River God's body.

The River God let out a wail, his body convulsed violently, the Black Fog around him dissipated quickly, and his aura grew feeble.

"You… you are actually in the Foundation Establishment Stage?"

"That's impossible!"

Shock and disbelief filled the River God's voice.

"Foundation Establishment Stage?"

A mocking curve lifted at Jiangnan's mouth corner.

"Sitting in a well, gazing at the sky."

He no longer paid attention to the River God, sealing her inside a Jade Pendant.

After completing all this, Jiangnan looked at Director Li, his eyes calm.

"Director Li, you may go."

"Await the law's punishment."

Director Li was stunned for a moment, apparently not expecting Jiangnan to spare him.

He lifted his head, looked at Jiangnan, his gaze complex, full of resentment, unwillingness, and a hint of madness.

"Hahaha…"

He suddenly threw his head back and laughed, the laugh eerie, sending chills down the spine.

"Jiangnan, do you think it ends here?"

"You've gotten yourself into big trouble!"

"You will regret it!"

His voice was sharp and piercing, echoing across the open riverbank.

Before the words fell, his body suddenly turned into a wisp of Black Smoke, vanishing into the air.

Jiangnan's brows twitched slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

He hadn't expected Director Li to still have such means.

"Big trouble?"

Jiangnan muttered to himself, a playful curve at his mouth corner.

"I'll see what trouble it is."

He turned, looked at Murong Wan and the others, his tone calm: "Let's go."

"What happened here is already over."

Murong Wan nodded, walked to Jiangnan's side, and tightly grasped his arm.

She knew Jiangnan held many secrets, but if he didn't speak, she wouldn't ask.

She only needed to trust him, support him, and that was enough.

Lin Wan gave Jiangnan a deep look, a flash of complex emotion in her eyes.

She said nothing, silently following Jiangnan.

Su Meiruo wore a worried expression; she knew Director Li's words were certainly not baseless.

A greater storm might be brewing.