Cultivation Online novel Chapter 2634

Chapter 2634: Verdict

"Although the Scorpion Squad is infamous for causing trouble, that was a long time ago!" one of the officers on General Gu’s side exclaimed. "Besides, what reason would they have to want Corporal Yuan dead? It’s not as though they have any grudges against him!"

"We all know why they want him dead!"

The officers on General Mei’s side immediately turned their gazes toward General Gu, who remained seated in silence with a calm, almost indifferent expression.

The reason was obvious to everyone in the room, especially after General Mei’s recent accusations against him. Even so, not a single person dared to say it aloud.

Seeing this, General Gu turned toward Mei Feng.

"Do you see this, General Mei? Because of your baseless accusations, everyone now thinks I want Corporal Yuan dead."

"..." Mei Feng remained silent.

"Since we’re already on the subject, let me ask you directly—have you found any evidence to support those accusations? Or do you intend to keep tarnishing my reputation with nothing but lies?"

The room instantly fell deathly silent, with many of the officers holding their breath as they waited for Mei Feng’s response.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally spoke.

"Whatever evidence I possess is not something I intend to reveal here. Once everything is properly prepared, I’ll hand it over to the appropriate authorities."

General Gu sneered in disdain at her response and said, "So you intend to drag the Supreme General into your lies, huh? I have underestimated your recklessness!"

"If you’re truly innocent, you would have nothing to worry about, and I will bear all responsibility for my actions."

General Gu suddenly rose from his seat. "I’m leaving. As for the Scorpion Squad, I’ll leave their fate in General Mei’s hands, even if that means innocent soldiers may end up suffering for it."

He turned toward the exit.

"I want to see just how far her madness will go."

Without another word, he left the room shortly afterward.

A few other officers from General Gu’s side also left, but some of them remained.

"What are you going to do about the Scorpion Squad, General?" someone eventually asked Mei Feng.

Mei Feng closed her eyes and took a deep breath before giving her verdict, "Release them."

"What?!"

Her own officers exclaimed in shock, as none of them expected her to let the Scorpion Squad go for killing Yuan. Even those from General Gu’s side were surprised by her verdict and stared at her with widened eyes.

Mei Feng continued, elaborating on her decision. "Regardless of my personal opinion of the Scorpion Squad—or what I believe their true intentions were—the fact remains that we don’t have enough concrete evidence to convict them."

"But—"

"Moreover!" Mei Feng interrupted before the officer could continue. "There’s still no proof that Corporal Yuan is dead. The Ironwoman is out there searching for him as we speak, so we’ll postpone the Scorpion Squad’s final verdict until we know more."

As much as Mei Feng wanted to find the Scorpion Squad guilty and punish them for Yuan’s presumed death, she was still a general. No matter how strongly she felt, even she couldn’t ignore military procedure and pass judgment based solely on suspicion.

"Also, to prevent something like this from happening again, effective immediately, soldiers of any rank are forbidden from taking personnel into areas they are not qualified to enter. Furthermore, all soldiers leaving the city will be required to officially check out at the gate."

Before anyone could voice their thoughts on the decision, Mei Feng turned around and left the room.

Shortly afterward, the Scorpion Squad was released from custody. However, they were far from completely free. Until a final verdict was reached, every member was prohibited from leaving the military base.

It didn’t take long before word of the situation spread like wildfire throughout the military base.

"Did you hear? The Scorpion Squad is suspected of luring Corporal Yuan outside the city to kill him!"

"The Scorpion Squad? Why am I not surprised it’s them? But why would they do something like that? Did Corporal Yuan somehow offend them?"

"Don’t tell anyone I told you this, but according to some people, the Scorpion Squad was acting on General Gu’s behalf. Apparently, he holds a grudge against Corporal Yuan for refusing to join his division."

"General Gu, huh? I can believe that, especially considering how bitter he’s been ever since the Ironwoman appeared."

"So what’s going to happen to the Scorpion Squad?"

"They’re released for now, but it’s still possible for them to be responsible for Corporal Yuan’s death."

"What a pity... Corporal Yuan’s death, I mean. He was so talented and was likely to surpass the Ironwoman."

Meanwhile, in a private room, Sergeant Bing sighed aloud, "It’s my fault. I should’ve kept a closer eye on him."

"No, it’s my fault. It was my turn to look after him on that day..." Sergeant Quang shook his head.

"You’re acting like he’s already dead..." Wu Wang said. "Knowing that guy, he’s probably still alive."

"No matter how talented he is, there’s no way he can deal with five captains by himself," said Sergeant Quang with a frown on his face.

"I... wouldn’t be so sure about that," said Shi Fa.

At the same time, the Scorpion Squad went to report the situation to their superior. Of course, this superior wasn’t General Gu, as that would be too obvious.

"Tell me what I want to hear."

"Corporal Yuan is dead," said Captain Chen.

"Did you see it with your own eyes?"

"...Yes."

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