The anguish and sorrow within that last statement were known only to Zhou Daoyi himself.
Had there not been so many clues pointing towards Zhou Zhengkang, Zhou Daoyi would have never believed that Zhou Zhengkang, the family's prized candidate for Foundation Establishment, could actually betray the family!
This was something that perhaps even if spoken aloud, not many of the Zhou Family members would believe, would dare to believe.
Because Zhou Zhengkang's qualifications were truly outstanding—with an excellent Spiritual Root talent and an exceptional family background. These factors combined foretold that he was destined to become one of the most powerful figures within the Zhou Family, with a very good chance of dropping "one of" from that statement.
With such great prospects, only someone who had lost their mind would contemplate betraying the family, to break away from the family.
"Although I still find it hard to believe that Zhengkang would do such a thing, since you, Daoyi, are utterly convinced of this matter, I can allow you to verify its authenticity. How do you plan to do this?"
Zhou Mingde, after a long silence, looked at Zhou Daoyi's complex expression and made a decision that was in keeping with his status.
He had been able to step forward and lead the Zhou Family Cultivators to establish a foothold at Jiufeng Ridge; his loyalty and affection for the Zhou Family were beyond question.
Therefore, although he found it hard to believe that Zhou Zhengkang could betray the family, he would not forcefully stop the investigation once Zhou Daoyi, the Clan Leader who also had his deep trust, decided to look into the matter.
However, such an investigation had to be conducted under his supervision.
Zhou Daoyi understood this and quickly said, "It's simple. If Zhengkang is indeed such a fool, unaware of his folly, we just need to summon him to confront him and search him on the spot. In the presence of you, my dear uncle, and the younger generations, if those clues pointing at him are indeed factual, he won't be able to conceal his reactions!"
"Good, then let's proceed that way!"
Zhou Mingde's eyebrows twitched, and he immediately went with Zhou Daoyi to the "Central Peace Hall," then watched as Zhou Daoyi instructed the blue macaw "Lan Lan" to summon Zhou Zhengkang.
Not long after, Zhou Zhengkang arrived in the hall.
It was clearly visible that upon seeing Zhou Mingde also present in the hall, Zhou Zhengkang's eyes betrayed a flash of panic.
Although he covered it up quickly, the subterfuge did not escape the notice of the two watchers, who felt their hearts sink instantly.
Then Zhou Mingde, as if he had entirely forgotten the process he had previously discussed with Zhou Daoyi, stood with his beard bristling, glaring at Zhou Zhengkang who had just entered the hall, and shouted, "You miscreant, your misdeed has been exposed!"
Zhou Zhengkang was taken aback, his footsteps "thumping" as he staggered backwards several steps, saying in a fluster, "What are you talking about, Great-Uncle? I don't understand what you mean!"
"Still trying to argue your case!"
Zhou Mingde bellowed angrily and immediately waved his hand, casting a "Body Immobilization Spell" to freeze Zhou Zhengkang in place.
Then, with a gesture of his hand, the Storage Pouch at Zhou Zhengkang's waist fell into his hand.
He easily opened the pouch and shook out everything inside.
Soon, the jade vial containing a few remaining "Honey Flower Tea" pills was drawn into his hand.
Upon seeing the rather fresh-looking pills inside, Zhou Mingde's face revealed genuine rage.
"For the sake of these mere tea pills, you betrayed the family, schemed against your elder!!"
He gripped the jade vial tightly, his face full of anger, glaring at Zhou Zhengkang, the fury in his eyes almost taking form.
At this moment, Zhou Daoyi, after using his Divine Sense to sweep over the heap of items on the ground, quickly fixed his gaze on a money pouch filled with a large amount of Spirit Coins, saying, "There's a lot more Spirit Coins here. Since he has been cultivating within the family, I have a good idea of what his assets should be. The amount of Spirit Coins in this Storage Pouch is clearly far beyond what he ought to have!"
With this prompt, Zhou Mingde also glanced at the bulging money pouch, and his face grew even angrier.
He raised his hand, and with a "slap," a loud smack sent Zhou Zhengkang tumbling to the ground through the air, simultaneously releasing the effect of the "Body Immobilization Spell."
"Speak up, I'm waiting to hear your defense. Let's see how skilled you are in conjuring up a story that is so airtight that it leaves no room for error, that none can pick apart!"
At that moment, Zhou Mingde was like an enraged lion, his gaze fixed fiercely on Zhou Zhengkang, which was quite intimidating.
How much he had struggled to believe that Zhou Zhengkang could betray the family was now matched by the rage in his heart.
Even Zhou Daoyi, who knew him quite well, couldn't predict how he would deal with Zhou Zhengkang now.