Like a Ray in My Night (Part 4)

786 How to Spot a Traitor

Cai Wei didn't feel happy but he had nothing to say to that. Of course, he didn't want anyone to suffer in case there was a traitor. And, needless to say, as someone who had managed to make it to the position of an Elder, he understood very well how disastrous it would be if there truly was someone among them who was willing to betray them or had maybe even been a spy from the very beginning. If such a person were to attack during the upcoming battle ... the damage they could do would be unbelievable.

His brows furrowed even further when he thought of this. In fact, it would be easy to do. If such a person was with them right now — or if there was maybe even more than one person because someone was lurking in every sect — then if they destroyed the last remaining array and caused the explosion while all of them were still in the building ... it would be a surefire way for the demonic faction to achieve a great result without having to put in any work.

Not only would all of them be buried in this underground palace, together with them, the idea of there being a traitor would be as well. After all, the people who were coming over from their sects wouldn't know whether there had been a fight or not. The traces of that would be beneath the rubble from the explosion, wouldn't they be?

At the same time, whatever information they had gathered during their time here but hadn't communicated to their sects yet would also be lost. And surely, there was a lot. They couldn't arbitrarily leave the border region, after all. The risk of being intercepted was too high for that so especially recently, they had all been careful with that.

Elder Cai took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. Yes, a traitor among their ranks would be the worst possible thing that could happen. Especially if they weren't prepared for it and ran into the issue without having any plans in place.

"Let's say there is someone ... how could we tell?" Right now, this was only a guess. Not even their own guardian was sure whether or not there was someone in their sect. Not to mention ... "And how can we be sure that we get the right person?"

Long Shu Fen smiled wryly. "I'm the wrong person to ask this question. I hardly know the Elders, much less the disciples. I did, however, speak to that disciple of the Teng Yong Sect earlier and he said something that has kept me thinking: He said that the Elder Feng who betrayed them wasn't necessarily well-liked by people and this feeling was apparently mutual. He was standoffish with others, likely because he looked down on them.

"So there is a chance that if we have someone in our sect, they might show similar behavior. It is difficult to fit into a righteous sect if you are actually a demonic practitioner, after all. Although it also shouldn't be too obvious. The person should at most show subtle clues in the way they are involved in the sect and with other people there."

Meng Qing shook his head. "I doubt it's that easy. After Feng Bai Xiao was discovered, people were talking. Everyone knew what kind of person he was. If others had shown a similar attitude at the time, they certainly would have been suspected and investigated. So if there are traitors, I am afraid they will be able to act out their role much more convincingly.

"In fact, seeing as the demonic faction likely wants to gather information, it might even be someone who is especially involved in the matters of the sect. The kind of person who'd always volunteer to help out and might be very much beloved due to that."

Long Shu Fen and Cai Wei both fell silent. This ... was not a good thing for them. Not at all. They could deal with it if there was at least some lead to figure out who might be a traitor but if the possibilities could go in both directions ... And, well, it wasn't just the extremes they'd have to look out for, was it? After all, someone who was able to act even though they looked down on them could also pretend to be a more ... neutral person, someone who didn't stand out much but was generally willing to help. And even someone who only felt hatred for them could likely restrain those emotions when thinking of how their work in the sect would lead to its downfall. There really was nothing to go off of.

Long Shu Fen sighed deeply, rubbing her forehead. "So we know nothing and can't change it anymore."

Meng Qing could only smile wryly. "I am sorry to for what it means but it had to be said. We can't just base a guess on their personality alone. It's just not possible."

"I know, I get it. I just ... I wish it was easier." She lowered her hand and looked at Elder Cai again. "You wouldn't happen to have any other ideas, would you?"

Cai Wei hesitated. Ideas ... "Well, it's not easy to thoroughly investigate anything but ... everyone will leave the sect, right? Maybe the guardian could return to the sect and check for some more ... obvious clues?" He raised his brows and looked from Blue Butterfly to Elder Meng and back again. "I mean, maybe there is something in their rooms or buildings that could give us at least a hint.

"It's doubtful since most things would likely be carried on their body or would have been destroyed right before they left but doing this would be better than doing nothing. I'd just suggest picking up the guardian of the Li Ren Sect if you intend to do so. After all, a traitor especially would likely secure their place more tightly as they have much to hide. And whether it's running into a trap or simply an array, it might alert the person. Of course, if this is done after they arrive here, we could keep an eye on everyone and whoever shows signs of something off ... they'd be the one to grab."