In the middle of the vast grassland, Master Nie stood with an air of grace, draped in an elegant black robe adorned with striking golden symbols on his back.
His hands were clasped behind him, and a slight furrow creased his brow. With a sharp mental acuity, his gaze pierced toward the Spiritual Garden, where Devor was.
On the other side, Hall Master Niubi appeared somewhat restless. More than four foreign mental energies were discreetly monitoring the Spiritual Garden, causing him a slight discomfort.
"His peaceful days have come to an end," Master Nie murmured softly.
"What did you say, Master?" a man''s voice came from nearby.
The man’s appearance was peculiar, with purple lines tracing the structure of his bones. He was bare-chested, revealing muscles honed naturally through relentless effort.
This was Master Nie''s personal disciple, Ronin.
Master Nie turned slightly, his eyes settling on Ronin.
"Continue your training. I didn’t tell you to stop," Master Nie said calmly.
Ronin forced a smile and resumed a series of punches and kicks without missing a beat.
Each movement made the purple lines on his skin glow faintly, like embers igniting within his flesh. His jaw clenched as sweat poured from his brow, yet he pressed on.
Every punch felt like striking air filled with thorns, tearing at his flesh and bones. But he knew—this training was a trial he had to conquer, no matter the cost.
"I''ve never seen Youngest Sister doing this kind of training," Ronin grumbled, gritting his teeth as he punched the air in front of him.
Whoooshhh!
His simple punch stirred up a strong gust of wind.
"Each disciple has their own path," Master Nie said firmly yet calmly. "Youngest Sister strengthens her body with the demon dance. If you think that''s easier, I can get you some women’s clothes to join her."
Ronin''s face paled instantly, and his shoulders shuddered at the mere thought of it.
"No, Master! I was just joking," Sorin stammered.
Master Nie let out a slight snort and said, "Only by facing challenges in everything you do will you learn to adapt to the harsh world of cultivation."
Ronin fell silent, gritting his teeth as he continued another set of basic punching techniques.
Master Nie turned his head slightly, his gaze drifting toward Devor, who was being apprehended by the Sect''s Investigation Hall officials.
"Will that boy overcome this calamity? Or will he surrender to it?" Master Nie murmured softly, then added, "The boy is ruthless, taking such extreme actions. Yet, his plans are decisive and lethal, leaving no room for his target to breathe."
He sighed quietly, his eyes fixed on the Spiritual Garden, but he remained an observer, not taking further action.
Meanwhile, far from Master Nie’s location, in a quiet little hut, the Spiritual Hall Master, Leifu, reclined leisurely. He held a cup of warm tea, savoring each sip in the cool mountain air.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Sorin’s figure could be seen flying through the air, landing not far from the small hut where Leifu sat.
Sorin’s face was marked with deep dissatisfaction, a strong discontent evident in his expression.
"The rules of this Sect... they’re absolutely insane!" Sorin slammed a small table in front of him, his breath heavy. "We know who did it, but we’re supposed to stay silent?"
Leifu glanced at him briefly, then poured tea into an empty cup and offered it calmly.
"The Azure Sky Sect isn’t just about power, Sorin," he said quietly, his tone neutral. "It’s about surviving in an unjust world."
Sorin gritted his teeth, the cup of tea in his hand trembling slightly. "Unjust? That’s your excuse? Devor didn’t even start the conflict!"
"I agree with that," Leifu said, nodding gently. "But the Sect''s rules emphasize that the leaders must not interfere, even if we know the cause. Unless the damage they cause is too severe for the Sect to bear."
Sorin’s gaze turned icy as he spoke. “The boy knows the Sect’s rules well and has pushed them to the limit, causing only the damage the Sect can tolerate.”
“His strategy is appreciated by the Sect and has its own merits,” Leifu replied calmly. “If Devor or any other disciple uncovers the culprit through their own abilities, the Sect will swiftly punish the main offender.”
“That’s why these Sect rules are ridiculous!” Sorin said, his face clouded with dissatisfaction. “Devor did everything right, and just because he had dealings with other disciples, disaster came knocking.”
“The boy has caught the Sect’s eye. While his performance is commendable, that’s his limit. If he pulls a similar stunt again, the Sect won’t hesitate to take action, regardless of his status,” Leifu added with a faint smile.
Sorin let out a quiet huff, still discontent with the Sect’s rules, especially since Devor hadn’t instigated any real conflict with others.
“Do you think if I temporarily step down as an Elder and directly expose the culprit with solid evidence, the Sect Master would reinstate me as an Elder?” Sorin asked after mulling over his plan.
“Hmph... looks like I’ll need a new Elder for my Sect.”
A voice echoed around them.
Leifu immediately stood and bowed deeply. Sorin, on the other hand, shivered uncontrollably, quickly standing upright and bowing as well.
“Greetings, Sect Master.”
Leifu and Sorin spoke in unison.
In the next moment, a strikingly handsome man appeared in front of Leifu’s hut, his presence commanding attention.
He had long, light blue hair cascading down his back, shimmering like silk reflecting the soft morning sun. His elegant light blue Taoist robe was adorned with a majestic white dragon that seemed almost alive on his back.
His gleaming hair radiated elegance and softness, leaving anyone who saw him in awe, as though his charm was unparalleled.
“Sorin,” the Sect Master’s voice was soft yet filled with authority, “you may not be entirely wrong. The Sect’s rules do need alignment… but the world won’t wait for justice to come knocking.”
A faint smile appeared on the Sect Master’s face. “Devor serves as a reminder that the Sect must continue to evolve, so it doesn’t lose its way in teaching the disciples.”
Sorin felt a surge of excitement but didn’t dare speak out loud.
“Conflicts among disciples are permitted by the Sect to teach them how the world of cultivation works. And Devor’s case is quite unique and unfair, but the Sect cannot openly support him,” Leifu said humbly and respectfully.
“I feel the same,” the Sect Master responded, a faint smile still on his face. “I’m here to ask you to decide Devor’s punishment.”
“Isn’t that Hall Master Niubi’s responsibility?” Leifu asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
“Punishment must be given. However, who says it can’t be turned into an opportunity for his growth?” The Sect Master maintained his graceful demeanor. “You’ve been observing the boy for the past few years. You know best what he needs to develop himself while being punished.”
Leifu found the reasoning sound and bowed deeply. “I understand, Sect Master.”
The Sect Master turned his gaze toward Sorin. “As for you, Sorin, your allowance for the next two months will be cut in half.”
The Sect Master’s words hit Sorin hard, but he maintained a professional demeanor, forcing a smile. “Understood, Sect Master.”
The Sect Master gave a slight nod, and with a gust of wind, his figure blurred and disappeared before them.
After the Sect Master departed, Leifu offered a slight smile. “You were bold to ask such a question. You know I care for Devor, but I still maintain a neutral stance on the Sect’s decisions.”
“You knew the Sect Master was watching us?” Sorin said, clearly dissatisfied. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Leifu simply smiled without answering. It was Sorin’s own fault for acting recklessly.
Meanwhile, Leifu began contemplating a suitable punishment for Devor, ensuring it would also contribute to his growth without hindering his progress.