C24 (1/2)
Zhang Daoqing's figure appeared in everyone's line of sight. With a wave of his sleeve, a surge of spirit energy wrapped around the Darkya sword and flew in front of Han Fei, at the same time shouting, ”Sect Master gave you this sword, I hope you will cultivate your dao diligently and protect the sect and the empire. But you? Yet, you kill all these people here for a small matter. Don't you feel ashamed of the Sect Leader's and your Master's nurturing? ”
The anger on Han Fei's face immediately dissipated without a trace. He kept his Darkya sword and said in a low voice, ”What Elder Zhou said is true, this disciple knows his wrongs.”
Seeing that Han Fei took the initiative to admit his mistake, Zhang Daoqing's expression eased up a bit. He turned to Xie Hu and said, ”You're already a disciple of the Sky Cloud Martial School, not a country bumpkin. Saying 'dirty words, is that something an immortal should say?”
Xie Hu lost his temper and admitted his mistake. ”Disciple knows his wrongs.”
Zhang Daoqing coldly snorted. He looked at Han Yan, wanting to say something, but swallowed his words back down, ”Do what you need to do. Don't stay here any longer. You three follow me to the Hall of Daylight.” With that last sentence, his voice grew stern.
The crowd dispersed, and Zhang Daoqing led the three of them up the mountain. As they neared the peak, a magnificent temple appeared before their eyes. Clouds shrouded the surroundings of the hall as it was filled with spirit energy. When the sunlight shone on it, purple qi appeared out of nowhere like a holy land of immortals, causing people to feel respect and admiration towards it. On the giant signboard in front of the great hall, there were three large golden words written in the name of the ”Hall of Daylight”. The words were carved with a golden hook and a silver slash, giving off a domineering aura that could sweep the world.
There was a huge square in front of the hall, much larger than the square he had seen before when he came to the sect's assessment. Not only that, the square floor was all made of white jade, glittering with light. At a glance, it gave birth to a tiny heart. There was a circular lake in front of the plaza, and lotus flowers were planted on the lake. The lotus flowers were fluttering in the wind, emitting a faint fragrance. In the middle of the lake stood an arched bridge, without a seat or a pier. It rose into the air, one end resting on the square, the other leading to the front of the great hall.
Everyone walked across the bridge and up the ninety-nine steps to the great hall.
The interior of the palace was filled with light. On the wall at the very center was a huge word 'Dao'. The characters were formed from nature and seemed to contain a supreme heavenly law. In front of the word 'Dao' was a large sandalwood chair, and on the chair sat a yellow-robed elder. The sect rules stated that all disciples in yellow robes must have an Aurous Core stage cultivation. There was an exception to this rule, and that was the Sect Leader.
Although the Sect Leader was dressed in yellow, he was slightly lighter in color compared to the Taoist robes worn by an Aurous Core stage Supreme Elder.
Amongst the various empires, anyone who became the Sect Master of the Orthodoxy would all have their own titles.
Daoist Master Hong Daoqing had already received the sound transmission from Zhang Daoqing. As soon as he saw the crowd approach, he asked in a deep voice, ”Junior-apprentice Brother Zhang, just what crime have those three committed?”
Zhang Daoqing walked to the center of the main hall, stopped in his tracks, and clasped his hands. ”Head senior brother, the three of them fought in front of the pill room because of some small matters, and they even emitted a murderous aura …” When they had explained the situation before, they continued, ”Disciple thinks that this matter must be dealt with strictly, otherwise, how is it different from killing people at every turn compared to those in the demonic world?”
Dao Master Hong smiled and waved his hand, saying, ”You can go back for now! Naturally, I will take care of this matter. ”
Zhang Daoqing's face darkened, ”Head senior brother …”
Daoist Master Hong's eyes flashed like lightning. He looked at Zhang Daoqing and said, ”Junior Apprentice Brother Zhang, did you not hear what this sovereign said?”
Zhang Daoqing only felt as if half of his body had been seen through. He quickly said, ”Disciple understands.”
After he left, Daoist Master Hong Daoyi did not say anything. Instead, he slowly picked up a book from the side and began to read. The three of them stood inside the hall as if they were sitting on pins and needles. They didn't know how the Sect Leader would punish them. As time passed, Daoist Master Hong said nothing, as if he had forgotten about them. When the sun was about to set, Adept Hong Daoyi put down the book in his hand and stood up.
The three of them stared at Daoist Master Hong, feeling extremely nervous. Just when they thought Daoist Master Hong was about to speak, they saw him walk towards the side door, as if he was about to leave. The three felt their hearts tighten. If the Sect Leader really left, wouldn't they have to stay here for the night?
Xie Hu couldn't help but ask, ”Sect Leader, how will you punish us?”
Dao Master Hong said as he stopped in his tracks and looked at Xie Hu, ”What crime have you guys committed? Tell me everything. ”
Xie Hu hurriedly kneeled on the ground and said, ”This disciple shouldn't have said such vulgar words, as it would have been a disgrace to the sacred grounds of the immortal estate.”
Daoist Master Hong nodded, then looked at Han Yan and Han Fei and asked, ”What about you two?”
Han Fei also kneeled on the ground and said truthfully, ”Disciple should not carry killing intent, much less do such a heavy blow to a fellow disciple.”
The two of them kneeled down, but Han Yan just stood there without moving. His face was solemn as she fearlessly looked at Daoist Master Hong Dao1 and said neither humble nor arrogant, ”Disciple is innocent.”
Daoist Master Hong dao was somewhat surprised. He quickly walked in front of Han Yan and said, ”Your body is filled with killing intent, your eyes are filled with hatred, and you still claim that you're innocent?” A huge pressure was emitted from his body, enveloping Han Yan. Under this pressure, Han Yan felt breathless, as if she would suffocate to death at any moment.
Xie Hu, who was at the side, could not bear to watch any longer. He tugged on Han Yan's clothes and gave him a meaningful look.
Han Yan acted as if she didn't see it and insisted, ”Disciple is innocent.” The enormous pressure caused his internal organs to be dislocated, and she spat out a mouthful of blood. Han Yan's face was pale as she straightened her back. He knew in her heart that if the pressure continued for even a moment longer, she would die without a doubt. But even so, he would not plead guilty, because he was not guilty at all.
Daoist Master Hong Dao's eyes flashed with surprise. He withdrew his aura and asked Han Yan, ”You say you're innocent, but why?”
Han Yan inhaled a few large mouthfuls of fresh air before saying, ”Han Fei insulted his disciple's parents. If there's no hatred or killing intent, then what kind of person is she?” She could tolerate insulting his parents, but she could not tolerate insulting his parents.