Chapter 402

Chapter 402: Judgment

Within the Qinyuan Sect, the name Zhou Changqing was known to everyone.

On one hand, it was because of his extraordinary natural talent, his peculiar constitution, his Companion Spirit Beast, and his gift for alchemy that surpassed all others.

On the other was his character and style of action.

Compared to his father, Zhou Luo, Zhou Changqing acted more unrestrainedly. He was also a righteous person who hated evil fiercely.

Faced with injustice, no matter who was involved, he was utterly fearless.

Because of this very nature, the entire Immortal Sect held conflicting feelings for him—both affection and resentment.

The affection stemmed from the cultivation talent he displayed; the resentment came from his tendency to frequently stir up trouble, skirting the edge of the sect’s rules.

While the sect elders found him a headache, those disciples he had helped held him in great esteem, resulting in exceptionally high prestige among his peers.

This was also why those outer disciples had sought him out earlier.

Now, facing the towering pressure emanating from that Elder, Zhou Changqing, even though his face was pale, remained motionless, silently enduring the crushing sensation like an incoming tide.

Above, the Elder narrowed his eyes, a strange glimmer of light flashing within their depths.

He was very clear: the opponent was the most favored disciple of Master Tianshu, while he himself was merely a late-stage Foundation Establishment Elder. He naturally didn’t dare to go too far.

At any rate, those above him were discussing the matter; he was merely pushed out here to fulfill a formality.

At the very rear of the main hall, there was a comparatively smaller chamber.

Within this chamber, head of the Qinyuan Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall sat at the highest position, meditating with his eyes closed.

Directly below him and to his left sat an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face. He wore white alchemical robes, had gentle and benevolent features, and appeared energetic for his age, showing no sign of frailty. This was Zhou Changqing’s master, Master Tianshu.

Facing Tianshu across the room sat another silver-haired Elder, clad in a purple and gold robe, his weathered face bearing a trace of displeasure.

"Your disciple is quite… resilient," he said with a hollow smile, his voice icy cold.

These words, seemingly complimentary, actually expressed dissatisfaction.

After all, his own disciple had his cultivation publicly destroyed within the sect gates, likely forever barred from the path of cultivation—it was a direct slap to his face.

A Golden Core master being humiliated like this… if it weren’t for Zhou Changqing’s special status, he would have ripped him to shreds already.

Now, he demanded an explanation.

Facing these words, Master Tianshu smiled faintly. "Master Jingming, perhaps there is a misunderstanding here? Let us wait and hear more."

"Hmph." Master Jingming snorted coldly and said no more.

Back in the Judgment Hall, the presiding Elder demanded sternly: "Since you refuse to plead guilty, state clearly what happened just now. If even half a word is false, we will invoke the Heavenly Blade Judgment."

The Heavenly Blade was one of the most severe punishments in the Qinyuan Sect, somewhat akin to death by a thousand cuts in the mortal world.

And because a cultivator’s constitution was special, this Heavenly Blade didn’t inflict permanent harm to their foundation, but the pain of each stroke had to be endured in full awareness.

During this punishment, the afflicted remained conscious at all times, forced to watch and feel as the Heavenly Blade methodically parted skin from flesh. This separated flesh would regrow, only to be parted once more.

The cycle repeated for a total of ninety-nine repetitions.

This excruciating agony was enough to make countless sect disciples shrink back in dread.

However, seeing this, Zhou Changqing appeared remarkably composed.

His eyes glinted slightly as he recounted the earlier events in detail without the slightest concealment.

After hearing his account, Master Jingming inside the chamber faced him coldly.

He looked toward the presiding law enforcement elder and spoke gravely:

"Simply because my disciple threatened with words, he deserved to be injured that severely?"

If an injury occurred solely over verbal threats, they were being unreasonable, plain and simple.

Naturally, Master Jingming was displeased, convinced this was Tianshu’s deliberate suppression of his faction.

"Not at all. Troubles arise from careless speech. Since your disciple spoke those words, Master Jingming, he must bear the consequences. Furthermore, if the accusations of him bullying outer disciples hold true, punishment is warranted," Master Tianshu responded calmly and deliberately.

"Tianshu, don’t slander others! My disciple was merely being verbally reckless!" Master Jingming countered, his voice rising. "As for Zhou Changqing’s lawlessness… if you cannot discipline him, leave it to me!"

He banged the armrest fiercely, his tone furious.

His disciple’s crippling represented a tremendous loss for his faction. To endure such provocation was unbearable for a Golden Core master like him.

"Master Jingming, remain calm," Master Tianshu said with a smile, glancing toward the law enforcement elder above, who hadn’t even opened his eyes. "The Hall Master will naturally provide a thorough investigation."

Master Jingming’s face darkened to a deep shade, fists clenched tightly, and he spoke no further.

Outside the chamber, the elder pressed the question: "You say Bi Ang bullied outer disciples? Do you have proof?"

"Elder, proof? Simply inquire around. It’s not just a single offense. Truly unknown what his master teaches him," Zhou Changqing shrugged casually.

"You dare insult our master! I’ll kill you!"

Hearing this, Bi Ang’s Senior Brother exploded in rage. Foundation Establishment stage cultivation power surged around him as he prepared to strike Zhou Changqing down on the spot.

"Halt! Who dares act recklessly before the Judgment Hall?"

The very next second, an overwhelming pressure descended, instantly immobilizing him.

Simultaneously, inside the chamber, Master Jingming flew into a rage upon Zhou Changqing’s words, rising to his feet. But Master Tianshu swiftly blocked him.

"Tianshu! Zhou Changqing is utterly disrespectful and rebellious toward his elders! Do you still shield such defiance?" he bellowed angrily.

Defying one’s superiors was a severe crime in the Qingyuan Sect. Such audacity going unpunished was unacceptable.

Master Tianshu’s smile vanished.

This disciple grows more reckless by the day. I must discipline him properly after this, he thought to himself.

For now, he had to protect him. The boy’s exceptional talent guaranteed he’d become a future asset for their faction.

With this thought firming his resolve, he looked squarely at Master Jingming: "The Hall Master will determine this matter. Besides, Changqing only spoke facts."

"You…" Master Jingming fumed, too enraged for words.

Suddenly, a person rushed into the Hall from outside.

"Elder! I present evidence of Bi Ang’s oppression of outer disciples!"

A young man in a green robe strode into the Grand Hall with steady steps. His bearing was upright and dignified. Anyone looking closely might note his resemblance to Zhou Luo.

"Elder Brother!"

Seeing him, Zhou Changqing’s firm expression softened visibly, his calm demeanor rippling with emotion.

The newcomer signaled him not to worry, then paid a respectful bow to the elder. "Disciple Zhou Chang Lun, pays respect to the Elder."

"Explain your earlier statement," the law enforcement elder questioned sternly.

Zhou Chang Lun placed an object on the ground. It shuddered and emitted a beam of light. Flickering images formed within the radiance, projecting various scenes.

This was a device that recorded images. And within the projection, the scenes unmistakably showed Bi Ang bullying outer disciples.