Chapter 403

Chapter 403: Survival of the Fittest

No one expected that Bi Ang’s oppression of his fellow disciple had been recorded.

When his Senior Brother saw the face within the flickering light-shadow, he froze on the spot. His master, Master Jingming, also frowned.

Master Jingming hadn’t anticipated things escalating to this point.

Normally, within the sect, cases of seniors bullying juniors weren’t uncommon. But most acted extremely cunningly, ensuring no trace was left behind.

Being secretly recorded like this, however, had genuinely never happened before.

Who would have guessed someone was secretly watching unseen?

Realizing this, Master Jingming suddenly turned his head, giving Master Tianshu opposite him a deep look.

Such an event was practically impossible unless deliberately orchestrated.

As far as Master Jingming knew, while Zhou Chang Lun was Zhou Changqing’s brother, the power backing him was Master Ziyang.

Master Ziyang and Master Tianshu had always been at odds.

So, what about this time?

Master Jingming’s gaze turned profound, speculating inwardly: Were the two joining forces to target him because of this disciple under his command?

Such an idea seemed unimaginable, but it demanded caution.

Because within the Qinyuan Sect, factional struggles were intensely fierce. They were like turbulent undercurrents beneath a placid lake surface; a moment’s inattention could lead to disaster.

Ultimately, factional struggles were all about fighting for advantage.

Two individuals currently at each other’s throats could easily unite due to shared interests.

Master Jingming didn’t belong to either of their factions. Combined with the recent crippling of his own disciple and this suddenly revealed evidence, it was hard not to suspect this was a plot aimed at him.

Across from him, Master Tianshu was also unsettled and full of doubt. He wondered: Was this Master Ziyang’s plan, or merely the private action of his disciple?

Nevertheless, regardless of that, he knew his own disciple had escaped calamity for now.

"Hmm, since this Bi Ang violated sect rules first, Zhou Changqing’s actions are understandable."

"However, such rampant behavior deserves discipline. I sentence him to confinement on Banishing Mountain for three years."

At this moment, the previously silent hall master of the Law Enforcement Hall finally spoke.

Banishing Mountain was where the Law Enforcement Hall detained disciples. Covered by restrictive formations, its environment was harsh—featuring savage winds, torrential rain, snow, and hail as frequent, anomalous weather—serving as punishment.

Once he spoke, the two Golden Core masters offered no other objections.

With this judgment relayed, the presiding elder outside received the order and publicly announced the verdict.

Zhou Changqing’s expression remained calm and unchanged.

"Men, take him away," commanded the elder.

Immediately, two disciples beside him stood and approached Zhou Changqing.

"No need. I know the way. Let’s go, big brother," Zhou Changqing declared, turning and striding resolutely outside.

Zhou Chang Lun cupped his hands towards the elder and said, "Elder, allow me to escort this worthless brother of mine."

The other party’s expression darkened, but in the end, he said nothing.

There was no helping it. He held little authority, and without a word from those above, he couldn’t readily make any decision.

Though he could still maintain an elder’s composure before Zhou Changqing, within a few decades, the other would effortlessly surpass him.

His own cultivation had already reached its limit, so in matters like this, he simply turned a blind eye as long as appearances were kept.

Stepping outside the great hall, Zhou Changqing’s previously arrogant demeanor softened at once. He respectfully retreated behind Zhou Chang Lun.

“Elder Brother, I owe it all to you.”

“Hmph, your audacity knows no bounds,” Zhou Chang Lun retorted sharply.

Zhou Changqing chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head. “Well, I had faith in Elder Brother’s Heavenly Alliance, didn’t I?”

Zhou Chang Lun froze. He turned and fixed a stern gaze on him. “Zhou Changqing! The Heavenly Alliance is just beginning! If Zhou Chang Le hadn’t used his mind’s eye, do you truly believe you could’ve escaped unscathed?”

“Listen carefully. If there’s a next time, even if Chang Le tries to shield you, I will not permit it.” His voice was heavy and commanding.

Zhou Changqing meekly withdrew his head, whispering weakly, “Apologies, Elder Brother. I didn’t mean to worry you. It won’t happen again.”

The unflappable confidence he’d shown earlier was gone; now he resembled a child caught misbehaving.

Zhou Chang Le stared at him, then yanked him forward. “Let’s go. Once you reach Banishing Mountain, strive for your Foundation Establishment. Then your master might release you sooner.”

The two brothers headed towards Banishing Mountain.

Behind them, Master Tianshu and the Law Enforcement Hall Master stood with hands clasped behind their backs, silently watching.

Master Jingming had already left with his disappointing disciple. As for Bi Ang, deemed a disgrace, he chose not to interfere.

There was no choice. Someone like him, with his cultivation destroyed, was inevitably abandoned.

In a world ruled by survival of the fittest, strength was the only true foundation.

The main reason Zhou Changqing escaped punishment was pure talent.

“That disciple of yours needs more discipline,” the Law Enforcement Hall Master sent a telepathic message.

He and Master Tianshu belonged to the same faction, hence his subtle favoritism, though such things couldn’t be overt. As Hall Master, fairness had to be maintained.

“The boy’s nature isn’t bad,” Master Tianshu replied, eyes narrowed. “He’s just too sharp and aggressive. Hardship may temper him.”

His lineage was unique; lacking descendants, he had no direct disciples.

His affection for Zhou Changqing was understandable.

“What is this ‘Heavenly Alliance’ mentioned by those lads?” inquired the Law Enforcement Hall Master.

“Just a minor scheme by Ziyang’s protégé. Small frictions, not worth worrying over,” Master Tianshu dismissed.

Yet the Law Enforcement Hall Master disagreed.

Gazing at the azure sky, his eyes grew profound. “Zhou Luo’s wives, concubines, and children seem capable. His spouse and daughter have joined the Wan Gu Sect, haven’t they?”

At this, Master Tianshu’s brows arched. A glimmer of light flickered in his unreadable eyes.

“Is this true?”

He hadn’t known, though he was deeply familiar with that Immortal Gate.

As one of Jinyun Continent’s most formidable powers, its strength surpassed even their own.

That Zhou Luo’s kin possessed such luck…

“They say the wife is the last successor of a Wan Gu Sect lineage. Zhou Luo himself lacks talent, yet he seems a person of great fortune,” the Law Enforcement Hall Master mused thoughtfully, recalling his own initial surprise upon hearing the news.

The name ‘Zhou Luo’ wasn’t unknown in the Qinyuan Sect. Those at their level had occasionally extended favors, staying informed.

Master Tianshu’s eyes narrowed slightly, thoughts unknown.

“I hear he has a son named Zhou Chang Lang, currently in the Outer Sect. He bears watching,” Master Tianshu stated.

The Law Enforcement Hall Master merely smiled, silent.