Chapter 6: Sympathy

The Innkeeper was benevolent enough to get them a horse. So the journey was faster than usual and there were no pursuant.

After a day on the road the Huangjidao sect was in view.

The guards at the gate never failed to recognize Rui, he was attributed to the young lady of the sect but the fact that he was seen coming alone in so much rush means an emergency. The sect had three gates before finally reaching the main sect afterwards one starts to journey westward through the thick bamboo forest to reach the sect leader's quarters but Rui didn't need to go that far. On reaching the main sect, he got off quickly and hurriedly told one of the fourth rate disciples that came to help him.

"Sound the bell! Announce the death of lady Hua."

The young boy's eyes widened he ran very fast and a while later, the bell sounded eight times around the whole large sect, which means someone prominent is dead. So every sect disciple, master were to gather to find out who. Rui went on his knee with Rong tied to his chest, as usual, patiently waiting for the whole sect to gather at the main training ground.

It didn't take long before everyone began to come, from the first-rate disciples to the second-rate, third-rate, fourth-rate then the draftees.

Afterwards, the sect master, seven in total appeared from nowhere, even though they saw Rui on the floor, no one dared to raise a question until the arrival of the sect leader.

thump

thump

thump

thump

The pressure that closed in from afar, made Rui's heart throb uncontrollably, he was very scared, he was ready to die.

The sect leader who seemed faraway in a moment had closed the distance and was now placing his hands on Rui's shoulder.

He calmly spoke but his vibrant and thick voice tore through the silent atmosphere. His long white beards floated softly in the direction of the current.

"What is it?"

Rui untied the baby and stretched him forward to the sect leader.

"Your grandson!!"

The hard old man that everyone saw just now turned soft immediately, he collected Rong and was so full of tears.

"Why wasn't I informed that my baby girl had given birth. . ."

Rui fell to his foot.

"Young lady is dead!!!"

whoosh

The atmosphere was so silent that the sound of the passing winds could be heard loud and clear. One of the seven masters of the sect then spoke out.

"Is this a prank, I'm sure the young lady is someone around us hiding her presence, she wanted to surprise us with her presence, is that it?"

There was a silent murmur amidst the whole crowd which immediately stopped. It was understandable, lady Hua was strong enough to be a master of the sect but she chose love over fulfilling her martial art desires but regardless, she was strong. She was a grandmaster level and was preparing to break into the ace level before she married and hit a block in her cultivation.

"Rui"

The sect leader called out to him.

"Yes sir" He began to tear up.

"Do you realize what you are doing now? If you will be something it a second time it means it's the truth"

"Yes, sect leader!!! Lady Hua is dead!!!"

Now the murmurs began to rise. The atmosphere wasn't looking too good.

"Silence!"

One of the first-rate disciples yelled.

The whole crowd went quiet immediately.

"How come?"

"It's the Emperor's official. . ."

The sect leader cut in before he could continue,

"So she got caught up in politics as I predicted. . . I warned her."

He paused for a moment as he looked at Rong, then he looked at Rui.

"Rong, Hai Rong sir!"

"Ah I see. . . well Rui meet me at my quarters"

He vanished immediately.

Rui got up and left.

The masters began to discuss amidst themselves as they made their way to their quarters, while the disciples discussed amongst themselves.

It was a complete unrest.