Lenient Punishment

Lenient Punishment...

The voice of the azure-robed youth instantaneously suffocated the surroundings in hushed stillness. Witnessing the speaker, a luminous grin unfurled across Qin Wentian's face. The recollection of Ouyang Ting's murderous intent at the mere mention of Ouyang Kuangsheng bespoke a strained rapport between them. This was no superficial enmity; else, Ouyang Ting wouldn't have been so fervently aggressive.

Ouyang Kuangsheng's entrance greeted Qin Wentian with the familiar air of his past self.

Ouyang Ting, ensnared in a kowtow, laboriously lifted her head. Her visage blanched; her forehead bore a fresh wound. Gazing upon the descending figure, she icily spat, "Ouyang Kuangsheng, like you, I too bear the blood of the core Ouyang Clan. This outsider presumes to treat me thus. And yet, you issue such an outlandish proclamation. ARE YOU STILL A MEMBER OF OUR OUYANG ARISTOCRAT CLAN?"

The aerial white-clad figure fixed Ouyang Kuangsheng with an intense stare, his voice frigid. "Ouyang Kuangsheng, your actions are reprehensible."

This white-clad figure was an external cultivator, christened 'Ouyang' by name and swiftly elevated to chosen status due to exceptional talent. He was apprenticed to a seasoned practitioner, eventually ranking in the Heavenly Fate Ranking.

Duan Qingshan—exemplar to numerous impassioned cultivators, and a coveted figure for external members within the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan—sought Ouyang Ting's affection. His intention was clear: integrate into the Ouyang Clan's fold and vie for future leadership rights through a marital connection.

In Ouyang Ting's veins coursed the purest Ouyang lineage—a direct descendent. This match resonated with many, particularly Ouyang Ting's family, who ardently supported the union.

However, an external entity daring to affront Ouyang Ting within the Ouyang Clan piqued collective astonishment. More bewildering yet, Ouyang Kuangsheng allied with this outsider, lambasting Ouyang Ting alongside him.

A collective surrealism gripped the onlookers, this scene being utterly absurd.

"The bloodline of the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan should remain untainted by refuse like her. As an Ouyang progeny, victory implies strength while defeat mandates resilience. Seeking to sever the victor's limb for a loss? Mind you, she initiated the spar. Such actions tarnish the grandeur of the Ouyang Clan, sullying its revered name. What humiliation, what disgrace! Duan Qingshan, are you so deluded as to perceive her conduct as a source of pride?"

Ouyang Kuangsheng's gaze bore into Duan Qingshan as he persisted, his tone frosty. "Duan Qingshan, recollect your arduous climb to your present position. Imagine if every Ouyang Clan member acted like Ouyang Ting—each loss resulting in an amputation of your limbs—how many arms would you have left? If our clan embraces this mindset, how many elites would dare join us? How could we flourish?"

Duan Qingshan scowled, but his rejoinder proved elusive.

This could escalate into a colossal ordeal. Determining culpability was unnecessary; given Qin Wentian's behavior toward Ouyang Ting, his death sentence was virtually decreed. No further elucidation was required. With Ouyang Kuangsheng's explicit censure grounded in logic, none dared question his stance.

Ouyang Kuangsheng's standing left no room for argument.

As Ouyang Kuangsheng pointed out, Duan Qingshan had battled his way to prominence, prevailing through relentless trials. If the Ouyang Clan sanctioned Ouyang Ting's approach, would Duan Qingshan be where he was today?

Amidst a crescendoing squall, several Ouyang Clan elders descended upon the training ground.

"What's amiss?" inquired an elder, appraising the unfolding spectacle.

"Second Grandfather, Ouyang Ting orchestrated a spar, but upon defeat, she mandated the victor's arm amputation—a grievous disservice to our dignity and prestige. My counsel is to expel her from the clan," Ouyang Kuangsheng addressed the elder with unruffled composure, as peers on equal footing.

"Such audacity! Elder, you must have witnessed this. They dare subject Ting'er to such a plight, warranting annihilation," Duan Qingshan defended Ouyang Ting.

"Ridiculous! Would you have them willingly forfeit their limbs? What manner of opinion is that?" Ouyang Kuangsheng's incisive gaze bore into Duan Qingshan. "If you persist in endorsing such punishments, Duan Qingshan, then mark my words—today, I, Ouyang Kuangsheng, solemnly vow to find just cause to sever one of your arms."

"Ouyang Kuangsheng..." Duan Qingshan erupted, appalled by Ouyang Kuangsheng's audacity.

"Equating me with them?" Duan Qingshan's countenance soured.

"Sufficient!" the elder interjected, addressing the assembly. He stared at those beneath with a frigid glare. "Who are these people? What is their status? Who brought them here?"

Underneath, the young man holding the Ouyang name turned ashen. He had been the one to propose Qin Wentian and Fan Le as sparring partners for Ouyang Ting, but he could scarcely conceive such an outcome. Now, he realized his fate was doomed.

"Explain yourself thoroughly," the second elder commanded, his piercing gaze fixed upon the trembling man who felt an overwhelming pressure enveloping him.

"This concerns Ouyang Ting. Speak the 'truth'," Duan Qingshan ordered icily, yet the word 'truth' hung heavily over him, stifling his thoughts. What should he say?

"Allow me to elucidate. This man, Qin Wentian, is my blood brother. We fought shoulder to shoulder a few years ago. If your words prove deceitful, be prepared to bear the consequences."

Ouyang Kuangsheng pointed at Qin Wentian as he spoke, branding him as his brother. The revelation rippled through the crowd, illuminating the reason for Ouyang Kuangsheng's profound reaction.

"BOOM!" The elder's imposing aura forced the young man to his knees. His face had drained of all color, and regardless of what he uttered, he sensed his impending downfall. His thoughts swirled in chaos, unsure of how to tread without offending either party.

Duan Qingshan was an external cultivator risen to the status of a chosen, while Ouyang Kuangsheng hailed from the direct lineage, wielding supreme authority and power. Not to mention the enigma that was Qin Wentian—a term, "brother," Ouyang Kuangsheng employed—compelled awe and astonishment.

The revelation reverberated, prompting ripples of astonishment across the audience. It was becoming evident why Ouyang Kuangsheng had reacted so vehemently.

"The stage is yours, speak," Chu Mang addressed the airborne elder, his demeanor composed and straightforward.

"Very well," the elder responded evenly.

"The three of us are companions wandering Grand Xia. Fate led us to Qiyun's Gazing-Mountain Rampart, where we were recruited into the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan by these two and a Heavenly Dipper Sovereign senior," Chu Mang elucidated, laying bare the events that unfolded. He recounted their confined movements and forced sparring with Ouyang Ting, as the temperature around Ouyang Kuangsheng plummeted.

"Is this the truth?" the elder directed his gaze to the responsible young man and lady.

"I acknowledge my wrongdoing," the young man replied, his head bowed.

"I understand now," the elder discerned the probable veracity of Chu Mang's account. "Your actions, intended to favor Ouyang Ting, have transgressed too often to be overlooked. I must address this now before our clan's integrity is compromised. For both of you, sever an arm and leave the Ouyang Clan; thereby shall this matter conclude."

The young man and lady blanched at his pronouncement, yet they nodded in compliance. Their ambition to win Ouyang Ting's favor had now backfired. Ouyang Kuangsheng's presence rendered her plight inconsequential. They couldn't expect her to assist them, for she was too preoccupied with her own predicament. Amidst agonized cries, they relinquished their right arms, departing the Ouyang Clan forthwith.

A single misstep, and their lofty aspirations crumbled around them—a catastrophe indeed.

"Release her," the elder addressed Qin Wentian, who complied by letting go of Ouyang Ting.

Ouyang Ting rose to her feet, her icy glare sending a shiver down the spine. The elder's gaze shifted to her. "Ouyang Ting, seeking sparring partners to hone your combat skills is one thing. But maiming an opponent merely for suffering defeat?"

"Second Grandpa, he nearly killed me," Ouyang Ting retorted.

"But were you injured?" The elder's displeasure flickered across his face. "What's the purpose of sparring if victory is forbidden against you? What are you truly gaining from this?"

Ouyang Ting stiffened under the rebuke. She continued, "I acknowledge my mistake and am prepared for any punishment you deem appropriate. But how will you deal with these individuals who dared to treat me in such a manner?"

"Ouyang Ting, do you believe they should let you sever their arms without resistance?" Ouyang Kuangsheng's voice dripped with danger. "Second Grandpa, I fought alongside Qin Wentian at the Refinement Grounds of the Celestial Lake Palace. I assure you, his talent rivals, if not surpasses, mine. Ouyang Ting is blinded by the prestige of our Ouyang name. She fails to grasp a fundamental truth: background and status crumble in the face of overwhelming power. I implore you to consider my words seriously."

The elder's demeanor remained composed, yet he was deliberating options behind his façade.

Undoubtedly, Ouyang Ting's impulsiveness posed a predicament. Nonetheless, Qin Wentian's audacity was equally problematic. If Ouyang Kuangsheng hadn't intervened, the elder would have undoubtedly sided with Ouyang Ting, no hesitation required.

Yet, Ouyang Kuangsheng's persistent claims of kinship with Qin Wentian left the elder no choice but to weigh the consequences—a delicate balancing act between benefits and risks.

Only a lenient resolution would suffice; anything else would jeopardize the standing of both parties within the clan.

"Ouyang Ting, your disposition is problematic, and your actions, reckless. For a year, all privileges afforded to your status will be revoked. You shall wield no authority during this time," the elder pronounced calmly, Ouyang Kuangsheng's brows knitting at the seemingly insignificant punishment.

"As for you three, given the circumstances, no penalties will be imposed," the elder declared, his gaze shifting to Qin Wentian's group. He aimed to swiftly conclude this matter, evident by his desire for resolution.

"No punishment?" Ouyang Ting's face contorted in indignation. Qin Wentian had compelled her to kneel and kowtow before Fan Le, and now this incident was to be dismissed so casually? She simply couldn't bear this offensive blow.

She, Ouyang Ting, was made to kneel and prostrate herself to an outsider. How would she ever hold her head high within the Ouyang Aristocrat Clan again?

"Isn't Ouyang Ting's penalty a bit too lenient? Second Grandpa, what if she doesn't mend her unruly behavior?" Ouyang Ting hadn't even expressed her thoughts yet, but Ouyang Kuangsheng swiftly intervened, taking matters into his own hands.

He recognized that expelling Ouyang Ting was an impractical solution. After all, the power of an Aristocrat Clan remained formidable, and Ouyang Ting was of the main lineage. Despite her misdeeds today, the greatest humiliation had been hers to bear. Qin Wentian, Fan Le, and Chu Mang had suffered no losses.

Ouyang Kuangsheng's character naturally gravitated toward dominance and imperiousness. He seized the opportunity, preventing Ouyang Ting from retaliating against Qin Wentian in the future.

"If she persists in her ways, the disciplinary hall will handle the matter," the elder responded calmly, his words drenching Ouyang Ting in a chilling realization.

Ouyang Kuangsheng nodded. "I'll remember that."

With those words, he shifted his attention to Qin Wentian and his companions, a smile playing on his lips. "Why didn't you seek me out while you were here? Let's depart from this place."

"Agreed." Qin Wentian chuckled, acknowledging with a nod. He comprehended that his lenient treatment today was due to Ouyang Kuangsheng's intervention. After all, making a member of the direct lineage kowtow in apology to an outsider was a grievous humiliation!