Chapter 16: Dominant Wutian

"Why did I trespass into the Elder's residence? It's because Elder He's favored disciple, Wang Xiaoshi, kidnapped my maidservant Xiaohui. He even attempted to defile her and cause her harm! Can Elder He's disciple act so recklessly? If I hadn't intervened in time, Xiaohui might have suffered at the hands of Wang Xiaoshi! Elder He, do you think your disciple's actions are justified?"

Wutian glared fiercely at He Jiang, enunciating each word with a resonant voice, displaying no hint of fear. Most disciples would appear timid in front of their seniors, but Wutian was an exception. His connection to He Jiang's master was related to the death of his own master, making him unyielding.

He Jiang's face turned crimson, and he flicked his sleeve, maintaining the posture of an elder. "Wutian, as a disciple of Qitian Sect, you should show proper respect to me, your senior. However, you display no reverence. Fine, I won't argue with you. But what about the several attendants you killed in my mansion? Were they also involved with kidnapping your maidservant?"

"No explanations needed. They colluded with Wang Xiaoshi and deserved death!" Wutian asserted dominantly.

"You... Wutian, you are too arrogant! Harming fellow disciples is bad enough, but you remain unrepentant. Elder Hao, I suggest stripping Wutian of all his cultivation and expelling him from Qitian Sect!" He Jiang pointed at Wutian, visibly shaken by anger, an unusual experience for him to face such defiance from a disciple.

"Hahaha! My cultivation was already stripped away long ago. Doesn't Elder He know? A year ago, when my meridians were severed and dantian shattered, what was the situation then? No one in the sect paid me any attention. How is expulsion from Qitian Sect any different?" Wutian suddenly burst into laughter, staring directly at He Jiang. "Elder He, you should be well aware of this matter!"

Observing Wutian's gaze, a flicker of unease crossed He Jiang's mind. Could this lad already know something? No, it couldn't be. There's no way he could be aware of those events!

Hao Dahua silently watched Wutian. He was familiar with Wutian's history—the once proclaimed top talent of Pingyang City's Qitian Sect, who fell victim to a mysterious assailant. His meridians were severed, dantian shattered, turning him into a discarded figure within the sect. Now, witnessing Wutian's sudden resurgence in strength, it intrigued him.

"Wutian, your unfortunate encounter with an assailant is irrelevant to me. We're here to discuss the sect rules you've violated!" He Jiang redirected the conversation, avoiding the topic of Wutian's expulsion.

"I believe Elder Hao will deliver a fair judgment on the matter of violating sect rules." Wutian ignored He Jiang, turning to Elder Hao.

Wutian's decision to remain in Qitian Sect stemmed from his desire to uncover the truth behind his master's death and the identity of the mysterious person who ruined him. Additionally, he aimed to prove himself to those who once looked down on him.

"Elder Hao, Wutian has clearly violated the sect rules and should face severe consequences." He Jiang continued to add fuel to the fire.

Hao Dahua glanced at He Jiang and then, with a stern expression, declared, "I have investigated this matter. The root cause was Elder He's senior disciple Wang Xiaoshi kidnapping Wutian's maidservant Xiaohui and attempting unspeakable acts. In a fit of rage, Wutian stormed the Elder's residence, causing a series of consequences. As the disciplinary elder, I will now announce the resolution of this incident."

He Jiang wore a smug expression, confident that Wutian would be put in his place. Everyone knew that Hao Dahua was impartial and strict; Wutian killing several attendants in the Elder's residence would surely result in a severe punishment.

"Elder He's disciple Wang Xiaoshi, in violation of morality, kidnapped Wutian's maidservant Xiaohui, attempting indecent acts and tarnishing the reputation of Qitian Sect. According to Qitian Sect rules, he is expelled from the sect! As Elder He's master, he bears partial responsibility and will have one month's stipend deducted!

As for Wutian, for trespassing into the Elder's residence, killing attendants, and attempting harm on fellow disciples, the offenses are grave. However, considering the circumstances, and following Qitian Sect rules, Wutian is punished with one month of cleaning duty at the back mountain of Qitian Sect!

The penalties are effective immediately!"

He Jiang was dumbfounded, and Wutian was equally stunned.

"Elder Hao, are you making a mistake? Why is Wutian only assigned to cleaning duty after killing so many people, while my disciple is expelled from the sect?" He Jiang questioned with widened eyes.

"Elder He, are you questioning my ability to enforce the law?" Hao Dahua retorted, squinting his eyes.

"No, I just think Wutian's punishment is too light. Violating so many sect rules and only being assigned one month of cleaning duty is practically no punishment at all. Did my attendants die in vain?" He Jiang expressed his frustration.

"Elder He, if you have any doubts, you can take the matter up with the main sect master." Hao Dahua calmly glanced at He Jiang, indicating that while he was the elder in charge of punishments, the decision was also approved by the main sect master.

He Jiang was infuriated. Despite being a senior elder in Pingyang City's Qitian Sect, he received no face from Hao Dahua. This left him discontent.

"Hmph! Elder Hao, since we've reached this point, I will personally bring this matter to the main sect master! Even if I have to take it to the imperial city Qitian Sect headquarters, I will seek justice!" He Jiang coldly declared.

With that, He Jiang cast a disdainful glance at Wutian and left the disciplinary hall. He knew that staying any longer wouldn't change the outcome.

After He Jiang's departure, Hao Dahua looked at Wutian, who appeared puzzled. He calmly said, "Wutian, you might be wondering why your punishment is so lenient. Do you want to know my stance on this matter?"

Wutian shook his head. "No, I am more interested in Elder Hao's attitude towards me."

For Wutian, ever since his cultivation was destroyed, both seniors and juniors in Qitian Sect had looked down on him, even treating him with disdain. Now, Hao Dahua was different, and Wutian couldn't fathom the reason behind it.

Hao Dahua, with a serious expression, unexpectedly revealed a smile. "What if I told you this was the decision of the main sect master? Would you believe me?"

Wutian raised an eyebrow. "The main sect master?"

"Yes, indeed. This is the decision of the sect master! Wutian, you have always been the top talent of our Pingyang City's Qitian Sect, qualifying directly for the main sect headquarters in the imperial city.

 The sect master has been keeping an eye on you, even during the year when your meridians were severed and your dantian shattered. You may not have noticed, but the sect master was monitoring you."

Hao Dahua stared at Wutian, hoping to discern some reaction. However, to his surprise, Wutian's face remained expressionless, revealing nothing about his thoughts. Hao Dahua was somewhat astonished; the lad had indeed changed.

Suddenly, Wutian chuckled and said, "Thanks to the attention of the sect master and Elder Hao. I express my gratitude here!"