The Sect’s Judgment

The Void Immortal Sect's grand gates loomed in the distance, marking the end of a long journey. After six days of travel, Yue Lingxi and the others finally returned, bringing with them not just spoils—but new faces.

Their journey had been mostly uneventful, but the sheer number of people made travel slower than usual. The former bandits, now subdued, moved in an organized manner under Yue Lingxi's command. Any signs of resistance had been crushed early on, leaving only silent compliance.

At night, they set up camp in remote areas to avoid drawing attention. The Void Immortal Sect members remained vigilant, taking turns watching over the captives. The three leaders and seven elites were given slightly better treatment, though they, too, were constantly monitored.

Despite their outward submission, the bandits often exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of what awaited them at their destination. The occasional whispers among them died the moment Yue Lingxi's cold gaze swept over them.

None dared to disobey.

Now, as they approached the sect entrance, the tension among the captives was at its peak.

As the group neared the sect gates, disciples standing guard tensed, hands tightening around their weapons. The sight of over a hundred unfamiliar figures following behind raised alarm, and for a brief moment, they mistook them for enemies.

But then, recognition flickered in their eyes.

"Elder Huang! Elder Wei! Elder Song!" one disciple called out, his voice filled with relief.

The tension dissipated as the guards stepped aside, allowing them to pass. However, their gazes remained cautious, lingering on the three leaders, seven elite subordinates, and the large group of bandits standing behind them.

Once inside the sect grounds, the bandits halted at the entrance of the main hall under Yue Lingxi's orders. Only the three leaders and their seven elite subordinates were permitted to step forward. The remaining bandits, though silent, couldn't hide their unease as they waited outside, uncertain of their fate.

Inside the main hall, Xu Tianran sat at the head, his expression calm and unreadable. To his right stood Jin Wuhen, silent and motionless, like a guardian carved from stone.

As the group entered, his gaze swept over them before settling on Yue Lingxi.

"Who are they?"

His voice was neutral—neither welcoming nor hostile, simply expecting an explanation.

Yue Lingxi stepped forward, lowering her head slightly in respect.

"Master, these three are Yan Ruyue, Tie Shan, and Jiang Feng. They were former bandit leaders, but their strength is decent. Along with them, seven elite subordinates have been brought into the sect. The rest of the bandits are outside."

Her tone remained indifferent, as if she were merely reporting the weather.

Xu Tianran's eyes moved over the three leaders and seven elites, his gaze like an abyss. Even without releasing his aura, they felt an invisible weight pressing down on them.

"Are you willing to serve this sect?"

His tone was indifferent, but the pressure in the air made it clear—there was only one answer.

A shiver ran down their spines. The aura he exuded was different from Yue Lingxi's suffocating pressure. This was deeper, something beyond what they could comprehend.

They lowered their heads in submission.

"Yes."

Xu Tianran remained still.

"Loyalty is meaningless without proof."

His gaze flickered to Yue Lingxi.

"I have no immediate tasks for them. For now, you will watch over them."

Yue Lingxi bowed slightly. "Understood, Master."

Then came his final decree.

"If they betray the sect—kill them without hesitation."

The three leaders felt their blood turn cold, but Yue Lingxi merely nodded.

"Yes, Master."

Her tone was as indifferent as if he had merely told her to clean a room.

Then, Yue Lingxi spoke again.

"We have also obtained 500 low-grade spirit stones and various weapons from the bandits we killed. These items are now in our possession."

At her words, Yan Ruyue, Tie Shan, and Jiang Feng stepped forward. Each took out a storage pouch and placed it before Xu Tianran, their hands trembling slightly.

"Sect Master, these are the spirit stones we had accumulated. From this day forward, all that we possess belongs to the sect."

Their submission was absolute.

Xu Tianran remained expressionless as he casually waved his hand, storing the pouches in his spatial ring. He made no comment, his silence itself a form of acknowledgment.

With this matter settled, Lin Shaoyang stepped forward, his expression serious.

"Sect Master, there is another matter."

Xu Tianran shifted his gaze to him. "Speak."

Lin Shaoyang stepped aside, revealing Ling Hua, who walked forward with steady steps.

Despite her calm exterior, there was no mistaking the determination in her eyes.

"I am willing to become a disciple of the Void Immortal Sect."

Xu Tianran remained silent, observing her. Then, his voice came, calm and decisive.

"Willingness is not enough. Strength decides one's place here."

His gaze flickered toward Lin Shaoyang, and with a simple motion of his finger, he pointed at him.

"Duel him. If you win, you may stay."

A sharp glint of excitement flashed in Lin Shaoyang's eyes, while Ling Hua gripped her sword tightly.

She knew.

This was her only chance to prove herself.