5:Echoes of Honor and Deceit

Xianjian strolled gracefully, a hint of arrogance in his eyes, contemplating how to navigate the delicate balance of enforcing discipline without violating the rules, all while defending Zhi Yong.

He strode confidently toward the infirmary, his movements both graceful and bold, exuding an authoritative aura.

"P-Peak Lord Zhihui," a voice stammered.

"Hmm," Zhihui responded, glancing around without stopping. "Where is Zhi Yong?"

"P-Peak L-Lord Zhihui, your young disciple went out to practice his cultivation," the voice replied nervously.

Zhihui's eyes widened in surprise. He immediately turned to the healer, Master Liang.

"What do you mean, practicing? He is injured and should be resting. Why did you let him go?" he demanded, his tone sharp and unwavering.

"Peak Lord Zhihui, the young disciple wouldn't listen despite my attempts to persuade him. He insisted on going," Master Liang explained.

"Enough," Zhihui replied, his voice tinged with anger and irritation. "Where exactly is he now?"

"He is in the Azure Wind Practice Area."

"Very well. I'll go there immediately. And Master Liang," Zhihui paused, his gaze hardening, "do not let this happen again."

With that, he turned sharply and strode out, his presence commanding the room until his very last step.

Zhihui encountered Zhi Yong at the practice area. Initially, he stood back, silently observing. Although he concealed it, a sense of satisfaction washed over him; meeting his second favorite character from the book felt like an unexpected gift that had accompanied him to his last breath.

"Zhi Yong," he finally called out, his voice resonating with authority.

Zhi Yong turned around, facing his master with a mixture of shock, surprise, and shame evident on his face. He knew he had defied Zhihui's orders to rest and recover.

"S-Shizun, I know I've disobeyed your command, but I felt ashamed. My lack of self-control has caused you trouble. I'm prepared to face any consequences," Zhi Yong stammered,untill zhihui drew closer.

"Alright, alright," Zhihui responded, his tone softening slightly, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Let's go; we have matters to attend to," he said, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips, signaling a forgiving gesture towards his wayward disciple.

Soon after,

He entered the Celestial Harmony Hall and strode toward the center of attention, his presence exuding a villainous yet proud and graceful aura. With meticulous calculation, he addressed the assembly:

"Greetings to the Sect Master."

"What a fortuitous day; it appears every Peak Lord is present."

"Indeed, Shidi. Today marks the competition of disciples from the various peaks, designed to enhance their training experience,"

The Sect Master, Zhenyu, responded with a note of pride in his voice.

"Hmm, training," Xinjiang remarked, his tone dripping with mockery. "Indeed, Sect Master Zhenyu, today marks 200 years of the Dragon Ascendance Competition. It should embody our clan's highest values of pride, honesty, and power."

He paused deliberately, his gaze shifting slowly and gracefully to Xiao Wei, his eyes delivering a lethal glare.

"Yet, some carry the essence of arrogance and deceit, hidden beneath a mask of wisdom," Xinjiang continued with a sardonic smile, before turning back to the other Peak Lords.

As the confusion lingered in the air, the Sect Master, amused by the sudden turn of events, saw an opportunity to intervene. With a gentle clearing of his throat, he redirected the attention away from the tense exchange between Zhihui and the other Peak Lords.

Zhihui began, his voice calmer now, "there are matters we must attend to beyond this."

The Sect Master nodded, his eyes glancing at the other Lords, silently urging them to follow Zhihui's lead.

One of the Lords, sensing the shift in atmosphere, spoke up, "Indeed, let us not dwell on this disagreement. Our sect's unity is paramount."

Others nodded in agreement, their expressions softening as they recognized the wisdom in his words.

"Indeed, the sect's unity is paramount," Zhihui declared, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Yet, it grieves me deeply to witness the erosion of our foundational principles—honesty, united strength, harmony devoid of internal strife, and judicious discernment."

His tone grew colder, his gaze piercing as he continued, "Why was my disciple subjected to punishment without due process, his victory tainted by baseless accusations? Such flagrant disregard for justice is a stain upon our honor."

With a controlled fury simmering beneath his words, he pressed on, "This affront reveals how my absence is perceived as an opportunity to besmirch my name and harm those under my guidance. Should this injustice persist, I will interpret it not as a mere lapse, but as a deliberate affront to my authority. And I assure you, the consequences will be severe."