The hall's quiet was nearly choking.
As the elder in charge of inspection gave Jun Tian's spatial ring back to the patriarch, only the sound of light footsteps rang amid the jade pillars.
A silver herb with transparent blooms and a gentle lunar radiance lay resting in his hand.
The air around it had a pristine, cool, and sophisticated energy—the Jade Moon Grass.
The room buzzed with murmuring.
"Thus it is correct..."
"He really had the herb."
"But how?!"
Eyes turned toward Jun Tian.
His expression calm, as though the event were of no import, he stayed still.
Li But Ze found it difficult to restrain the glint of delight showing in his eyes—if only for a second.
He advanced, bowed slightly before the patriarch, and stated in a strong, almost theatrical voice:
"Patriarch Jun, the evidence is before everybody. This young man stole a spiritual treasure of a disciple of the Crimson Lotus Sect. One cannot easily pardon such a terrible deed!
The elders looked at one other.
Some curled their faces, others remained silent, but everyone understood that Li Ze's request sounded somewhat personal.
Before answering, patriarch Jun Xiao rested his chin on his palm and examined him for several lengthy seconds.
"And what exactly do you suggest as punishment, young man of the sect?"
li Ze kept his courteous tone, but resentment blazed in his eyes.
Those who damage the reputation of the sect have to pay a price. I suggest he be banished from the city and his development be hampered. This will be an inspiration for other people."
In the hall, the words sounded like thunder.
Eyes of even Yun Xiang, who was further behind, dilated.
crippling cultivation…? She mumbled, almost audibly, "Too much!
Jun Xiao rose gradually.
His expression was deep, and his intense gaze focused on Li Ze.
Boy, do you know what you are saying? Taking away someone's spiritual life is equal to crippling their cultivation. Among cultivators also, this type of punishment is barbaric.
Li Ze remained steadfast. "But stealing a rare herb used in advancement training is also a serious crime. The sect cannot ignore this, or its reputation will tumble in the eyes of the planet!
Until then, Li Ze's instructor had been observing quietly; he stepped forward a small ways and tilted his head.
The air became heavier as his presence radiated an undetectable weight.
Though modest, the power of a Soul Formation cultivator had the elders breathing laboriously.
"My disciple only seeks justice," he said softly. "If the Jun Clan cannot punish their own, I worry this event will tarnish the sect's name and, therefore, threaten future cooperation."
The shrouded threat was issued.
Nobody in the room spoke.
Jun Xiao squeezed his fists beneath the table battling the pressure.
He knew he was being forced, but the Jun Clan lacked the power to confront a sect of this degree.
Still, he rejected it.
He looked at his son conflicted and suffering.
But Jun Tian stayed as always—serene, quiet, unwavering.
He merely sighed within.
"So… that's what they wanted."
Sleeping in its mystical sea, the Nine-Colored Lotus let out a sweet chuckle, like the sound of wind cutting across bamboo.
"Poor fools." Do they really believe they may paralyze a cultivation base not meant for this planet?"
Jun Tian closed his eyes for a short while, neglecting the increasing hum of the audience.
For a short time, a weak golden light flashed inside his eyes—so swiftly no one saw it.
The Lotus said, her voice quiet, "You will only have to breathe again even if they break your spiritual core. Your cultivation base reflects your soul rather than your physical form. And as long as I am with you, nothing can shatter you."
He opened his eyes deliberately; for a brief second, a little smile appeared at the sides of his mouth.
Li Ze misunderstood the smile.
He advanced and yelled:
"Look at how he laughs in the face of the sentence; he is laughing at us!"
Li Ze's mentor closed his eyes and subtly nodded.
Jun Xiao exhaled deeply, his voice somber.
"Jun Tian, are there any comments you want to share before we make a decision?"
The young man elevated his head.
His voice was eagerly anticipated throughout the whole hall.
However, when he finally spoke his voice was cold, resolute, and unbelievably calm.
"Nothing I say will alter what you have already decided. Therefore... act according to your own judgment."
Those gathered shivered.
That peace, that calm, deep gaze, belonged of someone gazing at ants debate the fate of the world rather than of someone about to be destroyed.
Torn between duty and instinct, the father dropped his eyes.
He inhaled deeply. "Bring the spiritual repression artefact."
As one of the elders went to reclaim the artifact, a faint tremor ran through the atmosphere.
Jun Tian and Lotus experienced it nearly invisibly.
She whispered, "Interesting..." "Something is coming."
He thought, "I felt it too, but now is not the moment."
The hall door opened once again. Out came the artifact, a black blade intended to seal spiritual meridians.
The strain reached its highest point.
li Ze gave a quiet smile. His mentor observed silently.
Jun Xiao held his fists tightly clenched. Unable to watch, Yun Xiang turned away.
The older man pushed the knife next to Jun Tian's chest.
The world appeared to stop for a moment.
But before the item touched his skin, a gentle voice reverberated in his head.
Let me, Tian… I shall take care of this."
Within his dantian, a transparent nine-petal blossom shimmered.
The spiritual force warped somewhat—invisible to others.
There was no response when the blade contacted his skin.
The object brightened, fluttered… and then faded entirely as though its strength had gone.
The elders gazed at each other in bewilderment.
"The artefact... didn't respond?"
Impossible! It should even seal a third-realm cultivator!"
Jun Tian opened his eyes and acted surprised.
Li Ze turned pale.
The master narrowed his eyes; a shadow of uncertainty flashed over his thinking.
Jun Xiao finally said, his voice hard, practically cold:
It looks fate doesn't want this penalty to be carried out. The argument finishes right here.
Li Ze clenched his teeth but was unable to speak.
Hiding his disgust, his master simply turned around.
Jun Tian, for his part, bowed little.
"May I leave now?"
The father nodded, relieved.
Jun Tian strolled outdoors quietly, his gaze glued on the frigid night outside.
Lotus's voice resounded once more as he strode through the hall door.
Tian... destiny began to unfold.
The man stared into space, where the mists hid the night star.
Yes... and that was just the beginning.