Chapter 235: Punishment

The people of Tianmu Mountain finally arrived—Luo Luo Boqi, an Elder of the sect. Tianmu Mountain was the cultivation ground of the Luo clan's lineage, where the surname Luo was everywhere, hence its reputation as the Tianmu Mountain Luo Clan Sect.

After rushing over, Luo Luo Boqi scowled and harshly rebuked Lu Lu Yuanlang: "Do you know how grave a crime you've committed? Wulong Mountain is a boundary mountain, agreed upon by all six sect masters—how dare you trespass so recklessly?"

Lu Lu Yuanlang bowed his head: "Disciple… did not know at first. I had just emerged from seclusion when I heard the news of Brother Lu Zhongqiu's death, and learned that my younger brother's death years ago was likely tied to Wei Wei Hongqing—so I came here seeking answers."

Luo Luo Boqi glared: "And did you find anything?"

Lu Lu Yuanlang lowered his gaze: "These Wulong Mountain bandits are stubborn—they won't speak."

Luo Luo Boqi snapped: "It's your recklessness! You came here causing trouble without knowing a thing—your old habits are back again! When you left, didn't you ask the Sect Master? Didn't you ask us, your uncles and senior cousins? Even if you couldn't ask them, you could've asked your senior or junior brothers! What does this do to the sect? What does it do to our Sect Master? Stand aside!"

After rebuking Lu Lu Yuanlang, he bowed to the representatives of all other sects: "My nephew here has talent in cultivation, but his impulsive, reckless nature is well known throughout Jingxiang. Alas, his character is unchangeable—our Sect Master has taught him many times and punished him countless times, yet he still won't reform… I apologize to all of you here."

He paused, then sighed: "To be honest, there is reason behind this. Our Tianmu Mountain's Inner Sect steward, Luo Lu Zhongqiu, is not only the Sect Master's grandnephew, but also a childhood companion of Lu Yuanlang's. Four years ago, after Lu Yuanlang lost a duel against Jing Zhao of Qingyu Sect, he entered seclusion to train hard. Only days ago, he emerged and heard this terrible news—naturally, he was enraged and acted without due thought, but he did not deliberately violate the agreement to trespass. I apologize to all sects on his behalf. Rest assured, Tianmu Mountain has always respected rules and covenants—we will strictly discipline all our disciples and ensure this never happens again!"

Tu Tu Junyi said: "Luo Daoyou, your sect's disciple went too far today. Are a few words of apology enough to settle this?"

Bai Zhanglao also said: "Brother Luo, you must punish him properly. Otherwise, if everyone who breaks the rules just apologizes, what's left of the rules?"

Luo Luo Boqi hesitated: "This… I'm not sure what punishment is appropriate for breaking the agreement."

Wulong Mountain as a boundary mountain was the result of two prior joint deliberations, but each sect harbored hidden agendas and constantly made small moves. No one ever discussed penalties when the agreement was made. Such pacts between sects are not internal rules—they rely solely on mutual supervision, usually to prevent violations before they occur. As for what to do when a violation actually happens, all sect masters have Moqi ly remained silent—because there's no better enforcement method: either you're left helpless, as we are now, or you tear each other apart and fight again.

After Luo Luo Boqi raised the question, Tu Tu Junyi, Bai Zhanglao, Lou Lou Zhenwu, Master Dongfang Dongfang Yuying, and Yang Jian Shao of Pingdu Eight Array Gate exchanged glances, each lost in thought.

Finally, Elder Tu proposed: "Gentlemen, let's discuss this… in the cliff cave."

The five of them entered the cave; the disciples and stewards who had followed from each sect waited outside.

Liu Liu Xiaolou calmed Li Busan, glanced at Longshan Dai Sanren, then saw the corpses scattered before the cliff cave—his heart clenched with dread. If Wei Wei Hongqing hadn't left Wulong Mountain, and had been careless, Lu Lu Yuanlang's sudden counterattack might well have captured him on the spot. And if he'd been captured… what of me?

He dared not think further…

He suddenly realized: he'd visited Hongji Wine House so many times—those shopkeepers and clerks would eventually remember him, wouldn't they? He'd already entered Lu Lu Yuanlang's field of vision. Would Lu Lu Yuanlang go to Hongji Wine House to settle the score later?

These past three months had been far too relaxed—he'd taken the so-called rules of the major sects far too seriously!

He asked Yun Ao: "Brother Yun, you said last night you wouldn't punish violators too harshly. It seems you meant it… My Wulong Mountain lost so many people, yet all the sects are acting so cordial…"

Yun Ao replied: "What else can we do? There's no real way to act. Xiao Lou, I'll say something unpleasant: in the eyes of the great sects, you people of Wulong Mountain are all wild cultivators and bandits—killed, and no one cares."

Not long after, Elder Tu, Elder Bai, Elder Luo, Yang Jian Shao, Lou Lou Zhenwu, Master Dongfang Dongfang Yuying, and others emerged from the cave, having concluded their deliberations.

Yun Ao, being a scion of a prominent family, thought like these senior elders and inner disciples—his prediction proved correct. Yang Jian Shao, an inner disciple of Pingdu Eight Array Gate, announced the joint decision to the sixty-odd cultivators gathered on Guimeng Cliff.

Lu Lu Yuanlang violated the six-sect agreement by trespassing on Wulong Mountain and must be severely punished. Considering this is his first offense and he acted out of ignorance, he shall be sent back to Tianmu Mountain for strict confinement, forbidden to leave the mountain for three years.

Tianmu Mountain failed to discipline its disciple to uphold the agreement and must issue written apologies to all sects, pay one hundred spirit stones to each as compensation, and strictly forbid any further violations. Any repeat offense will result in double compensation. All spirit stones must be paid within ten days.

After returning to their respective sects, all must publicly announce this case as a warning to all members.

Upon hearing the joint decision, all disciples and stewards present bowed deeply in solemn obedience. The atmosphere on Guimeng Cliff grew instantly solemn.

With the matter settled, Lu Lu Yuanlang still protested: "Elder, three years without leaving the mountain? Isn't that too harsh? In seven days, the second trial of the Danxia Cave Heaven begins—if I can't leave, how can I participate?"

Luo Luo Boqi rebuked: "After committing such a grave offense, you still think of the trial? When you return, you'll close your door and reflect on your faults—no slacking off!" He paused, then added: "I've already spoken to all sects about the trial. They all agree it's a grand event and have granted you special permission to attend—then return to the mountain."

Lu Lu Yuanlang beamed: "Then that's good!"

Luo Luo Boqi added: "Gengsang Cave and Pingdu Eight Array Gate have also heard and wish to send participants—we've agreed. We've jointly notified Danxia Sect; they shouldn't refuse…"

Lu Lu Yuanlang said: "They won't refuse—maybe they'll even send their own people…"

"Did you find anything?"

"It seems Wei Wei Hongqing really isn't here…"

"Damn it! If that bandit has fled a thousand li away, we'll never catch him again."

"Elder, I believe the net of heaven is vast, yet its mesh is fine. Do you remember the daughter of Elder Hua of Xiao Wei Mountain? Sixteen years ago, that case—the killer disciple was found. He was executed just now."

"Oh? Is that true?"

"His head is in my storage pouch…"

The two spoke quietly as they descended the mountain with the Tianmu Mountain group; Pingdu Eight Array Gate and Qingyu Sect also took their leave.

Lou Lou Zhenwu came over to Liu Liu Xiaolou, saw his injuries were minor, offered a few words of comfort: "Wulong Mountain is no place to settle permanently. Even though you've left the Su family, don't give up on yourself—seek another path, walk the righteous way."

He then turned to Yun Ao: "If you have time, visit Dongyang Mountain. I'll have Han Wuwang entertain you properly, show you the scenery. Han Wuwang is my Lord Han's youngest son—exceptional talent, Qi Refining eighth layer, just entered the late stage—he'd be perfect to spar with you."

Liu Liu Xiaolou and Yun Ao both nodded in agreement.

After Dongyang Sect departed, only Gengsang Cave and Zhanglong Sect remained on Guimeng Cliff. Elder Tu went to bid farewell to Elder Bai; though they were bitter enemies from past battles, they exchanged only cold words within moments. Meanwhile, Xin Hou Zhishi of Gengsang Cave slipped beside Liu Liu Xiaolou and whispered: "If any of your kin or friends perished, you may offer them some compensation."

As he spoke, he slipped a satchel into Liu Liu Xiaolou's sleeve.

After Gengsang Cave's people left, Elder Bai strolled over, gazed at the corpses scattered across the ground, sighed, and ordered Zhanglong Sect's disciples to unseal the meridians of the Wulong Mountain cultivators. He addressed the crowd: "What's done is done—no use speaking of it now. I'll have Eyang Mountain send a thousand jin of spirit rice to calm your nerves. Liu Liu Xiaolou, you'll oversee the distribution. All of you have seen: Tianmu Mountain admits fault, apologizes to all sects, and loses face. Lu Lu Yuanlang is imprisoned for three years. Zhanglong Sect has avenged you all. All sects have pledged this will not happen again. Return home, rest well. Remember this: if any outsider comes to your mountain, report it to Zhanglong Mountain immediately—the sooner you report, the safer you'll be!"