On the other side.
Jiang Lu hastened all the way, heading straight for the Merit Hall.
As a crucial place within the Wenjian Sect responsible for recording disciples' merits and demerits and distributing tasks, the Merit Hall was usually solemn and dignified, with all disciples coming and going holding their breath in concentration.
Jiang Lu usually didn't dare to breathe loudly when he came here, but today the situation was urgent. His steps were hurried, and his expression showed unconcealable anxiety, drawing glances from many fellow disciples.
He went directly to seek an audience with his master, who was the current Merit Elder, Liu Enchuan.
Inside the room, sandalwood incense wafted. Liu Enchuan was seated at his desk, reviewing the recent documents submitted by the Outer Sect.
Seeing his disciple burst in so frantically, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. But seeing Jiang Lu's pale face, he didn't scold him, only told him to speak slowly.
Jiang Lu dared not conceal anything, recounting everything that happened in the Market City from beginning to end, in full detail.
From how Gu Chengming 'found a bargain' in the Market City, to how the two Daoning Gate women blocked their path and picked a fight, then to how Gu Chengming suddenly attacked and knocked them unconscious, and finally to the absurd theory about 'rogue cultivators,' and how the two of them retreated separately—he revealed every detail.
After hearing the narration, Liu Enchuan was somewhat surprised. After all, sword arts are sword arts, but the gap in realms is still unavoidable.
But Gu Chengming... this child's talent is quite high, so it's normal for him to defeat two people.
Perhaps his cultivation has advanced again?
Thinking of this, his mood improved a little. He cast aside distracting thoughts and began to ponder.
This matter isn't particularly big; to put it lightly, it's just a private dispute between disciples, and no lives were harmed, not even serious injuries. At most, it's some physical pain and a matter of face.
But it's not small either, as that is Daoning Gate after all.
Within the Wenjian Sect, although the various gates and factions are connected like branches from the same tree, their private rivalries have never ceased.
Those who cultivate arts in Daoning Gate usually think highly of themselves and are extremely protective of their own.
Especially that group of female cultivators, they are the most troublesome. If they learn that their disciples were knocked unconscious in the street by an Outer Sect sword cultivator, they probably won't let it go.
If this isn't handled well, Gu Chengming's days in the sect might be filled with endless trouble.
Liu Enchuan glanced at Jiang Lu, who was standing below, and sighed helplessly in his heart.
This disciple of his has a good heart, but his personality is a bit soft, and he easily panics when things happen.
"Alright, I already know about this matter."
Liu Enchuan waved his hand:
"You go back, don't spread the word. Cultivate when you should cultivate, do what you should do. As for Gu Chengming... just tell him to avoid wandering around the Market City these days."
Jiang Lu quickly bowed and retreated.
After his disciple left, Liu Enchuan picked up his vermilion brush again, but hesitated to put it down.
After a moment of contemplation, he finally stood up, straightened his robes, and pushed the door open.
He couldn't decide this matter alone; he still needed to ask his senior brother for his opinion.
..................................................
In a secluded courtyard in the Back Mountain of Huiyuan Gate.
Grand Elder Ren Wencai was squatting on the ground without any regard for his image, holding a spirit herb and teasing a spirit crane caught from who knows where.
"Senior brother, stop playing with the bird, something has happened."
Liu Enchuan walked into the courtyard, looking at his senior brother's carefree demeanor, and spoke helplessly.
Ren Wencai didn't turn his head, still enthusiastically teasing the spirit crane:
"Junior brother, your temperament is just too impatient. Cultivating immortality, what you cultivate is a state of mind."
"Gu Chengming beat up people from Daoning Gate."
"Oh, if they're beaten, they're beaten. Young people have a lot of fire... hmm?"
Ren Wencai's hand paused. The spirit crane seized the opportunity to peck him once, then flapped its wings and flew away.
He wasn't annoyed. He clapped the dust from his hands and stood up:
"What happened?"
Liu Enchuan recounted the situation Jiang Lu had reported once more.
The more Ren Wencai listened, the stranger his expression became. Towards the end, he couldn't help but burst out laughing:
"Good! What a 'rogue cultivator'! What a 'striking first to gain the upper hand'!"
Liu Enchuan looked at his senior brother, who seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold, and felt a bit helpless:
"Senior brother, this is not the time to praise him. Daoning Gate probably won't let this go. Those two female cultivators suffered such a great loss, they will definitely go back and complain. If the Daoning Gate elders come knocking, demanding an explanation..."
"Demand an explanation?"
Ren Wencai sneered.
"What face do they have to demand an explanation?"
He walked a couple of steps in the courtyard with his hands behind his back:
"Enchuan, you are just too honest, easily bound by those rules and regulations."
"Think carefully, are we in the wrong here?"
Liu Enchuan was stunned for a moment: "After all, he knocked people unconscious..."
"What's wrong with knocking them unconscious?" Ren Wencai interrupted, "First, they were the ones who blocked the path, right?"
"Secondly, and most importantly."
Ren Wencai extended a finger, wiggling it in front of Liu Enchuan, a cunning smile playing on his lips:
"Gu Chengming is only First Realm, Fourth Level!"
"Two First Realm, Middle Stage senior sisters ganged up to intercept a First Realm, Early Stage junior brother, and ended up being beaten by the junior brother."
"If this matter gets out, who will be embarrassed? Will it be our Huiyuan Gate?"
"No, it will be their Daoning Gate!"
Ren Wencai became more animated as he spoke, spreading his hands:
"Daoning Gate really wants to cause trouble? Let them come! We are in the right from beginning to end. If they really come, we'll make sure they lose all their dignity and face!"
Seeing his senior brother's confident, even eager-to-argue demeanor, the heavy stone in Liu Enchuan's heart finally settled.
Since the Grand Elder has spoken, then this matter is settled.
This kid Gu Chengming, not only committed no fault this time, but actually performed a meritorious deed.
"Alright, relax."
Ren Wencai squatted down again, picking up the spirit herb:
"If the people from Daoning Gate really come, just tell them to come directly to me."
Liu Enchuan also smiled: "I was just waiting for senior brother to say that."
..........................................................................
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