After hearing Cang Song’s words, Qi Hao immediately understood and quickly bowed, saying,
“Master, Martial Aunt Shuiyue, I did indeed enter the back mountain of Xiaozhu Peak by mistake. It wasn’t intentional. And I only went to look for Junior Sister Lu to ask for directions. I beg Martial Aunt’s forgiveness.”
Master Shuiyue looked at how Cang Song was clearly trying to shield Qi Hao, and her heart immediately burned with rage.
She then spoke coldly.
“Senior Brother Cang Song, I do not believe that Qi Hao entered by mistake.
Your disciple has been frequently visiting my Xiaozhu Peak over the past month, harassing many of my female disciples, and often inquiring about my disciple Lu Xueqi. In my view, his actions were clearly deliberate.
If you do not give me an explanation today, I will take this matter to Senior Brother Dao Xuan and demand an explanation from him.”
Cang Song’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing Master Shuiyue’s words.
He still tried to argue, saying,
“Junior Sister Shuiyue, could this perhaps be a misunderstanding?”
Master Shuiyue replied icily,
“There is no misunderstanding in this matter.
If Senior Brother Cang Song doesn’t believe me, I can immediately summon several of my disciples from Xiaozhu Peak to testify. And the fact that your disciple Qi Hao from Longshou Peak has been frequently visiting my Xiaozhu Peak is no secret.
Just ask any disciple of Qingyun Sect and the truth will come out. Cang Song, are you trying to shield Qi Hao?”
At this point, Cang Song’s face turned extremely grim.
He knew that unless he imposed some punishment on Qi Hao today, this incident would not end easily.
He immediately scolded Qi Hao, who also looked embarrassed by the situation.
“Rebellious disciple, hurry and kneel before me, and apologize to your Martial Aunt Shuiyue and Junior Sister Lu!”
Hearing Cang Song’s reprimand, Qi Hao felt indignant.
He had only wanted to see Lu Xueqi and form a bond with her. What wrong had he committed?
As for the sect rules of Qingyun Sect—he was a transmigrator from the modern world, destined to be the Heaven’s Chosen of this realm. Why would he take such rules seriously?
Seeing this, Qi Hao loudly declared,
“Master, I have done nothing wrong!”
“Xiaozhu Peak is also part of the Qingyun Sect. Since I am a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, I should be allowed to go anywhere I wish. How can it be forbidden just because Xiaozhu Peak happens to be populated by some female disciples?
Isn’t this sect rule a little unreasonable?”
Cang Song was instantly furious upon hearing that Qi Hao dared to openly question the validity of the sect’s rules.
As the Head of the Discipline Hall, most of the Qingyun Sect’s regulations had been established by him.
Now, his senior disciple was daring to challenge him publicly, declaring the rules to be flawed—how could Cang Song maintain his dignity?
In a flash, Cang Song snatched up a teacup from the nearby table and hurled it viciously. With a loud “Bang!,” it shattered at Qi Hao’s feet.
“You rebellious disciple! You dare to argue and even openly question the Qingyun Sect’s rules? Truly outrageous!”
Originally, Cang Song had intended to shield this junior disciple of his, but upon seeing Qi Hao act so unruly and disrespectful, new thoughts took root in his mind. Perhaps it was fitting to use this incident as an opportunity to discipline him.
He turned to Master Shuiyue and said,
“Junior Sister Shuiyue, I now understand the situation. Since it is clear that Qi Hao is at fault, I shall punish him according to sect rules.
Qi Hao entered the back mountain of Xiaozhu Peak without permission from you, committing a serious offense.
Today, I sentence him to reflect in Black Wind Cave for six months as punishment. What do you think, Junior Sister?”
Upon hearing Cang Song’s decision, Master Shuiyue felt a slight dissatisfaction. Given the severity of Qi Hao’s offense, six months in Black Wind Cave was clearly a light sentence.
By her reckoning, a full year of seclusion would be a more reasonable punishment.
However, Cang Song’s judgment still technically fell within the bounds of Qingyun Sect’s regulations. With some reluctance, she replied,
“If that’s the case, then we shall do as Senior Brother Cang Song says.”
Seeing that Master Shuiyue had no further objections, Cang Song nodded in satisfaction. He then turned to Qi Hao and asked,
“Qi Hao, do you have any objections to my judgment?”
Though Qi Hao felt deeply unwilling, he knew the circumstances left him with no choice but to bow his head.
“Yes, Master. I accept the punishment.”
Master Shuiyue had no desire to remain on Longshou Peak any longer. She turned to Lu Xueqi and said,
“Xueqi, let’s go.”
Lu Xueqi nodded. She understood this outcome was inevitable.
Though dissatisfied, she had no choice but to accept it. After all, Cang Song was the head of the Discipline Hall.
From the current situation, it was clear that he wanted to shield Qi Hao, and thus issued a light sentence in accordance with sect rules.
However, since the punishment did not technically violate any regulations, there was little more they could say.
Even if they brought the matter to Master Dao Xuan, little was likely to change.
Seeing this, she could only turn and prepare to leave with Master Shuiyue.
Just then, Qi Hao’s eyes flickered when he caught sight of Lu Xueqi’s stunning silhouette.
He quickly turned and rushed toward the departing Master Shuiyue and Lu Xueqi, calling out,
“Junior Sister Lu, this whole matter was a misunderstanding! I offer my sincere apologies here and now!”
As he spoke, Qi Hao kept moving closer to Lu Xueqi, as though intending to make physical contact.
Lu Xueqi instantly felt a chill in her heart and recalled the possibility that Qi Hao possessed a system.
Her vigilance soared, and she dared not let him come any closer. She shouted sternly.
“Qi Hao, stop right there! What are you trying to do?”
With a flash, Lu Xueqi darted behind Master Shuiyue to take cover.
Seeing that Qi Hao appeared to be making improper advances toward her disciple, Master Shuiyue scolded sharply.
“Qi Hao, what do you think you’re doing? This is the Discipline Hall on Longshou Peak! Are you trying to commit an indecent act against my disciple?”
Hearing Master Shuiyue’s stern rebuke, Qi Hao stopped in his tracks, his expression turning awkward.
Above them, Cang Song’s face had now grown completely dark.
Qi Hao’s earlier defiance in questioning the sect’s rules had already pushed him to anger.
Now, even after being punished, his proud disciple dared to act so outrageously? It was as if he held no respect for Qingyun Sect’s rules at all.
Cang Song couldn’t help but wonder—when had Qi Hao become so reckless?
Hadn’t he always been cautious and well-behaved? Why did he now seem like a shameless playboy?
This sent alarm bells ringing in Cang Song’s heart. Could something have happened during his recent closed-door cultivation that caused Qi Hao’s personality to change so drastically?