CHAPTER 379: CHAPTER 378: DETERRENCE

If it were minor squabbles, Gu Yuan would turn a blind eye, he’s not petty enough to meddle in people’s opinions.

But when it escalates to such slander, of course he couldn’t sit back and do nothing.

He immediately smashed the teacup in his hand to the ground. The sound wasn’t loud, but it gripped everyone’s heart tightly.

A sneer followed: "I see that you’ve really lost all your shame, so brazenly dressing up your jealousy in nobility.

Yun Ran was personally recruited by Director Xie, yet you claim with such conviction that she is an Evil Cultivator. I think you might as well propose to dismiss Director Xie!"

Gu Yuan is not someone who easily abuses his power, but once you’ve truly angered him, no one gets off lightly.

Xie Xuzhi, with no background in the Mystical Sect, has secured the second-in-command position at the Special Administration Bureau Headquarters. Do you think he can be easily dismissed?

They may rant and secretly go against Xie Xuzhi without overstepping the bounds, and no one would care too much.

But if they were to openly challenge Xie Xuzhi, no one dares to actually do it.

Now hearing Gu Yuan actually shift the conflict onto Xie Xuzhi, even suggesting the dismissal of Xie Xuzhi.

The people who were previously agitated suddenly felt like they had been drenched with cold water, chilling to the bone.

Even those aristocratic families not on good terms with Xie Xuzhi had to maintain a courteous facade, what are those loudmouths even worth?

In a short while, those who were surrounding him had quickly distanced themselves by several meters, leaving an empty space around him.

This behavior was clearly born out of fear of being implicated.

At this moment, he also knew that he had spoken too rashly and had been caught in the act.

A chill from the depths of his heart swept over him, engulfing him with endless fear.

Fear spreading through his body, the man’s eyes shut, and he collapsed straight to the ground, having frightened himself into unconsciousness.

Gu Yuan: ...

Everyone: ...

Well, during his moment of bravado, he didn’t think of the consequences. Now, passed out, he’s left a mess for them to clean up!

Some threw veiled glances at Gu Yuan, familiar with him, but never having seen him so troubled.

Being part of this circle, they knew all too well: some things you can say casually, even make a fuss about in front of Gu Yuan or Xie Xuzhi without consequence.

But there are things, words, that even if you despise them to death, you cannot utter; once said, it crosses a line.

Those representatives who used to show little respect to Gu Yuan now all wore stiff expressions, especially upon seeing the smile that wasn’t quite a smile on Gu Yuan’s face.

The representatives could only force out some flattering smiles: "Gu Chu, you see, we mustn’t let one bad apple spoil our grand competition, right?"

But in their hearts, they were cursing the one who had spoken recklessly just now: causing trouble with such bravado, now leaving them to bow and scrape.

Gu Yuan watched them coldly. For ordinary matters, if they bowed their heads, he would likely just let it slide.

Having followed the boss for so long, he was very clear on how to intimidate those below.

But having brought up the boss already, there’s no way he would let it go now; otherwise, bringing up the boss in the future would hold no weight.

"You can eat whatever you want, but words can’t be spoken carelessly. Today with a few flippant remarks, Yun Ran is branded an Evil Cultivator, a deviant; if treated lightly,

perhaps next time, you could spout even more outrageous claims, since the cost is too insignificant, right?"

At this, the representatives looked even more unpleasant; clearly, Gu Yuan was not ready to drop it.

Yet, in their hearts, they agreed with the meaning behind Gu Yuan’s words; if one could say whatever they wanted without any cost, then anyone could start talking nonsense in the future.

"Yes, yes, yes, then Gu Chu, what kind of punishment do you think should be given?"

Gu Yuan’s cold gaze briefly swept over the man who had fainted from fear, but the words that came out completely distanced himself.

"The person slandered is not me. I’m just reminding everyone according to the rules. As for the punishment, we’ll wait for the person involved and Director Xie to decide."

If today he punished that person, it would mean letting him off.

But if he postponed it, waiting for Yun Ran, the victim, and Xie Xuzhi, whose reputation was implicated, to decide on the punishment, it would mean that the man would never have a future in the Mystical Sect.

Many understood the implication behind these words, taking a sharp intake of breath.

Because of a single statement, to ruin one’s prospects and for the family to face invisible ostracism, the price was far too great.

But the effect of deterrence was indeed achieved; at least now, many were silently warning those in their families whose brains and mouths were not reliable enough.

Whoever dared to shoot their mouth off and cause trouble better be prepared for the strictest family laws.

Dragon Spirit observed Gu Yuan handling the situation with an indifferent gaze, somewhat satisfied.

If Gu Yuan had shown leniency just then, he would have been truly enraged.

He might dislike Yun Ran, but if someone could belittle her openly without consequence, that would be a slap to his face!

Yun Ran, nibbling on dry rations, had no idea that by merely having Little Paperman help her dry her hair, she had triggered such a chain of events.

The three aristocratic families, munching on the dry rations and glaring around them, looked as if they were choking to death if one didn’t know any better.

"These rations really are hard to swallow."

Yun Ran, for once, agreed with a nod. In the team of five, except for Xin Fu, all had grown up in luxury from a young age.

Though Yun Ran could endure hardship, her body, after all, belonged to the original owner, and had an inherent distaste for these dry rations.

Xin Fu wasn’t picky about food; it was enough if he could fill his stomach.

However, seeing Yun Ran and the others clearly struggling to eat, he didn’t rush to persuade them to make do.

"I’ll go catch some fish. There are plenty of fish in the sea that can be used for sashimi, just to change the taste, right?"

The other three immediately shook their heads: "No, no, no, we can endure!"

Actually, it wasn’t about their endurance, but because their bodies were bound with gauze by Yun Ran; if Xin Fu went to catch fish, they would also have to go into the sea.

Having been forced to swim earlier was out of necessity. Their physical strength was good, but they were carbon-based lifeforms after all; they could get tired.

To go through all that trouble again just for a bit of taste was not worth it.