CHAPTER 489: CHAPTER 499: NOT ASKING FOR YOUR OPINION

Meanwhile, the Inner Sect also utilized the Gui Xu Secret Realm as a form of punishment.

For those Inner Sect Disciples who committed minor offenses, they would be confined to the Gui Xu Secret Realm.

This is also a measure to indirectly enhance the strength of the core disciples of the Sect.

Young Master Jia, hearing that he was to be sent to the Gui Xu Secret Realm, shivered violently in fright and pleaded, "Dad, it’s too terrifying in there, why not just lock me up in the small dark room instead!"

Young Master Jia had obviously been to the Gui Xu Secret Realm before and suffered hardships.

That’s why he was so fearful.

"Nonsense, I’m not discussing this with you, I am ordering you! Dare to speak more, and your punishment will be doubled!" Jia Zongren’s face darkened, immediately silencing Young Master Jia with fear.

Like being led to the execution ground, he was escorted out by two masters of the Sect People’s Mansion.

Watching the retreating figure of Young Master Jia, Jia Zongren suddenly stood up, "I must personally make a trip to the Elder Court! Chu Feng’s prominence is too overwhelming, it must be suppressed. Otherwise, it will be difficult to retrieve the ancestral Jade Pendant owned by my family."

Besides this reason, there is another, but Jia Zongren found it inappropriate to disclose.

Chu Feng had humiliated his son twice, essentially challenging his authority as a Duke. Only someone who does not regard him in the slightest would dare be so presumptuous.

As a father, it was only natural to stand up for his son.

Soon, Jia Zongren arrived at the Elder Court.

The Great Elder and other Inner Sect Elders were all present.

The Elder Court is where the Inner Sect Elders cultivate and discuss matters.

"Greetings, Great Elder, and to all the Elders!" Once there, Jia Zongren didn’t dare to be the slightest bit lax and was extremely humble.

"Oh, Zongren, what winds have brought you, this busy man, here today?" The Great Elder was a venerable old man with white hair and a saintly demeanor.

He appeared very kind.

His face carried authority, yet also a friendly smile.

"I have come today with a request! My son, Jia Zhenjing, made a bet with an Outer Disciple and lost our ancestral Jade Pendant. That Outer Disciple named Chu Feng is highly prominent and has considerable skill."

"According to the rules, since he has passed the third stage of the Qiankun Sword Formation, he should be immediately promoted to the Inner Sect and be granted the official status of an Inner Sect Disciple."

"Elders, can this matter be delayed a bit, perhaps for a year or half, before promoting Chu Feng to the Inner Sect?"

Although Jia Zongren is a Duke, each Inner Sect Disciple is a precious asset to the Sect.

He dared not act arbitrarily.

Nor did he dare violate the rules to suppress Chu Feng.

After all, Chu Feng should have been promoted to an Inner Sect Disciple the last time he passed the second stage.

If this is suppressed again, it will definitely cause dissatisfaction and extensive criticism.

Jia Zongren wasn’t afraid of ordinary people finding fault with him. If the left or right Dukes of the Sect People’s Mansion targeted him, catching this issue and making a big deal out of it, he would indeed be annoyed.

If not handled well, he could lose big over a small matter, even risking his position as a Duke.

Jia Zongren, having been a Duke for so many years without falling, naturally had exceptional abilities and tactics.

This time, as long as he gets the approval of the Elders, he wouldn’t fear anyone pointing out faults.

"Jia Zongren, you really dare to lay everything out on the table! But I, the Great Elder, quite like your straightforward nature." The Great Elder’s smile remained unchanged as he glanced over the other Elders.

"What do you all think? Agree or disagree?"

"Zi Xu, I’ve heard you are quite interested in that young man Chu Feng. This matter should mainly depend on your opinion."

Although the Great Elder is the head of all Elders, he also did not dare to be dictatorial and was quite democratic.

Essentially, the Great Elder is merely the leader, mainly to mediate the conflicts between the various elders of the Sect. He tries to unify everyone’s opinions.

At the very least, he aims to achieve the minority adhering to the majority.

Elder Zi Xu gently stroked his beard, his gaze profound, a glimmer of wisdom flashing.

"Elder Zi Xu, we have known each other for many years. I have a newly opened jar of Monkey Wine at my place. Though it isn’t of immortal quality, the fragrance is intense, and the flavor is rich and lingering. A few sips are truly memorable."

"I’ll have someone send it to you when I return!"

Jia Zongren tried to make Elder Zi Xu agree to do him a favor by immediately offering him something good in return.

"Are you trying to bribe this Elder, you old rascal?"

A wine gourd hung from Elder Zi Xu’s waist. He was indifferent to other things, but he had a particular fondness for fine wine.

His constant swallowing of saliva showed that his stomach was tempted by the thought of wine, looking all greedy.

"Haha, but this Elder likes it. Let’s settle it then; bring that jar of Monkey Wine right away. As for Chu Feng’s promotion to the Inner Sect, delaying it would not be a bad thing."

"Youth tends to breed arrogance. Letting him stay in the Outer Sect to cultivate earnestly for a year and undergo some trials will only benefit him, not harm him."

Hearing that Elder Zi Xu agreed, Jia Zongren was visibly delighted.

He readily agreed and immediately had someone fetch the jar of Monkey Wine to present to Elder Zi Xu.

"I won’t bother the elders any longer, I will take my leave!" Jia Zongren was eager to go because the way these elders were looking at him was precisely as though looking at a fat sheep.

This made him feel a tightness in his chest.

The upper echelons of the Wan Jian Sect Main Lineage are relatively united.

Among these elders, nine out of ten were lovers of wine. Living for a long time, they inevitably develop some proclivities.

They are all cultivators, and with extremely high realms, they are solely focused on pursuing the pinnacle of Sword Dao. They have little interest in women or riches as their status is already highly revered.

As for beauties, these old eccentrics have long been indifferent to them.

Moreover, coveting beauty is detrimental to cultivation. Therefore, they all diligently avoid lustful pursuits.

Wine, however, is an exception.

It can make one feel as if soaring through the heavens, forgetting all worries. A swig of strong liquor burns through the guts, providing a sensation both refreshing and exhilarating.

"Jia Zongren, you promised Elder Zi Xu a jar of Monkey Wine, what about us?"

"If we don’t agree, you can forget getting this matter handled!"

The Great Elder spoke with a smile, Jia Zongren’s body trembled slightly, a forced smile on his face which looked more pained than crying.

"Since I’ve come to ask for the elders’ help today, I should be generous. To be honest, I got two jars of Monkey Wine. I’ve only tasted one cup from the other jar. I will arrange to have it sent over for the elders to try!"

After saying this, Jia Zongren repeatedly bowed respectfully, then took the opportunity to slip out of the Elder Court.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Entering the Elder Court can indeed be intimidating. What a pity about those two jars of Monkey Wine.

It’s all because of Jia Zhenjing, that unfilial son, causing his father to clean up his mess.

...

Chu Feng was preparing to deal with Judge Tie Pan and Mu Yi when suddenly, several figures flew from the direction of the Inner Sect. Their speed was extremely fast, and their formidable aura enveloped the entire area like a mountain, pressing down on everyone and evoking awe.

These were the bigwigs of the Inner Sect.

The entire place suddenly fell silent, everyone looking up at those majestic figures in the sky.