“Um…”

Ji Wuxia was speechless. Why did this junior brother feel somewhat abnormal?

However, thinking about it, it seemed that there was nothing normal on Zhishui Peak. Both the master and the disciples here were all abnormal.

Everyone was abnormal… except for her.

“Forget it, I’ll write it down in my diary first. After all, a new junior brother has arrived. I need to record such a big matter.”

This was a habit Ji Wuxia had developed over the years. After all, she was someone who had returned to the Purple Peace Imperial Palace after living outside for so long. The burden she had to bear was more than ten times heavier than her other siblings.

Therefore, no matter what Ji Wuxia did, she would record it to help her remember and study.

…

At this moment, Lu Xiaoran also arrived at the sect hall.

Li Daoran paced back and forth at the door. When he saw Zhou Hao walk over, he immediately rushed over in a panic.

“Old Lu, what should we do? We’re in big trouble now. The Grand Elder, the Sect Master, the First Elder, and the others have all lost their faces. Also, I heard that Elder Huang’s blind date has been ruined. You should have seen how his eyes widened when he looked at me just now!”

Lu Xiaoran said angrily, “What else can we do? We’ll just have to deal with it.”

“If even you’re saying that, then I think we’re probably doomed this time.”

“If not for you being so stupid and lazy, the two of us wouldn’t have gotten into such a big mess. Let’s go, we’ll have to face it anyway.”

As he spoke, Lu Xiaoran stepped into the hall first. Li Daoran followed behind with a depressed expression.

The two of them arrived at the hall. The elders were all present.

The two of them cupped their hands towards the Sect Master and said, “Greetings, Sect Master.”

On the high seat, the sect master’s expression was cold.

“You left your post without permission and even went to the Acacia Faction, causing many elders in the sect to lose face. Do the two of you know your crimes?”

“I admit my mistake.”

“It’s good that you know your mistake. Before I punish you, I have to ask you clearly. Did the two of you complete the formation together, or was it completed by someone alone?”

Lu Xiaoran cupped his hands and said, “Sect Master, the array formation of the main gate was completed by me alone. Dao Ran was in charge of the array formation on the two sides of the mountain gate. This matter has nothing to do with him.”

“Xiaoran.”

Li Daoran’s eyes turned red as he clenched his fists.

In fact, the main culprit of this matter was Li Daoran. If not for him taking the token away, none of this would have happened.

In the end, Lu Xiaoran actually took responsibility for everything without saying a word.

It showed that they had a deep friendship!

“Good brother, I’ll remember this favor. I’ll never forget it!”

The Sect Master nodded.

“Alright, I understand. Next, I announce that although Elder Xiaoran has made a huge mistake, his attitude is sincere and we will not pursue the matter. Elder Daoran, because you stepped into the hall a step later than Elder Xiaoran and your intention to admit your mistake is far inferior to Elder Xiaoran, you will be punished for this matter! You will be punished to work as a laborer for a month in the sect’s Weapon Refinement Hall.”

Li Daoran: “???”

His head was instantly filled with question marks, and he was dumbfounded.

“Sect Master, did you make a mistake? I didn’t set up the array formation at the mountain gate. At most, I’m just an accomplice.”

“How dare you! Are you doubting my judgment, Elder Huang!”

Elder Huang immediately stood out from the crowd.

“Yes, sir.”

“Bring Li Daoran to the Weapon Refinement Hall and watch over him closely. Train him well and make him realize his mistake.”

“Understood.”

After replying, Elder Huang turned to look at Li Daoran and sneered.

“Li Daoran, you’ve made a huge mistake. I have been appointed by the sect master to supervise your punishment in the Weapon Refinement Hall. I hope you won’t blame me. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely take ‘good care’ of you!”

Elder Huang emphasized the word “good care” very clearly, making Li Daoran shudder coldly. His eyes immediately revealed fear.

It would be strange if Li Daoran really believed that the other party would take good care of him. Elder Huang’s blind date had been ruined and he was filled with anger. Now that he had the chance, he would definitely punish him.

Li Daoran held Lu Xiaoran’s hand and pleaded in despair, “Old Lu, you can’t abandon me. Help me beg for mercy. Wuwuwu… If I go to the Weapon Refinement Hall for a month, I’m afraid I won’t be able to come out alive.”

“Um…”

To be honest, Lu Xiaoran did not expect things to develop this way.

He originally thought that it was better for one person to be punished than two people. The friendship between the two of them was older than ten years and this was also not a life-threatening matter. He originally thought that it was better for him to endure it himself.

At most, he would have to face a wall and reflect on his actions for a few years.

However, he did not expect the Sect Master to surprise them and punish Li Daoran instead of him.

This was really unexpected.

However, after thinking about it carefully, he understood.

With his deep attainments in array formations, the other party simply treasured him. The Heaven Demon Sect probably only wanted to rope him in. How could they be willing to punish him?

Moreover, they had also offended many elders this time. Even the sect master had lost face. If they did not find someone to punish, everyone would not be appeased.

Therefore, even if Li Daoran was not at fault, he still could not escape.

Thinking of this, Lu Xiaoran could not help but sigh and pat the back of Li Daoran’s hand.

“If you need anything from me, send me a message in my dreams.”

Li Daoran still wanted to say something, but Elder Huang had already walked forward with a sinister smile. He grabbed Li Daoran by the collar and pulled him out forcefully like an eagle grabbing a chick.

“You still want to plead for leniency? Let alone Xiaoran, even if the emperor came today, no one will be able to help you! Prepare to suffer!”

Li Daoran was so frightened that he almost wet his pants.

He shouted crazily, “Old Lu, save me. Save me. Wuwuwu… I don’t want to go to the Weapon Refinement Hall. I don’t want Elder Huang to supervise me. Help me beg for mercy.”

After Li Daoran was dragged away by Elder Huang, the solemn expression on the Sect Master’s face instantly disappeared. Then, he looked at Lu Xiaoran and chuckled.

“Xiaoran, you’ve been in the sect for so long, but I never knew that your attainments in array formations are actually so powerful! It’s really admirable. Even I’m amazed.”

Lu Xiaoran lowered his brows and said, “Sect Master, you’re too kind. Xiaoran’s talent in cultivation had always been insufficient, so I spent a bit more time studying array formations. Thankfully, my efforts have paid off slightly.”

“They definitely paid off! Even the Grand Elder and I were unable to break through the array formation. Thus, it can be seen that your strength is extraordinary. By the way, Xiaoran, how is your life at Zhishui Peak? Do you want us to move you to a bigger peak?”

“There are still a few new peaks that have yet to be developed in the sect. They’re all tall and have abundant spirit energy. Their locations are also better and the sunlight there is more abundant. Not to mention that the feng shui is also excellent and I’m sure the grass there is also greener. Do you want to pick one to move to?”