Chapter Thirty-Three: Aftermath
"Where is the Hall of Enforcement?"
"Elder, Master... all the disciples are present!"
"Descend the mountain at once and head to Cangyu Town. Arrest the entire Zeng Hu family. Any who dare resist shall be killed without mercy!"
"Yes!"
Elder Gongsun, seething with rage, gave the order in a roar, then his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground...
From every corner of the viewing platforms, both inner and outer sect disciples, including those on the floating stands, countless figures shot out like a rainstorm, faces heavy with sorrow, rushing straight for the mountain gate...
...
The grand competition, which was supposed to conclude with the rewards for the top ten being distributed on the spot, ended rather hastily. The tens of thousands of disciples, whether elated or heavy-hearted, each returned to their own peaks.
At the Alchemy Pavilion, Elder Mu Huo, Gu Zaizuo, Mu Wan’er, and a few others gathered together.
After being treated with pills and medicines, Little Fatty Gu looked as if he had returned to the state he was in half a year ago—lying in bed, fighting for his life for three years. Now he lay with his brow tightly furrowed, his flesh twitching and shuddering from time to time...
Unnoticed by anyone, the stone pendant hanging at his chest would occasionally emit a faint flicker of light.
Though everyone was anxious, they were clearly relieved that the sinister black needle had not truly pierced Little Fatty’s body. Instead, it had been blocked by the seemingly ordinary stone pendant on his chest, sparing him from disaster. This was why, when the black needle struck, the sound of metal clashing had rung out and the needle had fallen to the ground.
“Everyone needn’t worry too much. Little Fatty’s life is not in danger. He is only unconscious due to excessive blood loss and spiritual exhaustion during the match.”
...
“This world is too dangerous. I must become stronger.”
“This world... become stronger.”
In his spiritual world, Little Fatty Gu could only repeat this belief over and over, subconsciously.
...
Main Peak, Council Hall!
“After today’s events, and the previous night attack... it seems this Puppet Sect is truly sparing no expense. They are determined to sap the strength of our Misty Sect.”
“There must be more disciples like Zeng Hu among us. From now on, all of you must remain vigilant in private. If anyone is discovered, there will be no forgiveness.”
...
“Master, the Puppet Sect has insulted us so gravely. What shall we do next?”
“That’s right, Master. We were lucky last time during the night raid because we were forewarned, so we avoided heavy casualties. But the other sects have suffered significant losses. Could this also be the work of the Puppet Sect?”
“Unlikely. According to the other sects, it seemed more like the work of an assassin organization, not deathsworn puppets.”
...
“At the request of the three elders on stage, in half a month, the Forbidden Misty Realm in the back mountains will be opened to the top hundred inner and outer sect disciples.”
“It is urgent that our disciples grow stronger. Make arrangements as soon as possible.”
...
After the discussion ended, the various peak masters and elders with real authority each returned to their duties to organize the necessary preparations.
...
As for the inner and outer sects, many disciples who had just returned from arduous training outside were in a truly foul mood—one might even say utterly miserable.
Because of Zeng Hu’s actions, too many fellow disciples, even those who had been close to them, now looked at them differently. Their gazes seemed to nakedly question: “He just got back from training too. Could he be like Zeng Hu? ...No, better keep my distance. If I get stabbed by some random poison needle, where would I even go to cry? Actually, I wouldn’t even have the chance to cry...”
Forced by the situation, they sought out the Hall of Enforcement and the grief-stricken Elder Gongsun themselves, eagerly volunteering to be examined...
Only then could they once again become part of the great inner and outer sect family, feeling at home as before.