The elders convened in the Hall of Resolve, a chamber at the heart of the Verdant Dawn Sect. The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a circle of glowing jade orbs suspended above the polished stone table where they sat.
At the head of the table was Elder Hua, her sharp eyes scanning the scroll before her. She was the overseer of the Herb Pavilion and renowned for her strictness. Beside her sat Elder Jianyu, the head of combat training, his broad shoulders and weathered face a testament to years of battle. Across from him was Elder Mei, who managed the sect’s external relations, her robes pristine and her demeanour as cold as the winter wind.
“His actions were reckless,” Elder Hua began, her voice clipped. “Tao’s confrontation with Wei was a direct violation of sect rules. No matter the provocation, he cannot be allowed to act with such impunity.”
Elder Jianyu leaned back in his chair, his hand stroking his chin. “Reckless, yes. But effective. From what I’ve heard, Tao defeated Wei despite being at a lower cultivation level. That speaks to his potential.”
Elder Mei raised an eyebrow. “Potential or not, we cannot have disciples settling disputes through violence. It sets a dangerous precedent, especially with tensions already rising in the outer regions.”
Elder Jianyu frowned. “You’re speaking of the Ironwood Tower Sect?”
Mei’s gaze flickered toward him. “Their messengers grow bolder with each passing month. Their requests for ‘cooperation’ are little more than veiled demands. The last thing we need is internal chaos giving them an excuse to press further.”
Hua tapped her fingers on the table, her expression unreadable. “This is why discipline is crucial. If Tao believes he can act without consequence, it will undermine the sect’s authority.”
“Discipline is one thing,” Jianyu countered, his voice firm. “Crushing talent is another. We cannot afford to alienate promising disciples, especially if the Ironwood Tower Sect continues its provocations. We need strength within our ranks.”
Mei inclined her head slightly. “Strength without control is a liability. You know as well as I do that the Ironwood Tower Sect thrives on exploiting weakness. A rogue disciple could give them all the justification they need to escalate their actions.”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of their words hanging in the air.
Finally, Hua sighed, her fingers brushing the edge of the scroll. “Then we find a middle ground. Tao’s punishment must be severe enough to remind him of his place, but not so harsh as to stifle his growth.”
“What do you suggest?” Jianyu asked.
“We continue with the solitary confinement,” Hua said. “Let him reflect on his actions. Once his punishment is complete, we assign him a mission—something challenging but not impossible. If he succeeds, it will prove his worth and restore balance to the sect.”
Mei nodded, her expression approving. “A reasonable course of action. But we should ensure the mission serves our interests. Perhaps something that aligns with our ongoing efforts in the outer regions.”
Jianyu leaned forward; his tone thoughtful. “There’s the Obsidian Cloud Lotus in the Black Hollow Forest. Harvesting it requires both skill and courage. It’s a test that will push him without being insurmountable.”
Hua tapped her fingers one last time before nodding. “Agreed. Solitary confinement, followed by the mission. Let us see if Tao can rise to the challenge.”
The decision made, the elders turned their attention to other matters, their conversation shifting to reports of Ironwood Tower Sect activity along the borders. But even as they spoke, a faint unease lingered in the room.
The Ironwood Tower Sect’s shadow loomed larger with each passing day, and the Verdant Dawn Sect would need all the strength it could muster to weather the coming storm.
A month later, Tao’s solitude was broken by the sound of the chamber door creaking open. Elder Jianyu stepped inside, his expression unreadable.
“Tao,” he said, his voice echoing in the stillness. “Your time here is over. The sect has decided to give you a chance to redeem yourself.”
Tao stood, his gaze steady. “What do you mean?”
Jianyu handed him a jade slip. “A mission. The Obsidian Cloud Lotus grows in the Black Hollow Forest, a region infested with spirit beasts. Retrieve it and return. Succeed, and your punishment will be lifted. Fail...”
The elder didn’t finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.
Tao accepted the jade slip without hesitation. “I’ll return,” he said simply.
As he stepped out of the chamber, the sunlight stung his eyes, but he didn’t flinch. The Jade Mountain pulsed faintly within him, a reminder of the power he now carried.
He tightened his grip on the jade slip, his mind already turning toward the dangers ahead.