After constantly being urged to take a day off by my Butler Augusto, I finally relented and decided to listen to him. The only reason I took so long was because I was worried about my son’s health.
Rosina stood before me as she awaited my order. Her orange hair was neatly put in a ponytail, and her Semita Sect uniform did not have the slightest crease as she stood in the correct posture. She was the perfect example of someone who was dutiful and organized in their tasks and honestly Rosina was one of the best workers I had seen in 200 years.
I looked at Rosina, my Son's Caretaker, and said, “Andro will be in your care for the day.” And bowed deeply to her.
Rosina bowed even deeper in response and said, “Sect Master Regnum, your son will be safe in my hands. Have a good day, Sect Master.”
I dismissed her from my cultivation room and sat down again on the Jade Stone. Rosina had taken care of my son for a year now and she had done exemplary work. Andro is close to his 14th birthday and is still mentally stable. His progress with his mental disease is much better and faster than before as well. He does not seem as depressed nowadays.
I should reward Rosina, perhaps with a precious medicinal pill to improve her strength. She had been stuck at a certain level of strength for a while now…
I summoned the next person in. My 18-year-old Daughter, Lucia Semita.
She inherited my yellow hair, and she wore it in waves today. This is a hairstyle that she probably spent more time on than she spent in her morning studies.
She jumped into the room and proclaimed dramatically, “Dad! I demand you give me time off to spend it with my Younger Brother Andro!”
She had also inherited my vigor from my youth as well….
I raised an eyebrow, “Have you accomplished your task of hunting down that monster beast in the territory?”
She smugly said, “Done.”
I asked, “Have you sparred with Augusto this morning?”
She curled her lip, “Yup.”
I lowered my voice and said, “Have you done your written tests from last week and this week.”
She remained silent then struck a foolish pose trying to make light of her situation, “Oopsie daisy. I'll do them tomorrow, okie dokie?”
I paused then threw a weak lightning bolt at her which she dodged, “Lucia Semita! You must do all your assignments both physical and mental, to have powerful strength. Do not grow content by just having physical strength if you still don't know what’s the difference between a Blue Mushroom Bud and an Eastern Red Rose!”
My Daughter confidently said, “Uhm actually I do know the difference, The Blue Mushroom is ice-related. And the Eastern Red Rose is fire-related and is commonly found in marshes.”
I threw another lightning bolt which slightly knocked her back but left her unharmed, “Wrong! The blue mushroom is poisonous and is not ice-related!” I continued, “However, the information about the rose is indeed correct. Did you study only half the material again and skip out on the other half??”
She smiled dumbly before she dashed outside before I could hear her answer.
I shouted at her as she left, “Agusto will be in charge of your studies today. Don't forget!”
How tiresome. I must keep at it and make sure she will do all her assignments before I even consider giving her time off.
I can't even give her normal tutors anymore or else she would skip out on her lessons or worse. My Butler Agusto is perfect for this as even she can’t dismiss his authority. She as the princess of the sect could not easily be ordered around after all. But Augsto used to be my caretaker when I was young so he has control over her.
I looked at my morning agenda and saw it was clear.
I stood up and my aura came out. The Aura of a Grade 9 Cultivator. The aura of one of the strongest in the world, one who is capable of blowing up mountain ranges in a second.
The tables and chairs in the room slowly floated from the pressure before I compressed my aura. Then I dashed out of the room. All the mansion guards were doing their jobs well as they stood in various places which would ensure my Son’s safety while I was gone. My Son was only Grade 1 in strength after all…
I focused my senses on Andro's weak aura and saw him in the dining room as he ate his breakfast with Rosina as company. Andro had dark circles under his eyes but still dutifully did his morning routine. I’m glad for that at least. Andro always put effort into his tasks whenever he had the mental energy to do them.
Now then, the other one.
She better focus on her studies or else I will take away her allowance again.
I checked on Lucia and saw she had gathered up her study materials and was on the way to Agusto.
Good.
A moment passed and then I floated up the mountain and looked around. My senses spread throughout the territory.
My territory.
I focused on my place of investigation. There were rumors that a member of my sect had harassed and bullied others. However, due to his Father’s high status, he was not punished.
That will not do! My sect is a place where no such things must be allowed.
I slowly changed my appearance with my energy and settled on a Low-Ranking Disciple’s form.
Short black hair and a robe, typical of serious cultivators. My story will be that I am a disciple of a different training area in the sect. Perhaps the Yellow Mountain Area. I already have all the mountain area badges prepared in case a situation arises.
I prepared to investigate the sect I ruled over: and went down to the Pale Mountain Area.
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I slowly walked through the Pale Mountain Area and suppressed my energy.
This area was one of the training areas where the Low-Ranking Disciples grew their strength and got tested to see if they were approved to move to a higher-ranked area. My sect has always been one that is focused on training and less on other unrelated aspects. Even long before I inherited it from my Late Father.
Disciples train to improve their strength as they challenge the heavens. And this environment is one where hard work and talent combined should surpass all.
As I walked I decided on the false name that I would use.
Jacob. A humble name.
This area’s disciples were Grade 4 and Grade 5. So I will settle on Low-Grade 5 as my cultivation.
I walked and stretched my senses several hundred meters around.
And yet no signs of anything suspicious were seen. All the disciples here just seemed to follow the rules as they did their morning routines.
It seems that I have come too early.
I paused and looked around.
A forest of tall white trees surrounded me. The trees slowly released energy through the air. This energy was useful for Low-Ranked Disciples to cultivate with.
Several stone pathways ran through the forest which led disciples to marketplaces, cabins, training areas, and fighting stages.
I walked through the marketplace and saw disciples who traded and bought items. They haggled with the prices as they came to find the weapon or item that would help them increase their strength.
One disciple in particular had a neat and organized stall. I noted the items as being good for the low-level cultivators, which made it even more odd why nobody was interested in them. Instead, people avoided the disciple as if he were the plague which left the disciple saddened.
I saluted the disciple and introduced myself, “Hello fellow disciple I’m Jacob, a Stage 5 Disciple.”
The Low-Ranking Disciple returned my greetings as he smiled at me with warmth, “Heya, Disciple Jacob I’m Smith. Have you come to see my wares?”
I nodded and then looked at them more closely. A sword, bow, and spear all of which were at the Fifth Grade of strength. Along with that were several medicinal pills that were designed to increase one's cultivation speed and heal injuries.
The dark red sword was refined well and had a spiritual stone in it. Filled with energy that increased the user’s strength in battle. Its blade was sharpened and was above average in quality and I faintly sensed the aura of fire from it.
The Bow was silver and was wonderful relative to its level. Strong spiritual wood and a firm bow string that could quickly fire arrows to dismantle the enemy. The bow had wind energy that came from it.
He also sold two types of arrows. One type of arrow that was less sharpened than the other. Most likely to prevent serious injury in sparring. It was only designed for a strong impact rather than penetration.
The other type of arrow was more typical, it had Spiritual-Steel tips designed to penetrate the enemy. This must be for monster and demon hunting.
The black spear was the most normal of the bunch. It had the Semita Crest on the handle and a good grip. The spear tip was made from Spiritual-Iron and I could sense earth energy from it. It was a basic design, however its build quality was very good.
These wares were far too low of a quality for someone of my strength. If I seriously used the red sword in battle my power would disintegrate it. However, for someone who was of their strength level it was very good.
I faked an impressed smile and said, “Fellow disciple, these are exemplary wares.”
I took out a sword I had prepared specifically for this and said, “Sadly I already have a good sword but I will buy some medicinal pills.”
I felt pity for the hard-working disciple and decided to reward him for his organized stall and good manners.
I was planning to buy the Weak Rejuvenation Pill, a pill that could slowly help you gather the energy around you. Perhaps I could give it to another hard-working disciple who needed it.
Disciple Smith laughed in slight pride, “Thank you very much, Disciple Jacob.”
Slowly his smile disappeared and his eyes grew dark, “Truthfully Disciple Jacob. You can buy these medicinal pills but someone might bring harm to you if you buy them.”
My eyes glittered, a clue! Is this a hint as to who the bully is?
I asked in suspicion, “How? Are these not normal medicinal pills? Are they reserved?”
Truthfully, I could just have someone do all of this instead. As this is sort of beneath me to investigate the sect. But this is a fun hobby of mine. To be able to clean the sect of those who abuse their power and status is something I quite enjoy and additionally, it brought benefits to the sect. It instilled fear in those who broke the rules and who did wrong lest they get caught by the Sect Master if they were unlucky. Everyone benefited in this regard, except those who did wrong.
Disciple Smith looked around but saw everyone busy with their own affairs except for one that he did not notice. A disciple who posed as someone who sold wares but had their eyes locked onto us the whole time. I noted his appearance after I felt his hidden malice toward us.
Time to set the bait. Since this person is filled with hidden malice I can assume that they are someone here to watch Disciple Smith.
I motioned to Smith who said, “My talent is High-Grade 6. And as you know the higher your talent, the farther your strength gets in cultivation. But sadly even though I got into the prestigious Semita Sect. I have no one backing me. Disciple James has Low-Grade 6 Talent and recently my strength has slowly gotten closer to surpassing his. And once that happens then he will lose a spot in The Cleansing Lightning Bath. A spot given to the top 10 of The Pale Mountain Area.”
Ah.. That was a benefit of the top 10 I personally created. Once a month the top 10 disciples of The Pale Mountain Area would sit in a crater filled with my weak lightning. The lightning would purify the user’s energy so they could cultivate faster and have more concentrated energy. I created this to help motivate the Low-Ranked Disciples to train harder. But it seems to have backfired, as due to how precious it is, it seems to have created those who would ‘trip’ others so they don’t catch up.
Smith continued dejected, “Once he knew I was catching up to his number top 10 spot and how I would overtake him. He continuously bullied others who interacted with me and bullied anyone who bought my wares. So I could no longer get the money necessary to improve my strength and to not have anyone who would spar with me.”
I quickly asked to get the necessary clue that this was the right case, “Why not ask the High-Ranked Supervisors for help to get justice?”
Smith gritted his teeth in frustration, “You think I did not try that! That was the first thing I tried!! They all ignored me because Disciple James has a power backing him.”
He stopped and then looked at me suspiciously, “Wait are you perhaps someone sent here to bother me? How come you don’t know this anyways, it's a rumor flying around for weeks now!”
It seems that I annoyed him inadvertently. Lower-Ranked Disciples gossip even in my sect it seems. He does have a point though. I do seem like someone suspicious. And this same instance might have already happened to him before where others mocked him like this.
He looked at me with none of the warmth he had before and I quickly said, “Fellow disciple I’m not someone sent here to bother you. I came from The Yellow Mountain Area today. I asked to switch areas to a lower one so I can increase my strength and come back when I’m better prepared. As I moved up too quickly.”
I must say I feel quite bad for this disciple. He has talent and worked hard and yet…
This is unacceptable.
The Semita Sect is one that should never ever have instances like this happen!
Disciple Smith looked at me with faint coldness and then said, “Show me proof! I’m tired of being harassed all the time.”
I took out a Yellow Mountain Area Badge and showed him. The lion mark on the circle of Spiritual Metal showed Disciple Smith its authentic nature.
His eyes grew wide, and he bowed his head, “I apologize. I must have been getting paranoid.”
He held his face in his hands, “I’m sorry, Disciple Jacob. It has just been quite hard recently.”
I shook my head, “Raise your head, Disciple Smith. It is natural to be suspicious as you did not see me before and I don't even know the basic rumors around here.”
I continued to ask, “May I sit next to you?”
He nodded and then I sat down next to him.
I curiously asked him, “Why did you decide to come to The Semita Sect anyway?”
He raised his head and looked up at the sky, “The strongest of the Human Race. I want to meet the pillar Regnum Semita. It has always been a dream of mine to see The Legendary Demon Slayer Regnum Semita.”
Ah I see, he is an admirer of my strength. There are many who admire my strength, as I am one of the strongest of hundreds of millions of humans in this world. Few even among the Demon and Monster Beast Race could stand on my level as well.
He continued, “I aspire for strength. To be able to continuously grow my strength and challenge myself. It brings me a rush, unlike any other. When my talent was tested and I was given entrance to the sect my dream was reaffirmed. I would have to work for decades. But I could meet the strongest in the world, Regnum Semita.”
I looked at him in approval. That is a good mindset. I grew my strength in the same way at the start. I wanted to be strong so I could stand with my Late Father. I faintly saw an old shadow of myself in Disciple Smith. I had the same drive to get stronger at the start.
Disciple Smith turned to me and said, “What about you, Disciple Jacob?”
Hah. I have not received this question in many years. Few can honestly talk to me like this. They typically ask how I got my strength, they don’t ask why I wanted to get strong.
This question is quite refreshing.
I thought deeply. I am 350 hundred years old as of last December. From Grade 1 to Grade 9 took 300 hundred years and I have spent the last 50 years at the peak of the world with only a few others. But this strength…. Why did I want it?
I looked at the bright sun as I reminiscenced, “I wished to stand with my Father on equal footing.”
Disciple Smith asked intrigued, “How strong was he?”
I answered disgruntledly and my true personality slightly seeped from my facade, “Doesn't matter. He has left this world forever.”
I faintly said in my heart, ‘And it’s my fault….’
Disciple Smith slightly bowed his head, “I apologize Disciple Jacob. It seems the question was too personal.”
I said, “No matter. I would love to see this Disciple James try to bully me. I would like to buy your medicinal pills.”
Disciple Smith replied, “Since those at The Yellow Mountain Area are stronger than The Pale Mountain Area. Your words ring true. But be wary of his Father. He is an Outer Deacon of this sect. Are you sure about this?”
Oh, so this was indeed the right person getting bullied. And I have found the culprit.
I smiled and mysteriously said, “Where there is the Earth there is a Heaven.”
Disciple Smith applauded, “Bold! I will give them to you for free if you are that certain. You must also have someone backing you to be that confident.”
I stood up as he handed me the pills and I walked off.
With my senses locked onto the disciple who watched us the whole time.
I saw the disciple start to pack up his stall and get ready to leave.
How fun, the thrill of an investigation never got old even after all these years.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
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I mumbled, “It’s much easier to investigate now rather than in my youth. Having this Divine Sense ability makes it so much easier. I was too weak to use it before but now it's almost become too easy. Now I can easily track people and know what they are doing in detail.”
I kept my Divine Sense locked onto two people. First to Disciple Smith to ensure his safety from those who unfairly targeted him.
And the other disciple who watched us the whole time.
My senses followed alongside that disciple as he traveled to a handsome cabin. He knocked on the door and then entered after a voice said, “Enter!”
My senses stretched the inside of the cabin and I groaned in disappointment.
In short.
It was disorganized and completely unfit for the Semita Sect!
Alcohol bottles everywhere. Several male disciples dilly-dallying with female disciples. And someone on a chair who drank expensive alcohol as 2 female disciples served him fruit intimately.
There are so many rules broken here, that it’s hard to count them….
A vein throbbed from my forehead as I pondered what punishment I should give that disciple along with his Father, that foolish Deacon.
At the cabin, the disciple who just entered kneeled on the ground and said, “Senior Disciple James, I have come to report.”
So this is Disciple James.
Disorganized robes and messy brown hair, sitting lazily on the chair and his strength was Low-Grade 5.
Disciple James said, “Report, Disciple Alex. Anything new?”
Disciple Alex said, “Disciple Smith had someone visit and buy several medicinal pills from his wares again. I’m not sure of the amount as I did not see him passing money but he could be promising to give him contribution points or train with him.”
Disciple James straightened up, “What was the new disciple’s name? I can’t have Disciple Smith gaining more contribution points otherwise he can enter training areas to get even stronger.”
He paused then said, “I also can’t have him train with others, that fool is a monstrous genius. He almost caught up with me already, even though we are suppressing him as much as we can!”
Oh, so Disciple Smith is strong-willed enough to not give up even while being suppressed. Well done Disciple Smith.
Disciple Alex said, “He said his name was Disciple Jacob and he came from the Yellow Mountain Area. I am sure he is at Low-Grade 5.”
Disciple James roared, “What! We must suppress him immediately. I’m only Low-Grade 5 and he might catch up as well. You fools come help me create a plan, stop being so damn useless!”
The subordinates of Disciple James stopped their activities and faintly looked at their leader coldly but still listened to his order.
It seems that Disciple James is a toxic leader…
I witnessed as they pondered together on a plan to suppress Disciple Smith and the imaginary ‘Disciple Jacob’.
I pondered. I could easily just call the Disciplinary Elder to take care of this. But I must say this far is too much fun.
Oh well.
I’ll take justice for Disciple Smith and drag Disciple James to his Father.
I must not spend too much time doing this in case Andro is unwell. I faintly remembered his illness that caused him deep sadness. All of the physicians said the same thing when they saw his case.
That it’s an illness that required him to break out of it by himself.
So why won’t you break out of it? Don’t you see how much it hurts me and your Sister Lucia to see you in such pain….
I sighed deeply as I thought of my Late Wife’s final words.
“Just promise me this alright? Take care of our kids, okay Handsome? This is my last wish.”
I will Songul. I absolutely will take care of our Son and Daughter.
I pushed the thoughts of my son away out of fear I would become stressed and instead focused on the completion of my tasks so I could return to him quickly. Rosina took care of him very well and no incidents happened with her around him but still.
He is my Son, and I will keep my promise to Songul.
I walked through the Pale Mountain Area leisurely to where Disciple Smith was. They planned to suppress us both at the same time. So I’ll get justice for Disciple Smith by beating that fool Disciple James in front of him.
And then…
While walking I lit up a message talisman and sent it to Augusto.
“Augusto get every Deacon and High-Ranked Supervisor in the Pale Mountain Area to a chamber. I’ll be there in 10 minutes. Work quickly.”
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Meanwhile, Elsewhere in The Semita Sect
I sighed and looked down at the test paper, “What in the world is this?”
My old hands gripped the test paper and I was so confused.
I called, “Lucia!”
Lord Regnum’s Daughter skipped over from the practice area and said, “What’s up Augusto? Perfect score right? I know I did well.” She looked at me with a slightly sarcastic smile.
She had easily obliterated her practice dummies and had performed her new techniques perfectly which earned her another perfect score in her physical tests. There was still some residual lightning aura from the ashes of the dummies and I wrote down a note to get them replaced.
But the problem did not lie with the physical tests.
I kindly looked at Lucia, “Lady Lucia, what is the answer to question 5 you have written down?” I pointed to the question.
‘What is the formula of motion and how can it be seen in cultivation?’
Lucia said, “E, energy equals Motion. When you use energy in cultivation you make things move. And yeah that’s it .” Lucia replied in a dumb manner but a glimmer of intelligence could easily be seen within.
She just wants to stall for time so she can go back to training…
Lucia is not dumb at all. She is a genius in all aspects. She just does not put any effort into studying. Because she views it as something beneath her and that just cultivating instead is a better way to spend her time.
I sighed as I wondered how I could motivate her to study. Lord Regnum is also at his wit’s end.
She had actually dared to tell her last tutor, “Bitch, don’t tell me what to do.” In a sassy manner when the tutor politely asked her to focus on his lecture.
The lecturer could not say anything back due to her status until Lord Regnum came and smacked Lucia and told her to apologize to him. Lucia did apologize but the last tutor quit because he just could not control Lucia who often skipped out on her classes. Just like all the other tutors…
And then Lord Regnum came to me and I volunteered to tutor Lucia. I did not mind Lucia as a student but I swear that Lord Regnum was at least polite in his youth. He was not this bad as he studied both the physical and mental aspects diligently before he went out to explore the sect.
Suddenly as I thought of this I received a message from Lord Regnum ordering me to gather up all the High-Ranking Supervisors and Deacons of the Pale Mountain Area.
Lucia laughed, “Duty calls?”
I looked at her reproachingly as I passed a fresh test paper, “If you don't get at least 90/100 on this new one. I will tell Lord Regnum to stop your allowance for a week.”
Sparks danced around Lucia as she made a rude gesture with her hand, “Hah! Don’t think you can get away with this just because you were Dad’s caretaker when he was young.”
I replied truthfully and coldly, “Lord Regnum already asked me this morning if it was a good idea to stop it for 2 weeks. So I’m being kind here. And if you dare make that gesture around me again, I will ask him to stop it for 3 weeks.”
Lucia shrunk back and then silently went back to seriously do the test.
Lucia always spent her allowance on gifts for her brother and on fashionable clothes for herself and him. The allowance was the one threat that she took seriously from me and Lord Regnum.
I rose to my new task and my Grade 8 Aura came out. I sped out to accomplish Lord Regnum’s order quickly and dispatched several of my disciples to help me do the task as well.
It’s always enjoyable to see Lord Regnum with his fascinating hobby.
I’m 450 years old and yet it never tired me to serve Lord Regnum.
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In The Pale Mountain Area
I heard Agusto’s message as he confirmed my order and then I approached Disciple Smith who at the moment trained in one of the common training areas.
He stood firmly and practiced one of the sect’s techniques: The Wind Shield.
A Grade 4 technique that was basic yet could be utilized to a high degree. I had once practiced it in my youth. You would strike with your palm and a shield of wind would manifest around you. It would protect your front but it would leave you vulnerable to attacks from other directions or repeated attacks on the shield.
I confirmed his well-put-together form. But yet the technique came out differently…
Disciple Smith’s black hair flew as he roared, “Semita Style: Wind Shield.”
He punched the training dummy and a wind blast shattered the dummy while a shield of wind protected him.
I see. This is quite impressive for his level.
He had innovated the Wind Shield Technique to an attack! In this version, he used a more aggressive form of technique to block his opponent's attacks and because the shield would form extremely quickly it would turn into a blast.
Not bad, not bad.
It is quite difficult to change a technique someone has learned to such an extent. The smallest mistake when you form the technique with your energy could cause the technique to blow up and injure you.
He truly does deserve the High-Grade 6 talent. Perhaps I can train him to be one of the smaller pillars of the sect.
Close by, one of Disciple James’s subordinates spotted us and returned to report to Disciple James.
I approached Disciple Smith and offered him pointers on the Wind Shield Technique and acted as if I met him by chance.
I waited and waited as Disciple James’s Subordinate went to Disciple James. And then waited for Disciple James to gather up all his subordinates. And waited again as they came to us.
This whole process took 20 minutes. And I lamented my order to Agusto in which I said I would be there in 10 minutes. But Agusto would understand.
By the time they arrived, I was performing very very weakened wind blasts for Disciple Smith to see and perhaps innovate them himself. Normally I’m a lightning and thunder user but using weak forms of other elements is easy for me to do.
Disciple Smith thanked me, “Thank you Senior Disciple Jacob. Your proficiency in the Wind Element taught me many things today. Particularly the version of the Wind Shield technique where there were repeated blasts from one usage. I have much to meditate on tonight.” He had started to refer to me as a Senior Disciple out of respect.
I dusted my clothes and said, “It is of no consequence, fellow disciple. But it seems that we have company.” I glanced at Disciple James and his fellow subordinates.
A lot of Medium and High Grade 4 cultivators surrounded us. It would be quite troublesome for Disciple Smith to beat them all. But he is safe under my watch.
Time to begin then.
Before Disciple James could open his mouth. I released a part of my aura to shut him up.
If he did not waste so much time coming here I would have let him say his speech. But now I would rather not waste time.
Disciple Smith looked at me in shock and said, “What in the world?”
All the surrounding disciples fell to their knees and started to sweat from the pressure. The surrounding disciples who were not involved in the conflict and Disciple Smith were the only ones who remained on their feet.
I focused my intent on Disciple James, who looked at me with wonder and fear.
He said, “How could this be? Disciple Alex you fool! You said he was only Grade 5!”
The aura I released was Grade 7 at this point.
Disciple Alex gasped, “But I swear he only had Grade 5 Aura at that time.”
Disciple Smith looked at me in wonder, “Who are you Senior?”
I shook my head telling him not now.
I raised my voice, “Disciple James have you done any wrongs in the last six months? Perhaps breaking the rules of The Semita Sect?”
He kneeled even more on the ground and fell silent.
I questioned as I raised my aura even more, “What’s wrong? Have you lost the ability to speak?”
He mumbled, “I have done no wrongs.”
I raised an eyebrow, “Good! Good!” My voice grew in anger as lightning sparked above me.
I produced a list and took it out. And read out names from it.
They were the names of the people he bullied.
It was a long list.
For each name I said he replied he did not know them.
But he would grow quieter and more anxious by every minute. And his body posture clearly showed he lied each time.
By this point, a crowd grew and watched this whole spectacle happen.
I turned to his subordinates.
I said to Disciple Alex, “Those that stand with Disciple James’s words. If his words are true then stick with Disciple James. If his words are false then step away from him. I know that you are only sticking with him because of the one standing behind him. Not because you actually want to. You will be safe from his Father if you do the correct action and tell me if his words are true or not. However, if you lie you will not be free from punishment.”
Immediately every one of Disciple James’s Accomplices stepped away from him. Then, Disciple James’s face turned black in shame.
I nodded, “Good. You are free from punishment as long as you apologize to those who you have wronged and make amends. Now then!”
I brought my hand around Disciple Smith who stood there stunned.
I turned to Disciple James who was seething in anger, “Do you know who this hard-working talented cultivator is?”
Finally, Disciple James replied with the truth and said quietly, “Yes… I do Senior..” He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.
I nodded, “Alright then. You have finally spoken the truth. Your punishment for your previous lies is 20 slaps. As you have lied about not knowing the 20 disciples from the list, despite bullying them. And I have found the perfect technique for your punishment.”
Before Disciple James could speak I released a minor Wind Shield that smacked him.
The same variation that Disciple Smith created with all of his hard work.
He flew backward with blood from his mouth and a miserable cry.
The disciples who were bullied by Disciple James cheered as Disciple Smith just stood there in wonder at this situation.
The Majesty of my Aura became stronger as the power of my strikes became weaker due to my fine energy control. I made my strikes weaker so I wouldn’t accidentally kill Disciple James.
Disciple James struck a pale white tree and fell to the ground.
I slowly released my disguise.
My normal robes turned to my precious blue armor.
I counted down as I continued to release Wind Shields, “19! 18! 17! The Semita Sect is a sect where the talented work hard to surpass themselves every day. When one surpasses an opponent this should encourage the opponent to work hard and surpass the one who surpassed them.”
My strikes sent Disciple James to the sky as the crowd grew quiet after they witnessed my perfect strikes and armor design. The same designs that the high-ranked of the sect used on their clothes and armor.
I flew up slowly and continued my strikes, “16! 15! 14! When someone new comes to the sect. They are chosen as long as they have talent and a strong will. They should combine their strong talent and hard work ethic to compete with their seniors. Turning it into a fierce competition as they climb to those above them in strength. This competition should be hard but also fair.”
When I was young, I was thrilled by the sect. I explored the sect every day as I grew strong. I would meet the disciples and do honest battle with them. Many of these disciples were afraid of sparring with me at first because of my high status as The Young Master of the sect but once they saw my honest desire to only do battle. They grew to like to do battle with me. They kept me as a goal to chase and a motivation to keep training.
The disciples of my sect would try to reach my strength if they were weaker. Or if they were stronger than me, they had to make sure they stayed stronger than me by training hard lest I catch up and leave them in the dust.
I overcame them all and became not only the strongest in the sect. But one of the strongest in the world.
And yet.
That kind of competition was what helped the sect thrive. Even after I became the strongest.
Disciple James started to cry from the pain and pleaded for mercy. But I gave no mercy the same way he did not give those who he bullied mercy.
I continued to strike him while he was in the air as I said, “13! 12! 11! 10! When someone approaches your level of strength. You should be motivated to keep your place as the strong one, yes. However, to actively do so by suppressing them and bullying them is nothing short of disgraceful! Had I known the likes of you would enter the sect and use the Lightning Bath I created in such a toxic manner. I would have thrown you and your Father out of the sect immediately!”
Thunder roared above everyone with my final words and the crowd grew quiet. My strikes grew more forceful, meant for pain rather than to maim or kill.
The crowd grew quiet as they faintly guessed my identity.
And Disciple Smith already had tears down his face as he knew who I was.
The last of my disguise went away.
I stood with my glorious battle armor and yellow hair tied up. And my Grade 9 Sword Raigeki around my waist. As my aura awed those around me.
Disciple James surprisingly roared back, “But they have lower status than me! They should be at the bottom, not me!”
I looked at him coldly, “Oh really. What is the logic behind this?”
Disciple James acted as if he was the one in the right, “They all have no background. Meanwhile, I have a powerful person backing me. Shouldn’t I be exempt from the rules due to my father's contribution to the sect? After all, we as cultivators all should agree that the strong rule over the weak. High status means that those lower than you should grovel at your feet!”
I retorted calmly, “Listen you fool. Having a high status means the opposite. Having a high status means that you should be held to a higher standard. Those at the bottom should look at us at the top with genuine respect, not with fear or hatred. My Daughter is the Lightning Princess of the Semita Sect and is one of the most talented people alive. But yet I only enforce the rules on her more strictly.”
I finished, “The Strong are the model for the weak. What you just described was nepotism you neanderthal.”
The surrounding crowd grew quiet and looked at me with respect as they pondered my deep words. While a few laughed at my crass tone. But what was common was that all their gazes glittered as they bowed to me in thanks.
It seems this experience was very cathartic to many people.
I flexed my wrist as I stood before the now-silent Disciple James.
“Get ready now. You have 10 strikes left before you and I will take a visit to your wonderful Father.”
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Several minutes later
My energy carried Disciple James's unconscious body as I and Disciple Smith walked in the tunnel leading to the gathering I had ordered earlier.
Disciple Smith was quiet, seemingly out of shock. I don’t know what his current thoughts are. But I’m quite sure I appeased him well. Using the Wind Shield Technique version he created was a deliberate choice of mine after all.
Disciple Smith tried to speak but then I interrupted, “We are here at the counsel so get ready. We will talk later.”
I stood at the door and opened it.
20 High-Ranked Supervisors sat in a half circle while 5 Deacons sat above them,
One of the Deacons nearly collapsed when they saw Disciple James bloodied and unconscious but very much alive.
I roared, “Salute.”
They all saluted in my presence, and shouted, “Sect Master Regnum. We are here!”
I continued to shout, “You all know the routine by now. Those who have done wrong step forward and I promise your punishment will be light. First the supervisors. Step forward. I am only doing this for your face as another investigation will be done to see who has done wrong! Do the right choice, not the easy choice!”
10 supervisors slowly stepped forward and I sighed internally. 10 supervisors??
I roared, “Good! Good! 10 supervisors. Half of the supervisors have done wrong.”
My aura came out and I slapped all 10 of them individually with a lightning palm.
My palm imprint was on their face but they did not dare to show the slightest disagreement.
I shouted, “All of you line up beside the entrance and those of you who have done wrong apologize to Disciple Smith if it was concerning him.”
Disciple Smith shook with emotion as those who had previously ignored his pleas for justice bowed to him.
I turned to the Deacons and pointed at the Father of Disciple James.
I shouted, “Report. Your name and designation! Now!”
He stood forward and weakly saluted, “Outer Deacon Yi. Deacon of Justice concerning Disciple Affairs in The Pale Mountain Area.”
I laughed loudly, “Good Good! A deacon of justice with the name Yi doing all this? Well done!” I finished sarcastically.
My laugh woke up Disciple James who said, “Huh, what’s going on.”
I smacked Disciple James with another Wind Shield to shut him up, “Go back to sleep.”
Deacon Yi’s face grew red and ugly as he watched this.
I asked Deacon Yi, “What are your wrongdoings?”
Deacon Yi knew that pretending wouldn't be of any use so he simply said, “I have not raised my son well and he has hurt others with the power of my name and status.”
I affirmed, “Well at least you know to speak the truth. Your son here lied 20 times saying that he has not done any wrong and that he does not know any of the people he hurt. And he even dared to talk back to me saying that those with high status would be exempt from the rules.”
Deacon Yi's face turned black and he quietly said, “I have done wrong. I have enabled my son to hurt others with the power of my name.”
He kneeled and said. “I spoiled him too much when he was young. When I realized my mistake, I tried to discipline him but he kept getting himself into trouble. I helped him get out of trouble numerous times but he stopped listening to me. So in short, I am sorry. What is our punishment?”
My heart throbbed as I remembered my Daughter faintly having a similar problem with me. But to a much smaller extent as she did not hurt others without reason.
I looked down at him with hidden emotion, “You were awarded the position of a deacon for working hard and ethically fixing several disciple’s problems.” This was according to Agusto’s information.
I then continued firmly, “But you have let the love of your son get in the way of properly disciplining him. And due to that over 20 disciples were bullied. In the future, you must not let your affection as a parent stop you from doing what is right!”
I faintly said my old father’s saying, “Do the right choice, not the easy choice.”
I finished, “Your punishment will be decided by the Disciplinary Elder and I will follow up with it in a week. Now then get ready.”
Deacon Yi prepared himself mentally before I struck him with a powerful Wind Shield.
BANG
Deacon Yi smashed into the wall and sank several meters deep.
I turned to the rest of the Deacons.
“Any other Deacons who have done wrong?”
They all resolutely shook their heads.
I turned to the other 10 High-Ranked Supervisors and said, “Any of you?”
No one stepped forward.
I nodded, “Good. The Pale Mountain Area will be locked down for a month and the Disciplinary Elder and his subordinates will investigate for more signs of corruption. And if all of you are proven to not have done wrong you will all be allowed to request the Grand Pill Refiner for 2 cultivation pills each. No restrictions, so you can pick a pill to increase your strength or heal your injuries or whatever pill you need.”
All their faces lit up as they bowed.
I nodded to Agusto who was sitting in the corner writing all of this down, “Finish up this mess and report back to me so we visit the Disciplinary Elder.”
Augusto bowed, “Of course Lord Regnum.”
I passed Disciple James to Deacon Yi who had just gotten out of the wall.
I turned around and called Disciple Smith to follow me.
Normally all these Deacons and High-Ranked Supervisors are extremely powerful. They can destroy towns and cities easily with their power. But they had been reduced to mere statues in my presence.
I need their strength to keep my sect running but I won't allow them to run rampant with their power.
The rest of the Deacons And High-Ranked Supervisors who had not done wrong all saluted to me of their own accord.
“Long Live Sect Master Regnum! Long Live The Semita Sect! Long Live the Semita House!”
Their words were filled with loyalty and admiration.
With not an ounce of fear within.
Good.
Those who do good are the ones who should not have fear.
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I grabbed Disciple Smith as we flew to the top of the Azure Mountain Area. One reserved for the Core Disciples of the sect.
I sat down and witnessed the sunset with him as he was standing. Dazed as if he still questioned himself if this was all a dream.
I prompted, “Anything to say? Trial Core Disciple Smith?”
He corrected me while still in a daze, “It's Low Ranked Disciple Smith Sir.”
I smiled, “Not anymore. I will promote you several levels to a Trial Core Disciple. You will train with their lower-level training. And will enter a whole new area of competition. It will take a long time. However, I’m confident that you will be able to catch up to them. And once you catch up to their strength you will become a normal Core Disciple.”
He fell down out of shock.
The opportunity I gave him was something that people would literally kill for.
I continued to say, “I’ll find a good Elder for you to study under. And I will make sure you will have all the resources you need. Maybe I’ll create a Cleansing Lightning Bath light for you as well.”
I glanced at him seriously as his face lit up, “But that’s only if you continue to work hard and not break any rules. Continue being an admirable cultivator and I guarantee you a position you deserve.”
If Disciple Smith trains well he could become a High-Grade 7 Cultivator. Even if he has High-Grade 6 talent I’m confident that with his perfect work ethic and the sect’s support. He can break through his limits.
I continued to say, “Any comments?”
He seemed to wake up from his daze and pondered deeply.
And opened his mouth and closed it repeatedly before he sat down with me.
Finally, he faintly said, “I won’t let you down, Sir.”
I replied with a simple, “Good.”
We sat and watched the sunset as Disciple Smith suddenly broke through to the Fifth Grade.
I smiled in surprise and nodded, “Well done. Keep at it, kid.”
He simply replied, “I will.”
The End