Chapter 319: Leaving the Sect
In the Fire Division's main hall, Lin Langtian followed the enforcement disciples deep into the mountain, arriving at an imposing yet austere hall. At the head of the hall sat the Fire Division Head, Fen Cang, with Vice Head Yan Ba and several officials flanking him, underscoring the formality of the occasion.
Shortly after Lin Langtian arrived, Zhang Hao was also escorted in. The two exchanged a look, both detecting cold hostility in the other's eyes.
"Division Head, Zhang Hao and Lin Langtian are here," the enforcement disciples announced respectfully to Fen Cang.
"Hmm," Fen Cang acknowledged curtly, waving them off. As they left, he looked between Lin Langtian and Zhang Hao, his old eyes narrowing slightly before a scornful huff escaped his lips.
"Both of you, as chief disciples, are supposed to be role models, yet you engage in personal brawls and even attempt to kill each other! You've disgraced the Fire Division!"
At Fen Cang's rebuke, Zhang Hao swallowed nervously, responding quickly, "Uncle, it's all due to Lin Langtian's recklessness. This has nothing to do with me."
Hearing Zhang Hao attempt to push all the blame on him, Lin Langtian gave a cold laugh and bowed slightly toward Fen Cang. "I trust Uncle Fen will judge what's fair," he said, calm and resolute.
Lin Langtian knew they were here to receive punishment, and if it had already been decided, further arguments were pointless. He'd rather leave it in their hands.
Seeing the difference in their attitudes, Fen Cang's expression softened a little, though his tone remained stern. "This situation caused quite a stir, almost reaching the Sect Master himself. Initially, we had resolved to strip both of you of your chief disciple titles."
"Strip us of our chief disciple titles?" Lin Langtian murmured in surprise, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
The title of chief disciple was more than a simple rank; it was a mark of status. As a chief disciple, Lin Langtian held a position in the Fire Division just below the highest leadership. This status could help him rise even higher in Yuan Gate. Losing the title would indeed be a setback for him.
But Fen Cang's words suggested that this wasn't the final decision. Perhaps there would be a different punishment?
Sure enough, Fen Cang continued, "After further discussion, we revised your penalty. Instead of stripping your titles, both of you will undertake a mission outside the sect."
"A mission outside the sect?" Lin Langtian's surprise grew. He hadn't expected such a punishment.
Next to him, Zhang Hao looked equally stunned, though Lin Langtian noticed a hint of relief flash in his eyes. It was clear that he preferred an outside mission over losing his chief disciple title.
"Uncle Fen, may I ask what mission this is?" Lin Langtian asked without thinking.
Fen Cang's expression remained unreadable as he explained briefly, "The mission does not come from our Fire Division but from the Wood Division. It seems they've encountered some trouble outside the sect and requested additional skilled support. Given your current situation, the Wood Division's Vice Head, Mu Ku, has requested both of you as part of a disciplinary assignment. If you assist them in completing this mission successfully, your punishment will be rescinded, and you'll retain your chief disciple titles."
"The Wood Division?" Lin Langtian murmured, a sense of unease prickling at him.
When he first joined Yuan Gate, Mu Ku, the Vice Head of the Wood Division, had shown a peculiar interest in him. Now, barely after making a mistake, the Wood Division had requested him specifically. It felt too coincidental, especially considering Mu Ku's snake-like cunning.
But given his current circumstances and the fact that the Fire and Wood Division heads had agreed on this, Lin Langtian knew he had no choice but to comply unless he intended to defect from Yuan Gate altogether.
While Lin Langtian pondered, Zhang Hao stepped forward eagerly. "Don't worry, Uncle. I will ensure we complete the mission and uphold the honor of the Fire Division," he promised with a polite smile.
Satisfied with Zhang Hao's reply, Fen Cang nodded approvingly. Since the Wood Division rarely requested aid from the Fire Division, this was an opportunity to enhance their reputation.
Turning to Lin Langtian, Fen Cang frowned slightly. "What about you, Lin Langtian? Are you reluctant to go?"
"Hmph! This brat is all too happy to enjoy the sect's resources, but when it comes to a mission, he suddenly hesitates. It's an embarrassment to our Fire Division!" Zhang Hao sneered, seizing the opportunity to take another jab at Lin Langtian.
Given the hostility between them, it was clear Zhang Hao wouldn't miss a chance to undercut him.
Predictably, the faces of Fen Cang and the other leaders darkened at Zhang Hao's words. They held no tolerance for disciples who enjoyed privileges without fulfilling their responsibilities. No matter how talented, such disciples could not earn the favor and trust of the sect's high-ranking officials.
Sensing the sharp gazes from around the hall, Lin Langtian snapped out of his thoughts. Though Zhang Hao's words fanned his anger, he masked his frustration, even as he made a mental note that if an opportunity arose on this mission, he would take his revenge against Zhang Hao—subtly.
But now was the time to smooth things over. With a courteous bow, Lin Langtian replied, "I apologize for the misunderstanding, Uncles. This will be my first sect mission, so I was just considering what supplies to bring. I didn't mean any disrespect."
Hearing this, Fen Cang's expression softened slightly, and he nodded in understanding. Lin Langtian was a chief disciple but still a newcomer to Yuan Gate, having joined less than two months ago.
"Rest assured," Fen Cang replied. "The Wood Division will handle the preparations. Just ensure you are in top form when you leave."
With that, he waved them off. "You're dismissed. Be at the sect's gates tomorrow. Don't bring shame to the Fire Division."
Both Lin Langtian and Zhang Hao responded with a respectful bow, then departed.
Outside the hall, the two adversaries cast each other dark looks before parting ways.
As Lin Langtian walked back toward his quarters, he gazed out over the endless mountain peaks, his eyes narrowing as he muttered to himself, "Mu Ku…what are you planning?"
(End of Chapter)
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