Hearing Mo Cangchen's words, Chen Shanmu's body trembled. He lowered his head and couldn't help glancing at Lu Feng, only to find the latter glaring at him viciously, the threat in his eyes unmistakable.
Chen Shanmu hurriedly explained, "R-Reporting to Master, th-this disciple was gathering herbs in the mountains when I unexpectedly encountered a spirit beast of the Tripod-Asking Realm and nearly lost my life."
"So you didn't pick a single herb?!"
Mo Cangchen frowned, a trace of displeasure appearing on his face. He continued, "Chen Shanmu, although you were attacked by a spirit beast, that was part of the mission itself. You failed to gather any herbs and did not meet the requirement, so you should be punished. Do you understand?"
Chen Shanmu hurriedly said, "This disciple understands. Please punish me, Master!"
"Bring me my No-Fault Rod."
Mo Cangchen spoke.
"Yes!"
Senior Brother Lin Ya immediately nodded. He went to the side, retrieved a rod, and respectfully handed it to Mo Cangchen.
The No-Fault Rod was made from special materials. When it struck the palm, the pain in the hand was minimal; the true pain was within the body, in the internal organs, all of which would be ravaged by the No-Fault Rod's power. The suffering was unbearable.
In the eyes of the Alchemy Hall disciples, this No-Fault Rod was simply more brutal than even the harshest tortures of the Punishment Hall.
"Hold out your hand!"
Mo Cangchen said to Chen Shanmu.
Chen Shanmu gritted his teeth. Enduring the pain of his injuries, he tremblingly held out his palm.
At that moment, among the disciples below, a younger disciple couldn't help saying, "Master, Senior Brother Chen is already injured like this. How about carrying out the punishment another day?"
"Rules are rules! Or will you take the punishment in