"According to the palace rules, abolish her cultivation."
Li Yan answered honestly. The rules were dead, but people were alive.
Ma Qianqian's face turned deathly pale when she heard this. Having her cultivation abolished was no different from killing her.
The Native Faction disciples tensed. Was Chen Yueying planning to make an example of Ma Qianqian? The Ascension Faction disciples were ecstatic. Ma Qianqian had often opposed them in the past.
"Grandmaster Chen is wise. Anyone who violates the palace rules must be severely punished to uphold the law."
A plump gold-robed elder chimed in, his face full of delight.
"Nephew-Apprentice Lin, what do you think?"
Chen Yueying turned toward Lin Tianlong and asked in a solemn voice.
"A nation has its laws, and a family has its rules. Nephew Ma violated the palace rules and should indeed be punished. However, considering how much she has contributed to Townsea Palace over the years, her punishment can be reduced."
Lin Tianlong spoke slowly.
"Nephew-Apprentice Lin pleaded for you, so count yourself lucky. You will escape the death penalty, but not the living punishment. You will be imprisoned in Wind-Thunder Valley for three thousand years, and all your Merit Points will be deducted."
Chen Yueying spoke in a solemn voice.
If she truly wanted to deal with Ma Qianqian, all she had to do was inform Li Yan. This entire affair was merely a performance.
She and Lin Tianlong had played the parts of the good and bad cop, letting the other disciples know the consequences of violating the palace rules. Lin Tianlong had stepped forward to plead for leniency, while Chen Yueying had gone along with it, giving the Native Faction plenty of face while still punishing Ma Qianqian.
Ma Qianqian felt relieved when she heard this and hurriedly kowtowed. "Thank