Do Not Indulge Evil Because It Is Small

An incense stick's time later, led by several Elders, the Emei disciples who had participated in this bandit suppression were all gathered before the mountain stronghold's gates.

Besides the Emei disciples, there were dozens of other women, most of whom were quite attractive.

However, their expressions were not good, and some were even disheveled.

These were the women the mountain bandits had captured over the past half-year for their daily enjoyment.

Scanning everyone, Miejue spoke, "First, let's find out if any of them still have family alive. If they do, we'll help send them back. If they have nowhere to go, we'll bring them back to the city and have the disciples there help arrange livelihoods for them."

Regarding Miejue's instructions, neither Juechen nor the other Elders were unfamiliar with them.

The times were hard, and the fate of these defenseless women, once they met misfortune, was even more tragic.

In the past, for these women or orphans who had suffered misfortune, Miejue had always requested that everyone do their best and offer all the help they could.

The rest could only be left to fate.

This was also why, when people spoke of Miejue in the martial world, although they would call her ruthless, resolute, and often unreasonable, no one ever criticized Miejue or Emei's usual conduct.

On the way down the mountain, some of the Emei disciples whispered to each other with excitement, while others had pale faces, their thoughts still immersed in the scenes of their recent battle with the mountain bandits.

This bandit suppression was not a major event, so the Emei disciples brought along were all those who had not yet seen battle. They were also brought out for training.

Different people react differently to the same experiences.

However, after experiencing some things repeatedly, most people become accustomed to them.

The martial world was just like that.

Behind Miejue, Zhou Zhiruo appeared somewhat silent compared to her usual self.

Gu Shao'an also remained quiet.

His mind raced, constantly reviewing his recent fight with the mountain bandits and identifying areas for improvement.

Just then, Miejue's voice suddenly rang out.

"Shao'an, Zhiruo."

As the two looked up at Miejue, she, with her back to them, slowly spoke.

"Regarding Minjun's matter today, you two must take it as a warning. Do not commit evil just because it is small, nor neglect good just because it is small. Good is good, and evil is evil."

"As Emei disciples, you must hold onto good intentions and not indulge in evil just because it seems minor."

Gu Shao'an and Zhou Zhiruo nodded in unison.

"Disciple understands."

Miejue softly hummed and said no more.

But both of them clearly heard Miejue's long sigh afterward.

Her voice sounded weary from the wind and frost, filled with exhaustion.

An hour later.

In Jade Mountain City, within a residence on the east side, Gu Shao'an sat cross-legged, his expression serene, like a meditating monk.

A moment later, feeling his inner force replenish within him, Gu Shao'an smiled inwardly.

The Emei Nine Yang Skill originated from the Nine Yang Manual.

In terms of inner force recovery, it was already superior to ordinary inner force cultivation methods.

Furthermore, Gu Shao'an's foundation was incredibly solid, and he had even achieved Perfection in the Emei Nine Yang Skill First Level.

This allowed the Emei Nine Yang Skill to unleash its full potential.

Otherwise, with only over a month of cultivation, how could Gu Shao'an have sustained his inner force during the prolonged battle on Blackwood Mountain without it being depleted?

"Knock, knock, knock."

Just then, Gu Shao'an noticed a figure passing by outside the door.

A knock suddenly sounded.

"Junior Brother, are you asleep?"

Hearing Zhou Zhiruo's gentle voice, Gu Shao'an got up and opened the door.

What greeted him was Zhou Zhiruo's confused pretty face outside the door.

Looking at Gu Shao'an, Zhou Zhiruo appeared a little embarrassed and lowered her voice, "Did I disturb Junior Brother's cultivation?"

Noticing Zhou Zhiruo's expression, Gu Shao'an first waved his hand, "I've finished cultivating."

Then, Gu Shao'an proactively suggested, "I just finished cultivating and wanted to get some fresh air."

As he spoke, Gu Shao'an stepped out of the room and sat on the doorstep.

Seeing this, Zhou Zhiruo sat down right beside Gu Shao'an.

The night was dark and windy. Looking up at the sky, it was pitch black, with not a single star visible.

But Zhou Zhiruo's mind was clearly not on the sky at this moment.

Gazing at the night sky, his eyes slightly unfocused, he said, "Little Shidi, you tell me, Second Senior Sister was in Emei for over twenty years. How could she have died like this today?"

Without waiting for Gu Shao'an to respond, Zhou Zhiruo spoke again.

"Besides, aren't we fellow disciples? Why would Second Senior Sister harm us? Did we do something wrong before to anger Second Senior Sister?"

Gu Shao'an didn't rush to answer Zhou Zhiruo's question. Instead, he countered, "If, in the future, Shidi does something to anger Fourth Senior Sister, would Fourth Senior Sister harm me?"

Faced with Gu Shao'an's question, Zhou Zhiruo hesitated not at all.

"How could that be? You are my Shidi. Even if you anger me, you are still my Shidi. How could I harm you?"

Gu Shao'an continued, "What about Eldest Senior Sister, Second Senior Sister, or Third Senior Sister?"

Zhou Zhiruo's small face was full of seriousness as she said, "Naturally, I wouldn't either."

Gu Shao'an nodded. "Then why does Senior Sister think Second Senior Sister would harm us for that reason?"

"This..."

Zhou Zhiruo suddenly fell silent, unsure how to respond.

Then, Gu Shao'an spoke again, "Senior Sister needs to know that people are not the same. Just because Senior Sister is kind doesn't mean everyone else is inherently kind. Never measure or think of others by your own standards."

"This is also why Senior Sister cannot understand why Second Senior Sister would suddenly harbor malicious intentions and harm fellow disciples."

"As for the specific reason why Second Senior Sister suddenly drew her sword against us, when Senior Sister gains more experience in the martial world in a few years and goes through more events, she will understand why Second Senior Sister acted this way."

Zhou Zhiruo asked, "Shidi is so intelligent, you must already know the reason. Why can't you tell me now?"

Gu Shao'an shook his head. "If I tell you now, Senior Sister still won't understand. Rather than that, it's better to understand it later."

What happened with Ding Minjun today also involved Miejue.

It was a bit complicated.

Explaining it clearly might affect Zhou Zhiruo's state of mind, which would be harmful rather than beneficial.

Seeing that Gu Shao'an was unwilling to speak, Zhou Zhiruo sighed softly and stopped pressing.

After a while, Zhou Zhiruo spoke again. "Senior Sister was in Emei for over twenty years, yet Shifu killed her without hesitation today. I wonder how Shifu could bear to do it?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Shao'an asked, "Does Senior Sister feel that Shifu's punishment for Second Senior Sister today was too harsh?"

Zhou Zhiruo didn't respond, but her silence was tantamount to agreeing with Gu Shao'an's statement.

Seeing this, Gu Shao'an thought for a moment and then asked, "Does Senior Sister think it is easy or difficult to be the Sect Leader of a sect?"