If things were truly as he expected, then there could be no more delay.
Tai Cang came back to his senses, his gaze sweeping over Tongtian as he said gravely, "If it were up to me, I would strip them of their direct disciple status and demote them all to inner disciples."
Back then, there had been twelve direct disciples under Saint Tongtian. Though their numbers had dwindled through various upheavals, the twelve positions had always remained.
After stripping them of their status, announce to the entire sect that the positions of direct disciples belong to the capable. This would not only select genuine talent, but also warn everyone—being a direct disciple was not a shield for reckless behavior.
What! Strip them of their direct disciple status!
Duobao, the San Xiao, and Saint Mother Wudang abruptly raised their heads, the fury in their eyes nearly tangible. Once they lost their direct disciple status, their years of effort would go to waste. Worse still, after being reduced to inner disciples, they would have to compete with countless experts in the sect if they wanted to return to the ranks of direct disciples.
Although they did not think much of most people, there were still threats among the inner disciples, such as the Deng Qiu brothers.
"This..." Tongtian frowned deeply. "Wouldn't such punishment be too harsh? How could the status of direct disciples be treated so casually?"
Hearing this, Duobao and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, their master had not agreed, or the consequences would have been unbearable. Even so, their hatred for Tai Cang had reached its peak—one casual remark from him had nearly doomed them beyond redemption.
"Destroy before rebuilding." Tai Cang looked Tongtian directly in the eye, showing no intention of backing down. He was