"Tang Xiong had disrupted the order of the Scripture Pavilion and even intended to attack the elder on duty. He was sentenced to face the wall and reflect for one month. During that time, he was forbidden from entering the Scripture Pavilion or participating in any Inner Disciple sparring matches."
The surrounding disciples all nodded, and no one raised any objections.
Everyone knew the elder had gone easy on him. According to the Inner Disciple rules, anyone who dared attack an elder would, at best, have part of their inner strength abolished, and at worst be expelled from the inner sect outright. Being punished to face the wall for one month was already lenient.
The elder waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse. The watching disciples left amid quiet discussion, and the area soon returned to silence.
Only then did Lin Taichu step forward. Holding the Thousand Mechanisms Hidden Weapon Manual, he bowed to the elder. "Elder, this disciple Lin Taichu has come to return the secret manual."
The elder glanced at him, his expression returning to its previous calm. He nodded. "Come in. We'll verify it."
Lin Taichu followed the elder into the Scripture Pavilion and placed the secret manual on the table. The elder picked it up, flipped to the final page, and gestured for Lin Taichu to demonstrate the techniques recorded within.
Lin Taichu did not hesitate. He walked to an open area, took several Wind-Breaking Nails from his robe, circulated his inner strength, and demonstrated the twelve techniques from the Thousand Mechanisms Hidden Weapon Manual in sequence.
Every technique flowed smoothly and naturally. The hidden weapons struck the distant bullseyes with perfect accuracy, their force and angles just right. He had fully reached the level of mastery.
A hint of approval appeared in the elder's eyes