Tang Xuan looked at the two of them, his tone stern. "You betrayed the sect and took part in a conspiracy. You should have been severely punished. But considering that you did not personally kill any fellow disciples and voluntarily confessed your crimes, your punishment will be reduced."
"Half of your inner strength will be abolished. You will be expelled from the Inner Sect and demoted to Outer Disciples. You are forbidden from ever entering the Inner Sect or the Scripture Pavilion again."
Tang Li and Tang Mei hurriedly kowtowed in thanks. "Thank you for sparing our lives, Elder! We will certainly turn over a new leaf and serve the Tang Sect faithfully from now on."
Although the two had lost their status as Inner Disciples and half their inner strength had been abolished, they had at least kept their lives. They were already satisfied.
Lin Taichu watched as the disciples led the pair away, without the slightest ripple in his heart. They had betrayed the sect for cultivation resources. This was the punishment they deserved.
Now, the most important thing was to find Tang Song, rescue Tang Kun, and thoroughly uncover the truth behind this matter.
Tang Xuan addressed the crowd. "Put out the fire at the medicinal herb storehouse as quickly as possible, and continue the inventory. Everyone else, attend to your duties and strengthen the sect's defenses—especially the Scripture Pavilion and the secret realm in the rear mountain. Do not let any other remnants take the opportunity to cause trouble."
"Yes!" all the disciples answered in unison before quickly moving into action.
Lin Taichu walked to Tang Xuan's side and lowered his voice. "Supreme Elder, Tang Song fled into the forest with Tang Kun. The terrain there is complicated, making him very difficult to track."
"Moreover, Tang