The Depressed Sect Master Tongtian!

The Jade Purity Palace was, after all, Sect Master Tongtian's residence. More importantly, he had Lin Chuan's inner thoughts firmly within his grasp.

The moment he noticed Lin Chuan's little scheme—

He was utterly stifled!

Lead him and he would not move; beat him and he would retreat!

Wasn't that precisely Lin Chuan?

"This brat..."

"Does this brat think there's nothing I can do to him?"

"He actually dares pull such little tricks on me. Does he think I would really expel him?"

Sect Master Tongtian nearly laughed in anger. He had not expected this brat to pull such a stunt—without even obtaining his consent, he had directly brought Zhao Gongming into the Jade Purity Palace.

That alone was a violation of the rules.

Had it been any other disciple, they would already have been punished by now.

Of course.

No other disciple would dare do something like this. Probably only this brat would.

Especially since this brat had always wanted to leave the Sect of Interception, yearning for skies vast enough for birds to soar and seas broad enough for fish to roam!

Yet Sect Master Tongtian simply would not allow it.

Not only had he made an exception and promoted him to a Personal Disciple, but sometimes it was not even Sect Master Tongtian's deliberate doing—it was entirely the others reading into his intentions.

Yet Lin Chuan consistently believed it was Sect Master Tongtian's handiwork.

That left Sect Master Tongtian incomparably vexed.

But after being vexed for so long, he instead found it rather amusing. Setting aside Lin Chuan's little tricks, so long as his strength was not lacking—

It still counted as having a uniquely discerning eye. Especially since Lin Chuan had easily defeated Zhao Gongming, proving that his judgment had been exceptionally sharp.

From among the countless living beings, he had directly promoted Lin Chuan, an Outer Sect Disciple, into a Personal Disciple.

If that was not uniquely discerning judgment, what was?

What was more—

He was now receiving quite a bit of praise.

Sect Master Tongtian felt exceedingly pleased within. Of course, he also knew clearly that if Duobao Tathagata had not explained the situation beforehand—

That brat would definitely still have wanted to idle around.

To slack off!

All so he could leave the Sect of Interception.

The tiny bit of joy and gratification he had felt vanished completely.

"So long as this brat has a chance, he will absolutely try it. If it did not concern his own life, he would never treat it seriously."

"Even so, he still slacks off from start to finish."

"He even has the audacity to slander me in his heart. Utterly detestable!"

Thinking back to the previous match—

Sect Master Tongtian also knew perfectly well that Lin Chuan had not merely taken it seriously; at times, he had even been slacking off.

Had the result not been so gratifying—

His dignity would have long since been completely lost.

Yet Sect Master Tongtian was not worried in the slightest, because when it came to such serious matters, Lin Chuan still possessed a certain sense of measure. If he even wanted to slack off in something this serious—

And deliberately lose the match—

Then perhaps he would face unimaginable punishment.

It was precisely because Lin Chuan had always kept within the proper bounds and had not done anything too outrageous—

That Sect Master Tongtian could only be helpless.

Punish him...

And the punishment would be somewhat too light. It might even turn his previous decision into everyone's after-dinner gossip.

Not punish him...

And this brat was far too unruly.

Whenever Sect Master Tongtian listened to Lin Chuan's inner voice, the corners of his mouth would sometimes twitch involuntarily. A thorn like this was truly too rare to find.

Sect Master Tongtian dared guarantee that in the entire Sect of Interception, there was no one more troublesome than him.

Just then—

Duobao entered the Jade Purity Palace.

"Greetings, Master!"

"What is it?" Sect Master Tongtian's figure was vaguely concealed atop the high platform. Unless he showed himself in person, virtually no one could see his True Face.

Before his disciples, he remained suitably imposing.

Only where Lin Chuan was concerned did he occasionally lose his composure.

Yet he had never revealed it before others.

"Master, Lin Chuan entered Jade Purity Palace with others without first obtaining your permission. He is currently cultivating in the Rear Hall."

"Junior Brother Lin has only just become a Personal Disciple, so perhaps he does not fully understand the rules and has acted in violation of them."

"This should not warrant punishment, but this disciple has heard that quite a few Junior Brothers have grown somewhat dissatisfied..."

"If..."

Duobao Tathagata's face showed some hesitation. Although Lin Chuan's conduct was rather outrageous, he still knew where to draw the line.

Besides, he was a Personal Disciple after all. If he did not enjoy a few privileges, it would be far too demeaning to his status.

But...

Lin Chuan had been exceptionally promoted to Personal Disciple, placing him at the very center of the whirlpool. Countless disciples had long kept their eyes on him.

Whether Outer Sect Disciples or Inner Sect Disciples.

The slightest rustle of wind or sway of grass would undoubtedly draw a great deal of attention.

Thus, It had sparked considerable objection!

Duobao Tathagata was, after all, the chief disciple, and he handled everything fairly well. He first offered explanations, then suppressed a few isolated voices.

Even so, it still caused no small uproar.

He believed this matter still needed to be properly discussed with Master. If things became too unconventional, it would inevitably provoke public outrage.

If grievances accumulated over time, that would be exceedingly troublesome!

To avoid any unforeseen mishaps, Duobao Tathagata had no choice but to specifically seek Sect Master Tongtian's instructions.

Sect Master Tongtian did not take it to heart...

Because he already knew of the earlier uproar. It had merely been ripples stirred up by a handful of individuals.

Especially Chang'er Dingguang Immortal, who had been called someone who might betray the Sect of Interception.

Sect Master Tongtian was, after all, a Heavenly Dao Sage. He would not deliberately keep watch over any one person, especially with so many disciples in the Sect of Interception.

It was only because of Lin Chuan

That Sect Master Tongtian paid particular attention.

At the same time, Duobao Tathagata was also said to be someone who might betray them.

Sect Master Tongtian had always kept this in mind. Though he was not entirely certain yet, in his eyes, there could be no carelessness whatsoever in such matters.

That was why he had made that decision back then.

The Six Souls Banner had not been bestowed, either.

And now they still wanted to stir up trouble again? Then they could not blame him for being merciless.

"Since someone is causing trouble, suppress the ringleaders and have them all shut themselves away to reflect on their faults!"

"Although Lin Chuan did not seek permission, he is a Personal Disciple after all. Rewards and punishments must be clearly distinguished, naturally."

"But a Personal Disciple is a Senior Brother, after all. How could others be allowed to gossip about him as they pleased?"

"Everyone involved will face the wall and reflect on their faults. Without this seat's permission, none of them may show themselves."

"Face the wall and reflect for ten years!"

Sect Master Tongtian coldly and mercilessly handed down the punishment. Though Lin Chuan could sometimes be far too unruly, he was still a Personal Disciple.

If punishment was due, Sect Master Tongtian would be the one to administer it.

It was not for the other disciples to gossip wildly outside.

That was a grave taboo!