Drawing a Line

This was said with such lightness.

It was as light as if he were discussing what to have for dinner.

Yet everyone knew—this was a cruel verdict.

Silence descended upon the council hall.

Several elders nodded thoughtfully. They had to admit that the Sect Master's analysis was, as always, thorough and pragmatic.

An elder with white hair and beard hesitated for a moment before speaking: "Sect Master, this strategy of weakening them is indeed the most secure method at present. However, there is another issue..."

He said with a complex expression, "Those people outside are primarily cursing that branch family. But in the eyes of the common folk, whether it is a branch or the main line, they are all people of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. If we don't do something to let the outside world know the stance of the main line... I fear the scope of this mud-slinging will only continue to grow."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly.

"That is the second thing I wish to address."

His voice deepened.

"In the short term, the most urgent priority is to prevent the impact of this matter from spreading to our main line."

"Therefore—we must draw a clear line between us and that branch family."

"Let everyone know: all of this was the branch family's own doing, and it has nothing to do with our main line. The main line was neither aware of it, nor did we ever authorize it."

He paused.

"And the best way to draw that line—is to take disciplinary action."

"So be it."

Ning Fengzhi straightened up, his voice clear and decisive, carrying the unquestionable authority of a Sect Master.

"Effective immediately, issue a sect announcement—"

"First."

He held up one finger.

"In view of the fact that the branch family to which Ning Jing belongs has acted improperly and recklessly, leading to dire consequences and severely damaging the reputation of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect—the main line feels deep pain and indignation. From this day forward, all resource supplies to that branch shall be halved. This includes, but is not limited to, resource allocation, mineral shares, and the deployment of sect guards. As for when this will be restored, it will depend on the situation."

"Halved?" The elders looked at one another.

This punishment could hardly be called light. For a branch family, having their resource supply cut in half was almost equivalent to having their lifeline choked. Their business scale, disciple cultivation, and daily operations would all be severely affected.

But no one raised an objection.

Because everyone understood—this punishment was less about disciplining the branch family and more about putting on a show for those outside.

A gesture.

A gesture that said, "Our main line will never tolerate or indulge such behavior."

"Second."

Ning Fengzhi held up a second finger.

"The... instigator of this matter."

When he said the word "instigator," his tone carried a faint, almost imperceptible chill.

"Ning Jing."

"As one of the managers of that branch, he failed to discipline his kin and handled matters improperly, causing the situation to deteriorate beyond repair. Effective immediately—he is stripped of all duties. He shall no longer participate in any management affairs of the branch. As for when he may be reinstated, that too will depend on the situation."

His voice paused.

"As for his mother—"

Ning Fengzhi's words stalled slightly on his tongue.

He had originally intended to say—confine Yin Suzhi. Forbid her from leaving, forbid her from showing her face, lest she go about weeping to garner sympathy and cause more trouble for the sect, or perhaps even impose some form of punishment.

But before the words could leave his mouth, something flashed through his mind.

Kneeling and kowtowing. Trading a life for a life.

Those words from the rumors outside felt like a dull needle, somehow pricking lightly at his heart, which was so accustomed to calculation.

He was not being soft-hearted, nor was he in agreement; he was simply analyzing the pros and cons.

That mother—

Regardless of anything else, in that farce, the public's assessment of her was positive.

If he were to come down hard on her at this moment—

How would the common folk view it?

A mother who would protect her child with her life was the only figure in this entire affair who garnered pity. If the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect not only failed to show compassion but instead punished her?

What would that be if not handing ammunition to their enemies?

By then, the vitriol would likely be even worse.

Ning Fengzhi's brows furrowed for a fleeting moment before smoothing out.

"His mother, Yin Suzhi—"

He weighed his words carefully.

"A verbal warning. Tell her to behave herself and know her place."

His voice paused slightly.

"Furthermore, tell her to keep a tighter leash on her tongue and her children from now on. I don't want to see any more... reckless, arrogant brats raised under her roof."

The elders present nodded in unison, expressing their agreement.

"The Sect Master is wise."

"Handling it this way asserts the main branch's stance without going too far—it is indeed the most prudent course."

"What about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Should we take the initiative to contact them?"

Ning Fengzhi gave a slight nod.

"Yes. After all, this matter involves both our houses; we cannot be the only ones taking action."

He pondered for a moment.

"Let us do this—I will personally draft a letter to be sent to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

"In terms of phrasing, state that the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect deeply regrets this incident and offers an apology for the collateral branch's misconduct. At the same time, suggest that both houses align their narratives and present a united front to the outside world—that this was merely an unfortunate accident, and neither side harbored any ill intent."

"Also, drop a hint that Spirit Hall is likely the one pulling the strings behind the scenes. Rather than pointing fingers at each other, it would be better for our two houses to join forces and weather this storm together."

He picked up his tea, which had already gone cold, and took a shallow sip.

The liquid was icy against his palate.

Yet, his expression returned to its usual composure and gentleness, as if the agitation from moments ago had never existed at all.

"Very well. Proceed accordingly."

Ning Fengzhi set down the teacup and brushed off his sleeves.

"You are dismissed."

The elders rose one after another, bowed in salute, and filed out of the council hall.

The sound of their footsteps gradually faded into the distance.