Daoist Zhan Kong's incarnation had not waited long atop the Sun Palace before the two disciples, Di Ming and Qi Weiyang, arrived. Upon seeing him, both bowed. Di Ming said, "This disciple pays respects to Master."
Qi Weiyang said, "Greetings, Martial Uncle."
Daoist Zhan Kong turned around and looked at the two of them, his voice grave. "Fine work you two have done."
Di Ming lowered his head. "Yes, this disciple handled matters poorly."
Daoist Zhan Kong said, "I know what you were thinking. You were obeying the 'sect master's' orders, so you believed you were not at fault. And since the 'sect master's' command had come down and you could not resist it, you would comply first. If the situation proved favorable, you would follow along; if it turned unfavorable, you would later turn back to the right path. Is that not so?"
Di Ming said, "This disciple would not dare think so, but this disciple truly did wrong. I ask Master to impose punishment. Whatever it may be, this disciple is willing to bear it."
Daoist Zhan Kong regarded him for a moment before slowly saying, "It seems you still believe that only the matter was wrong, not yourself." He sighed. "Do you know why I kept you in the sect? It is because there is no upright conviction in your heart. How can one walk the righteous path like that?"
Di Ming said nothing.
Daoist Zhan Kong shook his head. He knew this disciple understood everything he had said; the key was whether he was willing to take it to heart. He did not continue rebuking him, but instead asked, "Did you capture a Celestial Xia cultivator earlier?"
Di Ming said, "Yes. He was captured at Martial Uncle Qiao's behest, under Martial Uncle Ren's arrangements. He is