Flower Thief Confesses, Where Is Li Xian, Jade Maiden Enraged, How Dare You Defy My Will

The ship was built to exacting standards, its flags flying high as it flaunted its might and steadily drew near. Ye Cheng and the others wanted to raise their heads for a look, but a shout rang out above them: "Convicted disciples are not permitted to look around. Lower your heads at once."

The voice belonged to a young man of noble bearing, his breath full and powerful. His voice boomed like thunder, containing the wondrous harmony of Double Wafting Immortal Tone and Chest-Drum Thunder Resonance. He was Nangong Xuanming. Ye Cheng, Han Zisha, Meng Han, Zhou Zhengde, Di Yilong, Liu Renyi—and the other elders—felt utterly humiliated. They wore not a stitch of clothing, and the lake wind lashed them, chilling them to the marrow. Yet they had already obeyed orders, binding their own hands and feet, shaving away their black hair, and stripping off every garment. Unable to resist any longer, they obediently lowered their heads and awaited their punishment.

Along the eastern shore, several hundred disciples knelt naked on the ground. Not one had a hair left atop their heads, while guilt plaques hung around their necks. Only the waves could be heard slapping against the shore as they silently waited for the ship to dock.

The ordeal was agonizingly long.

This was an official ship, borrowed for temporary use. Aboard it were Zhao Zaizai, Nangong Xuanming, Bian Bianyun, Bian Chengfeng, Taishu Yuzhu, Su Lan Feng, Bian Qiaoqiao, and several others at the forefront. Local heroes had also accompanied them.

Zhao Zairan stood at the head of the group. She was only slightly older than Bian Qiaoqiao, with a graceful, drifting figure and colored silks swirling around her. Her face was hidden beneath a gauze veil. Though her features could not be seen, her bearing and posture alone