Using the Teleportation Array, the group soon returned to their station in Justice Ward. The squad's clerk handled the handover, leaving Fang Qianyuan, their captain, free to relax for the moment.
After some thought, he decided to inform the sect about his encounter with Tu Mingshan and their private spar.
To Fang Qianyuan's surprise, the sect reacted strongly. That very evening, a steward from the Ascension Academy arrived.
The man was Jin Lu, a trusted confidant of Sect Master Yu Shixian.
"Qianyuan, oh, Qianyuan, you were far too reckless! How could you undertake something as important as a spar without informing us? You should understand that Tu Mingshan is no ordinary man. Fighting him carried an enormous risk!"
"Did it?" Fang Qianyuan replied mildly.
Jin Lu said, "Your every action represents not only yourself, but also the sect's reputation and interests! Have you considered what the consequences would have been if you had lost this spar?"
"Tu Mingshan himself might have let it pass, but the Tu behind him might not have been willing to leave it alone. Within a few short days, they could have made it the talk of every street and alley. What would outsiders think when they heard? Naturally, they would all believe you were inferior to him!" Looking as though he wished he could forge iron into steel, Jin Lu warned him sternly, "Don't think this is insignificant. Reputation is a weapon of immense weight. The difference between an invincible champion and an ordinary expert often amounts to just a few victories and defeats. There are only ever a handful of places at the very top for those who keep winning!"
"That must be because their respective factions lack confidence and deliberately arrange for them to avoid one another rather than fight, correct?" Fang Qianyuan