"Xu Taiping, there is something I must remind you of. If the Inquiry of the Heart Mirror confirms that you did indeed lie, you will be sent to the Seven Discipline Hall for interrogation. If that interrogation determines that you were indeed falsely claiming merit, not only you but your Seventh Peak will be punished as well. Your Seventh Peak may even be barred from this year's Seven Peaks Grand Competition."
Elder Sun could not help reminding Xu Taiping of this.
"You should think it over some more. If you admit it now, you alone will be punished."
He added this afterward.
Hearing this, Elder Lu shot Elder Sun a somewhat impatient glance, seemingly annoyed at his meddling. But since it had already been said, he could only nod with a show of magnanimity.
"Elder Sun is right. You had best consider this carefully."
At these words, the trace of confusion that had just lingered in Xu Taiping's heart cleared away.
So you weren't just targeting me. You were targeting our Seventh Peak too.
Being unable to participate in the Seven Peaks Grand Competition would be a great loss for any of the Azure Profound Sect's peaks. Even the peak that came in last could still take part in the redistribution of Cloud Cottage Mountain's resources. But if a peak did not participate, its share would be carved up among the other six peaks.
Thus, although the Azure Profound Sect appeared to be a single whole, only after truly understanding it would one discover that it was actually more like seven separate sects.
"This disciple is willing."
Xu Taiping nodded, then asked Deputy Hall Master Lu:
"If the Inquiry of the Heart Mirror proves that this disciple did not lie, what will you do, Elder Lu?"
"What should I do?"