"The value of the sect's Spirit Herb Garden exceeds that of all thirteen Pill Peak Spirit Herb Gardens combined. You're only a new disciple and lack the seniority to take this on." The Grand Elder shook his head in refusal.
"I'll act as his guarantor!" Rao Baoyue suddenly said.
The Grand Elder pondered for a moment, then nodded. "In that case, the Third Elder and I will speak to the Mission Hall together. They'll commission Tang Yan to set up the formation as a Sect Mission soon."
"Thank you, Grand Elder, Third Elder, and Master!" Tang Yan thanked them delightedly.
"Junior Brother Tang, you mentioned an important lead earlier. What was it?" Ji Xingsi asked at an opportune moment.
"I wanted to remind you that the managers of those Spirit Herb Gardens who hadn't paid me for the formations showed a drastic change in their attitude toward me. They were probably acting at the same person's instigation.
"But you seem to have already gotten to the bottom of it, Senior Brother Ji. You truly are a pillar of the Enforcement Hall-swift as thunder and sharp enough to spot an autumn hair!" Tang Yan praised him.
Ji Xingsi nodded and declared, "Your actions violated sect rules. You should have received three months of confinement and seven days of flogging.
"But the Thirteenth Elder is kindhearted, Junior Brother Tang won't pursue the matter, and the two elders are willing to provide compensation.
"So your punishment will be changed to the deduction of three months' stipends!
"Song Anchang, He Muyang, Sheng Xueqi, Ji Shujing, the four of you will come with me to the Enforcement Hall to assist with the investigation!"
"Now that the truth is out, you may all leave!" the Grand Elder instructed.
Everyone left one after another.
The Grand Elder