Those disciples seemed stunned by the boiling atmosphere in the square before them, or perhaps intimidated by Zhang Xiaohu's martial arts and authority. They offered no resistance at all. After glancing at the puzzled Ming Qing and Gao Kunheng, they lowered their heads and followed Ding Chao out of the square.
Once they had left, Zhang Xiaohu looked at Ming Qing and Gao Kunheng and smiled. "Two Deputy Sect Leaders, I have finished dealing with Wang Tong's violation of sect rules. Is there anything else you wish to add?"
"I would not dare. Great Sect Leader Zhang handles matters fairly and conducts himself openly. This subordinate has no objections!" Ming Qing said with cupped fists, visibly displeased as he glanced at Gao Kunheng.
"Good. Since that is so, I must go welcome several elders of our sect. Would the two Deputy Sect Leaders care to come with me?"
Gao Kunheng cast a sidelong glance at Li Jian and the others in the distance, then smiled. "They were elders of the former Misty Sect. Now that the Misty Sect has been rebuilt, they no longer are. Great Sect Leader Zhang has old ties with them, so naturally you must go. This subordinate need not."
With that, he cupped his fists toward Zhang Xiaohu and strode away. Ming Qing also smiled, cupped his fists in farewell, and left.
After the two Deputy Sect Leaders departed, the Incense-Passing Cult disciples in the square gradually dispersed as well. Only the Misty Sect disciples remained, gathered around Zhang Xiaohu, Li Jian, and the others.
Zhang Xiaohu looked at Li Jian, hurried forward, and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Martial Ancestor Li!"
"Kid, you're quite something, aren't you? I actually failed to see it—your martial arts are this high too? What did you do just now? You actually