"...his Meridian Tree really has shattered..." The Medical Hall practitioner rose, his voice grave. "The damage is severe. I'm afraid..."
"Impossible!" Xu Shang stepped forward with a shrill cry. "How could Jingbi possibly have shattered his Meridian Tree!"
The kneeling man whipped his head around, his eyes fixed fiercely on her.
Gan Zifeng moved two steps, placing himself between their gazes. "The Medical Hall would not mistake such a simple diagnosis. The Law Enforcement Hall will investigate fairly to determine what happened. There is no need for pointless words."
Having delivered those words, Gan Zifeng turned to survey the bewildered, frightened faces looking over from the four platforms and declared sternly, "Zhang Jingbi of Colored Mist Peak grievously injured a fellow disciple out of personal resentment on the Sword Discussion Platform. He will be held temporarily in the Law Enforcement Hall and punished according to sect rules once the full circumstances are clear. Yan Caiyue's life is not in danger. The sword discussions will resume after a suspension of one hour. Blades have no eyes; the disciples taking part afterward must exercise greater care."
The Medical Hall and Law Enforcement Hall took the two away separately. Zhang Jingbi was deathly pale, his voice hoarse and helpless with panic. "I-I didn't... I don't know... Mother, I didn't!"
Xu Shang hurried forward, but Gan Zifeng knitted his brows and stopped her with another shout, extending his arm to hold his sword across her path. "Xu Peak Master!"
Xu Shang stopped, her face white.
"You must also submit to investigation," Gan Zifeng said sternly. "Take care to avoid any appearance of impropriety."
"..."
"It seems like a coincidence," the young man beside Gan Zifeng said quietly as Gan emerged from the Medical Hall.
Gan Zifeng neither agreed nor disagreed. He returned to the