Hou Niao stood in the courtyard without the slightest impatience. He knew they were discussing how to respond, and all he needed to do was wait.
Sure enough, before long, a specially made ring drifted slowly toward him. It bore restrictions unique to a Golden Core master, beyond his ability to open.
The deep voice said, "Treating the remains of fellow cultivators well has always been a guiding principle of our Qi Sect. Whoever he might have been, the dead deserve the greatest respect.
"But you used your strength to resort to violence in Jianye without permission, disregarding the safety of mortals. We observed the duties of a host, yet you showed no awareness of your duties as a guest.
"You are hereby expelled from Jianye City. You will never be welcome here again!"
Hou Niao took the Storage Ring and bowed slightly toward the voice. Without another word, he turned to
leave.
He had barely stepped out of the courtyard when two Enforcement Daoists from the Six-Eared Hall fell in beside him, one on either side, subtly positioning themselves to flank him.
Knowing he had become unwelcome here, he did not mind. He rose into the air, and the two Daoists followed closely behind, never leaving his sides.
Before coming here, he had imagined countless ways he might leave: changing his appearance, disguising himself, impersonating someone else, and so on. What he had never imagined was that he would leave so brazenly in this fashion. The marvels of worldly affairs defied description.
He knew he could no longer remain in Jianye. Being expelled suited him perfectly.
He had barely left Jianye City when several figures ahead began closing in around him. One shouted, "Land! Six-Eared Hall night inspection!"
One of the cultivators behind Hou Niao hurried forward. After a