Three years later.
They returned to the mountain.
Inside Contemplation Hall, Qing Fu, Yue Xuan, and Chi Hao knelt trembling in the main hall as Yuan Chengsi cursed them loudly. Several Punishment Elders stood nearby, their eyes gleaming coldly.
Water mist welled up in Qing Fu's eyes, and she could barely hold back her tears. She knew she was wrong—she truly knew she was wrong...
The scene after returning to the mountain was completely unlike what she had imagined. This incident left a deep impression on her; in an instant, she seemed to have grown up considerably.
Chi Hao was inwardly devastated. These past years, he seemed never to have lived a single good day. Why was he being dealt with again after returning to the mountain? He had been on the road to recovery the entire time.
"Celestial Venerable Yuan."
"Elder Li, it was this Venerable's failure to discipline these three wicked disciples properly!"
Yuan Chengsi's stern voice echoed through the entire hall. "This matter has tarnished our religion's prestige. This Venerable will definitely make them suffer the pain of punishment, so there is no need for you all to act."
"..."
The several Punishment Elders silently exchanged glances. Even if they were allowed to intervene, they did not dare interfere too much... The moment they acted, matters would become complicated.
Elder Li said solemnly, "Celestial Venerable Yuan, although these three disciples were at fault in this matter, the Ancient Academy's conduct was truly arrogant. To this day, they have yet to give our religion an explanation."
"Indeed. The errors of these three disciples are minor; our religion's reputation is the greater matter." The other elders echoed him. "Since Immortal Ancient, that academy's heavenly pride, has formed karma with our religion's disciples, this matter cannot simply be let go!"