"Sect Leader Zhong, please continue."
Abbot Renxin urged Zhong Yulong to announce the results of the punishment for the Kunlun Sect.
Zhong Yulong and Zhang Xuanliang nodded. Looking at Grand Elder Zhang Qing of the Kunlun Sect and others, Zhong Yulong said, "This matter is extremely egregious and has caused great harm and loss to all our major sects. Therefore, we have unanimously decided that your Kunlun Sect will be sealed for thirty years, and you are forbidden from interfering in martial arts affairs. Furthermore, you will provide corresponding compensation to all our major sects!"
Upon hearing this verdict, Elder Zhang Qing and the other elders and disciples could only accept it with nods. However, they knew in their hearts that after this incident, the Kunlun Sect would likely be reduced to mere remnants by the major sects.
But who could they blame? It was all the fault of Sect Leader Yuan Gaowu and his son for their greed and stubbornness. Without considering the entire sect, they secretly used despicable methods to stab the people of the major sects in the back, attempting to abscond with the martial arts manual of the Snow Mountain Sect. In the end, they harmed themselves and met such a tragic fate.
Yuan Gaowu and Lu Chenzi were taken down the mountain to be handed over to the local police for processing. The criminal evidence was conclusive, and it was unlikely Yuan Gaowu would live much longer.
The people from the major sects were still gathered in the grand hall. Shi Yizhen, the Sect Leader of the Huashan Sect, looked at Elder Zhang Qing sitting dejectedly on the steps, sighing continuously, and said, "Elder Zhang Qing, we know you did not participate in this matter. However, the actions of the Yuan father and son this time were too egregious. They are truly scum, no different from evil cultists."
"We have already shown leniency by not forcing the Kunlun Sect to disband on its own. But regarding compensation, we will have to discuss it properly later!"
Upon hearing this, Elder Zhang Qing's heart trembled. He looked up at Zhong Yulong, Zhang Xuanliang, Abbot Renxin, and the leaders of the other major sects, realizing they had their sights set on the Kunlun Sect's core martial arts secrets!
"Heh heh, fine, fine. Take whatever you want. Anyway, our Kunlun Sect has no leader, so what's the difference between it and a ruined sect?" As he spoke, Zhang Qing slowly stood up. His son quickly helped him, and the father and son dejectedly left the grand hall, heading to the graves of their sect's ancestral predecessors to repent and seek forgiveness...
The people from the major sects present could only shake their heads and lament the Kunlun Sect. It was truly a pity and regrettable that such a large sect had fallen due to the mistakes of its sect leader.
"Since everyone is here, why don't we discuss how to deal with Wan Yunting's issue!" Shi Yizhen, the Sect Leader of the Huashan Sect, turned to Zhong Yulong, Zhang Xuanliang, Abbot Renxin, and others and said.
"Yes, Wan Yunting's issue is very serious and requires careful discussion..." The sect leaders and masters of other smaller sects nodded in agreement.
Zhou Ruoxi, who was sitting with Abbess Yun Bai, did not speak, but her eyebrows were constantly furrowed.
"The Snow Mountain Sect is a righteous sect. If it weren't for the Divine Snake Tribe colluding with the evil cultists of the Western Regions back then, they wouldn't have been able to defeat the Snow Mountain Sect. Now, their martial arts manual has been stolen by Wan Yunting. As the righteous path of the martial world, we must address this matter," Liu Bing said sternly.
"Hmph, this Wan Yunting is truly something."
Shi Yizhen's old face darkened and he said, "He secretly learned the skills of the逍遥派 (Xiaoyao Sect) and colluded with the Divine Mother of the Divine Snake Tribe to steal the martial arts manual of the Snow Mountain Sect. Wan Yunting has now completely become an evil cultist!"
"Exactly, our righteous sects should vanquish him...!"
At once, disciples from the major sects present voiced their agreement, claiming they wanted to vanquish Wan Yunting.
Zhang Xuanliang waved his hand and said, "We must retrieve the martial arts manual of the Snow Mountain Sect. As for how to deal with Wan Yunting personally, we need to consider carefully, as he is not an ordinary person!"
Upon hearing this, everyone present exchanged glances and whispered. Some expressed disdain, while others were apprehensive of the Ouyang family behind Wan Yunting!
After all, the Ouyang family was one of the few prominent families in the capital of Huaxia, comparable only to the Kong family. It was truly not something that the so-called major sects could shake or even touch.
It's not to say that the Ouyang family is more powerful than the major sects, but rather that these two are in different spheres of influence. The complexities involved are intertwined with many things. If they were to truly provoke the Ouyang family, then the major sects would have a difficult time on certain levels.
At the same time, they couldn't afford to offend them!
For a moment, the people from the major sects present fell silent. Finally, Zhong Yulong spoke, "We absolutely must not escalate this conflict. Let us first send someone to contact Wan Yunting and negotiate. We can see if he can hand over the martial arts manual of the Snow Mountain Sect to our Martial Arts Association for safekeeping."
"Sect Leader Wan is a reasonable person and easy to talk to. As long as we approach him with sincerity, I believe it won't be too difficult."
"Yes, Sect Leader Zhong is right. There's no need for us to escalate the conflict with him," Liu Bing also nodded in agreement, clearly showing their apprehension of the Ouyang family.
"Then who should go and talk to Wan Yunting?" Shi Yizhen asked.
Immediately, the sect leaders of the major sects present exchanged glances. Finally, their gazes all fell upon Zhou Ruoxi, making her heart tighten.
"Sect Leader Zhou, you are friends with Sect Leader Wan. It would be best for you to represent all our major sects and talk to him!" Zhong Yulong said.
However, Zhou Ruoxi furrowed her brows and refused, shaking her head, "I'm sorry, Sect Leader Zhong. Although my relationship with Sect Leader Wan is good, I cannot simply ask him to hand over the martial arts manual of the Snow Mountain Sect to us. Moreover, I am injured and will be returning to my sect tomorrow to recuperate and go into seclusion for a period. I ask all sect leaders to please find someone else to talk to him."
Liu Bing and Shi Yizhen exchanged glances, somewhat surprised that Zhou Ruoxi refused!
Although they hadn't explicitly said it, many people had rumored that Zhou Ruoxi had an ambiguous relationship with Wan Yunting.
Therefore, they thought it would be most appropriate to have Zhou Ruoxi approach Wan Yunting. However, they hadn't expected her to refuse outright.
Abbess Yun Bai also said, "It would be more appropriate for another highly respected sect leader to go and talk to Wan Yunting. Our Ruoxi has just taken over as sect leader, and there are many matters within the sect that require her attention. Besides, she is young. Even if she went to find Wan Yunting, she might not be able to negotiate with him. It's better for someone else to go."
As a result, someone in the crowd behind them scornfully remarked, "Aren't you and Wan Yunting old lovers? You're the most suitable to go!"
Upon hearing this, everyone present fell silent.
Zhou Ruoxi, who was sitting there, had her delicate face darken. Her jade hand in her sleeve clenched into a fist, and she gritted her teeth without speaking.
Someone rebuked the person who had spoken rudely. Zhong Yulong thought for a moment and then said, "Let's not discuss this matter for now. We'll wait for news from Wan Yunting before we discuss sending someone to talk to him."
Zhang Xuanliang and the others could only nod in agreement...
Meanwhile, at this very moment, Wan Yunting and Ji Ruxue were in the dense mountain forests of Kunlun Mountain. They had been walking for three days. Ji Ruxue was covered in dirt, and her body had begun to smell unpleasant. She said, "I say, Wan Yunting, do you even know the way? When can we get out of here?"
Wan Yunting, walking ahead, was clearing the path with his Gentleman Sword and said, "Why are you clamoring? We'll be out soon."
Ji Ruxue followed, holding the box and said, "Didn't you say you wanted to find a place to go into seclusion and practice? What kind of place is it?"
Wan Yunting turned and glanced at her. He had originally planned to go into seclusion in the valley below, but he was still uneasy about Ji Ruxue, this cunning and treacherous woman.
"As expected, you still don't trust me!" How could Ji Ruxue not see his thoughts?
Wan Yunting frankly said, "Why should I trust you?"
Ji Ruxue rolled her seductive eyes and said with a charming哼 (heng - snort), "You scumbag, I gave myself to you for the first time. On what basis do you say that?"
Wan Yunting, however, looked dismissive and said, "What does the first time count for? Didn't I suffer a loss?"
"Hey, that's hurtful!"
Ji Ruxue stopped in her tracks, her seductive eyes staring at Wan Yunting with a hint of anger, and said, "Yes, in your eyes, I am a cruel, wicked, and scheming bad woman, but at least I've treated you quite well, right?"
Wan Yunting also stopped, turned his head, and looked directly at her. After a pause, he said, "Then what is your purpose?"
Ji Ruxue took two steps forward, her seductive eyes fixed on Wan Yunting's eyes, and said, "The Divine Snake Tribe is destroyed, and only I am left. The world is vast, yet there is no place for me to rest. Do you think I traveled all this way to Huaxia just to scheme against you?"
"Wan Yunting, aren't you too conceited?"
... Wan Yunting was so countered by her words that he waved his hand, shook his head, and continued walking, saying, "In that case, after we get out, we'll go our separate ways, and our grudges will be settled."
"How are they settled?"
Ji Ruxue chased after him and said with a charming哼 (heng - snort), "Let me tell you some news: I'm pregnant, and the child is yours!"
"What?"
Wan Yunting was so shocked by her words that his eyes widened. He turned and looked at her in disbelief. Ji Ruxue narrowed her seductive eyes, showing a charming smile, "It's true, you can check my pulse..."
Wan Yunting, who didn't believe her, immediately grabbed her wrist to check her pulse. Indeed, he detected a pregnancy pulse, which left him dumbfounded. He looked at Ji Ruxue before him in disbelief, opened his mouth, and finally said, "How is that possible..."
"How is it impossible? Back then, during the dual cultivation, weren't you... satisfied twice!"
As Ji Ruxue spoke, her delicate face turned red, revealing a shy demeanor like a young girl, completely different from her usual alluring and captivating charm.
"No way? Pregnant after one session?"
Wan Yunting still found it hard to believe. How could she get pregnant after only one dual cultivation session? Could it be...
"Wan Yunting..."
Ji Ruxue's seductive eyes glared at Wan Yunting with a hint of anger, and she pouted her red lips, saying indignantly, "The child is yours. If you don't want to take responsibility, I can just get rid of it."
Wan Yunting, who had snapped back to his senses, looked extremely embarrassed. He knew what he was thinking had been seen through by Ji Ruxue: "I didn't mean that. It's just... this is a bit too unbelievable..."
Ji Ruxue rolled her seductive eyes and said with a charming哼 (heng - snort), "It just shows you're amazing, getting me pregnant with just one shot."
... Wan Yunting was speechless and dejected on the spot, his heart even more complex. He never expected Ji Ruxue to be pregnant with his child. This was too unexpected.