C8 Cultivation Forbidden Technique

This was truly disappointing.

"Senior Brother, you really ought to reflect on this. There are many things that our sect rules forbid, and I believe you're more aware of them than I am. I hope you'll reconsider and avoid making a grave error."

After expressing her concerns, Shen Yueluo hoped that Fu Chengyang would heed her words and refrain from making a serious mistake.

Fu Chengyang was perplexed, unsure of what she meant.

But then he considered the mistake she mentioned. Wasn't it just that he had used his Goldfinger to gain some advantages and glimpse into the secrets of fate? Though unknown to others, such actions shouldn't be forbidden in the realm of cultivation.

In this world, those with higher cultivation levels were revered, and as long as one's methods weren't too extreme, they were generally accepted. After all, who wouldn't want to enhance their cultivation level?

He felt there must be some misunderstanding; otherwise, she wouldn't have spoken as she did.

"I'm not sure what you're getting at, Junior Sister. Instead of worrying about these matters, perhaps you should focus on the upcoming competition."

With a nonchalant raise of his eyebrows, Fu Chengyang dismissed the conversation, deciding it was irrelevant to him. He would act as if this encounter had never happened and promptly left the Ten Thousand Book Pavilion.

Watching his retreating figure, Shen Yueluo's eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. Fu Chengyang had gained notoriety for defeating his senior brother, but if his methods were underhanded...

No matter how formidable he became, the truth would eventually come to light.

As his fellow sect member, she couldn't stand by and watch him go down this path unchecked.

Shen Yueluo also left the Ten Thousand Book Pavilion, her visit initially intended for book searching. Cultivators of the Golden Core level and above were allowed to reside there permanently, and the sect master, who was quite fond of her, often overlooked many things.

With this in mind, Shen Yueluo made her way to the sect master's quarters.

She knocked on the door, which the sect master opened upon hearing her.

Upon recognizing his favorite disciple at the door, the sect master's face broke into a warm smile.

"Sect Master, I've come to discuss a matter of great importance with you," she said.

His expression turned grave upon hearing her words. "Go ahead, speak freely."

Shen Yueluo nodded before voicing her concerns. "Sect Master, I suspect Fu Chengyang has resorted to forbidden techniques to rapidly advance his cultivation."

The sect master stroked his beard thoughtfully, a flicker of complexity in his eyes. He was aware of the incident where Fu Chengyang had defeated the sect's eldest disciple, but he hadn't witnessed it firsthand. Rumor had it that the eldest disciple had left the sect under dire circumstances.

If Fu Chengyang had won through legitimate means of cultivation, it would have been acceptable within the sect. Sparring among disciples was common and even beneficial for their growth. But if there were foul play involved, that would be an entirely different issue. As the sect master, he couldn't ignore such matters.

"Have you confirmed this?" he inquired.

Shen Yueluo bit her lip and nodded resolutely. "I cannot stand by and watch Senior Brother suffer. I hope you can counsel him. He's been with the sect for a long time, and it's natural for him to have grievances. I also hope you can offer him a chance for redemption."

The sect master's expression softened considerably. Indeed, the disciple he valued so highly had considered all angles. She even sought leniency for a fellow disciple who had potentially strayed.

If Fu Chengyang had simply taken a wrong turn in his practice, that could be forgiven, provided he corrected his path. But if he had used deceitful methods to defeat and expel a fellow disciple, the situation was far from trivial.

"You needn't concern yourself with this any further. I will handle it," the sect master assured her.

Shen Yueluo, seeing his resolve, nodded in acceptance and held her peace. Ultimately, the actions were Fu Chengyang's to account for, and she couldn't overstep the sect's regulations.

That afternoon, Fu Chengyang was escorted to the main hall. The Sect Master and several elders were there, all except the one who had been instructing Fu Chengyang. It seemed that elder had other matters to attend to, yet Fu Chengyang couldn't shake the feeling that his summoning boded ill. Perhaps the elder's absence was intentional.

"Fu Chengyang, you have been accused by your fellow disciples of practicing forbidden techniques. Is there any truth to this?" The Sect Master asked, his face stern and his demeanor grave. This was no trivial accusation.

Fu Chengyang furrowed his brow upon hearing this. Forbidden technique? He was unaware of any such practice in his regimen.

"Sect Master, could there be some mistake? I have not engaged in forbidden techniques. My cultivation is the result of my own dedicated practice. I implore you to investigate thoroughly and ensure that I am not wrongfully accused."

The Sect Master's expression soured at Fu Chengyang's response. Nearby, an elder who had previously instructed the senior disciples spoke up, his voice laced with disbelief and without waiting for any concrete evidence.

"Silence! Our sect is a place of purity. You've used nefarious means to defeat your peers and even expelled them from the sect. Now, instead of showing any remorse, you dare to argue your case. Such audacity!"

Another elder, seemingly enjoying the drama, chimed in while casually fanning himself. "Sect Master, when such incidents occur within our sect, I believe our rules dictate that we strip the offender of their cultivation and expel them from the mountain."

Only one elder's eyes betrayed a flicker of pity. He had seen potential in Fu Chengyang's sudden advancement in cultivation and had considered him a promising talent worth exploring further. To his dismay, it appeared that forbidden techniques were the cause of this rapid progress.

Using forbidden techniques, regardless of the gains in cultivation, was unacceptable. No matter how much he might have wished to mentor Fu Chengyang, it was now out of the question.

He could only hope that Fu Chengyang would come to recognize his error. Even if his cultivation were to be stripped away, upon returning to the foot of the mountain, he might still lead an honest life and refrain from causing harm to the innocent.

Although he had heard that the head's senior disciple was no saint himself, using such forbidden techniques warranted punishment. Even if his actions weren't inherently evil, there had to be consequences. Otherwise, it would set a precedent that could lead other disciples astray. With this in mind, the elder sighed deeply.

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