C20 The Anger of the Chief Elder

Three days after the competition, the Cloudmist Order urgently convened a meeting with both the inner and outer sect elders. They had three pressing matters to discuss: first, whether Han Zong should retain his position as the Third Elder; second, whether Han Fei should remain in the sect; and third, the issue of Han Huo and Han Xinyuan's treatment.

Each topic left the elders in a state of indecision. If Han Zong were to relinquish his role as Third Elder, it was highly probable that Han Fei would choose not to stay within the sect. Both father and son were members of the Han family, and if either of the first two issues were unresolved, it was likely that they would both depart from the sect to seek refuge with another family.

Yet, Han Fei's abilities were undeniable to all. Should he align with another sect, it would signify a significant loss for the Cloudmist Order, a source of ridicule, and a drain of talent.

"This is unacceptable! Are we just going to let Han Huo and Xinyuan's situation slide? I cannot stand for this!" The Chief Elder slammed his hand on the table, rising to challenge the hesitation that filled the room. The elders' reluctance stemmed from a desire to welcome the two back, yet they were conflicted due to Han Fei's actions that left them crippled.

"Master, are you really going to let this go? Han Huo and Xinyuan are in the prime of their youth, at just seventeen or eighteen. Their bright futures have been snuffed out. Have you considered what lies ahead for them?" The Chief Elder, visibly distressed, pounded on the table and turned his gaze to the Master, who had remained silent.

"Chief Elder, please, take a moment to calm down. We haven't made a decision yet," the Second Elder interjected, understanding that the Chief Elder was not ready to let the matter rest, which was precisely why they were holding this meeting.

Speaking as an outer sect member, I must speak up for what's right," Sun Xu chimed in, having joined the discussion. "While it's true that Han Fei has injured the two young masters, expelling him from the sect or confining them to the Purple Bamboo Courtyard indefinitely would likely drive them away from the Cloudmist Order eventually."

"Drive them away? That's out of the question. How can we just forget the harm done to my son? I want them to pay dearly." The Chief Elder immediately rejected the notion, glaring at Sun Xu and pointing accusingly, "Your words come too easily. Let's see if you'd remain so composed if your own cherished son were in their shoes."

"Hai Yun, let's not single anyone out; we're in the midst of a discussion," the Sect Master interjected, seeing the Chief Elder confront each person. He spoke up to stop Sun Xu, who, as an outer sect elder, knew better than to say too much.

"My stance is clear: they cannot stay, and we must avenge my son," the Chief Elder declared, then sat down with a huff, turning his head away in frustration, feeling the discussion was pointless.

"What do you all think?" The Sect Master turned to the Second Elder and the other outer sect elders. "It's quite clear. If Han Zong doesn't accept the position of Third Elder and remain with the Cloudmist Order, Han Fei will surely leave with him. He's bound to join another sect. We all understand the situation; it's just an incredibly tough decision to make."

"Did you hear? The Sect Master and the elders are deliberating over Han Fei and the Third Elder's future. I wonder what the outcome will be," someone mentioned while practicing martial arts outside. Han Qingyue, who was training nearby, overheard the surrounding conversations.

"There's no need to speculate; they'll definitely expel Han Fei from the Cloudmist Order. After all, he injured Han Huo and Han Xinyuan, not to mention what happened with the Chief Elder..."

"Shh, keep it down. If one of the Chief Elder's disciples overhears us, we'll be in trouble."

Han Qingyue understood the gravity of the situation; the discussion had been ongoing for nearly three hours with no one entering or exiting the hall. It was clear that reaching a decision was far from simple.

She recalled her visit to the Purple Bamboo Courtyard the day before yesterday. She had brought up the issue with Han Zong and anticipated that the Chief Elder would not back down easily. Han Zong's response was to honor Han Fei's choice.

"Whether the Cloudmist Order decides to keep us or not, I will eventually leave this place. It's simply too constricting here, with little opportunity for growth," Han Fei had said the day before. His intentions were clear; the decisions of the Sect Master and the elders mattered little to them.

"The elders are coming out!" someone exclaimed from the inner hall, capturing the attention of all the disciples training in the square. A crowd quickly formed, eager to learn the outcome of the discussion.

Han Qingyue approached with curiosity, positioning herself behind her junior brothers as they bombarded each other with questions. Then, the junior brother who had brought the news finally spoke up, "The outcome is beyond anyone's wildest dreams."

"Cut to the chase. What's it going to be, are we staying or leaving?" someone pressed eagerly, desperate to know the verdict. "We're staying, of course. Not only that, but Han Zong will continue as the Third Elder and we'll be moving back to Duskcloud Hall." The informant's revelation sent shockwaves through the group. Such an outcome was completely unexpected.

It was hard to believe that after the incidents involving Han Huo and Han Xinyuan, they could remain unscathed. It seemed inconceivable. Had the Chief Elder actually consented to this?

"Speaking of which, is the Chief Elder okay with this?" queried another.

"How could he be? Rumor has it he was coerced by threat of death. Despite his opposition, all the other elders decided to go against him, rendering his disapproval pointless.

The conclusion of the discussion left everyone in disbelief. It signified that the Third Elder, bolstered by his previous stature and Han Fei's transformation, was now a force to be reckoned with. Those who had once bullied them needed to be wary.

"Enough with the gossip, get back to your training," Han Qingyue chided the group with a smirk. "Han Fei has caught up to you all. If someone with a crippled meridian can become this formidable, you should all be concerned." With that, she dispersed the crowd of busybodies.

Left alone in the meeting hall, the Chief Elder was unable to come to terms with the arrangement or his son's injury. Regardless of the sect's decision, he was determined to seek vengeance.

"Han Fei, Han Zong, I curse you to a wretched demise! I will spare no expense to ensure you live out your days as invalids, a mere stepping stone for my son!" Consumed by rage and hatred, the Chief Elder vowed to torment Han Zong and his son until their end.

Han Zong and Han Fei successfully returned to Duskcloud Hall, but the place remained desolate and unwelcoming. Devoid of disciples, the once-immaculate courtyard now lay unkempt, a shadow of its former splendor.

"Fei, you've just advanced to the Body Refining Realm. It's important to maintain and solidify your gains, so let me handle the cleaning. You should rest once you've caught your breath," Han Zong insisted, taking the broom from Han Fei's hands. "Father, it's a minor task. We'll finish quicker together. Plus, this is a form of training!" Han Fei replied, heading out of Duskcloud Hall. He paused at the bottom of the steps, turning back to give Han Zong a triumphant look.

Han Zong watched as his son planted his feet firmly and lifted his hands with steady precision. He then gradually lowered his energy and began to move his palms in a practiced motion.

Outside Duskcloud Hall, the fallen leaves began to stir as if caught in a gentle breeze, gathering speed until they swirled like a tornado, all converging into one spot.

Witnessing such a display of skill, Han Zong was filled with pride and excitement. His son had an innate talent for martial arts, achieving such a high level without any formal mental training.

Once Han Fei had collected all the leaves, he flicked his wrist, sending them flying into a corner. Just then, Han Qingyue turned into the courtyard. The leaves whistled past her, lifting the hem of her new dress, which made Han Fei abruptly halt, surprised by her sudden appearance.

The leaves, now without direction, scattered across the ground. Han Qingyue stood frozen, her cheeks blushing like ripe apples. It took her a moment to regain her composure before she pointed at Han Fei, visibly upset.

"Dad, I think I'll leave the cleaning to you. I'm going to retreat to my room for a bit!" Han Zong hadn't anticipated this embarrassing interruption just as they were finishing up. Before he could respond, Han Fei had vanished.

"Han Fei, hold it right there. You're in big trouble today!"