Chapter 63

Chapter 62. The Sect Leader! That Guy is the God of Wealth! (2)

Chaos erupted on Huashan.

It had already been seven days since the third-generation disciple, who had suddenly disappeared from Huashan, had not returned. This was a huge matter.

Of course, there were those who fled in the middle of the night when Huashan was declining. However, such incidents had not been seen recently.

As a result, the atmosphere on Huashan was extremely tense.

"…Did something happen?"

"An accident?"

"Even if he acts recklessly, he's not the type to not return. Besides, there's no particular reason for him to leave Huashan, right?"

"That's true."

Yun Zhong nodded.

Zhaogel's words were correct. Qingming had no reason to leave Huashan. If he had even the slightest intention to leave, he wouldn't have given him the spirit medicine.

To give away such a precious item and then leave Huashan?

In fact, unless that spirit medicine was actually a poison, it was impossible.

However, there was one thing.

"If a guy with no reason to leave suddenly doesn't return, doesn't that mean something happened?"

"Xiaogua."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

"No matter how much I think, I can't imagine that guy getting into an accident."

"…"

"Can you imagine it?"

"I… a little…"

Zhaogel's mind conjured up Qingming's smiling face. Of course, it wasn't a warm smile but a wicked one.

'No, that's not it.'

He's the kind of guy who would survive even if thrown off a cliff or dropped into hell. It's impossible for someone like him to not return because of an accident.

"Something must have come up."

"I hope the elders can understand the situation. They seemed very angry."

"That's true…"

"Senior Uncle Yunjian has been summoned to the Sect Leader again. I'm worried that something big might happen."

"Hmm."

Yun Zhong frowned and looked towards the mountain gate.

'What's going on with this guy?'

Even though he thought nothing serious would happen, Yun Zhong couldn't help but worry about Qingming.

"Isn't he being too arrogant!"

Xianzhong's sharp voice made him frown.

"It's been seven days. The third-generation disciple has been absent without permission for seven days, which is unprecedented."

"Hmm."

"This is not something to be overlooked. Just as the sect is finally stabilizing, what will everyone think?"

Xianying of Zaijing Pavilion raised his voice, and everyone nodded. Indeed, this was not something to be taken lightly.

At that moment, Xianshang of Wujiao Pavilion spoke up.

"Come now, Senior Brother, calm down."

"Am I supposed to calm down now?"

"Why do you only think in that direction! What if the child had an accident? We might need to help him right now."

"An accident? What kind of accident could happen on Huashan? Even if he had an accident, the fact that he left the mountain gate on his own means we shouldn't have to consider it, right?"

"Or maybe he fell…"

"…Hmm…"

Thinking this had some merit, Xianying, who had been raising his voice, closed his mouth and fell silent.

The terrain of Huashan is notoriously treacherous. It's not uncommon for those on missions to slip and get injured. Even skilled martial artists can get injured, so if the third-generation disciple had slipped, it wouldn't be surprising if he had died.

"We should search the mountains, right? If he's injured…"

"Sure, let's do that."

Xianzhong, who had been silent, finally spoke in a heavy voice.

"Indeed, we can't rule out that possibility."

However, Xianying was still unwilling to back down.

"Even so, we can't avoid responsibility. The problem is that the third-generation disciple left the main mountain without permission in the first place!"

Xianzhong's face stiffened slightly.

The one who gave Qingming that authority was none other than Xianzhong. Now, Xianying was subtly criticizing Xianzhong for giving the child too much power.

"There must have been a reason."

"Reasons can be found anywhere. Isn't the law something that should be followed before considering the circumstances?"

"Zaijing Pavilion Head."

"Sect Leader. This is a matter that shakes the foundation of Huashan. When did Huashan start giving special privileges to children? He's just a third-generation disciple, not even a first-generation one. Even in a private family, he's not old enough to be considered mature."

"Enough."

"…"

The heavy and cold voice made Xianying clamp his mouth shut.

If he said more, he would cross the line. He didn't want to oppose the Sect Leader.

"…Sect Leader, I was too harsh. But this is not meant to blame you."

"I understand."

Xianzhong sighed deeply.

'What's going on?'

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't understand. The child he had seen, Qingming, was not the type to cause such trouble. That's why he had given him such authority.

'Did I misjudge the child?'

At that moment, Yunjian, who had been observing the situation, spoke up.

"Sect Leader."

"Speak."

"I will form a search team and thoroughly search Huashan and Huayin to find Qingming."

"Hmm."

Xianzhong nodded.

"Do so."

"After finding Qingming, please hold me accountable. The mistake of the third-generation disciple is due to my failure to properly discipline him."

"How can that be your fault? You're not his master."

"I am the master of all the children."

"…"

Xianzhong was about to say something but shook his head. If he said more, it would only expose the issue that the White Plum Pavilion was not responsible for the children's lives.

"This is not your fault. My trust in the child was excessive."

"Sect Leader, that's not true."

"The important thing now is not to blame. Discussing right and wrong can wait until we find the child. If we waste time and miss the chance to save him, it will be a regret for a thousand years."

Everyone bowed deeply.

Even if there were mistakes, no one could deny Xianzhong's concern for his disciples.

"Yunyan."

"Yes, Sect Leader."

"Organize a search team led by Yunjian. Provide all the support needed. First, find the child, and then discuss the right and wrong…"

At that moment, a loud voice came from outside the door.

"Sect Leader!"

Xianzhong's brows twitched.

"We are in a meeting, so please wait a moment…"

"That child has returned! Qingming is returning to the mountain gate!"

Xianzhong jumped up from his seat. Relief was evident on his face.

"Is he safe?"

"Yes. He seems to be fine, but…"

"Enough. I'll go out myself!"

Despite feeling some resentment, Xianzhong was relieved to hear that the child was safe.

"Wait a moment, Senior Brother Sect Leader."

But Xianying stopped him.

"Why?"

"Senior Brother Sect Leader."

Not "Sect Leader."

Xianying glanced around and then spoke.

"I understand that you cherish the child. Considering his contributions, he deserves such treatment. But don't spoil him."

"…"

"Mercy and punishment are both ways to govern the sect and to raise people properly. If a child does wrong and doesn't receive appropriate punishment, he won't learn his mistake. Remember, the more you cherish a child, the stricter you must be."

Xianzhong sighed.

"Do you think I don't know that? Don't worry. I want to raise the child properly more than anyone. If he's safe, I'll order him to seclude himself for a month…"

"That's not enough."

Yunjian interrupted Xianzhong.

"Leaving the mountain without permission and not returning is a serious offense. He should be confined to the repentance room for at least half a year."

"Yunjian, he's just a third-generation disciple."

"If it were a first-generation disciple, even a year would be insufficient. If you don't give Qingming the appropriate punishment, I will take it upon myself."

Xianzhong closed his eyes tightly.

The position of Sect Leader of Huashan is not one where he can make all decisions as he pleases. It's a position where he must gather everyone's opinions and make decisions.

"…Do others think the same?"

"Yes."

"Sect Leader, don't blame us. We also cherish the child's talent. But that's why we must be stricter."

Xianzhong nodded with a stiff face.

"I understand."

Xianzhong walked out without relaxing his expression. Those seated also stood up and followed him.

Yunyan sighed as he watched them.

'Why did you do such a thing, you brat?'

No one knew how much Xianzhong cherished Qingming except Yunyan. Therefore, no one else could understand Xianzhong's current state of mind.

As they approached the mountain gate, Qingming's figure entering the gate came into view.

"…"

Yunjian and Xianying's faces turned red.

He wasn't injured anywhere. If he had committed a sin, he should at least show some remorse, but there was no sign of it.

Instead, he walked in confidently with his shoulders back.

"You brat!"

Xianying couldn't hold back and shouted.

"Huh?"

Qingming, noticing the people approaching him, tilted his head.

"Where are you all going?"

"Brat! How dare you speak so arrogantly…"

"I greet the Sect Leader."

Qingming bowed to Xianzhong, and Xianying, who had been shouting, awkwardly stopped.

'This, this brat?'

"Qingming."

"Yes, Sect Leader."

"Did you have a reason for leaving the main mountain?"

"Yes, Sect Leader. There were unavoidable circumstances."

Xianzhong nodded.

"Explain. If your explanation doesn't satisfy us, you will receive the appropriate punishment. The laws of Huashan are strict."

Xianying couldn't hold back and added.

"How dare a third-generation disciple act so arrogantly! If you can't give a proper reason, you'll be in big trouble, brat! The Sect Leader has been kind to you! To repay kindness like this…!"

Qingming glanced at Xianying and scratched his head.

"No, that's not it…"

"Brat! Can't you stand properly?"

The answer came from behind Qingming.

"Don't do that."

"Huh?"

Only then did they realize Qingming wasn't alone, and they all turned to the mountain gate.

"Lord Huang?"

"Is it really Lord Huang?"

"He said his health was poor?"

Huang Wenyao, who had entered the mountain gate, looked around at everyone. His gaze briefly lingered on Xianying before turning to the Sect Leader.

"Greetings, Sect Leader. Have you been well?"

"Lord Huang. It's been a long time. I heard your health was poor, but I'm glad you've recovered."

Pretending to be calm, but in fact, Xianzhong was internally flustered.

'No, how is Lord Huang here?'

He had received a letter just seven days ago saying that Huang Wenyao was so ill that he was on the verge of death.

Yet, here he was, looking a bit thinner but otherwise fine. Only then did Xianzhong notice the figures of the Silver River Merchant Group entering the mountain gate.

"Sect Leader, don't be angry. I owe my life to this young master. He saved me and the Silver River Merchant Group."

"Huh?"

"Huashan's grace is as deep as the sea. That's why I came to express my gratitude in person."

"…What exactly…"

Everyone's gaze turned to Qingming.

Qingming smiled and shrugged.

"Well, that's what they say."

'Ah.'

'He's so cunning.'

'No wonder I'm angry.'

Qingming was still the best at making people's blood boil.