73

As the surging spiritual pressure swept across the area, an even higher level of life force pressed down like a mountain.

The Qi Refining disciples below the stage all turned pale, feeling an unprecedented burden.

Those with weaker cultivation collapsed to the ground, their knees buckling.

Those who could still stand looked up in unison.

Besides them, a figure hovered in mid-air, like a visitor from outer space, radiating a chilling aura, with spiritual energy flowing around him as if solid.

To be able to levitate without the aid of magical artifacts, aside from an extremely rare Xuan-rank secret technique, could only mean:

—A Foundation Establishment cultivator standing in mid-air!

Seeing this, the cultivators below the stage were all terrified.

Recognizing the person in the air, a chorus of respectful greetings erupted from below the stage, and the disciples bowed deeply, not daring to even breathe loudly.

"Disciple greets Hall Master Miao!"

"Greetings, Hall Master Miao!"

Hall Master Miao, hovering in mid-air, possessed a rather imposing appearance.

His face was square, with sharp features and resolute lines, as if sculpted by a knife and axe, giving him an aura of quiet authority.

His gaze swept across the crowd below, finally settling on the dueling platform.

The three who had been fiercely fighting quickly retrieved their magical weapons, bowed their heads, and performed the proper rites.

The previously chaotic crowd was now like mice before a cat.

They became utterly submissive, not daring to even breathe.

That oppressive aura lasted for a full quarter of an hour, until all the disciples on the dueling platform were drenched in cold sweat, their hearts filled with dread.

Master Miao finally spoke, his voice booming like thunder: "Why is the dueling arena in such chaos? You have dared to disregard sect rules and fight among your own disciples! How dare you! This is utterly outrageous!"

At this moment, Mo Qiuxian spoke first, his expression anxious:

"This disciple greets Master Miao! This scoundrel Qingchen has used ruthless methods in the duel, severely injuring Junior Brother Yu Cheng to the point of unconsciousness, his life hanging in the balance.

However, this scoundrel still refuses to let Junior Brother Yu Cheng go, attempting to kill him with his flying sword. Yu Cheng is my closest friend, my brother, a sworn brother!

This disciple acted out of momentary anger to save him. Unexpectedly, Qingchen, in league with Li Feiyu, attacked this disciple, intending to harm me. I beg Master Miao to avenge this disciple!"

Mo Qiuxian's words were earnest, his eyes pleading for help.

Upon hearing this, Qingchen immediately bowed and retorted, "You scoundrel! So eloquent! You've even accused me first!

Sect Master Miao, please allow me to explain. It was clearly a fair duel between me and Yu Cheng, a one-on-one contest on the dueling platform.

But Yu Cheng, instead of admitting defeat, used a one-time explosive magic weapon, intending to ambush me!

I was worried he had another trick up his sleeve, so I used my flying sword to confirm if there was any foul play, just in case. Who knew Mo Qiuxian would suddenly launch a sneak attack from below the platform, clearly aiming to kill me!

His intentions are malicious; his heart deserves to be punished! Senior Brother Li, you only faced Mo Qiuxian to save me!"

He had heard that this Deputy Hall Master of the Battle Hall, Miao Long, was a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, not someone easily fooled.

He was known for his integrity and incorruptibility, and despised those who used sophistry, so he only stated the facts.

As long as he defeated his opponent fairly, he shouldn't be punished.

Even when he used his flying sword later, it was only because Yu Cheng had used underhanded tactics beforehand; at most, it was just excessive caution.

Before the sect, under the watchful eyes of everyone, there was no need for excuses.

Miao Long's gaze swept over the unconscious Yu Cheng, then carefully examined the remaining traces of spiritual energy and fragments of magical artifacts on the dueling platform. He had already made his judgment.

Then, he turned to the disciple on duty and asked in a deep voice, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

The disciple dared not exaggerate, nor dared to conceal anything.

Everyone knew that Master Miao despised those who plotted and schemed, abhorred dishonesty, and was a battle maniac.

Therefore, he reported in detail: "Reporting to the Hall Master, the incident began when Qingchen and Yucheng agreed to a duel. Yucheng first used the Purple Gold Bell to interfere with the soul, then attempted to win with a one-time poison weapon.

Qingchen countered with the Blood Qi Secret Technique of the *Brahma Refining Demon Art*, followed by close combat, resulting in Yucheng being severely injured and collapsing to the ground.

Then, Qingchen activated his sword technique, thrusting at Yucheng. At this moment, Mo Qiuxian angrily cursed Qingchen, then activated his flying sword, heading straight for Qingchen.

Senior Brother Mo intervened, and Senior Brother Li subsequently joined the battle. Therefore, Qingchen activated his magical artifacts, attacking Mo Qiuxian."

Hearing this, Hall Master Miaolong's eyes flashed coldly, and he already had a plan in mind.

He also knew that while conflict within the sect was unavoidable, fratricide was a grave taboo.

Regardless of the cause, today's events have escalated beyond the bounds of normal combat.

With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy, clearing the chaotic aura from the platform.

"Hmph, the sect strictly forbids fratricide; we should help and support each other in the pursuit of longevity. Yet you, driven by momentary anger, have forgotten the sect's principles, truly putting the cart before the horse!"

Hall Master Miao Long's deep voice resonated, making everyone's eardrums ache. "The combat platform is under the jurisdiction of the Battle Hall. I will make a fair judgment on today's matter!"

His gaze swept over the three men in turn:

"Qingchen, although you had your reasons, having already gained the upper hand in the combat, you still resorted to such ruthless tactics, violating the sect's precepts. Therefore, your five-year rest period is revoked, and you will immediately participate in the next five-year outer disciple mission as punishment!"

"Mo Qiuxian, you claim your actions stem from righteous indignation, but in reality, you've interfered in others' duels. Within the sect, duels have rules; how can you let personal feelings override public duty and disrupt order? Your inner disciple stipend is revoked for five years!"

"As for Li Feiyu, he didn't intervene to stop the situation, but rather to vent his personal anger; that's also wrong! Your inner disciple stipend is revoked for one year!"

Having delivered the verdict, Miao Long flicked his sleeves, coldly surveying the entire arena:

"The dueling platform belongs to my Battle Hall! The power of supervision and the authority of punishment both reside with my Battle Hall!"

"If anyone dares to engage in private duels within the sect again, they will be severely punished!"

"Don't forget, I warned you!"