Fang Chen nodded lightly. "Thanks."
The black and white paper figures exchanged a look and disappeared on the spot.
Although they were gone, the recent scene and Ancestor Xue’s current state still left those present feeling suffocated, their breathing becoming labored.
The mocking glances they once cast at Fang Chen had vanished, replaced only by fear and confusion. The atmosphere was thick with silence until Elder Xue’s injuries began to improve slightly, and he let out a painful groan, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Take Zhang Chunfeng into custody," managed Ancestor Xue, his voice hoarse as he struggled to rise from the ground and instructed Wu Cuocai.
The cultivators were taken aback, and Sect Leader Zhang instinctively looked at the young man. "Take Zhang Chunfeng into custody!?"
Wu Cuocai was momentarily stunned but reacted quickly, waving his hand to bind the young man with overwhelming spiritual energy.
The young man couldn’t believe that the ancestor who favored him so much would make such a decision. "Ancestor Xue!"
"What’s next?" Wu Cuocai asked cautiously.
The Golden Core Realm cultivators of the Parting Fiery Dao Sect felt a deep despair. "We’re finished….
Ancestor Xue’s attitude indicated that their sect was facing an insurmountable enemy today.
"Ancestor Xue, it's me, Chunfeng—your most beloved Chunfeng…."
Zhang Chunfeng couldn't believe it and tried to change his mind.
"Shut up," Elder Xue reprimanded coldly. "Your actions have endangered our sect, and you still don't realize your mistake? If you dare speak again, I'll slap you to death."
Zhang Chunfeng looked at Ancestor Xue with despair and did not dare to speak further; he was truly afraid the ancestor would slap him to death.
The young disciples who had been interrogating Li Daoye with Zhang Chunfeng earlier all stared at their toes as if they had found the Dao.
Sect Leader Zhang opened his mouth but ultimately chose not to speak up for his son.
"Truly deserving of being an Enlightenment Realm cultivator who has lived for over 800 years; your ability to adapt to the situation far surpasses that of a young talent like me," Li Daoye murmured.
His voice was low, but all the cultivators present heard it clearly. A few people had their faces turn a shade redder.
However, Ancestor Xue, the main figure, showed no change in expression. He respectfully looked at Fang Chen, waiting for his decision.
"Ancestor Xue, how you handle him is up to you," Fang Chen said with a smile.
"I dare not claim the title of 'Ancestor', so please don't be so polite," Elder Xue quickly waved his hand. "Since you wish for me to decide, I believe Zhang Chunfeng’s crimes should be repaid with death."
Sect Leader Zhang's heart trembled slightly.
The surrounding Golden Core Realm cultivators were appalled.
Zhang Chunfeng inhaled sharply, staring blankly at Elder Xue. His face suddenly twisted with rage, and he shouted, “Ancestor Xue, you repeatedly said that I would definitely become the Sect Laster of the Parting Fiery Dao Sect in the future, with the potential to advance to the Nascent Soul Realm and even the Enlightenment Realm. You were very optimistic about me, but now you’re the one condemning me to death!?”
“I have clearly misjudged you. Your current act of cursing at me is proof of that,” Ancestor Xue said coldly.
The Golden Core Realm cultivators remained silent, and Elder Xue glanced at the remnants of Wu Cocai’s flesh, unsure of what to say.
“And the rest of you? Who will come first to temper their mindset?” Fang Chen asked again, his gaze falling on Sect Leader Zhang and the others.
The Golden Core Realm cultivators were drenched in cold sweat, looking desperately towards Ancestor Xue for help.
Ancestor Xue, however, remained detached, observing without a word.