The Palm Behind

Such a temperament is unfit for great deeds.

To think the position of chief disciple nearly fell into the hands of such a person—the mere recollection sends shivers down one's spine.

Many disciples wore complex expressions.

This act of defiance against one's superiors was a stark contrast to the previous demeanor, as if it were an entirely different person. Even as the grandson of the Supreme Elder, this was utterly excessive!

On the high platform.

Nanli Qingming coldly gazed downward, his expression dark.

Without a word, he extended his palm, and in an instant, the winds and clouds shifted!

A terrifying surge of Dao power condensed into a radiant pillar, crashing down like a crushing force!

In mere moments.

Fu Haotian was slammed into the ground, reduced to an ant, the green bricks shattered and embedded three inches deep!

"Boom!"

A deafening shockwave echoed in all directions!

The once-boastful Young Master Fu now had his mouth full of dirt, his face smeared with blood!

Even under the personal suppression of the sect master, this young noble still wore a ferocious glare, his face twisted in threats and roars as he struggled violently, veins bulging!

"Nanli Qingming!"

"You! How dare you lay a hand on me! When my grandfather emerges from seclusion, none of you will escape his wrath!!!"

His howls reverberated through heaven and earth.

The surrounding disciples exchanged uneasy glances, their faces filled with dread.

Yet the Nanli Palace Master remained utterly indifferent. Far from relenting due to the threats, he pressed his palm down once more.

Half of Fu Haotian's body was buried in the earth!

The overwhelming force stifled even his screams.

Finally, silence returned...

Nanli Qingming's expression softened slightly as he turned his gaze to the maidservant.

His voice boomed like thunder, piercing the clouds!

"Report this matter to the Supreme Elder. Whatever the consequences, I, the Palace Master, shall bear them alone!"

The maidservant snapped back to reality, hastily bowing before fleeing in a fluster.

Only then did Nanli Qingming withdraw his hand, his eyes drifting almost imperceptibly toward Wei Zhenfang, a trace of apology flickering briefly across his face.

"Elder Wei, my apologies for the spectacle. Does this suffice as justice?"

Holy shit!

Even the Nanli Palace Master is deferring to my opinion?

The words left Wei Zhenfang stunned.

In the past, who would have dared imagine such a thing?

Tsk tsk, times truly have changed.

A wave of giddiness surged in Wei Zhenfang's heart...

Though inwardly flustered and elated, his face remained as steady as an old hound's.

No matter what, he was now the representative of that certain figure—he couldn’t afford to lose decorum. Thus, stroking his beard with practiced calm, Wei Zhenfang exuded the composure of a lofty expert.

"Ahem, Palace Master, you honor me too much. Simply upholding fairness is sufficient."

Hearing this, Nanli Qingming secretly exhaled in relief, while the other high-ranking elders nodded subtly in approval...

...

Atop the mountain peak, within the violet bamboo forest.

A streak of light descended outside the bamboo hut, and the maidservant materialized, bowing in panic!

"Esteemed Supreme Elder..."

"Young Master... Young Master has been personally suppressed by the Nanli Palace Master! Zhong Limeng has been named chief disciple! I beg for your judgment!"

Her voice trembled with anxiety, her face pale with terror.

The maidservant shuddered, recalling the Supreme Elder's ruthless reputation. Though only moments of silence passed, it felt like an eternity.

Her heart clenched in dread, cold sweat drenching her hair!

The Supreme Elder was famed for his merciless decisiveness, tolerating no failure. Even after relinquishing his position as Palace Master, his prestige alone struck fear throughout the Immortal Palace.

This defeat, especially with his grandson suppressed, would surely unleash a storm of fury!

As the maidservant prostrated in trepidation, a low voice finally emerged from the bamboo hut.

"By my decree, Fu Haotian is to be imprisoned in the Forbidden Dungeon!"

Thud!

The maidservant's heart lurched, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Trembling, she raised her head, stammering in confusion.

"The Forbidden Dungeon...? But...

"Young Master is your direct descendant, your own flesh and blood! Supreme Elder!"

Before she could finish, a cold voice cut her off.

"Do I need you to remind me? I am not yet senile!"

The maidservant immediately lowered her head, pressing herself to the ground in fear.

The bamboo door creaked open.

An elderly man in plain robes sat cross-legged on a cushion, his back to the door.

The old man never turned, his grave words drifting softly outward.

"Precisely because he is my grandson, this must be done."

"Zhong Limeng produced 100,000 celestial-tier demon corpses, among them many third-grade fiends. Such means are extraordinary. The hand behind her is not to be trifled with—even I dare not provoke it."

"Haotian is blinded by momentary defeat, unable to see the chasm between them. Though I am aged, my mind remains clear."

"Only by imprisoning him in the Forbidden Dungeon might there be a sliver of hope for his survival..."

Hearing this, the maidservant felt a chill crawl down her spine.

Hiss!

Even the Supreme Elder bowed in fear—Zhong Limeng's backing was terrifying to such an extent!

Not daring to dwell further, the maidservant hurriedly acknowledged the order and rushed toward the training grounds.

As the streak of light vanished beyond the sea of clouds.

The old man slowly opened his eyes at last, his murky gaze heavy with solemnity.

A sigh escaped him, laden with the weight of centuries.

Ah...