"Whoosh!" However, just as everyone assumed that the Punishment Department was done talking and was about to resort to force—
The leading elder of the Punishment Department did not actually strike. Instead, he extended his hand and pulled a scroll from within his robes.
The scroll appeared to be made of bamboo, bearing a faint green hue. Though simply crafted, it shimmered with a soft glow and was sealed with a special barrier — clearly no ordinary object.
When the scroll unfurled, it not only radiated brilliant light but also displayed the penal codes and sect rules of Green Wood Mountain, each character rendered with force and imbued with a special energy that suppressed everyone present.
At that moment, even Elder Sun and the others had their expressions change, their brows furrowing tightly.
Because this was no ordinary scroll — it was the Punishment Department's Enforcement Scroll. This scroll had been personally forged by the founding ancestor of Green Wood Mountain. Though it did not compare to the Sect Master's Enforcement Blade, it carried tremendous authority, far surpassing an ordinary elder's token.
"We are enforcers of the Punishment Department. Within Green Wood Mountain, who is right and who is wrong — that is for us to decide."
"Today, Chu Feng has violated the laws of Green Wood Mountain. We shall now administer punishment to serve as a warning to others."
"I'd very much like to see who dares defy the Enforcement Scroll and stand in our way." The elder holding the scroll spoke in a high, imperious tone, his manner of commanding as domineering as if he were the king of heaven himself issuing orders.
"This…" In truth, every elder present, including Elder Sun, wore a look of deep discomfort, unsure of what to do.
Because this Enforcement Scroll carried enormous weight. Since the Punishment Department had actually brought it out, if they still dared to resist, the consequences would be catastrophic.
After all, the Punishment Department did indeed possess authority that no other division had — and this was precisely why the department wielded such power.
"Well, well — enforcers of the Punishment Department, so this is how you carry out justice?"
But at that very moment, a booming voice suddenly erupted across the sky. Simultaneously, the figure of an elderly man materialized and planted himself before Elder Sun and the others.
Upon seeing this person, Elder Sun and his companions' faces lit up with joy, nearly beside themselves with relief.
As for the Punishment Department elders, their faces turned ashen. Without exception, they took a step back, thoroughly terrified.
Regardless of whether they felt joy or dread, however, every elder present bowed respectfully upon seeing this figure and spoke in unison: "Greetings, Lord White Ape."
Indeed, the newcomer was none other than the White Ape Half-Emperor — the only figure within Green Wood Mountain who could stand on equal footing with Tuoba Shakuang.
"You lot are truly something. Is this how Tuoba Shakuang taught you? The Enforcement Blade bestowed by the Sect Master himself, and the Enforcement Scroll forged by the founding ancestor — this is how you put them to use?" the White Ape Half-Emperor asked coldly.
"My lord, we…" At that moment, even though the Enforcement Scroll was still in their possession, the Punishment Department elders dared not speak another word.
Not only did they fall silent, but their faces had gone deathly pale, drenched in cold sweat. Even the hand gripping the Enforcement Blade trembled faintly.
The fear in their hearts needed no explanation.
Still, it was hardly their fault. After all, the White Ape Half-Emperor was no ordinary standing elder — he was the Sect Master's favored confidant, someone they simply could not afford to offend.
*Hums*
But at that very moment, yet another elderly figure materialized out of thin air. Upon seeing this new arrival, the previously terrified Punishment Department elders were instantly overcome with elation.
Because this was none other than their leader — the most feared figure in all of Green Wood Mountain, the head of the Punishment Department: Tuoba Shakuang.
"Head, your timing couldn't be more perfect."
"This Chu Feng sparred with Bai Yunxiao and the others, not only striking with excessive force but also harboring killing intent. Had we not intervened, Bai Yunxiao would surely have been killed by Chu Feng today."
"Such conduct by Chu Feng constitutes a severe violation of our Green Wood Mountain's penal regulations. Treating fellow disciples as mortal enemies is the most forbidden act for any disciple of Green Wood Mountain."
"However, given Chu Feng's exceptional talent — he is a fine seedling — we intended to administer only a minor punishment as a lesson, simply to serve as a warning to the other disciples."