"The reason I've gathered you all here today is not to make a final judgment on this matter — only to discuss it."
"The final decision will naturally have to wait until the Clan Master emerges from seclusion. Only then will the Clan Master make the call."
"However, there is one thing I must remind the three of you about."
"The Punishment Hall, while one of the four halls of the Chu Heavenly Clan, stands above the other three."
"When the Clan Master is in seclusion, the Punishment Hall leads the other three halls."
"When the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall is absent, the Vice Hall Master leads the other three halls."
"So I would like to ask — regarding everything that happened earlier, exactly who was being disrespectful?" Chu Xuanzhengfa swept his cold, piercing gaze across the three Hall Masters.
"We overstepped our bounds, Zhengfa. Please don't take it to heart."
"That's right, Zhengfa. We had no intention of being disrespectful — after all, we are your elders."
The three Hall Masters spoke.
"I address the three of you as elders because I hold respect and reverence for you."
"However, this is the Main Hall of the Four Hall Masters. In this place… I hope that the three of you will conduct yourselves according to the rules of our Chu Heavenly Clan."
"Therefore, you should not address me by name. Even if I am only the Vice Hall Master, my position is still above yours — for I am the Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall." Chu Xuanzhengfa said.
At this moment, the expressions on the three Hall Masters' faces were quite unpleasant. But after exchanging a glance, they bowed in unison and said, "We were in the wrong. We offer our apologies to Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall."
"Forget it. Let today's matter rest. But I hope the three of you keep something in mind."
"If that Chu Feng truly turns out to be the son of Chu Xuanyuan, you would do well to have a plan ready."
"Furthermore, until the Clan Master emerges from seclusion, I hope no one makes a move against that Chu Feng."
"Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite." Chu Xuanzhengfa's sword-like brows bristled as he fixed the three with a sharp gaze.
"We wouldn't dare. We wouldn't dare."
The three Hall Masters, no matter how reluctantly, did not dare to defy Chu Xuanzhengfa at this point.
After all, Chu Xuanzhengfa's cultivation had advanced so rapidly that it had already surpassed theirs.
On top of that, his position was genuinely higher than theirs. They truly had no way to deal with him now.
"You're dismissed." Chu Xuanzhengfa waved his hand.
After that, the people from the Spirit Hall, the Guardian Hall, and the Treasure Hall all departed.
Now, within the conference hall, only the members of the Punishment Hall remained.
"Vice Hall Master, that was truly satisfying."
"For so many years, they've been looking down on you, relying on their seniority and superior cultivation."
"Starting today, let's see which of them still dares to be disrespectful to you."
At this moment, many members of the Punishment Hall wore expressions of delight.
They were all trusted subordinates of Chu Xuanzhengfa, and they all knew the grievances he had endured over the years.
But now things were different. Chu Xuanzhengfa's cultivation had finally surpassed those three old fossils.
And in a world where strength reigned supreme, with his current level of cultivation, Chu Xuanzhengfa could keep those three old fogeys from ever lifting their heads again.
"Calling them here today wasn't just about establishing my authority."
"More importantly, it was to give them a warning — that the Punishment Hall has its eye on Chu Feng."
"If any of them get any funny ideas about Chu Feng, they'd better think twice first." Chu Xuanzhengfa said.
"Vice Hall Master is wise."
"But… Vice Hall Master, do you truly believe that Chu Feng is the son of Lord Chu Xuanyuan?" A member of the Punishment Hall asked.
At this moment, the members of the Punishment Hall present all showed eager gazes — they were desperate to know the answer.
"I can't be certain until the very end, but it's most likely the case." Chu Xuanzhengfa said.
"If he really is the son of Lord Chu Xuanyuan, that would be wonderful."
After hearing Chu Xuanzhengfa's words, the Punishment Hall members present actually showed looks of joy on their faces.
"If he truly is the son of Chu Xuanyuan, then he will be in great danger — because Chu Xuanyuan had far too many enemies."
"Since they can't deal with Chu Xuanyuan, they will redirect their hatred onto his son." Chu Xuanzhengfa said.
"What should be done, then?" At this moment, worry showed on many faces.
"That is why bringing Chu Feng back to the Chu Heavenly Clan is the best choice."
"It's just that… I'm afraid it won't be that easy." Chu Xuanzhengfa sighed.