NOVPUBElder Xiao Xue heard his wife's words and took another glance at the tightly bound Silent Monk on deck.
Although no one had introduced the Silent Monk's identity to him, it might be that the Xiangxi Sect had already conveyed the events that occurred in the land of mass burial to Wendaos Sect before the Class C students returned.
Thus, Elder Xiao Xue knew that the Silent Monk would be among the people coming with him.
With a flick of his sleeve, the Silent Monk was drawn into his hand.
He then addressed the Class C students: "From now on, other Teaching Elders will take over the classes for Class C and Class W. After disciples return, continue to study diligently and do not neglect the monthly exam that will take place in half a month."
Many disciples opened their mouths but, considering Elder Xiao Xue's current bad mood, swallowed their words.
After Elder Xiao Xue left with Silent Monk in one hand and accompanying Elder Gao, some disciples started discussing: "If the monthly exam will continue as usual, then what was the point of us bustling around in the land of mass burial for more than half a month? Was it all in vain?"
The female disciples were even more indignant: "This Elder Gao, for his own selfish desires, caused the death of our two fellow sisters. The sect must give an account for this."
In twos and threes, a group of tired and angry disciples left, chattering amongst themselves.
Tian Lin returned to his cave mansion at Gourd Peak, and the sisters Yu'er and Cui'er who were cultivating there were somewhat surprised.
According to what Tian Lin said when he left, he was expected to return to the sect at the end of the month.
But now it was only mid-month, and Tian Lin had already returned.
Yu'er told Cui'er to prepare a meal while she started to brew tea for Tian Lin.
Before she could speak, Tian Lin asked, "When did your cultivation breakthrough to the eighth level of Qi Refinement?"
Yu'er replied, "Thanks to your blessing, master, it will probably take no more than a year to reach the eighth level of Qi Refinement now."
"I don't need the Five Elements Spirit Liquid distributed by the sect. Don't worry about me; keep it for your own cultivation."
After saying this, Tian Lin then inquired, "Has anything happened in the sect during this half-month?"
Yu'er immediately responded: "Nothing much, except for a Class A disciple named Qu Jiangnan, whose sword holder came to the cave mansion to inquire when you might return, master."
"Qu Jiangnan?"
Tian Lin was puzzled for a moment before Yu'er explained:
"I found the sword holder's tone to be off, so I discreetly inquired about it with Cui'er. It turns out that Mr. Qu was supposed to be engaged to Miss Wang. However, because you snatched the C-class disciple spot from Miss Wang, the engagement could not be finalized."
Tian Lin paused, finally recalling who Qu Jiangnan was.
Zhou Jin had reminded Tian Lin twice not to entertain thoughts about Wang Yanyu, as a Brother Qu from Class A had been betrothed to her, afraid that Tian Lin might attract jealousy because of Wang Yanyu.
Tian Lin thought about his interactions with Wang Yanyu; aside from the Cold Fragrance Leaf she had given him, there was no other context.
Now, unexpectedly, it wasn't the matter with the Cold Fragrance Leaf that had caused issues, but instead, Qu Jiangnan had held a grudge against him for taking the C-class spot.
"How does Sister Wang's failure to enter Class C relate to their failed engagement?"
Yu'er explained: "The Qu family has a prestigious status throughout the North Wilderness, and they have an ancestor in the Nascent Soul Realm. In principle, Wang Yanyu, coming from Class C, isn't a good match for Qu Jiangnan. Lady Qu has always looked down on Wang Yanyu, and now with Wang Yanyu failing to make it into Class C, Lady Qu has an even better excuse to call off the engagement."
Tian Lin thought for a moment then nodded:
"So, this Brother Qu must truly deeply love Sister Wang. Not only is he a jealous person, but he's also devoted."
"No matter how devoted he is, that's his own affair. There's no reason for you, master, to give up the C-class spot just to indulge their relationship."
Cui'er had returned to the cave mansion by this time, carrying a food basket.
While helping her sister Yu'er with the meal, she said:
"Moreover, him coming to see you now, master, what's that all about? It's nothing but hoping for you to perform poorly in the upcoming monthly exam, just so that Miss Wang gets a spot in Class C."
Tian Lin thought about the trip to the land of mass burial and the two female students who had died innocently because of the ghost fetus. Qu Jiangnan didn't need to pressure him to vacate a spot, as positions in Class C had already opened up.
However, although the conflict seemed to be resolved, the reality was not so straightforward.
It wasn't just Tian Lin who had entered Class C; there was also Zhou Jin.
So why didn't he trouble Zhou Jin about taking Wang Yanyu's spot?
---
Trouble comes seeking him, accusing him of hindering Wang Yanyu's path?
Tian Lin initially thought it was because of his flamboyant Huahua Lang background, but soon he dismissed the idea.
He suddenly remembered the rumors within Class C that he had gained his place through connections, recalling the C-class disciple who had once come to probe his intentions.
Since he wasn't affected by these rumors in Class C, he gradually stopped paying attention to them.
Now, thinking about it, Qu Jiangnan's seeking him out was likely because he presumed Tian Lin had taken Wang Yanyu's place through connections, hence he came to stand up for Wang Yanyu.
"This Brother Qu must know I have returned to the sect, and if he truly means to make things difficult for me, he will surely send someone."
After a hasty meal, Tian Lin went straight to Zhou Jin's place.
From dinner to now, more than half an hour had passed.
Tian Lin had no sources of information in the Wendaos Sect, but he knew Zhou Jin and the others would not be as insulated as he was.
Clearly, Zhou Jin also knew the purpose of Tian Lin's visit.
He said, "If Brother asks about Elder Gao's matter, the sect had already made a decision before Elder Gao returned. Considering her proper attitude in admitting her wrongs, they allowed her to reflect in the Enlightened Heart Chamber for a hundred years."
At this point, Zhou Jin sighed and said, "It's a pity that Elder Gao had a chance to advance to the Golden Core Middle Stage; now that she's reflecting for a hundred years, it's tantamount to severing her path to the Golden Core." 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘱𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝑚
Although cultivation often spans hundreds of years, wasting an entire century is enough to cut short someone's Immortal Road.
Others lament for Elder Gao, but Tian Lin thought of the two unjustly killed female students and the thousands of lives in Yu Family Village.
Tian Lin guessed that the reason Elder Gao was punished was because of those two female students.
Also, because she truly had no intention to harm those female students, the sect gave her a break.
As for the villagers of Yu Family Village, they were destined for untimely deaths, doomed to die as ghosts; who would care?
"What about the Silent Monk?"
After Tian Lin asked, Zhou Jin replied:
"The Silent Monk is definitely to be severely punished by the Little Arhat Monastery. By the way, Brother Tian, Elder Gao has also spoken on your behalf in front of the elders about your request for the Vajra Demon-suppressing Skill."
It was then that Zhou Jin's sword holder entered the cave mansion and said, "Mr. Tian, a little Daoist from the Daoist Temple has come looking for you, saying Elder Xue has summoned you for questioning."
Tian Lin was startled and quickly stood up to give a formal gesture to Zhou Jin before leaving the cave mansion.
Outside the cave mansion, as expected, was a young Daoist Child from the Daoist Temple.
Despite his young age, the Daoist Child had a cultivation level of Early-stage Foundation Establishment.
After formalities with Tian Lin, the child spoke, "My master is looking for Brother Tian to speak with him, I wonder if Brother Tian has the time?"
A Daoist Child beside someone of the Nascent Soul Realm isn't considered a disciple of the Wendaos Sect. But even without this status, who would dare to be presumptuous to one who is close to a Nascent Soul?
What's more, despite his young age, this Daoist Child never bullied others because of his position and treated everyone with great courtesy.
Tian Lin hastened to return the gesture and said to the Daoist Child, "Please lead the way, Brother."
He suspected Elder Xue wanted to use him as a mouthpiece to clear the name of his daughter-in-law.
Of course, Tian Lin didn't mind doing this, since Silent Monk deserved to die anyway, and was a perfect scapegoat.
But upon arriving at the Daoist Temple, Elder Xue did not mention clearing Elder Gao's name at all.
He had a cushion prepared for Tian Lin, and after Tian Lin was seated, he spoke, "Starting tomorrow, you no longer need to study in Class C. After the end of the month, go directly to Class B to study."
Tian Lin was shocked, quickly stood up and said, "Disciple's merits and abilities are insufficient, how can I qualify to study in Class B?"
Elder Xue replied, "Based on your talent and performance, no one will gossip about you being in Class B."
Tian Lin was momentarily at a loss for words, for Qu Jiangnan had already approached him over his entry into Class C.
At that time, he was confident that he earned his place in Class C through his own strength.
But now, entering Class B, Tian Lin had no confidence to shamelessly claim that it was his own merit.
But, what of it?
If he could enter Class B, what use was his face?
