Chapter 172: A Newcomer Should Have a Newcomer’s Resolve Perhaps, it had been too uneventful on the Golden Court Mountain lately, and they were not allowed to leave the mountain freely, when Pan Zhong saw new blood, he was, naturally, curious.
Mingshi Yin merely nodded.
Pan Zhong walked up to Zhu Honggong and sized him up.
‘He’s chubby, and not very tall, either. He looks dumb. How adorable! He should be a pushover!’
“My name’s Pan Zhong. What’s your name, brother?” Pan Zhong said in a tone that indicated familiarity.
Zhu Honggong rolled his eyes. His temper was about to erupt...
Mingshi Yin promptly cleared his throat, and Zhu Honggong could only swallow his indignance.
Pan Zhong was not stupid as well. He was inwardly amazed that Mister Fourth was capable of suppressing this newcomer with a simple clearing of his throat. He nudged Zhu Honggong with his elbow and said, “Newcomer, Mister Fourth is actually a nice person, don’t worry... From this day on, we’re all brothers.”
Zhu Honggong could not take this anymore and retorted scornfully, “Who’s your brother?”
Pan Zhong said, “That’s not the way to talk around here. You’re lucky Mister Fourth here. If it were Mister Third or Miss Ninth, you’d wished you didn’t say anything.”
“...”
‘Where did this lunatic come from? Look at him acting high and mighty as though he’s my teacher.’
Mingshi Yin raised his hand and said, “Off to work.”
Zhu Honggong replied obediently, “Oh.” When he saw the Derived Moon Palace’s female cultivators repairing the steps nearby, his mood turned for the better as he quickly ran over.
When Pan Zhong saw this, he said in a hushed tone, “Mister Fourth, this newcomer is something else. He seems like a hard worker.”
“This isn’t all he has to do... From this day on, he’ll be spending his free time in the Cave of Reflection.”
“The Cave of Reflection?” When Pan Zhong heard this, his heart raced. “It’s not easy for the Evil Sky Pavilion to recruit a new member. Isn’t the pavilion master worried about putting this newcomer off by doing this?”
“Don’t worry... He won’t be put off. Instead, he’s grateful.” Mingshi Yin left after he finished speaking.
Pan Zhong was baffled by Mingshi Yin’s words. He decided not to cultivate his Six Yang Technique for the time being and observe Zhu Honggong instead.
Zhu Honggong worked hard and did everything he was supposed to. He took up all the laborious jobs as well. Even after half a day had passed, there was not a word of complaint that left Zhu Honggong’s mouth. When the sun was setting, Zhu Honggong finally sat down to rest.
Pan Zhong walked over and gave him a thumbs-up before he said, “Brother, you’re amazing.”
“What do you mean?”
“A newcomer should have a newcomer’s resolve... I really admire you.”
“This is nothing...” Zhu Honggong said, feeling pleased with himself.
Pan Zhong sighed and said, “When I first climbed this mountain, I didn’t have your resolve, and I suffered greatly for it.”
“Suffered?”
“Yes...” Pan Zhong looked around and lowered his voice. “Brother, the Evil Sky Pavilion’s disciples are all eccentric characters. You’ll bring trouble upon yourself if you’re not careful enough.”
Zhu Honggong frowned. He gave Pan Zhong an appraising look before he said in confusion, “Eccentric characters?”
“You’ve seen it for yourself. For example, the Evil Sky Pavilion’s fourth disciple, Mingshi Yin. He looks like a gentle person, but he’s actually cold and heartless... Mister Third, Duanmu Sheng, is better. At least he doesn’t put on a mask, but he adheres strictly to his own principles... Also, the Evil Sky Pavilion’s youngest disciple, Little Yuan’er. Don’t be fooled by her petite and cute appearance. That girl has aberrant mood swings and a short fuse. You should stay away from her,” Pan Zhong said solemnly.
When Pan Zhong mentioned Little Yuan’er, Zhu Honggong was stunned. Indeed. Little Yuan’er did behave fiercely in the great hall earlier.
Zhu Honggong looked at Pan Zhong, who looked like a gossip monger, and asked curiously, “Have you heard of the Evil King?”
‘The Evil King?” An expression of disapproval appeared on Pan Zhong’s face as he said, “The Evil Sky Pavilion doesn’t think much of him. The Evil King is but a title used to scare others. He’s only in the Divine Court realm, he might not even best me in a fight... Are you alright? You don’t look so good.”
Zhu Honggong was more than uncomfortable. Flames of fury were burning in the depths of his eyes.
A cough could be heard at this moment. Mingshi Yin had appeared in the vicinity without them noticing.
When he coughed, Zhu Honggong’s flames of fury were immediately extinguished.
When Pan Zhong saw this, he nodded inwardly. ‘A newcomer should have a newcomer’s resolve.’
Mingshi Yin said, “Pan Zhong.”
“Anything, Mister Fourth?”
“Seal his cultivation base. He’ll be sent to the Cave of Reflection to repent,” Mingshi Yin said.
When Pan Zhong heard this, he was stunned. He asked, baffled, “Mister Fourth, he’s only a newcomer. Aren’t you being too harsh on him?”
“Just do it.”
“Understood.” Pan Zhong had no choice but to walk up to Zhu Honggong. He whispered, “I’m sorry for this, brother. This might sting.”
Zhu Honggong did not seem to be bothered by it.
This gained Zhu Honggong Pan Zhong’s approval. ‘This newcomer’s resolve is somewhat extraordinary.’ Soon enough, he completely sealed Zhu Honggong’s cultivation base.
Zhu Honggong turned to face Pan Zhong. He patted his shoulder and said, “Wait for me...”
“There’s no need to be so polite. We’re on the same side,” Pan Zhong said.
Zhu Honggong stood up and walked toward the Cave of Reflection with Mingshi Yin.
At this moment, a figure dressed in black robes flew in the air and shouted from above, “Eighth Senior Brother!”
‘Eighth Senior Brother?’ Pan Zhong turned to look. He saw the Evil Sky Pavilion’s ninth disciple, Little Yuan’er. She stood with her hands on her waist as she looked down on them
Zhu Honggong stopped in his tracks. He turned and said with a smile, “Little Junior Sister!”
‘Little Junior Sister?’
Little Yuan’er said, “Master has ordered me to administer the beatings... Have you forgotten that, Fourth Senior Brother?”
“...”
“...”
If Pan Zhong did not understand the underlying meaning of this conversation, he would have lived in vain all this time. His eyelids twitched, and he felt his throat grow dry.
Mingshi Yin shook his head helplessly and said, “Old Eighth... Don’t blame me for this. Don’t worry, I’ll try to be as merciful as I can.”
Zhu Honggong wanted to cry when he looked at his Little Junior Sister.
Mingshi Yin held Zhu Honggong in place as a series of beatings were carried out.
Wails that resembled squeals resounded throughout the Evil Sky Pavilion that day.
Pan Zhong had to look away. His heart was shaking from this. ‘This is what you meant by being merciful? It seems like you’re giving it your all!’
...
“Ding! Punished the eighth disciple, Zhu Honggong. Reward: 100 merit points.”
...
The beating ended.
Mingshi Yin was pleased. He waved his hand and brought Zhu Honggong to the Cave of Reflection.
“Brother Pan?” Zhou Jifeng walked over from afar with his sword on his back.
“Brother Pan, what’s wrong? You look sick. Are you sick?” Zhou Jifeng walked up to Pan Zhong.
Pan Zhong’s eyes were wide as he mumbled, “I... I think I’m in trouble...”
...
Meanwhile, in the hidden chamber of the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Lu Zhou went into his Heavenly Writing’s comprehension state for a while. After he was done, he felt invigorated and opened his eyes.
At the same time, he heard the notification for the reward from punishing Zhu Honggong.
He looked at the merit points on the system dashboard gain...
‘I’m still more than 1,000 points short from being able to afford the Seven Star Soul avatar.’
“Master... Hua Wudao requests an audience.” Little Yuan’er’s voice rang from outside.
“Alright.” Lu Zhou rose to his feet slowly and exited the hidden chamber, making his way to the great hall.
Hua Wudao was standing respectfully in the great hall. After a short wait, he saw Lu Zhou walking slowly toward him.
“Greetings, Pavilion Master.” Hua Wudao bowed and saluted.
“Have you thought things through?”
Hua Wudao nodded. “I have.”
“Very well.”
“I’m merely curious. With all its treasures, why does the Evil Sky Pavilion need the sable magnolia?” Hua Wudao was puzzled.