Chapter 12716 Don’t brainwash me, I won’t accept it!

The president of the lower house frowned and said, "Then according to you, what should we do?"

After careful consideration, Vice Dean Qingyu gave his suggestion: "Just follow the rules. First, we should publicly announce the dismissal of Hu Jing and list his crimes in detail to show fairness."

"At the same time, we should compensate Ling Xiao for the losses he suffered as a result of this incident to make up for his losses and injuries."

He continued, "As for Ling Xiao, although it is indeed wrong for him to kill someone in public, it is excusable considering that he had his reasons. I suggest that according to the rules, he be punished to guard the cemetery for three years as a punishment. This will not only maintain the dignity of the rules, but also take into account Ling Xiao's special situation."

After listening to Vice Dean Qingyu's suggestion, the dean of the lower house frowned and said, "What if Ling Xiao still refuses?"

Vice Dean Qingyu smiled slightly, and seemed confident: "He won't refuse. Judging from his previous behavior, he is not a person who wants to cause trouble. He just wants justice. We have given him justice and a reasonable punishment, so he will naturally accept it."

"If he really refuses, that's his own problem. We can then deal with it based on the specific circumstances."

The dean of the lower house listened to the suggestion of vice dean Qingyu and said loudly: "Then it is decided. First, the charges against Hu Jing will be announced, he will be convicted, and he will be required to compensate Ling Xiao for his losses. Then, according to the rules, Ling Xiao will be punished to guard the cemetery for three years."

Liu Yu, who was listening at the side, could not help but frown and said worriedly, "Isn't this a bit too much? Three years! Not only is there no spiritual energy in the cemetery, but it is also filled with evil spirits. Inhaling even a little bit of it could be dangerous. If you stay there for a long time, your cultivation will probably stagnate or even regress..."

Vice President Qingyu glanced at Liu Yu and said firmly, "Liu Yu, this is the biggest concession the Tianxiahui has made."

"We admit our mistakes and will compensate him. But he has to take responsibility for his mistakes as well. If he doesn't even have this kind of responsibility, then he won't achieve anything great. You don't have to keep protecting him. Let him make his own choice."

Liu Yu was silent. He understood what Vice President Qingyu meant. As a powerful force, Tianxiahui had its own rules and authority. Although Ling Xiao was gifted, he was no exception. If he wanted to continue to gain a foothold in Tianxiahui, he had to accept this punishment.

Although Liu Yu was worried about Ling Xiao's future, he also knew that this was a fact that could not be changed. He could only pray that Ling Xiao could face this challenge with strength, learn lessons from it, and become more mature and stable in the future.

Just like that, Ling Xiao's punishment was decided.

But this is only temporary. After all, Hu Ying is still in seclusion. If he comes out, there may be more trouble.

……

Ling Xiao's residence is located on the top of a steep mountain in the lower house of the Tianxiahui. It is surrounded by clouds and mist all year round, as if it is a fairyland isolated from the world.

His residence is a simple yet elegant cottage, with wind chimes hanging on the eaves. Whenever the wind blows, it makes pleasant sounds, which complement the birdsong in the mountains. However, at this moment, this quiet mountain top is shrouded in a tense atmosphere.

Inside the house, Ling Xiao stood in front of the window, looking at the mountains in the distance, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

His face was full of dissatisfaction and anger, as if he wanted to imprint all the injustice in the world on his face. His fingers tapped the windowsill lightly, making a rhythmic sound, which was a reflection of his inner restlessness.

Liu Yu, the steward of the lower house of Tianxiahui, was standing in front of Ling Xiao at this time, with a hint of embarrassment and helplessness on his face.

He knew that he was here to convey the Tianxia Association's decision to punish Ling Xiao, but facing Ling Xiao's sharp gaze, he felt a little guilty.

"So why should I be punished, while you high-ranking officials have no responsibility at all?" Ling Xiao's voice was low and firm, and every word was like a hammer hitting Liu Yu's heart.

Liu Yu took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil. He explained, "This result is the best result that Vice Dean Qingyu has fought for you. You should know that the Dean originally wanted to sentence you to death."

However, Ling Xiao was not shaken by this. He shook his head in contempt, with a mocking arc on his lips: "You think too highly of yourselves and the Tianxiahui. Although I have never placed my hopes on your fairness, it seems that you are even more ridiculous than I thought. And you are so self-righteous!"

"You keep saying that you are doing this for the benefit of the sect, but in reality you are only trying to protect your own status and power. I cannot accept this way of dealing with you, let alone be grateful for it. If you expect me to cry and thank you, then you are really overthinking it!"

Liu Yu was choked by Ling Xiao's words and was speechless. He never thought that Ling Xiao would question them so directly. He tried to defend himself, but the words came to his lips and he swallowed them back. He knew that he could not change Ling Xiao's opinion, nor could he convince him to accept this decision.

"What else do you want?" Liu Yu was a little angry, and there was a hint of dissatisfaction and helplessness in his voice. He felt that Ling Xiao was too ignorant and too self-righteous.

"It's not what I want. If you want to keep me, you shouldn't punish me. You should understand that I, Ling Xiao, have never done anything wrong. It's your own mismanagement that puts the blame on me. You are the ones who should be punished, the useless people who only care about your own interests and not the future of the sect!"

Ling Xiao's eyes were as cold as ice, and his words revealed an indescribable determination. He continued calmly, "I'm sorry, I'm a straightforward person, so don't take it too seriously. After all, you're not the only loser in the Tianxiahui, and you're too weak to change anything."

Liu Yu was deeply hurt by Ling Xiao's words. His face froze. He wanted to refute, but he was speechless. He knew that what Ling Xiao said was true. Tianxiahui did have many drawbacks, but he was powerless to change it. He could only watch Ling Xiao pick up his compensation and turn away.

"Are you really not going to reconsider?" Liu Yu couldn't help but speak out to persuade him to stay, trying to give Ling Xiao a way out. "It's only been three years, it's gone in a flash. Although the cemetery is indeed a bit eerie and scary, there will always be setbacks on the road of cultivation, right? If you stay in Tianxiahui, you at least have a chance to prove yourself and show your talent."

"Is this the same frustration education thing again? Sorry, I don't accept your PUA." Ling Xiao shook his head and looked at Liu Yu firmly. "I just want to practice smoothly and pursue the true peak of martial arts. I don't have that much time to waste on meaningless suppression and prejudice."

Liu Yu was stunned. He obviously knew nothing about the word "PUA". He frowned and asked, "PUA? What does that mean?" (End of this chapter)