Chapter 42: Pride

Originally, Bai Feiyu had thought that these brothers had no hope of ever entering the inner sect in this lifetime. Yet now, it seemed their chances were greater than ever. After all, with their sudden windfall—each receiving twelve hundred spirit stones—it was enough to cover twenty years of resources for an outer sect disciple. With so many spirit stones abruptly bestowed upon them, even if they were thrown in, they'd be forced into the inner sect.

Reflecting on this, Bai Feiyu couldn't help but envy these brothers. Their luck was extraordinary, all because they had followed his charming and elegant self, and thus stumbled onto such fortune. Originally, theirs was a dormitory of idle riffraff, living muddled lives, growing old in the Gui Xu Sect, and eventually awaiting death. But by betting on him, their fate had been forcibly reversed.

How could this not incite the jealousy of other outer sect disciples? And the inner sect disciples—how could they not covet such luck? Especially since these suddenly rich brothers had become so inflated, they'd likely swagger through the outer sect with newfound confidence. Thus, it was only natural that others would target them.

Soon, Bai Feiyu brought Shi Fei to the outer sect, arriving at the Hall of Punishments. According to Shi Fei and the others, in order to secure Shi Fei's release and coordinate with Bai Feiyu, these brothers had boldly pooled fifty spirit stones as a tribute to the Elder of Punishments. Thus, they'd managed to free one person.

Of course, the brothers had considered bribing their way out, but the Hall of Punishments, which maintained sect order, had suddenly arrested so many and then abruptly released them—it would be hard to explain to the elders above. So they dared not accept too much money.

Bai Feiyu entered the Hall of the Elder of Punishments with Shi Fei. At that moment, the elders inside were attending to some matters. Seeing a disciple enter so suddenly, one of them said indifferently, "Write your business on paper. The elders of the Hall of Punishments will investigate when they find time..."

Such was the attitude of the outer sect elders responsible for punishments.

"It's me!" Bai Feiyu introduced himself directly. "I wonder if the elders recognize me. I am Bai Feiyu, the one who defeated Li Zikun, recently promoted to the inner sect."

"Bai Feiyu?" Hearing the name, the elders of the Hall of Punishments all looked up. Seeing Bai Feiyu's face, their expressions brightened with smiles. Of course they knew him. The days as elders here were dull, so on the day of Bai Feiyu's duel with Li Zikun, they had collectively skipped duties to watch the match. Now that the man himself had arrived, it was only natural they recognized him.

"So it's young friend Bai Feiyu! You've been in the spotlight lately, making us old fellows blush. The moment you took the stage that day, I knew you were special. That Li Zikun was never your match…" one elder approached with cheerful flattery.

Most of these elders had just reached the Qi Ascension Realm, rarely surpassing its fifth tier. They were once inner sect disciples themselves, but as they grew old without great achievements, remained in the sect. This was the fate of many inner sect disciples. Some, after aging, left for smaller sects as lecturers, others became wandering cultivators, seeking fame in the world, and some returned to their villages to lord over them.

Compared to the fate of aging outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples enjoyed far better treatment. Outer sect disciples, in their twilight years, either stayed in the sect doing menial work and serving as cannon fodder, or returned to their villages or entered secular society as bodyguards. There were all kinds, but most were far inferior in status and benefits to the inner sect disciples.

"Here's the situation, Elder," Bai Feiyu said with an awkward smile, very politely. "Brothers from my old dormitory got into some trouble and were collectively sent to the Hall of Punishments. I wonder if the elders could do me a favor and introduce the elder responsible for this matter. I'd like to secure their release. Times are hard, and my brothers have suffered enough..."

Though his own prospects were boundless and the elders were eager to curry favor, it was still a significant matter—so many were suddenly being released. Only an inner sect disciple of his stature could hope to accomplish this; others would not be able to manage it. Moreover, there were many inner sect disciples involved behind the scenes, and the elders of the Hall of Punishments had likely received some benefits themselves.

Hearing Bai Feiyu's request, the elders of the Hall of Punishments were astonished. It was the first time they'd seen an inner sect disciple, especially one riding high on fortune, plead for a group of outer sect disciples.

And these were all outer sect disciples with little hope for advancement. The elders dared not take this lightly and immediately reported to the elder overseeing this sector.

Although Bai Feiyu's influence was valuable, this was no trivial matter. Many interests were entwined, with numerous alliances from the inner sect involved, and others watching closely. If handled poorly, the Hall of Punishments could run into trouble.

Soon, after the elders sent word, a figure hurried over—a man in his fifties, with a stern and imposing demeanor. His features were rugged, his skin dark, his face fierce—not one to be trifled with. The moment he arrived, he recognized Bai Feiyu at once. After all, on the day of Bai Feiyu's duel, he had been among those skipping duties to watch.

Upon seeing Bai Feiyu, the elder's expression soured slightly—not for any other reason, but because during the duel, he had wagered spirit stones as well. Bai Feiyu's resounding victory had cost him all his spirit stones.

But such things happened in secret. Bai Feiyu could tell, but he was certain the elder would never dare raise the matter or make trouble for him. If he did, saying, "Brother Bai, I lost money betting on your opponent," Bai Feiyu might well leave without helping, and remember the slight in the future.

Elders like him usually had families rooted in the sect and hoped their descendants would remain there. Naturally, they would not risk offending Bai Feiyu, destined for greatness.

"So it's Brother Bai! You've truly been in the limelight lately. I can't help but feel I've wasted my years living like a fool..."