The Hongmen Headquarters.
At this moment, the hall masters of various halls of the Hongmen were gathered here, discussing how to punish the perpetrator.
"Even if he is an invincible Grandmaster, he dares to disregard our Hongmen so much. He must die," said the hall master of the Fengyun Hall, his expression stern and his tone decisive.
Long Cheng was the only innate Grandmaster under his command, and his potential was extraordinary. It was highly possible that he would reach the peak of the innate Grandmaster realm in the future. Now, with one arm severed, it was tantamount to cutting off Long Cheng's future cultivation path.
Although it was rumored in the Chinese martial arts world that there were spiritual medicines capable of regenerating flesh and bones, it was merely a legend. Even if it truly existed, it would be impossible to use it on Long Cheng.
The other hall masters, upon hearing the words of the Fengyun Hall master, did not respond. Although they were all members of the Hongmen, Fengyun Hall had suffered a loss, and they were not as enraged.
In fact, some of them felt a small sense of schadenfreude.
After all, within the Hongmen, their four major halls were in a state of competition. If Fengyun Hall weakened, they would naturally become stronger.
"Brother Mo, this matter can be said to be Long Cheng's fault. Although this punishment is a bit harsh, let it be a lesson," said the hall master of the Black Flame Hall.
The hall master of the Black Flame Hall was a middle-aged man with a very rough appearance, dark skin, and a full beard. After speaking, he grinned at the Fengyun Hall master, revealing a row of white teeth, with a hint of simple honesty.
Long Cheng heard this, his head lowered, and a shadow flashed in his eyes. After this incident, he knew that if he wanted revenge, he still had to rely on the Hongmen.
Therefore, as soon as he arrived at the Hongmen today, he honestly confessed everything. He knew that if he dared to conceal anything, and it was discovered later, his fate would be worse than death.
Although he would be punished after confessing, it would not cost him his life.
"Hmph, even if Long Cheng violated the sect rules, it should be the Enforcement Hall of our Hongmen that deals with it. How can an outsider be allowed to interfere?" the Fengyun Hall master said with a cold face.
The other two hall masters nodded slightly at these words. This was indeed reasonable; even if a member of the Hongmen made a mistake, it was not for outsiders to handle or punish.
After the Fengyun Hall master finished speaking, the Black Flame Hall master was about to speak again when he saw the sect leader, who was seated at the head, raise his hand. He immediately stopped, not daring to say more.
Seeing that the sect leader had something to say, everyone turned their gaze to him with a sense of reverence.
A Saint Domain expert, just by sitting there, exuded an awe-inspiring aura that made people have to be respectful.
"I have already decided on this matter, so you don't need to argue," Hong Tiancheng said, waving his hand dismissively. "Long Cheng, as the deputy sect leader of Fengyun Hall, abused his power and violated sect rules. He shall receive ten lashes."
"As for Fengyun Hall, the hall master's lack of strict discipline means that from now on, Fengyun Hall's influence will withdraw from Zhonghai, and it will be jointly managed by the other three halls."
"Yes." This punishment truly pained the Fengyun Hall master.
With Hong Tiancheng's decision, not a single hall master dared to object. Even though the Fengyun Hall master had a province of territory carved out, he could only accept it.
As for Long Cheng, he became much calmer after hearing Hong Tiancheng's punishment for him.
The Hongmen's whip punishment was an extremely cruel penalty. If an ordinary person were to undergo it, they would likely not survive three lashes and would be whipped to death.
However, as an innate Grandmaster, although he would suffer some physical pain, it was within his tolerance.
"The sect leader's order, your subordinate naturally dares not disobey, but I wonder how that person from the Su family should be dealt with?" the Fengyun Hall master asked cautiously.
The other hall masters also fixed their eyes on the sect leader. They were quite cautious when dealing with an invincible Grandmaster.
"That person from the Su family?" Hong Tiancheng pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "He dares to disrespect our Hongmen, so he must have some reliance. In that case, let the two protectors go and invite that person to our Hongmen to see what kind of abilities he possesses."
Upon hearing Hong Tiancheng's words, the Fengyun Hall master couldn't help but show a look of joy. As for the other three hall masters, their expressions couldn't help but become serious.
The Left and Right Protectors of the Hongmen were now both true invincible Grandmaster-level existences. Furthermore, due to the martial arts they practiced, they were extremely synchronized. If the two of them joined forces, even an invincible Grandmaster might find it difficult to resist.
With them taking action, this matter was considered as good as settled.
"Sect Leader Hong, it's been a long time," a very young voice came from outside the main entrance, drawing everyone's gaze towards the doorway.
Everyone turned to look and saw a very young man and a middle-aged man who bore a slight resemblance to him walking in.
"Grandmaster Zhang?" The hall masters of the Hongmen had all met Zhang Fan and recognized him immediately, their hearts tightening.
As for Long Cheng, who had been lowering his head, he also looked up towards the door upon hearing this voice.
"Sect Leader, it's him! It's him!" Long Cheng shouted excitedly.
However, after he uttered these words, the many hall masters and the sect leader did not act against the newcomers as he had expected. Instead, they cast him a look of pity, leaving Long Cheng feeling bewildered.
"Grandmaster Zhang, your esteemed presence has graced us. I failed to greet you from afar. I beg for your forgiveness," Hong Tiancheng said, bowing slightly, his narrowed eyes filled with reverence.
"There's no need for such formalities," Zhang Fan said dismissively, waving his hand.
"The Ancestor is in seclusion at the Hongmen for cultivation. Grandmaster Zhang, would you like me to notify the Ancestor?" Hong Tiancheng asked.
Hong Xing, the ancestor of the Hongmen, had made considerable progress in his strength during this period, reaching the peak of the Saint Domain, and thus often went into seclusion to seek a way to break through to the Divine Realm.
Logically speaking, such seclusion would be extremely important. Even if several Hongmen hall masters died, he would not dare to disturb him.
However, Zhang Fan's arrival made Hong Tiancheng have to say these words.
"No need. I am here for another matter that requires attention," Zhang Fan said, his gaze falling on Long Cheng.
At this moment, Long Cheng was utterly stunned.
This young man was actually the legendary Grandmaster Zhang? A being whom even their Hongmen ancestor had to look up to?
Looking at the middle-aged man who had severed his arm standing beside Grandmaster Zhang, and noticing the slight resemblance between their faces, Long Cheng suddenly thought of a terrifying possibility.
Was the man who severed his arm actually the father of the legendary Grandmaster Zhang?
...