Treasure Hunting

At that very moment, Lewis, the leader of the Welkin Sect looked around at everyone, turned his attention to Bruce, and then asked, "Bruce, why did you attack Zachary?" Lewis' voice wasn't loud, but it rang with authority.

"Because he insulted me, provoked me and wounded disciples of our sect, including Benjamin. So I taught him a lesson. But I didn't intend to beat him that hard," Bruce answered calmly. He had known from the beginning that he would be questioned. So, he cooked up a good excuse beforehand.

"Benjamin, why did Zachary fight you? Even if he could fight other disciples with his current strength, he definitely couldn't have beaten you!" Lewis pressed. He was suspicious the moment he heard Bruce's explanation. The whole fight seemed very strange to him. Everyone at the Welkin Sect knew that Zachary only became a formal disciple not too long ago. Thus, he couldn't possibly have gained that much strength in such a short time. And since Benjamin possessed the strength at the eighth grade of Mortal Level, which was a much higher level than Zachary's, Zachary couldn't have injured him that easily.

"Sir, Zachary must have learned something by the back door. He seemed to have eaten something when we fought," Benjamin replied, beating around the bush.

"How is that possible? Even if he took the most powerful pill, he still wouldn't be able to hurt you." Lewis eyed Benjamin. Of course, he didn't believe his words. The other stewards observing the conversation were doubtful as well. Such a thing didn't make any sense.

"It's true. The disciples who were with me witnessed everything," Benjamin insisted.

"In that case, I will confirm it with the other disciples later. But you still haven't answered my question. Why did Zachary fight you? As far as I know, the treehouse where Zachary lived was burned beyond recognition," Lewis said very seriously. He was already aware of the incident before he even asked them. It was Benjamin who initiated the trouble, leading a few disciples to burn Zachary's treehouse.

"The treehouse got burned accidentally because the campfire that I and some disciples made to warm ourselves got out of control. And yet, Zachary attacked us so violently without giving us a chance to explain what had happened," Benjamin stated calmly. He directed all the responsibility to Zachary in an attempt to defend himself.

Zachary huffed with annoyance at the blatant excuse. He knew that Benjamin had practiced his calm demeanor to avoid any suspicion and punishment from Lewis.

"Zachary, is what Benjamin said true?" Lewis asked, looking straight into Zachary's eyes as if he could see right through him.

if he intentionally burned my treehouse or not because he seems to have already learned his lesson," Zachary responded with indifference as he cast a glance

My disciple Benjamin would never cause anyone trouble or mess around," Barton, one of the five stewards, cut in immediately. He was always protective of his

purpose," Benjamin told Barton as

that Zachary was the one carrying malicious intentions," Bruce said, adding fuel to

trouble as

done is done. It would be useless to investigate their respective

think Benjamin would make such an

clear that they were trying to cover for Benjamin. After all, Benjamin was Barton's disciple. None

to enforce the rules of the Welkin Sect on every member equally. He would handle the situation with no biases and would not give unprincipled protection to anyone!

peers. Yet, considering that one of your arms is broken and needs medical treatment, you, Benjamin, will be grounded for three days. You shall

lips. Though displeased, he knew the punishment was very light. So he accepted the disciplinary measure with a

and I expect you to shoulder the blame

to himself. He was taken aback, not expecting that

that long. I plan to train him for the next three months so that he bests the others when he enters Celestial College," Herman, one of the five stewards, quickly intervened. As Bruce's master, he almost jumped, his expression horrified

as average, and wouldn't match with those of the elite disciples. Herman had hoped to train Bruce before he entered the college. If he lacked the training and preparation, he wouldn't stand a chance in the

sect does wrong, they must be punished. This is the iron rule of our Welkin Sect," Lewis declared with authority. As the top leader, he had to be

his decision, Herman was helpless. He glared