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.

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

never cause anyone trouble or mess around," Barton, one of the five stewards, cut in immediately. He

didn't do it on purpose," Benjamin told Barton

guarantee that Benjamin had no intention of harming anyone. It was clear that Zachary was the

cause trouble as well. A small punishment for him

be useless

Benjamin would make such an obvious mistake. Zachary

another. It was clear that they were trying to cover for Benjamin. After all,

Lewis felt like he was in a dilemma. But after thinking it over, he became determined to enforce the rules of the Welkin Sect on every member

your arms is broken and needs medical treatment, you, Benjamin, will be grounded for three days. You shall use this time to reflect on your mistakes,"

the punishment was very light. So he

to handle the situation wisely. What you did was unacceptable. Zachary has been seriously injured and disabled because of your violent attack, and I expect you to shoulder the blame and responsibility. With that, you are grounded and expected to reflect on your mistakes for three

to himself. He was taken aback, not expecting that Lewis would give him a punishment that would last three months.

cannot be grounded 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

iron rule of our Welkin Sect," Lewis declared with

decision, Herman was helpless. He glared at