In the Law Enforcement Hall, Elder Ke Yizong sat at the branch on Wukang Mountain.
Under the guidance of a disciple from Wukang Mountain, Xiang Lan'er cautiously followed inside.
As they stood before the hall, the disciple reported, "Elder, the person has arrived."
Without needing the reminder, Elder Ke already had his eyes on Xiang Lan'er.
Her cautious and uneasy demeanor was understandable, and her beauty explained why Bian Weikang was so enchanted by her.
"Greetings, Elder," Xiang Lan'er bowed and greeted him.
Elder Ke waved his hand, dismissing the disciple.
Once they were alone, he asked, "Are you sure you truly wish to be with Bian Weikang for life?"
Xiang Lan'er was a bit nervous, but she still maintained her composure and said, "This heart is as true as Heaven and Earth."
Elder Ke nodded slightly, "Good, true lovers are rare. I'm willing to make it happen for you and offer you a chance to become a disciple of Wukang Mountain. Do you want it?"
Surprised, Xiang Lan'er looked up and, after a moment of daze, confirmed, "Yes."
Even if he hadn't mentioned it, she knew what this was about, having been informed by someone on the inside earlier.
Elder Ke said, "There's an upcoming grand event in Shengshen Continent called the 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference.' Have you heard of it?"
Xiang Lan'er didn't quite understand but replied honestly, "Recently, I’ve heard my husband mention it."
Elder Ke continued, "Good. According to the rules, Wukang Mountain must send five disciples to attend. This is an opportunity for you. Would you like to join Wukang Mountain and become their disciple?"
Xiang Lan'er stood stunned for a moment, gradually showing a bitter expression, as if understanding something, and nodded, "I am willing to join Wukang Mountain."
Elder Ke acknowledged, "Think carefully. The world outside is vast, with many places you can go. There's no need to join Wukang Mountain if you don't wish to. No one will force you."
Xiang Lan'er smiled bitterly, "I am willing to join Wukang Mountain and participate in the 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference.'"
Elder Ke said, "When the names of the participants are announced, Weikang will surely be surprised to see you. How will you explain?"
With sorrowful eyes, Xiang Lan'er replied, "I will say I registered voluntarily, without being forced."
"Smart girl. Alright, join my school, no need for formalities."
After Elder Ke finished speaking, he flicked his finger, causing a light breeze to hit a small copper bell hanging beside him, making a clear sound.
Immediately, a disciple outside heard and entered.
"She has joined my school. Take her to Elder Yin to go through the induction process."
"Understood."
Even the most basic disciple ceremony was skipped, with Elder Ke directly having someone take Xiang Lan'er away.
The disoriented Xiang Lan'er saw familiar faces waiting in the corridor outside, none other than Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang.
"Huh, Miss Xiang, why are you here?" Wu Jinliang asked curiously.
They both felt uneasy, not knowing why they were summoned here.
Seeing Xiang Lan'er, they had a bad feeling.
Xiang Lan'er nodded slightly in greeting, saying nothing, and her face didn't look too good.
The disciple called Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang over, "Let's go."
They hurriedly followed, occasionally looking back at Xiang Lan'er's departing figure.
Inside the hall, they saw Elder Ke Yizong seated high.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang bowed, "Greetings, Elder Ke."
This time, Elder Ke didn't dismiss the disciples or mince words.
He directly said, "For the 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference' in Shengshen Continent, I plan to recommend you both to represent Wukang Mountain. Are you willing?"
"What?" Wu Jinliang exclaimed in surprise.
Shi Chun was also a bit dumbfounded, wondering if he had misheard.
On second thought, recalling Xiang Lan'er's earlier expression, he sensed something was amiss and quickly said, "Elder Ke, you must be joking. We are not only outsiders but also not disciples of Wukang Mountain, so there is no reason for us to attend the conference."
Elder Ke stated, "Simple. Join my school now, and you'll naturally have a reason to go. Besides, I won't beat around the bush. After you killed our disciple Wei Bian, Wukang Mountain originally intended to be lenient. However, you repeatedly refused to hear reason, escaped on your own, and even repeatedly assaulted our disciples. All these offenses, I've never had the time to formally deal with."
"Since I called you here today, it's time to settle the account. You should know what this 'Law Enforcement Hall' is, and even if just for killing a fellow disciple, I could execute you both on the spot!"
Wu Jinliang protested, "Wei Bian ordered someone to kill us first, we were just defending ourselves."
Elder Ke countered, "Who saw Wei Bian ordering a hit on you? Guess how many witnessed you killing him? In this place, what Wukang Mountain says goes. Even if you appeal to the Heavenly Court, it's handled by the local authorities. Do you think they'll listen to you or me? Not to mention, you have no chance to appeal to them."
"I'll ask you one last time, either be executed on the spot or join Wukang Mountain to attend the 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference' as a chance for redemption. It's up to you. I won't force you."
Wu Jinliang gritted his teeth while Shi Chun's face twitched.
They’ve truly experienced what it means to be overbearing.
Wu Jinliang suddenly turned to ask, "Chun, that 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference' must be very lively. I’d like to broaden my horizons. What do you think?"
"Indeed."
Shi Chun nodded in agreement, then saluted Elder Ke, "I wish to join Elder Ke's school."
Wu Jinliang also saluted, "I hope Elder Ke will allow it."
Once again, there was no disciple ceremony.
Elder Ke waved and said, "Take them to Elder Yin to complete the induction. Inform the Punishment Hall that they no longer need to perform labor duties. Assign two people to monitor them around the clock until they are sent off. If there's any sign of escape, no need to report, nor show mercy. Execute them on the spot!"
"Actually, just to be safe, don't bother reporting to the Punishment Hall. Directly lock them up in the jail. It's quiet there; ensure their basic needs are met."
This directive made Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang shiver.
Indeed, when they decided to act against them, they had no room to resist.
"Yes," the disciple accepted the order, taking them away.
The two soon found themselves facing Elder Yin Huixin, who handled all entry matters regarding disciples.
After going through all the procedures, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang rather perfunctorily became disciples of Wukang Mountain, and were then taken to the familiar prison.
What to do? They could only hope for help from the demonic sect, but thinking back on seeing Xiang Lan'er at the Law Enforcement Hall made them uneasy.
Fortunately, Elder Ke's promise was kept.
Wu Jinliang requested his belongings from the Punishment Hall, and they were immediately brought over.
Shi Chun knew Wu Jinliang was at a critical stage of his cultivation, actively working on it, whereas he lamented his own potential.
If Wu Jinliang surpassed him in cultivation, his role as Big Boss would taste a bit sour.
To avoid disturbing Wu Jinliang's cultivation, Shi Chun requested to be moved to the adjacent cell.
The weaponry and other items left from the Joyous Pavilion were brought to them on request.
They could ask for food and drinks to their liking, but none of it felt pleasant, as it felt like they were about to have a last meal.
Luckily, the next day Xiang Lan'er, using the pretext of visiting benefactors, came to visit the prison.
Upon learning they were all set to become Wukang Mountain disciples for the conference, Shi Chun was shocked, "How could it be such a coincidence? Have we all been exposed?"
"I have already grasped the details. It has nothing to do with exposure. This time, Elder Ke was behind the mischief. My entry into Wukang Mountain had his constant opposition..."
Xiang Lan'er explained the entire situation, indicating even Bian Jixiong was quite upset, but changing the submitted list was too inconvenient.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were left speechless.
So, it was simply that Elder Ke didn’t like them and wanted them to take the fall.
"Old geezer, better not fall into my hands!" Wu Jinliang huffed angrily, already disregarding his newly sworn master.
Shi Chun said, "The 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference' is too dangerous for us to handle. We can't stay at Wukang Mountain. Quickly, get your people to take us away."
Xiang Lan'er shook her head, "If you escape now, you'd only offend Wukang Mountain. Now that our names are listed with the Sheng Prefecture Domain Manor, fleeing would label you criminals of the Heavenly Court. Do you wish to spend a lifetime evading them?"
"...," Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang fell silent.
"My superiors are aware of our situation. We should feel at ease to attend the conference. They will arrange for someone to assist us secretly, so we won't encounter any danger this time. Take this as a chance to relax, see the world, and come back after enjoying the event."
Xiang Lan'er’s primary purpose was to reassure them, fearing in a moment of panic, they might threaten to expose everything if not rescued, making rash choices in desperation.
Her concern was well placed, as the two indeed had a knack for stirring trouble.
They’d only been at Wukang Mountain for a short while and already caused several issues; no one could be at ease.
Hearing this, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang immediately relaxed, laughing out loud.
Wu Jinliang chuckled, "Chun, strolling about indeed sounds nice. Constantly sitting in a prison is quite dull."
In this way, they were satisfied, no longer worrying, instead waiting with anticipation, counting down the days with their hands.
Shi Chun even found leisure to thoroughly read the "Lanterns of Mountains and Seas."
A few days later, a cracking sound of bone joints came from the adjacent cell.
Shi Chun immediately looked through the bars, confirming it came from Wu Jinliang.
His entire body’s tendons and bones were continuously adjusting to suit his meridians.
Swiftly, a powerful aura burst from Wu Jinliang, blowing Shi Chun’s face-covering book, pushing him a few steps back.
Following that was the endless joyous laughter of Wu Jinliang, a sign his cultivation had broken through into the Advanced Martial Realm!
Shi Chun felt a bit jealous and anxious, pondering about cultivation from the demonic path and looking for ways to enhance his skills.
Meanwhile, on Wukang Mountain, the finalized participants for the 'Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference' were officially announced.
End of Chapter.