Chapter 224: I’m a First-Timer, Give Me Another Chance
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
“Enforcement Squad?”
“Yes, this role suits you perfectly,” Zhou Jin Yue said earnestly.
Yu Zhao frowned slightly. “What does the Enforcement Squad do?”
“It monitors the conduct of disciples and improves the sect’s atmosphere.” Zhou Jin Yue clasped Yu Zhao’s hand, speaking with heartfelt sincerity. “Junior Sister Yu, our Master has finally shown a proactive spirit. Surely, you wouldn’t let him down, would you?”
Yu Zhao remained silent. Sect Master Ji Yuan wasn’t focusing on finding a cure for Master Qing Yan, but was instead thinking of reforming the atmosphere of the Five Elements Dao Sect?
“Junior Sister Yu, to be honest, you’re the only one in the sect who isn’t afraid of offending others, and your combat skills are top-notch. With you involved, the reform plans will go much smoother. Besides, wouldn’t you like to take this opportunity to deal with those disciples who maliciously ridiculed and slandered you back then?”
This task originally fell to Zhou Jin Yue. However, since Sect Master Ji Yuan was determined to revamp the sect, Zhou Jin Yue had too many responsibilities and needed to assist him, leaving her unable to oversee this herself. After much thought, she decided that Yu Zhao was the best candidate to take over.
Faced with Zhou Jin Yue’s bright and persuasive gaze, Yu Zhao found it hard to refuse, especially when she was presented with such a compelling reason. She agreed readily.
The next day, the Enforcement Squad was officially established.
Squad Leader: Yu Zhao
Squad Members: Xiu Luo, Zhang Jun
Zhang Jun stared at the large embroidered “Enforcement” character on his robe and then at the plain inner disciple robes worn by Yu Zhao and Xiu Luo. He grumbled, “Why am I the only one wearing such an ugly outfit? It’s unfair!”
Xiu Luo shrugged, dismissing him casually. “You’re a direct disciple. Wearing the Enforcement robe makes you more intimidating.”
She wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something so hideous.
Zhang Jun looked suspiciously at Yu Zhao.
Yu Zhao nodded earnestly. “That outfit looks fantastic on you.”
Zhang Jun looked down at the large character on his chest, feeling as though Yu Zhao and Xiu Luo were teaming up to fool him. He couldn’t resist asking again, “Do I really look good in this?”
Xiu Luo glanced at him unexpectedly. She had assumed Zhang Jun, like the other disciples from Lone Moon Peak, was arrogant and aloof. To her surprise, his thoughts were rather simple. She smiled brightly and genuinely praised him, “Senior Brother Zhang, this Enforcement robe makes you look exceptionally energetic, even better than those from Lone Moon Peak. Really!”
Zhang Jun broke into a grin. “Haha! You really think so? Not bad, not bad. You’ve got good taste!”
Xiu Luo’s smile widened.
Watching the two of them grinning foolishly, Yu Zhao couldn’t help but smirk in satisfaction.
Yesterday, Senior Sister Zhou asked her to form an Enforcement Squad with herself as leader and the freedom to choose its members. After some consideration, Yu Zhao picked Xiu Luo and Zhang Jun.
Xiu Luo, as the top inner disciple, had considerable influence among both inner and outer disciples. Zhang Jun, as the Sect Master’s disciple, while not as renowned as Zhou Jin Yue, could still represent the Sect Master to some extent. With these two by her side, Yu Zhao felt confident in handling any issues.
Their first task as the newly formed squad was to target Pu Xing He.
Pu Xing He was one of the direct disciples who had joined Zhou Jin Yue and Zhang Jun to represent the sect in the Cultivation World Competition. Yet, when Master Qing Yan made his move, Pu Xing He had been the quickest to distance himself from Yu Zhao.
Yu Zhao’s decision to use him as an example was pure bad luck on his part—he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Five Elements Dao Sect required all disciples—direct, inner, and outer—to dedicate an hour every morning for practice, whether through solo training or sparring with others, barring special circumstances.
The rules had been established long ago, but over time, the overseeing elders grew lax. They turned a blind eye to disciples who arrived late or left early. Yu Zhao was aware of this loophole and deliberately chose the training grounds during morning practice to enforce discipline.
When Yu Zhao, Zhang Jun, and Xiu Luo appeared, their presence caused a stir. The “Enforcer” characters on Zhang Jun’s clothing were too eye-catching to ignore. Some disciples who were on friendly terms with Zhang Jun approached him, laughing and joking, and one even tried to throw an arm around his shoulder. Zhang Jun immediately pushed the person away.
“Get lost! Go train and stop interfering with my duties!” he scolded.
The disciple, stunned, glanced at Zhang Jun, then at Yu Zhao and Xiu Luo, who both looked serious. Doubting but unwilling to test them, the disciple left. Meanwhile, others, intrigued by the commotion, began to whisper among themselves. The training grounds grew busier, and the murmurs of discussion filled the air.
Among the onlookers, Zhou Jin Yue arrived quietly, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she observed the trio. Without a word, she found an empty spot and began her own training.
Dong—
The morning bell rang. Gradually, the noise on the training grounds subsided. Disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect began their daily exercises. Yet, though they moved, their gazes wandered, their actions lacked energy, and every so often, they would pause to chat and laugh with their companions. Their approach was casual and careless.
Zhang Jun and Xiu Luo, who had never noticed the lackluster atmosphere before, now saw it clearly from a different perspective. Suddenly, they understood why the sect had formed the enforcement team. Both turned to Yu Zhao, awaiting her instructions.
Yu Zhao raised her hand, signaling for patience. Reform needed to be gradual, and corrections should start with the simplest matters.
For example…
“Stop,” Yu Zhao called out.
Pu Xing He, hearing his name, was surprised. He and Yu Zhao had never interacted before; they were like parallel lines that never crossed. Irritated, he halted and snapped, “What do you want?”
“You’re late,” Yu Zhao said calmly.
Pu Xing He froze, then sneered. “The morning bell just ended.”
“That’s still late,” Yu Zhao replied. She reached into the air, seemingly grabbing at nothing, and produced a brush and white paper. Dipping the brush in red ink, she swiftly wrote a line:
“Inner Disciple Pu Xing He—Late for Morning Practice. Punishment: One Additional Hour of Training.”
With a flick of her spiritual power, the paper floated in front of Pu Xing He. As she wrote, she also read the punishment aloud, ensuring everyone on the grounds could hear. Immediately, all eyes turned to Pu Xing He.
Furious, Pu Xing He shouted, “On what grounds?! What authority do you have to punish me? I don’t accept this!”
He made to push past Yu Zhao, but before he could, Yu Zhao glanced at Zhang Jun. Taking the cue, Zhang Jun stepped forward and pointed to the bold characters on his uniform.
“Pu Xing He, see these words? We’re acting on orders. If you don’t comply, your punishment will be far worse than just one extra hour.”
Pu Xing He gritted his teeth. “As an inner disciple, how is it that I wasn’t informed of this?”
Zhang Jun smirked, tossing his head proudly. “The enforcement team was established today. Congratulations, you’re our first lucky participant.”
Pu Xing He nearly spat blood from the indignation. This was no fortune; it was pure misfortune. Reluctantly, he softened his tone. “This is my first offense. Can’t you let it slide?”
Zhang Jun shook his head resolutely. “No can do. The penalty’s been issued, and it must be carried out.”
“Zhang Jun, don’t forget, we’ve been through thick and thin together!” Pu Xing He pleaded.
“That doesn’t matter!” Zhang Jun declared with unwavering righteousness. Then, turning to Yu Zhao, he added with a sycophantic grin, “Captain, did I do well?”
Yu Zhao rewarded him with an approving glance.
“So, you’re the captain?” Pu Xing He muttered bitterly.