Chapter 225: The Infamous “Ghost’s Dread”
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Pu Xing He was furious and shocked.
He was now convinced that Yu Zhao was deliberately targeting him in revenge!
Yu Zhao nodded slightly and said in a calm tone, “If you’re dissatisfied, you can take the penalty slip and appeal to the Sect Master.”
Pu Xing He opened his mouth to protest but forcefully swallowed his words. He wasn’t foolish. Even if Yu Zhao was intentionally targeting him, it was still because he had been caught breaking the rules. If he took this to the Sect Master, it would only result in more humiliation for himself.
Gritting his teeth, he sneered, “Fine, it’s just an extra hour of training. I’ll do it!”
He clenched the penalty slip and stormed into the training grounds, his every step radiating resentment.
At first, Zhang Jun didn’t think much of it. Now, though, he felt a bit uneasy and asked softly, “Are we really doing the right thing?”
Yu Zhao remained silent, casting a glance at his chest. Zhang Jun followed her gaze downward and immediately felt reassured.
These weren’t just words—they were talismans of protection!
The trio, including Yu Zhao, Zhang Jun, and Xiu Luo, stationed themselves like three guardian statues at the exit of the training grounds. They made sure that every latecomer received their well-deserved penalty slip.
When Elder Sun strolled into the training grounds, he was greeted by the sight of disciples fervently training in a rare display of zeal. He let out a surprised “Hmm.”
How strange! These little brats were unusually diligent today. Could it be because Sect Master Wu Sang of the Green Wood Sect was visiting, and they wanted to leave a good impression?
“Not bad,” he thought. “They’re showing some promise.”
Elder Sun felt a surge of satisfaction. His already cheerful smile widened further when he spotted Yu Zhao and her companions.
“Elder Sun,” Yu Zhao and the others greeted in unison, bowing respectfully.
Elder Sun nodded amicably and chuckled. “Why are you three standing here instead of training?”
Yu Zhao stepped forward to explain, “Elder Sun, didn’t the Sect Master inform you? We’re members of the newly established Enforcement Squad, responsible for inspecting and correcting rule violations within the sect.”
Elder Sun paused for a moment before realization dawned on him. “Ah, yes! The Sect Master did mention it.”
Just yesterday, Sect Master Ji Yuan had convened a lengthy meeting with the heads of various peaks and all elders. The primary topic was the sect’s current organization and long-term development. The creation of the Enforcement Squad was briefly discussed, but Elder Sun hadn’t paid much attention at the time. He hadn’t expected the squad to be operational the very next day.
No wonder the disciples were behaving as if they’d been injected with chicken blood—someone was keeping an eye on them!
Elder Sun praised, “Excellent! With you here, we elders can rest easier. Keep up the good work.”
He encouraged them with a few words before heading toward the training grounds to supervise the disciples.
Yu Zhao, however, stopped him politely yet firmly. “Elder Sun, are you today’s supervisor?”
“Yes, I am,” he replied without a second thought.
Yu Zhao’s expression turned serious. “Elder Sun, according to sect regulations, supervising elders must arrive at the training grounds before the morning bell rings. You were late.”
Elder Sun: !
Zhang Jun and Xiu Luo: !!
The disciples eavesdropping nearby: !!!
Ignoring Elder Sun’s stunned reaction, Yu Zhao picked up her brush, ready to issue a penalty slip. Elder Sun snapped out of his daze and quickly grabbed her hand.
“Wait, wait!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Yu Zhao, isn’t the Enforcement Squad only responsible for monitoring disciples…?”
“Who told you that?” Yu Zhao replied sternly. “The Enforcement Squad is tasked with enforcing all sect rules. If the Sect Master himself violates the rules, he will be penalized just the same!”
Zhang Jun and Xiu Luo, initially nervous, straightened their backs upon hearing the words. Zhang Jun, in particular, felt as though the large character emblazoned on his chest was glowing brightly.
Elder Sun, realizing Yu Zhao wasn’t joking, began to panic. As a Nascent Soul stage elder, he naturally had no reason to fear Yu Zhao herself. However, Yu Zhao was part of the Enforcement Squad personally appointed by the Sect Master, who had shown unprecedented seriousness during the recent council meeting. The Sect Master seemed resolute about reforming the sect this time, and Elder Sun had no intention of challenging his authority.
Plastering on a smile, Elder Sun tried to negotiate. “Yu Zhao, can’t we work something out? I didn’t know you had assumed the role yet, or else—”
His voice trailed off as the reproachful gazes of Yu Zhao and her two companions bore into him. He quickly realized his excuse was flawed—ignorance of their appointment had nothing to do with his tardiness. With a resigned sigh, he muttered, “Fine, tell me the punishment. I’ll accept it.”
“Elder Sun, the Sect Master will appreciate your cooperation,” Yu Zhao replied in a low, mosquito-like tone before pulling out her pen to write a fine. “Elder Sun, late for morning training. Penalty: oversee all disciples until they complete their training before being allowed to leave.”
Relieved, Elder Sun accepted the punishment. It wasn’t too harsh, and besides, he cared more about Yu Zhao’s earlier comment. If enduring a punishment could earn the Sect Master’s gratitude, then aside from a bruised ego, it was worth it.
The moment Elder Sun took the fine, the disciples burst into an uproar.
“Yu Zhao actually issued a fine to Elder Sun! She’s so bold!”
“She dared to defy Master Qing Yan before. Why would she fear Elder Sun? Besides, this authority comes directly from the Sect Master. Who would dare disobey?”
“I’m doomed! I once mocked Yu Zhao in front of her for the sake of Junior Sister Ye. Do you think she’ll come after me for revenge?”
“Are you stupid? As long as you don’t break the sect rules, how could she fabricate charges against you?”
“…”
Yu Zhao’s mission was accomplished. With Elder Sun’s cooperation, she had sent a clear message to all disciples: the sect was determined to enforce discipline without exception—even elders would not be spared.
This decisiveness quickly led to a massive improvement in the sect’s atmosphere. Disciples began to conduct themselves more cautiously, as no one knew when or where the ever-elusive Yu Zhao and her team might appear or what form their inspection would take. Some disciples even went to the remotest parts of the mountains to avoid them, only to be caught red-handed by Yu Zhao herself. This earned her the nickname Nemesis of Ghosts.
Zhang Jun and Xiu Luo, on the other hand, earned the titles of Number One Lackey and Number Two Lackey, respectively. The two even argued over their rankings, with Xiu Luo insisting that her contributions warranted her being first. Zhang Jun, unwilling to concede, listed several moments where he had “sacrificed family loyalty for justice,” securing his position as Number One.
As Yu Zhao excelled in her duties within the Enforcement Squad, Sect Master Wu Sang sought her out. During his stay as a guest in the Five Elements Dao Sect, Sect Master Wu Sang had not been idle. After Yao Wu Ji handed the Longevity Fruit to Sect Master Ji Yuan, the latter passed it to Sect Master Wu Sang along with Cui Jue, entrusting the latter’s recovery to him. Even the usually unruly group from Lone Moon Peak cooperated in helping cure Cui Jue.
“The Longevity Fruit is indeed remarkable,” Sect Master Wu Sang remarked. “It has eliminated the toxins in Cui Jue’s body. His senses have mostly recovered, and with a bit more rest, he’ll be back to normal.”
Yu Zhao gave a noncommittal nod, clearly uninterested.
Sect Master Wu Sang’s tone shifted. “The Longevity Fruit that Yao Wu Ji handed over to Ji Yuan—was it yours?”
Yu Zhao’s heart skipped a beat, but she remained outwardly calm, denying it immediately. “No, it wasn’t.”
“I saw everything,” he replied.