Read Novel Full Chapter 1636: Punishment
Chapter 1636: Chapter 1636: Punishment
Jing Yan flicked his finger, sending a Sumeru Ring through space directly into a secret chamber.
At this moment, inside this secret chamber, the current Zhang Family Patriarch, who has a Saint Realm cultivation, was in the midst of training. The Sumeru Ring entered the chamber unnoticed by him until it landed on the floor with a noise, prompting him to open his eyes in surprise.
"What is this?" The Zhang Family Patriarch looked at the Sumeru Ring not far in front of him with astonishment.
Then, he glanced around, finding no one else present in the chamber besides himself.
"Where did this Sumeru Ring come from?"
"What’s going on?" The Zhang Family Patriarch put his cultivation aside, hurriedly stood up, picked up the Sumeru Ring, and left the secret chamber.
Outside the secret chamber, several Zhang Family guards were stationed.
"Did someone just enter the secret chamber?" The Zhang Family Patriarch asked the guard.
The guard shook his head blankly.
They had been outside the door the entire time and had not seen anyone approach, let alone enter the chamber.
"Strange!"
"How could a Sumeru Ring suddenly appear? What’s inside this ring?"
The Zhang Family Patriarch, moved by his curiosity, probed the Sumeru Ring.
Upon seeing inside, his eyes widened in disbelief.
The resources contained within the Sumeru Ring were so abundant that even he couldn’t believe his own eyes.
"Immediately summon the clan elders to the Council Hall!" The Zhang Family Patriarch instructed the guards.
"Yes!" The guards responded.
Jing Yan, outside the Zhang Family Mansion, didn’t enter but saw through divine thought that the Zhang Family Patriarch had already inspected the Sumeru Ring, then blinked away from Haofeng City.
Jing Yan’s next destination was the Pill Country. In the Pill Country, several old friends were still alive, and Jing Yan met with them one by one. For those at the peak of the Saint Realm, just a step away from reaching the Void God Level, Jing Yan generously shared Chaos Qi.
...
The next day, the Jing Family’s family meeting was held.
"All of you, come over here!"
Jing Yun gestured to some high-status family members within the family.
These Jing Family disciples immediately ran over.
"Clan Leader!" They bowed in greeting, while also glancing at Jing Yan from time to time.
Jing Yun introduced Jing Yan to two male and one female Jing Family disciples who had come over. They were the children of Jing Yun and Ling Hua, making them Jing Yan’s grandsons and granddaughter.
"Hurry up and greet your grandfather!" Jing Yun ordered the three of them.
"Greetings, Grandfather!" The three simultaneously paid their respects to Jing Yan.
"Very good, you have all reached the Saint Realm in cultivation. Especially Jing Zhu, who is already at the peak of the Saint Realm. I can see that you have been diligent in your martial arts training." Jing Yan nodded to the three.
"Grandfather, you overpraise us. Compared to you, we still have a long way to go," the three humbly replied.
Jing Yan waved his hand and, with a gesture, several items appeared.
Among these items were three weapons. Though not exceptionally powerful, they were personally refined by Jing Yan. In a low-class world, they were undoubtedly unique treasures. It’s not that Jing Yan didn’t want to refine more powerful weapons for them, but their current strength wouldn’t allow them to wield such potent weapons.
"Distribute these among yourselves," Jing Yan said.
"Thank you, Grandfather, for your gift!" The three of them expressed their gratitude excitedly.
The items that Grandfather Jing Yan presented were certainly not ordinary.
Jing Yan’s lineage now had quite a few descendants. However, only Jing Zhu and the other two grandsons had the privilege to speak to Jing Yan directly. The other descendants could only watch from afar.
The rest of the Jing Family disciples, seeing Jing Yan distribute gifts to Jing Zhu and the others, all looked on eagerly but dared not say anything inappropriate.
"Alright, don’t look at me like that. This time, I will leave behind many resources that are unavailable in this low-class world. Everyone in the Jing Family will have the opportunity to receive them. Only those who are diligent in their cultivation and show outstanding talent will have a chance." Jing Yan, sensing their gazes, spoke lightly with a smile.
"Thank you, Ancestor Jing Yan!" All the Jing Family disciples bowed in gratitude.
"Jing Yan, almost all the Jing Family disciples who could be present are here. Shall we begin now?" Jing Qingyan approached, asking Jing Yan if the family meeting should commence.
"Let’s start! The family meeting doesn’t need to be too formal, keep it relaxed," Jing Yan replied with a smile.
The vast square of the Jing Family was filled with Jing Family disciples.
The Supreme Elder, elders, and others of the Jing Family all had their seats. Naturally, the highest seat was reserved for Jing Yan.
Jing Yan walked over but didn’t immediately sit down. Instead, he turned around and surveyed the audience.
"Dear Jing Family disciples!"
"Since I left the lower world for the God Realm, more than ten thousand years have passed. Over this time, the Jing Family has become the most powerful family in this world, unmatched by any other family or power."
"I am truly delighted to see the prosperity of the Jing Family on my return. The higher-ups present here have all worked tirelessly for the family’s development. You have all put in a great deal of effort."
Jing Yan spoke slowly.
The elders quickly assured that they didn’t feel their efforts were burdensome and were only doing what they should.
Jing Yan’s gaze shifted, his voice becoming deeper as he continued, "Though the Jing Family thrives and prospers, there are issues within that demand attention. These issues could potentially affect our family’s future. It’s not easy to maintain a family’s strength and prosperity. Once, there were many powerful families in this world, but now? They have vanished without a trace!"
"A thousand-mile dyke can be compromised by an anthill. Small problems need attention too."
"Yesterday, at the Void God Conference, some family powerhouses exerted pressure on the Alliance Hierarch Jing Yun. They believed that the Zhou Family shouldn’t receive so many resources. They felt that the Zhou Family, lacking martial artists at the Void God Realm, couldn’t compare with their families, yet the Zhou Family received even more resources than they did."
"I asked Jing Yun about it. Jing Yun said most of the Zhou Family’s resources are directly obtained from inside the Jing Family, having nothing to do with those families."
Jing Yan squinted his eyes, speaking slowly.
Some people in the crowd had a change in expression. Although they knew in advance that Jing Yan would bring up this matter at today’s family meeting and had mentally prepared themselves, they still felt embarrassed and uneasy, somewhat apprehensive.
"Upon investigation, I discovered that the pressure on Jing Yun was supported by individuals within the family. Frankly, I’m quite displeased about this matter. Originally, I intended to deal with it using thunderous measures, but then I thought, some people might have momentarily lost their minds; it’s not a grave wrongdoing. So, I decided to give them a chance."
"Now, as long as you voluntarily step forward to admit your mistakes and review your actions, I can lessen the punishment." Jing Yan’s eyes focused on several elders, Supreme Elders.
The few elders and Supreme Elders looked towards Jing Bao.
At this moment, Jing Bao was also very unsettled. He hadn’t met Jing Yan personally, but knew from within the family that Jing Yan had a close relationship with his father, Jing Tianying. Moreover, he was considered a junior of the Jing Family, being of the same generation as Jing Yan.
He glanced at the eyes of several elders beside him, braced himself, and stood up.
"Brother Jing Yan!" Jing Bao stood up and cupped his hands towards Jing Yan.
"Jing Bao, right? You’re Jing Tianying’s son, I’ve heard of you." Jing Yan looked at Jing Bao.
"Now that you’re stepping forward, are you the Jing Family member supporting those families in pressuring Jing Yun?" Jing Yan asked in a calm voice.
"Brother Jing Yan, you’re correct!"
"However, I’d like to explain." Jing Bao took a deep breath, since things had come to this point.
"Speak!" Jing Yan said.
"Brother Jing Yan, I know you’re close to the Zhou Family. The Zhou Family’s patriarch, Zhou Shangyun, helped you a lot in the past. You’re a person of loyalty, and you remember this kindness, so you give the Zhou Family special care."
"However, our Jing Family has already cared for the Zhou Family for ten thousand years. The resources the Zhou Family obtained from within our Jing Family are immeasurable. If we used the resources given to the Zhou Family on our own family disciples, perhaps more Jing Family disciples could reach the Void God Level." Jing Bao said loudly.
"I’m not saying we shouldn’t care for the Zhou Family. After all, our Jing Family became strong because of you, Brother Jing Yan. And Brother Jing Yan’s growth was influenced by Zhou Shangyun. It’s reasonable for us to repay this gratitude. I’m just wondering if we should reduce the resource supply to the Zhou Family."
"Hmm, if Brother Jing Yan thinks my mistake is unforgivable and wants to punish me, I have nothing else to say." Jing Bao replied.
Jing Yan looked at Jing Bao.
"Jing Bao, you’ve made a mistake."
"Jing Bao, haven’t you considered your own issues? Comparatively speaking, among Jing Family disciples with similar talent, haven’t you received more resources? Why are you able to get more resources?" Jing Yan asked sternly.
Before all the Jing Family disciples present, Jing Yan spoke directly, not fearing anyone feeling unjust.
The Jing Family’s foundation was laid single-handedly by Jing Yan. It can be said that Jing Yan is the emperor of the Jing Family. If the emperor wants to grant more resources to someone, what does it matter?
Besides, the Jing Family’s resource allocation is relatively fair. Even peripheral disciples, as long as they make an effort and have some talent, can be nurtured by the family.
After hearing Jing Yan’s question, Jing Bao’s expression shifted slightly.
"I am a Jing Family member, and my father is Jing Tianying. I receive more resources which the Jing Family members support. But giving the Zhou Family so many resources, some people within the family, despite not voicing it, are indeed displeased. Besides, this has lasted ten thousand years." Jing Bao retorted.
"Jing Bao, you’re mistaken again. Perhaps in your eyes, the Zhou Family is an outsider. But to me, the Zhou Family is also family. Jing Bao, I hope you recognize your mistake and willingly accept punishment." Jing Yan said.
Because Jing Bao is Jing Tianying’s only son, Jing Yan showed such patience.
Jing Bao stayed silent, still somewhat unconvinced, uncertain of what to say. He dared not confront Jing Yan. Of course, Jing Bao’s character wasn’t bad; if he were a wastrel, he might have directly opposed Jing Yan, relying on his father Jing Tianying’s status.
"Who among you supported those family powerhouses exerting pressure on Jing Yun, you’d best reveal yourselves now. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being unforgiving." Jing Yan said in a low voice.
The few elders, Supreme Elders, all kept a straight face but did not stand up, deciding to deny the accusation altogether.
"Alright! Very well!" Jing Yan’s anger intensified somewhat.
Regarding this matter, Jing Yan indeed intended to be lenient, but now some individuals who committed mistakes lacked even the courage to admit them. Or perhaps they didn’t believe they were wrong, which Jing Yan couldn’t accept.
"Jing Yun, read their names aloud!" Jing Yan instructed Jing Yun.
"Yes!" Jing Yun stood up.
Jing Yun read out name by name, excluding Jing Bao, there were five people in total. Among them, two were at the Void God Level, and the remaining three had cultivation at the Saint Realm. It can be said that these people were pillars of the Jing Family.
When Jing Yun read these names, some commotion emerged in the plaza. Each name represented a truly high-ranking figure within the Jing Family, with high status and some even being of the same generation as Jing Yan.
"The five of you, do you still dare to sit?" Jing Yan swept his angry gaze towards these five people.
Five elders, Supreme Elders, naturally couldn’t continue sitting there; they slowly stood up.
"Do the five of you still believe you’re in the right?" Jing Yan asked.
"Ancestor Jing Yan, leaving aside whether we supported those family powerhouses in pressuring Clan Leader Jing Yun, let’s talk about the resources obtained by the Zhou Family. To you, the Zhou Family is family, but to us, they’re outsiders. I think you can’t let personal feelings for the Zhou Family lead to giving family resources to them without expecting returns." A relatively young Saint Realm elder said loudly.
"Hehe..."
Jing Yan laughed.
"It seems you believe the Jing Family’s ability to obtain so many resources has nothing to do with me, right?"
"Very well! If that’s the case, you can leave the main branch of the Jing Family." Jing Yan’s voice was chilling.
"The five of you can leave now. Moreover, if you can take other Jing Family disciples with you from the main branch, feel free, I won’t stop you. See who you can take with you." Jing Yan continued.
This remark from Jing Yan sent a chill down the hearts of those five people. The five, two being Void Gods and three at the Saint Realm, might manage well if they separated from the main branch. But it would never be as favorable as staying in the Jing Family.
The problem is, looking at Jing Yan’s attitude now, he seems serious.
The attending Jing Family disciples’ faces changed one by one.
"You may leave! From now on, you’ll have no relation to the main branch of the Jing Family. You must secure your own resources, as the Jing Family will not grant you even a single Spirit Stone." Jing Yan gestured dismissively.