Chapter 1466: The Entire Sect Bows In Submission

As the elders of the New Sword Sect gazed at the several chests of treasures placed before the grand hall, their eyes widened in astonishment.

For a long time, they couldn't snap out of their daze, unable to believe that they had truly emerged victorious from this battle. Having spent most of their lives in obscurity, they had never seen such wealth before, let alone imagined that their sect leader could not only defeat the Golden Blade Sect but also achieve a crushing victory!

For a moment, the elders were rendered speechless.

Among the disciples, two distinct expressions could be seen. Those who had followed Yi Feng into battle were filled with reverence and excitement, while the others who had stayed behind wore subtle, complex expressions.

Just as the entire sect was overwhelmed with excitement over the great victory, a hearty laugh echoed from the distance.

"Hahaha!"

"I heard that our New Sword Sect has shown its might and wiped out the Golden Blade Sect. Now that I see it, it seems to be true!"

The voice arrived before the person.

Hearing that carefree laughter, many disciples turned their heads in excitement, only to see the black-clad Grand Protector striding through the air, his face beaming with joy.

"Grand Protector!"

"Greetings to the Grand Protector!"

The disciples respectfully saluted as the black-clad young man approached with a satisfied smile. He waved his hand casually as he passed through the crowd, making his way to the grand hall's entrance. Upon seeing the chests of treasures, he couldn't stop grinning.

"Hahaha!"

"With so much money and treasure, we've truly struck it rich this time!"

After admiring the treasures for a while, he excitedly approached Yi Feng, his expression slightly displeased as he clasped his fists.

"Sect Leader."

"You're really not being fair. Such a lucrative opportunity, and you didn't even wait for me!"

Despite their close relationship, the young man still addressed Yi Feng as "Sect Leader" in front of others, showing due respect.

Seeing this, Yi Feng waved his hand with a smile.

"Haha."

"This was just a small matter. No need to make a big fuss. You've been busy lately, Grand Protector. You should take a few days to rest."

With just a few words, everything was understood between them.

The black-clad young man was deeply moved by Yi Feng's genuine concern and goodwill. At the same time, he knew better than anyone else just how formidable Yi Feng's skills and cultivation were. Defeating the Golden Blade Sect was as easy as blowing off dust for him.

The two had fought side by side for many years, and their默契 was unparalleled.

The outsiders, however, were unaware of the details and were filled with awe. The disciples' admiration for the two grew even stronger.

"Looting treasures?"

"As expected of the Grand Protector. He speaks of such a major event as casually as if it were nothing. Truly puts us to shame."

"The Sect Leader is also unfathomably profound. We disciples are utterly in awe!"

Hearing the excited chatter around him, the black-clad young man seemed to be in high spirits. He waved his hand and looked around with a pleased expression.

"Not bad, not bad."

"Everyone performed quite well this time. You didn't bring shame to our New Sword Sect. I'm very pleased. If anyone dares to cause trouble in the future, we'll deal with them just like this!"

"From now on, this place is our home!"

His words were filled with vigor, both亲切 and鼓舞人心.

However, the expressions of the disciples and elders in the crowd grew increasingly复杂.

As the saying goes, the speaker may not mean it, but the listener takes it to heart.

The black-clad young man's casual remark struck a nerve with many who had stayed behind out of cowardice. This great victory had little to do with them...

At this moment, the more excited the disciples who had followed Yi Feng were, the more awkward and lonely those who had stayed behind felt.

Yi Feng noticed the微妙 expressions of the crowd and spoke up with a smile.

"Everyone."

"Today is a joyous day for our New Sword Sect. In this battle to annihilate the Golden Blade Sect, everyone has contributed greatly. Now, let's begin the rewards!"

As soon as he spoke, the disciples who had followed him grew even more excited, while those who had stayed behind and the elders showed faint traces of regret in their eyes!

Under the gaze of the entire sect.

Yi Feng began to speak in a solemn tone.

"All disciples who followed me to the Golden Blade Sect, step forward!"

As soon as the words fell, thirty to forty people stepped forward excitedly, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Then, Yi Feng smiled slightly and spoke generously.

"You fought bravely and made great contributions to our sect. From now on, you are all promoted to inner sect disciples. Additionally, each of you will receive twenty taels of silver and three spirit stones!"

Whoosh!

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall erupted in commotion!

The participating disciples were so excited that their faces turned red, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. They bowed and thanked him loudly!

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for your generous rewards!"

"We disciples will definitely repay the sect in the future, living up to your expectations. We will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

The generous rewards immediately ignited the atmosphere in the hall. The participating disciples had never expected the Sect Leader to be so magnanimous. Twenty taels of silver was already a considerable amount, and on top of that, they were granted the status of inner sect disciples!

Even more precious was the fact that the Sect Leader had generously bestowed three spirit stones!

In the lawless world of Yandang Mountain, spirit stones were the rarest of treasures. Ordinary disciples of small sects might not even see one in half a year.

This time, they had truly struck it rich!

Not only was the Sect Leader incredibly powerful, capable of taking down the Golden Blade Sect, but he was also so generous, truly rewarding them with tangible benefits!

Even if you searched half of Yandang Mountain, you wouldn't find a better sect than this!

With such an opportunity, who wouldn't be willing to risk their lives to repay the sect?

In an instant, the participating disciples' morale soared, and their loyalty grew even stronger than before. Almost everyone had firmly decided in their hearts that they would live and die as members of the New Sword Sect!

As the participating disciples lined up to receive their rewards, each of them holding silver and spirit stones with beaming smiles, the other disciples turned green with envy, their guts twisting with regret!

Even the elders distributing the treasures couldn't help but secretly swallow their saliva, their hearts silently weeping.

If they had known it would turn out like this, they would have taken the risk back then!

At this moment.

Many people recalled the Sect Leader's earlier orders, and the scene of stepping forward to join the battle flashed through their minds. Only now did they realize that it might have been one of the most important choices of their lives.

Unfortunately, they had missed it.

By the time the treasures were distributed, there were still seven or eight chests of treasures left in front of the grand hall. However, no one dared to covet them secretly, and they all waited quietly for Yi Feng's next instructions.

Under the gaze of the entire sect.

Yi Feng's expression turned solemn, and he glanced at the few elders who had previously suggested surrender.

"Several elders."

"You were once elders of the Dangjian Sect and have not been with us for long. It's understandable that you might have personal concerns, and I, as the Sect Leader, have never held it against you. However, during a critical moment of life and death for our sect, instead of thinking of how to contribute, you repeatedly suggested surrendering to the Golden Blade Sect. This has truly disappointed me, your Sect Leader."

His stern words caused the elders to immediately kneel and kowtow in fear.

"Sect Leader, please forgive us..."

In terms of both emotion and reason, Yi Feng's words were unassailable. They knew they were in the wrong and didn't dare to argue. The other disciples who had stayed behind, though not directly addressed by Yi Feng, also knelt in shame, waiting quietly.

After a few moments, Yi Feng looked around at the kneeling crowd and spoke solemnly.

"You have failed the sect's expectations and fled at a critical moment. Although the death penalty is waived, you cannot escape punishment."

"From now on, the elders will have their salaries suspended for three years and will remain as outer sect elders to reflect on their mistakes. The other disciples will also remain in the outer sect. I hope you will learn from this and strive to redeem yourselves."

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd repeatedly bowed in gratitude.

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for your mercy!"

"The Sect Leader is magnanimous. We are deeply ashamed!"

"We will definitely reform ourselves and contribute to the sect's glory!"

These elders and disciples were mostly former members of the Dangjian Sect. While their cultivation and character might have been slightly inferior, having spent years at the bottom, their insight and self-awareness were not lacking.

Cowardice in battle was a grave offense. Yi Feng had only demoted them to outer sect disciples, which was already an act of great mercy. Now that the New Sword Sect could even take down the Golden Blade Sect, its rise to prominence was imminent. Only a fool would think of leaving at this point!

At such a critical moment, Yi Feng was still giving them a chance. This so-called punishment was more like a blessing.

The grand hall of the New Sword Sect was filled with the sounds of kneeling and gratitude, and the sect became more united than ever.

Seeing that everything had gone smoothly, Yi Feng continued.

"Now that the rewards and punishments have been dealt with, and night is approaching, let's take advantage of this joyous day for our New Sword Sect to hold a feast and celebrate together. All members of the sect shall share in today's joy!"

As soon as he spoke, the elders and disciples who had previously been cowardly in battle were overwhelmed with gratitude toward Yi Feng, repeatedly kowtowing in thanks.

In front of the grand hall.

The kneeling figures were like waves, and the excited cheers were like spring thunder!

"The Sect Leader is wise!"

"The Sect Leader is wise!"

"The Sect Leader is wise!"

The entire New Sword Sect had completely submitted to Yi Feng. If they had previously revered him out of fear for his and the Grand Protector's cultivation, their reverence now came from genuine admiration.

Yi Feng's profound cultivation, his magnanimous and fair handling of affairs, and his clear rewards and punishments had completely transformed the New Sword Sect. The entire sect was filled with excitement and joy.

Watching the revered figure, the black-clad young man stood to the side with a smile in his eyes, quietly enjoying the night's festivities. When the banquet began, the hearty drinking and celebration made him feel thoroughly relaxed.

For a time, the sound of joyous laughter echoed through the grand hall of the New Sword Sect, becoming one of the most cherished memories for many.

Eating meat in large bites, drinking wine from big bowls.

There was nothing more satisfying in life than this.