"He has tarnished the academy's reputation, and this must be punished. However, since you, the person involved, are pleading for leniency, perhaps we can be more lenient."

With a quick flick of his eyes, Sang Zhenye said in a deep voice, "I will give you an opportunity. Come up with a punishment that satisfies me, or else he must leave the academy today."

The actions of Jiang Chen and his companion made Sun Zheqi feel uneasy. He turned his head and stared intently at Jiang Chen, trying to see if he had noticed anything.

He Tianwei's face suddenly turned a shade of red, looking hopeful towards Jiang Chen.

Even though he wished Jiang Chen would just die, right now he had no choice but to pin his hopes on him!

"Senior He Tianwei's offense lies in randomly tarnishing the academy's reputation, doing so to provoke resentment and make all students dissatisfied with it!"

Jiang Chen glanced at He Tianwei and spoke calmly.

He Tianwei's heart sank and a look of hatred flashed in his eyes.

Idiot! Are you trying to save me or get me killed?

"In that case, let's punish him according to his mistakes. Let the Punishment Hall take him to West Fury Mountain, where Elder Xi Nu's disciples will detain him in a solitary stone chamber for a year! No one is allowed to visit or inquire!"

Jiang Chen turned his head to Sang Zhenye: "This way, we can punish him for his wrongdoings and prevent him from spreading harmful rumors about the academy again. Elder Sang, what do you think?"

Jiang Chen's method of punishment brought a moment of silence to the hall.

Everyone was stunned, their eyes showing a touch of astonishment when looking at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen's punishment was far lighter than expulsion from the academy, which left everyone baffled.

What is going on? Hasn't Elder Wine-crazed's sect always been at odds with Elder Lu's sect? Why is he still indirectly helping He Tianwei? Is this an attempt to mend relations with Elder Lu?

"This is your method of punishment?"

Sang Zhenye was momentarily stunned, looking at Jiang Chen in surprise.

Not only him but also Yun Tao, Jian Wuheng, and Ouyang Ruoxue's faces showed expressions of surprise.

Even He Tianwei and Sun Zheqi were completely bewildered!

"Yes! That's it. Isn't this the right medicine for the ailment?"

Jiang Chen smiled slightly, covertly winking at Sang Zhenye.

Sang Zhenye didn't understand what Jiang Chen was up to, but knowing Jiang Chen's character, he was certain the guy had a plan.

Remembering that Jiang Chen was once the commander of the Life Origin Star, Sang Zhenye suppressed his doubts and, with a gloomy face, looked at He Tianwei: "Since Jiang Chen isn't pressing further, it would seem like I'm targeting you! Disciples of the Punishment Hall, take him away and carry out Jiang Chen's punishment!"

"Yes!"

The disciples from the Punishment Hall in the great hall responded loudly, coming to He Tianwei's side and escorting him to West Fury Mountain.

He Tianwei's expression dimmed, but a hint of joy flashed deep in his eyes. When his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Sun Zheqi, he quickly lowered his head.

This scene was once again caught by the ever-watchful eyes of Jiang Chen.

Sun Zheqi gave Jiang Chen a deep look, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes, though it was quickly concealed.

"Thank you, Senior Jiang."

Bowing and cupping his hands, Sun Zheqi turned around and left the Task Hall.

"Jiang Chen still holds a lot of influence!"

"Indeed, with such a gift, no wonder he has the elders' favor!"

"What? You're not convinced? Go rescue a family from enslavement and have your parents bestow you with top-tier Great Dao affinity!"

"Enough, even geniuses have worked hard behind the scenes. Let's keep working hard!"

In the great hall, everyone quietly discussed for a few moments before returning to silence.

"Mr. Jiang, what is this..."

Sang Zhenye spoke in a low voice.

"Elder Sang, let's discuss this later. There are too many eyes here!"

Jiang Chen replied softly.

Sang Zhenye nodded, and with a flicker, disappeared from the Task Hall.

"Junior Brother, let's go claim the mission rewards!"

Yun Tao suggested softly.

Jiang Chen's conversation with the others was overheard, so they did not continue to inquire.

They came to the central area of the Task Hall, where there was a large counter, behind which stood an instructor at the Void Refinement Realm.

"Instructor Sun, we've come to claim the mission rewards."

Yun Tao cupped his hands in a greeting to the instructor, followed by Jiang Chen and the others.

"You've finally arrived. When I received these rewards, my heart was on edge, fearing someone might come to snatch them!"

Instructor Sun joked, his eyes filled with envy as he looked at Yun Tao and the others.

Everyone smiled slightly. This was the Changlin Academy's Task Hall, guarded by Sang Zhenye. If anyone were to snatch anything from here, it would require a powerful Integration Realm Peak cultivator.

As Instructor Sun spoke, he took out five small jade boxes from the counter.

"These are keys to enter the Five Elements Dao Treasure Secret Realm, brought by the Dean at dawn today. With these, you can inject your Divine Sense and enter the Dao Treasure Secret Realm!"

Instructor Sun extended his hand to pass the jade boxes: "They have your names, corresponding to the attributes of the Great Dao you each comprehend. Don't take the wrong one."

Jiang Chen and the others stepped forward, each receiving the jade box with their name from Instructor Sun.

Yun Tao and the others could hardly contain their joy, even Ouyang Ruoxue's eyes sparkled with excitement, while only Jiang Chen remained as calm as ever.

"Oh, and the Dean wanted me to remind you that only your Divine Infant can enter the Dao Treasure Space. When using the key, be sure to have someone guard your physical body to prevent any accidents."

Instructor Sun reminded them once again.

"Thank you, Instructor Sun."

Yun Tao and the others cupped their hands in thanks and left the Task Hall under the envious eyes of everyone present.

"Junior Brother, let's hurry back; I'm getting impatient!"

Outside the hall, Yun Tao's excitement was apparent.

Jiang Chen glanced at Yun Tao, chuckling: "Is it really that exciting?"

"Absolutely!"

"Definitely!"

"For sure!"

Several voices replied in unison, leaving Jiang Chen stupefied by the eager faces around him.

"Ruo Xue, you're from the Changling Main Court, and yet you're this anxious too?"

Jiang Chen asked Ouyang Ruoxue in confusion.

Ouyang Ruoxue's cheeks flushed slightly and she replied softly, "The Dao Treasures are the lifeblood of every academy. Although the Changling Main Court's Dao Treasure Secret Realm is available as a reward during the academy's grand competition, I've never qualified to enter!"

"I see!"

Jiang Chen nodded in understanding, then curiously turned to Jian Wuheng: "Why doesn't our academy offer the Dao Treasure Secret Realm as a reward?"

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