Chapter 537: Chapter 305: The Gravest Pitfall of Intelligence Is Lack of Intention

Jiaobide couldn’t be found, but Luo Mingzhi was soon released, while He Kao, who was disguised as Jiaobide, had already arrived at Nanhua.

He Kao finally took out some time, specifically gathering the disciples to summarize the series of recent events, yet counting himself, there were only four members of the Hidden Moth Sect currently.

Lan Jiwan and Ye Liangchen were present, and Chang’an Residence also made a special trip, yet Sect Leader He Kao still appeared in disguise.

Once again in the abandoned industrial park, a conference room was set up within the main building that had its entrance sealed. He Kao invited everyone to sit freely, and Lan Jiwan naturally sat closest to him.

Lan Jiwan’s gaze grew increasingly clear, especially when she saw He Kao, there was a distinct brilliance in her eyes.

The other two people were aware of her recent close relationship with the Sect Leader Senior Brother, but did not mind. Yet the first topic on the agenda of today’s “Sect Meeting” was surprisingly Sect Leader’s criticism of Lan Jiwan and self-criticism.

He Kao first asked Lan Jiwan if, during her investigation at Qi Yuan University, she had found Luo Mingzhi to be a member or accomplice of the Xiao Alliance?

Lan Jiwan responded that she had found nothing.

He Kao then asked Lan Jiwan to carefully recount the process of capturing Jiaobide, and then publicly asked whether she might have violated sect rules during this process, and if so, which sect rule was violated?

Initially thinking that Sect Leader Senior Brother was going to praise Lan Jiwan for a job well done, she and Ye Liangchen were a bit bewildered by his question.

Chang’an Residence, on the other hand, reacted, thought for a moment, and then said: “If there’s any mishandling on Lan Senior Sister’s part, it might be in violating the rule against using techniques to trap the innocent, but specific analyses are still needed.”

Everyone was smart enough, and upon hearing this, they understood the situation. Only then did He Kao speak, introducing the police investigation and outlining Luo Mingzhi’s ordeal.

Even without Hidden Moth Gauze, a high-tier sorcerer has many other means to disguise and vanish, and many ways to play disappearance with ordinary people.

But disguising as another person to conduct activities could cause trouble for others; if it involves committing an act, it might lead to implicating the innocent.

Using techniques to trap the innocent is prohibited by the Magic Sect.

Lan Jiwan disguised herself as Luo Mingzhi to capture Jiaobide upon He Kao’s instructions, executing a sect mission. She never intended to frame Luo Mingzhi, nor did she think about it, or consider how the police would handle it.

Yet, she offered no defense, simply lowering her head and saying: “Sect Leader Senior Brother’s instructions are correct, I was indeed negligent at that time… Actually, if I had been more cautious to avoid allowing surveillance to capture Luo Mingzhi’s appearance, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Lan Jiwan took the risk to capture Jiaobide, a Tier Five Cultivator, using a disguise and a surprise attack. It was initially fine, yet her insufficient consideration led the police to take away Luo Mingzhi.

Chang’an Residence further analyzed: “This matter can still be remedied, we can send someone to Qi Yuan once more, and appear as Jiaobide, thus clearing Luo Mingzhi’s suspicion.”

He Kao nodded and said: “I’ve already done so, and the person has been released. As the Sect Leader, I bear the responsibility for failing to inspect, only realizing the issue upon being reminded. I also admit my error here!”

Lan Jiwan did not intentionally conspire against anyone, rather acting to complete a sect task, and fortunately the incident did not lead to severe consequences, thus today’s instruction serves as a warning, punishing her with a seven-day seclusion to reflect.”

Seclusion to reflect essentially means confinement for seven days. Lan Jiwan did not utter another word, immediately nodding to accept the punishment.

The sect meeting shouldn’t just focus on problems; summarizing achievements is equally important. He Kao conveyed the latest spirit of the announcements from the Ancestral Hall, commending the contributions of fellow disciples in the event.

Lan Jiwan’s contribution was the greatest, as she personally captured Jiaobide. The Ancestral Hall will certainly reward her later. No one knows what the rewards will be, but they will definitely be provided.

Chang’an Residence traveled to various places investigating clues, while Ye Liangchen held the camp secure in the rear, each contributing in their own way, and the sect won’t treat them lightly. He Kao brought a batch of Jade Pills this time, distributing them to the disciples for cultivation assistance.

He also brought a batch of Cold Needle Jade and Celestial Palace Curtain, which are the raw materials to refine Awakening Incense, for everyone to handle in divisions.

The preliminary procedures for refining Awakening Incense can be managed by Ye Liangchen and Chang’an Residence, while Lan Jiwan, having recently advanced to Tier Four Cultivation, can complete the final step.

The Jade Pills support Primordial Qi, and the Awakening Incense nourishes the Primordial Spirit, fulfilling current cultivation needs. He Kao also specifically explained key techniques and instructed about the cultivation essentials of the Insect Concealment Skill, advising on various applications carefully.

After the meeting, Lan Jiwan signaled with her eyes, prompting Chang’an Residence and Ye Liangchen to leave first, leaving her alone.

“I always considered myself a meticulous person, yet with Luo Mingzhi’s matter, it wasn’t about not thinking; it’s more daunting because I never even thought about it.

In the past, working under Bitter Tea, I was only tasked with achieving objectives without exposing myself. Situations like this were never considered… It’s a matter of habit, thankfully Sect Leader Senior Brother pointed it out today.”

This was Lan Jiwan’s private introspection, to which He Kao nodded upon hearing: “I know you didn’t do it intentionally, but it did cause consequences. It’s not just you—even I overlooked it.”

Honestly, it wasn’t entirely He Kao’s fault; he merely instructed Lan Jiwan to find a way to capture Jiaobide and specifically provided her with the Hidden Moth Gauze, but couldn’t oversee specific operational details.

Lan Jiwan lifted her tear-filled gaze: “The Magic Sect has had such significant incidents recently, and many people are secretly observing. Sect Leader Senior Brother stands among them all, and even a single mishandling could lead to criticism.

Thankfully, the issue was already handled, otherwise it might have caused trouble for you.”

This remark could also be considered a reminder, prompting He Kao to reflect on his situation, whether in reality or as the legendary Hidden Moth, he is actually being watched by many eyes.

If his behavior violates the sect rules, someone might exploit it to create controversy.

He Kao sighed, “Cultivation lies in conduct, realizing true meaning in nature, and habit becomes nature, self-awareness becomes habit. If one acts wisely and cautiously merely out of fear of senior punishment, it is not self-awareness.”

He was truly worthy of someone with achieved cultivation; his words carried the weight of a senior’s authority.

Lan Jiwan nodded, “I understand.”

He Kao: “You did not intend to harm anyone, but moving forward, you need to develop self-awareness to avoid such unintended mistakes. This time you are punished with seclusion and reflection, a perfect opportunity for long-term seclusion training…”

He explained the essentials of long-term seclusion training; after breaking through Tier Four cultivation, Lan Jiwan also needs to attempt this kind of cultivation. After the explanation, Lan Jiwan asked, “Sect Leader Senior Brother, what reward will the Ancestral Hall give me?”

He Kao finally smiled and said, “It will definitely be something good.”

Lan Jiwan’s demeanor relaxed and she blinked, asking eagerly, “How good could it be?”

He Kao thought for a moment before answering, “The best thing would naturally be a Pure Yang Pill. You definitely can’t hope for the first batch, but there’s a chance for the second.”

“However, I’m not sure about this; if there isn’t one, don’t be disappointed either.”

Lan Jiwan: “If I get it, it’s my fortune, if not, I have no regrets… Sect Leader Senior Brother, what exactly is so good about the Pure Yang Pill?”

He Kao gave a simple explanation, emphasizing its mystical spiritual effect and the subtleties of taking it with the Peony, and finally asked, “Regardless of what the Ancestral Hall says, the sect has additional rewards.”

Lan Jiwan softly lowered her head and asked weakly, “Then, can you help detoxify me again?”

He Kao: “Uh… alright!”

He Kao said there might be a Pure Yang Pill for Lan Jiwan, not just making empty promises but truly believing she deserved it.

Aside from anything else, there was the incident that night; there were seven people who faced the enemy head-on, including four old elders from the Immortal Pot Grotto Heaven, Mei Guyu from Joy Valley and He Kao, and Lan Jiwan from Qi Yuan University.

If others can get a Pure Yang Pill, why can’t Lan Jiwan? Don’t even mention the second batch; she deserves one from the first! Of course, this is not something that can be discussed openly; it needs to be sorted out with the three elders later.

Wu Yanjun from the Ye Hui Sect reminded him in person, the other matters are negotiable, but one important point was to tell He Kao that his ’master’ might not say anything for now, just observing how he plans to act?

This resolved a doubt in He Kao’s heart.

The spiritual effect of the Pure Yang Pill is so miraculous, and there are such considerations in its usage; yet the three elders didn’t give any prior notice or instructions afterward, not even a message, it was Mei Guyu who informed him.

It seems this is indeed a test, or rather an examination, to see how he will respond.

Because the interests involved are very significant, if the master gave a command forcing He Kao to comply, it wouldn’t be his own will, so the three elders remained silent.

On the other hand, He Kao as the Sect Leader of the Hidden Moth Sect, can be considered a senior in his own right, and sooner or later he will have to take charge independently. It’s beneficial to have guidance from the master today, but in the future, without the master’s direction, can he handle all matters properly?

From the perspective of a senior, He Kao needs to consider not only what he personally does but also the orders he gives and the execution by his disciples.

The matter with Luo Mingzhi obviously involved mistakes, and He Kao himself hadn’t noticed it, mainly because there were too many other things going on at the time, and it was Mei Guyu who reminded him in time.

The establishment of sect rules by the Magic Sect is necessary, as sometimes a small oversight could ruin an innocent person’s life, and Lan Jiwan’s mistake was somewhat akin to carelessly swinging a knife and forgetting to check the people around.

He Kao reconsidered the meaning of “graduation”; it is not just about having sufficient cultivation to secure a livelihood but also being able to handle affairs confidently without a master watching over him.

President Qian granted half a month’s sick leave, He Kao originally planned to visit Shenwan City, where Gao Xue’e was attending an executive training at the group headquarters, which coincidentally ends in half a month.

Just as he was about to set out, he received a notification from Jiang Daozhen, Elder Jiang wanted him to make a trip to the Flower Shocking Grotto Heaven.

He had been there before, theoretically, he could reach the portal nearby with a single step, but Elder Jiang wanted him to take the high-speed rail, and had already booked the ticket for him.

In the information age, there is this little humor, as long as you know Zhang San’s name and ID number, you can book him a train ticket or a plane ticket, and if you know his contact information, the details can be sent directly to his phone.

And Zhang San’s only choices are to take it or not.

He Kao was quite surprised when he received the travel information, not understanding why the elder arranged it this way.

**

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep