Chapter 652

Alexander Vance drove Evelyn Ross to the Cortez Sect.

His hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white.

At a red light, he finally turned to her. "Evelyn, do you really have to go to the Cortez Sect?"

Evelyn was looking out the window. She turned, her expression puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed.

He thought of the rumors about the Cortez Sect's strict rules and harsh punishments. A heavy weight settled in his chest.

"I've heard their family discipline is severe," he said, his voice low. "If you go back now, you'll likely be punished."

Evelyn was silent for a moment. Then she smiled.

It was a faint smile, but it held a warmth he couldn't quite describe.

"Master treats me like a father," she said softly. "If I've done wrong, I should accept punishment."

Alexander pressed his lips together.

He stared at the green light ahead and stepped on the gas.

The car sped through the streets.

His mind raced. If the Cortez Sect leader really punished her, what could he do? Storm in and take her away? Try to take her punishment himself?

No. The Cortez Sect was no ordinary place.

Forcing his way in would only make things worse.

Then... plead for mercy?

On what grounds?

The more he thought, the more agitated he became. His grip on the wheel tightened.

Evelyn seemed to sense his unease. She gently patted the back of his hand.

"Don't worry," she said. "Master won't really do anything to me."

Alexander didn't reply.

He just drove faster.

They soon arrived at the Cortez Sect.

It was an ancient compound with grey brick walls and tiled roofs. Two stone lions stood imposingly at the gate.

Alexander parked and followed Evelyn inside.

His steps were heavy, each one echoing in his heart.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, an angry roar echoed from within.

"Outrageous! That disgraceful disciple!"

It was the voice of the Cortez Sect Leader.

Alexander's heart clenched. He looked up.

Three men stood in the courtyard.

The Cortez Sect Leader, sporting two black eyes, was fuming. Before him stood Director Wright and a middle-aged man in a formal suit.

The man had a steady, authoritative air. Clearly, he was sent from higher authorities.

Director Wright was lodging a complaint.

"...The First Senior Sister runs the Special Operations Division like her personal fiefdom. She completely disregards the rules. The leadership is very concerned. Director Li was specifically sent to request that you discipline her properly."

Director Li nodded, his tone serious. "The Cortez Sect is a vital force for the Special Operations Division. The First Senior Sister is its cornerstone. But with great power comes great responsibility. Rules must still be followed."

The Sect Leader immediately slammed his hand on the table.

"Preposterous!" he bellowed. "When that disgraceful disciple returns, I'll break her legs!"

Director Wright and Director Li were stunned.

They exchanged an awkward glance.

"Sect Leader, that's not necessary," Director Wright quickly waved his hands. "We just hope you can rein her in a bit. Stop her from being so... overbearing."

Director Li also nodded. "We've all witnessed the First Senior Sister's martial prowess. Even the pirate King couldn't last a single move against her. Such a master is a precious asset to the Special Operations Division. We simply wish for her to be more rule-abiding."

The Sect Leader, however, frowned deeply.

He sighed, the picture of exasperation.

"You don't understand," he said, shaking his head. "This disciple... I searched the entire country to find her. Exceptional bone structure, rare talent. But she grew up in the countryside, knows nothing of propriety. I saw her potential and indulged her. That's how I spoiled her into what she is now."

He paused, then slammed the table again.

"No! Since you've come to complain today, I must discipline her properly!"

He turned to the side. "Second Junior Brother, fetch the family discipline tools!"

The Second Junior Brother—Ethan Valentine's master—rolled his eyes.

He turned slowly, walking towards the chest containing the discipline tools.

His pace was leisurely, like a stroll.

As he walked, he glanced back at Director Wright and Director Li.

His eyes clearly said: Aren't you going to stop me?

But Director Wright and Director Li didn't catch on.

The Second Junior Brother had to keep walking.

He reached the chest and reached for the lock. His movements were painfully slow.

After fumbling with the lock for what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke up.

"Senior Brother, think this through," he drawled. "Our Cortez Sect's family discipline... one lash, and little Evelyn's frame might not withstand it. What if she's injured and decides to quit again? Then our Cortez Sect would lose its First Senior Sister."

Director Wright's mouth twitched.

He finally understood. This master and disciple pair were putting on a show for him.

Director Li also realized it. His expression soured.

"The family discipline won't be necessary," Director Wright said stiffly. "We just hope the First Senior Sister can temper her attitude. Running the Special Operations Division as a one-woman show does create a poor impression."

The Sect Leader immediately nodded. "Right! A terrible impression! She must be punished!"

He stroked his chin, thinking.

"No breaking legs, you say?"

Director Wright nodded.

"Break her arms then?"

Director Wright: "...That's even less necessary."

"No family discipline either," the Sect Leader said, looking troubled. "Then how should she be punished?"

He thought for a long time, then slapped his thigh.

"Got it! Punish her with two hours of horse stance!"

Director Wright: "..."

Director Li: "..."

Disciples training outside the Cortez Sect did four hours of horse stance daily.

Punishing the First Senior Sister with two hours?

Was this a punishment or a reward?

Director Wright felt a vein throbbing at his temple.

He took a deep breath, about to speak, but the Sect Leader cut him off.

"What, not satisfied?" the Sect Leader glared. "Then we'll break her legs after all!"

Director Wright hurriedly waved his hands in alarm. "No, no! Horse stance is fine! Horse stance is perfectly fine!"

At least it was technically a punishment. It gave them something to report.

The Sect Leader finally nodded in satisfaction.

He turned towards the courtyard entrance, just as Evelyn and Alexander walked in.

"Disgraceful disciple!" he immediately put on a stern face. "Come here and get into horse stance!"

Evelyn paused.

She looked at the Sect Leader, then at Director Wright and Director Li. A faint smile touched her lips.

It was a subtle smile, yet it carried an unmistakable hint of defiance.

"Master," she said slowly. "What have I done wrong that you wish to punish me?"

The Sect Leader was taken aback.

Director Wright and Director Li were also stunned.

Evelyn took a step forward, standing in the center of the courtyard.

Sunlight fell on her, making her features exceptionally clear.

"I don't accept this," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If you insist on punishing me, you might as well expel me from the sect."

Dead silence fell over the courtyard.

Alexander's heart plummeted.

He stared at Evelyn's back, his fingers unconsciously curling into fists.

The Sect Leader's eyes widened.

Director Wright and Director Li looked at each other, disbelief written on their faces.

Expulsion?

Was the First Senior Sister... threatening the Cortez Sect?