After leaving the restaurant, he was able to find the Cloud Mountain Sect after asking around. No one was guarding the entrance of the sect, but he understood that there was a hidden formation that would automatically activate should someone barged in recklessly.
All clans and sects have these kinds of protection should anyone try to attack them.
He decided to observe inside an establishment where he can see the entrance of the sect. After an hour, he noticed that the group of Cloud Mountain Sect disciples he met in the restaurant have arrived at the gate. They were laughing as they entered the sect.
The owner of the establishment has also noticed Migo looking at the Cloud Mountain Sect. He assumed that he was interested to join the Cloud Mountain Sect.
"Do you want to join the Cloud Mountain Sect?" He curiously asked.
Migo looked at the middle-aged man. He was just an ordinary person.
He smiled at him before answering. "You are right, Sir. I am thinking of doing so. But I heard that there was an outer sect disciple that was recently punished for stealing. Have you heard about that?"
Since the building was located near the sect, there was a high possibility that people around knew what happened the days before.
"I heard of that." The middle-aged man agreed. "I know that young man and I have a good impression of him. So, when I heard about it, I just couldn't believe it. I think something might have happened."
"What I heard is that he was accused of stealing energy stones from an inner sect disciple." He said to the middle-aged man. "I wonder if they have investigated the issue properly before deciding to punish the outer sect disciple. Did the outer sect really steal from the inner sect? Did they listen to the outer sect disciple's explanation? Or did they punish him just because the one accusing was an inner sect disciple?"
"I also heard he was a disciple of an elder." He continued. "I don't know if I will join the sect or not. I don't want to experience what to that outer sect disciple."
The middle-aged man pondered about what he said. He shook his head but did not say anything anymore.
After a while he noticed a familiar silhouette of a young man exiting the sect. The young man did not look as cheerful as when he first saw him. He looked like he lost some weight too.
He thanked the middle-aged man and quickly left the building. Polter was surprised when he saw him waiting for him.
"Brother, you are here." He exclaimed. "I have not looked for you these past days since I had to complete some tasks within the sect."
Migo noticed the dark circles under his eyes. "I am planning to resume my travel. I just want to treat you for helping me out the other day.
"Thank you, brother, for the invitation." Polter smiled. "But I have some important tasks that the sect asked me to complete. I would love to join you, but I am busy right now."
Migo looked at him carefully. It was evident that he does not want to tell him about what happened to him.
"I know you do not want me to be part of this, but I heard what happened." He carefully said.
Polter was shocked when he heard him. He looked around and then grabbed Migo away from the sect. They only stopped when they reached the middle of the city.
It was bustling with people.
"I am just confused why someone will accuse you of stealing them." Migo started. He was talking about the low-level energy stones that he gave him.
They entered a shop where talismans were being sold. There are a few people looking at some of the talismans displayed on the ground floor. Migo has been here the other day and knew that there were more powerful talismans on the second floor.
Polter sighed and smiled. "That little lashing does not hurt a bit. You don't have to worry, brother."
He knew he was lying. "We may have stronger physiques than ordinary people but getting slashed is still painful. Since you call me brother, you should treat me as one and tell me what happened."
Polter felt moved by the concern he was showing him. He started narrating what happened.
On the day that he went back to the sect, he was very happy and excited about getting his hands on five low-level energy stones. He hurriedly went to the mission hall of the sect to report that he had accomplished the mission.
After taking note of it, he was to deliver the herbs to Uragiri, an inner sect disciple, who needed them to practice concocting pills. He received two low-level energy stones from him.
He placed them inside the small bag where the other five low-level energy stones were. Uragiri saw that and asked him why he has many low-level energy stones. Although he was an inner sect disciple, low-level energy stones were very important to them and the sect only gives them a limited number of them every month.
Outer sect disciples, on the other hand, do not receive one. Just standard cultivation resources that will help them to break through to the next cultivation slowly.
Seeing an outer sect disciple carrying many low-level energy stones, he got curious.
Polter excited told him about what happened when he was on his way back. He met a young man who needed to sell low-level energy stones. He helped look for a buyer and was rewarded five low-level energy stones.
After leaving the courtyard, he quickly went back to his room to prepare to break through to the Spirit Layer using the energy stones he earned. But before he can do so, some inner disciples destroyed the door of his room and entered.
He was arrested and brought to the disciplinary hall of the sect. Several elders were there including the Disciplinary Elder.
The Disciplinary Elder was handed a scroll which he slowly read the content. He read the content of the scroll to everyone. It stated that an inner sect disciple, Uragiri, lost five of his low-level energy stones that day. He was suspecting that Polter stole them as he was the last person who visited his courtyard.
Uragiri was also there in the disciplinary hall looking at him.
He was shocked when he heard what the Disciplinary Elder said. How can he steal those low-level energy stones? He looked at Uragiri who just evilly smiled at him.
The Disciplinary Elder asked two inner disciples to search him. A small bag was retrieved from him where they found seven low-level energy stones.
When the elders and other disciples in the disciplinary hall saw this, they were convinced that he stole them from Uragiri. How can an outer sect disciple have that many low-level energy stones for completing just a single task of collecting herbs? It would give him two low-level energy stones at most. How about the other five energy stones?
He tried to explain but the inner sect disciple beside him slapped him on the face.
"Enough." Said the Disciplinary Elder. "We did not expect that you can steal someone else's resources. Given the evidence, you will be punished, and this will also serve as a reminder to everyone not to commit any crime within the sect."
The small bag of low-level energy stones they confiscated from Polter was handed to Uragiri.
"We have decided with your punishment. Your cultivation will be crippled." Disciplinary Elder announced.
Polter felt fear and helplessness at that time.
However, Uragiri politely asked the elders if he can provide a suggestion. Disciplinary Elder nodded and signaled him to continue.
"Elders and Disciplinary Elder, I am thankful that this issue has been resolved. I got my low-level energy stones back. I do not want this issue to cause someone to lose their cultivation." He respectfully said. "This outer sect disciple has contributed so much to the sect and I am hoping that this single mistake can be forgiven.
I believe that he realized his mistake because of his grid to become stronger. I know that he will something from this. I hope the elder can accede to my request."
The elders and Disciplinary Elder and looked at each other. They were grateful that they have an inner sect disciple like Uragiri.
"Strength is what everyone longs for." Disciplinary Elder said. "But committing a crime against another disciple within the sect is prohibited and should not be left unpunished."
The Disciplinary Elder looked at Polter and continued. "As an outer sect disciple, you have contributed many things to the sect, and we should also consider that. However, a crime is a crime. You should be thankful that Uragiri has a kind heart and does not want you to be crippled. Because of that, your punishment will be lowered down to one hundred lashings.
His hands were tied with a rope and he was pushed to his knees. An inner sect disciple with a whip approached behind him and the punishment was conducted right away.
He tried to scream but he could not. He could only grit his teeth whenever the whip touched his back. He still shuddered when thinking of it.
Migo's eyes were full of anger after hearing the story. "That bastard. Just because of some energy stones."
"Calm down, brother Migo." Polter quickly said. "I am fine."
Although they have only met recently, Migo felt Polter's sincerity when he helped me. He made him remember Leon.
"You should leave your sect." He suggested. "Cloud Mountain Sect thinks you are a thief. No matter what you do in the future, they still think you are one. The elders and the other disciples will continue to look down on you. That is not a good place to stay."
He helplessly smiled. "If only I have another place to go to. I am an orphan and I do not have any friends. The sect is the only place I can go back to."
"Why not join me?" He offered. "I have been traveling alone and it would be nice to have a company. Although you will need to stay in the wilderness with most of the time."
Polter stared at him intently and thought about it carefully. Given the situation, the sect will no longer care about him and the other disciples will always see him as a thief. The sect was no longer a place that will support his path in cultivation.
After a while, he nodded and agreed.
"Great!" Migo excitedly said. "Let me also tell you something."
He told him what happened in the restaurant earlier that day.
"I am pretty sure that he already realized that I was connected to you the way I reacted." He explained. "He will assume I still have the low-level energy stones that I earned from selling the beast crystals. He will definitely target me especially that he saw how weak I am compared to him."
"You are right." Polter responded. "He might also kill you to prevent you from telling other people about what really happened to protect his reputation."
"So here is what we are going to do." Migo shared his plan with Polter.
"Do you think this will work?" He asked.
"It will be dangerous." He answered. "But we will never know unless we try. Besides, that is the only way we can do to protect ourselves."
They talked more about their plans and it was already dark when they parted ways.
Polter went back to the sect and Migo decided to stay another night at an inn.
The next day, Polter announced that he will be leaving the sect. No one prevented him from leaving. Some disciples just threw disgusted looks at him.
He looked at the sect one more time and left quietly.
After that, Uragiri appeared at the gate of the sect looking at the direction he took. He evilly smiled and followed him.
Polter and Migo excitedly met at the plaza. They had some meal first at the nearest restaurant. They also bought a few dried meat and a couple of fruits before they walked towards the city gate.
Uragiri saw all of these. "That bastard. I was right that he was connected to that trash outer sect disciple. What a coincidence. I can't wait to get my hands on more low-level energy stones."
He silently followed them until they exited the city.